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Does Your Small Business Need an App?

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Entrepreneurs should weigh pros and cons before investing in an app for their small business.

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, you might be tempted to invest time and money developing an app for your small business. You might have even been approached by marketing companies claiming that having an app for your business is critical to increase sales and/or customer engagement. Before you start designing your company’s mobile app, SCORE – mentors to America’s small businesses – encourages you to first consider a few important questions.

Do you need it?
Think about what an app can do – accept payments, complete registrations, enhance engagement, allow for a bit of fun. Which of those functions, if any, would benefit your business?

Can the same be accomplished with a mobile-friendly website? If the functions you’d like an app to serve are fairly straightforward, a mobile site might be all you need to encourage customers to complete tasks on their devices. A mobile-friendly format might even drive potential customers to learn more about you on their phones, rather than bookmarking your site to check out later on their laptops.

An app can make the hard work you put into your web design and functionality redundant. And if there’s no clear function that makes an app different and better from your mobile site, it’s probably not necessary.

Do your customers need it?
How many apps do you have on your phone for the individual businesses you visit? How many of them did you download, use once and forget about? Your customers need a clear reason to use your app, either for enhanced convenience or to unlock special features.

For instance, if you have a dog grooming studio, massage therapy practice or hair salon, an app may help clients schedule appointments quickly and easily. An app can also make it easy for customers to track a rewards program or special offers.

Can you afford it?
If you’re contracting out the development and design of an app, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 (for a bare-bones app that doesn’t offer much functionality) to $500,000 (for a fully-featured app with a beautiful design, unique and compelling content and flawless functionality). App development can easily approach the $100,000 range, depending on complexity. Bells and whistles are expensive!

If you’re tech-savvy and plan to develop an app in-house, you’ll have to consider the time your employees will spend on such a project. It’s not just about the hours they get paid to work on the project — it’s also about the time they spend away from other work.

“The mobile app development industry is highly dynamic and competitive, thereby necessitating not only unique concepts but also excellent quality,” advises SCORE mentor Adam Torkildson. “As mobile usage grows, it is critical that your mobile app works smoothly across all devices and platforms.”

Once your app has launched, it’s going to need care. You’ll need to publish updates and squash bugs. Who will take care of those tasks? An outside developer may require a retainer agreement to maintain your app. Meanwhile, your in-house team may need to work quickly to react to tech developments that require adapting your product.

If you want to discuss the best mobile options for your business, contact a SCORE mentor. They’ll be happy to help review your options and guide you toward technology investments that will help your business grow.

SCORE client Manasse Shingiro, owner of Casco Bay Cleaning Services in Portland, Maine, explains the benefit of working with a mentor: “Going through growing pains as a business, you have to have someone in your corner helping you navigate.”

Interested in sharing your technological expertise with other entrepreneurs? Learn more about becoming a SCORE mentor on SCORE’s website.

About SCORE:
Since 1964, SCORE has helped more than 17 million entrepreneurs start, grow or successfully exit a business. SCORE’s 10,000 volunteers provide free, expert mentoring, resources and education in all 50 U.S. states and territories. Visit SCORE at www.score.org.

Funded [in part] through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

CONTACT:
SCORE
202-968-6428
media@score.org

Looking for a small business expert or owner for an upcoming media story? Email media@score.org to request an interview source.

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CGTN: Starting a new era in Asia-Pacific development amid global uncertainty

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BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2024 /CNW/ — Over the decades, the Asia-Pacific region has been a vital driver of global economic growth. In October, the International Monetary Fund predicted the region would contribute approximately 60 percent to global economic growth in 2024.

At the same time, Asia-Pacific cooperation is confronted with challenges such as rising tendencies of geopolitics, unilateralism and protectionism. In this regard, Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday called on leaders of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members to shoulder greater responsibilities.

“We must act in solidarity and cooperation to meet the challenges, fully deliver on the Putrajaya Vision 2040, build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future, and start a new era in Asia-Pacific development,” said Xi, when attending the 31st APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru’s capital Lima.

China’s proposal

To deepen Asia-Pacific cooperation, the Chinese president on Saturday made three proposals.

Firstly, Xi stressed the need to build an open and interconnected paradigm for Asia-Pacific cooperation, calling for staying committed to multilateralism and an open economy.

China has made great efforts towards an open Asia-Pacific economy. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China is the largest trading partner of 13 APEC economies and has actively advanced the building of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area, promoted high-quality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and applied to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement.

