Privacy has now become a commodity.

Companies are buying and selling your data without your knowledge. If you are concerned about your chats being read by a third party or you just want to have some private conversation. We have curated a list of the best encrypted messaging apps to help you protect yourself from companies’ eavesdrop on your private chats and calls.   

While some of these apps are developed by huge corporations, few are run by start-ups. Some of the messengers on the list are so heavily encrypted that even government intelligence agencies can’t break into them.

Here are some of the best encrypted messaging apps available for Android as well iOS.  

1. Signal 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Signal: Android, iOS  

If you are a security-conscious mobile user then Signal is a fantastic messaging solution for you. The app is free and offers messaging, voice-calling, and group-chatting services. The app uses its end-to-end encryption protocol to protect your privacy.   

Signal is an encrypted messaging app that allows you to send text messages, voice calls, group messages, media, and attachments to your contacts without messing with your special login credentials or PIN codes.   

The application even offers you an option to set all the messages to self-destruct after a certain amount of time.   

Signal’s encryption is so strong that Facebook uses it for WhatsApp and Messenger. However, unlike my tech giants, Signal’s parent is a non-profit foundation created by a cryptographer who is also the founder of WhatsApp.  

Over time, Signal has become a favorite application for security-conscious users and other privacy advocates due to its ease of use and strong, open-source, regularly audited encryption.   

The application offers user-friendliness without compromising on security making it’s a fantastic option. The application also offers user-friendly features such as for customization such as wallpapers and animated stickers.  

2. Threema 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: $3.99  

Download Threema: Android, iOS  

Threema is a very secure end-to-end encrypted messaging app that leverages the NaCl cryptography library for privacy protection.   

The application keeps your identity anonymous by not requiring any personal information and generating a unique Threema ID key. However, you can also associate your account with a phone number or email address to allow other users to easily find you.   

If in any instance, you meet other Threema users in person but don’t want to exchange names then you can use a scannable QR code to connect with them.   

Other than the raft of messaging features such as encrypted text, voice, picture, and video messaging, the application also offers a file-sharing limit of 20MB and a polling system for feedback 

3. WhatsApp  

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download WhatsApp: Android, iOS   

WhatsApp has single-handedly become the most widely used chat and call app. The encrypted messaging app uses Signal’s end-to-end encryption since 2016 which is continuously being tweaked by its developers.  

The app’s security and privacy features allow users to fine-tuned group invitations. This in turn gives you control over them.   

After Whatsapp was sold to Facebook, the company now uses its behavioral data, however, the messages entirely remain walled-off.   

WhatsApp remains the easiest end-to-end encrypted messaging application. For users not comfortable with Facebook’s presence, you can always opt for other applications on this list.   

WhatsApp’s ease of use, ubiquity, and ability to send voice and video messages, and photos makes it a robust and fully encrypted mobile-messaging app. 

4. Silent Phone 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: $9.95 per month  

Download Silent Phone: Android, iOS   

Silent Circle, is a secure-communications software, provides encrypted audio and video calls. It also offers encrypted messaging and file transfers that are self-destructing.  

The best part is the encryption keys are not held by Silent Circle but by subscribers themselves. This means that even though your encrypted messages may pass through Silent Circle’s network, they won’t be able to read your data.  

However, there is a downside to this encrypted messaging app that is its high price. While installation is free of cost, but it won’t work till the payment of $9.95 per month.   

Silent Circle aims to provide enterprise users total privacy for work. This also means that you’ll find fewer people who use it for personal communications. 

5. Wire 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Wire: Android, iOS  

Wire offers end-to-end encryption for messages, calls, audio and video clips, and Dropbox file sharing. The encrypted messaging app has multiplatform for cross-device syncing and multiple accounts support. This allows you to keep your personal and work communications separate.   

The application has its own Proteus encryption protocol with open-source code. It is also subjected to external security audits.   

You can use the mobile and web versions of the application for free, but the premium tier is paid version. Like Silent Circle and Wickr, Wire wants to primarily appeal to business users.  

6. WickrMe   

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Wickr Me: Android, iOS  

Wickr Me is an end-to-end encrypted-messaging app that allows you to send private, self-destructing messages for free.   

This encrypted messaging app uses strong encryption as it takes your privacy seriously. With Wickr, you can configure the amount of time for a message to self-destruct.   

A new layer of security is added by the video-key verification system which allows each user to verify each other with short encrypted video. The app even has a $100,000 bug-bounty program for anyone to point out a security flaw.  

However, Wickr is not as versatile as one might think. It’s audio and video calls are one-to-one only and group chats are limited to 10 members.  

7. Viber 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Viber: Android, iOS  

Originally developed in Israel, Viber is now owned and operated by Rakuten. The encrypted messaging app offers end-to-end encryption messaging with stickers and augmented-reality filters.  

Viber also features a color-coded lock icon to show users conversation protection. The application also has a self-destructing Secret Chats and a Hidden Chats feature.   

Additionally, the app also offers a solid mobile-messaging feature set tied to your phone number. The app is free to communicate with other Viber users, but you’ll have to pay to call non-Viber users. 

8. Facebook Messenger 

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Facebook Messenger: Android, iOS  

Facebook Messenger is not the first app that comes to mind when thinking about encrypted messaging, however, its mobile versions include end-to-end encrypted communication.   

The application uses the same encryption system used in Signal but you have to opt into the feature for Secret Conversations. You can also send and receive encrypted text, pictures, and stickers with the option for time-limited self-destructing messages.   

That said, Facebook Messenger is still vulnerable mainly because it’s Facebook. 

9. Silence

Available on: Android  

Price: Free  

Download Silence: F-Droid, Google Play  

Silence is an open-source SMS and MMS Android app offering more security than your standard text message. The application leverages the Axolotl encryption protocol pioneered by Signal and applies it to SMS.   

