MQTT in IoT: What is it and how does it work

MQTT in IoT: What is it and how does it work

MQTT in IoT: What is it and how does it work

August 10, 2022

Implementing MQTT in IoT

In recent years, the Internet of Things (IoT) has become one of the main innovations of the 21st century. Now, we can interface humans with everyday objects like cars, electric appliances, etc. But how is this connection made possible? IoT uses both connectivity and messaging protocol that provides the base for communication within a remote location. The messaging protocol is referred to as Message Queuing Telemetry Transport (MQTT).

MQTT is a standard lightweight messaging protocol specifically designed to work under low-bandwidth locations to convey telemetry information. MQTT uses the concept of ‘publish and subscribe’ via the MQTT broker. It means that a machine (publisher) publishes a topic; sends it to the MQTT broker, which will distribute information to all the machines (subscribers) embedded in that device. 

Its features of low bandwidth, low latency, minimal power consumption, and being able to be used on small footprint devices have made many industries in manufacturing, automotive, telecommunication, etc., use MQTT. Being the most preferred messaging protocol, how does it work?

How does MQTT work?

MQTT has a simple architecture that utilizes the available bandwidth for transmission. This simple architecture is called the ‘Publish and Subscribe’ model. The model involves clients (a sender and recipient), but communication isn’t direct because a third party is engaged, called an MQTT broker. 

When the publisher wants to send a message, it publishes the topic and sends it to the broker. The broker finds all the subscribers of the subject and distributes information. It entirely means that a publisher and subscriber have no direct link to each other. The process is reversible because the publisher can be the subscriber, and the subscriber can be the publisher.

The broker is an intermediary whenever the connection is cut from the publisher or subscriber. When the subscriber is offline, the broker will hold information sent by the publisher until the subscriber is back online. On the other hand, the broker will relay particular instruction messages (cached messages) to subscribers whenever there is a communication breakdown from the broker.

MQTT messages

An MQTT message is categorized into four phases: connection, verification, communication, and endpoint. A client begins by making a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) association with the specialist by utilizing either a standard or custom port characterized by the intermediary’s administrators. While communicating, it’s vital to perceive that the server could proceed with an old meeting assuming it is given a reused client personality.

There are two standard ports of communication in MQTT: encrypted (8883) and nonencrypted (1883) communication – utilizing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS). During the SSL/TLS handshake, the client approves the server testament and confirms the server. The client may likewise give a testament to the representative during the handshake. The agent can utilize this to validate the client. While not explicitly part of the MQTT determination, it has become standard for agents to help client validation with SSL/TLS client-side testaments. 

MQTT is a lightweight code protocol since every message has a little code. Each message comprises a decent header of 2 bytes, a discretionary variable header, a message payload restricted to 256 megabytes (MB) of data, and the nature of administration (quality of service). 

At the point when a distributor or endorser needs to end an MQTT meeting, it sends a ‘Disconnect’ message to the merchant and afterwards shuts the association. It is an effortless closure since it enables the client to effectively reconnect by giving its client character and continuing the latest relevant point of interest.

Should the termination happen unexpectedly without time for a distributor to send a ‘Disconnect’ message, the representative might send endorsers a statement from the distributor that the intermediary has recently reserved. The message, known as a last will and confirmation, furnishes endorsers with directions for what to do if the distributor suddenly disappears.

MQTT in IoT projects

Here are some of the benefits why a company would collaborate with an IoT company to implement the MQTT messaging protocol: 

  • Lightweight Code Protocol: MQTT clients are tiny and require insignificant assets to be utilized on little microcontrollers. MQTT message headers are little to advance organization data transmission.
  • Work Under Unreliable Network: Numerous IoT gadgets are associated with inconsistent cell organizations. MQTT’s help for tireless meetings diminishes the chance to reconnect the client with the dealer.
  • Two Way Communication: MQTT takes into consideration informing between gadget to cloud to device unendingly. It makes for simple telecom messages to gatherings of things.
  • Solid Message Delivery: The dependability of message conveyance is significant for some IoT use cases. Therefore, MQTT has three characterized nature of administration levels: 0 – at most once, 1-no less than once, 2 – precisely once
  • Secure: MQTT makes it simple to scramble messages utilizing TLS and validate clients using present-day confirmation conventions, like OAuth.
  • Fast Communication: MQTT works continuously, without any postpones beyond the quality of service.
  • Comprehensive Support for Programming Languages: MQTT has comprehensive support for programming languages, making it simple for designers to use while developing. 

