5 Reasons why you shouldn’t jailbreak your iPad
While many iPad users enjoy their devices as standard, there are those who want non-App Store apps and modifications to their devices outside what Apple intended. In order to make these modifications, these people jailbreak their iPads. This article delves into jailbreaking and the five reasons why you shouldn’t. What is iPad jailbreaking? iPad jailbreaking, or rooting, is the process of bypassing manufacturer and carrier restrictions imposed on the device. This involves a privilege escalation attack — a cyberattack designed to obtain unauthorized access into a system — that replaces the factory-installed operating system with a custom, often unlicensed, operating software. This reconfiguration allows users to install third-party software and modify system settings, which are actions that are typically off-limits in the default state of an iPad. 5 Consequences of jailbreaking your iPad While jailbreaking does grant greater control over your iPad, it does come with certain risks. Here are five reasons you should consider before jailbreaking your device: 1. Warranty implications Apple considers jailbreaking a breach of contract. Consequently, the moment you jailbreak your iPad, your warranty becomes null and void. Apple will no longer offer any support for hardware or software issues with your jailbroken device. 2. Battery life drain Jailbreaking an iPad can lead to faster battery depletion. The reason behind this lies in the suboptimal optimization of many apps created by the jailbreaking community, which often consume more power compared to Apple-approved software. 3. Heightened security risk iPads operate apps within a closed environment or sandbox, preventing official and licensed apps from affecting the broader system. However, when you jailbreak your iPad, these protective sandboxes are eliminated, enabling unauthorized apps to make unrestricted alterations to your device’s system and gain access to your private files. Jailbreaking also exposes your iPad to increased security threats, as it bypasses Apple’s built-in security framework, rendering your device more susceptible to malware and other forms of cyberattacks. 4. Update challenges Jailbreaking your iPad means you’re stuck with its existing iOS version. Consequently, automatic updates for the operating system, official apps, and security features are no longer accessible. You’ll have to rely on updates developed by the jailbreaking community and other independent developers, which may not be as reliable or secure. 5. Device instability Jailbroken devices often suffer from performance issues and instability. Because apps for jailbroken devices aren’t rigorously tested and optimized, jailbreaking your iPad increases the likelihood of crashes. It can also lead to built-in and third-party apps freezing and, in some extreme cases, rendering your iPad unresponsive, a condition known as “bricking.” How to determine if your iPad is jailbroken If you’ve acquired a secondhand iPad and are curious about its jailbreak status, here’s how to check: Press the iPad’s Home button to return to the main screen, which will display the keyboard. Type “Cydia” into the search bar. If “Cydia” appears in the search results, it indicates that the iPad has been jailbroken. While jailbreaking your iPad may initially seem tempting, it can result in frequent performance issues and make your device an easy target for cybercriminals. For a safer and more reliable experience, it’s advisable to refrain from jailbreaking your iPad. Your iPad’s security and performance may depend on the choices you make regarding jailbreaking. If you have further questions or want to understand the risks better, you should reach out to an IT specialist today.
Why HTTPS is essential for online security
Cybercriminals are relentless in coming up with new ways to steal our personal information and financial data. That’s why it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect ourselves online, and these steps include visiting websites that use HTTPS. What is HTTPS? When you visit a website, you may see a padlock icon in the address bar. This icon indicates that the website is using Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), which is a secure communications protocol that encrypts all data transmitted between your browser and the website. Without HTTPS, all the data you enter or click on is sent in plain text. This means that anyone who intercepts the traffic between your browser and the website can see everything you do, including the information you enter on the website. HTTPS also verifies the identity of the website you are visiting, protecting you from cyberattacks involving spoofed versions of legitimate websites that are designed to steal your information. Compared to the standard HTTP, HTTPS offers a higher level of security, making it essential for online banking, eCommerce, and any other website that handles sensitive data. How do HTTPS certificates work? When you go to a website, your device uses an internet directory (i.e., DNS server) to convert the website’s name into a number (i.e., its IP address). This number is saved in a cache so that your device doesn’t have to look it up again every time you visit the website. However, if your computer gets compromised while using an HTTP connection, an attacker can change the directory so that you are redirected to a malicious website, even if you type in the correct address. Victims are usually redirected to spoofed versions of legitimate websites, where they are tricked into entering their sensitive information, such as their login credentials. To prevent this, internet directories issue HTTPS certificates that transform HTTP into HTTPS. This makes it impossible for anyone to redirect you to a fraudulent website. HTTPS certificates include data about the website, such as its domain name, company name, and location. They also contain a public key for encrypting communication between your browser and the website. More ways to stay safe online Here are a few tips for staying safe online, whether you’re just browsing or doing work-related tasks: Think twice before clicking on a website flagged as “unsafe” by your browser. Proceed only if you are sure that no confidential data will be transmitted. Use trusted web browser extensions, such as HTTPS Everywhere, to encrypt your communication, especially when visiting unencrypted websites. Don’t go to websites that don’t use the HTTPS prefix. Be vigilant. Even if a website has HTTPS, it doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe. For example, amaz0n.com (with the “o” replaced with a 0) could have a certificate, but the misspelling suggests that it’s an untrustworthy site. Cybercriminals use similar spellings of real websites to trick victims into believing they’re on a secure site. While HTTPS is not a silver bullet for online security, it is an essential measure for protecting yourself online. Reach out to us today to learn more about HTTPS and other cybersecurity best practices.
