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25 January 202322 March 2023 bridtech Consultancy, Security

10 Common IT Mistakes That You Need To Avoid

10 common mistakes found on online shops:

1. No shop button present on website homepage

If you have an online shop for your organisation, increase visibility by including the shop within the main site navigation. This will help with converting casual browsing visitors into potential customers.

Example of how the Tate shop promotes their shop. Shop button at the top of the site.

2. No incentive to go to the online shop

As digital marketers, it’s our role to find innovative and creative ways to drive traffic to the website. But when visitors land on the site, we need to review how we are incentivising traffic to the online store.

3. Not mobile-optimised

Making your website and shop mobile-friendly is critical, as a poor customer experience can make or break your relationship with potential customers. If your visitors are viewing your site with a mobile device, it can mean they are mobile themselves, which makes for a completely different experience than if they were viewing your website on desktop. Having your site mobile-optimised can also help with Google ranking in search.

4. No Unique Selling Point

Every organisation has strong core values and a unique offer. These same principles are the unique selling point to help your store stand out. For example, if all profits from the online shop go back into education programming or artist development, mention this within your online shop: it will create a deeper message for your customers.

5. No Calls To Action

Calls to action above the fold of a website will help the store have a higher conversion rate. Some examples of calls to action could be:

Buy now for free shipping when you spend £50
Sign up to the mailing list to receive 15% off your first order
Time-sensitive sales order by X date
Limited editions only available until X date/until stocks last etc.

6. No curated user journeys

Around 93% of online shoppers declared that the visual appearance of an online store plays a key factor in their purchasing decisions. (ecommerceguide.com). This is also true for a physical retail store: each section of the store is carefully designed to guide the customer around the store, even to checkout with small, low-cost goods for up-selling found at the till. Visitors expect a curated experience, and this is no different from when visitors land on your website and online shop.

If you are selling products related to a current exhibition, create a banner at the top of the store and drive traffic to this. The exhibition page needs to be well thought-out: push your best sellers to the top of the page, bundle products where possible and, if you are selling a large variety of goods, look to create categories to help the customer filter what they would be interested in buying.

7. Poor images

As customers are not able to physically see products in store, the images you display are key in making a sale. Best practice is to use multiple image angles and ideally lifestyle shots where possible. Check out how the Tate uses technology to display artwork for lifestyle shots in the home and how Artspace display product dimensions. Solutions like 360-degree product images and augmented reality will allow you to superimpose products within your visitors’ home, but can be pricey to implement.

8. Poor product copy

Try to avoid using long paragraphs of content: keep it concise and relevant. If your product copy can lend itself to a story related to your exhibition, provide this within the copy, but remember that context is key. Try to avoid common mistakes like linking out for further artist information: this could take a potential customer away from the shop page, creating a further step in the sales funnel that might also see customers exit your website. If you have important artist information which could help with a sale, display this within the product page so the next step would be to purchase. Also think about your organisation’s tone of voice when creating product descriptions: they don’t need to be robotic. Check out the Baltic Centre of Contemporary Art online shop for an example of fun and humorous copy that also drives sales.

9. No postage or delivery information

Displaying postage and delivery information on the product pages upfront will help reduce checkout abandonment, customer frustration and poor sales conversion.

10. No customer reviews

Customer reviews can be just as important as your product copy. Customers are more likely to purchase if previous customers have had a good experience with your shop and rate the product they have purchased. There are many apps you can plug into your online shop which will add customer reviews and automatically trigger sales messages to your customers post-purchase.

9 September 20239 September 2023 bridtech Uncategorised

E-commerce Trends in 2023

Ecommerce Trends :

E-commerce is a dynamic industry with constantly evolving trends and technologies. As of 2023, here are some of the prominent e-commerce trends that you can explore in our blog:

a) Omnichannel Shopping Experience: E-commerce businesses are focusing on providing a seamless shopping experience across various channels, including websites, mobile apps, social media, and physical stores. This trend emphasizes convenience and consistency for customers.

b) Mobile Commerce (M-commerce): With the increasing use of smartphones, mobile commerce continues to grow. Optimizing websites and apps for mobile devices, implementing mobile payment options, and leveraging mobile marketing are essential for e-commerce success.

c) Voice Commerce: Voice assistants like Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant are becoming more integrated into the e-commerce landscape. Consumers can now shop using voice commands, which opens up new opportunities for businesses to engage with customers.

d) Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): AR and VR technologies are enhancing the online shopping experience. Customers can visualize products in a real-world context, try them on virtually, or experience immersive shopping environments.

e) Personalization and AI-Driven Recommendations: E-commerce platforms are using artificial intelligence to analyze customer data and provide personalized product recommendations. This increases customer engagement and drives sales.

