New Update: Snapchat launches Free Advertising Certification Course for Businesses
Isn’t it exciting that we are seeing more from Snapchat? Since the COVID 19 pandemic, Snapchat has been dishing out some useful resources to help people in these trying times. Recently from Snapchat was the launching of a mental health resource center – “Here for You“, a psychological well-being resource center to help individuals encountering emotional crisis or mental health. This feature provides individuals with pertinent updates from the World Health Organization, the CDC, Crisis Text Line, NHS, and different partners, connections to significant resources, and activities to assist individuals with adapting to anxiety and stress. Now, to the latest Snapchat update, advertisers, agencies and organizations who are continually attempting to stay on to of Snapchat advertising, a new learning portal called ‘Snap Focus‘ is here to makes things simple for you. As clarified by Snapchat, “The Snap Focus educational plan highlights six courses that will give you a primary comprehension of Snapchat, the Snapchat Generation, advertising methods and opportunities, how to convey media and creative campaigns in Ads Manager, and innovative best practices.” You can either decide to finish the whole certification or focus on the courses that is of great importance to you. Also, prepare to have your mind blown. It’s totally free. Happy learning!
Free Google Ads for Local Businesses till September 2020
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard the term ‘Google Maps‘. I mean, you probably use it every day. From now, till September 2020, small and medium size businesses like restaurants, cafes, bookstores etc. will now be highlighted on Google Maps as a new square-shaped pins. This feature is part of Google’s Smart campaigns, targeted at helping SMEs and SMBs succeed in an increasingly digital market as COVID-19 has resulted to the closure of physical storefronts. New features also added to the Google Search Shopping tab include visibility of product availability, curbside pickup options. The Google Smart campaigns are now available in 150 countries. The feature is out there for free of charge to Smart campaign users until 2020. Promoted pins were initially revealed by Google as a part of its ongoing roll-out of latest advertising and marketing products—announcements that the corporate would have made in previous years at its annual Google Marketing Live, but which it’s this year revealing gradually over the course of several weeks. Recently, Google Canada committed $1 million to expand Digital Main Street’s ShopHERE program, an investment aimed toward supporting 50,000 Canadian businesses and artists as they build a stronger digital presence within the youth of the coronavirus lockdown.
WhatsApp Update: A New Payment Feature for Users in Brazil
There’s been quite some rumors that WhatsApp was going to release some updates similar to WeChat. At first, it was just a rumor. But now, it’s finally here! The most recent WhatsApp update now permits users in Brazil to send and get cash through the instant messaging application. Money can be paid either to individual WhatsApp users or to organizations that acknowledge computerized payments through the WhatsApp. Sending money to friends and family has just got easier. Even for organizations, making payments easy and convenient can move businesses into the advanced economy, opening up new open doors for opportunities and development. The WhatsApp application is owned by Facebook and they assert that there are more than 10 million small and medium business owners in Brazil that could profit from the new digital payment feature. Organizations will be required to pay a processing fee while handling payments through WhatsApp, Nevertheless, cash payments between individuals will be free. Users will be required to enter either a six digit PIN or input their fingerprint so as to approve transactions. Debit and credit cards from supporting banks can be connected to a users WhatsApp account. Visa and Mastercards are already supported; Banco do Brasil, Nubank and Sicredi.
