Trends

The speed with which advances in technology are moving is faster than ever. We are now in the midst of the fourth Industrial Revolution, and companies and individuals have to keep up to remain relevant. 

Technology is changing by the day, and the change is affecting our lifestyle in equal measure. All aspects of our day to day lives have been affected, including sports, health, food, and education. Online transactions are becoming the norm with digital currencies like cryptocurrency slowly making their way into our lives. The health industry has also been positively affected by diagnosis and treatment, becoming more accurate.

Without an understanding of the key trends in technology, individuals and companies will not be able to prepare and seize opportunities properly. 

In this article, we discuss the seven most imminent trends that you should prepare for in 2020.

AI-as-a-service

One of the most transformative technological advancements of our times is Artificial Intelligence (AI). Companies all over the world are harnessing the power of AI to enhance their customer experience and restructure their business processes. 

In 2020, most people will become more used to working together with AI. Designing and deploying your own AI-based systems will remain expensive; therefore, companies will rely on providers of AI-as-a-service platforms.

These platforms allow companies to feed their own data and pay for algorithms as they use them.

5G Data Networks

Another technology to look out for in 2020 is the fifth generation of mobile internet connectivity. The network is synonymous with super-fast download and upload speeds and more stable connections. 

Although the 5G network became available in 2019, they were expensive and restricted to functioning in confined areas. But, in 2020, the 5G network is expected to start to spread out. 

The spread will be facilitated by more reasonably priced data plans and much-improved coverage. Increased network speeds will make it easy for users to stream movies and music. Also, the Internet of Things and smart machinery areas will advance.

Autonomous Driving

Even though we might not exactly see the autonomous vehicles in 2020, they will continue to generate a considerable amount of excitement. We expect to see a fully autonomous vehicle this year as well as the number of cars with the ability to operate with a lesser degree of autonomy like automated braking and changing lanes. 

Additionally, 2020 will also see other in-car systems that are not directly linked to driving, such as security and entertainment, become more automated. They will also be reliant on data capture and analytics. 

The technology will also be seen in trucking and shipping. Regulations and legislations will also accompany these technologies. The infrastructure will also be affected.

Personalized and predictive medicine

Technological advances have greatly transformed the healthcare system. Wearable devices like smartwatches have made it easy to capture data; hence it is easy to predict and treat health issues.

There will also be a more personalized approach to treatment, which is also known as a precision treatment. Doctors will be able to apply medicines and treatment more precisely due to a data-driven understanding of the effectiveness of the treatment to an individual. 

In 2020 we are likely to see new predictive healthcare applications and the introduction of more personalized and effective treatments.

Computer Vision

Vision in computing terms refers to systems that can identify items, places, or people from visual images. This is the technology that allows your smartphone camera to determine which part of the image it is capturing. 

In 2020, we are likely to see more tools equipped with computer vision. For example, in autonomous cars, it will be exciting to see how they navigate their way around danger. Computer Vision will also be used in production lines to check for defective products and equipment failures. 

As the use of computer vision grows in 2020, there will also be increased debate on how to limit its use so as not to infringe on privacy.

Extended Reality

Extended reality (XR) refers to technologies like virtual, augmented, and mixed reality. Virtual reality (VR) offers an entirely digitally immersive experience where you access a computer-generated world using headsets that blend out the real world.

Augmented reality (AR), on the other hand, superimposes digital objects onto the real world through smartphone screens. On the other hand, Mixed reality (MR) is an extension of AR. Here you can interact with digital objects placed in the real world. 

Although the technologies have been around, in 2020, businesses are expected to make use of the possibilities offered by XR.

Blockchain Technology 

Blockchain is a digital ledger used to record transactions that are very secure due to its encrypted and decentralized nature. Despite receiving criticism, investments in the technology are likely to bear fruits in 2020.

More companies are expected to join the fold, and it will be exciting how this technology unfolds.

5 Majorly Important Trends in the Chemical Industry

According to Statista, the United States is the largest national producer of chemical products globally. In 2017, including the pharmaceutical sector, its chemical output value was more than $765.4 billion.

It is a very exciting time to keep up with the chemical sector and the trends that are happening. 

Keep reading to discover more about the chemical industry, including who the top chemical companies are, and what the DOW chemical stock predictions are. 

Top Chemical Companies

Some of the biggest chemical companies that are dominating the industry include BASF, Dow Chemical, ExxonMobil Chemical, LyondellBasell Industries, and INEOS.

The biggest company in the world is currently BASF. This German company currently have a net profit of $62.30 billion. 

Following close behind is Dow Chemical, this American company has a net profit of $57.51 billion. With a net profit of $55 billion, ExxonMobil Chemical is the third-largest chemical company in the world.  

The fourth-largest chemical company is LyondellBasell Industries, which is based in the Netherlands and have a net profit of $51 billion. The fifth-largest chemical company in the industry is INEOS, who have a net profit of $47 billion. INEOS is based in the UK. 

Latest Trends in the Chemical Industry

These are the latest trends in the chemical industry that might affect your business. These 5 trends provide an insightful overview of the current chemical industry trends and can help to provide an understanding of how to prepare your business in the future.

1. Digitalization

The digitalization in the chemical industry encourages better globalization of products and resources in the sector.

Recent technological advancements such as in-memory processing power and unlimited data storage at lower costs allow businesses to connect and communicate better, and increase the speed at which they access, process and analyze data.

