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How to Sight in a Rifle Scope: A Complete Guide

How to Sight in a Rifle Scope: A Complete Guide


How to Sight in a Rifle Scope: A Complete Guide

Are you wanting to shoot more accurately and with greater precision? Then you should definitely consider adding a scope to your rifle. Luckily, setting up a scope is fairly easy, although it still does take some time and effort. 

If you’re interested in improving your shooting but don’t know how to sight in a rifle scope, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. Continue reading and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. 

Boresight

The very first step when it comes to sighting in scope is to boresight. Boresighting is when you alight the sights on your rifle with the gun’s bore.  

To do this, you first have to clear the gun. The rifle needs to be unloaded and there shouldn’t be anything in front of the barrel. Once the gun is unloaded and clear, it’s time to remove the magazine or bolt. 

Now, mount your gun on a resting point where the barrel is pointing downrange. 

Get Your Gear

There are some basic items you’ll need in order to properly sight in. First, you’ll need the actual rifle. You’ll also need a proper front rest — a bipod is one popular option. You’ll also need a rearrest to make sure that you have plenty of stability. 

A sandbag is all you need for a rearrest. You’ll also need eye protection, ammo, and ear protection. 

Focus the Rifle Scope

There are two parts to this step. First, you must properly focus the reticle. For the second part, if your gun has a side focus parallax, you have to first focus the parallax.

This is to ensure that the target is properly focused for the distance that you’re shooting at.  

For focusing the reticle, you need a plain-colored background. A cloudy white sky or clear blue sky will be enough. So get behind the gun and adjust the reticle until it’s focused. 

Then, dial-up to the magnification that you’ll be shooting at. Follow this by focusing the parallax. 

When focusing the parallax, make sure that the target is as crisp and clear as possible. At the same time, you need to make sure that the reticle isn’t moving at all when you shift the position of your head. 

Start Shooting

When you start shooting, you should just be single loading the ammo. It’s not a race to get through it as fast as you can. You really want to make sure that you’re taking nice, slow, consistent shots that you can be confident in. 

After taking several shots, go ahead and take a look at the target. If you pull a shot while firing, don’t count that as part of your pattern. A pulled shot should be considered an outlier and not as an indicator of the scope’s accuracy. 

Measure how far off your shots are from the bullseye. 

Adjusting

Go back to the rifle so that you can make adjustments to the scope. First, you want to take off the turret caps. Dial-in the necessary number of clicks so that you’re scope can be properly adjusted. 

Make sure that you’re adjusting for both horizontal and elevation elements. After you’ve adjusted the scope, go ahead and put the turret caps back on. 

Now, you’re good to shoot some more. Continue shooting and adjusting until you’re satisfied. 

The Final Step

This last step is optional. You only have to perform this step if you’re planning to dial your turrets in the field for a long-range shot to compensate for wind or elevation. 

First, you want to once more take off the turret caps. Then grab a coin, any sized coin will do, and hold the turret in place. Rotate it so that you loosen the screw on top. 

Remove the screw and then lift the top turret up and re-reference it so that the zero marking is facing the zero indicator line. After you’ve got the turret lined up, simply replace your screw and tighten it back on. While you do this, it’s important that the turret doesn’t shift or move.

Then, just put the turret cap back on and you’re good to go. 

Buying and Selling Rifle Scopes

When purchasing a rifle scope, there are several factors that you first have to consider. First, you have to think about what kind of reticle you want. There are three main kinds. 

You have the duplex reticle, mildot reticle, and BDC reticle. You also have to decide how you want your measurements. You can get a scope that measures in MOA (Minute of Angle) or MRAD (milliradian). 

You’ll also have to choose between the different positions for the scope’s reticle. You can either get the position known as the first focal plane (FFP) or the second focal plane (SFP). 

When it comes to learning how to sell used scopes, there are also a few things that you need to consider. These include checking the condition of the scope, making sure it functions, and taking the brand value into consideration. 

The Importance of Knowing How to Sight in a Rifle Scope

By knowing how to sight in a rifle scope, you will not only greatly improve your accuracy but you’ll also be able to open up a whole new world of possibilities. You’ll be able to grow into a more confident and well-rounded shooter and can also become more knowledgable about the mechanics of firearms and how to improve them. 

Are you interested in reading more helpful articles? Check out the rest of our blog today!

Business

How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon: The Ultimate Guide

How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon: The Ultimate


How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon: The Ultimate Guide

When was the last time you were scrolling through Amazon looking for something to buy? There are loads of different options and an almost unlimited amount of products selling on this giant global marketplace.

But deciding what are the best items to sell on Amazon can be a nightmare with all this choice.

If you have a business or are looking to earn some extra cash as an Amazon seller, here’s all you need to know about how to find products to sell on Amazon.

