Friday, January 11, 2019

Mobile game monetization strategies that succeeded in 2018

Almost everyone with a smartphone has at least one game installed. And while these games usually come free, not everything can be said about the game’s mechanics. There is a reason why these free games are so profitable. Mobile game monetization strategies are implemented to give mobile gamers the chance to do a bit better by paying real money. Here are some mobile game monetization strategies that succeeded in 2018.
Image source: elandroidelibre.elespanol.com
 Native ads: Some games showcase ads for other games all too often. This is one way for them to make money. Another way is to charge users an extra fee so that they don’t have to put up with these ads. This strategy isn’t just for mobile games. Popular apps including Spotify also make use of this strategy.
Image source: spilgames.com

Ad-viewing: Some games let users watch ads on purpose so they can get a little extra in-game. This is a smart strategy considering in-game items are virtually free for them to produce while ad-time is something they can get them revenues.

In-app purchases: This is where most of the revenues come from. Some games are designed to get more difficult later. Sometimes, it’s too difficult, and players need to rely on a little help. In-app purchases vary widely. These include exchanging real currency with the game’s currency, buying items, power-ups, random freebies from loot boxes, powerful characters, and so on. This may be seen as a disadvantage for gamers who aren’t willing to shell out real money to complete the game.

Erik Horbacz has demonstrated leadership skills especially when it comes to his existing and upcoming business ventures. The serial entrepreneur is also experienced in the areas of food and beverage management, business administration, SaaS project development, sales, startups, and finance. He is a graduate of Coastal Carolina University with a degree in finance and economics. For similar reads, visit this page.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018

The various trends driving the mobile gaming industry

The mobile gaming industry is continuing to expand as the number of users who continue to play on their mobile devices is increasing exponentially.  These following trends are proof that the growth of mobile gaming will not be slowing down anytime soon:

Image source: engadget.com
Enhanced social features:  One of the reasons that Facebook became well-known during its earlier years was because of social gaming.  Now, social features are also giving mobile gaming apps a boost because they grant users the opportunity to interact with a community that shares their interests.

Anti-bullying campaigns:  The gaming communities – across all platforms – are known for being toxic, which game developers have found difficult to police and control.  However, a number of gaming companies have teamed up to form the Fair Play Alliance to fight back against trolls and bullies and promote healthy player relationships.  With this, mobile social games would see further growth.

Image source: geekinsider.com
Console-quality games:  The continuous advancement of mobile technology has enabled game developers to create a version of their console-quality games for mobile platforms.  In the past year or two, games like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, which is more popularly known as PUBG, and Fornite have taken the industry by storm.  While most users play these games on their consoles or personal computers, the developers have also made the game available for mobile users.


Mobile eSports:  eSports mobile games have also continued to at an unbelievable pace for their gameplay, accessibility, and affordability.  Several sponsors have also loved supporting these apps because of its wide range of audience. To read more discussions about mobile gaming, follow this Erik Horbacz Twitter page.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Marketing strategies to shoot up bar sales


For bar owners, the key to staying in business is to keep on drawing in new customers and keep them coming back.  To accomplish these, marketing and promotions are important.  Below are some effective marketing strategies:

Image source: lnpmediagroup.com
Use online targeted advertising:  Rather than creating generic ads, targeted ads can drive more engagements and sales conversion.  Google Ads and social media advertisement services feature advanced targeting capabilities that allow businesses to direct marketing efforts to people who are most likely to click on the ad them.  These ads can also be optimized by choosing the right keywords and appropriate demographics.

Image source: signalconnect.com
Put the business on the map:  To make it easier for locals and travelers to locate the bar, it is best to enter the place in various online maps, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps.  Being on online listings, such as Yelp and Localize, is also advantageous.  Another app that companies have found beneficial for their business is Waze because of the opportunity to pay for an ad placement.

Host events:  Bar owners can hold a variety of activities, such as games, live music, theme nights, and pay-per-view sport matches to attract different groups of customers.

Offer unique drinks:  While staple drinks and cocktails should be included in the menu, bar owners could also try experimenting on unique recipes to gain a competitive edge over other pubs.  They can also partner with local microbreweries who are looking to promote their own products. 

Renowned entrepreneur Erik Horbacz is the founder and CEO of StoolDuel, Inc., an entertainment solutions provider for bars and restaurants. For more business tips, follow this Twitter page.


Monday, August 20, 2018

What Characteristics Define a Leader?

Being a good leader in the corporate world is a difficult task to accomplish. One might be outstanding in the field or have amazing people skills, but it takes more than knowledge and communication to become a leader. Here are some characteristics that define a leader.

Image source: realbusiness.co.uk

A leader must be aware of his or her surroundings. Workplace environment change and people need to adjust accordingly. A leader must be wary of these changes and must be able to react in response to this. This is most useful when diffusing a situation early on before it becomes a big deal.

