How to Profit From Investing in Art: 5 Tips

April 10, 2021

It is true when they say that there pretty much is a market for everything in this world. That being said, you have to ensure that you are playing the market correctly if you want to make some money off of it. Art is no exception to this and there are plenty of people who collect art solely for the reason of making money off of it in the future. While it might seem like a no brainer, there are plenty of things that you have to consider if you are planning on investing in art. Small subtle things can either make the difference of a piece being worth thousands if not millions of dollars, and being completely worthless. Here are some tips on how you can profit from investing in art.

Find A Platform

The first thing you are going to want to do if you plan on investing in art is find a platform where you can talk and deal with other like minded people. If you don’t know where the market is, how can you go about exploiting it for your own personal gain? There are plenty of websites out there that allow you to not only list your own art onto the website, but also allow you to get part ownership of pieces of art. That’s right, with some major pieces of art, you don’t even have to purchase the whole thing. Websites such as Masterworks art investing allow you to find a piece of art that you are interested in and then purchase a part of it. Why is this useful?

There are major pieces of art out there that people know are going to increase in value over time. The only thing stopping people from making these purchases is the high barrier to enter in regards to the price. By being able to buy a partial bit of a painting, you can cash in on the fact that it is done by a big name and generate profit off of it. While you won’t make as much money as you would if you owned the whole thing, you will still show some profits.

Although there are plenty of marketplaces out there for art investing, you do have to expect to wait a while before something of yours sells. Paintings can sometimes be on the market for several years before they are purchased by another investor. This means that while you have the potential for massive earnings, you have to remain patient and calm throughout all of this. Find a platform to invest with if you are planning to profit off of art.

Watch Out for Fakes

Art is one of those mediums that are heavily faked. At any given point there might be a few fakes of a famous painting circulating in the world gallivanting as the real thing. To the untrained eye, it can be almost impossible to spot a fake. The only thing you have to go off of is a signature, and even that can be forged perfectly with technology that people have today. If you are ever planning to purchase a piece of art, especially a major one, you need to have it inspected so that you can verify that it is the real thing.

There is nothing worse than spending thousands of dollars only to find out you now have something that is completely useless. This happens more often than you would think in the artworld, therefore you have to be extremely careful whenever you are purchasing art from a seller. Always ask for a certificate of authenticity as these are handed out to prove that they are the real piece of art. With so many fakes out there, you need to make sure that you are buying the real thing.

Invest For the Long Run

If you are thinking getting into the art business is going to be similar to day trading, you should look elsewhere. The art market is slow moving, and while things will increase in value over time, it will take years for you to show any meaningful profits. Don’t instantly try to flip art you have, instead let it sit and collect. After a few years, you can list it on the market for a higher price and wait for someone to purchase it.

Be Careful

When it comes to valuing art, people often look at who the artist is and how much similar works of art have been going for in an auction. Be careful with this as there are many things out there that can influence an auction price and result in it being heavily skewed. That does not mean you should throw out the price you see, but it is just a reminder that there is more to a piece of art than the auction price eludes to. First time buyers might overpay causing an inflated value, while a piece of art simply might not be popular at a certain auction resulting in it being undervalued Always be cautious and ensure you are doing your research regarding art.

A Lack of Volatility

With many investments in today’s day and age, there is a degree of volatility and risk to them. Look at the stock market for example where prices rapidly fluctuate depending on what is happening in the world. With art, you are picking a safe investment that is always going to have some value. As mentioned earlier, the low volatility means that it will take some time to accumulate value, but it is something where you don’t have to worry about your money disappearing. Sometimes safe investments can be the best investments to make.

These are all things that you have to know if you plan on investing in art to make a profit. There are oil paintings for sale to find pieces of art that you are generally interested in as well, as they can help to add atmosphere into your own home while you wait for them to accumulate value. After a few years, you might want to try your luck at an auction or online to find a seller. How do you plan on making money investing in art?

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Business Rescue During the Covid-19 Crisis: Is a CVA a Viable Option?

April 10, 2021

By Hasib Howlader

Business rescue options may be on many company directors’ minds during these unprecedented times.

It is undeniable that the business landscape has been heavily impacted by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

Company directors from across the country have been contacting us for advice. We’ve recognised a steeply increasing trend: the difficult reality that, due to coronavirus, previously healthy businesses are now facing the threat of insolvency.

Is my company insolvent?

If you are concerned about the current or future viability of your business, there are several key indicator tests to clarify whether your company could be defined as insolvent.

The most useful warning sign to consider in the current economic climate is whether your business is able to pay its debts as they fall due in the near future. This is known as the cash flow test.

Due to the decrease in trade as a result of Covid-19, companies that have otherwise demonstrated a strong, positive history of being able to meet their liabilities on time are now wondering how they will continue to do so.

