The Challenge

In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the popularity of online shopping. Madame Dope, a premier provider of fashion accessories for women in the US, was established in 2018 and has achieved significant growth. The company approached plecco.net to develop an online presence and expand its reach by creating an e-commerce platform.

Project Objectives

Tech Stack Used

WordPress Content Management System

How We Built  Madame Dope E-Commerce Site

Since its launch, madamedope.com has established itself as a thriving e-commerce platform, attracting a steady stream of orders daily. Throughout its growth, the store has expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of over 100 items. PLECCO played a vital role in the inception of madamedope.com, providing the original website launch. The site has since undergone modifications by another web design agency.

The Opportunity

BatteryXchange is a leading smartphone battery exchange platform in the country, offering clients access to a network of battery charging kiosks nationwide, enabling them to quickly recharge on-the-go and save valuable time and resources. The Charlotte-based company approached PLECCO to develop a comprehensive website and mobile application to support its battery exchange services.

The Solution

We developed a Battery Rental Application with the aim of providing a seamless online platform for renting rechargeable phone batteries. The objective was to simplify the process of renting a battery from a kiosk and returning it within 24 hours to the nearest location. The project entailed thorough planning, design, and implementation of multiple modifications to an existing system, including the creation of custom user interfaces for web and mobile devices, integration of third-party payment services, and integration of a mapping solution to facilitate the identification of the closest BatteryXchange kiosk.

Tech Stack

• Android- Java
• iOS – Swift, Objective-C
• Website – WordPress, PHP

How We Built the BatteryXchange App and Website

In the first phase of the project, we conducted a comprehensive requirements analysis, engaging with potential customers to understand their specific needs and expectations for the battery exchange service, as well as holding discussions with the client regarding their business requirements. Additionally, we analyzed usage patterns to inform refinement of the user experience and user interface.

Our initial efforts focused on the development of the BatteryXchange website, which was built on the WordPress Content Management System. To enhance user-friendliness, we updated the homepage with improved graphics and created an ‘About Us’ page that outlines the client’s mission. To facilitate engagement with potential partners, we also developed a ‘Talk with Sales’ page linked with SavvyCal.

The primary goal of the website is to drive app downloads, and thus we integrated links to the Apple and Google Playstore pages for easy access to the BatteryXchange app. To expand the product’s market reach, we advised the development of both iOS and Android versions of the app. Our technical team finalized development of the iOS version, which was initiated by previous developers in Objective-C, and deployed it to the Apple Store. The Android application was developed using Java.

Our focus was on creating a user-friendly interface for the app, keeping in mind that it would be used on a need-to basis. The app’s ‘Home Page’ features a map that displays the nearest kiosks for battery exchange and a button that activates an inbuilt QR Code scanner for convenient access to batteries. The app is also linked to an e-wallet, which allows users to safely recharge using various payment service providers and provides access to the user board through a swipe to the right, featuring the wallet.

Notable Details

• New Functionalities– The implementation of a notification system, providing real-time updates on battery exchange status to users. As well as the introduction of a ‘Pay-Per-Use’ model, offering greater pricing flexibility for users.”
• Fining System– Introduced a loss recovery system, allowing for efficient management of lost battery charges.
• Backend Changes– A metrics system has been implemented to aid administrators in evaluating the performance of BatteryXchange kiosks.
• We also provide comprehensive management of the client’s cloud infrastructure to ensure the security and privacy of user data.

The Result

Peer-to-peer (P2P) apps have become an increasingly popular way to rent and share everything from homes to cars. A P2P application lets you list your place, service, or event and get paid. They are easy to build and require little technical knowledge. Most of them allow users to create their listing pages where they can post pictures, videos, and text descriptions. If you’re considering building your P2P app, this guide will walk you through some key considerations that go into creating one.

 1. Write Down Key Features Your Peer-to-Peer Reservation App Should Have

Create a user-friendly interface

Create an attractive user interface backed up by a seamless user experience. This simplifies things for users on your app. Use a simple design. Keep everything as simple as possible while still having it look good on all platforms and devices, including desktops, laptops, and phones of different sizes. Ensure the user can easily find what they are looking for by displaying only relevant information and removing all unnecessary clutter.

