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CBD Oil vs Tincture: The Key Differences Explained

CBD Oil vs Tincture: The Key Differences Explained


CBD Oil vs Tincture: The Key Differences Explained

It can be a real headspin learning the different terminology associated with CBD (cannabidiol).

It’s not enough to simply know the terms, either. Knowing the differences and benefits of each type of product allows you to choose the right one to fit your needs.

Keep reading to find out the differences and similarities of CBD oil vs tinctures so that you can make an informed decision.

The Extraction of CBD Oil

CBD oil is made by extracting the cannabinoid from the Cannabis Sativa L (hemp) plant. 

It can be extracted by using:

  • Dry ice
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • A solvent (i.e. alcohol, ethanol, or butane)

Dry ice is a classic at-home method for those who grow hemp at home. Large companies don’t really use it, as it’s not as effective as other choices.

Using a solvent to extract CBD is becoming obsolete. This is because it relies on evaporating out the alcohol or solvent used, increasing the chance of accidentally leaving some behind.

A more popular and prevalent method is to use CO2 under specific pressures and heats. The result is the cleanest and safest product possible.

Once the CBD is extracted, it’s diluted with a “carrier oil” such as coconut oil or hemp seed oil. This creates a slightly bitter product that can be taken orally as drops, mixed into food, or taken under the tongue (e.g. sublingually).

Types of CBD Oil

In addition to different types of extraction methods, CBD oils are also classified into three main categories: broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, and isolates.

Broad-spectrum products contain all of the cannabinoids in the hemp plant except for THC. Full-spectrum products have every cannabinoid present in the plant, including trace amounts of THC. Isolates are pure, concentrated CBD products that are powdery or crystalline.

The type of CBD oil you choose depends on the legality of THC in the state you live in as well as your personal preferences. For instance, you can’t buy full-spectrum CBD in a state that doesn’t have legal cannabis.

The Breakdown of CBD Tincture

A CBD tincture, on the other hand, utilizes the power of a base (e.g. alcohol, vegetable glycerin, or vinegar) to slowly break down and absorb all parts of the hemp plant into the liquid. 

This process can take weeks or months, depending on how it’s done and the strength of the base used. Once it’s ready, the oil is strained to remove plant parts.

Rather than evaporating out the base, it’s left in the product. As a result, tinctures taste like alcohol or vegetable glycerin (depending on what was used) when taken orally or sublingually. This can be a turn-off for some, but for others, it’s better than the semi-bitter taste of CBD oil.

However, it shouldn’t be mixed into food like CBD oil is. It’s simply not pleasant.

Tinctures offer the benefit of combined results. They are often made with other plant components, giving you the positive aspects of all cannabinoids (including CBD) as well as anything that’s added.

In terms of cannabinoids, having every single one present from the hemp plant may provide better results. This is known as the entourage effect. You can get this in both tinctures and full-spectrum CBD oils.

Considerations of CBD Oil vs Tinctures

At the end of the day, the difference in CBD oil and tinctures comes down to how it was prepared and the ingredients they contain. CBD oil, depending on which category you choose, contains cannabinoids and carrier oils. Tinctures contain all of hemp’s cannabinoids as well as the base that was used.

Each product can come in a variety of sizes, concentrations, and prices, making it easier to choose something that fits your needs.

If you want to have a product that can be used in a number of ways, CBD oil may be a better bet. If you know you’re only going to take CBD orally or sublingual, you can usually find tinctures for a better price. 

Another consideration to keep in mind is whether or not you’re concerned about the legality of it or failing drug tests. CBD is federally legal but THC is illegal in many states. So, tinctures and full-spectrum oils (as well as other CBD products) must have less than 0.3% THC to remain within the law.

This highlights the importance of buying from high-quality, third-party lab tested brands. These reports show that it’s a high-quality, non-contaminated product that has less than 0.3% THC.

You can find lab results on a trustworthy company’s website. Zennessee Organics, for example, has various types of products and offers its lab results online so that consumers can get the most out of their purchase.

Then, you can purchase high-quality CBD while staying within the law.

Other Options Available

Aside from CBD oils and tinctures, you can consume the cannabinoid in a number of other ways.

You can smoke it using a vaporizer or by inhaling the smoke of dried CBD buds. Alternatively, you can use it topically for localized aches and pains.