Chemical companies who want to capitalize on the efficiency and competitive gains that come with the impact of the digital world need to ensure they have a solid business process and IT foundations and software. Their systems need to operate efficiently in order to develop new business strategies that create innovative products.

2. Globalization

The demand for chemicals continues to grow in existing and newly emerging markets all across the world. 

On a daily basis, there are new innovative business models, concepts, and processes being created and developed by chemical companies. This is shrinking the lifecycles and rapid commoditization of products. 

Chemical companies are feeling the pressure of developing new products, formulations, and services. But to stay ahead of the trends, the successful companies need to maintain their competitive edge. 

Many companies are currently re-evaluating their business processes and embracing how new technologies can improve their company. Integrated business planning and execution is a great way for these businesses to achieve their goals and targets.

3. Sustainability and the Circular Economy

Due to tighter environmental regulations, chemical companies need to operate as ecosystems. These ecosystems need to provide sustainability and help the economy. 

The impact of emissions and waste disposal means that chemical companies need to reduce the number of raw materials used. Many are doing this by focusing on renewables, energy recovery, recycling, and re-using products and materials. 

This trend will help to achieve a circular economy which can maximize value and conserve the resources. Some examples of what companies have done so far include introducing bio-based plastics which can be recycled. Other companies have focused on improving the efficiency of wind turbines.

4. New Business Models

With the assistance of digitalization, chemical companies are re-inventing their business models. The main aim of creating new business models is to be able to transform their products and services in response to the rapidly changing demands of the market. 

New business models that chemical companies are focusing on include

• creating ecosystems
• becoming more customer-focused
• and using technology to improve the overall running of the business.

Innovative business models need to have an IT infrastructure that allows them to achieve their goals. They also need a skilled workforce, who are able to come up with new ideas that can benefit the business.

5. Customer Expectations

Chemical companies need to jump on board of changing their customer service so that it fits the new chemical clients and customers.

Customers and clients are getting younger. Due to the demographics of the customers, they expect to buy products and services that are easy to purchase. They also require instant communication and demand real-time access to company information. 

This trend means that chemical companies need to embrace technology to improve their communication. It also means that they need to deliver excellent customer satisfaction. 

DOW Chemical Stock Predictions

Stock predictions are not easy to make, however, the best way is to look at previous data and statistics of the DOW Chemical’s stock. 

There has been a 30 day high of the DOW stock price, which was $66.65 and the low was $58.20. The 90 day high was $67.50 and the low was $58.20. The 52 week high for the Dow Chemical Company was $67.50 and the low was $51.60.

According to Stockinvest, the stock is expected to rise by 2.91% in the next 3 months. So, there might be some money in this successful US chemical company, if you know how to trade stocks.

Does your company need existing molecules or new synthesis? Then this company can help you speed up your chemical innovation today. 

Important Trends in the Chemical Industry

If you are a chemical company or just have an interest in the chemical industry, then make sure you note down these 5 latest trends and work out what they mean for you and your business. 

New Fashion Trends for 2019: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly

Dying to learn about the new fashion trends this year?

Did you know that the US fashion industry made over $44.5 billion last year? And those numbers are expected to grow by 3.5% to 4.5% in 2019. But what does that mean for you?

A couple of things. First, fashion is big business. You’ll find hundreds of thousands of new dresses, shoes, and sunglasses on the market each year. With so many choices, it’s easy to pick up a fabulous dress just to have your friends tell you it’s grossly outdated.

Or worse. You show up at a party only to realize someone else is wearing the same outfit. We’ve all been there before, right?

The only way to prevent these fashion faux pas is to keep your finger on the pulse of the latest and greatest trends. Then you’ll know what’s in, what’s out, and what’s a poor imitation. Read on.

New Fashion Trends from Instagram

Social media is one of the easiest ways to keep your eye on fashion. With a few quick taps, you can wrap your eyes around locals in New York City and Paris alike. If you want runway fashion, you’ve got it. If you prefer to peep the locals, you’ve got that too.

And nowhere is it easier than on Instagram. Well, one of the newest trends you’ll find there is the California Cool look. Think LA beaches in the 60s, and you’ll get the gist.

For men, we’re talking about multi-spectrum Hawaiian shirts. The kind with so many bright colors, you lose track. Tropical prints, tie-dyes, and beat up sneakers. If your man would feel comfortable hanging at the beach in it, then consider it trending.

For you ladies, dark denim and rolled up cuffs. We’re not talking wrists. Keep the cuff rolls on your overlong pants or shorts.

If you need something warmer, consider an ensemble with dark jeans, and a long sleeve leopard print top. Don’t forget to round out the outfit with the black boots of your choice like you’ll find at this designer site.

Needles are In

If you’re getting into the fashion biz, you know that new trends are just old trends coming around again. If you’re smart, you’ll take every opportunity to get to rummage through your grandmother’s old trunk. You never know what kind of groovy gear may be hidden in there.

For instance, this year, crochet is back in. So, if you can’t find it in grandma’s trunk, maybe she’ll make you an outfit from scratch. Think shoes, tops, and even dresses.

Unlike past years, avoid white crochet and lace. Think in terms of muted greys with soft caramels and oranges. Also, don’t be afraid to add a splash of boldness. Just shoot for understated rather than brazen.

As for the footwear, sandals with crocheted tops are the way to go. Once again, stick with muted colors. Greys or tans or even blacks with a splash of color.