Drawbacks of MQTT

  1. MQTT has more slow communication cycles than Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP).
  2. MQTT’s asset disclosure deals with adaptable point membership, though CoAP utilizes a steady asset revelation framework.
  3. Being a lightweight protocol, it has minimal authentication features.
  4. MQTT is decoded. It utilizes TLS/SSL (Transport Layer Security/Secure Sockets Layer) for security encryption.
  5. It’s challenging to make an internationally versatile MQTT organization.

Applications Of MQTT in the IoT industry

      • Car Industry: MQTT IoT projects in the car industry reduce vehicle robbery avoidance, vehicle observing, and far-off support of vehicles.
      • Transport Operations: One of the best MQTT conventions in the IoT model is in the strategies area. MQTT IoT centre points, for example, Airtel IoT, assist with following cargo vehicles and give continuous cautions to cargo wellbeing and development.
      • Home Computerization: IoT dashboards use MQTT to oversee home gadgets immediately with your cell phones.
      • Agriculture: The emergence of smart farming has enabled farmers to monitor soil pH, temperature, and humidity – essential for effective yielding and overall farming techniques. 
      • Energy Industry: IoT MQTT boards in the energy area help to construct a more brilliant energy network and upgrade power utilization by purchasers.

 

Conclusion

MQTT assumes a significant part in making IoT projects more ‘low-lift’ regarding specialized determinations while accomplishing the ideal associations among gadgets, servers, and applications. The publish and subscribe model in MQTT makes it simple to be adopted in IoT. Additionally, choosing the correct cloud service will enhance a high-quality service for your project with the help of MQTT brokers.    

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Best ways to prepare for final exams in one week

Best ways to prepare for final exams in one week

Best ways to prepare for final exams in one week

July 15, 2022

Preparing for exams on a deadline

The test of a person’s knowledge or efficiency is known as examination. It can also be regarded as a state of being examined. Some Students experience anxiety while preparing for examinations, they experience an extreme level of distress, and when this becomes too much, it can impair learning and interfere with test performance.

To have a successful result after your examination, you must have revised hard for several weeks before the exams. Just like writing academic texts and dissertations, you need to have a plan to write the best essays. You may use some essay help to get your groove going, but you still need to prepare for it. Likewise, preparing for exams requires studying smarter, not harder, understanding the basic techniques of exams, how to read, and how examination questions are answered.

Tips for preparing for exams on a deadline

It is advisable to experiment with a few of these important study techniques to discover which ones are suitable for you. This dissertation has put together some helpful tips that can help prepare you for the final exam in one week.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

For you to be writing final exams, that means you must have been used to writing exams and the pressure that comes with it.

Students can be more anxious when preparing for the final exams; regardless, you should have probably identified your strengths and weaknesses long ago. However, it is of great importance you go through the list again, evaluate your weakness and strength, and, more importantly, focus on your weakness.

Organize your study environment

Organizing a proper study place starts from selecting a perfect location, getting yourself a  comfortable chair and table, arranging your books in order of use, and ensuring you have enough fresh air and proper lighting.

While still preparing, determine what is best suitable for you; you might prefer total silence or some background music. Whatever your choice is, make sure your study environment is comfortable.

Research what your test will be like

Every student must start each study session with the knowledge of what to focus on, especially when the exam is in a few days. Start by knowing things to be expected on the exam day, such as the test format (whether essay or multichoice questions), the number of questions to be answered, and the examination time frame. Knowing all these will give you more insight and how to prepare yourself.

Endeavor to ask your teacher what material you will need for the exam and the list of relevant topics to focus on. More also, look through test questions of past years; this will tell you what to expect as they are similar in structure and content.

