SEO for Plumbers: How To Grow Your Business?

Modern business conditions are game-changers for both online and offline, small and large businesses from different industries. Regardless of your business niche, proceeding without a digital presence, digital marketing and SEO, in particular, is no longer possible to stay competitive.

The plumbing industry is no exception. SEO promotion allows you to reach out to the target audience and create an influx of new consumers more efficiently compared to the usual marketing activities. It's time to use plumber SEO promotion to become the top local plumbing services provider. How to get started with plumbing SEO promotion to drive quick results?  Find out the best tips next. 

HOW CAN SEO SERVICES BENEFIT A PLUMBING COMPANY?

SEO services can benefit a plumbing company in several ways. SEO services aim to improve a website's visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). By optimizing the plumbing company's website for relevant keywords and local search terms, SEO helps it rank higher in search results. Increased visibility means more potential customers are likely to find the website when searching for plumbing services in their area.

Compared to traditional advertising methods, SEO services can be a cost-effective marketing approach for a plumbing company. Once the initial optimization is done, the ongoing costs of maintaining SEO efforts are relatively low. Unlike paid advertising, where costs can quickly add up, SEO focuses on organic search results, generating long-term visibility and traffic without ongoing advertising expenses.

Top SEO Tips To Grow Your Plumbing Business

Want to reboot your knowledge in promoting your plumbing services? You need the following SEO for plumbers tips and to read this post. It’s time for growing your plumbing business in 2021 and getting loyal customers with the help of SEO. Here is how.

Create Useful Content

Search engines are ultimately focused on delivering quality content to users. To gain the trust of the search engines, it is worth providing quality content. Run an active blog on your site.

Provide your site visitors and potential consumers with valuable information. For example, you can create various guides, instructions on how to choose the right plumbing, or in which case it is important to call a master and when you can solve the problem on your own.

Don't forget about the psychology of your target audience. Since most people, when faced with any breakdowns in the context of plumbing, try to solve the problem on their own before turning to professionals. Therefore, you should both provide them with how-to tips and explain when the professional help is a must as such a content mix will be relevant for your target audience.

Activate Local SEO

SEO optimization and the abundance of different strategies can be confusing for website owners. Many of them are focused on getting to the top of Google's results, and this is a logical desire. But do not forget that some areas of business require proper promotion at the local level. It is very important for such an area as plumbing.

When creating your content, there is a need to add keywords with the city mentioned. This will allow those users who are looking for a service in a particular city to be able to find your site. The emphasis on local SEO promotion in tandem with general SEO tactics is what will bring real effect and will allow you to get loyal customers and promotion in the ranking.

Use the Backlink Strategy

One of the most effective SEO strategies is to get backlinks. The presence of such links is something like an indicator of trust in search algorithms. These sites gain a ranking advantage and rank higher.

Today there are different ways to get such links. For example, you can either buy SEO-friendly backlinks or use a guest posting strategy. When buying backlinks, make sure you get quality links. As for the strategy of guest posting, this can be done both independently and with the help of professionals. Professionals offer a complete solution regarding the implementation of the strategy and quick results. Therefore, it is worth considering ways to get backlinks to promote your plumbing services. Think over a good link-building processto get the most of this tactic. 

Optimize Your Site For a Mobile Version

To reach the top of the search engine rankings, you should think about creating a high-quality mobile version of the site. Today, more and more users are using various gadgets to search for information on the Internet. According to stats, 54,8 % of worldwide traffic is mobile. There is no doubt that this trend is here to stay for the next few years.

It is worth paying special attention to this matter and creating a high-quality mobile version. Make sure your site is displayed without any errors on all devices. In the absence of a high-quality mobile version of the site, all your actions in the context of SEO may be ineffective.

Create Social Media Profiles

Building social media to promote plumbing services is a great strategy to gain new clients and improve your position in the ranking. When providing services in the local market with a specific territorial reference, then social networks are another opportunity to get the target audience.

Notify your subscribers about all services and promotions. You can also duplicate content from your site on social networks. For example, you can write that a new service has appeared on your site or you have published a detailed guide on how to fix some problems without experts. This can force the subscriber to go to your site to view the information in more detail. This way you can generate an influx of targeted traffic that is more likely to become your customers. 

Wrapping Up

Modern SEO practices and strategies can be applied to absolutely any field of activity. To maximize your online visibility as a plumber, explore valuable insights from resources like https://www.outlookindia.com/outlook-spotlight/7-best-link-building-services-uk-7-months-long-research-results to refine your SEO strategies effectively. As you can see, SEO promotion in such an area as plumbing is an opportunity to take your business to the next level, so get started with the simple tips we have shared above. 

 Guest Contributor:  Nancy P. Howard has been working as a journalist at the online magazine in London for a year. She is also a professional writer in such topics as blogging, SEO and marketing. 

