Regardless of whether you’re a brand, influencer, or creator, you likely have a multitude of tasks to manage. Utilizing the appropriate Instagram tools can provide an opportunity to find clients on social media, thereby fostering your business growth.

Quintly

Quintly is a powerful analytics platform designed to empower you with comprehensive insights into your social media profiles’ performance. The tool is user-friendly enough so that anyone can gain a deep understanding of their social media metrics across all platforms.

The tool allows users to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, follower growth, reach, and audience demographics. This valuable information will enable you to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

Without a tool like Quintly, you’ll have to switch through different campaign dashboards per channel, making it difficult to have a holistic view of your overall online performance. Quintly consolidates everything into a single, intuitive dashboard, enabling you to spot areas for improvement and optimize your content.

You’ll also have access to social media management features, including scheduling, team collaborations, and competitor analysis.

Social Pilot

Social Pilot is a social media management tool designed to help entrepreneurs, influencers, and creators manage their online presence effectively. The tool enables you to publish, schedule, and analyze content all in one place.

A favorite feature is its content calendar, which allows users to plan and schedule posts across multiple social media platforms. This saves you time and effort and lets you focus on the most critical aspect of social media success – content creation. Of course, you’ll also have a suite of analytics tools to help you track and monitor your performance.

You can also access advanced features such as Client Management, Team Collaboration, and RSS Feeds Automation, making it perfect for businesses or creators who manage multiple channels.

Determ

Determ is a media monitoring software that automates the process of tracking all media and public mentions about your brand in any language. Having a tool like Determ enables you to understand the general sentiment about your brand or business and analyze competitors so that you can achieve business growth and make informed decisions.

Unlike other monitoring tools that focus mainly on the major social media platforms, Determ can cover other sources like news portals, forums, comments, and blogs.

It also has a feature called Spike Alerts that notifies you of any sudden increase in mentions so that you can stay on top of your reputation and act quickly. Determ is an excellent tool for any growing business, influencer, or public persona, not just for managing their reputation but also for staying updated about relevant industry news.

Keyhole

Keyhole is a social media analytics and listening tool that provides valuable insights into your brand and audience. With its real-time monitoring capabilities, you can track conversations, mentions, and sentiments. This enables you to engage more effectively with your audience and create content that resonates with them.

The tool employs advanced machine learning to identify emerging trends and keywords gaining traction. This foresight allows you to stay ahead of the conversation and leverage this knowledge to create impactful campaigns.

Keyhole also offers an impressive influencer tracking feature. It generates visually stunning reports and data visualizations, assisting marketers in identifying the best influencers to collaborate with. You can request a list of relevant creators, ranked by engagement and following. This feature is useful for pre-engagement, ongoing campaigns, and post-campaign reviews.

Animaker

Video is the most popular content today. However, video editing and animation can be expensive and time-consuming. With Animaker, anyone can create visually stunning videos in a few minutes. Its drag-and-drop editor is easy to use and customizable.

The platform comes ready with templates, filters, visual effects, voiceovers, and even characters so you have everything you need to produce any type of video for your business or personal brand. Plus, you have millions of stock videos and photos to choose from.

Animaker has an instant resizer tool that ensures all your videos are optimized for your social media platform of choice.

Jasper AI

Aside from visual content, brand tone of voice is one thing that can set you apart from competitors. Brand tone of voice can be seen in any written content, such as captions, blogs, and scripts, which can take a ton of time to create. Jasper AI is a customizable copywriting AI that can do that and more for you.

You can teach Jasper AI to write in your brand’s tone of voice by uploading existing content and brand guidelines, sending a URL to your website, or simply telling it about you. Once it learns all about you, you’re assured that everything remains consistently on-brand with minimal effort.

Bulk.ly

Having Bulk.ly in your arsenal of tools can simplify and enhance your social media management experience. Automate the time-consuming process of scheduling and content calendar creation for your various profiles so that you can focus on brainstorming content.

Other features include Hashtag Assignment, Recycle Posts, and RSS Automation. If you have a website or blog, Bulk.ly can automatically generate social media posts every time you have an update. It also has a drip scheduling feature that ensures you have regular updates on your social pages, whether throughout the day, week, or month.

Bulk.ly automates the tedious stuff so you can concentrate on building your businesses or online brand.

Planable

Planable is the perfect tool for teams as it allows you to upload content, gather feedback, and get approval in one place and in real time. It’s handy for businesses with marketing teams who experience bottlenecks in the approval process and for creators collaborating with brands.

Planable allows you to visualize how your content will look once it’s live on your chosen social media platform to avoid surprise hiccups. You can even tweak captions and add emojis or hashtags within the platform.

Workspace owners can give collaborators different permission levels, allowing relevant team members to leave comments, make edits, and clear it for publishing. You can also keep different workspaces, which is excellent for businesses with multiple ongoing campaigns and creators with various brand partnerships.

Unfold

Unfold is a mobile app and creative toolkit made for businesses and content creators who are always on the go. The app has hundreds of eye-catching templates, filters, and effects you can edit and adjust to your liking.

Unfold shortens the creative process as you never have to start from scratch – just import your photo or video, choose from the curated designs, and customize as needed. What’s best is that the app is incredibly user-friendly, so you don’t need any design experience to produce professional-grade content.

One of the app’s most useful features is the Feed Planner, which allows you to plan and visualize your Instagram feed in advance.

The app is free to download on the App Store and Google Play Store, but there are also paid versions, Unfold+ or Pro, which unlock premium features.

GRIN

GRIN is a creator management platform that can turn businesses into top-selling brands with the help of partnerships with the right content creators. The platform can find ideal creators you otherwise wouldn’t have known about and provide you with the tools to build deeper connections with them.

GRIN has a tab where you can find all creator-made and user-generate (UGC) content in one place without using Monday.com alternatives for team communication, It makes it easy to repurpose and put all winning content to good use. Plus, you’ll find all your campaign stats and metrics in one dashboard where you can view and compare KPIs.

What’s best is that it also takes care of the tedious contracts needed when working with creators and influencers. GRIN ensures you’re free to share, edit, and reuse all creator-produced content.

Since GRIN is all about building authentic relationships, one of its highlighted features is Relationship Management. Every message between you and your partners – whether sent through email or Slack – can be found in a single Communications Hub.

Conclusion

Having the right set of tools can be instrumental in driving the success of your brand, whether you’re a business, influencer, or content creator.

From analytics dashboards and social media management tools to AI language and design platforms – every tool we mentioned plays a unique role in supercharging your brand in the ever-evolving digital world.

Use one tool or a handful and see a boost in productivity and campaign performance in no time.

The post 10 Instagram Tools for Businesses, Influencers and Creators appeared first on Hongkiat.

This step is crucial not just for privacy, but also to ensure the new user gets to experience the device as if it’s brand new. In this article we’re going to walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to effectively erase all of your data and reset your Apple Watch, ensuring you leave no digital footprint behind.

1. Unpair the Apple Watch from your iPhone

This process automatically backs up your watch and removes all personal data from it. Here’s how you do it:

1. Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together.
2. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
3. Go to the “My Watch” tab, and tap "All Watches".



4. Tap the “i” info symbol next to the watch that you want to unpair.



5. Tap “Unpair Apple Watch.” For GPS + Cellular models, choose to keep or remove your cellular plan. If you want to pair your Apple Watch and iPhone again, keep your plan. If you’re not going to pair with a different watch or iPhone, you might need to contact your carrier to cancel your cellular subscription.



6. Tap again to confirm. You might need to enter your Apple ID password to disable Activation Lock.

2. Erase your Apple Watch

If you can’t access your iPhone or your Apple Watch isn’t working, you can erase your Apple Watch manually:

On your Apple Watch, tap “Settings” > “General” > “Reset“.

Tap “Erase All Content and Settings“, then tap again to confirm.

3. Remove Apple Watch from your Apple ID account

Even after you erase and unpair your Apple Watch, it may still be linked to your Apple ID. To ensure that it’s completely removed, you can follow these steps:

1. Sign in to your Apple ID account page on a web browser: https://appleid.apple.com
2. Scroll down to the “Devices” section.



3. Select your Apple Watch to view the device’s details, then click “Remove from Account.“

Bonus: Clean and Pack Apple Watch

Make sure to clean the device physically to remove any dirt or smudges. Use a lint-free cloth and be careful not to get any moisture in any openings.

If you have the original packaging, it’s best to use that for selling the watch. Also, make sure to include any accessories that came with the watch such as the charger.

The post How to Erase Your Apple Watch Before Selling appeared first on Hongkiat.

However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the user demographics of these established social networks. Specifically, Generation Z, or Gen-Z, has been gradually moving away from these platforms. They are instead turning to new platforms that offer more content variety, enhanced privacy features, and other benefits.

In this post, we will delve into the reasons behind Gen-Z’s departure from Facebook and explore the new platforms they are gravitating towards.

The Decline of Facebook and Its Relevance to Gen-Z

The recent decline of Facebook’s popularity, particularly among younger audiences, has sparked a conversation about its place in the current media landscape. Social media has undeniably become an integral part of our lives, especially for younger generations like Gen-Z who have grown up understanding its use from an early age.

However, a shift is noticeable as more young people gravitate towards platforms like Instagram, Twitch, and TikTok. These platforms offer more dynamic experiences than Facebook, leading to a perception that Facebook’s relevance may be fading for this new generation.

This raises the question – does this signify the end of Facebook? Or will the executive leadership find a way to pivot back into relevance? The challenge lies in developing a model that appeals to both younger and older users, ensuring Facebook’s continued place in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

Social Media Alternatives That Gen-Z is Turning To

The landscape of social media is undergoing a rapid transformation, with Generation Z leading the charge. This demographic is no longer content with traditional platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, instead seeking out more authentic and creative alternatives.

TikTok, with its mosaic-like design, and Instagram’s Reels format, are among the new networks that offer dynamic ways for young people to connect and express themselves.

The surge in popularity of apps like Clubhouse, Flipboard, and Nuzzel further underscores this trend. These platforms are evidence of Generation Z’s desire for a truly revolutionary online experience.

However, one platform stands out from the rest – Reddit. Its usage among Generation Z is skyrocketing, making it one of the most frequented social media platforms for this age group. Reddit offers a friendly and inclusive space, welcoming all beliefs, genders, and sexualities. This unique approach has made it a favorite among Generation Z, as they continue to explore and redefine the world of social media.

How Gen-Z is Leveraging New Platforms to Express Themselves

Generation Z, the digital natives of our time, are at the forefront of transforming the ways in which they express themselves and connect with others. They are harnessing the power of emerging social media platforms and features, such as TikTok and Instagram, to display their creativity, forge connections with their peers, and make their mark in the world.

These platforms offer Gen-Zers a unique space on the internet where they can freely share music, hobbies, and art that reflect their beliefs and values. They can express themselves without fear of judgment or censorship, creating a vibrant and diverse digital landscape.

Beyond providing avenues for self-expression, these platforms also facilitate direct engagement in discussions about current events and topics that are important to them. This has given Gen-Zers the power to voice their ideas, instigate societal change, and foster a digital community that embraces all experiences, irrespective of a person’s background.

In addition to TikTok and Instagram, Reddit has emerged as a popular platform among Gen-Zers. It’s a place where they can connect and engage with others who share their interests. Reddit’s emphasis on inclusivity and tolerance has made it a safe haven for Gen-Zers to discuss and share their thoughts on a myriad of topics. This has made it an invaluable tool in their pursuit of self-expression and connection.

The Impact of User Interaction on Gen-Z’s Mental Health

Generation Z, defined as those born after 1997, are experiencing their formative years in a world that is rapidly evolving with the advent of social media and digital communication. This shift in the mode of user interactions can have profound implications on the mental health of Gen-Z individuals.

Just like traditional face-to-face interactions, online interactions can bring about positive outcomes. These include higher levels of connectivity and the opportunity for global communication.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The digital realm can also introduce negative impacts such as feelings of isolation due to the lack of physical contact. It can also create difficulties in maintaining relationships with individuals who are not active on digital platforms.

