Published on: 17 May 2018
Last Updated on: 25 July 2024
Rather than handling their own delivery processes, many small businesses turn to logistics companies to fulfill their shipping needs. This includes companies from every industry, including small local businesses and nationwide e-commerce retailers. It is one of the easiest ways to make your business operations easier.
But why is this? What are the benefits of using a courier service? And should your business consider outsourcing delivery? Here are 5 reasons why SMEs use couriers and the benefits they can have.
Efficient Booking :
If handled in-house, arranging delivery can be a long process. This includes selecting the right route, arranging for parcels to be loaded and ensuring the vehicle leaves on time. Outsourcing to a courier only requires a short booking process using a streamlined, online system. Parcels can simply be collected at a time that suits you, then the rest is done for you. It’s one of the most efficient ways of making sure that your luggage is delivered in good time.
More Affordable :
Running your own delivery fleet can be expensive. From recruitment and wages to fuel and repairs, and training and software, costs can be sporadic and soon mount up. A courier, on the other hand, can be paid by invoice. This provides one single payment per month, which could help to boost cash flow and plan for growth – to save further, you could consider using a courier comparison service, like Parcel2Go.com. It is the most cost-effective way of shipping your products from one place to another.
Professional Image :
As a small business, it can be hard to attract customers. One reason for this is trust, as, without a reputation, customers may be unfamiliar with your brand. However, using a courier service can inspire trust by making your SME appear larger, more established and more professional. A courier service could also help your business to stand out from competitors. Courier services will definitely take the image of your brand to the next level.
Reduces Risk :
For SMEs completing their own delivery, should a parcel be lost or damaged, the onus is on them. When using a courier, on the other hand, items are insured. This provides the opportunity to claim, covering the cost of the order and reducing loss. However, it is important to remember that your company is responsible for resolving the issue and boosting customer satisfaction. You will significantly reduce your risk levels when you use courier services to ship your goods. They have safe transportation cargos and an insurance cover to mitigate the risk.
Provides Updates :
For SMEs, providing customers with regular delivery updates requires investment in software and staff training, both of which can be costly and time-consuming. However, a courier already has these systems in place. This provides your customers with tracking and notifications at every step, saving your business money and keeping customers happy.
As you can see, using a courier can benefit both SMEs and their customers, by reducing costs and saving time, as well as projecting a more professional image and providing delivery notifications.
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Running a start-up restaurant can honestly be quite terrifying, considering how many things can go wrong. A start-up restaurant is at a state where even a single bad review can have heavy consequences. Business owners with little experience will likely have plenty of trouble trying to make their restaurant relevant in an industry full of stiff competition.
Fortunately, while things can look helpless, it does not mean that there is nothing you can do. There is plenty that you can accomplish that will help your start-up weather the storm and set the foundations for success. Here are just a few methods to spice things up for your start-up!
Social media will always be your friend:
When it comes to trying to stay relevant, a social media platform is likely one of the most vital parts of marketing for your restaurant. Since your business is still new, it likely has not spread through word of mouth yet - fortunately, a social media account for your restaurant could single-handedly turn things around. Keep in mind, however, that you need to remain active in the social media space as much as possible. If you have to delegate the work to one of your employees to remain active, it would be a good idea to do so.
Bridging the gap between your restaurant and potential supporters will ensure that your restaurant can build brand loyalty and exposure.
Consider healthier alternatives as early as possible:
One of the reasons why some restaurants are not as popular as they could be is that they tend to ignore healthier alternatives. For example, www.kiril-mischeff.com can provide your restaurant with coconut cream, which provides an excellent alternative for those who happen to be lactose intolerant. You do not have to go all out with healthier options as you likely will not be able to afford it, but it does not mean that you should ignore it outright. Having coconut cream as a dairy alternative can open an entirely new avenue of cuisine!
Loyal employees will undoubtedly take care of your business:
Another reason why some start-up restaurants end up failing and closing down is due to the way they treat their staff. If there is no reason or incentive to work hard, you can bet that not only will your team provide the bare minimum effort, they will also likely quit within a year or two in search of greener pastures. Show your employees that you are willing to reward hard work, and it might just surprise you how much effort they are willing to put into ensuring that your business is a success.
Breathing life into your start-up is all about setting vital foundations as early as possible. You can make use of social media to gain a foothold and earn brand recognition, as well as use healthier alternatives and incentives to ensure the success of your business in the long run. With a bit of effort in the right place, your start-up will set itself up for success.
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Imagine you're on the edge of your seat in the middle of an action-packed, spellbinding movie. After a few climactic scenes, the main character makes a frantic phone call. He then cracks open a can of soda.
Nothing about this scene seems out of the ordinary. The character is simply quenching his thirst after a big police chase or a kung fu brawl.
That is until some familiar brand of soda appears on the can in a big, bold, unapologetic font.