1. Know Your Market

The most important aspect of selling online is knowing your market. You need to understand who you are selling to and what products they purchase.

When you understand this you can start to understand your competition and how you can conquer them.

One way in which the market can be divided up and the traditional way it has always been done is by country. An American customer might not necessarily purchase the same products as a British person or an Indian customer. A product that sells well in one of these markets might also not sell at all in another.

However, the rise of the internet and hyper-communication through social media has broken down these barriers to a certain extent. 

If you are selling for the female market – for instance, beauty products – then there are ethical concerns you need to consider about the ingredients that are used in the products and whether they were tested on animals and are vegan-friendly. Some countries also have different regulations on what chemicals are allowed into the products.

2. Sell Great Products Not Cheap Junk

It is easy to think that selling cheap products at low prices is the easiest way to make a quick buck on Amazon. But this couldn’t be further from the case. Customers are savvy and will soon stop purchasing a product if they feel it is inadequate.

Furthermore, most customers use Amazon’s review system to leave reviews of products for future customers.

Instead, you should focus on sourcing or even creating your own great products to sell on Amazon. You should do this even if you have to charge a higher price than your competitors.

Customers are willing to pay a higher price for a product if there is a clear justification or it offers something special and unique. You can easily generate excitement around these products with a clever marketing strategy. 

3. Choose a Product That You Can Market Well

Customers don’t always buy the product based on purely practical considerations. Often people buy a product because they are buying into the vision or the lifestyle that the product represents.

This is often down to clever marketing. The best products are ones that can be marketed well. Often they are simple and it is obvious what they do. 

Apple is a clever example. Ostensibly, their products are laptops, smartwatches and cell phones. But they cleverly marketed these products, suggesting that owning all of these products together is a lifestyle choice.

Those who own them can use them in tandem to have an easier and more fulfilled life, able to be more productive at work as well as in the gym and during exercise routines. Simplicity is the key to Apple’s message even though what they are selling are extremely complex products.

4. Do Some SEO Keyword Research

Another way in which people access products is not always through Amazon itself but through affiliate links and blogs and websites that have been Search Engine Optimized.

If you’re struggling to get your head around this then be sure to hire a company that specializes in amazon seo services might be of use to you.

Using an SEO keyword research tool you can help you see which products and keywords are currently ranking highly on Google. Once you have established what products are popular you can start to see where products that you want to sell might fit in.

Remember though SEO does take time.

Once you know where the products fit in terms of Google and which keywords you want to target you can then start to think about ways of increasing its profile on Google which will then lead to increased traffic to its Amazon page.

You can pay blog owners to include an affiliate link to your product along with the keywords that are likely to boost its ranking on Google and you can also extend this to social media as well, hiring influencers to help you.

How to Find Products to Sell on Amazon? Marketing is Key

The key to selling great products on Amazon is not just product choice but also great marketing. By creating a buzz around your product and ensuring that you are selling a lifestyle or a brand as well as the product you can start to build a loyal client base.

On top of this, you can then start to grow this audience through SEO. By ensuring your product ranks highly on Google you can increase the traffic to your product.

Part of SEO is also reaching out to other brands and websites to see if they can include an affiliate link to one of your products in their own blogs or content. Of they will want a small fee for doing this but it can be rewarding.

Finally, social media influencers can also ensure your product as a strong following on Instagram, Facebook, and even Pinterest.

If you are interested in learning more about how to find products to sell on Amazon or the best items to sell on Amazon be sure to check out the rest of our site.

 

Health

Your Complete Guide to Silicone Wristband Safety

Your Complete Guide to Silicone Wristband Safety


Your Complete Guide to Silicone Wristband Safety

Did you know there’s a chance the silicone wristband you wear on a regular basis could save your life?

A study conducted a few years back revealed that some silicone wristbands are capable of trapping different chemicals and compounds that people are exposed to. It could help you steer clear of these chemicals and compounds for the sake of your health.

There could, however, also be some safety risks that come along with wearing silicone wristbands if you’re not careful. You can avoid these risks by educating yourself about them and following a few simple wristband safety steps.

Here are things you can do to keep yourself safe while wearing a silicone wristband.

Invest in Silicone Wristbands That Fit Around Your Wrists Comfortably

If you’re going to wear silicone wristbands a lot, you’re going to want to make sure they fit comfortably around your wrists.

You don’t want silicone wristbands to be too loose around your wrists. But at the same time, you don’t want them to be cutting off the circulation to your hands, either.

If you sense that a silicone wristband might be too loose or too tight, you should look for a different one to put around your wrist. It’ll help you practice silicone wristband safety and prevent your wristband from causing you discomfort throughout the day.

Keep Silicone Wristbands Away From Anything They Could Get Caught On

As long as your silicone wristbands are on the snug side, they shouldn’t get caught on anything while you’re going about your business. A wristband of any kind could get caught on something if you put your wrist too close to it.

