We all come across it all the time…

Those distorted letters and numbers we need to untangle to prove we are ‘not a robot’.

But have you ever wondered why they are necessary?

I mean, we all understand it, but what’s the core reason behind it?

Well, to cut straight to the point…

Imagine if someone created hundreds of fake profiles and used them to spread spam or misinformation.

The “I’m not a robot” verification is designed to protect websites from these attacks, which are a serious problem on the internet.

Hackers and spammers often use bots to automatically create fake accounts, submit spam comments, and perform other malicious activities.

This can damage the website and compromise the security of its users’ personal information.

By implementing the “I’m not a robot” verification, websites can ensure that their users are actual humans and not bots programmed to harm. It’s a small but essential step to protect the website and its users from threats.

This type of verification is important for many reasons

#1: One of the primary reasons is security

Bots and other automated systems can cause significant damage to websites, including stealing sensitive information or spreading spam.

By requiring users to prove they are human, websites can protect themselves from these attacks.

Captchas, for example, can prevent automated systems from creating accounts or submitting forms, which can help prevent spamming.

#2: To improve the quality of their data

For example, a website that allows users to create accounts or leave comments wants to ensure that the data they receive is legitimate and not generated by bots.

By requiring users to complete a captcha, website owners can have more confidence that the data they receive is accurate and reliable.

As technology advances, new and improved methods of verification are likely to emerge, making the process faster and more user-friendly.

I can imagine in the near future, our faces will be scanned to prove verification.

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Why Do I Need to ‘Prove Im Not A Robot’? was originally published in DataDrivenInvestor on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

I’m sure we’ve all heard about Elon Musk’s interview with BBC reporter James Clayton, where he successfully reversed the accusations made by the reporter.

If not, here’s a short video of the moment.

Censored Men on Twitter: "WATCH: The moment @elonmusk confronts @BBC reporter @JamesClayton5 for not being able to provide a single example of hate speech he has witnessed on Twitter.-Elon also points out the BBC's double standards regarding Covid misinformation. pic.twitter.com/EBRCcOrTP4 / Twitter"

WATCH: The moment @elonmusk confronts @BBC reporter @JamesClayton5 for not being able to provide a single example of hate speech he has witnessed on Twitter.-Elon also points out the BBC's double standards regarding Covid misinformation. pic.twitter.com/EBRCcOrTP4

Not only was it pleasing to watch the media get a taste of their own medicine. But I think there are some really great lessons we can take from this video on how to handle confrontation and stand up for yourself when faced with accusations, LIKE A BOSS!😎

A journalist may never interview you, but regular people are often pressured in their personal and professional lives. To the point where the accused starts talking rubbish simply because they were easily led along a particular narrative.

This interview is a great example of standing your ground and not accepting false accusations, and I'd like to share some lessons I learned from it that we can apply to our own lives.

#1: Question the accuser

Elon was accused of supporting misinformation by a reporter who was spreading misinformation himself. Elon asked him to give him ONE example of what he was claiming.

We need more people to begin asking the questions instead of being on the defense in situations like this.

Elon wasn’t asking hard questions,

“Can you name a single example?” says Elon.

Logic is such a beautiful thing. It's sad to see people nowadays react based on feelings and feel like they own a debate they're actually losing.

Mike Tyson deals with these interviewers best,

“who said that? I never heard anybody say that except for you just then.”

Ask for clarification so you can give an informed and appropriate answer.

Apply this yourself!

Questioning the accuser allows you better to understand their perspective and the details of their accusations. By asking questions, you can clarify any misunderstandings, gather more information, and potentially identify any inconsistencies in their argument.

Asking questions can also put the burden of proof on the accuser, forcing them to provide evidence or justification for their accusations. This can make them more accountable for their words and may cause them to retract or soften their accusations if they cannot support them.

It can also help you assert control over the conversation and steer it in a direction that is more favorable to you. By guiding the conversation with your questions, you can emphasize key points that support your position and undermine any weak points in the accuser’s argument.

#2 Let the awkwardness stir

Don’t be afraid of awkwardness.

