Rewards of Guest Posting

20 Jul 2018 Uncategorized

Guest Posting is an extremely popular method of expanding your digital footprint.

By posting your story on another person’s website/blog, not only will a company’s followers see its content, but anyone who follows the host website will see your content as well, thus reaching an audience that might be unaware of your brand.

A business can reach new audiences by increasing the amount of people reading the content. Accumulating guest posts can help a company build online authority by having their content published on other sites. The more sites that allow a company to guest post, the higher authority the company has. Search engines will recognize that other sites consider the posting company knowledgeable, and will adjust that company’s search result rankings accordingly.

Another advantage for companies that guest post is that they create relationships with other influential people.

By creating great content to feature on someone else’s blog or website, a company is establishing a positive relationship with other companies that could be important in the industry. A company that has influential personalities advocating for it will be much more efficient with building a brand online.

For more information, visit www.guestposts.biz

What are the Benefits of Online Banking?

20 Jul 2018 Uncategorized

Thanks to the rapid developments in tech and the internet that we’ve seen in the last decade, people all over the world have access to different forms of online banking. This can be via visiting a bank’s webpage from a home laptop or device, or through various different apps and software.

If you’ve ever used online banking, you’ll probably agree that it beats having to head to your local branch to sort out any financial matters, but the benefits also stretch far beyond this.

Below you can find a number of examples of the advantages of online banking which might just convince you to make the switch if you’ve yet to do so.

Speed and Convenience

Firstly, by using online banking you can make the most of faster and more convenient services. These can include:

  • Moving money between accounts
  • Setting up standing orders and direct debits
  • Paying contacts the money they are owed
  • Receiving payments
  • Speaking directly to account managers at your bank
  • Ordering new cards
  • Reporting any issues and resolving them

A Range of Payment Options

Different banks and lenders can also offer different payment options. For example, Ocean Finance have an app that can link to your credit card and allow you to make payments, however other providers can also allow you to pay for items contactless via the app on your smartphone.

Easy Financial Management

Another benefit that many online banking providers offer is to send out text alerts to make managing your accounts easier. These can be for aspects such as:

  • Reminders to make payments
  • Details about the status of your balance
  • If you have missed any payments or you don’t have enough funds
  • Warnings about security issues
  • Confirmation of any actions you might have taken using online banking

Added Security

On the subject of security, you might think that online banking isn’t as safe as heading a branch in person, but the reality is that all of your accounts or apps will often have plenty of safety measures in place.

This can be in the form of multiple passwords, the abovementioned text confirmations, call back confirmations, secret questions and of course the passwords and measures you may already have on your smartphone or computer.

So as aforementioned, if you’ve yet to make the switch or you’ve just started online banking then why not give some of the above a try? You’ll quickly begin to realise the above benefits and will wonder how you ever lived without such convenient online options and services.

5 Steps to Finding the Best Internet Service Provider for Your Business

3 May 2018 Blog

A strong internet connection is important for any kind of business wanting to succeed in today’s competitive market arena. But searching for the best plan is a challenge, especially when you are just starting out in your field.

Once you start a business, there are plenty of things to organize. Whether your business is located in an office or at home, you have to make sure that everything is operating smoothly. And since your business will most likely depend on uninterrupted internet service to function, you must make finding the best internet service provider a priority.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the right internet service provider:

Step 1: Understand the Different Business Internet Packages

Although all plans will enable internet connection for a certain price, not all of them will work the same way. Cable, digital subscriber line (DSL) and fiber optic providers are common in urban areas and cities, but most businesses rely on satellite service in less populated areas.

Understanding the differences among these internet options will help you identify which type will best meet your internet needs.

●   DSL

DSL makes use of local phone lines to provide high-speed internet. As compared to a dial-up service, DSL makes use of separate frequencies for internet and phone. Therefore, you can use both of them at the same time.