Be mindful of where you’re putting your hands when you’re wearing silicone wristbands. If you’re planning on using motorized equipment, it’s best to take your wristbands off until you’re finished.

Replace Silicone Wristbands Every So Often

Silicone wristbands will last you for a long time when you invest in ones from the right company. You can make your own wristbands and wear them for months to come.

No matter how durable silicone wristbands might be, you should get into the habit of replacing them every now and then. It’ll prevent your wristbands from shrinking or stretching out on you.

Silicone wristbands are very affordable, which will make it easy to keep a fresh supply on hand at all times. Take advantage of this and replace your wristbands as necessary to keep yourself safe.

Keep These Silicone Wristband Safety Tips in Mind

Wearing silicone wristbands is a great way to show your support for a good cause. It’s also a great way to show your love for a sports team or a school.

Pick up silicone wristbands and start wearing them every day. Just make sure you keep the silicone wristband safety tips found here in mind to protect yourself. It’ll be well worth the extra effort on your part.

Read our blog to find out about other accessories that you can wear along with silicone bracelets.

Business

How Much Do IT Jobs Pay? A Guide on Information Technology Salaries

How Much Do IT Jobs Pay? A Guide on Information


How Much Do IT Jobs Pay? A Guide on Information Technology Salaries

Research shows that the average salary for someone working in the IT sector is around $82,860.

If you want to give your salary a boost, you might be interested in working in the IT sector. However, before you make the leap, you might want to learn a little bit more about the kinds of salaries people earn within this industry.

Read on, and you’ll learn everything you need to know about salaries within the IT sector. Finish this post, and you should be able to answer the question, ‘how much do IT jobs pay?’

Let’s begin!

1. Understand That the IT Sector Is Huge

Before we get into this, it’s important to note that there are many different jobs within the IT sector, and there isn’t really a single ‘IT job.’

The nature of these jobs varies a great deal, and your earning potential is typically associated with the niche you choose.

For instance, if you work a basic computer support role, you might earn around $53,470. However, if you work as a software engineer, you could make roughly $103,620.

Therefore before you decide to work in the IT sector, you might want to learn more about the industry as a whole. In doing so, you will be able to identify a sector that will be a good fit, both in terms of pay and the kind of work you will do.

2. You May Need Training

If you want to earn a lot of money in the IT sector, you’ll need to have some specialized skills. The kinds of skills you need will depend on the specific niche you’ve chosen within the IT sector.

For instance, if you want to be a programmer, you might need to learn a specific programming language such as Java. If you’re going to work in cybersecurity, you might need to understand the basics of network security.

Now you probably don’t have these skills at the moment, and that’s perfectly fine. You can just take some IT training courses and pick up these skills over the course of a year or two.

That said, it’s important to note that the IT industry is constantly changing. It’s because of this that you will probably have to take multiple courses throughout your career.

So, How Much Do IT Jobs Pay?

Upon completing this post, it should be easier for you to answer the question, ‘how much do IT jobs pay?’

As mentioned, salaries can vary significantly in this industry, and this is something you need to be aware of ahead of time. If you don’t do enough research, you might select a career path that doesn’t allow you to join the top 1% of earners within the IT sector.

That said, skills in the IT sector are generally transferrable, and you can always join another part of the industry, later on. To begin with, though, you just need to get started, so that you can quickly join this growing industry.

Do you want to read more content like this? If you do, please check out the rest of our blog to see some of our latest posts.

Technology

How Does a 3D Printer Work? A Guide on What You Should Know

How Does a 3D Printer Work? A Guide on What


How Does a 3D Printer Work? A Guide on What You Should Know

The market for 3D scanners is expected to reach $5.90 billion by 2023. Several factors are responsible for this rapid growth, including the fast technological applications, increasing application of 3D scanning in new market segments, and so on. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you all you need to know about 3D scanning, including how does a 3d printer work and its applications. Keep reading to learn more.

How Does a 3D Printer Work?

3D scanning is a form of technology that captures data from objects in the real world using a 3D scanner. The data collected is typically about the shape or appearance of the real-life object. The resulting 3d Scans can then be edited, saved, or printed.  

3D Scanning Technologies

3D scanning technologies rely on various physical principles. Below are some of the top scanning technologies today.

1. Laser Triangulation 

This technique projects a laser beam on an object’s surface and then measures the laser ray’s deformation to construct a 3D model. 

2. Structured Light 3D Scanning Technology 

This technology measures the deformation of the light pattern on the surface of an object to scan the shape of that surface in 3D.

3. Photogrammetry 

This technique reconstructs the subject in 3D from images in 2D. The technique involves computer vision as well as computational geometry algorithms.

4. Contact-Based 3D Scanning 

This technique relies on sampling several points on the surface of an object, determined by the deformation of the probe.  