Elon can comfortably sit in awkward silence while the reporter tries to figure out how to clean up the mess he has made.

He doesn’t get flustered and can stay on point during the discussion, trying to understand the reporter's point of view.

Apply this yourself!

When someone accuses you of something, they may expect an immediate response or denial. However, if you respond with silence instead, it can create an uncomfortable and tense moment. This can cause the accuser to become self-conscious and even doubt their own accusations. In an effort to alleviate the awkwardness, they may feel compelled to fill the silence and explain their accusations in more detail.

In this case, the reporter couldn’t come up with a single answer.

I’m pretty sure the reporter was one more sentence away from “I gotta use the restroom” and run away.

By remaining silent, you are allowing the accuser to further expose any weaknesses in their argument. They may become nervous or defensive, causing them to reveal more information than they intended to.

Furthermore, you can assert a sense of control over the conversation by remaining silent. Instead of being reactive, you take a strategic pause to consider your response. As I said, don’t automatically become defensive. This can give you an advantage in the conversation and make you appear more confident and in control.

#3 Stay calm

Lastly, do not show signs of weakness, and STAY CALM!

What really stands out to me in this interview is how gently Musk pushed back. He wasn’t hostile or personally judgemental, even when he pointed out that the interviewer had lied. Musk says, “That’s untrue,” and, “That’s absurd.” Not, “You’re absurd, or “You’re a liar.”

The objective isn’t to destroy the accuser. It’s to understand their point of view by asking questions.

Elon Musk wasn’t trying to cancel this guy; he was trying to understand his point of view.

Well done, Elon Musk 👏

Elon’s tactic — The Jordan Peterson tactic

Elon Musk used debate tactics similar to Jordan Peterson's: He focused on a single argument and stayed with it.

The reporter tries multiple times to change the original argument but Elon ignores it and counters the original argument with “What did you see that was hateful, one example.”

That is the reason you hear him repeat it because the reporter isn’t giving him answers but rather going back and editing the original argument.

And that happens when you think for yourself!

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How To Effortlessly Handle Confrontation In Any Argument was originally published in DataDrivenInvestor on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

Today, we'll be delving into the heartbreaking stories of three of the most notorious missing cases - Jimmy Hoffa, Natalee Holloway, and Madeleine McCann.

It's devastating to think that these cases remain unsolved to this day, leaving families and loved ones without answers and closure.

Madeleine McCann

I remember first hearing about Madeleine McCann when I was just a kid. I was walking past the TV and saw her face on the news. I remember feeling so sad that this young girl had gone missing; she was only a few years younger than me, and her name has never left my head since.

The young British girl was on vacation with her family in the resort town of Praia da Luz, Portugal, when she went missing on May 3, 2007.

Madeleine’s parents, Kate and Gerry McCann, had left her and her younger twin siblings alone in their hotel room while they went out to dinner with friends at a nearby tapas restaurant near the hotel room.

When the couple returned to the hotel room around 10:00 pm, they discovered that Madeleine was missing.

The window in the children’s bedroom was found to be open, and the shutters had been raised. It was not immediately clear what had happened, and a massive search was launched to find the little girl.

Madeleine's disappearance quickly gained international attention, with media outlets around the world reporting on the case. The case was complicated because the family was on vacation in a foreign country, and Portuguese authorities carried out the investigation with the assistance of British police.

Despite extensive searches and investigations over the years, Madeleine’s fate and whereabouts remain a mystery.

There have been numerous theories and speculations about what may have happened to her, ranging from a kidnapping by a pedophile to a tragic accident in the hotel room involving the parents. However, none of these theories have been proven, and the case remains unsolved.

The investigation remains ongoing. I still hear about updates now and then, but they are usually false.

Natalee Holloway

The disappearance of Natalee Holloway was also a huge case back in the day. I remember being invested in solving the case and searching for clues online.

Natalee was a bright and popular teenager from Alabama who had just graduated from high school and was looking forward to attending college. To celebrate, she decided to go on a trip to the tropical island of Aruba with her classmates.