This encrypted messaging app works similar to your normal text messaging app with an option to send encrypted SMS.   

Though Silence is available on Google Play Store, American users can’t install it due to trademark issues. A newer version of the application is available to Americans on the F-Droid open-source app repository.  

10. Dust  

Available on: Android, iOS  

Price: Free  

Download Dust: Android, iOS  

Dust, formerly called Cyber Dust, offers multiple encryptions and security features to maintain user privacy. The encrypted messaging app leverages a combination of AES-128 and RSA-2048 encryption. It is designed to keep direct messages in RAM, rather than in your phone’s storage.   

You can also set messages to self-destruct within 24 hours after being read. However, the application does not display user names in a message and alerts you if a screenshot is taken.   

Additionally, the application offers privacy-watchdog features along with stealth search tool for your privacy during a web search.  

These are the top picks for the best encrypted messaging app. Do let us know if we missed your favorites in the comment section below.   

Author Bio:

FAQs: 

• Are Facebook Messenger messages encrypted? 

  Yes, Facebook messages are encrypted in Secret Conversation mode.  

• What is the best-encrypted messenger app for Android? 

  Whatsapp is the best-encrypted messenger app for Android in terms of privacy, security, and user-friendliness.  

The post 10 Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for 2022 appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Apps have become an essential part of our everyday life. We use them for work, entertainment, and almost every other activity.    

Today, Google Play has approximately 3.04 million apps and the publishing new 6.140 mobile apps on average every day.   

Consequently, newly released apps face a risk of remaining in the shadows which can cause immense struggle for app creators to make their app stand out.    

When looking to discover a new app, more often users turn to their family and friends for recommendations than browsing app stores.   

Search engines are another way that people use to find a new game, to learn a new language, an app to arrange their finances, and others.     

So, in this blog post, we are going to discuss 32 must-have App Marketing strategies for your newly developed app.   

What are the App Marketing Strategies that you can implement to stand out from the crowd?    

1. Start Marketing Before Launch   

One thing that you should remember as an app marketer is to start app marketing long before you bring the app to the market.    

This App Marketing Strategies usually starts when your development team starts building your app. This is probably the best time to reach out to your customers and talk to them. After all, it’s the people you want to serve.   

By reaching out and getting questions answered, you want to understand the expectations your potential customers have with the app.    

This process will open you up to you provide value to your potential users and nurture relationship even though you don’t have an app yet.   

2. Incorporate Influencers Marketing   

For any company launching a new app, it is important to developing honest, authentic, and mutually beneficial relationships with influencers. Such relationships can and will go a long way in helping you to promote your app.   

In today’s world, influencers have the power to influence the buying and engagement decisions of a group of people. It is vital to only present content to them with the truly relevant information about your product as per their target audience.    

But, remember it is also important to find influencers that truly value your company and vision. A person who will genuinely sponsor your product will aid your company much more.   

Bonus!   

For companies that are in the nascent stage, it is very impactful to give your creators their section within the app or work towards an app that caters to both of your needs.   

3. Mobile Website   

Your website can be one of the greatest assets in promoting your app for free. But for this, you need to have an existing website that is fully functional and mobile-friendly.    

On desktop, all the customers interested in your company will find their way to your website and this is your chance to tell them you have an app.   

4. Feature Your App in a Blog   

Another App Marketing idea you can leverage is to include your app in a regularly scheduled blog post.    

This can be of two types:    

• You can create a complete blog post that is dedicated solely to your app    
• You can include a call to action in every blog post to invite your viewers to download the app.   

If you want to do more than you can get bloggers on other websites to build hype for your app.   

5. Feature Your App in Emails   

A great App Marketing Strategies gives you 360-degree coverage. Hence, if you want to create a App Marketing strategy you need to be engraved into every aspect of your email marketing.    

Every business sends out countless emails every day and if you are not including your app in those that means you’re are missing an opportunity.   

Every email that is sent out should include a one-line advertising footer for your app. This can include details such as the app’s accomplished and a link to redirect the readers towards the download page.   

Emails still have their charm is leveraged in the right ways. According to a study by Exact Target, “91% people check their email daily”.    

You can capitalize by incorporating app links in customer service emails, newsletters, and use them in email signatures.   

6. Use Demo Video   

Video marketing is also a very easy and powerful way to showcase everything your app has to offer.    

For your demo video marketing, you can create a simple 30-second commercial video that covers- Why, How, and What.   

Once you are finishing creating your demo video, be sure to include it in your blog post, social media channels, and other platforms.   

7. Consider App Stores Alterative   

We all know about Google Play and App Store. However, you should not forget that there is a bunch of other online markets where you can upload your app.    

According to One Platform Foundation, if an app on other less popular stores, it will increase the expected downloads by more than 200% compared to Google Play.   

Here is the list of some of the great lowkey app stores you should consider:   

• SlideMe   
• Opera Mobile Store   
• Amazon Appstore   
• AppBrain   

8. Participate in App Awards   

You should also participate in app awards as it can give you tons of exposure through the press, reviews, and plenty of downloads.    

Of course, the chances of being picked among hundreds of other apps depend on your pitch and app idea. But, if you manage to get it right the first time then you can enjoy plenty of stardom.   

Here is a list of some famous app awards sites that you can try:   

• Appy Awards   
• Best App Ever Awards   
• AppCircus competition   
• Apple Design Awards   
• Ericsson Application Awards   

 9. Focus on SEO    

Yes, it might sound a little strange to you but remember SEO matters.    

If you must be thinking why…..well! Let me explain.   

By using the correct SEO, your app URL might show up in search results when users key-in related queries. For instance, if they are looking up for music apps, then you might want your app to pop up among the first few entries.   

All that you need to do is identify “best-targeted” keywords that rank and analyze keywords your app is currently ranking on. You can also build quality links to boost rankings.   

