Why is your Cart Abandonment Rate so High?

 If you run an online shop then you need to make sure that you give some thought to your metrics.  You need to know how many people are coming to your site and you also need to make sure that you fully understand who your target audience are. Another metric you need to understand is your cart abandonment rate. Your cart abandonment rate could indicate whether or not you are having issues with your site, so make sure that you keep this in mind.

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Extras

If you have extras, such as taxes or shipping then this could be why your cart abandonment rate is so high. It makes sense, because if people checkout and then realize that the price is higher than it should be then this can cause them to seek out another supplier. If you want to do something about this then consider implementing free postage options, or detail the shipping cost clearly before people add products to their basket so you can eliminate potential issues like this. Although you cannot control customs and duties, you can let customers know whether or not they should expect them.

Forcing People to Create an Account

Needing to create an account to make a purchase can be a major deterrent for your business. Whether creating an account is a multi-step process or whether it’s overcomplicated, customers probably don’t have time to enter all of their information. One thing you can do is offer multiple checkout options, so people can create an account after they have made their purchase, or so that they can check out as a guest. 

Analyze your Account Process

Use your session recordings so you can identify where your users may be hesitating, or bouncing. Is it that you are asking for too much information? Maybe you have too many steps. Either way, all of these signals can help you to improve your signup flow. If possible, you need to try and use an exit-intent survey so you can find out why people exit the checkout page. You also need to provide a few checkout options so you can better encourage people while finding out why they are leaving. If you can do this then you will be able to find ways to get them to stay.

Lack of Trust

Customers will only hand over their credit card details if you have been able to earn their trust. That raises the question, how do you build trust? Customers are always looking for signals, such as having a consistent brand, an SSL certificate and secure payment methods. If you haven’t already done so then now could be the time for you to sign up with credit card merchant services. 

Of course, if possible, you also need to pinpoint the effective spots for your trust signifiers. This could include your social proof, any returns policies you may have and even your years of experience. If you can do this then you are bound to see an overall improvement so keep that in mind if you can.

7 of the Best Ways to Decorate On A Budget

 

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Your home DIY projects are an excellent way to save money and achieve the home of your dreams and you can apply the same approach to decorating. After all, who wants to live in a bare home without any character or hint about who you and your family are? 

You might have relied on the typical resources for decorating in the past such as a specific big blue tin. Most people do because the options are inoffensive and get the job done but there is another, more affordable solution that still helps you design the home of your dreams. Here are some tips to help you decorate on a budget. 

Declutter First 

You should never bring things into the house before getting rid of items you don’t need or use anymore, because where would the new pieces go? 

Decluttering is a great way to free up space in your home and make your redecorating project more manageable. Furthermore, it could reveal things you’ve long forgotten about that might be the perfect addition to your new decor. 

Everyone has something they got for a birthday or holiday they never used and forgot about, so discovering these ornaments or trinkets could save you more money.

Ask Around 

It’s also worth asking whether your friends or family have anything they’re not using or trying to get rid of. These could be picture frames, artwork, side tables, or even larger pieces like sofas or chairs. 

Even if you don’t take anything, you’ll never know if you don’t ask. Similarly, the things people are giving away might not meet your preferences, but that’s okay. You can use this to cultivate a better idea about what you want, which makes choosing your decor much easier. 

Visit Thrift Stores and Markets 

Rather than visiting nationwide chains, consider visiting thrift stores and markets. These options are fantastic for finding unique and affordable home decor items that add character to your home without exceeding your budget. 

Since you rarely find duplicate items at these stores, your decor will be more personalized. Most people have the same prints, rugs, or side tables, so picking out items at a thrift store is a much better option if you want to create a unique atmosphere. You can also look at online marketplaces on Facebook or Craigslist. 

Look For Like Products 

Even if you can’t find the perfect pieces at your local thrift store (or every thrift store in a 20-mile radius) have no fear, because there is another solution. Find stores with specific styles that you love but can't afford and look for like-for-like alternatives. 

This approach helps you find excellent pieces that perfectly fit your vision but cost a fraction of the price to help you stay within your budget. This resource has more than 50 of the best Serena and Lily dupes you can browse and add to your cart, giving you the perfect breezy style you’ve always wanted without spending too much. 

Decorate Yourself 

Decorating by yourself can be stressful and overwhelming, but that doesn't mean you should hire someone else to help you. An interior designer should only be reserved for decorating an office, and if you aren’t doing this, you do not need an interior designer for your project. 

A professional interior designer costs money that you don't have and they might try to push their preferences onto your home, leaving you with something that doesn't feel entirely you. Instead, trust your judgment and decorate your home all by yourself. Get some input from friends and family if you need it. 

