5 Best Dropbox Alternatives (Handpicked Collection)
Dropbox was hacked in 2012 leading to data breach of 60 million account details.
The storage space offered by it is 2GB for individual accounts which is too less compared to others in the same niche.
The collaboration tools, security features, application integration, pricing, file sharing, file recovery, etc are some of the points which make us look into alternatives for Dropbox.
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9 Best Yoga WordPress Themes to Showcase Your Portfolio
If you have a yoga website then you will certainly need a theme that displays yoga poses, personal portfolio, benefits of yoga, trainers page with their social links, photo sliders and CTA buttons to generate tons of leads for the business.Hopefully, you have shortlisted the domain name and hosting service provider.
Here is a quick 16 point checklist for you to look into while selecting a theme for your website.
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Google Domains Review: Expert Opinion, Pros & Cons
Some of my reviews focus on companies a lot of people don’t know much about, even if they are familiar with the field the companies operate in. Other times, I talk about names that pretty much everyone interested in a certain subject will know.Well, now I’m going to deal with a name that most people on earth know: Google.
We all know Google because Google has expanded into a bajillion different aspects of internet life. In addition to its ultra-popular search engine, Google runs popular: map services, word processing suites, email services, translation services, and much, much more.
In all these cases, Google tends to bring in certain characteristics: simplicity and accessibility. So if you’re not already familiar with Google Domains, what would you expect out of it?
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12 Best Online Photo Editor (Personally tested)
Whether you are an amateur or a professional, your clicks always need a touch-up. There are a few other reasons why you need to edit the photos you have clicked.
Want to edit any pictures?
Do not worry, the internet has a provision that allows you to edit pictures online.
We have enlisted a few best online photo editors which will help you edit the pictures online so that you make the best out of it.
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How to fix the 504 gateway timeout error?
Nothing is more worrying and annoying than navigating to your favorite WordPress site and encountering an error. Some common errors are 502 Bad Gateway, Default gateway not available, etc. All these errors, including the 504 Gateway Timeout Error, result in a loss of revenue when users bounce from the site.
Today in this article, we will discuss what causes the 504 error and how to fix it.
What is 504 Gateway Timeout Error?
The HTTP 504 error indicates that the server trying to load the requested page is not getting a timely response from another server.
The HTTP 504 error can appear on any operating system and device in an internet browser. It means that 504 Gateway Timeout Error is not OS dependent.
What Causes the 504 Gateway Timeout Error?
There are variations of 504 gateway timeout errors like HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout, HTTP 504 Error, HTTP 504, Gateway Timeout (504), 504 Gateway Timeout Nginx, etc.
Basically, the HTTP 504 error occurs due to the following reasons:
- Silent firewall crashes.
- The origin server is not working correctly or is down.
- The intermediary server does not respond to the request at a specific time.
- The local network’s proxy server or router is overloaded or crashes.
- Incorrect proxy settings.
How to Fix 504 Gateway Timeout Error?
If you encounter the 504 error instead of loading the page, it means there is a server problem on the part of the website provider. Therefore, to fix the gateway timeout error, you can use the following methods:
1. Reload the requested web page
Usually, the error 504 Bad Gateway appears for a while. The easiest solution to fix the 504 gateway timeout error is to refresh the webpage. You can do this by pressing F5 or the Ctrl + R keys. Alternatively, you can enter the URL again.
2. Reset/reboot network devices
When a home network encounters a gateway timeout error, resetting all network devices can fix the problem. There is a chance that the modem and router have been misconfigured, so the HTTP request cannot be carried out.
Additionally, if you encounter an HTTP 504 error on every site you try to access, that is a clear sign that the problem is with the router. You must reset the router to fix the 504 Bad Gateway error message.
3. Check or disable proxy settings
You should check your browser settings if you cannot fix the 504 error after refreshing the page. Usually, if the configuration is wrong or you are using a different proxy, Windows cannot detect the proxy settings.
4. Change DNS server
DNS server helps to connect different servers on the internet. If the DNS server you use is down, you may encounter the 504 Gateway Timeout error. The easiest way to fix this error is to change the DNS server used by the router.
To do this, go to the Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center screen and change the DNS server settings.
On Mac, look for Settings > Network > Advanced button > DNS tab.