5. Laser Pulse Scanning

This technology is also referred to as time of flight. As its name suggests, this technique is based on a laser beam’s time of flight. Typically, the laser beam is projected on an object’s surface before being collected on a sensor.

The geometrical information of the surface is gotten from the time of travel of the laser beam from emission to reception.

Applications of 3D scanning

As we mentioned earlier, 3D scanning has applications in almost every imaginable sector. Below are five areas where this versatile and diverse technology is used.

1. Industrial Design

Few sectors have benefited more from 3D scanning technology than industrial design. Thanks to 3D scanning, it’s much easier to design new items and prototypes.  

Many times, designers need to create products that work around objects and environments already in existence. A 3D laser scanner can help the designer to accurately capture measurements of existing objects to create prototypes that fit their applications perfectly.

 3D scanning also simplifies the process of reverse engineering. Designers can quickly generate digital models of objects with incredible accuracy and mass-produce them.

2. Education

3D scanning is widely used for educational purposes. Many museums today scan and archive artifacts before releasing the designs online for those interested to access. Teachers and learners can download and print these designs and use them in class for learning. 

3. Entertainment

The entertainment industry heavily relies on 3D scanning to capture and recreate real-world objects in the digital space. Countless movies and video games are made this way. 

All computer-animated models, for instance, begin with hand-sculpted models. These models are then 3D scanned before being manipulated in the digital environment. 

4. Manufacturing

Manufacturing firms around the world often rely on 3D scanning technologies to monitor and maintain the quality of equipment and products. Initial hand-tuned products are 3D scanned to create models that are used as the basis for mass production.  3D scanning also helps firms to monitor equipment wear with incredible precision, reducing the likelihood of failure.

5. Real Estate

Real estate agents are increasingly turning to 3D scanning techniques to provide virtual tours of properties to interested buyers. This kind of marketing is highly immersive, surpassing what pictures and videos can offer.   

What Does the Future Hold for 3D Scanning?

3D scanning technology has undoubtedly come a long way. However, the filed is always evolving. Below are just some of the developments you can expect to see in the coming years.

Mobile Photogrammetry

An exciting frontier in 3D scanning is the ability to do 3D scans using your smartphone. As you can imagine, equipping your smartphone with external sensors is both expensive and impractical, photogrammetry is the preferred option. 

Currently, top smartphone makers are working phones that can do photogrammetry. Some models with those capabilities are already in the market. 

Integration with Artificial Intelligence

3D scanning may be a highly sophisticated process, but it still heavily relies on human intervention. People still decide whether the quality of a product manufactured with the aid of 3D technology is good enough or not. By integrating artificial intelligence into the scanning process, human intervention can be taken out of the equation. 

Top Quality, Affordable 3D Scanners 

3D scanners don’t come cheap. Top-quality desktop scanners cost thousands of dollars. Those that cost under a thousand dollars generally fall short when it comes to performance.

As the mainstream success of scanners for 3d printers continues, however, you can expect that more manufacturers will enter the industry. It’s only a matter of time before the prices of the equipment become more affordable.

The Future of 3D Scanning Remains Bright 

3D scanning may have been around for decades, but that hasn’t diminished its relevance. As large industries continue to take notice of the incredible potential of this technology, more advancement in the field will be realized. Soon, this technology will even be available in the hands of every smartphone user.

There’s no question that now more than ever, the future of 3D scanning looks dazzling. You, therefore, must be able to answer “how does a 3d printer work?”

Would you like to read more great content like this? Please keep visiting our blog. 

Business

The Ultimate Guide on How to Read a Credit Report

The Ultimate Guide on How to Read a Credit Report


The Ultimate Guide on How to Read a Credit Report

Were you denied for a credit card again? Are you tired of trying to guess why creditors won’t lend you anything?

Are you trying to understand how to read a credit report? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn everything you need to know about your credit report and score.

What’s Your Score, and What Does it Mean?

The first thing you’ll notice about your credit report is your score. This three-digit number is what most lenders will have their eyes on. So, what does it actually mean?

Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Scores at the higher end of the spectrum mean you’ll get lower interest rates. A high score means you pay bills on time, don’t over-extend your credit, and have a good reputation.

Scores at the low end mean you’ll get viewed as risky for lenders. That means you’ll have high interest rates and trouble getting loans.

There are several types of credit scores, but most use similar models to calculate the score. In general, good financial decisions will result in a higher score.

Verify Your Data, Accounts, and Inquiries

Once you see your score, you’ll want to find out why it is what it is. So, what goes into making a credit score? Here are some of the most important factors:

  • Your payment history (late or unpaid debts)
  • Your credit utilization ratio (used credit versus your credit allowance)
  • The types of credit accounts you have
  • New credit inquiries
  • Your credit history (the age of your accounts)

While looking through your report, take note of all the accounts listed. Verify that all your personal data is correct and the accounts are actually yours.