Social Commerce: Social media platforms are becoming more e-commerce-friendly. Features like shoppable posts and in-app purchasing are allowing businesses to sell directly to their social media followers.

f) Sustainability and Ethical Shopping: Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and ethical impact of their purchases. E-commerce businesses that emphasize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and transparent practices can gain a competitive edge.

g) Subscription Services: Subscription box models continue to gain popularity in e-commerce. Customers subscribe to receive products regularly, offering predictability for businesses and convenience for consumers.

h) Same-Day and Next-Day Delivery: Fast shipping options are becoming the norm. E-commerce companies are investing in logistics and delivery infrastructure to meet customer expectations for quick delivery.

i) AI-Powered Chatbots: Chatbots are improving customer service and support in e-commerce. They can handle routine inquiries, assist with product recommendations, and provide 24/7 support.

j) User-Generated Content: Encouraging customers to create and share content related to products can boost brand engagement. User-generated content, including reviews, photos, and videos, builds trust and credibility.

Payment Innovations: Alternative payment methods, such as digital wallets, buy now, pay later (BNPL) options, and cryptocurrency acceptance, are becoming more common in e-commerce.

k) Security and Privacy: With increasing concerns about data breaches and privacy, e-commerce businesses are focusing on robust security measures and compliance with data protection regulations.

l) Dynamic Pricing: AI-driven dynamic pricing algorithms adjust product prices in real-time based on demand, competition, and other factors. This can optimize revenue and improve competitiveness.

m) Customer Loyalty Programs: Loyalty programs, rewards, and VIP memberships are used to retain customers and encourage repeat business.

Marketplace Growth: Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba continue to grow and offer opportunities for third-party sellers to reach a broader audience.

n) Niche E-commerce: Specialized niche e-commerce stores are thriving by catering to specific customer interests and needs.

5 September 20235 September 2023 bridtech Uncategorised

Importance of Eco-friendly tech & Sustainability in today’s world :

Introduction:
Begin with a brief introduction to the importance of Eco-friendly tech and sustainability in today's world.
Highlight the role of technology in both contributing to environmental challenges and providing solutions.

1. The Impact of Technology on the Environment:
Discuss how the tech industry contributes to environmental problems, such as e-waste, energy consumption, and resource depletion.
Provide statistics and examples to illustrate the environmental impact.

2. Green Initiatives by Tech Companies:
Highlight various tech companies' sustainability efforts, such as reducing carbon emissions, using renewable energy, and sustainable supply chain practices.
Showcase success stories of companies making a positive impact on the environment.

3. Energy-Efficient Technologies:
Discuss energy-efficient technologies and practices in the tech sector, including data center optimization, smart grids, and energy-efficient hardware.
Explain how businesses and individuals can reduce their energy consumption through tech.

4. Sustainable Gadgets and Devices:
Explore Eco-friendly gadgets, including solar-powered chargers, energy-efficient appliances, and recyclable electronics. Provide recommendations for consumers looking to make sustainable tech choices.

5. E-Waste Management:
Explain the issue of electronic waste (e-waste) and its environmental consequences.
Offer guidance on responsible disposal and recycling of electronics.

6. Renewable Energy and Tech:
Discuss the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into technology infrastructure.Showcase examples of tech innovations that harness clean energy.

7. Sustainable Software Development:
Explore how software development practices, including coding efficiency and cloud computing, can reduce energy consumption and environmental impact. Highlight green software development frameworks and tools.

8. Green Data Centers:
Explain the concept of green data centers and their significance in reducing carbon footprints.Discuss innovative approaches to cooling and energy management in data centers.

9. Tech for Conservation and Environmental Monitoring:
Highlight examples of technology being used for environmental conservation, such as IoT devices for tracking wildlife and monitoring air quality. Discuss the potential of AI and data analytics in environmental research.

10. Tips for Sustainable Tech Use:
Provide practical tips for individuals and businesses to adopt Eco-friendly tech practices in their daily lives.
Include advice on reducing e-waste, optimizing energy use, and making informed tech purchases.

1 September 20231 September 2023 bridtech Uncategorised

Cloud Computing Vs Edge Computing

Cloud Computing:

The Basics of Cloud Computing: An Introduction: Start with a foundational article explaining what cloud computing is, its advantages, and the different service models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS).
Choosing the Right Cloud Service Provider: Discuss the major cloud service providers (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, etc.) and help readers understand how to choose the one that best suits their needs.
Cloud Security Best Practices: Explain essential security measures for protecting data and applications in the cloud, covering topics like encryption, identity management, and compliance.
Cloud Cost Management Tips: Offer strategies for optimizing cloud spending, including cost monitoring, rightsizing resources, and using pricing models effectively.
Serverless Computing: Revolutionizing Cloud Development: Explore the concept of serverless computing, its benefits, and use cases in modern application development.
Hybrid Cloud Solutions: Bridging On-Premises and the Cloud: Discuss how organizations can leverage both on-premises and cloud resources for flexibility and scalability.

