Category — General Consumer Research

If you’re researching different web hosting plans, you’ve probably noticed that many web hosting packages come with free advertising credits.  But if you’ve never had a website before you probably don’t know how or when to use these advertising credits.  And if you’re not familiar with social media, these advertising credits may not hold that much appeal.  But with a bit of understanding and explanation you may begin to realize just how valuable these credits can be.

The benefits of online advertising credits:

Things to Know about Facebook Credits:

• You will need a Facebook account to use Facebook credits.
• Facebook credits received from most web hosts can be used for both new and existing accounts.
• You can use Facebook credits to promote your company’s Facebook page or to promote your website directly.
• With Facebook advertising you can target people who have interests in line with your product or service.
• When creating ads with Facebook credits you can schedule them to run at certain times or on certain days.
• Facebook offers comprehensive tracking and analytical tools to help you understand the successes and failures of your ads.

Things to Know about Google AdWords Credits:

• Google AdWords credits are most often valid only for new AdWords accounts. 
• If you have an existing AdWords account that is currently pointing to your website you’ll need to use your free advertising credits for a different account point to a different website or for a new account that uses a completely different set of keywords to point to the same website.
• You will need to enter billing information when setting up your AdWords account.  Even though you are using free advertising credits you’ll be required to pay a small activation fee.

Things to Know about Yahoo! Credits:

• Yahoo! Credits work similarly to Google advertising credits. 
• You will need a new account to use Yahoo! advertising credits.
• Fewer people use Yahoo!’s search engine than Google, but some studies indicate that those who use Yahoo!’s search engine may be more likely to convert. 
• A planned merger between Bing and Yahoo! will likely change the face of this type of advertising, so it’s worthwhile to proceed cautiously when planning your ads, in the hope that in the future this search engine will see a boost in traffic.

Good luck with your new web host and your free advertising credits!

There are so many ways in which a divorce can be complicated, exhausting and painful- but it doesn’t have to be.  Thousands of unhappily married Americans are discovering that the internet can be use for more than just email and Facebook- it can also be used to procure a quick and easy divorce.  Divorce legal forms are popping up on hundreds of websites, and they make it possible for couples to reach an amicable settlement without shelling out thousands of dollars in legal fees.

If this is your first divorce, you may not be familiar with the procedures and requirements of filing for a legal divorce.  You may have questions about what you’re entitled to, how the procedure works or how to properly proceed.  In these cases, you’ll likely need more than a service that will file your divorce papers- you’ll need one that can offer divorce legal help.  Fortunately, there are many reputable online legal form websites that offer both online divorce forms and divorce legal help.  These services are likely to cost more than simply purchasing the necessary documents, but they will still cost substantially less than hiring a divorce lawyer.

In addition to the affordability of filing divorce legal forms online, this type of filing is remarkably convenient, and is truly eases the process for those who are going through this busy time in their lives.  Why waste time running to a lawyer’s office to sign the papers, when you can do it from the comfort of your own home?  Proper online legal form websites will make it clear exactly which forms you need to fill out and what information you need to provide in order to complete your filing.

Although divorce is seldom an enjoyable process, it is possible to have an easy divorce (and a completely legal divorce) by filing the paperwork online.  Don’t be alarmed if you’re uncomfortable with the process- many services allow you to fill out the paperwork for free before paying, so that you can make an independent determination about whether you want to proceed with an online filing.  It’s completely normal to feel apprehensive during this time, and there’s no reason why online divorce legal forms should contribute to the anxiety.  There are enough reputable online legal services that can make it possible to receive a legal divorce without the headache and hassles- don’t be afraid to shop around until you find one that is right for you.

Tired of spending a fortune to hang out with your friends?  Why not host a movie night in your own home?  Movie nights are not a new idea, but with these 7 suggestions you can put a new spin on an old classic and host a night to remember.

1. Make it a double-header. If you’re not sure exactly what films your audience will like, ask each guest to bring a movie, and play the two most popular choices.
2. Mix up your snack selection. Why settle on simple popcorn and jellybeans when you can offer a more exciting snack selection?  Consider adding ice cream sundaes, gourmet pretzels, fruit salad or other interesting snacks to your homemade concession stand.
3. Drink up. Sure, movie theaters are known for their oversized cups of soda.  But your personal movie theater can stock up on more exotic beverages.  Mix up some fruity spritzers or martinis, or encourage your friends to shake up their favorite drinks.
4. Open with a short comedy. It may be called a movie night, but there’s no reason that you must limit yourself to movies.  Why not start with a  short TV comedy or a classic skit that you haven’t seen in a while?  Consider Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Simpsons or the Honeymooners.
5. Go for surround sound. If you host movie nights regularly, consider installing speakers around your TV room so that you can get the full feeling of the movie’s sound effects.
6. Surprise your friends with your decorations. Watching a horror movie?  Why not play up your room with scary accents?  Watching a tear-jerker?  Consider leaving tissues and a wastebasket next to each seat (or row of seats).  Your guests will appreciate your thoughtfulness and may even laugh at your antics.  If you’re feeling particularly eager you can even print out homemade tickets (for an added giggle, try telling one your friends that the theater is full!).
7. Add another activity to the evening. There’s no reason why a movie night should be limited to only a movie.  Invite your friends to play a game either before or after the feature film, or to go for a walk to work off some of those snacks.