You may recognise that this particularly applies to your company if:

You are tied into a long-term liability, such as a lease, which until recently made sense but now is unnecessary and a financial burden.
You have lost a significant proportion of your client base and are now faced with the prospect of attempting to reduce your outgoings proportionately.
You trade in one of the sectors (events, entertainment, travel, hospitality, construction) that have been left in limbo for an as yet undetermined period of time.
Your company has recently made financial investments to secure growth, but this is now no longer sustainable and the costs can’t be reversed.

What are the possible business rescue options?

If you believe your company is facing insolvency at present or in the near future, it’s crucial to act sooner rather than later.

There are a wide range of options available for directors to consider, including:

Doing nothing and going bust – leading to the least favourable results for directors and stakeholders
A Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL)
An Administration (ADM)
A Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA)

A CVL or ADM can be a favourable option in some cases. However, these options can have certain disadvantages when used for companies that have only recently become insolvent, in comparison to a CVA. We’ve outlined these disadvantages below.

Is an ADM the right option?

An ADM is a business rescue option that provides protection from creditor threats and legal action as the Insolvency Practitioner attempts to restructure the company.

However, ADMs can be expensive, and therefore may not be feasibly affordable to a company that is struggling to meet its liabilities.

In addition, an ADM needs to fulfil a statutory ‘purpose’.

How about a CVL?

CVLs provide an affordable option in which the Insolvency Practitioner manages creditor claims and the orderly winding down of a company.

The specific downside here, in comparison to a CVA, is that entering liquidation could impact on the brand, affect relationships with stakeholders and break existing contracts.

In addition, any elements of the business that could be transferred to another entity by way of a sale agreement would be less likely to survive.

How could a CVA help me?

For businesses that have previously been able to stay up to date with liabilities but are affected suddenly by a significant event – like the coronavirus pandemic – the best business rescue option could be a CVA.

A CVA is a formally contracted repayment plan that typically lasts for up to five years, whilst allowing the business to continue trading.

This would enable a business to survive the negative impact of Covid-19, operating in a smaller, more streamlined state.

In this state, debts would be more easily managed and there would be opportunity to review any operational or management issues that contributed to the company’s insolvency.

Further advantages of pursuing a CVA include:

Control: You are able to remain in control as a director and therefore have a higher level of involvement with the business rescue.
Lower costs: The set-up and ongoing costs are often lower than those of an ADM. There is also no requirement for a cash lump sum for asset buy-back.
Higher returns: Creditors can expect to achieve a higher return in the long-term than they would from a CVL in the short-term. Whilst major creditors do have the ability to reject a CVA proposal, the higher estimated return should ultimately improve company/creditor relationships.
Reputational benefits: As the CVA is a private matter between the company and its creditors, there is no requirement for a company to inform customers that they are in one, although the CVA will be registered at Companies House.
Benefits for directors: Unlike in Administrations and CVLs, directors are not investigated or subject to the same level of scrutiny under the insolvency offences regime. Overdrawn directors’ loan accounts are not compelled to be repaid by an Office Holder (unless it is part of the proposal), whereas an Office Holder would seek to have this repaid in a CVL or ADM.
Protection from legal action: Historic debts and obligations are compromised and bind all creditors that would have been entitled to vote in the CVA (most ordinary creditors – otherwise known as ‘unsecured’).

Pulling together during the coronavirus crisis

The coronavirus crisis has affected us all, and creditors may be sympathetic to companies that have suddenly become unable to meet their liabilities due to the impact of coronavirus on their trading.

As a result, they may be willing to accept a well-structured CVA debt repayment plan in order to return to a positive company/creditor relationship.

The government has also put business rescue measures in place to aid the increasing number of insolvent businesses, and announced amendments to aspects of insolvency law to provide further support.

Most notably, wrongful trading provisions have been temporarily suspended. This gives directors more time to consider their options around insolvency whilst continuing to run their business, without the threat of personal liability.

What are my next steps?

If you think your company may be facing insolvency as a result of Covid-19, we’re here to help and advise you.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at [email protected].

We want to help.

This article was originally published by Hudson Weir.

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Tax and Accounting Treatment for Website Development Costs

April 10, 2021

Planning on building or updating the website for your company? Not sure how to account or tax the website development costs? Does it go under profit and loss and count as an expense? Or does it go on the balance sheet and count as an asset? Haven’t a clue how to answer those questions? Don’t worry, you’ve come to the right place.

Before you can start determining the tax treatment for your website development costs, you need to determine what you use your website for. You need to decide if your website is more of a brochure that publicises your brand, or if the purpose of your website is to sell goods.

If the purpose of your website is to publicise your brand

If your website isn’t for the direct purchasing of goods, and more about publicising your business, then the answer is pretty simple. The entire website development goes on your profit and loss statement.

For those of you who are unsure about what a profit and loss statement is – it’s a document that shows a company’s financial progress over a certain period. To show this progress you have to add up all the sources of revenue and the subtract all the expenses related to that revenue.

Generally speaking, having your website development as a profit and loss expenditure is good for tax because the smaller your official profits are, the less you’re taxed on.