Don’t let your VoIP calls be intercepted: Here’s how to protect yourself
VoIP eavesdropping is a serious security threat that can have devastating consequences for businesses and individuals. This blog post will provide you with a comprehensive overview of VoIP eavesdropping, including its different forms, its risks, and how to protect yourself from it. There are a number of ways that VoIP eavesdropping can happen, including: Man-in-the-middle attacks: This type of attack occurs when a hacker inserts themselves into the middle of a VoIP call and intercepts the packets being transmitted between the two callers. The hacker can then listen in on the call or even modify the packets to change the conversation. Malware: Hackers can also use malware to eavesdrop on VoIP calls. Malware can be installed on a VoIP device or computer through phishing emails, malicious websites, or USB drives. Once the malware is installed, it can give the hacker access to the device’s microphone and camera, allowing them to listen in on and record calls. Vulnerabilities in VoIP software: VoIP software can also contain vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers to eavesdrop on calls. For example, a hacker could exploit a vulnerability in a VoIP server to gain access to call records or even listen in on live calls. By taking the following measures, businesses can protect themselves from VoIP eavesdropping: 1. Change default usernames and passwords Many businesses don’t bother to change the default login credentials for their VoIP system, but this is an essential security measure. By changing the default usernames and passwords, businesses make it harder for hackers to gain access to their system. 2. Keep your VoIP system updated Hackers are constantly looking for vulnerabilities in software, so it’s important to keep your VoIP system up to date with the latest security patches. Check with your VoIP provider regularly for updates and install them as soon as possible. 3. Keep your session border controllers (SBCs) updated When you update your SBCs, you’re also updating your VoIP’s antivirus software, which helps to protect your systems from known types of malware. This also helps to ensure that your calls aren’t being rerouted through malicious VoIP servers, which could be used to eavesdrop on conversations. 4. Use a VPN or SRTP Phone calls made over the internet are transmitted in the form of data packets. If these packets are intercepted, anyone can listen in on your conversations. To prevent this from happening, you need to encrypt your VoIP calls. You can do this by using a virtual private network (VPN), which encrypts all the data passing through your device. Alternatively, you can use Secure Real-Time Transport Protocol (SRTP), a VoIP security protocol that encrypts voice calls. 5. Train your employees Your employees need to be aware of the dangers of VoIP eavesdropping. Teach them not to give out confidential information over the phone and make sure they know how to spot signs that someone may be trying to listen in on their conversations, such weird electronic sounds or unusual instances of muting. By following these tips, you can protect your business from VoIP eavesdropping and keep your communications confidential. To learn more about keeping your VoIP system from unwanted intruders, reach out to our technology experts today.