Some companies also offer pre-made edibles like gummies or treats. These convenient products allow you to take your daily dosage without having to measure it. However, they are often higher priced and offer lower dosages.

When it comes down to it, it’s up to you to decide which method is preferred. The options are abundant and vary slightly, allowing you to consume CBD within your budget and preferences. 

Choose What’s Best for You

By understanding the slight differences between CBD oil vs tinctures, you can find the best product for your needs.

No matter what you choose, pay attention to concentration and quality. That will increase the likelihood of it potentially helping your ailments.

Keep reading our blog for more information on CBD so that you can stay up-to-date and informed.

Business

4 Key Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Teacher

4 Key Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Teacher


4 Key Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Teacher

Remember your school days? Love them or loathe them, often your view about your experiences in education was based on your teachers. One good teacher is all it takes to see the potential in you and to completely change your perspective at a young age.

Perhaps you are now thinking ‘should I become a teacher?’ Maybe you are wanting to give back to the next generation. But if you are going to leap into education then you need to know what you’re getting yourself into.

Here’s what you need to know about becoming a teacher.

1. Teaching Takes Up More Time Than the Average 9-5

Teaching takes up a lot more time than you think. Many people think teachers get long holidays and only have to work the school day during the week but this is to miss the point.

Teachers also have to do a lot of marking. This has to be completed in your own time and not during school hours when you will be teaching. There are also lesson plans and health and safety risk assessments as well as meetings and parents evenings to attend.

But there is a further responsibility and that is the time it takes to resolve the issues of students who are in trouble. Perhaps they have taken illegal drugs, have been arrested by the police or are accused of bullying another student.

Maybe their home life has fallen apart and so they are not attending school regularly. While other agencies can investigate these issues, these are not isolated incidents and often require the input of the teacher and require the teacher to speak to the student one-to-one.

If you find that this is not for you don’t despair there are many alternative jobs for teachers.

2. Teaching Requires Emotional Energy

More than anything teaching requires emotional energy. You are invested in your students and you want them to do well so if they fail a test or an important exam then you can start thinking about them in your spare time.

Good teachers will also go above and beyond what is necessary in the classroom and will ensure that all of their students are prepared and ready to enter the wider world.

They might even end up spending some of their own money on bus fare for students or on helping them get the correct textbooks to prepare for an exam.

If you are an emotional person then this can take its toll on your eventually. You need to work out a strategy for dealing with your emotions towards students in distress otherwise it can affect your home life.

You cannot help every single student and solve all of their problems and you need to remember that you are not the only person in that student’s life trying to help them or set them straight.

Find allies in your school – other teachers or the school therapists – who can assist you and take some of the weight of your shoulders. 

3. You Need To Study Hard All the Time

Good teachers don’t rest on their laurels. They are constantly learning and improving their knowledge to pass on to their own students.

If you just have a bachelor’s degree then you may want to study part-time for a Master’s degree while teaching.

If you have a degree in the liberal arts then you might feel that is appropriate to study a science degree part-time to broaden your horizons. 

If you go to a school where many of the students speak English as a second language and their first language is Spanish – perhaps in the state of Flordia – you may feel that it would be beneficial to you learn another language. In fact some officials think Florida residents learning English as a second language should sit tests in Spanish.

This way you can speak to students in their own language and connect with them more and understand their culture.

4. You Need to Be a People Person

Teaching is not just about standing at the front of the classroom and regurgitating the vast amounts of knowledge that you have to your students. Many subjects are not fact-based and require deeper thinking than this such as teaching Philosophy.

That technique won’t get you anywhere. This is not what the teaching profession is about.

It assumes that all of your students are as interested in the subject as you are. Most of them won’t be.

To be a good teacher you need to be a good people person. You need to be able to read your students and figure out what they are thinking and how you can get them to learn and study.

This is challenging but it is about psychology more than anything else. In Finland, they teach computer skills in an interesting way that gets students’ interest, through Chess, a game at least 1,300 years old.

Do you use rewards such as sweets or a points-based system? Or are you a strict teacher who enforces high standards and punishment for those who don’t follow the rules? Deciding which path to follow often depends on the type of students you have and trialing both methods to find out what they respond to best.

