Category Archives: Website Reviews / Features

Website Promotion is Important

If you’re not yet aware, aside from being a blogger and social media manager, I am also a freelance web designer. Because of my hectic schedule, I have only dealt with a couple of web design clients and it’s alarming to know that most of them think putting up a website or an online space for their business is enough.

Online Marketing Techniques

As an online marketer, I know for a fact that with the tons of competing websites being launched every single day, the chances of your business’ website to be noticed is decreasing by the day. And if you are not familiar with how the internet works, especially social media, then, you should hire an expert to help you out.

Once your website is up and running, one of the important steps you can take in promoting it online or being seen is through SEO directory submission. This will definitely boost your business’ online presence.

When I started blogging, I honestly had no idea about the impact of directory or even search engine submissions. I’m just lucky to have such curiosity in SEO that I learned about the small tasks you can do regularly to promote your business and website online.

This is why I love my job as a social media manager. Somehow, there’s SEO involved. I help clients reach an audience who are ready to be engaged – those who already liked them on Facebook, followed them on Twitter or Google+, or added them to their lists on Foursquare. We want to keep our connection with them and hopefully, they’ll spread the word about our clients.

I enjoy the more personal approach of social media marketing. It’s important to note that businesses can get a lot of valuable feedback and information through their social media channels.

Moving forward, I hope more business owners will realize the power of social media marketing and website promotion in helping them drive more sales to their business. It’s a big, big online world out there, don’t you agree?

Streamline your Operations with these 3 Online Services

Small business owners, most especially startups, find that keeping their businesses streamlined and running efficiently may not always be a low-cost undertaking. This is because majority of the tools in the marketplace can sometimes cost a lot, with prices running up to thousands of dollars. However, tools do not necessarily need to be expensive to get you the results you need. A few but effective tweaks to the way you’re running your business can make a huge difference. And if you’re like a lot of business owners who want to improve quality while reducing costs, then the three online tools listed below may just be what you need:

1. PickyDomains.com

An excellent business name can mean advertisement that is virtually free. A name that resonates with consumers is a name that’s most likely to stick in their minds. For just a fraction of the cost paid by some companies to branding agencies for the same results, PickyDomains relies on the power of crowdsourcing. In business since 2007, PickyDomains has a pool of thousands of contributors, 50,000+ in all registered to date. Confidentiality is assured and you also get a money-back guarantee if none of the suggestions you receive fits into your naming needs.

All you need to do is to register first as a client, pay a downpayment of either $50 for a name or domain and/or $75 for a slogan, and then submit your list of naming requirements.

2. Bitrix24.com

With its numerous functionality and the support services offered for free for small businesses comprised of 12 people or less, Bitrix24 is an essential tool which you may want to explore. No longer do you need separate tools in order to streamline tasks and communications in your office and when running your business. Simply put, Bitrix24 acts as a CRM and an office intranet in one. It has a free task management feature which allows for more effective collaboration. For instance, document management becomes easier with Bitrix24, where access, comments and discussions can be kept to relevant parties while, at the same time, ensuring a real-time type of discussion.

Privacy configurations can also be done on features such as forums, limiting who can have access to certain portions of the discussions regarding projects while also making it available to a broad set of participants – employees, project group members and even clients. With Bitrix24, tasks and schedule adherence are now made more transparent.  An upgrade to unlimited users is available for only $99 a month.

3. JetRadar.com

At a certain point, air travel may become part and parcel of your business operations, and the cheap airfare low-cost carriers offer can be a big help. JetRadar makes information from 728 airlines, hundreds of ticketing and flight sites readily available for public use in one central portal. This can save you a lot of time when searching for deals for airfares, particularly if you’re a frequent traveler. The service guarantees that prices shown on the site are final and comprehensive. No need to spend hours hopping from one airline site to another. With just one click, booking your flight is just minutes away, leaving you more time and energy to do other stuff that are far more important.

Working Out at Home

I’ve talked about losing weight many, many times in the past year, and so far, I think I gained more weight when I tried to go on a diet. After checking my weight last month, I firmly decided I need a complete lifestyle change.

Since I’m a food writer / blogger (Certified Foodies) and I have a passionate love for anything and everything about food, I know that going on a restrictive diet will NEVER work for me. I need DISCIPLINE more than anything else to successfully lose weight.

Our weighing scale screams HELP!Those are not my feet, by the way.

My parents are also getting older. It’s embarrassing to admit that in our family, no one even barely exercise anymore. This is not good. My nanay has complained of arthritis and pains on her legs. So, you see, we badly need to exercise.

