Reasons to Choose the Right Format

Choosing a proper file format is essential for preserving the functionality and quality of the files. Selecting the wrong format can might lead to data loss, compromised user experience, and reduced compatibility. Thi can make a huge difference in how others sense and use your files. It’s important to assess your priorities and needs before making a move.

Consider the type of your files and how they’ll be utilized. Maybe you are dealing with documents, images, or audio files. You must prioritize file size and image or audio quality. As you understand the benefits of selecting the right file format – you can avoid possible traps and ensure your files are well presented.

Tips to Choose the Right File Format

To ensure efficiency, compatibility, and data integrity selecting the right file format for data storage is important. Here are the tips to help you make a better decision.

1. Make sure it’s compatible with devices and software

Compatibility is an important aspect when selecting a file format. Mind well the format you choose is broadly supported by the devices and software you want to use. This will avoid any displeasing surprises when you attempt to access and share the files.

2. Pay attention to data security, integrity, and performance

Since data security and integrity are paramount, you should consider efficient files and compact and provide in-built mechanisms for data encryption and validation, making sure that your data stays secure and accurate.

The performance of your data storage and processing system is an important consideration when choosing a file format. File formats such as ORC and parquet are columnar storage formats that are efficient for analytical queries. Additionally, they can significantly speed up data processing. On the other hand, XML and JSON formats are human-readable but are slow to process because of their hierarchical nature.

3. Consider file size and compression

If file size is one of the concerns, choose formats that provide compression without a huge loss of quality. That’s important when handling large files or when you have limited space. Compression lets you reduce the file size without affecting its quality. This is helpful when sharing files online or storing them on devices with restricted storage capacity.

4.  Quality and resolutions

The proposed use of the files plays a huge role in determining the needed resolution and quality. For example, high-resolution images are important for print publications. When selecting a file format, consider the unique prerequisites of your project. If you need to complete a graphic design project that is to be printed, it’s important to select a file that supports high-resolution images.

5. Consider interoperability

Consider how easily the data can be exchanged with other software and systems. For instance, CSV is broadly supported and can be accessed with different applications such as XML, JSON, and Microsoft. If you need JPG format, then you require a program that lets you transfer data from PDF to JPG easily.

Endnote

The choice of file format will depend on the kind of data, performance requirements, and interaction considerations. After considering these factors, you can choose the right file format that not only meets your needs but also supports your future goals.

Table of Contents

1. WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify Comparison Table
2. WooCommerce Overview
3. Magento Overview
4. Shopify Overview
5. Ease of Use
6. Features
7. Security and Performance
8. Design and Customization
9. Apps and Add-on
10. SEO
11. Customer Service & Support
12. Pricing & Additional Costs
13. Pros & Cons
14. Brands
15. Frequently Asked Questions
16. WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify: Final Conclusion

As a result, starting an eCommerce business can be a great idea if you are looking for a way to earn extra income. As a matter of fact, setting up an eCommerce store to sell products is now easier than ever before, with the help of WooCommerce, Shopify, and Magento.

Therefore, people often get confused when choosing an eCommerce platform. To make understanding these three eCommerce platforms a little bit easier for you, we are going to dive deep into each of them in order to make it easier for you to select. So, here it is WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify comparison.

WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify Comparison Table

WooCommerce Overview

Originally, WooCommerce came from a company called WooThemes. The WooThemes company was founded in 2005 by Mark Forrester, Magnus Jepson, and Adii Pienaar and produced premium themes for WordPress.

Later on, James Koster and Mike Jolley joined the team to work on WooCommerce. The two of them were working on an eCommerce program, Jigoshop.

In 2011, WooCommerce released its first version, and since then it has become extremely popular. Within two years of its release, there have been 1 million downloads. Within three years of its release, WooCommerce had reached four million downloads.

The growth of this product was impressive, which is why Automattic acquired it from WooThemes in 2015. Since the acquisition of this plugin by Automattic, they have become a leader in WooCommerce development.

It was the same year that Automattic first acquired WooCommerce that the plugin garnered over 7 million downloads. Over 22% of the top 1 million WordPress websites are running the WooCommerce plugin, and more than 28% of all eCommerce stores are powered by the WooCommerce plugin.

Magento Overview

In 2004, a UCLA student went looking for a way to earn some extra money. Rather than wait tables or pour cocktails, though, Roy Rubin decided to create his own business with his friend Yoav Kutner. They decided to call it Varien.

Varien didn’t begin with a huge plan – it wasn’t exactly what business schools teach. However, it was just a way for Roy so he could continue to study while he kept his skills sharp.

The two of them did not have a master plan, but even so, they landed their first major contract for Varien in 2007, which would go a long way toward helping them fund their next venture, Magento.

The company’s first product, Magento, was released in 2008, and immediately swept the eCommerce world by storm because of its immense customizable features. It became an instant hit because of its unlimited possibilities.

In 2010, eBay came knocking at Magento’s door. They invested an amount that would result in them owning 49% of the company. Following the acquisition of the entire company by eBay, the company entered into an agreement with PayPal to integrate the company’s premium processor into its popular platform. In 2015, following the split of eBay and PayPal, Magento is once again an independent company.

Magento is the most flexible eCommerce platform available. It began in 2008 and now has more than 500,000 users. Magento offers two services: Open Source, which allows anyone to create a website for free, and Magento Commerce, which charges for all hosting services.

In 2018, however, Adobe acquired Magento for a whopping $1.68 billion by acquiring the business.

Shopify Overview

During Tobias Lutke’s desire to create a website to sell snowboards online in 2006, he realized just how challenging it is to build, run, and manage an eCommerce website and business. So he created an eCommerce platform, which enabled it to be as easy to sell online as if you were doing it as a hobby – Shopify.

One of Shopify’s biggest contributions has been redefining the point of sale (POS) for eCommerce. A Shopify payment service was implemented in 2013. With this addition, merchants are no longer dependent on third-party payment gateways. In 2017, they produced brick-and-mortar stores, which accept debit and credit cards directly through an iPad POS system. Even small businesses without large POS systems still use the iPad POS every day.

Additionally, Shopify’s presence in the eCommerce space enabled power to be possessed by many, revolutionizing the process of conducting business. In 2015, when Amazon closed its Webstore, which hosted merchant services, the company recommended Shopify as its “preferred migration provider,” resulting in a surge in Shopify stock. In 2017, Shopify announced direct Amazon integration capabilities. Consider this article about eCommerce product strategy to increase your chances of success.

Ease of Use

WooCommerce

The WordPress platform is not hosted, so you have to handle things like installing, managing updates, keeping backups, and ensuring that your store is secure.

In order to install WooCommerce, you have to install WordPress first and this can be quite complicated. There are several steps that you need to take in order to install WordPress:

1. Get a domain name on WordPress
2. Sign up for a hosting account
3. Install WordPress
4. Find and install a WordPress theme.

When you have completed these steps, you are able to set up the WooCommerce plugin on your WordPress ecommerce website. Upon activating WooCommerce, a setup wizard will appear on your screen. To run your store, you will have to complete five steps.

As a matter of fact, we highly recommend you choose a trusted WordPress hosting service that will take care of the entire setup process for you, including domain registration, hosting, and WordPress installation because the last two are steps that require some level of understanding about the web. A WooCommerce development company will help you in simplifying the process if you find it a bit confusing.

Magento

Magento has a steep learning curve, which makes it difficult to get started. It is impossible to manage a website on this platform without the assistance of a Magento developer or a web hosting provider. Working knowledge of PHP, cloud hosting, HTML, and other programming languages is required; otherwise, running a website on Magento is not possible. It takes a considerable amount of time and effort to learn Magento. Therefore it is a bit tough to develop an eCommerce store by yourself, so a Magento development company will help you ease up your work.

Shopify

It provides you with a working structure of an online store that is ready for you to use. It is, therefore, preferable to edit the existing items that already exist in a store, as opposed to creating a custom store from scratch.

1. Pre-made designs are available for you to choose from, so you don’t need to be an expert in graphic design.
2. The templates are responsive, which means that they will adjust themselves to any screen size, which is good news if you have a website that is going to be viewed on desktop computers, tablets, and mobile devices.
3. There are several online payment options available to you. You do not need to work with sensitive information related to your credit card. On top of that, Facebook can be used to sell your goods.

Features

WooCommerce

Because WordPress is open-source, it allows third-party developers to create extensions and plugins. Adding tons of interesting features to WooCommerce taps into that further. It’s easy to edit aesthetics, sell on Facebook, increase email marketing techniques, understand user behavior, and much more.

Here are some of the features you’ll find inside WooCommerce:

1. Payments through PayPal and Stripe built-in (and additional gateways for a fee).
2. Rates and taxes for shipping can be adjusted Product categories and products are unlimited.
3. Control of the stock level.
4. Adapted to mobile devices.
5. In terms of data control, you are in total control.
6. It is compatible with the current theme of your WordPress site.
7. There are literally hundreds of plugins to choose from.
8. It allows you to advertise on Facebook and manage your stores on Facebook for free.

Magento

1. Inventory Management & Cataloguing
2. Managing Magento’s inventory in bulk is possible with Magento’s inventory management system. By using Magento’s inventory management system, you can synchronize your online shop with your warehouse stock.
   Moreover, the platform applies different tax rates in different locations, which solves yet another headache associated with large-scale operations.
3. International Support
4. The platform lets you register, purchase, and ship products using multiple languages and currencies.
5. Hosting Choice
6. Magento gives you the freedom to fully control the look and feel of your store. The platform has a web hosting solution built-in, which ensures that integration is smooth and swift.

Shopify

In addition to the core function of an online shop, Shopify comes with a host of additional features.
Whether you are looking to improve your shop’s frontend performance or just make your life a little bit easier in the backend, these features are sure to please:

1. Calculate Real-Time Shipping
2. Shopify excels at simplifying complicated tasks. Regardless of where your business is located, Shopify calculates shipping costs.
3. Build Detailed Customer Profiles
4. Shopify facilitates re-targeting your clients with tailored offers by giving you the tools to understand your clients.
   A buyer’s journey is fully documented for you – their preferences, the medium they prefer, and the price range they are willing to pay. Customer loyalty can be built on the information you have about them.
5. Embedded Analytics & Reports
6. In addition to tracking your traffic, sales, and user journey, Shopify’s embedded tracking system provides you with key insights about your customers.

Security and Performance

WooCommerce

Payment security is one of the most important aspects of eCommerce. It is important to maintain security when providing online payment services to your customers. WooCommerce is a self-hosted platform, so you might need to take help from a hosting provider to get an SSL certificate to secure your store. In addition to keeping your security system up to date, you will also have to keep up with plugin updates and any other tasks needed to ensure the optimal operation of your security system. WordPress always keeps updating its system for security and bug fixing and its team constantly monitors and edits the code to mitigate any threats.

Magento

Magento provides you with the possibility to secure your site according to the level of security that you desire. There are regular patches and updates available for your site. Using these updates and patches, you can implement extensions that will enhance your site’s security and performance.

Shopify

Despite Shopify is an eCommerce platform that’s as secure as any top-tier platform, it is vulnerable to attacks as well. Many merchants consider it to be the most reliable eCommerce platform. Level 1 PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) compliance is achieved by Shopify development, which meets all six PCI requirements. It is also responsible for maintaining a secure network, for a vulnerability management program as well as a regular examination of test networks.

Design and Customization

WooCommerce

In terms of customization, WooCommerce provides its users with unlimited options. It is possible to enhance the look and function of your store in almost any way you wish. The result will be better control of the appearance of your store and the ability to add unique features to meet the needs of your business. It is possible to customize the WooCommerce product gallery, edit the shop page, change the header of your website, etc, in order to improve the appearance of your eCommerce store.

Magento

Magento offers two default themes that can be used for theme creation: Blank, which can be used to create a custom theme, and Luma, which is a demo theme. This theme is designed to be responsive, which is intended to render your storefront’s display on a variety of devices.

