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Gold prices surged past the $2,700-per-ounce mark for the first time on Friday, as escalating tensions in the Middle East and ongoing global economic uncertainty drove demand for the precious metal.

By Friday evening in New York, gold had risen 0.8% on the day to reach $2,713.70, marking a weekly gain of 2.1%. So far this year, gold has soared nearly 32%, making it one of the top-performing commodities of 2024.

The jump in gold prices comes as investors seek a safe haven amid geopolitical instability and a series of interest rate cuts by major central banks. Gold, which offers no interest payments, tends to rise in value when interest rates fall, as it becomes a more attractive store of value.

Gold demand remains strong despite market trends

Philip Newman, managing director of Metals Focus, noted that some of the recent strength in gold prices may seem counter-intuitive, given that the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate cut typically boosts the US dollar, which can weaken gold. However, the safe-haven appeal of gold, along with continued investment inflows, is keeping demand high.

“Investment inflows are meaningful,” Newman said, adding that the upcoming US presidential election and heightened geopolitical concerns are further fuelling gold’s rise.

Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, believes the precious metal will continue its upward trend. “Gold’s gains are being driven by continued geopolitical worries, central bank buying, and falling interest rates,” he said. “There are no signs of a reversal in the trend yet.”

Central banks have been increasing their gold reserves this year, with global central bank purchases rising by 6% to 183 tons in the second quarter of 2024, according to the World Gold Council. This sustained buying activity is helping to support the upward pressure on gold prices.

Stock markets rally alongside gold’s rise

While gold continues to shine, stock markets have also been performing strongly. On Wall Street, equities rallied, with the Dow Jones industrial average climbing 36.86 points (0.1%) to close at a record-breaking 43,275.91—its 40th record close of the year and a weekly gain of 1%. The S&P 500 gained 23.20 points (0.4%) to reach 5,864.67, while the Nasdaq rose 115.94 points (0.6%) to 18,489.55, up 0.8% for the week but still shy of its record close in July.

Despite strong economic data from the US, markets are overwhelmingly expecting a 25-basis-point interest rate cut at the Federal Reserve’s November meeting. This expectation, along with uncertainty surrounding the upcoming US presidential election, has further stoked demand for gold as a stable investment option.

Outlook: gold prices likely to rise further

Frank Watson, a market analyst at Kinesis Money, expects gold prices to continue rising but warned of potential resistance around the $2,750 mark. “The precious metal should continue to push higher,” he said, noting that central banks are likely to remain active buyers of gold.

The combination of rate cuts by the ECB, the Bank of England, and the Federal Reserve is adding new momentum to gold purchases, according to BullionVault, an online bullion marketplace. With further rate cuts expected and continued geopolitical instability, analysts believe that gold’s bullish run is far from over.

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Gold tops $2,700 an ounce amid Middle East tensions and falling interest rates

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The UK’s hospitality sector is facing a potential £900 million financial blow when business rates relief expires in spring 2024, prompting urgent calls for reform.

Industry leaders have warned that without action from Chancellor Rachel Reeves in the upcoming budget, business rates will quadruple when relief ends on 31 March, costing the sector an additional £914 million.

A group of 170 hospitality business leaders, including the heads of major pub chains like Greene King and JD Wetherspoon, as well as representatives from high street venues such as Caffè Nero and IHG Hotels, have written to the chancellor, calling for immediate reform. In their letter, they urged the government to introduce a lower, permanent business rates multiplier for the hospitality sector across all UK nations.

UKHospitality, the industry’s trade body, has emphasised that the budget is the government’s “last chance” to prevent a significant increase in costs that could devastate the sector. Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, warned that the increase would lead to more closures, leaving high streets with shuttered venues and rising vacancy rates.

Business rates burden stifles growth

The hospitality sector, which includes pubs, restaurants, cafes, and hotels, has benefited from business rates relief since it was introduced in 2020 as part of the government’s pandemic response. However, with the relief set to end in just over five months, the industry is concerned about the long-term implications of a quadrupling tax burden.

The 170-strong group of hospitality bosses pointed out that the current cap on business rates relief has discouraged expansion, with many venues deeming the cost of opening additional locations too high. This stifling effect on growth is compounded by the fact that business rates are seen as disproportionately high compared to the economic activity of the sector.