Becoming a Teacher Takes Patience, Understanding and Empathy

The most important thing about becoming a teacher is understanding that it is not just about learning itself. It’s about understanding what motivates students and how you can get the best out of them.

This takes patience and a lot of empathy. You also need to study hard continuously to ensure that you are always expanding your knowledge which you can then pass on to your students. 

Finally, you also need to remember that the teaching profession requires a lot of emotional energy as you are often dealing with children who have problems at home.

If you are interested in learning more about being a teacher be sure to check out the rest of our site.

Entertainment

7 Key Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

7 Key Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane


7 Key Things You Should Always Wear on a Plane

Air travel has become a familiar part of life for many people. It saves time getting from city to city, it’s often fun and exciting, and it definitely beats spending days in a car fighting traffic.

Traveling by plane can also become a bit uncomfortable. After all, you’re seated in limited space with at least a hundred other people for an extended period of time. That’s why it’s so important to know how to dress for the flight.

This article takes a look at how to dress when taking a plane to your destination. Because dressing comfortably can make all the difference. Keep reading to learn some useful travel tips.

1. Comfortable Slip-On Shoes

The typical traveler spends a lot of time on their feet. This is a simple fact of life. Even though you’ll be spending an hour or more seated on the flight, you’ll have to get to the airport, shuffle through security, and then march across acres of airport terminal to find your gate. This can be an exhausting process.

That’s why it’s important to wear comfortable shoes. This will make your day much more pleasant. Another good tip is to wear slip-ons, which will help expedite your trip through security.

And for women who prefer to wear heels, go ahead and bring them along, but stow them inside your bag so that you can change out of your comfortable shoes after you’ve reached your destination.

2. Dress in Layers

Everyone has a different internal thermostat. Some people run hot, while others run cold and easily get chilly.

Experienced travelers quickly learn the value of dressing in layers. This travel tip solves the problem of dressing too light or too heavy for a flight. 

After all, how many times have you worn a T-shirt and starting freezing the minute you boarded the plane? Or you wore a heavy sweater, and thus sweated profusely the entire flight.

Dressing in layers allows you to adjust your clothing based on your comfort level throughout the flight. Regardless of how you’re dressed when you board, you can make adjustments as you heat up or cool down. The key is to bring along a light jacket or cardigan, or even a wrap or sweatshirt.

These types of items are easy to put on or take off so that you’ll always remain totally comfortable while in the air. 

3. Breathable Fabrics

Clothing made from breathable fabrics will help you stay comfortable. Fabrics like cotton, silk, or linen allow air and moisture to efficiently pass right through rather than absorbing it.

This is especially crucial for anyone with a tendency to sweat a lot. 

Wearing breathable fabrics will help keep your body dry, which will help make your flight as pleasant as possible. 

If you’re looking for comfortable clothes for your next flight, shop this product online.

4. Wireless Bra

Next, let’s spend a moment talking about comfort for the ladies. Spending time on a crowded plane isn’t exactly the most comfortable situation, especially if you’re in business or economy class.

That’s why it’s important for women to look for every way possible to maximize comfort. This includes the type of bra that you wear on the flight.

Wearing a wireless bra is a travel tip that you need to put at the top of your list and underline twice. Because even though you might want to look your very best at all times, it’s hard to put a price on personal comfort during a long flight.

Underwire bras might not be the most popular fashion choice, but we recommend exploring the back of your dresser drawer for the type of undergarments you might save mostly for the weekend.

Keep in mind that you can always change into something a bit more fashionable and supportive when you land. This might not seem like a big deal, but give it a try and you can thank us later.

5. A Backpack

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, a small backpack makes the perfect carry on for a flight of any length. Small packs are great because they can be easily stowed in the overhead compartment or beneath your seat.

This way you don’t have to check your bag, which saves both time and money. Plus it’s easy to carry around. A backpack also provides extra pockets for storage, a place to keep your neck pillow, books, or electronic devices for the flight.

They also make boarding the plane a breeze, because you can hook a strap over your shoulder to keep it out of the way as you shuffle down the narrow aisle.

6. Clothes with Plenty of Pockets

It’s easy to forget stuff when traveling. And it’s usually the little things that you can’t live without. Like charger cords, cash, passport, keys, reading glass and other such items.

