New tech saves up to 50% of the admin time in the house buying process

MyConveyance.ie, a new digital conveyancing portal, is set to transform the conveyancing process in the Republic of Ireland by offering nationwide conveyancing services designed to streamline property transactions. With the potential to reduce the processing time for the sale and purchase of residential property by up to 50%, MyConveyance.ie aims to bring time-saving efficiency and transparency to the Irish property market, in line with international best practice.

Navigating home-buying can be daunting, especially for first time buyers or those new to the Irish market. MyConveyance.ie operates as an online portal that provides clients with 24/7 access to their files. Founded by practising solicitors at O’Donoghue and Associates, this user-friendly platform ensures complete transparency and real-time updates, allowing buyers, sellers, estate agents and their solicitors to track the progress of their property transactions anytime, anywhere. By introducing technology to what has traditionally been a paper-based process, a team of experienced legal professionals have designed this solution to redefine the current conveyancing experience.

Using biometric technology, clients are on-boarded onto a secure, state of the art portal, where they complete ID verification checks and Anti Money Laundering checks.   Protected by dual factor authentication they will have access to their individual file. The auctioneer and other stakeholders can be given limited access as required. As the various stages are completed an automatic alert, by way of text or e-mail will be issued to the client, giving them real time updates on their transactions, as they happen.

Speaking about the tech, principal, Kevin O’Donoghue said “We researched widely and set out to design MyConveyance.ie using the best of what we saw internationally, while tailoring it to the unique elements of the Irish conveyancing market. Working with RedBrick Solutions, a leading designer of conveyancing case management systems, Thirdfort and Klyant accounting software, we have developed a product that utilizes cutting edge technology to automate and speed up the standard conveyancing transaction. The result is a secure, online portal, accessible to clients, keeping them informed at every stage of their property transaction, giving them peace of mind and control over their investment.”

MyConveyance.ie’s services are available to property buyers, sellers, estate agents, brokers and solicitors nationwide. Whether purchasing a first home or managing multiple property transactions, MyConveyance.ie delivers a modern approach to conveyancing that saves considerable time and resources.

For more information about MyConveyance.ie and its services, visit www.myconveyance.ie or contact the team at 021 431 3911or info@myconveyance.ie.

From Customers to Advocates: Referral Marketing That Drives ROI

Why Referral Marketing Matters

In today’s digital world, word-of-mouth recommendations mean everything. Referral marketing uses customer trust to fuel growth, turning happy customers into brand advocates. A well-crafted referral marketing strategy boosts both brand credibility and long-term customer loyalty. Unlike traditional marketing channels based on disruption, referral marketing is based on real relationships, where customers feel valued for recommending a brand they trust.

Why Referral Marketing is Important for Modern Businesses

With increasing competition and rising ad costs, businesses need cost-effective customer acquisition strategies. Referral marketing uses the power of personal recommendations to build brand credibility and drive conversions. Unlike traditional ads, referrals build real trust, resulting in higher retention rates and stronger customer relationships. 

 

Studies show that referred customers are 18% more loyal and have 16% higher lifetime value than non-referred customers. In an era where customers are bombarded with marketing messages daily, a personal recommendation cuts through the noise; it’s one of the most effective ways to get new customers.
 

Key Elements of a Successful Referral Marketing Program

  • Building trust through positive customer experiences: Providing great products and services so customers feel confident to refer.
  • Designing a seamless, engaging referral process: The easier it is for customers to refer their friends, the higher the participation rate.
  • Using automation with referral marketing tools: Employing technology to track, reward, and optimize referral programs for maximum efficiency.
     

The Business Case for Referral Marketing

 

The Psychology of Trust: Why People Trust Recommendations

Customers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional ads. This is because personal recommendations come from people they trust, eliminating the skepticism that comes with paid marketing. Social proof plays a big part in purchasing decisions; people often rely on the experiences of others when making a choice. Psychological studies also show the principle of reciprocity – when customers receive great service or an incentive to refer, they feel compelled to share their experience, creating a cycle of continued engagement.