“The current tax system discourages people from running high street businesses,” the group stated in its letter. “The government should be encouraging growth and investment, not making it harder for businesses to operate.”

Without reform, UKHospitality has cautioned that the industry could see a sharp increase in business failures and a reduction in investment, which would have far-reaching consequences for both local economies and the government’s broader growth agenda.

The wider impact on high streets

The threat to the hospitality sector comes at a time when the government is trying to revitalise high streets and encourage investment in local communities. Nicholls argued that without changes to business rates, the government risks undermining its own growth goals.

“Further closures will be so detrimental to the government’s growth agenda and put a dent in our sector’s ability to create places where people want to live, work and invest,” she said. “If we don’t want to lose out on vital investment, job creation, and the regeneration of our high streets, then the chancellor needs to act to introduce a lower level of business rates for hospitality at the budget.”

Other trade bodies, including the British Retail Consortium, have echoed these concerns. The consortium has argued that high business rates are contributing to a wave of shop closures, job losses, and social as well as economic costs on high streets across the UK.

A call for fairer taxation

As the government comes under increasing fiscal pressure, the hospitality sector has suggested that rebalancing the tax burden could offer a solution. UKHospitality and other industry leaders believe the current system unfairly penalises hospitality businesses, which are paying a disproportionate share of business rates relative to their level of economic activity.

By reforming the business rates system, they argue, the government could support long-term investment in the sector while helping to create jobs and revitalise high streets. As the spring deadline approaches, the industry is urging the chancellor to take decisive action in the upcoming budget to avoid a significant crisis in one of the UK’s most vital sectors.

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Hospitality business rates set to quadruple without government intervention in spring

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The UK housing market is seeing a shift as estate agents report the highest number of homes on their books in over a decade, helping to stabilise house prices.

Data from Rightmove, the property search website, reveals that branches across Britain are marketing an average of 63 homes, marking a 12% increase from the same time last year and the most since 2014.

During the pandemic’s “race for space,” housing stock was scarce, with agents often having fewer than 40 properties listed at any one time. This shortage, combined with heightened demand and stamp duty holidays, drove house prices to unprecedented levels. Now, however, an increase in available homes is giving buyers more negotiating power and helping to slow price growth.

In October, the average asking price for new listings on Rightmove rose by just 0.3%, to £371,958. This is significantly lower than the usual 1.3% increase typically seen during the busy autumn months when many buyers return to the market after the school holidays.

Tim Bannister, head of property data at Rightmove, commented: “This month’s subdued price growth comes as buyer choice soars to a level not seen since 2014. With the ball in the buyer’s court and a wide selection to choose from, sellers need to price competitively to secure a buyer, especially with affordability still stretched.”

Improving conditions fuel market activity

The growing number of homes for sale is largely driven by falling mortgage rates, which are encouraging potential buyers — many of whom need to sell their current homes — to return to the market. The average five-year fixed mortgage rate has dropped to 4.6%, down from a peak of 6.1% in July 2023, making it more affordable for people to move.

As a result, the number of agreed sales is up 29% compared to this time last year, and estate agents are reporting a 17% increase in inquiries from prospective buyers. This signals a recovery after two years of stagnation, when rapidly rising mortgage rates forced many to delay their plans to buy or move.

Housebuilders have also reported a rise in sales, and estate agents are growing more optimistic about the outlook for the housing market. Rightmove data shows that asking prices have increased by 1% over the past year, with mid-market properties such as three-bedroom homes seeing the largest gains, up by 1.7% year-on-year.

However, at the higher end of the market, prices for larger properties, such as five-bedroom houses and four-bedroom detached homes, have decreased slightly by 0.2%. Bannister noted that some potential buyers at the top of the market are holding off on making a move until they have more clarity about fiscal policy.

Looking ahead: a bright 2025?

Despite the current market uncertainties, Bannister is optimistic about the future, forecasting an “active 2025.” Interest rates are expected to fall further, and wage growth is outpacing house price inflation, improving affordability for many potential buyers.

Bannister anticipates that more certainty following the 30 October budget, along with potential further cuts in bank interest rates, could trigger renewed market optimism, similar to the surge seen during the summer of 2022.