What Is Plasma Cutter, Types and Working

Plasma cutters are commonly used for cutting different metals using plasma arc. It has a high-frequency power supply that sends an electrical charge to the metal object to be cut. This is done by generating a steady stream of ionized gas particles that form a plasma, as it travels from the nozzle of the cutter to the object being cut. 

It produces a more accurate and efficient way of cutting metals as compared to conventional methods like chipping saws and abrasive cutters. A general Plasma Cutter usually runs on 220 volts at 50 Hz or 60 Hz, depending upon the country where it is manufactured and sold (50 Hz in Europe and Asia and 60 Hz in North America and some other countries).

Plasma Cutter has a small semicircular window at the top where it shows how much it is being used during operation. A red color bulb means that the Plasma Cutter is on standby mode, green color means it is ready for operation. Plasma cutters are battery operated, with batteries ranging between different manufacturers. 

 Plasma cutters come with a standard power rating of 100 amps up to 500 amps, which is capable of cutting almost all kinds of metals. A plasma cutter has a nozzle that produces a plasma arc that is further converted into heat, by transferring its kinetic energy to the molecules in the metal.

Plasma Arc torch consists of two electrodes i.e., cathode and anode which acts as an ionizing gas chamber where gas filled inside it gets ionized and forms plasma arcs at the end of the nozzle.

A Plasma Cutter makes use of Plasma produced from gases like oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2) and hydrogen (H2) through air or pure argon (Ar).[1] The choice of which gas should be used depends on the material to be cut, for example, a Plasma Cutter which is used to cut mild steel uses Plasma produced from Air or mixed gases of air and Argon.

The process of Plasma Arc starts when an electrical arc is struck between the cathode (negative electrode) and anode (positive electrode). This initiates a chain reaction called Ionization Process which releases super heated ions that result into Plasma formation. The atoms get ionized through various processes like Collision Ionic Absorption, Photoionization, Secondary Emission etc.

The Plasma Arc Cutting process is governed by two different types of Plasma i.e., "Dark Plasma" formed due to resistance against the cut, and "Bright Plasma" which emits light energy that results into plasma cutter flame seen during cutting. The metals are heated up to high temperatures, resulting in formation of molten metal vapor along with hot dust particles which are ejected out from the other side of the Plasma Torch nozzle at very high speed. Maintaining Plasma Cutter requires changing gas cylinders, electrode/tips, AC capacitor plates, AC frequency plates etc.

A new process called Air Plasma Cutter has been developed by different manufacturers which makes use of air itself instead of using additional inert gases like Argon and Nitrogen. 

All these types of Plasma Cutting Machines can be used on various job sites, however Plasma Cutters are mostly used in Plasma Arc Cutting Applications in engineering industries, Plasma Arc Cutting Applications in marine industries, Plasma Torch Cutting Applications in automotive or shipbuilding industries and Plasma Arc Cutting Jobs at construction sites.

Guest Contributor: Damaso Sanoja

How To Spot A Well-cared-for Property: 5 Signs

When looking for a new home or property, we often pay more attention to its location and aesthetics. However, you should also consider the structural integrity of the building. 

Most times, you will need the help of a professional to evaluate the "health" of the building. But what if you can't afford to hire an inspector? How do you know if the property has been managed well?

Signs Of A Well-cared-for Building

Surely, property managers and owners can conceal major issues with fresh paint or some minor upgrades, but they can’t totally hide major repair problems. 

Here are the five most important components of a house or building that can help you decide whether it’s worth investing in it.

A Well-maintained Roof

The roof is often the most susceptible to wear and tear as it is directly exposed to different elements. 

Well-maintained roofs can last thirty years or more, however, poor-quality shingles and tiles can significantly reduce their lifespan. You should be able to see from the ground if there are broken or missing shingles. 

Make sure to ask the seller how old the roof is, and inspect the gutters and drainage systems if they are in good condition. A well-maintained gutter system helps avoid water damage issues especially in ceilings, which can be difficult to detect in plain sight. If the roof isn't old enough but still needs some repairs, ask the seller to lower the price so you can save money for repair work.

Don't forget to check the sidings too. Like roofs, sidings are also prone to damage. You should be able to quickly assess the condition of the sidings by simply looking at them. Things like missing or rusty nails, cracking caulk or crooked joints, fading or missing paint, rotting, mold, and water stains are major issues to consider.

Absence Of Watermarks And Mold

Mold is every homeowner’s toughest enemy. It is a fungus that comes in different colors, such as white, green, and black.

If there is water damage or leaks on the roof, the property most likely has an issue with mold, even if you can’t see it. You should also check for water puddles near the exterior walls of the house and look around for watermarks, which are a major sign of leaks.

Some other common places where mold is likely to take hold are around leaking pipes, windows, and basements. If you notice an unpleasant odor inside the house or building, it's another tell-tale sign of mold problems. Ask the seller if the property has mold or water damage problems and make sure to add a mold-related contingency to your offer if you really are interested to buy the property.

