August Benefits News and Posts

27 Genius Ways to Stay Cool This Summer

From Compounding Pennies / By Jon Dulin

With summer comes the heat and humidity. When it gets really hot an oppressive, you will try to do anything to beat the heat and stay cool. Blast your air conditioner. Turn on the fans. Heck you might even sleep naked! These are all ways to stay cool in summer, but there is one problem. Most of the ways for you to keep cool on a hot summer day have an impact on your electric bill. Nothing is worse than opening that bill and having your jaw hit the floor due to the high cost of staying cool. There have to be some ways to easily keep cool in summer that won’t have a negative impact on your wallet by increasing your electric bill.

So I started to research and found plenty of ways to keep cool with hot temperatures.

Below you’ll find over 27 easy ways to cool down on hot days.

Read through and pick out your favorites so you can enjoy a sweat free summer!

#1. CARRY A SMALL SPRAY BOTTLE OF WATER

Use it to spritz yourself occasionally.

This is surprisingly refreshing, especially if you add a bit of lavender or lemon scent.

Another way to get the most use out of this tip is to spritz yourself and then stand in front of a fan.

The moving air combined with the water will cool you down fast.

The best part is you can use this tip to keep your body cool in the sun and in the shade.

#2. SLICE A CUCUMBER AND PUT IN A PITCHER OF WATER

Add a teaspoon of grated ginger root and a few sprigs of mint.

Keep refrigerated, and sip a glass every now and then.

This refreshing drink will help you forget about the summer heat.

#3. KEEP A SMALL PORTABLE FAN

The key for how to keep your house cooler is to make sure the air is always moving.

Hot air that just sits is uncomfortable for anyone.

By using a few portable fans to keep the air moving in your house will help to keep the temperature lower.

An added bonus is fans don’t use much electricity to run.

#4. CLOSE UP ALL THE WINDOWS DURING THE DAY

The afternoon is the typically the hottest part of the day and by having your windows open, you are letting in the heat.

Instead, keep them closed during the day.

Then at night, when the temperature drops, you can open windows again.

This is most effective overnight and during the early morning hours when it tends to be the coolest.

Try not to open them during the late evening as it is usually still too hot outside.

Just be mindful of how hot it is in your house during the day.

If it is really hot, you might have to open the windows so you don’t bake in your own house.

And if you have an attic fan, make sure you run this during the day to help push the warm out of your house.

Since heat rises, running an attic fan will help keep your home cooler.

#5. USE CURTAINS TO KEEP THE SUN OUT

Besides, they look so refreshing blowing in the breeze.

Take the heavy curtains down, and keep your windows shining clean for a mental boost, as well as a physical one.

I was amazed at how well this worked to keep a room cool in the summer heat naturally.

My daughter’s bedroom was always hot when it was time for her afternoon nap.

We started to keep the blinds closed to block out the hot summer sun and the temperature difference was noticeable.

#6. KNOW YOUR HOUSE

Related to the point above, understand how your house is situated and where the sun shines.

You want to keep windows that face south and west blocked during the summer.

This is because the direct sunlight will be shining in these windows all day long.

By using curtains to block the sun, you keep the room cool in summer naturally.

And if you do this on a regular basis, not only will you keep the room cooler, but you will keep your entire home cool too.

#7. INSTALL CEILING FANS

A great idea is to spend some money installing ceiling fans.

They don’t cost a lot, but you will have to pay to get them installed.

And they work like magic to cool down a room fast.

We keep ours on all summer long and since we began using them, we keep the air conditioner on a warmer setting.

The reason this works is simple.

The air moving across your body naturally keeps you cool.

I love the cool breeze blowing in me at night when I am sleeping.

#8. DRINK ICED COFFEE, TEA OR A BIG GLASS OF WATER WITH ICE

Any cold drink will help keep your body cool in summer.

Just be mindful of what you are drinking.

Too much soda and you can quickly dehydrate yourself.

You’re better off drinking plenty of water.

#9. GIVE A FEW CHUNKS OF ICE TO YOUR PET

They will lick the ice and it helps to keep them cool.

Dogs especially enjoy the crunchy effects.

#10. TRY A SMALL ICE CUBE DOWN YOUR SHIRT

Want to know a quick way for how to cool down on a hot day?

Ever have someone put an ice cube down your shirt?

If so, you know how quickly it will help you to stay cool.

Of course, it melts, so be sure to wrap it in a wash cloth or small thin towel to keep your clothes dry.

Alternatively, you can get a bowl of ice and just stick your hand in it.

Don’t leave it in too long, but just the fact your hand is cold will cool your body temperature.

Another option is to use ice packs instead.

You skip the melting part of water getting everywhere.

#11. TRY A COOLING TOWEL OR BANDANNA

The best one is from MiraCool.

Buy at least two.