As we continue to replace more of our traditional communication methods with internet-based interactions, it becomes increasingly important to understand the effects of this new technology on our mental states. By doing so, we can better prepare ourselves and the younger generation for the digital future.

Overcoming the Challenges of Growing Up Online

Growing up in the digital age presents numerous challenges. These range from learning how to navigate social media, to cultivating responsible online behavior. For today’s children and teenagers, it’s crucial to understand the pressures associated with maintaining an online presence.

Teens often find it challenging to maintain a balanced and healthy perspective about their online lives. This is due to the constant feedback they receive about their performance, both in terms of likes and comments on their posts, and in relation to emerging digital trends.

Fortunately, there are several strategies available to help young people develop digital resilience. One such strategy is teaching them effective time management skills. This ensures they are not overwhelmed by the amount of time they spend on sites like Instagram or TikTok.

Another strategy is fostering healthy self-esteem that isn’t dependent on external validation. This can be achieved by modeling positive online behaviors through parental examples. Additionally, attending workshops that focus on topics such as online safety and cyberbullying can also be beneficial.

By equipping children with the necessary tools for engaging responsibly with technology, we can help them navigate the challenging journey of growing up online.

Privacy Expectations, Security, and Data Safety

In a technology-driven world, safeguarding both our personal and professional data from malicious activities can be challenging. The importance of privacy expectations, comprehensive security measures, and superior data safety protocols cannot be overstated for anyone handling sensitive information.

Opting for enhanced encryption and secure networks can provide assurance that valuable information is protected from ill-intentioned activities. Furthermore, having the appropriate tools to monitor these practices offers stakeholders the peace of mind that their data is meticulously safeguarded, regardless of its origin or the medium it traverses.

The impact of technology, specifically social media, on society and particularly on Generation Z, is undeniable. Platforms such as Twitter and TikTok, and to a lesser extent Facebook, are being used by Gen-Zers to forge meaningful connections with their peers and to cater to their unique needs.

Despite ongoing debates about the risks associated with growing up online, it’s crucial to acknowledge the positive influence these platforms have had on Gen-Z’s mental health.

With the ongoing advancement of privacy expectations, security measures, and data safety standards, Gen-Zers can collaborate to construct a safe online space. This will allow them to continue expressing themselves in innovative ways without being hindered by fear or anxiety.

In conclusion, it’s essential to recognize and understand the influence of technology on today’s youth worldwide. They face numerous considerations when it comes to openly communicating on social media while simultaneously ensuring their safety.

The post Why Gen-Z is Turning Away from Platforms Like Facebook appeared first on Hongkiat.

That’s where Monday.com comes in.

This powerful platform is packed with features designed to streamline your workflow, boost your productivity, and elevate your freelance business to new heights.

In this guide, we explore the features of Monday.com that are particularly beneficial for freelancers, from task management and time tracking to collaboration tools and client management. Whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting out, this should equip you with the knowledge to leverage this tool for maximum freelance success.

Learn more about Monday.com

Task Management

Monday.com’s task management feature is a comprehensive tool that allows freelancers to stay on top of their work. You can create individual tasks, assign them to specific projects, and set deadlines for each. Each task can be broken down into subtasks, allowing you to manage complex projects with ease.

You can also prioritize tasks based on their importance or urgency. The platform provides a visual representation of your tasks, making it easy to see what needs to be done and when. This feature is particularly useful for freelancers who juggle multiple projects or clients at the same time.

Find out more.

Time Tracking

Time tracking is an essential feature for freelancers, especially those who bill by the hour. With Monday.com, you can track the time you spend on each task or project.

This feature allows you to accurately bill your clients and also helps you understand how much time you’re spending on different tasks. Over time, this can provide valuable insights into your work habits and help you become more efficient.

Find out more.

Collaboration Tools

Monday.com offers a suite of collaboration tools that make it easy to work with clients or other freelancers. You can share files, leave comments on tasks, and provide real-time updates on your progress. The platform also supports @mentions, which can be used to draw someone’s attention to a specific task or comment. These features make it easy to keep everyone involved in a project on the same page.

Find out more.

Project Planning

With Monday.com, you can plan out your projects in detail. You can set goals for each project, create a timeline, and track your progress against these goals. The platform’s visual project planning tools make it easy to see at a glance how your project is progressing. This can be particularly useful when you’re juggling multiple projects at once, as it allows you to quickly identify any potential issues or delays.

Find out more.

Automations and Integrations

Monday.com allows you to automate routine tasks, saving you time and effort. For example, you can set up automations to move tasks to different stages based on their status, send notifications when a task is due, or automatically assign tasks to yourself when they’re created. The platform also integrates with a wide range of other tools, including Google Drive for file storage, Slack for communication, and Zoom for video conferencing. These integrations can help streamline your workflow and make you more efficient.

Find out more.

Client Management

Managing client relationships is a crucial part of freelancing, and Monday.com makes this easy. You can track all your communication with a client, manage their projects, and store important information about them. This can help you provide a better service to your clients and build stronger relationships with them.

Find out more.

Reporting

Monday.com provides powerful reporting tools that can help you understand your work habits and productivity. You can generate reports on your tasks, time spent, and project progress. These reports can be used to identify areas where you could be more efficient, or to demonstrate your productivity to clients.

Find out more.

Conclusion

Last but not least, as a cloud-based platform, Monday.com is perfect for remote work. You can access your tasks, projects, and client information from anywhere, at any time. This can be particularly useful for freelancers who travel frequently or work from different locations.

Remember, the effectiveness of these features will depend on your specific needs as a freelancer. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of the free trial to see if the platform works for you.

The post How Monday.com Can Revolutionize Your Freelance Business appeared first on Hongkiat.

Intuitive web design acts as a captivating opus for visitors and holds the power to convert them into loyal customers.

Moreover, using attractive and engaging web design elements can enhance your brand identity. However, you can’t construct a website by choosing a layout randomly. Attention to detail is indispensable!

So, what contributes to an enthralling web design? It’s the incorporation of the latest web design ideas into your website in 2023 to increase user engagement.

We are here to present 15 influential web design ideas!

15 Elements of Web Design Brilliance in 2023

Let’s start with the most inspirational one!

1. Parallax Scrolling

Imagine the foreground and background content moving at different speeds while you scroll. This is what parallax scrolling is all about! It makes the browsing experience feel creative and fun.

So, why not make the site navigation process more exciting with amusing scrolling effects? The most prevalent scrolling web design ideas include horizontal, scroll-triggered, and parallax zoom effects.

These effects are playful and can increase the time a user spends on your website. Who knows, they might even convert into leads!

2. Attractive Colored Gradients

Gradient styles can enhance the simplistic design of your site. The mixed hues and tones give the aesthetic feel and boost the mood of the visitors even when they prefer silent browsing.

Recently, pastel shades have been the hot pick in gradients. The subtle and bright color palette adds perfectly to a modern web design and is quite helpful in establishing the unique feel of your brand.

3. Gamification

Gamification allows you to make your website a captivating playground of interactivity. You can enable your users to unleash the online platform brimming with game-inspired mechanics, enchanting infographics, mesmerizing sign-up forms, etc., to turn every click into an ultimate experience.

4. Y2K Aesthetics

The late 1990s to early 2000s inspired style is back!

Set an immersive user experience by adding motifs like flip phones, pixels, collages, and MS-DOS-like UI. Consider plastic, metallics, notebook paper, and fur textures for graphic designs. You can also choose block type, bubble writing, and thick, chunky fonts.

Amidst the fast-growing technological world, nostalgia is a way of escape for many. This fun and futuristic theme will be a throwback journey for your audience.

5. Product Photography

What’s hot with product photography? Though the practice is common, movements adding to surrealism are not. Levitations make this web design trend ideal if you are into skincare, healthcare, or luxury niche.

Product photography authorizes you to directly highlight your services. The target audience falls for your site as this theme has a wow factor, hopefully!

6. Minimalistic Layout

For those who don’t prefer a flashy site, minimalist design is a way to go. Minimalist aesthetics requires limited color palettes with only crucial elements to accentuate the looks of a website. You can create an unconventional style by adding quirky fonts and modern illustrations to white space.

The simplistic, uncluttered web design allows visitors to make instant decisions.

7. Micro Animation

In 2022, the global animation market amounted to more than 391 US Billion dollars. Though animation is already echoing through the ages, technology is adding all-new elements. Since users have short attention spans, add a simple-yet-catchy animation design to engage visitors for longer.

Subtle animated features like changing gradient hues, twinkling stars, artsy visuals, an animated mouse cursor, or a sticky main menu will do the trick.

8. 3D Elements

3D elements are witnessing full bloom in 2023. You can merge 3D visuals with minimalist designs for a distinct yet engrossing user experience. Creating an unrealistic scenery with abstract details can convey your brand story.

Visually heavy images, interactive features, and dynamic effects will make your websites more appealing and draw in more visitors.

9. Quizzes With Extensive Appeal

Engaging quizzes are universally cherished by visitors that reveal intriguing aspects about themselves. No wonder you, too, have dedicated some hours to exploring these challenges.

This is your call to add a quirky trend to your website design with captivating quiz challenges, as embedding them can make your website look promising and personalized.

10. Minimal Vintage

Vintage never fades! When you combine it with minimal designs, it is a virtual treat, adding to the unique appeal of your web portal. The minimal vintage theme emphasizes a retro-type style and colors. But at the same time, it resonates deeply with modern sensibilities.

It creates a nostalgic and memorable experience, adding elegant simplicity with a modern touch for your visitors.

11. Dark Mode

An eye-friendly web design trend! This decade has shown the paradigm shift towards wellness. With the rise of health-conscious people, the dark mode trend is emerging. Dark mode reduces eye strain and creates a relaxing environment for your visitors while browsing the site.

Add a creative ability of customization where they can turn on the dark mode as per their convenience and smoothly elevate the experience of visitors on your website.

The dark mode allows designers to unlock their creative skills by integrating complementary design elements.

12. Accessibility

The accessibility trend is all-inclusive! It tears down the barriers hindering engagement.

The web-accessible design embraces diversity by creating an easy-to-navigate site for differently-abled users. They can quickly interact and know your business just like all of us.

Use proper font sizes and color contrasts. Pay attention to the alternative text, keyboard navigation, labels, and instructions.

If inclusivity is your business vision, site accessibility should be a priority.

13. Personalized Chatbots

Create a chatbot tailored to your customer’s needs. Fostering a quick chatbot service enhances customer satisfaction, and it works like a trusted confidant.

Your site visitors may have a few queries about your product or service, or they all may have a very common question in general. Quick chat support can respond to their requests within a few seconds.

So include AI-powered, highly personalized chatbots for a responsive and interactive environment on your website.

14. Custom Illustrations

Let creativity dance through the digital canvas. You can create a website reflecting the bespoke custom illustrations and let it tell the story virtually. The trend has been growing for a long but caught the attention currently due to the added elements and concepts.

Look beyond stock images and graphics. With the customized theme, you can elevate your brand’s narratives and connect with your prospects faster.

Choose from freehand and 3D to animated illustrations. Custom illustrations have evocative power.

15. Typography

Previous typography trends are not capable of catching the audience’s attention anymore. So designers can use something very different from their conventional use of elements.

Creative designers must keep an eye on the latest typography trends to influence the buying decisions for content-rich websites. Enough to mark the next chapter in the web design trends, typography is drastically increasing.

From art-deco revival to vintage narrow serifs, they have become the talk of the town. You can experiment with font styles to create distinct web designs for a specific business. Liquid chrome and iconographic mashups are irresistible!

Endnote

We hope that the above-mentioned web design ideas leave you inspired and serve as guideposts to try something different yet fascinating.

Let yourself iterate, experiment, and push your concise boundaries to give an easy-to-navigate experience to your users. Whether it is web accessibility or Y2K aesthetics, they forge deeper connections and hold the potential to elevate the website to a higher level.