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Estate agents’ books fill up as mortgage rates drop, easing pressure on house prices

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The Labour Party’s proposed industrial strategy has garnered strong support from Make UK, the leading trade body for the country’s manufacturing sector.

The organisation believes that a well-executed plan could drive billions of pounds in investment and significantly boost the reshoring of manufacturing operations to the UK.

According to a survey conducted by Make UK, 70% of its members expect the reshoring of their activities to accelerate in response to Labour’s industrial strategy green paper, titled Invest 2035: The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy. The strategy outlines Labour’s commitment to providing long-term stability for businesses, promising to create a policy environment that encourages planning for not just the next year, but for the next decade and beyond.

A key feature of the strategy is the establishment of a standing industrial strategy council, which will ensure consistency in policy and prevent the short-term changes that have often undermined industrial planning. The strategy also focuses on supporting eight key growth sectors where the UK excels: advanced manufacturing, clean energy industries, creative industries, defence, digital technologies, financial services, life sciences, and professional and business services.

Massive potential for growth in UK manufacturing

Make UK believes the potential impact of Labour’s strategy could be transformative. The organisation estimates that UK manufacturing, currently valued at £217 billion, could grow to 15% of GDP, adding a further £142 billion to the economy. Current industrial investment stands at £38.2 billion per year, but Make UK suggests that reshoring overseas operations and boosting UK-based investments could substantially increase that figure.

Fhaheen Khan, senior economist at Make UK, expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by the strategy. “Manufacturers are poised at the starting blocks for the government to unleash the benefits to investment that firing the starting gun on a long-awaited industrial strategy will bring,” he said.

Khan highlighted the benefits this would bring to the sector, particularly in terms of automation and digital technologies, as well as the recruitment of higher-skilled workers. He also pointed out that with the US, Europe, and China ramping up their investment in green technologies, the UK needs to move quickly to stay competitive.

Priorities for manufacturers: investment, automation, and exports

The Make UK survey of its members revealed that industrialists have a clear set of priorities, including greater investment in UK facilities, more automation, and an increased focus on research and development. Manufacturers also see exports as a key growth area, with a strong push to increase trade with the European Union in the post-Brexit landscape.

Fiscal incentives are high on the agenda, with over half of respondents indicating that a reduction in corporation tax would have the most significant impact on investment. Expanding capital allowances to include software and extending full expensing to leased and second-hand machinery were also seen as crucial steps to boost industrial investment.

Obstacles to investment: high interest rates and fiscal measures

Despite the optimism surrounding Labour’s industrial strategy, manufacturers face significant challenges, particularly high interest rates. Make UK’s survey found that interest rates have been the biggest obstacle to investment for many companies, and there is hope within the sector for further Bank of England rate cuts to alleviate this pressure.

Manufacturers also emphasised the importance of aligning with international efforts, particularly in green technologies. With the US, Europe, and China moving swiftly to boost investment in green industries, the UK must keep pace to ensure its long-term competitiveness on the global stage.

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Make UK backs Labour’s industrial strategy, sees surge in investment potential

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Unlock Startup Potential with Flutter for MVP

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In the digital world, businesses and startups need apps. They benefit from having these resources on hand to cater to smartphone users (which is, in reality, almost everyone) and to boost brand visibility.

With that said, Flutter can be the best choice for startup app development, and this post will explain to you why.

Why Platform Selection is Critical for Startups

Startups should not neglect a minimum viable product approach. Start with a version of the product that showcases core features for people to review and provide feedback. Then further production occurs as the product is tested and assessed. In a way, this mirrors the “beta testing” concept that has been so much a part of software development for decades, really, since the evolution of personal computing itself.

In order to build this initial version, you need the right technology stack for such incremental development. So choosing a platform is very important, and innovative Flutter solutions are a great choice.

Flutter vs. Other Frameworks for MVP

Comparing Flutter to other options shows all the advantages this technology possesses.

Flutter vs. React Native

So what do you expect to achieve when creating an MVP?

You want to test assumptions and validate your ideas/concepts first. That means having an app packed with core features only, customizable, and visually appealing. The development process should be streamlined with the right tools and strategies.

That’s where Flutter comes in. Its versatility makes it a natural fit for a lot of businesses that need to come up with quick but professional products. Flutter’s own features promote the optimization of the business processes, including scaling the product, reducing technical debt, quick testing, etc.