The example of Adam the greengrocer

To illustrate, Adam owns a greengrocers. His customers don’t buy anything online – they all come to his shop. He made £100,000 profit this year. During that time he also built a website that cost him £10,000.

Because he doesn’t sell anything directly from his site Adam needs to put his website development costs on his profit and loss statement. He will therefore only be taxed on £90,000 (£100,000 profits minus the £10,000 he spent on the website). The taxman is happy and so is Adam.

If Adam had put his website on his balance sheet by mistake, he’d have been taxed on all his £100,000 profits. That’s why it’s important to get the tax treatment for your website development costs right!

If you’re unsure of what a balance sheet is – it’s a statement of the assets, liabilities and capital of a business.

If the purpose of your website is to sell goods

If the purpose of your website is for customers to buy things through it and to make a profit on those items, then the tax treatment of your website development gets a little bit more complicated. You can no longer simply stick your website development under profit and loss. Now at least part of it needs to go on the balance sheet. But which part?

According to the International Accounting Standards Board (via IAS 38 and SIC 32), different stages of the website build should have a different accounting treatment. The initial planning stage is an expense and goes on the profit and loss statement. The building of the website should be capitalised as an asset on the balance sheet. Any subsequent updates you make to the content of the website is treated as an expense.

The HMRC sums this up nicely: “the cost of a website is analogous to that of a shop window. The cost of constructing the window is capital (an asset on the balance sheet); the cost of changing the display from time to time is revenue (an expense on the profit and loss)”.

This also shows that the HMRC’s tax treatment for website development costs follows the accounting treatment.

So what does this do to your tax bill?

The planning and website maintenance costs are considered an expense. This means they can be deducted from your profit and your tax bill.

The building of the website counts as capital and goes on the balance sheet. How this affects your tax bill will depend on whether you are an unincorporated business or a limited company.

If you’re an unincorporated business then the website build costs are eligible for capital allowances.

Capital allowances are an amount based on your capital expenditure that you can deduct from your taxable profit, in the same way as expenses.

Capital allowances vary from year to year depending on the Chancellor’s budget – hence the amount of your website build costs that are deducted from your taxable profits depends on the year.

Depending on the allowances for a particular year this might give a full deduction for your website development costs. This would give the same result for tax as if it had all been expensed. Alternatively, it may take a number of years to get a full deduction.

If you’re a company there is a special treatment that is the same as the accounting treatment stated earlier.

In your accounts, the asset on the balance sheet will have to be depreciated over the useful life of the website.

So, for example, if you think the website will last 3 years before you need a replacement, then you should depreciate it in equal instalments over 3 years on your profit and loss statement. The depreciation amount will also be deducted from your taxable profits.

If capital allowances would give you a better result than the special treatment above – in other words, if it will allow you to get the deduction more quickly – then you can choose to use capital allowances instead.

This blog covers a lot of technical details and it would be completely understandable if you feel that you need more assistance or that you need to look into this further. That’s what Howlader are here for and we’d be more than happy to help, so don’t hesitate to get in touch today.

This article was originally published by Howlader & Co.

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The Effects of African Leaders’ Preference for Foreign Medical Care

April 9, 2021

By Olusegun Akinfenwa

During his campaign for the 2015 general elections, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria pledged to end medical tourism if elected. However, just like many of his other campaign promises, the 78-year-old leader of Africa’s most populated country has broken this pledge several times. Within his six years as president, Buhari has spent over 175 days in the UK on medical vacation.

For years, the patronage of foreign medical service has become a common pattern among African leaders. From the southern to the northern part of the continent, the situation is the same, and this has left the healthcare system in many African countries in a sorry state. In 2017 alone, President Buhari spent 152 days on medical vacation in the UK. Just about the same time, his Republic of Benin counterpart, President Patrice Talon, also went to France for surgeries. During his time as Zimbabwe’s president, the late Robert Mugabe was also another regular visitor to hospitals abroad. The list includes President Ali Bongo of Gabon, former Presidents Jose Eduardo Dos Santos of Angola and Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria.

In the past few years, many African leaders have died in foreign countries while seeking medical attention. They include Ethiopia’s Meles Zenawi, who died in Belgium in August 2012, Guinea Bissau’s Malam Bacai Sanhá in France in January 2012, and Zambia’s Michael Sata in the UK in October 2014.

While the 2020 coronavirus-induced lockdowns prevented them from flying abroad on medical tourism, the trend seems to have resumed in 2021 as countries ease their travel restrictions. On March 30, Buhari embarked on yet another London medical trip and is billed to return to Nigeria in the second week of April.

The reason for this vicious cycle isn’t farfetched. Many African leaders obviously lack confidence in the health system they provide and oversee. They understand the deplorable condition of their countries’ medical sectors and will not risk having themselves and their families cared for by the poor system. For instance, in 2015, former governor Godswill Akpabio built and commissioned a “world-class” $76 million hospital in his oil-rich state Akwa Ibom of Nigeria, only to seek medical treatment in London four months later after a car crash.

