All Posts in Dropshipping

In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
Marketing vs. Advertising: How Do They Differ?

Most people believe that marketing and advertising are little more than synonyms. After all, they both engage customers, use data to make decisions, and attract new customers through creative strategies. 

But while this definition is partially true, it falls short in many ways.

Not only do marketing and advertising have entirely different approaches, goals, and budgets, they both have unique effects on their intended audience. For example, bad advertising could turn potential clients away from a brand. Bad marketing, on the other hand, may result in haphazard research that complicates future advertising decisions.

Let’s explore the similarities and differences between marketing and advertising, including a walkthrough of their definitions and formats.

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Defining marketing

Marketing comprises tactics that locate, engage, and retain customers. It’s sometimes considered an umbrella term that nests multiple business processes under a single department. For example, social media, content marketing, and market research all come under marketing.

Marketing takes a relational approach to customer retention. Rather than capturing one-time leads for a single sale, marketing works to nourish and retain relationships through strong brand interactions, a great customer experience, and positive customer service. 

Major types

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
How to Avoid Burnout: A Guide for Entrepreneurs

Any entrepreneur can tell you that the secret of success is sacrifice. Hard work simply comes with the territory—including some very long hours.

Today, small business owners work far above the national average. Roughly one in three work more than 50 hours per week. One in five work 60 hours or more. In all cases, small businesses were found to work twice as hard as traditional employees.

But entrepreneurs are people, too. Despite their intense work ethic and superhuman endurance, nonstop work can’t go on forever. There’s always a breaking point, often manifesting with a devastating consequence: burnout.

Burnout affects the entrepreneur in a number of ways. A whopping 42% of all entrepreneurs report feeling burned out over the past year, a number that is expected only to grow. This number is much greater for minority-owned businesses, with 62% of respondents reporting burnout. Worse, 53% of all those surveyed report burnout as having a negative effect on their business. 

It’s clear that burnout doesn’t just negatively affect the mind. Once it becomes severe enough, it can have serious consequences on the health and success of your business. 

Let’s explore the working definition of burnout from an entrepreneurial perspective, …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:

Instagram Stories play a huge role in the life of social media users. Stories keep us updated on the lives of our loved ones, our peers, and our idols. They deliver interesting information, hilarious antics, and important updates.

That’s why Instagram Story ads can be a powerful tool for your business. You can slide right in with the Stories your audience wants to see. And because Instagram Story Ads look so similar to organic Stories, they see high levels of views and engagement.

This article is your jump start into the world of the Story ad. You’ll learn how to craft ads that capture your audience’s attention, immerse them into your world, and most importantly—make them want to learn more about your brand.

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What are Instagram Story ads?

Instagram Story ads are vertical, full-screen ads marketers can place in Instagram Stories. They’re almost identical to organic Stories (which are also full-screen and vertical), except for the “Sponsored” text that appears below Story ads. Campaign objectives for Story ads include reach, conversions, and brand awareness.

Instagram allows you to choose from photos, videos, and a carousel to format your Story ads. …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:
How to Turn a Hobby into a Business in 6 Easy Steps

Maybe you’ve heard that old saying, “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.” Regardless of how true it is, it certainly has a good point about enjoying your work. And the good news is, if you’re a hobbyist, you might just be able to attain this lifestyle goal.

Whether you love spending hours in the shop building furniture, knitting away while you watch TV or wait in line at the DMV, or concocting sweet-smelling soaps and candles, you may be able to turn your hobby into a business.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the easiest hobbies to monetize, what you should consider before taking the plunge, and how to go about building your business. We’ve got all the starter tips you need to help get you pointed in the right direction.

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Hobby to business in 6 steps

turn hobby to business 6 steps

As a hobbyist, you may not know where to begin from a business perspective. Lucky for you, we’re here to guide you.

First, validate your hobby’s potential through research to determine if there’s a demand for what you’re offering and …

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:

You can’t list your products for sale just anywhere and expect sales to pour in. These days, the best and most sustainable model of success is choosing a few high-performing sales channels that empower the sale of your goods. This time-tested strategy is proven to result in better sales, better customer relationships, and better yearly profits overall—not something to be taken lightly.

Sales channels are one of the most powerful tools in the ecommerce world. Not only are they critical for boosting sales volume, but they help your brand remain competent and competitive in an increasingly complicated digital landscape. Leverage them to own every aspect of the customer experience—buying, returns, etc.—and reach end consumers in a way that makes a lasting impact.

But establishing a multichannel sales strategy takes a great deal of work—even in an ecommerce context. Today, 21% of marketers say that a lack of understanding of how to develop multichannel campaigns has kept them from leveraging a channel strategy. 

Let’s take a closer look at the myriad sales channels available today, as well as why you need them, what you need to get started, and how to establish a winning plan.…

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In: Dropshipping|Last Updated:

The humble financial statement. It’s never been more important for business owners to learn how to create and track one. Not only does the statement record critical financial data within a set period, but it has the potential to identify trends, potential opportunities, and lingering threats before they affect your bottom line.

But for the small startup or growing ecommerce brand, financial statements can seem extremely daunting. What are financial statements in the first place, and how are they supposed to be created and used in an ecommerce setting?

Thankfully, the conversations surrounding financial statements sound a lot more complicated than they really are. Let’s explore the many different types of financial statements, as well as their benefits and the tools available to create one for yourself.

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What is a financial statement?

A financial statement is a type of accounting document that details sensitive financial information in an easy-to-understand way. Any activities related to your income, expenses, or cash flow are recorded in a spreadsheet, chart, or similarly visualized report. 

In the ecommerce industry, there are many types of people who may be responsible for financial statements. Very small brands …

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