Many people first learn about identity theft from their reports. If you see an account that’s not yours, then it deserves attention.

Also, take note of any hard inquiries on your report. These hard pulls happen when creditors check your credit. These happen when you apply for a credit card or a loan.

They’re important because too many hard pulls can lower your score. So, don’t apply for any new lines of credit unless you intend to use them.

What to Take From Your Credit Report

Once you’re done looking over your credit report, a few things should pop out at you.

If there’s anything wrong with your report, then you need to deal with it right away. Consider using services, like the ones offered at www.disputebee.com, to remove the errors.

Otherwise, take note of what’s causing your score to drop. Are you often late with payments? Are you using too much of your available credit?

Use the information you learn to make better financial decisions. You should see your score start to rise in no time!

Knowing How to Read a Credit Report

We didn’t learn how to read a credit report in school. Yet, this crucial skill can help us build a better financial future.

If you don’t pay attention to your score, then you’ll have trouble getting loans. It could also impact your ability to get a job, rent a home, or apply for credit cards.

Take control of your financial future and start working on your credit today. Are you looking for more financial advice? If so, then check back on our blog on a regular basis to see our latest content.

Business

The Ultimate Guide on How to Buy a Shipping Container

The Ultimate Guide on How to Buy a Shipping Container


The Ultimate Guide on How to Buy a Shipping Container

Getting things from Point A to Point B isn’t always as simple as it sounds. If you’re a business owner of any sort, you’re probably familiar with this line of thinking. Running a business of almost any size requires moving goods over long distances, and the unfortunate truth is this can get complicated– and expensive.

That’s the reason a lot of business owners decide to buy a shipping container. These large, metal cases are incredibly resistant against wind, rain, and other elements. They last forever and retain their value over years and years of use. Most importantly, they are cheaper to ship and send off around the country. 

But how do you purchase one (or more) for your business? If you’ve never looked into the topic before, it might feel difficult to figure out. Read on, and we’ll walk you through what you need to know about buying a shipping container.

Decide On Your Personal Needs

Before you start looking outward, it’s important to look inward. What needs are you trying to fill by purchasing a shipping container? Make sure you have a really solid answer lined up to this. 

Answering this question will require you to look into what kind of goods you’re hoping to pack into the container. How large are they, and what quantity are you planning on sending out per shipment? 

Metal shipping containers come in a variety of sizes and in a wide range. That being said, most standard shipping containers are either 20 or 40 feet long. If you can go with one of these common-sized shipping containers, it should make your search a lot easier. 

These containers are quite strong and are capable of carrying a great deal of weight. That being said, it’s still a good idea to have a sense of the total weight you’ll be planning on shipping.

It’s also recommended that you decide on a budget ahead of time too. The last thing you want to do is spend all your money on getting a shipping container and then have no money left over to actually send it out. 

Last but not least, you’ll need to know what grade of shipping container you’ll want to purchase. This will depend on your budget. Containers usually come in one of four grades: brand new, certified, WTW (wind-and-water tight), and as-is. 

An as-is container is heavily used and might not be sealed against weather or the elements. If you’re on a budget, you’ll still likely want to go for a WTW graded container. It’s best to learn more about shipping containers ahead of your purchase.

Who Can Sell You A Shipping Container? 

Now that you have a rough sense of what you’re looking for, you can start to search for who will be willing to sell it to you. Finding a seller with a deal that will work for you can be a long and involved process. You need to square your shoulders and keep yourself committed to the end goal. 

The easiest place to start may be with a cursory google search. Look around and see who has listed themselves as shipping container sellers in your area. These local dealers usually have large inventories, which means finding a container that you like might be easy. 

Unfortunately, these dealers also tend to charge the most as compared to any other kind of seller. Depending on your budget you may be forced to look elsewhere. 

If you’re looking for a bargain, it might be more worth it to go through an auction process. That can mean in-person somewhere, but more often these days it can mean online on a website like eBay or Shipped. It’s much easier to get an amazing price on a shipping container this way, though you might not always win. 

Getting The Shipping Container To You

Once you’ve made the purchase on your new shipping container, you’ll need to make one more hurdle: you’ll need to get your new shipping container home. Given the size and weight of your average container, this is easier said than done.

Ideally, the place you’re purchasing from will have included delivery in their asking price. But more often than not, sellers will leave that up to you to handle yourself.

You’ll need to rent or hire a flatbed trailer to bring that shipping container to where it needs to go. The cost of moving will likely depend on the current cost of gas and fuel since that’s the biggest expense that trucking companies have to make.

Currently, gas prices are fairly low, so it’s a good time to need a container moved.

The distance between you and the shipping container you purchased will also pay into the price of moving it. If you got a great deal on a shipping container three states over but it will cost you an arm and a leg to ship it home… it might not have been so great a deal after all.