So try to make it a point to wear clothes with lots of pockets. This provides plenty of places to keep things handy so they’ll always be within reach when you need them.

7. Be Stylish

And lastly, always make an effort to look your best. Dressing stylishly for a flight will make you feel confident because you’ll look great, and it’s a sign of respect to your fellow travelers.

Yes, you want to be as comfortable as possible during the flight, and yet comfort doesn’t have to translate to looking like a total mess. So skip the tank top, shorts, and flip-flops, and dress like a mature adult instead. 

The Way to Dress on a Plane

Some people enjoy air travel more than others. It’s the most efficient way to get around, and with a little effort and the right attitude, taking a plane rather than driving really is a pleasure.

The key is to dress so that you’re comfortable and have everything you need for the trip. The travel tips contained in this article can help make your next trip an enjoyable adventure rather than a chore.

Business

7 Key Tips for Finding the Perfect Financial Advisor

7 Key Tips for Finding the Perfect Financial Advisor


7 Key Tips for Finding the Perfect Financial Advisor

You want to grow your wealth and the easiest way to do that is by working with a financial advisor. And there are plenty to choose from.

Believe it or not, there are more than 200,000 financial advisors in the United States. And with so many, finding the perfect financial advisor can feel like a challenge.

It doesn’t have to be. Read on for a few simple tips to help you find the best advisor for your financial goals.

1. Think About Your Goals

Financial advisors help you build wealth over a long period of time. But they’re better able to do this if they understand your goals.

Think about what you want to accomplish with your investments.

Are you looking to increase your monthly income? Do you want to aggressively save for retirement? Or are you planning for your future to give your family the life you’ve always imagined?

Once you know what your goals are, write them down. It’s okay if they change over time, but this will give your advisor a starting point. And with that starting point, they’ll be able to create a strategy to help you meet those goals.

2. Know How Much You Can Invest

Unfortunately, some financial advisors require that their clients have a minimum amount of investable assets. If you don’t have enough, you won’t be able to work with them.

Think about how much you have on-hand to invest. If it’s just a few hundred dollars, you’re probably better off waiting or finding an alternative. But if you’ve saved up and are ready to get serious about your future, a financial adviser is the smart choice.

That said, it’s okay to start out on your own, especially if you don’t have much to invest. Robo-advisors offer a low-cost alternative to traditional financial advisors. And many investment platforms allow you to directly make trades on your own.

Keep in mind that if you go this route, you’ll want to be careful. Remember, investing on your own means you’re relying on your own experience and knowledge of the industry.

For most people, this means slower growth and less return on investments. And sometimes, it can mean catastrophic losses.

The last thing you want to do is lose all of your hard-earned money on investments that weren’t the right choice for your needs.

3. Get Referrals from People You Know

The best place to start looking for the perfect financial advisor is by talking to your friends, family, and coworkers. Online reviews and internet searches can only tell you so much.

But the people you know are likely the people you trust to recommend products and services anyway. Ask if they have any financial advisors they’ve worked with in the past. And don’t be afraid to ask what they thought about their services.

If they’re comfortable working with them and had positive experiences in the past, you’ll likely receive the same quality service.

And don’t be afraid to ask the people you know if they have any advisors they didn’t like. This will help you narrow down your choices.

4. Look at Their Credentials

Experience does matter when it comes to managing your investments and growing your wealth.

When researching advisors in the area, pay close attention to their credentials. Look for distinguishing certifications like the Certified Financial Planner distinction or fiduciary status.

These help ensure that you’re able to work with an advisor that’s out to help you, not just make a fast buck. You’ll also want to pay attention to their educational background. Remember, you’re paying them to help you make sound financial decisions.

5. Schedule Several Consultations

Remember, you’re looking for an advisor that you can work with for many years to come. And that means you’ll need to interview several advisors before you can find the one that fits your needs best.

Schedule consultations with at least three advisors and see which one you feel most comfortable with.

They should be willing to listen to your concerns and able to answer your questions in a way that you understand.

If at any point you feel uncomfortable, don’t agree to work with them. It’s okay to leave the office feeling like you need to keep looking. Don’t give up. You’ll find the perfect financial advisor eventually.

6. Make Sure Your Comfortable with Their Fees

Financial advisors charge for their services in different ways. Some expect a flat fee each quarter while others charge commission on each trade or investment.

