Canva is an online platform that allows you to create engaging content for multiple social media platforms, or real-life events. The easy templates, drag-and-drop sticker options, and fonts make this a popular digital tool. Additionally, the paid version of Canva allows users to upload brand elements and create a brand color and font kit to make creating cohesive content easier. However, Canva isn’t the online content-creating tool available. Below are four of the best Canva alternatives, both free and paid that your business should check out.

Pixlr X

The clean interface and intuitive controls of Pixlr X make it a great tool for editing images. This simple Photoshop-like option is great for those looking to make quick, simple changes. The library contains over 50,000 templates, fonts, stickers, overlays and more. Pixlr X also offers AI tools for auto touch-ups, and image generation. These features make editing images for sharing on social media easy, and quick for any user. The free plan offers limited access to the library, however, the paid plans start at just $1.99 USD per month.

Fotor

This versatile photo editor offers a wide range of tools and features to help you enhance images. The user-friendly interface is easy to use and allows anyone to retouch, filter, and edit images. Additional tools include a collage maker and basic sticker and font options. Fotor is ideal for brands looking to utilize real images, quickly and effectively for social media campaigns. The free plan offers all basic features, and the Pro plan starts at $8.99 USD per month.

Adobe Express

This is an online Adobe product set up for quick graphic design, with tools to resize, edit, and add features to images. Adobe Express is a great alternative to Canva that makes creating social media content simple. All users can create a brand kit with logo, colors, and fonts with ease. Additionally, users get access to Adobe Stock images for use in campaigns or content. Pricing begins at $9.99 USD per month for individual users or is free with any other Adobe membership.

Visme

This all-in-one design tool is an advanced tool that is intuitive and easy to use with drag-and-drop editing. However, Visme goes beyond most Canva alternatives with the features below.

Data Visualization Tools

With the Visme data visualization tool, brands can utilize over 40 different graphs and charts, an interactive map builder, flowcharts, and more to showcase data. This allows you to truly showcase results, progress, and goals in an exciting way. Furthermore, uploading data is simple, with the ability to upload Excel files, Google Sheets, or pull from Google Analytics.

Custom Templates

The extensive library of templates on Visme can be customized to your brand with just a few clicks. This makes creating new pieces or styles of content simple, even if you’ve never done it before. Choose from infographics, social media posts, slides, and more!

Animation and Interactivity

The robust suite of animation and interactive features on Visme is a huge benefit. Create exclusive animated illustrations, pop-ups, effects, and links by using 2D and 3D icons, text, and special effects. Furthermore, you can add videos to any project by simply importing and dragging.

AI Tools

Visme now offers a full range of AI tools to take your content to the next level. Unlock your creativity with the AI image generator by writing a prompt, and then editing as you need. Or, use the aI writer tool to create attention-grabbing headlines, call-to-actions, or marketing text. Finally, the AI TouchUp Tool makes cleaning up and optimizing images easier with just a few clicks.

Pricing

The free plan on Visme gives you access to create unlimited projects, all the tools above, most templates, limited design assets, and customer support within business hours. The Starter Plan starts at $12.25 USD per month and includes all assets and templates, more download options, and 24/7 customer support. The Pro plan starts at $24.75 USD per month and includes all download options, brand kit setup, privacy controls, and more.

If you are looking for the best free and paid alternatives to Canva, the above are all worthwhile options. However, Visme is a cut above the rest and is well worth the money for businesses posting frequently online. Which program will you be trying?

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The ever-evolving world of AI (artificial intelligence) and GPT (generative pre-trained transformer) applications should not be ignored. These conversational AI tools can replicate human interaction, which offers various benefits for businesses. Below is a look into the world of conversational AI and how it can help your business.

What is Conversational AI?

AI chatbots and voice assistants transform the way consumers and businesses interact online. These AI tools utilize natural language processing to interpret human text to provide responses in real time. This technological development is opening up endless opportunities, from improving productivity to offering answers 24/7 for your customers or audience.

Below are several applications that utilize conversational AI to help your business.