10. Reach Out to Customers   

You should not just rely on App stores but also explore Google’s search engine. Believe me, it can do wonders for your app marketing strategy.   

For instance, if your app is related to music then Google the term “best music android apps.” See the results you get and out of these 5 top results, 4 of them are high-authority blogs.    

If you get this shot, you will get your app featured along with other long-term benefits such as:   

• Exposure   
• Targeted Traffic   
• Powerful Link-building   
• Rating & Reviews  

11. Join Entrepreneurs Groups   

You need to start increasing your visibility on social media groups & communities. you should especially focus on Linkedin, Google+, and Facebook.   

Create a network where you can ask them for feedback on your app. You can also give them free promo codes to try out.    

Build virtual relationships that might present the opportunity to cross-promote without spending money.   

12. Create Unique Icon   

With over 1.6 million apps in the Google Play Store, there is always noise in any category you choose. Constant noise forces many people choose to an app when the app icon entices them.   

So, you need to make your app icon stand out. Testing out your app icon on different wallpapers can help.   

13. Take Screenshots   

Taking random screenshots of your app and dropping it in the google or app store is a sign of a poor job.   

You can be more appealing to your audiences by adding captions and other visual elements. This will turn even a boring task management app into a high download winner.   

14. App Store Optimization   

App store optimization (ASO) is crucial for any new company as it is at the core of search engine optimization (SEO) for the Google Play and App Store.   

Like SEO, ASO focuses on search relevance, keyword relevance, and the keyword density in the app description.   

Your app description is important in your mobile App Marketing efforts as more than half of iPhone and Android users find the app through search.   

15. Great Landing Page   

For any business, the landing page is a must-have if you don’t have a mobile app. Landing pages are like business cards, you might not need them but it’s good to have.   

Your landing page should have the two most noticeable links of the App and Google Play Store. They should be larger than the social buttons which will help visitors to share the site app.   

In the second last panel, you should have social proof from news outlets and real-life users of the apps.   

16. Website Links for App Download   

The landing page is great, but it’s still the first step. It will give you chances to divert traffic to your business’s website. You can then leverage those existing visitors by adding a link to directly download the app.   

17. Website Banner   

A small banner is always great to grab user’s attention without intrusion. You can opt for pops up somewhere on your website which is non-intrusive and get notices.    

18. Social Media    

By now if you are not already in the social media game, you should hurry!   

You need to have a Facebook page, Instagram profile, Twitter profile, or Linkedin page to promote your app.  These apps will give you a great platform to promote your product and connect with the users.   

19. Get on Mobile App Review    

Getting your app in an App Review Site means you have to pitch to them. Your pitch needs to convince them that your app is good enough to be reviewed and featured on their website.    

Once an influencer accepts your offer, it is most likely that you’ll need to provide support material for your app.    

These App Marketing Strategies will get you lots of press and reviews about your app which is an easy way to capitalize on other site’s traffic.   

20. Be Press Ready   

You need to remember that journalists are pressured by deadlines. They usually don’t have time to follow up with leads.   

So, to have the best chance of getting your story published, you need to make sure your PR kit has everything a journalist will need.   

A good mobile app PR kit consists of:   

• An App Summary Guide   
• Your Press Release   
• Screenshots (App & Lifestyle)   
• Design Collateral (Icons, Logos, Banners, etc)   
• Videos (Walkthroughs, Intro Video, etc)   
• Founder Bios & Pictures   

Once your press kit and press release are ready, you can send them to free press release distribution sites.   

21. Promo Video   

A good promo video is a staple of any app as it is quick and easy to help users understand the usage of the app. You can also help them understand how they could use it too.   

Besides, promo videos can take advantage of video SEO. For instance, if users are searching for “the best list-making app.” Your promo video will show up in the results increasing your visibility.   

22. Use Your Social Network   

Despite the heavy focus by businesses, Social media is still in a very under-utilized promotion channel.    

Facebook page post reaches 16% of the page’s fan base. There you can be sending a message multiple times over a month or two. So, if you were to re-write a message 4 or 5 times and send it once a week for 5 weeks that means you’re reaching 80% of your audience.   

23. Announcement Blog   

Launch, announcements, and updates of your app on your company’s page is a great way to keep your customers informed about the new change.    

To promote your blog, you can leverage your social network and cite the blog post in your email signature to drive traffic to your mobile app. This will immensely support your app marketing strategy.  

24. In-Store App Promotion   

If you are running a brick-and-mortar business, the best way to drive downloads is by leveraging foot traffic.   

For instance, you can place QR codes, Google Play Store and App Store stickers, and inform customers about your mobile app.    

Similarly, you can create a QR code and place it on your business cards. By doing this, everyone who gets a card will also have a direct link to download your app.  

25. Recruit Users Locally   

Local events can be a great place to recruit new mobile app users. You need to simply bring a stack of business cards that have your app download link and hand them out without much talking.   

It’s suggested to have a brief initial conversation with the people at the event and then you can start handing them your business card.    

26. Blog Commenting   

Identify the opportunity to add value by commenting on blogs that are relevant to your app.    

You can provide valuable insight and attach the link to your mobile app as well. This can drive high-quality links and traffic to your mobile app.   

27. Influencer Sharing   

You can always drive mass amounts of traffic to your mobile by leveraging influencers. For this find a list of relevant influencers working in your app’s space.   

You can work with them in two ways:   

• You can do a joint venture   

• You can send in the product and can share if the app adds value to them   

You can automate this to schedule a bunch of tweets fed over time or leverage the influence of others for share manor.   

28. Use Pinterest   

Pinterest is another social network platform that is ignored by many marketers. You need to have pictures of your app focusing on its beauty. You can also share other images of its interface. This App Marketing Strategies will drive more traffic as people come there for the idea.   

29. Incentivize Users   

You can promote your app by creating a contest within your app to incentivize your users if they download the app. You can also add various levels of keeping the remainder of the contest or referring it to a friend.   