In addition to that, Magento provides 16 other pre-made themes in its marketplace that are available for purchase, with a price ranging from $0 to $499. It is also possible to go to Themeforest, Magenest, or Template Monster in order to take advantage of more feature-rich options on this platform.

With a Magento store, you get access to unlimited customization options regarding the design of your store, due to the open-source nature of Magento. Regardless of the integration level, you choose to work at, you will be able to modify almost anything or even create your own theme from scratch.

Shopify

You’ll be delighted to learn that Shopify offers over 70 themes in its theme store. There are some premium themes (between $150 and $300), but there are many free ones. Customizing them can often be done without touching a line of code, as they come with customization options. These templates are all mobile-friendly, making them compatible with any device.

The premium themes offer more customization options, but if you want to do it yourself or hire a Shopify expert to do it, you’ll have to master the Liquid programming language. There are more than 1,200 Shopify themes available on Themeforest, so you are not limited to what Shopify provides.

Apps and Add-on

WooCommerce

With the WooCommerce plugin running on WordPress, WooCommerce users can access the amazing plugin repository of WordPress, which has over 58,000 free and paid plugins across all areas of logistical, technical, and marketing needs. Furthermore, WooCommerce offers 592+ extensions that are designed specifically for use in eCommerce. We’ve also developed so many plugins and extensions for WooCommerce store owners and some of our best WooCommerce extensions are WooCommerce PDF Vouchers and WooCommerce Social Login.

Magento

In the realm of eCommerce platforms, Magento owns the largest marketplace, allowing it to be regarded as the most powerful one. In its marketplace, you will find a huge selection of almost 6,000 extensions, both free and paid, that will help you improve and expand the functionality of your shop incredibly.

Among its many features, Magento offers solutions that can cover the spectrum of content creation and customization, accounting and finance, payments and security, marketing, customer service, etc.

Shopify

In terms of add-ons and apps, when it comes to Shopify, there are hundreds to choose from, both free and paid. Notably, most plugins can be included with just a click of a button. Using these tools, you can achieve things like trust icons which decrease the risk of cart abandonment, or social media buttons that improve your chances of building a community around your website.

SEO

WooCommerce

There is no question that WooCommerce is the best choice among SEOs and marketers. It is mainly due to the fact that WordPress, on which it runs, is a very SEO-friendly platform.

Aside from that, WordPress is also a platform that is used by some of the world’s most robust and powerful SEO solutions. You can use various WordPress plugins like Rankmath and Yoast to optimize your eCommerce store smoothly. These types of plugins will help you to optimize product pages, add the Alt text of product images, and define the title and meta descriptions of each page. As a result, your eCommerce store is more likely to appear on top of the SERPs.

Additionally, Shopify allows you to use third-party integrations like Drop In Blog, which you can use to create an SEO-friendly blog for Shopify. This integration is seamless, and it allows more flexibility than the built-in Shopify blog feature. It has a built-in SEO analyzer that scores your content to help you improve your search ranking and attract customers to your website.

Magento

According to research, organic search engine traffic is the primary driver of traffic to eCommerce websites. That’s why having a properly optimized website is so important, and Magento 2 provides you with all the advanced SEO features that you’ll ever need to get your website on the first page of Google.

The fact that Magento was built with SEO in mind means that merchants can create SEO-friendly URL structures, incorporate meta-data throughout the website, implement rich snippets, which allow merchants to define mark-up data on product pages, create and optimize XML sitemaps, and take advantage of a wide range of other marketing features that are going to help you improve your search engine ranking.

Shopify

It is also worth mentioning that Shopify’s SEO score is also quite impressive. Additionally, you can use a wide variety of apps to optimize your website so that it will perform well on search engines like Google and Bing.

Furthermore, Shopify provides product descriptions and titles for both your products and your pages, as well as the categories for which they belong. Furthermore, the robot.txt file and the sitemap are automatically generated by the system for you as well.

Customer Service & Support

WooCommerce

As one of the most popular eCommerce platforms in the world, WooCommerce offers a wide range of support options that you can take advantage of when in need of help. Various guides, tutorials, and documentation can be found on the official website. The WooCommerce support team also has a support forum where users and experts can seek assistance. WooCommerce.com now offers 24/7 chat support to all customers who purchase premium extensions or themes from them. For third-party WordPress themes and extensions, those developers are responsible for any queries and support regarding their products.

The only thing to remember is that because WooCommerce is a self-hosted platform, your hosting provider is responsible for resolving server-related issues.

Magento

As of today, Magento 1 is not supported on the platform. Because of this, it is not possible for the developers to provide any updates or patches. The result of this is that you will have to figure out the platform on your own.

With Magento 2, the type of support you receive depends on the version of the software that you are using. If you are using Magento 2, you will also be using Magento Open Source and Magento Commerce.

Shopify

Last but not least, why do business owners choose Shopify? They are offered 24/7 support no matter which plans they choose. There are times when you may encounter technical difficulties with your store, or just have a question you need to be answered, one of the team members will be able to assist you. I think this is a big deal for small business owners who don’t have their own developers on call, especially during a big online sales event like Cyber Monday when they don’t have their own developers available.

The community forum and help center are also available to you at any time if you do not require live support.

Pricing & Additional Costs

WooCommerce

You can use WooCommerce for free, which is its greatest advantage. Even so, it is still important to note that there are some additional expenses aside from the fee for web hosting, the cost of a domain name, and the cost of an SSL certificate.

There is a chance that you will see an increase in your hosting costs as your store grows and more people come to your site, but your domain name fees will not change.

In addition, a WooCommerce store can incur costs if you purchase paid extensions. These are, however, typically one-time purchases. Free alternatives are often available as well.

A growing number of hosting companies are now offering WooCommerce hosting plans that are designed to significantly reduce the cost of the initial setup of a website.

Magento

The cost of Magento is almost zero when only using the Magento open-source version. This version can easily be downloaded and installed without spending any money.

However, if you decide to purchase the Magento Commerce edition, you will have to invest a great deal of money. In this edition, the fee for a yearly license starts at $22,000.00 for business owners who do not make more than $1,000,000 in revenue per year. This fee will increase according to the estimated annual gross sales of your business. That is to say, the higher your income, the greater your fee will be.

If you decide to use Magento Commerce Cloud to run your store, the license fee is two times higher than that of Magento Commerce, varying from $40,000.00 to $190,000.00 for the same gross sales revenue tier as Magento Commerce. It is because of this reason that you should only pay for this version if you have a large business.

Shopify

Shopify’s subscription fees are not insignificant and aren’t something to be taken lightly. In terms of the overall price, a website builder such as Shopify may be somewhat expensive depending on what you need from your eCommerce site. In general, a basic Shopify Plus plan costs $29 a month, a more upgraded plan costs $299 a month, and if you need an enterprise-level Shopify Plus plan, you can expect to pay at least $2,000 per month. The only drawback is that Shopify is all-in-one, so there is less of a hassle and you can take advantage of a bunch of additional features that are especially useful for people who are less tech-savvy.

Pros & Cons

Pros of WooCommerce

1. No limits to customization. There are no limits to creating an online store that is unique and has its own identity.
2. Many WooThemes can be found in this category, specifically designed for WooCommerce websites.
3. A search engine optimization-friendly site that allows you to edit your store’s metadata.
4. Reviews and ratings for products and stores pre-installed on the website.
5. Organize and filter reports based on the categories they fall under.

Cons of WooCommerce

1. The lack of customer support is one of the main issues with WooCommerce compared to other eCommerce platforms.
2. The cost of setting up a WordPress website is free, but the cost of hosting it will need to be paid.
3. Using it for WordPress sites is easy, but setting it up from scratch is a bit challenging if you don’t have coding knowledge.

Pros of Magento

1. The platform is flexible in terms of how users can use it.
2. Provides free-of-charge services through the platform.
3. A supportive community is available and is able to assist lost users to navigate issues that they may encounter.

Cons of Magento

1. It sometimes takes a long time for the page to load.
2. It would be necessary for non-technical users to learn how it works, especially for both admin and user management.
3. The application requires a large server in order to function smoothly.

Pros of Shopify

1. Shopify offers more than 100 mobile-friendly storefront themes.
2. You do not need to know any coding in order to create a website.
3. The company offers 24/7 customer support by phone, email, and live chat.
4. A user-friendly administration area.
5. Connect your website to social media marketplaces.

Cons of Shopify

1. The default product attribute set only consists of three options.
2. There are more than 100 themes available, but only 10 of them are free.
3. The company charges a transaction fee per sale.

Brands

Brands using WooCommerce

1. Blue Star Coffee
2. Clickbank
3. Awesome Invention
4. The Specter Magazine Shop
5. Porter and York

Brands using Magento

1. Ford Motor Company
2. Coca-cola Company
3. Jaguar
4. LandRover
5. Tommy Hilfiger
6. AsusTek Computer

Brands using Shopify

1. Redbull
2. Heinz
3. Taylor Swift
4. Kylie Cosmetic
5. Fitbit
6. Penguin Books

Frequently Asked Questions

WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify: Final Conclusion

That’s a relief! We have done our best to include everything needed to evaluate WooCommerce vs Magento vs Shopify.

Still, having trouble making a decision? Take a look at the broad criteria: Cost, technical support, themes, customizability, and performance. Look at your future expansion plans and make a decision once you have a brief idea of your requirements!

The following can be stated after comparing various eCommerce platforms:

1. Shopify is the best platform for small businesses expanding online.
2. WooCommerce can efficiently empower small, medium, large, and enterprise businesses.
3. Magento is the ideal choice for large companies. You can also hire a Magento developer on an hourly basis at cost-effective rates.

Consider all characteristics of each platform to determine which is best for your business and future ambitions. If I were to give you a personal recommendation based on my experience, I would recommend you to choose WooCommerce in the beginning because it is free, then it is SEO friendly and it is also very easy to use. Get free consultations from our team of WooCommerce developers, who help you to find the best possible solutions for your business. Check out our other well-informative blogs on “Best WooCommerce Checkout Plugins” and “What Makes WooCommerce the Best eCommerce Platform?”

Introduction

A social media platform that has over a staggering 1.3 billion daily users and a whopping 2 billion monthly users cannot possibly go unnoticed by people using the internet. And we are pretty sure you have used or heard of this platform, Instagram.

People love taking and sharing photos. An astounding 1.81 trillion photos are taken every year, which means 5 billion snaps per day!

No wonder Instagram is incredibly popular as a photo-sharing platform. People worldwide share an average of 1.3 billion photos per day on average on this platform.

However, Instagram is not just a photo-sharing platform. It also is the number one social media platform for promoting a business, especially an eCommerce business. To truly harness the power of these platforms, many businesses seek the assistance of a professional WooCommerce development company to establish an optimized online presence.

If you have a WooCommerce store but haven’t yet started promoting your products on Instagram, check these out:

• 90% of Instagram users follow a brand or business on the platform.
• 70% of Instagram users start their product search on this platform before they decide to buy.
• 35% of Instagram users anticipate purchasing within the app in 2023.
• Users who discover a product on Instagram are 54% more likely to make a purchase of that product.
• More than 130 million Instagram users tap on product links/shopping posts every single month.
• At least 75% of American SMBs use Instagram for marketing purposes.

As you can understand, Instagram is a huge marketing channel by every means. But you need to know your way around to promote your products on this platform. Most importantly, you will need to be able to create an Instagram shopping product feed.

Read on to find out what Instagram shopping is and how to build an Instagram product feed to promote your WooCommerce products.

What is Instagram Shopping?

We have already learned above that Instagram is a photo and short video-sharing platform. In addition to that, the platform also allows its users to tag photos.

And eCommerce merchants like you can upload and tag your product photos for users/shoppers to find out and even purchase directly from Instagram. If not, you can redirect them to your WooCommerce site. This is called Instagram Shopping.

Instagram Shopping is a revolutionary feature that transforms Instagram profiles into interactive and shareable digital catalogs for eCommerce brands like yours. With the ability to showcase products directly on your Instagram pages, you can offer users an immersive and convenient shopping experience within the app itself.