Let’s compare Flutter with another popular mobile app framework — React Native.

Flutter
React Native

Performance
With Flutter’s choice of Dart and Skia open-source library and schema factory, you can really get things going.
Uses JavaScript, which is one of the most popular languages in the world, and React Native for building interfaces, so you may find developers easier for this case.

Development Velocity
The “Hot Reload” feature that can speed up the development process by showing changes in the code in real time.
 

Has a similar “Fast Refresh” option that seems to be a bit slower than Flutter’s.

UI/UX
A huge set of customizable widgets that follow Material UI and Apple guidelines. The interface of an app is similar on different platforms.
RN uses native components, which means there might be differences between the UI of the two operating systems, although the app achieves the native look and feel.

Ecosystem and Libraries
It has a smaller ecosystem due to the young nature of the framework. Official libraries that exist are managed and updated by Google and willing users.
 

With JavaScript, there are a lot of libraries and resources available.

In summary, Flutter is a young but solid framework that excels in the rapid building of prototypes and MVPs. Its ecosystem is still advancing, so it will surely have something to impress developers in the future.

Flutter vs. Native Development

Flutter
Native

Development time and cost
Faster time to market with customizable widgets and one code base.
Can take more time and require additional coding (depending on the complexities of the features required). Testing the product should be done on iOS and Android separately.

Performance
Close to native, consistent performance across various OSs.
Better performance for resource-intensive, complex apps.

Access to native functions
Get native functionality with Dart and Skia
Native functionality with JavaScript

Native-like functionality, faster time to market, and more make Flutter a popular choice for startup app development, especially in the initial stages.

How Flutter Simplifies  MVP Development

The benefits of Flutter are evident to businesses that have already created products that users love. First of all, as mentioned, the cross-platform work makes things easier and quicker. When you develop for iOS and Android at the same time, the cost-efficiency involved is a solid argument.

There’s also a lot of room for rapid testing and reiterating with Flutter and its versatile custom widget architecture.

Also don’t overlook the value of data visualization for the user. The more they can intuitively use the site, the better your responses are going to be, and you’ll see that reflected in user feedback. Whether teams are using NPS, focus groups, or other feedback techniques, the difference should be evident when survey parties are approached. Thanks to Flutter’s unit testing and beta testing support, all remarks of users are gradually taken care of (and relatively quickly), resulting in not only successful products but increased user satisfaction and trust.

Conclusion

Flutter facilitates high-quality cross-platform app development in an age when responsive design can mean the difference between the success or failure of a business model. The combination of scalability, performance, speed, and UI benefits that it presents makes it a go-to option for most startups.

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Unlock Startup Potential with Flutter for MVP

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Are you looking to expand your business beyond borders? With the rise of e-commerce and global markets, international SEO has become crucial for companies seeking to tap into new regions and audiences.

At Upraise SEO, they specialize in delivering comprehensive international SEO services to help your business rank higher in global search results, ensuring you reach your target audience wherever they are.

What Is International SEO and Why Does Your Business Need It?

International SEO is the process of optimizing your website so that search engines can easily identify which countries you want to target and what languages you support. It goes beyond traditional SEO by focusing on geographic and linguistic factors, allowing your website to perform well in different regions.

But why does this matter?

It helps you reach new customers across multiple countries.
It ensures your website appears in localized search results, increasing relevance.
It supports multilingual content, which is crucial for engaging diverse audiences.

How International SEO Is Approached at Upraise SEO?

Upraise SEO international SEO strategy involves more than just translation. They focus on optimizing your entire online presence for international markets, ensuring both technical SEO and content optimization are aligned with the local search intent. Here’s what their process looks like:

Market Research and Competitor Analysis: Understanding the search behaviors in different regions is key. They conduct in-depth research on keywords, competitors, and local trends.
Technical Optimization: They optimize your website’s URL structure, implement hreflang tags for language targeting, and ensure fast loading times globally.
Content Localization: Translation isn’t enough. They localize your content to match the cultural and linguistic preferences of your target audience, improving user experience and engagement.
International Link Building: They build a network of backlinks from reputable global websites that are relevant to your industry. This helps in improving your domain authority and rankings.