Blessing Abeng: How Disha is Empowering an Ecosystem of Creators
We had the pleasure of interviewing Blessing Abeng, CMO & Co-founder of Disha, a platform that helps creators build a one-page site in minutes from their smartphones. She is a branding and communications expert dedicated to helping creators identify their value, and unique point of view. Blessing helps brands communicate with their team, target audience, partners, and investors. She creates unforgettable experiences that reflect the personality of brands and convert strangers to loyal customers and community members. TFA: What was the concept or idea behind Disha? BA: As creators in careers and business, we recognized the needs and challenges our fellow creators were facing especially when it came to – showcasing their work. We decided to put together a platform that delivered on form and function by creating beautiful and excellent tools for creators, that did not require technical expertise. We started with a signature platform and then went on to create a link-in-bio platform. Our users experimented with the platform and created – resume pages, websites, link aggregators, bio pages, and so many dynamic one-page sites and we decided to enable them by birthing our golden child – Disha Pages, a platform that helps creators build one-page sites in less than 15 minutes for free, to showcase their work. It worked because – We know and understand creators, they are us. Check out amazing platforms created by Dishans here. TFA: What products/services does Disha offer? BA: The main product is Disha Pages. The first tool we created was a signature platform. TFA: Tell us about the unique features on Disha and why creators need to get on board. BA: Oh my! Where do I begin? Apart from the fact that you can build a beautiful, customizable one-page site in 15 minutes and use it for free for life, you can link to multiple pages, embed your YouTube video, showcase images, get analytics, access a great community of creators and resources. The best part is, if you decided to go PRO. You can enjoy unlimited carousels, unlock unlimited elements, get even more comprehensive analytics, integrate google pixel, add unlimited videos and the holy grail – connect custom domains and SSL. TFA: How would you describe Disha to a potential client? BA: Disha is a platform that helps creators create a one-page site in minutes from the comfort of their smartphones. Our users have described it as the best, dynamic and the only link-in-bio platform for creators, the Canva for one-page sites, Wix for dummies, so many interesting descriptions. We are curious to hear you describe Disha when you use it. TFA: Where do you see Disha in the next 5-10 years? BA: Creating for Creators and empowering them with tools to ensure that they can create platforms to enable their dreams in even shorter time frames. We are catalysts for creators and in years to come, that’s all we’ll be doing – catalyzing the creators’ ecosystem. Check Disha on Social Media: Website: disha.ng Twitter: @getdisha Instagram: @getdisha Facebook: Disha HQ LinkedIn: Disha HQ ________________________________________________________________________ Connect with Blessing Abeng: Twitter: @ms_einsteinette Instagram: @ms_einsteinette Facebook: Blessing Abeng LinkedIn: Blessing Abeng
Facebook Launches New Updates for Messenger, Instagram and Whatsapp
Facebook has launched Messenger Rooms, a team video calling service that permits you to make a virtual Room directly from Messenger or Facebook and invite anybody to join, even the individuals who don’t have a Facebook account. The messenger rooms have no time limits and will be able to accommodate up to 50 individuals. To celebrate an event, organize a book club or simply to chat with friends, it will no longer be necessary to call first or make an appointment of the calendar, simply open a room on Facebook and share it through your wall, groups or events, to allow people to drop by. It will soon be possible to open a room directly from Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook App. At the point when you are invited to a room, you can join from both your cell phone and from your PC, without downloading anything. Notwithstanding the augmented reality effects available from the Messenger application, new AI effects will likewise show up to update Messenger video chats from smartphones, for example, 360-degree and vivid wallpapers. There are additionally 14 new filters that offer ambiance or face lighting. New augmented reality effects are additionally on the way. Messenger rooms, as indicated by a note, is designed with protection and security at the highest point of priorities: Facebook does not see or listen to your calls. The person who creates the room can choose who can see it and who can participate, must be available to start the conversation and can remove guests at any given time. You can report a room or send feedback if you believe it has violated Facebook community standards. Since Facebook does not view or listen to calls, reports will not include room audio or video. More information in the privacy attachment. Messenger Rooms is accessible for testing in Italy as early as this week and will be stretched out to the rest of the world in the coming weeks. Facebook will likewise be including new updates in the coming months. Also recently announced – new highlights for Live Videos on Facebook and Instagram. In details, on Facebook: Live With returns back to add someone else to their live video, regardless of where they are. Helpful for visitors, interviews with specialists or exhibitions with companions. You can mark Facebook Events as “online-only” and, in the coming weeks, incorporate Live into the Events. To help creators and independent businesses, Facebook intends to add the capacity for Pages to request paid access to attend live events on Facebook. It very well may be legitimate for anything: online exhibitions, exercises or expert gatherings. To encourage fundraising, it is possible to