On May 30, 2005, Natalee was last seen leaving a bar in the early morning hours with a local man named Joran van der Sloot. She was never seen or heard from again.

The case quickly gained international attention, and a massive search was launched to find Natalee.

Despite numerous leads and investigations, Natalee’s fate remains a mystery.

There have been many theories and rumors surrounding her disappearance, with some speculating that she was kidnapped or murdered. In contrast, others believe she may have run away or met with an accident.

Her family has worked tirelessly to keep her case alive and to raise awareness of other missing persons' cases.

Over the years, there have been several significant developments in the case, including the arrest and subsequent release of Joran van der Sloot on suspicion of involvement in Natalee’s disappearance.

However, to this day, the exact details of what happened to Natalee remain a mystery.

Jimmy Hoffa

Another case that fascinates me is that of Jimmy Hoffa, a labor union leader who disappeared in 1975 and was never found.

Although I wasn’t around during this era, I remember watching a video on it sometime later and being very invested in it.

Jimmy Hoffa was a powerful labor union leader who disappeared on July 30, 1975, in Michigan under mysterious circumstances.

Hoffa had been scheduled to meet two men at a restaurant in suburban Detroit, whom he believed were associated with organized crime.

However, he never arrived at the meeting, and his disappearance sparked one of the most extensive investigations in U.S. history.

Authorities searched extensively for Hoffa’s body, including using ground-penetrating radar, excavating several sites, and even demolishing a house in their search for evidence.

Despite these efforts, no trace of Hoffa has ever been found.

Over the years, numerous theories and speculation have emerged about what may have happened to Hoffa, but the case remains one of American history's most enduring unsolved mysteries.

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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Stop Worrying About Writer’s Block and Start Writing Anyway

Lately… I’ve been trying to make it a habit to write every day.

At the beginning of April, I challenged myself to write every weekday for a month straight.

The first couple of days went great. I felt inspired by this challenge and had ideas flowing left and right.

But it’s been a week and a bit… and I’m starting to experience writer’s block, which has made it hard to get anything done.

I haven’t written my story for the day, and that’s not because I didn’t try.

Sitting at my desk and staring at a blank screen is frustrating, waiting for inspiration to hit me.

Then I start doubting myself.

Why am I incapable of writing a 300-word story?

It doesn’t sound that hard.

So many other writers are doing it… MULTIPLE times a day.

But then I realized something,

Maybe the problem isn’t writer’s block at all. Maybe it's that I’ve been worrying too much about it.

I used to think that in order to write, I needed to feel inspired, that spark of creativity that would propel me forward.

But the truth is, inspiration and motivation is fleeting.

It’s not something that you can rely on all the time.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that…

writing is a discipline.

When we rely on inspiration and motivation to write, we limit ourselves to only writing when we feel like it.

This can create a vicious cycle of waiting for inspiration and then feeling guilty when we don’t write because we couldn’t muster up the motivation.

And this is precisely the problem I was facing.

However, the reality is that inspiration and motivation are not always present, and we cannot always rely on them to write.

It’s essential to recognize that writing is a craft and a skill; like any skill, it requires practice and effort.

Even if we don’t feel inspired or motivated to write, we can sit down and start putting words on the page.

In fact something I’ve recently learnt is that sometimes the act of writing itself can spark inspiration and motivation.

So, I decided to take a different approach. Instead of worrying about writer’s block, I started writing anyway. I committed to write for at least an hour every morning, no matter what. Even if I didn’t feel like it, I forced myself to sit down and write.

It wasn’t easy at first. The words didn’t flow as easily as I wanted them to.

But as I continued to write daily, I found it easier. My writing started to improve, and I could more easily get into a flow state.

I don’t worry about writer’s block anymore. I know I can always sit down and write, even if it’s not perfect. I’ve learned that the act of writing is more important than waiting for inspiration to strike.

So, if you’re struggling with writer’s block, my advice to you is this:

stop worrying about it and start writing anyway. Make a commitment to write every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Just sit down and start writing. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the words start to flow.

Are you with me?

