20 Reasons Why WooCommerce for Your eCommerce
Are you currently planning to build and launch an eCommerce business? Then one of the key decisions is picking the best development platform among all the available options such as Shopify, Magento, Bigcommerce, WooCommerce, etc.
WooCommerce is certainly worth taking a look at for eCommerce web development. As per sources, at least more than 5 million online stores are using WooCommerce in 2021 and will continue growing.
Here are some salient reasons why WooCommerce is as good as gold for your e-store business.
1. Pre-installed payment gateways
WooCommerce enables store owners to accept payment with already installed multiple payment gateway options from leading providers such as Paypal, Amazon Pay, and Stripe. It also accepts payment through debit/credit card, COD, or bank transfer without compromising security.
2. Support Geolocation
It is easy to discover customer’s locations with their IP addresses. As a store owner, you can not deliver products to specific areas, states, or countries. WooCommerce helps you to restrict pages, products, and categories according to the user’s geolocation.
3. Upload product detail
With WooCommerce, it is easy for business owners to add/update product details such as product name, price, description, and other essential information easily using CSV files.
4. Shipping options
Users will get multiple shipping options such as pickup from nearby stores, local shipping, or international delivery. With WooCommerce, you can restrict shipping options as well according to the user’s geolocation.
5. One-click refund
WooCommerce offers a one-click refund feature to ease user experiences through which your users get an instant refund for the products they have sent back. You can manage everything through the dashboard.
6. Automated tax calculation
WooCommerce made it easy for you to calculate taxes. There are plenty of eCommerce stores having issues when it comes to tax calculations. But WooCommerce helps you with automated tax calculations.
7. Advance WooCommerce Shipping costs
With the help of advanced WooCommerce shipping methods, you can set up shipping rates according to the product website, category, product type, and variations. WooCommerce lets you offer free shipping to nearby areas according to your terms and policies.
8. Enable guest checkout
Not every visitor of your e-store would like to create an account to purchase any product. You must allow guest checkout so all types of users can have access to your online store products.
9. Inventory Management
WooCommerce’s Inventory Management System enables tracking stock levels and updating stock reports after each purchase and refund. You will get notified on out-of-stock products and even when you are running low on the products so you can stock them in advance. Out-of-stock products will automatically hide with the help of this system.
10. High Security
It is necessary to keep your consumer’s confidential data (payment details) secure from all vulnerabilities attacks. You do not have to worry about platform-side security when it’s WooCommerce as it is designed to provide a highly secure eCommerce store.
11. Order Management
This system tracks every record starting from the order receiving to dispatching. You can add and update customer notes, mark shipped products, manually edit stock, and manage the execution process.
12. SEO Friendly
WooCommerce is coherent with WordPress, and WordPress is one of the best SEO-friendly CMSs currently existing in the market. You can also apply additional SEO strategies to rank your website on top of the Search Engine Result Page (SERP) that will boost organic traffic.
13. Showcase related products
When you recommend related products to your customers, the chances are high that consumers get encouraged to explore more on the site and might purchase relevant products if they find them as per their expectations.
14. Simplified analytics
It is necessary to analyze the statistics of your business to know about how business functions. WooCommerce offers built-in analytics systems that display all the necessary statistics in clean and easy-to-understand formats.
15. Showcase top-performing products
WooCommerce lets you use a widget to display your highly purchased items, recently viewed products, and products with offers and sales. This will increase your business revenue and attract potential customers.
16. Send Email
WooCommerce lets you send email notifications to your users regarding their recent purchases. You can also send product receipts and shipping updates through emails.
17. Check on performance
You can get detailed reports on overall sales, refunds, and vouchers by setting up WooCommerce’s built-in features and dashboard. With the help of the WordPress dashboard, you can evaluate the performance status of your eCommerce store.
18. Highly customized
There are various customization options available with WooCommerce through which you can make your store unique as per your preferences. There are several theme options with special features. You can choose that will best suit your brand and your taste.
19. Large community
WooCommerce has a large pool of professional developers as it is an open-source platform. If you can not find a solution with any WooCommerce related questions and problems, the WooCommerce community is always there to help you out.
20. Fast and Responsive
WooCommerce delivers responsiveness and fast loading time for your eCommerce site, no matter the size of your business. You will not lose your potential customers due to slow loading speeds.
All in all,
If you want to leverage, there are multiple WooCommerce plug-ins to address your different business purposes. You can easily integrate these extensions into your eCommerce store and deliver a hassle-free experience to the consumers.
If you need something out-of-the-box, you can surely choose WooCommerce over others. It serves you with plenty of features and operating capabilities for your eCommerce store.
Source: https://bresdel.com/blogs/79907/20-Reasons-Why-WooCommerce-for-Your-eCommerce
Product Management & Project Management – Same or Different?
Product management and project management are not the same set of tasks. But both play significant roles throughout the whole product development lifecycle.
It’s an undeniable fact that both are pretty confusing terms, both roles have similar titles, both lean on collaborative efforts, sometimes both have similar responsibilities as well, and much more. However, you are not supposed to misunderstand these two members of the corporate family.
This post will help you to differentiate product managers and project managers, their roles, responsibilities, skills, etc. So let’s get going.
First, let’s understand Project vs. Product.
Any product could be a physical and visible good, software, or service deleted to address customers’ requirements. A product is more persistent compared to a project. A product has to go through the main four stages throughout its lifecycle.
- Introduction to market
- Growth/Progress
- Maturity into the desired structure
- Retires from the market
Any project is a set of different tasks to generate a perfect product. Project development is a temporary task that needs to be concluded within a specific time frame. Project managers are well aware of what needs to be delivered and when. A project lifecycle consists of five main stages.
- Conception & Initiation
- Definition & Planning
- Execution/Launching
- Performance & Control
- Closure
| Project | Product |
| A set of multiple activities | Physical & visible goods, software, services |
| Include various steps | Provide outcome |
| Well-defined end-result | Always improving |
| Short-term project team | Long-term product team |
| Specified time frame | Permanent until abandoned |
Product Manager vs. Project Manager
Product managers are basically the CEOs who set the product vision to be built, gather requirements, and set priorities. They drive product development and set the overall product strategy. They transform user ideas into product features and lead the development team to build an MVP ( Minimum Viable Product). They collaborate with every team including design, development, marketing, sales, support, and any stakeholder responsible to address user demands.
Project managers play a strategic role and concentrate on project execution. They split extensive tactical plans into actionable tasks. They monitor and track a project/ multiple projects from beginning to end. They deliver exactly what the company needs. A project manager executes the vision and strategies set by the product team or leaders of the company. They set time frames, allocate resources, and create an action plan to get the ball rolling within a decided timeline and budget constraints.
Job Roles
| Project Manager | Product Manager |
| Tactical role | Strategic role |
| Also called risk managers | Also called product CEO |
| Execution and efficiency-focused | Customer focused |
| Responsible for providing report progress and quality to stakeholders | Responsible for collaborating with stakeholders for strategies and visions |
| Manage time, budget, and quality | Manage product development |
Responsibilities
| Project Manager | Product Manager |
| Budget and resources allocation | Define product strategies and vision |
| Estimate time and cost | Lead market research |
| Schedule project relevant tasks and define project scope | Drive ideas for new and future product development |
| Monitor progress and prospects | Generate product roadmaps |
| Provide desired business results within a strict time frame | Acknowledge user demands and suggest product features |
| Track and control product quality | Brainstorm product strategies |
| Calculate ROI and disclose it to stakeholders | Sustain effective collaboration with stakeholders |
| Decide on basic and upcoming obstructions | Decide on product releases |
Formal Job Titles
Product Manager
Companies are nowadays determining product management as a significant business job. Hence, four different fields have emerged in recent years.
- Technical product manager
- Data/Analytics product manager
- Product marketing manager
- Product growth manager
These job titles are also divided into different categories based on seniority level.
- Associate product manager
- Junior product manager
- Senior product manager
- Group product manager
- Chief product manager
- Product lead
- VP, product management
- Director of product management
Project Manager
Job titles for project managers can differ based on business nature, the marketplace, and other factors. Project manager jobs are most common in the IT/software, engineering, construction, design, and insurance industry.
| Entry-level | Supporting role | Executive-level |
| Project coordinator | Project admin | Project leader |
| Project scheduler | Project support officer | Program manager |
| Assistant Project manager | Project planner | Project director |
| Project manager | Project controller | Chief project officer |
| Senior project manager | Document controller | Project portfolio manager |
| Project portfolio office executive | ||
| Project management office executive |
Skill Set
Both project and product manager roles need perfect leadership skills. Thorough know-how of workplace progress and the chain of command is essential for both roles. Both should have the determination to make intelligent decisions with the ultimate goal and long-term vision in mind. Also, both require superior organizational and research skills.