Talk about a plot twist.
But product placement in movies is nothing new. Old school marketing techniques show how far companies will go to advertise. They'll even go as far to pay directors and producers to feature them in films.
There have been great instances of advertising that worked well in films. But there have been plenty of others that were so shameless and unnatural, we wish we could forget them.
Here are 6 of the silliest, most cringe-worthy moments of advertising in movies.
1. Starbucks (You've Got Mail):
'You've Got Mail' may be the first film to portray online romance. Given that it takes place in 1998, AOL was practically its own character in the film. Without it, Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters would have never "met" and fallen in love.
But AOL wasn't the only company to get prime ad space in 'You've Got Mail.' At the beginning of the film, Tom Hanks quips about the obscurity of Starbucks.
His character's snarky commentary doesn't serve much to the plot. But it does help to give the audience somewhat of an introduction to his character. All while appealing to pretentious coffee drinkers like his character in the process.
2. Designer Brands (Sex and the City):
Curious which movies with the most product placement made our list?
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the 'Sex and the City' film featured dozens of fashion labels. After all, fashion was a constant theme throughout the hit TV series.
The series has long appealed to women in the 20-30 age bracket. So, when it went to the big screen, tons of the biggest fashion labels came calling.
You better believe Louis Vuitton and Chanel made a handful of cameos throughout the film. But some other products made the cut, too. Nike, U-Haul, Apple, and Marie Claire are just a few of many brand name drops in 'SATC'.
Producers and creator Darren Starr were clearly not ashamed.
3. Reese's Pieces (E.T the Extra-Terrestrial):
Not all instances of product placement in movies are bad. Certain films have done it so subtly we hardly pick up on the smell of advertising.
Steven Spielberg's 'E.T the Extra-Terrestrial' is undeniably one of those movies. Who could forget when Elliot entices E.T by scattering Reese's Pieces around the woods and back to his house?
Hershey's certainly cashed in when E.T became a box office hit. But this was back in 1982. So, can product placement still hold merit today as an advertising technique?
The technique may actually be more effective than ever before. You can discover more about the different ways this technique continues to work.
4. Popeyes Chicken (Little Nicky):
Whereas E.T is a good example of subtle product placement, Adam Sandler's 'Little Nicky' is not. It's one of several Happy Madison comedies that wasn't well-received by critics. But it gained a cult following for its ridiculousness and quotability nonetheless.
In one scene, Adam Sandler, who plays the kindhearted son of Satan, learns how to eat with the help of a talking dog. What does he learn to eat with?
Popeyes fried chicken. And the large takeout box of it sits in the center of the shot. Even a big K-mart bag makes a small cameo, as well.
The scene concludes with Nicky proclaiming how awesome Popeyes chicken is. Not subtle in the least, but the scene is something fans continue to quote to this day.
5. "I Will Not Bow to Any Sponsor" (Wayne's World):
Is it any less shameful when a movie calls itself out on its attempts to advertise?
Few films are able to make fun of themselves about their blatant attempts to advertise. But the first 'Wayne's World' film provided a plot where it was possible to do so.
Wayne and Garth sell their public access show to a big-time TV producer. In the build-up to the climax, the producer confronts Wayne and Garth about their contract. They agreed to air an interview with the show's new sponsor, but Wayne insists otherwise.
What follows is a satirical scene of obvious advertisements all surrounding Wayne's opposition. While opening up a box of Pizza Hut, Wayne proclaims, "I will not bow to any sponsor."
Wayne goes on to explain that he doesn't believe in "selling out" while holding a bag of Doritos and drinking a Pepsi. Garth also gives his two cents on the idea of selling out while clad in Reebok gear from head to toe.
6. Heineken (James Bond Franchise):
The character James Bond has always had an affinity for dry martinis. This trait has inspired fans of the franchise to become martini drinkers for decades. But over the years, James Bond has dabbled in other commercial alcoholic drinks.
In 1997, the famous film franchise partnered up with the Dutch beer company, Heineken. Heineken has advertised the James Bond films since 1997's 'Tomorrow Never Knows.' The ads have always been over the top, contributing to the promotional side of the Bond franchise.
But Bond himself never drank the Dutch beer until 2012's 'Skyfall.' In one scene, while James Bond is in bed cuddled up with his latest love interest, he drinks a Heineken.
For any fan who has ever wished to be like James Bond, this scene is definitely inspirational. At least that's the kind of association Heineken had intended to portray.
The Power of Product Placement in Movies:
If you've ever watched a movie and noticed an advertisement, you may have reacted one of a couple of ways.
You may have hardly noticed or didn't care all too much. You could've felt preyed upon as a consumer or felt the ad ruined the experience. Or, you may have thought to yourself, "Wow. That was actually a great instance of advertising."