Toss Your Leather Purses

Successful fashion blogging is all about spotting trends on the rise. Well, hold on to your Louis Vuitton. Things are about to get interesting.

Leather Handbags are out. So are cloth handbags.

So, what’s in? Well, they’re woven. They’re rustic. And they’ve been women’s most useful tool throughout history. They’re wicker bags.

They’re often made entirely of the course, fibrous material. Though, you should be wary. If the clutch isn’t accented by another material, it would never make the Paris runways.

A natural wicker color is preferred. If you want to change things up, choose a dark tan or brown bag. The fibers don’t hold bright colors well. They come out dull or faded.

So, keep your eyes out for the words “picnic handbags” or “picnic clutches” the next time you’re on the town. You just might find your newest wicker friend.

Headwear Goes Big

Jacky-O glasses? Check. Jumbo clutch? Check. Supersized hat? Check, check, and check. That’s right, oversized hats are in. And they’re taking the world by storm.

If you haven’t seen this type of headwear before, it’s bold, it’s bright, and it’s floppy. The rule of thumb seems to be the bigger the better.

If you’ve seen woven, large-brimmed hats for gardening, you’re headed in the right direction. The difference is this year trending gear comes sans the reeds. It’s all about the fabric. As long as you have room to see, you’re hitting the mark.

Some material choices include light, gauze fabric in whites and sky blues. Others include densely woven fabrics with dark polka dots. Some runways are more adventurous, choosing non-organic materials. So long as it’s a light color or transparent, it’s in.

Don’t Forget the Feathers

As any woman knows, a good feather boa can make any outfit. Well, this year, it’s not only the boas that are in. It’s the feathers.

You’ll find them on the straps or hems of all your favorite designers. Soft, thick feather accents. Bouncy, long accents. You’ll find they come in all varieties.

The key with picking up your next feather accented dress lies in the weave. The dresses that’ll make an impact will look like a downy chick. All the rest will look like half-plucked geese.

The feathers should be springy to pressure and soft to the touch. Again, you want them to accent your dress, not overcome it. If you find one that’s covered, avoid it at all costs. We want you looking fashion forward, not fashion unforgivable.

Also, look for solid colors. Say yes to your little black dress. Say no to your bejeweled Carnival dress. Feathers can contrast the color of the dress, so long as the feathers come in a single solid color.

And if you feel like spicing things up, remember, you can never go wrong with a boa.

What’s Next?

Well, now that you’ve discovered the new fashion trends for early 2019, it is time to go shopping. Ping the girls and tell them it’s time to raid your favorite stores. Just remember California Cool, and everything woven, big, and feathery.

Be sure to take five minutes to browse through our other ridiculously addictive articles. So long and good luck!

E-Commerce Technology Trends That Let You Run Your Business From Anywhere

Unless you live in a remote town, you’ve seen your local community embrace e-commerce. A busy hub town is empowering – it’s filled with small businesses peddling their goods. You may have seen these physical shops go empty as well.

E-commerce is the modern version of a busy shopping hub these days. It has become ubiquitous, so much so that it commanded a monstrous $1.3 trillion value industry in 2014. Expectations for the e-commerce industry predicts a $4.5 trillion explosion by 2021.

How did e-commerce grow this fast? It’s in the technology tools which have been available to people. E-commerce technology creates opportunities for businesses to improve.

Want a piece of the pie? Then ask this: what are the e-commerce tech trends which can help you run your business? Here’s the low-down.

Product Visualization Technology

Here’s the problem e-commerce business owners encountered over the last decade. It’s making the most out of the shopping experience. Unlike brick-and-mortar outlets, buying online composes of a few processes.

Find a product you like, click the cart, and check out. This offers no ability for interaction at all. No matter how HD your picture is, people will not believe it’s an accurate representation.

Product visualization technology is becoming necessary. It’s a step up from today’s buying experience. Some of these online retail giants have come the way of virtual reality (VR).

The integration of VR and augmented reality is empowering. It can result in a near life-like shopping experience. All your customer needs is their smartphone.

Another visualization tech tools for business owners is the use of 3D images. Facebook rolled out their 3D image technology letting users take 3D photos and see the subject in a 360 view.

The potential for 3D images is endless. This can provide e-commerce business owners the ability to show off their products.

3D can show accurate product visualization. It can show your product’s craftsmanship. It can increase customers’ confidence in your products, more than any 2D image out there.

How does product visualization help you run your business away from home? You run it and go away. It can reduce the need to keep convincing the buyer into the authenticity of your products.

Chatbots

Chatbots are fast-becoming a solution of choice within e-commerce tech trends. Their relevance is greater now more than ever due to the level of technology available. These tools for business owners improve product delivery systems while cutting down costs.

Their current use, however, is logistics. Chatbots can solve many logistical issues in small businesses.

You can use chatbots as customer service funnels. They provide advantages that your average human CSR will take time to do.

Bots can provide a personalized sales experience per customer. They can browse customers’ personal order history and make suggestions. Bots can provide branching resolutions to common product issues.

In the future, bots as technology tools can do more things. They can even answer calls. Chatbots are there to work when you’re away.

Improved Payment Processing

Here’s another of the e-commerce trends business owners can expect. It’s easier payment processing.

In the front end, e-commerce seems to be easy. In the backend, however, payment services need many steps to process.