Alissu

This AI chatbot offers a human touch while working as a virtual assistant for a variety of tasks. Its speed and skill allow Alissu to assist in many industries from education to coding. Some specific features include;

• Convert voice memos to text in seconds with the voice-to-text tool.
• The ability to customize chatbot responses to match your brand style.
• Integrates with ChatGPT-3.5 and ChatGPT-4 to deliver up-to-date comprehensive responses.
• Generate code for your website in seconds by using specific prompts.

Alissu is a versatile AI tool that is free to use.

AiChatsy

This AI-powered companion offers a range of conversational AI features. The capabilities of AiChatsy range from delivering data in real time to content creation with the click of a button. Specific features include;

• Document upload allows users to quickly upload documents and extract relevant information.
• Website scanning can extract data from any website.
• Article scanning creates concise summaries from the uploaded text.
• The customized templates can be utilized to create content for a range of professions.
• Integrates with ChatGPT-4 to enhance user interactions.

AiChatsy offers a seamless user experience and is completely free to use.

Genie

This AI chatbot is from AppNation and is a great virtual assistant. Its features allow Genie to assist with writing essays, answering questions, or recording data to make you more productive. Features include;

• Integrates with ChatGPT-3, and ChatGPT-4 to give detailed responses to queries.
• Elevates interactivity with images by capturing photo inputs.
• Tracks conversation history with users, and can scan to provide relevant responses.
• Provides voice responses as well as text.
• Analyzes competitor's websites to suggest content ideas.
• Offers customization options for tone and writing style to ensure the chatbot is on brand.

Genie has a free plan with limited features, and other plans begin at $19 USD per month.

Tidio

This robust AI tool helps businesses by creating captivating text and answering common queries. Furthermore, Tidio can analyze content and offer feedback. Additional features include;

• Delivers intelligence responses through ChatGPT-4 integration
• Supports images and document scanning and analyzing.
• Creates content from cover letters and essays to blog posts and search engine snippets.

Tidio is a versatile AI tool that helps to improve writing and audience communication. Plans start at $34 USD per month.

Conversational AI tools can help your business by providing 24/7 communication options for your audience. Furthermore, these tools offer a range of features businesses can use to improve productivity and streamline the content creation process. As AI technology continues to evolve, businesses should strongly consider how they can utilize these tools to improve user experience and offer better service to their audience.

The post What is Conversational AI and How can it Help your Business? appeared first on Add Value Business Blog.

Nowadays, paperwork is almost non-existent, with most documents available online. This even includes legal contracts. In fact, many contracts no longer require a physical signature, as electronic signatures can be legally binding. Using a dedicated eSignature application is crucial to ensure your digital signature counts as a physical signature would. Below are the five best online document signing tools to consider.

1. DocuSign

DocuSign is likely the most popular electronic signature app on the market and for good reason. This app is easy to use and includes all the key features you need in a document signing tool. Additionally, it integrates with Zapier, allowing users to automate contract and document delivery. DocuSign is set up to make it easy to organize different documents at different stages using the dashboard folders.

• Inbox - This is where the documents you receive are filed.
• Drafts - This is where the documents you are working on and signing automatically save.
• Sent - Easily view all documents you have signed and sent with a click.

Along with the helpful organizational tools, DocuSign has a range of templates for users, and offers reports to help you track signed and unsigned documents. Pricing starts at $15 per month for five documents, and there is also a 30-day free trial.

2. Dropbox Sign

Dropbox Sign is another popular and simple online document signing tool. It is important to note that this application was previously HelloSign, and it is still in transition. However, it is easy to use and integrates with other tools easily including Dropbox, Google Drive, Zapier, and Evernote. Other features include custom templates and team management tools, plus it supports multiple users. Pricing starts at $20 per month with unlimited documents, however, there is a 30-day free trial. Additionally, Dropbox users can sign 3 documents a month with their Dropbox plan.

3. SignNow

SignNow is a document signing tool that allows you to create, send, sign, and manage files with ease. It also comes with a range of robust features to help individuals and businesses. Users can quickly upload and combine PDFs into a single file, add signatures, annotate, and more. SigNow also offers bulk sending capabilities for when multiple signatures are required on one document. The application integrates seamlessly with Salesforce, Oracle, DropBox, G Suite, and more. Documents are protected with fintech-grade 256-bit SSL encryption and SOC 2 Type II certification, offering peace of mind for confidential documents. Pricing starts at  $8 per month, and a free trial is also available.