Leverage mobile threat detection (MTD) for enhanced business security
With the rise of remote and hybrid work, the workplace has become bigger than the four walls of traditional office spaces. Employees now access sensitive corporate data and communicate with colleagues and clients through mobile devices from various locations. But while this flexibility boosts collaboration and productivity, it also introduces new vulnerabilities. Mobile threat detection (MTD) tools offer robust, innovative ways to safeguard data and privacy on mobile devices by thwarting malware and other potential threats. What is MTD? MTD is a specialized security solution designed to identify, analyze, and mitigate mobile threats in real-time. It offers businesses a proactive defense against various forms of mobile security risks. MTD solutions are equipped to detect and quarantine malicious software that can infiltrate mobile devices, steal data, or spy on user activities. They can also identify phishing attempts, protecting users from deceptive websites or fraudulent emails aimed at stealing sensitive information. What’s more, by enforcing strong authentication and access controls, MTD can prevent unauthorized users from gaining access to corporate resources. MTD solutions are also capable of monitoring data transfers and usage, helping prevent accidental or intentional data leakage from mobile devices. They can continuously scan devices for vulnerabilities and ensure that patches and updates are applied promptly to prevent exploitation. Key benefits of MTD for businesses Whatever a business’s size or industry, MTD offers a suite of advantages, including: Comprehensive threat visibility MTD provides businesses with a holistic view of mobile device security, allowing them to monitor, analyze, and respond to threats in real time. Improved compliance For businesses subject to regulatory compliance, MTD can assist in meeting the requirements for securing mobile devices and data by implementing required protection measures such as encryption. Enhanced productivity By safeguarding mobile devices, MTD enables employees to work confidently without the fear of disruptive data breaches. Protection of sensitive data MTD’s stringent controls help protect sensitive corporate data, intellectual property, and customer information from falling into the wrong hands, safeguarding the company’s reputation and financial well-being. Mitigation of financial risks The costs associated with data breaches and cyberattacks can be substantial. MTD mitigates these financial risks by preventing security incidents and their financial repercussions. Implementing MTD in your business To harness the full benefits of MTD, you should first assess your business’s mobile security needs. This can be done by evaluating the organization’s mobile security requirements and identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. After identifying your mobile security needs, it’s time to start looking for an MTD solution that addresses those needs. Consider factors like scalability, integration capabilities, and ease of use, because you’ll want a solution that can flexibly adapt to your company’s growth. Once you’ve chosen an MTD solution, don’t forget to continuously monitor all your mobile devices so you can detect and respond to threats in real time. Also, make sure that all mobile devices are regularly updated with the latest security patches and updates to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting software vulnerabilities. Keep in mind that MTD shouldn’t be your only security strategy. Employees must also be educated on mobile security best practices so that they can carry out their responsibilities in maintaining a secure IT infrastructure. Mobile devices are now indispensable to business operations, making mobile security a necessity for every organization. If you need a hand in implementing MTD and other tools for bolstering business security, call our experts today. We are ready to help you protect sensitive data, uphold your reputation, and thrive in the modern digital landscape.
Enhancing business security: The role of two-factor authentication and two-step verification
Threats lurk in every corner of the digital space, and businesses need to take extra steps to safeguard their data from malicious actors. Fortunately, there are a range of tools and technologies that your business can use to enhance its cybersecurity. Two-factor authentication (2FA) and two-step verification (2SV) are two measures that can provide an extra layer of protection for your digital assets. 2FA and 2SV are often used interchangeably, but they are, in fact, two distinct approaches to security. Let’s take a look at the differences between them and explore how they can benefit your business. Two-factor authentication 2FA is a security measure that requires users to provide two different types of credentials in order to log into their accounts. Typically, the first factor consists of something that the user knows, such as a password. The second factor could be something like a one-time passcode sent via text message or email or a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint. With 2FA enabled on your business accounts, cybercriminals will have a harder time gaining access to these. Even if they somehow manage to obtain the first factor (e.g., by guessing your password), they still won’t be able to log in without the second piece of information, which only you can have. Two-step verification 2SV is similar to 2FA in that it requires two pieces of information to gain access to an account. However, the difference between the two lies in the number of authentication steps involved. As the name suggests, 2SV requires two authentication steps: one where the user provides their first factor (e.g., a password) and another where they provide additional information that proves they are who they say they are. For example, with 2SV enabled on your business accounts, users may be asked to provide a second form of authentication when they attempt to log in from an unfamiliar device or IP address. This could be in the form of another password, a one-time passcode generated by an authentication app on their phone, or some other type of verification. Benefits of 2FA and 2SV for businesses Enabling 2FA and/or 2SV on your business accounts can provide a variety of benefits, including: Improved security – By adding an extra layer of authentication, you can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts. Enhanced compliance – By using advanced authentication, such as 2FA and 2SV, you can ensure that your business is meeting industry and government standards for data security. Reduced costs – Fewer unauthorized access attempts means fewer chances of fraud and data theft, which can lead to significant cost savings over time. Which is best for your business? The decision of whether to use 2FA or 2SV depends on a number of factors, such as the size and complexity of your business, the type of data you are storing, and the level of security you require. For example, if your business is storing sensitive data, such as customer credit card information, then a multifactor authentication system that includes both 2FA and 2SV may be the most appropriate choice. On the other hand, if you are simply looking to add an extra layer of protection to your email accounts, then a 2FA system may be all that is needed. Ultimately, the best authentication solution for your business will depend on its individual needs and requirements. It is always a good idea to consult with an experienced security professional to ensure that you are making the right decision. Our team of experts is here to help you make the best choice for your business. Get in touch with us today to learn more about 2FA and 2SV and how they can improve your security.