The Effects

Unfortunately, this practice costs the continent billions of dollars annually. In 2016 alone, Africans spent over $6 billion on outbound treatment. Nigeria accounts for Africa’s highest foreign healthcare expenditure, as its citizens spend $1 billion annually. Unfortunately, medical tourism is a luxury that can only be enjoyed by a small minority of the over 1.2 billion African population due to the abject poverty that ravages the continent. Sadly, the poor citizens are the ones bearing the brunt of this selfish and shameless act of their leaders. Its numerous effects include:

Huge Gap in Healthcare Funding

The year-long negligence and meagre budgetary allocation have left a huge investment gap in Africa’s health system, which will require billions of dollars. Sub-Saharan African is the worst. The region has about half of the countries in the world with an acute health financing gap. In Nigeria, for instance, the latest World Bank data shows that public spending on health care accounts for just 3.89% of the country’s $495 billion GDP. The figure shows a huge difference when compared to developed countries like United States, Germany, and Canada with 16.89%, 11.43%, and 10.79 respectively. According to a recent report from a real estate agency, Knight Frank, Nigeria would need $82 billion of investment in healthcare real estate and 386,000 additional beds to meet the global average of 2.7 beds per 1,000 people. In Ethiopia, a 2015 report showed that there were just three hospital beds per 10,000 population, compared to the United States and Europe with at least two dozen per the same population size. In Zimbabwe, there have been cases of bare-handed surgeries by doctors due to lack of gloves, just as the whole of the Central African Republic’s health sector could only account for three ventilators at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Africa accounts for 16% of the world population and is ravaged by 23% of the global disease burden. Contrastingly, the continent accounts for just 1% of total global health expenditures, a 2015 report showed.

High Rate of Preventable Diseases

It is also sad to note that the continent is burdened with the greatest infectious diseases in the world. Since mid-1970, the world has witnessed the emergence of 30 new infectious diseases, and many of them originated from Africa, according to Paul Epstein, associate director of the Center for Health and Global Environment at Harvard Medical School. Malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhoea and various other preventable diseases remain some of the highest killers in Africa. The latest WHO’s World malaria report shows that Africa accounts for 90% of the global malaria cases. While the continent has managed to reduce its overall annual malaria death toll by 44% (680,000 to 348,000) since 2000, some African countries still record alarmingly high annual rates. Six African countries (Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Niger, Mozambique, and Burkina Faso) account for 50% of all malaria cases globally. Africa also has the highest diarrhoea disease cases in the world. Whereas diarrhoea rates are below 5 per 100,000 population in most countries across the world, many sub-Saharan African countries have 50 to 150 per 100,000 population. For instance, in Chad and the Central African Republic, the rates are estimated to be over 150 per 100,000.

High Maternal Mortality, Child Mortality, and Low Life Expectancy

The continent also grapples with high child mortality ratios, high maternal mortality rates, and low life expectancy, owing to its healthcare system’s poor state. According to a recent report from the World Bank, 54% of child mortality in 2018 (deaths among children under 5 years of age) occurred in the sub-Saharan region. 1 in 13 children in the region die before their 5^th birthday. In Nigeria, the maternal mortality ratio is 814 per 100,000 live births, making it the country with the highest rate globally. In most developed countries, the lifetime risk of a woman dying during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum or post-abortion is 1 in 4,900. But in Nigeria, the risk is as high as 1 in 22. The inadequate medical care and general living condition have also reduced the life expectancy in many African countries. Africa is home to the world’s 10 lowest-ranked countries in terms of life expectancy, with Lesotho, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone being the lowest three on the list.

Shortage of Medical Professionals

The system is also very frustrating to medical professionals, leading to a high emigration rate among African-trained physicians. Already, Africa struggles with the shortage of health professionals across its various medical practices. Ideally, the WHO’s recommended doctor to population ratio is 1:1,000. But in reality, Africa can only boast of 1:10,000, and by 2035, the shortage of physicians is expected to reach 4.3 million. A report from The Lancet showed that almost one in 10 doctors in the UK are from Africa. Many of these professionals are on indefinite leave to remain status in the country – an indication that they would rather see out their career years there than ever returning to work in their home country. Many other developed countries, such as the US, UAE, Australia, and Canada, have also sustained their high population-to-physician ratio by employing foreign-trained doctors from developing countries, including sub-Saharan Africa, where there is the highest shortage.

This is another area where Africa loses greatly to these developed countries where its medical experts migrate to in droves. It is estimated that African nations spend between $21,000 and $59,000 to train each doctor. A 2011 study found that nine sub-Saharan African countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and Nigeria, suffered an estimated loss of $2.1 billion from investments for all their physicians working abroad. Watching these professionals ply their trade overseas indicates a huge loss to the entire continent and a great financial gain to other countries. The study also showed that the financial benefits to the UK amounted to $2.7 billion, $846 million to the United States, $621 million to Australia and $384 million to Canada.