It’s key to keep this in mind when searching and purchasing. 

How To Buy A Shipping Container

If you’re unfamiliar with how to buy a shipping container the above information should help you get oriented.

Shipping containers can be hugely helpful to businesses and corporations looking to move large quantities (or just large products) across the country and world. Buying one isn’t always simple, but it can be well worth the trouble.

Need more business advice? Check out our blog for more. 

 

Technology

A Beginners Guide for WordPress Web Design

A Beginners Guide for Wordpress Web Design

 

A Beginners Guide for WordPress Web Design

WordPress powers around 34% of the internet. Not only is WordPress powering blogs, but many eCommerce sites are using WordPress as well.

If you’re thinking about starting your own website, you might be considering WordPress but are wondering how hard WordPress web design is. If you aren’t very technically inclined, it can seem daunting to design your own website but we can help. Continue reading this article and learn some simple tips for designing your website on WordPress.

Choose a Theme That Will Work for You

Depending on how good you are with technical matters, you might need to choose a pretty simple theme. WordPress themes are what make your website show up the way they do online. WordPress themes allow you to have certain functions and ways to showcase your content without coding it yourself.

There are literally thousands of themes available online. You will find some themes are paid themes and some are free. You’ll find themes that require a yearly subscription and other themes that you can buy with a one-time investment.

Depending on the type of site you want to make, you’ll find that certain themes work better for you than others. If you’re building a magazine-style website, there are themes that are specifically for this style of website. If you want to build a photography website, you’ll be able to find themes optimized for sharing your photography.

Keep a Tidy Sidebar

The sidebar of your WordPress site is seen on every page on most designs. The sidebar isn’t where you should put everything that you can think of. Recent posts, ads, promotions, about sections and many other sections could confuse or distract your readers.

Be purposeful when you put things into your sidebar. Whether you’re using managed hosting or cpanel hosting, you access your sidebar settings the same way. Go into your dashboard, go to appearance and click on widgets. When you are in the widgets section, you’ll be able to easily change what’s in your sidebar.

Make It Easy to Navigate Your Website

Nothing is more frustrating than going to a website where you can’t find what you’re looking for. Your website navigation should make sense when people come to find information.

Group related topics, create categories, and structure your menu section in a way where people can see your system and thought process. If you have a finance section on your website, you might add subsections like Debt Resolution, Savings, Investing, and anything else related that can be considered a subtopic.

User experience is an important part of web design. Focus on planning out your website navigation before you even create content and it will work much better for you.

Choose a Clean Permalink Structure

Permalink structure is your website link structure. For instance, if your website is yourwebsite.com, your permalink might be yourwebsite.com/post1 or yourwebsite.com/posttitle. You can choose what your permalink structure is in the settings section near the bottom of the dashboard sidebar.

Use Images to Drive Your Point Home

Images help your readers stay engaged. We all remember loving to read picture books and getting excited to see what was on the next page. Now as adults, images still help drive points home so we are able to understand the information.

Not only do images make your page look better and engage your readers but they can also help with search engine optimization (SEO). You have the ability to put “alt text” with the keyword when you upload it to your WordPress page or post for better SEO results.

You can use stock images or you can take your own images and use them on your site. Stock images are inexpensive these days or you can even find some online for free.

Select an Appealing Font

If you don’t want to look like every other website online and use the Arial font, you might want to look into other fonts. You are going to find that there are a lot of options available but you need to find fonts that go along with your brand’s look.

You don’t necessarily have to use a different font throughout your website but you might want to use a fancy font on your headers. While you want your website to be attractive to your visitors, you don’t want to visually overload them or make your website difficult for them to read.

There are even places where you can create your own font, download it and use it on your site to make it uniquely yours. This is a little bit of a pro-tip but it might be something you want to consider later down the road when you’re working on your branding.

Don’t Forget the Footer

While the footer might seem a little boring, it is prime real estate. People scroll to the bottom of your page to get an idea of how long the content is. Make sure you have important information there so they can see it and possibly decide to stay on your page longer.

Depending on the theme you choose for your website, you may even be able to pull images from your Instagram feed, show excerpts from your About page and more.

WordPress Web Design for the Win

Now that you know more about WordPress web design, a whole new world is open to you. Why not keep learning? We have many other articles on our site that can open up more worlds and exciting opportunities.

Browse our website, find your favorite section, drop a bookmark and come back soon for more great reads.

Business

The Pay Stub Meaning: A Guide on Everything You Should Know

The Pay Stub Meaning: A Guide on Everything You Should


The Pay Stub Meaning: A Guide on Everything You Should Know

Payday is always a great day. Your hard work is rewarded with that coveted paycheck. 

Then you open and see it might not be quite as much as you hoped or anticipated. Where has all your money gone?