Renovated Bathrooms

An easy way to check if the previous owner of the house has taken good care of the property is by checking the bathrooms. A bathroom should be renovated every four or five years. Check to see if the fixtures are still in good condition, such as the shower, sink, toilet, and bathtub. 

Well Maintained Interior 

It takes more than a quick freshening up to reveal how well-cared-for a building is. You can’t mask stains on tiles or floors, dirt stuck on walls, and a poorly organized interior space.

Look for a home or property that boasts a clean and well-maintained interior. This means the walls are freshly painted, and the floors have no stains and cracks, so do the countertops and tables.

A well-cared-for building will also have highly maintained furniture. Even if the furniture pieces are quite old, they are still very functional and have no sign of major damage or cracks. With such an interior, you won’t need to shell out more money on repair or renovations. In most cases, all you need is to add stylish home decor to make your new home more like “you.”

Fully Functioning HVAC System

Look for a home that has proper ventilation. Poor airflow is a common sign that the existing HVAC system is no longer functioning properly. This means that the previous owner hasn't taken much effort to clean air filters or have their air conditioners or heating systems regularly checked by technicians.

A well-functioning HVAC system also suggests the absence of water leaks which can quickly damage a home and even lead to serious structural issues. Air conditioners that make low-level noise as they start up and shut down are okay, but any rattling or buzzing noise is a red flag.

Conclusion

Buying a home or property is no easy feat. You should take time assessing the building to make sure it’s free from costly damage and is worth your investment. Remember the pointers we discussed above when inspecting a property.

If you really like the property but you uncovered some issues, talk to the seller and negotiate the price so you can allocate budget for repairs.

 Guest Contributor: Leila Amber

Fall Festivities You Can Host in Your Backyard

 Now that it’s finally fall, your wait to participate in seasonal activities is over! You can host plenty of fall festivities from the comfort of your own backyard. All you need is some refreshments and a few activities to keep adults and children alike occupied during the event. Try out these fun suggestions to make yourself and your backyard the talk of the town.

1. Neighborhood Potluck

As the weather cools down, many people celebrate holidays that bring families and friends together. Some people in your community may not have families or friends to go to for meals and celebrations. In that case, you could consider hosting a potluck where every guest brings a dish or contribution of some sort.

By involving yourself in the community you live in, you could change people’s lives or how the community is run. Reaching out to others when loneliness is all-consuming, especially for those who don’t have anyone with them on holidays, can help you make new memories and put smiles on others’ faces.

2. Trunk or Treat

If you don’t mind potentially tearing up the grass in your backyard — or if you have a larger driveway than most people — you can host a “trunk or treat” where families can go trick-or-treating around to the trunks of different cars.

This event leaves most of the decoration up to the owners of the individual vehicles who participate, so you can relax and only worry about acquiring candy and decorating your own trunk for the Halloween season. For families who don’t participate in Halloween but still love the concept of trick-or-treating and dressing up, this opportunity could be a wonderful tradition.

3. Game Night

If you want to spend time with friends and family outside, consider transforming your outdoor space into an environment prime for partying. Hosting a game night outside is akin to hosting a house party, so you have to be sure you’re ready enough for the people who might attend.

Consider allowing people to RSVP to the party, either by mail or digitally, so you have an accurate headcount of who will be attending and how much of everything you’ll need. You can guess how much each guest will eat, but the best method is to make sure you have one pound of food for every guest.

 Once you have the menu and music sorted out, think of what sort of fall-themed games you could host on this game night. Consider buying small prizes to award the winners of games to motivate people to play. If you want a modern twist on bobbing for apples, consider blindfolding contestants and allowing them to reach into a pail of water and apples using just their hands. You could also host a costume contest and give awards for the most creative or best costumes.

4. Movie Marathon

What could be better than cozying up with some snacks and watching favorite fall movies? Whether you choose to go the spooky route or find something milder that reflects the season, you can host a successful movie marathon from the comfort of your backyard.

The most important thing you’ll need is a projector. From there, you can either have a collapsible screen, an inflatable screen, a white sheet, or something else that you can use to project the movie onto. Be sure to make plenty of snacks to keep all your guests satisfied. 

Consider creating a fire pit in your backyard ahead of this occasion. While you might have blankets to ward off the chill of the night, they can’t compare to the warm glow of a fire. Aside from providing your guests with much-needed warmth, a fire pit can also set the mood for the season.

5. Haunted Hay Maze

If you’ve been through a corn maze, you know just how thrilling it is to get lost in nature and finally find your way out. You can build a similar maze in your backyard using bales of hay. While it might not be as challenging as a corn maze, it could still provide your guests with the excitement and triumph of emerging victorious. Just make sure your yard is large enough to hold a labyrinth!