Of all the broadband options, DSL is considered the most affordable yet the slowest. The actual download speeds are often slower than the speeds that most providers advertise, which is not the case with fiber optic or cable.

●   Cable

Cable internet service makes use of cable wires to deliver internet. It tends to be more reliable than DSL. Depending on the package you get, it may be faster than fiber optic. But cable internet might not be available in your area – if there is, there might only be one provider.

●   Fiber Optic

Fiber optic is the fastest internet option. It trumps other broadband options when it comes to upload speed. But this option is not as widely available as the other internet service options since it does not use existing telephone or cable lines.

Instead, new fiber optic cables must be installed for it to deliver high-speed internet. These cables make use of tiny and light glass fibers to receive and send data.

●   Satellite

Satellite internet service can be slower and more expensive than other options. However, it can only be your choice if your business is in a rural area. It usually performs better than dial-up.

Also, it does not use a phone line, so you can freely use your landline even when you are connected to the internet.

 

Step 2: Determine What You Need in a Plan to Successfully Run Your Business

Determining what your business needs will have a direct impact on the amount of bandwidth your business data plan should have. Some of the important considerations include:

  • Will you be uploading or downloading files into the cloud?
  • Will you be sending and receiving emails regularly?
  • How often will you need to open Skype or stream videos?
  • What is the size of the files you will be dealing with?

You can use usage calculators online to determine your bandwidth needs. You may also get the services of an IT or telecommunications professional to help you out with this.

 

Step 3: Ask Questions

Most internet service providers will present perfect-world situations where nothing falters or breaks down. But in reality, things won’t always run smoothly. Outages and drop-offs in service will occur at some point. So it is crucial for you to know how the service providers will handle such situations before you commit.

Here are some questions you must ask a provider:

  • Do they employ local service technicians?
  • How many subscribers are sharing a connection?
  • How many hours do they lose to downtime every year?
  • Will the customer service centers be open 24/7?
  • What is the average hold time for clients who need help?

 

Step 4: Discuss the Data Cap

Data caps refer to the threshold at which the provider may start charging you if you go over your maximum in a billing cycle. Some providers have data caps while others don’t, so be sure to find out before working with any provider.

 

Step 5: Know What You’re Paying For

Apart from the data cap, you should also consider added expenses like equipment and hardware. Some internet providers offer these as part of the package while others don’t. So make sure that you understand what is included in the quote they’ve given you.

Reputable providers are upfront with such information. Also, they usually have a feedback form that allows their clients to send reviews so they can improve their services.

Once you have chosen the best plan and have it in place, you can look forward to reliable, speedy internet. The last thing you want, especially when your business is starting out, is to let your customers down because this will tarnish your reputation. By working with the right internet service provider and choosing the right package, the risk of this happening will significantly be minimized.

 AUTHOR BIO

Azhar Abulhamayel is the Head of Marketing – National Segment and High Value at Zain KSA. The company was the first operator in the Middle East to commercially launch the 4G/LTE network. Zain serves +10M customers, has extended its network coverage to 94% of the population, and attracts thousands of new customers daily.

 

‘Maharat min Google’ launches to grow digital skills of the Arab world

16 Apr 2018 Blog

Google’s first digital skills program in Arabic designed to help youth find jobs, grow their careers or start their own businesses.

 Online learning platform offers 100 lessons across 26 core topics, all in Arabic and free of charge

  • org to award $1 million grant to INJAZ Al-Arab, a regional nonprofit organization, which will offer in-person trainings to students in rural areas and underprivileged communities
  • Google signs agreement with MiSK Foundation to roll out in-person trainings to students across Saudi Arabia in one year
  • Total of 200,000 people to be trained by INJAZ Al-Arab and MISK Foundation, with a target of 50% female participation

 Monday, April 16 (Dubai) — Google announced today the launch of ‘Maharat min Google’, a free digital skills-building program in Arabic, in an effort to help people in MENA find jobs, advance their careers or grow their businesses. Based on a blended learning model, ‘Maharat min Google’ provides free courses, tools, and in-person digital skills training to students, educators, job seekers and businesses.