What Are The Benefits of International SEO?
By investing in international SEO, your business can enjoy several advantages, including:

Increased Global Visibility: Your website will rank higher in localized search results, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
Boosted Revenue: Reaching new markets means more opportunities for sales, helping you increase your revenue streams.
Competitive Edge: Many businesses miss out on the power of international SEO. With the right strategy, you can get ahead of competitors who are not optimizing for global audiences.

Why Choose Upraise SEO for Your International SEO Needs?

At Upraise, we understand the complexities of international SEO. We’ve helped businesses across various sectors expand globally by developing custom strategies that drive real results. Here’s why partnering with us will benefit your international growth:

Tailored Solutions: We customize our approach based on your target markets, languages, and business goals.
Proven Expertise: With years of experience in the SEO industry, we stay updated with the latest trends in international SEO and apply best practices to deliver success.
Dedicated Support: Our team works closely with you to ensure seamless implementation of the international SEO strategy and monitors performance for continuous improvement.

Get Started Today

Ready to take your business global? Let Upraise SEO services unlock new opportunities for your brand. Reach out to us for a consultation, and let’s craft a strategy that puts your business on the international map.

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Unlock Global Opportunities with Professional International SEO Services

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In recent years, live dealer games have revolutionized online gaming, bringing the authentic casino experience straight to our living rooms.

As technology advances, we can enjoy a real casino’s excitement and social interaction without ever leaving the comfort of our homes. These games blend the best of both worlds, offering the convenience of online play with the immersive experience of live action.

Live dealer games have become a favorite among players seeking more than just digital simulations. With real dealers, live-streamed action, and interactive features, they offer an engaging and dynamic gaming experience. Whether it’s the spin of the roulette wheel or the suspense of a blackjack hand, future trends in live dealer games capture the essence of traditional casinos. As we explore this exciting trend, we’ll uncover how it’s reshaping our gaming experience and why it’s here to stay.

The Rise of Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games have rapidly transformed online gaming, merging physical casinos’ allure with digital convenience. Platforms like online live casinos offer experiences reminiscent of the casino floor in our homes. With real dealers conducting games from high-tech studios or authentic casino settings, players enjoy more than just algorithm-driven gameplay. These games provide real-time interaction via live chats, enhancing trust and excitement. As technology evolves, live dealer games become the preferred choice for many online casino enthusiasts.

How Live Dealer Games Work

Live dealer games bring the casino experience to our living rooms, combining traditional elements with modern technology. By understanding their operation, we appreciate the seamless fusion of live-action and online gaming.

Technology Behind Live Dealer Games

Secure gaming studios house dealers, high-definition cameras, and microphones. These components capture the action, facilitating real-time streaming to players’ devices. A stable video link ensures smooth gameplay and uninterrupted betting.

Key Features and Components

Human dealers guide game outcomes, engaging with players via live chat functions. This interaction forms a social bond, elevating the gaming experience beyond basic RNG-based games. As dealers spin wheels or deal cards, physical actions determine results.

Popular Live Dealer Game Types

Live dealer games bring popular casino games to online platforms, creating an engaging and realistic experience. Blackjack, roulette, and baccarat stand out for their popularity and immersive gameplay.

Blackjack

Blackjack remains a top choice for many players in the live dealer arena. With live dealer blackjack, we get a classic card game experience where players strive to surpass the dealer’s hand without exceeding 21. This interactive setup allows us to experience the game’s strategic nuances while engaging in live chat with the dealer.

Roulette

Roulette’s live dealer version offers the excitement of a spinning wheel and the anticipation of a winning number. We watch as the dealer spins the wheel, and the ball lands on a number, just like in a traditional casino. It combines chance and excitement, making it a staple for live gaming enthusiasts seeking the thrill of prediction.

Baccarat

Baccarat’s simplicity pairs well with the live dealer format, as players bet on the banker, player, or a tie outcome. We can enjoy the atmosphere of high-stakes games, akin to a physical casino, with the dealer shuffling and dealing cards. Its straightforward nature and potential for strategic betting contribute to its growing popularity.

Benefits of Playing Live Dealer Games

Live dealer games transform the online casino experience by offering authentic thrills from the comfort of home.

Realistic Gaming Experience

These games recreate the atmosphere of a traditional casino through real-time streaming from professional studios. High-definition video and audio technology enhance this immersive setting, making each session engaging and lifelike.

