New comment by cookiehire in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (October 2022)"

Veza | Remote | Full Time | https://www.veza.com

Veza is a well-funded startup headquartered in Silicon Valley, operating with a remote-first mindset – we have teams across the US, Canada and in Europe. We are building a market-category defining cloud data security company for the dynamic world of data and app ecosystems. We are backed by top-tier VCs and angel investors, including CEOs and security leaders from Google, Stripe, Facebook, etc. The founding team consists of serial entrepreneurs and early engineers from startups and cloud scale companies. We are looking for product managers (customer-obsessed PMs), product designers, backend engineers (Golang), and fullstack developers (React) with hands-on experience building cloud-native and SaaS products. You will play a critical role in building products working closely with our early customers, founders, and collaborating with senior engineers who have built and shipped $1B+ products (alumni from Google, Facebook, Nutanix, Rubrik, ZScaler, Netskope, AWS, IBM Research). You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies (Kafka, Docker, K8s, etc.) and many others from the open-source world. We are looking for characteristics such as ambition, agility, self-drive, diverse and growth mindsets, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to building an enduring product and an enduring company. Location is open to anywhere in the world where you are at your best. Please reach out: hello AT veza.com.

New comment by collinglass in "Ask HN: Who is hiring? (April 2021)"

Trusty Homes | AWS CDK Engineer and React Engineer | REMOTE | $90K – 140K | Full-Time | https://angel.co/company/trustyco

Trusty is making real estate social.

Senior React Engineer

– Next.js / React Native

– GraphQL

– Typescript

Senior AWS CDK (Typescript) Engineer

– AWS CDK Infrastructure

– GraphQL

– Serverless

– Typescript

I’m an engineer here, feel free to reach out to me. We are a small team, fully remote company, lots of opportunity to where multiple hats. This is an ideal position for someone looking for a funded startup where they can make a big impact.

How to Buy a Domain Name

Disclosure: This content is reader-supported, which means if you click on some of our links that we may earn a commission.

Buying a domain name is one of the first steps to launching a website. 

But finding the perfect domain for your site and registering that domain can feel like a tall task if you’ve never been through this process. Fortunately, domain registration isn’t that difficult—you just need to follow a few simple steps.

Throughout my career, I’ve bought a lot of domains—too many to count. Some of those experiences were significantly better than others.  

This guide will explain my two favorite ways to buy a domain; one of those methods will even get you a free domain. I’ll also cover the differences between these options in greater detail and explain how to buy a premium domain. Let’s dive in.

How to Buy a Domain Name With Bluehost

Bluehost is a web hosting provider. In fact, they are one of the most reputable and reliable web hosts on the market today. More than two million sites across the globe are hosted by Bluehost.

But Bluehost also provides domain registration services. If you use Bluehost for web hosting, you’ll get a free domain for one year. 

Since you need a hosting plan anyways, you can use Bluehost as a one-stop-shop to bundle hosting and domain registration into a single package. This is a great option for beginners starting a new website from scratch. 

Step #1 – Navigate to Bluehost.com

The first step is easy. Just make your way over to the Bluehost website.

From here, scan the menu and select “Hosting” at the top of the screen. 

I’ll say it again; click HOSTING. Do not click on the “Domains” menu option. 

If you click on the latter, you won’t be bundling your hosting plan with domain registration, which defeats the purpose of using Bluehost (and you won’t get the domain for free).

Step #2 – Choose a Hosting Plan

The hosting menu will expand and present you with three different options:

  • Shared Hosting
  • Dedicated Hosting
  • VPS Hosting

Shared hosting will be the best option for 99% of people starting a new website. So go ahead and select that from the expanded drop-down menu. 

You’ll still be able to bundle your hosting plan and domain registration (and get a free domain) if you select dedicated or VPS, but most of you won’t need to worry about that right now; stick with shared hosting.  

Bluehost offers four different shared web hosting plans to choose from—Basic, Plus, Choice Plus, and Pro:

If you’re launching a small personal site, the Basic entry-level plan starting at $3.95 per month should be fine for you. For those of you launching a site for your business, I’d go with the Choice Plus plan, at a minimum. 

The extra features that come with this plan are worth the few extra bucks per month. 

To continue, just click the “Select” button under the plan that fits your needs.

Step #3 – Register Your Domain

Once you choose a web hosting plan, Bluehost will automatically prompt you to set up your domain. You’ll be presented with two different options here:

  • Create a new domain
  • Use a domain you own

You’ll want to use the “Create a new domain” option to search for available domains.

Simply enter the domain you want to buy into the search bar and choose your domain extension (.com, .net, .blog, .biz, .info, .store, .co, .us, etc.). 

In the vast majority of cases, you’re going to want a .com extension. The only reason why I’d consider an alternative domain extension is if the .com domain is taken. For example, if you try to create a domain using nike.com or apple.com, those will obviously be unavailable. But a different extension might be available for purchase.

So if you’re set on a name, you could always get an alternative extension in the meantime while you figure out how to buy the .com extension. I’ll explain how to buy domains that have already been registered in greater detail later in this guide (although you probably won’t be able to buy Nike or Apple).

Another reason to consider an alternative domain extension is the price. Lots of these extensions will be cheaper than a .com domain.

For a small blog, side project, or personal site, that’s fine if you want to save a few dollars. But businesses should always register a .com domain.