Secondly, Xi emphasized the need to make green innovation a catalyst for the Asia-Pacific, saying APEC economies should push forward coordinated digital and green transformation and development to create new momentum and new drivers for Asia-Pacific development.

China is developing new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions and deepening cooperation with interested parties on green innovation. Xi announced on Saturday that China will launch a Global Cross-Border Data Flow Cooperation Initiative.

China has put forward initiatives for cooperation between APEC member economies in green agriculture, sustainable city development, green and low-carbon energy transition, and marine pollution control and prevention.

The Chinese president also urged efforts to uphold a universally beneficial and inclusive vision for Asia-Pacific development. The data unveiled by the Chinese Foreign Ministry showed China contributes 64.2 percent of the region’s economic growth, 37.6 percent of the growth in goods trade, and 44.6 percent of the growth in services trade.

Xi told APEC leaders that China will advance initiatives through the APEC platform on increasing residents’ income and promoting the industrial cluster development of small- and medium-sized enterprises, for the purpose of bringing about universally beneficial and inclusive development of Asia-Pacific economies.

China’s commitments

China will host the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026, Xi announced on Saturday, saying China welcomes all parties to continue riding the “express train” of its development and grow together with the Chinese economy.

The Chinese president reiterated China’s commitments to reform and opening up. “Reform and opening up is a historic process in which China and the world achieve development and progress together,” he said.

The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, at its third plenum in July, laid out systematic plans for further deepening reform across the board with more than 300 consequential reform measures being unveiled, pertaining to building a high-standard socialist market economy, advancing high-quality economic development, promoting high-standard opening up, improving the people’s quality of life, and building a beautiful country.

In his written speech at the APEC CEO Summit on Friday, Xi also said China will introduce more policies for voluntary and unilateral opening up, expand its globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade areas, and open its door even wider to the world.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-11-17/Starting-a-new-era-in-Asia-Pacific-development-amid-global-uncertainty-1yAvmNr7lYc/p.html 

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SOURCE CGTN

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CGTN: How does Chancay Port light up Asia-Pacific cooperation?

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BEIJING, Nov. 16, 2024 /CNW/ — From the arrival of the first ship at Chancay Port to its official inauguration, the port has gained global attention in recent days, boosting confidence in the prospects of more open and inclusive Asia-Pacific economic development.

The port, a cooperative project between Peru and China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will reduce sea shipping time from Peru to China to 23 days, cutting logistics costs by at least 20 percent. It is expected to generate $4.5 billion in annual revenue for Peru and create over 8,000 direct jobs. The port, capable of accommodating ultra-large container ships with a capacity of 18,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), has a designed annual throughput capacity of 1 million TEUs in the near term and 1.5 million TEUs in the long term, positioning it as a key hub for trade between Latin America and Asia.

Noting that the port connects Chancay and Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked that “what we are witnessing is not only the root and blossom of the BRI in Peru but also the birth of a new gateway that connects land and sea, Asia and Latin America” during his address via video link at the port’s inauguration ceremony.

Peruvian officials: ‘More job opportunities and economic growth’ brought to Peru

Senior Peruvian officials and ordinary citizens have said they are looking forward to benefiting from the first smart and green port in South America.

Prime Minister of Peru Gustavo Adrianzen said that cooperation between China and Peru, including the Chancay Port project and other fields, will bring more job opportunities and economic growth to Peru, improving people’s living standards.

Jose Tam, president of the Chinese-Peruvian Chamber of Commerce, talked about the significance of Peru’s Chancay megaport with CGTN, saying the port will be an “engine” for the local economy.

Juan Carlos Capunay, former executive director of the APEC Secretariat and former Peruvian ambassador to China, also stated that the port will play an important role in deepening bilateral relations and fostering practical cooperation between China and Peru.

Entrepreneur Cielo Augusto from Chancay said he is looking forward to building the first levels of business while noting that industries such as hospitality will also be boosted, as there will be a significant influx of people from abroad.

“The port will save time, increase efficiency and bring new opportunities to Peru,” Karla Santuyomarca, a Peruvian citizen, told CGTN.

Some 78.3 percent of respondents to a CGTN survey of Peruvians said they support their country’s participation in the BRI, which includes Chancay Port. Additionally, 93.6 percent of respondents expressed support for deepening practical cooperation in various fields between China, Peru and other Latin American countries.