 

ROI of Referral Marketing Solutions

  • Lower customer acquisition costs (CAC): Referral marketing reduces dependence on expensive marketing channels, slashing marketing spend per customer.
  • Higher lifetime value (LTV): Customers who join through referrals tend to be more engaged, resulting in more frequent purchases and brand loyalty.
  • Increased retention and engagement: By turning customers into advocates, businesses build stronger, longer-term relationships and ongoing revenue growth.

 

How to Design a High-Impact Referral Marketing Program

Identify and Segment Your Most Loyal Customers

Not all customers are equal in their ability to refer others. Identifying the most engaged and happy customers is key to a successful referral program. Businesses can segment customers based on purchase frequency, feedback ratings, and overall engagement.

 

Using referral marketing tools, businesses can analyze customer behavior and determine the best way to encourage referrals.

 

Choose the Right Incentive Structure

Selecting the right reward structure is critical to increasing participation. The best incentives align with customer preferences and the brand’s long-term goals.

  • Discounts: Encourages repeat purchases and rewards both existing and new customers.
  • Exclusive Perks: Offering VIP treatment or early access to new products makes advocates feel valued.
  • Cash Rewards: Some customers are more motivated by direct financial incentives, which are powerful motivators in specific industries.

 

Key Mechanics of a Referral Marketing Platform

  • Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Rewards: Double-sided incentives benefit both referrers and new customers and increase participation rates.
  • Tracking & Automation: AI-driven analytics help monitor referral success and optimize campaigns.
  • User Experience Optimisation: Seamless referral processes allow customers to participate with minimal friction.

 

Turning Customers into Brand Advocates

Improve Customer Experience

A strong customer experience is the foundation of referral marketing. Brands must ensure every customer interaction is positive, from the first purchase to after-sales support. Personalised communication, quick issue resolution, and great product quality are experiences worth sharing.

 

Use User-Generated Content & Testimonials

Encouraging customers to share their experiences publicly builds credibility and trust. Businesses can boost engagement by:

  • Creating social media campaigns to encourage customer participation.
  • Showcasing genuine testimonials on their website and marketing materials.
  • Constructing contests and giveaways to keep the community motivated.

 

Building a Strong Brand Community

When customers feel a connection to the brand and its mission, they are more likely to refer others. Building an engaged community through private groups, loyalty programs, and personalization creates a deeper emotional bond over time.

 

Boosting Your Referral Marketing Reach

Multi-Channel Promotion

Promote referral opportunities across:

  • Email: Personalised referrals to friends.
  • Social Media: Sharing, hashtags, and user-generated content.
  • Website banners and pop-ups: Strategically placed CTAs to attract referrers.

 

A/B Testing: Incentives & Messaging

Test different approaches to find the best results. This includes:

  • Incentive variations to see what drives most referrals.
  • Messaging to see what works best.
  • CTA placement to increase visibility and engagement.

 

Avoiding Common Traps

  • Fraud Prevention: AI-driven monitoring is used to detect fraudulent referrals.
  • Low Engagement: Refresh incentives to keep interest alive.
  • Referral Fatigue: Vary rewards and messaging to keep the program fresh.

 

How to Measure Success: Referral Marketing ROI

Key Metrics

The following metrics need to be closely followed to gauge success and optimise programs.

  • Conversion Rates: Percentage of referred leads that become paying customers.
  • Referral Attribution: Which touchpoints led to the referral.
  • Revenue Impact: How referrals contribute to overall sales growth.

 

Brands Using Referral Marketing

Industry leaders like Dropbox and Airbnb have grown exponentially through referral campaigns, proving the power of a well-run program.

 

The Future of Referral Marketing

As more businesses utilise referral marketing, the landscape is changing fast. Here are some of the things that companies are putting in place to gain a competitive edge in the realm of referrals.

AI Personalisation & Predictive Analytics

Machine learning to personalize referral incentives and predict high-value advocates.

Blockchain: Transparency & Fraud Prevention

Decentralized tracking for fair, secure, and transparent reward distribution.

