On Facebook, images receive 352% more engagement than text-only posts and 20% more engagement than videos.

In addition to the performance of visual content, 32% of marketers state that images are the most important aspect of their efforts.

The importance of having high-quality images cannot be stressed enough but some of the time it just isn’t in the budget to hire a professional photo editor. Never fear, some of what the pros do can be done by learning some photo editing for beginners. 

Keep reading to get yourself started with the right, easy-to-use image editing tools!

The Basis For Photo Editing 

As with any marketing or product initiative, the foundation that you start with can have a massive impact on the outcome of your efforts. 

When it comes to photo editing, this applies directly to the files that you start the project with. You need to ensure that the foundation images are high-res and taken with a good camera. When you move them to your laptop or desktop for editing, do so directly, and not over WhatsApp or messenger where you will automatically lose quality. 

1. GIMP For Editing Images

GIMP is free software that is available to people on Windows, Linux, and OS. The GIMP has a powerful editing platform that can be customized to meet your specific needs. Users have found it rather useful for a variety of tasks, including editing animations.

This platform also makes file management a breeze, and it’s quite easy to use. The GNU version of GIMP was specifically designed to be small and lightweight.

2. Adobe Photoshop Express 

Now, the Adobe Creative Cloud suite is an extensive paid option for all your editing needs but there is a free option in the form of Adobe Express. 

The Adobe Photoshop Express Editor has nearly all of the features you’d expect. Cropping presets for social media can be used for everything from artistic edits to perspective distortions on the horizontal and vertical axes. Adobe also has other free software options like a free background remover and others. 

3. Pixlr E For Online Photo Editing For Beginners 

Pixlr E is the best free online photo editor, and it’s nearly as powerful as the best of the best desktop photo editing programs. When you first open an image in Pixlr E, you can do so directly from your device, from the web, or even from Facebook.

Non-photographers and non-editors can use this feature to repurpose their existing images for new projects.

Incredible And Inspiring Images 

Photo editing for beginners can be a breeze if you choose the most suited free software option for you. The best thing that you can do, is to download each one and spend a few hours playing around with each one. 

You’ll slowly figure out which one is better suited to your needs, once you understand what their capabilities for photo editing are, and in turn, how much you need them to do for you and your brand. 

We’ve got something great up our sleeve for you, type photo into the search bar and be blown away by other creative content! 

Did you know just the Earth’s atmosphere receives enough sunlight in a single hour to meet the electricity requirements of every human on the planet for a whole year? As increasing numbers of people are attempting to reduce their carbon footprint, this can be a fantastic reason to use solar energy to power your home.

But how can you choose the best solar panel installation company in your locality? While there are plenty of businesses in the market, not all of them can provide you with the standard of work you will expect for your investment.

Fear not, we’ll take a look at some of the key factors to look out for when hiring a solar panel company. 

Keep reading to learn more about selecting a solar system installer.

Financing Assistance

Installing solar panels can require a considerable investment which could be offputting when you are on a budget. But you can ask a solar installation firm if they are able to offer financing options that can spread the cost over an extended period.

This could make your dream of moving towards a more green living lifestyle a reality.

Solar Installation Project Commitment

Not every solar panel installation firm will have the same level of commitment to your project, and you should only work with a business that wants to help you get the best results. 

Ask if a contractor will visit your home to identify the best locations for your solar panels. They should also be able to give you a solar savings estimate and explain the installation process. 

If this is not the case, you may want to choose a different solar panel installer. 

Customer Reviews

It can be easy to be dazzled by a sales spiel, but you can learn more about a solar contractor by reading customer reviews. Have a look at online review sites to find out if a solar company has provided a high level of customer service to their previous clients.

If there are plenty of positive comments, this can give you peace of mind you’ll be hiring a trustworthy solar business. 

Warranty and Insurance

You may not have any issues with your solar panels, but you should confirm that they come with a warranty just in case there is a problem. In addition, you should only hire a company that has adequate insurance in place. This can then cover the cost of repairs should the contractor damage your property during the installation process. 

Don’t Settle For Second-Best When Choosing a Solar Panel Installation Company

Hiring the best solar panel installation company in your area can reassure you that you’ll get a healthy return on your investment. You may want to look for a solar business that can help you source affordable financing and that displays a keen interest in your solar project. It can also be a good idea to research a solar firm’s reputation and to confirm they offer a guarantee for their work. 

You can then look forward to enjoying the benefits of generating energy with your new solar panels!

Before you leave to call a solar panel installation contractor, be sure to check out more of our helpful blog posts. 

Playing basketball for just an hour can burn 750 calories or more. You will be able to get your fill of this activity when you have a basketball court in your backyard. 

When you take the time to get a basketball court installed in your yard, it can offer a return on investment (ROI) that increases your property value, while also giving you a beautiful place to spend time and workout each day. It’s important that you look into the type of floor materials available, and reach out to a pro that can put it all together for you. 

Read on to learn more about getting the best basketball court floor for your needs. 

Consider the Type of Basketball Court Floor

Owning a home basketball court is a pleasure that many people enjoy. First and foremost, you need to get to know the variety of materials that companies use when building a court. The majority of basketball courts are built with materials like:

• Asphalt and concrete
• Plastic basketball court flooring
• Rubber basketball court flooring
• Hardwood court flooring
• Acrylic flooring
• Polyurethane seamless
• Laminate flooring

Looking into the right kind of basketball court flooring is essential, whether you need indoor or outdoor court materials. 