Instead of buying fake haybales, consider supporting a hardworking farmer or other local hay-grower. Make sure to put your order in early, well in advance of the party, to make sure you’ll have the quantity you want, as hay is regularly in high demand. Get other members of your household to help you build the maze, and you’ll have an activity that will keep people talking about your festivities for years to come.

Find a Fun Way to Spend Your Fall

It would be a shame if you let the season slip by without celebrating. Why not round up your closest friends and family, or your entire neighborhood, to take part in the fun autumn festivities with you? Planning something can get you in the right mindset for the holidays, and when all the planning is done, all you have to do is sit back and watch it all come together.

Guest Contributor: Rose Morrison

Exterior Paint Finishes: A Guide to Choosing the Best Paint Sheen for Your Home Exterior

Choosing an exterior paint color for your home is just one part of the paint-selection process. As a homeowner, you want to ensure that your exterior paint withstands harsh weather conditions and UV radiation. While exterior painters will expertly prepare your home for a smooth, long-lasting paint job, your chosen paint finish can either make or break the final look and longevity of the paint. This handy guide will help you choose the best paint finish for your home exterior.

Best Exterior Paint Finishes for Your Home

Paint sheen is not just about aesthetics. Paint finishes affect how long exterior paint lasts on siding, trim, doors, and other exterior surfaces. There are four different types of paint sheens that professional painters typically use on home exteriors and each has unique benefits when used on the correct surfaces.

Flat Paint Finish

While flat paint finishes used to be the most popular, they aren’t used much on exteriors these days. Flat paint is matte, porous, and susceptible to fading and mildew problems. Most customers desire paint finishes that are shinier and more durable, but flat paint doesn’t have to be ruled out completely. Because flat paint isn’t shiny, it can be a great option for disguising flaws on older homes. However, a flat finish is only recommended for exterior walls, and not areas that are touched often such as doors, railings, or windows.

When to use a flat paint finish: If your home has older wooden siding, or you need to conceal siding imperfections, flat paint can be a good choice.

Eggshell Paint Finish

Eggshell paint is the most popular exterior paint finish for the body of a home. Because eggshell isn’t dull like a flat finish, or too shiny like a high-gloss sheen, it looks great on a variety of siding types such as HardiePlank, stucco, horizontal wood, and others. Eggshell paint also offers more durability than flat paint, so it can easily be washed with occasional power washing. It’s also an ideal choice when you need to hide imperfections under the coating on older wood or stucco divots. Eggshell can also protect your home from precipitation and seasonal weather changes. This popular paint finish lays down nicely, so you won’t be able to see any brush strokes, roller edges, or spray marks after applying.

When to use an eggshell paint finish: If you’re repainting your house siding and want a low-reflective finish that also conceals minor imperfections. An eggshell finish is also perfect when you need to subtly bring out trim details.

Satin Paint Finish

Satin paint has a nice sheen and is ideal for exterior trim areas that are used or touched often. This highly durable, stretchy paint resists peeling and mildew. A satin paint finish is perfect for use on a variety of trim areas such as eaves, soffits, overhangs, trim boards, porch ceilings/trim, door frames, window sills, and so much more. It’s important to note that satin paint magnifies imperfections like dents, dings, cratering, and ridges in older wood trim and wood siding.

When to use a satin paint finish: If you want a beautiful sheen on your trim that isn’t too shiny, this is the finish for you. This is especially true if you live in a hot, sunny climate as satin paint contains more UV protectant to prevent fading.

Semi-Gloss Paint Finish

A semi-gloss paint offers visible shine on home exteriors and is ideal for surfaces that require frequent cleaning. The glossier sheen makes semi-gloss paint more durable than satin, so it’s easier to clean. Semi-gloss paint can also endure harsh weather conditions and withstand excess moisture. While a semi-gloss paint finish can look beautiful on trim details, it isn’t a good choice if you need to conceal cracks, chips, or other surface imperfections.

When to use a semi-gloss finish: A semi-gloss finish is best for painting garage doors, front doors, exterior trim, gutters, shutters, metal lamp posts, railings, and window sills.

High-Gloss Paint Finish

If you want your exterior trim to really pop, then this is the paint finish for you. A high-gloss sheen offers extreme durability and adds a beautiful richness to paint color. You may be tempted to paint your entire home exterior with this easy-to-clean, highly durable sheen, but it isn’t a good idea! Painting all of your siding with high-gloss paint will make your home look “plastic” and magnify surface imperfections. Simply use this finish for highlighting ornate architectural details, trim, and doors. Professional painters will happily paint your exterior walls and siding with a semi-gloss or satin paint to complement the high-gloss finish of your trim.

When to use a high-gloss finish: Use this heavy-duty paint to highlight architectural details, decorative fixtures, accent trim, shutters, front doors, black metal railings, window frames, or anything else you touch on a regular basis.