Build an easy-to-use and secure payment system

You’ve built a reservation application, which is awesome! But now you need to find a way to collect the payment for reservations. You’ll need to build an easy, secure payment system that you can integrate into your reservation application. The payment system should accept multiple types of payments and currencies and have a return policy in case something goes wrong with the transaction (e.g., if someone pays but never shows up).

Offer customer support functionality

One of the most important features of a peer-to-peer platform is customer support, and you should build it into your app. A good reservation app will provide various channels for users to interact with the company, whether that’s via email, phone, or live chat. You may also want to create a dedicated FAQ page where customers can read answers to common questions before they contact the support staff. Another valuable feature is an ‘About’ page that explains who you are and what you do as a company to build trust with potential customers.

Identity verification protocol

One of the key requirements for a reservation app is identity verification. You can do this in several ways, but you must choose a protocol that is easy to implement and maintain. It will also need to be secure and scalable, which means using the right technology for your specific use case. I recommend using a two-factor verification which sends notifications to a user’s phone or email in case a new login device is used.

Designed for mobile devices and browsers

With over 52% of internet traffic coming from mobile phones (set to rise to 72% by 2025), your peer-to-peer reservation application must work on all devices. Developing android and iOS versions will increase its marketability and improve your business. Your application must be compatible with phones, tablets, and even PCs.

Reviews

Adding reviews to your booking page is a great way to help potential customers decide. Reviews can also help you improve your service, increasing the likelihood of repeat customers. I would recommend a feature where users can write reviews directly from their phones on the go.

Booking management and availability calendars

Integrate with e-calendars to allow users to book travel directly from their calendars. This is an excellent way for people who don’t use a booking app to book their trip. It also gives you an easy way to import all their existing reservations into your platform. Users can also use this feature to check the availability of rooms or houses in the future and make travel arrangements based on this.

Listing pages with pictures, videos, pricing, and text description

For people to easily find and reserve listings, you’ll want to ensure hosts have listing pages with pictures, videos, pricing, and text descriptions. Listing pages are the most important part of the application. They should be easy to read and understand. They should also be easy to navigate so that users can efficiently find what they’re looking for.

Available anywhere in the world

While building your reservation system, ensure it works anywhere in your targeted market area. While at it, ensure your application works in areas with degraded networks like 3G.

User Profiles Section

The User Profiles section is a great way to build community and trust. You can use it to learn more about your users and understand their needs to improve your product or service. It is also a non-invasive way to collect user data that will help you fine-tune your app and streamline your marketing strategies.

 2. Make design mockups of your app

After listing the functionalities your reservation app needs, it’s time to get down to work. You should mock up your app before you build it. Mockups are low-fidelity prototypes of the final product. They’re often hand-drawn, but some designers use computer software to create them. Mockups are great tools for communicating to others what the app will look like and how it will work and making their expectations clear before development begins.

The design process can sometimes seem overwhelming, especially when learning new skills and techniques. Using mockups will help get you started faster by allowing you to focus on one thing at a time rather than having everything come together all at once right away.

    3. Build Your App

From the mockup, you came up with, research the tech stack you can use. When developing your P2P app, it is important to note that it will be the cornerstone of your business. A functional app could see your reservation business kick on fast, and a dysfunctional one could kill it. The key consideration in your choice of tech stack should be the business needs. Your app should serve its purpose while remaining simple and light enough for all phones.

I would recommend using the open-source MERN technologies:

• React – A library for building user interfaces. Use React.js to build your application front-end.
• js – An open-source JavaScript runtime environment for executing server-side scripts on the back end of the web application.
• MongoDB – A NoSQL database compatible with Big Data and will allow scalability.
• Javascript as the programming language

If building your P2P reservation app from scratch is too hectic, our team at plecco.net can do it for you!

    4. Create your app’s graphic design

Design your app’s graphic elements, including its images and text. Make sure to keep the app’s look consistent across all devices so that users won’t be confused by what they see on their phone versus another device. Designing an icon for your application is important because users who have downloaded your app from an online store such as Google Play or Apple’s App Store will often be seen.