You pull out your pay stub to take a look. Now to understand the pay stub meaning of all those deductions. 

If you have ever found yourself in this situation, read on to learn about the meaning of all those boxes and numbers on your pay stub. 

What Is A Pay Stub?

Let’s start with the most obvious part of the equation and that is what is a pay stub? Maybe you have never bothered to take a closer look at that slip of paper, instead concentrating on the actual check.

It’s time to take a closer look. The pay stub, also called a paycheck stub or pay slip, is the piece of paper that comes with your check. It outlines what your pay is and what is being subtracted from your pay in the form of deductions. 

Most pay stubs cover the pay period. They will also show the year-to-date deductions. 

What Those Payslip Terms Mean

Many employers will choose to use a computer program that creates a document with all the pay stub information.

If you are an employer looking for an easier way to provide payday information to your employees. Check out PayStubs.net 

Let’s take a closer look at the terms and information found on your pay stub. 

Employee And Employer Information

This information covers the basics. 

The employee will have their name, social security number, and address. Many companies have employee ID numbers. This might also be included.

The employer information will include the company name, address, and possible contact information for the human resources department. 

Pay Period

The pay period is a set of dates. It has a start date that indicates the first day you are getting paid in that check. The end date is the last date you are getting paid in the check. 

Every pay period is different depending on how often your company does payroll. It’s common to do bi-weekly pay. 

Gross Pay

Your gross pay is the amount you actually earned. For some people, that is a salary and is the same for each pay period. If you work hourly, then it is the number of hours you worked multiplied by your hourly pay rate.

The gross pay has no deductions subtracted yet, so it is not the amount you actually get when you cash your check.

Net Pay

The net pay is the amount you will get when you cash your check. It is your gross pay with all of your deductions subtracted.  

Tax Withholdings

Tax withholdings are the amount subtracted from your check to pay your taxes. When you get hired, you decide how many dependents you are claiming. This tells the employer how much to deduct based on your tax bracket.

Taxes will be deducted for the federal government and likely state government.  Taxes might also need to be paid for the city in which you work or reside. 

Employee Contributions

Your company might offer a 401K plan for retirement savings. Or you might be part of a government or union pension plan. 

Some employees choose to make charitable donations through their paycheck. 

These are other reasons there might be additional deductions made on top of the taxes already subtracted. 

Other Deductions

Another reason for deductions might be if you have a court-ordered garnishment. The employer is required to abide by the court order and subtract the required amount from your check. 

Many states require you to pay child support directly from your paycheck as well. 

Attendance

Some businesses or unions allow a set amount of vacation and sick time to their employees. Often, your pay stub will show how much vacation/sick time you have used and how much is still available. 

Understanding Your Pay Stub Meaning

It’s your money and you should know where it’s going.

Next time you get paid, pull out that pay stub and take a closer look. Make sure you know the pay stub meaning for all the reasons your employer is deducting from your earnings. 

For more business and writing information, visit our blog today and see what you can learn.

Business

What Is PRINCE2? Your Guide to the Project Management Methodology

What Is PRINCE2? Your Guide to the Project Management Methodology


What Is PRINCE2? Your Guide to the Project Management Methodology

Successful project management skills have been required for longer than we realize. But nowadays, we’re able to specialize in the field. 

Now, you can choose project management specifically as a career and then specialize in a field of your choice. 

This is where PRINCE2 comes in. 

If you’re managing a complex project, you’ll need to follow a methodology. But what is PRINCE2? Learn more about this methodology here.

What is PRINCE2?

In 2013 the then PROMPT II (Project Resource Organisation Management Planning Techniques), developed by the UK Office of Government Commerce (OGC) was commercialized and became PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments).

It is a process-based methodology for project management that provides an easily customized and scaled method for the management of all types and sizes of projects. It has been adopted in many countries worldwide, including the UK, Western European countries, and Australia.

PRINCE2 wraps itself around six aspects, seven principles, seven themes, and seven processes.

The six aspects in PRINCE2 form the basis for the goals of the project and are set out with tolerances:

  • Scope
  • Timescale
  • Risk
  • Quality
  • Benefits and
  • Cost

Each of the six aspects is reviewed at each stage and may be subject to updates. The PRINCE2 teams at all level are measured against these aspects.

Corporate and Programme Management are measured against Project Tolerance; the Project Board against Stage Tolerance, the Project Manager against Work Packages and lastly the team is measured by issues, although this is thought to be onerous and often tailored out.

Why You Should Choose PRINCE2

Although PRINCE2 can be customized and scaled for the organization and project size, it has seven core principles which cannot be tailored.

Continued Business Justification

The business case is the most important document and is revisited and updated if necessary at every stage of the project to ensure that the Business Case remains to be valid.

In cases where the Business Case has gone stale or has become outdated project cancellation will occur.