This feature enables users to explore product details, access pricing information, and make purchases with ease, all without leaving the Instagram platform.

You’ll need to learn how to use the platform’s shopping features and tools in order to successfully market your products there. Let’s check them out.

Instagram Shop

At the heart of Instagram Shopping lies the Instagram Shop, a virtual storefront for eCommerce brands. It is like your WooCommerce store’s Shop page within the Instagram platform.

This personalized space allows you to showcase your products directly on your Instagram profiles, offering a visual and interactive catalog for users to explore.

Collections

Collections in Instagram Shopping are like curated groups of related products. They help businesses showcase specific categories, such as “Cute Winter Outfits” or “Trendy Sneakers,” making it easier for users to explore and discover products they may be interested in.

Generally, eCommerce stores do have collections of products like Top Collection, Seasonal Collection, New Collection, etc. You can upload these collections through an Instagram shopping product feed and organize them inside the platform.

Shopping Tag

As we mentioned earlier, Shopping Tags are what turn a regular photo into a shoppable Instagram post.

The Shopping Tag is a powerful tool that enables businesses like yours to tag products from their catalog in various types of content, including Stories, Reels, and posts. By clicking on the Shopping Tag, users can seamlessly access product details and make purchases without leaving the Instagram app.

As a WooCommerce owner, you can upload your WooCommerce Instagram feed to the catalog manager and start tagging to turn them into a shoppable post.

Checkout

For select regions, Instagram offers a convenient Checkout feature. It allows your customers to complete their purchases directly within the app. This streamlines the buying process, providing a hassle-free shopping experience for users.

Product Detail Pages

To provide users with comprehensive information about products, Instagram Shopping includes Product Detail Pages. These pages display essential details such as product descriptions, pricing, and images, along with any product-tagged images on Instagram.

Shop Discovery Tab

Want to grab the attention of the users who don’t follow your page or brand? No worries; you can still reach them through Shop Discovery Tab.

Instagram’s Shop Discovery Tab is a marketplace/display of diverse products from brands worldwide. Users, including non-followers, can browse through an array of goods, making window-shopping on the platform an exciting and interactive experience.

Setting up Instagram Shopping for your WooCommerce store

First things first, you need to be eligible to take part in Instagram’s shopping features. Let’s find out what you need.

Eligibility Requirements for Instagram Shopping

• Your business must deal in real, tangible goods, meaning you sell physical products.
• Switch your Instagram account from private to a business profile for commercial use.
• Have an eCommerce or WooCommerce website where you sell your products.
• Create an Instagram Shopping product feed and connect it to your Facebook account.
• Comply with Instagram’s Commerce Policies, ensuring your products and business activities align with their guidelines.

Convert your Instagram private account to a business account

1. Launch the Instagram app and access your profile.
2. Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
3. Select “Settings” at the bottom of the menu.
4. Click on “Account” and then “Switch to Professional Account.”
5. Choose “Business” and select the appropriate category for your company.
6. Connect your business Facebook Page to your Instagram account by logging in and choosing the correct Page.

Alternatively, create a new business account with your business email instead of converting your personal account.

Connect your business account to a Facebook Page

1. Go to your Instagram profile and tap the three dot lines in the top right corner.
2. Access “Settings” and click on “Account.”
3. Select “Linked Accounts” and then “Facebook.”
4. Log in to your Facebook account.
5. Choose your business’s Facebook Page to link with your Instagram account.

Next up, generate an Instagram Shop feed for WooCommerce and upload it to the catalog manager.

What is an Instagram Shopping product feed?

In simple words, an Instagram Shopping product feed is a spreadsheet file. If you are familiar with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel files, then you will recognize how it may look.

A WooCommerce product Instagram feed file is a structured file that contains your WooCommerce store’s product information. A WooCommerce feed generally has all the available information your Woo product pages have.

For example, a WooCommerce product feed contains data such as title, description, price, stock unit, SKU, etc.

The product feed acts as a bridge between your eCommerce platform (e.g., WooCommerce) and Instagram’s shopping features. By connecting the product feed to your Instagram account, you can tag your products in posts, stories, and ads, allowing users to discover and purchase your products directly through the Instagram app.

This feed ensures that the information about your products remains accurate and up-to-date on Instagram, reflecting any changes you make to your product inventory on your website. It enables a seamless shopping experience for Instagram users.

Users can explore and buy your products without leaving the app. This streamlines the process of product discovery and purchase for both businesses like yours and customers.

Required attributes for an Instagram Shopping product feed

In a product feed, attributes refer to the specific pieces of information that provide details about each product. These attributes play a crucial role in creating a comprehensive and organized product catalog that can be used for various marketing purposes, including Instagram Shopping.

Here are the necessary attributes for an Instagram shopping product feed:

• Product ID: A unique identifier assigned to each product in the feed. This helps distinguish one product from another and ensures accurate tracking and management.
• Product Title: The name or title of your product, which gives users a clear idea of what the item is.
• Description: A brief and informative description that provides additional details about your product, helping potential customers understand its features and benefits.
• Product URL: The specific URL of the product page on your website, where users can find more information and make a purchase.
• Image URL: A link to the product image hosted on your website or server. The image visually represents the product and is essential for attracting users’ attention.
• Price: The cost or price of the product, allowing users to know its value and make informed decisions.
• Availability: Indicates whether the product is currently in stock or if it is temporarily unavailable. This helps manage customer expectations and avoids disappointment due to out-of-stock products.
• Condition: Specifies the condition of the product, such as new, used, or refurbished. This information is crucial for customers when considering a purchase.
• Brand: The name of the brand or manufacturer of the product, which helps users identify and trust the source of the item.

Including these necessary attributes in an Instagram shoppable feed ensures that businesses can create a seamless and user-friendly shopping experience for their audience. It empowers users to explore and engage with products directly on Instagram, streamlining the process of discovery and purchase for both businesses and customers.

How to create a WooCommerce Instagram Shopping product feed

If you learn the attributes and guidelines of a channel, you can put together a feed file in software like Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. However, that process is manual and prone to errors.

Wondering what errors or troubles it may cause?

The primary purpose of a product feed is to bulk upload and promote your products on multiple channels quickly and efficiently. You can’t possibly achieve that by creating them manually.

The more products you add to your Woo store, the more difficult it will get to copy-paste those into a feed file. Also, it will be a nightmare to update all those feed files across all your channels when you make any changes to your Woo product pages.

Copy-pasting large amounts of data manually in a spreadsheet is never a practical or good idea. You can miss or duplicate so many things. Thus, manual feed generation may cause feed rejection from channels, including Instagram.

Your best bet is to use an Instagram shopping product feed plugin. You need to pick a plugin that can automate the whole process. And the best in the market we found is CTX Feed.

It has a very popular free version, and it can create an Instagram Shopping product feed with just two clicks. In addition to Instagram, it supports over 130 other channels and has built-in templates for them.

You can simply select the template, and the plugin will do the rest. Most importantly, this plugin has an automatic feed update feature on your set interval. The best feature we found is the URL connection options.

You won’t need to download and upload your Instagram feed file. You can connect through a URL. After that, the catalog manager and the plugin will communicate and do all the product uploading and updating for you.

How to generate an Instagram Shopping product feed using a plugin

First, go to your WooCommerce WordPress admin panel and install the free version of the plugin.

After you install and activate, click on Make Feed from the Plugins menu.

You will be taken to the new feed window.

The Template dropdown contains all the built-in template options for different channels. Select the Instagram option.

When you select the channel, the plugin will generate all the attributes that a particular channel requires. In addition, you may choose a different file type, but we recommend CSV.

Your job is actually complete. All you need to do is, click the generate button at the bottom. The plugin will collect your Woo product information and generate the Instagram Shopping product feed automatically for you.

Now go back to the plugin menu and click on Manage Feeds. All the feed files you create will be listed there. Additionally, you will find the update settings there.

You can enable automatic update settings for your feed files and also set specific intervals after which your feed files will be updated. From the feed file settings, you can edit, delete, duplicate, view, download, or copy your Instagram Shopping product feed URL.

How to upload an Instagram Shopping product feed

Login to Facebook or Meta Commerce Manager. If you haven’t created any catalog before, start from the below screen.

We want to create a catalog, so we will select the second option.

We have a WooCommerce store and trying to list our products. Therefore, we will select the Ecommerce option.

Next, select the Upload Product Info option.

Click Create to create your catalog.

Right now, our catalog for Instagram shoppable posts is empty. You need to add products to this catalog.

From the left panel, click on Catalog>>Data sources. You can manually add products or connect Facebook Pixel, but the best option is to add a feed file. That’s why we will select the Data Feed option.

We already have an Instagram Shopping product feed, so we will select yes.

The platform gives you three options to upload your feed file.

You can directly upload the feed file from your computer. For that, you can download the feed from the plugin’s settings and upload it here.

You can choose Google Sheets if you have manually created the file. We have already discussed why it’s not a good idea.

Use a URL is the best option. You can copy the Instagram Shopping product feed URL from your Woo panel and paste it here.

In the next screen, you will get options to set a schedule for feed upload and update.

Now why is this the best option?

Suppose you have made some changes to your product pages. CTX Feed plugin will automatically collect and update the Instagram feed file. And when you connect through the URL, the catalog manager will automatically fetch those changes from the URL and update its listings.

You no longer need to worry about any updates across your channels.

Finally, click the Save Feed and Upload button.

Submit your Instagram account for review and enable Instagram Shopping

Before Instagram enables shopping features on your account, they need to review it to ensure compliance with their guidelines. To submit your account for review, follow these steps:

• Go to your Instagram profile and access Settings by tapping the three-dot lines.
• Select “Business” and then tap on “Instagram Shopping.”
• Follow the on-screen instructions to submit your profile for review.

It’s important to note that the review process may take some time, ranging from a few days to a few weeks. During this period, it’s recommended to double-check your Instagram profile and product catalog to ensure they meet Instagram’s commerce policies.

This includes verifying that all necessary attributes and information are accurate and up-to-date. Once approved, you’ll be able to unlock the full potential of Instagram Shopping for your business.

After Instagram approves eCommerce features for your profile, you need to activate it.

To choose your catalog, head to Settings > Business > Shopping. To complete this process, simply follow the on-screen prompts.

Your Instagram Shopping feature is now active, and your products are ready to be discovered by users on Instagram. You can begin tagging your products in your posts and stories, providing a seamless shopping experience for your followers and making it convenient for them to purchase directly from your profile.

Benefits of using an Instagram shopping product feed

Using an Instagram product feed offers several benefits that can streamline and enhance your eCommerce efforts on the platform:

Efficiency

With an Instagram product feed, you can automatically sync your product information, such as titles, descriptions, images, prices, and availability, directly from your WooCommerce website. This eliminates the need for manual data entry, saving you time and effort.

Real-time updates

Product feeds allow for real-time updates, ensuring that your product information is always accurate and up-to-date on Instagram. If you make changes to your product catalog, they will be reflected instantly in your Instagram Shopping posts.

Synchronized inventory

An Instagram product feed ensures that your inventory is synchronized across platforms. If a product is out of stock or unavailable on your website, it will be automatically marked as unavailable on Instagram, preventing customer disappointment.

Consistency

Using a product feed ensures consistency in product information and presentation. This helps build trust with customers, as they see the same details and images on both your website and Instagram.

Tagging multiple products

With a product feed, you can tag multiple products in a single post or story, making it easy for customers to explore and shop for a variety of items without leaving the app.

Scale and growth

For businesses with a large product catalog, using a product feed makes it scalable and manageable. You can effortlessly showcase a wide range of products without manually tagging each one.

Integration with ads

Instagram product feeds seamlessly integrate with Instagram ads. You can use the same product feed for both organic posts and paid ads, maximizing your reach and optimizing your advertising efforts.

