Tag: bark.com

Why SEO is important for your online success

This year, Covid-19 forced businesses big and small to close their doors, some for a few months, others for the foreseeable future. As brick and mortar stores are adapting to this strange new world of remote working, it’s never been more important to build a strong digital presence to attract new customers. 

If you’re wondering how to make your business successful online, one tactic that can’t be ignored is SEO. Let’s have a look into what SEO is, how it works, and how it can help your business. 

What does SEO stand for? 

If you’re wondering what on earth SEO is, then you’re not alone. Short for ‘Search Engine Optimisation’, it’s basically the art of increasing traffic to your website through organic search results. 

Still confused? Let’s dive into it a bit more and see what we mean by ‘traffic’ and ‘organic search’. 

Key terms: 

  • Traffic – refers to the visitors coming to your site. 
  • Organic search – refers to the search results of a search engine (like Google) that don’t appear as a result of paid advertising. They are ranked according to their relevance to a search term. So, if someone types into Google ‘what is SEO?’ The top results that will appear will be websites with information that most closely matches that search query. 

So, why is organic traffic important? 

Organic traffic is important because it is relevant. Visitors that land on your site from a search engine’s organic results are looking for specific products and services you offer. This means that they are more likely to convert. 

SEO uses a number of tactics to influence the position of your website in the search engine results pages to drive more conversions. And SEO works because lots and lots of people search for things on the internet.

How does SEO work? 

Google’s algorithm determines which websites are the most relevant and should appear at the top of search results. It looks for high-quality information that is relevant to the searcher’s query. 

Google looks at your website’s content to evaluate how useful it is in answering what the searcher is looking for. 

The simple basis is that Google provides the most relevant and useful information based on the search query. 

 

How can SEO help your business? 

SEO is one of the most popular digital marketing tools out there, and for good reason. Here’s how SEO can help your business succeed online: 

  • Relevant traffic – SEO puts your business in front of people who are looking for the services you provide, which means they are more likely to convert. 
  • Increases profit  – With organic search traffic driving conversions, your profit will increase and you won’t need to pay as much on paid advertising – win, win! 
  • Long-term gain – Organic traffic doesn’t just come all at once and then stop – if done properly, SEO will bring you a steady stream of traffic for months (and even years!) to come.
  • Bypasses competitors – If you’ve ever searched for something on Google yourself (which you probably have), then you’ll know first-hand that most of us only click on the first search result. If there are two businesses in the same industry, selling similar products or services, then which one are you likely to go for, the first search result or the second? We know what our answer would be…
  • Brand awareness – Last but not least, increasing your search rankings is a great way to build your brand awareness amongst consumers. If your website appears at the top of Google or Bing, then customers will be more likely to trust your business – simple.

All this talk of SEO getting you in a wobble? You can hire an SEO specialist on Bark – they’ll be highly skilled in building your brand awareness and driving the quantity and quality of traffic to your site.

Meet Simon – Graphic Designer at Media Monkey

This week we’re off to Devon in the UK to chat with Simon, Graphic Designer and Animator (or as he calls it ‘Designamator’) at Media Monkey, a creative design agency.

Let’s hear how Simon has grown a successful business over the years with Bark.

Tell us a bit about your background

I’ve lived and breathed design for over 20 years, working at various creative agencies in my twenties and finally setting up my first company in 2011, called ‘Ramsey’s Design.’ 

Over time, the marketplace I was working in demanded a lot more attention in motion graphics. Video was becoming more popular and engagement was through the roof on social platforms. 

I only had a small understanding of animation, but I learnt on the fly by watching as much training as I could. In 2018 I rebranded Ramsey’s Design Lab to Media Monkey – really to focus more on video and animation. 

When did you join Bark? 

VERY VERY early days – 2015/2016!

Tell us about your experiences on Bark…

From day one it always looked and felt like a great site. Huge attention to user journey and packed full of leads for all sorts of different service areas. Bark was a huge change for me to now ‘close’ my own customers. Yikes! 

Since the early days, Bark has continually listened and updated the system and it has progressed beautifully over the years. Any issues I had have been ironed out and we are always very excited to see new updates that make things easier for us to use Bark and importantly, make money from it. We now have verified phone numbers!! and each lead shows how many people have responded to it.