Your app can also have a leaderboard that showcases its stand in the rankings. This will engage your company, increase app share, and having their friends sign up.    

30. Respond to Reviews   

You should always be consistent and prompt to take the time out to answer your customer. You should remember that they are taking their time to write out a review no matter how long.    

Regardless of the customer’s feedback, let them know that you are trying your best to resolve the problem. You can also list out the steps you are taking to solve their issue.    

You should always apologize if they are not satisfied and thank them for their patronage if they are satisfied.    

31. Integrate Sharing   

You can take your App Marketing Strategies a step deeper by letting it promote itself. With each step your customers will make endless discoveries, nothing is more satisfying than sharing them.    

You can include the option to share in-app content within your app. This will broaden your app’s visibility and create a platform that lets users express themselves.   

32. Constantly Update Your App   

Your need constantly makes your app better for customers. In the longer run, apps that are not cared for are usually thrown away as they become outdated.   

Users will feel that you are not doing anything to make the experience better for them. This will be especially true if you have not addressed many issues for a long time.   

Updating your app constantly will keep your app content fresh and let your customers know that you are always planning something more.   

Conclusion:   

In this blog, I have covered the Best 32 must-have App Marketing Strategies that you should know before starting an app. If you feel that I have missed any new App Marketing Strategies or note-worthy points you can let me know in the comment below?  

Author Bio:

Shreeya Chourasia is an experienced B2B marketing/tech content writer, who is diligently committed for growing your online presence. Her writing doesn’t merely direct the audience to take action, rather it explains how to take action for promising outcomes.

The post Top 32  Must-Have App Marketing Strategies     appeared first on Tech Research Online.

For most marketers, Facebook has become the best advertising platform for effective audience targeting. Even though it is true that the features offered by Facebook can be a game-changer. But, take a moment and think!  

Today, the cost of advertising on Facebook has increased exponentially but in turn, its impressions have only gone down. 

What Does This Mean for a Brand?  

This simply means that by relying too much on one sales channel you make your chances for success very dicey in the longer run. It is not long before you will get caught with your pants down.  

You should stop using Facebook entirely but just take a moment to look around. You will see that there are lots of channels for paid advertising that might deliver better results.   

Plus, you don’t want to miss out on the advantages of other apps right!  

It has become very obvious today, that people don’t just use Facebook. Studies say that the average internet user has an average of 7.6 social media accounts!  

As for businesses, a survey by Lawless Research and Factual says that marketers are spending an average of 43% of their ad budget on Google and Facebook.  

Most businesses are using quite similar online advertising strategies. In fact, 46% of marketers with an ad budget of $50 million or higher say that they usually spend up to 60% of it on ad programs from the two tech giants.  

Below, is the comparison of how different companies spend their ad budgets money on different platforms/ Advertising Apps owned by Google, Facebook, and Amazon: 

Source: Lawless Research and Factual 

Although Facebook, Google, and Amazon have been extensively adopted in the industries, marketers are still worried that the platforms will grow powerful and soon start dictating their advertising options. When asked to rate their level of concern, 78% said they were somewhere between concerned and very concerned.  

As we continue to see growth in digital advertising, do we still have Facebook alternatives apps?  

Well, the answer is Yes!   

Today, many marketers are looking for new advertising options although most of them spend huge money on Facebook, Google, and Amazon. As much as 65% of them want alternatives.   

Lawless and Factual study revealed that other platforms that participants were using were Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter. The study also suggests that participants using YouTube and Instagram did not realize that they were paying into the oligopoly.   

But, at the end of the day, everything comes back to you, whether you want to diversify your advertising, reach more customers outside of Facebook, or switch to another online advertising channel.   

But, how do you choose the right alternative Advertising Apps to Facebook ads?   

Before making any drastic decision, you need to consider all the pros and cons of every platform, revisit your goals, evaluate your current campaigns, and understand that signing up for more than one platform will not give you access to different audiences.  

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through some of the most prominent alternatives for Advertising Apps that you should know.  

1. LinkedIn Ads  

Similar to Facebook, LinkedIn’s advertising and content promotion offers you all the option to create native ads, promote visual, or text-based posts in its newsfeeds.   

You can also designate ad objectives, such as lead generation, web traffic, and make your ads more targeted to specific demographics.  

Here’s an example of what promoted content looks like on LinkedIn: 

Similar to Facebook ads, paid content on LinkedIn also boost traffic and leads generations. This is especially useful in the B2B world. 80% of B2B leads are generated through LinkedIn and 94% of marketers use the platform.  

Even though LinkedIn Ads are similar to Facebook, it has a slightly different nature from Facebook because it embraces professional networking and career growth. Hence, the platform becomes especially great for brands looking to sell products or services to professionals and other businesses.  

2. Twitter Ads  

Twitter Ads are very similar to Facebook Ads where you can pay to promote tweets or launch ad-styled campaigns.   

A report from Twitter and Research Now says that about 93% of its users that follow small and medium-sized businesses (SMB) plan to purchase from them. The is especially useful for those that are targeting Millennials. The chart below shows Twitter users by age: 

                                                   Source: Twitter and Research Now 

Promoted tweets usually show up higher in the feeds of target users with a “Promoted” sign. You also have the option to choose objectives for Twitter Ads similar to Facebook.   

In comparison to Facebook ads, Twitter Ads are more affordable and effective as their engagement with paid ads has increased by 50% year over the year. However, their cost per engagement has decreased by 14% in 2018. 

3. Reddit Ads  

Reddit is a social network that is based on communities that encourage users to contribute to discussions called subreddits.  

The platform is very unique and gains more than 330 million monthly active users. Most of its users are within the millennial and Gen-Z age groups.  

Brands can test out multiple strategies, similar to what some have done in the past. They can either contribute to discussions and start their subreddits or take advantage of their paid promotions.  