The post 15 Captivating Web Design Ideas to Increase User Engagement (2023) appeared first on Hongkiat.

The report further stated, “Android devices were responsible for 47.15% of the observed malware infections, … and iPhones accounted for less than 1%.” Given these statistics, there is a pressing need to secure your smartphone, especially if you’re using an Android device.

There are mobile security apps designed to protect your mobile device, whether it runs on Android or iOS. However, choosing one can be challenging due to their varied features, interfaces, and compatibility with different mobile operating systems.

In this article, I have compiled a list of the best mobile security apps based on their user interface, security features, and reputation. Let’s explore them.

Note: As this post discusses cross-platform mobile security solutions, you may find that a feature you like is missing in your preferred solution on your chosen platform.

1. Avast Antivirus

Avast Antivirus is an exceptional mobile security solution, renowned for its performance and security features. According to AV-TEST, it exceeds the industry average with a 99.8% malware detection rate on Android.

Despite offering a premium tier, the app provides an impressive array of free features. For example, its Junk Cleaner effectively cleans cache, residual, and trash files to free up more storage space. Additionally, Power Save, a battery optimization feature, manages Bluetooth and Wi-Fi usage to reduce battery drain.

The app also offers valuable premium features such as Camera Trap, a tool designed to capture audio and video of potential intruders or thieves. Its App Lock feature allows users to secure apps with a password, providing an extra layer of protection for messaging or other private apps.

Finally, the Last Known Location feature can be incredibly useful if your device is lost or out of power.

PROS

CONS

Download Avast Antivirus for:

iOS Android

2. Kaspersky Antivirus

Kaspersky is another well-known antivirus solution with an excellent track record. According to AV-TEST, it surpasses the industry average rate in malware detection – its rate is 100%, which is slightly better than Avast’s.

The free edition of Kaspersky offers a modest set of features, in contrast to Avast. Its Anti-Theft feature allows you to wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen. Additionally, its Find My Phone feature helps you locate your phone if it’s misplaced or stolen. Lastly, it’s an easy-to-use application, thanks to its straightforward interface and intuitive features.

PROS

CONS

Download Kaspersky Antivirus for:

iOS Android

3. Norton Mobile Security

Norton is one of the original giants in the security market. It provides a top-notch malware detection service, which demonstrated a 100% malware detection rate in tests performed by AV-TEST, thus surpassing the industry average.

It boasts essential features such as Safe Search, which flags suspicious links and websites in your search results. Additionally, its anti-theft features help track lost or stolen devices by displaying their last known location and sounding an alarm.

PROS

CONS

Download Norton Mobile Security for:

iOS Android

4. McAfee Mobile Security

McAfee is another excellent security product known for its antivirus and malware protection. It boasts a slightly lower malware detection rate at 99.1%, according to AV-TEST, than a few of its counterparts like Kaspersky and Norton. However, it compensates for this rate difference by providing a host of features.

Its free tier includes a long list of features, making it highly competitive with other solutions on this list. For example, its Anti-Theft feature locks down the device after three failed passcode attempts. Additionally, its Anti-Theft Uninstall Protection prevents intruders from removing it to bypass its safeguards.

PROS

CONS

Download McAfee Mobile Security for:

iOS Android

5. MalwareBytes Security

MalwareBytes is less feature-rich than other solutions – significantly so when compared to Avast or Kaspersky Antivirus. It prioritizes doing one job well, rather than offering a large set of interesting but half-baked features.

MalwareBytes is perpetually ad-free, which sets it apart from all other solutions on the list. However, it does offer a premium subscription with additional features. Furthermore, in its free tier, it includes privacy audit features in addition to malware detection, which helps protect your privacy.

PROS

CONS

Download MalwareBytes Security for:

iOS Android

Ending Thoughts

As has been mentioned multiple times, Avast Antivirus offers the best free features along with a competitive anti-malware engine that boasts a 99.8% detection rate. Although a few other apps such as Kaspersky and Norton provide a more powerful anti-malware engine, they offer significantly fewer features in their free plans compared to Avast Antivirus.

The post 5 Best Security Apps for your Smartphone appeared first on Hongkiat.

In this blog post, we’ll shine a light on the ten common CSS mistakes developers make; whether you’re a beginner just dipping your toes into the CSS pool, or an experienced developer looking to brush up on best practices, this post is for you.

By understanding and avoiding these common CSS mistakes, you can write cleaner, more efficient code, ensure your websites look and function as intended across all browsers and devices, and ultimately provide a better user experience.

1. Not Using a Reset CSS

Different browsers have different default styles for elements. For example, the default margin and padding for the <body> element might be different in Chrome and Firefox. This can lead to inconsistencies in how your website looks across different browsers.

Example:

Let’s say you have a simple HTML file:

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
    <title>Test Page</title>
</head>
<body>
    <h1>Hello, world!</h1>
</body>

And you have some CSS:

body {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
}

h1 {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
}

Even with this CSS, the <h1> might still have some margin in some browsers, because they have a default style for <h1> that includes a margin.

Fix:

To fix this issue, you can use a reset CSS. A reset CSS is a set of styles that you apply at the beginning of your CSS file to reset the default styles of elements. Here’s a simple reset CSS:

* {
    margin: 0;
    padding: 0;
    box-sizing: border-box;
}

This CSS resets the margin and padding of all elements to 0, and sets their box-sizing to border-box. This can help eliminate inconsistencies between browsers.

However, this is a very simple reset and might not cover all elements and styles. There are more comprehensive reset CSS files available, like the Meyer’s reset, which you can find online and use in your projects.

Using a reset CSS can make your website look very plain, because it removes all default styles. After applying a reset, you’ll need to style all elements yourself. But this gives you complete control over the look of your website.

2. Not Using Shorthand Properties

CSS has shorthand properties that allow you to set multiple related styles at once. If you’re not using them, your CSS can become unnecessarily long and harder to maintain.

Example:

Let’s say you have the following CSS:

.box {
    margin-top: 10px;
    margin-right: 20px;
    margin-bottom: 10px;
    margin-left: 20px;
}

This CSS applies margin to all four sides of elements with the class “box“. But it’s quite verbose.

Fix:

You can use the shorthand margin property to set all four margins at once:

.box {
    margin: 10px 20px;
}

This does the same thing as the previous CSS. The first value is the top and bottom margin, and the second value is the right and left margin.

Here’s another example with the background property. Instead of this:

.box {
    background-color: #000;
    background-image: url('image.jpg');
    background-repeat: no-repeat;
    background-position: center;
}

You can write this:

.box {
    background: #000 url('image.jpg') no-repeat center;
}

Shorthand properties can make your CSS much shorter and easier to read and maintain. They can also help ensure consistency in your styles.

However, be aware that when you use a shorthand property, any unspecified sub-properties are set to their initial values. For example, if you use the background shorthand property and don’t specify a background size, the background size is set to its default value of “auto“.

3. Using Inline Styles

Inline styles are CSS declarations that are applied directly within your HTML elements. While they might seem convenient for quick styling, they can lead to several issues:

Maintenance Difficulty: If you have a large HTML file with many elements using inline styles, it can become very difficult to maintain and update your styles.

Specificity Issues: Inline styles have a very high specificity. This means that they will override any styles declared in your external or internal CSS, making it difficult to override them when needed.

Reusability: Inline styles are not reusable. If you want to apply the same styles to multiple elements, you would have to repeat the inline styles for each element.

Example:

Here’s an example of an inline style:

<h1 style="color: blue; font-size: 2em;">Hello, world!</h1>

Fix:

Instead of using inline styles, it’s better to use external or internal CSS. Here’s how you can do the same thing with internal CSS:

<head>
    <style>
        .blue-heading {
            color: blue;
            font-size: 2em;
        }
    </style>
</head>
<body>
    <h1 class="blue-heading">Hello, world!</h1>
</body>

And here’s how you can do it with external CSS. First, create a CSS file (let’s call it “styles.css”):

.blue-heading {
    color: blue;
    font-size: 2em;
}

Then, link it in your HTML file:

<head>
    <link rel="stylesheet" href="styles.css">
</head>
<body>
    <h1 class="blue-heading">Hello, world!</h1>
</body>

Using external or internal CSS makes your styles easier to maintain and update, allows you to reuse styles, and avoids specificity issues. It’s a best practice to avoid using inline styles whenever possible.

4. Not Using Vendor Prefixes

Vendor prefixes are a way for browser makers to add new CSS features before they become part of the official CSS specifications. Not using them can lead to some CSS properties not being recognized by some browsers, causing inconsistencies in your design.

Example:

Let’s say you want to use the box-shadow property, which is a relatively new addition to CSS:

.box {
    box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px #888888;
}

This CSS will work in most modern browsers, but older versions of some browsers might not recognize the box-shadow property.

Fix:

To ensure that your CSS works in as many browsers as possible, you can use vendor prefixes. Here’s how you can add a box shadow with vendor prefixes:

.box {
    -webkit-box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px #888888; /* Safari and Chrome */
    -moz-box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px #888888; /* Firefox */
    box-shadow: 10px 10px 5px #888888; /* non-prefixed, works in most modern browsers */
}

This CSS will apply a box shadow in Safari, Chrome, Firefox, and most other modern browsers.

However, keep in mind that vendor prefixes should be used as a last resort. The use of vendor prefixes can lead to bloated and hard-to-maintain code. It’s better to write standard CSS and let tools like Autoprefixer add the vendor prefixes for you.

Also, note that as CSS evolves and browsers update, the need for vendor prefixes decreases. Many properties that once required vendor prefixes now are universally supported without them. Always check the current browser compatibility for a CSS feature before deciding to use vendor prefixes.

5. Using Too Specific Selectors

In CSS, specificity determines which CSS rule is applied by the browsers. If your selectors are too specific, it can make your CSS hard to override and maintain. It can also lead to unnecessary complexity in your CSS.

Example:

Let’s say you have the following CSS:

body div#container ul.nav li a {
    color: blue;
}

This selector is very specific. It selects an <a> element that is a descendant of an <li> element, which is a descendant of a <ul> with a class of “nav”, which is a descendant of a <div> with an ID of “container”, which is a descendant of the <body>.

Fix:

It’s better to use classes and keep your selectors as simple as possible. Here’s how you can simplify the previous selector:

.nav a {
    color: blue;
}

This selector does the same thing as the previous one, but it’s much simpler. It selects any <a> element that is a descendant of an element with a class of “nav”.

Simplifying your selectors makes your CSS easier to read and maintain. It also reduces the likelihood of specificity conflicts, where more specific selectors override less specific ones.

However, be aware that simplifying your selectors can also increase the likelihood of naming conflicts, where two elements have the same class name but should have different styles. To avoid this, you can use methodologies like BEM (Block, Element, Modifier) to name your classes in a way that reduces the likelihood of conflicts.

6. Not Organizing Your CSS

If your CSS is not organized, it can be hard to find and change styles. This can lead to difficulties in maintaining your code, especially when working with large stylesheets or in a team environment.

Example:

Let’s say you have a CSS file with hundreds of lines of code, and the styles are all mixed up:

h1 {
    color: blue;
}

.footer {
    background: black;
}

h2 {
    color: green;
}

.header {
    background: white;
}

In this example, the styles for different sections of the website are scattered throughout the CSS file. This can make it hard to find the styles for a specific section when you need to update them.

Fix:

A good practice is to organize your CSS in a logical way. Here’s how you can organize the previous CSS:

/* Header */
.header {
    background: white;
}

h1 {
    color: blue;
}

h2 {
    color: green;
}

/* Footer */
.footer {
    background: black;
}

In this example, the styles are grouped by the section of the website they apply to. This makes it easier to find and update the styles for a specific section.

There are many ways to organize your CSS, and the best method depends on the specifics of your project. Some developers prefer to organize their CSS by component, others prefer to organize it by page, and others prefer to organize it by type of style (typography, layout, color, etc.).