These may sound like small changes. But they have made a HUGE impact and created more trust in the whole system. 

Over time Bark has become the sole source of my work. It accounts for over 95% of my revenue yearly, in both new projects and repeat business from those valuable relationships I have made.

If it wasn’t for Bark I wouldn’t have a business. 

How has Bark helped you fight the coronavirus pandemic? 

When the pandemic hit in March 2020 I lost over £250,000 in estimates, proposals and retained business which happened pretty much overnight. I had two weeks of pacing up and down the garden wondering how on earth we are going to manage. 

I spent my last £60 on Bark credits which landed me with a handful of incredible clients. I was so happy to be back doing what I know best. Business is very much booming thanks to this wonderful system, with June and July 2020 being the busiest months on record.

What’s the best thing about Bark?

There are lots of GREAT things about Bark. 

Active development team – It feels like we are being listened to. Updates and new features are rolling out all the time. 

The ease of use – The whole platform is just great to use. And from a design point of view, looks great. Can’t wait to finally see the new portfolio rollout. 

But the BEST thing about Bark? Always knowing you have a place to go and find work if there is nothing coming in. There are hundreds of new leads posted every day. You can always seem to get something – that hopefully leads to more. 

What are your top tips for success on Bark?

Reviews, get reviews. I know I read them. Especially if I’m about to spend some serious money or I’m looking to form a working relationship. 

ALWAYS respond immediately to anyone that has sent you a personal message. Clients won’t do that unless they are very very keen. 

ALWAYS where possible respond to emailed leads (Elite Pro only) again if they have reached out to you. That is already your foot in the door. The likelihood of closing a deal with someone who has reached out to you is much much higher. At that point is just a price negotiation issue. 

Remember that most of the people you’ll deal with – WILL COME BACK! it will all be repeat business if you deliver what you promise – and a little extra.

How helpful have you found our Customer Success team?

Great customer service team. If you ever ring them it’s a pleasure to speak with them. Every single team member I’ve spoken to in 5 years has been wonderful.

And that’s Simon, Media Monkey’s very own ‘Designamator’, disrupting the design world one motion reel at a time. If you’re looking to bring a new lease of life to your next digital project, head over to Media Monkey’s Bark profile to make an enquiry – check out its stunning 3D animation, read reviews and request a quote, all on Bark today!

You can find Media Monkey on social media too! Search mediamonkeybusiness on Facebook for more examples of its brilliant work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How to make your UK tax return less stressful

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of filling out a tax return, you’ll know how laborious the process is. Sitting there with documents in hand, your mission is to report every penny that’s made its way into your business since last April. In the end, you’ll be given a bill for your trouble. If you don’t submit your return on time or correctly, it could lead to serious fines. Hence, tax returns can be very stressful. 

The fact is your tax return still needs doing whether you enjoy completing it or not. Here’s how to make your tax return less stressful to lighten the load. 

Don’t put it off 

In the toss-up between dentist vs tax return, most people would prefer to have that root canal rather than work out how much they owe HMRC. Those who earn at least £1,000 from their self-employment are given until January 31st to complete their tax return, along with paying any amount that’s owed. Given that the tax year ends in April, that’s a lot of time to get it done and dusted.

While nobody enjoys filling out their tax return – let alone paying tax and other contributions – it’s something you simply can’t ignore. Like with any difficult task you face in your business, avoiding procrastination is the best way to go. Even if you are facing a large bill, if you have several months to figure out a plan, this is far less stressful than finding out the day before you are supposed to pay it! 

Work as you go along 

Spending hours trawling through your accounts, trying to work out how much money you’ve earned this year is very time-consuming. Given all the software that’s available these days, it’s unnecessary too. Filling out your books as you go is far better in the long run, as you won’t have to sift through mountains of receipts or bank statements. 

Remember that HMRC can ask to see your books at any time. The last thing any business owner needs is a mad scramble to throw your accounts together when just a few minutes a week could take care of the hassle for you. It will also help you to track your profits better too, which can vary from month to month, especially if you’re a freelancer. 