Tax documentation. Inefficient payment schemes. These make the viability of online commerce a headache.

Emerging technologies push for a streamlining of the financial processes in e-commerce. This not only reduces workforce cost – but it also removes the headache of complicated financial hoops you need to take care of.

One such technology is factura electrónica or electronic billing. Simplified electronic invoicing can help businesses focus. Instead of handling payment processing, they can focus on their products.

There’s also a growth of alternative payment methods you can add during website building. Digital gift cards and e-wallets come to mind.

Once it takes off and stabilizes, Bitcoin can be the future of electronic payments as well. Bitcoin has much promise as a cryptocurrency but it’s unstable and unpredictable. This makes it one of e-commerce tech trends that are great in concept but has many real-life issues.

Regardless, payment processing technology makes it easier for your business to run. It will run without the need for you to take care of every financial decision.

Personalization Technology

Personalization and personalization technology. It is fast becoming one of the e-commerce trends experienced now. This technology makes shopping experiences more individual-based.

Some of these technology tools include social media analytics tools for niche marketing. There are also machine learning programs.

Netflix is a good example. It has added machine learning in their algorithms. This is to provide customized recommendations to their users.

How does it work? It takes into account viewing habits and past customer history. This can then predict customer preferences and give products catering to it.

Amazon has been using personalization algorithm as well. What they did is they studied their customers’ buying behavior. Taking this data, they leverage their customers’ order histories and recommend products.

The recommended products are a literal upsell. They come in the form of the “Bought With” and “Customers Who Viewed This” tabs.

Personalization technology runs in itself. If you’re away from home, you don’t need to spend time providing product recommendations. All you need is an algorithm to take care of it.

Artificial Intelligence

There’s zero doubt now how valuable artificial intelligence (AI) is. Among e-commerce business owners, artificial intelligence suggestion parsing is invaluable. For customer service, they are essential innovations in technology.

For starters, Amazon Echo acts as an assistant handling all purchases on a consumer’s behalf. It can provide suggestions, give fashion advice, and influence buying cycles.

AI has the potential to help with adaptable, data-driven targeting. These make them superb tools for business owners

The buyer persona processing can improve. It can add more variables to it.

Once optimized, the buyer persona can then dictate the right pitch. It can create a more appealing marketing strategy.

Artificial intelligence relates in efforts towards personalized buying experience. This provides a lead-up to you, as a business owner, for one-on-one lead conversion and scale this en masse.

Streamlining Supply Chain

E-commerce tech trends extend not only to the handling of consumer-related activities. Technology is also essential to streamlining logistical challenges.

Critical parts of logistics like inventory management, warehousing, and product delivery are emerging. Most of these technologies come in the form of better current technology.

Low-cost RFID technology for inventories. Drones for deliveries. High-speed product transfers for warehousing.

Investments in warehouse automation, for example, offer lower-cost solutions in scaling production. This can then underscore competitive advantage and, in the end, maximize the bottom line.

An excellent example of this, again, is Amazon. By using drones to perform same day deliveries, they can improve KPIs. These include customer satisfaction and product happiness.

This level of optimization ensures efficient and faster delivery. Faster delivery means speedier turn around times, which translates to more profit. Their pioneering work in forwarding e-commerce solutions made them the top business on a global scale.

Blockchain

In a world where e-commerce trends go toward empowering consumers, the blockchain touts much potential. It gears towards improving the ethical landscape of companies. The blockchain is democratic and transparent.

Data processed within blockchain receive timestamps. These can then verify the claims of business owners. This level of transparency is supply chain auditing.

Supply chain auditing makes sure that distributed ledgers only contain verifiable information. This data will then provide evidence of ethical business practices.

How do you take advantage of this as a business owner?

By having your supply chain audited by blockchain, you can create a “seal of trust”. This seal of trust is a branding strategy ensuring quality standards are up to spec without expensive authentication from standard-setting bodies. Add this to your PPC promotion strategies and you should be golden.

Multi-Channel E-Commerce

Here’s a word that is familiar for any e-commerce business: touchpoints. Touchpoints are an annoying but important part of the e-commerce business owners are growing. The primary problem about touchpoints is unification.

The need to combine many touchpoints into a single, unified technology is pervasive. If done right, it is among the valuable tools for business owners. Enter multi-channel e-commerce.

Multi-channel e-commerce is the ability to be ubiquitous on almost all touchpoint platforms across the internet. Because shoppers tend to shop in multiple touchpoints, a multi-channel infrastructure gives you more places to sell your goods.

You don’t have to get stuck in an online marketplace, an online store, in social media or brick and mortar business. Multi-channel e-commerce tech trends can put you into all these touchpoints.

This means more chances for you to sell. This means whenever someone wonders where a product is from, you can offer yours. Provide the one you have up for sale.

Multi-channel tools for business owners are not even simple ideas. They are, in actuality, available now as e-commerce visibility strategies. Comprehensive reports on multi-channel e-commerce are there to help you win out, too.

The Future of Running Your Business Anywhere With e-Commerce Technology

Running your business from anywhere requires sophisticated technology. To be able to run your e-commerce business, you need technology which reduces the steps necessary to do so.

Automation’s design is to take away specific steps to make the entire process faster. By utilizing e-commerce technology, you make the whole cycle shorter.

Shorter logistics. Shorter product turnarounds. Quicker delivery.

All this equates to more profit and less work.