In addition to organizing your CSS within each file, it’s also a good idea to organize your CSS files themselves. For large projects, it can be helpful to split your CSS into multiple files (for example, one for typography, one for layout, one for colors, etc.) and then import them all into a main stylesheet using @import statements. This can make your CSS easier to manage and maintain.

7. Not Using CSS Variables

CSS variables, also known as custom properties, allow you to store specific values for reuse throughout your CSS. If you’re not using them, you might find yourself repeating the same values over and over, which can make your CSS harder to maintain and update.

Example:

Let’s say you have a specific shade of blue that you use frequently in your CSS:

.header {
    background-color: #007BFF;
}

.button {
    background-color: #007BFF;
}

.link {
    color: #007BFF;
}

In this example, the same color value is repeated three times. If you decide to change this color, you would have to find and update every instance of it in your CSS.

Fix:

You can use a CSS variable to store this color value:

:root {
    --main-color: #007BFF;
}

.header {
    background-color: var(--main-color);
}

.button {
    background-color: var(--main-color);
}

.link {
    color: var(--main-color);
}

In this example, the color value is stored in a variable called --main-color, and this variable is used wherever the color is needed. If you decide to change this color, you only need to update the variable, and the change will be applied everywhere the variable is used.

CSS variables can make your CSS easier to maintain and update. They can also help ensure consistency in your styles. However, be aware that CSS variables are not supported in some older browsers, so if you need to support this browser, you might need to provide a fallback or use a preprocessor like Sass or Less, which have their own systems for variables.

8. Not Considering Accessibility

Accessibility in web design means making your website usable for all people, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. This includes people with visual, auditory, cognitive, and motor impairments. If you’re not considering accessibility in your CSS, you might be excluding a significant portion of your audience.

Example:

Let’s say you have a website with light gray text on a white background:

body {
    color: #999;
    background-color: #fff;
}

This might look stylish, but it’s hard to read for people with low vision or color vision deficiencies.

Fix:

To make your website more accessible, you can use high contrast colors for your text and background:

body {
    color: #333;
    background-color: #fff;
}

This is much easier to read, even for people with vision impairments.

In addition to color contrast, there are many other aspects of accessibility to consider in your CSS. Here are a few examples:

• Use relative units like em and rem for font sizes, so users can adjust the text size if needed.
• Avoid using CSS to hide content that should be accessible to screen readers. For example, use visibility: hidden or opacity: 0 instead of display: none.
• Use media queries to make your design responsive, so it’s usable on all screen sizes.
• Use ARIA roles and properties when necessary to provide additional information to assistive technologies.

Remember, accessibility is not just a nice-to-have feature, it’s a requirement for good web design. Making your website accessible can improve its usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

9. Not Testing on Multiple Browsers

Your website can look and behave differently on different browsers due to differences in how they interpret and render CSS. If you’re not testing your website on all major browsers, you might be unaware of these differences, leading to a poor user experience for some of your visitors.

Example:

Let’s say you’ve used the CSS grid layout in your website design:

.container {
    display: grid;
    grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
}

While CSS Grid is supported in all modern browsers, it may not be fully supported or may behave differently in older versions of some browsers.

Fix:

To ensure your website looks and works correctly on all major browsers, you should test it on each one. This includes Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. There are also tools available that can help you with cross-browser testing, such as BrowserStack and BitBar.

If you find that a certain CSS feature is not supported or behaves differently in a certain browser, you can use feature queries (@supports rule) to provide a fallback:

.container {
    display: flex;
}

@supports (display: grid) {
    .container {
        display: grid;
        grid-template-columns: repeat(3, 1fr);
    }
}

In this example, the container will use the flex layout by default. If the browser supports CSS Grid (as determined by the @supports rule), it will use the grid layout instead.

The goal of cross-browser testing is not to make your website look exactly the same on all browsers, but to ensure a consistent and usable experience for all users.

10. Not Using Responsive Design

With the variety of devices and screen sizes today, it’s important to make your website responsive. This means that the layout and design of your website should adapt to the screen size of the device it’s being viewed on. If you’re not using responsive design, your website might be hard to use on some devices, particularly mobile devices.

Example:

Let’s say you have a website with a fixed width:

.container {
    width: 1200px;
}

This website will look fine on screens that are 1200px wide or larger, but on smaller screens, it will cause horizontal scrolling, which is generally considered a poor user experience.

Fix:

To make your website responsive, you can use media queries to apply different styles for different screen sizes. Here’s how you can make the previous example responsive:

.container {
    width: 100%;
    max-width: 1200px;
    margin: 0 auto;
}

In this example, the container will take up 100% of the screen width on smaller screens, and it will be centered with a maximum width of 1200px on larger screens.

You can also use media queries to apply completely different styles for different screen sizes. For example:

.container {
    width: 100%;
}

@media (min-width: 768px) {
    .container {
        width: 750px;
        margin: 0 auto;
    }
}

@media (min-width: 1200px) {
    .container {
        width: 1170px;
        margin: 0 auto;
    }
}

In this example, the container will be full width on screens smaller than 768px, 750px wide on screens between 768px and 1199px, and 1170px wide on screens that are 1200px or larger.

Using responsive design can make your website more user-friendly and accessible to a wider audience. It’s a crucial aspect of modern web design.

The post 10 Common CSS Mistakes Developers Often Make appeared first on Hongkiat.

Whether you’re a weather enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates a well-designed home screen, these widgets are sure to impress.

1. Boxy Clock & Weather

Boxy Clock & Weather, developed by Us Droid, is a versatile tool providing a variety of features related to time and weather conditions. The app offers both digital and analog clock displays with an option to display device or city time based on timezone.

It includes a comprehensive weather feature offering metric (Celsius) or imperial (Fahrenheit) units, location tracking, auto-refresh, a 5-day forecast, and detailed weather data including wind, pressure, sunrise and sunset times, and timezone.

The full version of the app offers extra weather icons for a more personalized experience.

2. Weather & Clock Widget

Weather & Clock Widget by Interactive Saudi Arabia is a comprehensive tool providing real-time weather updates and future forecasts. This tool offers elegant and customizable widgets that display a wide range of information including current weather, hourly/daily forecasts, moon phase, time and date, calendar events, next alarm, and battery level.

A key feature of the app is its capability for automatic location detection, and it also allows users to manually search for a location by name or zip code. The app offers weather notification alerts, access to multiple weather providers, and a 10-day weather forecast.

Additional features include temperature display in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, relative humidity percentage, atmospheric pressure, visibility distance, precipitation, UV-Index, dew point, wind speed and direction, along with sunrise and sunset times.

While the app is free to download and install, users should note that it does contain ads.

3. Amber Weather

Amber Weather is a weather application available on the Google Play Store. This personal weather station provides real-time forecasts, current weather conditions, and daily & hourly weather predictions based on your current location or any location worldwide. The app offers a detailed weather report, including current temperature, wind speed and direction, humidity, visibility, atmospheric pressure, air quality index (AQI), dew point, and UV index. It also provides hourly forecasts, 7-day forecasts, and long-range weather forecasts.

In addition to these features, Amber Weather also provides advanced severe weather alerts, outdoor sports tips based on real-time air quality, and daytime & moon phase graphics. The app also sends brief weather tips in the morning and evening. It allows you to save your favorite locations for quick forecasts and offers over 90 home screen widgets in different sizes and themes.

The app is available for free, but it also offers in-app purchases for additional features.

4. Metro Clock & Weather

Metro Clock & Weather is an app that provides users with weather information, a digital clock, and a calendar. It offers a digital clock reading, with shortcuts to alarm clock and weather details. The app can display the time based on the device’s time or the city’s time according to timezone.

One of the unique features of the app is the dynamic background light, which changes from dawn to morning, day, dusk, and night. The weather feature includes options for metric or imperial units, location tracking, auto-refresh, a 5-day forecast, and detailed weather data including wind, pressure, sunrise, sunset, and timezone.

The full version of the app, available at a cost of $1.99, provides additional features such as extra weather icons, more city themes, and different clock styles.

5. Sense V2 Flip Clock & Weather

Sense V2 Flip Clock & Weather is a weather forecast Android app that comes with a set of informative flip style clock widgets. The app provides weather forecasts for your current location and up to 10 other locations worldwide. It displays current weather conditions such as temperature, pressure, visibility, UV index, wind speed and direction, dew point, and chances of rain and snow. It also offers a daily forecast for the next 7 days and an hourly forecast, wind forecast, and UV index for the coming 12 hours. The app includes widgets with more than 20 different skins and many customization options.

The app is free to download and use but contains ads and offers in-app purchases.

6. Weather+

Weather+ is a lightweight weather app that provides a summary of the current weather, forecasts for the next 48 hours, and the upcoming week. The app is designed with simplicity and elegance in mind, supporting multiple locations. It provides detailed forecast data, and users can view the temperature in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. The app also features background photos and a wind map. The weather data is sourced from DarkSky.net, with images from the Flickr Weather Project and the wind map from Earth.nullschool.net.

7. WeatherPro: Forecast & Radar

Developed by DTN Germany GmbH, WeatherPro provides reliable, worldwide weather forecasts and HD maps with animated radar directly to your Android device. It’s designed to be perfect for outdoor activities like running, fishing, camping, biking, or motorcycling. The app provides a clear dashboard with sortable modules offering fast access to weather, rain radar, and interactive graphs. It also provides current weather, a 24-hour forecast with a live background display, and 7-day forecasts with 3-hourly data. The app covers localized weather for numerous locations across the US and around the world.

The app is free to download and use, but it does contain ads and offers in-app purchases.

8. Weather Live

Weather Live is an app that provides detailed weather forecasts at any time and for the next seven days. Users can access these forecasts just by tapping an icon. The app provides a range of information including:

• Current temperature and ‘feels like’ temperature
• Lightning tracker
• Minute-by-minute precipitation forecast
• Wind speed and direction
• Atmospheric pressure and rainfall information
• Sunrise/sunset times
• Weather radar and rain maps.

The app is free to download and use, but also offers in-app purchases.

9. Black Transparent System Widget

Black Transparent System Widget provides accurate weather information from anywhere at any time. It supports 4*1, 4*2, 2*1 sizes and is designed to be used with the GO Weather EX app. To apply the theme, users need to have the latest version of GO Weather EX installed. Then, they can find the theme in the “Widget” section of the “Installed” tab in GO Weather EX and click to apply it.

10. Pocket Weather

Pocket Weather provides detailed weather data for any location around the world, offering forecasts for the next 16 days with a 1-hour precision. It presents a variety of weather parameters including:

• Temperature (air, apparent, maximum, minimum, dew point)
• Rainfall/snow, storms and atmospheric instabilities
• Wind speed, direction and gusts
• Atmospheric pressure
• Sunrise and sunset hours
• Moonrise and moonset times with the percentage of illumination and the name of the moon phase

The app uses data from the American GFS (Global Forecast System) within the NOAA organization, ensuring reliable and accurate forecasts.

Visually appealing widgets and live notifications are standout features of Pocket Weather, allowing users to stay updated on the weather conditions without having to open the app. It also offers weather warnings and alarms for parameters like temperature, wind, and precipitation. The app is automatically updated when connected to a network, ensuring users always have the latest weather data. It also supports multiple locations and various units for presenting weather data.

Bonus: 1Weather Forecasts & Radar

1Weather Forecasts & Radar is an app that provides hyperlocal weather forecasts. It gives down-to-the-minute and long-range local forecasts, as well as National Weather Service (NWS) and Weather Decision Technologies (WDT) alerts based on custom locations. The app also features radar maps to track hazardous weather conditions and includes air quality index (AQI) information to monitor air quality levels across all locations. It provides hourly, daily, and weekly weather forecasting.

The app comes with widgets that offer a personalized location view with details such as temperature, wind speed and direction, precipitation, cloud coverage, humidity, UV index, visibility, dew point, and atmospheric pressure. Additionally, it features a health center that provides current air quality index information and detailed data about pollution levels and pollen counts, useful for managing seasonal allergies.