House painting tip! Semi-gloss and high-gloss paints can be brittle and chip if not applied to the right surface or with the right preparation. Gloss paints can look amazing on front doors that have been kept in great shape from porches and awnings, but won’t look nice if your door has dings, cracks, or other blemishes. Professional house painters will ensure your home is prepped and painted properly so that your paint job looks amazing and lasts a long time.

Choosing Exterior Paint Finishes: Get Expert Help

Paint finishes on your home are just as important as the colors you choose. This is why it’s critical to trust your exterior house painting project to a professional painting company. Not only will professional painters use the right painting tools and techniques to deliver a flawless finish, an expert paint color consultant will help you choose the perfect paint finishes for your siding and trim. Trusting your exterior home painting project to the professionals will provide you with beautiful, long-lasting results. Request your free exterior painting quote today!

Guest Contributor: Mark Sharp

Blue Collar Eats - Amigos Mexican Restaurant in Frankfort IL

Have you checked out our new Blue Collar Eats video over on Facebook where we reviewed Amigos Mexican Restaurant? “You guys know me, I’m always on the hunt for tacos, and we found somebody that’s giving Frankfort a run for their money”, says Kevin. This restaurant is definitely a hidden gem! We sat down and gave you the scoop, along with Ron and Jason who joined us for this delicious meal.

Ron, one of our plumbers, joined Kevin in reviewing this restaurant out. “The steak is real nice, tender, delicious, the cilantro is fresh, onions are fresh, everything is diced up real fine, it’s easy to eat. I like this taco a lot!”

Jason, another one of our plumbers, explained why everyone says this place is giving Frankfort a run for it’s money. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this place is gonna give places a run for their money.” Ron chimed in and agreed, saying, “No, definitely. Even the chicken is traditionally seasoned, not overpowering, really nice, juicy and tender. Pretty much everything you would want in a piece of chicken.”

All three agreed “now that’s a good taco!” as they cheered to the tacos and took a bite.

Kevin review a little bit of everything, from the tostados, chicken tacos, steak tacos, their guacamole, homemade salsa and burritos. He said everything was great, and the best tacos he's ever had.

“The chicken tacos and the al pastor are great!” says Rasheed from Bear Down, he’s one of their best customers! He loves this place and talks very highly of them.

Another customer explained he loves the tacos, and his little brother likes the burgers. “There’s something here for everyone.”

Amigos reopened their doors on Thursday, October 14th at 20831 S. Lagrange Rd. in Frankfort IL. Keep in mind it is a cash only establishment, but they do have an ATM located inside of the restaurant.

Check out our video on Facebook on our page, Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing - Local Plumber and make sure to check out the restaurant whenever you’re in the area!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

How to Choose the Right Parcel Dropbox for Your Home During this Pandemic

If there was ever a good time to invest in a parcel dropbox, it is now. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront the need for a sharper focus on health and safety. Social distancing and avoidance of crowded public places are critical steps.  

Imagine a mother having to go with the kids to pick a parcel at the post office drop box. With more than one child in tow, it can be difficult to contain them. How will she, for instance, keep them from touching surfaces. 

Maintaining the six feet distance will be another challenge. Such exposure can lead to the whole family contracting the dreaded disease.  

A home delivery parcel dropbox has so many advantages. The most obvious is the convenience of contactless deliveries. You can adhere to the social distancing calls but continue to shop as usual. 

But, do take note of how to handle home deliveries to avoid getting the virus. You should, for instance, let the package sit for up to 24 hours before touching it. Remove outer packaging and dispose of them. And, wash your hands thoroughly after touching the items.  

Investing in a secure lockable parcel delivery box ensures safety for your items. It does not matter whether anyone is home or not when the courier comes around. Once the item is in the delivery box, only you can access it using the lockbox key or combination.  

There is no shortage of parcel drop box suppliers or vendors. It can get rather confusing in choosing one. But, there are some considerations you must have in mind. So what are they?  

1. Look at the Security Features 

The first consideration when choosing the right parcel dropbox is by looking at the security features. As we mentioned, there are many delivery box options available.  

But, a strong selling point or differentiator is how they secure or assure the safety of your deliveries. At the very minimum, you want a lockable delivery box.  

Look for the type that uses the cantilever system. Once the item is in the parcel box, there is no way to get it out. The neighborhood burglar will have no luck using the entryway to access your purchases.   

Another key security feature is the material that makes up the body of the parcel drop box. You want sturdy, durable, and hard to breach. Do your part in making the burglars work a little bit harder. Heavy metal delivery boxes are a good option.  

2. Go For Weatherproof Material

Since the delivery box stays outside it is prone to the effects of the elements. Metal rusts, depending on the moisture levels. Wood will rot due to the same reason. 

Delivery box manufacturers apply anti-weather material to weatherproof the boxes. Ensure critical parts like seals have the relevant protection. You want to avoid having to replace the box within a short period.  