These are similar skills of product and project managers. Let’s understand the differences in both skill sets.
Project Manager
- Project managers need to monitor significant business processes and assess them within a project ecosystem. They should also know project initiation, project planning, budget allocation, resource mobilization, reports & documentation progress, on-time project delivery.
- Project managers need to be professional schedulers. They must know how to make a calendar that demonstrates what needs to be performed and when, and whom to communicate. Time and task management are skills you can not ignore.
- Project managers have the knowledge to discover potential risks and how to manage them. They should have pre-planned strategies to mitigate upcoming risks.
- They are able to assure executives and stakeholders that they can submit the projects within a budget and manage overall costs sensibly.
- When it comes to defining project scopes, quality maintenance, and monitoring stakeholders, project managers have control management skills. It helps to properly control goals, limitations, KPIs, etc.
Product Manager
- Communicating with customers, clients, and stakeholders, making successful presentations, simplifying product meetings, leading a team, etc., are the key skills of a product manager.
- They should understand customer requirements in and out to convert them into an advanced feature. They should also know how to create pricing frameworks, present innovative product campaigns, and address ever-changing market demands.
- Product managers need to generate a product roadmap by determining market competitiveness thoroughly. They know how to divide the target market, predict product life cycles, place a product in the market, and build innovative strategies to update a product/launch a new one.
- Product managers should establish their intuition on actual, authentic data. They have to analyze the market, get feedback from customers, and assess them to produce significant numbers. So analytical skills are a must-to-have for product managers.
Tools utilized by Product and Project Manager
There are various tech tools to make product and project manager’s everyday tasks easygoing.
- nTask – Project management tool
- Slack – Communication
- Asana – Task management
- Loom – Video messaging
- Sketch – Product designing
Salary Expectation
The amount of salary differs based on the region, years of experience, and the organization’s financial ability.
However, a product manager’s average payroll is around $110k annually. On the other hand, a project manager’s average salary is $70k annually.
Summing Up
Possibly, this detail helps you to clear your doubt among the product manager and project manager. If any of the roles falls apart, it would be impossible to deliver an end-product within the time frame, under budget, and with each aspect required for the market to adopt it.
On the whole, all product managers lead projects and most project managers look out for products. There are few variations, but they are worth enough.
Source: https://tvasiapacific.com/product-management-vs-project-management/
Seeking a skill set to establish a successful career in IoT?
Are you exploring the IoT profession to develop advanced software? Give a glance at the most demanding IoT skills a developer must-have in today’s ecosystem.
As stated in Statista, by the end of 2025, predictions indicate that there will be more than 75b IoT-connected devices that will lead the edge. It would be approximately three times higher than the IoT installed base in 2019.
The IoT landscape is expanding like never before, but it can’t achieve colossal success without the skilled team of IoT developers. If you are also keen to give a hand to advanced IoT technology by becoming an IoT engineer, all you need is a skill-set that is trending.
Methodologies, Frameworks, Languages, and Cloud services for IoT Development
- Methodologies
Agile Development
Lean Development
Extreme Programming - Frameworks
React & React Native
Phoenix
Ruby on Rails
Nerves - Languages
C or C++
Python
Elixir
C#
TypeScript
Ruby
HTML
CSS - Cloud Services
Microsoft Azure
AWS
Platformio
NervesHub
Want to be known as an IoT Developer? Thrive with this skill set.
Organizations these days seek professionals with an advanced skill set in the IoT domain. That is why expertise in the below-mentioned areas is mandatory.
- In-depth knowledge of sensors
- Proficient understanding of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)
- Knowledge of Computer Programming languages like Embedded-C, C++, JavaScript, and Python
- Expertise in Network Security
- Work experience with Front-end and Back-end
- Well-versed with Linux-OS
- Proficiency in IoT principle and architecture
- Worked with custom-build Firmware and Hardware
- Must understand unique UI interface development with visual design, wireframing, prototyping, metrics, ad analysis.
- Experience with Cloud Computing
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Software knowledge like OpenSensors, Node, Neura, and Netbeast
- Firm understanding of Machine Learning (ML) algorithms
- Expertise in Big Data and GPS systems
- Device and data-security knowledge
One of the key goals of IoT is to streamline everyday tasks through automation without any human intervention. Once they are in the operating mode, there is no need to provide continuous input from the humans. Due to this efficiency, plenty of companies are leveraging IoT in each corner of the world.
Some Courses and Books to learn IoT skills
1. Sensors
Courses – by coursera organization
- Sensors and Sensor Circuit Design
- Sensors and Sensing Techniques
Books
- Handbook of Modern Sensors: Physics, Designs, and applications – by Jacob Fraden
- Getting Started with Sensors: Measure the World with Electronics, Arduino, and Raspberry Pi – by Kimmo Karvinen
- ISensor Networks: The Integration of Sensor Networks, Signal Processing, and Machine Learning Paperback – by Fei Hu (Editor), Qi Hao (Editor)
2. AI and ML
Courses – by coursera organization
- AI For Everyone
- Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Mathematics for Machine Learning Specialization
- Machine Learning Engineering for Production (MLOps) Specialization
- Advanced Machine Learning Specialization
Books
- Artificial Intelligence – A Modern Approach (3rd Edition)
- Machine Learning for Dummies
- Make Your Own Neural Network
- Machine Learning: The New AI
- Fundamentals of Machine Learning for Predictive Data Analytics: Algorithms, Worked Examples, and Case Studies
3. Big Data
Courses
- Big Data Specialization – by coursera organization
- Big Data Fundamentals – by edx organization
Books
- Too Big to Ignore: The Business Case for Big Data, by award-winning author Phil Simon
- The Data Revolution: Big Data, Open Data, Data Infrastructures, And Their Consequences By Rob Kitchin
- Big Data at Work: Dispelling the Myths, Uncovering the Opportunities, by T. H. Davenport
- Big Data: Principles and Best Practices of Scalable Real-Time Data Systems By Nathan Marz And James Warren
- Big Data in Practice By Bernard Marr
4. IoT
Courses – by coursera organization
- An Introduction to Programming the Internet of Things (IoT) Specialization
- Hands-on Internet of Things Specialization
- AWS IoT: Developing and Deploying an Internet of Things
- Introduction to the Internet of Things and Embedded Systems
Books
- The Internet of Things – by Samuel Greengard
- The Fourth Industrial Revolution – by Klaus Schwab
- Getting started with Internet of Things – by Cuno Pfister
- Learning Internet of Things – by Peter Waher
- Precision: Principles, Practices and Solutions for the Internet of Things – by Timothy Chou
5. Network Security
Courses – by coursera organization
- IBM Cybersecurity Analyst Professional Certificate
- Fundamentals of Computer Network Security Specialization
- Introduction to Cyber Security Specialization
Books
- Applied Network Security Monitoring – by Chris Sanders and Jason Smith
- Cryptography and Network Security – by William Stallings
- Defensive Security Handbook – by Amanda Berlin and Lee Brotherston
- Network Monitoring and Analysis – by Ed Wilson
- Network Security Essentials – by William Stallings
6. Python
Courses – by coursera organization
- Python for Everybody Specialization
- Google IT Automation with Python Professional Certificate
- Python 3 Programming Specialization
- Applied Data Science with Python Specialization
- Crash Course on Python
Books
- Python Crash Course – by Eric Matthews
- Automate the Boring Stuff with Python, 2nd Edition: Practical Programming for Total Beginners – by AI Sweigart
- Learning Python, 5th Edition – by Mark Lutz
- Head-First Python (2nd edition) – by Paul Barry
- Learning with Python – by Allen Downey, Jeff Elkner, and Chris Meyers
7. Java
Courses – by coursera organization
- Introduction to Java
- Object Oriented Java Programming: Data Structures and Beyond Specialization
- Core Java Specialization
- Object Oriented Programming in Java Specialization
- Java Programming and Software Engineering Fundamentals Specialization
Books
- Core Java Volume I–Fundamentals: 1 (Core Series) – by Cay Horstmann
- Effective Java – by Joshua Bloch
- Java: A Beginner’s Guide, Eighth Edition – by Herbert Schildt
- Java: The Complete Reference, Eleventh Edition – by Herbert Schildt
- Head First Java: A Brain-Friendly Guide, 2nd Edition (Covers Java 5.0) – by Kathy Sierra and Bert Bates
For What Tasks IoT Engineers are Liable?