While the app is free to download and use, it contains ads and offers in-app purchases.

The post 10 Weather Widgets to Spice Up Your Android Home Screens appeared first on Hongkiat.

This scenario is not uncommon in the world of freelance design. Freelance designers have a reputation for sending mixed messages to potential clients. They either aim to reach too broad an audience or they haven’t studied their market sufficiently to understand what their ideal clients want to hear.

In this article, we will explore three ways in which freelance designers often miss the mark when trying to attract new clients. More importantly, we will discuss how they can correct their course and start speaking the language.

1. Leaving Former Clients in the Cold

It’s a given that problematic clients – those who vanish without settling their bills, or who are so difficult that you’re compelled to terminate their project prematurely – should be permanently removed from your contact list.

If the initial experience with a client was that dreadful, there’s typically no justification for reaching out to them again, unless it’s to recover payment, but that’s a subject for another discussion.

However, what about your commendable clients? Those who were amicable and courteous? The ones who had a clear vision of what they wanted and entrusted you to deliver it? The clients who were prompt with their payments and continue to sing praises of your work? They’ve provided you with an excellent testimonial and a couple of referrals, culminating in a satisfying conclusion for all parties involved.

Maintaining Connections

The completion of a project often brings a sense of accomplishment, but it can also be tinged with a hint of regret at the prospect of losing touch with a valued client. This sentiment is entirely understandable and, in fact, it underscores a crucial aspect of professional growth – the importance of maintaining connections.

Keeping in touch with past clients might seem like a daunting task, particularly if they don’t have immediate work for you. However, this practice is instrumental in expanding your network and ensuring a steady stream of clients, thereby eliminating the need for constant client hunting.

A simple strategy to stay connected is to send a brief email every quarter. This email could serve as an update on your recent projects, reminding past clients of your capabilities and keeping you fresh in their minds.

Consider this scenario: A former client needs design work done or knows someone who does, even if it’s years from now. Who do you think they are more likely to recommend – the designer who consistently stayed in touch, or the one who disappeared without a trace? The answer is evident.

In conclusion, never underestimate the power of maintaining professional relationships. It’s an investment that can yield significant returns in the long run.

2. The Importance of a Consistent Call to Action

We all know the benefits of having a strong call to action on your design website. More and more designers have jumped on this bandwagon in recent years, with excellent results. They’re pulling in more business with better quality clients who are clear about what they’re looking for.

However, a lot of designers don’t consider where else a call to action might serve them. You might be thinking “Huh? Where else is there to place a call to action except on my website?”

The answer is: pretty much everywhere you put your name.

Constantly Market Yourself

Got a print portfolio or mailer? Perfect place for an engaging question or two. Business cards? Don’t just list your contact info – tell people to give you a call. If you have a design blog or Facebook page, provide information that’s useful to potential clients, and make sure you encourage them to join your mailing list.

Your calls to action across your marketing materials should all be streamlined for one particular purpose. Only you know what that purpose is, but whatever it is, it’s important that you keep it consistent and clear. Perhaps you’re on the hunt for new clients.

Discover what actions people are most likely to take when they’re looking for freelance designers, then give them the incentive to take those actions – no matter how or where they find you..

3. Authenticity in Writing

It may sound cliche, but one of the significant ways freelance designers miss out on potential jobs is by adopting a writing style they believe is more “businesslike”, thereby sacrificing their unique personalities. If you are naturally a more formal individual, then by all means, let that shine through in your marketing and promotional efforts.

However, if you’re like most of us, it’s unlikely that phrases such as “dynamic imperatives” and “synergetic user experience” are part of your everyday vocabulary.

Tone it Down

A classic guideline to follow is this: if you wouldn’t say it out loud, you probably shouldn’t write it either. Remember, you are a human being trying to connect with other human beings. Avoid formal greetings like “To Whom It May Concern” or the dreaded “Dear Sir or Madam”. It’s crucial to communicate with people the way you’d want them to communicate with you.

Imagine if your favorite online retailer bombarded you with a barrage of big, pretentious words in an attempt to persuade you to make a purchase. Chances are, you’d be more inclined to run away than to reach for your credit card. Potential clients feel the same way. They don’t want to have to consult a dictionary just to understand your “about” page.

When in doubt, always opt for what sounds natural to you. This approach will help you connect with more people almost all of the time.

Conclusion

Marketing yourself as a freelance designer is a full-time endeavor that necessitates a blend of creativity and a substantial amount of human touch. It’s crucial to communicate in a language that resonates with your potential clients. If you fail to do so, you risk being overlooked, often without even realizing that potential clients were present.

Addressing the gaps in your marketing strategy is of utmost importance. The sooner you mend these, the quicker you’ll start attracting a higher quantity and quality of design clients.

The post 3 Marketing Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Customers appeared first on Hongkiat.

In this guide, we take a look into each type of CSS unit, providing an explanations and practical examples to help you grasp their usage. We’ll cover everything from absolute and relative length units like px, em, rem, and viewport units like vw, vh, to more specialized units like degrees deg for rotation, seconds s and milliseconds ms for animation durations, and even dots per inch dpi for resolution.

By understanding these CSS units, you’ll gain more control over your layouts, leading to more precise, responsive, and visually appealing designs.

1. Absolute Lengths

px (Pixels)

This is the most commonly used unit in web design. A pixel represents a single point on a computer screen.

Example: font-size: 16px; sets the font size to 16 pixels.

cm (Centimeters)

This unit is not commonly used in web design because screen sizes and resolutions vary greatly between devices. However, it can be useful for print media.

Example: width: 10cm; sets the width of an element to 10 centimeters.

mm (Millimeters)

Similar to centimeters, millimeters are not commonly used in web design but can be useful for print media.

Example: width: 100mm; sets the width of an element to 100 millimeters.

in (Inches)

This unit is also more useful for print media than web design.

Example: width: 4in; sets the width of an element to 4 inches.

pt (Points)

Points are traditionally used in print media (1 point is equal to 1/72 of an inch). In CSS, points are useful for creating styles that can be printed with precision.

Example: font-size: 12pt; sets the font size to 12 points.

pc (Picas)

A pica is equal to 12 points. It’s another unit that’s more commonly used in print than in web design.

Example: font-size: 1pc; sets the font size to 12 points.

Absolute length in CSS:

Here’s an example of how these units might be used in a CSS rule:

div {
    width: 300px;
    height: 20cm;
    padding: 5mm;
    border: 1in solid black;
    font-size: 14pt;
    margin: 1pc;
}

Code explanation:

The div element would have a width of 300 pixels, a height of 20 centimeters, padding of 5 millimeters, a border that’s 1 inch wide, a font size of 14 points, and a margin of 1 pica.

However, keep in mind that these units may render differently on different screens and devices due to varying pixel densities and screen sizes.

2. Relative Lengths

em

This unit is relative to the font-size of the element.

Example: If an element has a font-size of 16px, then 1em = 16px for that element. If you set margin: 2em;, the margin will be twice the current font size.

rem

This unit is relative to the font-size of the root element (usually the <html> element). If the root element has a font-size of 20px, then 1rem = 20px for any element on the page.

Example: font-size: 1.5rem; will set the font size to 1.5 times the font size of the root element.

ex

This unit is relative to the x-height of the current font (roughly the height of lowercase letters). It’s not commonly used.

ch

This unit is equal to the width of the “0” (zero) of the current font.

Example: width: 20ch; will make an element 20 “0” characters wide.

vw (Viewport Width)

This unit is equal to 1% of the width of the viewport.

Example: width: 50vw; will make an element 50% as wide as the viewport.

vh (Viewport Height)

This unit is equal to 1% of the height of the viewport.

Example: height: 70vh; will make an element 70% as tall as the viewport.

vmin

This unit is equal to 1% of the smaller dimension (width or height) of the viewport.

Example: font-size: 4vmin; will set the font size to 4% of the viewport’s smaller dimension.

vmax

This unit is equal to 1% of the larger dimension (width or height) of the viewport.

Example: font-size: 4vmax; will set the font size to 4% of the viewport’s larger dimension.

%

This unit is relative to the parent element.

Example: If you set width: 50%;, the element will take up half the width of its parent element.

Relative length in CSS:

Here’s an example of how these units might be used in a CSS rule:

div {
    font-size: 2em;
    padding: 1.5rem;
    width: 75vw;
    height: 50vh;
    margin: 5vmin;
    line-height: 200%;
}

Explaination:

The div element would have a font size twice that of its parent, padding 1.5 times the root font size, width 75% of the viewport width, height 50% of the viewport height, and a margin of 5% of the viewport’s smaller dimension. The line height is 200% of the current font size.

3. Time Units

s (Seconds)

This unit represents a time duration in seconds. It’s commonly used with animation and transition properties.

Example: animation-duration: 2s; would make an animation last for 2 seconds.

ms (Milliseconds)

This unit represents a time duration in milliseconds, where 1000 milliseconds equals 1 second. It’s also used with animation and transition properties.

Example: transition-duration: 500ms; would make a transition last for 500 milliseconds, or half a second.

Time units in CSS #1:

Here’s an example of how these units might be used in a CSS rule:

div {
    transition: background-color 0.5s ease-in-out;
    animation: move 2s infinite;
}

@keyframes move {
    0% { transform: translateX(0); }
    100% { transform: translateX(100px); }
}

Code explanation:

The div element would have a transition that changes the background color over 0.5 seconds, and an animation that moves the element from its current position to 100 pixels to the right over 2 seconds. The animation repeats indefinitely due to the infinite keyword.

Time units in CSS #2:

Another example could be a delay in transition or animation:

div {
    transition: all 2s ease 1s; /* transition will start after 1 second delay */
    animation: spin 4s linear 0.5s infinite; /* animation will start after 0.5 second delay */
}

@keyframes spin {
    from { transform: rotate(0deg); }
    to { transform: rotate(360deg); }
}

Code explanation:

The div element has a transition that starts after a delay of 1 second and an animation that starts after a delay of 0.5 seconds. The animation makes the div spin indefinitely.

4. Resolution Units

Resolution units in CSS are used to specify the pixel density of output devices. They are primarily used in media queries to serve different styles to devices with different pixel densities.

dpi (Dots Per Inch)

This unit represents the number of pixels per inch.

Example: A a media query like @media (min-resolution: 300dpi) {...} would apply the styles in the curly braces only to devices with a pixel density of at least 300 dots per inch.

dpcm (Dots Per Centimeter)

This unit represents the number of pixels per centimeter. It’s similar to dpi, but uses centimeters instead of inches.

Example: @media (min-resolution: 118dpcm) {...} would apply the styles to devices with a pixel density of at least 118 dots per centimeter.

dppx (Dots Per px Unit)

This unit represents the number of dots per CSS pixel unit. A CSS pixel might correspond to multiple physical pixels on a high-density display.

Example: @media (min-resolution: 2dppx) {...} would apply the styles to devices with a pixel density of at least 2 dots per CSS pixel unit.

Resolution Units in CSS:

Here’s an example of how these units might be used in a CSS rule:

@media (min-resolution: 2dppx) {
    body {
        background-image: url("high-res-background.png");
    }
}

@media (max-resolution: 1.5dppx) {
    body {
        background-image: url("low-res-background.png");
    }
}

Code explanation:

Devices with a pixel density of 2 dots per CSS pixel unit or higher would use the high-resolution background image, while devices with a pixel density of 1.5 dots per CSS pixel unit or lower would use the low-resolution background image.

5. Angle Units

Angle units in CSS are used to specify rotation and direction. They are often used with properties like transform and gradient.

deg (Degrees)

This unit represents an angle in degrees.

Example:

transform: rotate(45deg); would rotate an element 45 degrees clockwise.

grad (Gradians)

This unit represents an angle in gradians, where 100 gradians equals a right angle.