If you need to add a content strategy to your superior e-commerce technology, then you need Article City. Article City provides digital marketing and content strategy solutions that work.

We use data-driven analysis to confirm topics in your industry that work. We’ll bring in results. More targeted traffic, more content-driven conversions.

Contact us today and get only the best content marketing. Highest content standards every time.

Top 7 Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018

In 2017, there was a surge in lip augmentations and fillers.

It’s a trend that began in 2015 and continued through 2016. One surgeon, Dr. Simon Ourian, claims it’s all because of Kylie Jenner.

It’s amazing considering how lip augmentations weren’t even that popular 10 years ago. When it comes to minimally invasive procedures, the top five back then were:

• Botox
• Chemical peel
• Laser hair removal
• Microdermabrasion
• Hyaluronic acid injections

As for plastic surgery trends in 2018? Read on to find out!

1. Fat Transfer

If you’ve ever wished you can transfer the fat from your hips and thighs into other parts of your body such as your breasts or your butt, this is the answer. Also known as fat grafting, fat transfer surgery involves removal of fat from one part of the body through liposuction and injecting it someplace else.

Aside from enhancing breasts or butts, fat transfer surgery can be used to enhance cheeks, as well as plump up lower eyelids. Since it uses your own fat, you can say that it’s a more “natural” option compared to using silicone gel-filled implants or synthetic wrinkle fillers.

Of course, it’s not a perfect solution. If you have a history of breast cancer in your family, you can’t get fat transfer surgery. That’s because the newly injected cells can interfere with certain breast cancer screenings.

Also, if you’re looking for a big increase in breast size, you’ll need multiple injection sessions. Fat transfer surgery is best for women who are only looking to have a relatively small increase in breast size and already have a good lift and contour.

2. Rhinoplasty

As far as plastic surgery trends in 2018 go, rhinoplasty is one of those procedures that dips and soars in popularity. This year, it’s on the up again.

Also known as nose reshaping surgery, rhinoplasty isn’t just about making the nose smaller. Rhinoplasty may involve correction of bumps, indentations, or other nose defects. And it may also mean changing the nose’s angle or its tip.

Most of the time it’s an outpatient procedure. But there are cases where a patient may need to stay for a night in the hospital or surgery clinic. Like other surgical procedures, rhinoplasty comes with risks.

For example, the procedure can cause a serious nasal blockage due to swelling inside the nose. Infections are also possible. This is why preventive antibiotics are usually given after surgery to minimize the occurrence of infections.

3. Blepharoplasty

Blepharoplasty is more commonly known as an eyelid lift. But it’s a misnomer.

During surgery, the eyelid isn’t really lifted. What actually happens is the surgery makes a number of incisions so he or she can remove skin and fat, creating a crease. There’s also lower eyelid surgery, which when combined with laser resurfacing, help reduce lines and wrinkles.

Sometimes, insurance carriers will cover the cost of blepharoplasty, especially when the procedure is being done so that the patient can see better. In this case, it becomes a medically indicated procedure. But of course, you must submit supporting documents for your coverage to kick in.

4. Vaginal Rejuvenation

Here’s one of the biggest plastic surgery trends in 2018.

Some of the benefits aside from improved aesthetics include increased pleasure during sex, decreased pain, and menopausal relief. Non-invasive vaginal rejuvenation has also been used to ease vaginal dryness, solve urinary leaking and atrophy, as well as organic dysfunction.

If you’re keen on getting vaginal rejuvenation, look for a clinic that specializes in it. You can learn more about vaginal rejuvenation here.

5. Ultherapy

If you’re scared of getting a traditional facelift, you might want to try this nonsurgical option using ultrasound technology.

Ultherapy is an FDA-cleared procedure that helps stimulate collagen production. The best candidates for Ultherapy are those who have sagging skin and superficial wrinkles on the face, neck, and chest. It also works well for those who are experiencing droopiness in the brow area.

Since it’s a nonsurgical procedure, there is zero to minimal downtime. You can resume regular activities after treatment. Results become visible within a few days and can last for up to three months.

6. Laser Bra Lift

There’s a new rival to breast reductions and it’s called “The Laser Bra Lift.” It’s a non-invasive procedure that uses a CO2 laser to create a full, perky look.

Perfect candidates for this procedure are women who have drooping breasts due to aging, childbearing, and weight loss. It was pioneered by Dr. Grant Stevens, a surgeon who practices in Southern California.

The Laser Bra Lift promises breasts that look lifted in a natural position. Other benefits include a more beautiful contour, nipple preservation, and longlasting results.

7. Eye Fillers

For people who want to get rid of their dark circles, eye fillers are a good option. The most common type is an injectable of hyaluronic acid, which a naturally occurring sugar in the body.

It’s a quick procedure. You can be in and out of the clinic in under an hour. But the results could last up to 9 months.

Some side effects you could have after the procedure include bruising, swelling, and some mild discomfort at the site of the injection. If you want to try eye fillers, make sure you get them from a licensed dermatologist.

There have been cases where a blood vessel has been wrongly injected with a filler. When unrecognized, this can cause scarring, tissue scarring, or worse, blindness. This is one procedure you shouldn’t get from a back alley surgeon, even if you find the $800 to $1,000 cost prohibitive.

Which Plastic Surgery Trends in 2018 Will You Go For?

Now that you know plastic surgery trends in 2018, it’s time to decide. Will you jump on the trends or will you give yourself more time to consider undergoing a cosmetic procedure?