    5. Put together an app marketing plan

The most important thing you can do as an app developer is to get your app noticed by users. Your marketing plan will help you promote your product and get people talking about it. This can be done on social media, with ads and banners, or even through giveaways or contests requiring participants to enter their email addresses.

    6. Submit your app to the App Store.

After you’ve completed all of the above, it’s time to submit your app. create accounts on Apple Store and Google Playstore. Submit your app details, including pricing, and then wait for approval.

    7.  Market your app for maximum exposure.

Build a website for your app: It’s important to have a home base that can help you promote your app. You could also use social media for marketing your app. When setting up your website blog, you must consider Search engine optimization (SEO). This refers to writing content in such a way that search engines will rank it highly when someone searches for keywords related to the topic of your article or video blog post.

There you go, all you need to know before building your P2P reservation app. This can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Talk to us at plecco.net, and we’ll get your app online in no time!

ISACA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and promoting the profession of information security management through education, professional certification, and community outreach. They work with industry leaders, government agencies, and educational institutions to provide the resources needed to succeed in this exciting field. They approached plecco.net to provide technical support for the organization and build an online platform.

Tech Stack

Platform – Custom made

Python

React

Rails

How we built ISACA.org

Our team at plecco.net is passionate about helping business owners create custom websites uniquely tailored to their needs. The following case study will outline how we approached the development of a new website for ISACA, a professional organization that provides a networking and learning platform for IT players.

We started by working with our client to understand what they wanted to achieve with their website. We then created a list of priorities for the new site, which included the following:

• A simple design that would be easy for clients to navigate on their own
• A mobile-friendly interface
• A simple way for clients to create accounts and log in securely
• An efficient way for clients to learn online
• An online resource for professionals and students in the cybersecurity field

From there, we created a wireframe prototype using Ruby and React to test out different layouts and designs before committing any resources to actual development work. We aimed to ensure all these features were possible within the framework before moving forward with actual coding. After the client approved the prototype, we proceeded to develop the site.

Our goal was to create a platform that would allow us to quickly update the site as new content is added without needing a dev team. We also wanted it to be easy for our client to access important information independently. We wanted to make the site simple and easy to navigate, emphasizing information delivery to ISACA members. We also wanted to ensure it would work well across all major devices and browsers, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers.

The website we developed is multifunctional. We’ve created a custom membership tier system for Isaca.org that allows the company to create a tiered pricing structure based on the membership’s value. You can sign up as a professional, a recent graduate, or a student. These tiers come with varying functionalities.

The system also allows for online training, which is accessible by all members at any time. From the backend, our client can create classes and courses for members and provide them with immediate access to their new course materials. They can also monitor which tutorials are popular among their users and focus on relevant fields.

We have also developed a credentialling resources system that allows our clients to easily track their progress in completing courses. We can also use this as another way to track member activity.

Finally, we created an events calendar so our clients can see all upcoming events and register directly through our website. This makes it easier for them to keep up-to-date with what’s going on in their industry.

To enable our client to scale their services quickly and efficiently as they grow, we set up AWS Lambda functions using python. as part of their serverless architecture. Using Python and the AWS Serverless Application Model, we were able to build a simple API service with some pre-built libraries that would allow them to serve their users without worrying about data storage.

Results

ISACA has gone on to become a home for over 165,000 professionals in the cybersecurity field. They’re present in 188 countries, with the most common point of reference being the website built by plecco.net. This site receives over three million visits annually and ranks among the top 25,000 websites globally.

LifeTagger is a proximity platform app that serves different sectors of business with customized solutions. They pride themselves on offering business solutions that streamline the delivery of the right experiences to your guests and clients. It helps you engage with customers, employees and guests better by hyper-localizing engagement.

Our client wanted a tech team that would build them a website and iOS and Android applications for LifeTaggger.

Tech Stack

Platform – custom, Mobile (Android, iOS)

Worked with Javascript, React, Redux, and Swift

How we built LifeTagger

LifeTagger had a few specific goals: they wanted to have a more mobile-friendly site, and they wanted it to be easy for their customers to find the information they were looking for quickly. They also wanted us to ensure their content was as accessible as possible and that loading on any device didn’t take too long.

