Rakuten: Get Cash Back When You Shop!

February 2, 2023March 12, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 3 Comments

Is it too soon to talk about shopping? I know many of us have had our fill of shopping with the holiday season so recently behind us, but some things we have to buy anyway, Christmas or not. Not to mention, there are lots of deals to be had this time of year. Check out Rakuten to earn rebates when you shop, it’s that easy.

What is Rakuten?

Rakuten is an awesome online shopping site that gives you cash back and rewards when you shop with them. Formerly known as Ebates, they were founded way back in 1998. There are currently over 750 stores to shop from, including Hudson’s Bay, Indigo.ca, Canadian Tire, Old Navy, and Sephora. Instead of shopping on individual retailer websites, you shop with Rakuten. It’s very simple.

Why Shop This Way?

You get paid to shop for things you’re already buying. Why not get a rebate back? Or, things you want that you could get for cheaper; bargains are much appreciated these days. Plus, get a $30 Cash Bonus when you join today!

International Options

Although Rakuten is an international shopping rewards program, I use the Canadian site. For fellow readers inclined to shop from Canadian stores to support our economy, do the same. Anyone else should check out which of the participating thirty countries or regions is most convenient to you.

No Membership or Sign-up Fees!

Joining Rakuten does not require sign-up or membership fees either.

Add Rakuten to Google Chrome

You can add a button in Google Chrome (click the link and follow the steps) so when you are shopping online, you will be notified if you are perusing the site of one of the stores Rakuten is affiliated with. That way you won’t forget to get your rewards. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy as my granddaughter would say.

How Do They get Paid?

It works by affiliate links. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know anything technical. Basically, the stores pay Rakuten for these links so you can experience one-stop shopping and get rewarded. Log onto their site, click on a participating store, and you will be notified what percentage of the cost you will be rewarded with. Yes, it’s that simple, I promise.

Rakuten gets paid, the stores get paid, and you get paid.

OMG, I sound like Oprah!

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Logos and Graphic Design Talent

February 26, 2022April 19, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

To help promote my gardening business and this blog with some unique logos, I recognized the need for some graphic design talent. My niece Jillian Sliter just happens to be one of those talented designers. Of course, I am biased. Check out her Behance portfolio to check her out.

Logos Created for my Business and Blog

Jill designed this logo a few years ago when I decided my feeble attempts did not have the impact I was looking for to promote the website for my gardening business. Although the website is no longer up and running, I share many of my successes on the previous link.

gardens4u logo

More recently Jill designed a unique logo for Loreeebee, this blog. As requested, it incorporates my love of nature and gardening as well as the name of the blog:

Loreeebee’s new logo

Let me know in the comments section what you think of these logos. I love them!

Seniors Home Transformation

In addition to my logos, I was also impressed by the transformation Jill’s graphic design talent created at a nursing home in Barrie, Ontario a few years ago. Check out this video of the before and after pictures at Kempenfelt Court, a member of the IOOF family of nursing homes and the lucky beneficiary of Jill’s artistic talent and creativity.

St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs

Another accomplishment I am aware of is Jill’s creation of this sticker, promoting St John Ambulance Therapy Dogs:

Contact Information for Logos and More

If you have a business or blog you need an inspirational logo for, contact Jill. Her talents can also be contracted to create posters, business cards, brochures, websites, and more.

Conclusions

One of the great things about having lots of siblings (I have five) is watching our incredible children (fifteen in total) grow up and stretch their wings in pursuit of their dreams. They are all very talented in their own way. Grandma and Grandpa Sliter would be so proud!

We seem to have an artistic streak running through our family tree. My first cousin Jerry Carton was a professional artist, so talented with many artistic mediums. His website, maintained by his daughter, can be viewed through the link to a previous post above or directly online.

Build a Website: It’s Easier Than you Think

December 27, 2021February 24, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

When I turned my hobby into a business, one of the first things I did was to build a website. This is what I learned along the way.

No Website Building Experience? No Worries.

The best way for an inexperienced person to build a website or blog is to find (hire) someone else’s website that is specifically designed to build websites. Kind of like a website for dummies approach. These sites offer simple, straightforward advice and instructions that even the most computer-illiterate people can follow.

Keep in mind that Blogs are websites, so any reference here to a website will apply to building a blog too.

Find a Website Builder

Find website builders or advisors online. They are great because they do most of the work. All that is required from you is the unique and specific information or items you wish to promote. And money, as these website-building services are rarely free. Some sites do offer free advice and basic blog templates, often a great way to get your feet wet so to speak.

There are many such website builders designed and committed to building websites for others. Do your research to find one that suits your needs. Most have experienced employees that can offer valuable online support to advise and guide even the most inexperienced and novice person through the steps of building a website, regardless of what the website is to be used for.

Other things covered in the price of a website builder are spam filters, analytic tools, tutorials, templates, and troubleshooting. The support staff will also provide ongoing advice to help to keep the website running smoothly. These features make the process even simpler for you. Keep in mind that these extra services are the ones not usually included in the “free” offers.

This blog is run by WordPress (WP).

Choosing a Domain

Finding an available domain name is crucial in the process of building a website. Your domain name will be the URL or address for your new website. When you register a domain name, no one else can use it for their website. A unique, catchy URL is important. It will draw people to your website and help them remember the name to visit again or recommend it to others.

Some companies (the one you hired to build your website) provide a free domain name. If not they will show you how to find one that is available for use. As mentioned under website builders, WP does provide a domain to use.

I started with a free site and domain, then purchased a domain to lose the wordpress.com tag to my URL.

Cost Involved to Build a Website

Prices may vary depending on ongoing discounts and promotions offered as well as the length of the contract period selected. When a contract is signed, rates are usually charged on a monthly basis. The good news here is that these charges can be claimed as expenses on your income tax if you claim your business income.

Monetizing Your Website

Add an Online Store

An online store is also usually available permitting your clients to purchase products you sell. A free shopping cart for clients and the use of PayPal is usually also available to enhance the shopping experience on the website.

Advertising on Your Website

Free credit can be obtained through the services of Google, Yahoo, and Facebook if advertising is desired. If your website is to be used to make money, be sure the website company you choose offers that service.

You can also solicit your own advertising, using widgets on your website’s sidebar or footer. Check out my sidebar to see my choices. Supported here are businesses created by friends and family members.

Conclusions on How to Build a Website

The biggest tip I can offer is to research your options on all the offers available online. Some will boast they are free, but often just the basic start-up process is actually free. Most offer “packages” based on the services provided, starting at free and increasing in price. Keep in mind the adage “you get what you pay for.” Make a list of features you need on your website or blog and find someone to help you.

Regardless of whether you choose the free options or pay for help, your new website should be up and running in no time providing worldwide exposure. Remember too that money paid to run your website is tax-deductible under business expenses.

It is so easy, even I managed to build a website for Gardens4u, (although I have sinced shut down the site) my landscaping business, and this blog. When I started out (2012) I considered myself a website beginner. Since then I have learned so much that I have promoted myself to someone with a moderate knowledge of websites. There is still lots to learn though, especially as technology and available options change constantly.

Yola ran my business website and WordPress runs my blog. Listed in the top website builders for 2021, I am happy with both.

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