4. Adobe Acrobat Reader DC

While PC computers don’t have a built in document signing tool like Preview, the free Adobe Acrobat Reader DC app is the next best thing. Simply download the application, open your document, and select Fill & Sign. From here you can add your signature in a couple of different ways

• Type - Type your name and have Adobe convert it into a signature.
• Draw - Use your trackpad to draw your signature
• Upload - Upload an image of your signature

Then, simply drag your signature to the correct spot, save and send it back.

5. eSignatures.io

This web-based application allows you to pay-as-you-go, making it more convenient than many other options. eSignatures.io is especially helpful for businesses that hire seasonal employees, or more sporadic projects. The application integrates with Zapier and offers a wide range of template options. Furthermore, users can test the application before signing up by using the demo on the homepage. Pricing is $0.49 per document making it a very affordable option.

Embracing the technology of digital signatures makes signing and sending contracts easier than ever. Take a good look at the best document signing tools above to find the one that best suits your needs. Furthermore, embracing digital signatures allows your business to save on printing and postage costs.

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The advancements in AI (artificial intelligence) make it a powerful tool for businesses. After all, AI can process data, learn from patterns, create copy, and respond to questions via a chatbot. AI tools can even enhance web design and help you to optimize user experience in the following ways.

Design Optimization

For businesses that don’t have a website designer or developer on the payroll, AI can help. AI tools can automate the design optimization process for your website. They can generate design mock-ups, and suggest effective layouts. Furthermore, AI algorithms can analyze user behavior to identify the most effective web pages. It can also perform A/B testing to test different options and boost user engagement. Some AI tools to consider for this process include:

Adobe Sensei

This web browser AI tool analyzes content and user preferences to generate designs and prototypes for websites.

Duda

This is an AI-assisted web design platform that can help businesses build and optimize their website. The AI is capable of analyzing the website content to generate effective and eye-catching layouts.

The Grid

This website builder uses AI to analyze content and user behavior. It then uses this information to create custom layouts.

Sizle

This AI-powered design platform generates presentations, websites, and other content using the information input by the user.

Create Visual Content

Using visual content is a great way to captivate your audience and increase the amount of time they spend on each webpage. By utilizing AI you can create custom images and videos tailored to your audience and business. Below are some helpful AI tools to help you create visual content.

Flickify

Use written prompts to generate high-quality custom videos.

DALL-E AI

This advanced language model from OpenAI can generate creative images using text prompts. Furthermore, it can create a series of cohesive images from one prompt.

RunwayML

This AI tool offers a variety of design options, allowing users to create images, videos, and animations.

Content Recommendations

AI tools can be utilized to boost user engagement on your content by supporting the content creation process. Bookmark offers personalized content suggestions, guiding your website visitors to similar content based on their activity.

Website Optimization

Using machine learning, AI systems can monitor user behavior and website interactions on the website. Using this data, AI tool Big Data Analytics can make instant adjustments to website layouts, content placement, and CTAs to improve user engagement and conversions. As the tool can respond in real time to user preferences, users have a better experience on the website. This can be especially beneficial during product launches.

Creating Content

Businesses can leverage AI to craft high-quality content for their website. This helps save time, and can significantly boost organic traffic. Just be sure to fact-check any content these AI tools create before posting.  One of the newcomers with a lot of power is Magai.

ChatGPT

Perhaps the most well-known AI tool ChatGPT can create short or long-form content from a basic prompt.

GrowthBar

The GrowthBar content-creation tool creates paragraphs, meta descriptions, emails or blogs using a text prompt. It also suggests internal links while you are editing the content draft, thus improving your SEO efforts.

CopyAI

CopyAi is a free AI tool that uses templates to generate copy for ads, social media, websites, blogs, and more. It is also available in multiple languages.

Using AI tools to enhance web design is a game-changer for businesses looking to improve their conversions. Utilize the tools mentioned above to improve how users interact with your business website and improve customer satisfaction.

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Artificial Intelligence software or AI is becoming ever-present in the online world. With tools like ChatGPT and Claude, businesses can utilize AI easily for content creation and streamlining processes. Google Workspace Labs is another new AI tool being introduced, however, it is still in the early access stages. Below we look at Google Workspace Labs AI features and how they can benefit your business.