We started by researching what kinds of websites our client’s competitors use. Based on this research, we created a paper wireframe of the user experience and then developed it into a mockup. Then we worked with the client to create an overall design direction for their site. For this, we used colors and fonts from their current branding, which helped us choose which elements needed to be included in each section of the site. We also ensured that all of our code was structured so that it would be easy for anyone on our team to work on this project in the future.

When we started developing this website, we knew it needed to be simple and easy. We wanted to ensure it could work on all devices, no matter what screen size or operating system the user was using. We also wanted to ensure that it worked for people with disabilities and those who are visually impaired.

We built the site using JavaScript, which allows us to easily add new features as they become available. It also keeps our code clean and readable while ensuring no bloat. We don’t want our codebase to get so big that it slows down LifeTagger.Using technology like JavaScript allows us to create flexible sites for any device or operating system.

One of the critical things we did in this project was to ensure we had the right tools for the job. For example, we used JavaScript to build the entire site, which made it easy to navigate.

We also wanted to make sure that our client would be happy with how their new website turned out, so we ensured that they had access to all of their content throughout the design process and could make any changes they needed as soon as possible.

We used React to build the front end of the LifeTagger site. The main reason we chose React was that we wanted to make use of its quick rendering times. React also allowed us to maintain our codebase better by separating the front and backend. This meant we could change one area without affecting the other, which helped us avoid any potential conflicts or bugs. It also provides a componentized design that breaks up your UI into smaller pieces called components, which are reusable and easy to maintain over time.

Android App Development Stage

When our developers at plecco.com began working on an Android app that different commerce sectors would use to improve service delivery, we knew it would be a challenge. We had to ensure that we could provide the functionality and ease of use that everyone expects from their devices, but also keep in mind that this software was going to be used in hotels, and events and that meant it couldn’t have any bugs or security vulnerabilities.

But with our knowledge of Java and Redux, we were able to make sure that our app could handle all of those demands. We started by building an application on Android Studio, which allowed us to create a user interface designed specifically for mobile devices while retaining all the functionality users would expect from an application like this one.

We used Redux as an architectural pattern for managing all state changes within our application. Redux helps us keep track of all information related to the application state and allows us to modify it as needed quickly. Redux is a predictable state container for JavaScript apps. We used it as we wanted the Life Tagger app to behave consistently and run in different environments.

iOS App Development Stage

When we set out to build the LifeTagger iOS application for our client, we knew we had to make it unique. Our client’s goal was to create a proximity app that the hospitality business, cities, and event managers could get people to use. They wanted something easy to use but also had a sleek design and was full of useful functionalities such as notifications, geotagging, etc.

Since the client was happy with the initial design of the android version of the app, we skipped the mockup phase and moved straight to the development.

We then worked with our designers and developers to develop a functional prototype using Swift. This prototype allowed us to test different ideas and ensure everything ran smoothly before moving into full production mode.

Once we were happy with how everything worked in the prototype stage, we began working on developing the actual app itself. This involved creating an icon for the app and designing its user interface to match our original mockup. Then we moved into development mode, where our developers built out all of the functionality needed for users to use the app without any issues.

Finally, we tested both apps and ensured they performed to the client’s satisfaction.

Things to Note

• We worked with our client to build a dashboard for users. We had to look at their challenges and how they needed to manage their accounts and get real-time alerts based on their location. The result was a dashboard that allowed them to manage their account, send alerts based on specific areas, and monitor metrics from various sources. The dashboard also provides a great user experience that makes it easy for merchants to see what’s happening in real-time.
• We worked closely with our client to develop library features so merchants could access their real-time data.
• We also provided two full-time developers versed in Java, Swift, and React to our client to allow them constantly improve LifeTagger and create custom-made solutions for their partners.

Results

Since launching on the play store and Apple Store, LifeTagger has become the premier proximity app. The app also has a perfect 5-star rating on the play store.

We have progressively made the app a better place for users with the latest update allowing you to receive LifeTags from Bluetooth beacons. This is perfect for events.