include the “give” button directly to Live, accessible in all countries where it is possible to make pledge to support non-profit associations. Access to live recordings has been simplified. Limits of data or insecure connections won’t be an issue since it will be conceivable to tune in to even sound. It is possible to begin the Livestream of a game directly on Facebook from your smartphone, thanks to the new Facebook Gaming application accessible on Google Play. The application permits you to begin playing quickly, watch your preferred streamers and find new gaming Groups. Competitions are another new element for game streaming on Facebook that permits you to start, play and watch challenges from one spot. To help its preferred creators, Facebook has chosen to extend Stars to more Pages and Countries. Once bought, the Stars can be sent to the creators while they are playing live; they will in this way have the option to gain 1 penny for each star. On Instagram: Presently you can watch and comment on live videos directly from your desktop. Follow your yoga class on a bigger screen or tune in to a live performance as you work. After starting the live broadcast, you can quickly share your live video on IGTV with the goal that they stay accessible past the 24-hour cutoff of Insta-stories and are simpler to find. Finally, on WhatsApp Facebook has likewise formally announced the extension of video calls on WhatsApp for up to 8 individuals in addition to group recordings. Once more, Facebook guarantees security is ensured by end-to-end encryption.
10 Sites for Working Remotely and Getting Paid 2020
We have come to the era where remote work is now the order of the day. The Coronavirus pandemic has created a space for individuals to see working from home as golden. We are pretty certain that even after the pandemic is over, many people would start looking for ways to work full time from home. That is why we have come up with 10 platforms to work legitimately and get paid from the comfort of your home. Got internet? Got any of the following skills?: Software developing Data Analytics Sales & Marketing Content developing Graphic design Copywriting etc. 5 Steps to getting a remote job Update your CV or portfolio with a breakdown of your skills, certifications or projects you’ve handled. Add links or reviews of past jobs Create a profile on a website that promotes remote jobs Make sure the services you offer are timely and effective Use PayPal, Payoneer or Skrill as to receive payments. 10 Best Sites for Remote Jobs Freelancer Millions of people use Freelancer to turn their ideas into reality. It is such an easy platform to use. Whatever you are: web designer, mobile app developer, virtual assistant, product manufacturer, or even a graphic designer (and a whole lot more). With secure payments and thousands of reviewed professionals on this platform, Freelancer.com is the simplest and safest way to get a remote job online. Virtual Vocations Here you can find hundreds and thousands of telecommute, remote and work from home jobs available to experts, professionals, graduates, entry level job seekers and even digital nomads! With over 50 different career categories and opportunities whatever lifestyle you’ve got, Virtual Vocations fits it. So you can start applying to legitimate and safe telecommute jobs now! We Work Remotely Talking about the largest remote community in the world, We Work Remotely boasts of more than 2.5m monthly visitors and is the #1 destination for finding incredible remote jobs. There are programming jobs, design jobs, business & management jobs, customer support jobs, Copywriting jobs etc. Check out We Work Remotely now! CloudPeeps Trusted by over 20,000 clients in over 150 countries, CloudPeeps is unarguably one of the best website for finding perfect on-demand remote jobs. One amazing thing about CloudPeeps is that you can build your dream full-service team and do your best work! On CloudPeeps, team work makes the dream work! Workew The best jobs to work remotely can be found on Workew. Remote jobs in USA, UK, Canada, Europe and anywhere in the world. Where ever you are, find a remote job on Workew and work from the comfort of your home. SolidGigs The best companies in the world are looking for remote workers daily on SolidGigs. Why not trade your worst clients and get your dream remote job today. On SolidGigs, you get two very important tools that can really help you to build your Freelance Business. Because they want your freelance business to succeed, these tools will select the very best of remote jobs for you and provide you quality trainings and necessary skills to help you become a quality candidate. HubStaff Talent Free and easy to use, HubStaff Talent is a resource for global companies looking to find remote talent across the globe. No fees, no markups, no middlemen. The necessary skills for getting a remote job at HubStaff Talent are; Coding, Marketing, Sales, Design, Multimedia, Database & IT and so much more. This is your best shot at giving remote jobs a try! Contena Are you a writer, editor or content or content creator, you are just a few seconds away from applying for remote writing gigs. Writing remote jobs are available in Healthcare, Sports, Entertainment, Tech and other publications. What’s your favourite, check them out on Contena! Remotive Interested in Start-up jobs? Remotive is your plug! A reliable remote job platform that alerts you when a company posts a job. Sign up to get remote job alerts and stay one step ahead. Outsourcely Maybe you are looking for a long-term remote job, Outsourcely is the easiest way to connect talented remote workers from 180+ countries specializing in these skills: – Mobile application – Website development – Administrative support – Customer service – Writing & Content etc. Zero commission fees. Get a remote job, get paid!! We do hope that this list inspires you to getting your dream remote job. If you think this is worth it, share this post and let’s get more people working remotely!