The online platform — g.co/Maharat — has 100 lessons across 26 core topics in digital marketing that include search engine marketing, social media, video, e-Commerce, geo-targeting, and data analytics, among others. Google will provide a certificate upon completion of the full course, which takes about nine hours to complete.

“We’re delighted to be bringing ‘Maharat Min Google’ to the Middle East and North Africa — our contribution to the future of the workforce in MENA. This program is free of charge, available in Arabic and accessible on any platform. ‘Maharat Min Google’ draws on our 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that connect people and businesses, helping them grow and succeed online. We know how valuable digital tools are to MENA’s future and we at Google are proud to be an engine supporting their growth,” said Matt Brittin, Google’s president of business operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Google also signed an agreement with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (MiSK) which will conduct in-person trainings to more than 100,000 students across Saudi Arabia. Both collaborations with Injaz and MISK will target 50 percent female participation. Google is looking for further local partnerships across the region with governments, universities, private-sector businesses and nonprofits to expand the reach of its ‘Maharat min Google’ program.

“At the Misk Foundation, we emphasize the importance of this initiative as it is an extension to the our commitment to develop the Saudi youth’s skills, focusing in particular on 21st century skills which will result in a ready-to-market generation as well as prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovator. And since obtaining digital skills is the cornerstone to achieve this, the Misk Foundation partnered on this initiative with Google and the other participating and sponsoring organizations,” said Deema Al Yahya, Adviser and CEO of MiSK Innovation.

Google also announced at the launch event that Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, is granting $1 million USD to INJAZ Al-Arab, a regional nonprofit organization, which will roll out in-person trainings to 100,000 students across 14 countries in MENA focusing on youth in underprivileged and  rural areas.

Akef Aqrabawi, CEO of INJAZ Al-Arab, said: “We are very happy with Google’s support to offer digital literacy skills across the MENA region and to expand the reach of a program like ‘Maharat min Google’. We share a common vision with Google and want to support the Arab youth, especially those in rural areas and underprivileged communities, in preparing them for future job opportunities and in empowering them to become successful entrepreneurs.”

In a recent study by the World Economic Forum, 1 in 5 jobs in the Arab world will require digital skills that aren’t widely available today. 51% of youth consider unemployment their biggest concern and only 38% believe their education gives them the skills they need to enter the workforce. In MENA, there are 30 million women educated, connected and of working age, which represents the largest economic opportunity in the region today.  More than 50% of university graduates are females, yet only 25% participate in the workforce.

Courses are available on g.co/Maharat and new lessons will be added in the future.

Monetary Value of an Influencers Post

17 Mar 2018 Uncategorized

When engaging in a social media campaign a critical element is determining how much you are willing to pay for a given post. Attempting to determine the value of each post before it goes live is an exercise in futility. Even if you exert full creative control you cannot guess accurately whether or not the post you’re making will be a hit or a dud. Due to the nature of influencer marketing, the value of a given post will fluctuate greatly due to factors beyond your control.

However, that doesn’t mean that you cannot determine an average. While not every post is going to carry the same value, an influencer marketing campaign is a long-term strategy. By figuring out the averages, you can roughly determine the value of a post, and from there determine what you should be paying per post. Over time, some posts will excel, and others will flop, but everything will average out to a positive return. The question is, how do you go about calculating this average? The following tips will help you determine the average value of an influencer’s social media post.

Look for Longer Running Accounts

In order to establish a good average, focus your attention on accounts that have been around for a while. Several months to a year at least depending on how often the account has existed is a good way to get a reasonable sample size. Long running accounts also have the advantage of having enough data to spot trends, allowing you to make a reasonable guess about what the future of the account is going to hold.

While it might be tempting to score a deal with an influencer who has had runaway and unprecedented success, it is best to hedge your bets until they’ve had a chance to grow. The influencer might not actually understand how they managed to gain so many views so quickly, giving them a chance to settle into your niche will help keep you from making a bad investment.