Whatever you decide, just make sure you do your research. And if you decide to go for it, get the best surgeon you can find.

For more articles about health and beauty, don’t forget to browse our blog.

The Top Content Marketing Trends Going Into 2018

Content marketing has evolved from a disruptive model to one of value. Content marketing trends in 2018 will become more inspiring and complex. Your success depends on a content marketing strategy that exceeds your customers’ expectations.

Companies are riding a content marketing wave to success. Content formats and channels have evolved to become more engaging for customers. This has led to worldwide growth in revenue generation.

In 2018, content marketing trends will continue their evolution. The world’s biggest companies plan to spend billions on original content. Their efforts are setting new standards for how customer experiences reach beyond their brands.

Your competitors won’t be far behind. That means using content to build a loyal following begins now. But choosing your strategy moving forward needn’t be a hassle.

Content Marketing Trends and Your Business

86% of B2C marketers are using content marketing to drive their brands forward. And content marketing trends are evolving with changing technologies. That means more access to videos, virtual reality, and new social media capabilities.

It’s difficult to understand what that will mean for your business. You can’t adopt all these trending technologies and formats. But you can identify the most effective and choose from those results.

Don’t overlook your existing successes either. Continuity is important for your existing customers. Don’t be afraid to expand on them even as you adopt new ones.

7 Techniques for Successful Content Marketing in 2018

Content marketing trends aren’t limited to either formats or technologies. You will need a well-assembled arsenal of each. Above every trend is a well-developed content marketing strategy.

As you think about your strategy, consider where the following techniques fit in. You may already use some and need only expand upon them. But keep an eye out for successful new adoptions as well.

1. Increased Content Marketing Prioritization

Companies are investing heavily in content marketing in 2018. Expect greater skills and capabilities among your competitors’ marketing teams. Companies will increase budgets for content marketing as well.

That’s because content marketing is becoming more and more unique. Companies need to adopt more platforms and channels as well. Content teams will resemble media companies more than the teams of previous years.

Companies will increase content presence on their websites. Companies like Ronald Joyce make stunning photographs the first thing visitors see. Companies can leverage video in this way as well.

As consumers expand the way they engage content, your competitors will try to respond. As we will find, content strategies are more sophisticated than ever. Your business will depend on a content team that grows with those needs.

2. More Sophisticated Video

Video was a growing trend in 2017. By 2019, it will capture more than 80% of all web traffic. But most video capabilities were only available to larger brands.

Now, new video tools make sophisticated video more opportune than ever. Content teams don’t need specialized skills to make a professional film.

Smartphone recorders are now on par with professional cameras. With the proper direction, small teams can make professional-looking films this way. Smartphones enable companies to host live streaming videos as well.

Video editing tools powered by AI now help produce and market videos. This can take only minutes to develop. It’s easy to integrate these videos into your social media channels.

Your team must develop a video marketing strategy. Carrying this out takes little time and investment. But determining types of content is its own strategy as well.

3. Original Value-Added Content

‘Original content’ is marketing content companies produce as a value-add to customer experiences. That means the content has value in and of itself. This is in stark contrast to branded content that functions as ads.

Customers are increasingly turning down advertisements and branded posts that ‘sell.’ They want to associated brands with styles, moods, and values. Original content offers these things to customers with no request to buy.

Original content can be as simple as how-to articles and eBooks. They can be as advanced as video series with detailed plots and characters. Their authenticity and value are what they have in common.

You can leverage video tools to create a storyline for filmed content. In this way, your team will function like a media company. You can employ internal or third-party writers as well.

4. Social Media and Channel Diversification

Social media has fallen in its appeal as an engagement platform. Facebook has seen a recent decline in organic reach. It’s volatile to host content there as they make updates as well.

Social media is still essential to content marketing. You need to make social media one branch of your overall marketing strategy.

You have more opportunities to automate content marketing. If you want to distribute content across channels, automate the social media component. You can leverage that channel effectively without burdening your team.

5. Transparency

What’s more important than authority in your space? The transparency you offer customers. For Millennials, it has become an expectation.

Your promises to customers are just as reliable as your competitors’. You distinguish yourself by sharing the true values of your company. You need to ensure those values hold up to those of your customers.

You should demonstrate your true values in your content. That might involve live footage of company altruism. It could involve prioritizing green sourcing or reducing your carbon footprint.

6. Next-Generation Technologies

Content has transitioned from physical to digital in the last 20 years. Now it will transition to next-generation technologies.

Creative teams are adapting content for Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). Leveraging these platforms can distinguish you from your competitors. They are opportunities for great original content as well.

Be sure you know what you’re doing with these investments. It’s common for content efforts here to have limited impact. Be sure there are opportunities for publicity or revenue before you invest.

7. Creative Talent is a Foundation

Your team needn’t consist of technology experts to succeed. The accessibility of technologies is changing those standards. The new measure of success is your creative capacity.

Invest in creative people and help develop creative competencies. Your content is only as compelling as the team that develops them. As they adapt to new strategies and technologies, creativity will determine your level of success.

Get the Most Out of Your Content Strategy

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Article City has the best content and professional writing team available. Sign up for free and get started with exclusive capabilities today.

The Digital Trends Revolutionizing Advertising Photography

Does anything capture the times better than photography?