Micro-Influencers

Smaller, niche influencers for higher engagement and authenticity.

 

Final Thoughts

A strategic referral marketing program transforms happy customers into enthusiastic advocates, driving sustainable business growth. By optimizing incentives, leveraging automation, and continuously refining strategies, brands can unlock referral marketing’s full potential and achieve impressive ROI.

Virgin Media to Unleash Ireland’s First 5-Gigabit Fibre Broadband

Virgin Media has confirmed that it will launch 5-gigabit fibre broadband services in Q2 2025.  The company’s cutting-edge fibre infrastructure will transform broadband capabilities for homes and businesses, enabling seamless ultra-fast streaming, lag-free gaming, and instant access to cloud services, significantly enhancing daily digital experiences for customers.

Paul Higgins, Virgin Media’s Vice President of Consumer said, “Virgin Media is responding to consumer trends, increasing data consumption and what our customers have told us in terms of their broadband services.

“We know data consumption is growing 11% annually, this increase is driven by the acceleration of the connected consumer with Smart TV adoption increasing by 24% over the last four years, podcast streaming up by 38% and live streaming of sports up by 51%, all driven by the number of connected devices in our homes continuing to rise year-on-year.

“With this rapid increase of in-home consumption our homes have evolved into our offices, our cinemas, our gyms and our centres of entertainment. This launch helps all our Virgin Media customers continue to enjoy Ireland’s fastest broadband”.

The launch of Ireland’s first 5-gigabit fibre broadband service will bolster national competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. From rural enterprises to urban tech hubs, businesses across every sector—from fintech and pharmaceuticals to e-commerce and AI-driven industries—will gain a further competitive edge.

For more information, please go to www.virginmedia.ie

Irish Girl Guides and Vodafone Foundation tackle digital exclusion for older adults

On the occasion of World Social Justice Day, Irish Girl Guides want to highlight that social inclusion extends to older adults, a group often overlooked in society. In a world where digital connectivity is essential, Irish Girl Guides is tackling this challenge head-on with the Hi Digital Programme in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation.

Since 2023, Irish Girl Guides has trained over 3 500 older adults across Ireland, helping them navigate the digital world with confidence and security. Through the Hi Digital Programme, 50 Irish Girl Guides Units have been trained as Digital Champions. Guides, Senior Branch members, and Leaders dedicate their time to teaching older adults how to access online services, stay connected with loved ones, and protect themselves from scams and fraud.

The programme fosters intergenerational learning, breaking down barriers and strengthening social ties between younger and older generations. This initiative takes on social exclusion by empowering older adults, reducing isolation, and providing a sense of connection in an increasingly digital world.

Jessica Woods, Leader from Cuchulain Guides Unit and Chair of the Irish Girl Guides Communications Committee, said: “Our Unit ran an event, and a Guide was able to teach a Grandmother how to record and send voice notes on WhatsApp. She ‘tested it’ by sending a message to her granddaughter in Australia. A few minutes later she received a reply and she said it was like getting a ‘virtual hug’. Hi Digital can help open the world to an older person.”

 

To have a better idea of the programme, watch these two videos:

More Vodafone news

For more information about Hi Digital, visit: Welcome to Hi Digital

New Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS updates give Android customers greater flexibility and choice

Jabra, a global leader in professional audio and video solutions, has introduced new updates to the PanaCast 50 VBS available via firmware, giving IT admins and facility managers new deployment options and greater flexibility for meetings.

The Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS can now run in Permanent BYOD mode, enabling users to manage meetings from a PC and meet different needs for different rooms. With the added introduction of Wi-Fi connectivity, facility managers and IT admins have the freedom and flexibility to deploy and connect the PanaCast 50 VBS wherever there is Wi-Fi.

All Jabra PanaCast Android video bars are MDEP–based (Microsoft Devices Ecosystem Platform) solutions. Both the updated PanaCast 50 VBS and new PanaCast 40 VBS, which will be available mid-2025, offer flexible deployment options with enhanced security built on MDEP.