Step #4 – Finalize Your Contract

Once you’ve chosen an available domain name, simply create your Bluehost account and select your plan terms.

Definitely make sure you get “Domain Privacy + Protection” located in the “Package Extras” section. Otherwise, your name, email, phone number, and address will all become available on a public database. It’s well worth the extra $0.99 per month. 

The other options, like SiteLock Security and Codeguard Basic, are up to you. I’d get them, but there are alternative third-party services out there that you can use for site backups and security. I think it’s just easier to get them now.

That’s it! 

Once you enter your payment details, your hosting plan and new domain purchase will be finalized. Your domain name is free for the first year of your contract. 

How to Buy a Domain Name With Namecheap

The market is flooded with domain registrars. But Namecheap is definitely my favorite. It’s super easy for anyone to buy a domain using this registrar, even if it’s your first time.

This method is a bit more straightforward than using Bluehost, only because you’re not bundling any other services—Namecheap is strictly for buying a domain. 

The entire process can be completed in just three quick steps.

Step #1 – Visit Namecheap.com

Obviously, the first thing you need to do is make your way over the Namecheap website.

From here, you can search for your domain directly from the homepage.

Enter your desired domain name into the search bar, which can be found in the center of the screen. 

Make sure that “Register” is toggled above that search bar. The “Transfer” option is made for people who have an existing domain and want to switch registrars—that’s not for you. 

Click the search icon to continue. 

Step #2 – Choose Your Extension

As a domain registrar, Namecheap offers an extensive list of domain extensions. 

You’ll have the option to choose from things like .fun, .vip, .studio, .health, .xyz, .lol, .design, and hundreds of other extensions. But in most cases, choosing a .com extension will be your best bet. 

Just click the “Add to cart” button next to the extensions you want and then checkout.

Step #3 – Confirm Your Order

When you’re buying a domain directly from a domain registrar, you can skip all of the extras. You won’t need an SSL certificate, professional email, or anything else. You’ll be able to get that from your web hosting provider.

Definitely make sure you have WhoisGuard enabled. This protects your personal information from being available to the public. Some domain registrars make you pay extra for this, but Namecheap offers it free forever. 

Turn on “auto-renew” for your domain registration as well. Otherwise, you’ll have to renew it manually every year, which puts you at risk for the registration lapsing. 

It’s that easy! 

Once you confirm the order, you’ll be asked to create a Namecheap account. After you enter your payment details and finalize the purchase, the domain is yours. 

Ways to Buy a Domain Name

Generally speaking, there are two main ways to buy a domain name. Both of which have been covered above—domain registrars and hosting providers. 

There are pros and cons to each method, and the process for each one is very different.

I’ll quickly explain the differences between these options so you can figure out which one is the best choice for your website. 

Buying a Domain From a Standalone Domain Registrar

In most cases, going directly to a domain registrar like Namecheap will be your best option. As the name implies, these platforms specialize in domain registration. 

Buying domains directly from a standalone registrar will be faster than alternative methods. That’s because you’re not bundling other services, so the process is more direct.

Domain registrars also make it easier to buy domains in bulk. So if you’re in the market for more than a single domain, definitely go with a registrar. 

If you want alternative extensions, domain registrars will offer significantly more options. While I typically don’t recommend anything other than a .com domain, some of you might want to browse through hundreds of alternative extensions. 

Transferring domain names with a registrar is also easier than using a service that doesn’t specialize in domain registration. So if you want to transfer your domain or think you might want to transfer it in the future, use a domain registrar.

It’s usually cheaper to buy domains directly from a registrar. For starters, the domain itself will likely be less expensive. But the best registrars, like Namecheap, include WhoisGuard protection for free with the purchase of a domain. You probably won’t get that from a hosting company. 

The downside of getting your domain from a registrar is that there’s an extra step in the process. You’ll still have to get web hosting elsewhere. 

Buying a Domain From a Web Hosting Company

For the most part, domain registration and web hosting should be kept separately. Bluehost is the exception to this rule. So if you want to bundle your domain name with a hosting plan, Bluehost is really the only option to consider.

There are a couple of main reasons why you’d go this route.

For beginners who are new to the world of web hosting and domain registration, getting everything under one roof is just easier. It’s less steps, and you can manage your hosting plan and domain name from a single account. 

Furthermore, Bluehost gives you a free domain name for one year. You’ll never get a deal like that from a domain registrar. 

But getting a domain from a hosting provider isn’t ideal if you want to buy domains in bulk. It’s fine for a single domain, but beyond that, it gets messy. You also won’t have as many options for alternative extensions (if you want something unique). 

Most web hosting providers will also charge you extra for domain privacy + protection, whereas you can get this for free from a domain registrar. 

How to Buy a Premium Domain

Premium domains are a great way to stand out online. They are great for branding and marketing purposes as well.

What is a premium domain?

A premium domain is typically short, memorable, and easy to spell. High-quality domains have a high search volume and are closely associated with an industry, service, or topic. They also have TLDs (top-level domains) like .com, .org, or .net. 

Premium domains are in high demand. So they’ll typically cost a bit more to register. The process of buying a premium domain can be different as well since it’s not always clear if the domain is actually for sale. Here’s what I mean.

Let’s say you try to register a premium domain from a domain registrar or hosting company. Just because it says “unavailable,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it can’t be acquired. These are the steps for buying a premium domain:

Step #1 – Determine if the Domain Seems Attainable

If a domain is unavailable from a registrar, try going directly to that website and see what you find. If there’s an active website or business using that domain, it might be tougher to acquire. 