After changing the DNS server, now try to visit the website. You should not face the 504 Bad Gateway error.
5. Try again after a while
It may seem too simple, but the 504 error is often not complicated. By simply reloading the web page after a while, you can fix the HTTP 504 error.
6. Try a different browser
Try a different browser if the website works, and you still encounter the 504 gateway timeout error. In addition, you can even try to clear the browser cache and cookies or open it in incognito mode.
7. Flush DNS
Sometimes the 504 error can be due to an incorrect outdated DNS cache. To flush DNS, open the run window by pressing Windows + R.
Here, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
It will open Command Prompt in Administrator mode. Next, type ipconfig /flushdns. It will help in fixing the 504 gateway timeout error.
8. Adjust the proxy settings
If you are connected to the internet through a proxy server, the site you are trying to access may not be able to get a response. Therefore, to fix the 504 error, you need to disable the network proxy settings, or you can disable them.
You can also contact your internet service provider to correct the problem.
9. Disable VPN
If you are using a VPN service, try disabling it, as this can be one of the reasons behind the HTTP 504 error. If the error goes away, it means VPN is the culprit. However, if using a VPN is essential, switch to a different VPN.
If nothing worked, try disabling the website firewall, as this can be one of the reasons for the gateway timeout. In addition, you can contact your internet service provider for the solution and check plugins. We hope these steps helped you resolve the error.
How to avoid HTTP 504 Gateway Timeout error?
You can do some actions to fix 504 Gateway Timeout Errors on your site, but there is no guaranteed solution to prevent them. You can ensure that visitors continue to have a flawless experience on your site and minimize any adverse effects on your SEO by swiftly resolving this problem.
Also read:- 7 Security Tips To Protect Your WordPress Website From Hackers
Conclusion
The good (and bad) of the 504 error is that it usually originates from an intermediary server, so as a user, you will not be able to do much to solve it. You can generally wait a bit, and the matter will be resolved without your intervention.
However, suppose you are in a hurry. In that case, if you are using an online application and cannot continue working in the meantime, or if the affected website is your own and you are losing traffic, you may want to apply the possible solutions I have suggested above.
21 Social Media Statistics You Need to Know in 2022 (Trends, Insights & More)
If there is one thing that is for sure, social media platforms will continue to grow. In a 2020 report prepared by backlink.co, the average number of social media accounts one person has is 8.8, which is higher in comparison to 4.8 per person in 2014.
As a content marketer or an eCommerce user, these kinds of information are relevant in positioning yourself and your content online. It helps you understand where you stand in your field and how you can use it to your advantage. In this article, I will be providing 21 social media statistics that will help you with your business and traffic.
a. Facebook Has 2.5 Monthly Billion Active Users (and Counting)!
Facebook is one of the highly sought social media platforms when it comes to marketing. This platform currently offers a wide range of services to its users, which include videos and streaming. Due to the easier availability of videos, Facebook’s users spend more time on the platform. On average, a user can spend 35 minutes watching videos. This does not include the time they spent scrolling on their feed.
Also being an active website, almost 75% of its users are actively engaging on it. This means for marketers as a potential market to introduce products and services.
b. Facebook Videos Receives Around Four Billion Views a Day
If you plan to run an ad, then Facebook is a good place to start. Every day, it receives more than four billion video views, 1.82 billion logins from users, and an organic post can reach 5.2% of the page’s total likes.
If you are worried as to how your page or ad will perform, fret not! Facebook Ads will target people within your demographic and locality. Thanks to their algorithm, your ad money will not go to waste.
c. Facebook Pages Are Improving Their Engagement
According to Locowise, Facebook Pages are improving their customer service interaction as shown in the statistics above. As there is growth in the Facebook community, people and customers reach out to businesses through their pages. With people purchasing and booking things online, it is no question that businesses start to increase their social media presence.
d. Schedule Your Facebook Ads Between Thursdays and Fridays
Apparently, the best days to schedule your Facebook ads are Thursdays to Fridays. Now that we know the days, how about the time? It was shared by other marketers that the appropriate times to post it are between 1 pm to 3 pm.
e. Interestingly, 36% Of Facebook Users Get Their News on the Platform
Facebook starts providing news and information on their platform thanks to various news outlets’ Facebook pages. They currently have the highest percentage among other social media platforms. The question as to the reliability of the news and information taken from Facebook is still in question. As for the marketers, they see this as a potential to introduce their products on the platform. The campaign, collaborations, and product launches will be easier as they can reach their audiences faster.