3. Parcel Dropbox Installation 

Do take note of how easy it is to install the parcel dropbox. Some are pretty simple, and with a few tools, you can have them mounted. Carefully read the instruction manuals to avoid any mistakes.  

If you think it will be a challenge, ask for expert help. The vendors or manufacturers should have no problem availing someone from their team to help you.  
Improper installation can reduce the safety of the delivery box. If, for example, you do not securely mount it, the thief can carry the box. 

4. Determine the Size You Need

There is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to parcel delivery boxes. You are in the best position to determine what will work well for you.  

Look at what you typically buy as a guideline. If you stick to smaller purchases, there is no need for a large parcel dropbox.  

Heavy parcel delivery boxes work well for multiple packages. They are also fantastic if you share the home with others who receive items.   

5. Design Aspects

You can place the parcel drop box almost anywhere outside of the home. Some favorite spots include driveways, front porch, garden, or gate posts. That means it is visible to anyone who visits. 

So, do look for an attractive design to add to the beauty of your outdoor space. There are many variations of colors and designs.  

Apply some creativity with a simple DIY painting job. It allows you to blend in the delivery box with your existing outdoor decor.  

You also have options with mounting or installation. You can go for those that you place on the wall, above the ground. Such are ideal for smaller parcels. 

The other option is the floor-mounted parcel delivery boxes. They can accommodate larger packages, and give more flexibility with placement. 

You could have it in the driveway, garden, or anywhere you choose. This is unlike wall-mounted options that require, well, a wall. But, again it comes down to your preference.  

6. Check for Available Technologies 

Look out for available lockbox technologies.  Smart lockboxes, for instance, are becoming quite popular. Such will send notifications once the delivery man scans the barcode. 

You can set it up to send the alert to your mobile or other internet or Bluetooth-connected devices. Such allow for Integration with smart home technologies. You can lock, unlock or share access to the box using virtual assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant. 

They also allow for custom configurations depending on what you need. Other features include live streaming videos, sound recording, and motion sensors. This helps improve the safety of your deliveries.  

Final Thoughts

Enhance your safety during this pandemic period with a home delivery parcel dropbox. You avoid unnecessary exposure by having to make trips to the designated drop-off points. 

The right parcel delivery box comes down to what you need and your preference. But, do check out the security features the manufacturers offer.

Also, pay attention to the material of the parcel delivery box. It should be strong, durable, and weatherproof. Determine the best size depending on what you typically buy.  

Think about the installation as well. Do you want to mount it or have it on the floor? Whichever you choose should be convenient for you and the delivery. It should also be secure enough to make it hard for the local burglar to make away with the whole box

Guest Contributor: Daniel Martin

How to Make Your Bedroom Cool and Modern

When you're thinking of redesigning your home, it often seems that the bedroom comes last, if at all. This is possibly so because you always think of investing in those visible parts of your home where the family gathers and you entertain your friends, so the bedroom somehow gets neglected.

There’s no reason this should be so as your bedroom should be the place where you escape the craziness of the day and find peace and serenity. Choosing the right design for it may seem daunting at first but if you’re looking to revamp it into something cool and modern, this is the way to go!

Change the layout

Changing the layout of your bedroom is a very cost-effective way to completely change its look. It also consumes very little of your time and effort but the results can be amazing! Draw up a sketch of your room and consider how you can move your furniture so the room still remains functional and what you can eliminate completely. If you only change the direction of your bed, you can make all the difference in the orientation of your room.

Choose a neutral palette and subtle accent hues

Neutrals, such as fresh pink, baby blue and mint green as well as nude and off-whites are all a fantastic choice for a trendy bedroom. However, you don't have to stick to just neutrals to get a modern look. You can add accent colours but do it carefully in the form of impactful details. Think in terms of subtle accessories, such as rugs, plants, covers and throw cushions. These are a perfect way to infuse a little controlled colour but do get creative with materials – opt for rich textures to keep the luxury vibe alive.

Invest in new bedding and pillows

With the bed as the focal point in every bedroom, switching up the throw pillows and your covers can be a very effective change. While at it, consider selecting new bedding such as a marble patterned microfiber comforter with matching pillows that will add a touch of class and elegance to the overall look. Besides the aesthetic aspect, high-quality bedding will improve your sleep as well giving you more energy throughout the day.  It is also a good idea to invest in a new custom sized mattress, which will provide you with more comfort and overall back support.

Maximize the light

If you have lots of natural light flowing into your bedroom, maximize it as much as you can – get rid of the heavy window dressings and go for simpler and more elegant fabrics that won’t block the sunlight during the day, but add soft drapes on the sides so you can make it dark at night.

Don’t forget other forms of lighting in your bedroom. They are also important for creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. This mostly refers to bedside lamps, floor lamps and wall-mounted sconces. The combination of multiple light sources will create layers of light and make the atmosphere warmer and cosier.