Open, interconnected Asia-Pacific cooperation

With its official opening on Thursday, Chancay Port is expected to integrate the entire Latin American region into the dynamic economic framework of the Asia-Pacific, greatly enhancing connectivity within and beyond the continent.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Elmer Schialer Salcedo said, “The Pacific Ocean does not separate us, but it connects us,” adding that Chancay Port will halve the time and costs of connecting South America with Asia.

Carlos Aquino Aquino Rodriguez, professor of Asian economies at San Marcos National University, said the port is crucial to the economic development and connectivity of the Asia-Pacific and can also promote mutual benefits for raw material buyers, suppliers of manufactured goods and investors.

In a CGTN global poll on Asia-Pacific cooperation, 93.7 percent of respondents called on all parties in the region to forge consensus and build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future featuring openness and inclusiveness, innovative growth, connectivity and win-win cooperation.

https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-11-17/How-does-Chancay-Port-light-up-Asia-Pacific-cooperation–1yAAAYcaP28/p.html

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SOURCE CGTN

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Effeect’s CEO David Ispiryan Shares Insights on Maximizing PPC Campaigns Through AI and Machine Learning in Forbes Council Post

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David Ispiryan’s Forbes Article Offers Actionable Advice for Leveraging AI in PPC Advertising

SHERIDAN, Wyo., Nov. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — David Ispiryan, CEO of Effeect and member of the Forbes Agency Council, recently published a featured article on Forbes titled “AI And Machine Learning In PPC: How To Automate For Maximum Results.” In this insightful piece, Ispiryan shares strategies for automating PPC advertising campaigns through AI and machine learning. This article aims to equip businesses with the knowledge needed to optimize PPC performance, reduce costs, and drive higher returns.

The digital advertising space is rapidly evolving, and AI-powered tools are changing how businesses approach PPC campaigns. From automated bid management to audience segmentation and predictive analytics, Ispiryan’s article on Forbes covers the core ways that AI and machine learning are transforming PPC.

Key Highlights from David Ispiryan’s Article

AI-Powered Bid Management: Bid management can be a complex and time-intensive task in PPC campaigns. Ispiryan highlights that AI algorithms streamline this process by automatically adjusting bids based on several factors. He explains that advertisers can automate their bids for optimized conversions. “AI-driven bid management allows businesses to spend less time adjusting bids” said Ispiryan. “Tools like Smart Bidding make it easier to achieve optimal ROI by targeting the most valuable customers.”Automated Ad Creation with Dynamic Search Ads (DSAs): Ispiryan underscores the importance of Dynamic Search Ads (DSAs), which automatically create ads based on a website’s content. By targeting long-tail keywords, DSAs help businesses capture high-intent users further along in the buying process. This automation fills potential keyword gaps, reaching audiences who are ready to convert.Enhanced Audience Targeting through AI: In his article, Ispiryan explains how AI tools analyze user behavior, demographics, and search history to create customized audiences. By using tools like Google’s Custom Audiences and Facebook’s Lookalike Audiences advertisers can ensure their ads resonate with their leads.Predictive Analytics for Smarter Budget Allocation: Predictive analytics allows advertisers to anticipate user behavior and make informed budget decisions. AI-powered tools in Google Ads and Microsoft Ads use historical data to predict conversion likelihood, making it easier for businesses to allocate budgets effectively. “Predictive analytics enables businesses to target users who are most likely to convert, maximizing the effectiveness of their ad spend,” said Ispiryan. “With predictive bid adjustments, companies can stay agile, responding to market changes in real time.”Automated A/B Testing with Responsive Search Ads (RSAs): A/B testing is crucial for PPC success, and Ispiryan discusses how Google’s Responsive Search Ads (RSAs) simplify this process. By inputting multiple headlines and descriptions, Google’s AI tests and determines the most effective combinations, continuously optimizing ad performance without manual effort.

Maximizing PPC Campaigns with AI and Machine Learning

According to Ispiryan, AI and machine learning are revolutionizing PPC by automating processes that once required hours of manual work. Through actionable advice in his Forbes article, Ispiryan urges businesses to set clear goals and regularly review campaign performance to ensure their automation strategies align with their broader marketing objectives.

“Automation is a powerful tool, but it works best when complemented by human insight,” Ispiryan concluded.

Read the Full Article

To explore more on these groundbreaking PPC automation strategies, read David Ispiryan’s full article on Forbes

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Automation is a powerful tool, but it works best when complemented by human insight.

Media Contact

Bill Adams, Digital Marketing Agency, 1 3072882822, info@digitalmarketingarticle.com, https://digitalmarketingarticle.com/ 

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SOURCE Digital Marketing Agency; Digital Marketing Agency

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