Enhanced shopping experience

By using a product feed, you provide a smoother and more user-friendly shopping experience for your customers. They can easily browse, click, and purchase products without disruptions or redirections.

Wrap up

Overall, an Instagram product feed simplifies the process of adding and managing products on the platform, enabling you to focus on engaging with your audience and driving sales. It’s a powerful tool to unlock the full potential of Instagram Shopping for your business.

Hope this guide on how to generate an Instagram shopping product feed for your WooCommerce store was of help to you. Let us know if you have any questions or suggestions.

Introduction to Cloudways

When building a new website, the first thing you need to worry about is the hosting. A hosting service takes care of the storage space, domain name management, security and SSL certificates, server management, bandwidth allocation, website backup and restoration, and more.

So you can understand the gravity of choosing the best hosting service provider. Now, when it comes to WordPress hosting, there are several options to choose from. But you want the service that will ensure the best level of storage, security, performance, customizations, and more for your website. 

That’s where Cloudways’ Managed Cloud Hosting comes in. Not only is this service scalable and budget-friendly, but it is also much simpler compared to the likes of Amazon Web Services (AWS). So anyone, with or without web development experience, can benefit from their services.

Here are the key features of this hosting service:

• Pay As You Go
• Free Migration
• No Lock-in
• Free SSL Certificates
• Unlimited Applications
• 24/7/365 Support

These features make it one of the best cloud hosting services available. 

So in this review, we’ll look at this managed cloud hosting service with respect to the scalability & performance, support, user interface, security, and pricing. But first, we’ll tell you all about how you can establish your WordPress website on Cloudways’ Managed Cloud Hosting. 

So without further ado, let’s start.

Performance and Scalability

Cloudways provides a highly optimized server infrastructure for unmatched performance. This managed cloud server platform ensures hassle-free operations, with dedicated teams handling server management tasks. Their auto-scaling feature efficiently handles traffic surges, providing seamless scalability while vertical scaling upgrades resources, ensuring high performance during peak demands. Cloudways implements advanced caching mechanisms for speedy content delivery. The platform is integrated with Cloudflare CDN, widely known for its extensive global network, which further enhances site speed and user experience. In essence, Cloudways combines performance and scalability, helping businesses thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

With Cloudways, businesses benefit from a tailor-made server setup. The infrastructure is configured to optimize performance for various applications, resulting in faster loading times and improved overall efficiency. Their managed cloud servers offer the advantage of freeing businesses from the complexities of server management, letting them focus on growth and innovation. The auto-scaling feature ensures that your applications are always available, adapting to sudden changes in traffic, while vertical scaling allows quick resource upgrades.

Cloudways’ robust caching techniques coupled with Cloudflare CDN boost website speed significantly. This powerful combination results in quicker page load times and a better user experience, crucial in today’s digital age. Cloudways’ performance and scalability features hence offer a comprehensive solution, making it an ideal choice for businesses aiming for top-notch digital performance.

Setting up a WordPress Website on Cloudways Managed Hosting

Let’s follow the process of setting up a WordPress website on Cloudways Managed Hosting:

Step 1: Creating a Cloudways Account

• Go to the Cloudways website and click on the “Create Account” button.
• Enter your company name, email address, and password.
• Click on the “Create Account” button.

Step 2: Selecting the Cloud Provider

• After creating the account, you will be redirected to the Cloudways dashboard.
• Click on the “Select Cloud Provider” button.
• Select the cloud provider of your choice.
• Click on the “Launch Now” button.

Step 3: Launching a WordPress Server

• Once you have selected a cloud provider, you will be taken to the “Launch Server” page.
• Enter the following information:
  • Server Name
  • Server Location
  • Server Plan
• Click on the “Launch Server” button.

Step 4: Configuring WordPress on Cloudways

• Once your server has been launched, you will be taken to the “WordPress Configuration” page.
• Enter the following information:
  • Domain Name
  • Admin Username
  • Admin Password
• Click on the “Install WordPress” button.

Your WordPress website will now be installed on Cloudways. You can access it by typing your domain name in a web browser.

Now that you have established your website on Cloudways hosting let’s discuss the comprehensive review of the same. 

User Interface

Cloudways Managed Hosting Service has a user-friendly and organized interface providing a clear view of the applications, server resources, and domains. That allows the visitors to navigate through different sections effortlessly. 

Server management is straightforward, with real-time monitoring and easy scaling options. The Applications section allows for quick deployment of popular applications with one-click installs. It also provides essential metrics for monitoring performance. 

Managing your applications on Cloudways is straightforward. You can view a list of your installed applications, including WordPress, Magento, WooCommerce, and more. The platform allows you to deploy new applications with just a few clicks. You can easily access application-specific settings, configure SSL certificates, manage domain mapping, set up cron jobs, and handle application backups and restores.

Domain management is also seamless and guides the users through DNS configuration and SSL certificate setup. Its UI is responsive, ensuring accessibility from desktop or mobile devices. Additionally, Cloudways offers comprehensive documentation and tutorials to assist users in utilizing the platform effectively. 

Overall, the user interface of Cloudways is designed for simplicity and functionality. So the users can manage their hosting environment with ease, regardless of their technical expertise.

Storage

Cloudways Managed Cloud Hosting ensures that WordPress websites have sufficient storage space for their files, media content, and database information. Cloudways ensures easy scalability of storage space as websites grow. So the users can upgrade and expand the storage resources without much downtime.

Moreover, there are caching and CDN integrations that can help save storage by providing the website users with cached info. Moreover, this service implements regular backups with robust data security measures to ensure the WordPress websites have the necessary storage space while prioritizing data protection.

Scalability & Performance

One of the biggest highlights of this hosting provider is that it offers exceptional scalability and performance for WordPress websites. The platform’s seamless scalability allows users to adjust server resources, such as CPU, RAM, storage, and bandwidth, with just a few clicks. This flexibility ensures that websites can handle increased traffic and accommodate resource-intensive applications without compromising performance.

Cloudways optimizes the server stack, including the operating system, web server, PHP versions, and database, to deliver optimal performance. The platform takes care of server management, security patches, updates, and backups. So you can focus on managing your WordPress website and content without getting involved in server-related complexities.

Cloudways provides auto-scaling and vertical scaling capabilities. Auto-scaling allows your server resources (like CPU, RAM, and storage) to automatically adjust based on the website’s traffic demands. It also has vertical scaling, which allows you to manually adjust the server resources as per your requirements. That allows you the flexibility to scale up or down.

Moreover, Cloudways offers an extensive global network of data centers, allowing businesses to select server locations closer to their target audience. That reduces the latency by minimizing the distance between users and servers, which results in improved website performance and enhanced user experience.

Security

Prioritizing the safety of WordPress websites, Cloudways Managed Hosting Service implements a range of security practices to ensure the safety and integrity of websites.

Cloudways incorporates regular security patches and updates, which helps prevent potential exploits and ensures that websites are running on the latest, most secure versions of WordPress and related components. The platform allows users to schedule regular backups of their WordPress websites. So your website can be restored as it is in case of data loss or other issues.

Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificates are readily available on the Cloudways hosting platform. So you can secure your website with HTTPS encryption and establish a secure connection with visitors. It also offers an application-level security layer and employs measures like account isolation, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and secure SFTP/SSH access to safeguard the site.

Cloudways introduces a feature called SafeUpdates, specifically designed for WordPress websites. SafeUpdates creates a temporary clone of your website. So you can test the changes and updates before applying them to the live site. That ensures any potential issues are identified and resolved before they impact your live website.

Support & Customer Service

Cloudways provides round-the-clock technical support to address any hosting-related issues or concerns. You can connect via live chat or the ticketing system for prompt assistance with your WordPress website. Moreover, there is a knowledge base and documentation section containing a wealth of information and resources. That includes tutorials, guides, FAQs, and troubleshooting steps. So you can understand and resolve common issues more easily. 

Then there’s the active community forum where you can interact, ask questions, and seek advice from fellow Cloudways users. It can be valuable for getting insights, tips, and best practices related to hosting WordPress websites on Cloudways.

There’s also a managed WordPress migration to help migrate your website seamlessly with minimal downtime. So you can just focus on your business and leave the technical aspects of migration in capable hands.

Pricing

And finally, you have to take pricing into the picture when considering any platform for your website. For what’s on offer with respect to the user interface, storage, performance, scalability, and security, the Cloudways Managed Cloud Hosting service is among the most affordable options available. 

Speaking of pricing and affordability, Cloudways offers a pay-as-you-go pricing model. That allows you to choose from various cloud providers (like DigitalOcean, AWS, and Google Cloud) and customize your hosting plan according to your requirements. Instead of fixed plans, Cloudways gives you the freedom to only pay for the resources you actually use, providing cost efficiency and flexibility.

There’s a variety of hosting plans (both standard and premium), from $11 to $99, with different RAM sizes, processors, storage, bandwidth, and more. Plus, there’s a 3-day risk-free trial period and no lock-in (so you can cancel your plan anytime you want).

Pros & Cons of Cloudways Managed Cloud Hosting

Pros

• Excellent performance through an optimized server infrastructure, managed cloud servers, caching, and Cloudflare CDN.
• Effortless scalability through auto-scaling and vertical scaling options.
• Robust security through regular security patching, SSL certificate integration, Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), and SafeUpdates.
• Flexibility to choose from a variety of cloud providers, like DigitalOcean, AWS, Google Cloud, and more.

Cons

• Slight learning curve for those new to managed cloud hosting.
• Tasks like server configuration and troubleshooting advanced issues may require technical expertise.
• Additional costs for different cloud providers.
• Limited access to server-level configuration settings.

With an intuitive UI, scalable infrastructure, impressive performance, robust security measures, and exceptional storage, Cloudways’ all-inclusive package caters to the diverse needs of website owners. So whether you are a start-up, small business, or an established corporation, Cloudways Managed Cloud Hosting would be more than suited to your needs. 

All in all, Managed Cloud Hosting from Cloudways is excellent for those trying to make their WordPress website better scalable with excellent performance, security, support, UI, storage, and more. 

Conclusion

Cloudways offers an optimized server infrastructure that ensures excellent performance and quicker load times. Its managed cloud servers take the hassle out of server management, allowing businesses to focus on their core objectives. The platform’s auto-scaling and vertical scaling features adeptly manage sudden traffic changes and resource needs, enhancing overall reliability. The powerful integration of advanced caching techniques with Cloudflare CDN further boosts website speed, ensuring an improved user experience.

In conclusion, Cloudways offers an impressive suite of features aimed at performance optimization and scalability. It caters to businesses of all sizes, delivering robust, reliable, and speedy digital services. Its ability to manage servers, handle traffic surges, and quicken content delivery makes it a standout in the market. Considering these factors, we highly recommend Cloudways to businesses seeking a dynamic, reliable, and high-performing cloud hosting solution.

Introduction

PHP developers can help design, create, and implement a range of advanced, customizable, robust, and scalable software and web applications with PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor) programming language. However, since there are more than 5 million PHP developers around the world, it may be a little challenging to choose the best one.

It can be incredibly daunting if you are a non-technical person. In that case, refer to this guide, which will help you hire the best PHP developer based on your requirements, developer skills, and your budget. With this guide, you’ll understand the skills to look for in a PHP developer, hiring options to choose from, a few of the best questions you can ask during an interview, and more tips on hiring the best PHP developer possible.

Getting the services of a PHP developer will help make your project more successful. Hopefully, you’ll be an expert at hiring a PHP developer.

Who is a PHP Developer?

PHP developers are the experts who create applications, software, and websites with the help of Hypertext Preprocessor or PHP, a popular open-source general-purpose scripting language specially used for web development and can be effectively embedded into HTML. A PHP developer is any software developer holding skills and expertise in PHP. Since PHP is one of the most important and omnipresent computer languages in web and software development, it would be a good idea to hire contract developers for your project. They can also execute PHP in combination with SQL for specific databases.

Different Scopes to Find PHP Developer

It’s impossible to hire a good PHP developer or a freelancer if you are unaware of the right place to look.