Create a separate savings account 

One of the main reasons that a tax return is so stressful is because when you’ve completed it, you then have to hand over a large wad of cash. Anything up to £12,500 is part of your personal allowance, but above that figure, your income will be taxed at between 20% and 45%. 

Understandably, paying tax is daunting for most people. But one of the ways you can lessen the sting is to siphon the money out into a separate savings account automatically. That way, when it comes to paying your tax bill you’ll always have the means to pay it. 

Consult an accountant

Accountants are undoubtedly the best people to help you with your tax return because this is their area of expertise. Plus, most people find they actually save money by using an accountant, especially when it comes to things such as the deductions you are entitled to claim.

They will also make sure your tax return is submitted correctly and on time, which will be a huge weight lifted off your mind. Compared to going it alone when you aren’t sure what you are doing, asking an expert is always the better option. 

Take the pain out of the process with trusted tax return accountants on Bark.

To Sum Up

As with all aspects of running a business, forward planning can save you a lot of aggravation. Completing a tax return is no different. By not putting it off and saving as you go, you can make the process much smoother. 

If in doubt, an accountant can help you make sense of everything. They can even show you where you can make savings, as well as ensure everything is submitted correctly and on time.

 

How much does a web designer cost in the UK? 2020

Updated: Read our latest 2021 Web Design Price Guide.

Average price of a web designer in the UK

£400 – £1,000

What can I expect to pay for a web designer?

Need your website revamped or built from scratch, but not sure of the cost? Find out how much your web design expert will charge depending on your location, website size, design complexity and more.

What is a web designer?

There’s far more to web design than meets the eye. Designing a professional website with clear, user friendly navigation is a work of art. On top of that, you need to factor in additional features like web compatibility, quality content, and search engine optimisation. If you’re trying to grow your business, getting your website off the ground is the last thing you need to worry about! 

A web designer has the expert knowledge to ensure your website is search engine friendly and customised to your needs. They’ll remove the faff from the process and even save you money, as getting the job done right the first time around means you won’t have to worry about unexpected repair costs later down the line. 

How much does a web designer cost in the UK?

It’s tricky to determine the price of web design as no two websites are the same. To make life easier, we’ve put together a rough breakdown of average web design costs based on local UK professionals: 

Average Cost (in total) £500 – £600
Minimum Cost (in total) £250
Maximum Cost (in total) £1,500 – £2,000+

However, web designers can charge anything up to £5,000 for larger and more complex projects. It’s always worth discussing your budget with your web designer up front so that you’re both on the same page. 

What changes the price of hiring a web designer?

  • Location 
  • Size
  • Design complexity

Location

Web designers set their prices to reflect the cost of living in their area. If you decide to hire a web designer in London, expect to pay more as the cost of living is higher than the rest of the UK. 

If you live in the big smoke but you’re on a budget, don’t despair! Web design is a remote service, so it’s possible to hire someone based in another part of the country, or even the world to you. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to pricing.

If you do choose someone from the other size of the world, remember that time differences could make communication tricky, and could even slow your project down. 

 

Size

When it comes to determining the cost of web design, size can’t be ignored. The larger the website, the more sophisticated capabilities it will require, increasing the time (and money!)  it takes to design, build, and launch it. 

Here’s a breakdown of average web design total costs based on website size: 

Size of website Type of website Average Cost (in total)
Small Basic £200 – £500 
Medium  Small business  £500 – £1,100
Large  Ecommerce Site  £1,000 – £2,500 

When choosing the size of your website, it really depends on what you need the website to do. If you need a simple platform for posting blog content, a smaller sized website will do the trick. However, you might need a large website if you’re launching an e-commerce store, for example.

Design complexity

The complexity of design can also impact project costs. If you want to build a website for an e-commerce store, it will require far more pages, responsiveness, and animations than a simple blogger’s website. 

The more complex the design, the more time it’ll take to complete, and time is money! 

Is hiring a web designer worth the cost?

If the thought of web design costs is getting you in a wobble, read on for our top money saving tips: 

  • Keep web pages to a minimum – The more pages you want your website to have, the more time it will take your designer to complete, which means higher costs! Keep charges to a minimum by cutting out any pages that aren’t absolutely necessary. 
  • Get creative with your own photos – When choosing images for your website, avoid using costly stock photography. Why not tap into your creative side and take your own photos? This minimises costs as well as giving your website a personal touch. 
  • Keep it simple – When it comes to website design, simple is often much more effective. Don’t go overboard with reams of content, images or videos. This will keep costs down, and users often prefer a simple interface anyway – so it’s a win win!