Example:

transform: rotate(100grad); would rotate an element 90 degrees clockwise.

rad (Radians)

This unit represents an angle in radians, where 2π radians equals a full circle.

Example:

transform: rotate(3.14159rad); would rotate an element 180 degrees.

turn

This unit represents a full circle.

Example:

transform: rotate(0.5turn); would rotate an element 180 degrees.

Angle Units in CSS:

an example of how these units might be used in a CSS rule:

div {
    transform: rotate(45deg);
}

div:hover {
    transform: rotate(0.5turn);
}

Code explanation:

The div element would be rotated 45 degrees by default. When you hover over the div, it would rotate 180 degrees (0.5 of a full turn).

Bonus: Flex

fr (Fractional Unit)

This unit is used with CSS Grid Layout and represents a fraction of the available space in the grid container. If you have a grid with two columns defined as 1fr 2fr, the first column will take up one third of the available space, and the second column will take up two thirds.

Example:

.grid-container {
  display: grid;
  grid-template-columns: 1fr 2fr;
}

The total available space is divided into 3 equal parts (1fr + 2fr = 3fr), the first column takes up 1/3 of the space, and the second column takes up 2/3 of the space.

The post Understand Units in CSS: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Hongkiat.

Perhaps you’re considering writing an ebook about mastering Windows 11, understanding photography, sketching or design ideas. Alternatively, you might want to tailor your content to a specific audience, such as web designers, developers, or photographers. Regardless of the topic, writing and publishing an ebook involves several crucial steps that you cannot avoid.

In this post, we’ll briefly explore these important aspects, ranging from cover design to deciding on the format in which to publish your book. If you have previously published an ebook and have additional tips to share, we would greatly appreciate your input.

1. Front Matter

The front matter of a book serves as an introductory and informational section, providing essential details about the book and its author.

Title Page: In print publishing, the title page typically includes the title of the book, the author’s name, the place and year of publication, the publisher’s name, and occasionally, illustrations.

Copyright Page: This page carries information about the copyright notice, the edition of the book (if there are multiple versions), the ISBN, and the illustrator’s name (if applicable). Sometimes, the title page and copyright page are merged into one.

Introduction: The introduction offers an overview of the book’s topic. In print publishing, this section can be further divided into several subsections, each serving a unique purpose:

• Dedication Page: This page showcases the author’s wish to dedicate the book to loved ones, often expressed through a few lines, a poem, or prose.

• Preface Page: Authored by the writer, the preface explains how the idea for the book was conceived.

• Foreword: This is a written introduction typically crafted by someone other than the author, who is somehow related to the author, the topic, or the version of the book.

• Acknowledgements: This section allows the author to express gratitude to informers, editors, publishers, friends, and family who have assisted in the writing process. In novels, this section is sometimes placed at the end of the book.

For ebooks, there’s no requirement to include all of the above; you can choose to include only the pages that you deem suitable for your book.

Table Of Contents: This page lists all your chapters along with their corresponding page numbers, serving as a roadmap for your book. A significant advantage with ebooks is the ability to hyperlink chapters. This feature allows users to navigate directly to the corresponding page by tapping or clicking on the chapter link.

2. Back (End) Matter

The back matter of a book, also known as the end matter, can vary depending on the type of book you are writing. In the case of fiction, this section often includes an Epilogue. An Epilogue serves as an additional chapter that ties up any loose ends in the story.

For non-fiction books, an Afterword is typically included in the back matter. The Afterword can be thought of as an extended conclusion section, providing further commentary or reflections on the subject matter.

Regardless of the type of book, all ebooks should include a Bibliography or Reference section. This section lists all the books or other content that were cited or used as references in the writing of the book. The details provided for each reference – including the author, title, publisher, year of publication, and web URL – should be sufficient to guide readers to the listed reference. This ensures that readers can further explore the sources that informed your work.

3. Body Matters

The body of the book is a crucial part that most authors generally don’t struggle with. If they do, they might need to reconsider their decision to publish a book. The key to a successful body is to start with a plan, a topic, an issue, or a general plot.

Breaking Down Content: Writing a book is a significant endeavor for both the author and the reader. To make the process more manageable and the content more digestible, it’s essential to divide your book into sections, commonly known as chapters. This division not only helps you organize your thoughts and ideas but also makes it easier for readers to keep track of their progress in the book.

Inclusion of Images: In many eBooks, images and illustrations play a vital role, often as important as the written content. When creating your eBook, ensure you use high-quality images. While the difference might not be noticeable on screen, high-quality images are crucial if a reader decides to print your eBook. They ensure the printed version of your book is in excellent condition. However, before including any images, make sure to resolve any copyright issues and obtain necessary permissions.

Writing Deadlines: The time it takes to write a book varies greatly among authors. Some can produce a book per year, while others might take a decade just to perfect the characters. Unless you’re working with a publisher who imposes deadlines, you have the freedom to work at your own pace. Remember, the quality of your work is more important than the speed of completion.

4. Editing And Proofreading

The importance of editing and proofreading cannot be overstated, and it warrants a separate section due to the frequency with which many authors overlook it. Authors can easily produce paragraphs and pages of content, but in the process, they often miss spelling errors, missing hyphens, inconsistencies in writing and formatting, broken hyperlinks, and incorrectly captioned images.

Such errors disrupt the reading process, and readers accustomed to edited work from print publishers will likely have a low tolerance for these mistakes. More importantly, these errors will surface in ebook reviews provided by these readers, influencing the perceptions of potential readers who may be deciding whether or not to give your book a chance.

Editing comes in varying degrees, from light to substantive. The key is to find an editor who respects your work and doesn’t insist on having the final say. If you’re fortunate, you might find an editor who can provide constructive criticism to help you further improve your book.

At the very least, enlist the help of a friend to read through your book. Remember, anyone can proofread.

5. Cover Design & Title

One of the biggest challenges budding authors face when they choose the self-publishing route is the lack of a dedicated marketing team. Without the right connections to help publicize the book, discoverability becomes a significant issue. As a new author, you need all the assistance you can get to promote your book effectively.

If you have a budget for it, consider hiring a freelance cover designer. They can create a striking and attractive cover design that will catch the eye of potential readers. The process of determining the right cover design for your book involves many factors. For instance, illustrating colorful and amazing-looking book covers for children, including those catered for the iPad, requires a lot of work.

If you prefer to design the cover yourself, there’s a wealth of tips and advice available online. You can find tools, tutorials, and Photoshop actions to help speed up the cover design process.

The title of your book is also crucial. Unless you’re a well-known author, most readers searching for a new book to accompany them on their flight won’t pay much attention to your name. However, a good cover combined with a catchy title that includes the right keywords might just catch their attention.

6. eBook Format

Print publishing involves transforming raw manuscripts – whether handwritten or typed – into a physical printed book. However, when it comes to eBooks, the final format of your eBook significantly influences its accessibility.

Choosing to export your eBook to a PDF format is often the safest route. Most web browsers can open a PDF file without the need for third-party applications, and this format allows you to publish your eBook across multiple platforms. However, one drawback of the PDF format is that the text remains static, requiring frequent zooming for optimal reading, depending on the screen size you are using.

An alternative to consider is the EPUB format. This format allows the text to reflow, adapting to your device’s screen size for a more comfortable reading experience. If you are familiar with XHTML, you can produce an eBook in EPUB format. But don’t worry if you’re not – there are plenty of software options available that can convert content from various formats like PDF, MOBI, LIT, LRF, DOC, and HTML into EPUB.

This flexibility means that you can use Microsoft Word or Open Office to create your work, then convert it to EPUB when it’s finished. Alternatively, you can use free software like Sigil, which allows you to write your book directly in EPUB format, even if you’re not familiar with XHTML. This approach gives you more control over your content and makes last-minute changes easier to manage.

7. Getting Your Book Out There

The landscape of online publishing is constantly evolving. Now, more than ever, it’s easier to make your book accessible to a wide range of readers. You might consider collaborating with an online publisher such as Amazon.com, or you could explore one of the many services available for selling digital products. However, it’s important to note that these platforms will take a percentage of your book sales in exchange for featuring your eBook in their online store.

Alternatively, you could create a dedicated website for your book, following the example of numerous authors who have chosen this route. If the costs incurred in creating your eBook are not too high, you might even consider offering your book for free. This could serve as a strategy to drive more traffic to your blog.

Once you’ve established your reputation as an author, you can begin to set prices for your subsequent books. Remember, the key is to make your work as accessible as possible to your potential readers.

The post Beginner’s Guide to Publishing Your First Ebook appeared first on Hongkiat.

The challenging economic conditions of 2023, including rising interest rates, inflation, and supply chain disruptions, continue to exert a significant impact. Consequently, companies’ budgets remain under pressure. Outsourcing development continues to be a cost-effective method for implementing digital strategies that steer businesses in the right direction.

Outsourcing can help manage evolving needs and ensure timely adjustments and resilience. In many instances, development teams can be hired for weeks instead of months, leading to overall cost savings. Furthermore, outsourcing facilitates the quick and efficient location of relevant resources.

Key Takeaway

Distributed Teams

Today, software companies can reap the benefits of distributed teams, with members located in different countries. It has become standard practice to have the headquarters in one country and the team in others. This arrangement is achievable without sacrificing efficiency and while still maintaining processes in compliance with high security standards.

Developers often choose countries with flexible labor laws. As executives strive to find an optimal balance between cost and quality, outsourcing to countries with lower-cost yet high-quality experts can be a viable solution.

Distributing the team across various locations also reduces the risk of a complete project shutdown in the event of unforeseen circumstances and disruptions. Outsourcing enables the reallocation of technical expertise and skills, thereby maintaining a certain level of stability.

Software Outsourcing Factors and Countries

Software development outsourcing rates vary based on location, skill level, experience, English proficiency, and project duration. For instance, expertise in AI and Data Science tends to be more costly. Language barriers can exacerbate communication issues, increase the likelihood of errors, and potentially slow down the project. Significant cultural differences can complicate team integration, further impacting project progress.

It’s crucial to consider government policies and political stability in the outsourcing country, including taxation and employment regulations. Critical or extreme situations could result in loss of communication with the offshore team, leading to unexpected downtime and delivery delays.

Both client companies and outsourcing firms can benefit from business hubs and special economic regimes. Numerous countries have invested in the tech sector and established favorable conditions to attract technology companies.

Such opportunities can be found in countries like Poland, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. These benefits enable outsourcing companies with a distributed system to offer lower rates while still providing highly competent developers.

Generally, regions and countries have specific reputations in software development concerning expertise, time zone, communication, cultural differences, and rates. Costs in each country also depend on the economic level, currency exchange rate, and local wages.

For example, Eastern Europe is recognized as a region with hard-working, talented, and skilled developers. It boasts high-quality standards for projects, flexible labor laws, a relatively low cost of living, and tax benefits for software development.

The Annual World Competitiveness Rating by IMD measures the ability and readiness of an economy to explore and implement digital technologies, leading to transformations in business and society.

The Coursera Global Skills Index analyzes skill proficiency at both regional and country levels.

The EF English Proficiency Index ranks countries based on the proficiency of English language skills among adults.

Poland 🇵🇱

Software development in Poland is recognized for its high quality and affordability. The country boasts the largest pool of tech talents in Eastern Europe. The technology industry in the country is developing rapidly, thanks to the high-quality education in the field of software engineering. Global companies such as Microsoft, Google, Oracle, Cisco, and Intel have research and development centers in Poland. Numerous international IT conferences are held in the country.

Clutch lists 1,148 software development companies in Poland, specializing in domains such as finance, business services, e-commerce, information technology, healthcare, consumer products and services, manufacturing, retail, and telecommunications. They offer extensive technology expertise, including web and mobile development, cloud, IoT, AI, and Big Data development.

