Business
Customer Loyalty: As a Business, Should You Really Bother?
Of course, loyalty schemes actually need to provide something of value to customers in order to make them worth the effort.
An article in the Harvard Business Review (HBR) magazine from 1995 began with a rather bold comment about customer rewards programs, stating that they’re “reviled” in business circles because of their perceived cheapness.
While conceding that they do work to build a relationship between two parties, HBR concluded that mid-90s loyalty schemes were short-term, badly implemented, and ignored the entire purpose of a rewards program, i.e. to keep customers around for longer.
Nearly two decades on, has anything changed?
Starbucks Rewards
It’s fair to say that mega-corporations like Amazon don’t really bother with customer loyalty – and don’t need to. Granted, being able to get Prime with Amazon Video and all sorts of other perks might seem like a great deal, but it’s still part of a service that’s paid for by the customer.
By definition, rewards schemes are designed to do exactly that – re-pay the client or customer for sticking around and making more purchases. A good example is Starbucks Rewards, which gives customers one “star” per dollar spent. These stars can then be redeemed for goods.
In the online world, loyalty schemes can be a bit easier to produce rewards for, as they can be entirely digital. The video game companies Nintendo, Sony, Valve, Microsoft, Google, and Ubisoft all offer virtual incentives for playing or buying games.
In Nintendo’s case, all the player has to do is complete “missions,” such as completing animal requests in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp or clearing chapters in Fire Emblem Heroes. These missions reward completion with points that can be exchanged for physical items, like pin badges, and encourages sustained, long-term engagement with the product.
A similar type of scheme occupies online casino fans too. The industry is well-known for providing regular bonuses to cut through the noise of a crowded marketplace.
The BonusFinder New Zealand website reveals that operators sometimes offer deposit rewards, such as Wildz Casino’s 100% bonus of up to $500.
Regular depositors on the Neon Vegas site also have a chance to claim a prize every time they pay money into their account too. This is usually free turns on slot games.
A Positive Review
The question is, do these schemes – any of them – actually work? For businesses, the answer seems to be a resounding yes. According to digital services company KPMG, of customers that met the definition of “loyal,” 86% would recommend a business to somebody else, 66% would write a positive review, and 46% would show contrition to a company if they somehow made a mistake.
In a related survey from HubSpot, loyal customers are 50% more likely to try a new product or service – and also spend 31% more.
Of course, loyalty schemes actually need to provide something of value to customers in order to make them worth the effort. Starbucks Rewards might be considered a bit too expensive for the more casual coffee drinker, with 25 stars (equal to $25) needed for the most basic return – an added shot of milk, sauce, or espresso.
For the more hardcore fan though, and given how expensive Starbucks drinks can be, 25 stars might seem like nothing at all. So, creating a rewards scheme needs an understanding of customer demographics too.
Overall, while the biggest of companies, with their almost guaranteed customer base, might not bother with loyalty campaigns, they can be a boon for just about everybody else.
Business
Why Bags Are the Perfect Promotional Product for Your Business
Promotional products are a powerful tool for enhancing brand visibility and customer loyalty. Among these, bags stand out as an exceptional choice. They are versatile and practical and offer long-lasting exposure for your brand. In this guide, we will explore why bags are the perfect promotional product for your business and how they can effectively boost your marketing efforts.
Versatility and Customisation
One of the main reasons bags make excellent promotional products is their versatility. When buying products such as calico bags, you have numerous options to choose from, including tote bags, drawstring bags, and backpacks. Each type of bag can be customised to suit your brand’s unique style and message. These choices allow you to select the perfect bag for different occasions, whether it’s a corporate event, a trade show, or a customer appreciation gift.
Customising bags with your logo, slogan, or brand colours turns them into powerful marketing tools. Every time someone uses your branded bag, it effectively becomes a walking advertisement for your business. This continuous exposure helps reinforce brand recognition and recall, making your brand more familiar to potential customers.