Social Interaction

Players connect via live chat with dealers and fellow participants, fostering a genuine sense of community. This interactive environment encourages conversation and companionship, adding a social element often missing in standard online games.

Convenience and Accessibility

Without needing to travel, players enjoy the vibrant experience of a casino. Available on various devices, live dealer games provide easy access and flexibility around personal schedules, making gaming more convenient than ever.

Challenges and Considerations

Live dealer games require specific attention to several factors to ensure an optimal player experience. Addressing these challenges is crucial for both providers and participants.

Technical Requirements

Stable and fast internet connections are essential to maintain smooth video streaming. Interruptions or lags detract from the immersive experience. Advanced technologies like HTML5 enable instant play on devices but demand robust server infrastructure and quality streaming.

Potential Drawbacks

Real human dealers necessitate managing schedules and training to provide consistent, engaging experiences. Ensuring a professional setting in studios or casinos is vital, as it impacts the player’s perception and enjoyment. Managing these elements poses potential challenges for operators.

Conclusion

Live dealer games have undoubtedly redefined our perception of online gaming by blending the best of both worlds: the convenience of playing from home with the authenticity of a real casino experience. As technology advances, we’re witnessing an evolution in how these games are delivered, making them more immersive and engaging than ever. This trend is not just a fleeting novelty; it’s a significant shift in the gaming industry, offering players a unique and captivating alternative to traditional online games. As we look to the future, live dealer games are set to become an integral part of our gaming experiences, promising even more exciting developments.

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Live Dealer Games: Experience Casino Thrills at Home with Real Dealers

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Keywords Studios, a global leader in video game development services, announced a new initiative to address the growing demand for skilled community managers within the industry. The company is actively seeking and nurturing fresh talent to join its ranks and shape the future of player engagement.

Community managers play a pivotal role in building and maintaining strong relationships between game developers and players. As the face of a game to its community, they are responsible for encouraging engagement, managing online reputation, and providing valuable feedback to development teams.

To support aspiring community managers, Keywords Studios is offering guidance on essential skills and experience. A strong understanding of the video game industry, excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, and a passion for connecting with people are key attributes for success in this role. While formal qualifications are not always required, a background in marketing, communications, or psychology can be beneficial.

“Hands-on experience is crucial for aspiring community managers,” said James Gallagher, Head of Community Management at Keywords Studios. “Getting involved in online gaming communities, whether it’s participating in forums, contributing to discussions on platforms like Discord or Reddit, or even creating your own community, is invaluable. It’s about making your mark and gaining practical experience.”

Keywords Studios is committed to creating a supportive environment for community managers to thrive. The company offers a range of development programs, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to a diverse portfolio of games and is dedicated to providing community managers with the resources and support they need to succeed and make a significant impact on the video game industry.

Beyond traditional community management roles, Keywords Studios also recognises the evolving nature of player engagement. New trends such as live streaming, esports, and influencer marketing are creating exciting opportunities for community managers to explore and innovate. By embracing these emerging channels, community managers can connect with players in more meaningful and interactive ways.

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Keywords Studios Inspires New Talent to Explore Community Management in the Video Games Industry

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These days, businesses thrive by offering seamless online shopping experiences. One critical component of this experience is the payment gateway that connects your customers to their purchases, ensuring transactions are processed securely and efficiently.

For e-commerce companies, a robust and efficient payment gateway means the difference between high conversion rates and abandoned carts. This article explores how to create a payment gateway that not only boosts conversion rates but also minimizes processing costs.

Understanding the Basics of a Payment Gateway

Before diving into the specifics of optimizing conversion rates and reducing costs, it’s essential to understand what a payment gateway does. A payment gateway is a technology that facilitates online transactions by connecting the payment processor, customer, and merchant bank. When a customer makes a purchase, the payment gateway ensures that their payment information is encrypted and transferred securely to complete the transaction.

How to Create a Payment Gateway

Before starting development, conduct thorough research to understand market needs, customer preferences, and legal requirements. Identify key features that will set your gateway apart from competitors, such as multi-currency support, seamless integration, and robust security.

Then, select a suitable technology stack that supports scalability, security, and high performance. Consider using programming languages like Python, Java, or Node.js, and opt for databases that can handle high transaction volumes efficiently, such as MySQL, PostgreSQL, or MongoDB.