Everything You Need to Know about the UK Points-Based Immigration Program
I’m sure we have all heard about the new UK Visa points based immigration system that is due to be implemented from 1 January 2021. According to Legal Expert and Director of Workpermit, Sanwar Ali, ”There are numerous criticisms of the new UK visa points based system, one of which is, If low skilled workers are not allowed into the Country under the new system, this is likely to mean serious skills shortages”. It is for a fact that the new points based system will not be functional until next year 2021. Priti Patel, Home Secretary, unveiled the UK’s new points-based visa and immigration system on 19 February, 2020. The new immigration process will require migrants to score a minimum of 70 points. According to a recent government statement, The new system, was remodeled based on the immigration system in Australia, designed with the aim of creating a ‘high wage, high skill, high productivity economy’ in the UK. ‘For too long, distorted by European free movement rights, the UK’s immigration system has been failing to meet the needs of the British people. Our approach will change all of this,’ the statement continued. The New UK points-based system Under the new system, individuals can get awarded with points based on meeting certain criteria, some of which are mandatory: 10 points will be awarded if a migrant speaks English (mandatory) 20 points will be awarded if an individual has a job, offer or sponsor (mandatory)* 20 points will be awarded if the job has the proper skill level (mandatory) 0 points will be awarded if a job’s salary ranges from £20,480 to £23,039** 10 points will be awarded if a job’s salary is between £23,040 and £25,599 20 points will be awarded if the salary for a job is over £25,600 20 points will be awarded for a job that’s on the shortage occupation list 10 points will be awarded if a UK visa applicant has a PhD degree 20 points will be awarded if an individual’s PhD degree is in science, technology, maths or engineering According to the new UK Immigration rules, highly skilled workers can immigrate to the UK without a job offer, provided they are endorsed by a ‘relevant and competent professional body’. Furthermore, If a job with a salary in this range is on the shortage occupation list, or a visa applicant has a PhD-level degree, they can still come to the UK. This simply means lower earners such as nurses could still qualify for a UK visa due to staff shortages.
