The best way to protect your small business from data loss is to always back-up your data. However, sometimes, data loss just sneaks right on you. It could be as a result of incompatible software, data corruption, hacking, accidental deletion or even a simple power surge or outage. Whatever the case, there are some free data recovery tools that could help you get back your lost files.

What is Data Recovery Software?

Data recovery software is a specialized program designed to retrieve and restore data that has been lost, deleted, or corrupted from various storage devices. These devices can include hard drives, solid-state drives, USB drives, and memory cards. The software employs advanced algorithms and techniques to scan the storage device, identify the lost data, and recover it to a safe location. Whether it’s due to accidental deletion, formatting errors, or system crashes, data recovery software can be a lifesaver for small businesses facing data loss.

Types of Data Loss

Data loss can strike in many forms, each with its own set of challenges. Common causes include:

• Accidental Deletion: Files or folders are mistakenly deleted.
• Formatting Errors: Storage devices are formatted or reformatted, erasing all data.
• File Corruption: Files or file systems become corrupted and inaccessible.
• Physical Damage: Storage devices suffer physical damage, making data retrieval difficult.
• Virus or Malware Attacks: Malicious software corrupts or deletes data.
• System Crashes: Software failures or system crashes lead to data loss.
• Human Error: Mistakes or negligence result in data being lost or deleted.

Understanding these causes can help in choosing the right data recovery tool and taking preventive measures.

Benefits of Free Data Recovery Tools for Small Businesses

Free data recovery solutions offer a range of benefits for small businesses, which often operate with limited resources and tight budgets. These benefits include:

A free data recovery program can assist users in recovering lost or deleted files by offering features such as scanning capabilities and file organization. However, these programs often have limitations, such as data recovery caps, which can significantly affect user experience.

1. Cost Efficiency: The most apparent benefit is the cost savings. Free data recovery tools eliminate the need for expensive software purchases or professional recovery services, which can be a significant financial burden for small businesses.
2. Ease of Use: Many free data recovery tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces, making them accessible even to individuals with limited technical expertise. This means small businesses can perform data recovery in-house without the need for specialized IT staff.
3. Immediate Availability: In the event of data loss, free recovery tools can be quickly downloaded and used immediately. This reduces downtime and allows businesses to swiftly address data loss incidents.
4. Versatility: These tools often support a variety of file types and storage devices, making them versatile for different data recovery needs, from hard drives to USB flash drives and memory cards.
5. Regular Updates: Free software often comes with regular updates, providing improvements and new features over time, which can enhance the data recovery process.

However, it’s important to note that while free data recovery solutions offer these benefits, they may not always provide the same level of sophistication or customer support as paid options. Small businesses should assess their specific needs and the criticality of their data before relying solely on free solutions.

How Data Recovery Software Works

Data recovery software operates through a series of methodical steps to retrieve lost or deleted data. Here’s a breakdown of the typical recovery process:

1. Scanning: The software initiates a thorough scan of the storage device to locate lost or deleted data.
2. Identification: It identifies the file types and their locations, even if the files are fragmented.
3. Recovery: The software then recovers the identified data, restoring it to a safe location.
4. Verification: Finally, the software verifies the integrity of the recovered data to ensure it is usable.

This systematic approach helps in efficiently recovering data while minimizing the risk of further data loss.

Choosing the Best Free Data Recovery Tools for Small Businesses: Our Methodology

At Small Business Trends, we understand the critical importance of data recovery solutions for small businesses. Data loss can be a significant setback, impacting operations, customer trust, and overall business continuity. When selecting the best free data recovery solutions, we consider several key criteria. Here’s how we evaluate these solutions using a scale of one to ten, with ten being reserved for the most important factors:

1. Effectiveness in Data Recovery (Scale: 10/10)
   • Ability to recover a wide range of file types.
   • Success rate in recovering data from different scenarios (accidental deletion, formatting, corruption, etc.).
2. Ease of Use (Scale: 8/10)
   • User-friendly interface for seamless navigation.
   • Minimal technical knowledge required for operation.
3. Compatibility (Scale: 9/10)
   • Support for various operating systems and file systems.
   • Compatibility with different types of storage devices.
4. Speed of Recovery (Scale: 7/10)
   • Time efficiency in scanning and recovering data.
5. Security and Privacy (Scale: 10/10)
   • Ensuring that the recovery process is secure and maintains data privacy.
   • No risk of further data damage or loss during recovery.
6. Customer Support and Resources (Scale: 6/10)
   • Availability of support for troubleshooting.
   • Access to helpful resources like guides or FAQs.
7. Software Updates and Maintenance (Scale: 7/10)
   • Frequency and quality of updates for improved functionality and bug fixes.
8. Limitations of the Free Version (Scale: 8/10)
   • Understanding the constraints of the free version, like data recovery limits or lack of advanced features.

By carefully evaluating these criteria, we aim to provide small business owners and entrepreneurs with reliable and effective data recovery solutions that cater to their unique needs.

Limitations of Free Data Recovery Software

While free data recovery software can be a valuable resource, it often comes with certain limitations:

• Limited File Size Recovery: Free versions may only recover files up to a specific size.
• Limited File Type Support: They might support only a limited range of file formats.
• Limited Storage Device Support: Some free tools may not support all types of storage devices.
• Limited Recovery Options: Free versions often offer fewer recovery options, such as restricted locations for saving recovered files.

Being aware of these limitations can help you set realistic expectations and decide when it might be worth investing in a paid solution.

Free Data Recovery Tools

Recuva

This is an incredibly powerful tool for recovering data. It is available in both free and paid editions, and it can recover files from external drives (USB drives, etc.), hard drives, BD/DVD/CD discs, memory cards. Use Recuva to recover data from Windows 10, 8.1, 7, Vista and XP. Including both 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Pandora Recovery

Pandora Recovery has a paid edition that you can put on a USB disk to recover an operating system drive and a free version that you can use to recover data from secondary drives.

Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery Software

While they also have paid options, Stellar Phoenix Windows Data Recovery solution offers a wide range of features, including the ability to recover lost or deleted files emptied from Recycle bin by identifying and managing recoverable files, recover data from lost or deleted partition, recover deleted emails, photos, audio and videos among many other features.

PC INSPECTOR

Expect thorough inspection and file recovery from this Windows compatible tool. PC INSPECTOR recognizes all types of data and you can use it to recover deletions and even total volume loss.

FreeUndelete

As the name suggests, FreeUndelete is a free tool that you can use to recover deleted files. This is a simple, efficient tool. Pressed SHIFT-DEL or emptied the Recycle Bin? No problem. This tool will recover your files.

ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools

The ADRC Data Recovery Software Tools contains a collection of data recovery tools that support a wide variety of file systems and drives. The tool zooms in to complete critical recovery functions like disk image backup, undeleting files, disk cloning, editing and restoring boot parameters and restoring backup image, among other roles.

NTFS Data Recovery Toolkit

The NTFS Data Recovery Toolkit is built specifically for NTFS volumes. This toolkit comes loaded with data recovery tools, partition manager and disk editor. All tools contain instructions on how to use them.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard

This is another great recovery tool that features both free and paid versions. Use EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard to undelete files from optical drives, memory cards, hard drives, and pretty much anything else that Windows recognizes as a storage device.

Wise Data Recovery

The Wise Data Recovery Tool allows you to get back deleted documents, videos, photos and emails from your removable or local drives for free.

CD Recovery Toolbox

CD Recovery Toolbox is a free tool that is designed to recover files from damaged or corrupted optical drive discs — CD, Blu-Ray, HD DVD, DVD, etc. This tool should help you recover files from discs that have surface spotting, chipped or scratched.

UndeleteMyFiles Pro

UndeleteMyFiles Pro is another amazing free tool that allows you to recover accidentally deleted files from SD cards, hard disks, USB flash drives and other storage media.

MiniTool Power Data Recovery

The MiniTool Power Data Recovery tool is a data recovery tool that’s available in both free and paid editions. The Free edition will help you to recover lost, deleted, formatted and corrupt files with ease.

TOKIWA DataRecovery

TOKIWA DataRecovery is an effective, standalone data recovery program. It is easy to use, featuring a single program window where you can sort and scan files and undelete them. This tool recovers files from memory cards, USB drives, hard drives, and other external drives.

Bplan Data Recovery

This free data recovery tool can help you to recover lost data even after you have formatted your Laptop or desktop computer hard drive. Bplan unfortunately only works with Windows 7, 8 and XP.

TestDisk

TestDisk is designed to repair drives that are no longer bootable and recover lost partitions. This tool is able to repair most file systems (FAT, NTFS, EXT). It runs under most versions of Linux, BSD, Windows and Mac operating systems.

Active UNERASER

Active UNERASER is a freeware software that you can use to recover deleted files as well as damaged folders located on Unix UFS/XFS, Apple HFS+, Linux Ext2/Ext3/Ext4/BtrFS, NTFS, FAT and exFAT fikle systems.

SoftPerfect File Recovery

SoftPerfect File Recovery is a free tool that you can use to rescue and restore data that was accidentally deleted from USB flash disks, floppy disks, SD cards, hard disks and other storage media.

Undelete 360

This is one of the best programs to use when recovering accidentally deleted files. Undelete 360 is built on a fast and efficient algorithm that will allow you to browse, search, and recover files.

PhotoRec

This is one of the best data recovery tools. This free to use software is widely applauded for its powerful recovery abilities. Use PhotoRec to recover data like videos, pictures and documents from a wide range of devices ranging from digital cameras to hard disks.

Restoration

This is an easy to use and straight forward tool for undeleting files that were directly deleted from Windows or removed from the recycle bin. Restoration does not require installation and works with NTFS and FAT as well as digital cameras cards.

Final Thoughts

Data recovery software is an essential tool for any small business looking to recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices. While free data recovery software can be effective, it often has limitations that may not meet all your needs. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a reputable and reliable data recovery software that aligns with your specific requirements and provides the best possible recovery results. By understanding the capabilities and constraints of these tools, you can make an informed decision and ensure the continuity of your business operations.

This article, "Free Data Recovery Solutions for Small Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends

Are you a business owner running your small business from the kitchen or dining room table? Or are you lucky enough to be able to dedicate an entire room – say a study, spare bedroom or home office – to your business operations?

Perhaps it’s the opposite and running your small business from home has taken over the whole house, with paperwork on the sofa, products strewn on the floor and marketing materials lying on every open surface.

In any case, it may be time to step things up with a more professional location – like an office or other place of business.

But before making that big investment, taking out lease and adding hundreds or even thousands a month to your overhead, here may be a more logical step to take first. A 200 to 300 square foot storage unit can be much less costly and still give you all the space you need.

Here are eight businesses that could be run entirely from a self-storage unit with the right consideration.

Run a Business Out of a Storage Unit

Benefits of Using a Self Storage Unit for Business

Using a self storage unit for business can provide numerous benefits, making it an attractive option for many entrepreneurs. One of the most significant advantages is cost savings. Renting a self storage unit is often much more affordable than leasing traditional office or warehouse space, allowing you to allocate your budget to other critical areas of your business.

Flexibility is another key benefit. Self storage units come in various sizes, so you can choose the space that best fits your needs. Whether you need a small unit to store excess inventory or a larger space to operate your business, there’s likely a storage unit that meets your requirements.

Convenience is also a major plus. Many storage facilities are located in easily accessible areas, making it simple to store and retrieve your items as needed. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses that require frequent access to their inventory or equipment.

Security is a top priority for self storage facilities. Most offer 24/7 security cameras and gated access, providing a secure environment for your business items. This peace of mind allows you to focus on running your business without worrying about the safety of your stored goods.

Lastly, self storage units offer scalability. You can rent a unit on a month-to-month basis, giving you the flexibility to scale up or down as your business needs change. This adaptability can be crucial for growing businesses that need to adjust their storage space frequently.

Practical Considerations for Running a Business from a Self Storage Unit

While self storage units can be a convenient and cost-effective solution for businesses, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind. First and foremost, check local zoning regulations to ensure that running a business from a self storage unit is allowed in your area. This step is crucial to avoid any legal issues down the line.

Insurance is another important factor. Make sure to check with your insurance provider to ensure that your business is covered while operating from a self storage unit. This will protect your assets and provide peace of mind.

Utilities are essential for many businesses. Ensure that the self storage facility provides the necessary utilities, such as electricity and an internet connection, to support your business needs. Without these, it may be challenging to run your operations smoothly.

