Why Online Presence Is Everything In Business

Invest in a Fantastic Website

Your site is your online representation of your business. It is the first thing customers and clients will see, so it needs to be right and make a good impression. A web designer will be able to create something custom for you and help you stand out from your competitors. Try and do this yourself and your site might look amateur and put people off before they’re even properly looked. It should be visually pleasing, not cluttered with ads and have beautiful graphics designed. A good website doesn’t come cheap, but is a very worthwhile investment for your business. Of course, there are plenty of platforms out there that can host your site. So, make sure to look into them before opting for one over another. You can find Shopify reviews here to get started!

Essential Tips To Keep Data Secure

Data security is one of the biggest concerns for modern business owners. Many companies are operating more services online, from remote working, customer service or handling your company’s payroll. With more sensitive data going online, it’s important to protect it, to avoid a major data breach. 

1. Remember physical security. A data breach doesn’t always come from hacking. Data can be stolen by someone accessing your office. To stop this, look at different kinds of door entry systems to keep the office secure. Make sure staff turn off their screens and lock their computers when they leave their desks, and that nothing is ever left lying on printers waiting to be collected. 
2. Encrypt your data. You don’t need to be a computer whiz to encrypt your data. There are all kinds of simple tools available to help you to encrypt your emails and other company data. 
3. Backup your data. You must have a backup in order to keep any data safe in case any business devices are lost, stolen or compromised. Store backups in the cloud, so data is not lost with the device or lost in an office mishap like a flood or a fire. 
4. Protect against Malware. Anti-malware protection is a basic foundation of security for your devices. Malware is made to infiltrate and do damage to a computer. Malware might be in the form of viruses, worms, or spyware. It might get into your device from websites, emails, or hidden in software downloads. Do regular checks for spyware and always run strong anti-malware protection. Teach staff to be aware of what they download or click on online or in emails.
5. Make old hard drives unreadable. If you’ve upgraded your computers and are throwing out old ones, make sure you clear the hard drive first to prevent your data from being stolen off of it. You can clean disks with a magnet or clean-disk software. 
6. Install operating system updates. Updates can be annoying, especially when they’re interrupting your work, but they are very important. These automatics updates often contain security patches that are critical to stop new threats. Set your operating system to update automatically so can’t miss an update by mistake and be put at risk. 
7. Secure your wireless network. Your wireless network in the office should have a secure password. If your wireless is open, anyone can get on it, and use it to get at company data. A password is a simple tool, but they work.  
8. Turn off your computer. When you’re not using it, turn it off. As well as being at risk to those walking by, a computer that is left on and connected to the internet is at risk of being hacked. A hacker can’t get in via the internet connection if it’s not online. 

A data breach can be a disaster for a business. As well as the information you lose, it can damage your reputation and trust in your brand. Take data security seriously to stop this from happening. 

5 Ways to Use Technology to Enhance Your Event

Whether you’re hosting an industry event or displaying an exhibition stand at a conference, it is up to you to generate interest. You want to be distinctive and original, creating a memorable experience that sticks in people’s mind long after they have left the building.

It’s not enough to merely put up banners and offer refreshments. These are tired old tricks that will no longer have much effect on attendees. Many brands are now using technology to showcase their products and services in unique and interactive ways.

Although your budget can be a limiting factor, technology is a brilliant way to distinguish yourself from your competitors, create engagement and professional connections with event attendees and boost your brand awareness.

To give you some inspiration, here are five ways brands have successfully used interactive technology to enhance their events.

1. Augmented and virtual reality

AR and VR have been the latest craze for a few years now, and brands are still finding new and exciting ways to leverage this technology. Make an impact at your event by developing bespoke, branded virtual reality content and allowing attendees to experience it using a VR headset. Either use it to showcase a new product or simply as a fun gimmick to attract huge crowds to your stand.

Augmented reality enhances the real world with computer-generated imagery, and can be used in several fun and exciting ways at events. Fashion companies, for example, have used AR mirror signage to show users what they would look like wearing certain outfits.

1. Event apps

Creating a branded app for all attendees allows all users to get more out of an event. It can present more opportunities for networking and engagement, as well as behind the scenes access and information about the brands and speakers who are presenting. It’s a fantastic personal touch that will enhance the event experience for all attendees.

1. Charging stands

Everyone has a smartphone that constantly needs charging. There’s nothing worse than getting halfway through a day-long event and realising your phone has died. Solve this problem for people by incorporating a charging stand complete with ports and cables into your display. This will draw a great deal of footfall and hugely increase the number of people interacting with your brand. 

1. Touchscreen kiosks

Touchscreen kiosks strategically placed throughout your event allows participants to navigate your event and obtain any information they need, quickly and efficiently. Putting these at the entrance, you can use them to register guests while capturing details so you can follow-up with them post-event.

1. Video walls

A prominent video wall display can give your event the “wow factor.” Displaying visually exciting branded content throughout will draw people in, and may even be shared widely on social media. Use it to display your messaging and impart valuable information to guests.

Technology can be used in a huge variety of ways to enhance any event. From the smallest tablets and charging ports right up to enormous video walls and virtual reality experiences, there are technology solutions available to suit any budget. Consider enlisting the service of an experiential events agency to help you get the most out of your event.