Pull Data from Older Posts

Do not look at the last three posts from an influencer, and instead look at what they’ve managed with older posts. Fresh content is still circulating and could go viral, while older content has had a chance to circulate through news feeds and social media alerts and has gathered all the views it is likely to gather. These older posts can provide the best data on how much engagement that post will get over its lifetime.

Filter Out Flukes

Note that since we’re dealing with averages, it is important to filter out fluke posts – the kind of posts that go viral but whose success is never again replicated by the influencer. If somebody posts a YouTube video that scores a million hits but they only have 25k subscribers and just about all of their other videos average about 30 – 40k views then that highly viewed video should be treated as a fluke and not the norm. If you’re not sure if a post is a fluke, compare the averages you get including it in the data and without it in the data. If the difference is enough to completely change your decision to deal with that influencer, then go with the lower numbers.

Run the Averages

Once you’ve done all the necessary filtering, it’s just a matter of running what’s left. Basic math to find out the average views per post, the average engagement per post, and more information that will tell you everything you need to know about what that influencer can do and what they’re worth to you. Third party platforms such as Neoreach are excellent for helping you find some of the best influencers in your niche, allowing you to compare them and determine who is the best fit for your brand and who is most likely to net a positive return on investment.

Why Domain Authority Matters?

15 Mar 2018 Blog

According to Sharad Agarwal, CEO of Cyber Gear, “Domain authority is a measure of the power of a domain name and is one of the most important search engine ranking factors. Domain authority is based on three factors: Age, Popularity and Size. Web site owners need to focus on domain authority to ensure that their brand is popular on the web.”

‘Domain Authority’ of a web site is also important since it can ascertain the following:

  • Prestige of a website and its authors
  • Quality of the information presented
  • Information and website centrality
  • Competitive situation around a subject

Domain Authority (DA) is a search engine ranking score developed by Moz that predicts how well a website will rank on search engine result pages (SERPs). A Domain Authority score ranges from one to 100, with higher scores corresponding to a greater ability to rank based on an algorithm and weighted level metric.

Domain Authority is calculated by on the basis of age of domain, evaluating linking root domains, number of total links, MozRank, MozTrust, etc. into a single DA score. This score can then be used when comparing websites or tracking the ‘ranking strength’ of a website over time.

You can view a website’s DA by using MozBar (a free Chrome-extension), Open Site Explorer (a backlink analysis tool), the SERP Analysis section of Keyword Explorer and several other SEO tools across the web like Websiteseochecker.com.

Sites with a very large number of high quality external links are at the top end of the Domain Authority scale, whereas small businesses and websites with fewer inbound links may have a much lower DA score. Because of how Domain Authority is calculated, it’s best used as a comparative metric when doing research in the search results and determining which sites may have more powerful link profiles than others.

The best way to influence the Domain Authority metric is to improve your overall SEO. In particular you should focus on your link profile by getting more links from other well-linked-to pages.

GuestPosts.biz can help you build links from reputed portals.

 

Google and Dubai Chamber Help Dubai Businesses Get Online

5 Feb 2018 Uncategorized

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Google announced today the launch of “Get Dubai Businesses Online”, a program dedicated to help local businesses get more easily discovered on the web, by listing and verifying their business information (company’s opening hours, contact number and location) on Google Search and Maps through a unique solution called Google My Business. New and existing members of the Dubai Chamber can receive assistance in getting their business listing by visiting the website or a dedicated booth at the Chamber’s HQ in Deira. Businesses will also be able to instantly convert their business listing into a free mobile-friendly website in English and in Arabic.

Online search has become an essential part of people’s daily lives in the UAE. According to a new research by Ipsos[1], 1 in 3 searches in the UAE are about locations of local businesses; 95% of mobile users first turn to Google search (and 88% on Google Maps) for information regarding their purchase. Additionally, purchasers who see complete listings for businesses on Google Search and Maps are 20% more likely to say the business is reliable, well-established and offers quality products and services. According to another research by Alpha Beta, people who visit digital maps looking for business information have an 82% purchase conversion rate[2].