Even though the IoT engineers’ tasks absolutely depend on the specific industry niche, the general activities encompass coding, designing, and device feature testing developed to connect to other devices and systems.
- Develop devices, sensors, and software
- Software development for implementation and monitoring processes
- IoT software analysis, development, testing, and documentation
- Offer solutions to the networks and platforms connection issues
- Software development to enable functioning and linking to other devices
- Create IoT device design, perform coding, and testing
- Designing IoT app and cloud compatible platform solutions
- Users’ requirement analysis and play the role of a service designer
Educational Background
If you want to become an IoT developer, you need a degree in a technical field such as Computer Science and Computer engineering. It’s also very important to have mastery in programming languages.
Are you all set for IoT App Development?
The technologies concerned in IoT app development are amplifying at a rapid pace. Engineers need to be desperate to nurture a diverse skill set and be agile and inclined to grab new processes, challenges, and smart tools.
You will find it quite exciting to dig deeper into the IoT field.
Source: https://bit.ly/2ZcABLV
Examples of IoT Streamlining Healthcare Sector Worldwide
In the new age of the remote healthcare system, IoT is enabling digital ways for medical treatment, especially after the pandemic. The IoT-connected devices and sensors are transforming medical care like never before.
IoT in healthcare mitigates the troubles of medical professionals and facilitates patients to be treated at the comfort of their homes without visiting hospitals physically.
Here, we look over some examples of IoT which are empowering the connected healthcare industry.
1. In Germany- Health for You Application
Sanitas is the brand of Hans Dinlage GmbH. It has developed a fitness tracking app that enables people to leverage the functionalities of wearable devices to monitor and keep tracking all the activities. The users assure that they walk enough steps for the day and body moves enough. It also enables smartphone alerts through calls and SMS and notifications to your tracker directly from your messenger so you can keep connected throughout the day.
This app also helps users to track blood pressure, body temperature, weight, water intake, sleep, and Oxygen saturation.
2. In South Africa – Electronic Bed Management System (eBMS)
Some hospitals in Tshwane, South Africa, have mitigated patient waiting times by almost two hours. All credit goes to a new eBMS (Electronic Bed Management System) initiated by the Gauteng Department of Health to be a part of healthcare digitization.
Gauteng hospitals oversee an average of 27.7 million patients each year and usually suffer due to lack of beds. To tackle this issue, a department has governed eBMS that enables healthcare workers to perfectly determine the location of available beds throughout the cluster. As a result it is easy to provide patients timely access to the treatment in the right setting when the emergency arises.
3. In India – Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN)
India is operating an Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN) system, to track the vaccines’ location, temperature, and stock levels, along with real-time tracking of storage temperatures over 29,000 cold chain points at the country, state, and district-level making sure the supply is secure and reliable.
eVIN is a smartphone based tech offered by the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) and the Indian government. It controls real-time logistic management across the vaccine cold chain.
4. In USA/Europe – Eversense Glucose Monitoring System
As the need for diabetes control products is rising each passing day, people are demanding innovations for it. The Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring System comprises an under-the-skin sensor that is a detachable and battery-operated smart transmitter along with a mobile app. It enables up to 180 days of constant tracking and accessible real-time diabetes monitoring and management.
5. In Africa – HearScreen Smartphone Audiometer
The loss of hearing has ever-changing effects on individuals, families, and societies. To transform their lives, HearX group has introduced an app that provides a cost-effective and medically approved smartphone screening audiometer that is a calibrated IoT solution for hearing screening by minimally trained professionals.
The ordinary test time is in a minute and is gaining attention especially in schools, where educational major hearing loss can be noticed early on using this simple screening technique.
6. In USA – Vonage Telemedicine APIs
With the help of Vonage Telemedicine APIs, healthcare organizations can provide remote voice, SMS, and video collaboration tools among healthcare providers and patients. It aids in engaging with the patients who require isolation.
Cameras integrated with head-mounted devices can decrease the presence of various health workers to serve a patient in an isolation room. Attached remote monitoring systems along with telemedicine leveraged for home isolation as well.
7. In Europe – Semtech LoRa Fall Detection Device and Network
Tracking patient falls, especially the older ones, is a major precaution used by healthcare professionals. LoRaWAN offers a low power wide-area network (LPWAN) to determine falls amongst the elderly, linked to LoRa devices, within the range of 30 kilometres.
Information about a patient’s movement is accumulated through the sensors and sent to the Cloud platform, where algorithms identify the movement whether it was a fall or not. Healthcare providers get notified about the movements in real-time to take a step ahead accordingly.
8. In USA- Kinsa Smart Thermometer
A Kinsa smart thermometer determines a temperature reading within a second and sends this through Bluetooth to a smartphone app. Additionally, the app monitors a patient’s symptoms and medications and maintains a history of temperature readings.
Extensive use of smart thermometer sensors aid in determining outbreaks and the circulation of disease. Kinsa has been leveraging smart thermometer data to develop predictive models for tracking fever hot-spots throughout the country.
Summing Up
The healthcare, life sciences, and pharmaceutical sector have appeared as winners in the Internet of Things. They are already leveraging IoT to track patients’ health status remotely.
IoT reduces the cost of healthcare supply chain management and decreases the number of face-to-face visits to healthcare professionals. Besides this, little microscopic sensors inserted into the human body aid in collecting essential data used to prevent the spread of disease.
Source: https://bit.ly/39gs1NS
Top 13 Best Tools to Build MVP [Minimum Viable Product] for Your Projects
Building an MVP is a foolproof way to save time, money, and resources while developing an app/website. You can test your app features and get user feedback with an MVP. It will help you to determine how the targeted audience will accept your product. So before initiating costly and unplanned app/web development, consider launching an MVP.
For building a Minimum Viable Product, you can leverage multiple tools. It will streamline the MVP development process for better results.
We are dividing various MVP tools into different categories.
- Tools for Interviewing Customers
- Tools for Developing MVP Landing Pages
- Tools for Developing MVP Prototypes
- MVP Designing Tools
- MVP No-Code Tools
- Tools for Launching an MVP
- MVP Analyzing Tools
Explore each one of them in-depth.
Tools for Interviewing Customers
To validate your ideas quickly, interview your targeted audience. For that, you can use customer interview tools. They will simplify the process of interviewing potential users.
#1. Typeform
Typeform is an easy-to-use tool for conducting customer interviews. It aids in collecting data and online surveys.
For an MVP, Typeform lets you discover the best way to deliver real value to the end-user. You can also test the speculation and boost inbound leads quickly and easily.
- One question at a time keep customers engaged
- Get a more considerate response
- Higher completion rate
- Custom layouts and themes
- A sleek interface
- Built-in photo and video libraries
#2. Google Form
It is a survey administration tool from G Suite. It enables you to build forms and questionnaires within a few minutes. You can manage received data from the customers directly on Google standalone app.
- Save time with different templates
- Mobility to edit and manage forms online
- Your forms will be safe with auto-save
- Customizable
- Keep your data organize
- User-friendly interface
- Share anywhere
- Highly recommended for online surveys
- Create all types of questionnaire
- Email notification for responses
- Sections and logic branching
#3. LinkedIn
It is a group of professionals eager to share information and answer questions. No matter what type of question, LinkedIn has answers. Use LinkedIn to start your questionnaire or survey process. You will get to learn much more within a few hours.
- Create LinkedIn Polls to collect consumer feedback for products/services
- Settings to participate in a research survey
- Evaluate interest in new product/ideas
- Research emerging industry trends
- Get opinions
- Build interest in a product launch
- Conduct market research
Tools for Developing MVP Landing Pages
When prospective users click on an ad or a link, the MVP landing page is the first stop they come across. Customers interact with your product from the landing page and help you to generate leads.
#1. Instapage
Instapage is a landing page designing tool that lets you create an appealing landing page for your MVP. It is possible to build high-quality landings with the least effort with Instapage.
You can integrate Instapage with different tools and can also use it for analytics and ad campaigns.
- Create responsive pages without coding
- Customization for ad and targeted audience
- Optimize post-click landing page for higher conversion
- Detailed heatmaps
- A/B and multi-layered testing
- Powerful analytics
- Launch campaigns swiftly with intuitive workflows
- Instant page loading
- Conversion-focused layouts
- Sync your ad with a click
- Team collaboration with real-time edits, secure sharing, and instant feedback
#2. Strikingly
Strikingly is a website builder that lets you build a landing page without writing any code. If you do not want to hire a developer for landing page development, you can choose Strikingly. It offers fast development and excellent customer support.