Furthermore, ensure your gateway complies with necessary regulations like PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard), GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), and other relevant laws. This ensures that user data is handled securely and reduces the risk of legal issues.

The gateway should also be capable of handling different payment methods, from credit cards to digital wallets. Building a flexible architecture will allow you to add more features in the future without significant changes.

Your payment gateway needs to integrate with various payment processors and acquire banks to handle transactions. Establish relationships with multiple providers to ensure redundancy, which can prevent disruptions if one provider experiences issues.

Implement encryption, tokenization, and multi-layered security protocols to protect customer data. Real-time fraud detection and prevention mechanisms should be integrated to detect and stop suspicious activities.

Once the payment gateway passes all tests, it can be deployed. Regular maintenance is essential to address any technical issues, implement updates, and introduce new features. Continuous monitoring of the system is necessary to ensure reliability and security.

Value-Added Services for Payment Gateways

To stand out in the competitive market, offering value-added services can make your payment gateway more appealing to businesses and customers. Some examples include:

Subscription Billing and Recurring Payments

Automated subscription billing and recurring payment features are essential for businesses offering services on a subscription basis, such as SaaS platforms or streaming services. This feature simplifies the payment process and improves customer retention.

Analytics and Reporting Tools

Providing businesses with insights into transaction trends, customer behaviors, and sales performance can help them make informed decisions. Analytics tools can highlight peak shopping hours, popular payment methods, and average transaction values, enabling businesses to optimize their strategies.

Multi-Currency and Multi-Language Support

Offering multi-currency support allows customers to make payments in their preferred currency, reducing friction and enhancing the shopping experience. Multi-language support ensures that users worldwide can navigate the payment process in their native language, building trust and boosting conversions.

Customizable Checkout Pages

Allow businesses to customize their checkout pages to match their brand identity. This ensures a consistent brand experience, which can lead to higher conversion rates. Customization options may include adding logos, changing colors, or incorporating specific messaging.

Seamless Integration with E-commerce Platforms

Creating plugins or APIs that seamlessly integrate with popular e-commerce platforms (like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Magento) can help merchants set up their payment gateway quickly. This simplifies the onboarding process and reduces the time needed for businesses to start accepting payments.

How to Boost Conversion Rates

Certain features can significantly improve the checkout experience and, in turn, boost conversion rates. Here are some key ones:

One-Click Payments

Allow returning customers to save their payment details for future transactions, enabling a one-click checkout process. This feature reduces the time and effort needed to complete a purchase, leading to higher conversion rates, especially for mobile users.

Guest Checkout

Not all customers want to create an account before making a purchase. Offering a guest checkout option can reduce friction and encourage more sales. This simple feature can be the difference between a completed transaction and an abandoned cart.

Mobile Optimization

A mobile-friendly interface is crucial, as a large percentage of online shoppers use their phones. Ensure the gateway loads quickly, adapts to different screen sizes, and simplifies the payment process for mobile users.

Multiple Payment Options

Customers have different preferences for how they want to pay. Providing a wide range of payment options—including credit cards, digital wallets, bank transfers, and BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later)—ensures that customers can use their preferred method, thus increasing the likelihood of completing a purchase.

Localized Payment Support

Support for local currencies and languages makes the checkout process easier for international customers. It also builds trust, as customers feel more comfortable paying in their currency and understanding the interface.

Strategies to Cut Processing Costs

Reducing processing costs can lead to better profit margins without increasing prices for customers.

For businesses with high transaction volumes, negotiating lower fees with payment processors can lead to significant cost savings. Compare rates from multiple providers and leverage your transaction volume to secure the best possible deal.

Connect your payment gateway to multiple acquiring banks and route each transaction to the most cost-effective option. For example, certain banks may offer lower fees for specific card networks or transaction types. Tiered routing allows you to minimize processing costs dynamically.

What’s more, implement robust fraud detection measures and ensure transparent communication about billing, refunds, and product delivery to minimize disputes. Offering clear return policies and fast customer support can also help resolve issues before they escalate into chargebacks.

If your business processes a large number of small transactions, consider bundling payments into bulk transactions to reduce processing fees. This strategy can help you save on transaction fees that are charged per transaction rather than based on the total amount processed.