Divide studying into sessions

Contrary to popular belief, cramming is wrong. Trying to cram everything in one night is a bad idea, and it has been proven to be unproductive. You have a week on your hand; it is better to plan and spread out your study over the seven days you have left. To ease assimilation, ensure to take breaks regularly.

Divide your study into sessions of at least 30 minutes and take a break of 5 to 10 minutes after each session. This short break is very effective and will help refresh your brain and body from stress. More importantly, this will keep you focused on the task you have at hand and help you achieve your goal fast. Using a timer to monitor your session and break is advisable.

Keep distractions away

Preparing for your final examination demands a great length of hard work, time, and commitment. To achieve your desired goal, every means of distraction must be prevented. The proper and effective study requires putting aside any form of distractions such as cell phones, computer games, avoiding social media, and unnecessary company. To avoid distraction, it is better to read in an environment where such distractions are not allowed, such as libraries or school premises.

Using an app that can help block all sources of distractions through your mobile phones can be put in place; this will help avert the urge to check notifications and replying to messages. If you can’t do without consulting with your friends while reading, it is best to study in a private environment. Distraction can be easily averted by doing away with any distraction, but it is more important to avoid an environment that is not suitable for reading.

Conclusion

You do not always have to get exam jitters, even when it is just a week to exams and you are barely prepared.
Given that this is not the best of scenarios, it is not an impossible task. When you follow this guideline on preparing, you get to cover more grounds swiftly and get set for that exam all within a week.

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6 challenges when dealing with business-related frauds

6 challenges when dealing with business-related frauds

6 challenges when dealing with business-related frauds

July 06, 2022

Challenges when dealing with business fraud

Business fraud has long been something most businesses are concerned about. But, still until this today, it stands as one of the most significant challenges most companies face when they have an online business, mainly because online attackers will always find news to breach data. 

Nevertheless, fraud teams are dealing with increased pressure on their shoulders to find new ways to prevent these attacks. Simultaneously, there are always new regulations that are rolling out.

6 common challenges you will face when dealing with business frauds

There are many big challenges business owners must face while taking care of their online business – but lets take a look at 6 of the most common challenges.

Handling too many transactions with a small fraud team

Especially after the pandemic’s beginning, there has been an increase in online transactions for many types of businesses since consumers have to switch to digital channels after the pandemic. Thus, some companies had to cut down their team because of financial reasons. However, this results in the following: 

  • Being able to address emerging fraud trends quickly 
  • Defending chargebacks

Of course, this can significantly impact fraud rates, and usually, if frauds aren’t addressed quickly enough, they can result in many other issues. Moreover, if your fraud team struggles to address issues, your best bet is to outsource fraud and abuse prevention solutions to a trusted third party. 

Fraud prevention in banks

Fraudsters would love to attack users with financial information. Bank fraud prevention is one of the biggest challenges financial organizations have to go through. In this case, every financial institution must fight against complex fraud attacks continuously changing. Nevertheless, here are some of the biggest fraud challenges for banks: 

  • Customer onboarding: Due to regulations by Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know your customer (KYC), it’s quite a risk for banks to contribute to digital onboarding. They are legal requirements that request you to confirm user identities to ensure they won’t commit financial crimes. One common method employed by banks to comply with AML and KYC regulations is implementing a robust customer screening process, which often involves conducting thorough PEP screenings. These screenings aim to identify individuals with potential political connections or high-risk profiles.
  • Credit card fraud: Banks should be well aware of any fraud committed regarding transactions or when the withdrawal occurs. However, spotting patterns have limited exposure only by seeing the amount, currency, and category.
  • Account protection: An account takeover might happen when an online fraudster steals sensitive information such as the log-in details of a user. However, one of the most common issues includes that banks will identify and block fraudulent attacks. Still, the bad part is that fraudsters will take advantage and try to find new ways to hack their way into sensitive information. In other words, it’s a continuous fight! 

