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As more businesses strive towards carbon neutrality, HVO fuel has become an increasingly popular solution. But what exactly is it?

Hydrogenated/hydrotreated vegetable oil (HHO) is an eco-friendly replacement fuel that’s helping businesses go green. Thanks to its paraffinic petrochemical structure that’s virtually identical to fossil diesel, HHO can be used as an immediate drop-in replacement without altering infrastructure or having to clear out summer-grade fuel stocks first.

1. It’s A Renewable Fuel

HVO fuel offers several advantages over fossil diesel. Its primary advantage is being an eco-friendly, renewable alternative that is made by turning waste vegetable oils and animal fats into hydrocarbons that can replace or supplement traditional diesel in engines and industrial equipment.

Fuel made with recycled ingredients emits lower emissions of carbon dioxide than its fossil diesel equivalent, as well as less particulate matter, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides – contributing to reduced air pollution that has been linked with respiratory and cardiovascular issues.

HVO fuels are generally considered more eco-friendly than both conventional diesel and biodiesel, thanks to its higher cetane number, helping improve combustion and fuel efficiency.

Furthermore, HVO adheres to EN15940 standards for paraffinic fuel storage, meaning they can be safely used without modifications for storage purposes. HVO has been approved by several OEMs so it can be used without modification on most engines.

Due to it being made from existing vegetable oils and fats, this fuel produces net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This is achieved by drawing CO2 out of the atmosphere through isomerisation processes before recycling it back into fuel production through isomerisation.

Harvesting practices also play an integral part in greenhouse gas emissions. Palm oil use in fuel production has become contentious in recent years, as ENI and Total have moved away from using it due to environmental considerations. However, fortunately, most HVO is now produced through converted no longer profitable plants, saving thousands of jobs while alleviating pressure for businesses to adopt more eco-friendly energy sources.

2. It’s Cheaper than Diesel

HVO can play an essential role in helping reduce carbon emissions significantly while simultaneously helping address net new greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by replacing fossil diesel with renewable biofuels like HVO. They also boast lower production costs compared to fossil fuels. Furthermore, running HVO costs significantly less than conventional diesel due to reduced production costs associated with biofuel production versus fossil fuel production.

Low sulphur content makes cellulose important in reducing air pollution, improving air quality, and contributing to biodegradability and renewable production derived from plants and animal sources, leading to significantly less dependence on fossil fuels which has become increasingly costly and unsustainable over time.

HVO stands apart from traditional FAME-based biofuels by not causing performance issues due to its non-hygroscopic nature and inability to draw moisture into an engine, meaning it can be used directly as a drop-in replacement without costly equipment modifications required for modern engines – making it the perfect solution for businesses needing an expedient yet cost-effective response to climate change.

HVO can be produced using a range of raw materials, such as waste cooking oils; residue fat fractions from food, fisheries, and slaughterhouse industries; tall oil byproducts, and non-food grade crop-based vegetable oil fractions sourced sustainably and ethically.

As many existing diesel engines can run on HVO fuel, businesses of all sizes can quickly achieve climate neutrality by switching over. You can learn more by clicking the link.

From emergency generator sets in data centres to engines powering dump trucks, trains, and ships – they all can easily use HVO without additional hardware or engineering requirements – plus HVO can reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint significantly when used for boilers in commercial buildings.

3. It’s Cleaner

Biodiesel is produced through hydrotreatment that changes its molecular structure into paraffinic hydrocarbon fuel that burns cleaner than conventional fossil diesel and produces lower particulate, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, and nitrogen oxide emissions than its fossil diesel counterpart.

HVO fuel production is considered a sustainable energy source because it relies on existing biomass sources and uses existing carbon in ecosystems while only contributing a minimal amount of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Environmentally friendly alternatives exist such as second-generation FAME biodiesel that does not release CO2, while still improving combustion efficiency with improved cetane values and fuel economy, leading to reduced CO2 emissions. This is why HVO Fuel UK is rapidly catching on. As its production process is highly controlled and contamination-free, HVO fuel has a significantly longer shelf life than diesel – up to 10 years if stored and inspected regularly.