Repurpose

Knowing how to upcycle clothing and repurpose items or fabrics you don’t need anymore is a great way to save money when adding textures and other essentials to your project. Rather than throw out old dresses or tablecloths, turn them into throws or pillowcases. Again, you get something that’s unique while also saving you money. Of course, this is easier if you know how to sew and have a sewing machine, so bear that in mind. 

Accessorize 

Rooms can still feel empty even after you’ve filled them with all the furniture you’ve been given or purchased. So what’s missing? The answer is always accessories, as these can provide character to make any space more appealing. Look for trinkets, use photographs, and fill vases with dried flowers so you don’t need to keep replacing them. You can also purchase houseplants to provide some greenery and encourage calmness. 

Decor 

Decor transforms a house into a home. You don’t need to spend thousands on furniture and accessories to decorate well. Instead, consider these tips to help you create the house you’ve always wanted without breaking the bank. 

Four Bedroom Improvements That Everyone Deserves

 People spend a surprising amount of time in their bedroom. In fact, it’s like a minimum of around seven hours if you sleep a decent amount each night! Couple that with time spent winding down before bed, getting changed, or even just relaxing and sleeping in on your days off, and you’re easily looking at about 70 hours a week spent in your bedroom alone!

To some people that amount of time is going to seem normal, but for others, it’s probably kind of surprising that we actually spend that much time in our bedroom. And because of that, we think that it’s about time everyone starts looking at how they can improve their bedroom for a much better sleep and relaxation experience.

So here are four bedroom improvements that we think everyone deserves.

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1. More (or fewer) power sockets

No matter how much we renovate or decorate a house, there are some things that are never going to change–such as the number of power sockets we have! Power sockets are essential for everything from lights to charging our phones, but what if we have too few or too many?

If that’s the case, hire an electrician to help you add or remove power sockets. Adding them can be great for more convenience, or if you’re just sick of having one or two outlets in really awkward places in your bedroom. Alternatively, you can get some removed if you think there are too many and they’re getting in the way of things like furniture.

2. Much more customization and personalization

Whether you’re renting or own a home, everyone deserves to have a little more customization and personalization in the bedroom.

For instance, you could customize your bedroom to have all of the colors and patterns that you love. Or you could get hang up posters and decorations that resonate with you. The more you add, the more it’ll feel like your style.

3. Removing clutter to get a bigger bedroom

If you’ve lived in your current place for some time then you’ve definitely accumulated a bunch of clutter. Could be old furniture you don’t need anymore, too many clothes to wear, or even just random storage boxes that you haven’t unpacked yet or just left around because you have nowhere else to put them.

If you want a bigger bedroom but don’t want to move out, then the next best thing is to declutter! Get rid of any excess stuff that you don’t need, clear up the floors a bit, and you’d be surprised at how much more space you have.

4. Adding some convenient tech to your bedroom

Lastly, let’s talk about smart home tech. From simple things like voice controlling your lights to wireless charging pads, there’s so much tech that you can add to make things a little more convenient.

It all starts from looking at what you can add to make your day easier and more comfortable. Perhaps you could do with a little charging stand for all of your daily stuff like a smartphone and smartwatch. Maybe you like the idea of lights that you can control with timers or your voice. Some people even like adding smart blinds. There’s just so much new and cool tech that you can add!

Want to Build a House? Here's What You Should Consider

The prospect of building a new house is undeniably exciting. After months, perhaps even years of saving, you are finally ready to witness the realization of your dream home. While building a house is a significant financial commitment, it is a venture that shares similarities with purchasing an existing property. Both options entail work and effort, demanding a considerable amount of education and preparation to ensure a smooth and successful process.

Whether you choose to embark on the journey of home construction yourself or enlist the services of a reputable firm like Eco Architects, there are critical considerations that can make the entire process easier, less stressful, and more enjoyable. This article will explore essential factors to contemplate when building your dream home.

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Prepare Thoroughly

Building a house involves numerous decisions and complexities, starting from planning your budget to preparing yourself for the time it takes to transform your vision into a reality. You must consider a myriad of details, including your needs versus wants in the new house. Identifying non-negotiable must-haves and features that can be added later will help you stay on track. A clear understanding of your project's scope will prepare you for the work involved. It's crucial to ensure that your inclusions prioritize your needs over your wants, as you can always expand on the latter in the future.