Practicality and Daily Use
Bags are incredibly practical, making them a favourite among consumers. Unlike many promotional items that may end up in a drawer or discarded, bags are used regularly. This practicality ensures that your branded bag will be seen frequently in various settings, from grocery stores to gyms and workplaces.
When buying products, you ensure that your promotional items are not only useful but also durable. Calico bags, for instance, are made from strong, eco-friendly materials that can withstand daily wear and tear.
Building Customer Loyalty
Offering high-quality promotional bags can significantly boost customer loyalty. When customers receive a durable, attractive, and useful bag, they associate it with positive experiences and your brand’s generosity.
Additionally, branded bags can be part of a customer loyalty program or a special promotion, adding extra value to your offerings. By rewarding customers with practical and appealing items, you strengthen their connection to your brand and encourage repeat business.
Environmental Responsibility
In an eco-conscious market, demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility is crucial. Choosing calico sustainable bags for your promotional products shows that your business cares about the planet. These bags are made from unbleached cotton, which is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. By opting for sustainable materials, you reduce your brand’s environmental footprint and appeal to eco-conscious consumers.
Promoting the use of reusable bags aligns your brand with sustainable practices. This alignment can enhance your brand’s reputation and attract customers who prioritise environmental responsibility. By choosing eco-friendly promotional products, you send a strong message about your brand’s values and commitment to sustainability.
Cost-Effective Marketing
Bags offer a cost-effective marketing solution for businesses of all sizes. When buying products in bulk, the cost per unit decreases, making them an affordable option for promotional giveaways. This affordability allows you to distribute a large number of bags without straining your marketing budget.
Moreover, the long-lasting nature of bags ensures that your investment continues to pay off over time. Unlike advertisements that have a limited run, promotional bags keep promoting your brand for months or even years. This extended exposure maximises the return on your marketing investment, making bags a smart and economical choice for brand promotion.
Choosing Eco-friendly Bags
Options such as the calico bags are particularly beneficial when selecting promotional products. These bags are known for their durability and eco-friendliness. Made from unbleached cotton, they are strong enough to handle daily use while being gentle on the environment. This makes them an excellent choice for brands looking to promote sustainability.
These bags are also highly customisable. You can print your logo, message, or any design that represents your brand. This customisation ensures that your promotional bags stand out and effectively convey your brand identity. By choosing calico sustainable bags, you not only enhance your brand’s visibility but also demonstrate your commitment to eco-friendly practices.
Versatile Promotional Opportunities
Bags provide versatile promotional opportunities that can be tailored to different marketing strategies. Their practicality ensures that they will be used and appreciated by recipients, providing continuous brand exposure.
Additionally, branded bags can be included in promotional packages or as part of a product launch. This inclusion adds value to your offerings and makes your brand more memorable. The versatility of bags allows you to integrate them into various marketing campaigns, ensuring consistent and effective brand promotion.
Bags are the best promotional product for businesses looking to enhance brand visibility, build customer loyalty, and demonstrate environmental responsibility. Their versatility, practicality, and cost-effectiveness make them a valuable addition to any marketing strategy. By choosing high-quality options like calico sustainable bags, you can create impactful promotional items that resonate with customers and promote your brand for years to come. Investing in branded bags is a smart and strategic way to achieve your marketing goals and drive business growth.
Business
Service-Based Enterprises: S-Corps for Advisors and Consultants
In the quickly changing business environment of today, service-based enterprises are growing in popularity. Particularly advisers and consultants are in great demand as businesses look for professional direction to overcome difficult obstacles and remain competitive. Though these experts are highly skilled in their domains, they often have difficulties in optimizing their tax benefits and effectively completing their tax filings. Here’s where S-Corps may provide a useful remedy.
Compared to regular workers, freelancers—who often belong to the category of service-based businesses—face particular tax issues. Freelancers must pay their own taxes, including self-employment taxes, in contrast to workers whose employers deduct taxes from their paychecks. Social Security and Medicare taxes, which are normally deducted from workers’ paychecks, are included in self-employment taxes and a self-employed tax calculator can help you determine how much you’ll owe.