The firm has received recognition from Google for Startups, Conscious Venture Lab, SCRA and Chairman Partners.

PowerTribe was founded as a mentorship program for women of color in the corporate world to address the issue of the lack of black female representation in senior leadership positions within corporate America. The founder approached us to create a web-based platform that would provide a supportive community for black women seeking to grow and advance professionally while fostering personal growth and financial stability.

The client’s objective was to establish a digital platform that would facilitate connections between women of color across the United States and offer various membership options, including different levels of access and an events calendar page. Additionally, the client sought to create a space where women and mentors could connect and interact.

Product Description

The Power Tribe website is a membership-based platform with two tiers. Members can register as mentors or mentees with varying benefits and patent structures. The registration format allows the site to collect relevant information on its members, which is then stored securely. Members can create accounts where they will get notifications about upcoming events planned by Power Tribe. The site also serves as a platform for women of color in corporate America to share their experiences through the blog.

Technologies Used

The website is fully developed on WordPress CMS with responsive layouts, so it looks great on all devices. Additionally, we integrated WooCommerce plugins to set up the membership functionality.

How we built the Power Tribe Website

The first stage in creating the website was creating a brand for Power Tribe. We held several meetings with our clients to understand their inspiration behind creating this community. Our design team came up with several brand colors and a logo, with the client approving one.

The next step was developing the website. We used WordPress to build the site, which allowed us to create a custom theme for our client’s needs. The software also allowed us to seamlessly integrate many different parts of the site to create a robust platform that could handle all of these features in an easy-to-use way. It is also simple enough for users with zero tech skills to manage.

The client wanted to create a tiered membership system with different price points and access levels that would allow their users to sign up as community members or advisors. To make this possible, we needed to develop an intuitive way for users to manage their subscriptions. We set up this functionality with WooCommerce, which allowed us to create membership levels and access rules.

Using an event calendar page would be a great way to manage memberships. It also provided an opportunity for users who were yet to be members but were interested in becoming one later on down the line to see what was coming up without signing up or paying any upfront. This would help boost community numbers.

We designed the event calendar page to make it easy for members and non-members alike to find out what events are happening on any given day. The design is clean and minimalist and is a straightforward functionality for members to plan their involvement in community events. Only users with admin access can alter this page.

Next up was the ‘Who We Are’ page. Finally, we created a page that captures the essence of what the Power Tribe Community is all about. We knew that this part of the website would be a central component for our customers, so we took extra care to ensure everything was right. We started with research on similar websites and noted what made them so appealing. We then used this information as inspiration while creating a unique ‘About’ page.

Finally, our dev team developed the Power Tribe blog page. This was the cornerstone of the entire project, as our clients wanted to share their experiences and those of other women of color.

Using an API, our tech team integrated the site with stripe, simplifying the membership payment process. The client can now receive funds automatically via credit cards and other digital formats while focusing on unleashing the potential of women of color.

Results

Our client has gone on to register dozens of members from the website. Since 2020, they have also organized several meetups across the states. In addition, the site has enabled them to have an online presence and made inroads on social media using the site-social media linkage.

Recent research into the role of recognition in employee performance has revealed that it plays a crucial role in their productivity. Companies with reward and recognition programs see a 63% increase in productivity. Their profit margins are higher by an almost similar percentage. Such companies are also more likely to retain their workers.

Employee reward programs go beyond financial incentives, simple pay bumps, and end-year bonuses. Human beings are more complex, and often we want to feel recognized beyond a couple of zeros on a cheque. This is where Xceleration comes in.

The company offers customized reward programs for companies across the US. They have a comprehensive catalog of incentives ranging from branded gear, trips, gift cards, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. They approached plecco.net to help build an online platform for this service. They hoped to make the reward program more accessible for companies and increase its uptake.

Services

Staffing Frontend Consultants

Technology – React

How We Helped Xceleration

At PLECCO, we understand the importance of finding the right talent for the right job, especially in the ever-evolving technology landscape. This is why we are proud to have partnered with Xceleration, a leading technology firm, to provide them with front-end consultants versed in React. Our partnership has proven to be a successful one, as our team was able to support the development of new features for Xceleration’s platform.