Product placement in movies allows companies to reach a worldwide audience. Depending on how big the film is, these audiences can reach into the millions.
When characters we love use certain products, we're more inclined to buy them. But there are other lots of other innovative and clever ways to advertise in movies - and beyond. If you're in need of some inspiration, check out more advertising news and ideas.
Read Also:
Online Marketing: Selling Your Product And Services
Important Things To Consider When Packaging Your Product
Do you want to know the answer to “how to find my Google reviews?” if your answer is a YES, then you have reached the right place!
Google reviews are by far the most genuine and trustworthy source of online feedback on a physical or online business's service or product. Before purchasing a product, customers from all over the world read the review section.
A report from a survey says that before buying a product or service online, 8-10 reviews are read. One thing is certain: a company's online reputation can be made or broken by online reviews.
However, many individuals and business owners have difficulty viewing their Google reviews. And if you are one of them, this article is the best one for you.
Keep reading to find out more about Google reviews…
My Google Reviews: What Are Google Reviews?
Google Reviews are reviews and comments left by people who have used or interacted with a business or establishment and want to share their experience with others. These reviews are created by Google users.
Anyone who searches for the company or reads its listing on Google Maps or Google Search will be able to access these reviews because they are published on Google's platform.
Google Reviews have a significant impact on a company's credibility and reputation. They offer useful insights into the quality of the products, services, and customer experiences, as well as customer satisfaction with the company as a whole.
Users can express their opinions, provide specific details about their experience, and offer recommendations or cautions to potential customers in the written comment section of each review, which includes a star rating (ranging from one to five stars).
Businesses can manage and respond to reviews, interact with customers, and address any concerns or issues raised in the feedback by claiming their Google My Business listing. Businesses can demonstrate their dedication to customer satisfaction and earn the trust of potential customers through this interaction.
Because they provide first-hand insights from actual customers, Google Reviews are widely used by consumers to make informed decisions about where to spend their money. Because experiences can vary, it is important to take into account multiple reviews and evaluate the overall consensus rather than relying solely on individual opinions.
How To See My Google Reviews?
To see Google reviews for a specific business, you can follow these steps:
Open a web browser and go to www.google.com.
In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to find reviews for. You can include the city or location for more accurate results.
Press Enter or click on the "Search" button.
In the search results, look for the Google Knowledge Panel on the right-hand side of the page. The Knowledge Panel typically includes information about the business, including its address, phone number, and reviews.
Scroll down the Knowledge Panel until you find the "Reviews" section. Here, you will see a summary of the overall rating (in the form of stars) and the total number of reviews.
To read individual reviews, click on the "Reviews" section, and you will be presented with a list of reviews left by customers. You can scroll through the reviews and click on each one to view the full review and any accompanying comments.
How To See My Google Reviews Through Google Maps?
Alternatively, you can also access Google reviews through Google Maps:
Open a web browser and go to www.google.com/maps.
In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to find reviews for. Again, you can include the city or location for more accurate results.
Press Enter or click on the "Search" button.
In the search results, click on the business listing that matches your search.
The business's Google Maps listing will appear, including its location on the map and various details.
Look for the "Reviews" section on the left-hand side of the screen. Here, you will see an overview of the business's rating and the total number of reviews.
Click on the "Reviews" section to view the individual reviews. You can scroll through the reviews, click on each one to read the full review, and see any accompanying comments.
Please note that you may need a Google account to leave reviews or interact with the reviews section. However, you can typically read reviews without having an account.
How To Add My Google Reviews?
To add your own Google review for a business, you can follow these steps:
Make sure you have a Google account. If you don't have one, you can create a Google account by going to accounts.google.com and clicking on "Create account."
Open a web browser and go to www.google.com.
In the search bar, enter the name of the business you want to review. You can include the city or location for more accurate results.
Press Enter or click on the "Search" button.
In the search results, find the business listing you want to review and click on it.
The business's Google Knowledge Panel will appear on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down until you find the "Write a review" button and click on it.
A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to rate the business using a star rating system (ranging from 1 to 5 stars).
After selecting your star rating, you can provide a written review by clicking on the text box provided. Here, you can share your experience, provide feedback, or offer recommendations to others.
You can also include photos or videos related to your experience by clicking on the camera icon or the "Add photos" button.
Once you are satisfied with your review, click on the "Post" button to submit it.
Your review will be published on Google, contributing to the business's overall rating and providing valuable feedback to other users. Remember to write a fair and honest review based on your personal experience with the business.
How To Edit My Google Reviews?
To edit a Google review you've previously posted, you can follow these steps:
Open a web browser and go to www.google.com.
Click on the "Sign In" button located at the top right corner of the page and log in to your Google account. Make sure to use the same account you used when writing the review.
After signing in, enter the name of the business for which you want to edit the review in the search bar. Include the city or location if needed for more accurate results.