If you’re looking to update your blog, or take your business online, find a Web Designer on Bark.

Wix vs. WordPress – which is the better option?

Thinking about creating a website? If you’ve already done your research, you’ve probably come across Wix and WordPress. Two of the most popular website providers, they’re both great options, but which one to choose? Depending on the type of website you need and your technical skills, one may be a better option than another. If choosing between Wix and WordPress is getting you into a wobble, let’s find out the best choice for you. 

Wix 

Building a website on Wix couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is pick a theme and edit it to your needs by moving different elements around on the page – but pick wisely, as you won’t be able to change the theme once you’ve chosen it. However, for the web design rookies out there (and let’s face it, that’s most of us) the process is a breeze. If you’re looking for simplicity and functionality, then Wix is the web design tool for you. The best thing about Wix is that it’s free, although you can access advanced features by upgrading to premium packages. 

Wix Benefits:

  • Drag and drop style editor gives you complete freedom to move elements around on the page 
  • Basic package is free to access 
  • A variety of add-ons for all website types 

Wix Drawbacks: 

  • You can’t change the template of your site once it’s been created, so the only alternative would be to start again from scratch 
  • Dragging around different elements on the site editor can be time consuming 
  • Lacks a variety of features on the blog section, making it more difficult to customise or implement SEO

WordPress 

A whopping 50% of the internet is powered by WordPress, making it easier for onboarding new colleagues to work onto your site in comparison to other, less widely used web builders. 

Whether it’s developers, designers or content creators, most people know how to use WordPress. Bloggers are the biggest users of WordPress, though tools such as WooCommerce make it easy to use for those with eCommerce websites too. 

When it comes to building your WordPress site, there are thousands of themes available. And even better, if you want to change it, you can do so immediately without having to start your website again from scratch. However, as the only drag and drop feature is in Gutenberg (a blog text editor), you’ll need to have some technical know-how, or may need to hire someone who does.

WordPress Benefits 

  • The most popular CMS on the internet with thousands of themes available
  • Regularly updated
  • Sophisticated blog tool that gives more content displaying options 
  • Access to tools such as Yoast SEO and Google Analytics (unavailable on Wix) 

WordPress Drawbacks 

  • If you use the free version (WordPress.org) you’ll need to purchase hosting
  • Premium themes can be pricey 
  • Some technical knowledge is needed to manage plugins
  • Not at easy to access customer support

To sum up 

And there you have it, a short but sweet comparison of Wix and WordPress. In a nutshell, Wix lets you hit the ground running with easy visual editing. You can drag, drop and move elements without needing to know a single line of code. 

However, you can’t change your template later down the line, so it’s important to choose something you’re happy with. If you also decide to move providers, you may also need to rebuild your website from scratch. But for anyone who lacks technical knowledge, Wix is an ideal option. 

WordPress is the go-to for everyone, from bloggers to business owners. Its huge market share means you’ll find way more plugins and features than any other provider, though these aren’t always cheap. With WordPress, you have the freedom of choosing any theme and changing it at any time – providing complete flexibility as your website grows and evolves. 

A web designer can change or custom build you an entirely new theme on WordPress. While WordPress is more tricky to navigate than Wix, it provides businesses more freedom and flexibility. It has far more tools for SEO and bloggers too.

 

5 FAQs about training your pup

Ask a stupid question day is an annual holiday, celebrated on the 28th of September. 

It’s purpose? To encourage us to ask more questions, no matter how silly we think they might be. 

If you have a brand new pup, you probably have a lot of questions about how to train them. After all, it’s not easy, especially if it’s your first time being a proud dog owner! 

In the spirit of ask a stupid question day, we’ve answered the five questions you might be dying to ask when it comes to training your pooch. 

How do I toilet train my puppy?