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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The Rise of the De-influencer

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Stop Worrying About Writer’s Block and Start Writing Anyway was originally published in DataDrivenInvestor on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

1. Firstly, don’t be afraid to repurpose your content.

The keyword here is “REPURPOSE.” This doesn’t entail copying and pasting your old articles but updating them with fresh information, adding more value.

Think of it as how authors frequently update their books to include the latest information — you too can do the same!

• Look at your old articles and see if any sections can be turned into standalone pieces. For example, say you wrote an article about “10 Tips for Making Money by Selling Ebooks on Amazon.”

Surely, some things have changed.

• Even if it’s a personal story, add a retrospective piece to your story about the afterthoughts on the situation now that some time has passed. How do you look at the situation now that it’s long passed you?

This can be a great way to create new content while getting more mileage from your old work.

2. Secondly, consider publishing your old articles as ebooks.

If you have a collection of articles on a particular theme or topic, you can compile them into an ebook and sell them on Amazon or other platforms.

We all have the usual topics we write about. Can they be compiled together to create a book?

3. Create a newsletter out of stories to attract new subscribers!

You can even give your compiled ebook away for free as a lead magnet to attract new subscribers to your blog or mailing list.

4. Explore the world of freelance writing.

Many companies and individuals are willing to pay for high-quality content; your old articles could be just what they’re looking for.

Use your old work as writing samples to showcase your skills and attract new clients.

5. Lastly, don’t forget about affiliate marketing.

If your old articles contain links to products or services, you can earn a commission if someone purchases through your link.

Consider updating your old articles with new affiliate links or promoting them on social media to increase your chances of earning a commission.

Your old Medium articles can still be valuable assets to help you make extra cash.

Don’t be afraid to repurpose your content as long as you are adding more value to the content.

So go ahead and dust off those old articles — they could be your ticket to a little extra income!

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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I Just Made My First $100,000 On Medium — You Can Too

The job market is in the midst of a technological revolution that is changing how we work.

Automation and artificial intelligence are transforming industries, making some jobs obsolete and creating new opportunities for workers.

However, workers need to understand these changes and prepare for the future.

Routine jobs

One of the most significant impacts of automation and AI is eliminating routine tasks. Jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as assembly line work or data entry, are being automated.

This trend is expected to continue, meaning that workers in these industries will need to adapt.

They may need to retrain and acquire new skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, that are in demand in the job market.

Growing need for developers

In addition, the rise of automation and AI has created new jobs in industries that are focused on developing and implementing these technologies.

For example, there is a growing demand for software developers, data analysts, and artificial intelligence specialists.

Workers interested in these fields should consider pursuing education and training that will prepare them for these careers.

Gig economy

Another trend that has emerged due to automation and AI is the rise of the gig economy. Workers are increasingly turning to freelance and contract work to make a living. This trend will likely continue, and workers will need to develop the skills and networks necessary to succeed in this work environment. This includes developing a strong online presence and building a portfolio of work that demonstrates their skills and abilities.

It’s also essential for workers to be adaptable and flexible in the face of technological change.

Jobs currently in demand may be replaced by automation or AI in the future. Workers must be prepared to adapt to these changes and acquire new skills.

Customer service

One area where automation and AI significantly impact is customer service. Chatbots and virtual assistants are becoming increasingly common, and many customer service tasks are being automated.

This means that workers in this industry will need to focus on developing skills less likely to be automated, such as empathy and interpersonal communication.

Consequences of automation

Workers should also be aware of the potential downsides of automation and AI. While these technologies can create new opportunities, they can also result in job losses and wage stagnation.

Workers should advocate for policies that protect their rights and ensure that they are fairly compensated for their work.

The rise of automation and artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming the job market.

Workers who want to succeed in this new environment must be adaptable, flexible, and focused on developing skills that are less likely to be automated.

By staying informed about these changes and taking proactive steps to prepare for the future, workers can position themselves for success in the years ahead.

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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Lately, I’ve heard about this trend of “de-influencers” everywhere.

Everyone’s talking about it.

It’s all over YouTube.