• Rates: $25-$99 per hour (based on Clutch)
• IT Hubs: Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Katowice, Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot, Lodz, and Poznan.
• EF English Proficiency Index: 13 out of 111 (very high)
• Coursera Global Skills Index: 20, with an overall skill level in technology at 92%, and 80% in data science.
• Top Programming Languages: JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, TypeScript, C#, SQL, ASP.NET.
• Top Frameworks and CMS: React, React Native, Node.js, Vue.js, Angular, .NET, Spring MVC, WordPress, Django.

Eastern Europe

(Including countries like Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, Georgia 🇬🇪, Armenia 🇦🇲, etc.)

These countries have earned their status as software outsourcing destinations due to reforms that have improved business conditions and the overall environment, legislation, and higher education supporting technological innovation. The salary rates here are lower than in other Eastern European countries. While developers often have moderate English proficiency, they possess strong technical skills.

There are over 150 software development companies in these regions listed on Clutch, specializing in sectors such as finance, information technology, business services, and healthcare.

• Hourly Rates: Ranging from $25 to $99, as per Clutch data.
• Major IT Hubs: Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Yerevan in Armenia.
• EF English Proficiency Index: Ranked 45 out of 111, indicating moderate proficiency.
• Coursera Global Skills Index: Ranked 32, with an overall skill level of 82% in technology and 49% in data science.
• Top Programming Languages: JavaScript, Java, PHP, TypeScript.
• Top Frameworks and CMS: React, React Native, Node.js, Laravel, .NET.

Estonia 🇪🇪

The Baltic countries, including Estonia, are seen as one of the most economically stable regions for IT outsourcing in Europe. The country has a high level of digital solutions implementation, and legislation that ensures data security and smooth business activity.

Estonia is the birthplace of many startups and generally has a favorable business climate. Global companies like Microsoft and SAP have research and development centers here. Estonia hosts international events for developers and startups.

Clutch lists 153 software development companies in Estonia, specializing in domains such as e-commerce, business services, finance, information technology, healthcare, and retail. They offer web, mobile, and cloud development.

• Rates: $25-$99 per hour (based on Clutch)
• IT Hubs: Tallinn and Tartu.
• EF English Proficiency Index: 26 out of 111 (high)
• Coursera Global Skills Index: 42, overall skill level in technology 62%, 75% in data science.
• Top Programming Languages: JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, SQL, TypeScript.
• Top Frameworks and CMS: React, React Native, Node.js, Vue.js, Angular, Django, WordPress.

India 🇮🇳

India is renowned for its vast population of developers proficient in various programming languages, its lower rates, and flexible government policies. However, there are certain drawbacks, such as potential miscommunications and a lower quality of development. Concerns related to data protection and privacy also exist. Given the multitude of companies, selecting one that can assure high-quality service is not a straightforward task.

There are 4,270 software development companies from India listed on Clutch, specializing in domains such as e-commerce, information technology, business services, consumer products and services, finance, healthcare, education, and retail.

• Rates: $25-$49 per hour (based on Clutch)
• IT Hubs: Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Chandigarh.
• EF English Proficiency Index: 52 out of 111 (moderate)
• Coursera Global Skills Index: 68, with an overall skill level of 46% in technology and 26% in data science.
• Top Programming Languages: PHP, JavaScript, SQL, Java, Swift, Python, ASP.NET, AJAX, C#, Kotlin.
• Top Frameworks and CMS: WordPress, Angular, Node.js, Laravel, React Native, React, .NET.

Cyprus 🇨🇾

Cyprus is striving to create an innovative tech environment and an investor-friendly business climate. The country is home to numerous startups and divisions of international tech companies such as NCR, Amdocs, Microsoft, and SAP. To address its tech-talent shortage, the country is attracting specialists from other countries and enhancing its educational offerings.

Clutch lists 23 software development companies in Cyprus, specializing in finance, ecommerce, healthcare, and information technology.

• Rates: $25-$99 per hour (based on data from Clutch)
• IT Hubs: Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia
• Coursera Global Skills Index: The overall skill level in technology is 67%, and 60% in data science.
• English Proficiency: 76% of the population is able to speak English.
• Top Programming Languages: JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, and Python.
• Top Frameworks and CMS: React, React Native, Ruby on Rails.

USA 🇺🇸

The USA is a leader in all global IT and digital rankings. The country is full of tech talent and maintains high standards for software development, including data privacy and security standards. The high rates are a result not only of high quality but also of high taxes. It’s worth mentioning that you can find developers in the US with lower rates. Some companies have their legal entity in the country but have a team distributed in other locations, and their rates are set in accordance with this.

The USA has the largest number of software development companies represented on Clutch, totaling 5143. These companies specialize in various domains such as business services, finance, information technology, healthcare, ecommerce, consumer products and services, education, and retail.

• Rates: $25-$199 per hour (based on Clutch)
• IT Hubs: Austin (Texas), Dallas (Texas), Raleigh (North Carolina), San Jose (California), Charlotte (North Carolina), Seattle (Washington), San Francisco (California), Atlanta (Georgia), Huntsville (Alabama), Denver (Colorado), and others.
• English: No language barriers.
• Coursera Global Skills Index: 29, overall skill level in technology is 43%, and 54% in data science.
• Top programming languages: JavaScript, PHP, SQL, Python, Java, C#.
• Top frameworks and CMS: WordPress, React, React Native, Angular, .NET.

Final Words

Choosing the right software development partner can be quite a challenging task. Here are some basic steps to select a vendor:

1. Collect Basic Information: Gather details such as the official name of the company, its business structure, date of foundation, headquarters and development locations, number of employees, certifications, and the contact person.

2. Study Their Previous Experience: Do they have cases in their portfolio from your business domain that solve similar problems? What international standards do they adhere to?

3. Understand Their Project Management and Delivery Process: Investigate how they organize project management and delivery. What development methodologies and tracking systems do they use?

4. Review Client Feedback: Study reviews and references from existing and former partners and clients. Websites like Clutch can be a good source for this information.

5. Compare Vendors: When choosing from a number of vendors, compare their rates, pricing models, technology stacks, and average timeframes.

As a first step, you need to define your business needs and ensure that the developers possess the required competencies. These may include skills in cloud solutions, legacy code modernization, UI/UX design, and web and mobile development.

The post Outsourcing Software Development – Which Country Offers the Best Developers? appeared first on Hongkiat.

If you’ve ever found yourself pondering this question, you’re not alone. Many iPad users have been waiting patiently for the day they can access their WhatsApp messages directly from their tablets. But why the delay? Why has WhatsApp, a frontrunner in the messaging app market, not yet ventured into the realm of iPads?

In this blog post, we’ll attempt to explore the possible reasons behind WhatsApp’s absence from the iPad.

1. Smartphone Focus

When WhatsApp was first developed, it was specifically designed for use on smartphones. This focus was likely due to the widespread popularity and usage of smartphones compared to tablets.

The developers might have wanted to create an app that catered to the largest possible audience, which at the time, and even now, is primarily smartphone users. This focus on smartphones has led to a user interface and functionality that is optimized for smaller screens and mobile use. Adapting this for the iPad would require significant changes to the app’s design and functionality, which could be a reason for the delay in developing an iPad version.

2. Linked Devices Limitation

Currently, WhatsApp operates on a single device system. This means that a user’s account can only be active on one device at a time. This is a significant limitation when it comes to developing an iPad version of the app. Users would likely want to be able to use WhatsApp on both their smartphone and iPad simultaneously, something that the current system does not support.

Overcoming this limitation would require a major overhaul of WhatsApp’s system, which could be a complex and time-consuming process.

3. Development Priorities

In any tech company, resource allocation is a critical decision. It’s possible that the development of an iPad version of WhatsApp simply wasn’t a priority for the company.

They might have chosen to focus their resources on other features or improvements that they deemed more important or beneficial to their user base. This could include things like enhancing security features, improving the app’s performance, or developing new functionalities like voice and video calls.

4. User Base Consideration

Another factor that could have influenced WhatsApp’s decision not to develop an iPad version is their user base. The majority of WhatsApp’s users are on smartphones. While there are certainly users who would appreciate an iPad version of the app, this number might not be large enough to justify the resources required to develop and maintain an iPad version.

In this case, the decision not to develop an iPad version could be a strategic one, based on user data and market research.

5. Technical Challenges

Lastly, there could be technical challenges or constraints that have prevented the development of an iPad version. This could include things like differences in the operating systems of smartphones and iPads, difficulties in adapting the app’s user interface for a larger screen, or challenges in ensuring that the app functions smoothly and reliably on a different device. These technical challenges would need to be overcome in order to develop a successful and well-functioning iPad version of the app.

However, it’s important to note that despite these potential reasons, recent reports suggest that WhatsApp is indeed working on an iPad version of the app. This version is expected to work as a “linked device” to a WhatsApp account, similar to how WhatsApp Web functions currently. This is a promising development for iPad users who have been waiting for a native WhatsApp app on their devices.

The post Why Isn’t There a WhatsApp for iPad Yet? (5 Possible Reasons) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Over time, it’s natural for computers to slow down due to accumulated files, outdated software, and hardware wear. But don’t worry, there’s no need to start thinking about a replacement just yet. With a few simple tweaks and optimizations, you can significantly enhance your Mac’s performance and make it run like new again.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a series of proven strategies to boost your Mac’s performance, from clearing cache files and managing startup items, to optimizing storage and reducing visual effects. We’ll also discuss potential hardware upgrades for those who want to take their Mac’s performance to the next level.

So, whether you’re using your Mac for work, creative projects, or everyday tasks, these tips will help you make the most of your machine. Let’s dive in and start optimizing your Mac for speed and efficiency!

1. Clear Cache Files

Cache files are temporary data stored by your system and apps to speed up certain processes. Over time, these files can accumulate and take up significant storage space, potentially slowing down your Mac. Here’s how you can clear them:

Manually Clearing Cache Files

• System Cache: Open Finder and select “Go to Folder” in the Go menu. Type in /Library/Caches and press enter. You’ll see a bunch of folders, each corresponding to an app on your Mac. You can go into each folder and delete the files inside, but do not delete the folders themselves.

  

• User Cache: This is similar to the system cache but is specific to your user profile. You can access it by going to ~/Library/Caches (the tilde represents your user directory).
• Browser Cache: Each web browser will have its own method of clearing cache. For example, in Safari, you can clear the cache by choosing “Clear History” from the History menu, then selecting “all history“.

  

Using Third-Party Tools

There are several third-party tools that can simplify the process of clearing cache files. Here are a few examples:

• CleanMyMac X: This is a popular Mac cleaning tool that can help you remove system junk, including cache files, with just a few clicks. It also offers other features like malware removal and optimization. Learn more on removing leftover apps with CleanMyMac X.
• OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, configure some hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Safari, and more.
• CCleaner: CCleaner is another well-known cleaning tool that’s available for Mac. It can help you clean up cache files and other system junk.

Note: It’s important to be careful when deleting system files. If you’re not sure about something, it’s best to leave it alone or use a trusted third-party tool. Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

2. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Over time, you may accumulate applications that you no longer use. These applications can take up valuable storage space and potentially slow down your system. Here’s how you can uninstall them:

Manually Uninstalling Applications

• Using the Trash: Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Find the application you want to uninstall, click and drag it to the Trash, then empty the Trash. Note that this method may leave behind some associated files.
• Using Launchpad: If you downloaded the app from the App Store, you can use Launchpad to uninstall it. Open Launchpad, click and hold on the app until it starts to jiggle, then click the “X” that appears on the app.

  

Using Third-Party Tools

Manually uninstalling applications can sometimes leave behind associated files, such as preferences and support files. Third-party uninstaller tools can help ensure these files are removed along with the application. Here are a few examples:

• AppCleaner: AppCleaner is a small application which allows you to thoroughly uninstall unwanted apps. You just need to drag and drop an application onto the AppCleaner window, it will find all the related files and you can delete them by clicking “Remove“.
• CleanMyMac X: In addition to cleaning up system junk, CleanMyMac X also has an uninstaller feature. It can help you remove applications and their associated files. Learn how to show all installed apps with CleanMyMac X.
• AppZapper: AppZapper is another popular uninstaller tool for Mac. It allows you to confidently uninstall virtually any application as easily as it was installed — just drag and drop.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

3. Manage Startup Items

Startup items, also known as login items, are applications, documents, shared volumes, or other items that automatically open or start running when you boot up your Mac. While these can be convenient, having too many can slow down your startup time. Here’s how you can manage them:

Manually Managing Startup Items

• System Preferences: Open "System Settings" and go to "General" > "Login Items". You’ll see a list of items that open when you log in. To remove an item, select it and click the “–” button.