Some of the most dramatic moments in modern history have been captured as iconic photographs, and advertisers have been trying for decades to make their products just as iconic.

That’s why the digital revolution for advertising photography is so exciting. We’re in a social age where images can be shared at the speed of light.

Let’s take a look at just a few of these exciting changes rocking the industry.

In the Moment

The rise of technology like the GoPro and VR devices has really put a focus on the first-person perspective.

Photographers are trying harder to capture a moment as seen through an individual’s eyes. This viewpoint has become associated with fidelity and truth in an era of so-called fake news.

The first person perspective is also a coup for advertisers because this kind of photography is emotive and easy to identify with. With professional product photography, even products can be made to feel intimate and personal.

Going Native

Native content is blazing the trail for the future of advertising.

Native content describes content designed to blend into its environment, such as a tweet on Twitter. Digital marketing campaigns use this trick to get ads shared to an audience of millions.

Photographers are jumping on this trend as well to make their photos look candid and natural, like any post on social media. The aim is relatability. Selfies and group shots can promote anything from brand sodas to holiday destinations without being overt.

Advertisers have always struggled to bridge the trust gap between themselves and their customers. Native content erases that gap so that advertising photography looks identical to snaps from friends and family.

Flair for the Dramatic

Scrolling social media and short attention spans lead to some interesting results.

Subtle photography is out. Instead, photographers are looking for dramatic shots that capture people’s attention right away. Think intense angles and vivid colors. The images need to leap off the page to get noticed.

Even if it’s an album showcase, you need to start strong. Once the viewer is hooked, they can appreciate the subtlety of later shots.

Photos compete hard against video content. But a well-composed, visually-striking photo can say more in seconds than a video can in minutes.

Noir Stylings

Building off that last point, nothing says ‘dramatic’ like black and white. And it’s not just for art lovers.

With the recent release of some high profile movies, black and white photography has returned to the mainstream zeitgeist. We’ve crested the wave of hyper-saturated, filtered photos on platforms like Instagram, and moved back to credibility. Monochrome photos feel authentic by association with old times.

Black and white are also the colors of corporate success, as well as most electronic devices. They say stylish, expensive, and grown-up.

Black and white also has the same advantages it’s always had: hiding flaws!

Advertising Photography of the Future

If there’s a theme here, it’s that intense and intimate photos dominate advertising photography right now. Photos shared on social media and other sites will shape the image of the future. By keeping what we’ve mentioned in mind, you can jump on board with these trends and enjoy the same success.

Be sure to follow our blog for more photography news and updates!

Why the Latest Tech Trends Are Embracing Nostalgia

When you take a moment to think back to your childhood, you’re likely flooded with memories. Maybe you can smell your mom’s home cooking, or you can hear your dad snoring in the living room as the TV drones on.

Nostalgia plays a big role in our lives, even as technology continues to advance at a faster rate.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Famed media studies scholar Marshall McLuhan stated that technology would lead to a global village. And he was right!

We walk around with small computers in our pockets that let us communicate with anyone in the world on a whim.

So why is nostalgia selling better than ever, especially in the tech world?

Read on to find out why it’s such a big factor in today’s market.

Why Nostalgia?

There are a few key reasons why nostalgia is becoming such a hit. But ultimately, it revolves around creating an emotional hook.

For instance, many people hear the words Spice Girls and Pokemon and immediately think of the 90s. These brands are almost synonymous with their time periods.

If you’re still skeptical, let’s take a recent example. Last year, Nintendo set the marketing world on fire with the introduction of the NES Classic.

It was essentially a miniature version of the famous 1980s Nintendo Entertainment System. It sold out immediately. Stores couldn’t keep the thing in stock, and Nintendo was forced to address supply issues.

People went absolutely crazy over it.

But why was everyone trying to get one of these gadgets on their TV stands? After all, a quick Google search shows that most of these games were already attainable in a dozen or so ways.

The NES Classic succeeded because it hearkened back to an era of simplicity. Even the device’s box used several of the original colors to remind users of the past.

At the end of the day, that’s what nostalgia is banking on: memories and emotion. We want ways to connect with our past while enjoying the convenience of modern technology.

Sometimes Simplicity is Better

If emotion is one-half of the answer, simplicity is undoubtedly the second half.

Last year, Nokia announced that it would bring the Nokia 3310 back to the market. If you’re in your 20s, you likely had one of these bricks to get you through your teenage years.

Sure, it’s a baffling move, especially since the phone functions on 2G technology in a 4G world. But let’s face it, you look at the phone and know exactly how to operate it.

There isn’t a need to head online just to figure out how to access certain settings. Everything is presented front and center in a simple user interface.

Most brands are embracing the future with waterproof phones and powerful devices. But Nokia is taking the exact opposite approach. So much so that a large part of their marketing strategy revolved around the game Snake.

Is it a smart move? Absolutely. After all, this article is discussing the phone in depth, which is exactly what Nokia wants.

Nostalgia is all about marrying simple technology in modern ways. It creates a strong sense of emotion that immediately makes a product stand out.

And at the end of the day, who doesn’t want to go back to the good old days?

5 Dazzling Jewelry Trends From the Met Gala

The Met Gala is known for celebrities showing off over-the-top fashions that will have the world talking. The fashions that take the world by storm often appear here first.

This event is an annual fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Arts Costume’s Institute, which is in New York City. Every year has a theme, with this year’s being Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons.

This year raised 12 million dollars for the institute.