Then use one to keep cool and the one for the freezer. Then swap them when needed.

#12. WET A PLAIN HANDKERCHIEF OR BANDANNA

If you don’t want to spend the money on a cooling towel, then use a handkerchief or bandana.

Simply run it under cold water and wrap it around your head.

You can use a ball cap to hold it in place.

Doing this will keep your head in the shade and keep you cool.

You could also use a damp towel too.

Put it on the back of your neck and enjoy the cooling effect it has.

#13. POUR A PINT OF WATER INTO A HAT

Here is another good idea to keep cool in the sun.

Once the hat is soaked, you can wear it and enjoy the cooling effect.

#14. KEEP YOUR OVEN USE TO A MINIMUM

It’s no surprise that an over puts off a lot of heat.

Even if you keep it closed after cooking, heat will disperse into your home.

Instead, try to use the microwave or a slow cooker as much as possible.

The heat won’t emit into your house and you will use a lot less electricity too.

#15. GRILL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE

Another option to consider instead of the oven is your grill.

Since the grill is outside, none of the heat will get into the house.

And here is a bonus tip if the summer heat is really unbearable.

Grill a few meals at once, early in the morning before it gets too hot.

Then freeze or refrigerate until needed and reheat them in the microwave.

#16. STOP COOKING

Another option to keep the house cool is to not cook at all.

Make several cold dishes that can be served throughout the week.

Salads, cold pastas, potato salads, coleslaws, cold chicken salads that can be served on tortilla shells and other cold dishes go a long way in getting rid of the need to use the oven.

#17. TREAT YOURSELF TO ICE CREAM

Not only will eating it help to you to stay cool this summer, but since it is an enjoyable treat, you will forget about the heat, at least temporarily.

Just make sure you don’t eat too much of it and it can dehydrate you.

#18. FREEZE SLICED BANANAS, BERRIES, PEACHES AND OTHER FRUIT

Dip them in chocolate sauce or whipped cream before enjoying.

Or dump them fresh on ice cream.

Just like with the tip above, this is an excellent way to keep cool.

Just make sure you don’t indulge too much!

#19. TAKE A BATH OR SHOWER

A simple way to beat the heat is to take a bath or shower.

You don’t need to take a cold shower either, but you can if you want.

Simply using lukewarm or cool water will get the job done.

And here is a bonus tip.

Don’t completely dry your hair.

Get it to the point where it is still damp and then be done.

If you are using fans in your house, your damp hair will make you feel cooler.

#20. KEEP BODY LOTION IN THE REFRIGERATOR

If you regularly use body lotion, keep it in the refrigerator.

Then when you go to apply it, it will be nice and cold, offering you relief from the heart.

#21. STORE COLOGNE AND PERFUME IN THE REFRIGERATOR TOO

Try spraying them lightly on your pillow, just before bed.

The familiar scent will calm you down and help you to take your mind off the heat.

As an added bonus, if you have lavender use this on your pillow.

It is said to promote restful sleep.

#22. WASH YOUR FEET, HANDS AND FACE

While taking a bath or a cool shower will help to keep you cool, it’s not a requirement.

By simply washing your hands, feet and face, you will get relief from the heat.

#23. USE A SOLAR DRYER

Instead of running your dryer during the summer, hang your clothes outside on a line and let the sun dry them.

If you don’t have room for a clothes line, buy a drying rack instead.

You’ll save on energy costs and the dryer won’t be adding heat to your home.

The only catch here is to pay attention to the humidity level.

If it is oppressively humid, it will take your clothes a lot longer to dry outside.

#24. WATCH ‘ICY’ MOVIES OR TV SHOWS

This will sound crazy but immersing yourself in these stories with cold climates will make you forget about the heat.

Don’t believe me?

Take a minute to think of standing in a freezer right now.

Really concentrate on seeing yourself in a cold freezer.

If you did this right, you probably got chills.

#25. REPLACE OR CLEAN YOUR AIR FILTER

If you have air conditioning to keep cool, you should be replacing your air filter every 3 to 6 months.

If you have a reusable one, then you should clean it on the same schedule.

And if you have pets, you may want to replace or clean your filter more frequently.

How will this help you to stay cool in summer?

Having a clean air filter ensures your air conditioner runs at peak performance, providing cold air and using as little electricity as possible.

#26. GET YOUR AIR CONDITIONER SERVICED

Here is another effective way to keep cool during the summer months.

By having your unit serviced, you lower the likelihood of it breaking at the worst possible time.

Additionally, you can find small problems and get them fixed before they turn into major financial burdens.

#27. GET A SWAMP COOLER

Also known as a desert cooler or an evaporative cooler, this unit uses water to cool the air.

Many times, it can be much more cost efficient than an air conditioner.

WRAPPING UP

There are 27 cool tips for hot weather.