H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, said: “We are excited to launch this game-changing program with Google which will help our members realize the value and benefits of building and managing their digital presence. It has become apparent that consumers are increasingly turning to online channels to access information, products and services, which is why it is absolutely crucial that businesses of all sizes invest in this area and leverage the right tools to boost their online reach.”

H.E. Buamim noted that he is optimistic about the program’s outcome after the results of the pilot conducted in 2017 exceeded the Chamber’s expectations, adding that the project will promote smarter practices among businesses in Dubai and open the door to new growth opportunities in the UAE and beyond.

Lino Cattaruzzi, Managing Director for Google in MENA, said: “We’re very pleased to partner with the Dubai Chamber to help put businesses in Dubai on the map. As more people in the UAE are looking for information online, businesses need to move fast to meet their customers and show up in the moments that matter. Now is the time to experiment and to use the digital tools out there to help make businesses smarter, and to measure results. This is just the beginning. We plan to roll out the same program with local partners across the region.”

The event was held at the Dubai Chamber’s headquarters, and brought together business owners in Dubai, media, and representatives from Google and Dubai Chamberi. During the event, owners and founders of businesses like 800flower, Re-Urban Studio, Gravity Gym and The Healthy Home discussed the value of online presence. Google executives demonstrated the features of Google my Business, a free tool that allows business owners to publish their business listings on Google Search and Maps, receive customer insights, and create free and instant mobile-friendly websites. Across the UAE, tens of thousands of Arabic and English websites have been created over the past six months using Google my Business.

‘Get Dubai Businesses Online’ is the result of an extensive pilot program that ran in 2017 and that took into consideration the challenges of business owners such as limited advertising budgets and basic understanding of how to reach their customers online.

 

4 Main Reasons for Selecting Mate Broadband Services

18 Jan 2018 Uncategorized

Mate Communicate is an Australian telecommunication company that is committed to offering the best service to the consumers. The company has the motto of becoming the ‘best mate’ through exceptional quality service at an affordable price.

The branding of the company paints it as a truly 21-century broadband service provider. The company was formerly a part of Barefoot Telecom but was later spun off. Today the company provides different packages across different speed tiers.

Here are four prime reasons you won’t regret selecting Mate Broadband services.

1. No Lock-in Contract

The best thing about Mate broadband services is that there is no lock-in contract. As a result, you can change the plans whenever you like. This flexibility gives greater freedom to the customers to choose a broadband provider. However, since most of the customers are satisfied with the services they remain committed to the company.

2. High-Speed Internet

Another good reason for selecting Mate broadband services is that they provide high-speed internet connection. The speed of the basic plan is up to 12 Mbps while the premium plan has speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

3. Great Value for Money

Most would think that since the company offers high-speed connection the Mate broadband services’ charges would be high. However, the fact is that Mate communicates broadband packages are affordably priced.

The basic Mate broadband services NBN plan costs just $59 per month, while the premium plan costs $99 per month. There is no activation fee, no plan change fee, and no installation fee in case of a compatible BYO modem. In short, Mate Communicate package offersexceptional value for service.

4. Excellent Customer Service

Lastly, and most importantly, Mate Communicate provides exceptional customer support. The company proactively address issues of the clients. What’s more, it has an active social media presence where the company address issues of the customers. Apart from that, the customer service personnel respond to customer’s issues in multiple review sites. The excellent customer support makes Mate Communicate one of the preferred service providers.

The above are the four main reasons you should consider making Mate Communicate your best mate. The broadband service provider offers different packages that can suit the data requirements of different users.