4. It’s More Flexible

Traditional biofuels like FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Ester), produced from vegetable oils and animal fats using methanol, are highly hygroscopic, meaning they attract moisture and are susceptible to microbial contamination – creating an ideal breeding ground for “diesel bug.”

As such, it can be used in vehicles and equipment without needing any modifications to their fuel system, and without creating issues for engine performance in cold temperatures – making it perfect for commercial fleets operating across various environments and climate conditions.

HVO fuel can provide an ideal alternative to fossil diesel since it does not present many of the same reliability and storage issues. Furthermore, HVO blends can be mixed freely with conventional diesel without impacting either vehicle operation or engine performance.

Converting existing oil heating systems to run on 100% HVO fuel can cut greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 85%, helping households reduce their carbon footprint quickly and effortlessly.

HVO fuel could be a game-changer in terms of sustainable energy in the UK. Not only is it renewable and cost-effective, but switching could save five tonnes in CO2 emissions annually from each household in Britain!

HVO fuel can help businesses around the world become more environmentally friendly while simultaneously driving down operating costs, from emergency generator sets in data centres to engines in cranes, dump trucks, and trains. Deutsche Bahn, Europe’s largest freight train company has even pledged climate neutrality by 2040 thanks to HVO.

As Smartphones continue to play an expansive role in people’s everyday life, deciding on the right unit and carrier plan becomes ever more critical. Should you invest in the latest smartphone unit? What services would be non-negotiable in a carrier plan? With an increasing number of phone brands, models, and mobile plans offered by different companies, narrowing down the options and ultimately deciding which one to purchase can be agonising. 

As always, it’s a good idea to consider needs and budget when setting the standards for the device. If you’re particular about the monthly upkeep of the phone and the price of the services you can enjoy through it, you can purchase a carrier plan subscription. Through this arrangement, you can pay for the device as well as the bundled voice, messaging, and data services in monthly instalments. It’s such a popular means of getting smartphones that people are using metasearch engines to scrutinise different subscription plans. By comparing the cheapest data plan Singapore has to offer, for instance, buyers based in the city-state can find smart devices with data plans that match their needs and budgets. 

Should you subscribe to a mobile phone service plan to get your hands on the latest smartphone model? Avoid buyer’s remorse by doing your homework before deciding on a mobile plan. Know the benefits and limitations of your options, weigh them, and then make an informed choice.

Advantages of a Phone with a Carrier Plan

Access to the Latest Devices at a Lower Upfront Cost

Buying a smartphone with a bundled plan allows you to access the latest devices at a more affordable upfront cost compared to purchasing them outright. Carriers often offer subsidies or monthly instalment payment options, which spread the cost of the device over the duration of the plan. As a result, a more expensive high-end phone becomes affordable to a wider range of consumers, some of whom can’t afford to pay for the phone outright. 

Benefit from Bundled Services and Promotional Offers

Carrier plans often come with bundled services and promotional offers, providing additional value to consumers. These may include discounts on voice, text, and data services. In addition, more and more telecom companies are offering access to exclusive features or content, or special perks such as free streaming services or additional data allowances. Bundled services and promotions can enhance the overall value proposition of buying a smartphone using a subscription plan.

Automatic Inclusion to Warranty and Device Protection Programs

When purchasing a smartphone with a mobile phone service plan, you often benefit from manufacturer warranties and device protection programs. These can provide coverage for device malfunctions and accidental damage or loss, offering peace of mind to you. Should you run into issues while using their devices, you can rely on the carrier’s support channels for repair or replacement services.

Good Network Coverage and Better Quality of Service

Carriers invest heavily in building and maintaining robust networks, ensuring widespread coverage and reliable service. By buying a smartphone that’s bundled with a plan, you can take advantage of the provider’s network infrastructure and enjoy good network coverage, faster data speeds, and enhanced call quality. This is a particularly beneficial feature in areas where network coverage from other providers may be limited.

Limitations of a Phone with a Carrier Plan

Contractual Obligations and Early Termination Fees

Buying a smartphone that’s bundled with a mobile plan often involves entering into a contractual agreement with the carrier and the mobile network. These contracts typically have a specified duration, and if you wish to terminate the plan early, you may incur early termination fees. This can prevent you from switching networks or carrier plan providers and upgrading their devices before the contract term ends. People who want more freedom and flexibility may find these conditions limiting. 