Leadership, while comes with perks, also comes with a great deal of responsibilities. One of the biggest challenges is making major decisions. A leader has to be decisive when making tough calls. Not only must a leader be accountable for their choices, they have to be able to back it up with sound reasoning. 

While leadership can be given to anyone, the trust of the people working around you is earned. A leader should show empathy toward other people regardless if it’s a work-related issue or a private one. And it’s not enough to simply show genuine concern. A leader must also look for constructive solutions moving forward. 

Lastly, a leader must be confident. When making decisions, a leader should not hesitate. As for the people around him or her, confidence has a way of rallying people and bringing about their full potential.

Image source: ecurrent.fit.edu

Erik Horbacz is a passionate entrepreneur skilled infood and beverage management, business administration, SaaS project development, sales, startups, and finance. He established StoolDuel, Inc., an entertainment solution for bars and restaurants. For more reads on leadership, visit this blog.

Friday, July 13, 2018

Why The Mind And Spirit Of An Athlete Work Perfectly In Business

Running a business is no joke. To the casual observer, it looks simple. The owner opens an establishment. Sells a few things. Offers a few services. Closes at the end of the day. However, it is never that simple. Running a business takes a lot of patience, time, and effort. To make the business successful requires even more than just that.

Image source: photo.elsoar.com

There is a similarity between the mindsets of professional athletes and successful business leaders. Athletes have the discipline to go about their routine and power through the pain. They can take the hits and still keep moving forward to their goals. And so do successful business leaders.

Every athlete is strong physically, just as every business owner is knowledgeable in his industry of choice. However, strength and knowledge are not enough to be successful. There’s a thing called mental toughness possessed by true champions. They know and accept all the sacrifices they have to make in order to see things through, and they do it with very little complaint.

Image source: freepik.com

Along with their unwavering determination, athletes and leaders are visionaries. They see the bigger picture. They know their goals not just in the immediate future, but for their entire careers, until retirement. They are experts at planning and even better at executing.

Erik Horbacz is the CEO and founder of StoolDuel, Inc. He is an entrepreneur who loves to stay fit through exercise. He is also into German shepherds and travel. Learn more about him and his passions by following this Twitter page.



Monday, June 25, 2018

What It Takes To Lead a Company Into The Future

People who have started businesses from the ground up know only too well the seemingly challenges in leading a company into the future. Moreover, these business leaders know what type of person they have to be for the company to survive and thrive.

Image source: pixabay.com

The common misconception people have about being a good business leader is that they simply have to be determined. While determination is a very good character to have, being an exemplary business leader is made up of many positive traits.

Along with determination, successful business leaders need to have enough knowledge of the industry and running a business. It’s true that these are things that can and should be learned in school, but there are some facets of business that need to be researched on or learned through experience. This is why it’s very rare to see a business owner without experience, which is another great trait to have.

Another characteristic many of the CEOs of the top companies in the world have is professionalism. They know what needs to be done when it needs to be done, and they seldom, if ever, allow their emotions to dictate their decisions.

And probably one of the most overlooked traits of a business leader is being healthy. The demands of being a company leader can take its toll on the body, and a person needs to give their all to make sure the business makes it to the future.

Image source: pixabay.com

Erik Horbacz is the CEO and founder of StoolDuel, Inc. He is an entrepreneur who loves to help other first-time business owners get their dreams off the ground. Learn more about him here.

Monday, May 7, 2018

Top Traveling Advice: How To Save a Lot Of Cash On a Trip

Image source: nourishingjoy.com
Many people dream of traveling the world and exploring new places. Many of them don’t push through. A lot, in fact, don’t even reach the planning stage. Why? Because they (mistakenly) believe that traveling will cost an arm and a leg, and they just don’t have that kind of money saved up.

While there is some truth that people may need to shell out a substantial amount of cash for travel, there are ways to cut costs drastically. Below are some of these travel techniques experienced travelers have shared.

Accommodations: Next to plane fare, accommodation people will probably be the biggest expense. Remember, some places are way inexpensive than five-star hotels. On an average, places such as hostels, apartments, and for the more adventurous types, hospitality exchanges, are more affordable.

Image source: guanzonzenon2.blogspot.com
Luggage: Packing light has helped travelers in many ways. Bringing only the most important things on a trip can help people avoid being charged extra for excess weight.

Food: A rule of thumb when traveling is to avoid food establishments near historical monuments and tourist spots. Not only do these places jack up the prices of their food, but the food itself is also mediocre at best. For people who want to sample excellent and much more affordable cuisine, it’s best to ask the locals.

Erik Horbacz is the CEO and founder of StoolDuel, Inc. He is an entrepreneur who loves to travel and stay fit. For more about him and his passions, check out this site.