Toilet training your pup isn’t the easiest of tasks. No matter what toilet time routine you set them, they might have something else in mind. One of the easiest ways around it is setting a regular feeding schedule, which helps to avoid any unwanted accidents. Remember to designate a space for them to go to the toilet, too, as this will help your pooch remember where to go next time. 

When should I start training my pup? 

It’s never too early to start training your puppy – did you know dogs start retaining information as early as five weeks of age? There is no harm in encouraging positive behaviour right from the start – in fact, the earlier you start teaching your furry-friend positive habits, the easier it will be for them to absorb what they learn. So why not start training them as soon as they come home?

How do I socialise my pup?

Socialisation is the process where puppies learn how to interact with other animals and humans. It’s important to expose your pup to a wide variety of situations and environments so that they learn how to get along with other dogs early on. It can make the difference between your puppy becoming friendly and well-behaved or aggressive and shy. If you don’t make socialising your dog a priority from the beginning, the issue will only get worse in their later life. 

How do I teach my dog their name? 

This might seem obvious, but if you don’t teach your puppy their name from early on they may never learn it themselves! Make sure you consciously call your dog by their name throughout the day, rewarding them with treats or affection once it gets their attention. Remember not to confuse your dog by calling them another nickname that you have just made up on the spot, as tempting as it is. 

What dog training equipment should I use? 

Always opt for equipment that takes into consideration your dog’s safety. Switching a dog collar for a harness is less damaging to their neck, especially if they are pulling. Always remember your safety, too. If your pup is particularly troublesome, a retractable leash is probably not the best option, as it gives you little control of your dog’s movements. Stick to a shorter, non – retractable leash at the beginning – this will also help to avoid any nasty occurrences of your pup running out into the road, which you want to avoid at all costs. 

To sum up 

Still struggling with taming your pup? Dog trainers are experts in improving behaviour and obedience training in dogs of all shapes and sizes. Find local, trusted dog trainers in just a few clicks with Bark. 

5 tips for creating great content for your website

Every website should have high-quality content, regardless of its purpose. Whether you’re a small business owner looking to drive conversion rates, or a mummy blogger attempting to boost your online presence, strong content is key to increasing search engine rankings and driving traffic. Yes, a beautifully designed website is important, but it’s no good if the content is lacking in freshness and clarity. Even Google favours content over visuals when it comes to determining search rankings. 

We live in an age of information overload, and we’re more impatient than ever. You have about three seconds to hook visitors with your website content, so it pays to get it right. The good news is that writing quality content isn’t as difficult as it seems – here are 5 tips for getting it right. If you don’t have a way with words, you can always hire a web design expert, who can advise you on how to optimise your content for your intended audience. 

Keep it simple 

If you think the content on your website is simple, it’s probably not simple enough. Remember, your website should be designed so that users understand immediately what they are looking at and where they should click when they land on it. In other words, they shouldn’t have to think at all – it should be intuitive. Yes, the site architecture should take the reins with this, but your content has an important part to play, too.

Ensure the content is free from vague phrases which might cause confusion, and keep the message clear and simple. Another thing to remember is that you never know who may end up on your website, so it’s always best to cut out any fancy jargon and write your content in a way that is clear for everyone to understand. 

Keep it short 

This follows on from the previous point. If your content is too long and wordy, readers will simply get bored and move on. You’re not writing a novel – you’re writing for a website, in an overcrowded marketplace, where you have about three seconds to capture a user’s attention. There’s just no time for waffling.

Some websites may have sections, like blogs, where longer content is required. This isn’t damaging, as these pages are designed for people who want to obtain more detailed information, but keep in mind to make the information as digestible as possible. Make sure longer content is cut into smaller chunks, and add images to break it up. 

Give examples 

It doesn’t matter how beautiful your writing may be, telling visitors how fantastic you are just isn’t going to cut the mustard. For whatever message you are trying to communicate, make sure you back it up with measurable, real-life examples. Don’t be afraid to go into detail about how you’re better than your competitors. But remember, keep the language punchy and simple to avoid bogging users down. 

Make it scannable 

Remember the golden rule – website users scan. Websites are very much a browsing tool, and visitors may have to quickly scan several websites before they get the information they need.