Do you have access to Google’s Workspace Labs?

Google invited a small selection of Google Docs users to join the early access trial of Workspace Labs. If you don’t recall getting invited, you can check your access easily. Simply, open a Google Docs file and look for the “Labs” tab on the right-hand side of the document. Right now, users must be located in the US to be invited, to keep the testing group small.

Google Workspace Labs AI Features

Note that the features below are subject to change based on feedback from the early access group. Additionally, features are continuously being added to the AI tool.

Content Writing Help

The most popular feature of Google Workspace Labs is the writing feature. The AI can suggest text based on a prompt to help you quickly create content. You can also utilize this feature to rewrite a blog post, or caption to make it more appealing.

Create and Refine Emails in Gmail

If you have access to Google Workspace Labs, you can also utilize it within your Gmail account. Simply use the “help me write” feature within Gmail and enter a prompt. This is especially helpful for drafting cover letters, weekly work emails, or even birthday invitations. You can also ask it to refine a draft to be more concise, informative, or interesting.

Create Images with Google Workspace Labs

This tool is available to some users within Google Slides. Like the “help me write” tool, the “help me visualize” AI tool will create images based on prompts. This can be helpful when creating reports, or social media content. Note that your prompts should be as specific as possible, while still allowing for some leeway to get the best results.

Organize your Files

The “help me organize” tool allows you to utilize AI within Google Sheets. This AI tool is designed to suggest and create tables based on your prompts. This is especially helpful for consolidating data, or even planning an event. Just note the AI table will replace any data within the file, so be sure to use this feature in a new spreadsheet.

Create Background Images

Within Google Meet, you can generate a background using the Workspace Labs AI tools. This is a fun feature for coworking calls, meetings, or hosting presentations. Simply enter a prompt and the AI tool will generate a background that you can then save for future use.

Dual Access

As with all Google Doc files, Workspace Labs allows you to collaborate with others in real-time. This is a great feature that can help increase productivity as multiple people can be working within a document at one time. Furthermore, users can refine prompts to clarify details or add to the content generation.

Right now, Google Workspace Labs AI features are all in the testing phase. Users with access are being asked to submit feedback each time they utilize the AI to improve prompt responses, data management, and more. Once these features roll out to the general public, they are sure to be easy to use, especially as they are integrated directly into the Google Cloud system.

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Sharing and distributing data within your business using cloud-based technology can improve communication and productivity. In fact, many businesses have been using Excel to share this data for years. However, your business may want to consider using technology to transform Excel data sheets into an even better resource using Rose.ai.

What is Rose.ai?

Rose.ai is a modern cloud platform that utilizes generative AI to discover, record, visualize, and distribute data. This AI platform combines both natural language processing with open-source financial language models to provide a range of data. Furthermore, Rose.ai simplifies the process and gives a consolidated report of accurate, auditable data with references.

How Rose.ai helps to transform Excel data sheets

Integrate internal and external data

Using Rose.ai you can quickly and easily unite data from a range of sources, both internal and external. This is a great tool for collaboration and allows your business to access relevant information quickly.

Organization tools

Once Rose.ai collects data, there are a range of options available to sort and organize the information. These tools allow you to clean, compartmentalize, analyze, and present data how you want.

Data marketplace

While you can search the internet for external data, some data reports are hidden behind paywalls or other restrictions. Rose.ai has a data marketplace where your business can preview, buy or sell data as required. This ensures that you have access to the data you need without having to switch platforms or create new logins.

Easy to share and collaborate

As Rose.ai is a cloud-based AI platform, sharing your data with others in or out of your business is easy. Furthermore, Rose.ai stores data about any changes to the Excel document. This allows businesses to access who, where, what, how, and when changes are made.

Interactive data visualization

Use Rose.ai to create an interactive and engaging visual display of data, that is easy to understand.  Each viewer also has the ability to explore the data further through links and chart options.

Cloud-based updates

As a cloud-based AI platform, Rose.ai will regularly scan the web for updates to your datasets. This helps to ensure that your information is always current. Furthermore, users can utilize timeframes to specify information windows for comparison purposes.

Enhanced security

Rose.ai takes user security and privacy seriously. Using advanced security measures, the platform protects your data and documents. The only people able to view the Excel document will be those who are given authorized access.