Above all, many fraud scenarios occur, and no matter how well prepared banks can be, there will always be ways in which fraudsters will launch an attack. Here are some more fraud scenarios that occur: 

  • Account opening fraud: Includes stolen identities for obtaining credit cards or fraudsters opening accounts and acting like real customers. 
  • Account takeovers: Online attackers who overtake stolen accounts can start to spend the money in the account and even change all the credentials to act like legit users. 
  • Fraudulent fund transfers: Occurs when online attackers will use an emulator or cloned app to make bank transfers. This is a standard method used for stealing money from accounts. 

 

Identifying warning signs from online attackers

Even though online attackers have used the same methods to commit fraud for several years, it’s vital to be aware of warning signs of online theft and financial fraud to protect your business and avoid letting data fall into the wrong hands. 

Whenever online attacks try to hack into your sensitive information, here are some of the most common methods they’ll use to do so: 

  • Links or ads: You might see spammy links or ads that ask you to click on them so that they can get support, but don’t be fooled by these tricks. You may receive these links by email or by downloading a file you shouldn’t. 
  • Phone calls: Online attackers might make anonymous calls and lie to you that they are a legit company. They can fool you into offering fake opportunities and gathering your personal information. Your best bet is to tell them you are in a rush or to send any important information to your email so you can further identify what they are trying to do. 
  • Emails: A standard method online attacks will use for fraud. The most common type of email is sending fake job openings, fake links, or any other attachment containing malware. Gmail and Outlook will usually be smart at identifying these, but I don’t think they can save you every time, so you need to watch out. 
  • Pop-ups: Random pop-up messages can seem like you made a mistake or might be telling you that you won something; the last thing you want to do is to click on it. It may be a virus in disguise, asking for your sensitive information. A standard pop-up message informs you that you won a prize and will ask for your information to send you the prize, but avoid believing in these pop-up messages. 

 

Not taking advantage of ML and AI

Some fraud teams are taking advantage of making use of machine learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, simultaneously, many fraud teams aren’t taking advantage of this. Nevertheless, it’s pretty tricky for human beings to do everything on their own, and while AI can work without taking breaks, humans can’t do this, unfortunately.

With the help of ML models, anti-laundering capabilities have increased. Thus, it hasn’t only strengthened the protection we receive against online fraud but is also supporting our anti-fraud strategies. However, according to a recent study, only 13% of organizations worldwide are using AI and ML capabilities to fight fraud!

Internal fraud

The world isn’t perfect, so before you allow anyone in your team to gain access to sensitive information, you must be sure you trust them enough. Sadly, that isn’t always the case, so you must take action to keep an eye out for employee theft and internal fraud! Here are a few steps you can overlook: 

  • Employees who work too many hours: There’s nothing terrible about working too many hours, but sometimes, some employees might do it to take advantage of you. Internal frauds can happen while no other team member is around, so if you find some of your employees coming in early, working on holidays, or staying late, there’s something to be curious about. 
  • Employee burnout/high-stress levels: Have you realized one of your employees is stressed out? You never know what the reason may be. It might be due to your employees having something to hide! It’s always important to investigate further. 
  • Living beyond their standards: This can’t always account for internal fraud but does take part in it. For example, identify any employees coming the next day with an expensive car, or clothing, or telling you about a costly vacation they are going to. It may be something to investigate about. Impulsive purchases can always be fraudulent, so it’s best to watch before something even bigger happens! 

 

Unprepared employees

When fraud occurs, nobody will inform you of an attack before it happens. Thus, the biggest issue amongst organizations is how unprepared they are when an attack does happen. In fact, according to a study, more than 70% of organizations claimed to be unprepared for an online attack. 

Above all, it’s more important than ever to teach your employees how to prevent fraud and immediately report suspicious behaviors. Your employees should be your first line of defense against fraud, which is excellent for real-time fraud identification. Try to hold regular meetings on how you can incorporate new ways of fighting fraud. Even if there are new hirings, ensure that you teach them how to be well aware of fraudulent activities. 

Alternatively, you can consider using a dark web scanner to identify if any site on the web is using your information for marketing purposes. Employees can learn how to use this and continuously monitor if this occurs or not.

Conclusion

These are six big challenges that organizations face when it comes to business fraud. Fraud is something we can’t ever stop, and the worst part is that it may come unexpectedly. You never know when it can happen and why it happens. 