- Click anything to edit and publish on-the-go
- No need for design/coding experience
- Perfectly optimized for selling
- Robust tools to grow your audience
- Create and manage signups, contact forms, newsletters, and live chat
- Domain names
- Analytics
- Social feed
- Built-in HTTPS
- Social feed
- Galleries, Media sliders
- Password protection
- Video backgrounds
- Custom colors
#3. QuickMVP
Build an excellent landing page within a few minutes with QuickMVP. You can verify your business ideas, projects concepts, features, or startup. It is a time, money, and resources saver.
When you want to perform market research, QuickMVP is a perfect tool. You can enjoy its monthly free trial period to test it out. You can also incorporate it with Google AdWords.
- Calculate vital business metrics (i.e., Profit, Margin, Market size)
- Study the market
- Keep track of customer interviews
- Test the demand for your ideas
- Determine the highly promising possibilities
Tools for Developing MVP Prototypes
MVP and prototype both are different things. But MVP prototyping is a concept of the desired MVP that is meant to test in the target market. You can use it to create your Minimum Viable Product.
Your prototype is like a do-or-die situation for your MVP. It will aid when you have an understandable prototype with minimal resources.
meant
#1. Balsamiq
It is a graphical tool that lets you create wireframes rapidly and smoothly. You can sketch out user interfaces for web, mobile, and desktop. If you are working with a group of people, Balsamiq is for you.
- Plenty of built-in, community-generated UI commands and icons.
- Drag-and-drop easiness
- Export to .png and .pdf
- Optimized for speed
- Reusable symbols
- Interactive prototype
- Designed for team collaboration
- Immediate and meaningful feedback
- Cloud, Desktop, and Google Drive versions
#2. Webflow
Webflow is a design tool that lets you create simple, thorough website prototypes. With just a single click, you can transform the prototype into the final product. The transformation from prototype to an MVP is seamless like never before with Webflow.
It generates HTML, CSS, and JS automatically. There is no need to draft any code.
- Go live on a hosting network with a single click that balances your business.
- Develop production-ready experience without coding.
- Build, launch, and repeat new marketing campaigns without distracting your product team.
- Design animation and interactions
#3. Marvel
Whether it is web projects or mobile apps, Marvel is one of the best MVP prototyping tools. It is a browser-based solution that aids in building prototypes from scratch. You can also download the prototype for offline use.
Marvel lets you validate your idea with user testing. You can determine the user navigation through your prototype with screen, audio, and video recording.
- Build pleasing interfaces and wireframes within a few minutes
- Make interactive design without a single line of code
- Automated transfer from designing to development
- User testing to discover how users interact with your prototypes
- Centralized feedback and ideas
MVP Designing Tools
You can not overlook the significance of an appealing user interface for your MVP. With UI, you can identify user experiences and the way they interact with your MVP. An intuitive UI is significant for a good UX, and you should remember that.
#1. Canva
Canva is a designing tool that provides free templates along with drag-and-drop features. The platform is user-friendly and lets you store images for future use.
You can create quality product designs with few clicks. You only need to generate an account on the Canva. The tool is free, but there are various paid templates if you want to use them.
- Thousands of professional templates and images
- Invite people to edit with you, leave feedback, measure your visual content, manage brand assets, get approvals, etc.
- Share with anyone
- Real-time collaboration
- Built-in comments to convey, perform, and address suggestions
- Plan, create, schedule, and publish social media posts directly from the tool
- Stay organized with the team folders
#2. Crello
It is a free graphic design tool with thousands of professional templates. It does not require any designing experience to create animations and graphics. You can integrate intuitive graphics into your social media marketing channels.
Crello also provides an excellent customer assistance kit with video templates. You can address any kind of marketing needs with Crello.
- An integrated media library
- Collaboration with a team while designing
- 30k+ professionally designed templates
- Easily remove backgrounds from images
- Efficiently animate anything
- Library of audio files
MVP No-Code Tools
If you do not have enough technical knowledge and lack coding skills, use no-code tools. You do not have to hire expert coders or developers to build an MVP product.
However, these tools are kind of limited in functionalities. But they are convenient, budget-friendly, and deliver everything similar to coded ones.
#1. Macaw
It is a perfect tool to develop MVP websites. You only need to drag-and-drop selected graphics according to your preferences.
Macaw also writes HTML and CSS. So, you can effortlessly build a responsive website. The platform is as flexible as any image editor.
- Set breakpoints and optimize the website for any screen size
- Take in web fonts or use system fonts
- Implement a style to different elements and change it in one location
- Publish your design to any device on the network
- Fast prototyping by setting variable names and adding scripts
- Share assets between various pages and save them within a single document
- Leverage static, absolute, and steady positioning for dynamic layouts
- Save components in your library and reutilize them on any page
#2. Bubble.io
Design, develop, and host your MVP on a free tool like Bubble. Its drag-and-drop feature lets you create an MVP app/website with great ease.
If you are a non-technical person, you can also develop stunning MVPs with Bubble. Your user-friendly platforms get ready within a couple of days with great customization.
- Full functionalities without any code
- Manage a database
- Pixel perfect design
- Customization
- No need for HTML or CSS skills
- Manage deployment and hosting
- No hard limits on the number of users, traffic volume, or data storage
- Not only developers but empower your team to make changes
#3. Thunkable
Without any coding or technical efficiency, you can build a robust MVP with Thunkable. Only drag-and-drop the elements and link them with the block.
Every app MVP you build with Thunkable will perform well on both iOS and Android. A Thunkable community is always there for you to solve your queries.
- Build native apps without wiring any code
- Drag-and-drop design canvas
- Powerful logic blocks
- Open integrations with third-parties
- Customization
- Direct publishing
- Easy animation
Tools for Launching an MVP
For a successful launch of your MVP, you need to ensure that your product reaches your targeted market. User feedback is a significant element for the positive outcome of your MVP.
Gather information from your prospective buyers. For that, you can utilize MVP launching tools.
#1. Reddit r/startups
It is a place where you can discuss startup problems and get solutions. Anyone with any knowledge background can access the platform.
The key objective of this platform is to get entrepreneurs together from different friends. They share, receive, discuss, and provide feedback to various unique ideas.
As a participant, you need to follow all the community-relevant rules of the forum. Feedbacks and opinions you will receive will be unbiased.
- Build a network
- Target potential customers
- Encourage user submission
- Filter out competition
- Build a brand
- Direct access to users
- Perform interviews
- Get industry insights
- Create a community
- Get a loyal customer base
#2. ProductHunt
It is a community-based platform that provides a ready-made market to entrepreneurs. So they can effortlessly launch their product MVP among target potential users.
People can rate your product, post comments, and give adequate feedback regarding features and functionalities. You can test your product thoroughly from the MVP stage.
- Launch a product for free
- Monitor success (i.e., votes, mentions, and referral traffic)
- Discover users who are willing to test your app and provide feedback
- A large and passionate community
#3. BetaList
BetaList is the platform for early adopters to find upcoming and newly launched internet startups. They can share their startup on a global level and get feedback earlier.
- Appear in front of an extensive technology audience
- Discover Early adopters, Bloggers, and Investors
- Browse startups by country and industry
- Gat everyday digest of the newest startups
MVP Analyzing Tools
#1. Google Analytics
To get analytical insights into your product MVP, you can leverage the Google Analytics platform. You can determine customer traffic, engagement, and conversion through the tool.
- Check marketing, content, and product performance
- Unique insights and machine learning abilities
- Works with Google’s an advertising and publisher products
- Monitor where your traffic is coming from
- Discover what appeals to your customers
- SEO optimization for the website
- Entire funnel of customer session
#2. HotJar
It is a platform to acknowledge user behavior on the website. It is an easy-to-use tool to design workflows and gather insights into user interactions with the product.
- Tracking feature
- Determine user behavior
- Discover user needs
- End-user privacy at the center
- Session recordings
- Analyze highly needed changes rapidly
Summing Up
Your company will grow and evolve as long as you make well-balanced decisions. And picking the right MVP tool is also one of the significant decisions you make.
It is not that complicated to discover the right MVP tool. To ease the process, we have mentioned some of the names that might suit your needs.
As long as your MVP addresses the needs of your targeted audience, you are heading in the right direction.
Source: https://www.coinideology.com/minimum-viable-product-tools
How to Enhance eCommerce Business Performance?
To keep the ball rolling in this ever-changing eCommerce market, it is significant that your e-store provides a positive user experience. Whether you are a startup or running a successful business for several years, acquiring more eCommerce sales will profit your organization.