In-House Experts

You can easily hire full-time PHP developers who will cater to the PHP needs of your project. To hire the best PHP expert, follow the hiring tips and technical questions listed below. Alternatively, to reduce costs you can consider freelancers or outsourcing agencies.

Freelancers

Hiring a freelancer can be beneficial for companies looking to work on a particular technology for a short span of time. Hiring a freelancer can also help you with cost-cutting. Freelancers are the professionals who work on your project for specific hours to finish up your project. They can be paid either on an hourly basis or a fixed price for the entire project (or a part of it). However, they can work with whoever they choose when not working on your project. Their only obligation would be to complete and deliver the project by a certain deadline. These traditional job portals would also help if you have limited time to hire a good PHP developer:

• Upwork: Upwork is an American hiring agency that can help you connect with freelancer professionals around the globe.
• Career Builder: Career Builder is one of the trusted agencies for freelancers and full-time employees.
• Indeed: Indeed is a career website to connect with full-time and part-time employees and freelancers.
• LinkedIn Jobs: Although counted among social media platforms, LinkedIn can help freelancers and full-time employees get in touch with the best companies. You can hire freelancers and in-house employees for PHP development.
• GitHub Jobs: This website can help you find expert PHP developers.
• Toptal: Toptal is a platform that can help you find remote experts for PHP developments and other services.
• Stack Overflow: Although it is an IT enthusiast website, Stack Overflow can also help you connect with expert PHP developers

Outsourcing Agencies

Outsourcing agencies from Asia, especially India, are popular among Western companies for their PHP development needs as they have high-quality developers and other IT professionals available at affordable prices. You can get in touch with these PHP development agencies in India with the specifications and pay them to complete your project needs with the help of their skilled PHP developers. With outsourcing agencies, you won’t have to be concerned about hiring your own professionals or spending additional resources for PHP development. You only need to describe what you expect from the project and pay them accordingly. The developers and their management teams in these outsourcing agencies are in constant touch with you and provide you with updates about your project. However, you can also hire a near-shore agency if you are concerned about the communication challenges related to the time zone. If you are looking for skilled and experienced PHP developers, the following outsourcing web development companies could add value to your project,

1. WPWeb Infotech 

WPWeb Infotech is the best PHP development company in India & USA. They have some of the best PHP developers who can help you with your website and application development needs. Their client portfolio is impressive and they provide services like CMS & eCommerce Development, Open Source Development, Digital Marketing, Web Development, UI/UX Designing, QA & Testing Services, etc. 

2. IndiaNIC 

IndiaNIC is also one of the best PHP development companies in India and the USA. They have skilled professionals with expertise in PHP web and application development. They can help you with network solutions, back-end systems, business apps, and CMS. 

3. CSSChopper 

CSSChopper can help you create, update and maintain excellent websites and applications. Their services include CMS & Migration Services, Custom Web Development, Frontend Development, Web Development, eCommerce Development, etc. 

4. Iflexion 

Iflexion is one of the top PHP development companies with a team of experienced designers, developers, and IT experts. Their services include front-end development, back-end development, MVP development, UI/UX design service, enterprise software, mobile app development, web development, eCommerce development, software testing, etc. 

5. TatvaSoft 

TatvaSoft is one of the biggest PHP web development agencies in India. Their experts can help you grow your business with services like eCommerce development, UI/UX designing, testing & QA, web development, mobile app development, custom software development, etc. These web development companies have some of the best PHP developers in India. All of these companies let you hire the developers hourly, monthly, or for the entire project.

How Much Does Hiring a Good PHP Developer Cost?

The salary or fees of hiring any PHP developer usually depends on their skill sets, experience level, portfolio, communication skills, and ability to deliver the project on the deadline.

The level of seniority also affects the range of payscale for PHP developers in India.

The Hourly rate for these developers is mentioned as follows:

Make sure you browse all the outlets for freelance PHP developers or outsourcing agencies to ensure you are getting the best price for the services.

What is the Process for Hiring a PHP Developer?

Follow these steps to hire the best PHP developer for your project:

• Step 1: Define the project requirements and specifications.
• Step 2: Next, create a comprehensive job description.
• Step 3: Visit the hiring or outsourcing agencies, or reach out to the PHP development companies.
• Step 4: Check their websites and portfolios, and ask for their client reviews.
• Step 5: Finalize a list of potential candidates for your requirements.
• Step 6: Schedule face-to-face or video interviews with all of them. During the interview, ask relevant questions about their technical experience, soft skills, past projects, client reviews, etc. Also, ask them for their service charges for the whole project or on an hourly and monthly basis.
• Step 7: Choose a PHP developer or development company based on the impressions from the interview.
• Step 8: Explain to them your expectations from the project and set a deadline.

Following these steps will help you hire the best PHP developer for your requirements and rest easy with your commitments.

Technical Questions to Ask the PHP Developer During the Interview

Before hiring, ask the PHP developers the following questions to test their skills and capabilities: 

1. How is a session in PHP different from cookies? Where are sessions and cookies stored? 

Sessions help store users’ data against unique session IDs, which are sent to the browser through session cookies and are later used to retrieve the session data. They are stored in the session record of the user on the server. On the other hand, cookies are used to track the user by storing their information on the browser. 

2. What are the different types of errors in PHP? 

PHP has four types of errors:

Parse errors: You will observe parse errors when there is an error in the script related to syntax. It stops the code from executing. There are several reasons for these errors, common among which are:

Fatal errors: When PHP understands your code, but it can’t be fulfilled, it results in fatal errors. These errors stop the script from executing. If you are trying to access undefined functions, it may result in fatal errors.

Notice errors: If you are trying to access undefined variables, it will result in notice errors. These errors don’t stop the script from executing.

Warning errors: Warning errors occur when you are missing a file or have entered an incorrect number of parameters in a function. Similar to notice errors, they don’t stop the script from executing.

A good PHP developer should be aware of these errors. 

3. What is the difference between unlink() and unset() functions? 

In PHP, unset() is a variable management function, which makes the variable undefined. On the other hand, the unlink() function is used for file handling. It is used to delete files. If you want to remove a file from your code, enter the unlink() function. 

4. What is the difference between include() and require() ?

require() and include() are almost identical. They only handle the errors differently. In case of an error, include() generates a warning, and the code continues executing. On the other hand, when the require() generates a warning, the code stops executing. 

5. What are Constructors and Destructors in PHP? 

In PHP, the Constructor function is called automatically whenever an object is formed from a class. On the other hand, Destructor is a special function that is called automatically when an object is deleted or goes out of scope. Furthermore, if you want to ensure you are hiring a good PHP developer, subject them to a technical test and pay a closer look at their portfolio. But if you are outsourcing your needs to an offshore PHP development company, delve deeper into the process they go through when hiring their developers.

Tips to Hire the Best PHP Developer

The above questions can help you assess the candidate’s skills and capabilities. But if you are looking for a more senior person, they are bound to have these skills. In that case, it’s imperative you keep these tips in mind when hiring the right developer for your PHP needs:

Avoid the Obvious Questions

You are obviously doing quite a lot of research into the experienced candidates. So it would be unwise to ask obvious questions like what PHP is, when it was released, and who invented it. Instead, ask the questions that will help you gauge their skillsets, like

• What’s the best way to encrypt data with PHP?
• How to set cookies in PHP?
• What kind of experience do you have in web services?

Not only will these questions help you take a better look at their technical strengths and weaknesses, but will also make you understand their thought process when it comes to PHP.

Ask them About their Past Projects

Whether hiring a freelance PHP developer or outsourcing your needs to a PHP development company, you must ask them about their past projects. Check what they have worked on and how significant their role in those projects was. You can also take a look at their portfolio, client testimonials, and case studies to determine their strengths and weaknesses. It will help you avoid the developers or companies with a history of quality issues during the development and down the line.

Take a Look at their Learning Skills and Knowledge Base

Technology is constantly and rapidly changing. So it is crucial to hire a PHP developer who can not only create your applications according to the latest trends but also be able to update them with new skills. Your chosen developer should be open to learning new skills and be good at them.

Analyze the Communication Skills

Although not the most significant, communication is an important skill when hiring a PHP developer. They don’t need to be fluent in English. But they should be able to effectively communicate with you regarding the project’s status and updates. That’s why communication is a must-have skill in any good PHP developer. It will be a significant setback if the developer fails to communicate properly about the project and their budget requirements. Moreover, they should be able to communicate on several modes, including AV (video call), mail, and phone. Keep these tips in mind when hiring a PHP developer. It will help you get in touch with a freelancer or development company with the best skills and experience.

Conclusion

If you want to develop a new website or application but don’t have the necessary skills or resources, you may hire the best PHP developers to help with your requirements. There are thousands of PHP developers and companies offering web development services. But it’s crucial to choose the most suitable one. So keep these tips and tricks in mind before making your decision. If you want the best PHP development services, get in touch to discuss your requirements. Experts will ensure the best solutions and services for you and your company.

Introduction

In today’s globalized world, distributed software development has become quite popular. This approach allows organizations to leverage talent from around the globe and gets them to work together on a project to make it the best it can be. However, managing distributed development teams can be a little challenging, especially when you implement agile methodologies.

Agile development allows for frequent communication, collaboration, and continuous integration, which can be a little difficult to achieve when team members are countries and, sometimes, even continents away from each other.

So finding the best ways to promote Agile development in distributed developer teams is essential for creating the best websites, applications, software, and more. So we have tried to explore some of the key strategies and best practices for achieving distributed agile software development.

Main Challenges Behind The Distributed Software Agile Development Model

Nowadays, distributed web development has become a highly popular strategy, and there are several reasons (or benefits) behind that. With this model, you can access a wider talent pool and the ability to work simultaneously and around the clock. However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. This model poses some significant challenges that can make it difficult for teams to collaborate through agile methodologies effectively.

When it comes to experts working from around the globe, one of the significant and more obvious challenges is the need for face-to-face interaction. In a traditional working environment, team members can have frequent discussions and solve problems then and there. However, in distributed teams, communication is usually through call, email, chat, or video conferencing, which makes it more challenging to ensure trust and establish strong working relationships.

Then there’s the challenge of coordinating with the team members across different time zones. When the team is scattered in different parts of the world, it becomes challenging to schedule meetings and ensure everyone is working on the same tasks as well as they possibly can. It can lead to delays, miscommunications, and frustration among team members.

Another challenge in distributed software development is effective project management. With the whole team distributed worldwide, it can be more challenging to ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals and there is constant progress. In this type of work environment, project managers find it a little difficult to communicate effectively, track progress, and identify and address any issues that arise.

Overcoming these challenges requires effective communication, strong project management skills, and a willingness to come up with new ways to adapt and collaborate with remote teams. By addressing these challenges head-on, teams can maximize the benefits of distributed software development in favor of an efficient working environment while minimizing the drawbacks.

Strategies For Assembling Distributed Teams

Assembling distributed teams can be a complex process that requires careful planning and consideration. While it offers many benefits, such as access to a wider talent pool and the ability to collaborate effectively and work around the clock, there are also some significant challenges to overcome.

So to assemble a successful distributed team, organizations need to consider some strategies based on the unique needs and requirements of this model, and here are a few of them.

• Set Clear Expectations

A distributed software development team basically works remotely from their preferred locations. The team members may either be experienced at remote working or be completely new to it. Either way, you may encounter challenges like the ones mentioned above, including efficient communication, time zone-related challenges, effective project management, etc. To solve that, one of the first things you can do is make every member of your team clear on what you expect from the project and its development process.

• Implement Virtual Tools

Virtual tools can help to bridge the communication gap and enable team members to collaborate more effectively, regardless of their physical location. Examples of virtual tools that can be used include project management software (like Asana, Slack, Trillo, etc.), video conferencing tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.), and instant messaging platforms (Skype, Slack, Telegram, etc.). These tools can facilitate easy communication, provide a platform for sharing information, and ensure everyone works towards the same goals with the same energy and passion.