Many of the biggest jewelry trends are started by celebrities that show up dressed to impress. Which of these stunning looks from the Met Gala will lead to the trends that will take over fashion for the next year?

Read below for 5 of the best dazzling jewelry trends from this year’s event!

1. Diamond Chokers

These chokers serve as a centerpiece to any outfit and will “wow” onlookers. Seen on many celebrities at the event, no one wore it better than Lily Aldridge.

These are seeming to pop up everywhere, and for good reason. Many jewelers can take a diamond necklace and make it any length to form a choker. They can also be incorporated into any type of style, from the subtle to the extreme.

2. Pastels Are In

Pastels flatter almost any skin tone and add color to your outfit in a more subtle, soft way. If you are looking for something that will show your flirty side, pastel colored jewels are it.

Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Chastain are two stars who rocked the pastel look with their dresses and their jewelry. These colors should be used carefully, however. There is a fine line between subtle and bland.

3. Colorful and Exciting

Many stars opted for a less subtle style, matching daring flamboyant dresses with equally elegant pieces of jewelry. This jewelry will leave everyone in your vicinity speechless.

Julianne Moore showed off this trend, showcasing 144.36 karats of diamonds in her earrings. These yellow and red sapphire briolettes matched perfectly with her outfit, exuding both luxury and grace.

4. Studded Diamond Earrings

Many of the top celebrities at the Mets gala went for a simpler look when it came to their jewelry. The focus was on smaller pieces that accentuated an outfit instead of larger pieces that dominated them.

Reese Witherspoon took the simple look to the extreme, choosing to wear diamond stud earrings without a necklace. This allowed her natural beauty to shine through without the distraction of excessive jewelry.

5. Vintage Looks

The gala featured some trendy new modern styles with hip and edgy dresses and accessories. Many of these looks attempted to push against the lines of what is considered fashion.

While these looks might steal the attention of many fashion magazines, there were also stunning vintage looks that deserve just as much attention. Vintage jewelry with a modern twist made a major impact at the event.

Miranda Kerr’s vintage look coupled with classically inspired accessories showed that sometimes a simple look is better.

This vintage jewelry can accent natural beauty and show a graceful, sophisticated side that will make you feel fabulous.

2017’s Hottest Hawaiian Real Estate Trends

Did you know that Hawaii has the lowest real property tax in the United States?

Compared to New Jersey, the state with the highest property taxes at $4,189, Hawaii’s annual taxes on a $178,600 home is $487!The average American household spends $2,149 on property taxes for their homes annually according to the US Census Bureau.

Yet, the average American household spends $2,149 on property taxes for their homes annually, according to the US Census Bureau.

Are you now interested in real estate in Hawaii? Read on to know the hottest Hawaiian real estate trends for this year.

Read on to know the hottest Hawaiian real estate trends for this year.

2017 Real estate in Hawaii trends

1. The market is heating up

Hawaii is leading the way in terms of home sales and maturing values.

Hawaii natives are moving to new cities, upgrading or downsizing, while buyers from the mainland are moving to the island full-time or securing a seasonal vacation home.

Thanks to a more robust economy, demand is going to continue to increase. Experts believe that more people will gravitate towards the Big Island and Maui in particular.

Maui is said to be perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, as well as those looking for laid-back, family-friendly place to live.

2. Single-family home and condo sales will continue to surge

In 2016, the median sales price of single-family homes on Oahu hit a record high, reaching $760,000 in June. Meanwhile, condo sales jumped 8.4 percent to 5,449 units sold compared to 5,028 units in 2015.

On Kauai, there were 568 single-family home sales in 2016, while there was a 1 percent increase in the sales of condominiums compared to units sold in 2015.

On the Big Island, there were 2,297 single-family homes sold last year and sales of condos jumped 6.6 percent to 707 sales in 2016.

Local market experts have good reason to believe that this trend will continue to be strong for 2017.

3. Oahu luxury real estate sales are up

When it comes to real estate in Hawaii, it’s not just single-family homes and condos that are seeing strong sales.

On Oahu, a total of 35 luxury homes were sold last January 2017, which was twice the number sold in 2016. Of these, 16 luxury properties sold in the $1.5 million to $1.9 million price range, 12 were in the $2 million to $2.9 million price range, three were in the $3 million to $3.9 million price range, and four were in the $5 million and above price range.

With the number of luxury properties in escrow at the end of January, strong sales are expected to continue in the upcoming months of 2017.

4. Interest rates on mortgages are going up.

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates on mortgages by a quarter of a point last December 2016. From a low of 3.5 percent to 4.25 percent for a 30-year, fixed rate loan, mortgage rates have increased.

What does this mean? If you’re waiting to see if the prices will decrease, you may want to hurry up and lock in a low rate while you still can.

5. Downsizing or right-sizing?

In downtown Honolulu, more couples are opting for condos and selling their larger homes. Right-sizing is said to be a great option for couples whose children have grown up and flown the coop.

With the currently strong market, it’s a good time to sell. Plus, there are plenty of activities such as walking and biking in the downtown and Chinatown area, not to mention the booming food and arts scene.

Need more info on real estate in Hawaii?

We know where to look. Whether you are presently looking to snap up a hot property in Hawaii or just shopping around for something that could suit you in the future, you can count on BHHS to get you there.

Download the BHHS Hawaii Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or go to their Contact us page to see open house properties on sale now.