Since I know, based on my past attempts, that I won’t be successful if I go to a gym, I decided to buy us our own gym equipment. And thank goodness I found an online store through Sulit (see below) that sells heavy-duty gym equipment / machines in almost ridiculously low prices than when you buy them at the mall or sports stores.

I recommend you contact ATR Sports Supplies and don’t go to their store anymore. When we did, there was no machine or equipment present. We thought they have like a store display or something. Anyway, they accept cash on delivery in case you’re doubtful about transacting with them. Ask for Abby or Duane.

ATR Sports Supplies' Elliptical Bike Trainer

We chose the Body Kinetix Magnetic Elliptical Bike Trainer. The delivery guy, who I think was named Joseph (my memory fails me now), came in and assembled the whole elliptical bike trainer right in front of me… with no guide. :D

When I inquired the first time, I was told that there’ll be a Php 200 delivery charge to our home in Malabon. But, when Joseph came, he said that it’s all for free. I gave him the amount as tip anyway. I’m also well aware of the distance from their store to our home, so might as well give them a tip for gas too, right?

The reason I went for this magnetic elliptical bike trainer is because it uses magnets to give you the resistance you want. That means you get a much better workout from it. Also, the whole body of the bike is made of heavy-duty metal.

Body Kinetix elliptical bike trainer

They have other gym equipment there. But, for now, I think I’m satisfied with this one. We’re buying dumbbells too and exercise mat so I can focus on forcing my nanay and bro to work out with me. :D

Yeah, some may say that buying your own gym equipment at home won’t really work ’cause it’s conveniently accessible. I find that reasoning illogical, to be honest. All I can say is if you’re too lazy to work out at home even with all the equipment you have, how much more disinclined would you be to go to an actual gym? Well, unless you have other reasons for being there, if you get my drift. ;) If you’re unsure that this will just collect dust at home, then, it’s your attitude towards exercise that needs changing.

Featured: House of Flair Online Store (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

I watch a LOT and I mean a lot of American TV shows and movies. Because of this, I’ve been exposed to products that they enjoy over in the US that I know are not available here in the Philippines (particularly toys and accessories!). I also watch many makeup gurus on Youtube talking about makeup tools that we can’t buy locally yet. This is one major reason why I’m thankful for House of Flair. They’re one of the top online sellers I trust. :)

I just want to say, the name is chic, and even the new logo and site (which the owner Suyen did all by herself… respect!! ;) ) .  House of Flair is an online store where you can pre-order pretty much anything from your favorite online US stores. It can be books, magazines, cosmetics, shoes, bags, clothes, home items, children’s toys, or collector’s (limited edition) items, except gadgets and food. They also have some on-hand items ready for shipping anytime, but they usually get sold quite quickly. ;)

House of Flair assures you that anything you buy from them are ordered directly from their respective online stores. This means you’d only get certified authentic products delivered to you. And guess what – all orders are shipped for FREE nationwide at NO minimum order amount! Definitely good news for everyone! In fact, I already have a list of items I’d like to pre-order through House of Flair (mostly foodie books and makeup tools) and I can’t wait!

To know how exactly you can pre-order US-branded items from House of Flair, go here: http://bit.ly/HvoSVE

I recently wrote about the Sonia Kashuk Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush Set sent over to me for review. I LOVE them. Check out my review and if you LIKE ‘em brushes, you can order them through House of Flair.

5 brushes included in the Sonia Kashuk Breast Cancer Awareness Proudly Pink Brush Set

!! GIVEAWAY ALERT !!

Suyen generously teamed up with me here at Pinay Reviewer for a giveaway I know all you kikay readers would love. The prizes are a Sonia Kashuk 5-Piece Travel Brush Set AND Php 500 voucher to shop with House of Flair! Woohoo! ;)

House of Flair and Pinay Reviewer Giveaway

The mechanics are pretty easy, and you all get a chance to increase your entries by doing the optional tasks and the daily ones. One winner will win both prizes and it’ll be done through Rafflecopter.

The basic rules are:

  • You must have valid Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts. This means your accounts should have friends, posts and activity by the end of this giveaway when I validate your entries.
  • Participants can only enter once, but can have additional entries by performing the daily tasks (tweet, sharing on Facebook).
  • Winner will be announced on our social media channels, PLUS an email will be sent to them. We’ll give the winner 72 hours ( 3 days ) to respond before we pick another winner.
  • Only Philippine residents can join.

Simply wait for the Rafflecopter widget to load and follow the mechanics. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. Good luck!

Giveaway ends on June 6th, 11:59pm.