In addition, new features for the Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS make meetings more productive. Intelligent Meeting Space enables users to personalise and set virtual meeting space boundaries, excluding outside distractions and keeping the focus on participants in the room — perfect for glass-walled rooms.

Holger Reisinger, SVP for Enterprise Video Business Unit at Jabra said: “We have continued to strengthen Jabra’s PanaCast portfolio to evolve with changing needs. New deployment options with enhanced security, and features that boost productivity, enable Android customers to get the most from their Jabra video solutions, giving them confidence that they are making a future-proof investment.”

To learn more about the Jabra PanaCast 50 VBS, visit Jabra Video Bar System | All-in-One Video Conferencing Bar With USB

Edifier Comfo C open-ear clip-on earbuds First Look

The Edifier Comfo C  are their first offering into the clip-on open-ear market in which we are now seeing many brands drop lately, we have several reviews coming up and more on the way in this area of earbuds and they seem to be popular with users.

These come in a nice smooth case and several colour options too so there is a choice for the consumer which is great as with many new products you get the base Black or White option not this time though.

These also have access to the EDIFIER ConneX App which is great and we will be testing these out over the next few weeks so if you have any questions drop em below and check out what these look like in the hand below.

 

 

Features include

Quality Sound

12mm dynamic driver with titanium-coated diaphragm for powerful, detailed sound. Advanced directional acoustic technology, featuring a unique acoustic structure, minimizes sound leakage, delivering clear and enjoyable audio with an open-ear design.

Long Battery Life

Enjoy 7 hours of battery life on a single charge, with a total of 28 hours when using the charging case. A 15-minute charge provides 3 hours of use.

Easy-to-Use

Wide tap area for convenient control.

Wearing detection for automatic music play/pause.

Compatible with the EDIFIER ConneX App for additional functions: drainage function, personalized control settings, find your earbuds, and more.

IP56 dust and water resistance ensures durability.

Price & Availability

The Edifier Comfo C/R1 is available in a choice of colours – Black, Starlight, Green, or Pink at £59.99 from Amazon.co.uk.

See our Edifier Reviews 

Unboxing Video

Almost half of people in Ireland use their smartphones during meals

Almost half of people in Ireland (47%) use their smartphones during meals and 70% say they spend too much time on their devices, a new Deloitte survey has found.

The survey of 1,000 people in Ireland was carried out as part of Deloitte’s Digital Consumer Trends report.

It shows that three-quarters of adults (74%) tend to use their mobile phones as soon as they wake up while 54% say they tend to stay awake later than planned because of their devices. Over one third (34%) check their phone at least 50 times a day and 15% do so more than 100 times.

Young people are also more likely to stay up later than planned due to phone use with 73% of those aged between 18-24 and 60% of those aged 25-34 years admitting it delays their bedtime. More women (74%) than men (66%) say they spend too much time on their smartphones while adults aged 18 to 44 express the most concern.

Nearly everyone in Ireland, 95%, now owns a smartphone, and almost half of those surveyed (47%) use their smartphone or smartwatch to pay for goods and services in-store through digital wallets, up from 36% in 2023.

The use of wearable devices (55%) has declined from 67% in 2023 while the ownership or use of games consoles is down from 40% to 37%, most likely due to the lack of new console releases in 2024. Just 7% of people own or have access to a VR headset.

42% of those surveyed own a Samsung, the most popular mobile phone brand, up from 38% in 2023, while 38% own an Apple phone.

Android is the most popular phone type in every age group with the exception of 18-24 where 64% own Apple handsets and 35% own Android. Almost three-quarters of those aged 65-75 (74%), 69% of those aged 45-54 and 66% of those aged 35-44 use Android phones.

The survey found the average respondent has access to 2.3 subscription services. 74% have access to a video streaming service and Netflix is the lead service by a significant margin despite a drop in penetration from 65% of respondents in 2021 to 59%.