Cost of Ownership Over the Long Term

When deciding on a smartphone with a carrier plan, don’t just look at the cheaper upfront cost. Consider the overall cost of ownership until the contract ends. Monthly service fees, data plans, and potential additional charges can add up, making the total cost of the device higher compared to purchasing it outright. That’s why it’s important for you to have a critical eye and evaluate the whole package for the duration of the contract. By doing this, you can determine if you are getting a great deal that aligns with your budget and needs.

Limited Customisation and Plan Options

Mobile plans may have limited customisation options, particularly in terms of voice, text, and data allowances. You may need to choose from predetermined plans that may not perfectly match your individual usage patterns. Because you don’t have a lot of options, you can end up paying for services or features that are not fully utilised, or you may need to upgrade to a higher-priced plan for additional flexibility.

Potential Carrier Restrictions and Network Limitations

Some plans may have certain restrictions or limitations imposed by the carrier. These can include data throttling or reducing data speeds after reaching a specific limit, network prioritisation or giving preference to certain customers during peak times, and specific usage policies that may impact user experience. It’s important to review the plan provider’s terms and conditions to understand any potential limitations or restrictions that may affect the usage of the smartphone and its bundled services.

To make informed purchasing decisions when selecting smartphones with carrier plans, you should consider several factors. These include their usage pattern, the different bundles and plans in the market and their respective features, and the terms and conditions of the contract you need to sign. By knowing exactly what you need and making a thorough comparison of the options at your fingertips, you have a better chance of getting a plan that matches your budget and lifestyle. 

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to have your website hacked? Unfortunately, we found out firsthand when our website fell victim to a malicious intruder. In this post, we want to share our harrowing experience, how we managed to recover from the incident, and the valuable cybersecurity lessons we learnt along the way.

With over 12 years of operating A Winsome Life, we never expected to face such threats, but we now understand the importance of staying vigilant in the face of increasing attacks from malicious hackers.

How We Got Hacked
Regrettably, we experienced a successful hacking attempt, during which the attacker gained access to our website’s backend. They changed our password and the email address associated with password recovery. While we cannot be certain whether it was a result of brute force hacking or SQL injection, we suspect the latter because we had implemented measures to mitigate brute force attacks, and we observed a rise in SQL injection attempts.

Our Recovery Process
Upon receiving the alarming notification that our password and recovery email were changed, panic set in. We tried various methods to regain control but were met with frustration. To regain access, we took the following immediate actions:

  1. We blocked all access to our .htaccess file and implemented stringent security measures for sensitive files, folders, and directories.
  2. We meticulously retraced the steps taken by the hacker. By reclaiming ownership of our account and changing the password, we were able to regain control. We owe our successful recovery to our access to the server, which enabled us to override the hacker’s actions. This highlights the vital importance of securing server access alongside website security.

Securing Our Website
Following the ordeal, we swiftly implemented additional security features to fortify our website. We installed the Wordfence plugin for our WordPress platform, which provides robust protection against anomalies and threats from unknown IP addresses. Furthermore, we implemented a two-factor authentication method as an added layer of defence, safeguarding against unauthorised access even if the initial security measures fail.

The Significance of Cybersecurity
It bewilders us as to why our website, devoid of payment processing or commercial transactions, became an attractive target for hackers. Nevertheless, we feel compelled to share our story and emphasize that cybersecurity threats are real.

If you operate a WordPress website with e-commerce features, it is crucial to frequently update your plugins and implement additional safeguards to secure your platform. The prevalence of fraud and phishing scams in the news serves as a stark reminder. As technology continues to permeate our lives, exercise caution when encountering anything that appears too good to be true.

Experiencing a website hack was an alarming and stressful ordeal for us. However, we emerged stronger and more knowledgeable from this experience. By sharing our story, we hope to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and help fellow website owners avoid a similar fate. Should you have any questions or comments regarding this topic, please feel free to leave them below or contact us directly.

Going online probably isn’t as safe as you might think. While it’s become an everyday part of our lives, many hidden dangers are lurking and waiting to strike.

Is The Internet Safe? It’s Complicated

The short answer to whether the internet is safe is “yes and no.” While it has brought numerous benefits to those who use it, it also comes with significant risks. 