The intricacy of tax computation is one of the main problems freelancers face. It might be difficult to figure out how much money to save for taxes, particularly if you’re just starting out as a self-employed person. A 1099 tax calculator might be a useful tool in this situation. Freelancers may estimate their tax burden based on their income, deductions, and other pertinent criteria by using a 1099 taxes calculator. Freelancers may better understand their tax responsibilities and make plans by utilizing this tool.
The need to pay anticipated taxes is another difficulty faced by independent contractors. Freelancers are required to submit quarterly anticipated tax payments to the IRS, in contrast to employees who have taxes deducted from their paychecks throughout the year. These payments are meant to meet the freelancer’s annual tax due and are determined by their predicted income.
Freelancers may use an estimated tax calculator to ensure that their projected tax payments are correct. An estimated tax calculator calculates the proper amount due each quarter based on the freelancer’s income, deductions, and other pertinent information. By utilizing this application, independent contractors may make sure they are fulfilling their tax requirements all year long and avoid fines for underpayment.
Freelancers are capable of handling their tax responsibilities on their own, but many find the procedure difficult and time-consuming. Here’s where the S-Corp organizational structure may be quite advantageous. A legal structure known as an S-Corp, or Subchapter S Corporation, enables independent contractors to run their companies as separate legal entities from themselves. Freelancers may profit from some IRS tax advantages that aren’t accessible to independent contractors or sole proprietors by doing this.
The potential for tax savings is one of the main benefits of operating as an S-Corp. In contrast to lone entrepreneurs, who must pay self-employment taxes on their total net income, owners of S-Corps are allowed to separate their revenue into two categories: distributions and salaries. While the payout part is exempt from self-employment taxes, the salary portion is. This kind of income structuring allows S-Corp owners to possibly lower their total tax obligation.
Furthermore, owners of S-Corps may take advantage of certain tax preparation techniques and deductions that are not accessible to sole proprietors. S-Corps, for instance, are able to write off a number of company costs, including health insurance premiums, retirement contributions, and travel expenses for work. The S-Corp owner’s taxable income may be further decreased by these deductions, which might save a large amount of money on taxes.
Additionally, the procedure for paying taxes is simpler for S-Corps. S-Corps file a separate tax return, Form 1120S, in contrast to sole owners who record their company income and costs on Schedule C of their personal tax return. By keeping personal and corporate money separate, it is possible to streamline tax filing procedures and lower the possibility of mistakes or audits.
In conclusion, optimizing tax savings and effectively reporting taxes are frequent issues for service-based organizations like consultants and advisers. Accurate tax calculation and on-time projected tax payments are particularly difficult for freelancers. However, freelancers may better understand their tax liabilities and make appropriate plans by using tools like an anticipated tax calculator and a 1099 taxes calculator.
Freelancers may also profit from the S-Corp form, which offers substantial tax benefits that sole proprietors cannot. S-Corp owners may be able to lower their total tax obligation by splitting their income between salary and distributions. S-Corps may also benefit from tax planning techniques and deductions that can lower their taxable income even further.
In the end, service-oriented companies must carefully weigh the advantages of functioning as S-Corps and confer with a tax expert to ascertain the most advantageous tax-saving tactics for their particular situation. They will be able to optimize their tax savings, expedite the tax filing process, and concentrate on what they do best—offer their customers outstanding services.
Business
Nine Amazing Tips to Become a Famous Author in Australia
Long before the British colonization, the brilliancy of Australia’s oral storytelling traditions shined bright. This tradition has faced a lot of change over the decades after waves of immigration and colonization. Now, authors in Australia have a lot more room to experiment.
The people who were already here when the colonizers arrived, and those who came to this land later have formed many perspectives and voices, creating fine examples of Australian writing and great authors.
If you are here, you may be wondering how to join the list of great Australian authors. Read this guide to learn the best tips for achieving your dream.