But if you don’t see an active site, there’s a good chance that domain will be for sale.

Here’s an example for management.com:

Clearly, not much is happening on this site. So if you wanted this premium domain, there is a pretty good indication here that it’s for sale. 

In some cases, you’ll even see text like “buy this domain” or information that says “this domain might be for sale.” All of these are good signs that the domain is attainable.

Step #2 – Find Out Who Owns the Domain

There are two ways to complete this step:

  • Figure it out on your own
  • Hire a domain broker to do it for you

Doing it on your own can be tricky. You could run a quick WHOIS lookup, but most people won’t have their personal information listed. Using Google to your advantage can be helpful. Some domains might be linked to another website or social media profile. You could potentially find the owner that way.

Personally, I’d recommend using a broker. Sedo is one of my favorite domain marketplaces and brokerage sites.

Brokers can almost always find out who owns the domain because they have such a massive network. They’ll determine if the domain is actually for sale and how much the seller is asking for. Your broker can even handle the negotiations on your behalf.

The downside of using a broker is that you’ll have to pay a brokerage fee. But in most cases, you’ll only have to pay if the sale actually goes through.

Other great places to find a premium domain online include:

If a domain is for sale, you’ll be able to get the ball rolling with Sedo or one of the other options listed above.

Step #3 – Negotiate and Buy

Often times, the listing price of a premium domain can be negotiable. If you think it’s a fair price and fits well within your budget, you can speed up the buying process by offering the asking price in full.

If a domain is in high-demand, this also increases your chances of securing it before someone else makes a better offer.

But in some cases, domains can be outrageously priced. You need to ask yourself if it’s actually worth the cost. Sometimes you might be better off just looking for another domain. Unless a certain domain is crucial to the success of your business, it can be tough to justify a five or six-figure listing price. 

Don’t be afraid to walk away during the negotiation process. If it’s not meant to be, you can move on or try again at a later time. This is also another reason why it’s helpful to have a broker.

Step #4 – Transfer the Domain

Once the domain has been purchased, the final step is transferring it to your domain registrar. Again, I recommend Namecheap.com for this because it’s so easy. 

Make sure you turn on the auto-renewal after the transfer. Otherwise, you’ll have to worry about manually renewing your domain each year. If you forget and the name lapses, your premium domain could be up for grabs on the open market.

The process is officially complete when you see the domain sitting inside of your domain registrar account. Now you can finally rest easy knowing that you’ve secured your premium domain.

How to Buy a Domain Name That’s Not For Sale

Not every premium domain will be available on a brokerage site or domain marketplace. But if you really want to pursue a specific domain, you still might have a chance.

Similar to the steps we took in the last section, you’ll need to figure out who owns the domain. If a domain isn’t for sale, this step should be a bit easier, and you can probably do it on your own. 

Most domains that aren’t for sale will be linked to an active website. That site should have some sort of contact information on it. You can reach out directly to get in contact with the business owner or decision-maker associated with the domain. 

Start with a general inquiry saying that you’re interested in buying the domain; don’t throw an offer out there just yet (or you could end up overpaying). 

See what type of response you get and if the site owner is willing to sell. Unlike a premium domain that’s listed on a domain marketplace, you might have to dig a bit deeper into your pockets to buy a domain that’s not currently for sale. 

If it’s absolutely imperative that you secure this particular domain, consider making the owner an offer that they can’t refuse. 

Just be aware that this won’t always work. It’s like trying to buy a house that’s not for sale. You can knock on the front door and make a cash offer, but the homeowner might decide to stay put.

If they’re willing to sell, use a broker to make sure the purchase goes smoothly. Then immediately transfer that domain to your registrar after you obtain ownership.

Summary

Buying a domain name doesn’t need to be that complicated.

Even beginners and first-time buyers can complete this process in just a few minutes by following the step-by-step instructions explained in this guide.

Buying a premium domain might take a bit longer. But again, you can still make it happen by following the process I’ve outlined above. Good luck and happy buying!

The post How to Buy a Domain Name appeared first on Neil Patel.

New comment by neelsaswade in "Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (October 2020)"

Location: Sunnyvale, California

Remote: Yes

Willing to relocate: Yes

Technologies:
-Programming Languages: Python, C/C++, Java, Javascript (ES6)
-Tools/Frameworks: React.js, Node.js, React Native, HTML, CSS, SASS, NumPy, Pandas, sci-kit learn, NLTK, Seaborn, Firebase, Unix, Git
-Visual Design: Figma, Sketch, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe XD, Wireframes, Adobe After Effects, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom
-Research: User Interviews, Heuristic
Evaluation, Usability Testing, High Fidelity Prototypes, Task Analysis, Contextual Inquiry

Résumé/CV:
– software engineering: https://bit.ly/2HaQObd
– ui/ux design: https://bit.ly/3lLIdLh

Portfolio: neelsaswade.com

Email: neelsaswade@gmail.com

Hey! I’m Neel.

I am an up and coming UI/UX Designer and Software Developer who has a natural knack for design.

Have experience with front-end development but also hold prior experience with the back-end. I’ve programmed front-end user experience improvements in React.js, mobile applications in React Native, and a machine learning data visualization pipeline in Python. My experience is mostly from various organizations, hackathons and startups.