  

• Application Settings: Some applications might set themselves as startup items within their own settings. Check the preferences or settings of your applications to see if this is the case.

Using Third-Party Tools

While managing startup items manually is straightforward, there are also third-party tools that can help. These tools often provide additional features, like the ability to delay startup items or manage hidden items. Here are a few examples:

• CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has a feature called "Optimization" that allows you to manage your startup items. It also provides options to improve system performance and speed up your Mac.
• CCleaner: CCleaner for Mac includes a startup manager in its "Tools" section. This can help you see and manage all the items that start up with your Mac.

Note: Be careful when managing startup items. Some items might be necessary for certain applications or system functions to work properly. If you’re not sure about an item, it’s best to leave it alone or do some research before removing it. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

4.Update Your Software

Keeping your software up to date is crucial for the smooth operation of your Mac. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements. Here’s how you can update your software:

Manually Updating Software

• MacOS Updates: You can check for system updates by going to "System Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". If an update is available, you can click “Update Now” to install it. You can also check the box to automatically keep your Mac up to date.

  

• App Store Updates: If you have apps that were downloaded from the Mac App Store, you can update them by going to the App Store and clicking on the “Updates” tab. If updates are available, you can click “Update” next to each app, or “Update All” to update all apps.
• Third-Party App Updates: For apps that were not downloaded from the Mac App Store, you’ll usually find an option to check for updates within the app itself, often in the app’s menu bar or within its preferences or settings.

Using Third-Party Tools

While most software updates need to be managed individually, there are some tools that can help you keep track of updates for all your apps in one place. Here are a couple of examples:

• CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has an "Updater" feature that shows you all available updates for your apps, whether they’re from the App Store or directly from the developer.
• MacUpdate Desktop: MacUpdate Desktop is a tool that can automatically track updates for all your apps. It can notify you when updates are available and install them for you.

Note: It’s always a good idea to back up your data before installing any major updates, just in case something goes wrong.

5. Optimize Storage

Optimizing storage can help free up space on your Mac by storing content in the cloud and removing files you don’t use. Here’s how you can use it:

Manually Optimizing Storage

You can access this tool by going to "System Settings" > "General" > "Storage". Here you’ll see several options:

• Store in iCloud: This option moves photos and text messages to iCloud when storage is needed. Only recent files will be kept on your Mac to be readily accessible.
• Optimize Storage: This option removes TV shows and movies you’ve already watched and only keeps recent email attachments.
• Empty Trash Automatically: This option automatically removes items that have been in the Trash for more than 30 days.

Using Third-Party Tools

While the built-in Optimize Storage tool can be very helpful, there are also third-party tools that offer more features and flexibility. Here are a few examples:

• CleanMyMac X: CleanMyMac X has a feature called "Space Lens" that helps you visualize and clear out large and old files. It also has tools for cleaning up system junk, mail attachments, and more. Learn how to find out space-hogging files with CleanMyMac X.
• DaisyDisk: DaisyDisk gives you a visual representation of your disk, allowing you to see what’s taking up space. You can then delete unnecessary files directly within the app.
• Gemini 2: Gemini 2 is a tool specifically designed to find and remove duplicate files, which can take up a lot of space over time.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

6. Reindex Spotlight

Spotlight is a system-wide desktop search feature on your Mac that helps you find documents, emails, apps, and other files. Sometimes, Spotlight might not work properly, and reindexing it can help solve the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

Manually Reindexing Spotlight

• System Preferences: Go to "System Settings" > "Siri & Spotlight", then click on "Spotlight Privacy" at the bottom. Here, you can add a folder or disk that you want to prevent Spotlight from searching. To reindex a folder or disk, you can add it to the list, then remove it. When you remove the folder or disk, Spotlight will reindex it.

  

• Terminal: You can also reindex Spotlight using Terminal. Open Terminal and type sudo mdutil -E / then press Enter. You’ll be asked for your password. This command will erase and rebuild the index for your main hard drive.

Using Third-Party Tools

While reindexing Spotlight is generally straightforward, there are some third-party tools that can help if you’re having trouble. Here are a few examples:

• OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, run miscellaneous tasks of system maintenance, configure some hidden parameters of the Finder, Dock, Safari, and more. It also has a feature to rebuild Spotlight’s index.
• Alfred: Alfred is an alternative to Spotlight with more features and customization options. If you’re having ongoing issues with Spotlight, you might consider trying Alfred instead.

Note: Reindexing Spotlight can take some time, and your Mac might run slowly while indexing is in progress. It’s best to do this when you don’t need to use your Mac for a while. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

7. Reset SMC and PRAM

The SMC and PRAM are parts of your Mac that control certain hardware functions. If you’re experiencing issues with things like your Mac’s display, battery, or sleep functions, you might need to reset the SMC or PRAM. Here’s how you can do it:

Resetting the SMC

The method to reset the SMC depends on the type of Mac you have:

• Desktop Macs (including Mac Pro, Mac Mini, and iMac): Shut down your Mac, then unplug the power cord. Wait 15 seconds, then plug the power cord back in. Wait another 5 seconds, then turn on your Mac.
• MacBooks with non-removable batteries (most MacBooks 2009 and later): Shut down your Mac, then press and hold the left Shift, Control, and Option keys while also pressing the power button for 10 seconds. Release all keys, then press the power button to turn on your Mac.
• MacBooks with removable batteries: Shut down your Mac and remove the battery. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds, then reinsert the battery and turn on your Mac.

Resetting the PRAM

To reset the PRAM, turn off your Mac, then turn it on and immediately press and hold the Option, Command, P, and R keys. Release the keys after about 20 seconds. Your Mac might appear to restart during this process.

Using Third-Party Tools

While resetting the SMC and PRAM is generally straightforward, there are some third-party tools that can help if you’re having trouble. However, due to the nature of these resets affecting low-level system functionality, they are typically performed manually as described above.

Note: Resetting the SMC and PRAM can change certain system settings, so you might need to reconfigure things like your time zone, display resolution, or startup disk selection. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

8. Run Disk Utility

Disk Utility is a built-in tool on your Mac that can find and repair issues with your Mac’s disk. It can also help you manage your storage and perform other disk-related tasks. Here’s how you can use it:

Using Disk Utility

• First Aid: Open Disk Utility (you can find it in "Applications" > "Utilities", then select your startup disk in the sidebar. Click the "First Aid" button, then click "Run". Disk Utility will check the disk and attempt to repair any issues it finds.
• Disk Cleanup: Disk Utility can also help you manage your storage. You can use it to erase free space, delete volumes, or erase entire disks (be careful with this one!).
• Disk Images: Disk Utility can create and manage disk images. This can be useful for backing up your data or moving files.

Using Third-Party Tools

While Disk Utility is a powerful tool, there are also third-party tools that offer more features and flexibility. Here are a few examples:

• TechTool Pro: TechTool Pro is a robust tool for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing your Mac. It includes features for testing and repairing disks, recovering data, and more.
• DriveDx: DriveDx is an advanced drive health diagnostic and monitoring utility. It can help you check the health of your disk and predict drive failures.
• DiskWarrior: DiskWarrior is a tool focused on repairing and rebuilding corrupted disk directories.

Note: Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes, especially when working with disk utilities. Disk-related tasks can potentially erase data, so it’s important to be careful.

9. Reduce Visual Effects

macOS uses some visual effects like motion and transparency. These can slow down older Macs or Macs with less powerful hardware. Here’s how you can reduce these effects:

Manually Reducing Visual Effects

• Reduce Transparency: Go to "System Settings" >"Accessibility"> "Display", then check the box for “Reduce transparency“. This will reduce the transparency effects used throughout the system, such as in the Dock and menu bar.

  

• Reduce Motion: In the same "Accessibility" > "Display settings", you can also check the box for “Reduce motion“. This will reduce the motion effects used in the system, such as when opening Mission Control or switching between apps.
• Dock Preferences: Go to "System Settings" > "Desktop & Dock", then check the box for “Minimize windows using: Scale effect“. This will change the animation used when minimizing windows to a simpler effect.

  

Using Third-Party Tools

While most visual effects can be reduced using the built-in system preferences, there are also third-party tools that can provide more customization. Here are a few examples:

• TinkerTool: TinkerTool is an application that gives you access to additional system settings Apple has built into macOS. This includes the ability to disable or enable animation effects.
• OnyX: OnyX is a multifunction utility for macOS that allows you to tweak the system’s hidden parameters, which includes disabling some animations.

Note: These changes will alter the look and feel of your Mac’s interface. If you find that you don’t like the changes, you can easily revert them by unchecking the boxes in the system preferences. As always, make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes.

10. Upgrade Your Hardware

Upgrading your hardware can significantly improve the performance of your Mac, especially if it’s older. Here are a few upgrades you might consider:

Hardware Upgrades

• RAM (Memory): Adding more RAM can help your Mac handle more tasks at once. This is especially helpful if you often have many applications open at the same time or use memory-intensive applications like video editing software.
• SSD (Solid State Drive): If your Mac has a traditional hard drive, upgrading to an SSD can significantly improve performance. SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, which means your Mac can read and write data more quickly.
• CPU (Processor): Upgrading the processor can also improve performance, but this is a much more complex upgrade that is often not possible on most Macs due to the CPU being soldered onto the motherboard.

Using Third-Party Tools

While upgrading hardware is typically a manual process, there are tools and services that can help:

• OWC (Other World Computing): OWC offers a wide range of hardware upgrades for Macs, including memory and SSD upgrades. They also provide detailed installation videos and customer support.
• Crucial: Crucial’s website offers a tool that can help you find compatible memory and SSD upgrades for your Mac.
• Apple Store or Authorized Service Provider: If you’re not comfortable upgrading your Mac’s hardware yourself, you can take it to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. They can perform upgrades and ensure everything is installed correctly.

Note: Upgrading hardware can be risky and may void your warranty. Always make sure you have a current backup of your data before making these kinds of changes. If you’re not comfortable performing these upgrades yourself, it’s best to seek professional help.

The post How to Make Mac Run Faster Again (10 Steps) appeared first on Hongkiat.

Here is a list of essential travel apps for visiting Taiwan. Whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure, you’ll find some really helpful apps on the list. Let’s take a look.

LINE

Chat and communication.

The Line is a popular messaging app in Taiwan with a large user base that includes local and international visitors.

iOS Android

Uber

Ride-hailing service.

Uber provides ride-hailing services in Taiwan. It is one of the most convenient ways to travel in the country.

iOS Android

Go Taipei Metro

Navigation and public transportation.

The Go! Taipei Metro app provides travelers with useful information on navigating the city’s metro system, including route planning, fare information, and real-time updates on train schedules and delays.

iOS Android

Bus+

Ride-hailing service.

The Bus+ app offers a comprehensive transportation guide for travelers in Taiwan, including real-time bus and train schedules, ticketing information, and locations of public bike-sharing stations.

iOS Android

Google Maps

Maps, directions, and navigation.

Google Maps is a map and navigation app that needs no introduction that you should have whenever you are traveling.

iOS Android

Foodpanda

Food delivery.

The Foodpanda app is yet another food delivery app you can try while traveling in Taiwan. It has a variety of options for food outlets, restaurants, and daily deals.

iOS Android

Uber Eats

Food delivery.

Uber Eats makes finding new and nearby restaurants to dine at in Taipei City becomes a hassle-free experience.

iOS Android

The post Must-Have Travel Apps for Exploring Taiwan appeared first on Hongkiat.