In the case of paid promotion, you can also consider sponsoring posts and ensuring that they are placed higher on subreddits or feeds of targeted users.   

Native ads might also come in handy in case you are someone less familiar with how to engage people on the platform. Still, if you want to sell a product that Reddit users might be interested in, such as a technological gadget or video games. You can always consider a native ad that shows up in Reddit feeds or on Reddit’s sidebar.  

One important thing about Reddit is that it is considered one of the trickiest platforms for marketers. Though you can promote your content, users are primarily seen responding to content that adds to conversations, rather than branded language.   

However, Reddit has been seen to be making more efforts to become brand-friendly.   

If you are not that interested in Reddit, it is still good to know a little bit about it and do a bit of research to learn about its audience, what topics they care for, and what they’ll respond to.   

4. Pinterest Ads  

If you are a business selling products such as home decor, lifestyle experiences, or travel bookings then you should use Pinterest.  

Pinterest might not be one the most prominent social media platform, but it still has a user base of over 300 million monthly active users.   

The platform is known to be photo-friendly and encourages people to pin images and products they like. By pinning such images, they can create an inspiration board. This might be the reason why big brands, such as Target, have embraced the platform.  

Pinterest has been leveraged by both small and big businesses. They have also leveraged the platform’s advertising tools to launch ROI-generating ads.   

5. Microsoft Advertising  

We all know that Google still monopolizes the search engine market, however, you might not want to write Microsoft engine options off as an option.  

Formerly known as Bing Ads, Microsoft Advertising is quite similar to Google ads where you can create, optimize, and track PPC ads. These ads show up in searches on Microsoft Search Network platforms, including MSN, Bing, and Yahoo.  

And if you are someone who thinks that everyone is exclusively using Google. You might need to think again. According to Microsoft 5.5 billion, monthly searches occur on its search network.  

You should also know that Microsoft Ads is less competitive as it is not as heavily used as Google. WordStream says that Microsoft Advertising clients see cost-per-clicks that are 35.5% lower than Google ads.  

Similar to Google Ads, you’ll might want to familiarize yourself with PPC strategies as this will help you properly monitor the budget. You’ll also need to brush up on keyword research to make your ad pop up higher than the sponsored search results.  

Conclusion:  

For marketers, there is a world of digital advertising opportunities beyond Facebook. In this blog post, we have shared social sites or Advertising Apps besides Facebook for ads and brand presence. These channels are fantastic Facebook Advertising Apps alternatives to diversify your advantages. check out our other facebook related tech savvy blogs.

Author Bio:

Shreeya Chourasia is an experienced B2B marketing/tech content writer, who is diligently committed for growing your online presence. Her writing doesn’t merely direct the audience to take action, rather it explains how to take action for promising outcomes.

The post Advertising Apps like Facebook That You Should Know in 2021 appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Because, if your app isn’t safe to use, all your other efforts will be in vain.

This means that app security should be a top priority for you during the phase of app development. It is supposed to ensure that the users’ data is protected and no hackers can steal and misuse it. So, if you want to create the ultimate app security strategy for all your future apps, but aren’t sure how- just keep reading. Below, you’ll find 7 ultimate steps you should follow to create a killer app security strategy.

Let’s take it to step by step.

1. Train Your Team

When you look at the process of developing an app, and all the people involved in it, it’s clear that you’re not in this alone. And, if you’re the only one concerned about app security it can’t be a success.

This is why you need to start building your app security by training your team to make it a priority. You can do it any way you like:

• make it a part of your company policy
• hold team meetings explaining the importance of security
• send team members to seminars, webinars, and workshops

Constantly reinforce the idea of the importance of app security and make sure it becomes a strong part of the team or even company culture.

In case you need help writing a clear company policy, you can use these college paper writing service. Plus tools such as Thesaurus or Canva can help you with the style of writing and the design.

2. Impose Strong Authentication

Weak passwords and easy to crack authentication is a major issue that most users don’t seem to care about. But, it leads to data breaches and makes it easy for hackers to do their job.

That’s why you need to impose strong authentication levels for your app users:

• the password has to be alphanumeric
• it has to have at least one sign
• it has to have at least one capital letter
• there are security questions that need to be answered

And, if your app deals with super-important data, you can even include biometric passwords such as facial recognition, fingerprint scanning, or retinal scanning.

3. Collect Minimal Data

Data collection is one of the possibly vulnerable spots of your app. If the app is collecting users’ data to be able to work properly, then this data is potentially endangered.

This is why you have to restrict data collection. Here’s what that means:

• only collect the data you need for the app to work
• do not ask for any additional information

The less you know, the less responsibility for users’ data you have.

So, if your app is for an e-commerce business, don’t ask your users for their contacts list or access to their gallery.

4. Utilize Data Encryption

It should go without saying that data encryption is one of the best ways to protect your data. When it comes to app security, it’s an absolute must.

Data encryption is the process in which your code is turned into a bunch of letters and impossible to read signs. And, only the parties who have the key can access and understand this code.

This means that the hackers might find a way to get to your code, but they still won’t be able to read it.

Therefore, make sure to encrypt all data to not jeopardize data security.

5. Employ Secure Code Practices

The app code is another major security issue that you need to take care of unless you want hackers to reach your users’ data. It’s a potentially vulnerable spot that you have to make stronger and harder to access.

Therefore, you should write a more secure code. The best way to do it is to employ all the secure code writing practices you know of.

Those include:

• Code signing
• Code minification
• Code hardening

The more secure your code is, the harder it will be for the hackers to attack it and get to it. It’s a significant addition to your app security strategy.

6. Test App Security

 It can often happen that you think you have it all figured out. Your team seems to have done a great job. And it all looks great on paper.

But, you can never be sure about the success of your app security strategy unless you test it.