High Out-of-Pocket Cost of Medical Care

The lack of adequate funding makes Africans living in Africa grapple with a high cost of medical services, considering the high poverty rate in the continent. According to a 2016 report, more than 37% of all Africa’s health spending is from out-of-pocket payments. Given the low-income status of most African countries, this situation puts a dire financial burden on many households. Findings show that at least 11% of people experience catastrophic healthcare spending yearly, and 38% delay or forgo healthcare needs due to high costs.

The Way Out

For the continent to experience a transformation in its healthcare, African leaders need to lead by example and start using the country’s medical system. This will go a long way in building their citizen’s confidence in the system. Lawmakers across the continent may also need to enact laws ending the use of taxpayer money for medical tourism by leaders. They shouldn’t stop at making the laws; they should also enforce them diligently. Also, African-trained medical professionals must be encouraged to ply their trade at home. This can be achieved by putting in place improved remunerations and favourable working condition. Lastly, it’s high time Africa’s healthcare experienced a massive investment to bridge the system’s year-long funding gap. While private sectors and donors have made significant contributions over the years, governments across the continent need to also start playing their parts effectively.

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About the Author

Olusegun Akinfenwa is a political correspondent for Immigration News, a news organization affiliated with Immigration Advice Service London. IAS is a leading UK immigration law firm that helps people migrate and settle in the UK.

Tax Audit Defense: Why You Should Include It In Your Growth Plan

April 9, 2021

Filing taxes is a tough ground that every business has to step on, but doesn’t really wish to. The involved paperwork, formalities, and legalities are quite confusing at times. And, therefore, most business owners outsource taxation tasks to professionals.

When your business is sustainably thriving through the tough market, it might seem inadequate to look into tax matters. However, this could invite IRS audits to your doorstep. And believe us when we say- IRS audits are the scariest of all the business hurdles.

So, it is rather worthy to have an audit defense plan in place.

What is Audit Defense?

Even with thorough rechecking and careful filing of your taxes, there are chances for discrepancies. And notably, this could invite a state or an IRS tax audit.

The auditing officer would require you to respond to the legal notice and produce the necessary documents. This is when having an audit defense plan in place can prove to be helpful.

In short, the defense plan helps protect you and your business from hard penalties against any discrepancies.

More Reasons to put a Defense Plan in place

Here are a few more reasons to get your business a solid tax audit defense plan.

You can avoid penalties altogether

The first and the foremost reason is- even if you are faced with a tax audit, it is not necessary that you’ll have to pay a penalty. Yes, you read that right. As per the experts at Silver Tax Group, wrong formatting or any system fault can invite an IRS audit. However, they also suggest that these issues are the easiest to resolve.

Having a defense plan would mean that you have all the documents ready to prove that you filed the taxes correctly. And the only thing that matters, in the end, is that you’ve paid what you owe in taxes.

It’s better to be educated about legalities

Even if you have filed your taxes correctly, there are chances that the impending tax laws may reverse the situation for your business. It needs no mention that tax laws are a complex area, and the IRS keeps introducing new decrees and amendments to the existing infrastructure.

It is surely not possible for you to handle your business and stay updated with the tax laws at the same time. And this is when your audit defense could help you.

The discrepancies could reduce

Most importantly, with all the right knowledge and tools in hand, your defense plan also guarantees that mistakes are reduced beforehand. Including checks and rechecks of the tax-documents are integral to the audit defense system.

More so, the right plan would also ensure that any mistakes do not pass on to the IRS’s database. And this could potentially avoid any audits right from the start.

As a small business owner, you already have so much to handle in your own trade. Being involved in taxation decrees is something that should be prioritized, but does not necessarily mean that you should do it yourself. The better and wiser way to handle tax matters is to involve tax attorneys or professionals in the process.

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Instagram Tips: How to Find and Grow Your Target Audience?

April 9, 2021

Whatever social platform you may choose for growth, the ground for your success is the quality of your audience. To achieve the goals you set for your Instagram profile, you have to nurture a loyal community that will be eager to engage with your content. For many reasons, users prefer growing the number of followers as they buy Instagram likes or subscribers on buytoplikes.com, but your work with the public is not done even with the purchase. For good results, you have to maintain a high interest in your persona.

What is target audience and why is it important

Target audience is a set of qualities and features that characterize the most suitable public for your content. There are different criterias that you should have in mind when you are settling your campaigns:

Age
Gender
Profession/occupation
Average time spent online
Average daily schedule
Preferred type of content, etc.

But the most crucial factor that should concern you as a creator is how your content resonates with the audience you define as your target.

Understanding which category of users will be clicking with your content best is vital for your success.

If you try to impress with your posts a random choice of people, you may experience unnecessary negativism and lower results, wrong prospects. But if your materials are visible to the right audience that is actually expected to be interested in your content, the chance for success is increasing gradually.

In this article are gathered the most typical ways to find your target audience, and also you will find out the sufficient tactics for high-rate growth of your following base.