I am looking for roles where I can grow as a developer and designer.

How To Build A Chatbot For E-commerce

A chatbot for e-commerce gives you the power to engage with new, existing, and potential customers with real-time, text-style messaging, without actually providing (and paying for!) a live person.

Through carefully scripted conversations, your brand can provide your customer base with support, information, and resources 24/7.

Like any conversation, chatbots are a two-way street —- and there are benefits for both brands and users.

Customers (or prospective costumes) can find information quickly, without having to wait for a human. And you can draw customers through the sales funnel, without interacting with them directly.

Chatbots leverage artificial intelligence more than any other technology, and can help you:

  • Identify and nurture qualified leads
  • Provide customer service and support
  • Interact with past customers, including providing shipping and return information
  • Gather feedback on the customer experience
  • Recommend related products to increase sales

If you are looking for a way to build a real relationship with your audience, improve customer service, and even increase sales, chatbots should be high on your list of priorities.

Today, I will explain exactly how to build and launch a chatbot for your e-commerce store from start to finish.

The good news is, it’s likely a lot easier than you think!  

What Is the Goal of Your Ecommerce Chatbot?

Getting clear on your goals will help you avoid distractions and stay laser-focused on results.

Chatbots for e-commerce are a powerful sales and marketing tool. So before you get started, get a handle on what you want your chatbot to do for your business.

Here are a few more features to consider before digging into building your chatbot:

  • Where do you want the chatbot to be located?
  • What other platforms, such as social media, do you want it connected to?
  • What kind of information do you want to supply to your customers?
  • What are your customers looking for when they interact with your chatbot?
  • Do you want users to be able to request and connect with a live person?
  • How will your chatbot fit into your overall marketing strategy?

Getting a handle on what you want, at least initially, will help you build your chatbot efficiently, without getting distracted by the myriad of things chatbots can do. (Seriously, they can do a ton.)

I highly recommend considering the power of Facebook Messenger when it comes to chatbots. Well over a billion users are using Facebook Messenger every month, so interacting with your brand can be seamless.

Messenger can give you valuable user insights, such as their name and location, that can help you help them find what they want – and ultimately move them through your sales funnel.

One of the most useful tools for launching a Facebook messenger chatbot is Manychat, which we’ll cover below.

Building a Chatbot

Yes, it’s possible to plug-in Facebook messenger directly into your website. Still, a third-party chatbot program gives you the power to set up automated conversations through scripts, answering popular questions, or assisting customers, without human interaction.

Every program has its own interface and step-by-step plan to actually build your bot, so instructions may vary.

Not only can you build a chatbot for your e-commerce but customers can also subscribe to your content using that platform, so when you publish a blog post with a sale or new product, it’ll go right to their Facebook messenger app.

How to Set Up a Chatbot

  1. Choose which platform you want to work with. I’ll walk you through Manychat, but there are several other options, including Chatfuel, Botsify, and Mobile Monkey. I’ve chosen Manychat for an example.
  2. Log in from their website, using your Facebook credentials.
  3. Give the chatbot program access to your Facebook page.
  4. Provide some basic information about your company and your goals.

Now, it’s time to start creating the chatbot’s content, including broadcasts (like an email blast) and conversation flows — this is complex, but you only have to set it up once.    

On Manychat, go to “Automation” to see your options for various flows or sequences.

e-commerce chatbot example

Building a chatbot for e-commerce comes down to writing scripts that engage, educate, and serve your customers.

You can start editing these default messages, such as the Welcome message to include your brand information and a warm greeting.

e-commerce chatbot example

Now it’s time to build flows that simulate real conversation with your customers, allowing them to interact with your brand.

To build flows in Manychat, the best option is the Flow Builder. This is available once you open and name a flow.

You can stay in Basic Builder mode, or click “Go To Flow Builder” in the upper right-hand corner.

e-commerce chatbot flow example

This will give you a visual representation of your conversation flow, which is really helpful for making sure you don’t miss anything. Keep adding dynamic steps to simulate the conversation you want to walk your visitors through.

How to Build Flows

  • Add Trigger. What’s going to launch this conversation? When you click “Add Trigger,” you’ll be given dozens of options, from subscriber opt-ins to keyword triggers to pop-ups on the side of the screen. Choose the one that makes sense for the goal of this flow. How will the customer start this conversation?
  • Add Text. It’s time to start the conversation. A warm “Hello, How can I help you?” is good. An introduction to your chatbot persona or your brand is also an excellent place to start.
  • Keep going. The conversation has only begun! Add images or galleries of choices. You can choose “User Input” in the Manychat Pro version, to allow customers to choose from various options in responding back with you. Here’s a quick look at a few of the button options you’ll have for each message.
e-commerce chatbot example

Consider looking at your customer service logs and planning conversations based on the most common questions customers or prospects ask.

6 Tips for Building an Effective Chatbot Script

Your script is the most critical part of building an effective chatbot. Here are a few tips to ensure your script is on point every time.