The team at PLECCO was tasked with providing Xceleration with top-notch front-end consultants who were skilled in React. React is a popular JavaScript library that is used to build user interfaces, and it is essential for developing web-based applications that are user-friendly and interactive. Our team was able to deliver on this requirement, providing Xceleration with front-end consultants who were not only knowledgeable in React but were also experienced in working on various web-based projects.

Working with Xceleration was a great opportunity for our team to showcase our strengths in staffing and project management. Throughout the project, we made sure that all resources were ready and prepared to support Xceleration’s development efforts. Our team worked closely with Xceleration’s technical leads to understand their requirements and provide the right resources at the right time. We also provided ongoing support throughout the project to ensure that everything was running smoothly.

The project was a success, and Xceleration was impressed with the quality of the work that was delivered. The new features that were developed were well-received by the end-users, and Xceleration was able to meet their goals and deadlines. This was a testament to the quality of the consultants that we provided, as well as our ability to manage projects effectively.

Results

In conclusion, our partnership with Xceleration has been a great success, and we are proud to have played a role in their success. Our team was able to provide Xceleration with the right resources at the right time, and we were able to support the development of new features for their platform. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Xceleration and helping them achieve their technology goals.

If you are looking for a staffing partner who can help you find the right talent for the right job, look no further than PLECCO. We have a proven track record of providing high-quality resources to our clients, and we are committed to helping you achieve your technology goals. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you.

If your application is already live, there are many reasons why you should consider optimizing it. This article will cover the main steps of optimizing and scaling an existing application, from where to start with the optimization process to when to stop.

What is Application Optimization and Scaling?

Application optimization is a process of improving the performance of an application by making it faster and more efficient. The goal of application optimization is to ensure your website or app runs smoothly on all devices, including mobile phones, tablets, and desktop computers. For an app, it involves ensuring smooth running on android and ios.

Application scaling refers to increasing a system’s capacity without adding more hardware or software components. Scaling allows you to work with less hardware than before because you can share resources with other applications running on the same server.

What are the essential requirements for optimizing and scaling an application?

Optimizing and scaling an application is a process that involves analyzing the current state of your application, identifying potential bottlenecks, assessing whether they can be addressed cost-effectively, and then implementing any necessary changes. The following are some of the essential requirements for optimizing and scaling an application:

• Application performance – This includes how well your system performs under load and responsiveness to user input.
• Application scalability – How many users can be supported by this system? How will this grow over time as new features or existing ones need improvement?
• Application security – What measures do you take to protect sensitive information within this system (e.g., passwords)? Are there any significant weaknesses that could allow attackers access to critical data such as credit card numbers or social security numbers without authorization from authorized users? If so, how could those weaknesses be fixed without breaking any rules set forth by law enforcement agencies?

Critical Considerations for Optimizing and Scaling an Application

There are many aspects to consider when optimizing and scaling an application. The performance of an application is determined by its performance profile, which can be broken down into three key areas:

• CPU Bottleneck – This refers to the time required to process data or APIs (application programming interfaces). If you have a bottleneck in your code, it will slow down or even stop other functions from executing correctly.
• Memory Bottleneck – The amount of RAM used by each process on your server depends on how much traffic comes through it at any given time. As more users come online, they’ll need more memory to access their favorite sites as quickly as possible without delays or crashes!
• User environment- Understanding your users’ internet quality is key to your app’s success. Research your target market’s constraints to know how different networks will impact your performance and optimization.

When Should you Optimize and Scale your Existing Application?

There are many reasons why an application might be running out of memory or disk space, including:

• The application has grown beyond its original limits and needs to be rearchitected.
• The application is slow (i.e., it takes too long to load).
• More people are using the app concurrently(e.g., if there are only ten users but they’re all using the product at once).

You should also consider whether your app is scalable and user-friendly—if not, it may be time to scale up!

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing and Scaling your existing web application

Optimizing an existing web application is a complex process. It requires the right tools and a thorough understanding of how they work together to improve performance and scalability.