For instance, cyberbullying is an issue, particularly for young people. The internet provides a platform for anonymous individuals to harass and bully others, leading to emotional distress and trauma.

Identity theft is also a major problem. Hackers can use personal information, such as your name, address, and financial details, to steal and use your identity for fraud.

Then there is the issue of scams and fraud. Scammers may use phishing scams, fake websites, and fraudulent emails that can deceive you into revealing sensitive information or making payments. It’s all a big risk. 

Even spending too much time online can be an issue. Many people can get addicted to social media and video games, causing them to neglect their real lives. This problem will only worsen as the metaverse and AI play bigger roles in our lives. 

How To Stay Safe Online

Pixabay – CC0 License

However, it’s essential to note that the internet is not inherently dangerous. It is our usage and habits that can make it unsafe. Taking certain precautions can minimize the risks associated with going online.

It turns out that there are all sorts of things you can do. 

For instance, you can use stronger passwords, making sure they’re unique and contain a mixture of characters.

You can also keep your software updated. This ensures you avoid vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

You should also learn how to protect against ransomware. Don’t provide any information to anyone about your personal details online unless you trust the site entirely. Also, make sure you have antivirus software running in the background that can detect ransomware attacks. 

If possible, use a VPN. Benefits of using a VPN include: 

  • Security: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it more secure and protected from hackers and cybercriminals.
  • Privacy: A VPN masks your IP address and hides your online activities from your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and other third parties, providing greater privacy.
  • Access to restricted content: With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and access content unavailable in your country.
  • Anonymity: A VPN allows you to browse the internet anonymously, which can be beneficial if you want to keep your online activities private.

In addition to all this, make sure you limit sharing of personal information. Be mindful of the data you share online via technology, and avoid oversharing on social media platforms.

Lastly, balance your time online. Look out for signs that you might be addicted. Make sure you’re not surfing the web at the expense of the rest of your life. Don’t let it become something you do out of habit. If you find yourself slipping into going online all the time, take a break from it in nature. 

The crypto world is not entirely new to me. I actually tried mining Bitcoin in the past but it got increasingly more difficult and costly because the code just gets tougher and tougher to crack. Hence, I drifted away from crypto to focus on my career and have only recently gotten back into the crypto scene when a friend of mine introduced me to the world of non-fungible tokens (NFTs).

If you are new to crypto and you want to start putting some real money into it, you must be prepared to lose all your money and I really mean it! One thing you need to understand about cryptocurrency is that once you lose it, you really lose it forever. There is absolutely no way you can reverse transactions like how one can do so in a retail setting.

One crucial aspect that you need to be mindful about when entering the crypto space is being responsible for your own safety and security. There are many dodgy scam tactics that people will try to employ and this could include getting you to reveal the seed phrases to your crypto wallet through phishing and bots.

Now, whether you use a hot wallet or a cold wallet, there will always be recovery seed phrases that you will need to jot down and safekeep (in the event you lose access to your wallet and need to re-gain access). This has always been the case but not anymore! 

Hugware®, the world’s first seed phrase-free wallet by a locally founded tech company, UKISS Technology, is now available for US$139 and it comprises of an Authentication Key (A-Key), a Rescue Key (R-Key), and a five year warranty!

Safe and easy to use, the Hugware® crypto hardware wallet is the epitome of state-of-the-art security that every crypto novice needs, providing a reliable recovery plan for their investments. Users can be rest assured that their private keys will always be at their fingertips with this new must-have tech accessory.

Hugware® is a great solution for those who tend to forget or lose their seed phrase and are looking for a self-custody wallet with a simpler recovery process, thanks to its master seed synchronisation capability. It boasts seamless key pairing, which ensures that private keys are generated and stored in the hardware while enabling backups through device pairing. That way, the seed does not have to be translated into recovery phrases and will not be exposed to human error, phishing, or theft. 

Hugware®’s safe and secure technology is patented in more than 20 countries and significant markets, including the United States, Europe, China, India, and Southeast Asia. Each Hugware® comes with a Certificate of Authenticity recorded on blockchain. 