Dress the floor

Your bedroom floor is another great place to add more impact. Plus, it’s always great to feel softness under your feet. Consider adding a thick shag or a dramatic vintage rug. These can help you pull a room together and by layering a few, you can give the space a tranquil and relaxed feel.

Don’t forget the walls

Don’t neglect your walls! A new coat of paint, wallpapers, artwork or a feature wall can all have a strong and instant effect on the look of your bedroom. Choose art pieces that reflect your personal interests and tastes, and display them uniquely.

Make a gallery wall that you can continuously enhance. Pick frames in a consistent style but do range them from simple black to ornate silver and gold vintage. Put them up on floating ledges that are both minimalistic and very modern.

You can finally stop beating yourself up for neglecting your bedroom and with the help of these easy design tips, you can give it a much needed stylish makeover. There are so many things you can change and update, just make sure you prioritize the steps and choose things that are modern and cool but also match your personality!

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

Employee training: Why do your company need it?

There won't be a long introduction here. You have a question and we have answers. We will simply explain why it is profitable for a business to train its employees (and regardless of whether the training is carried out in-company or through the involvement of external resources). Read on.

1. The factor of intangible motivation

It's no secret that a modern employee can no longer be lured into a company only with a good salary (which, moreover, fluctuates rather weakly in the market for most industries). In the arsenal of employers, there are more and more trump cards for rewarding employees outside the wage framework: here there are offices with coffee, cookies, air hockey and a trampoline, and fitness and voluntary medical insurance with dentistry and massage of all parts of the body.

Exactly the same factor of non-material motivation is the educational products that the company provides to its employees. At the same time, the organisational basis of this process can be different: in some organisations, certain educational products are purchased/produced for employees, and the employee is trained in what was purchased for him, and in others, the personnel are given the right to choose from several educational courses.

The motivational component here is that the employee is provided with benefits in the form of educational content on a free basis. Thus, personnel compensation includes one more bonus - training and advanced training at the expense of the company, which for many specialists serves as a significant competitive advantage when prioritising potential jobs.

2. Formation of a "loyalty anchor"

The human feeling of gratitude, coupled with proximity to a source of useful knowledge and skills, can work wonders in HR. Practice shows that companies that invest in employee training, reduce the staff turnover rate by values ​​from 30% to two times, depending on the industry.

This principle works very simply. As you know, people respond to incentives, and if an organisation continuously organises training for its employees in relevant and useful skills, then it becomes unprofitable for them to leave the company, which provides them with up-to-date relevant knowledge. Moreover, if success in passing certain courses and certifications smoothly creeps into the composition of key performance indicators of personnel, then many employees suddenly become excellent students - and, of course, stay in the company a little longer than they could without educational "goodies".

Even if a specialist who has accumulated certain skills, has a desire to leave a company for a more promising or highly paid position, in the vast majority of cases he will look for an organisation where personnel training and development is at least as good as at this place of work.

3.  Improving the professionalism of the staff

Instead of sometimes very deservedly accusing your staff of incompetence, it is much more expedient to correct this situation, thereby showing yourself as a real leader. The easiest way to do this is by training an employee, spending a certain amount of money/time / both on improving certain skills of their wards.

Often, the professional development of their employees can be carried out almost without interrupting the work process by organising online training, including both webinars and information blocks, and attestation with certification. Fortunately, the modern infrastructure of online education has developed so much in recent years that it provides a wide variety of educational projects for every taste and wallet. You can find everything. From online courses of a foreign language to good quality online construction courses. The situation has already reached the point that many companies that specialise in the provision of professional services to businesses are starting their own training centres and train not only their employees but also everyone from outside, including corporate clients.

4. Development of the employer brand

As the basics of strategic marketing teach us, an employer's brand is a discourse that accompanies a given employer in a public space. At the same time, many mistakenly believe that this term only refers to competition in the struggle for talented specialists. But this mistake is tantamount to thinking that the whole Europe is just France: the employer's brand has many manifestations - reputation among customers, weight and authority in the business world, presence in the media, and a number of other aspects.

The development and training of personnel are most directly related to the employer's brand: by encouraging and satisfying the desire of its employees for professional growth, the company significantly strengthens its brand. Such an organisation immediately acquires a public aura of a friendly, responsible and strategically thinking team, to which you want to join and with which you want to interact.

Conclusion

If you were not sure that you needed employee training, or you were against it, we hope this text opened your eyes. Now you know how important it is for your employees to improve their skills and knowledge. Try to provide them with the best possible training. Trust us, it will pay off.

Mike is an Australian business consulting specialist. He’s working with companies that outsource their IT maintenance. He often writes about technology, business and marketing and is a regular contributor on several websites.

Guest Contributor: Mike Parsons

Smart kitchen appliances you need to know about

Are you trying to make your kitchen smart? If that’s the case, it’s good to know that almost every inch of your kitchen can be smart. As technology continues to advance, there are fewer things that you actually need to do yourself in the smart kitchen. Many of the smart appliances in your kitchen today are voice-activated, which means that you don’t even need to be at home to preheat your oven!