  1. Start with a welcome message: Remember you are simulating a conversation. If a real person just walked up to you and started talking about a sale, it would be a little weird. Start with a “hello” and maybe an offer to help or another soft opening.
  2. Provide a Main menu: Provide this option early in the sequence to help customers find what they need quickly and allow them to return to the menu if they need to. Use a gallery view and include pictures and links to basic information on your page.
  3. Use personalized text tags whenever feasible: If you can use a merge tag to fill in the customer’s name, or other personalizations, you can sound more human. But be careful, because overdoing the personalization can come across as fake.
  4. Think like the user: As you are planning the conversational flow of your chatbot, think of it as a flow chart, with various options leading to other options. If they say this, you say that. And so on. However, don’t lose sight of your ultimate goal, which is to close a sale or prompt a sign-up. Ensure each path leads to a goal or to another engagement, such as subscribing or talking to a live person.
  5. Include a Buy Now option: If your goal is to drive sales, a buy button will make it easy for customers to convert. Allowing them to purchase right there in Facebook messenger is key.
  6. Get the Unsubscribe option: Give users a way to opt-out of communication, either through an Unsubscribe button or a keyword such as “stop.” Provide the instructions early in the communication.

Should I Use E-commerce Chatbot Templates?

You can use templates designed to help you set up flows even faster. These templates can take some of the guesswork out of building the chatbot script.

Relying on the templates is tempting — it could save you so much time!

But be careful. Relying too heavily on templates can make your conversations feel fake and stilted. I recommend using them carefully — but remember that you know your customers best.

Consider reviewing Abandoned Cart templates and Out of Stock templates for e-commerce specifically.

These can help you drive sales to an already interested crowd.  

Here’s what ManyChat’s Starter template looks like in a simulation:

e-commerce chatbot example

Remember to use these templates as starting points. Dive in the customization options, from images and text to unique flows, to ensure the interaction sounds natural and is authentic to your brand.

Make every update you need to make sure you don’t sound like someone else or too robotic.

Building In Natural Characteristics

When we text, we move at a certain pace, as fast as our fingers or thumbs can type. It’s important that your chatbot move with the same kind of rhythm, otherwise it can become too robotic or pushy.

Here are a few tips for making your chatbot feel more natural:

  • Keep messages short. Use a string of two or three messages, rather than a long paragraph of text that will visually overwhelm the customer.
  • Create pauses between each message. This allows for those familiar three dots to animate, giving customers breathing space in between texts and simulating a more human interaction.
  • Attach links and photos in ways that feel human, rather than a barrage of content. It should feel like “Here this is probably what you’re looking for,” rather than “Here is our entire menu to choose from. See anything you like?”

Testing Your Chatbot for E-commerce

As you start setting up conversations in your e-commerce chatbot, you’re going to want to test the chatbot to make sure conversations feel natural and interactions are working the way you expect them to. There are a few ways you can test your flows to make sure they are working:

Set Up A Test Facebook Page

Create a new Facebook page to use internally for development. Then link your chatbot program account to that page, in addition to your brand’s pages.

Do all your development of flows, broadcasts, and other experiments in that test page.

Then you can log in to Facebook messenger and see them live for yourself and ask other team members to simulate customer interaction and make sure things look and function properly.

Make Use Of The Program’s Live Visuals

If it’s available, try the live visual simulator so you can see how your flows will play out in real-time. Watch these with scrutiny and a customer’s eye. Are things happening an even pace? Does it feel natural or like a sales blast?

Integrating Your E-Commerce Chatbot

One of the great benefits of using a chatbot program is leveraging the widget tool and embedding your chatbot on your website or other online locations.

Where can you lead customers to interact with your chatbot? Here are just a few ideas:

  • A pop-up box on your site, asking customers if they need help
  • A subscribe button to receive your newsletter or sales blasts through messenger
  • A sign-up for events, virtual or in-person

These “triggers” can set up conversations with users, allowing them to opt-in to your chatbot and providing you with customer data.

Available programs offer a range of widgets or buttons with code snippets you can place in the code of your website.

Tutorials are available, but if you aren’t sure, hiring a web developer for this quick project or hourly may be the way to go with this.

Conclusion

Building a chatbot for e-commerce can take your sales to the next level.

Not only can it give you access to highly qualified leads, but also allows you to position yourself as a resource and knowledge base. With an e-commerce chatbot, you can build rapport with your customers and ultimately nurture loyalty.

Using one of the built-in systems, you’re just a few clicks away from starting to engage your customers, giving them valuable information, and driving sales.

As you’re building, don’t lose sight of your brand messaging and voice. Stay on track with who you are as a company, and you’ll be on your way to building a chatbot that sounds authentic to your unique point of view.

How can you use a chatbot for your e-commerce site?

The post How To Build A Chatbot For E-commerce appeared first on Neil Patel.

Take Charge With New Business Credit Cards With EIN

Yes, You Can Get New Business Credit Cards With EIN

Can a startup get new business credit cards with EIN only? No doubt!

We checked out a number new business credit cards with EIN and did the research for you. So, here are our top picks.

Per the SBA, business credit card limits are a whopping 10 – 100 times that of personal credit cards!

This demonstrates you can get a lot more cash with business credit. And it also shows you can have personal credit cards at retailers. So, you would now have an extra card at the same stores for your company.

And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financial data to get business credit.

New Business Credit Cards With EIN: Benefits

Perks can vary. So, make sure to select the benefit you like from this variety of alternatives.

Secure New Business Credit Cards with EIN for Average Credit

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

For fair credit, we like the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. It has no yearly fee. There are cash-back rewards. The card earns an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. There is an annual fee of $0.

With this card, you will get benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And you also get extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.