A simple guide to choosing the ideal office Wi-Fi router
A reliable Wi-Fi network is the backbone of any modern office, enabling productivity and connectivity. Selecting the right office Wi-Fi router is crucial to ensure seamless internet access for your team. In this guide, we’ll explore the essential features to consider when shopping for a router that meets your office’s needs. Internet service provider (ISP) compatibility Before diving into the technical details, it’s essential to ensure that the router you choose is compatible with your ISP. Check with your ISP for a list of supported routers or consult their website for recommended models. This ensures a smooth setup process and proper functionality. Single router vs. mesh system An important decision with your Wi-Fi setup is choosing between a single router or a mesh system. Single routers are just that, one router installed in the office that’s responsible for providing internet access to multiple devices. Meanwhile, a mesh system is a network setup that uses multiple interconnected devices (nodes) to extend Wi-Fi coverage throughout a larger area, effectively eliminating dead zones and providing seamless connectivity. Generally, single routers are suitable for smaller office spaces with fewer devices, while mesh systems are ideal for larger offices with multiple floors or rooms. Speed The router’s speed, measured in megabits per second (Mbps), determines how quickly data can be transmitted and received. For most offices, a router with a speed of at least 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) is recommended. However, if your office relies heavily on data-intensive tasks, consider a router with higher speeds, such as 2.4 Gbps or even 5 Gbps. Wi-Fi bands and channels Most Wi-Fi routers feature two frequency bands, measured in gigahertz (GHz): 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. The 2.4 GHz band is favored for its wider coverage area but it’s more susceptible to interference, while the 5 GHz band offers swifter speeds at the cost of slightly reduced range. Dual-band routers provide access to both of these frequencies, whereas tri-band routers introduce an extra 5 GHz band to enhance overall performance. A dual-band router is generally sufficient for most office environments. Additionally, routers should allow you to configure and select channels manually. This minimizes the risk of connectivity drops due to interference from nearby networks. Wireless protocol The wireless protocol your router uses can significantly impact performance. Look for routers that support the latest Wi-Fi standards, such as Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). Wi-Fi 6 offers improved speed, capacity, and performance in dense office environments, making it a smart choice for future-proofing your network. Security standards Security is paramount for office networks. Ensure your router supports robust security features, including WPA3 encryption and advanced firewall options. Regular firmware updates are also crucial to address potential vulnerabilities. For added security, consider routers with guest network capabilities and VLAN support to isolate guest traffic from your main office network. Device prioritization Quality of Service (QoS) is a feature that essentially prioritizes network traffic from specific services and devices over others. This is vital in an office setting, where voice and video calls, as well as critical applications, need uninterrupted bandwidth. Look for routers with QoS settings that let you easily manage priority levels for specific devices and applications. Multi-user, multiple input, multiple output (MU-MIMO) MU-MIMO technology enhances router capabilities by allowing it to communicate simultaneously with multiple devices, effectively reducing network congestion and leading to improved overall performance. When selecting a router, opt for one with MU-MIMO support, especially if your office has numerous devices connecting to the network concurrently. Beamforming Beamforming technology directs the Wi-Fi signal in the direction of connected devices, enhancing their reception and increasing data transmission speed. This feature helps eliminate dead spots and ensures a more stable connection. Routers with beamforming capabilities are worth considering for better coverage and reliability. Choosing a router for your office is a critical decision to ensure seamless connectivity and performance. But if you’re overwhelmed by the number of features and options, we can help. Contact us today and let our experienced team of experts guide you to the ideal Wi-Fi router for your needs.