Customizable

As with many online tools, Rose.ai is highly customizable to your needs. Select your business preferences from how data is shown, what data to include, how it can be shared, and how to sort and organize collected data.

Easily auditable

Every piece of data collected by Rose.ai has a viewable logic output. Users can follow the information back to the original raw data for easy verification. This helps to ensure that all information that Rose.ai is providing is accurate, reliable, and referenceable.

Make sharing and collecting data easier than ever before by utilizing AI technology. Not only can Rose.ai help you save time when collecting data, but it can also transform your Excel data sheets into engaging presentations. Thus, for businesses looking to improve their data spreadsheets, Rose.ai could be the perfect tool.

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AI tools are one of the biggest trends in the digital space. In fact, many businesses are now considering how they can implement AI into their process and procedures. ChatGPT-4 is the most popular, however, Anthropic recently released Claude to compete, and compete it does! This article looks at what Claude and ChatGPT-4 offer to see which AI tool provides the most value.

What is Claude?

Created by the American company Anthropic, Claude is advanced artificial intelligence software that acts as a personal assistant. Similar to ChatGPT-4, Claude is a type of large language model. These models work by predicting what should come next by analyzing a previous sequence. Claude is accessible via a chat interface and API within the Anthropic developer console.

Claude or ChatGPT?

With both Claude and ChatGPT-4 offering similar functions, how do you know which is best for your needs? Below we look at and compare the two AI tools to help make your decision easier. If you want to use both easily, then you should consider a tool like Magai.co which offers easy access to both.

Which has a deeper context window?

At the time of this article's publishing, ChatGPT-4 has a context window of roughly 4000 words, which is enough to hold a conversation or write a piece of content. However, it can’t summarize a book, or find an error in a coding project. Claude on the other hand, has a context window of roughly 75,000 words. This is a substantially larger context window than ChatGPT-4 and means that Claude can better analyze issues and answer questions.

Which has better output results?

When both AI tools were asked the same questions, ChatGPT-4 performed better than Claude for coding problems, general output formatting, and result explanations. However, Claude performed better at following instructions, answering trivia questions, and creative tasks.

Which is better at retrieving information?

At Claude has a larger context window, it is more likely to be faster, and more accurate than ChatGPT-4 in retrieving information. This is a benefit for businesses looking to use the AI tool to scan documents and find errors, or to pull pertinent information from documents. However, ChatGPT-4 is effective at scanning smaller chunks of information and can also analyze images.

Basic Capabilities of ChatGPT-4

• Precise and accurate compared to many other AI tools
• Can understand test input and analyze images
• Is able to answer basic questions relating to any field of study
• Can crack most standardized examinations
• Is training in 26 languages

Basic Capabilities of Claude

• Can hold open-ended conversations on various subjects
• Is able to write fictional stories, poems, and jokes
• Can answer basic questions precisely in a range of subjects including entertainment, history, geography, and algebra.
• Will admit when it does not have the answer to a question, or if the request is outside of its capabilities.
• Declines inappropriate requests
• User-friendly and has a refined writing style

Limitations of ChatGPT-4

• Generates false information and often has inconsistent answers
• Cannot create fictional stories about the future
• Only provides answers to logical questions, can not explain the logic in detail

Limitations of Claude

• Generates inconsistent and false statements and answers
• Cannot answer complicated mathematical equations
• Often offers vague follow-up responses
• Lacks proficiency in coding languages that are not Python

Both Claude and ChatGPT-4 have their advantages and disadvantages, as all new technology does. Thus, one is not substantially better than the other, though Claude does have a larger context window. Right now both AI tools require you to double-check their work and fact-check their answers. However, utilizing these AI tools can help your business to streamline content creation by writing first drafts, or analyzing content for you.

The post Claude or ChatGPT-4: Which AI Tool Provides More Value appeared first on Add Value Business Blog.

In the modern era of rapid technological advancements, businesses must adapt to digital transformation. The digital revolution has ushered in a new era of business interactions, allowing businesses to reimagine their communication strategies. As the world becomes more digital-centric, businesses need to be ready to adapt their workflows and communication styles to stay relevant. In this article, we will discuss the importance of digital transformation in reimagining business interactions, explore various digital communication strategies, and offer insights into the tools and technologies necessary to leverage the benefits of digital transformation.