There’s no right or wrong method, but you need to make sure you’re comfortable with how they charge for their services. And you need to be able to afford what they charge for their services.

Before leaving the consultation, make sure they explain their fee structure in detail. If you have any questions or concerns, ask them during the appointment. And if the advisor can’t explain things in a way that makes sense to you, keep searching.

7. Check Online for Complaints

Online reviews are not the best way to judge a financial advisor’s skills or reputation. In fact, most are anonymous and those complaints may not even be real.

Instead of relying on sites like Yelp and Google, dig a little deeper. Sites like FINRA’s BrokerCheck allow you to research individual financial advisors and firms to assess their reputations.

If anyone filed complaints against the broker, you’ll know what they were and what, if anything, happened to resolve the issue.

And if there are no problems, their record will be clean.

Final Thoughts on Finding the Perfect Financial Advisor

Finding the perfect financial advisor takes time and effort. You need to meet with advisors in order to know if they’re the right choice for your needs.

Be patient, do your research, and choose an advisor that you’re comfortable with. This way, you’ll have someone in your corner for the long-run.

Looking for more helpful tips and advice to grow your wealth? Check out our latest posts.

Business

6 Key Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business

6 Key Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business


Business Plan: 6 Key Questions to Ask Before You Start a Business

As of 2015, there are over 25 million entrepreneurs in the United States.

With the accessibility convenience that the Internet provides, it’s also easier than ever before to start your own business. Many times, you can even do it from your own home.

But, just because it’s easier than in the past to start your own company doesn’t mean you don’t need to be cautious.

In fact, there’s a handful of questions you need to ask yourself before you dive in.

Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we got you covered.

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about what you need to consider while creating your business plan.

1. “What Problem Can My Business Solve?”

This is one of the most important questions you can ask, and it’s important that you be honest with yourself.

If what you offer to your target audience solves a problem or makes their lives easier, they’ll likely pay money for it. But, if it doesn’t bring them much value, you may find that your company’s performance will struggle.

The good news is that the answer to this question isn’t always complicated.

It could be as simple as an app that helps budding musicians find open mic nights in their city, or a platform that lets people hire local petsitters.

2. “What’s My X-Factor?”

So, you’ve found what problem you’re going to solve. That’s great!

Except, it’s likely that plenty of other people have the same mission.

While competition isn’t inherently bad, it can make things a bit difficult as a business owner. This is especially true when you’re just starting out.

So, you’re going to have to find a way to stand out from the crowd if you want to get your audience’s attention.

Ways you can help differentiate yourself include:

  • Provide above and beyond customer service
  • Develop a powerful culture around your brand (Nike, for example)
  • Have a relatable cause or story behind your business
  • Be weird and unconventional

The more effort you put into being unique as a business, the better off you’ll be.

You can learn more about starting your own company here.

3. “What Funds and Resources Do I Have Available?”

This is another one where you’ll need to be completely honest with yourself.

If you don’t have the proper funds and resources (or can’t definitively secure them), don’t get too caught up in bringing an end-game vision to life.

For example, there are people out there who dream of having their own office and a dozen employees working under them. But, there’s no need to spend money on renting a workspace if you’re just starting out in most circumstances.

Instead, focus on what you can realistically obtain with what you have access to.

Even you only have a few thousand dollars or only know a couple of people in the industry, it’s important to accept that you’ve got some work to do before you start scaling your company.

4. “How Well Do I Know the Market?”

You wouldn’t set out to sea without checking the weather, would you?

The same applies here when entering a market for the first time.

You could provide the best product or service the industry has ever seen, but introducing it at the wrong time could spell the end for your business.

Similarly, you’ll also need to consider unexpected factors, such as unforeseen costs and how your audience reacts to your branding/marketing.

Put simply, you need to put in the time and research everything you can about the industry you’re about to enter. This means analyzing your competition, your audience, and the performance of the market itself are all crucial.

5. “How Do I Plan on Marketing My Product/Service?”

Yet another one of those make-or-break questions. 

How you market your product or service is just as important as what you’re actually offering. But, it’s not quite as daunting as it seems to come up with a strategy.