5 Questions to ask before upgrading to VoIP
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are revolutionizing the way businesses communicate by providing organizations with effective and consistent in-office communication for their value. But before you switch to VoIP, there are a few things you need to keep in mind: What are your network needs? When contemplating whether or not to get VoIP, it’s vital to determine how much control you need over your network. Depending on the answer to that question, you will choose between two primary approaches: Managed VoIP Your company manages and maintains an on-site VoIP system. Initial costs can be higher due to hardware and maintenance expenses. Offers greater versatility and control over your network. Hosted VoIP An outsourced third party handles the costs for new hardware and telecom network maintenance. Your company is relieved of the burden of monitoring and updating telecom technologies. This setup is often favored by small businesses because they pay only for the services used, with lower upfront fees. If you are comfortable sharing control of your VoIP infrastructure for convenience, then you should consider the hosted approach. If you are uncomfortable with such an arrangement and want full control, then the managed approach might suit you better. What will be your technical involvement? The choice between managed and hosted VoIP depends on your comfort level with managing and maintaining your VoIP setup. If you have limited IT knowledge, opt for hosted VoIP. An onsite managed VoIP is more suited to companies with more resources and a need for more customized telecom networks. Should you choose to go mobile? With VoIP, telephony is no longer confined to a specific phone network. The cloud makes it possible for modern employees to have access to various communication tools securely, anytime, anywhere. You may need or prefer VoIP systems with mobile integration so your team can answer calls and join video conferences from their mobile devices while working from home. How quickly is your business growing? When selecting the right VoIP system, make sure that your service provider aligns with your company’s growth plans. Your VoIP solution should easily scale up and add or remove lines as needed without you having to invest in new hardware or infrastructure. Your VoIP system should withstand demanding call volumes, especially during peak season or sudden increases of your customer base. What is the quality of your internet connection? Regardless of your VoIP provider choice, a robust and stable internet connection is essential to support and make the most out of your communications network. Check if your company has dedicated broadband or leased lines. The former offers higher internet speeds which allows you to handle greater quantities of data quickly. While the latter provides better voice quality, which translates into better and clearer voice communication within the office and outside it. What is your budget? Your budget drastically narrows down your VoIP provider choices. Calculate hardware and installation costs, alongside ongoing management expenses. Examine the provider’s fees for managing, updating, and maintaining your telecom system. Additionally, always read the fine print of your contract to ensure that you’re only paying for the services that you need. Choosing and integrating a VoIP system can be overwhelming. But, by considering these factors and asking yourself the right questions, you can make an informed choice. If you need more help with VoIP, our experts are here to assist you every step of the way.
Unleash the power of Microsoft 365’s Bookings feature
Microsoft Bookings is a scheduling app that allows you to create a website where customers can book in-person or virtual appointments with your business. Bookings integrates with Outlook, so you can see your availability in real time and easily manage your customers’ requests. Here’s what your business can achieve with this powerful tool. Enhanced visibility With Bookings, you gain access to an innovative scheduling application compatible with desktop computers. It allows your customers to choose their preferred times and dates, all in alignment with real-time availability. They just need to input the necessary contact details, and the system takes care of the rest. No more hassles caused by cancellations Cancellations and no-shows can leave valuable time slots empty, resulting in lost income, unless you have a system to fill those gaps. Bookings helps prevent revenue loss by allowing you to set specific cancellation notice requirements. Moreover, Bookings automatically sends a confirmation email to customers upon booking, followed by a timely reminder just before their appointment. If customers need to reschedule or cancel, they can do so easily. They can simply click on a link in the confirmation email and select a more convenient time for them. Seamless synchronization Once a booking is confirmed, it seamlessly syncs to a centralized calendar, which you and your staff can all view. This allows you the flexibility to reschedule, cancel, or reassign appointments to different staff members as needed. When it comes to reassignment, Bookings offers a handy feature called “split view.” This intuitive tool displays the schedules of all staff members side by side, making it easy to see who is booked at specific times. Furthermore, this adaptable system accommodates various calendar services, including Office 365, Outlook, and even Google Calendar. This ensures that clients and staff can use their preferred calendaring service, offering convenience for both parties. More than just appointments While appointment scheduling is the primary function of Bookings, it goes the extra mile by helping you expand your company’s customer database. When customers input their information into the system during the booking process, it automatically generates contact entries for them. These contact cards include essential personal details such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses, all conveniently stored for future reference. Scalability and cost-effectiveness As your company grows, Bookings accommodates your expansion plans effortlessly. You can easily onboard more staff members and create additional booking pages at no extra cost. What’s even better is that staff members don’t need Office 365 subscriptions to utilize this service, making it accessible and cost-effective for your growing team. One way to differentiate yourself from competitors is to use a comprehensive appointment management solution like Bookings. If you have any questions about this feature or need more tech tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