Accessibility is also a key consideration. Think about the location of the self storage unit and its hours of operation. You want to ensure that you can access your unit when you need to, without any restrictions.

Lastly, consider parking and loading areas. Ensure that the self storage facility has adequate parking and loading areas for your business needs. This will make it easier to transport items to and from your unit, saving you time and effort.

eBay Business

No matter what you’re selling on eBay, Amazon or Etsy, if you’re doing this from home you’re probably sick of using your living room as a quasi order fulfillment center. A storage unit can be an excellent base for an online business, providing the necessary space to store products and manage inventory.

With the right amenities, a self-storage unit could be used as a photo studio, a place to bunker down and rattle off a few dozen product listings and, most importantly, a place to store whatever it is you sell.

Content Provider

What better place to seek solitude and tranquility and boost on those creative juices than in the bowels of a cavernous self-storage unit. If you’re able to set up a laptop, run some electricity and arrange an internet connection, you’ve got all the makings of a makeshift office space.

That’s not to suggest that you work from some windowless, ductless bunker-like headquarters.

Actually, not all storage facilities are like this at all. Some more modern storage facilities are actually equipped with the infrastructure to make this a reality and even feature business centers, where renters have access to extra facilities like a multi-purpose room.

Mr. or Mrs. Fix It

Those with handy skills and the ability to fix just about anything broken need room to operate and even more room to keep all the tiny parts and tools that they need to get the job done.

Storing all these things at home can be awkward or impossible, especially if you don’t live alone and find yourself impinging on everyone else’s  space.

A storage unit gives you a location to store all your  parts and tools and a place to work on your projects too.

Thrift Store or “Dollar Store”

If the facility allows such activity, opening the door to your store regularly could just be a matter of popping the lock and sliding open the doors to your new second hand shop. Storage units can also be a cost-effective solution for online stores, providing ample space to manage and store inventory.

Set up some retail shelving inside the storage unit, fill those shelves with your products and set up a register at the entrance.

Vintage Furniture Sales

A wet, leaky basement is no place to store your mid-century modern living room set especially if you intend on selling it.

Storing furniture – especially in the hopes of someday showcasing it for sale – requires a larger space like a warehouse floor to store inventory. If you’re growing slowly, keeping a few select pieces in storage and listing them for sale locally could be the most practical path to operating a sustainable vintage furniture business and maybe even growing it into your own furniture warehouse store someday.

Video Producer

A storage unit that’s adequately constructed could be turned into a makeshift video studio. Many units are large enough to allow space for shooting videos and even a desk for a laptop or other computer to do some editing of the final product.

Just be sure to have a good sound engineer on standby. The confines of a storage unit are sure to present some challenges for audio.

Auto Mechanic

Most storage facilities will take a dim view of you bringing in broken down cars at all hours of the day and night as if you’re running a full service body shop — leaking vehicle fluids all over the storage area.

But if your work is dedicated to one aspect of auto mechanics — say, engine rebuilding — then a storage unit could provide plenty of space for a growing company. These places will allow you to inexpensively store your valuable parts and give you the space to work on projects.

Photo Studio

Just as a storage unit can be the ideal setting — with some adjustments — for a video production and editing area, the space is equally ideal for a photo studio, too … perhaps even more so.

Proper backdrops and lighting are key to good photos and with those in place, it’ll be impossible to tell your shots were taken inside a storage locker.

Of course, before you pull up stakes from your current location and decide to set up shop inside a storage facility, be sure these activities are permitted, especially on a regular basis. Each facility varies on what it does and doesn’t allow to happen in one of its lockers.

Art Studio

A self storage unit can be an ideal space for an art studio, offering a quiet and private area for artists to work on their projects. One of the main benefits is affordability. Renting a self storage unit is often more affordable than leasing a traditional art studio, allowing artists to save money while still having a dedicated space to create.

Flexibility is another advantage. Self storage units come in various sizes, so artists can choose the space that best fits their needs. Whether you need a small unit for painting or a larger space for sculpting, there’s likely a storage unit that meets your requirements.

Privacy is crucial for many artists, and self storage units provide a private and quiet space to work on projects without interruptions. This can be especially beneficial for artists who need solitude to focus on their creative process.

Security is also a significant benefit. Most self storage facilities offer 24/7 security cameras and gated access, providing a secure environment for artists to store their work and supplies. This peace of mind allows artists to focus on their art without worrying about the safety of their items.

Convenience is another plus. Many self storage units are located in easily accessible areas, making it simple for artists to store and retrieve their supplies as needed. This can be particularly beneficial for artists who need frequent access to their materials.

Event Planner

A self storage unit can be a valuable asset for event planners, providing a secure and organized space to store equipment, supplies, and decorations. One of the main benefits is convenience. Many self storage units are located in easily accessible areas, making it simple for event planners to store and retrieve their items as needed.

Security is another significant advantage. Most self storage facilities offer 24/7 security cameras and gated access, providing a secure environment for event planners to store their equipment and supplies. This peace of mind allows event planners to focus on organizing successful events without worrying about the safety of their items.

Organization is crucial for event planners, and self storage units can help keep everything in order. By using a storage unit to store and organize equipment, supplies, and decorations, event planners can easily find what they need when they need it. This can save time and reduce stress during the planning process.

Cost-effectiveness is another benefit. Renting a self storage unit is often more affordable than leasing a traditional warehouse or storage space, allowing event planners to save money while still having a dedicated space to store their items.

Flexibility is also a key advantage. Self storage units come in various sizes, so event planners can choose the space that best fits their needs. Whether you need a small unit for decorations or a larger space for equipment, there’s likely a storage unit that meets your requirements.

Related reading: Business Ideas

Storage Facility Photo via Shutterstock

This article, "Top Businesses You Can Run from a Self Storage Facility" was first published on Small Business Trends

What is a Mobile Hotspot?

A mobile hotspot is a portable device or feature on a smartphone that provides internet connectivity to other devices like laptops, tablets, or other smartphones.

It essentially creates a small, localized Wi-Fi network that multiple devices can connect to, allowing them to access the internet using the cellular data connection of the mobile hotspot device.

Understanding the Technology Behind Mobile Hotspots

Mobile hotspots utilize cellular technologies like 4G LTE or 5G to access the internet. Once activated, the device functions as a router, emitting a Wi-Fi signal that allows other devices to connect.

Data requests from these connected devices are routed through the cellular network to access the internet.

Mobile Hotspot vs. Wi-Fi Hotspot

Mobile hotspots and Wi-Fi hotspots essentially serve the same purpose, but there are differences:

• Mobile Hotspot: Advantages – It is portable, does not depend on external Wi-Fi networks, and can function in remote locations. Disadvantages – Data plans may be limited, and using a mobile hotspot on a smartphone can deplete its battery quickly.
• Wi-Fi Hotspot: Pros – Wi-fi hotspots are typically more reliable and faster if connected to a high-speed broadband connection. Cons – Limited to locations with Wi-Fi access, not as portable.

Types of Mobile Hotspot Devices

Mobile hotspots can be created using smartphones, dedicated mobile hotspot devices (Mi-Fi or Jetpacks), and some tablets or laptops with built-in mobile hotspot functionality.

What is a Mobile Hotspot Used for?

Mobile hotspots are useful in various scenarios:

• Business travelers need internet access on the go.
• Remote workers in areas with unreliable Wi-Fi.
• Small business owners at trade shows or outdoor events.
• Emergency backup internet in case of network outages.

Dedicated Mobile Hotspots vs. Cell Phone Hotspots

The choice depends on your specific needs:

• Cell Phone Hotspot: Convenient if you already have a smartphone, but it may drain your phone’s battery faster.
• Dedicated Mobile Hotspot: Designed for this purpose, it offers longer battery life and can connect more devices, making it ideal for heavy use.

Is a Mobile Hotspot Needed?

When is a mobile hotspot needed? Using a mobile hotspot can save you money and also ensure that you remain connected even when traveling.

Consider the following factors:

• Data requirements and data plan cost.
• Portability and convenience.
• Battery life (if using a smartphone).
• Network coverage in the area.
• Speed and reliability of the connection.

Unlimited Hotspot Data Plans

Some mobile carriers provide unlimited data plans that come with a specific allocation of high-speed hotspot data before the speed is reduced. In other words, while the data plan itself is unlimited, the duration for which you can use high-speed data is restricted.

The availability of these plans varies by carrier and location, so you should check with your carrier for the latest options.

Mobile Hotspots on Cell Phones

The steps for how to turn your phone into a hotspot may differ somewhat based on your phone’s operating system. However, the overall process is generally as follows:

• On Android: Go to Settings > Network & internet > Hotspot & tethering > Portable hotspot. Turn it on and configure the settings.
• On iPhone: Go to Settings > Personal Hotspot, then turn it on and set up the hotspot options.

Setting Up a Wireless Network with a Phone Hotspot

Once you’ve enabled the mobile hotspot on your phone, other devices can connect to it as if it were a regular Wi-Fi network. Simply go to the Wi-Fi settings on the device you want to connect and select your phone’s hotspot network from the available options.

You may need to enter the hotspot’s password if you’ve set one. You should have a password to protect your wireless network. Understanding the benefits of offering free wifi can also be advantageous, especially for small business owners or professionals who frequently host clients and meetings.

Managing Hotspot Data

To manage hotspot data effectively, monitor your data usage regularly through your carrier’s app or settings on your phone. Be aware of your data plan limits to avoid overage charges. You can also set data usage warnings or limits on your phone to help you stay within your plan’s limits.

Choosing the Right Hotspot Device for Your Needs

Consider factors such as network coverage in your area, the number of devices you plan to connect, battery life, and the pricing of data plans. Generally, opt for a dedicated hotspot device if you anticipate heavy usage, while a smartphone hotspot is suitable for occasional use. Be sure to read reviews and look for promotions or deals from carriers.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ktxC3vDukbc%3Fsi%3DEH4XCuz0SPMR_Opd

FAQs: What is a Mobile Hotspot?

What is a Personal Hotspot?

A personal hotspot is another name for the mobile hotspot that you set up on your smart phone or mobile device. A mobile hotspot is a portable device or feature on a smartphone that provides internet connectivity to other devices like laptops, tablets, or other smartphones.

It essentially creates a small, localized Wi-Fi network that multiple devices can connect to, allowing them to access the internet using the cellular data connection of the mobile hotspot device.

How Secure Are Mobile Hotspots?

Mobile hotspots are generally secure, as they use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption to protect the connection. However, it’s essential to use a strong, unique password and avoid public Wi-Fi spots when possible to minimize security risks.

How Does a Wireless Access Point Differ From a Mobile Hotspot?

A wireless access point (WAP) is a fixed device that connects to a wired network to offer Wi-Fi connectivity in a designated area, like an office. In contrast, a mobile hotspot, as mentioned earlier, is a portable solution that utilizes cellular data to deliver internet access while on the move.

What Affects the Speed of a Mobile Hotspot?

The speed of a mobile hotspot can be affected by factors like your proximity to a cellular tower, network congestion, the quality of your device’s hardware, and the data plan you’re using. Although plans are called Unlimited, and do provide data, the speed at which the data is delivered can be slowed, or throttled, after you reach a certain data usage limit.

Can Mobile Hotspots Work with Any Cellular Network?

The compatibility of mobile hotspots with various cellular networks and phones can differ. Make sure your hotspot device is either unlocked or compatible with the network you plan to use. Additionally, not all phones support mobile hotspot functionality, so it’s advisable to consult your carrier and phone manufacturer for detailed information.

Image: Depositphotos, Envato Elements

This article, "What is a Mobile Hotspot and How Does it Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends

Portable Document Format (PDF) is among the most widely used formats for sharing electronic information. Created by Adobe Systems in the early 1990s, it was intended to serve as the digital equivalent of paper. Since then, PDFs have been utilized to share a variety of content types.

People rely on the PDF format because the files are smaller in size than their source documents and they preserve the original formatting. By design, they can’t be easily altered, but sometimes you need to edit a PDF file format. So, what do you do? Is it possible to edit a PDF?

Is it Possible to Edit a PDF?

Can you edit a PDF file? The simple answer is, “yes.” A variety of programs allow users to download a PDF file and then edit its contents before resaving the updated document as a new PDF. Read on to learn how to edit a PDF using various software tools and apps.

How do I Edit a PDF?