Have other ideas that can make movie nights a bit more exciting?  Feel free to share them!

Ever purchase a big-ticket item or a product that you weren’t entirely familiar with?  Ever spend a significant amount of money on something, only to realize that it wasn’t exactly what you wanted, that it didn’t work as effortlessly as advertised or worse, that it didn’t function at all?  And while you’re surely not the only unsatisfied customer in the world, don’t you ever wish that you could just rewind the clock and do things right the first time, so that you don’t have to fix what you’ve already done?  Here are 3 reasons why consumer market research can help you make smart choices, and why you should never make another big purchase without proper consumer research.

1. Save time. There’s no doubt that thorough consumer research takes time.  But it usually doesn’t take as much time as dealing with returns, contesting charges on your credit card, or taking broken items to be repaired.  Depending on the item you’re interested in, consumer research can be done almost completely from home, by reading reviews online and seeing for yourself whether others enjoyed their purchase.
2. Save money. Another significant benefit of consumer market research is the ability save money, which can be accomplished in two ways.  Consumer research can help you ascertain whether or not you’ve found the best price for your desired item.  And, of course, by using research to confirm that you’ve made the best decision, you can save yourself the money that it might cost to ship the item back or have it repaired.
3. Save your sanity. In today’s busy world, few things are less convenient than standing on line at the return counter when you should be at work, at the gym, or spending time with your children.  Although consumer market research can’t guarantee that you’re choice will be perfect, but it does increase the likelihood that you’ll avoid the aggravations associated with making an imperfect purchase.

It goes without saying that even informed, smart decisions may not always be ideal.  But by hearing the feedback and experiences of other users, you can receive a satisfactory idea of whether or not your desired item may be reliable, or whether you should look for a better solution.  You may not need to embark upon consumer research before purchasing a new pair of socks, but if you’re purchasing anything pricey or anything that you hope will last a while, consumer market research is definitely a must.

Embarking upon a new job search is simultaneously exciting and nerve-wracking.  Most often, you can’t predict how long the job search will last, how many positions will meet your requirements or whether you may have to modify your expectations to increase the likelihood that you’ll find a job.  You may not even be able to predict which search methods will be the most fruitful, and therefore, it’s important to explore all of your options in the hope of landing a position.  Whether you’re eager to begin or looking for ways to expand and refresh your options, here are 10 ways to jump start your job search.  We hope that they’ll be successful in helping you find something soon!

1. Use job search engines.  As the most expansive way to search for a job, job search engines offer endless possibilities for nearly every profession.  Job seekers can find job search engines that are tailored to their specific needs, such as those for executives or those looking for part-time positions.
2. Networking.  One of the most successful ways to find a job is to spread the word that you’re looking for one.  Take time (and, if necessary, invest money) in meeting with people who can hook you up with places to apply, or contacts who can offer you applications.  Buying your friend a cup of coffee when you’re unemployed may seem like a frivolous expense, but if he later remembers that you’re looking for a job, it was well worth the $5.
3. Check local newspapers.  In many ways the internet has thwarted the prevalence of print advertisements, but when it comes to job ads, there are always some to be found in the local newspaper.
4. Hire a headhunter.  If you have a respectable resume looking for an ‘in’ in a specific profession, hiring a headhunter may be a great way to get your resume noticed.
5. Check with the employment office at your university.  These days, more and more universities are offering job search services to alumni, even if they didn’t recently graduate.  Likewise, don’t be hesitant to make a donation to your alma mater as an added incentive for the career placement office to help advance your job search.
6. Approach the company (or companies) that you’re interested in working for.  If you are in a specialized field, have expertise in a certain area or are simply intrigued by a certain company, don’t be afraid to contact their HR department (or the CEO) and inquire about openings.  Being bold, when done properly, can actually make a fantastic first impression.
7. Contact your local employment office.  While many unemployed individuals find it difficult to contact a government unemployment office, thousands of others are able to find placement through these agencies.  Don’t be shy- there’s nothing wrong with asking for help.
8. Consider freelancing.  Can’t find a job in your field?  Why not consider providing your services to several clients, instead of to a single company?  Not only can freelancing provide a higher hourly rate than most full-time positions, it can also lead to additional career opportunities and networking prospects.
9. Volunteer.  While you’re waiting for the right job to come along, why not volunteer in a place that interests you.  Choose one that’s relevant to your career, so that you can spruce up your resume, gain new skills and meet people who may be able to lead you in the direction of a job opening.
10. Work for a temp agency. While you’re waiting for a full-time gig, why not temp in a position in your field?  Oftentimes, companies appreciate their temp’s work and may remember them when an opening becomes available.  And, if not, at least you’ll have money in your bank account while you’re pursuing a more stable position.