Amazon has raised the bar high when it comes to customer expectations. So, it will be a tough nut to crack for the other online retailers to compete and address high customer expectations and accomplish more conversion rates.
Here we discuss the essential ways to enhance your eCommerce store’s performance, provide a great user experience, and decrease cart abandonment rate that will aid transform potential customers into sales.
#1. Focus on Existing Customers
Targeting your already existing customers will enable a high ROI compared to focusing on obtaining new potential customers. Instead of giving all the attention to customer acquisition, concentrate on customer retention.
Present customers are also highly suitable individuals that will help you to test the new products. No matter whether it’s a new collection, a new product, or classifying in a sub-branding, you can leverage your existing customers to predict the quality and the potential growth of your latest campaign.
Your existing customers can assist in developing a database of valuable insights about different behavioral patterns and concerns of your core audience.
#2. Develop a Trustworthy Website
Customers are unlikely to have faith in your website if they do not find any sign of security.
When your business has an online presence you need to mention on the home page or checkout page that your website is secure because cybersecurity is a serious concern for shoppers nowadays.
You can showcase multiple security badges on your site or get a padlock in your URL. All you need to do is to obtain the SSL certificate for your domain. Implementing HTTPS on your website is a sign of a secure website.
#3. Provide a Demo through Videos
Product videos are a significant aspect of today’s eCommerce. It will help businesses bring storytelling to real life, help customers to stay informed, answer shopper’s frequently asked questions, and positively influence customer experience once they land on your pages.
Four times as many consumers see a product video compared to reading a product description. Videos boost engagement and attract shoppers in whatever you are trying to sell.
Videos influence people more as they will most likely remember what they have watched compared to what they have read about any product. It is also a visionary strategy for the e-stores selling unique and creative products compared to competitors.
#4. Add Actual Photos in Testimonials
When you add a photo to your client testimonials, it will boost your website’s credibility to the next level. Testimonials that do not have photographs are considered fake. Including a picture of a face shows he/she is a real person and not just someone you have created on your own.
Not only photos, but also include customer name, company name, and job title. It represents the reality of the clients and what they do in real life.
#5. Identify Your Mobile Customers
Just because you own an eCommerce website, it does not mean your customers will purchase from their computers and laptops only. Today people are more likely to shop from their smartphones and tablets. You can’t overlook this truth.
You need to ensure that your website is responsive and optimized for all the devices and all the screen sizes. If your site is not mobile-friendly, you will definitely lose on your potential buyers. It must be your top priority if you want to survive in today’s market.
#6. Provide Discounts
Offering discounts on buying is one of the most appealing ways that drive people into your store. Whenever you tell a shopper that he/she can save their money, you are likely to get their attention directly.
Discounts are not fruitful only to the buyers but also aid businesses to boost sales and improve reputation. A discount may be one game-changing aspect that can bring business success.
#7. Display top-selling Items
Show your potential customers what people are buying the most from your platform. Not each person who is browsing your site will know exactly what they are searching for. If you sell an extensive range of products, it can be amazing for a new customer.
Add a “Best Seller” category on the homepage of your website so when someone comes to visit your site, they can discover the products popular on your e-store.
#8. Promote Holiday Sales
Often people look for shopping and spend more money on some special events compared to normal days. That is the reason eCommerce websites need to actively ramp up promotions when it is the holidays.
It is an opportunity for online retailers to grab huge sales throughout these particular events by breaking out their best offers. Send emails to your subscribers to encourage them to shop during the holiday season.
#9. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out)
It is necessary to generate a sense of urgency when you are running an online store. It will urge customers to complete the checkout process as soon as possible rather than waiting for a long time or never.
Let your customers know about the limited quantity of products remaining even if there is stock available. This strategy can incite price-sensitive shoppers to make impulse shopping decisions. You can also run a flash sale.
#10. Accept Payment Options
You need to enable your customers to pay through different payment options for the products they purchase from your online store. If you only enable Visa and Mastercard, you are losing customers who want to pay using PayPal and Apple Pay.
There are high chances that a customer wants to buy items from your platform, but you are not accepting the way they want to pay. So they abandon the cart without completing the checkout process. Making checkout as smooth and quick as possible will help to drive more sales.
Summing Up
Knowing the basics will help you to save some of your lost sales, so start experimenting with these tactics. Develop an eCommerce website for your targeted audience, but keep in mind it is better than the competitors.
Just keep in mind that raising the total number of orders on your e-store is a step-by-step process. You can not get a drastic change in multiple days. However, you will see an important boost in your store’s order volume.
Source: https://www.durgtech.com/2021/08/enhance-ecommerce-business-performance.html
Top 10 Blockchain Trends 2021
A decade has already passed since the inception of the evolving blockchain technology. Blockchains are immutable records of data managed and operated by computers. Because of this elite feature, they provide much-needed data security.
The colossal surge and demand of blockchain technology help to drive digital transformation. Each industry niche is adopting blockchain to ensure safe and transparent business transactions.
Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are also gaining attention. It highly boosts the demand for blockchain technology.
The blockchain technology market size was estimated at USD 3.67b in 2020 worldwide. As per the prediction, it will grow 82.4% CAGR from 2021 to the end of 2028.
You might be interested to know about the blockchain trends in the year 2021. So, we have gathered some insights in this post. Have a look.
#1. Permissioned Blockchain
Permissioned blockchains are a kind of extra security system provided by the blockchain. They maintain an access control layer. So particular actions can be performed only by authorized members. That is the reason it is different from the private and public blockchain.
From the starting of 2021, this blockchain has become vital. Eventually, it grows as a big supporter of the blockchain market growth. Before the end of 2021, financial reviewers assume that it will cover an extensive market.
A private key in the permission or private blockchain provides proficiency and trustworthiness. Authorized nodes can be accessible to only certain users.
Permissioned blockchains are not familiar to everyone such as other public blockchains. People who need safety, identification, and role definition, choose these blockchains.
#2. DeFi (Decentralized Finance)
DeFi is still in the beginning phase of its emergence. The TVL (Total Value Locked) in DeFi contracts is $84.14B as of August 2021.
In 2021, DeFi transactions are widely accepted compared to their centralized variants. Basically, due to the health crisis, aspiring investors are choosing transactions of DeFi to become inventors.
One of the best-known forms of DeFi that grab attention in 2021 is its lending platforms. DeFi transactions include purchasing coins and giving them for interest. These transactions are performed on decentralized exchange systems mounted with blockchain technology.
It is the best for investors and borrowers. The investor gains via interest, while the borrower effortlessly accesses loans for investment.
#3. Federated Blockchain
Federated blockchain or Consortium blockchain accept pre-selected participants. It is because this blockchain is not accessible to everyone (Semi-private).
Bitcoin enthusiasts believe that federated blockchain will be accepted widely in the year 2021. It provides rights to private blockchain to tailor its outlook. A consortium blockchain is almost similar to a private blockchain but consists of additional features.
- It works under different authorities rather than a single highly reliable node.
- All the network-connected organizations pre-select the authority nodes.
- Particular groups maintain the network and verify a block.
- The restricted inner area is accessible to the group only.
Hyperledger, Corda, and Quorum are examples of federated blockchain.
When you want to deal with confidentiality, safety, and control, federated blockchain would be the best option. It changes the way enterprises function. Well, that is something we need to see in the future.
#4. BaaS (Blockchain as a Service)
BaaS is a model based on SaaS (Software as a Service) that functions similarly. BaaS is a third-party cloud-based framework. It manages organizations that are developing and operating blockchain apps.
These third-party services are new progress in the rising field of blockchain.
Blockchain technology is no longer limited to cryptocurrency exchanges only. It extends to deal with different types of transactions securely. So the demand for hosting services has also enhanced.
BaaS works like a kind of web host. It runs the back-end operations for a blockchain-based app. BaaS may be the inspiration that leads towards an extensive acceptance of blockchain.
BaaS offers an external service provider. It can set up all the required blockchain technology and base for free. Once established, the provider keeps managing complicated back-end activities for the customer.
BaaS enables all types of companies to access blockchain technology. For that, they do not need to invest in in-house development.
The BaaS manager usually provides support operations like,
- Bandwidth handling
- Proper distribution of resources
- Hosting demands
- Data security features
#5. Hybrid Blockchain
These blockchains are a mixture of private and public blockchain. So they also combine the benefits of both. Enterprises that do not want to deploy a private or public blockchain and want to leverage both to avail combined benefits will use Hybrid blockchain.