Brand Communications Strategist, Sophie Mokah, Talks About the Impact of Social Media in Canadas Fashion Industry
We recently caught up with the super smart Sophie Mokah, Brand Communications and Fashion Enthusiast. She is the Chief Creative Officer of Pinq Communications a Brand Communications and Creative Agency. She is a fashion connoisseur and a lover of all things creative. A Christian, a wife and a mom of two children. She is currently living with intention and navigating being a business owner and motherhood all at once. TFA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself SM: My name is Sophie Mokah, I am a Brand Communications Expert and a Fashionista. In 2019 I founded Pinq Communications a Brand Communications and Creative Agency. My agency has different sides to it, it touches every creative part of Marketing – Ibrand.ca. I have always loved creative arts as a little girl, I grew up with fashion, arts and music. My mom has always been my biggest fashion inspiration. She ran her own fashion and creative agency too, and that inspired me a lot. Three years ago, I stumbled on digital marketing while working as a Creative Director for a Fashion Company. I immediately fit into it, it was like I found the missing piece of the puzzle, and it was easier to merge both knowledge and experience to create masterpieces for my clients. One of my goals in life is to change lives and transform brands using people focused strategies that genuinely help people and solve everyday problems. This would make me happy. I am a happily married mom of two gorgeous children. I am family oriented but also an advocate for self-care – I mean you have to be mentally strong to care for your family. So a little me time is highly recommended. TFA: How do you describe your personal style? Who would you say are your inspirations? SM: I am an all fashion, trendy and chic kind of girl. My fashion is a mix of variety ranging from casual to semi-formal, formal, old school, luxurious, girly, sporty and clean- cut professional. I can wear it all, it all depends on the event, place and time. I love to accessorize a lot to compliment my outfits, I use belts, scarves, hats and jewelries. Most times I seem a bit over dressed at functions but I also love being conspicuous so I do not mind the attention Lol. My mom is my biggest fashion inspiration. Everything I know now about fashion, I learnt from her. I watched her dress up, we played dress up, I watched her design things and I just fell in love. I currently do not have any other fashion inspiration but I pick a little from everyone. I love to watch runway shows, because that tells you the latest trends and what to look out for the coming year. TFA: How is the fashion industry in Canada? Does social media and tech have a huge impact in the industry? SM: Before I moved to Canada, a friend that grew up here told me that once I get to Canada my fashion sense would evaporate Lol. It was funny at that time and I didn’t believe her, but now I see the reasons why. First of all, Canada is 100% different from Nigeria where I grew up. It is one of the coldest countries in the world. Sometimes fashion literally goes out the window when you are only thinking about staying warm, layering up and not getting the flu. It is hard to keep up with fashion here, but doing it with intention is the only way to keep up. When I first moved here, I started researching Canadian fashion. I found out that three provinces Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are like the fashion hubs of Canada. So I figured I just moved to a non-fashion hub. I started attending fashion shows (there are like two fashion shows in Calgary where I live) to have a feel of what fashion looks like here and it sort of informed my own creativity. I would say the fashion industry is improving in Canada. Social media and tech has really upped the fashion game in Canada. Social media is merging the fashion world and designers are springing up in Canada every day. The Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards is a huge impact on the industry. It is putting Canadian fashion on the map and it has nurtured the love for fashion in more young people. Retailing aspect is still a bit dicey, because shopping for fashion is really expensive in Canada, so brands find it hard to make profit. I figured it has to do with taxing goods being imported into Canada (a little bit high), but yeah once that is sorted, fashion will make a huge impact to the Canadian economy. TFA: What are your favorite social media apps for lifestyle and fashion contents? SM: Instagram and Pinterest are two of my favorite social media apps when it comes to fashion and lifestyle content. They both cover every bit of fashion and lifestyle content either in motion or still pictures. These two social media platforms have been evolving and changing with the times. You can literally search for anything on Instagram and it gives you a sort of direct connection to your favorite brands. They carry you on a journey from sketching to actual finished designs which we didn’t have years back. I also like this new app called Like to Know It – it is a fashion app that links Instagram photos to an app that links the shopping website so you can directly shop any outfit in real time. TFA: What would be the notable trend for fashion in 2020? SM: Old school is coming back with a bang. I know we saw a little bit of old school in 2019 but it is coming in with a bang this year. I mean just look back at the last fashion shows in 2019, you sort of have an idea where the trend is heading. We