Moreover, there are too many challenges organizations face and as statistics showed, the majority of organizations aren’t prepared at any level to face fraud. The worst part is that when fraud hits your organization, it can damage your reputation and cause too many issues that will never allow your organization to be the same. Therefore, it’s best to prepare for it before it hits you.

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Career in the automotive industry: Everything you need to know

Career in the automotive industry: Everything you need to know

Career in the automotive industry: Everything you need to know

June 29, 2022

Starting a career in the automotive industry

As children, most of us grew up dreaming of becoming car racers. While the dream turned out to be far-fetched for most, you still have the opportunity to pursue a career in the automotive industry, which is full of exciting jobs.

Of course, we accept that most of us have not had the chance to grow up and become Thierry Neuville or Lewis Hamilton, traveling around the world in pursuit of sporting silverware or glory. Most children today want to become professional Minecraft designers or YouTube stars. As modern technology has started developing to influence the cars that we drive, it is safe to say that the automotive industry is slowly developing into a career choice.

Why you should consider a career in the automotive industry?

There are many reasons to consider a career in the automotive industry, some of which include:

Changing the world

First, you should know that a career in the automotive industry is quite rewarding. With the help of your colleagues and partners, you will directly impact the lives of other people. This is because cars have become a necessity today and will remain a part of modern culture.

It will fill you with satisfaction and pride when you see a car you have helped create on a show stand or on the open road.

As of now, we are right in the middle of an ever-changing global ecosystem. Automotive technologies are being developed right in front of our eyes. With the right career, you will be able to influence future cars.

Become part of a team

When it comes to mastering a career in the automotive industry, you need to possess several important key skills. However, the most important is good teamwork; you need to play a significant role in any team if you want to deliver the results successfully.

In most automotive companies, you need to earn the respect of your team members. Hence, clear communication is a must, especially when you need to make fast decisions or articulate problems.

Job security

No matter which place you’ll reside in the future, the automotive industry will always be around. There will always be automobiles, trucks, pickups, and cars zooming past you on the highways or the streets. Therefore, you can rest assured knowing that you will always have a business or a job in the automotive industry.

Versatility

If you are looking for versatility, you can consider a career in the automotive industry. If you do not want to sell cars, the industry offers a wide range of areas you can focus on. For instance, if you like tinkering with cars, you can open your own repair garage or work as a mechanic for someone else. Or, you could start working at an established car manufacturing company and build a career in building or assembling cars.

Another career choice you have is opening a car showroom. If there are already too many showrooms in your area, you can start your business in another city or town.

You need to start exploring the available options, especially if you want to do it professionally. There have been many people employed in the automotive sector for years; however, it did not begin as a dream. Most of these individuals kept working hard and improving their skills to become what they are today.

There are many interesting careers in the automotive industry, like showroom manager, repair shop owner, service technician, paint technician, machinist, mechanical engineer, etc.

Personal and career growth

As mentioned above, the automotive industry offers a wide range of jobs; this level of versatility opens the doors for personal and career growth. For instance, you can start your job as an automotive engineer or a sales professional and keep working until you reach a higher rank. Alternatively, you can choose to try out different expertise areas.

Since the automotive industry greatly depends on technology, there will always be changes. When it comes to building your career, you will have the opportunity to keep learning, improving, and growing. There are various training programs and workshops that you can check. You can even opt for designated schools.

The automotive industry is such that there is always room for growth, particularly if you are dedicated, hard-working, and highly skilled. As you move ahead in your professional journey, you will keep discovering many opportunities.

Amazing salary packages

If you are motivated by money (no, we are not saying it is a bad thing!), then a career in the automotive industry may be right for you. On average, the annual salaries of automotive professionals are anywhere between $50,000 and $110,000. If you occupy a high post in an automotive company, your salary can easily cross $300,000.

Of course, the salaries will depend on the type of career path you are following. The figures mentioned above are just common averages. While these salaries are nothing compared to those of a millionaire, it is certainly more than enough to guarantee a steady life.

What are some types of careers in the automotive industry?