Also consider alternative payment methods, such as bank transfers and digital wallets, which sometimes have lower fees compared to traditional credit card processing. Encourage customers to use these methods by offering discounts or incentives, which can help lower overall processing costs.

Introducing Akurateco

In case you are looking to save on the costs and complexities of building a payment gateway from scratch, consider leasing a white-label payment infrastructure as a compelling alternative. The solution provides all the essential features of a robust, customizable payment gateway without the need for extensive development and compliance efforts. Using this approach, you can significantly reduce time-to-market and upfront costs, as you do not need to invest in expensive technology stacks, security protocols, or continuous maintenance.

Akurateco is a renowned white-label payment gateway provider that helps businesses streamline their payment processes. With over 15 years of expertise, the company supports seamless integration across 370 payment methods, enhancing transaction approval rates through intelligent routing and advanced fraud prevention. Akurateco’s offerings are suited for various industries, from banks to marketplaces, allowing businesses to expand globally while maintaining control over branding and payment flows.

Conclusion

Ultimately, a well-implemented payment gateway is more than just a transaction processing tool—it’s an essential part of the customer journey that can define a business’s success in the competitive world of e-commerce. Whether you build your payment gateway or leverage a third-party solution like Akurateco, ensuring scalability, flexibility, and optimization for payment conversion rate is key to staying ahead of the competition while keeping costs low.

Read more:
How to Create a Payment Gateway That Boosts Conversion Rates and Cuts Processing Costs

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Gum disease is far from a pleasant experience and can wreak havoc on your oral health if not addressed promptly.

While we always encourage a visit to the dentist for comprehensive care, there are effective ways to tackle gum disease from the comfort of your home. Here are some top tips and remedies to consider.

Boost Your Oral Health with Natural Remedies

Maintaining excellent oral health requires more than just brushing and flossing. Simple yet powerful remedies can significantly improve the condition of your gums and teeth. By incorporating these natural solutions and preventive measures into your daily routine, you can enhance your oral hygiene and ward off common problems like gum disease. Let’s explore some straightforward and effective strategies to keep your gums healthy and ensure a dazzling smile.

Green Tea

Sometimes, the best remedies are the simplest. Green tea contains beneficial antioxidants that can significantly reduce inflammation around the gums. The polyphenols in green tea also slow down the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth that can lead to gum disease. A cup of green tea in the morning and evening benefits your mental and physical health.

Salt Water

Salt is another basic yet effective remedy that can reduce your risk of gum disease. Being a natural disinfectant, salt can heal inflamed gum tissue and eradicate bad bacteria in your mouth. Mix sea salt with boiling water, and after it has cooled, rinse your mouth. This is an excellent way to give your oral health a boost alongside regular brushing and flossing.

Consistent Brushing Routine

A consistent brushing and flossing routine is crucial for maintaining good dental health. Brushing twice daily for two minutes each time can greatly decrease your chances of developing gum disease. If you’re already noticing early signs, there are various effective toothpastes available to help. Don’t forget to floss daily; it’s one of the best ways to keep your gums healthy.

Sage Mouthwash

Choosing the right mouthwash is essential for maintaining gum health. Many commercial mouthwashes contain high levels of alcohol, which dry out the mouth and promote bacterial growth. Instead, opt for a sage mouthwash that decreases the bacteria responsible for dental plaque and gum disease. Making sage mouthwash is easy — add a few spoonfuls of dried sage to boiling water, wait for it to cool, and rinse your mouth.

Regular Hygienist Appointments

While home remedies are useful, there’s no substitute for professional dental care. We recommend visiting your hygienist every three months to maintain optimal oral health and keep your smile bright.

Achieving Optimal Oral Health at Home

By incorporating these simple yet effective strategies into your daily routine, you can significantly improve your gum health and overall oral hygiene. Natural remedies like green tea, salt water, and sage mouthwash, combined with a consistent brushing and flossing routine, can help keep gum disease at bay. Remember, regular appointments with your hygienist are essential for comprehensive care. If you have concerns about your gum health or notice any early signs of gum disease, don’t hesitate to schedule a professional consultation. Your smile will thank you!

If you’re worried about your gum health or showing early signs of gum disease, don’t wait — book an appointment with us today.

Read more:
Natural Remedies for Treating Gum Disease at Home

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