Hybrid blockchain networks enable specific records to go public. On the other hand, keep the rest of the records confidential in a private network.
Even though the integration of public blockchain, they still work in a private ecosystem to ensure security.
When it comes to setting up costs, hybrid blockchain costs less. You can quickly and easily validate transactions because of its powerful nodes.
It is expected that emerging cryptocurrencies will accept the hybrid blockchain in 2021.
- Operates in a closed ecosystem without making everything public
- Get protection to 51% of attacks
- Provides privacy
- Provides improved scalability
- Enable rules to be modified as per the requirements
#6. Social Network
Blockchain-based digital networks can actually be the bright future of social media. The majority of people are worried about the data they have uploaded on social media. With decentralized social networks, users have more control and autonomy.
- Enhance the chances of social commerce
- Reduce frauds of advertisements
- Improved data security
- The platforms will be censor-free
- Less scalability
More and more social networks built using blockchain technology are anticipated to boost in the near future. A decentralized network will solve the issue of,
- Data management
- Privacy breaches
- Content relevancy
- Disgraceful scandals
With decentralized networks, illegal user data usage can be avoided. Blockchain technology leverages cryptography to safeguard the interaction between users. That ultimately results in data security and privacy.
Without any central authority, data usage is controlled by the users. They will get the freedom of what to publish and what not. Content moderation and sharing will be more efficient than ever before.
#7. NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens)
NFTs have been all-encompassing in the digital space in the past few months. It is a fusion of crypto, VR, and a healthy dose of social media fever.
NFTs are the virtual version of real-world assets (i.e., painting, games, sports cards, music albums, etc.). Anyone can sell their concepts online as an NFT.
These assets are sold and purchased using crypto only. They are encoded with similar software and streamlines the transaction procedure.
According to enthusiasts, NFTs are considered a significant aspect in the near future. It helps individuals to control their asset’s ownership. A single person can own the original and use blockchain entry for backup.
Artists can monetize the virtual version of their artwork. They even get royalty if it is traded or changed after the first sale.
NFTs have a unique identity code. Similar to the thumb impression, two NFTs are not identical. So production and transmission of fraud NFTs are pretty complex. One can not exchange it directly like cryptos. On purchasing an NFT, people get certificates secured with blockchain technology.
#8. VC and SSI (Verifiable Credential and Self Sovereign Identity)
SSI is a new perspective associated with the way identity gets controlled in the digital space. Users can make and manage their own identities without depending on any centralized authority.
SSI combines physical and e-authentication for secure, private, and efficient identity authentication. Users do not have to remember their keys or lengthy passwords. Instead, they leverage an app for that purpose.
The app stores your private keys and a soft copy of your physical document. Everything is encrypted and automatically saved similarly to any other app.
SSI has introduced the concept of VC (Verifiable Credential). It is now an approved W3C standard to exchange data with genuine proof. It is supported by public-key cryptography. It also performs with zero-knowledge proof that is highly complex privacy maintenance methods.
SSI provides valid, globally compliant, and confidentiality-retaining credentials. It can manage and store the security of the user’s device. Users can show it to anyone, anywhere. Industries where personal identification matters can use it such as bank accounts, insurance, health care, loan, claim benefits, etc.
#9. CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency)
CBDC is a virtual form of central bank money. It is a legal tender built and supported by a central bank.
It depicts a claim against the central bank, not a commercial bank or any PSP(Payment Service Provider).
CBDC gets managed on a blockchain-based digital ledger. Thus, boost the payment security between banks, organizations, and persons. Ethereum is the best production-ready blockchain to utilize. It supports CBDC demands when it comes to scalability and privacy.
Central banks manage the currency with blockchain-based CBDC. It safeguards the confidentiality and independence of the CBDC use to the end-users.
CBDC rules are strongly coded in the protocol to assist compliance. For example, wallet limits or third-party accessibility to the system.
Blockchain assures availability and flexibility of data with transparency about transaction records. Ethereum has proved its potential to support a very large network with more than 10k nodes and thousands of users.
A blockchain-based CBDC gains from the visionary products/services built on the open-source blockchain system. It includes non-custodial wallets to have sole control of private keys, zero-knowledge cryptography without using a password or revealing any data, and DeFi.
Ethereum is the biggest blockchain system globally and has more than 350,000 developers.
#10. Finance and Blockchain
Nowadays, trade finance is an expensive and time-taking process. Banking entities and shipping fleets testing blockchain to build smart contracts among different parties. It can be one of the fascinating areas to see.
It is also interesting to look at what blockchain can provide to clearance, settlement, and other daunting operations. It is anticipated to offer more attention to security and tracking.
Central banks worldwide leveraging blockchain when it comes to payment processes; Because it offers high security and increased speed with minimal costs.
Blockchain’s peer-to-peer system for transactions is disrupting the old school methods to transfer funds globally.
Smart contracts also keep you away from human errors that occur during manual form fill-ups. Banking entities are always keen to use this kind of system because of the lower risk while transferring funds in real-time.
The banking sector is also trying to set up a shared ledger utilized to store customer identities securely.
It will be easy for Syndicated banks to mitigate the complexity and efforts needed to address local taxation and governing rules.
Summing up
Blockchain technology is disrupting the digital world and offers tremendous welfare to each industry niche. Even after confronting some difficulty in the past years, blockchain remains a desirable technology. It is expanding its potential towards new professions.
We could actually go on and on in listing blockchain trends as its use cases are growing consistently. Nowadays, ideas like using blockchain for content streaming, NFTs, CDBC, digital identity, everything is becoming a reality.
It is the year 2021 and we can leverage blockchain technology,
- To secure personal/confidential detail
- Customized access
- Tokenize any assets
- Boost company performance
- Increase company revenue
Soon, we will probably stop talking about the blockchain as an emerging technology as it is becoming a standard.
However, at the present day, blockchain project implementation is still a complicated task. You need to connect with an experienced blockchain development company that has a strong portfolio of successful assignments.
Blockchain experts will aid in discovering each aspect of the advanced technology. So you can evaluate its pros and cons and get customized solutions as per your preferences.
Source: https://www.coinideology.com/blockchain-trends
How to Make an Uber like App?
It is not surprising that after such a whopping success of Uber, plenty of startups and entrepreneurs are keen to take a deep dive into the on-demand Uber-like app business. Not only investment, but they are implementing the same strategy to hit the jackpot.
On-demand taxi booking app development is the first choice for startups as there is less difficulty entering into this business. Obviously, when there is less entry barrier, you will face tough competition. But when you develop some exceptional features and follow strong go-to-market tactics, you can flourish.
Why should you build an App Like Uber?
By addressing all the customer requisites, an app can come off with flying colors and is valuable for any business that dreams to acquire considerable growth. By providing the comfort of delivering on-demand services, you can build an app like Uber that ensures greater benefits.
Not only providing absolute control and tracking, but it can also develop and boost your professional stature. Hence, transform your unique thought into a real-life app, offer your customers advanced transport solutions and raise your business from the ashes in this market competition.
How does an Uber-like app Functions?
The uber app includes five steps from the customer perspective.
- Make a trip request by choosing an end destination. A user can see the cost of a fare based on the type of vehicle.
- Trip verification. A user confirms the details and pickup spot.
- Search the nearby available driver. A driver can accept/decline a trip request coming from a customer.
- In-app payment automation after completion of a trip. But for that, customers need to add their payment details such as credit/debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
- After each taxi trip, customers asked for the ratings. It is a key element of Uber app business logic.
The Uber app counts the ride charges by linking time and distance pointers. If any vehicle is driving under 18 km/h, a customer is charged by the minute. If a car’s speed is faster, the charge is per kilometer.
The charges for Uber taxi service apps involve a basic cost based on the location. A customer has up to 5 minutes to cancel the trip. Otherwise, they will get charged.
Functionalities of Uber-like app
When you plan to develop a taxi booking app like Uber, it is significant to acknowledge some key elements of the system. Any taxi service depends on two different apps with different functionalities interconnected with the help of an admin panel.
Develop a simple website or a landing page. It will aid in fetching the users and driver requests to take part in the platform.
Here are important features to develop an app like uber for each part of the service.
Uber App Features for Passenger
- Registration through email, Facebook, phone number after verification. Most users choose to register via social media.
- Push notification to keep customers informed about trip request status, driver’s time of arrival, driver and vehicle details.
- Driver tracking notices the driver movements to make updates through/after the trip.
- Taxi booking to enter the address, choose a type of vehicle, and add a pickup spot.
- Messaging to communicate with the driver through the app.