• Foster a Culture of Collaboration

Since they are located in different parts of the world, it can be easy for the team members to feel distant and disconnected from each other. However, by fostering a culture of collaboration, organizations can build a sense of community amongst the employees and promote teamwork. That can be achieved through regular check-ins, virtual team-building activities, and regular opportunities for team members to collaborate on projects.

• Use a Mixture of Skills

It is essential to consider the project’s specific needs and identify team members with unique skills and experience that are beneficial for a successful outcome. That may involve recruiting team members from different locations and backgrounds to ensure the team has the necessary diversity and expertise.

These are just a few crucial strategies that could help implement agile methodologies while working with distributed software development teams. So you can assemble a team of professionals from around the globe with the necessary skills to execute a project in the best way possible.

• Case Study of a Successful Distributed Team

Even highly skilled professionals with years of experience sometimes wonder if their project would work efficiently with a distributed team. So let’s check out a real-life case study on a company that started and still works efficiently with the distributed team model.

Automattic, the name behind WordPress, WooCommerce, and several other popular platforms is one of the biggest software development companies worldwide. This massive multinational corporation has a workforce of over 2000 employees located in just under 100 countries around the world.

But despite the employees being scattered around the world, this company is efficiently powering WordPress, the biggest website development platform, and is known for its strong employee culture and excellent customer satisfaction rates.

To ensure the operations are not affected due to distributed team strategy, Automattic got 4 things right:

• Efficient Communication

Communication is the key to success for any project, especially when it’s being carried out by a distributed team. Automattic uses a varied range of tools for effective communication, including chat apps (like Slack, Telegram, etc.), internal blogs, and video conferencing platforms (like Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, etc.). Other than the tools and software, every employee, regardless of their cadre in the company, is encouraged to ask questions regularly, which ensures everyone, from the project manager to the intern, is on the same page.

• Follow a Goal-Oriented Approach

Rather than tracking the working hours, Automattic focuses on what kind of results the employees are able to produce. That helps build a sense of trust amongst the employees. So they can work with their own unique approaches and complete their assigned tasks. Employee feedback is highly valued at Automattic, as it plays a vital role in shaping the work environment. By actively soliciting and listening to feedback, the company encourages open and constructive communication between management and employees. Surveys are a great way to gather that feedback and gain insight on your employees.

• Build an Active Community

Even though the employees don’t share an office space, Automattic tries to ensure there is a sense of community among them. The company regularly tries to create opportunities for remote team members to connect with each other through meetups and annual events.

• Commitment to Flexibility

Another great way of showing the employees the company cares about them is by recognizing they have an active life (with different priorities) after work and trying to accommodate these needs in the best ways possible. For example, Automattic offers flexible work schedules and even paid time off in hours of need.

This case study on Automattic might be enough to show it’s possible to effectively execute almost any kind of project with a distributed software development team.

So try to incorporate a distributed team in your company by committing to the four implementations listed above. That way, you would be able to hire talented employees with unique skills from across the world and execute any web or software development project with ease.

Executing a project through a distributed software development team is not easy, with employees located on different continents altogether. That becomes especially challenging when implementing agile methodologies like frequent communication, collaboration, and continuous integration.

Conclusion

But as evident from the case study of Automattic, it’s evident that you can even run the world’s most popular website development platform WordPress, with just over 2000 employees working remotely from just under 100 countries around the world.

So if you are keen on implementing distributed software development in your company, focus on efficient communication, a goal-oriented approach, active community building, and a flexible working environment.

Introduction

Not sure how to research keywords? Let’s fix that! Keywords are extremely vital for the success of businesses selling on Amazon, so to continue selling without knowing how to research them would be devastating. Overreaction? Possibly, but now that we have your attention, in no particular order, here are some of the top tips for how to find the most relevant keywords for your product.

There are a few types of keywords you should be aware of. First, are product-related keywords, which are specific terms used by the customer when they are searching for a product. We then have competitor terms that can give you an insight into the campaigns of your competition.

The final set of terms is audience terms, which have a much broader reach and are more generic. They are typically used to cast a wider net and grab the attention of customers who aren’t directly searching for your product. These distinctions will be useful to consider while doing your research as they will help you understand the purpose of keywords within a campaign.

Focus on Your Amazing Audience

It is important to focus on your personal Amazon audience when researching keywords for your products. Audiences use platforms differently, so it is not necessarily beneficial to assume your Google and Amazon audience will have the same search patterns. Plus, your brand and product range will attract a different audience to other products already on Amazon. To get the most relevant search results from your keywords, you need an understanding of the behavior and buying patterns of your specific Amazon audience. 

Try to generate a list of generic keywords that are relevant to your product and identify how your audience would expand on them to find a specific result. For example, take the term ‘mascara’ or ‘face mask’, what long tail descriptions may a customer use to search for one of these? They may choose to search for ‘waterproof mascara’ or a ‘charcoal face mask’; there will be other examples with greater relevance to your brand so take a moment to think about it! 

Brainstorm how you would search for the product if you were a consumer and take it from there, especially if you have a new product that hasn’t accumulated a lot of data yet.

Use Amazon-Specific Keyword Tools

Using an Amazon-specific keyword tool is a digestible way of finding which search terms are being used to find your product or similar ones. Let’s emphasize the importance of an audience’s search intent, and that these differ from platform to platform. 

When you are using a tool like this it is important to look for keywords with a high number of searches and less competition on Amazon. It’s all well and good using high-performing terms, but it will only cost you more money if you take it from Google or try to compete with products already established on Amazon. Look for a good amount of conversions and assess which ones are worth your investment, especially for new product launches.

Only use Relevant Keywords

Amazon does not mess around when it comes to its rules and regulations. There are many times when companies try to use very high-performing keywords to increase their reach, but the terms have nothing to do with the product they are selling! 

This is not the way to produce authentic and effective results for your business and it can reduce the trust people have in your brand. Most importantly, Amazon will penalize companies for using irrelevant keywords. “Laptop” for example, as a search term, had over 1,000,000 searches on Amazon last year, but this does not mean you should use it in your terms for a hairbrush.

Stay away from Subjective Keywords

Without stating the obvious, subjective terms are those without a definitive description. When you are researching and deciding which terms to include in your product listing be sure to avoid any language that can be misinterpreted by customers or by Amazon. 

That doesn’t mean sellers must turn into skeptics and start questioning whether a chair is a chair or diving into the subjectivity of color. However, it does mean you should avoid terms like ‘best’ or ‘super’ no matter how badly you want to appear at the top of your field. 

To be considered ‘the best’ is entirely dependent on a customer’s preferences. Let them decide if a product is the best and avoid any confusion by using clear terms in your listings and descriptions. It will lead to higher conversions and prevent the product from being placed at the bottom of the search results.

Integrate Keywords in your listings

Without keywords, in your product listings, customers cannot find your product. So the next step, once you find the terms you want to use, is to integrate them into your listings. Unlike other platforms, Amazon only requires you to insert a keyword once throughout a listing. 

Placing a term multiple times will only use up valuable space that could be better utilized by testing different terms. Saying that, the placement of your keywords is still relevant, for maximum search engine optimization, you should place your best performing/most relevant keyword in the heading of your listing. 

This will improve the chances of your product being found in the search results as an exact match. Place the second and third most important in your product descriptions so they still appear and are considered.

Use Backend Keywords

Backend keywords are put on the opposite side of a product listing, invisible to the consumer’s eye. Unlike front-end terms, these keywords are only known to Amazon and the seller but are often very helpful for increasing the visibility of an item. 

When you are using backend keywords, aim to include synonyms, misspellings, and abbreviations in your backend descriptions to broaden the reach of your product. For example, include ‘Sorcerer’s Stone’ instead of ‘Philosopher’s Stone’ for the Harry Potter movie since it is called something different in the US compared to the UK. 

Remember that there is a strict byte restriction for backend keywords of 250 bytes. This roughly corresponds to 250 characters but it is dependent on the special characters you are using. Because of this, you may want to think carefully about which terms you use and adjust accordingly every few weeks.

Know your Competition

Did you know that Amazon hands you the cheat codes to succeed?  You can look at and steal your competitor’s audiences and keywords. It is a game changer for sellers but makes an already crowded market more competitive. 

You can have a look at their title, photo, and descriptions to gather information surrounding their keywords and audiences. You can then use this information to find gaps in their advertising, even if it is as simple as adding an extra picture, it can give you an extra nudge in front of the competition. Once you find the suitable keywords you can use a keyword research tool to assess the rankings. This will give you intel on which audiences to focus on. 

While you are there, try comparing your prices. Having a significantly more expensive product without the reviews or conversion metrics to back it up will hinder a campaign. If your prices are not in line with your competitors Amazon will likely lower the ranking of your products in the search results. Amazon favors conversions, so the algorithm will edge towards better-selling products.

Monitor Keyword Performance

Without monitoring your keyword performance there will be no indication of their performance. The search terms report can help understand your keywords’ performance so you can optimize and adjust according to your business needs. You should monitor both front and back-end keywords throughout your campaign. 

Once your product is comfortably ranked within the organic search result, you can ease back on your front-end keywords and focus more on the back-end keywords. It is fairly easy to swap back-end keywords without hurting the ranking of other keywords in your product listing. Adjusting these may be a good way to play around and assess which keywords provide the most conversions, with less effect on the campaign. 

When optimizing your keyword strategy it is crucial to choose the terms that provide high conversions with a low ACoS(Advertising Cost Of Sales). The goal is to spend less money on advertising and achieve more sales. Merely choosing a high CTR doesn’t mean you will have the highest conversion.

Consider Complementary Products

A great way of expanding your audience through your keyword research is to take a look at the frequently bought-together section of seller central. This will give you an indication of what customers often purchase with your product, you could then take these products and develop ad campaigns using these keywords. You could use these as backend keywords if you don’t want to have them in your product description. 

For example, if you sell laptop cases on Amazon, your analytics identify that customers often buy your cases with Bluetooth mouse. Using this information you can assess what the well-performing search terms are for the mouse and develop campaigns for these. You can also produce a bundle deal as a part of this process to attract a wider audience. 

Equally, you could simply use keywords related to but not directly describing your product. This can be done through using your initiative and brainstorming about your product if there is not enough information on your seller central. Looking at the frequently bought together of other brands selling similar products can help grow your reach as well.

Amazon Search Suggestions

We just mentioned using Amazon search to find complementary products but you can also use the search bar to research keywords before pressing enter. Although this may be less effective than deep diving into analytics, it can still give you an indication of how customers are searching for products. Try starting to type keywords for your product in the search bar, then have a look at what suggestions come up in the drop-down menu. These can be added as long-tail keywords to increase exact matches if you desire.

Use Google

Google dominates desktop search queries with over 85% of the market share. Understandably, the focus should be on Amazon, but certainly don’t ignore keywords that will boost your google ranking. When searching for products people often carry out a broad Google search first. Using high-ranking Google terms will increase where you stand in these Google search results.

Google Analytics: Google Analytics can track visitor interactions and show website traffic stats, conversion rates, bounce rates, and page views. With all this information gathered you can gather a good understanding of the performance of your content. Google Analytics will give you a keyword report that you can use to assess what search terms your customers are using to find your item. This will help with your long-term keyword strategy, allowing you to optimize your search strategy over time.

Google Trends: Another way to begin your keyword journey would be through Google trends. For those without an online store of their own, trends can give an insight into how your industry is developing and show recent keyword trends. This is when all your keyword brainstorming comes into effect and you figure out which ones you will use!

The tool lets you change various parameters, including categories and time ranges. It will give you a view of your past search performance. Just enter the keyword into the Google trends search box and it will show you all the figures without extra work. With the information shown, you can then compare daily search results during different time frames to gauge how often a keyword is searched and how easy it would be to rank for SEO. Considering this tool is free for you there is no reason to ignore it.

Remember, SEO tips don’t just apply to traditional web search engines, they are also crucial for success on Amazon. Investing time and resources into keyword research will ultimately pay off in increased visibility and sales for your business.