I even attended a LinkedIn event where they further explored this new trend, and I thought I’d share some insights from the event.

But what is it… and is it real?

“A de-influencer is an influencer who actively rejects traditional marketing tactics and instead focuses on building genuine connections with their audience.”

They do not promote products or services for the sake of money but only endorse things they genuinely believe in.

It all started with Tiktok

TikTok values more authentic videos, which naturally translate into how advertisement content is presented.

But why’s this trend gaining so much momentum lately?

Businesses and consumers are noticing it. It even recently coined the term “UGC creator, ” a new type of more authentic influencer.

Well, there are a few reasons for that…

The Rise of Misleading Marketing

One of the primary reasons for the rise of the de-influencer is the rise of misleading marketing.

Recently, many influencers have been caught promoting products without disclosing that they are being paid. This lack of transparency can be problematic because it can make people feel like they are being lied to or manipulated.

Furthermore, many influencers promote products that are not beneficial or harmful to their followers.

We‘ve witnessed this phenomenon throughout the past decade of Instagram, where influencers would ignorantly promote weight loss supplements, teeth whitening products, and other products that could potentially cause harm.

De-influencers reject these tactics and focus on promoting things that align with their values and can actually help people.

The Need for Authenticity

Another factor driving the rise of the de-influencer is the need for authenticity.

People are increasingly aware of social media's highly curated and filtered nature and are looking for more authentic voices.

They want to hear from people who have had real experiences with products or services and can provide honest and accurate information.

Compared to a decade ago, consumers are now more aware that influencers derive their livelihoods from promoting these products, which could lead to inauthentic reviews.

The Inauthenticity of Influencers

Many influencers have been criticized for being inauthentic and promoting products they do not use.

This lack of authenticity can make people feel like they cannot trust influencers, and therefore, they are more likely to turn to de-influencers for honest opinions and reviews.

Furthermore, many influencers promote products not aligned with their values or lifestyle.

For example, an influencer who promotes weight loss products but claims to be all about body positivity can be inauthentic and may lose credibility.

The Rise of Micro-Influencers

One potential solution to influencer marketing problems is the rise of micro-influencers.

Micro-influencers are individuals who have smaller followings but are highly engaged with their audience.

They are often experts in their field and can provide valuable insights and information to their followers.

Micro-influencers are becoming increasingly popular because they are seen as more authentic and trustworthy than larger influencers.

They often have a more personal relationship with their followers and are not seen as just trying to make a quick buck.

The rise of the de-influencer is a real trend that is gaining momentum.

People are becoming more aware of the misleading nature of influencer marketing and are seeking out more authentic voices to guide their purchasing decisions.

While influencers will likely continue to play a role in marketing, companies, and influencers must be transparent and authentic in their promotions.

The rise of micro-influencers is also an exciting development that could potentially provide a more authentic and trustworthy alternative to larger influencers.

Only time will tell if this trend will continue, but it is clear that people are looking for more genuine connections with brands and products.

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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Belle Delphine Leaks Her OnlyFans Earnings

As someone who has been using Google since I learned to walk, I have noticed a significant decline in the relevance of the search results in recent times.

And I’m not the only one…

I’ve seen countless articles discussing switching to other search engines, such as Bing.

Google search is no longer as accurate as it used to be, and I have often found myself frustrated by the lack of relevant information in the top search results.

This trend is not entirely new. I have observed it over the past decade, and it has been gaining momentum year after year, especially within the past few years.

Moreover, the issue of inaccurate search results is not limited to Google; it has now spread to YouTube’s search results, among many other sites.

This is particularly problematic as, even when searching for specific keywords that should lead to relevant videos, the search results often display more popular but somewhat related videos within the same niche.

So why’s this happening? Is it intentional?

One possible reason for the decline in relevance is the sheer volume of content available on the internet. With millions of websites and billions of pages, it is becoming increasingly difficult for search engines to accurately determine which pages are most relevant to a particular query.

Google’s algorithm, which relies heavily on links and keywords to rank pages, may no longer be able to keep up with the sheer volume of online information. As a result, Google search results may show pages that are not necessarily the most relevant to the user’s query.