But KEEP IN MIND: the ongoing APR is 24.74% variable APR. And the penalty APR is even higher, 31.15%. Also, there is no sign-up bonus.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Ironclad Secured New Business Credit Cards with EIN

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

Check out the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card. It charges a $25 annual fee per card (up to 10 employee cards). It also requires a minimum security deposit of $500 (up to $25,000). And it is designed to help cardholders develop or rebuild their credit.

Pick this card if you want to earn 1.5% per dollar in purchases with no limits. Or get one point for every dollar in purchases. You also get 1,000 bonus points for every month your company makes $1,000 in purchases on the card.

Details

Also, you get free FICO scores every month. There are no foreign transaction fees. It is possible to upgrade to unsecured credit. Your account is regularly reviewed. And you may become eligible for an upgrade to an unsecured card with responsible use over time. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on factors including how you manage this and your other accounts.

APR is the current prime rate plus 11.90%. There is no introductory APR period and no sign-up bonus. This is not a card for balance transfers.

Get it here: https://www.wellsfargo.com/biz/business-credit/credit-cards/secured-card/

Small Business Credit Cards with 0% APR – Pay Zero!

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Credit Card

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card has no yearly fee and comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the initial nine months. Afterwards, the card has a 13.24 – 23.24% variable APR

Earn 3 points/dollar spent when you book travel with the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points/dollar on all other purchases. You can earn unlimited points and points never expire.

new business credit cards with ein Credit Suite

Details

There is a 25,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 60 days of opening the account. Cardholders get travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.

They also get trip cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement and other benefits.

There is no introductory rate for balance transfers. Also, bonus categories are limited.

Get it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/

JetBlue Plus Card

Check out the JetBlue Plus Card for another offer of a 0% introductory APR

Get six points/dollar on JetBlue purchases, two points/dollar at restaurants and grocery stores. And get one point/dollar on all other purchases.

Details

Spend $1,000 in the first 90 days and pay the yearly fee, and get 40,000 bonus points. New cardholders get a 12 month, 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.

Thereafter, the variable APR on purchases and balance transfers is 17.99%, 21.99% or 26.99%, based upon creditworthiness. Benefits include a free first checked bag and 50% savings on in-flight purchases.

There is a $99 yearly fee for this card.

Get it here: https://cards.barclaycardus.com/cards/jetblue-card/

Reliable Low APR/Balance Transfers New Business Credit Cards with EIN

Discover it® Cash Back

Check out the Discover it® Cash Back card. There is a 10.99% introductory APR for six months from date of first transfer. So, this is for transfers under this offer which post to your account by January 10, 2019.

After the introductory APR expires, your APR will be 14.99% to 23.99%. So, this is based on your creditworthiness. Your APR will vary with the market, which is based on the Prime Rate.

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You can get 5% cash back at different places each quarter. So, these are places like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, or wholesale clubs. But this is up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. In addition, automatically get unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

You will get an unlimited dollar-for-dollar match of all the cash back you have earned at the end of your first year, automatically.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Exceptional New Business Credit Cards with EIN and No Annual Fee

Uber Visa Card

Check out the Uber Visa Card. Uber is the very first ride-sharing service to offer a credit card, in a partnership with Visa and Barclays.

The card provides 4% back per dollar spent at restaurants, takeout and bars, including UberEATS. Also, earn 3% back on hotel, airfare and vacation home rentals. And earn 2% back on online purchases.

So, this includes retailers and subscription services such as Uber and Netflix. And get 1% back on all other purchases. Each percent/point has a value of 1 cent. Redeem points for cash back, gift cards or Uber credits directly within the app.

By spending a minimum of $500 in the initial 90 days, users can earn a $100 sign-up bonus. Cardholders spending at least $5,000 per year are eligible to receive a $50 credit toward online subscription services.

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If you pay your cellphone bill with this card, you are insured up to $600 for cellphone damage or theft.

Cardholders are eligible for exclusive access to certain events and offers. Uber expects the majority of these offers will be available in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and DC. There is no foreign transaction fee.

But there is no introductory rate. The APR is a variable 16.99%, 22.74% or 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Cardholders with less than stellar credit will be on the higher end of the range.

Also, there are restrictions on Uber credits. To redeem points as credits within the Uber app, accumulate a minimum of 500 points, or $5. Cardholders can convert a maximum of 50,000 points, or $500, per day.

Get it here: https://www.uber.com/c/uber-credit-card/

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi

Not taking Uber? Then you’ll need to fill your gas tank somehow. Why not do so with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi?

This card earns cash back with every purchase. Get 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on eligible gas purchases annually (1% after that). Earn 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases. Also, get 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. And earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Note: the $0 annual fee is only for Costco members. And an active Costco membership is required. Cardholders will get access to damage and theft purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance.

Also, there is no sign-up bonus available with this card.

Get it here: https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/credit-card-details/citi.action?ID=Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-business-credit-card

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Consider the Ink Business Cash ℠ Credit Card. Small businesses can get cash back with each purchase. Spend $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. And you’ll earn a $500 bonus cash back.

There is a $0 yearly fee with a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Thereafter, the APR is a 15.24 – 21.24% variable.

The credit card features travel and purchase coverage benefits. So, this includes an auto rental collision damage waiver and extended warranty protection.

Details

Earn additional cash back on business categories. So, these include office supply stores, telecommunications, gas stations and restaurants.