There are many types of careers in the automotive industry; some include:

Data science

Data science is one of the most important jobs in the automotive industry. In this role, your primary goal is to improve the efficiencies of different stages to provide better customer satisfaction and safety, like cost reduction, improvement of the production cycle, etc.

Research

As we know, there has been quite an amazing growth in the automotive industry. The industry is constantly changing and requires efficient resource management. In such cases, research can help look at issues from various angles to provide the most effective solution.

Designing

Of course, cars need to look amazing. However, they need to be robust. While the car’s design might not require a lot of technical skills, you will still have to fit all the dimension parameters and calculations on the car. As a skilled design expert, you will go far in the automotive industry.

Production

As you can guess, the production department is responsible for all the heavy lifting in the automotive industry. This is the place where the brains of the operation meet the brawns. All concepts and designs of the automobiles come to life in this part. If you want to get into the production role, you need to be a qualified mechanical engineer first.

Conclusion

As you can see, a career in the automotive industry is quite promising. The paycheck is great, and your career and personal life will become steadier. However, like all types of careers, you will have to work hard in this industry to make it big. If you have any questions regarding this article, please drop them in the comment section below.

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What is the biggest challenge for most businesses when going online

What is the biggest challenge for most businesses when going online

What is the biggest challenge for most businesses when going online

May 26, 2022

Challenges and solutions for business going online

With the pandemic taking over the world by storm we’ve seen a lot of businesses going online promptly. All the excuses they had before to stay offline have suddenly disappeared. Even the fear of not knowing the biggest challenge for businesses when going online. 

Businesses finally acknowledged the fact that 97% of consumers go online to find a local business or local services. But how do you move an entire business online effectively? It’s not just setting up social media accounts. You have to find a place to showcase the things that matter to your audience the most and reach them online in the same personal and effective way you did it before.

Firstly, you need to prepare a digital marketing strategy that resonates with your business goals. Secondly, you have to understand that you can’t do it on your own i.e. you need help. Because you’ll be stumbling upon a lot of unknown territories, black holes, and pitfalls that can suck the life out of your company.

Challenges that businesses are facing when going online

We’ve reached out to businesses that have recently moved online, and agencies that facilitate the process. They weren’t ashamed to admit they’ve faced many challenges. Also, they weren’t shy to explain how they got past them and benefited eventually.

It’s fair to say that there’s not just one biggest challenge for businesses going online but multiple. 

Lack of experience

Levitex was born from expertise in complex posture and chronic pain to create the optimum for neck pain. We work with client groups with complex neurological patients as well as elite/pro athletes and everyone in between who suffers from neck pain.

Just before lockdown, we agreed to launch with Next, Sofa.com, and Ideal Shopping.

However, seeing the circumstances, as were many other businesses going online, we immediately had to pivot to B2C online as well. We have spent the last 6 weeks reshaping the business and immediate strategy! No experience of SEO, keywords, backlinks, Facebook ads – none of it! 

But worst of all, we realized that in the four years since we started the project after we validated and evidenced the benefits of our new foam formulation we have been purely focused on investment. We never really drill down our customer profile. Which as I write this it sounds utterly amateur!

So these recent weeks have been used adding to the team (digital marketing graduate and commercial partnerships/sales), developing our avatars with PR and Marketing to hone in on our niche and our low-hanging fruit B2C.

In essence, after having a massive wobble and a dusting down we found exposure in the business plan. We are using the experience of pivoting from B2B to B2C online to strengthen our offer and get a better understanding of our customers’ drivers.

James Leinhardt, CEO of Levitex

The three obstacles

 had the opportunity to deliver the Go & Grow Online Campaign in my area. In short, this involved workshops teaching businesses how to “get online”.

The main challenges they find are:

  • Achieving consistency across their company name, their domain name, and their social media profiles – for businesses that are already trading yet just moving online, they aren’t able to pick a company or brand name that has availability across the board from the outset.

Solution: Don’t set one profile name before another, investigate all the social platforms first because it may be that a matching abbreviation of the name is available on all.  If it proves very difficult, it may be wise to adopt a new brand name or trading name under the registered company name.