You can select from four NBN plans and two ASDL plans. All the plans offer unlimited data. The NBN plans as mentioned previously range from $59 to $99 per month. On the other hand, the ASDL packages range from $49 per month and $59 per month. The NBN packages have higher speed as compared to the ASDL package.

Mass Communicate offers one of the best services across Australia. The company provides affordable packages that can meet the need of different customers. Also, the company has responsive customer service staff who make sure that the customers are happy with the services. If you are thinking about switching broadband service provider, you won’t regret selecting Mate Communicate. Once you become a customer of the company, you won’t find any reasons to switch again.

Do Cryptocurrencies Need Rebranding?

16 Jan 2018 Uncategorized

Let’s face facts: cryptocurrencies have come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Even Bitcoin, which remains the poster boy for digital currency and has endured numerous peaks and troughs since its inception in 2009, is now a fully-regulated asset class that achieved a market capitalisation of $96.7 billion during the final quarter of 2017.

This was higher than both Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley during this period, while it highlights precisely how far cryptocurrency has come in a little over eight years.

Despite this, it can be argued that the image of Bitcoin and digital currency as a whole has not evolved at the same pace. This suggests that the time has come for cryptocurrency to be rebranded, so that users and potential adopters focus on its benefits and incredible possibilities rather than what has come before.

Then and Now – How has Cryptocurrency Evolved

Let’s start by recognising the chequered past of cryptocurrency. In the beginning there was only Bitcoin, and this unregulated currency was quickly adopted by criminal on the black market. As it became the unofficial currency of choice on the notorious Silk Road, investors sought flight while regulators from across the globe pledged to crackdown on the distribution of Bitcoin and its usage.

You don’t need to be a student of modern history to know that Bitcoin survived this, however, thanks to the implementation of stringent (but fair) regulatory measures and caps on the value of single transactions. The currency has also relied on its immense potential during dark and difficult times, enabling it to blaze a trail for others to follow in recent times.

Cryptocurrency continues to court controversy, of course, even as it has evolved and benefited from brand new applications. Most recently, the process of mining Bitcoin was presented as a potential risk to the environment, with experts suggesting that this consumed up to 32 terawatts of energy each year and will account for more as demand rises.

While this claim is factually true, it should not cast cryptocurrency in a negative light or detract from its immense potential in the future. Sure, there’s need for the mining process to be managed and adapted so that it does not consume as much energy in the future, but this is part of an evolutionary process that will bear fruit as the demand for Bitcoin rises.

Why, and how, Should Cryptocurrency be Rebranded

As we can see, there remains a resistance to the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrency in the modern age. This may simply be the result of the human mind’s in-built struggle with change, which prevents many from considering the benefits and potential applications of assets such as Bitcoin. Instead, they fall back on familiar and often outdated observations, such as the complex nature of cryptocurrency and its historic connection with crime syndicates.

This is where a sustained and consistent rebranding process would come into play, as the only way to sell the virtues of cryptocurrency is to change how it’s perceived by the general public. This would move away from the past issues experienced by digital currency and its perceived flaws, and instead encourage citizens to focus on its promising future and the practical benefits that it can deliver.

More specifically, innovators and adopters need to sell the most compelling benefit of cryptocurrency, which is its ability to wrestle control from central banks and create a more level playing field for households, consumers and investors alike. Cryptocurrencies are decentralised by nature, for example meaning that there’s no central body of control. As a result, digital currency transactions are unequivocally transparent, while they also negate the need for users to pay inflated interest rates or commission fees on their purchases.

This has a huge number of positive connotations, particularly for investors. As anyone who trades the forex market knows, individual transactions often require you to pay a brokerage fee or commission. Cryptocurrency would eliminate this fee, making this sector more lucrative and accessible to a wider range of people.

Beyond this, there’s even talk of the cryptocurrency Ethereum being used to power the world’s first, zero-house edge casino, which would allow gamblers to enjoy totally transparent gameplay on a level playing field with operators. This type of ground-breaking application offers a true insight into the widespread benefits of digital currency, while it also provides tangible evidence of its ability to restructure the financial landscape for the better (at least from a consumer perspective).