Learn From Experience

Each project maintains a lessons lo, PRINCE2 projects refer to their own and to previous and concurrent projects’ lesson logs continuously to avoid repeating mistakes.

This process MUST induce changes in organizational practices and delivery of future projects.

Defined Roles and Responsibilities 

PRINCE2 says that a role is not a person, in fact, a person may and can have more than one role or share a role within a PRINCE2 project. In PRINCE2 roles are found at four levels (Corporate or Programme Management, Project Board, Project Manager, and Team).

The Project Management Team does not include Corporate or Programme where business, user and supplier (the primary stakeholders) are represented.

Manage by Stages

This principle is based on the concept of ‘shifting reality’, things and situations change as time goes by.

By planning and controlling a project in stages and introducing a review of the business case, risks, overall plan, and detailed next-stage plan affords stakeholders the opportunity to more frequently consider the validity of the project investment.

Manage by Exception 

It is said good news travels fast but bad news travels faster. Typically Project Managers prefer to report what has gone well and been achieved as opposed to what has not and what was not achieved in a stage.

When planned and established PRINCE projects have tolerances for every project objective. This establishes the terms and levels of decision making (delegated authority) the Project Team has for the project.

If the Project Team feels that any of these agreed tolerances may be exceeded, PRINCE2 dictates that this be escalated to the next management (usually Corporate or Programme Management) for a decision on how to continue or not continue.

Focus on Products 

PRINCE2 projects are highly focused on the definition and delivery of the products (read deliverables), especially the agreed quality statements and acceptance criteria.

Tailor to Suit Project Environment

PRINCE2 is tailored to suit the project environment, size, complexity, importance, time capability, and risk. Tailoring is the first activity in the process Initiating A Project and reviewed for each stage.

What Are The Seven Themes of PRINCE2?

There are seven themes within PRINCE2 that need to be covered. Each of these seven themes related directly to one of the principles discussed in the previous section. 

They are:

  1. Business Case
    – Ongoing Business Justification
  2. Organization
    – Roles and Responsibilities
  3. Quality
    – Roles and Responsibilities
    – Product Focus
    – Lessons Log
  4. Plans
    – Ongoing Business Justification
    – Manage by Stages
    – Manage by Exception
    – Roles and Responsibilities
    – Lessons Log
  5. Risk
    – Ongoing Business Justification
    – Manage by Stages
    – Manage by Exception
    – Roles and Responsibilities
    – Lessons Log
  6. Change
    – Ongoing Business Justification
    – Roles and Responsibilities
    – Lessons Log
  7. Progress
    – Manage By Exception
    – Manage by Stages
    – Ongoing Business Justification
    – Lessons Log

A PRINCE2 project is constructed around seven processes:

  • Starting Up A Project: in this process, the project team is convened and accepts the appointment. This includes an executive and project manager. The primary product coming form the Starting Up process is the project brief.
  • Initiating A Project: here is where the original business case is revisited and updated if required. The Project Initiation Documentation is also drawn up as part of this process
  • Directing A Project: the Project Board convenes and agrees on how the members of the Project Board will oversee the project
  • Controlling A Stage: each individual stage has to be controlled, in this process, this is agreed. In this step of the PRINCE2 processes, the way in which work packages are authorized and distributed has to be agreed
  • Managing Product Delivery: PRINCE2 projects have to be managed. The relationship between the Project Manager and the Team Manager(s) is a critical success factor. To achieve these formal requirements on accepting, executing and delivering project work have to be agreed
  • Managing Stage Boundaries: as previously discussed PRINCE2 project is constructed in stages. Each stage has a formal review, the terms of these reviews are agreed and adhered to here.
  • Closing A Project: including the formal closing of the project, and required follow-on actions and evaluation of the benefits. It may also be that this process has to close an unfinished or incomplete project, the terms of must be agreed and acceptable to all parties.

PRINCE2 Management Products

As with all projects PRINCE2 projects are supported with documentation, in PRINCE2 terms ‘Management Products’. Some examples are:

  • Business Case
  • Project Brief
  • Checkpoint Report
  • Communications Management Approach
  • Change Control Approach
  • Risk Register
  • Issues Register
  • Daily Log
  • Lessons Log
  • Quality Register

In order to Lead and or Implement PRINCE2, it is mandatory for certification.

  • PRINCE2 2017 Foundation
    • To obtain sufficient knowledge to work in a PRINCE2 organization
  • PRINCE2 2017 Practitioner
    • Confirms the holder of this certification has enough knowledge to tailor the method

PRINCE2 exams are not too difficult to find and can be easily accomplished while still maintaining full-time work. 

PRINCE2 is Right for You

You asked us, “What is PRINCE2?” We hope that you’ve received enough information in this article to arm you with the knowledge to move forward and get certified. 

Head on over to our business section if you need further resources on anything career-related!