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Developers

Avoiding Common Pitfalls In Hiring Developers: Tips For Non-Tech Founders

, 5 days ago

Choosing developers for a startup is possibly as important as it is complicated, particularly for non-tech founders who have to venture onto unfamiliar ground.Nonetheless, picking the right developers doesn’t necessitate a degree in computer science; there are a few key strategies that can help any non-tech founder build a crack development team by just looking at the right factors.Namely, a solid base of technical requirements and collaboration skills, bulletproof problem-solving abilities, and a healthy dose of cultural fit can help you find the right developers to help build your startup.In choosing developers for a startup, non-tech founders play a critical role in the early stages. The right developers obviously will possess the technical skills necessary to hit the ground running with your startup, however, a non-tech founder’s unique understanding of the startup’s needs and goals makes these hires unique in a critical way.If you’re looking for more ways to succeed in hiring developers for a startup, check out this detailed guide by A2 Design, where they collect the best available resources to give you as much insight as possible into making your team the best it can be.Understanding Your Startup's NeedsAs a non-tech founder, it’s crucial that you understand what your startup needs technically. Before you start looking for tech talent, research what skills, technologies, and programming languages your product or service requires.This will allow you to vet candidates properly and assess them according to what your company actually needs. For example, if you’re building a mobile app, you would likely seek developers with experience in iOS or Android development. In addition to understanding the basics, when you’re evaluating technical talent, it’s critical to know enough to ask the right questions to qualify them.Leveraging Connections and NetworksOne critical advantage you do have as a non-tech founder in the tech industry is your network. Use your personal and professional connections to spread the word and locate potential candidates. Attend industry conferences, network at mixers, and join online communities where talented developers congregate.Additionally, your network can be a great source of candidates. Instead of posting a job, when you’re trying to fill a position, notify your connections in the space and obtain a referral. If you’re fortunate, you’ll find someone who can hit the ground running and who comes recommended as a capable and reliable worker, increasing your chances of identifying a strong fit for your startup.Asking for a Demonstrable PortfolioWhile it can be hard, even for a chief to gauge a developer's technical skills, one way to effectively measure them is by looking at their previous work. Ask your developer candidates to provide a portfolio or examples of their work. Take a look at their projects.What is the quality of their code? How is their attention to detail? Simply, how competent are they? What you specifically want at this point is a developer whose previous work aligns with your startup's technical requirements. A thorough review of any projects will give you a good look at what level of quality they meet.Focusing on Problem-Solving AbilitiesA developer's technical skills are no doubt crucial, but the ability to solve problems is just as important. They face difficult technical challenges every day, and their effectiveness in overcoming them will be determined by their problem-solving ability.During the interview process, ask your candidates about their problem-solving process, and get them to discuss a difficult technical problem they faced in the past, and how they went about solving it. You're looking for someone who has a logical, analytical approach to problem-solving and is proactive in tackling obstacles.Assessing Communication Skills and CollaborationNo matter if your team is newly formed or well-established and experienced, having the ability to communicate and work well with others is essential to an effective development team.You'll want to know how your potential candidates handle conflicts and obstacles and what their preferred style of communication and collaboration is to ensure their style matches your current team's dynamics.Strong communication skills at development meetings, during problem-solving sessions, and when hashing out obstacles can improve productivity and understanding while allowing team members to forge better relationships.Ask questions like, how do they handle conflicts in a team setting? How do they communicate progress, or obstacles, to the development team, non-technical founders, or other stakeholders?Conducting Technical Assessments or Coding ChallengesHaving potential candidates complete a technical assessment, or coding challenges, can help verify their coding and problem-solving skills, as well as their software development approach. Look for candidates who display an understanding of the technologies and methodologies that are relevant to your startup.Remember, even though they are crucial, a coding challenge is only a piece of the puzzle. Cultural fit and communication skills are a few of the many other things you should consider before making a final decision.Don't Overlook Cultural FitWhile technical skills are important, don't underestimate the significance of cultural fit. Cohesion, shared values and goals, and a strong work ethic among team members are essential for the long-term success of your startup.Prioritize candidates who align with the values and mission of your startup, and are thus more likely to be committed, collaborative, and able to maintain positive working relationships with the rest of your team.During the interview process, evaluate a candidate's potential fit within your startup's culture and their ease of adaptation to your team dynamics as much as their technical skills.Related: BACKEND DEVELOPMENT BEST PRACTICES FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECTPartnering with a Technical Advisor or ConsultantNon-tech founders can greatly improve the quality of their technical hires by partnering with an experienced technical advisor or consultant.A technical advisor can provide indispensable guidance, vet candidates, and help ensure that the technical requirements of your startup are met.Their expertise will help bridge the gap between your non-technical background and the technical aspects of the hiring process, including the evaluation of technical skills, the review of code samples, and the proper assessment of whether or not a candidate can be challenged with relevant technical questions. Their insight can be crucial in making well-informed hiring decisions.ConclusionWhile hiring developers as a non-tech founder may seem daunting, it can be an immensely rewarding experience with the right approach and understanding.By learning your startup's needs, leveraging your networks, assessing candidates' technical skills and problem-solving abilities, prioritizing communication and collaboration, and focusing on cultural fit, you can build a robust development team that propels your startup toward success.Above all, remember that the hiring process is iterative, and learning from experiences is essential. Evaluate your approach, continuously refine your strategies, seek feedback, and discover the ideal candidates for your startup.With persistence and a defined hiring process, non-tech founders can confidently navigate the hiring process and build a strong development team that contributes to the growth and success of their startups.By avoiding common pitfalls and adhering to these tips, non-tech founders can assemble a team of talented developers who are poised to execute their vision and propel their startups forward on their journeys to successful startups.So don't be disheartened by your absence of technical knowledge. Embrace the chance to learn and collaborate with experts, and to make informed smart decisions in your hiring process. Together with your development team, you can steer your startup towards innovative and successful growth, and transformative impact.The possibilities for your startup are limitless with the right developers by your side. So go out there, find your perfect fit, and watch your startup thrive with a team that shares your passion and vision.Read Also:WEB DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOWTOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING A DEVELOPER IN ARGENTINASEEKING FOR IOS APP DEVELOPMENT COMPANY IN 2023: TIPS TO CHOOSE