Next-Level Teamwork: The Digital Collaboration Revolution

Next-Level Teamwork

The Digital Collaboration Revolution is a paradigm shift in the way companies operate and interact with each other. The focus on digital collaboration is now paramount, and businesses cannot afford to ignore it. Advancements in technology have allowed for seamless remote team collaboration, bringing professionals together from different corners of the world. With the rise of cloud services, team members can quickly and easily share information, files, and data, enhancing productivity and providing a collaborative environment.

To succeed in the digital age, businesses must embrace technology and adopt digital collaboration practices. Digital collaboration enhances communication and team performance, improving the speed and efficiency of decision-making processes. By embracing digital collaboration, companies can harness the power of a flexible and adaptable workforce. Remote teams can come together, irrespective of distance or time zones, to work on projects that require diverse skill sets and expertise. This fosters cross-functional collaboration that promotes diversity and inclusivity, where team members can learn from their colleagues' experiences and perspectives, leading to innovation, growth, and a stronger bond between team members.

Unlocking the Potential of Unified Communications

Unified Communications (UC) is a type of digital communication strategy that has the potential to revolutionize how businesses interact with their customers, partners, and employees. UC integrates various communication channels into one cohesive platform, such as voice, video, messaging, email, and file sharing. By utilizing UC, businesses can create a more streamlined and efficient communication system that simplifies the exchange of information.

The benefits of UC are numerous and can unlock the potential of digital transformation for businesses. Firstly, it offers the ability to stay connected on the go, making communication more flexible and mobile. Secondly, UC can provide a more personalized customer experience by offering real-time customer interaction, resolving queries faster, and being more attuned to customer needs. Lastly, UC can improve productivity by automating workflows, simplifying team collaboration, and allowing for faster decision-making.

In conclusion, UC is essential for businesses looking to reimagine their communication strategies in the digital age. By integrating various communication channels into one platform, businesses can achieve a more efficient, flexible, and personalized approach to communication. As the world continues to become more digital-centric, investing in UC can unlock the full potential of digital transformation for businesses seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

The Journey from Traditional to Virtual Collaboration

The transformative impact of technology on business collaboration cannot be overstated. As businesses shift from traditional to virtual collaboration, they are experiencing significant gains. They see these gains in terms of efficiency, productivity, and cost savings. Traditionally, business interactions happen face-to-face or via phone, email, or letter, which could be time-consuming, costly, and unreliable. However, the advent of digital communication tools such as videoconferencing, chat, document sharing, and project management software improves things. Now, businesses can communicate, collaborate, and share information in real-time from anywhere in the world.

The journey from traditional to virtual collaboration is challenging, as businesses need to navigate a range of complex issues, such as cybersecurity, data protection, and legacy systems. However, the benefits of digital transformation far outweigh the risks. With virtual collaboration, businesses have the ability to create a more agile, responsive, and scalable workforce that can adapt quickly to changing market conditions. They can also access a global talent pool and collaborate seamlessly with partners, suppliers, and customers, irrespective of their location. The journey from traditional to virtual collaboration is not just about embracing technology; it requires a cultural shift towards a more collaborative, open, and inclusive work environment.

The post Reimagining Business Interactions: The Digital Transformation appeared first on Add Value Business Blog.

Meetings are a typical part of corporate business, where decisions are made and tasks are delegated. Furthermore, meetings are a great place for discussion, presenting information, and developing ideas. However, often meetings can quickly get off-topic, especially with the development of video meetings. The key is to communicate effectively in video meetings to ensure employees are engaged and focused.

Below are some tips to help you improve your communication skills and improve the effectiveness of your video meetings.

1. Be Conscious of the Time

The best way to start a video meeting is by showing up on time. After all, most employees already don’t want to be attending meetings, so the least you can do is show up early. As the meeting host, aim to be logged in to the meeting platform before the first employee is. This shows that you care about both the meeting topic and your employees’ time.

2. Stay on Topic

Before the meeting, make sure that you set an agenda for the video meeting and send it to all attendees. Then, if an item comes up for discussion that is not on the agenda, you can make a note and circle back at the end of the scheduled items.