While every PDF editing tool features its own specific settings, the basic steps to editing a PDF remain the same. A PDF can be edited by taking the following simple steps:

Step 1. Upload the PDF File to a PDF Editing Tool or Software

Regardless of what software tool you are using to edit a PDF, you first have to upload the document to the program. You might be using Adobe’s own tools, or you might want to edit a PDF using Word, Google Docs or even your iPhone. Start by uploading the PDF file to the PDF editing tool or software of your choice.

Step 2. Edit the PDF File

The steps to editing your PDF will depend on your choice of editing software tools. However the program or app provides for editing its documents, you want to alter your PDF before saving the updated version.

Step 3. Download Your New PDF File

It’s now time to reconvert your new document back to a PDF file format. When saving the updated document, choose to save it as a PDF file so the software converts it back to an uneditable image of the content.

How to Edit a PDF Document on Adobe Acrobat

Adobe Acrobat is often regarded as the original PDF editing software, which is quite fitting since the company developed the PDF format and required a method for users to edit Adobe PDFs. Although Adobe Acrobat may not be readily available to casual users who have not bought Acrobat DC, it still provides straightforward options for how to edit a pdf.

1. Upload the PDF to Adobe Acrobat by clicking, “Open file.”
2. Click on the “Edit PDF” tool.
3. Modify the PDF’s text or graphics by adjusting elements, editing text, rearranging pages, or inserting images. Additionally, you can perform spell checks, add watermarks, and more.
4. Save the updated document by naming the file and clicking, “Save.”

Editing a PDF File on Google Docs

Google offers a quick and easy way to edit PDF files within Google Docs, which is a free tool available to practically anyone with an internet connection.

1. Log into Google Drive using your Google account credentials.
2. Click, “New” in the upper-left portion of the page.
3. Select, “File Upload,” and locate the PDF document you want to update. Click, “Open.”
4. After the upload completes, click, “Recent,” from the left menu to find the recently-uploaded PDF file. Right-click on the file and choose to open with Google Docs from the drop-down menu.
5. The file will open as an editable document, allowing you to make necessary changes just like you would with any other Google Docs content.
6. Save the document as a PDF file format.

Editing a PDF File on Microsoft Word

It’s simple to edit the text of a PDF using Microsoft Word. While some formatting and images can also be edited using Word, the software works best when editing PDF files that are mostly text.

1. Click on, “File,” then, “Open,” to open the document. Choose the PDF file from its location.
2. Word displays a message indicating that it is creating a copy of the PDF, after which the software transforms the content into an editable Word document.
3. Edit the document just as you would any other Word file.
4. Save the file in a PDF format, Word will convert it back into a new PDF.

How to Edit PDF Files on iPhone

Until the release of iOS 15 and iPadOS 15, iPhone and iPad users had to download any of multiple third-party apps to edit PDF files from their mobile devices. The launch changed that, and Apple users now can modify PDFs using the native Files app. Before iOS 15, users could view, markup, and share PDF documents with the Files app, but now they also can rotate, insert, scan, remove pages, and more with just a few taps of their fingers.

1. Update iOS software to version 15, if using a prior version.
2. Open the Files app, locate the PDF file from its location, and open it.
3. Swipe right to see the thumbnail page view if using an iPhone. The view will appear automatically for iPad users.
4. Press and hold or tap twice on the page you want to edit to open the edit menu.
5. From here, you can rotate the document’s orientation, insert blank pages or other pages from files, scan in new pages and even delete pages from the sequence.
6. The Markup tools option still allows users to add a blank page or fill out a form.
7. Tap, “Done,” to save the changes to the original PDF document.

How to Edit PDF Documents on Mac

Mac users avail themselves of Preview, a free program where they can view and edit PDFs and other types of files. Preview allows Apple fans to highlight text, include a signature and add text or other comments to a document.

1. Place the cursor where you want to insert text.
2. Select the “Tools” menu, then “Annotate.” Choose “text” and begin typing the text you want to add to the PDF file.
3. Go to the “View” menu, select “Show Markup Toolbar,” and then press “A” to modify the font, size, or color of the text added to the PDF.
4. Use the highlighter tool by turning the icon off or on. Select from the dropdown on the right side of the highlighter icon to change the color of the highlight, underline it or strikethrough it.
5. Control-click the text and choose, “Remove Highlight,” to remove highlights added using the Preview tool.

Programs such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, PDF Expert and Skim also can be downloaded to edit PDF files using a Mac.

How to Edit PDF Documents on Windows

Users don’t edit documents directly from Windows, but by accessing a program running on the Windows operating system. Both Adobe Acrobat and Word, for example, are available to run using Windows. Other programs that edit PDF files available to Windows users include Foxit Reader, Xodo and Inkscape.

The Best Tools and Software for Editing a PDF

You don’t have to be stuck using the PDF editor software that comes with your device or operating system. A plethora of optional software tools is available to download to desktop, laptop and mobile devices. While some are free or offer a free trial, others offer value with a one-time or peri=

Inkscape

Available on: Windows and Mac

The professional vector graphics software includes a PDF editor, enabling users to create, edit, and sign their PDF documents, as well as convert them into other editable file formats. This popular PDF editing software is known for its user-friendly interface and provides up to 100GB of cloud storage for users’ creations.

Cost: Free with optional upgrades

Formswift

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

The free online PDF editor requires no installation, and users can convert their PDF files into an editable format. They then can edit the content, add their signature, print and save the document into a new PDF file.

Cost: Free

Sejda

Available on: Windows and Mac

The online PDF editor offers a free plan that allows users to edit and sign their PDF documents and complete PDF forms, edit text within a PDF file, add images, and even create links within the content, with support for up to 200 pages. Users can access their documents from Dropbox or Google Drive.

Cost: Free with optional upgrades

Xodo

Available on: Windows, iOS and Android

With Xodo, users can edit, annotate, markup, sign and share PDFs from their desktop, mobile device or the web. The all-in-one PDF editor also provides for signing and filling out forms, and it syncs with Google Drive, Dropbox and One Drive.

Cost: Free

ApowerPDF

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

Ranked one of the top online PDF editors, APowerPDF’s software allows users to type onto their PDF documents online without installing any software to their devices. The program converts PDF files into editable file formats.

Cost: Free trial, then $29.95 per month

EasePDF

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

The online platform allows users to convert and edit PDF files, including more than 30 functions like edit, compress, merge, split and rotate. Users can convert their PDFs into Word, Excel, PowerPoint, JPG and HTML files, and documents are secured with 256-bit encryption.

Cost: Free with optional upgrades

Adobe Acrobat Pro DC

Available on: Windoes, Mac, iOS and Android

When it comes to PDF documents, Adobe started its all, and its Acrobat Pro DC still is considered the best overall solution for creating and editing PDFs and forms. The program converts PDFs to MS Office formats, and it allows users to edit, create, export, organize and combine their files on desktop or mobile devices.

Cost: Free trial, plans start at $12.95 per month

Foxit PhantomPDF

Available on: Windows and Mac

The all-in-one solution for working with PDF files features an impressive array of functions for organizing and modifying PDF files. Foxit PhantomPDF lets users merge and split PDF documents, and it offers support for dragging-and-dropping pages from one document to another or within a single document.

Cost: 14-day free trial, then starts at $89.99

PDFelement

Available on: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android

The easy-to-use, user friendly tool lets users create, edit, convert and sign their PDF documents. PDFElement converts scanned documents into editable PDFs, supports optical character recognition (OCR), and it offers the addition of a digital signature.

Cost: Free trial, plans start at $59 per year

Nitro Pro

Available on: Windows

Nitro Pro users can edit, convert, create and design their own PDF files, as well as sign and share documents from anywhere. Nitro can create a PDF document from any printable format and convert PDFs into editable documents and documents for PowerPoint or Excel. Most users benefit from advanced security features, and the software provides the ability to share and store PDF documents.

Cost: Free trial, then $128 per user

How to Edit a PDF for Free

Editing a PDF file doesn’t have to cost anything. A variety of ways are available to edit a PDF for free. Microsoft Office users can use their existing software and open a PDF as an editable Word document, then resave it as a new PDF. Mac users can modify PDF documents using their Apple’s Preview tool. Plus, a variety of third-party tools are available to both download and use straight from the web, including:

• Inkscape
• Formswift
• Sejda
• Xodo
• EasePDF

Other PDF editors that offer a free trial include the well-known Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, APowerPDF, Foxit PhantomPDF, and PDFelement.

Changing the Metadata of a PDF

There’s more to a PDF document than what you see on the page. Metadata is the unseen content containing information about the PDF file, including its title, author, subject, keywords and copyright information. While mostly invisible to the casual viewer, metadata information falls into searchable fields in the file, so it can be accessed by search engines. If it’s searchable, then most users will want to optimize those details to boost their search ranking.

Fortunately, metadata can be edited in a PDF, but the precise method varies depending on a user’s PDF editor of choice. If editing metadata from within Adobe Acrobat, select the Description tab, then choose, “Additional Metadata.”

A digital signature is a type of metadata that validates the authenticity of digital documents through an encrypted mathematical scheme. There are instances when you may need to add a new signature to a PDF file. To add a signature to a PDF using Adobe Acrobat:

1. Receive a digital certificate from a registered provider or a service like Adobe Sign.
2. Open the document using Adobe Acrobat.
3. From the Tools menu, choose, “Forms and Certificates.” Access the Certificates drop-down menu and select, “Open.”
4. Choose the Digitally Sign option.
5. Select the digital signature you want to add to the PDF file, and click, “Continue.”
6. Configure the signature and click, “Sign.”

Changing PDF Text

Modifying text in a PDF document is simple with any number of PDF editors. Just upload the document and choose the tool’s editing option. In most cases, you’ll just modify the text using the cursor and keyboard much as you would edit the text in a typical word processing document.

To change PDF text using Adobe Acrobat, use the following steps:

1. Open the PDF file format using Adobe Acrobat DC.
2. Select, “Edit PDF” from the right-hand pane.
3. Modify the text using your mouse and keyboard. You can add new text, update existing text and even change fonts.
4. Save the updated file as a new PDF using the “Save” option.

How do I make a PDF editable?

It’s easy to make a PDF editable using PDF editing software tools. Just open the document in the editor, and watch as it converts the PDF file into an editorable Word Document or another editable file format. The most common methods of editing PDF documents include:

• Adobe Acrobat DC
• Microsoft Word
• Preview tool for Mac
• Third-party online PDF editors like EasePDF or Nitro.

What is the easiest way to edit a PDF?

The easiest way to edit a PDF is to open the file using PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat, then choose the edit option. The PDF file also can be converted by a program such as Microsoft Word, where it can be edited just as another editable Word file before being saved as a new PDF format.

How do you convert a PDF to a Word document for editing?

To convert a PDF to a Word Document for editing, simply open the file using Microsoft Word and watch as the program automatically converts the PDF format into an editable Word document. Once edited, the file can be saved as a new PDF.

Can I edit multiple PDF files?

Some PDF editing software tools allow users to edit multiple PDF documents at the same time, such as the same word across several PDFs. To edit the same word across multiple PDFs using Adobe Acrobat DC:

1. Choose the Advanced Search command from the Edit menu.
2. In the search dialog box, choose, “All PDF Documents in,” and identify the search location, such as the local drive.
3. Enter the word you’d like to search for and replace.
4. Specify search and replace settings such as, “whole words only,” “case-sensitive,” or “include comments.”
5. A list of documents containing the word will appear. Select the relevant file names to be edited.
6. Click, “Find a word in the current document” at the bottom of the box.
7. A Find and Replace dialog box will open. Type the term you want to edit in multiple PDF files, and then click “Replace.”

How do I delete text from a PDF for free?

It’s easy to delete text from a PDF using Adobe Acrobat’s free trial.

1. Just choose, “Advanced Editing,” and choose the option to “Touchup Text.”
2. Select the portion of text you need to edit so that a box appears around the selection.
3. Press either the Delete or Backspace key, or you can choose the “Edit” option and select “Delete.”

How do I compress a PDF?

You can reduce the size of a PDF file using a PDF editor. To compress a PDF using Adobe Acrobat:

1. Open the tool, “Optimize PDF,” from the Tools menu.
2. Select Open from the drop-down menu, then choose the file to be edited.
3. Select Reduce File Size from the top menu.
4. In the dialog box, choose the file version compatibility option, such as Retain Existing or a different listed file format.
5. Rename and save the file using the Save As dialog box. You can keep the same name and overwrite the original PDF file or you can choose a new name and safe a new PDF document.