We like to combine many of these tips and tricks for staying cool to help us survive a summer heat wave and keep our electric bill in check.

With a little thought and ingenuity, you can beat the heat and not suffer through the summer heat.

At the same time, you can keep your electric bill at a level that allows you to pay it in full.

Todd BellistriJuly 19, 2021August Benefits

Why not start off this selling season leading into the holidays on the right foot? One way to do that is to finally give some thinking to smart marketing. We don’t need to be the ones to tell you it’s very competitive out there (but we will), what with tons of start ups and side hustles all over the landscape. By developing a legit marketing program you are giving yourself a true foot up on the competition. So read on, you’ll see that its not as daunting as you think and the upside is well worth it.

FROM FORBES / BY DOMINIQUE HARROCH

In today's digital landscape the right approach to small business marketing combines advanced technology, data-driven insights, and effective digital platforms. Here’s a comprehensive guide to small business marketing to companies navigate the current marketing trends and tools that can drive business success.

Key marketing tools for small businesses

Following is a summary of 11 key marketing tools that small and growing businesses should consider when leveraging owned, earned and paid media:

1. An optimized small business website

A high-performing website is crucial for marketing today. An optimized site increases your page rank on Google and other search engines, and in today's world, fewer than 1% of searches go to the second page of a search. Key elements of an effective small business site include:

Memorable domain name: Choose a name that reflects your business and is easy to recall.
User-friendly design: Ensure your site is visually appealing and intuitive. Sites should have a clear structure, intuitive navigation and information that is easy to access.
Search engine optimization (SEO): Implement SEO best practices to rank higher in search engine results.
Mobile optimization: Since over 55% of global web traffic comes from mobile devices, you’ll want to ensure your site is mobile-friendly.
Valuable content: Regularly update your site with engaging content like blogs and articles that address your audience's interests and needs.
Fast loading times: Optimize page speeds to improve user experience and SEO rankings.
Secure hosting: Use reputable hosting services to protect your site’s data and performance.

Additionally, integrating tools like Google Analytics (now called GA4) and Google Search Console (GSC) can provide valuable insights into your site's performance and user behavior.

2. Paid search engine marketing (SEM)

Paid search engine marketing, in which you pay if a keyword is clicked on that drives traffic to your website, remains a powerful tool for driving targeted traffic. Platforms like Google Ads and Bing Ads allow you to:

Bid on keywords: Use tools like Google keyword planner to select high-value keywords relevant to your business.
Control costs: Set daily and monthly budgets, and adjust bids based on performance.
Analyze performance: Track key metrics to assess and refine your campaigns.

3. Paid listings and display ads

Paid listings on platforms like Yelp, Facebook, and Pinterest can boost visibility. Use Google’s Display Network to target ads based on user interests and behavior. This approach allows you to:

Choose ad formats: Use banners, text ads, or video ads to capture attention.
Track return on investment (ROI): Monitor clicks and conversions to measure effectiveness. Track your costs, record and monitor revenue, and record all expenses. Make sure to measure lead generation numbers, customer acquisition, and sales metrics as valuable insights into your marketing effectiveness.
Testing: By experimenting with different ad copy, targeting options, and formats, businesses can identify what resonates most with their audience, refine their strategies, and ultimately improve click-through rates and conversions. This can include A/B testing, target audience variations, ad copy variations, call-to-action (CTA) testing or visual elements where you test different images or videos to determine which visual elements attract more attention and engagement.

4. Content marketing

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital strategies. Key tactics include:

Blogging: Regularly post optimized content to drive organic traffic. Nine out of ten marketers use blogs as part of their content strategy.
Guest posting: Publish articles on popular platforms such as Medium and AllBusiness.com to enhance your reach and SEO. Strive to create “evergreen” articles, which are designed to remain relevant and valuable over a long period of time, regardless of current events or trends. Unlike timely articles that focus on current news or trends, evergreen content addresses topics that have enduring interest and utility.
Video content: In 2023, individuals spent an average of 17 hours a week watching videos online. Utilize platforms like YouTube and TikTok to engage your audience.
Content platforms: Leverage content recommendation platforms like Outbrain to expand your content’s reach.

5. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging with your audience. Focus on platforms such as:

Facebook: Effective for broad audience reach and targeted ads.
Instagram: Ideal for visual content and influencer partnerships.
LinkedIn: Best for B2B marketing and professional networking.
TikTok: Useful for viral video content and younger demographics.

With over 5 billion global social media users and growing, effective social media marketing can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility and engagement. To be effective, you must regularly post interesting content to obtain and keep followers.

6. Influencer marketing

Influencer marketing involves collaborating with individuals who have a significant and engaged following on social media platforms like Facebook, TikTok and Instagram to promote products or services. These influencers, who can range from celebrities to niche content creators, leverage their credibility and relationship with their audience to drive brand awareness and influence purchasing decisions.