The Technology Behind Cryptocurrencies Like Bitcoin

16 Jan 2018 Blog

You’ve no doubt heard the buzz about Bitcoin. In fact, it has been difficult to avoid. And you’re probably wondering: how does it work? Or you might know more than your fair share about bitcoin, but would like to know how the rest of the cryptocurrency world operates. Either way, this guide is for you.

Because our focus is on all things digital, we’re going to dig a little deeper and do our best to explain what really goes on inside the top cryptocurrencies. So, let’s begin.

Bitcoin

The great grandparent of most of the cryptocurrencies in operation today, Bitcoin started life way back in 2008 (the stone age as far as cryptocurrencies are concerned) and is based on a paper authored by its creator Satoshi Nakamoto. Among other milestones, it is the first decentralised digital currency – meaning that it doesn’t require a bank or any other type of administrator.

Its peer-to-peer transactions take place directly between users and are verified by network nodes, which are computers connected to the bitcoin network. These transactions are then recorded in a public ledger known as the blockchain – a term familiar to anyone with a passing interest in Bitcoin. The coins themselves are created during the record-keeping process known as mining, which uses vast computer processing power to ensure that the blockchain is consistent and complete.

This revolutionary currency is used for the purchasing of goods and services, but where it is really making waves is among investors. For traders who want to invest directly there are the digital currency exchanges. More recently, Bitcoin futures markets have opened up. It is also possible to trade Bitcoin derivatives using a full-service brokerage firm.

Bitcoin Cash

Dating back only to 2017, Bitcoin Cash came out of a hard fork (a rule change not considered valid by older software) from Bitcoin which increased the block size limit from one megabyte to eight megabytes. What this change means is that Bitcoin Cash is a separate currency and not to be confused with Bitcoin. Upon launch it actually inherited the transaction history of Bitcoin, but from that point on all transactions have been separate. Bitcoin Cash has been widely adopted by digital currency exchanges and is frequently traded.

Ripple

Perhaps the second biggest name in cryptocurrencies, Ripple is a real-time global settlement network embraced by individuals and many larger banking institutions. The way it works is through a consensus ledger which doesn’t need mining.

Users make payments using encrypted signed transactions in either fiat currencies (such as the Euro) or Ripple’s internal currency called XRP. At first trust was required when it came to including fiat currencies, but Ripple is now integrated with various banking services and verification protocols. When a non-XRP payment is accepted, the system adjusts all along the network to record it – and this is what is known as ‘rippling’, the process which gives the currency its name.

Dash

This cryptocurrency started life in 2014 as ‘Darkcoin’, a more secretive version of Bitcoin. Even after being renamed it still offers users anonymity by working on a decentralized Masternode system which makes transactions almost untraceable. As with Bitcoin, miners are required to create new blocks, but on a level above them sit the Masternodes, which handle the transactions. This two-tier format is one of the reasons for the cryptocurrency’s success, but there are many other features which set it apart, including its Decentralised Governance by Blockchain (DGBB) system which allows operators to reach a consensus on issues such as proposed network changes.

Dogecoin

This may seem like a frivolous entry in the list, but Dogecoin has really taken off. It was launched in 2013 as something of a joke, with its symbol featuring the image of a dog popularly used in internet memes. However, it has since gained traction with the public as it is frequently used as an internet tipping system. It is also popular across social media, with a variety of Dogecoin-based initiatives (such as funding the Jamaican Bobsled Team and working to put a Dogecoin on the Moon) really capturing the popular imagination. When it comes to the tech behind it, one of the most important things to know is that unlike with Bitcoin and others, the supply of Dogecoin will remain uncapped.

This is just a short look at how some of the world’s biggest cryptocurrencies operate, but if you want to look deeper into the tech involved, it’s worth reading more. You could also simply follow the news, because cryptocurrencies are constantly grabbing headlines.

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