How do I remove pages from a PDF file?

You can delete individual pages from within a multi-page PDF file using a PDF editor such as Adobe Acrobat. To remove pages from a PDF using Acrobat software:

1. Open the PDF using Adobe Acrobat.
2. Choose the “Organize Pages” tool from the right-hand pane.
3. Choose the thumbnail of the page you want to delete.
4. Click the “Delete” icon to delete the page, and choose, “OK,” in the confirmation dialog box.
5. Save the PDF.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "How to Edit a PDF" was first published on Small Business Trends

Anxiety, depression, and stress have become common in everyday modern life, impacting relationships, families, communities, and even the workplace. In fact, mental health problems have an impact on employers and businesses directly through increased absenteeism and a negative impact on productivity and profits. According to Mental Health America (MHA), managing stress and balancing professional and personal demands continue to be a prominent issue for employees.

In 2021, some 80% of employees agreed that the stress from work aff­ects their relationships with friends, family, and co-workers. A further 71% of employees say that they find it difficult to concentrate at work -up by 6% from 2020. Very often anxiety manifests itself in the form of increased heart rate, rapid breathing, restlessness, trouble concentrating, insomnia, and others.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be beneficial to consult a trained mental health professional. In the meantime, you might want to explore some mental health apps that can help alleviate your anxiety.s to help relieve your anxiety.

What is an Anxiety App?

Anxiety apps are tools that help users focus on improving different aspects of their mental health and well-being. They employ a variety of behavioral exercises and relaxation techniques to help you break free from anxious thoughts and feelings. These may include meditation sessions, calming tracks, breathing exercises, mood monitors, sleep therapy, goal setting, courses, and more. With anxiety apps, all you need is your mobile device and a few minutes to focus. Anxiety apps not only help you overcome panic attacks but also help you receive therapy in the comfort of your own home. They make it easier for people to reach out for help and are easily accessible for anyone trying to cope with mental health problems.

Why You Should Download an Anxiety App

Anxiety apps can help you find the right mental health services that suit your needs. They also can help ease any apprehensions when it comes to seeking to address a mental health issue in person. There are many potential benefits of using anxiety apps for alleviating depression and anxiety, including:

• Affordability: Unlike therapy with a mental health professional, anxiety apps come at a relatively low price. However, they may not be the best substitute for treatment if you are dealing with anxiety at work or serious mental health issues.
• Supplement existing therapy: Anxiety apps can supplement treatment as they help to offer compliance to routine treatment through worksheets and tools.
• Convenience: Anxiety apps come in the palm of your hands making it easy for you to access some tools to help you cope with depression, anxiety, and insomnia. They also offer convenient ways of practicing strategies learned in face-to-face therapies and include reminders that can be set to increase treatment and continuation of therapy.
• Gathering data and trends: Some anxiety apps can generate data through graphs or tables showing improvements or areas that need improvement. This can help therapists determine which interventions are working best and which ones should be changed.

Read More: Relaxing Games

Choosing an Anxiety App: Our Methodology

When it comes to selecting an anxiety app, it’s crucial to consider various factors that cater to their specific needs and well-being. Here are the key criteria we take into account, with each rated on a scale from one to five, with five representing the most crucial elements:

1. Effectiveness (Importance: 5/5):
   • The primary criterion is the app’s ability to effectively help manage and reduce anxiety. Its track record in aiding anxiety relief is paramount.
2. User-Friendly Interface (Importance: 4/5):
   • A simple and intuitive user interface ensures that users can easily navigate the app and access anxiety relief tools when needed.
3. Accessibility (Importance: 4/5):
   • The app should be readily available on both iOS and Android platforms, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
4. Evidence-Based Techniques (Importance: 5/5):
   • The app’s anxiety management techniques should be grounded in evidence-based practices, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness.
5. Customization (Importance: 3/5):
   • The ability to customize anxiety-relief exercises and strategies allows users to tailor their experience to their unique needs.
6. Offline Access (Importance: 3/5):
   • The app should offer offline access to anxiety relief tools, ensuring users can use them even without an internet connection.
7. Privacy and Data Security (Importance: 4/5):
   • Ensuring user data privacy and security is essential, especially when dealing with sensitive mental health information.
8. Community and Support (Importance: 3/5):
   • Features that facilitate connecting with a supportive community or accessing professional support can be beneficial.
9. Cost (Importance: 2/5):
   • The app’s pricing structure should be reasonable and align with the user’s budget, with free or affordable options available.
10. Reviews and Ratings (Importance: 4/5):
    • Checking user reviews and ratings can provide insights into the app’s effectiveness and user satisfaction.

Best Free Apps for Anxiety

If you need help coping with anxiety, depression, or insomnia, try one of the free anxiety apps below:

Mindshift

MindShift CBT helps users manage their anxiety and stress using effective, evidence-based anxiety management strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This free self-help anxiety relief app helps to reduce stress, learn more about anxiety, develop more effective ways of thinking, be mindful, and relax. It comes with a user-friendly intuitive design, tools based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed for anxiety relief and self-management; daily check-in to keep track of your anxiety levels and mood tracking; facts and tips to overcome general worry, social anxiety, perfectionism, panic attack, and phobias; goal setting tools to keep users accountable; coping cards and statements to help users deal with anxiety; guided relaxation and mindfulness meditations; tips and tricks for incorporating healthy habits into your life and minimizing anxiety naturally; the ability to share data to streamline sessions with your counselor, therapist, or psychologist; and more.

 Available on iOS and Android.

Smiling Mind

Smiling Mind is a free app for meditation and mindfulness developed by psychologists and educators to help bring balance to users’ lives. The user-friendly interface is designed to assist people in dealing with the pressure, stress, and challenges of daily life. It has dedicated sleep programs for adults, teens, and even kids. The app offers guided meditations that help users wind down at night to assist with both getting to sleep and improving overall sleep quality. It also touts being able to help increase productivity and attention, help in anxiety reduction and stress management, offer clearer and more focused thinking, and increase positive emotion, life satisfaction, and self-esteem beyond the workplace.

Available on iOS and Android.

Dare: Panic & Anxiety Relief

Dare app offers users an interactive experience that helps users overcome anxiety, panic attacks, worry, and insomnia. It comes with evidence-based information on anxiety, panic attacks, and other topics. It has exercises to help users work through their anxieties and offers several meditations too. Users can also download the free audio guides to help them meditate and tackle insomnia. In addition to its free version, its robust paid subscription comes at a price tag of $9.99 a month.

Available on iOS and Android.

Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help

Stop Panic & Anxiety Self-Help app helps users monitor and manage symptoms of panic. The app includes articles about anxiety and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and includes effective tools for relaxation, mindfulness, and teaching audios. With it, users have access to a mood log and analysis, cognitive diary, healthy goals, and more.

Available on: Android.

Bearable

Bearable is a simple, customizable health tracker that helps users track trends and patterns in relation to their moods and symptoms through the use of calendars and graphs. With it, users can understand the impact of different treatments and medications on health issues such as anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, and mood disorders. Users can also use Bearable to identify triggers, find the cause of flare-ups, help with medical appointments, manage existing health conditions, and understand correlations between their habits and health. Users can customize reminders for diary entries, medication, and more while being able to sync their health data from Apple Health and Apple Health Kit. The free version comes with a basic version, while subscriptions start at $4.49/month,

 Available on iOS and Android.

Shine

The Shine app can help you start your mental wellness through daily meditation and Self-Care Courses. It helps users to log and track their mood, get support from a diverse community, and explore an audio library of over 800 meditations, bedtime stories, and calming sounds to help you shift your mindset or mood. Its free version offers daily meditations, a daily article and the ability to log your gratitude its more robust paid version comes with a $14.99 a month subscription.

 Available on iOS and Android.

Best Apps for Anxiety Disorders (Paid)

If you are looking for anxiety apps that offer robust features and enhanced tools, you might want to look towards paid apps where you pay upfront for the app or through subscriptions. Below are our picks of best-paid anxiety apps:

Calm App

Calm is an easy-to-use meditation app that helps to relieve anxiety. It achieves this by offering nature sounds and sleep stories to help users get into a relaxed sleep. The app is designed to cater to anyone, whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned expert. It’s also for anyone who needs a mental break, a soothing sound, or a peaceful night’s rest. It comes with guided meditations that are available in lengths of three to 25 minutes. Additional features include sleep stories narrated by well-known voices like Matthew McConaughey, a music library with exclusive tracks from top artists like Keith Urban and Disney, short videos with mindful movement and gentle stretching for every body type, and Masterclasses taught by world-renowned experts in the field of mindfulness, soundscapes, and nature sounds to use during meditation or to help you sleep, breathing exercises to help you relax, and more.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: Calm comes with a $6.99 a month subscription while with the free version, the app offers a limited number of guided exercises and meditative audio to help relieve stress.

Sanvello

Sanvello, formerly known as Pacifica, is a health and wellness app that focuses on stress, anxiety, and depression. Users’ journey with Sanvello journey is customizable, meaning the app checks in with how you’re feeling so you can track your emotions and progress over time. As patterns are identified, Sanvello will provide customized tools rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy to keep you on the path to feeling better. The app focuses on mindfulness and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and comes with audio exercises that focus on meditation, deep breathing, and other activities. Users can also access tools that include a mood tracker, daily challenges, goal tracking, and a health tracker.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: Sanvello comes with a $3.99 monthly subscription while offering a limited free version.

Insight Timer – Meditation App

Insight Timer app offers meditation solutions to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, manage stress, sleep deeply and improve happiness. It comes with free guided meditations for both beginners and experienced practitioners. It also offers short meditation sessions when you are on the go, helping you to build a daily habit in addition to thousands of music tracks and ambient sounds to calm the mind, focus, sleep better and relax. This app also offers statistics and milestones for tracking your progress.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: Insight Premium Meditation comes with a $9.99 monthly subscription while offering a free version as well.

InnerHour

The InnerHour app is created by mental health professionals that offer a self-help tool, which provides users with a digital experience of therapy. The easy-to-use app has specific programs to help with worry, stress, sleeplessness, depression, and anger. It comes with self-help courses on depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, stress, anger, and happiness. Users can also access therapists through the app.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: InnerHour comes with a $4.99 monthly subscription while offering a limited free version.

HeadSpace

The Headspace app helps users to meditate and sleep soundly. It offers guides on how to practice mindfulness in your everyday life. With it, you learn how to relax, manage stress, and focus your energy to become more centered and well-rested. Its features include daily meditations, sleep meditations, stress relief, coping meditations, and more. It offers over 40 effective meditation courses on topics that include stress and sleep.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: Headspace comes with a $ 12.99-a-month subscription while offering a seven-day free trial.

BetterMe: Mental Health

BetterMe mediation app helps users by offering simple meditations and guided courses for mental well-being. The app is a product of a collaboration with mental health specialists to offer tools and coping strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you tune in to the world surrounding you. The tools available include guided meditations, stress-relief practices, breathwork, and sleep meditations.

Available on iOS and Android.

Pricing: BetterMe comes with a $ 9.99-a-month subscription while offering a free version as well.

Take Steps to Improve Your Mental Health Today

Mental health issues are a very serious matter, as they affect how we think, feel, and behave in our daily lives. They also affect our ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and deal with life’s setbacks. Strong mental health isn’t simply about the absence of mental health problems but also about being emotionally resilient.

Emotionally and mentally resilient people can cope with difficult situations and maintain a positive outlook. This helps them remain focused, flexible, and productive during both good and bad times. Mental health is not only about mental health issues such as generalized anxiety disorder or elevated anxiety levels but also about making continuous improvements in how we deal with issues and strive to be better versions of ourselves.

Speaking to a Mental Health Professional

If you regularly have anxious thoughts or experience anxiety symptoms, seeking the help of a mental health professional can help you better understand yourself and your feelings and generally make sense of everything going on in your life and how that makes you feel. They can also help you resolve complicated feelings or find ways to cope with them.

What is the best app for anxiety?

Calm is considered the best app for anxiety. It helps tackle insomnia that comes with feeling anxious. Through sleep, meditation, relaxation, and other tools, Calm helps you not only deal with anxiety but remain productive and emotionally resilient.

Is there an app for people with social anxiety?

Headspace can help people deal with social anxiety. It offers guides on how to practice mindfulness in your everyday life. With it, you learn how to relax, manage stress, and focus your energy to become more centered and well-rested.

Is there a free app to help with anxiety?