Embrace popular niche

One of the most effective ways to gain your audience’s quantity is to stick with industries and topics that are already proven to be popular. Users on Instagram are subscribing to similar accounts often because they want to see more specific content in their feeds. And they like having choices. So, you should decide if you can contribute something original to one of the following niches:

Fitness/nutrition/health. This topic requires total awareness and constant education, as you will influence such vibrant matters as human health. But becoming an Insta-trainer is a very profitable industry. By providing services and programs, you can have a nice revenue.
Food/cooking. This position is suitable for bloggers who like to put less effort into writing texts. The food industry will never suffer from a lack of viewers. Even when people don’t cook, they enjoy watching how food is made. So, improve your shooting skills and go on!
Travels. It is one of the most popular industries to occupy because it is always possible to cover well-known places from another angle. But with the current state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the world, this niche can be hard to maintain.
Beauty/fashion. Instagram is a great place to present your skills as an MUA or stylist. New trends are easy to follow, the audience range is wide, and plenty of possibilities to get sponsorship and collaboration deals.
Probably the most accessible industry to run due to the wide range of target audiences. People are very different, but the love for cute animals unites a huge society! Besides, animals usually need no special skills to be interesting – they are fine as they do their usual stuff!

Narrow down your audience

Whatever niche you choose, the primary description of the target audience will be too broad for successful targeting. So it would help if you redefined your public to reach the most accurate category. Of course, as your growth goes on, the amount of less interested audience joins your profile and eventually becomes your fans, but this is not the point. To attract occasional users, you have to nurture a solid and loyal fanbase, which, logically, consists of fewer people.

Practical help here would be creating a buyer persona. It means that you should characterize an average consumer of your content, imply different types of materials, and various approaches to the marketing strategy.

Check out the competition

When you start your blog from scratch, it would be helpful to examine the audience of existing influencers in the chosen niche. Find bloggers who you like and consider their content useful, engaging, and authentic. Then look after their activity and interaction with the public. Your goal is to understand how users react and perceive different materials, what tone and manners they like, and other stuff like that.

Also, pay attention to the schedule of chosen influencers – this should be your goal to reach.

You can get valuable insights into the general behavior of users and learn to run your profile without minor mistakes. So follow the most enthusiastic fans of other bloggers and see what their other activity on Instagram is:

What other industries are attractive to them
Do they follow many influencers from one niche
Are they active on different pages.

Such research looks like stalking, but you must understand that this is needed for your successful performance.

Don’t be afraid to reach out to other bloggers for help in promotions too. This may be hard, and not all bloggers are eager to share their knowledge, but in the end, you can obtain priceless ideas and advice.

After we have revealed the primary sources for finding your target audience, we have come closer to another important point – how to retain these viewers and increase numbers of likes. Generally speaking, the approach is too individual, but there are still some versatile techniques to try out.

1. Use Reels

Reels is a new sort of content on Instagram. To attract the audience’s attention, it is worth trying to introduce and exploit this new kind of content. Just make sure you understand how to use it right.

2. Make series of content

Another good hook to retain the viewers is to create a series. IGTV or Stories can serve this purpose. By doing so, you will make users expect new episodes, and thus, they will begin following you so as not to miss new pieces coming out, and as result you will also get more likes.

3. Play games and interact a lot

Well, enough said. Being proactive with the existing fan base motivates newcomers to subscribe as well. Make spontaneous events if you see that the activity is dropping down.

4. Use memes as your attractive weapon

Entertainment and laughs are some of the main reasons why Instagram and other social networks are so popular. Memes give your profile lightness and put the audience into a comfortable position to communicate with you and engage with the content. Just make it resonate with your topic and the interests of your followers.

5. Create filters for Stories

A suitable method for creative people. Stories filters are a fast-spreading promotion for your profile on Instagram. Whether it’s funny or esthetic, you can be sure that it will drive interest to your blog and will gain organic likes as well.

6. Talk with your followers

Your ultimate goal here is to make as many close connections as possible and comfortable for you. Creating a bond with your audience increases their loyalty and makes your content more shareable, hence – better visibility on the platform.

7. Work on making your content impeccable

The key to the love and appreciation from your followers is doing something original and exciting. Content is the king of any social platform given. And all other tips can only work if you make something unique and outstanding.

The conclusion

Instagram is a network where popularity is built on your relationship with the audience. The importance of targeting is that when you lay your content to the interested crowd, it will give you an immediate and thriving success. So, do your research, experiment, and find the niche that is interesting for yourself. Good luck!

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How Homeowners Can Become Debt-Free

April 9, 2021

Owning a home offers several benefits to homeowners at any age in every city — from rising property values and earning equity to raising families and hosting significant celebrations. While there are many reasons to enjoy owning a home, the reality is that the financial aspect can often take its toll.

Homeowners struggling with debt have the added pressure of paying down their debts on top of managing a household and balancing a budget. The good news is that there is hope for homeowners across the country. Becoming debt-free is attainable with a few simple, pragmatic steps.