To get started, consider what is known as the Four P’s of marketing:

  • Product- What you offer and how it will stand out among other products. Also, consider who you want to buy it.
  • Price- What you charge for what you offer. Pursue the ‘sweet spot’ in terms of price that will optimize sales.
  • Promotion- How you frame your product or service. For example, it could be marketed as a premium purchase or something that is intentionally barebones.
  • Place- How you reach your audience. Essentially, this is your chosen method(s) of making sales (online store, phone, retail, etc.).

Flesh out each answer as thoroughly as possible and you’ll end up with a solid marketing plan.

6. “What Is My Exit Strategy?”

Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. That’s why inventions like seatbelts and lifejackets exist.

The same applies when starting your own business. Unforeseen circumstances could very easily cause your company to enter a downward spiral, such as an imploding market that leaves no need for what you offer.

So, you need to come up with a plan to cushion the blow as much as possible (or eliminate it entirely).

Common exit strategies include:

  • Selling your company to another business owner
  • Shutting down all operations and liquidating
  • Merging with another company that provides similar products or services

Think of what the ideal solution to an emergency scenario would be, and then plan for it.

That way, you’ll be one step ahead when the need for a way out arises. 

Coming up With a Solid Business Plan Can Seem Difficult

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the above information about developing a business plan in mind, you’ll be well on your way to giving your company the best chance of success.

Want to learn more about how to succeed online? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

Business

7 Key Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Locksmith

7 Key Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Locksmith


7 Key Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Commercial Locksmith

When you own a small business, it’s your pride and joy. You’ve worked so hard to get it up and running, after all. Plus, it’s how you earn a living and put food on the table for your family.

For this reason, you should take care to protect it while you’re not on-site. You may think all it takes is a simple lock to keep burglars out of your property, but that’s simply not the case. Here are 7 key reasons why your business needs a commercial locksmith.

1. They Can Upgrade Your Security Measures

You may think your small business is secure, but how much do you really know about this field? What may seem like an airtight security system to you might actually be full of flaws.

Commercial locksmiths are experts in their industry who have years of experience and training. They’ll be able to perform an audit, which means they’ll take a look at your current security system and detect any vulnerabilities.

Then, you can work with them to design a better infrastructure so your business is safer. Not only will your premises be safer outside of operating hours, but they’ll also be more secure when your employees are working their shifts.

2. Get Quick Rescue When You’re Locked Out

Any downtime during your business hours is a loss in revenue. Unfortunately, lockouts do happen, especially if you’re stressed out and trying to handle multiple tasks at once.

If you have a commercial locksmith you establish a good relationship with, you’ll have a better chance of getting quick rescue when you’ve inevitably locked yourself out. This can result in less time spent with your business closed when it should be open. What would’ve been a missed delivery wouldn’t happen since you’d get prompt access to your property.

The best thing about this service is many locksmiths offer 24/7 services. So if you have that early 5:00 am delivery but can’t find your keys, a commercial locksmith can come get your doors open in time to receive your shipment.

3. Get an Effective Access Control System

The old-school way of doing things is to use a lock and key for your business. Whenever you get a new hire, you cut them a key, and when they leave, they give it back. This works on an honor system since you don’t know if they’ve duplicated their copy or not, even if it’s against company policy.

A commercial locksmith can install an access control system so your employees don’t need keys to enter or leave your property. Instead, all they need is a key code, which can be changed periodically so employees who have left can’t access your place of business anymore.

4. They Can Replace Locks or Keys

Over time, both locks and keys can get worn down or damaged. When a lock gets has wear and tear, it can be easier for burglars to break in. And obviously, if keys are worn down or broken, they can’t be used anymore.

Whenever you have a problem with either your locks or keys, all you need to do is call your locksmith. They can fix problems cost-effectively and quickly as well. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that your business is well-protected by professional services.

5. They Can Resecure Your Site After a Breach

Sadly, even places with the best security possible can be breached by cunning criminals. At some point, your business may be broken into, even if you’ve followed every precaution and upgraded your security system.

When this happens, you need an expert commercial locksmith on your side. Whether you have traditional locks and keys, or you have a digitalized entry system, they can either reinstall or reprogram the appropriate systems. You can also consider this service if you’ve recently had a high employee turnover rate and want to change your security infrastructure.