- A price calculator lets the customers determine the charges of a trip at the early stages.
- Travel history represents all the details of previous trips.
- Multiple payment options should be implemented through cash, credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, etc.
- Driver rating and reviews to evaluate the service about driver, car, and journey.
Some advanced features you can also add to the app.
- Pickup location enables customers to determine nearby driver availability.
- Ride cancellation to cancel a ride within a specific time.
- Split payment enables fellow riders to split the trip charges.
- Interactive map to observe all the cabs on the map in real-time.
- Later ride enables customers to book a ride earlier for a selected time.
- Book for others enables booking for another rider, maybe a friend or any relatives from their account.
- Gamification and discounts like many stars, badges, coupon codes, offers, etc. to boost customer acquisition and retention.
- Voice Recognition enables voice commands for the app.
- Waiting List enables users to add the request to a waiting list during rush hours.
- Panic button to make the customer’s ride highly secure.
Uber App Features for Driver
Some of the features of this app are similar to the passenger’s app such as Login, push notification, messaging, reviews, and support.
- Trip alerts enable drivers to take ride requests to accept/decline. It shows the customer’s location, path, and travel history.
- Driver profile and Status enable admins to authenticate a driver for a license, car insurance, etc.
- Push notifications are used for the alerts such as ride changes, completion, and information about location, route, payment, etc.
- Navigation & Route Optimization provides the best suitable route with Google Maps.
- Driver delivery reports offer states regarding rides and daily/monthly earnings.
- Messaging enables drivers to contact a customer through texting or calling.
Some advanced features you can also add to the app.
- Driver destination enables drivers to choose a trip with their desired destination.
- Quest Earnings enables drivers to earn more by completing the pre-defined rides.
- Waiting time while ride cancellation or more than specific duration, a customer is charged extra.
- Heat Maps are compared with the requested locations on a map so a driver can arrange his schedule and move to the spots where a passenger ratio is high.
- Forward dispatch enables a driver to take another ride request at the time of completing the existing one.
Uber App Features for Admin
To organize and monitor all the processes of drivers and tracking customer experience, the main control point is quite necessary. An admin panel manages customers, drivers, requests, payments, locations, and other business activities.
A web-based admin panel includes features like,
- Locations and Charges Management
- Users and Drivers Management
- Notification Management
- Booking Management
- Vehicle Management
- Driver’s Orders and Payoffs Review
- Discounts and Promotions Management
- Check Ratings and Reviews
- System Content Management and FAQs
- Driver and User Support
- Integration with Google Analytics
What Technologies Applied to Make an Uber-like App?
The fundamental technology needed to implement when you want to develop a taxi booking app like Uber is mentioned here.
| Geolocation and Navigation | Push notification and Management | Payment Gateway Integration | |
| Android | – Google location Services API – Google Maps Android API | – FCM (Firebase Cloud Messaging) – Twilio, Plivo, Nexto, Sinch | – Stripe, Braintree – PayPal’s SDK – Google Wallet |
| iOS | – MapKit framework – CoreLocation framework – iOS Bluetooth beacon and Wi-Fi functionality | – APN (Apple Push Notification) – Twilio, Plivo, Nexto, Sinch | – Stripe, Braintree – PayPal’s SDK – Apple Pay |
Geolocation
Any uber-like application needs to be linked strongly to navigation and mapping technologies.
- Discover any device location using the CoreLocation framework for iOS. For Android, you need to use Google’s location APIs.
- Mapkit for iOS provides direction to the driver from point A to B. Android uses Google Maps Android API.
- Google Maps integrated with the iOS and Android apps. You can also buy services from different mapping software teams.
Push Notifications and Messaging
The communication can be done through the whole process starting from the request sent by the customer, accepted by the driver, cancellation, and much more.
- You can choose a Twilio telecommunication provider for the text messages.
- To implement push notification, you can leverage Apple Push Notification (APN) Service for iOS. For Android, GCM (Google Cloud Messaging).
- SMS notifications inform customers about the successful delivery of a message.
Payment Gateway Integration
To get rid of physical errors, an app should apply a payment process through a payment card. Before initiating payment gateway integration, you need to comply with specific requirements and country policies to manage the confidential data with high security.
- You can integrate payment gateways like Braintree and Stripe.
- Taxi app developers leverage Swift Programming language for the iOS platform and Kotlin for Android. For the back-end system, developers choose the ROR (Ruby on Rails) framework.
Take a look at the Uber Architecture Diagram.
How to build an Uber-like app successfully?
Here’s a list of points to consider if you want your app to be successful.
- Create a business model for your uber-like app by following market demands.
- Analyze statistics.
- Acknowledge your audience and their requirements.
- Specify the USPs of your app. Tell your audience how your app helps them. What is unique in yourLooking to develop an Uber-like App? This blog will help you to know why need an app like Uber (Taxi/Cab Booking App), how it works, and costing factors. app compared to Uber?
- Use attractive graphics and visuals to boost user engagement.
- Identify the key functionalities and platforms of the future app. According to that, you can add advanced features in the future.
- Hire experts from the top-notch on-demand app development company.
- Apply intuitive app flow to deliver a user-friendly experience.
- Take user’s feedback positively and make changes accordingly.
Revenue Sources for Uber-like app
It is significant to create a revenue model in advance for your type of Uber app. Mainly, revenue generated from the trips when an Uber ride calculator mixes multiple criteria such as,
- Cost per minute
- Cost per mile
- Cancellation policy fees
- Safe ride fee
- Base fare – Type of car you booked
You can also monetize your uber-like app.
- Ride charges from the customers
- Commissions on each completed trip from the drivers
- Costs from ride cancellation
- In-app advertisements
Uber-like App Development Cost
It is not possible to determine how much it exactly costs to make an Uber-like app without determining whether you want to build an existing uber clone or you just need to test an MVP. However, the cost depends on multiple factors such as,
- Number of features you need to add and their complexity
- Number of platforms and OS
- The technology you want to leverage
- Designing aspects you want to make an app like Uber, then this blog of ours will be of great help to you. In this, you will get all the functions and features.
- Developers’ skills, location, and fees
You need to pay for the services such as,
- The back-end and web development (Admin panel)
- Native app development (Android/iOS)
- Native app interface (UI/UX)
- Quality check
- Project management
- Business analysis
Finally, yet importantly, you can not overlook promotions and marketing costs and other circumstantial business expenses.
Hourly rates vary according to different regions. Let’s consider an average rate between Asia and Europe that is $50/hour.
- Backend development: 200+ hours
- Web development: 440+ hours
- Design and front-end development: 400+ hours
- Quality assurance and project management activities: 260+ hours
Whom should you approach? Freelancers or Agencies?
Well, freelancers are budget-friendly compared to tech companies, but there are plenty of drawbacks when hiring freelancers over an agency.
One of the main downsides is that a freelancer can not assure you of the 100% success of your app. Additionally, searching for skilled freelancers and hiring them at competitive charges is a time-consuming procedure.
If you are keen on the success of your uber-like app, it is advised to engage with a team of professional developers.
When it comes to cost, tech companies or agencies will charge you a bit more than freelancers but they usually include expenses for project management, quality control, developers, working space, and more.
The best thing is- Tech companies and agencies provide security for the project that is highly significant.
That’s It
The taxi industry is an ideal choice for startups. If you are running a business in the taxi industry for years, it is the right time to transform it digitally.
If you are planning to make an uber-like app, let us know your perspectives to get the best solution delivered. You can create an Uber clone app or just ask for a customized solution.
Source: https://bit.ly/3fzoSvZ
Which is Better, Node.Js or PHP? Why?
Generally, backend programmers are the ones who have to deal with the difficulty of choosing between PHP and Node.js. There are specific reasons why they have to face this situation.
In the old days, JavaScript did not intersect with PHP. JavaScript function for the front-end app development and PHP functions for server-side app development. When you combine these both, you will get a stunning website.
What happened all of a sudden?
Things have changed significantly since the inception of Node.JS. Everything happened after JavaScript was represented by a whole new Node.JS that started to enter the server-side area. Backend programmers get distracted from the traditional PHP.
Now JavaScript is leveraged for server-side programming as well. There was not much use of PHP to code and develop the future generation of server stack. Only JS is all you need to develop Node.JS and the frameworks for client-side running.
In this article, you will explore the brief overview and differences between both languages.
A brief overview of Node.JS
It is a cross-platform, runtime environment that offers everything needed to implement a program written in JavaScript outside a web browser. You can develop scalable and fast applications with Node.JS. It makes use of event-driven, non-blocking I/O models. There are plenty of organizations already using Node.JS to get the best out of it for their business.