Google Ads

Another possible reason for the decline in relevance is the increasing use of paid advertising in search results.

Google has long relied on advertising as its primary source of revenue, and it has become more aggressive in recent years in promoting paid results over organic results.

Considering Google Ads are placed at the top of the webpage on the first page, it’s understandable why it’s harder to find relevant information these days.

Cheating the algorithm

Finally, there is the issue of search engine optimization (SEO).

As more and more businesses and individuals try to rank higher in Google search results, they are using increasingly sophisticated techniques to manipulate the algorithm.

This includes tactics such as keyword stuffing, link farms, and content farms, which can artificially inflate page rankings. While Google has taken steps to penalize websites that engage in these practices, it is an ongoing battle that may never be fully won.

How Google is addressing this issue

So, what is Google doing to address these issues?

One of the most significant changes that Google has made in recent years is the introduction of machine learning algorithms into its search engine. These algorithms use artificial intelligence better to understand the context of a user’s query and to provide more relevant results.

In addition, Google has taken steps to combat spammy websites and promote high-quality content in its search results.

This includes promoting websites that provide original and informative content and those with a strong reputation within their industry. This is also a partial reason why Google search results are inaccurate, as Google will show more popular websites over smaller and new ones even though they may be more relevant to your search term.

This is evident as even when searching for a new business’s website by name; it may not appear until one scrolls down to the bottom of the page.

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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Last year, I created my online store as an experiment to see if starting a business without spending a dime was possible.

And to my surprise, it was!

The only issue I faced was acquiring a domain name, which is inexpensive anyway. I paid roughly $5 for mine.

Considering I’ve researched free website builders extensively, I decided to share some of my findings with you.

While several articles exist about free website builders, most of them are misleading, and the builders aren’t genuinely free but rather trials.

A List of *Actually* Free Website Builders in 2023

Building a website is crucial for an e-commerce seller's business to thrive. It gives you an online presence and provides a platform for customers to interact with your brand and make purchases.

While website builders can be costly, some are free and specifically designed for e-commerce sellers.

This article will discuss the top 5 website builders that are free for e-commerce sellers.

1. Ecwid

Let’s start off with my favorite and the one I currently use.

Ecwid is a popular e-commerce website builder that allows sellers to create an online store without technical knowledge easily. It offers a free plan with all basic features, such as a responsive design, product catalog, payment options, and shipping integrations. It also integrates with popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Amazon.

The paid plans offer additional features like abandoned cart recovery, discount coupons, and more. Ecwid also has a mobile app that allows you to manage your store on the go.

It definitely has its downsides, and I’m not completely happy with it. The biggest issue is that you cannot set your inventory with the free item. If you have limited stock available, this can be an issue.

2. BigCommerce

BigCommerce is a website builder that is specifically designed for e-commerce businesses. While it has a paid plan, it also offers a free plan that includes features like unlimited products, secure hosting, and a customizable storefront. The free plan also includes integrations with popular payment gateways like PayPal, Square, and Stripe.

The paid plans offer advanced features like multi-channel selling, abandoned cart recovery, and a professional reporting dashboard. BigCommerce also provides 24/7 support for all plans.

3. WordPress

WordPress is a popular website builder known for its flexibility and customization options. While it is primarily used for blogging, it can also be used to create an e-commerce store with the help of plugins like WooCommerce.

WordPress offers a free plan that includes basic features like a customizable theme, media library, and SEO optimization. Additionally, thousands of free and paid plugins are available to enhance the functionality of your online store.

The paid plans offer advanced features like custom domains, email and live chat support, and unlimited storage. WordPress also allows you to monetize your site through advertising.

4. Wix

Wix is a popular website builder offering a free plan with e-commerce features. It offers a range of customizable templates optimized for e-commerce, along with features like product galleries, a shopping cart, and payment integrations.

The paid plans offer additional features like abandoned cart recovery, email campaigns, and professional analytics. Wix also offers 24/7 support for all plans.