MindShift helps users manage anxiety and stress using evidence-based anxiety management strategies based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This free self-help anxiety relief app helps to reduce stress, learn more about anxiety, develop more effective ways of thinking, be mindful, and relax.

What is a good game for anxiety?

SuperBetter is an app designed by Jane McGonigal and is inspired by her book SuperBetter. It helps to incorporate Role Playing Gaming (RPG) in real life to address challenges such as anxiety, depression insomnia, willpower, and others by offering activities to do to overcome them.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "Best Anxiety Apps for Small Business Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends

This article will explore what malware is, types of malware, signs of malware infection, and how to prevent a malware attack. Let’s dive in.

What Is Malware?

Malware, a short form of malicious software, is a blanket term for any computer software program designed to damage a computer or a computer network.

Hackers carry out malware attacks to:

• Trick users into divulging sensitive information like login credentials or social security numbers.
• Encrypt or steal data from users’ computers, hoping to receive a ransom in exchange for giving access to data back.
• Spy victims’ computers to steal credit cards and other financial data.
• Gain access to multiple computers to perpetuate denial of service (DoS) attacks.

Even if malware is not inherently malicious, it can lie dormant on an infected device for days or even months. When the timing is right, the malware will activate, potentially causing significant damage.

Malicious Software Today

Malware attacks have been creating havoc on businesses worldwide. There are approximately 5.4 billion malware attacks globally in recent times. Furthermore, the initial period of the following year saw around 2.8 billion malware attacks worldwide. Learning how to prevent malware is crucial for businesses to safeguard their operations.

So, you can expect that malware attacks will continue to target businesses with the same ferocity. You should be ready to deal with this cybersecurity threat as a business owner. Knowing about the different types of malware is the first step toward learning how to prevent malware.

Types of Malware

Here are critical types of malware you must know about.

1. Ransomware – Ransomware locks the device or encrypts data and demands ransomware in exchange for giving access to the device or data. Example: LockBit
2. Spyware – True to its name, Spyware monitors victims’ devices to gather sensitive information without their knowledge. Example: FinSpy
3. Adware – Adware displays unwanted advertisements on infected devices, generating revenue for its creators through payments made by advertisers for views and clicks. Example: Fireball
4. Trojan Horse – Trojan Horse disguises itself as legitimate software, like a free version of paid software. Once it enters a victim’s computer, Trojan Horse releases its malicious code to install viruses, perform keylogging, encrypting or steal data. Example: Ice IX
5. Wiper – The sole purpose of Wiper malware is to delete data beyond recovery. Example: Shamoon
6. Keylogger – Keylogger tracks users’ keystrokes to steal login credentials and other sensitive information. Example: Ardamax Keylogger
7. Bots – It is a self-replicating malware that spreads itself to other computers. Once inside a network, it creates a botnet (network of bots). A hacker can then use this botnet to send phishing emails and carry out denial of service attacks or other cyber attacks. Example: Gameover Zeus
8. Rootkit – Often affecting operating systems and software, Rootkits offer admin privileges to hackers. As a result, hackers can use infected devices the way they want. The main consequences of a rootkit include but are not limited to information theft, remote access, file execution, eavesdropping, and file deletion. Example: Rovnix

Signs of a Malware Infection

The following are telltale signs of a malware infection:

• If you suddenly start seeing annoying ads on your PC, it can be a sign of malware infection. What’s worse, these pop-up ads are often loaded with other malware programs.
• Your access to your computer or data stored on it is denied. Eventually, you will get a ransom note stating that your PC has been infected by ransomware.
• Your web browser’s settings have been changed, and you will see new toolbars, extensions, and plugins installed without your permission.
• You notice increased Internet activity on your PC.
• There is a significant loss of disk space on your computer.
• Your computer may be infected by malware if the antivirus software has stopped working and you cannot turn it on.

Also, if your PC frequently crashes without any reason, it could be a sign of a malware attack. Sometimes malware stays inactive for days and months and becomes active when it can harm the PC significantly.

Therefore, you must use the latest security software and security tools for malware protection.

How to Prevent Malware Attacks

How do you avoid malware infection? The following are seven proven malware prevention strategies:

Install an Anti-Malware Program

A powerful anti-malware program offers a first line of defense against malware-related threats. It scans your computers, servers, and networks in real-time and mitigates any malware threat it finds before the threat can damage your IT infrastructure.

When choosing an anti-malware program for your business, ensure that you select one that provides the following features:

• User-device level protection
• Browser protection
• Network protection
• Server-level protection

Also, you should use a firewall to provide your network and devices with additional security.

Implement Secure Authentication Methods

You can safeguard your systems and networks against unauthorized access by utilizing secure authentication methods.

Here are some best practices:

• Enable multi-factor authentication
• Use a password manager for password management
• Start using physical tools like smart cards for authentication
• Implement biometric tools like fingerprints or iris scans for authentication

A secure authentication method can help you prevent malware and many other common cyber threats if used strategically.

Implement Email Security

Email is often used to spread malware and carry out phishing attacks. So, enhancing email security can protect your business from malware attacks and other programs that can harm your IT infrastructure.

Consider implementing a secure email gateway to filter out malicious attachments and automate email encryption to protect email content.

Also, you should encourage your employees to follow email security best practices.

Monitor Suspicious Activity

Using an intrusion detection system (IDS) to monitor inbound and outbound network traffic for abnormal activities helps prevent malware infection.

When an IDS detects an alert for any abnormal activity, your cybersecurity team can look into it. And if it is a malware infection, your team can take further steps to remove it.

Also, you should implement an intrusion prevention system (IPS) to eliminate malicious requests from incoming traffic proactively.

Using both IDS and IPS can take your network security to the next level.

Follow the Principle of Least Privilege

The principle of least privilege is a security concept. In this method, you provide your users with the least data and resources required to perform their duties.

As a result, a victim of a malware attack has minimum access to files and resources. So, you can contain malware in the area of origin to prevent further spreading into the network.

If you grant all of your employees administrative privileges, you will broaden your business’s attack surface, making it easier for malware to spread to other devices.

Update Operating Systems and Software

Outdated software and operating systems tend to have vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain access to your computer systems. Once they gain access, they can easily infect devices with malware.

So it is critical to keep operating systems and software up-to-date. Never delay any operating system or software update – install it as soon it is available.

Train Your Employees

Hackers don’t target small businesses on a massive scale. Instead, they target individual employees or small teams to gain access to your IT infrastructure.

So training your employees on the digital best practices is one of the most effective ways to protect from malware or ransomware attacks.

A cybersecurity training program in your business should help users in the following key areas:

• Spotting malicious email attachments and malicious websites
• Avoiding downloading files from malicious sites
• Learning about various social engineering techniques
• Understanding the importance of creating strong passwords
• Knowing a way to use removable media safely
• Making users know how to report and respond to cyber threats

Regardless of the topics covered in cybersecurity awareness training, it is essential to customize the training to meet the specific needs of your employees.

Why Is It Important for Small Business Owners to Learn How to Avoid Malware?

On average, malware and other web-based attacks can cost businesses around $2.4 million. What’s worse, a malware attack can be a reason for a data breach that can cost businesses around $4.35 million. So small business owners must learn how to avoid malware.

What Happens When You Visit Malicious Websites?

Visiting a malicious website can expose you to threats like drive-by downloads, malvertising, URL injections, or JavaScript injections. Even if you don’t click on any harmful links, simply visiting a malicious site can still lead to your PC becoming infected.

What Is the Best Software for Preventing Malware Attacks?

Bitdefender is probably the best software for preventing malware attacks. However, the best anti-malware program for your business is the one that takes care of your security needs. So first understand your business needs and then search for the right security tool to prevent malware attacks.

What Is the Best Defense Against Malware?

Humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity. So, the best defense against malware is to train your team on the best cybersecurity practices. Anti-malware software, implementing strong authentication methods, and updating systems and software are proven ways to avoid malware infection.

READ MORE:

• What is Cybersecurity
• What is Malware
• Best Anti Malware Software

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This article, "How to Prevent Malware" was first published on Small Business Trends

In this article, we’re going to show you how AI is changing the game, from picking out the perfect product recommendations to streamlining how shops manage their stock, all to give customers a shopping experience that’s spot on. Let’s dive in!

What is Artificial Intelligence in E-commerce?

AI in the ecommerce industry is revolutionizing the way we shop online, acting as an intelligent assistant that anticipates our needs and preferences to create a highly personalized and efficient shopping experience. Here’s a closer look at how AI is reshaping e-commerce:

Personalized Shopping Experiences:

• AI analyzes your browsing patterns, purchase history, and preferences to tailor product recommendations, making it feel like the shopping experience is uniquely designed for you.
• Companies like Frito-Lay and Home Depot leverage AI tools, such as IBM’s Watson, to analyze customer data in real-time, ensuring that recommendations and shopping experiences are as personalized as possible.

Advanced Inventory Management:

• AI-driven systems are optimizing inventory levels, ensuring that products are adequately stocked based on predictive analytics and real-time demand forecasting.
• Solutions like Fellow AI utilize image recognition technologies to monitor stock levels continuously, enabling faster restocking processes and minimizing out-of-stock scenarios.

Seamless Customer Service:

• AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming increasingly sophisticated, providing 24/7 customer service, answering queries, and even assisting in the shopping process.
• These AI systems learn from each interaction, constantly improving their ability to resolve customer issues and provide relevant information.

Fraud Detection and Security:

• AI algorithms are adept at identifying patterns and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activities, enhancing security measures for online transactions and protecting both consumers and businesses.
• These systems can analyze vast amounts of transaction data in real-time to pinpoint suspicious activities, significantly reducing the risk of fraud.

Visual and Voice Search:

• AI is powering visual and voice search capabilities, allowing customers to search for products using images or voice commands, making the discovery process more intuitive and user-friendly.
• This technology is particularly useful in mobile e-commerce, where typing constraints can hinder traditional search methods.

Dynamic Pricing Strategies:

• AI enables dynamic pricing, where prices are adjusted in real time based on demand, competition, and other market factors, ensuring competitiveness and maximizing profits.
• This approach allows businesses to stay competitive while also responding to market trends and consumer demand more effectively.

Product Authenticity Verification:

• AI tools are being deployed to combat counterfeit products, using algorithms that can verify the authenticity of items, thereby protecting brands and consumers alike.
• This application is particularly relevant in luxury goods and branded items, where authenticity is a significant concern.

Enhanced Marketing Efforts:

• AI-driven analytics and data processing capabilities allow for highly targeted marketing campaigns, understanding customer segments more deeply and predicting which marketing strategies will be most effective.
• This results in more engaging and effective marketing efforts, leading to higher conversion rates and customer retention.

AI in e-commerce is not just about making shopping more convenient; it’s about creating a smart, responsive, and personalized ecosystem that understands and anticipates consumer needs, transforming the online shopping experience into something much more engaging and interactive.

How AI is Integrated in The E-commerce Industry

AI is among the top secrets for building a top e-commerce business. This technology is transforming the way ecommerce businesses operate and how customers shop online. From predicting what customers might want to buy next to managing warehouse stocks more efficiently, AI is everywhere.

Let’s break down some of the key areas where the impact of AI on sales is obvious, showing just how it’s become an essential part of the ecommerce world.

Machine Learning

Machine Learning, a subset of AI, is like the brain behind making ecommerce smarter. It looks at the patterns in how people shop, what they buy, and even when they decide to leave something in their cart. For instance, Netflix uses machine learning to recommend shows based on what you’ve watched before.

Similarly, e-commerce sites use it to suggest products you’ll love, making your shopping experience feel personal. This not only helps businesses increase sales but also makes customers feel understood and valued.

AI-enabled Inventory Management

Gone are the days of guessing how much stock to keep. AI-enabled inventory management uses data to predict exactly how much of each product will be needed, helping businesses avoid overstocking or running out of items.

Zara, a global fashion retailer, uses this technology to swiftly move designs from the runway to stores, ensuring they stock what customers want. This efficiency saves money and keeps customers happy because their favorite items are in stock more often.

Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants powered by AI are like having a personal shopper by your side. They can answer questions, provide recommendations, and even help with the checkout process.

Amazon’s Alexa allows users to shop using voice commands, offering a hands-free shopping experience. This convenience improves customer satisfaction and engagement, making shopping easier and more enjoyable.