The key thing to remember is to always put the most important content at the top – think of it as a word hierarchy. Break your text up into bullet points, even separating it into tables or boxes if you can. This helps the reader to easily find what they are looking for, which increases the chances of them staying on your website. 

Turn heads with your headline 

Your headline is the first thing to capture a reader’s attention, so it pays to make it catchy. If your headline is boring and bland, it’s likely no one will bother to read the content that follows it. If it’s jazzy and engaging, your reader is far more likely to be intrigued and read on.

To spark interest with your headline, the key is to use simple but powerful language. If you can, make your headline a call-to-action by using words like ‘click here’ or ‘get started’. This makes it super easy to convert visitors into buyers, as it makes it obvious which action they need to take next to access your products or services. 

To sum up 

Capturing a reader’s attention in a crowded digital space is a challenge to say the least. Creating concise, relevant, and high-quality content is absolutely essential to driving and retaining traffic on your website. If you put time, energy, and effort into writing great content, it’ll be well worth the investment. 

What is the difference between a Nutritionist and a Dietitian?

What we eat has a huge impact on our overall health. The trouble is, it’s not always easy to know what foods are good for us, especially if you have any preexisting health conditions. After all, food is a science and it’s so easy to eat the wrong foods, even when we think we are being healthy! That’s why it’s always worth seeking professional advice in the form of a nutritionist or a dietitian. 

If you are wondering what is the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian, here is everything you need to know. 

Nutritionists

A nutritionist is someone who is qualified to give advice about your dietary choices. They look at the science of nutrition to help promote health and prevent disease. However, a nutritionist can’t give you a diet plan in relation to any specific medical conditions. Instead, they give you an overall diet plan or suggestions in accordance with your lifestyle. 

Anyone can call themselves a nutritionist meaning you should take care to select the right professional. Though, it is possible to find individuals who are AfN registered, who use the title of ‘Registered Nutritionist’. Often, nutritionists will work alongside other healthcare professionals within a clinical setting. Though it’s also possible to hire a freelance nutritionist too. 

Dietitians

The role of a dietitian is to provide nutritional guidance in relation to any health conditions you are experiencing. For example, eating disorders, malnutrition, diabetes and similar diet related disorders of the body. Dietitians can also work with healthy individuals to enhance their diet to help prevent disease in the future too. 

Unlike nutritionists, dietitians are governed and regulated by law. While this differs around the world, in the UK dietitians must be registered with the HCPC. Also, only qualified professionals can call themselves a dietitian. The practice as a whole looks at biochemistry, physiology and research methods that relate to the science of nutrition. 

Which one is right for me?

If you are looking to improve your health, it could be argued that either a nutritionist or a dietitian is worth consulting. However, it’s good to remember that only a dietitian can give specific medical related advice. If you are trying to manage a particular condition, then a dietitian is the best person to consult and receive a tailored plan from. 

For general nutritional help and guidance, a nutritionist can be of assistance. Many nutritionists have their own books or diet plans in relation to certain food trends which can be interesting to explore. So, they are ideal to consult when you don’t have a particular health worry but are simply looking to learn more about food and how to improve your diet. 

To sum up 

If you are looking to improve your health then it makes sense to address your eating habits. Both nutritions and dietitians can offer valuable advice, but only a dietitian can give specific medical related advice. Both are also great to plug any knowledge gaps you have about food in terms of the nutritional value and portion sizes. 

It couldn’t be easier to find a nutritionist or dietitian with Bark. Whether you just want to learn more about your eating habits or if you’re ready to make a serious change to enhance your health, we’ll connect you with the best local professionals to help you on your journey.

Is it worth hiring a Mortgage Advisor?

Purchasing a home is an exciting yet daunting time. Especially as these days, scraping up a deposit is an achievement in itself! However, there is the small matter of the mortgage that you’ll be tied to for 25 years. While the exact figure will vary depending on your location and your property, the average UK mortgage is £669 a month. 

So before you sign on the dotted line, you need to know you have all the facts and that you’re getting the best deal. But is it worth hiring a mortgage advisor to help you do so? Let’s find out.