Testing your app security implies:

• performing a series of attacks to try and steal the data
• looking into any possible loophole or entrance to the app’s data storage
• finding any way possible to jeopardize app security

Once you perform the necessary tests, you can say with certainty that the app is safe to use. But, don’t forget to retest as time goes by since there will be new types of attacks in the future.

Keep testing, and keep updating your app security strategy. This way, you’ll make sure you’re always one step ahead of potential problems and security breaches.

7. Limit Access

 Finally, make sure that no team member has full access to all the data and app information you’re storing. Instead, give everyone access only to the information they need to do their job.

This way, you’re protecting app data in the case that:

• hackers use one team member’s credentials
• someone loses their laptop
• someone neglects the security protocols

This means that a UX designer has nothing to do with the information necessary for the marketing team to have, or vice versa. They should only have access to the information and data they truly need to do their jobs and tasks properly.

Teach them how to use the cybersecurity tools but don’t trust them with full access to your users’ information. This will be the final but significant addition to your app security strategy.

Conclusion

Your app security is an extremely important segment of your overall app development strategy. Creating a safe app means creating an app your users will love using. It will also show you are professional and trustworthy.

Use the steps provided above to build a strong app security strategy and apply it to all your future app development projects.

Author Bio:

Dorian Martin is a freelance writing expert interested in digital marketing and copywriting for businesses. An educational writer by training, he is helping blogs with content strategies. Thanks to the experience in SEO, Dorian often works on content planning and auditing projects.

The post 7 Steps to Write the Ultimate App Security Strategy appeared first on Tech Research Online.

Several tech companies have reported a surge in the number of daily users. Some of these apps are designed to help track the virus many are purely for entertainment and health purpose. The majority of users are working from home and adapting to spending long periods between four walls.

Fortunately, several apps have been gaining increases popularity to curb boredom by keeping our minds and bodies active. Some of these apps can keep boredom at bay while keeping you mindful and healthy. Here are the best coronavirus-related apps to download:

COVID Symptom Tracker and Covid-19 Tracker

These apps are designed with the aim of slow down the spread of Covid-19 and identify risk cases as soon as possible. Uses can take a one-minute test to self-report their symptoms and update their information as symptoms change. Self-reporting symptoms can help researchers identify the speed at which the virus is spreading in a user’s area. They can also understand high-risk areas that are at risk by understanding symptoms linked to underlying health conditions.

The app also updates users with the latest news about the virus and engages them in real-time conversations with other users. These trackers allow users to self-report symptoms and reduce the rate of infection for others. If one of the users tests positive for the virus, the app itself will alert responsible authorities so users can seek medical care.

#1. Headspace

Headspace has been a popular app even before the time of the pandemic. The app can help find moments of solace even the chaos, it can even help you fall to sleep, and soothe your mind. If you haven’t already used this app then this is the best time to download it.

The mindfulness apps have hundreds of guided meditations sessions from managing stress to anxiety and sleep.

Headspace App even has SOS sessions for moments of panic or stress. It also features live animations to teach users new skills, a move mode to facilitate cardio and workouts, and a sleep feature.

It has full guided training sessions led by former monk and mindfulness expert. It has been regularly recommended by therapists to aid with counseling. Furthermore, this app also enables users to keep a private journal and monitor daily moods and activities for free.

In its journal, it offers other features such as adding notes, colors, and emojis to help communicate and reflect moods, set reminders to prompt entries, create goals, build new habits, and turn on a PIN lock. These features focus on improving mindset and monitoring moods over days, weeks, and months.

#2. Houseparty

Humans are social animals and today out progress is a result of social interaction. Quarantines and self-isolation have justified us confines to the four walls of our house.

Many people are struggling because of not having face-to-face interactions with friends. Houseparty App is a must-download for such people as it is a social networking app where users can connect with friends and family through video chats.

This app offers several features such as alerts if when others are ‘in the house’ to enable users to strike up a conversation instantly. Users can chat with up to eight friends simultaneously which is perfect for those annoyed by Whatsapp’s and FaceTime’s four-person limit.

#3. Moodpath

Moodpath is a perfect app for those people who want to keep a tab on their thoughts and emotions during Covid-19.

The app provides several features to assess your mental health such as by answering daily questions about physical and emotional well-being, sharing those assessments with mental health professionals, and so much more.

Its mood tracker can be used to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. It also offers several practice modes of CBT with written and audio exercises.

#4. Zoom

Lockdowns have led to the temporary closing of offices and workspaces. Employees have retreated to work from home. Nevertheless, the progress of businesses depends on the collaboration of the employees.

Zooms App are proving video conferencing platforms for such businesses to collaborate and share ideas.

This app allows multiple people to join meetings in real-time with colleagues. The app doesn’t even require any payment or purchase of service for small scale businesses.

It can also be used for online classrooms and video calls with friends and family. Its features include screen share screen, background customization, and several others.

#5. Freedom

Quarantines and lockdowns have been negatively impacting many people. Freedom app is perfect for those people who are getting increasingly sick of news updates about coronavirus.

This app lets users set their daily limits on most android devices. It also enables them to block distractions on other devices as well to improve the relationship with technology.

The app’s makers have said that its users report gaining two and a half hours of productive time each day. It was all possible because of its several features to help fight distraction and technology addiction.

Uses can start by turning off notification noises, setting a lock mode, blocking the internet, and scheduling blocks to help them focus on productive habits.

Conclusion:

The rise of technology has led us to far and near places, however, now that we are confines in our homes technology can still rescue us. Technology is offering us several ways to overcome this crisis and led a healthy life. These apps have gained immense popularity among people as they can not only help lead a better life during quarantine but after that too.

Author Bio:

The post 6 Apps That Are Trending Due To COVID-19 appeared first on Tech Research Online.

But before that, you must have wondered what digital marketing apps are. These are apps that marketers use to reduce to market their business massively with less effort and communicate effectively as well.