Note: this credit card has a balance transfer fee. Pay 5% of the amount transferred or $5, whichever is greater. Also, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3%.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-cash

United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card

Get a good look at the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card.

Earn 2 miles/dollar with United and at restaurants, gas stations and office supply stores. All other purchases earn 1 mile/dollar. Earn a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening.

Benefits include priority boarding, a free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation.

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Also, get two United Club passes annually. And get hotel and resort perks including upgrades. On top of that, get early check-in and late checkout. And get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Plus, get baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Finally, get trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, price protection and concierge service.

After the first year, the card has an annual fee of $95. APR of 17.99% – 24.99%, based on creditworthiness.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/united-mileageplus-explorer-business

Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express

Another alternative is the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express.

This credit card is for those who stay at Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott hotels often. Earn six points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels.

And earn four points per dollar at American restaurants, American filling stations, and on American purchases for shipping.

Also, earn four points to the dollar on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers. For all other eligible purchases, earn two points per dollar.

Details

Get 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the initial three months of account opening. Benefits include free in-room premium internet access, Sheraton Club lounge access, and purchase protection.

Plus, you get car rental loss and damage insurance. And you get baggage insurance. There is also a global assistance hotline. And there is a roadside assistance hotline. And get travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage.

The most significant issue is the yearly fee. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then it’s $95 thereafter. Plus, there is no 0% introductory APR. Instead, there is a 17.74 – 26.74% variable APR

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/spg-amex-starwood-credit-card

Credit Builder New Business Credit Cards with EIN – Make Your Credit Surge!

Discover it® Student Cash Back

Be sure to look at the Discover it® Student Cash Back card. It has no annual fee. The credit card also has a six-month introductory period of 0% APR on purchases. And there is an APR of 14.99 – 23.99% variable on all purchases after that period.

One distinct feature is that it offers an incentive for scholars to maintain good grades with a $20 statement credit. If students earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher each school year, the card will award the $20 statement credit annually for up to five years.

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Use this credit card to build personal credit. While this is a personal card versus a company card, for new credit users, their FICO scores will be important. And this card offers an excellent way to raise FICO while also getting rewards.

You can earn 5% cash back at different places each quarter like grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants or Amazon.com up to the quarterly maximum. After that, this card offers unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases.

In the first year, all cash back rewards are matched 100%.

Downsides include a cash advance fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is more. And even though they waive the first late payment fee, a fee of up to $37 applies on all other late payments. There is also a returned payment fee of up to $37.

Get it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/cash-back/it-card.html

Terrific Cards for Cash Back

SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express

Check out the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express. There is a $0 yearly fee. And there is a 0% APR on purchases. So this is for the initial 15 months an account is open.

But when the introductory period runs out, the APR for purchases is 14.24 to 21.24%. So, this is variable and based on creditworthiness.

Details

This credit card has numerous benefits. These include purchase protection, car rental loss and damage insurance. And they also include a baggage insurance plan, extended warranty coverage and a global assist hotline.

Also, earn 5% cash back at US office supply stores and on wireless phone services. So, these must be purchased from United States service providers. But this pertains to the initial $50,000 of yearly spending. Then, you get 1% cash back.

You also get 3% cash back on spending category of your choice. So, this is from eight distinct categories. They include airfare, gas, advertising and computer purchases. But it applies to the first $50,000 of yearly spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.

Cash-back bonuses are automatically credited to the customer’s billing statement.

Note: you cannot use this credit card for balance transfers. There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%. The card charges up to $38 in late fees. And the returned check fee is also $38. The penalty APR is 29.99%.

And, it kicks in if you have two or more late payments within 12 months. It can also apply if you fail to make the minimum payment on time or have a returned payment.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/credit-cards/simply-cash-plus-business-credit-card/44279

Capital One® Quicksilver® Card

Check out the Capital One® Quicksilver® Card. It offers flat-rate rewards of 1.5% on all purchases. There are no limits to the amount of cash back rewards which cardholders can earn. Also, the card has a $0 yearly fee.

New cardholders have a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening the account. And then they have a 14.74 – 24.74% (variable) APR after that.

A cash bonus of $150 is on offer. So it’s for those who make at least $500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.

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Also, cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account. And there is no limit to how much you can earn.

This card also offers travel accident insurance. And you get an auto rental collision damage waiver. There are no foreign transaction fees. And there is extended warranty coverage.

Downsides are the flat reward rate, not allowing for any more than that. And the higher APR after the first 15 months.

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/quicksilver/

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Unbeatable New Business Credit Cards with EIN for Jackpot Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

So have a look at the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel points.

You can get two points per dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants. And you can get one point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel.

The card’s benefits include trip cancellation insurance, travel and emergency assistance services. They also include an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

When you spend $4,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening, you will earn 50,000 bonus points. These points are worth $625 if you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

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You can earn an unlimited two points per dollar for travel and dining at restaurants. Then afterwards earn one point per dollar for all other purchases. Points will transfer equally to 13 leading frequent travel programs with partners. So, these include British Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, and Marriott.

There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. The card’s standard APR is 17.74 – 24.74% variable. Also, the card has an annual fee of $0 introductory for the first year. And then it skyrockets to $95.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred

Ink Business Preferred ℠ Credit Card

Get a look at the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising with the card. So, this is up to $150,000 each year. And all other purchases earn an unlimited one point per dollar spent.

This is a Visa card.