How Hugware® Works

Each Hugware® comes in a pair. During setup, the master seed is generated in the Authentication Key (A-Key) and synchronised with the Rescue Key (R-Key). The A-Key is used to manage crypto assets and is the gatekeeper of your private keys. Simply plug it into your device to provide authentication or confirm transactions. 

The R-Key can be kept for when users need to recover access in the future, and is your life-saving gizmo. Plug it into your device to recover private keys in case you lose the A-Key. The R-Key backs up your master seed for fast wallet recovery.

Featuring a sleek and streamlined design, the A-Key and R-key are pocket-sized, enabling users to easily carry it around wherever they go. Hugware® also comes with USB and USB-C connectors that users can plug into their devices.

Additionally, Hugware® comes equipped with a security system that is programmed to lock the device after 10 failed logins. This offers an added layer of security in the event you lose either one of your keys. 

The fuss-free solution supports multiple blockchain networks and is available on desktop for Windows and MacOS, and soon on Android (iOS users will have to wait a little longer) .

As an iterative product that consistently works to improve itself, there will be more features to be added with every Hugware® version upgrade. These include new features such as U-Archive and U-Hide that are in the works. 

U-Archive

Fortify your backup in the cloud. Secure your archives without compromising on space. The U-Archive encryption software allows you to encrypt large folders in your computer or in the cloud, and only the holder of the associated Hugware® can access the archive. This software is slated to launch in September 2022. 

U-Hide

Hide your files while keeping them within reach. Protect your sensitive files and media assets with ease. U-Hide allows you to encrypt individual files in your computer while keeping them accessible: only the holder of the associated Hugware® can access those files. This software is slated to launch in November 2022. 

UKISS Technology is also rewarding buyers of the Hugware® and other UKISS services with KISS Tokens to offset their next UKISS purchase. 

Visit https://www.ukiss.io/ or https://t.me/UKISSTech and get your Hugware® today!

Owning a portable projector has been on our list of wants for quite some time, but because of our busy lifestyle where we also have to take care of two (2) very active children, we hardly have time to do our research and purchase one. 

Since we got the LUMOS TEMPO from LUMOS, we thought we might as well just give the LUMOS NANO a shot and go for it since the LUMOS Projector Brand has got so many positive reviews.

Aesthetics

The LUMOS NANO Projector sports a rectangular, boxy design, and its compact design makes it very convenient to bring around. Weighing just 400 grams, the weight of the LUMOS NANO Projector feels very similar to a can of soft drink. The look and feel of the LUMOS NANO do bear some resemblance to R2-D2 from Star Wars.

Performance & Quality

The performance and build quality of the LUMOS NANO Projector is what makes it stand out from other mini projectors. 

The LUMOS NANO runs on the Android 9.0 operating system, and commonly-used applications such as Google Play Store, YouTube, and Netflix come pre-installed with the device. Other mini projectors in the market are not that “smart” because their only function is to mirror/duplicate the display of another device. As for the LUMOS NANO, it can run independently on its own without requiring another separate device. The LUMOS NANO projector also has the Airplay/E-Share function, which you can use to mirror your phone to show any content from your phone, all without any messy cables.

Although it was easy for us to use the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user-friendly interface, we feel it is way easier to use the remote controller than the inbuilt touchpad to navigate the user interface.

Depending on the projection distances, the projected screen size of the LUMOS NANO is between fifty (50) to hundred (100) inches. One significant feature of the LUMOS NANO is the auto keystone (screen adjust) feature that allows it to be placed at any angle we want without worrying about distorted, off-axis images.

The only qualm we have about the LUMOS NANO is its short battery life of two (2) hours. If you plan to watch a movie or organise a Karaoke session with a group of friends, it is recommended that you plug the LUMOS NANO to a power source.

Having tested the LUMOS Nano Projector in both day and night settings, we have found that it works best in a dark and enclosed environment. Thanks to the premium DLP Tech feature and the powerful Dolby Audio speakers on the LUMOS NANO, the entertainment experience is rather pleasant and captivating. 

Pricing

The LUMOS NANO is priced at only SGD$599 and comes with a one (1)-year local warranty. Just so you know, most other mini projectors in the market that share similar features as the LUMOS NANO are priced at SGD$900 and up.

Overall

We were so impressed with the LUMOS NANO Projector that we feel it deserves a ‘Gadget of the Year’ award.