How SaaS saves businesses money
Software is a key component of business IT. However, software-related expenses can quickly eat into your budget. Thankfully, there’s a solution that can help cut costs without sacrificing efficiency: Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). What is SaaS? In the past, users got software by buying a physical CD or downloading it from the internet. They had to install the software on their devices, which needed to have sufficient storage space and processing power to run the software. Moreover, software licenses were often limited to one device, so users had to purchase additional licenses if they wanted to install the software on other devices. In business environments, software distribution was made more efficient by using on-premises (on-prem) servers. These servers hosted software programs, which users could access via the company’s intranet. Users’ devices were primarily used for input and display, while the on-prem servers handled most of the processing. With this setup, many users could simultaneously use a single software license, thanks to affordable licensing packages. Today, SaaS enables users to access software applications online, essentially “borrowing” computing power from a service provider. They can access the software wherever an internet connection is available, using any internet-connected device, such as a laptop or a smartphone. This means employees don’t have to be physically present in the office to access their work apps, enabling them to work from home or other remote locations. How can my company save money with SaaS? Traditional on-prem software requires businesses to purchase and maintain hardware, software licenses, and yearly support fees, which can be a significant expense. With SaaS, businesses can avoid these upfront costs and instead pay a monthly or annual subscription fee for all costs, including support. This can help businesses save money and simplify their IT operations. Can SaaS adapt to my business’s unique requirements? SaaS providers are constantly adding new features based on user feedback. Moreover, businesses can integrate SaaS applications with other software to meet their specific needs. If a particular feature is missing, integration with another app can fill the gap. Is my company’s data secure with SaaS? Data security is a top concern for businesses considering SaaS. Will your data be secure, and who owns it? What if the SaaS vendor faces financial difficulties? Rest assured, SaaS vendors invest heavily in cybersecurity, backup technology, and maintenance. Their reputation and client trust depend on it. They undergo rigorous security audits, especially if they handle sensitive data subject to regulations, such as HIPAA. When you partner with a SaaS vendor, you enter into a service level agreement (SLA). An SLA outlines data ownership and the vendor’s commitment to granting you access to your data, even in the event of financial difficulties or business failures. If you’re considering SaaS for your business, reach out to us today. We can help you determine if SaaS and which particular SaaS app meets your company’s needs.
How email automation can benefit your business
Email marketing is an effective way to reach your target audience and promote your business. But if you’re not automating your email campaigns, you’re missing out on a lot of potential benefits. What is email automation? Email automation is a tool that allows businesses to automatically send relevant and personalized emails to subscribers at predetermined instances based on specific triggers or criteria. Some common criteria are payment due date reminders, subscriber birthdays, promos, monthly feedback requests, order confirmations, and more. What are the advantages of using email automation? Here are the key benefits of email automation: It gives a personal, human touch Email automation tools let you automatically insert a customer’s name and other details into an email. By using the customer’s name rather than using a generic salutation like “Dear valued customer,” you are able to make the email more personal, potentially increasing the chances that your customer will be more receptive to your marketing messages. According to a study by Experian, personalized promotional emails have a 29% higher chance of being opened compared to non-personalized ones. In addition, consumers were also 25% more likely to engage with personalized triggered emails than with emails that are not. It helps you segment your customer Email automation allows you to divide your customers and leads into groups based on their purchase behavior, demographics, and interests. For example, if your company sells mobile devices, you can use email automation to create unique messages for customers who’ve shown interest in either Apple or Android products. Segmenting contacts ensures recipients will only receive messages that align with their interests. This will help keep customers engaged and reduce the probability of them sending unwanted emails to the spam folder or unsubscribing from your mailing list. It boosts productivity With email automation, your marketing team doesn’t have to spend too much time compiling email lists and creating and scheduling email campaigns. Email automation systems can automatically send out emails based on triggers, such as a signup for a monthly newsletter, or scheduled events like birthdays and anniversaries. This will help free up your team to focus on more critical tasks instead of spending a huge chunk of time typing out personalized emails for clients and leads. It helps you attract and retain customers Selling to existing customers is easier and more cost-effective than converting a lead, so you need to keep your existing customers engaged. You can do this by sending them exclusive promos, feedback requests, and loyalty rewards via email. This will ensure that you reach more of your client base, especially those that don’t use social media. Email automation can be a powerful marketing tool when implemented correctly. It can free up your team to focus on other tasks and help you achieve better results. If you’re interested in learning more about email automation, just reach out to us and we’ll be happy to provide more information.