Edge Computing:

Edge Computing vs. Cloud Computing: Key Differences and Use Cases: Highlight the distinctions between edge and cloud computing and provide examples of when to use each.

The Importance of Low Latency in Edge Computing: Explain why low latency is crucial in edge computing and how it impacts real-time applications like IoT and autonomous vehicles.

Edge Computing in IoT: Enabling Smart Devices: Explore how edge computing supports the Internet of Things (IoT) by processing data closer to the source, reducing latency and bandwidth requirements.

Edge AI: Bringing Machine Learning to the Edge: Discuss the role of artificial intelligence at the edge, enabling intelligent decision-making in remote and resource-constrained environments.

Edge Security Challenges and Solutions: Address the unique security challenges of edge computing and provide strategies to secure distributed edge devices and data.

Edge Computing in Industry 4.0: Explain how edge computing is transforming manufacturing and industrial processes, improving efficiency and automation.

Edge Computing in Telecommunications: Explore how edge computing is revolutionizing the telecom industry, particularly in 5G networks and beyond.

Edge Computing in Healthcare: Discuss the applications of edge computing in healthcare, including remote patient monitoring and real-time diagnostics.

Remember to keep your blog posts informative, up-to-date, and well-researched, providing practical insights and actionable advice for your readers interested in cloud and edge computing technologies.

20 December 202222 March 2023 bridtech Consultancy, Marketing

10 Top Tips to Improve Your Website Security

Simple Ways To Enhance Your Website Security:

If you have a website you must ensure that it is secure. You would be following certain practices and you may have website security software to protect your website from malware and hackers. This blog will guide you through the best practices in website security. While there are plenty of guides, this article will provide a comprehensive view of tips to improve your website security.

1. Software Update

You would probably be updating your software, however, you must ensure regular and prompt updates for the server operating system, the applications, and the website security software. Though performing updates for your webserver requires time and resources (including testing) it must be regularly performed. Unpatched software is exploited by hackers through zero-day exploits. Most websites get compromised due to unpatched or outdated software. If you use Content Management Systems such as WordPress, you must ensure that you immediately update your CMS as they become available. You must make use of automated alerts about update availability, as it may not be possible to regularly check for the availability of updates manually. According to best practices in #, you should use a patch management system.

2. Separate Database Server

Experts recommend maintaining separate web servers and database servers for better website security. Though the cost may be prohibitive for small organizations, it does make sense when you have to handle customer credentials and other data.

3. Avoid Hosting Multiple Websites on a Single Server

You can host multiple websites on a single server. Though it saves you considerable capital investment, web security experts do not recommend this practice. A server with a single content management system (CMS) such as WordPress or Joomla will provide a single theme and a couple of plugins that can be targeted. However, multiple websites translate into multiple CMS and plugins that can be targeted. A successful breach of a single website may allow the infection to spread to other websites hosted on the same server.

4. Password Policy

Define a strong password policy and assert the importance of policy adherence to all users. Recommend a minimum of 14 character length passwords, with a mix of alphabets, numerals and special characters. Do not use dictionary words or personally relatable information such as date of birth, phone numbers or vehicle numbers. If the system permits use pass-phrases. Do not reuse passwords. Password managers are useful, however, there is a mixed verdict regarding its security. Change ALL default passwords, and do not share them.

5. User Access Control

According to best practices in website security be stringent about providing access and permissions. Provide access and the necessary permissions only when required. Monitor user activity and logs for rogue behavior. Always use separate user accounts as it would allow you to track activity.

6. Backup Policy

Ensure regular backups to a different location – preferably the cloud. Do not store the backup on the same webserver. Data stored in digital form is at risk and could be lost. Backup data will help restore uncorrupted data in case of #.

7. CMS Solution Management

Most users continue to use the default settings and passwords due to convenience. However, this is a vulnerability. Automated attacks try to exploit default settings and passwords.

CMSs offer numerous extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins. Some are third-party offerings, and some are paid or free. Extensions make work easier, however, always use extensions that are necessary and download them only from legitimate sources.

8. SSL for eCommerce Website

An SSL certificate will encrypt communication, secure sensitive information shared by website visitors, prevent Man-in-the-Middle attacks, and showcase the authenticity of your website. And if you are an eCom merchant you need it for PCI compliance.

9. Configuration File Security

Typically there are three types of webservers – Apache, Nginx, and Microsoft IIS servers. You must know the implications of the rules set in the webserver configuration files. You must protect the webserver configuration file and other sensitive files.

10. Website Security Application

Manual monitoring to ensure website security is impossible. According to the best practices in website security, you must use a Web Security Solution, such as the Comodo cWatch Web, that will #, servers and applications for malware and vulnerabilities; and detect and prevent malware threats, zero-day vulnerabilities, DDoS attacks, and brute-force attacks.

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