The impact of influencer marketing on broader marketing efforts can be profound, as it allows brands to tap into authentic, targeted communities that are often more receptive to recommendations from trusted (or at least known) voices.

This form of marketing can enhance brand credibility, expand reach, and generate higher engagement rates compared to traditional advertising. As consumers increasingly seek personalized and relatable content, influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for connecting with audiences in a meaningful way.

7. Online business directories

It’s important for business owners to list their companies in prominent and reputable business directories. Often these listings are free, but even if you must pay a small fee, it can be worth it.

The benefits include

Exposure to potential clients and customers.
Boosted SEO through backlinks.
Improved online presence and brand awareness.
Increased credibility for your business.
Low-cost or free marketing.

The following is a list of top business directories to consider listing your business:

AllBusiness.com
Better Business Bureau
Facebook Page
Google Business Profile
LinkedIn
Superpages
Bing Places for Business

8. Radio marketing

While less prominent today, radio can still be effective. Many people are in their cars during peak commute hours. To maximize radio advertising:

Targeted placement: Choose stations and time slots that align with your target audience.
Engaging content: Create memorable and concise ads.
Consider your market: Are you a B2C company (business to consumer) or B2B company (business to business)? Is your market local (like a neighborhood restaurant), national (such as selling payroll services), or international (such as selling unique clothing to multiple markets)?

The cost-effectiveness of radio compared to TV makes it a viable option for more localized campaigns.

9. Press releases

Press releases are valuable for announcing significant business updates. Ensure your release is:

Newsworthy: Focus on unique and timely information.
Well-structured: Include a strong headline, key details, and contact information.
Multimedia: Incorporate multimedia elements like images and videos to increase engagement.

10. Email marketing

Email marketing remains effective when executed correctly. Best practices include:

Segmenting: Personalize content based on customer preferences and behavior. Use data to segment your lists and target markets.
Offering engaging content: Provide valuable information, special offers, and updates.
Optimization: Use A/B testing to refine subject lines and content.
Using AI-driven tools: These can help automate and personalize email campaigns, improving engagement rates.

11. Direct mail marketing

Despite the digital age, direct mail still works for certain audiences. To optimize direct mail:

Use targeted lists: Use well-researched mailing lists to improve ROI.
Implement creative designs: Ensure your mail piece stands out and is easy to read.
Track mailings: Monitor responses and effectiveness.

More tips to enhance your marketing campaigns

Here are some additional tips to optimize your marketing campaigns:

Segment: Segment your target market to a specific audience. Segmentation can be done with respect to age, gender, income level, education, geography, purchase stage or brand loyalty, and more.
Business lists: Consider using high quality business lists such as Dun and Bradstreet, Experian Business, ZoomInfo or InfoUSA. These lists can be used in multiple channels as well, maximizing the value of the lists.
Track real time: Track your marketing campaigns in real-time to get immediate insights, make quick adjustments, and understand what is working or not.
Key metrics: Track the key metrics in your campaigns, such as click-through rate, engagement rate, conversion rate, sales, revenue, customer acquisition cost, market share, and churn rate.
Software and AI: Use software and artificial intelligence (AI) tools for social media management, content creation and testing of alternative ads.
Budget: Allocate your budget wisely. Assess the performance of different marketing channels and allocate your budget to the ones that deliver the highest ROI. Continuously review and adjust your spending to focus on the most effective strategies.
Keep current: Stay updated with trends. Keep up with the latest marketing trends and technologies. Experiment with new platforms, tools, or strategies to stay ahead of the competition and reach your audience in innovative ways. Keep up to date with experts by seeking articles from reputable business sources such as AllBusiness.com.
Promote across channels: Share earned media coverage on your website, social media platforms, and email newsletters. For instance, if a major publication writes about your product, feature this article prominently on your homepage or social media profiles.
Showcase social proof: Use earned media as a form of social proof by highlighting positive reviews, testimonials, or features from reputable sources. This can build credibility and trust with potential customers.
Strengthen relationships with media: Build and maintain good relationships with journalists and influencers. This can lead to more favorable coverage in the future and expand your media network.
Repurpose content: Convert mentions and reviews into additional content, such as blog posts, case studies, and infographics. For example, if your company was featured in a popular tech blog, you could create a detailed blog post about the experience and its impact.

Ready to enhance your small business marketing strategy?

Developing a comprehensive and modern small business marketing strategy requires leveraging a mix of traditional and digital techniques. By integrating artificial intelligence tools, optimizing SEO, utilizing effective SEM strategies, and harnessing the power of social media, you can create a dynamic and effective marketing approach. Start by experimenting with different strategies, tracking your results, and refining your approach based on performance data.

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