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Local SEO Strategies

Local SEO Strategies For Small Businesses: Effective Techniques For Visibility Boost

, 1 week ago

Being in the middle of a competitive business market, dealing with small businesses requires local SEO strategies to implement. It can be a cost-effective solution to hinder the risks of small businesses.From increasing business visibility to attracting more customers, you will always need to find out the best ideas and opportunities in the market, and here, local SEO can be a great solution!What is local SEO?Well, local SEO deals with the optimization process of your online business through a better native presence. From local search results to dealing with Google Maps' local settings, you can effectively convey these factors with local SEO optimization.Some of the key benefits of using local SEO are- On-page optimizationLocal citationsReputation managementWell, if you have a business, you want the local audience to find you based on the geographical area and vice versa. If a local user is not able to find you with relevant local keywords, you need proper local SEO optimization.Small businesses need to find their way out to thrive in the business market with local SEO tactics. Why?Let's dive deep into the ocean of local SEO strategies and their importance for small businesses.Importance Of Local SEO for Small BusinessesIn this modern digital world, a strong online presence is a must. No matter who your target audience is and what industry you are dealing with, your online presence will deal with it all.Here comes the importance of websites for a business. While most entrepreneurs focus on dealing with marketing strategies, they almost forget the importance of websites in small businesses.It is not like you are the one worried about your business productivity and profitability. But if you do not get enough exposure, it's hard to comply with profit in the small business process.Local SEO can easily ensure the exposure of small businesses with a greater local presence and greater enthusiasm. While small businesses rely heavily on a local customer base, local SEO can help connect nearby customers who are actively searching for the products and services that you offer.Key Local SEO Strategies To Follow By A Small BusinessIn the contemporary landscape of the digital age, small businesses face the challenge of standing out among local competitors and attracting nearby customers. This is where local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) strategies come into play. By optimizing their online presence for local searches, small businesses can increase their visibility in their target market and connect with potential customers in their area. Here, we will explore key local SEO strategies that small businesses can implement to improve their online visibility, attract more local customers, and grow their business. From optimizing Google My Business profiles to targeting local keywords and generating positive reviews, these strategies offer practical and actionable steps for small businesses to enhance their local search rankings. These steps will also help small businesses achieve greater success in their community.It's time to delve into the essential elements of effective local SEO strategies! That will also help you to uncover the mysteries of local business success in a competitive market condition. 1. Google Business Profile OptimizationAs a small business owner, you must be aware of the Google My Business (GMB) profile! It's a great way to create a pathway for the scouters to reach you easily.How can you do that?Well, you need to ensure that your business name, phone number (NAP), and address are perfectly mentioned throughout your online presence. Also, add high-quality photos with impressive business descriptions. To attract more customers, you need to be attractive, and your business profile must showcase that at any cost.With Constellation Marketing, you can go for proper business profiling on the web. Now, for the audience, searching for you will be super easy.2. Link BuildingOne of the best solutions to create small business awareness online is to go for link building. From citations to backlinking, everything comes under the link-building process. So, it's not just about your website but the whole.Improving the search ranking is best possible with the link-building process!3. Creating Local ContentProduce high-quality, locally focused content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. This could include blog posts, articles, guides, and videos that provide valuable information about local events, attractions, and trends. By creating engaging and relevant content, you can attract more local visitors to your website and improve your search engine rankings. 4. Mobile OptimizationA mobile-friendly approach is always a better solution for businesses in the modern era. Look around and see how many smartphone users are there in your locality!Now, think of your website and open it on your smartphone.Is it mobile-friendly?If not, then you seriously lack a local SEO strategy. The constant involvement of the local audience is the only solution to get your business online.However, to drive more sales and revenue in your small business, it's important to make your website mobile-friendly. It will help maximum users access your website without any difficulty.5. Using Local KeywordsKeywords are very geographical. Location-based keywords may work best for a small business. As a small business owner, you know it's hard for you to deal directly on the global stage, which leaves you with only one option initially, and that is the local area.So, create content by engaging local consumers with local keywords. Find out what the local people search for the most and engage those in your content. From meta tags to website content, including headings, use local keywords as much as possible. 6. Encourage Customer ReviewsPositive customer reviews play a significant role in local SEO rankings. It has the ability to influence others to follow the same path that leads to your organization. Also, customer’s buying decisions will depend on their satisfaction level. So, if they see positive reviews on the website about your business service or products, they will trust you.When you have a business, you have a direct commitment to the consumers. To create a chain of positive reviews on your website, constant engagement and solving queries of the consumers are essential.Read Also:10 ADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL MEDIA ADVERTISING FOR YOUR BUSINESSIS YOUTUBE SOCIAL MEDIA? – HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWCONTENT WRITING TIPS FOR SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETERS

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X CSAM

X Platform Comes Up With New Data, Showcasing Its Efforts To Eliminate CSAM

, 3 months ago

X makes another move that raises the skepticism of the press and media. It publishes new updates on content moderation amidst this holiday season when message traction is very low, thanks to the Christmas and New Year festivities. On 28th December 2023, X came up with an update about how the platform is looking forward to changes in the content moderation policy. Especially it claimed that tackling child sexual exploitation has been the number one priority of the platform in the last year. It further mentioned that the platform had no tolerance for the exploitation of children, and it would not allow anyone making efforts to exploit minors in any way. Further, talking about the 2023 progress of the platform, X mentioned,From January to November of 2023, X permanently suspended over 11 million accounts for violations of our CSE policies. For reference, in all of 2022, Twitter suspended 2.3 million accounts. In the first half of 2023, X sent a total of 430,000 reports to the NCMEC CyberTipline. In all of 2022, Twitter sent over 98,000 reports.Not only are we detecting more bad actors faster, we’re also building new defenses that proactively reduce the discoverability of posts that contain this type of content. One such measure that we have recently implemented has reduced the number of successful searches for known Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) patterns by over 99% since December 2022.However, there are still doubts regarding how X is going to maintain its stance against child sexual abuse material or CSAM. Today, when X identifies a particular hashtag and blocks it, the peddlers start using another hashtag on the platform to continue child sexual abuse. So, despite the updates from X coming at a stage when everyone is busy with festivities, third-party researchers and gatekeepers are not convinced how X is going to tackle this situation sincerely.

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AI Deepfakes Are Likely To Impact U.S. Presidential Election

AI Deepfakes Are Likely To Impact U.S. Presidential Election In Absence Of Social Media Guardrails

, 3 months ago

It has been around three years since the violent attacks by a pro-Trump mob shook the U.S. Capitol in the claim of false election procedures. There were allegations about dead people casting their votes, suitcases being filled with false ballot papers, and ballot dumps at night. After three years, similar allegations return with the U.S. presidential election knocking at the door.Experts warn that the allegations this time are going to be worse, and they are going to impact the election with deepfakes gaining momentum. Further, deepfakes have gained power as social media guardrails have failed to do justice to their remit.In other words, the safeguards that were likely to negate those false claims and allegations are decaying fast. At the same time, the deepfake tools are becoming stronger to negate those guardrails.Thanks to former president Donald Trump, many Americans think that the election is not done following a fair process in America. Around 57% of the Republicans think that the selection of Joe Biden was not legitimate. Recently, they have gotten these free generative AI tools that will help them spread misinformation and make people believe in their false claims. As a result, the voters are likely to be influenced by false information, and the reflection of the same will happen in the votes they cast.Dissemination of manipulative content and videos is not new in the U.S. presidential election. However, the presidential election in 2024 will be the first one to experience the use of advanced generative AI tools to influence the votes and impact the results.Situations have become worse with the social media platforms that once wanted to protect the authenticity of content shifting their focus elsewhere. Moreover, there are anticipations about these deepfake videos and content getting worse as the election date inches closer.Read Also:Meta Comes Up With An Expansion Of Fact-Checking Program On ThreadsMeta Brings The First Stage Of Threads Interoperability Through ActivityPubSnapchat Must Look For New Opportunities In AR Development To Make A Push

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