Cardholders get benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation or interruption insurance. They also get cellphone protection. And they get extended warranty coverage. And they get an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Details

Earn 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening. There is an annual fee of $95. You can add employee cards at no additional cost.

This card only offers 3 points per dollar to a limit of $150,000 a year. So, this is for travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising. All other purchases earn an unlimited flat rate of one point per dollar. And there is no introductory APR

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-business-preferred

Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card

Have a look at the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card, which earns hotel rewards points. Get up to 12 points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.

Automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status. And this includes room upgrades when available. Plus a 5th night free when you book a rewards stay of 5 nights or more.

And get free internet access and late checkout. It also includes a 25% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors.

This card has a variable purchase APR of 17.74 – 26.74%. There is an annual fee of $95.

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Cardholders can earn a 125,000-point welcome offer after making $2,000 in eligible purchases in 3 months from account opening. Earn a free weekend night award after making $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year.

Benefits include purchase protection. And there is extended warranty coverage. They also include car rental loss and damage insurance and travel accident insurance.

If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card in a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status. So that is through the end of the next calendar year. This status includes all the benefits of Gold status.

It also includes a 50% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors. And exclusive floor lounge access at select properties. But that is terribly high spending required for elite status. Only you can decide if that’s worth it.

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/hilton-honors-ascend/

Small Business Credit Cards for Luxurious Travel Points

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Be sure to check out the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card. With this card, you can earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. When you spend $4,500 within the first 3 months of opening an account, you can earn 50,000 miles. So, that is worth $500 in travel.

Benefits for cardholders include an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And they also include extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.

Cardholders will pay $0 introductory for the first year. But they will pay $95 after that for the annual fee.

There is no 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers with this card. The APR is 18.74% (variable).

Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-miles/

The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN

Check out the Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN if you’re comfortable with an exorbitant annual fee. This card earns 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on the American Express Travel website.

It also earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases booked on the American Express Travel website.

Furthermore, it earns 1.5 points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more. So, this is with up to one million additional points per calendar year. All other eligible purchases get one point per dollar.

Details

With this card’s welcome offer, you can earn 50,000 bonus points when you spend $10,000. And earn another 25,000 points when you spend an additional $10,000 in that same period.

Cardholder benefits include global lounge access and a $200 airline fee credit. And you get a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.

Benefits also include complimentary Wi-Fi hotspot internet access, privileges including early check-in and daily breakfast at participating hotels and resorts. Plus, the card offers travel accident insurance and roadside assistance.

This card does not offer bonus point earnings in other categories such as gas, office supplies or advertising. Furthermore, all these benefits do not come cheap. Note: the card has an annual fee of $450!

Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/american-express-business-platinum-credit-card-amex

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

For travel points, check out the Chase Sapphire Reserve® card. You can get 3 points/dollar on travel and dining at restaurants and 1 point/dollar on other purchases.

Spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, and you will get 50,000 bonus points. This card offers a $300 annual travel credit. And you get airport lounge access, perks at luxury hotels and resorts including upgrades.

It also offers a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, early check-in and late checkout. And it offers trip cancellation and interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver.

Details

Plus, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection. Finally, it also has return protection and extended warranty protection.

This credit card also offers cardholders a 25% higher points value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. With this card, points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

The most significant issues are the yearly fee of $450 and $75 for each authorized user. Another point to consider should be that the card has a 17.99 – 24.99% variable APR.

So, consider this one carefully and make sure to read the small print.

Get it here: https://www.chase.com/card-benefits/sapphirereserve/travel

IHG ® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card

Check out the IHG ® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. it gets hotel rewards worldwide. For each dollar spent at participating IHG hotels, earn 10 points. Earn two points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.

Plus all, other purchases earn one point. New cardholders can get an 80,000-point sign-up bonus when they spend $2,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Details

This card provides a free one-night hotel stay annually. Plus, there is a wide array of benefits. These include travel and purchase coverage and an upgrade to Platinum Elite status with the IHG Rewards Club. The club offers complimentary room upgrades when available and guaranteed room availability.

The most significant issue is that the card does not offer a zero percent APR introductory rate. And the standard APR is 17.99 – 24.99% variable. Also, the annual fee is $89.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/ihg/premiernaep

Marriott Rewards® Premier Plus Credit Card

This card earns six points/dollar spent at participating Marriott and SPG hotels. And get two points/dollar on all other purchases.

Spend $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening. Then earn two free night awards (each has a value of up to 35,000 points).

Cardholders get access to perks including a free one-night stay each year after account anniversary. Also get travel and purchase protection. So, this includes free standard in-room Wi-Fi and priority late checkout.

Details

Perks include baggage delay reimbursement, and lost luggage reimbursement. There is also trip delay reimbursement. And there is purchase protection. In addition, there are concierge service and automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a 20% bonus on points.

Spend $35,000 each account year, and get an upgrade to Gold Elite status. So, that includes a complimentary room upgrade, free daily breakfast and 4 PM late checkout.

There is an annual fee of $95. So the APR is a 17.99– 24.99% variable.

Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/marriott/apply

The Best New Business Credit Cards with EIN for You

Your absolute best new business credit cards with EIN will hinge on your credit history and scores.

Only you can pick which features you want and need. So, be sure to do your homework. What is excellent for you could be catastrophic for someone else.

And, as always, be sure to establish credit in the recommended order for the best, quickest benefits.

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