The LUMOS NANO Projector is an all-in-one entertainment device that has undoubtedly wow-ed us with its power-packed features in so many ways. Whether you use the LUMOS NANO as a Bluetooth speaker to play some of your favourite Spotify hits or use it alongside your Bluetooth-enabled karaoke set, the sound quality of the LUMOS NANO beats almost every other small projector.

​For the price of SGD$599, the LUMOS NANO Projector is a worthy buy if you want to replace your Smart Television (TV) with a more portable all-in-one multimedia entertainment device that you can bring around for your vacations/staycations/impromptu karaoke sessions. 

This one-stop entertainment device allows you to share what you love and enjoy with the people that matter the most to you, and it is now available for purchase directly from LUMOS Projector via their website at www.lumosprojector.com/awl

With so many variations of products being developed and pushed out into the market so rapidly, navigating the world of wireless earbuds can sometimes be a murky one because there are just so many options available out there. However, the wireless earbuds that we often know or hear about are those that have got a huge marketing budget and the lesser-known ones are those that are sold directly to consumers and rely heavily on digital ad campaigns and word-of-mouth marketing.

In this blog post, we will be sharing with you our personal take on the LUMOS TEMPO, a lesser-known wireless earbuds brand by the team that brought the well-loved LUMOS AURO Home Cinema Short Throw Projector to the local market.

Aesthetics

The LUMOS TEMPO has a look and feel that is quite common and this does not come as a surprise since most wireless earbuds in the market are trying to emulate the wireless “stick” design that was made famous. However, the “stick design” is not something new nor revolutionary. The “stick” design has been around since the 1980s when Sony Walkman was quite the hype back then.

The LUMOS TEMPO charging case and wireless earbuds come only in one colour i.e. matt-grey. The hold and feel of the charging case feel natural although I wonder whether the outer case was made from recycled plastic because it felt like it was (as an environmentally-aware consumer, this is a big plus point for me).

Another plus point is the fact that the charging case can be charged using a USB-Type C cable (by the way, this should be a standard and it gets really annoying if I have to carry different cables to juice up my laptop and other devices).

Performance & Quality

The LUMOS TEMPO wireless earbuds come with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and it looks like having an ANC feature is going to become a mainstream/must-have feature for all wireless earbuds (at least this is what we think). Then again, there are wireless earbuds from big brand names that don’t even have ANC and we guess this very much depends on one’s preference (because we know there are people who just do not enjoy having the ANC feature). 

With an enhanced ANC capability that exceeds even the industry average, the LUMOS TEMPO is highly effective in blocking out more distracting and fuzzy background noises. This allows for a more immersive listening experience that lets users focus on the audio that they are listening to. Just so you know, the LUMOS TEMPO cancels up to 42db of noise and this is 12db higher than the industry average of 30db. Furthermore, it packs the longest battery life among other wireless earbuds brands at 30 hours!

This makes the LUMOS TEMPO the best travel companion you can have for long-haul flights!

But that is not all. The LUMOS TEMPO is also awesome for both work and play. The LUMOS TEMPO is equipped with 6 mics versus the traditional 4-mic setup in most earbuds available in the market. This means that your voice can be heard clearer and sharper during work & family calls. However, do note that the LUMOS TEMPO will still capture background noises when you take calls. If you want superior voice clarity, you will need a dedicated microphone setup.

With an IPX5 rating (sweat and water-splash proof i.e. light drizzle), the LUMOS TEMPO is also the perfect pair of buds for exercises and outdoor activities.

Overall

For the price of $179 SGD, the LUMOS TEMPO comes with a full 1-year local warranty and we definitely agree that it is truly the best-sounding premium wireless earbuds at half the price

Ready to get the LUMOS TEMPO? Check them out over here!

Our web hosting services with Siteground has officially come to an end and in the last 3 to 4 months, we have been scouting around for another web hosting service provider that could meet our requirements and needs.

Having surveyed the market for some time and with our experience of using different web hosting service providers ever since we started A Winsome Life back in 2011 (yes, we have been around for 11 years now!), we have finally decided to have Exabytes host all our WordPress sites!