It’s a huge commitment

Life is full of commitments from relationships to parenthood. Buying property is no exception, especially as you can’t decide to suddenly skip a payment, even if it’s because you’re ill or you’ve lost your job. It’s going to be your life until you pay it off, or until you decide to move again! While most people only purchase a home once in their lifetime, a mortgage advisor spends every single day dealing with this exact matter. Experience counts for a lot, and when it comes to your mortgage, calling on that knowledge to know what you are letting yourself in for cannot be underestimated.

Getting the best deal

Understandably, the money involved is the biggest concern with any mortgage you wish to take out. There are several ways you can access mortgage advice either through a lender or a mortgage broker. However, a broker is not tied to any particular institutions and they may have special deals that are not available through your building society. Therefore, they are one of the best people to consult when it comes to getting the best deal. They will also tell you before you go ahead whether you’re in a good financial position to take out a mortgage in the first place which will save you time and effort too. 

Mortgages are confusing

Mortgages are expensive but they are pretty confusing too. Especially if you’re a first time buyer! From interest rates to the different ways a mortgage can be calculated, it’s enough to puzzle anyone. Gaining some clarity before you jump in by consulting a mortgage advisor can be very reassuring. You need to know that you can comfortably afford the repayments and be aware of the hidden charges such as exit fees that nobody tells you about. A mortgage advisor will unlock all of the details so that you don’t get any nasty surprises. 

To sum up

Paying your mortgage off will allow you to become a homeowner. But this can be a scary prospect given the average property price in the UK is £231,185. While mortgage advisors do charge a small fee, the money you could save in the long run is well worth it, especially if they can get you a better deal than what your local building society can offer. 

If you are looking for some advice on your mortgage, it couldn’t be easier with Bark. Find the best local experts near you who can help you with everything you need to know. After all, it’s the biggest financial commitment you’ll ever make!

3 benefits of Commercial & Office Cleaning

Approximately 90,000 hours of our life will be spent at work, which equates to about a third of our lives. It’s important to enjoy work given how long we will all spend doing it. Something that can make a huge difference to your job satisfaction is the environment you work in, especially if it is clean and hygienic. 

Commercial cleaners are tasked with making sure your premises are left spotlessly clean. Here are 3 benefits of commercial & office cleaning to tell you more. 

Creates the right first impression

First impressions count for a lot. Depending on the nature of your business, there may be lots of people who spend time on your premises aside from just your employees. When the environment they enter is clean and professional it immediately sets the right tone. Remember that if you are spending 40+ hours a week at work, you could even stop noticing the clutter around you. That won’t be the same for visitors who will spot it straight away! 

By hiring a professional commercial cleaner, you’ll have no such issues. The cleanliness of your business premises will be constantly maintained. That means even if clients pop in on a whim, you’ll never be caught out by untidy workstations or even a filthy kitchen. After all, a lack of cleanliness can be very off-putting to others and it could even cost you business too.

Improves productivity

The stress and chaos of work can take its toll, and often this is reflected in the immediate space around our desks. Just like how a tidy home can make you feel happier, healthier and more productive, the same can also be said for your work environment too. So if you want to improve employee efficiency, innovation and productivity, then a clean work area is a must.  

Whatsmore, a study found that employees lose an average of 9 workdays per year, which directly is attributed to a lack of workplace cleanliness. Viruses, in particular, can live on touchpoints such as keyboards, door handles and light switches. If your employees take time off due to sickness, this can affect the productivity of your whole team. This is just one of the many reasons why hiring a professional cleaner could save you money in the long run. 

Boosts employee morale

Working in a dirty, cluttered environment does little to inspire enthusiasm in the workplace. Such a scenario can create stress and overall dissatisfaction in your job. Whatsmore in some roles employees are required to clean their own work station. However, if the nature of their work is far removed from cleaning (such as an office job) then this can reduce employee morale.

By hiring a professional to take care of the cleaning, it demonstrates to your employees that you value their contribution. Plus, when your employees walk into the office in the morning they will see it’s clean and smells fresh. This puts them in a much better frame of mind to work in which will boost their morale. 

Find out more

Those bins won’t empty themselves! Professional cleaning for your office or business location has a wide range of benefits for all those you use your premises. The cleaner you choose will ensure the environment is left looking and smelling clean and fresh. Whether you need a cleaner to visit one a day or once a week, you can find local commercial cleaners on Bark.