Introduction

You might ask what the average hourly rate for backend developer is. Well, the answer relies on various elements, such as the physical location of your business, the developer’s location, and the software packages in which they are skilled.

As a backend developer, you play a crucial role in creating and maintaining the infrastructure that powers websites and applications. With the constant growth of the tech industry, demand for backend developers is high, and so are the rates they can command. However, the hourly rate for backend developers can vary greatly depending on their location and level of experience.

When it comes to location, it’s no secret that major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City offer some of the highest rates for backend developers. These cities are home to many of the world’s largest tech companies, as well as a thriving startup scene. As a result, competition for talent is fierce, which drives up rates. In comparison, smaller cities and towns may not have the same level of demand, and therefore, rates may be lower.

In addition to location, experience is another key factor that can impact a backend developer’s hourly rate. A developer with 5 years of experience will typically command a higher rate than one with only 2 years of experience. This is because an experienced developer has a proven track record of delivering high-quality work and is able to handle more complex projects.

Backend Development- A Deeper Insight into What It is

This developer ensures that your online and mobile applications’ back-end data can communicate with its front-end users. Your company’s front-end developers and UI/UX designers are responsible for the interface and experience your customers have. The responsibility of the backend developer is to ensure the functionality of all code running on the server.

For example, the backend developers of a music app would be responsible for ensuring that the app’s class data was integrating and updating correctly, that user accounts were being served up, and that payments were being handled and deposited into the appropriate bank account.

They are key to your company’s growth. Be sure to recruit developers with the expertise to interface with your systems and, ideally, some familiarity with your field. You need to conduct a thorough interview to hire the best backend developer. They should be able to advise you, in conjunction with the rest of your team, on what a top-tier server-side protocol entails for businesses in your field.

It’s crucial to be accurate when estimating backend software developer salaries. A shortage of qualified workers has made it a seller’s market.

The Role of Backend Developers

In a nutshell, backend development is the process of creating and maintaining a database. Whether you’re making a mobile app or a web app, you’ll need developers that are comfortable working with the Object Relationship Manager (ORM) that will connect the two frameworks.

Developers at the backend deal with your raw data and any client-side APIs at a higher degree of abstraction. The typical wage of a backend developer demonstrates that their job ensures everything works together well. Depending on their experience level, they are your team’s highest-paid employees. Given that you want to recruit a Python programmer, they should be experts in Python, JavaScript, Java, Node.js, PHP, Ruby, and C#. According to Glassdoor, the average annual compensation for a back-end developer in the United States is around $75,000, with the highest earning up to $117,000.

Factors That Affect Back-end Developer Salary

The typical income of a back-end developer and the back-end developer’s hourly rate is sensitive to various variables. Summing up, they are the following:

Cost of Living

The cost of living in a specific area can have a significant impact on the salary of a back-end developer. For example, the cost of living in San Francisco is much higher than in a smaller city, so a developer working in San Francisco may have a higher salary to compensate for the higher cost of living. Services (housing, transportation, healthcare, etc.) in the country where your IT talent is located.

The demand of The Market

In a low unemployment environment, talent costs are closely linked to the amount employers are ready to pay. The demand for back-end developers can also affect their salaries. If there is a high demand for back-end developers in a certain area or industry, employers may be willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain skilled workers.

Knowledge of Skills

Your developer’s worth increases if they are fluent in all the necessary languages and have additional capabilities, such as Full Stack development certifications, project management abilities, or something similar. The specific skills and knowledge a back-end developer possesses can also affect their salary. Developers who are proficient in certain programming languages or technologies, such as Python, Java, or AWS, may command a higher salary than those who are not as proficient in these areas.

The Rarity of The Skills

You should expect to spend more if your developer requires specialized expertise or experience, such as proficiency in an atypical programming language or extensive background in a specific industry. The amount remaining is still up for grabs. The rarity of a developer’s skills can also affect their salary. Developers who possess unique or niche skills that are in high demand, such as expertise in machine learning or blockchain technology, may command a higher salary than those with more common skills.

Backend Developer Hourly Rate Comparison Report

The average backend developer salary will significantly differ depending on the job’s specifics. You might anticipate significant differences depending on factors such as the individual’s level of seniority, talent shortages, and the location of the individual’s home country, region, or even city.

Comparison By Experience

In places like the United States, where the cost of living is higher than in the rest of the world and there is a shortage of programmers, there can be a salary gap of more than double between an entry-level engineer and a senior engineer.

Salary ranges in the United States have roughly a $100,000 gap between the lowest and highest estimates for 2021, as calculated by ziprecruiter.com.

However, this US-based figure from Software Guild indicates far more modest predictions, with entry-level backend developers earning $34,000 per year, mid-level developers earning $72,000, and senior developers earning $98,000.

Remember that these are only averages for the country and that the salary range shown in the figure is the one that was submitted to ZipRecruiter by its users. In any case, the income of a backend software developer varies substantially depending on expertise. Therefore, you should set your expectations appropriately.

Comparison By Location

Similarly to the median annual pay of a backend developer, the hourly rate of such a professional varies considerably across the country. Many businesses are turning offshore to find an IT consulting firm. Especially when compared to the expense of bringing in consultants in the United States or Western Europe, the savings can be staggering, especially when it comes to bringing in senior-level personnel.

You won’t have to provide your staff perks like healthcare or vacation compensation if you hire an outsourcing firm. Compared to making an internal hire, the business will save time and money on administrative tasks like training, bookkeeping, and hiring.

More and more businesses are opting to hire employees on an hourly basis due to the cost savings and adaptability it provides.

Verdict

In conclusion, backend development is a vital aspect of web development that involves creating and maintaining the server-side logic, databases, and APIs that power the functionality of web applications. Backend developers work closely with frontend developers and designers to deliver a seamless user experience by ensuring that the website or web application is responsive, fast, and reliable. They also work with system administrators to deploy and maintain the web application on servers.

Whether you’re expanding your in-house team or hiring a consultant, considering companies for web development can be a great option to find a professional and skilled back-end developer who can deliver outstanding results. By following the procedures outlined here and being aware of the expected hourly rate for a back-end developer, you can make an informed decision and find the right person for your team. Just remember to be patient and trust the process.

The demand for tech talent is reaching new heights with every passing hour. Today’s IT industry comprises tech listings, and as Forbes’ recent account indicates, large enterprises compete with startups to hire employees. Modern-day startups are driven by unprecedented growth and funding. These, combined with exciting job perks and pay, empower them to hire talent quicker than many large-scale companies.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. Many growing startups still struggle with recruiting software engineers. This can be due to various reasons, from unclear candidate requirements and incorrect budget decisions to not having a proper hiring process. If these sound familiar, then this blog is just for you. Here you will find a practical, step-by-step approach to understanding how to hire engineers for startups hassle-free.

Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Determine your Ideal Candidate Profile

Spending adequate time building a candidate profile is key to hiring the right way. Here, you need to clearly state the skills, experience, and knowledge you want from your candidate. For instance, think about the following:

1. Technology expertise
2. Optional technical skills
3. Seniority level
4. Your objective for hire (what your expectations are from your new engineer)

Once you’ve set up a basic candidate profile, start thinking about your expected desirable outcomes from this position. These will help you understand the additional skills required to achieve those outcomes.

Ask yourself what impact this role will have on your team, the project, or the business. What results do you expect to accomplish with your candidate? For example, you can expect your hired engineer to help you build a web service MVP within three months, or they can be a technical leader, heading your project while you focus on scaling your company.

By forming this candidate profile, you will have a detailed picture of whom you want to hire in terms of experience, responsibilities, and competencies.

Step 2: Check Technology Adoption Levels

Assessing technology adoption levels will help you understand how challenging it will be to source an engineer experienced in the technology you want.

Studying industry reports is a great way to do this. Taking Stack Overflow’s 2022 Developer Survey as an example, it has listed the most popular web frameworks, which include the likes of: –

1. Next.js (69.23%)
2. React.js (68.19%)
3. Node.js (67.36%)
4. Nuxt.js (64.15%)
5. Vue (63.16%)
6. Express (59.15%)
7. Laravel (54.47.1%)

While the entire list has various other frameworks, let’s take these and compare them. Based on the popularity percentage, finding a Nuxt.js engineer would be twice as hard as a Next,js engineer and almost twice as easy as an engineer experienced with Laravel. Evaluating tech adoption levels this way can help you strategize accordingly and understand how hard it will be to recruit for certain skills.

Step 3: Compare Salaries

After the first two steps, you will narrow your search to an engineer with the required skills. The next step is to scope salary expectations across various locations to determine which engineers will be more suitable for your budget.

Hired’s State of Software Engineers report covers an overview of salaries offered to top candidates in various markets and roles. It’s based on data from 366,000+ interactions between software engineers and companies and can be used as a great example to check average annual salaries in popular tech hubs, such as –

1. Bay Area – approximately $157,000
2. New York – approximately $148,000
3. Seattle – approximately $145,000
4. LA – approximately $143,000
5. London – approximately $98,000

Thoroughly studying reports and comparing salaries can allow you to understand which locations to hire from. If you’re hiring remote engineers, you can scout other locations, such as India, Southeast Asia, Europe, etc., to find more budget-friendly candidates.

Step 4: Establish your Hiring Funnel

A key area many startups neglect is their hiring funnel. Skipping the main elements or not having a proper funnel can ultimately lead to an unrewarding hiring process. Here are the five critical elements your funnel should include: –

1. Sourcing – Creating a list of potential candidates after posting jobs on job portals and picking the most promising ones.
2. Screening – Getting on a call with your HR or recruitment specialist for an initial assessment to check which engineers meet the role requirements best.
3. Interviewing – Further assessing candidates’ tech background and personality by interviewing them (this can also include test assignments).
4. Making the Offer – Extending an offer to the candidate based on the interview and assignments’ outcomes. You may choose not to do so if they don’t meet your requirements.
5. Negotiations – This is where your chosen candidate can reconsider their paycheck or ask for other perks, or there may be negotiations from your side.

Once your hiring funnel is in place, you can formalize it as a roadmap with clear time/cost expectations and responsibilities for every stage. This will help keep your team members on the same page about the hiring process and align for success.

Step 5: Optimize your Hiring Procedure

Upon assessing the costs and time spent on each stage of your hiring funnel, you can start optimizing it to get better results. Here are a few tips for this: –

1. Establishing your budget and contingency plans – Apart from having a clear budget in mind, planning for a budget-exceeding hire is advisable, and deciding how much you’re prepared to spend. For instance, if your budget is $5,000 a month, you could afford an engineer to exceed that by an extra $1,000 if they’re worth it.
2. Preparing interview questions in advance – Preparing questions ahead of time can easily optimize your hiring process by timeboxing the interview sessions. The faster your conduct the interview, the quicker you can decide and hire your desired candidate.
3. Deciding quickly – Once the interviews are done, it’s good to decide on your next steps within 24 hours. This helps in giving candidates a quicker response and closing the deal fast to scoop up talent before your competitors can.

Step 6: Start Checking for Talent Availability

Once your hiring funnel is ready and you’re set on your requirements, you can start scouting for talent. There are two main ways to do this: –

1. Hiring Platforms – Indeed, Glassdoor, Monster, and Careerbuilder are just some of the many hiring platforms where you can post your vacancies. You can also do it on LinkedIn, as the platform has a dedicated jobs section.
2. Outsourcing Platforms/Vendors – An essential part to remember when deciding how to hire engineers for startups is how the entire process is on your plate. As a startup, you may find it challenging to handle every aspect of hiring, especially if you want to hire an engineer ASAP. The best solution here is to choose an outsourcing platform or company that will do everything. If you have the budget, you will simply have to pay the platform while they source, hire, and provide you with engineers and manage them.