Create a Pinterest Board

One innovative approach to designing your dream home is to create a Pinterest board. If you haven't considered this before, think of it as a virtual Swatch board where you can collect and organize all the elements you desire for your ideal home. You can create boards for different rooms, selecting colors and materials, and even envisioning the exterior of your home. Collaborating with interior designers who can assist you in realizing your vision becomes easier with a Pinterest board. However, it's essential to set a budget for your project. Pinterest boards are perfect for dreaming and inspiration but should not replace your financial plan.

Budget Wisely

Setting a budget is a crucial step in the home-building process. It serves as your financial roadmap and helps keep you on track throughout the project. It's advisable to establish both a realistic budget that you can afford and an absolute maximum limit. Building projects may encounter unforeseen changes, and having a financial buffer can help you cope with unexpected expenses. While it's not ideal to exceed your budget, it's essential to be prepared for such situations. Sticking to your budget will ensure that you remain in control of your finances and maintain a stress-free building experience.

Follow Your Vision, Not Trends

Your dream home is a reflection of your unique preferences and lifestyle. When building a house, it's vital to focus on creating a space that truly resonates with your taste and personality. Avoid succumbing to trends or following design prescriptions from interior magazines or your neighbors' choices. Your home should be a sanctuary that caters to your needs, desires, and aspirations. Prioritize your vision and ensure that it is at the core of every decision you make throughout the construction process.

In conclusion, building a house should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. It's a project that allows you to bring your dream home to life, but it also requires careful planning and consideration. By preparing thoroughly, creating a Pinterest board for inspiration, setting a realistic budget, and staying true to your personal vision, you can navigate the home-building process with confidence and enthusiasm. Remember, this is your opportunity to create a home that reflects your unique style and needs, so don't hesitate to make a plan and make it work!

Gauging The Means Of Financially Defending Yourself Inbox

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From time to time, it’s better to let a conflict lie than to fight it. For example, if misfortune strikes and you’re being let go from your job, if it’s within the contract terms, it may just be better to take the severance package and use that to build your path forward - even if you were promised a job security before this news came in.

However, that doesn’t mean you have to take everything lying down. Sometimes, you are entirely in the right, and the law is on your side. That said, it’s not always clear if you should take the fight or not. Understanding your options for moving forward is absolutely a priority, but without a comprehensive legal education, how can you gauge the means of defending yourself from a perspective of financial worth?

Let’s consider that below, as well as discuss some tips for making it through the process more easily. While this can feel like an intimidating prospect, sometimes the lessons you learn from defending yourself can last you a lifetime.

Identify Risk Vs. Reward

Identifying the risk of pursuing the case vs not can be difficult to determine. It can be worth understanding what your rights are in the first place, and heading to possible counsel will help you understand if you have a case or not. For example, you might wonder can you sue the government if suffering medical malpractice as a veteran, and the answer is that you most likely can. Ultimately, some legal costs will accrue to more than you would have in compensation, but no-win, no-fee services also exist. It’s about measuring if the path forward is capable for you.

Find The Best Representation

It’s good to find the best representation you can for your particular case. An attorney who specializes in medical cases like yours can help correctly gather case details. In some cases, you may even be able to save money and go through a vetted process like a work tribunal to claim lost income from improper termination. Moreover, small claims courts can be processed rather quickly and may not need legal representation, so it’s essential to find the correct pathway for your particular case, read case studies from others who have dealt with your situation, and move on from there.

Defining Additional Extra-Financial Priorities

It’s also important to consider any of those extra-financial priorities you have, in other words, perhaps it’s crucial to you to close the case and stand up for your side despite this potentially costing you. For example, it may be that suing an ex-business partner for damages, but also for reputational damage if they caused the crash of your small business, can help you restore your image in the community or help you avoid some of the harsher liabilities that come your way. In some cases, these outcomes can be more than worth the cost, and lead to closure. It’s important to consider how much that’s worth to you.

In this post, we hope you can more easily gauge the means of financially defending yourself, and if they’re worth pursuing to you within those parameters.

4 Tips For Downsizing Effectively

 

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Many people associate downsizing living conditions with needing to adjust their indulgences to reduced income, but there are many reasons why someone may opt for that outcome.

Perhaps your children have flown the nest and you’re looking for a more affordable mode of living, knowing that the extra bedrooms are no longer as necessary as they once were. Maybe you’re restructuring family assets after working with Freed Marcroft divorce lawyers for the best settlement. You might just have found a worthwhile job in a new city and are looking to start fresh with a lovely new start.

All of these reasons are valid and can be necessary. But no matter what your reasoning is for downsizing, you no doubt wish to do so effectively. In other words, you want to get the most value you can from the effort, so the process will be worth it.