Just 26% now say they share a video streaming service with someone from outside their household, down from 37% in 2023. This comes amid a clampdown on password sharing by Netflix, which introduced new rules and now effectively only allow users to regularly stream from one main location.

Younger subscribers are more likely to share accounts with people outside their households with 39% of those aged 18-24 doing so and 44% of those aged 25-34.

27% of those surveyed cancelled a video streaming subscription in the last 12 months. Unsurprisingly cost was the main reason for doing so jumping from 24% to 31%, followed by lack of usage at 29%, down 4 percentage points on 2023.

Fake news on the rise

 71% of respondents to the survey said they’d been exposed to online information designed to deliberately mislead. A total of 53% said they had more regularly found material online that was subsequently proven to be fake. This is up from 46% in 2023.

Television remains the most popular choice for news consumption in Ireland with more than half the population (57%) preferring it for updates. This trend is particularly strong among older demographics with 83% of those aged 65-75 choosing TV over other mediums.

The most popular method of staying up to date for the 18-24 (67%) and 25-34 (57%) age group is social media, which is cited by just 24% of the 55-64 and 11% of 65-75 age groups.

Overall, 40% say they like to get their news from radio, 39% use news websites or apps, and 38% use social media. Only 14% cite print as a preferred source.

Interestingly, more than half (58%) of 18–34-year-olds have made a purchase through social media in the last year. 22% of 18–24-year-olds and 29% of 25-34 year olds have bought something through a brand advert or a sponsored post.

John Kehoe, partner, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte Ireland said: “Our digital consumer trends survey shows that smartphones have become the most essential device, surpassing laptops (81%) and tablets (61%) in accessibility and consistent use across all ages. They are replacing physical wallets and remain the preferred tool for banking, shopping, browsing and gaming. However, recent innovations have been incremental rather than groundbreaking. Generative AI could change this by making smartphones more personalised and intuitive. Despite their benefits, concerns about excessive use persist – 47% use phones during meals, and many delay sleep to stay online. As smartphones shape daily life, it’s important to balance convenience with mindful usage.”

Commenting on the rise of fake news revealed in the report, Lorraine Griffin, partner and Chair of Deloitte Ireland, Tax & Legal, said:

“Our research highlights the increasing exposure to misinformation, particularly online. As news consumption shifts towards social media, and almost three in four respondents in our survey encountering intentionally misleading content, the need for media literacy and critical thinking has never been greater. Education remains key in empowering individuals to navigate digital spaces responsibly, ensuring access to information is accompanied with the skills to assess its accuracy.”

Brighten Every Move With the Viltrox K90 30W RGB Fill Light

Viltrox has announced the availability of the K90 RGB Fill Light, a high-power 30W fill light designed for creative professionals in photography and videography. This slim, lightweight unit is easy to carry, at less than 1 meter long and less than 870g in weight, but it provides excellent color rendering and controllable light to quickly set the scene. The K90’s soft light means a soft box is not essential. A long-life battery and USB-C power connection ensure users can keep shooting in even the most demanding situations.

One of the key advantages is the exceptional cost-effectiveness of the two-light stick package. The standard K90 package comes equipped with two K90 light tubes along with four magnetic clamps for secure attachment. This powerful new addition to the Viltrox Light Stick series joins the 8W Viltrox K21 and 20W K60/K60V.

Bright, true-to-life illumination
With a full RGB color range, 2500K–8500K color temperature range, and more than 26 customizable lighting effects, the K90 unlocks endless creative possibilities. Delivering 2300 lumens of luminous flux and 2550 lux illuminance at full power (at 5500K and 0.5m distance), the K90 provides consistent, powerful illumination.

Powered by 448 high-quality LED beads – evenly distributed between RGB, warm white, and cool white –this fill light ensures even illumination and long-lasting performance. With a color rendering index (CRI) of 95 and a Television Lighting Consistency Index (TLCI) of 97, the K90 delivers exceptional color accuracy, bringing the user’s vision to life with vibrant and natural results.