REVEALED: 5 Digital Marketing Trends for Your Business in 2020
We have watched the rise of internet users over the past decade, Google playing a huge role across major continents of the world to connect millions to the internet for the first time. While you may find yourself in a position to maintain the pace of digital revolution, there is a lot to suggest an optimistic outlook for your business in 2020, but this will depend increasingly on your willingness to adapt and compete with industry players, innovators and tech leaders. Below are 5 digital marketing trends you should watch out for in 2020: User Generated Content: While you may be aware that this isn’t new, user-generated content is transforming everything from reviews to information research and discovery. Amateur created content is massive, real and will continue to grow not only in size but also in importance across online platforms and content type. Everyone has an opinion and wants it to be heard! Review sites will also become more important in the marketer’s armory. Many businesses would leverage on UGC to drive brand perception. Mobile Apps to replace website: With smartphone rapidly in use, more companies will take heed and employ mobile enterprise applications to effectively mobilize their sales force. Mobile apps will allow many companies manage resources such as inventory and their supply chain using mobile phones, either through SMS or Web-enabled applications. The steady increase in the number of mobile users will continue to fuel this trend. ALSO READ: How to boost conversion rate of your website. Increase in Vlogging: The ever-rising of vloggers and the popularity of video content sharing has changed the dynamics of consumer/brand interaction online. According to a recent survey, over 75% of users on social media say that they are likely to patronize a business if they promote video contents. Sites like YouTube have introduced innovative ways that people can watch and share video content. Facebook has already released the concept of video images for profiles, and many people are already using video as a profile instead of a picture. The Rise of TikTok: A new contender has entered the arena, most especially for young people, that contender is TikTok. A social media app that allows users to post short lip-synced, music, talent or comedy skits. In 2019, TikTok hit 524 million active users worldwide, while in China, it hit over 150 million daily users and counting – a strong platform for social media marketing. To leverage on this trend, business would now have TikTok accounts to target the right millennial audience with funny and exciting short video contents. Focus on AI in Marketing: In 2020, a lot of emphasis would be placed on the implementation of Artificial Intelligence to promote business. For example, the existence of voice search will greatly increase relevance in the online development of search. Online services will now create voice query analysis and rework their content to reflect this development. This would impact user experience when it comes to google searching as voice makes it more easy to communicate what a user is searching for. ALSO READ: Four reason why digital marketing matters
Canadian Ecologist, John Lieber, talks about sustainability and environmental change.
We had the opportunity and pleasure to interview the highly knowledgeable and delightful John Lieber. In addition to being an ecologist and urban planner, John is a LEED AP (BD+C) and ISA Certified Arborist. He has participated in wide range of environmental planning project across all sectors. He is currently working with the City of Toronto but also consults. TFA: Please tell us a little bit about yourself? JL: I’m an ecologist, urban planner, and sustainability advocate. I work with the City of Toronto but also consult with my firm Jungle Capital. TFA: What inspired you to become an ecologist? JL: The source of so much heartache in the world comes from the mismanagement of natural resources. I want to reduce that heartache and change the narrative of human beings from a destroyer of nature to a creator of it. TFA: What do you think a person can do to help the environment? JL: Fill every space they command with plants. Vote for environmental leaders. Donate to non profits. Be optimistic. TFA: What are some of the environmental projects you have taken up? JL: I have wrote Op-Ed’s such as my piece “Urban Ecology: A Bright Future for Sustainable Cities” in Revelator News, participated in high profile urban planning projects such as Toronto’s Parkland Strategy, and was invited to the United Nations Climate Action Summit by the Secretary General for my Natural Based Solution contribution titled “Ecology Positive Cities Framework” which incentivizes plants on and within buildings. TFA: In one statement, what message do you have to the coming generation? “Do what you can where you can. Care for life and create new life. Sacrifice consumption for discipline. Dream bigger. Out work those with bad intentions. Embrace positivity and self love. Learn how things around you operate. Get rich, Get powerful and then change what needs to be changed” – jOHn lieber Connect with John: Twitter: @jungle_capital LinkedIn: John Lieber Facebook Group: Environmental Professionals Instagram: @jungle_capital Podcast: Jungle Capital YouTube: Jungle Capital Tik Toc: Jungle_Capital