AI Tools

AI tools in e-commerce extend far beyond recommendations and inventory. These sales apps and software programs are used by ecommerce websites for analyzing customer reviews to improve products, optimizing e-commerce websites for better user experience, and even detecting fraud to make buying safer for online shoppers.

For example, Shopify offers an AI tool that helps businesses understand customer feedback on a deeper level, allowing for real-time improvements. This not only enhances the shopping experience but also builds trust between the consumer and the brand. In addition, eBay deploys artificial intelligence in various elements of its operations.

The Power of Customer Data in E-commerce Businesses

Ecommerce companies rely on customer data as the lifeblood of their operations, unlocking insights into buyer behavior and fueling personalized experiences. AI plays a pivotal role in deciphering this data, transforming raw numbers into actionable strategies.

The Importance of Customer Data for Online Retailers

For online retailers, understanding customer data is like having a roadmap to success. It sheds light on what buyers love, what they skip, and why they come back. This goldmine of information helps businesses tailor their offerings, ensuring customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

By analyzing patterns and preferences, retailers can create shopping experiences that not only meet but exceed customer expectations, leading to higher satisfaction and loyalty.

AI’s Role in Analyzing Customer Data

AI technologies take the heavy lifting out of analyzing customer data. They sift through vast amounts of information, identifying trends and behaviors that might not be obvious at first glance. This allows businesses to make informed decisions, predict future buying patterns, and deliver highly personalized marketing messages.

AI’s ability to learn and adapt over time means that the more data it processes, the better it gets at forecasting needs, ensuring businesses stay one step ahead in the highly competitive e-commerce landscape.

The Benefits of AI Technology in E-commerce

AI technology in e-commerce is transforming the shopping experience, offering benefits that make shopping online not just convenient but truly personalized and engaging.

Personalized Online Shopping Experience

AI is the powerhouse behind the scenes, crafting shopping experiences that feel personally tailored to each shopper. It cleverly uses data from your shopping habits and preferences to suggest products you’ll love and marketing that speaks directly to you.

This means less time searching and more time discovering products that feel like they were picked just for you. The result is a shopping experience that not only meets your needs but also introduces you to new favorites, fostering loyalty and encouraging you to come back for more.

Natural Language Processing in E-commerce

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is another AI gem that’s changing the game in customer service. It allows chatbots and virtual assistants to understand and engage with customers in a surprisingly human way. Need help finding a product or have a question about your order?

NLP-powered tools are there to help any time of day, making sure you’re supported throughout your shopping journey. This seamless communication helps smooth out any bumps along the way, making shopping online an even more pleasant experience.

Pricing Optimization

Pricing optimization is a crucial aspect of the e-commerce industry, and AI is revolutionizing how businesses approach it. By analyzing customer data, market trends, and competitor pricing, AI helps e-commerce businesses determine the optimal price for their products, leading to increased revenue, improved profit margins, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

AI-powered pricing optimization tools can sift through vast amounts of data, including customer behavior, market conditions, and competitor pricing, to pinpoint the best price for a product. These tools also consider factors such as inventory levels, shipping costs, and seasonal demand, ensuring that prices are competitive and profitable.

Moreover, AI enables dynamic pricing strategies, where prices are adjusted in real-time based on changing market conditions. This approach helps businesses stay competitive, boost revenue, and enhance customer satisfaction. For instance, Amazon uses AI-powered pricing optimization tools to adjust prices in real-time, helping the company remain competitive, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction.

By leveraging AI for pricing optimization, e-commerce businesses can make data-driven decisions that enhance their profitability and customer experience.

Challenges and Solutions of Implementing AI in E-commerce

Implementing AI in the online shopping world isn’t always a walk in the park. Businesses might hit a few bumps along the way, but with the right approach, these challenges can be navigated successfully.

Ethical Concerns and Data Security

Using AI means dealing with a ton of customer data, which naturally brings up ethical concerns and data security challenges.

Customers are increasingly aware and concerned about how their data is used and protected. Businesses need to be transparent about their use of AI and commit to safeguarding customer data.

This means investing in robust security measures, following data protection regulations like GDPR, and being clear with customers about how their data is used to enhance their shopping experience. Building trust is key, and respecting customer privacy and security is a cornerstone of that trust.

Overcoming Technical Difficulties

Diving into AI can also mean facing some technical hurdles, from integrating AI technologies with existing systems to ensuring your team has the right skills to manage and maintain AI tools.

One solution is to start small with AI projects that can be easily integrated and offer quick wins, allowing businesses to learn and adapt. Additionally, investing in training for your team or partnering with AI experts can help overcome skill gaps.

Regularly evaluating and updating AI systems also ensures they stay effective and aligned with your business goals. Remember, patience and continuous learning are your allies in making AI work for your ecommerce business.

Creating a Strategy for AI Implementation

Implementing AI in e-commerce requires a well-thought-out strategy to ensure success. Here are some steps e-commerce businesses can take to create an effective AI implementation strategy:

1. Define Goals and Objectives: Start by determining what you want to achieve with AI implementation. Whether it’s improving customer experience, increasing revenue, or enhancing operational efficiency, having clear goals will guide your AI strategy.
2. Assess Current Infrastructure: Evaluate your existing infrastructure, including hardware, software, and data storage capabilities, to ensure it can support AI technologies. This assessment will help identify any upgrades or changes needed.
3. Choose AI Tools and Technologies: Select AI tools and technologies that align with your goals and objectives. This could include machine learning for predictive analytics, natural language processing for customer interactions, or computer vision for visual search capabilities.
4. Develop a Data Strategy: A robust data strategy is essential for AI implementation. Focus on collecting, storing, and analyzing customer data to support AI-driven insights and decisions. Ensure your data is clean, relevant, and accessible.
5. Train and Educate Employees: Equip your team with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively use AI tools. Training and education will help employees understand how to leverage AI to improve customer experience and operational efficiency.
6. Monitor and Evaluate Performance: Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of your AI implementation. Use key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success and make adjustments as needed to ensure your AI initiatives are meeting your goals.

By following these steps, e-commerce businesses can create a strategic plan for AI implementation that aligns with their objectives and drives success.

The Future of AI in E-commerce

The future of AI in e-commerce looks bright, with innovations that promise to make online shopping even more intuitive, personalized, and efficient. As we look ahead, it’s clear that AI will continue to shape how we discover, interact with, and purchase products online, offering exciting opportunities for businesses to connect with their customers.

Predicted AI Trends in E-commerce

The integration of AI in e-commerce is transforming the landscape, offering both consumers and businesses enhanced experiences and operational efficiencies. Here’s a deeper look into the burgeoning AI trends in e-commerce:

• Hyper-Personalization:
  • AI algorithms are advancing to the point where they can predict consumer preferences with astonishing accuracy, recommending products tailored to individual tastes and needs.
  • These systems analyze past shopping behavior, browsing history, and other personal data to suggest items that a shopper is likely to purchase, often before the consumer recognizes the need or desire for such items.
• AI-Driven Visual Search:
  • This technology allows consumers to upload images to search for similar products online, drastically simplifying the product discovery process.
  • Visual search capabilities are becoming more sophisticated, enabling more precise matches and suggestions, thereby enhancing the shopping experience.
• Voice Shopping:
  • Shopping through voice commands is gaining traction, facilitated by the proliferation of smart speakers and voice assistants.
  • AI advancements are making voice recognition more accurate and contextually aware, allowing for a more natural and seamless shopping experience.
• Enhanced Backend Operations:
  • Supply Chain Optimization: AI is revolutionizing supply chain management by forecasting demand more accurately, optimizing routes, and reducing delivery times with e-commerce suppliers, leading to cost savings and increased customer satisfaction.
  • Advanced Inventory Management: AI systems are enabling more sophisticated inventory management practices, such as predictive restocking and identifying slow-moving items, ensuring that businesses can respond more dynamically to market changes.
• Customer Service Automation:
  • AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming more adept at handling customer inquiries, providing real-time assistance, and even resolving complex issues, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and reduced operational costs.
• Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping Experiences:
  • AR is being integrated with AI to provide immersive shopping experiences, allowing customers to visualize products in their own space before making a purchase decision, thereby reducing uncertainty and increasing conversion rates.
• Fraud Detection and Prevention:
  • AI algorithms are constantly evolving to detect and prevent fraudulent transactions more effectively, safeguarding both the business and its customers from potential security threats.
• Personalized Marketing and Retargeting:
  • AI enables more personalized and targeted marketing campaigns by analyzing consumer behavior and preferences, resulting in higher engagement rates and improved ROI on marketing spend.
  • AI is also an increasingly large part of content creation and customer experience measurement. Learn more about AI in digital marketing and AI for content marketing.

These AI-driven trends signify a move towards more personalized, efficient, and interactive e-commerce experiences, underscoring the technology’s pivotal role in shaping the future of retail.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zOi0pUvVI3U%3Fsi%3DKjkvUQjxiWTH6BdL

Empowering Your Ecommerce Business with the Advancements in Artificial Intelligence

For e-commerce businesses looking to stay ahead, embracing these AI advancements is key. Start by integrating AI-powered tools for personalized recommendations and customer interactions, such as chatbots and personalized marketing messages.

Investing in AI for backend operations can also dramatically improve efficiency and reduce costs. Keep an eye on emerging AI technologies and consider how they might benefit your customers and your business.

Staying informed and adaptable will help you leverage AI not just for automation but for creating truly memorable shopping experiences that keep your customers coming back.

Sales and Demand Forecasting

Sales and demand forecasting is a critical aspect of the e-commerce business, and AI is significantly enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness. By analyzing customer data, market trends, and seasonal demand, AI helps e-commerce businesses predict sales and demand with greater precision.

AI-powered sales and demand forecasting tools can process vast amounts of data, including customer behavior, market conditions, and seasonal demand, to generate accurate predictions. These tools also consider factors such as weather, holidays, and economic trends, providing a comprehensive view of future sales and demand.

Moreover, AI enables predictive analytics, which uses statistical models and machine learning algorithms to forecast future sales and demand. This capability allows businesses to make informed decisions about inventory management, pricing, and marketing strategies.

For example, Walmart uses AI-powered sales and demand forecasting tools to predict sales and demand for its products. This technology has helped the company improve inventory management, reduce stockouts, and increase revenue.

By leveraging AI-powered sales and demand forecasting tools, e-commerce businesses can enhance their ability to predict sales and demand, make data-driven decisions, and drive business growth.

FAQ

What is AI in e-commerce?

AI in e-commerce refers to the integration of artificial intelligence technologies within online shopping platforms to enhance various aspects of the shopping experience. This includes personalized product recommendations, chatbots for customer service, predictive analytics for inventory management, and more.

How does AI enhance the online shopping experience?

AI enhances the online shopping experience by providing personalized recommendations based on past purchases and browsing behavior, improving search functionality with natural language processing, streamlining customer service through chatbots, optimizing pricing strategies through predictive analytics, and facilitating smoother logistics and inventory management.

What are the benefits of AI in e-commerce?

The benefits of AI in e-commerce include increased sales through personalized recommendations, improved customer satisfaction and retention with better customer service, reduced operational costs through automation of tasks like inventory management and pricing optimization, and gaining insights from large datasets to make data-driven decisions.

Can AI in e-commerce improve conversion rates?

Yes, AI in e-commerce can significantly improve conversion rates by offering personalized product recommendations that are tailored to each customer’s preferences and behaviors, providing real-time assistance through chatbots to address customer inquiries and concerns, and optimizing the overall shopping experience based on predictive analytics.

Is AI in e-commerce safe for handling customer data?

AI in Ecommerce platforms prioritize data security and privacy to ensure that customer data is handled safely. These platforms typically employ encryption protocols, access controls, and comply with relevant data protection regulations such as GDPR or CCPA to safeguard sensitive customer information.

How does AI impact inventory management in e-commerce?

AI optimizes inventory management in e-commerce by analyzing historical sales data, current market trends, and other relevant factors to predict demand accurately. This helps retailers to maintain optimal inventory levels, reduce stockouts, minimize overstocking, and ultimately improve profitability.

What does the future hold for AI in e-commerce?

The future of AI in E-commerce is promising, with continued advancements in machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision technologies. We can expect to see further personalization in product recommendations, enhanced virtual shopping experiences, more sophisticated chatbots, and seamless integration of AI across various aspects of the online shopping journey.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "AI in Ecommerce: The Future of Online Shopping" was first published on Small Business Trends

This article, "Best Tools to Automate Your Small Business for Free" was first published on Small Business Trends

Ready to level up your business game? Here are 20 live-streaming apps that can make it happen.