If you’re interested in discovering all the different smart appliances that you’d need to make your kitchen smart, you’re in the right spot. Let’s dive in!

1.    Smart Coffee Machines

Let’s start with a smart appliance that will make your every morning a good morning – a smart coffee machine. A perfect day starts with a cup of your favorite coffee. It’s only logical that your kitchen should be equipped with a gadget such as this.

Smart coffee machines come in different modern and sleek designs. They are simple to use and allow you to choose between many different modes such as filter or grinder modes. 

Additionally, many smart coffee machines today come with apps for your phone. With this app, you can personalize your coffee by choosing how well you want your coffee to be ground, the strength of the coffee or you can simply set filter mode if you prefer filter coffee. With the app, you can also program the exact time you want your cup of coffee to be made.

Smart coffee machines can be also connected to your home hub and thanks to this you can use voice commands to tell your machine to make coffee. Another type of coffee machine that might interest you, Percolator Guide: Best Coffee Percolators 2022 And just like that, you can have a perfect cup of coffee without moving a finger.

2.    Smart food processor

At the first glance, a food processor isn’t much different than a blender. It can grind, grate, chop and slice food, make fresh juice, and even kneed the dough. The main difference is that with a food processor you don’t need to add water or any liquids to do the chopping, mincing, grinding, and other similar tasks. 

Smart food processors come with a couple of programed auto menus and each has a different sequence, for example, mincing, chopping, draining, or paste making, to name a few. With a processor, you will get many versatile accessories – different types of detachable blades, jars and in many cases, you’ll also get a storage case for all these accessories.

3.    Smart oven

A smart oven is usually a stand-alone oven, similar to a toast oven but with many more functionalities. An oven of this kind can steam cook, air fry, dehydrate and do the regular baking and convection cooking.

Smart ovens are called smart thanks to their ability to send data over Wi-Fi to your home hub allowing you to turn on the oven, preheat it, control the temperature, or set timer alerts. You can also do all this through a phone app.

In case you have problems with your oven or you need oven repair you can always call professionals. Don’t think that just because you have a smart oven, no one will be able to repair it. You don’t need to immediately change your oven if something is wrong with it, instead call experts in smart oven repairs and save quite a bit of money. Smart appliances can be repaired as well!

4.    Smart induction stovetops

If you’re not a fan of cooking ranges, you can buy a standalone oven, we mentioned above, and a smart induction stovetop. These stovetops use induction to heat your pots and pans but leave the stovetop cool to the touch. So, compared to regular electric cooktops, these induction ones take no time to heat up and cook food more quickly. Additionally, they are easy to clean and much safer than electric and gas ones.

They are easily programmable and feature a built-in touchscreen that allows you to search the internet for your favorite recipes. With certain stovetops, you can get an app that allows you to control it with your phone – turn it on, control the temperature, and similar commands.

5.    Smart fridges

Everything is smart in a smart kitchen, even your fridge. So, what can a smart fridge do that a regular one can’t, you may wonder? Just like with other smart appliances, you can control your fridge with your phone or give it voice commands.

A smart fridge, unlike the regular one, can recognize the type of items you store in it and keep track of their expiration dates. These modern fridges are also more energy efficient as they can save electricity by monitoring issues and adjusting temperatures. 

A smart fridge is so smart that it can play music and movies on its screen!

6.    Smart dishwashers

If we can have a smart fridge, why not also have a smart dishwasher. Everyone loves seeing clean and shiny dishes and cutlery on their table, don’t they? Your old dishwasher was pretty good, but this smart one is even better. 

Now, you’ll still have to load and unload it yourself – that hasn’t changed, yet. What has changed with these new generation dishwashers is the ability to connect them to your home hub.

Just like with most smart appliances, you have the opportunity to connect your new dishwasher to your phone as well, with an app. This app allows you to select the program depending on what you’re washing and also the volume. Additionally, the dishwasher will send you a notification when the washing is done. This is precisely what makes it so energy-efficient.

7.    Smart slow cooker

People love slow cookers because they make cooking easy. They love how the slow cooker can bring out flavors in foods and how convenient it is for the fast-paced lives we’re living.

What you are going to love even more is a smart slow cooker. With a smart slow cooker, you won’t have to worry about not having food for tomorrow because now you can leave your cooker on overnight too.

Smart slow cookers can now connect to your smartphone and with an appropriate app you can control the cooker remotely - turn it on and off, monitor cooking time, and change cooking settings. And there you have it, cooking has never been easier!

These and many more smart appliances can make your kitchen look like something out of a science fiction movie. The best part is that they are very convenient and easy to use. They’ll make cooking an amazing experience for you.

So, don’t wait any longer, transform your regular kitchen into a smart one!

Guest Contributor: Ron Wolf