Build a Better Budget

The key to climbing out of debt may simply lie in your current budget. Budgeting is a challenging skill to perfect, especially when you’re juggling all of the expenses that come with owning a home. Before you look for external help, it may be worthwhile to break-down your finances and layout every expense against your current income.

If you’re unsure where to begin, it may be helpful to utilize one of several budget apps currently available. These apps are meant to act as an organizational tool, a way to examine where your money is now being spent and find ways to free-up extra funds, which you can then use to make larger debt payments and clear your balance much faster.

The Snowball Method

The snowball method is designed to speed up the payment process — the first step involves listing each of your debts from the smallest to the most significant balance. All of your remaining income should go towards the smaller debts while still making the minimum payments on the more substantial debts.

In time, the smaller balances should be taken care of, which will free up more money that you can then put towards your more significant debts.

Finding the Right Lender

Finding your way out of debt isn’t an easy feat, which is why it’s essential to know where your lending options are in your hometown. Traditional lenders are a standard option, though their extensive interviews and strict credit standings can negatively impact many homeowners from accessing the money they need quickly and without any inconvenience.

Debt doesn’t wait until you have enough money to pay off the entire loan. Your collectors expect monthly payments to avoid their interest rates. That’s why the experts at Flexmoney.ca offer an entirely automated, efficient lending experience. They understand homeowners don’t often have the time to wait for a loan to handle their outstanding balances.

Earn Extra Income

While second jobs may bring on additional workloads and stress, they could be a vital tool to paying down your debt and building healthier savings. Depending on how much debt you’ve accumulated, the time you’ll need to commit to this job will vary. If you’re able to buckle down and pay off your debts swiftly, you can go back to focusing on your primary job and building a healthier long-term budget.

Additionally, supplementary income can come from you directly rather than going out and looking for a second employer. If you have a skill set that you can utilize — whether it’s tech-based knowledge, sewing, or photography, among others — that could be the best way to earn extra capital. You have the freedom to create your schedule and decide on your rates.

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Reasons To Use Cannabis As A Substitute For Prescription Drugs

April 9, 2021

Think back to the last time you saw a commercial for prescription medication. Often, it seems as if the list of side effects is far worse than the condition the drug treats. In the face of the potential issues a medicine might cause, it’s tempting to look for alternate treatments.

However, it’s not about every country. Canadian law, for example, permits the buying and use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes, allowing easy access to this beneficial yet natural treatment. People can buy weed in Canada easily and without restrictions, ( only if they meet the legal age set by the province) and use it as an anti-inflammatory for physical pain, a sleep aid for those suffering from insomnia, or a mood stabilizer for mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.

Recent studies have suggested that cannabis might serve as a substitute for prescription drugs used to treat various health problems, including chronic pain and anxiety. If you want to start your natural healing journey, you can do so with a medical marijuana card. West Virginia residents can get a medicinal cannabis card online or in person. If you’re not using cannabis in place of prescription drugs, here’s why you might want to talk to your doctor about starting.

Quicker Results

If you have a prescription for a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a similar medication, you know how frustrating it can be to wait for it to work. In most cases, you might find yourself waiting two to four weeks to see the medication’s benefit. When you’re desperately looking for relief from your anxiety, that kind of lag is unacceptable.

You don’t want to wait weeks for your medication to start to work. You definitely don’t want to spend months suffering through prescription and dosage changes until you finally find something that provides the relief you’re looking for. That’s where cannabis comes in.

cannabis dispensary halifax is one of the most promising potential medical uses of cannabis. Not only do many people report relief from their symptoms, but it can start to work within half an hour of taking it.

Fewer Side Effects

Earlier, we mentioned drug commercials. Have you ever been half-heartedly paying attention to one only for the word “death” to catch your attention?

Severe adverse reactions to prescriptions are rare, but they do occur. Even mild to moderate side effects are unpleasant and inconvenient, meaning many people are reluctant to take prescription medications that might improve their overall quality of life.

CBD is very safe to take, even in large amounts like the ones from happyseedbank.com. Most side effects occur because of an interaction with another medication you’re taking, not the CBD itself. If you experience any side effects, they’re likely to include dizziness, diarrhea, or fatigue. Weight loss and changes in appetite have also occurred.

THC, which is the compound that usually comes to mind when someone thinks about cannabis, is also reasonably safe. Red eyes and dry mouth are among the most well-known side effects of THC, but they’re not the only ones. Memory problems, poor coordination, anxiety, an increased heart rate, and slower reaction times might also occur.

Everyone reacts to drugs differently, whether they’re over-the-counter, prescription, or recreational. Exercise caution if you’re taking multiple medications, as many side effects result from drug interactions. Ask your doctor if you’re unsure about anything. When it comes to your health, it’s better to be cautious.