• Identify bottlenecks in your application: You will need to identify what parts of the system are slowest or most resource-intensive to focus on improving those areas first. For example, if one page takes 2 seconds to load on average, it may be worth focusing your efforts on improving that page’s performance. This is easier than trying to improve the entire system simultaneously.
• Identify the right tools for the job: You’ll want to use optimized tools for scaling out applications like Heroku; this means looking into things like Postgres and Redis, depending on what kind of data set needs optimizing (if there is any).
• Implement the right tools for the job: Once we have identified our bottleneck within our codebase, we should begin implementing solutions.

Here are some reasons why you should optimize an existing application.

Reduce load on your application

The first reason you should scale and optimize an existing application is that it can improve the performance of your system by reducing the number of requests to load a page or lowering latency for users who use the site. If a user is frustrated with waiting for something to happen on their screen, they will leave in frustration before giving you another chance at gaining their business or attention.

Improve user experience

User experience (UX) refers to how well a product meets its users’ needs through design elements such as visuals, content, and interactivity within a given platform or device; UX also includes usability testing, where testers evaluate how well products function in real life situations versus theoretical expectations when designing them initially (elements like navigation menus are considered part of UX).

This helps ensure that everyone using your product gets what they need without asking questions about what those needs might be beforehand because someone already knows how these things work out loud right now!

While optimizing an application may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and team at your disposal, you can find ways to streamline your existing web application to improve performance, scale up with new features, and add new functionality. So talk to us, and we will save you time and money and increase user satisfaction!

We’re all familiar with the concept of a job search page. A website where you can post your resume and send out emails to prospective employers. These have replaced the more traditional job-hunting techniques involving much legwork. Are job search pages similar to job boards? Well, not exactly. A ‘job board’ is more niche-focused. An example is Upwork for freelancers or QuirkyCoders for the tech community.

Now that we’ve cleared that up, here is a 5-step guideline for creating your job board.

1. Pick a Niche

The first step toward building a job board is settling on a niche. This involves extensive research on under-served sectors. Unlike job search engines, you’ll focus on a specific niche, meaning standing out is key for your website to attract recruiters and job seekers alike.

Next, you should brainstorm ways to increase your site’s visitors. You may include a blog with optimized articles that improve the site’s ranking on search engines.

2. Choose a Name and Hosting Services

Once you have settled on a site niche, pick a domain name that clearly describes its goal. If the intention is to connect programmers to prospective employers, the domain name should be something tech enthusiasts can relate with.

Come up with a list of favorable names and conduct a web search to find out if they’re available. After settling on a name, register it and find a hosting provider for your site.

While hosting is relatively cheap, you must settle on a package that comes with 24/7 support and large dedicated space.

3. Building Your Site

After paying for your domain name and hosting services, the next step is setting up the website. This involves choosing a Content Management System (CMS) that reduces the website building cost to almost nil.

I would recommend WordPress if you have little or no programming experience. WordPress offers a high degree of customization using themes and plugins so you can alter the front end of your website to your liking.

4. Setting Up a Job Boards Software Provider

You can choose from several different job board software options, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. There are several key features that you should consider when selecting a job board solution:

• Responsiveness – How fast does the site load on your computer? How quickly does it respond to user interactions and updates? This is important because users will likely leave and never return if you have an outdated or otherwise slow website.
• Ease of use – Is the interface intuitive enough for potential applicants and recruiters? If someone is unsure about how to use your site or what they should be looking for when searching for jobs in their industry, then chances are high that they’ll abandon their efforts quickly (and possibly never come back)

Open-Source Job Board Software

This is considered the more affordable option and is easier to set up if you have no programming experience. However, this may depend on your choice of CMS as some do not support either job boards or plugins.

If you settled on WordPress, setting up a job board plug is relatively simple and comes with pre-installed features such as a job search bar and a file upload section where applicants will drop their resumes.

Despite the relatively easy setup, open-source job software may require maintenance and debugging, so have a techie on speed dial just in case!

Software As a Service

Using SAas reduces the hustle of constant maintenance required by open-source software. While it is slightly more expensive, it frees you up, letting you work on getting more job listings and visitors to your site.