- Define Your Niche
The first and most important thing you must determine as an aspiring writer is your niche. Finding your niche is as simple as figuring out what you love, identifying your strengths, and practicing as much as you can. Every writer has a unique voice and inclination toward one or more genres.
The best way to define your niche is to read different genres and types of books. In addition, try writing short stories to establish a distinct authorial identity.
When you practice every day and brainstorm regularly, you will find an identity that resonates with your target audience and leads you to become a successful writer in Australia.
- Create a Writing Routine
To become a great writer in any part of the world, one thing that you cannot overlook is the importance of practice. No skill can be excelled without creating a writing routine and following it regularly. You must develop a consistent routine that ensures your regular progress.
Remember not to push your limits when creating a writing routine. Do not set unrealistic goals that may burn you out. Consistency must be the most important goal, even if you write just a few paragraphs every day.
- Read More
One thing every great writer can agree to do consistently is to read widely. You may think that reading and writing are different paths but it is just a misconception. In reality, reading and writing are more strongly interlinked than you may think.
Reading regularly can help you significantly improve your writing skills. You must read diverse literature to get inspired and expand your perspectives. Most importantly, reading widely can also help you enrich your writing style to grow as a writer.
When you read work by the best authors in a genre or type of literature, you indirectly learn from the best in the industry. No guide or educational video can match the knowledge that you gain this way.
- Seek Feedback
Any author who wants to grow in their niche understands the importance of seeking feedback. Criticism is a part of your professional growth, and you must be open-minded towards accepting it. It can help you refine your writing skills and strive for continuous improvement.
You must embrace positive and negative criticism with an open mind. Feel free to ask your writing colleagues and mentors for their opinions on your content.
Every bit of criticism and appreciation can help you recognize your strengths and weaknesses to grow as a famous author in Australia.
- Attend Events and Conferences
Several writing events and conferences are held in Australia every year. Each event is an opportunity for aspiring writers to meet established ghostwriters, editors, literary agents, publishers, and other professionals in the field.
You can participate in workshops, seminars, and conferences to meet the best people in the writing industry. In addition, it is also a great opportunity to network with peers and open yourself up to collaboration opportunities in the future.
- Establish a Blog
Every beginner author must explore the several benefits of blogging. It is an ideal opportunity for authors to establish their authority, connect with potential readers, and broaden their horizons.
Even if you are not sure how to begin your journey, you can hire a ghostwriter in Australia. They can promote you and your work while staying focused on your niche with expertise. You can also learn the best writing skills and tricks from them to thrive in your own career.
As an author of a novel, it may take you months or even years to know what your audience thinks about your work. However, a blog can instantly connect you with your audience and promote your work effectively.
- Stay Up to Date
The Australian economy and the writing industry are ever-evolving. Trends, reader preferences, and book marketing strategies change every day. If you want to succeed as a writer in Australia, you must stay up-to-date with industry trends.
The publishing market can be very competitive. Staying on top of news, trends, and preferences of the readers can play an essential role in helping you succeed as a striving author in the Australian content market.
You can also subscribe to newsletters, attend webinars, and engage in online writing communities to stay updated and become more recognized in your industry.
- Build Your Online Presence
In this technology-driven world, a strong online presence is as important as being a brilliant writer. Without one, you cannot expect your talents to be recognized.
Platforms such as author websites, blogging sites, and social media can help you connect with readers, showcase your work, and build a community.
If you are not sure where to begin, you can start by building your author’s website. Since most book lovers buy books online, this platform can facilitate the buying process for them. An author website is essential for connecting readers to booksellers or even your own book-selling section.
- Enter Writing Competitions
As an author trying to find recognition in the competitive Australian market, you cannot let any opportunity of gaining recognition slide by. One of the best ways to become a credible author is by participating in writing competitions held all around Australia.
When you participate in and win these events, you can gain recognition and secure literary awards. In addition to your rewards, you can receive feedback from expert writers and enhance your credibility as an author in the writing industry.
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