Press Enter or click on the "Search" button.
In the search results, find the business listing associated with your review and click on it.
The business's Google Knowledge Panel will appear on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down until you find your review.
Under your review, you should see three dots or an "Edit" button. Click on these options.
If you see three dots, click on them and then click on "Edit review" in the dropdown menu. If you see an "Edit" button directly, click on it.
A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to make changes to your review.
Edit the rating, text, or any other information you wish to modify.
Once you've made the desired changes, click on the "Save" or "Update" button to save your edited review.
Your updated review will then be published on Google with the changes you made. It's important to note that you can only edit your own reviews, not those written by others.
How Can My Google Reviews Make A Difference?
Now that you know almost everything about Google reviews, let me tell you how it can help and make a difference. Take a look at some of these points below:
1. Influence Potential Customers
When people are researching a product or service, potential customers may be directly influenced by your reviews. Your positive review can boost their ; and influence their decision in favor of that company. Your own personal experience and advice can have a significant impact on other people's decisions.
2. Impact The Business's Reputation
Your reviews contribute to the overall reputation of the business. Positive reviews provide social proof and enhance the credibility of the business. Conversely, negative reviews can have a detrimental effect. By sharing your positive experiences, you can contribute to building a positive reputation for the business.
3. Provide Feedback To The Business
Your reviews offer valuable feedback to the business owners and management. By highlighting what you liked about their products or services, you provide insights into what they are doing well. Additionally, if you mention areas for improvement, it can help the business identify areas where they can enhance their offerings or customer experience.
4. Encourage Improvement
Constructive feedback in your reviews can motivate businesses to make improvements. When they see specific suggestions or areas that need attention, it can inspire them to take action and make necessary changes. Your review can contribute to driving positive change within the business.
5. Help Small And Local Businesses
Leaving reviews for small or local businesses can have a significant impact. These businesses often heavily rely on positive word-of-mouth and online reviews to attract customers. Your review can help them gain visibility, stand out from competitors, and thrive in their community.
6. Foster A Culture Of Quality And Customer Service
By praising businesses that deliver excellent products, services, or customer experiences, you contribute to fostering a culture of quality and customer service. Your positive reviews encourage businesses to maintain high standards and prioritize customer satisfaction, benefiting both the business and future customers.
7. Create A Sense Of Community
Engaging with businesses through reviews creates a sense of community and connection. Your reviews can foster a supportive environment where consumers share their experiences, provide recommendations, and contribute to the collective knowledge base. This helps create a vibrant online community that values transparency and shared experiences.
Remember, your reviews hold power, and sharing your genuine experiences and opinions can make a difference not only for the businesses but also for other consumers seeking reliable information.
Bonus: What Are The Benefits Of Google Reviews For Business?
Google Reviews offer several advantages for businesses as well as consumers. Here are some key advantages:
1. Increased Visibility
Positive reviews can improve a business's visibility in Google Search and Google Maps. Higher ratings and a greater number of reviews can enhance the business's online presence, making it more likely to appear in relevant search results and attract potential customers.
2. Trust And Credibility
Reviews from real customers help establish trust and credibility for a business. Positive reviews act as social proof, assuring potential customers that others have had positive experiences. This can encourage them to choose the business over competitors.
3. Customer Engagement
Google Reviews provide an avenue for businesses to engage directly with their customers. Responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, demonstrates attentiveness and a commitment to customer satisfaction. It allows businesses to address concerns, provide clarifications, and express gratitude for positive feedback, fostering a positive brand image.
4. Customer Insights
Reviews offer valuable insights into customer preferences, opinions, and expectations. By analyzing the feedback, businesses can gain a better understanding of their target audience, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions to enhance their products or services.
5. Competitive Advantage
Maintaining a high rating and positive reviews can give a business a competitive edge. Potential customers often compare businesses based on their ratings and reviews, and a positive online reputation can attract more customers, even in the presence of competitors.
6. SEO Benefits
Google Reviews contribute to search engine optimization (SEO) efforts. Positive reviews can improve a business's local search ranking, making it more likely to appear prominently in relevant search results. This can drive more organic traffic to the business's website or physical location.
7. Word-Of-Mouth Marketing
Positive reviews act as digital word-of-mouth recommendations. Customers who have had positive experiences may share their reviews with friends, family, or colleagues, potentially expanding the business's reach and attracting new customers.
It is worth noting that while positive reviews offer numerous advantages, negative reviews can also provide opportunities for businesses to address issues, improve their offerings, and showcase their dedication to customer satisfaction. Responding professionally and constructively to negative reviews can help mitigate any potential negative impact.
Wrapping It Up!
In case you were searching about My Google Reviews and the ways in which you can edit, see, and add them on the internet, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your comments and queries in the box below. And I will be there to answer them all for you!
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