This is a massive undertaking because changing a web hosting service provider involves website and data migration which can sometimes be a real pain. However, with Exabytes, we were pleasantly surprised at the speedy and prompt migration process. In fact, it took less than a day for the Exabytes technical team to complete the entire migration and it was very successful because we had no loss of data, and our downtime was minimal.

When choosing a web hosting service provider, two most important factors that are extremely crucial for us to consider is speed and security. After all, nobody wants to visit a website that either takes too long to load or is unsafe and buggy.

The 3-year WordPress hosting plan that we signed up with Exabytes cost us SGD$287.64 (this works out to SGD$7.99 per month), and what we really like about hosting with Exabytes is the free lifetime domain, flat renewal rate, and the generous 90GB of SSD Disk Space!

Furthermore, the move to Exabytes has saved us SGD$560.36 and this is quite a substantial amount of saving which we could now put to better use because the specifications for the plan that we signed up with Exabytes are even better and more value-for-money than what SiteGround was offering us.

Apart from providing web hosting services, Exabytes also offers a suite of services such as website designing, search engine optimisation, and digital marketing solutions.

If you are a home-based business owner or a small medium enterprise with no online presence, kickstart your digital business transformation by engaging Exabytes. If you are a seasoned website developer and you are looking for a reliable and affordable website hosting service provider, we highly recommend that you check out Exabytes!

Here are some Existing Promotions and Offers from Exabytes!

1. Host & Win an iPhone 13

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  • Validity from 1 Jan – 31 March 2022
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2. Pick a Gift 

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  • Validity from 1 Jan – 31 March 2022
  • More information: www.exabytes.sg/rewards 

3. Free S$10 credit

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4. Accelerate Women Entrepreneurship (CSR Campaign)

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We live in a tech-focused society. However, despite our love for tech gadgets, introducing technology into our homes comes at a high cost. Indeed, most homeowners struggle with space-demanding tech solutions that clutter their interiors. 

The exciting entertainment system doesn’t seem to fit into the living room. Instead, you find yourself fighting with an army of cables that look like snake nests running along the walls. Besides, the sofa is too close to the screen, so you frequently experience eye strain. 

Does it sound familiar? 

You might feel like tech isn’t suited for your life. But the reality is that household technology needs planning as much as any home improvement project. Don’t just buy and plug it because it’ll be messy and frustrating. Instead, you need to consider how to implement it into your day-to-day decor without creating a chaotic interior. 

Have a long-term plan

Technology is a long-term investment. So if you are considering adding new tech to your home, you have to think into the future. For instance, if you wish to add a smart door lock, you will have to ask yourself important questions:

  • Is it RFID tech or keypad, or both?
  • How do you manage setup and access control?
  • Does it need to connect to a smart home hub or WiFi? 

Rather than considering the answers for today, you should be focusing on how you want to use your tech in a few years’ time. For instance, if you do not have a smart home hub yet, but you want to invest in a similar system at some point, it would be best to buy a smart lock that can work both independently and in connection with a hub. The better you plan ahead, the less likely you are to struggle to set things up and need to buy duplicate solutions. 

Focus on storage-friendly solutions

Picture the scene: You’ve finally managed to receive the latest video console. Chip shortages have delayed your order for what feels forever, but finally, it has arrived! So how do you best set up your gaming corner without battling wires and a cluttered sea of gaming accessories? The answer is simple: You need a unit that can hold your tech and store all necessary elements. For enthusiastic teen gamers, it can be a good idea to check gaming beds at Cuckooland so you can turn their bedroom into an organised gaming paradise. The same principle can apply to your workstation, so you can keep your laptop, keyboard, and other accessories in one place. 

Don’t try to make it fit at all costs

As exciting as it can be to buy an XXL screen for home, you need enough space to maintain a safe viewing distance. Tech purchases should be considered with the same attention to detail as any other interior investment. Consider:

  • long-term health and safety risks
  • function in the room
  • its impact on the decor

Forcibly introducing tech items that don’t meet your household needs and arrangements can be a waste of money. 

We live in a plug and play society where accessible technology finds its way rapidly into our homes. Unfortunately, tech solutions are space-demanding and potentially clutter- and expense-creating. So, it’s essential to evaluate your options carefully before investing in high-tech gadgets that could destroy your peaceful home!

Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a very great marketing strategy that allows you to enhance your company’s website to ensure that individuals within the locality of your business can easily locate your business. In other words, it allows people to find your website with the final intention of getting them to come to your local business place. 

While general SEO is all over the place these days, local search engine optimization is slightly more complicated and requires specialization to get the best out of it. You can visit mwdigitalyorkshire.co.uk to learn more about local search engine optimization. That said, if you have this marketing strategy in mind, then you should hire a specialist company that offers this kind of service. 

Knowing how important this hiring process is to the growth and success of your business, we have come up with certain important questions you must ask a local SEO company before putting your pen to the paper. With these questions, you will be able to determine if the firm is fit enough to handle the job you want them to carry out for you. 

Therefore, without further ado, let’s take a look at these important questions…

1. Ask them for Case Studies 

Reliable firms involved in this kind of service should be able to provide case studies to prove to their prospective clients if they can provide the services that they say they provide. Hence, this should be one of the questions to ask. 

The case study should be able to show how the organization has aided the increase of a business’ local popularity. On the websites of some top-notch companies, you can easily find some of these case studies. In such a case, you just need to visit the website to evaluate if they are good enough for the task you require. 

2. Do they specialize in Local Search Engine Optimization?

As we said earlier, SEO is a broad discipline and local SEO is just one branch. Therefore, not any search engine optimization firm should be trusted with this kind of job. 

Therefore, it is important that you are sure that they specialize in this area. When you get a specialist, you can be rest assured that they will use the right tools to ensure that your business becomes visible within your locality. 

3. Ask them about their Schema.org Experience

When it comes to local SEO, it is highly unlikely for this service to be rendered without the use of schema.org. Therefore, to assess the credibility of the company, ask them about their schema.org experience. 

Any firm that has no or little understanding about the working and functions of this tool should not be hired. This is because schema.org will help you to correctly configure a lot of things.

4. What Tools do they Use?

Man invented tools to make work easier and the same goes for local search engine optimization. There are a lot of these tools out there that an expert can make use of to not only make the job easier but also better. 

Hence, you should ask the firm you want to hire about the tools they usually use. Don’t just ask what tools they use, also ask the reason they use those particular tools. To avoid being bamboozled, it is good that you also learn about the tools that are used in this field before contacting the company. Click here to learn more about these tools. 

5. What is their Overall Strategy?

There are different strategies that experts employ in this field. Therefore, you need to be aware of the strategy that the company you want to hire employs. In most cases, the strategy is usually based on the business type and the target audience. 

When making your selection, ensure you go for a company that employs the general strategic approach. This approach will allow you to reach a wider target, market, and industry. 

6. Is a lot of On-Site Search Engine Optimization is needed?

On-site search engine optimization building is important when it comes to this marketing strategy. This will help you to determine how the site’s landing pages, the website’s structuring, schema.org, etc. will affect the effectiveness of the process. 

Hence, you need to verify if a lot of on-site search engine optimization will be needed to enable you to plan for that as well.

7. Ask about their Review Experiences

One of the reasons for hiring a local SEO firm is to enable you to get positive online reviews. Therefore, you should ask them what strategies they will employ to enable your business to get positive reviews. Any firms worth their salt will have such strategies for review generation.

8. Ask for Client References

To assess the credibility and efficiency of the firm, you should ask them for client references of both past and current clients they have worked for. If they are open to divulging this information, then you should reach out to those individuals or businesses to see if they were satisfied with the services they got. 

Some companies’ websites have a clients’ page that allows you to see the clients that they have worked with in the past or are currently working with. You can check the page and try to reach out to such listed clients. 

9. Ask about Citations

Ask if the firm uses business citations when working in cyberspace. In case you don’t know what a citation is, allow us to briefly tell you. Citations are the contact information of your business that includes your business names, contact number, and address. 

10. What will be in the Reports?

Reports must be sent to you at an agreed time to monitor the progress of the job that is being done. Hence, you need to know beforehand what you will be expecting from the organization when they submit their reports. 

A good local SEO report will include the following:

  • Rankings by location
  • Generated reviews
  • Traffic by location etc.

Conclusion 

Hiring a local SEO services company is a great step in the right direction for your business. With the questions we have shared, we hope you will be able to select a firm that will help you achieve your goals.