Most marketing apps allow you to schedule your posts and even have autoresponders for your social media pages. If you are looking for tips on how to make a marketing strategy, consider using marketing apps. Since some of these apps have premium plans, you can use secure payment methods with your mobile phone.

Here are some breathtaking marketing apps to turn your marketing struggles into a gentle wind.

#1. Wunderlist

Have you thought about organizing your daily tasks on a digital storage space? Putting down your ideas helps you to stay more organized. You don’t have to write them down anymore on a piece of paper that might get lost.

Wunderlist is all you need, and the best thing is that you can access it anytime, anywhere, so long as you have a device. You can create lists an also share them with your colleagues at work. It is one of the best marketing apps online, which you can see when someone marks a task they have completed.

This is a mobile app that you can always update. Get ready to assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and track what you have accomplished.

#2. Hootsuite

Do you have several social media accounts for marketing your business? Being consistent in posting on them often can be tricky? But why should you struggle when you can use the marketing apps service?

Hootsuite is one of those apps that you can utilize. Being a versatile app for marketing, you can use it on Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, LinkedIn, and Twitter. The best thing is that it has a free plan and a premium one as well.

With a free plan, you can manage up to three social media accounts and schedule a maximum of 30 posts. This gives you a chance to plan at every level. You can pay to start from $25 per month, add your teammates, manage multiple accounts, and schedule posts.

If you are observing a marketing strategy budget, you might want to start with the free plan before purchasing the premium version.

#3. Buffer

If you are looking for another social media marketing app for scheduling posts, you might love Buffer. Buffer is also among the mobile marketing apps that you can use to schedule more than one account on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

Buffer is crucial because it helps you keep an eye on your posts. You can find out how they performed to know whether you are marketing the right way. Just like Hootsuite, this app also has free subscriptions and premium ones that you should purchase.

Their packages start from as low as $15 per month. There are other plans like $99 for Small Business and $199 if you have a medium business. If you own large businesses, you must pay $399.

Should you have an IOS app, you can schedule and share your posts inside apps like Safari. With Buffer, you don’t have to jump from one platform to another, creating posts. It helps you post the same content on multiple platforms at the same time.

If you are frequently traveling yet want to keep your pages updated, don’t underestimate Buffer.

#4. Slack

There’s nothing as fulfilling as keeping your mailbox focused. If you have a team in your business, you need to maintain a good communication pattern. You need good marketing apps that enhance your communication.

Slack will help you keep in contact with your team by making communication simple. No matter where your team members are located, you can message them and even have group conversations.

You can do all these through your email, especially if your team members are working remotely. Even in high traffic internet events, you can still serve your customers well.

Slack will help you do that and transfer it to other team members if you need to work on a document while on vacation. Slack is also a great collaboration tool for businesses working with suppliers.

#5. Facebook Pages Manager

Would you like to try an app that streamlines activities of managing your Facebook page? Facebook pages are excellent marketing platforms having the fact that most people use it.

According to statistics, over 2 billion people use Facebook actively. Many businesses are using Facebook to generate sales by reaching their ideal clients.

However, that cannot be possible without a proper marketing strategy. Marketing can be overwhelming when you do it manually. It would help if you had marketing apps for social media like Facebook Pages Manager to assist you.

You might want to learn more about the art of advertising on Facebook for better marketing results.

#6. You Tube

YouTube is the largest platform for sharing Videos in the online world today as it has over 1.8 billion active users. This means that it’s a must-have app for any serious marketer.

Whether you plan to live stream some content, share songs, or videos, YouTube is all you need.

You can upload your marketing animated videos using ideal keywords and reach as many people as possible.

The best approach in YouTube marketing is by uploading informative videos accompanying whatever you are trying to market. It would also be great if you learned some YouTube marketing skills before using this app.

Would you like to transform your marketing strategy? It’s high time for you to use different platforms to reach many people and advertise your business. But that will not be possible if you do it manually.

It would be best if you had reliable marketing apps for social media. You can try any of these apps and experience immense growth in your business.

Which marketing app do you use in your business? Let us know in the comments section.

Author Bio: 

Ellen Royce is an expert digital marketer who has a wealth of knowledge in marketing. She has had success in marketing through SEO and social media channels. She helps other marketers build their online presence by offering the latest marketing trends.

The post 6 Apps to Support Your Marketing Strategy appeared first on Tech Research Online.

In the past month, remote working has risen sharply as more people are getting the day’s tasks done at home. We should not forget that the concept of remote working or work from home has become possible due to digitalization. However, it has become equally important to consider that there are still challenges of remote working and getting tasks done at home. The most common problem faced in remote working is struggling to unplug after work.

Furthermore, communication and collaboration is also obvious barrier when working from a different location than teammates. Nevertheless, there are several apps at our disposal to solve this problem. Other challenges may include lack of motivation when removing all the gentle nudges of having superiors and that sense of being at work.

We are addressing all these challenges in this blog and all of the apps that can be a help to overcome these. Recommended tools in these blogs are free and the once that are paid also come with a free version. Their tools can be adopted by companies to improve the workflow and turn remote working into a truly life-changing move.

So Let’s see the 7 Top work from home Apps of 2022

#1. Slack (Windows, Android, Web, Mac, and iOS)

Slack is an ideal communication tool for remote workers and is designed specifically for teams. Organized instant messaging channels can be easily joined and left by team members. This eliminates the problem of receiving irrelevant messages or notifications. It also gives members options to chat outside of the main topics in separate threads. It prevents such messages from interfering with project-centric conversations.

Key features:

• Instant messaging: Live communication for seamless collaboration.
• File sharing: Drag-and-drop options for file sharing in the form of PDFs, images, videos, and other types.
• Voice & video calls: Direct voice and video call options.
• Screen sharing: Allows team members to share their screens for real-time collaboration.