F. 500 Million Users Post on Their Facebook Stories Daily
Similar to Snapchat, Facebook stories are short and temporary. That’s why a lot of users find it convenient to post. So for marketers, creating story content is different from a post feed. As stories tend to be short and temporary, marketers are challenged to make their content pop. It must be in a way that it will capture the users’ attention and even pause your story to screenshot it.
g. Facebook Messenger Has More Than One Billion Users
For messaging, Facebook introduced Messenger as their messaging app. When using Facebook mobile, for you to communicate with another person, you need to download Messenger. So, it is no surprise when more than a billion people are using it.
Brands also make sure to use Messenger to their advantage. It is used for customer service support. This is more convenient than reaching out through emails or calls. No more awkward pauses in between communications!
h. Facebook Is the Most Sought off Social Media Platform by Marketers
It is easy to see why marketers love to use Facebook. Being one of the most active social media platforms in the world, Facebook makes it easier than ever to reach out and find clients. With proper positioning and ads placement, businesses can introduce their products and services.
This social media platform also offers the opportunity for companies to have expedient customer service support. And, it is free!
i. 18-24 Years Old Age Group Is the Largest Demographic In Instagram
If your business targets teenagers and young adults, Instagram is the platform perfect for you. Similar to Facebook, Instagram is an active platform with over 60% of the users logging in every day. Similar to Facebook, Instagram story is an awesome way to introduce products and campaigns to your audiences. It is temporary and short, so marketers make sure every story counts.
j. 83% Of Instagram Users Found New Products and Services Because of the Platform
Every business should start making Instagram pages. It is a great way to be discovered. Because of Instagram’s algorithm, your page will be recommended to anyone interested in the type of product or services you have. You can also have your Instagram page connected with an existing Facebook page. Your Facebook followers will be notified that you have an existing Instagram page. The challenge is how to make your IG posts interesting to peak people’s attention.
k. Over 88% Of Instagram Users Resides Outside United States
Although American users are a large Instagram audience, it does not mean that Instagram is a US-dominated platform. In reality, hundreds of millions of users are outside of the US. Taking this into consideration, it means that you can reach audiences not only within your locality. If properly positioned with viral Instagram hashtags and quality content, you may reach people worldwide.
l. Almost 15% Of American Adults Never Heard of Instagram
As mentioned, Instagram is a platform where you can interact with a younger audience. So, it is not a surprise when 14% of US adults have never heard of it. Before putting up an Instagram page, make sure your target demographic has a presence on the platform. This is the beauty of understanding basic social media statistics. If you are a tire repair shop, chances are, Instagram is not the platform for you.
m. In 2020, Instagram Experienced 17% Growth in Western Europe
Emarkerter predicted that there will be an increase of 19.3 million Instagram users in Western Europe. Previously, they mentioned it will be only around 6% growth. However, due to the recent changes, the growth experienced an unexpected hike. A lot has to do with people working at home and just staying at their homes in general.
If you are planning to target the Western European market, then it is a chance for you to do so.
n. Instagram Users Averagely Spend 30 Minutes a Day on the Platform
The 30-minute mark is actually an increase from 2019’s 26 minutes a day. For some, four minutes may not sound much, but this is actually a 14% increase! It shows people are investing more time on Instagram, increasing engagement and activity. To compare, Facebook only experienced a 1.4-minute increase, which is only 4.3%.
O. YouTube Competes With Over 2 Billion Monthly Logged in Users
YouTube is the largest video-sharing platform, so receiving two billion logged in every month is not surprising. However, the number of people actively engaging on the platform makes it a hotspot for marketers. A lot of companies have been using video channels to share their products and content. They either sponsor them or make an independent video freely discussing their new campaign.
p. Interestingly, Almost Half of Businesses Do Not Generate Tangible Sales From Social Media Marketing
As provided above, YouTube, just like other social media platforms, is receiving more attention as a marketing avenue for companies. However, Zazzle’s 2019 State of Content Marketing discusses how 49% of businesses do not generate tangible sales from social media, while 31% stated otherwise. Though this data must be taken with a caveat as the survey was conducted within the United Kingdom.