Benefits of Live Streaming for Businesses:

• Direct communication with consumers.
• Real-time feedback and engagement.
• Higher brand authenticity and trust.
• Access to a global audience.
• Cost-effective marketing strategy.
• Enhanced brand visibility and awareness.

What Makes a Live Stream App Essential?

Live streaming isn’t just a trendy feature; it’s a potent asset for businesses aiming to maintain a genuine connection with their clientele. Real-time interaction enables businesses to address queries, demonstrate product usability, or even orchestrate virtual showcases.

This digital method not only humanizes a brand, making it more relatable, but it’s also often more cost-effective than traditional advertising approaches.

The Rise of Live Streaming Platforms

Live streaming isn’t new, but it’s getting more popular every day. With the rise of platforms teaching how to go live on TikTok, businesses are joining in too. They’re finding out that live streams, especially with the power of Instagram, can reach lots of people quickly.

It’s a fast, effective way to get your message out there.

As more businesses embrace this trend, it’s becoming a valuable tool for product launches, virtual events, and even customer support. The rise of live streaming platforms is transforming how companies connect with their audiences, making it a trend to watch in the business world.

Factors Driving the Popularity of Live Streaming:

• Increasing smartphone penetration.
• Better internet connectivity and speeds.
• The rise of influencer culture.
• Growing preference for real-time content.
• Ability to monetize content quickly.

Challenges Businesses Face While Live Streaming:

• Ensuring consistent internet connectivity.
• Managing trolls and negative comments.
• Keeping content engaging throughout the stream.
• Handling technical glitches during the stream.
• Maintaining a regular streaming schedule.

Current Live Streaming Insights

Right now, live streaming is hotter than ever. With tools offering marketing video tips and techniques for maintaining social media content on brand, businesses are discovering its potential.

We’re talking about more users, more time spent watching streams, and a big slice of the market share. Let’s get into the details.

Live Streaming App Metrics

People really engage with live streams. They not only watch but also chat, share, and even buy things. Platforms that teach users about LinkedIn live have shown that they not only watch but also chat, share, and even buy things.

Folks around the world spend about 482.5 billion hours on live-streaming apps. That’s a 35% jump from the previous period. And here in the U.S., out of the 13 hours we spend each day on digital media, a good chunk is on live streaming.

Key Metrics to Track for Business Live Streams:

• Viewer peak times and durations.
• Engagement rate (likes, comments, shares).
• Conversion rates (if promoting products).
• New followers or subscribers gained.
• Audience demographics.

Evolving Business Models Through Streaming Platforms

Businesses are cashing in on this live-streaming trend. Platforms with green screen capabilities and others that highlight top influencers are adding a special touch to product launches, Q&A sessions, and virtual tours.

This new way of connecting is helping businesses grow their revenue and keep their audience engaged.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=mpBXUGoM0VA%3Fsi%3Dp5U_qpcXUKbAJ_Tn

Mobile Live Streaming Apps

In today’s digital age, mobile live-streaming apps are revolutionizing the way we communicate and share experiences. They offer the incredible ability to broadcast in real-time, regardless of location, using just a smartphone.

This level of immediacy and accessibility makes them indispensable for businesses looking to keep their audience constantly engaged. The spontaneity it introduces allows brands to capture and share moments as they unfold, fostering a deeper connection with their audience.

Features to Look for in Live Video Streaming Apps

Selecting the perfect app for live video streaming isn’t merely about broadcasting; it’s about ensuring a superior experience for your audience. High-definition video and clear audio are just the basics. The real game-changers are those additional features that enrich the viewer’s experience.

Can you add engaging captions, dynamic filters, or interactive polls? An ability to monitor viewer statistics, understanding who’s tuning in, and from where, provides invaluable insights that can shape your future live streaming strategies. These add-ons elevate the live-stream and make it memorable.

The Usability and Interface Design of a Live Streaming Platform

For any software or platform, design and usability are crucial for user retention and satisfaction. An ideal live streaming platform should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing users to easily discover and interact with content.

The goal is to reduce any potential friction, ensuring that users can focus on the content they love rather than navigating cumbersome menus or interfaces.

A well-designed interface not only draws users in but also keeps them engaged, making it a crucial element for anyone exploring live streaming apps.

Security and Privacy Measures of a Live Streaming App

In a digital landscape where data breaches are increasingly common, the security of your live streams becomes an absolute necessity. Companies need to prioritize platforms that emphasize stringent security measures, such as advanced encryption and password safeguards.

Beyond basic protection, the provision to control access is invaluable. Does the app allow you to dictate who views your content, perhaps limiting it to a select audience or membership tier?

Such features ensure that businesses can maintain the exclusivity of their content, safeguarding against unwanted viewers and potential breaches, ultimately creating a safe and secure broadcasting environment.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Live Streaming Apps for Business

In today’s digital age, live streaming has emerged as a powerful tool for businesses to connect directly with their audience, share updates, or host virtual events. Choosing the right platform can determine the quality of the broadcast and the level of engagement.

With a plethora of live streaming apps available, here’s how we selected the best for businesses:

Streaming Quality (10/10)

High-definition, interruption-free broadcasts are paramount. We prioritize apps that offer robust streaming quality across various network conditions.

User Experience and Interface (9/10)

A user-friendly interface can make the streaming process smoother for both the broadcaster and the audience. We look for apps that are intuitive and require minimal setup.

Engagement Tools (9/10)

Interactivity boosts viewer involvement. We value apps that incorporate features like live chats, polls, or Q&A sessions, fostering two-way communication.

Multi-Platform Support (8/10)

Reaching a wider audience often means streaming across multiple platforms simultaneously. Apps that offer integrated multi-platform broadcasting rank high on our list.

Customization and Branding (8/10)

For businesses, brand consistency is crucial. We appreciate apps that allow for logo overlays, custom graphics, and themed backgrounds.

Analytics and Insights (8/10)

Post-stream data can provide valuable insights. We favor apps that deliver detailed analytics on viewer demographics, engagement rates, and peak viewing times.

Monetization Features (7/10)

For businesses looking to generate revenue from their streams, apps offering pay-per-view, subscription models, or ad integrations are particularly relevant.

Integration Capabilities (7/10)

Seamless integration with other business tools or social media platforms can enhance the streaming experience. We seek out apps that offer easy integrations with CRM systems, email marketing tools, or social networks.

Security and Privacy (7/10)

Confidential business streams require robust security measures. We evaluate live streaming apps by their encryption standards, password protections, and privacy controls.

Mobile Responsiveness (6/10)

The ability to stream or view on the go can be essential. We prioritize apps that provide a consistent experience across desktops and mobile devices.

Support and Resources (6/10)

A hiccup during a live stream can be detrimental. We value apps backed by reliable customer support and resources like tutorials or community forums.

Live streaming offers businesses a unique avenue to directly connect and engage with their audience. By applying our detailed methodology, businesses can identify apps that not only ensure a high-quality broadcast but also provide tools that enrich the live streaming experience for both the host and the viewers.

The Best Live Streaming Apps for Business

Ready to boost your business with live streaming? Here are the top live-streaming apps that can make you a streaming superstar:

Big Names in Live Streaming: Established and Reliable

First, we’ll dive into the world of live streaming with the big players. Here are the established and reliable names you can trust…

Streamlabs

Streamlabs isn’t just for gamers; it’s also a fantastic choice for businesses. With its user-friendly interface, you can add custom widgets and overlays to elevate your live streams. Its monetization features make it a versatile tool for various business types.

IBM Video Streaming

IBM Video Streaming is a leader in enterprise streaming solutions. It stands out for its robust analytics and high-level security features. Ideal for webinars and internal communications, it’s a reliable choice for large businesses.

Facebook Live

Facebook Live makes it super easy to engage with a broad audience on a platform they already use daily. Live polls, comments, and reactions help you interact with your viewers, making your brand more relatable.

YouTube Live

YouTube Live offers a wide reach, robust analytics, and various monetization options. It’s a fantastic way to engage with both current followers and new audiences. The platform is user-friendly, even for streaming beginners.

Brightcove

Brightcove is tailored for businesses, offering everything from marketing automation to detailed analytics. This platform provides high-quality streaming and is known for its reliability and professional-grade features.

Instagram Live

Instagram Live is perfect for a younger, mobile-focused audience. The app allows for instant live streaming and interaction with viewers. It’s excellent for quick announcements and impromptu Q&A sessions.

Vimeo Livestream

Vimeo Livestream focuses on delivering quality and customization. It provides high-definition streaming along with a range of tools for engaging viewers. This platform is ideal for businesses seeking a more tailored live streaming experience.

JW Player

JW Player gives you a high degree of control with its customizable player and in-depth analytics. It’s a solid pick for businesses needing detailed insights and specific streaming requirements.

Uscreen

Uscreen sets itself apart with a focus on monetization. With features like ticket sales and subscription models, it’s the go-to platform for creators and businesses aiming to earn from their content.

Restream

Restream is the ultimate tool for reaching multiple audiences simultaneously. It allows you to live stream to multiple platforms at once, which increases your online presence and maximizes viewer engagement.

Emerging Stars: New and Noteworthy Live Streaming Apps

Looking for fresh ways to connect with your audience? Check out these noteworthy stars in the live-streaming app scene…

Dacast

Dacast is designed for professionals who require a versatile and secure live-streaming solution. It offers features like video monetization and real-time analytics, making it a great pick for businesses that need to go beyond basic streaming.

TargetVideo

TargetVideo is a comprehensive platform that combines user-friendliness with versatility. It enables high-quality streaming across multiple platforms, including mobile devices. With features such as in-stream ads and real-time analytics, it is tailored for broadcasters aiming to engage their audience while optimizing revenue.

Muvi

Muvi offers a one-stop solution for video and audio streaming. With no coding required, businesses can create, manage, and monetize their live streams, making it a straightforward choice for those without technical expertise.

Panopto

Panopto is a go-to for educational and corporate live streams. With features for live quizzes and detailed analytics, it’s built to engage and inform. It’s particularly useful for training sessions and webinars.

Notified

Notified provides robust analytics and offers unique ways to engage with your audience. From interactive polls to Q&A sessions, it’s designed to make your live streams as interactive as possible.

Socialive

Socialive lets you produce and distribute engaging live video content with ease. You can invite guests into your live streams and also cross-publish content across different channels, making it a versatile option for businesses.

Kaltura

Kaltura provides an open-source live streaming app that is highly customizable. It includes a variety of features such as real-time analytics and interactive polls, making it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a personalized experience.

StreamShark

StreamShark provides high-quality streaming services, including 360-degree video and VR capabilities. If you’re looking for a platform to deliver an immersive experience, StreamShark is worth considering.

Wowza

Wowza offers high-performance, reliable streaming. It has a range of features like low-latency streaming and is ideal for businesses requiring a robust, high-quality service.

Twitch

Twitch is not just for gamers anymore. This live-streaming platform is becoming a go-to space for small businesses keen on engaging their audience in real-time. With its interactive features and diverse community, it offers unique ways to showcase products and conduct live Q&A sessions. Twitch can be a creative way for businesses to build brand loyalty.

Live Streaming Features: Tips to Select the Perfect Live Streaming App

Picking the right live-streaming app for your business is a big deal. The wrong choice can waste your time and money. But the right app can make you shine. Let’s look at some key things to think about when you’re making your pick.

Compatibility and Integration Potential

Your live streaming app needs to play nicely with other tools you use. Maybe you have a customer relationship system or an email marketing tool.

Ensure that the app you choose is compatible with these. Compatibility simplifies your life and helps your business operate more efficiently.

This seamless integration also allows for better data collection, helping you understand your audience better, which ultimately boosts your marketing efforts.

Pricing and Subscription Models

Money matters, right? Different apps have different costs. Some might offer basic features for free, while others might charge monthly or yearly.

Check what features come with each price level. Make sure you’re not paying for stuff you don’t need but also that you’re getting what will really help your business.

Additionally, look for apps that offer a free trial or a money-back guarantee. This way, you can test out the platform before fully committing your budget to it.

How to Broadcast Live Videos: A Quick Guide

Live streaming for your business can feel tricky at first. But it doesn’t have to be. With a few easy steps, you’ll be ready to go live and wow your audience. Let’s break it down.