5. Weebly

Weebly is a website builder known for its ease of use and user-friendly interface. It offers a free plan with basic e-commerce features like a shopping cart, product listings, and payment options.

The paid plans offer advanced features like abandoned cart recovery, gift cards, and professional email marketing. Weebly also offers a mobile app that allows you to manage your store from anywhere.

In conclusion, while website builders can be costly, several free options are available for e-commerce sellers. Each of the above-mentioned website builders offers unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different types of businesses. It is important to carefully evaluate your needs and choose a website builder that aligns with your business goals.

If you enjoyed this article — please give this story a CLAP👏 and write a comment 💬 if you wish.

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I Got My First Top Writer Email —  Without Even Trying

Think about it:

One good year could change your life forever.

Just one good year could put you 5x ahead of where you were previously.

One year of pure grit and hard work.

No matter how much our goals differ from one another, there is one thing we all have in common:

COMFORTABILITY

It’s in our nature. We don’t like change, and we don’t like putting ourselves in uncomfortable situations.

But the problem with this is that you’ll never grow this way.

Understand that at the core of every human being, no one wants to push themselves outside their comfort zone and enter a new, unknown territory. People choose to step out of there.

No one (initially) wants to go to the gym 5 days a week and push themselves for months upon months. It’s much more comfortable to sit on the couch and watch Netflix instead.

And no one wants to take the steps to start that business they’re dreaming about. It’s much more comfortable to get a job instead.

But this is the difference between successful and unsuccessful people

Richard Branson went from nothing to being a billionaire.

I always used to think to myself, why can’t I be like him? What is the literal difference between him and me?

There is no difference; the only difference is between the people who believe in themselves and the people who don’t, the people who are willing to never give up.

Sure, there are many successful people who had it easy. But holding this negative thought that everyone who’s successful is where they are because of special circumstances is not going to get you anywhere in life.

Be comfortable with the uncomfortable

Open your arms wide and welcome the uncomfortableness!

If you want to grow, you need to push yourself out of your comfort zone.

Comfortability is a drug.

A silly little analogy I like to use is being stuck in a tunnel. You know what’s out there is grand, but getting there is not easy. You might fall a couple of times. It might just be more accessible to stay there and wait for someone to rescue you instead.

You’re going to have to push yourself to get yourself out of this depth. Face the adversity and take the Ls — meaning lessons, not losses (failures).

It’s easy to quit. You’re always going to have that inner voice that tells you, “Give up,” “This isn’t worth it,” or “Why are you running all these extra miles?”

But that’s the thing!

Growth is achieved in these extra miles. Those moments when you do not want to move forward, but you do, are where the real gains are made.

Because most people would give up at that point and never make it there.

Apply THIS to your life

1. Don’t settle

I don’t know what you want to achieve, but it doesn’t matter.

The same concept applies whether the goal is small, such as losing 10 pounds, or large, such as designing an app.

I strongly believe in not settling for anything less than what you want. Don’t settle for doing the bare minimum and then give up when your one strategy fails. Failure is not such a thing; it just means you need to change your strategy. There are countless other tweaks you haven’t tried that could be the one that works.

2. Be obsessed with your craft

This especially applies to bigger goals, such as starting a business.

You have to be obsessed with your craft if you want to achieve it; otherwise, you’ll give up easily.

3. Understand that mindset is half the battle

Having a good mindset is half the battle.

You need to have that key mindset of

Sink or swim.

Do it or watch it be done.

You gotta go out and do it, or you’ll watch other people get it.

But that day you wake up and don’t want to do it, but you do it anyway, is the day GROWTH happens.

A good analogy for this is someone stranded in the middle of the sea. They have two options: either a) push themselves or b) get themselves out of the situation.

I advise anyone to TAKE ACTION and get your foot in the door. As soon as you get on the hamster wheel, you’ll start rolling, and it will become routine. You must start because you can do it or watch it be done.

But to do this, you need to understand that comfort is a drug and then strive to be uncomfortable.

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Stop Letting Yourself Down: How To Achieve Your Goals was originally published in DataDrivenInvestor on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.