A brief overview of PHP
It is an open-source server-side scripting language, where PHP stands for Hypertext Preprocessor. According to W3Tech, PHP is used as a server-side programming language by 79.2% of all websites. As the acceptance of CMSs (Drupal, Shopify, WordPress, and WooCommerce) is increasing globally, you will figure out how useful PHP is for your business website.
The Battle: Node.JS vs. PHP
Check out the comparison of Node.JS and PHP to determine in which field they are exceeding.
Development
Both are the best with development, so picking up the one will be quite complicated. However, programming with PHP is pretty easy compared to Node.JS as the style of programming in PHP is simple and you do not need any compilers or converters. There are no hosting constraints as well as the whole SQL setup is simple in PHP. PHP follows a synchronized programming process.
On the contrary, you will find Node.JS quite complex with the programming. Deployment of frameworks and apps is not a child’s play with Node.JS. It needs deep learning and server infrastructures. Node.JS follows an asynchronous programming process.
Hosting
For a long time, the PHP framework has been one of the widely accepted backend services. That is why PHP supports plenty of hosting services.
However, Node.JS supports a few hosting services. That is why it is simple to deploy and incorporate PHP over Node.JS. You also need access to the virtual server SSH to run the app with Node.JS.
Performance
When it comes to PHP, it provides greater consistency with the performance against Node.JS. Despite that, comparing both in terms of speed, you will find Node.JS faster than PHP. It is because Node.JS has a speed-friendly V8 engine and continues connection with the server.
Along with that, Node.JS comprises a callback function that can process multiple requests at the same time.
Database
When planning on setting up an app, a Database is an essential element that you can’t overlook. PHP is very efficient with MySQL databases and also supports multiple database forms such as MariaDB and PostgreSQL.
On the other hand, Node.JS has a collection of libraries to work on SQL. It also uses JSON to attach NoSQL databases. You can also configure PHP with the assistance of JSON, but it would be better to use Node as there is a single code for both server and browser.
Framework
There are a bunch of frameworks available with PHP where Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, and Zend, are widely used to simplify and accelerate the web development process.
Node.JS also offers a large array of frameworks such as Derby, Express, and Meteor that gained popularity among users. New frameworks also keep coming so often to leverage as per your preferences.
Modules
PHP utilizes module-installing technologies such as PEAR and Composer. PEAR is a framework and system for code distribution and package maintenance, whereas Composer is a dependency management tool.
Node.JS comprises an NPM package management system and its registry. It is user-friendly and has easy to publish modules compared to PHP. Developers need to download and install modules manually with the PHP as it does not come with the bundle of modules just like Node.JS.
When to use Node.JS or PHP?
Both back-end languages come with a lot to leverage. Here are some more tips to decide on node.JS Vs PHP.
You can consider Node.JS when,
- There is a need to use the same language through stacks.
- When you need the fastest speed.
You can consider PHP when,
- There is a centralized server.
- When there is a requirement for superb portability.
Summing Up
PHP and Node.JS both have served efficiently for a plethora of projects in backend development. The only thing you need to keep an eye on is whether it is appropriate to your present as well as future business needs or not.
Both have different apps and frameworks that you can leverage according to your business needs. You have to pay attention before adopting one.
Source: https://bit.ly/3yvzRhx
Why is Amazon DynamoDB a Perfect Choice for Data Management?
DynamoDB is one of the renowned services of Amazon Web Services(AWS). Some big names such as Snapchat, Netflix, and The Pokemon Company are leveraging DynamoDB for their database-relevant needs.
It’s quite easy to set up and configure DynamoDB and you can integrate it with multiple web-based apps without any hassle. Whether it’s Gaming, Ad Tech, Retail, Banking & Finance, Media & Entertainment, or Software & Internet, DynamoDB supports technology solutions in each niche.
Many prominent NoSQL database alternatives are available in the market like MongoDB, HBase, Cassandra, Redis, Amazon DynamoDB, and Riak. In this post, we are going to focus on Amazon DynamoDB – A big name in the NoSQL world.
What is AWS DynamoDB?
DynamoDB comes under the category of NoSQL or non-relational databases. Unlike other databases such as Oracle and MySQL, which rely on the well-defined table pattern and relationship between tables, NoSQL databases are document-based. Every document within a table needs a primary key and also consists of extra indexes if needed.
One primary benefit of DynamoDB on other NoSQL databases is that it is managed and hosted by Amazon Web Services(AWS). Users do not need to add additional storage capacity or any hardware as the database’s storage needs expand. DynamoDB is fault-tolerant, highly available, and accessible from any corner of the world.
For easy understanding, see this video introduction.
DynamoDB Suits you the Best if,
- Organization of data is in the hierarchy or a combined structure in one/two tables.
- If You need to provide services in scalable, duplicated, or worldwide configuration.
- If data security is something that you can’t afford to compromise.
- If you want to invest in the NoSQL learning curve for your developers.
- If regular backups are unfeasible or expensive due to table update rate and overall data size.
- If you need to store your app data in the size range of high-terabyte.
- If your app/service regularly needs response time during each millisecond, despite loading and without tuning attempt.
- If your database workload differs according to time of day or it is led by the high-growth rate/high traffic events.
You should use AWS DynamoDB if,
- You are having scalability issues with other conventional database systems.
- When you are involved in application development services.
- When you are engaged with OLTP (Online Transaction Processing) workload.
- When you are providing business-critical applications that need to be available easily at all times without physical assistance.
- When you are not having enough staff for database management.
- If you need to reduce the amount of work of the operations teams.
- When you need a high level of data durability despite a backup-and-restore strategy.
- When you don’t have sufficient data to predict ups and downs in database performance.
Reasons to Opt for AWS DynamoDB
Amazon DynamoDB enables various benefits compared to other DBMS. The integration of DynamoDB with other AWS services (AWS Data Pipeline, Amazon EMR, Amazon Redshift, and Amazon S3, for data import/export, archive, data warehouse, analytics, and backup.) is exceptionally worthwhile.
Effortless Set-up
Setting up a DynamoDB is very easy as it is a serverless database. You just need to open the AWS Management Console and use the wizard. On the other hand, if you set up an on-premises MongoDB instance, you have to follow a lengthy list of instructions and might face authentication errors.
Durability and Availability
DynamoDB comprises an in-built fault-tolerance system that automatically and synchronically duplicates the data over three data centers in the areas for high availability. It will also aid in securing data against particular machines, failures, and facilities.
For greater data availability, “Amazon DynamoDB Streams” grabs all the data that occurs on the table and sets up regional replicas from one geographic area to another.
Data Models
You need to pay only for what you have utilized withDynamoDB. There is nothing like minimum fees. DynamoDB comprises three pricing sections:
- Provisioned throughput capacity (In an hour)
- Indexed data storage (Per GB, Monthly)
- Data transfer in or out (Per GB, Monthly)
If you are a new customer, you can use DynamoDB at no cost as part of the AWS Free Usage Tier.
Interfaces
With DynamoDB, you will get a low-level REST API along with high-level SDKs for Java, PHP, and ET. They will wrap the Rest API and offer several ORM (Object Relational Mapping) functions. You will get a management and data interface for DynamoDB through these APIs.
At present, these APIs offer table management operations like creating, listing, deleting, and obtaining metadata and collaboration with attributes such as obtaining, writing, and removing attributes, index query, and full scan.
Performance
SSDs and limiting attribute indexing offer high efficiency and low delay. It will significantly mitigate the expenses of reading and writing operations. When the datasets increase, predictable performance is needed to sustain the lower delays for the workloads. The predictable performance can be obtained by informing the provided output capacity needed for a given table.
To get the requested output rate, the service manages the supply of resources. You do not have to worry about any instances, memory, hardware, or other components that can affect an app’s output rate.
Scalability and Flexibility
DynamoDB is highly flexible and scalable. It automatically assigns more storage space as you store more data with the use of write API operations. So you do not have any limitations to the data stored in a DynamoDB table. Data will get divided as required while SSDs offer predictable low-delay response times to any extent.
The service is flexible as well. As per your changing preferences, you can dial-up/dial-down the read and write capacity of a table.
Summing Up
There is no lack of usage for DynamoDB. To get started, you only need to discover the exact match as per your needs and then refer to the user-friendly features mentioned above.
DynamoDB performs greatly with large-scale organizations, along with easy management of complicated infrastructures. Amazon Web Services has made work easier and highly productive for the developers.
Source: https://bit.ly/3xiP8B3