Bonus tip: Avoid these Common Pitfalls

As mentioned earlier, hiring engineers for startups is not easy. There are apparent mistakes startups make, the most common ones being: –

1. Finding perfect engineers
2. Scouting talent locally
3. Not checking a candidate’s motivation and cultural fit

To avoid these, make sure you keep an open mind. Trying to get a 100% match can quickly slow down your hiring process, so focus on the critical skills and hire an engineer for the same. Next, instead of restricting yourself to local marketplaces, choose remote developers. This will help you find the best talent from around the world, suitable to your budget and ideal for your requirements.

Lastly, during your interviews, have candid conversations to understand if your potential hire is a good culture and company fit. If not, they cannot be a good addition, even if they’re experienced in the technologies you want.

Wrapping Up!

It’s nothing new for startups to make mistakes while hiring. Be it early-stage or late-stage; a startup is always subject to certain roadblocks an enterprise isn’t. But overcoming such obstacles is what pivots a startup towards unprecedented success. I hope this blog helps you do the same by understanding how to hire engineers for startups seamlessly.

Table of Contents

1. What is a CMS? And Why do you need a CMS?
2. Critical Factors to consider when choosing a CMS
3. Support and Input
4. Customization
5. WYSIWYG ( What You See Is What You Get ) Editor
6. Out of the Box Plugin
7. An Open API
8. Search Engine Optimization
9. Blogging
10. Multiple Website Support
11. Universal User
12. Evaluate your Future and Current Needs
13. Customers Demanding a Personalized Experience
14. Technology Changing
15. Think Twice Before you Select a CMS

I’ve heard that you should never buy a product just because it offers a lot of functionality; what if you don’t need those functionalities? You are just wasting your money. The same goes with a CMS, and You will be enticed by fancy functionality that you will never use if you do not have a properly specified list of requirements. Before you know it, you’ll be spending tens of thousands of dollars for an enterprise-level system when an Open Source CMS would have successfully met your requirements.

What is a CMS? And Why do you need a CMS?

As the name indicates, a content management system can provide you with easily accessible content management. It is designed for people with hardly any programming skills, and it’s quite easy to understand. Once your website has been developed, there is no need to hire expert web developers to manage your content: the content team members will handle everything using a CMS.

In addition, CMSs allow several persons to access and work with the website on your project. Team members can contribute, modify or update content from separate accounts. CMS is also a safe way to store content online for everyone who has access to the website. In order to make your organization run more efficiently, CMS is also utilized for automating, standardizing, and simplifying business operations.

Critical Factors to consider when choosing a CMS

1. Support and Input

Not all CMS platforms include customer service. Many open-source CMS does not provide direct support. Therefore, allow your developer the necessary independence of doing their things and learning because they’ll be your first line of defense if something bad happens. Similarly, you could indeed probably hire developers that can provide 24/7 technical support, whenever you need it. Open source CMS typically creates security fixes and software updates that you should download and install in order to maintain your site updated and secure.

On the other hand, the CMS which are not open source, provide you a direct line of support, they are there 24/7 and help you in every way possible. Also, some of the CMS platforms if you buy their premium package you can contact them via live chat and phone support services.

Keep in mind that no matter which CMS you may choose for your website, you will need to be constantly on guard and prepared to deal with any prospective challenges that may occur. Every one of these choices seems to be equally useful, as long as one’s company has contingency plans in place to deal with challenges, difficulties, or even catastrophic mishaps.

2. Customization

It is not generally a good idea to choose CMS platforms solely based on the features they are providing. If a system’s functions are severely restricted, it would be unable to accommodate your company’s specific evolving requirements, so do your research and evaluate the possibilities of supporting plugin libraries and customization options.

Furthermore, selecting a content management system with a vast set of features will not essentially provide you with any value. If you really do not intend to use everything that has been available and can’t customize it. You may even discover usability issues and development problems as a result of this type of ‘feature bloat’. In this case, a more modular CMS platform WordPress, can provide you with greater customization and flexibility, as it is one of the best content management systems.

3. WYSIWYG ( What You See Is What You Get ) Editor

One of the major characteristics of any modern CMS platform should be an easy-to-use content editor. You don’t have any knowledge of coding! Well, you don’t have to worry about it with the WYSIWYG editor ( What You See Is What You Get ) because this editor can help you in creating the content you want even if you don’t have coding knowledge. They could also save your time when it comes to upgrading and managing your content, making them suitable for anyone who is working in your organization.

You should prioritize these questions:

1. The editor should be very fast and also very reactive, but when you use it, is it slow and frustrating?
2. Are you able to extend this editor with the help of plugins?
3. Is it possible for marketers to simply change the aesthetic appearance of content with the help of a WYSIWYG editor?

4. Out of the Box Plugin

A great CMS would also add additional useful features to your site by allowing you to extend the default configuration with the help of plugins, also you can improve the potential of a site, which can enhance the functionality of the site.

Check to see if the CMS you’re exploring already has a large number of plugins. Though you may not require plugins right away, they must be readily accessible to you in the future.

More than 58,000 plugins are available for WordPress, and there is no end to what you can accomplish with them. Any task you desire can be accomplished through the use of the plugins available in WordPress. WordPress plugins can be used to optimize SEO, improve efficiency, and, if desired, you can include contact forms as well as social media buttons on your website. There are numerous other uses for WordPress plugins. Even a simple task like adding an image to the sidebar can be done with the help of the plugin. They can grow to be quite huge and function almost as a platform in their own right (Example: WordPress eCommerce plugins or WordPress membership plugins).

5. An Open API

When it comes to CMS, the most common term is API. APIs are discussed by everyone, from Mark Zuckerberg to the programmer next door. What is it about the API that makes it such an important feature? An Application Programming Interface (API) is a piece of software that allows two systems to effortlessly connect and share data by enabling data interchange.

An Open API is freely available to all developers. Using them, developers can acquire access to backend data, which can subsequently be used to improve the quality of their applications. Open APIs have the potential to significantly enhance earnings without necessitating the hiring of more developers, making them a highly profitable software application. The fact that making back-end information accessible to the public might provide a number of security and management difficulties should not be overlooked. No matter how many drawbacks are associated with the open API, it is still a viable option.

If a software company that is just getting started wants to encourage third-party developers in vertical industries to be creative in finding new ways to use a startup’s software product, it might release a series of application programming interfaces (API) to the public in order to spur their innovation. According to the reasoning, it is a win-win situation for both of the parties involved in it.

6. Search Engine Optimization

Your content management system (CMS) should also assist with search engine optimization. Because search engine algorithms change on a regular basis, there is always the possibility of having to provide extra or restructured metadata that you manage with your content, rather than having to update or, even worse, re-enter all of your already published content.

Google uses over 200 ranking factors, which is commonly thought. Most variables that impact the technical performance and HTML components of a website are associated with the CMS.

Now let us begin with the page components that you encounter each time you build a new page. Page URL, title tag and meta description, image alt tags, and headers are all examples. It is critical to use them correctly in order for a website to rank effectively in search results. And this is why:

1. Page URL: Your CMS should be capable of creating an SEO-friendly URL. Because with the help of a URL the search engine, as well as the user, can tell or come to know what the page is about. So taking SEO perspective in mind it will be better that we make an SEO-friendly and human readable URL.
2. Image alt tags: When the image cannot be loaded, users would see an ALT image tag. Google also uses ALT tags in pictures so that it makes sense and promotes them in image searches. ALT tags are also utilized by visually impaired screen readers.
3. Content hierarchy such as categorization: Essentially, you need to design and allocate these categories and subcategories of your CMS. WordPress is doing great work, however, to achieve this you may also create your own custom CMS.
4. Title tags and meta descriptions: Title tags and meta descriptions are what SERPs view customers and use to evaluate how valuable your website is.

7. Blogging

Blogging is becoming incredibly popular. Organization, fashion, life-coaching, travel, and a variety of other blog sites have taken over the Internet.

You can create a fully functional blog and even publish your first article in a couple of hours using any of the several platforms that are available. CMS are systems designed to aid you in publishing, editing, and scheduling your content on the website.

When searching for the best CMS for  blogging purposes, look for a CMS that includes the following features:

1. A CMS should have a Built-in text editing option.
2. Functionality to comment.
3. Customizability and scalability.
4. And last but not least it should be easy to use.

I have used many CMS platforms for blogging purposes, but WordPress is the best content management system for blogging, and there are no second thoughts on it.

8. Multiple Website Support

In light of the increasing number of content management systems that allow you to administer numerous websites from a single installation, I would endorse this as a must-have feature.

Although you may not require the ability to administer more than one website at this time, this might easily change in the near future. It is possible that you will opt to build a new website in order to target a smaller audience.

Additionally, with the advent of the mobile web, you may want to consider developing a website that is specifically designed for mobile devices. Whatever the reason, having the ability to run several websites is critical for business success.

9. Universal User

When you make your website, it will be language-specific, but this might change if you start to gain traffic from all over the world in the future. So, therefore, it is very necessary that the CMS you are choosing grows with the business.

A CMS with multilingual features offers the ability and adaptability to enter new markets rapidly. In the meantime, multi-site management in a CMS makes global expansion far more scalable because customers can centrally share content and management functionality across numerous locations.

And you can overcome this language problem with the help of CMS like WordPress very easily. As per the WordCamp website, WordPress is used by over 75 million websites. Citizens from all around the world use WordPress to create individual and commercial websites. The basic dashboard composition is ideal for remote working teams. To satisfy almost anyone, multi-language translation can also be accomplished using plugins like WPML and Qtranslate.

10. Evaluate your Future and Current Needs

Every CMS platform has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, and it is unrealistic to pick the ideal one before even determining company requirements. Carefully consider what you intend to use your website for and conduct extensive research to determine the functionalities that will be required. Whether you are attempting to create a blog, an insightful portal, or an eCommerce store, you must first identify and define your preferences.

A CMS should be able to function for a few years. You must make sure that every potential solution will continue to stay dependable, safe, and useful for your needs in terms of both technology and content production.

Consider these points :

1. How do you see your content output expanding in the next one, three, or five years?
2. Will the visits on your site increase after a point of time?
3. Will you need to manage hosting in multiple countries?
4. Is it critical to be able to rapidly expand (and, if necessary, scale back)?
5. Is it likely that your availability requirements will change?

11. Customers Demanding a Personalized Experience

People grew familiarised with comfort, preference, and instant quality services due to the growth in technology. Customers expect something more than a product. They want an experience in which your organization is aware of who they are, their relation with you, and their requirement.

Your CMS must be able to leverage all of their interactions with you — either through your website, mobile applications, help desk or in person — so that you can anticipate their necessities and provide them with a direct road to achieving whatever they want.

They want a convenient, anticipatory, and tailored service from every brand with which they interact, and it’s down to the CMS to deliver it—a smooth, connected, multichannel experience tailored precisely to individual needs and tastes. Delivering great experiences at scale requires the seamless integration of a CMS and a cross-channel, analytics-ready customer experience platform. Even if you’re not ready or organized to manage experiences vs. just web content, you’ll want to ensure the CMS you adopt can support it in the future.

12. Technology Changing

The widespread adoption of digital transformation is a fundamentally disruptive force. Numerous new technologies and fields of study within the marketing ecosystem are constantly advancing simultaneously, and CMSs must integrate at the widest possible levels.

Because of the integration of technologies such as automation, customization, and newly emerging channels such as voice assistants, wearables, and the Internet of Things, any prospective CMS must be flexible, extensible, and scalable enough to withstand continuous rapid change.

Think Twice Before you Select a CMS

It is difficult to choose the finest CMS. Many factors must be studied, planned, and considered when deciding whether to use open source or branded software. The best CMS for your company is one that can meet your needs today and in the future, as well as one that can help you thrive in the long run.

I hope I am able to provide you with all the information you require to choose the perfect CMS.

If you ask me, I will suggest you to use WordPress; as all the points I have mentioned above, WordPress fits in every single one of them. And also, according to the w3techs survey, WordPress powers 65.2% of all the websites on the internet built up using CMS and the rest 38.4% on other CMS. So, if you want to expand your business on WordPress and build a website, hire an expert WordPress Development company.