Essential Equipment for Professional Live Streaming:

• High-quality camera (DSLR or webcam).
• External microphone for clear audio.
• Lighting equipment (ring lights or softboxes).
• Green screen for a customizable background.
• Reliable streaming software or platform.

Setting Up Your Environment

A messy background can be a distraction. Keep things tidy and professional. Good lighting makes everything look better. Also, use a good-quality microphone such as a Blue Yeti to make sure people can hear you clearly. A little setup goes a long way.

Be sure to verify that your internet connection is stable, and think about using a dedicated camera to enhance your video quality. Taking these additional measures can significantly improve the look and sound of your livestream.

Engaging with Your Audience in Real-Time

While you’re live, chat with your viewers. Answer their questions and ask some of your own. Give shout-outs to people who join in. Interaction keeps viewers glued to your stream. Plus, it makes them feel special and heard.

You can also use interactive features like polls or live Q&A sessions to encourage audience participation. By creating this two-way dialogue, you build a stronger connection with your viewers and leave a lasting impression on them.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=iFbAttgHw30%3Fsi%3DWuSx6Rwh9w1AHK_A

FAQs: Live Streaming Apps

Is it possible to use marketing tools in live-streaming apps?

Certainly! A significant number of live-streaming apps have embraced the integration of various marketing tools. These integrations allow users to gather email addresses, display targeted promotions, or even broadcast short advertisements during the live stream itself.

This synergy between live streaming and marketing provides an enhanced opportunity for businesses to not only engage with their audience but also to promote their products or services more efficiently in real-time.

What is the future of live streams in business?

The importance and utility of live streaming in business are only growing. It’s not merely a passing phase but a robust tool gaining traction each day.

As technology advances, businesses are identifying innovative ways to leverage live streaming, enhancing how they introduce new products, conduct events, and interact with customers.

Given its increasing popularity and the value it provides, the role of live streaming in business seems set to expand, paving the way for even more immersive and interactive customer experiences in the coming years.

Which is the best live-streaming platform?

Choosing the “best” live-streaming platform isn’t straightforward because it often depends on individual preferences, business objectives, and specific needs. Each platform brings its unique set of features to the table.

While one option may provide an outstanding user experience, another might excel because of its robust analytics and third-party integrations. As a result, it is crucial to assess your main needs, comprehend your target audience’s preferences, and evaluate your budget limitations.

Through thorough research and perhaps some trial and error, you can find the platform that aligns best with your goals.

Image: Envato Elements

This article, "Best Live Streaming Apps for Businesses to Connect with Audiences" was first published on Small Business Trends

As any small business owner can attest, it’s not easy keeping up with all the changes that have taken place over the past few years. Businesses have had to navigate the pandemic, supply chain issues, inflation, social unrest and more. It’s been enough to make even the most seasoned of entrepreneurs lose sleep at night. But as the saying goes, “With adversity comes opportunity.”

One of the most significant opportunities to have emerged from the turbulent 2020s is an easier, more efficient path to going global. Once relegated to malls, neighborhood shops, and local office spaces, many small businesses today are able to expand their horizons thanks to innovative new technologies that enable them to work remotely and collaborate with partners, resources, and customers from anywhere in the world. To give their business an extra edge in the decentralized, global marketplace, many companies are turning to cloud phone systems and cloud telephony.

The cloud and the dispersed communication system it supports enable entrepreneurs to conduct business from almost anywhere. But how does cloud telephony work? What are its main benefits? And most importantly, how do you choose the best system for your business?

What is Cloud Telephony?

“Cloud telephony is a phone system that operates via mobile data or the Internet. The cloud’s ability to host everything from files to messaging, voice communication, and video transforms these systems into unified communications platforms,” explained OpenPhone co-founder and CEO Mahyar Raissi. “With them, businesses can grow without being tethered to traditional hardware. And they can access and share their data and systems from anywhere in the world.”

OpenPhone is a cloud telephony service available for iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, and web browsers. Founded in 2018, the platform has grown in popularity among startups and small businesses, boasting more than 40,000 customers.

Also referred to as cloud calling, cloud telephony provides users access to business voice services via any mobile or Internet connection. These services are virtual solutions managed by third parties off-premise, so there’s no hardware or other equipment for businesses to deal with. And cloud telephony isn’t limited to basic voice calling; it includes SMS and MMS messaging, file sharing, business software integrations and more.

How Does Cloud Telephony Work?

“Cloud telephony offers a ton of flexibility,” said Raissi. “It removes the need for hardwiring and intermediaries by handling the entire call routing process, allowing businesses to access their phone systems through a web browser or mobile application.”

“Cloud telephony is essentially software that lets you use your business phone system from any computer or smartphone,” said Raissi. “This removes the need to use outdated, on-premise desk phones. This means that users can make and receive calls using any internet-connected device, such as computers, tablets, or smartphones, enhancing flexibility for remote workers. Cloud telephony handles the entire call-routing process through a business phone service provider. That way, you can call and text from any device, automatically sync your business contacts across your devices, and work from wherever you wish.”

From a cloud telephony online dashboard, businesses can easily assign numbers to team members, initiate call forwarding, and take advantage of numerous other calling features. The provider takes care of all the behind-the-scenes aspects, freeing businesses from administrative overhead and the obligation to manage their own PBX/PABX. The service provider is the party responsible for building and operating the servers that run the business phone system.

What Are the Major Benefits of Cloud Telephony?

• Simple-to-use: No more PBX systems gathering dust in the closet or obnoxious copper wiring. And businesses won’t have to call IT whenever there’s an issue. As for old-school desk phone hardware, it’s history, too.
• Scalable: With traditional business phone systems, businesses have to devote a large amount of time and effort to scale the system as their organization grows. Every time a new employee is hired, companies have to purchase a new desk phone, get the person trained, and deal with increased costs.
• Always up-to-date: With traditional PBX systems, all of the wires and hardware remain on-premises. That means a business’s in-house or outsourced IT department is in charge of maintaining and updating the system. So when updates happen, the business is usually required to purchase new equipment, servers, and other technology. In contrast, with cloud telephony, the service provider handles all of the technical aspects. All that a business will be required to do is occasionally update its mobile application to access all the new features and improvements.
• Flexible: Flexible working arrangements are on the rise. From remote and hybrid working models to bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies, businesses and employees alike are realizing the value of non-traditional working arrangements. Cloud telephony fits this model perfectly.

Key Features of Cloud Telephony

Cloud telephony offers a wide range of features that can significantly enhance business communications and boost productivity. One of the standout features is unified communications, which integrates multiple communication channels—such as voice, video, and messaging—into a single, cohesive platform. This means that businesses can manage all their communication needs from one place, streamlining processes and improving efficiency.

Another valuable feature is the auto-attendant. This function can answer calls, play customized greetings, and route calls to the appropriate person or department, ensuring that no call goes unanswered. Call forwarding is also a crucial feature, allowing users to forward calls to any phone number, whether it’s a mobile phone, landline, or another cloud phone number. This ensures that important calls are never missed, regardless of where team members are located.

Call recording is another essential feature, providing the ability to record and store calls for future reference. This can be particularly useful for training purposes or resolving disputes. Additionally, cloud telephony offers robust video conferencing capabilities, enabling users to hold virtual meetings and collaborate with team members remotely, which is especially valuable in today’s increasingly remote work environment.

Mobile app integration allows users to access their cloud phone system from their mobile devices, ensuring they can stay connected on the go. Similarly, web integration enables access to the cloud phone system from any web browser, providing flexibility and convenience. These features collectively make cloud telephony a powerful tool for modern business communications.

Cloud Telephony Security and Compliance

Security and compliance are paramount when it comes to cloud telephony services. Providers implement a range of measures to ensure the security and integrity of their systems. One of the primary security features is data encryption, which protects data both in transit and at rest, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential.

Firewalls are another critical security measure, blocking unauthorized access to the provider’s systems and safeguarding against potential threats. Access controls are also in place to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the system, adding an extra layer of security.

Compliance certifications are a testament to a provider’s commitment to security and regulatory standards. Many cloud telephony providers obtain certifications such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, demonstrating their adherence to industry best practices and legal requirements. Regular security audits are conducted to identify and address potential vulnerabilities, ensuring that the system remains secure and up-to-date.

By prioritizing security and compliance, cloud telephony providers offer businesses peace of mind, knowing that their data is protected and that they are meeting regulatory requirements.

Implementing Cloud Telephony

Implementing cloud telephony is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. First, it’s essential to choose a reputable cloud telephony provider that meets your business needs. Look for a provider that offers the features and support you require.

Next, assess your internet connection to ensure it is stable and fast enough to support cloud telephony. A reliable internet connection is crucial for maintaining high-quality voice and video communications.

Once you have selected a provider and confirmed your internet connection, it’s time to configure your cloud phone system. This involves setting up extensions, call forwarding, and auto-attendant features to meet your business needs. Most providers offer user-friendly interfaces that make this process easy.

Training your staff is the next step. Ensure that your team knows how to use the cloud phone system, including making and receiving calls, using video conferencing, and accessing voicemail. Providing comprehensive training will help your team make the most of the new system.

Finally, test your cloud phone system to ensure that it is working correctly and that all features are functioning as expected. This step is crucial to identify and address any issues before fully transitioning to the new system.

Cloud Telephony Cost and Pricing

Understanding the cost and pricing models of cloud telephony is essential for making an informed decision. Cloud telephony providers typically offer several pricing models to accommodate different business needs.

Per-user pricing is a common model, where providers charge a monthly fee per user. This fee can range from $10 to $50 per user, depending on the features included. This model is ideal for businesses that want predictable monthly costs.

Per-minute pricing is another option, where providers charge a fee for each minute of call time. This fee can range from $0.01 to $0.10 per minute. This model is suitable for businesses with variable call volumes.

Flat-rate pricing offers a set number of minutes or features for a flat monthly fee. This model provides cost predictability and can be a good option for businesses with consistent call volumes.

For large businesses or enterprises, custom pricing plans are often available. These plans are tailored to the specific needs of the business and can include a range of features and services.

By understanding these pricing models, businesses can choose the option that best fits their budget and communication needs.

Cloud Telephony Support and Maintenance

Support and maintenance are critical components of any cloud telephony service. Providers offer various options to ensure that their systems run smoothly and efficiently.

24/7 technical support is a common offering, providing businesses with round-the-clock assistance for any technical issues or concerns. This ensures that help is always available when needed.

Online support resources, such as knowledge bases and FAQs, are also available to help users troubleshoot common issues. These resources provide quick and easy access to information, reducing the need for direct support.

Regular software updates are essential for maintaining the security and functionality of the cloud telephony system. Providers release updates to address security vulnerabilities, add new features, and improve performance.

Maintenance contracts are another option, offering ongoing support and maintenance for the cloud telephony system. These contracts provide businesses with peace of mind, knowing that their system is being actively managed and maintained.

By offering robust support and maintenance options, cloud telephony providers ensure that businesses can rely on their communication systems to operate efficiently and effectively.

How Do You Choose a Cloud Telephony Provider?

One of the most important aspects of choosing a cloud telephony provider is finding one that offers all the features the business needs. Some of the top features to look for in a business cloud telephony system are voicemail, toll-free number availability, auto-attendant abilities, shared phone numbers, snippets and auto-replies, and easy integrations with business systems (like CRM).

Every business will have a different set of priorities. The trick is to identify must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. It’s also important to check customer reviews. Businesses make big claims about customer satisfaction and usability, but sometimes this is just marketing fodder. Using G2 or any other software review database, businesses can access product information, complete with a list of features and customer feedback.

It’s also extremely important for businesses to choose a system that’s easy to use. As Raissi highlights, an intuitive user experience can make a huge difference.

“When you have a business phone app that’s as intuitive as your other apps, there is no learning curve,” he said. “You can easily customize your phone settings and onboard teammates without the need to pay for IT support. This helps save businesses valuable time and resources.”

Data safety, privacy and security should be prioritized as well. Businesses are trusting service providers with one of their most valuable assets, their data. And unfortunately, some providers will use everything a business shares to their own advantage. Businesses need to ensure their provider has encryption, follows data protection standards and in no way has permission to use, view or sell user data.

And last but not least, it’s essential to understand the full price of any cloud telephony solution. Account for setup fees, maintenance, and subscription costs. Sometimes, sifting through all the hidden charges to find the real price can be difficult. But it can save time and money in the long run.

Image: Depositphotos

This article, "What is Cloud Telephony Service: What Businesses Need to Know" was first published on Small Business Trends