6. Get Complete Access with a Master Key

If you have multiple areas of your business that need to stay secure, it can be annoying to fit individual keys to your ring and figure out which one you need for each door. This frustration is multiplied when you have to go in and out of these rooms constantly.

This issue can easily be remedied by having a professional locksmith create a master key for you. That way, you can use just one key to get into all rooms on your property, without the fuss of inconvenience of a whole keychain full of unidentifiable keys.

7. Store Your Items in Secure Safes

Not only do you need to keep your premises itself secure, but you also need to safeguard items like documents, cash, and checks. While you can certainly do your own research and figure out what commercial safes are good for your needs, a locksmith can help with that as well.

Not only can they make your safe more secure and hard for criminals to steal, but they can also install, repair, and replace your safes whenever you need. Read more here if you’re interested in what a commercial locksmith can do for you.

Enlist the Services of a Commercial Locksmith

As you can see, a commercial locksmith can be highly beneficial to your place of business. While yes, it costs more money than going with a regular key and lock, the investment you make will be worth it in the long run. When you can deter thieves and keep your company safe, you’ll avoid heartache, pain, and financial loss in the future.

For more reading material, please check out our business and finance section.

Entertainment

5 Key Tips for Starting a Travel Blog

5 Key Tips for Starting a Travel Blog


5 Key Tips for Starting a Travel Blog

According to a 2016 study, 88 percent of Millennials travel overseas one to three times per year. Eighty-six percent of them said their top goal is immersion in a new culture.

That means there is an eager market out there for insider travel tips and well-kept secrets that will take their trip to the next level.

If you’ve been considering whether to try your hand at travel blogging, there’s never been a better time to turn your passion into a lucrative career. Keep reading for our top 5 tips for starting a travel blog. 

Top 5 Tips for Starting a Travel Blog

1. Know Your Niche

Travel blogging has become a somewhat saturated market in the past few years. After all, getting paid to write about exotic locales is a dream come true for many jet-setters.  

That’s why it’s essential to know your niche before starting a travel blog. It’s not enough to simply write about your trips. You have to bring a fresh spin or new angle to the table to give your readers a reason to keep coming back to your blog—and not one of the thousands of others out there.  

Maybe you can turn your latest trek through South America into a series of reviews about the best Inca trail tours available. Perhaps you can turn your love of vegan cuisine into an international foodie blog for travelers with special diets. 

Determine your passion first, then stick to it in every blog post. 

2. Set up Your Site

Don’t skim over the details when it comes to your site set up. You’ll need to plan for the travel blogging career you want and make sure your site has the functionality to match your goals. 

Choose a hosting platform that’s easy to use and update. If you plan on selling products, make sure you can accept online payments. 

When you setup your domain name, take a moment to make sure it’s a good fit for your blog. It should be simple, descriptive, and easy to remember.  

3. Monetize

The next step is deciding how you want your blog to make you money. You may want to try out several different monetization options until you find what works for you. 

Affiliate Marketing

If you plan on promoting specific travel gear or other products, sign up for an affiliate marketing program. Every time one of your readers clicks your affiliate links and buys your featured products, you get paid. 

Sell Ad Space

Try reaching out to related travel brands to sell ad space on your blog. You’ll need a pretty large readership to entice some of the bigger names, so don’t be afraid to start small.

Create an eBook

Consider writing an eBook or creating another digital download you can sell on your blog. If you go this route, just be sure you can accept secure payments on your site. 

4. Treat Your Blog Like Your Boss

It helps to think of your blog as your job. Pick a specific time every day to designate as your time to work and stick to your routine. 

If you know you’ll need visuals to go along with your posts, remember to snap some pictures throughout your adventures. Jot down notes so you don’t forget business names and locations when it comes times to write. Plan extra excursions that will fit in with your themes and draw in new readers. 

5. Promote Your Work

Singing your own praises can feel a little strange to new travel bloggers, but it’s an essential part of the business. Afterall, if no one knows about your blog, it’s not going to make you any money. 

That means telling everyone you know about your blog. Cross-post everything on social media and tell people about it in person. Consider creating a digital marketing strategy and watch your readership really grow. 

ArticleCity can help you market your travel blog. We can create a strategy to grow your readership and earn you the results you need to keep traveling. Sign-up for a free account today to get started.