But what could that look like in practice? In this post, we’ll discuss all of that and more:

Make Smaller Spaces Multi-Functional

Rather than simply trying to fit your existing belongings into a smaller area, consider the functionality of each space and what you could do with it. This means thinking about how every room, nook, and cranny can best serve your daily needs. For example, you might purchase a living room sofa with a pull-out bed utility, so that if you have a guest to stay, they can always sleep here as opposed to an unused spare bedroom. Little measures like this can ensure you retain the standard and utility of living you’re used to, only in a smaller space.

Sell For Your Budget

To enjoy a better downsizing budget, it can be worthwhile to sell off some of your unused assets or possessions to fund this move. For example, it may be that your children have flown the nest now. That could mean that selling your larger people-carrier vehicle and instead opting for a smaller city-runner hatchback can save you a great deal in insurance, fuel and outright purchase expenses, ensuring you have thousands more prepared for a nicer, smaller home. Moreover, using this as an excuse to clear out old and unused possessions can solve two problems, one of your budget and the other of having too many items to store.

Identify Your Exact Needs

It can be hard to downsize if you’re not used to it, because each decision might seem to be focused around what you need to remove from your life as opposed to adding to it. That said, if you curate a careful plan that lists explicitly what functionalities you do need - be that a home office, gym, garage, driveway, a garden to grow vegetables and more, you can then look at downsizing your unnecessary needs, such as being fine with living in a house sans a basement space. This can make the downsizing process easier, more comfortable, and very exciting.

With this advice, you’re sure to downsize effectively and without losing out on the daily functionality you enjoy.

5 Home Security Options You Need In Place Today

 

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A home burglary occurs every 15 seconds in America, making home security more important than ever to help you protect your belongings and feel safe in your home. Your home is supposed to be your sanctuary, and if this is violated, it can be hard to feel comfortable and safe moving forward. 

Ideally, you will want to avoid your home being burglarized as much as possible, and paying attention to your security and burglary prevention techniques will give you added peace of mind that you are giving your home the best defense possible.

The following tips can help you to boost your home security and avoid becoming the victim of this awful crime.

Lock Windows

These days, most windows come with locks on them as standard. But adding aftermarket security on your windows can give you added peace of mind. Adding additional locking mechanisms, window security films, bars, and bushes under windows externally can be added barriers to stop people from entering your home via your windows. It can also be a good idea to ensure you have taken back any keys from previous owners or tenants or change any window locks if there aren't any keys so you can be confident no one else can access the property.

Secure your Doors

You would be shocked to know how many burglars enter their target via unlocked doors (34% to be exact). In many cases, it is simply doors being forgotten to be locked as a slip of the mind due to being busy or distracted. But even if you need to set reminders on leave yourself notes, make locking your doors a priority. It's up to you whether you lock when you leave the house only or when you are in and out, but having a reminder to make you physically check the doors are locked is a good idea.

Other options include adding alarms to doors so if someone does open it when the alarm is set; it will emit a sound to alert others of an intruder; you can add security chains, mortice locks, deadbolts, and putting curtains behind doors can be effective for draft elimination and adding extra security.

Light It Up

The one thing that all criminals have in common is that they do not want to be identified. If you don't have lights on your property, you allow them to carry out their nefarious activities under darkness. But lighting up the landscape using solar lights, motion sensor lighting, or lights you can turn on and off manually can be highly beneficial in warding off people who shouldn't be loitering around your home. If you have a smart home setup, you can use a schedule to switch lights on and off to protect your home.

Home Security Cameras

You should never underestimate the benefits of security cameras and a full home security installation on your home. Be it a video doorbell, complete home security setup, or just a few well-placed cameras, you can benefit from modern technology to pair your camera with an app so you get real-time updates from your camera to alert you of deliveries arriving, porch pirates, burglars or just plain old noisy neighbors. If you have any concerns, you can contact the police directly to get someone to check on your property and apprehend any burglars.

Get A Safe

A home safe can be as big or as small as you like and be hidden in plain sight or somewhere you hope no one will find it. You can add all of your important documents, expensive jewelry, electronics, etc., in a safe anytime you leave home, so if anyone does gain entry to your home, you are making it as hard as possible for them to take things they are only looking for. Cash, high-value items like mobile phones, laptops, tablet devices, and jewelry and watches will always be easy grab-and-go items burglars can carry out on their person. Still, a safe will be trickier to leave with and even harder to get into, so even if they do take it, they might not be able to gain access to what is inside.

Home security options can help protect your home and give you peace of mind. You are doing everything you can to keep your family and belongings safe for those who wish to enter your property and obtain items that aren't rightfully theirs. Making things as difficult as possible for them and identifying criminals in your home can help you reduce the risk of being robbed or catching the perpetrator if the worst does happen.