Generally Not Habit Forming

CBD isn’t habit-forming. Scientists are rarely willing to give a definitive answer without a caveat about more research being necessary, but this is one of those times. Even the World Health Organization agrees. There are enough high-quality studies in existence that it’s safe to say CBD isn’t addictive. No one has found evidence that it has the potential to create dependence.

THC can become addictive in some circumstances. Research suggests that around four million people in the United States have some level of a marijuana use disorder. It’s important to note that this number includes people who use cannabis recreationally, even in states where it’s still considered an illegal substance.

Genetics, age, and environment are all thought to play a role in the likelihood of someone developing THC dependence. Some people are genetically predisposed to a marijuana use disorder. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are also more likely to develop a disorder. Someone who lacks a support system or feels trapped by their circumstances is also at an increased chance of developing a marijuana use disorder. Your doctor will be able to tell you if medical THC is safe for you.

Cannabis for pain relief is particularly exciting in the face of the ongoing opioid crisis. Opioids are, without a shadow of a doubt, incredibly addictive. Some situations make addiction more likely, but anyone who uses them is at risk for developing an addiction.

Opioids are generally best used for three days or less to limit the risk of developing a dependence. Chronic pain has forced many people to choose between a lack of relief and the possibility of a life-threatening addiction.

Now, cannabis is offering another option. The Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve CBD as a treatment for chronic pain, but many people report it is effective for them. Given that CBD is safe and readily available in most places, you may want to talk to your doctor about trying it to relieve your chronic pain.

While the results of recent studies involving cannabis are promising, a medical professional can help you decide whether it’s the right choice for you. Always consult your doctor before stopping or starting a medication.

Links:

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-use-cbd-for-anxiety#how-to-use
https://www.healthline.com/health/cbd-vs-thc#side-effects
https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/5.2_CBD.pdf

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Are Vertical Farms The Future Of Food?

April 9, 2021

Vertical Farming — a sustainable ag-tech solution?

With more mouths to feed and the climate crisis destroying crops across the world, could tomorrow’s dinners come from crops grown inside 18m-high grow chambers?

The world’s population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2042. One of the biggest challenges facing agriculture is working out how to feed this extra 1.5bn or so mouths. To accommodate this growth, it’s clear that the sector will need to adapt and innovate our food systems. Vertical farming could be part of this solution. By developing crops vertically in stacked layers and by using connected precise systems, vertical farms can grow produce at hundreds of times the efficiency of soil-based agriculture.

Infarm has become a leader in vertical farming in recent years. The company has shipped ‘farms’ to shops and chefs across Europe, and even to the US. The units might look like large vending machines but inside they grow fresh greens and herbs in rows of trays. The produce is fed by nutrient-rich water and is lit by banks of tiny LEDs, ten times brighter than regular household bulbs. The shopper can then pick the plants straight from the shelf where they are growing.

Berlin, where Infarm is headquartered, is home to 18m-high grow chambers, which are controlled by software and robots. These represent the next generation of vertical farms. Not only are they fully automated, but they also each use 95% less water, 99% less space and 75% less fertiliser than conventional land-based farming. This then means that they generate higher yields, fresher produce, and have a smaller carbon footprint than traditional methods.

Vertical farms also offer a beacon of hope to farmers in the developing world, where extreme and unpredictable weather caused by the climate crisis is blighting crops. With over two-thirds (70%) of the world’s population predicted to live in cities by 2050, vertical farms suitability in urban environments (they can be grown anywhere from skyscrapers to shipping containers) offers possibilities for food to be grown, harvested and delivered locally – which keeps carbon, transport usage and water levels low.

There are however criticisms of vertical farming — the units have been described as ‘towering lunchboxes for late capitalism’ focusing on providing garnishes for the rich, when the problem is filing the plates of those on lower incomes. Infarm seeks to combat these criticisms through its focus on modular design, which means that each component is compatible and scalable, making it possible to install Infarm units anywhere in the world in a matter of weeks, no matter the size. This in turn means that Infarm does not need physical shops and can sell produce via its remote units.

I am extremely interested in innovation within agriculture and have invested in companies that are reimagining food production. JUST Egg, for example, is a plant-based egg substitute offering a sustainable, healthier alternative to chicken eggs. It uses 98% less water and emits 93% less greenhouse gases than the agricultural methods used for conventional eggs.

To continue feeding the planet, it’s paramount that we secure the sustainability of our food systems. Vertical farming, along with companies such as Infarm, offer an innovative and exciting way of achieving this.

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Vertical Farming — a sustainable ag-tech solution? Are vertical farms the future of food?

April 8, 2021

By Nicole Junkermann

With more mouths to feed and the climate crisis destroying crops across the world, could tomorrow’ s dinners come from crops grown inside 18m-high grow chambers?

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About the Author

Nicole Junkermann is an international entrepreneur and investor, and the founder of NJF Holdings, an international investment company with interests in venture capital, private equity, and real estate. Through NJF’s venture capital arm (NJF Capital), Nicole oversees a portfolio similar in size to a small venture fund across Europe and the US, including in healthcare, fintech, and deep tech.

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