3. Speak with Energy

Use your voice to convey your message to employees. After all, if you want them to be attentive, you must sound engaging. Deliver the information you need with confidence. Consider how you can use your tone to emphasize your point or convey an emotion.

4. Choose Your Words Wisely

Be mindful of the words you use when persuading others, and ensure that you avoid negative language. You should also be aware of language that can be discriminatory or accusatory, especially when discussing task progress.

5. Be Aware of Body Language and Facial Expressions

When in a video meeting, body language and facial expressions are very important. After all, these can both give clues to your attitude and state of mind. Therefore, it is important to be conscious of this and remember that others are watching you. Use these tips to stay professional throughout the meeting;

• Sit up straight
• Use eye contact with the camera
• Do not cross your arms
• Try not to fidget or look bored

6. Listen

When if comes to effectively communicating, listening is crucial. After all, communication is a two-way street. Make sure that you are actively listening throughout the meeting and take notes of any questions you may have for the speaker. Actively listening also means not interrupting, so taking notes is a great way to remember what needs further clarification.

7. Avoid External Distractions

While following an agenda reduces the chance of internal distractions, when you are in a video meeting you may be working from home or somewhere else. Therefore, it is important to set yourself up before the video meeting with everything you may need. Ensure you have a glass of water, or cup of coffee, a notepad, and a pen available. Finally, ensure that you have locked the door to stop potential interruptions from others. If you are in a public place like many remote workers, remember to mute yourself when you aren’t talking and to use noise-canceling headphones.

Use the tips above to communicate more effectively during video meetings and ensure they are productive. After all, no one likes to spend 30 minutes to an hour on something that could have been an email.

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Recent studies show that over 90% of web applications have security vulnerabilities. Around 25% have XSS holes, while 23% have information leaks. Another 48% have security authentication vulnerabilities and session management complications. These issues make it easier for hackers to abuse the systems and gain access to your website data. Luckily, there are various free online tools you can use to scan for website security vulnerabilities and malware.

Keep reading to learn more about these online tools, and the benefits of using them.

1. Siteguarding

This free online tool can scan your website for security vulnerabilities and malware. Siteguarding is a basic scan tool that helps with website security. Use to gain additional insight into your website and see if it is on any blacklists. It will also identify the WordPress version of your website and let you know if you need to update it.

2. Quttera

This easy-to-use malware detector is simple yet offers a detailed analysis of your website security. Quttera offers internal and external monitoring, on-demand scans, blacklist checking, traffic redirect alerts, and general malware detection alongside many other features. Additionally, there are security experts available to help address any issues right away.

3. Web Inspector

This is a straightforward tool for improving website security. Web Inspector helps you check for malware and vulnerabilities by simply entering your URL into the search box to start the scan. Depending on the complexity and size of your page, the scan can take up to 10 minutes. You will then receive a detailed report noting security issues that require attention.

4. SiteChecker

This popular online SEO platform is also a helpful monitoring and auditing tool for businesses. Use SiteChecker to analyze your website and search for weak points of your website. The tool scans all hidden files and directories of your website to really focus on any security weak spots. You can then use this data to improve your website security.

Why You Should Consider Using These Online Tools

Tools that help you to scan website directories and sensitive files are key to testing the security of your site. This is because the scanning tools can find any malicious code scammers have uploaded to your website. Thus, the tools can scan your website for this code, and allow you to remove them from the website.

Furthermore, scanning tools allow you to quickly identify potential weaknesses in your website or application code. Once you know where the weak points are, you can create and release updates and patches to repair the flaws.

When Should You Use These Tools

Running a security and vulnerability scan on a regular basis is important. Ideally, you should run a scan every two weeks, and again after you fix any issues. This is to ensure that the patches or updates work as intended. Additionally, whenever there is a significant change to your network, such as adding a new server, upgrading products, adding apps, or altering interfaces you should run another test to confirm the change does not create any potential security issues.

Protecting your website and the data of your customers is crucial in the modern era. Pick one of the free online tools above to scan for website vulnerabilities and malware on a regular basis. This can help ensure that your website security is always kept up to date. Aim to run a scan as part of your maintenance schedule. If you don’t have the time to manage security vulnerabilities and run regular tests consider outsourcing to an IT service agency.

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