  • Maintaining the same customer experience online as they have built offline

Solution: Talk to your customers and see what it is they like about your offline experience. Then talk to your web developer to see how this can be carried over to the website. It will naturally be different, but personalization tools and user testing will help a lot when businesses going online.

  • Growing their customer database and followers because often they can’t afford search engine optimization work, pay-per-click ads and don’t know they need to regularly share quality content online to achieve this.

Solution: Put a process in place to communicate to offline customers and try to add them to your online marketing.  Don’t try to migrate them to online customers necessarily, but encourage them to sign up to receive your newsletter, follow your social profiles, and review you online. There might be something you can gift them for these actions.

Rachael Dines, Director of Shake It Up Creative

Mirror the brick-and-mortar experience

At Stellar, we’ve recently started to host virtual product demonstrations and online masterclasses for our client Sage Appliances and it’s been a great success. This is a completely new strategy for Sage Appliances as they’ve always focussed on creating consumer experiences in brick-and-mortar stores.

From the day that we first launched, we received over 800 registrations and each virtual demonstration so far has had high engagement rates – showing a craving for the content and offering an immersive, engaging experience to consumers.

In fact, the biggest challenge for businesses when going online we’ve found with hosting online masterclasses and virtual product demonstrations is making sure that it’s engaging for the consumer and that we create an immersive experience.

We know that consumers like to experience products at close quarters with a hands-on approach so it was key that we mirrored this experience by creating insightful sessions that the audience can take information away with them.

Anna Brettle, founder of Stellar

Challenges outweighed by advantages

Apart from the biggest challenge for most businesses when going online, I would say there are several advantages to opening a D2C channel. Your product can launch onto the market more quickly and this enables near-instant response and feedback. This means you can react to your customer’s wants and needs and improve your product accordingly. 

D2C helps you to control the customer experience and the communication throughout the user journey to ensure that every interaction is seamless. 

In these early stages, it has been an advantage not to be dependent on retailers, particularly during the last few months where online sales have seen an increase in proportion to retail. We have had a 158% increase in D2C sales compared to the same time last year! 

Once you have a strong customer following, a deeper insight into your product, and proof of sales figures you are in a better position to approach retail outlets. Closely guiding the look and feel of the brand and creating content to provide an educational, reassuring, and welcoming platform for parents we’ve build a strong brand presence and good brand reputation.

Packaging and reliable third-party providers are crucial for the smooth running of the D2C experience. Our product has to be well protected and kept chilled at all times throughout the supply chain. We have been very fortunate to work with a strong team of suppliers with whom we have great trust and who are as committed to our product as we are. 

I would agree that D2C does present many challenges but from our experience, I would say that these are definitely outweighed by the advantages 

Lowri Tan, Managing Director of Little Tummy

Keep it effective and engaging

We know that often, technology is the biggest challenge for businesses when going online. We recently supported Shannon Banks, a leadership coach to move her entire summit online. The face-to-face event should have taken place in Europe. 

Our team helped with the software she was using and were available for the entire 4 day period to manage Zoom breakout rooms and Whats App groups. This ensured that the virtual workshop was just as effective and engaging for the 35 attendees as it would have been face-to-face and enabled Shannon and her colleagues to focus on delivering the workshop, just as they would have done in person.

Rebecca Newenham, founder of Get Ahead VA

Getting enough reach

Social media is still one of the best ways to market your brand online. You can provide information, show your values, offer discounts, and much more. A lot of businesses have turned to Facebook during the pandemic as an answer to the impossibility of in-person interactions.

But one big problem has emerged on social media in the last few years: organic reach on social media is at a very low point. It’s almost impossible to reach your target audience without an advertising budget, hence, knowing how to make the most of it became imperative.

Also, that’s why a lot of companies are turning to Facebook advertising as a way of acquiring new customers and retaining current ones.

Dorian Reeves, Co-Founder at SH1FT

Conclusion

You have to move your business online carefully and in accordance with its needs. The internet offers immense opportunities, but not all will “businesses going online” guides will fit your business model. Don’t be afraid to admit you’re in the blue.

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