Efficient app control and creative effects
The K90 RGB fill light offers versatile control options for enhanced creativity. The Viltrox Link app connects the light via Bluetooth to mobile devices and empowers users by making it easy to adjust light parameters and effects, so enabling seamless control of individual lights or entire groups. The K90’s pixel function allows a single light to act as a pixel when used in a group, unlocking exciting creative possibilities.

The K90’s adjustable color temperature and full RGB control make it suitable for a wide range of fill lighting scenarios. In the Correlated Colour Temperature (CCT) mode, it also supports Green-Magenta adjustment. Functions can be adjusted via physical buttons, remote control, or the mobile app.

Versatile power options and accessories
Built-in battery life is about 70 minutes, and the USB-C connector charges the battery in as little as 120 minutes, and the light can be used while charging. Most popular USB-C power connection standards are supported, including PD (USB Power Distribution 2.0, 3.0 and 3.1), Samsung AFC, Huawei FCP/SCP, and QC (Quick Charge 2.0 and 3.0)

The K90 comes with a customized shockproof hard-shell protective case for easy storage and protection. This light is durable and easy to use, thanks to the high-quality soft light tube, four magnetic clamps compatible with other Viltrox products, and a 1/4-inch threaded hole on both sides.

Pricing & Availability
Viltrox Official Store: https://geni.us/K90PR

Viltrox Amazon store: https://geni.us/K90Amzn

MSRP: $229.99 / €266.99

See our light reviews 

La dolce vita – Envisage drives business growth for Italica

Envisage, a leading Sage partner and part of The Noledge Group, today announces that it has deployed the Sage 200 business management solution to drive business growth for Italica, a family-run supplier of Italian wines and provisions to restaurants, delicatessens, and hotels.

Based in Newcastle, Italica was established as a family business over 15 years ago. The business handles an average of 100 orders per day and, as it continued to expand, outgrew its existing Sage 50 solution. To keep pace with Italica’s evolving needs, Envisage implemented the powerful Sage 200 system, which can flex and scale in line with business growth. It will enable Italica to expand and futureproof, while simplifying its operations.

The platform is accessible to all of Italica’s employees across the business – including office-based workers and the delivery team on the road – which is great for collaboration. It delivers much improved communication and easily available real-time data which allows it to streamline operations for all departments, from the warehouse, inventory, and invoicing, to sales, customer service, and delivery. This more connected business leads to enhanced productivity and the increased ability to innovate and roll out new products and services for customers.

The new system creates greater visibility of stock levels and Italica can easily identify popular or in-demand products, enabling it to meet evolving customer requirements and remain competitive. Italica can also identify upsell or cross-sell opportunities for customers. Clear data and actionable insights contribute to improved reporting for the business, leading to more informed decision making.

The highly scalable new solution also utilises automated cloud data backups which are carried out quickly and efficiently without interruptions, leading to a lower risk for Italica. Envisage also provides proactive customer care should any issues occur, which is crucial for Italica.

Envisage is part of The Noledge Group, which last year announced that it is investing €1.8 million over the next three years to expand its business in Great Britain following growing demand for its solutions in the market.

Michelle Marrone, Director, Italica, said: “Our customers are at the heart of what we do, and our Sage 200 solution is enabling us to better meet their needs. The solution removes the guesswork and allows us to analyse data and effectively adapt product lines to suit changing demands.

“In addition, streamlined communication across all functions of the business is vital and our team can access the data they need – when they need it – regardless of location. The Sage 200 solution implemented by Envisage has given us the confidence to scale our business and seamlessly expand our offering for customers.”

Chris Hawley, MD Great Britain, Envisage, said: “Our end-to-end Sage 200 solution has transformed Italica’s operations and supports all aspects of the business. Increased capacity and reliable backups of critical information give Italica access to invaluable data which will form the basis for strategic business decisions as the company grows and expands.

“Furthermore, efficiency is key in the fast-moving food and beverage industry and the solution enables more streamlined workflows for employees. We have built a valued relationship with Italica and we are excited to continue to support and work closely with the team as the business goes from strength to strength.”