I am not discouraging you from investing in social media platforms. It is actually a great way to be close with your audience. You should only be aware not to put your marketing eggs in one basket.
q. Tiktok Users Spend Around 52 Minutes per Day on the App
TikTok is a booming social media platform, and currently, 4% of marketers use it. As it is a new platform, some marketers are still learning how effective it is as a marketing tool.
I suggest looking into this platform if your target demographic is teenagers and young adults. What makes it appealing is it has a staggering 69% engagement rate in comparison to the single-digit engagement rate of other platforms.
r. TikTok Is the Most Downloaded App (They Have Two Billion Downloads!)
TikTok has been downloaded on various mobile devices two billion times, making it the most downloaded app. With it, it becomes the seventh most-used social media platform in the world. As mentioned, TikTok is a great platform for companies who want to reach out to a younger audience. Although some will point out that it is similar to a debunked app Musical.ly, TikTok maintains its relevance by continually improving its platform.
Also, if you are checking the latest trends, then TikTok is a great platform to check on.
s. Interestingly, Even With a Large Audience, No Demographics Prefer Tiktok as a Favorite Platform
Even with a large audience, mostly composed of teens and young adults, no specific demographic picked TikTok as their favorite social media platform. GlobalWebIndex conducted a survey with more than 180,000 people from 47 countries, asking them which platform is their favorite. As for China, the country where TikTok originated, TikTok didn’t even reach the top list as WeChat app dominated the Chinese survey.
t. 75% Of B2B Business Marketers Prefer Twitter Over Other Social Media Platforms
Although Facebook and Instagram are larger platforms than Twitter, 3/4 of B2B business marketers prefer Twitter. They use this platform to directly interact, increase their brand awareness, and understand their target audience. Unlike the other social media platforms, you can share or tweet as much as you like on Twitter. Sometimes, the more tweets, the more you push your presence.
u. LinkedIn Has Over 772 Million Active Users Worldwide
LinkedIn is another platform with strong and active users, composed mainly of professionals. Some businesses forget that they can connect with clients through LinkedIn. 98% of marketers agreed that LinkedIn personalizes their connection with their clients.
Conclusion:
Understanding social media statistics can be tricky. So, take your time learning more about it. I suggest taking a leap and opening social media pages for your business. It is not a hard task, and you can simply start by growing your presence. However, always take into consideration where your target demographic is active.
If you currently have multiple social media pages for your business, then good for you. To help you with your task, make sure to avail a free social media monitoring tool. At the same, continue learning more about social media trends.
7 Security Tips To Protect Your WordPress Website From Hackers
So WordPress now powers about 39% of all websites. Do you know what else all that popularity and ease of use buy? Yep, security breaches. As more and more businesses have started to move towards CMS platforms, cybersecurity is having a hard time.
Although there have been a number of security improvements being implemented day in and day out, third-party publishers are whole another story.
According to PurpleSec, 25% of all WordPress plugins were flagged as having critical security flaws. These malicious plugins could use your PC’s resources for crypto mining which could slow your computer down to a halt.
Now, not all hope is lost. There are a few measures that you can apply by yourself to safeguard your site. These tips will not only secure your site but also make it work better.
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7 Best Teachable Alternatives: Get Everything In One Place
The world of online courses has exploded in recent years. According to Forbes, the total worldwide revenue generated by the E-Learning market could exceed $325 billion by 2025. If you are a professional with a specialized set of knowledge, then selling online courses is a great side gig or career transition.
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Dos and Don’ts for Beginning Designers
Whether you have a college degree in a user experience (UX) design-related field or are starting a design career on your own, there are some basic things you need to know about the business of design. There’s a learning curve for every profession, and some very specific lessons for beginning designers.
You could learn from your own mistakes, or you could read this and learn from mine.
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How to Hire a Brilliant UX Designer
If you work at a new startup or established company that doesn’t specialize in design, understanding what a user experience designer is and how to hire the right one for your needs can be complex. The fact that the design community as a whole is still trying to define precisely what a user experience designer is or is not should give you a clue as to just how complex that can be.
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