Search for a reliable SAaS provider and get a package with mobile responsiveness and full-time support.

5. Publish Job Listings

You’re almost done with setting up a jobs board. It’s time to publish your first job listing! You’ll need to do a lot of networking to kickstart your site.

At first, you may be forced to select relevant jobs from job search engines so that you don’t start with a blank jobs board.

Reach out to employers in your particular niche and get them to post vacancies on your job board. You can do this through sites such as LinkedIn or social media. You’ll also need to advertise your site to job seekers aggressively.

Now that you know the basics of creating a job board, it’s time to start! While getting a techie to help you build yours may seem like a hustle, placing a job vacancy on our site will get you one in no time. You know what to do!

Months of sleepless nights developing the next big thing in the rental space are almost coming to an end. Your rental platform is nearly ready for a production environment, but getting users to install and use your app might be the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Amazing software applications have been built, only to end up as catastrophic failures with minimal user engagement. CNN, the most recognizable name in news streaming, had to scrap their $350 million streaming service a month after launching because of dismal subscriptions. In a competitive space like rental apps, you’ll need to pull out all the stops to stand out from the crowd. A cursory glance on Google Store reveals thousands of rental apps, all with decent ratings and users. To get your foot in the door, and guarantee your app gets at least a few thousand downloads within the first month – a key metric in any application’s long-term performance – here’s what you need to do.

Choose the right name

The words you use can make or break your rental application success. Think about it. When users are searching for a rental platform, either through a search engine or on an app store, their use specific words. If the name of your app doesn’t make use of these search words, it’ll be increasingly difficult for users to find your app. This doesn’t mean that you cram each high-value search word into your rental apps name. A name like “World’s Best Rental Platform” won’t win the user base over. You want to strike a balance between the search words and uniqueness to improve the chances of your rental application standing out. You can use SEO tools to discover words popular with users in the rental market and combine those with a unique word that describes your rental application.

Interact with your user base

If you haven’t already, its time to know your audience. The best products are those that address the needs of their targeted consumers. Read through user reviews of various rental applications and ask yourself how your app addresses their needs, how it improves on current offerings, and if it addresses any gaps. Asking yourself these questions helps you come up with a description that makes your rental application stand out from the rest. A rental application that helps New Yorkers find homes and apartments by their preferred neighborhood will attract more users than non-specific apps. Being specific also guarantees your app engages with your targeted user base, making it stand out from the rest.

Focus on your UI/UX

The user interface and user design experience can make or break a platform. As a software developer, you know or have used Vim. But given the choice between Vim and a graphical text editor, which one would you prefer? Sure, Vim has tons of functionalities and is more productive than graphical text editors. But the fact that Vim lacks a populated graphical interface and has a steeper learning curve than graphical text editors makes it a less popular choice, with only 25% of software developers using it. Vim is a great tool, but its user interface and user experience design are not. Your rental application might be on the bleeding edge of technology, but if it doesn’t have an equally impressive graphical interface and user experience design, not a lot of people will want to use it.

Spread the word

You can’t sit back and wait for users to download your rental application. With dozens of new apps being published each month, you need to make users aware of your app every chance you get. That means you’ll need to spend a lot of time on social media channels marketing your app and interacting with potential users. If your budget allows, you might also want to spend some money on social media and search engine advertising. Advertising on digital channels and social engagements will create a buzz around your app that should snowball into active users, provided you’ve completed the steps above.

Never ignore customer feedback

Once you have the first few users, you’re bound to get feedback on your app. Some of the feedback will be critical and even down right disheartening. Don’t get discouraged by the feedback. Instead, use the critical feedback as motivation to improve your rental application. When users realize developers actually care, they are bound to let others know, driving your rental platform to the number one spot. The developers of No Man’s Sky, the video game, are a perfect example of how to turn negative feedback into a strength. Within a year of releasing the game, No Man’s Sky developers received a lot of flak from the online community. Rather than giving up on the game and writing it off as a failure, the developers used the criticism to improve their game. Four years later, No Man’s Sky is a fan favorite and the developers willingness to continue improving on the game has endeared them to their entire user base.