The free version of Slack allows users to create a single workspace for small teams while paid versions provide everyone with a fully-collaborative workspace. The free version can be used by small teams within businesses between themselves.

#2. Zoom (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Web)

Zoom offers a full suite of communication and video conferencing tools. Businesses can leverage this application for the majority of remote team meetings and chat.

Key features:

• Video meetings: Free video meetings and one-to-one video calls for teams.
• Voice calls: Group and one on one voice calls.
• Webinars: Teams can host webinars.
• Messaging: Team can send messages using the application.
• File sharing: Share for better collaboration between members.

Zoom has made group video and voice meetings easy. Its free version can be used for a large chunk of smaller teams. The paid version of the app is also available and only requires hosts to pay a monthly fee. The host has to invite team members to join meetings. These teams can be of up to 100 participants and will only need to upgrade if meetings are longer than 40 minutes.

#3. Serene (Mac)

Serene can help in achieving maximum productivity every day and its free app for Mac. There are two key principles behind the app are: first, it encourages a person to set an everyday goal and stay focused on achieving it throughout the day. Secondly, it blocks access to distracting websites and apps during work sessions.

Key features:

• Website and App blocker: It blocks those websites and apps that distract users such as social media websites and apps, email, and others.
• Day planner: It defines the daily goal and gets stuff done.
• To-do lists: Manage tasks and helps gets work done by the right team member.
• Focus music: It plays background music to help keep focus.
• Distraction-free sessions: This app lets users work for 20-60 minute sessions with regular breaks to maximize productivity.
• Session timer: Gives a motivation by showing remaining time to complete tasks to boost users towards the end of each session.
• Phone silencer: Automatically put user phone on silent mobile.

Serene help user divides everyday goals into a series of short work sessions and regular breaks. These proven techniques give a person maximum focus while working while adjusting enough breaks to keep the mind fresh.

#4. Chrome Remote Desktop (iOS, Chrome extension, and Android)

Chrome remote desktop allows access to a computer from phones, tablets, and other computers. This means users of the applications can securely access the machine from anywhere without any risks. Users can access the computer by an access URL or download the mobile app for both Andriod and iOS. Its chrome extension gives users faster access from portable devices to office/home computer.

Key features:

• Remote Access: Its feature enables users to access the computer from anywhere, in real-time from any portable device.
• Screen share: Remote support feature also lets users share screen with team members.
• Remote Support: Team members can also access the computer of their colleagues from different locations.

Some of the other key functions include connecting the user’s device with fellow teammates to provide access to the computer and receive remote support. This is also perfect for getting help with resolving technical issues. In short, users can simply use their features to screen share and allowing everyone to see the same screen for more effective collaboration.

#5. Google Drive (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android & web)

Google Drive can be termed as a cloud alternative to Microsoft Office. However, it provides far more useful features for remote workers. The file-sharing and collaboration features for businesses such as team viewing in Google Drive are convenient and better than Microsoft Drive.

Another big issue for Mac users is that the MS apps regularly crash which is not the case of Google Drive. However, google drive and docs have their downside that is they have to be online.

Key features:

• Cloud storage: It can prove to be very useful for remote teams as it allows them real-time sharing and collaborating on files. This can be attributed to its cloud that these collaborations are without any real lag.
• Documents: It provides word documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and essential docs for free.

The application allows team members to work together in real-time on text documents and spreadsheets. Individual remote workers can use the free version of Google Drive as it offers more than enough features. However, for larger cloud storage than the default 15GB space businesses can upgrade storage plans without paying up for G Suite.

#6. Calendar (iOS, Android, web app)

Google Drive and docs come loaded with feature however, Google Calendar doesn’t provide some of the advanced features. Calendar is a more feature-rich alternative that connects all the needs into a single interface.

Key features:

• One calendar: It integrates all of the user calendars and keeps everything in one place.
• Easy scheduling: It schedules team meetings, eliminating the need for email exchange.
• Meeting transcriptions: Provides automatic transcripts for meetings.
• Synced events: It syncs all the events across other calendar apps.

Aside from integrating all of user calendar apps, Calendar’s star feature is the way it handles meetings. Instead of arranging video chats or other meetings with dizzying emails between multiple team members, Calendar allows anyone to choose and book meeting times during user availability hours while ensuring there are no conflicts with existing meetings or tasks.

#7. Zapier (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android & web)

Zapier can save endless amounts of time through its simple automation tool. Users can skip the fuss of constantly switching between multiple apps to and create Zaps to automate these tasks. Zapier can send data between apps such as Gmail and Google Drive to automatically upload email attachments for remote access. It can even automatically add new time entries to a spreadsheet for accuracy.

Key features:

• Application Integration: It links all apps to allow data sharing and saves time switching between apps.
• Automate tasks: It automates repetitive tasks.
• Custom automation: It provides the in-build feature for the user so they can personally automate apps if they can’t find them in Zapier’s library.

In today’s world automation has become one of the most pivotal tools for maximizing productivity. Zapier can help users easily adapt to automation technology. This incredibly simple app can save so much time iOS users making automation addictive.

Some companies today have been locked down without any proper IT infrastructure in place. Such companies can explore and leverage the benefits associated with these applications and services. These services not only help run organizations remotely but help maximize productivity. Once these companies will start implementing such application the themselves will realize the full benefits of working remotely.

The most crucial effects of this are reduced stress and ease in collaborations. In this critical time, the wrong approach can lead the company to increase stress on employees and the growth of the company. However, the right approach can increase productivity and growth while supporting and encouraging the company at an individual level.

These tools will provide a competitive advantage to the companies as the work can be completed faster with collaboration. This will enable businesses to inculcate healthy working habits among employees. This will help them maximize productivity while staying away from pressure.

The post 7 Top work from home Apps in 2022 appeared first on Tech Research Online.