Measure the Dimensions of the Court

Whether you’re looking into outdoor or indoor basketball court flooring, it’s important that you look into the dimensions of the court. Bring in a professional to scope out the area where the court will be installed, and have them take measurements. 

Figure out whether you’d like a regulation full court, a half-court, or a court that fits any other custom dimensions that are best for you. The dimensions of the court are a key to putting the project together, and it will dictate the price of the materials and supplies that will go into the project. 

Find the Right Hoop and Rack

When you’re looking into installing a new court, make sure that you match up with the equipment that is best for your backyard basketball court flooring. For instance, you might need different flooring for an installed pole 10-foot hoop and rack than you would for a portable hoop. 

You can also get a customized hoop and rack that will let you put up jump shots or play games of 21 or one-on-one whenever you’d like to. Do your due diligence so that you can put together a budget that is best for your court and hoop. Your household will be better off when you have a court that you’ll love, along with a hoop that you’ll appreciate. 

Install the Best Court

These tips will help you out when you’re looking into installing a basketball court floor that will provide for you. Take the time to find some pros that’ll offer you quality materials and craftsmanship that’ll give you an ROI and the best recreation experience possible. 

Begin with the points above and use our site when you’d like to learn more about home improvement, recreation, and so much more. 

We live in a time when most two-parent households involve a mom and a dad that work. This means they need someone to watch their children, as do single-parent households. 

The daycare industry in the United States is worth more than $50 billion today. If you’re trying to find a quality business that is virtually recession-proof, childcare is where it’s at. It’s highly in-demand, and you can feel good about providing a service to parents who need it. 

How much money can you make owning a daycare center? What are the startup costs? We’re happy to explain. Keep reading so that you can get the most out of your new daycare business. 

How Much Money Can You Make Owning a Daycare Center?

The business of daycare is lucrative, and there are even some millionaire daycare owners that are earning money hand over fist. Depending on the type of daycare business and its city of location, it’s standard for daycare owners to earn $73,000 or more. 

You will have the opportunity to grow your net worth and provide an incredible service to people that need it, while also growing a business that will keep thriving for years to come. 

What You Should You Know About Opening a Daycare?

Now that you have an idea about your earning potential when opening a daycare, it’s important that you understand the steps involved with getting your company off the ground. By following the correct steps, you’ll have an easier time avoiding mistakes and thriving once you get the keys to your new business. 

Here are some credible steps that you’ll need to follow once you’re trying to open a daycare:

Map Out a Business Plan and Decide on a Model

When learning how to start a daycare, it’s important that you draw up a business plan that can guide you. Failing to have a business plan will get you started off on the right foot, and you won’t be prepared for the potential obstacles that come with the territory. 

Most companies today fail due to a lack of planning. This reduces your revenue potential, which limits your cash flow and will cause you to rack up debt 

If you’re trying to start your daycare, consider working with a professional that can put together the business plan with you. These points should be included in any daycare business plan that you’re creating:

• An executive summary for the daycare
• A description of your business and its goals
• Assessments of your startup costs and operating costs
• Analysis of the industry that you’re entering
• Competitive assessments of other daycare companies in your local area
• Breakdowns of your marketing and advertising campaigns
• Financial projections of the daycare business

When you formalize your company’s business plan, you’ll be in a better position to navigate and make decisions that pay off for you once you open your doors. 

Learn the Requirements to Open a Daycare Center

It’s important that you also learn the requirements that are in place to open a daycare center. Each state has requirements in place by law that you must follow so that you can operate your business. 

Since daycare businesses are in charge of the safety, health, and well-being of children, there’s no wiggle room for you to not satisfy these requirements. You’ll be subject to fines, and penalties, and can even have your business shut down when you fail to manage these aspects. 

Do your due diligence and research these matters as much as you can so that you have a clear path to success once it’s time to open your business. 

Get Your Financing in Order

You need startup capital to open a successful daycare business. Figure out your business model and learn how much money it’ll take to open your doors.

The cost of starting a daycare center in your home that keeps a few kids is far different than opening a large-scale education-oriented daycare that provides for dozens of children. Once you know the dollar amount, you’ll be able to figure out your funding resources. 

You might have some money in your bank account, from rental properties, or from existing businesses to get your daycare off the ground. Most owners will have to take out a loan with your bank or credit union. If you decide to take out a loan, you’ll want to look into the interest rates, payments, and fees that come with the territory. 

Map out your financial projections so that you can also figure out how long it will take to earn a profit after getting your daycare off the ground. 

Carve Out the Best Location

Location is one of the most important cardinal principles for any business that you’re choosing to operate. This is particularly important for a daycare owner since you’re providing a service for parents who have tight schedules, and who regularly need to get their children from Point A to Point B. 

You also need to make sure that the building that you get has enough space, that it’s an appreciating real estate asset, and that it has the square footage and resources that you need. 

Hire a Quality Staff

Figure out what positions you need to successfully run your business. You’ll need the help of a daycare operator and multiple care professionals that will look after the kids correctly. 

Fill out some job descriptions and put people in place that can keep your business running so that you have an influx of kids and even more on the waiting list. 

Opening a Daycare 101

So, how much money can you make owning a daycare center? If you consider the points above, you’ll be in a better position to succeed as an owner. Take every opportunity to navigate the landscape, and don’t hesitate to get the help of mentors and other professionals that can assist you. 

Begin with these points and rely on us when you need to learn more about running a company.