Latest news with #AmazonBasics


Time Business News
a day ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Amazon's Plan to Dominate: Can It Shape Your Social Media Content Strategies?
Visit the Amazon Basics page on Amazon's marketplace and you'll find an eclectic collection of products, from headphones to pet beds, yoga balls, and plenty more. While the items included under the Amazon Basics banner may seem random, they are actually selected very strategically, leveraging a process that any company can adapt to create great content for its social media channels. 'Amazon's secret plan to dominate every market on its platform is hidden in plain sight,' says Daniel Iles, Founder of Viral Coach. 'It's something they've been building for years that most people don't even notice. In short, it involves letting other brands do all the work needed to pull off a successful product launch.' Viral Coach is a leading short-form video content agency helping businesses scale visibility, leads, and revenue through social media. Iles launched the agency in 2023 to help companies with annual revenues of $1-50 million replace their bloated marketing funnels with lean, effective short-form video strategies. Its scalable system for business growth is based on the knowledge Iles gained building a combined following of over 2 million social media followers and an average reach of 100 million monthly views across platforms. 'Before Amazon launches into a new category, they start by watching what their competitors are selling, what keywords are working, and what thumbnails are getting clicked,' Iles explains. 'It is a strategy that leverages millions of dollars worth of free market research to pinpoint products with high consumer demand. Then Amazon makes those products available through its own brand, wiping out the competition by placing them at the top of the search results at a lower price. This approach allows Amazon to know what people want before they produce their first unit.' Amazon's product development strategy, which essentially allows competitors to do the heavy lifting, contains several elements that can help brands identify the type of content most likely to drive social media success. By adopting these elements, brands can increase engagement and have more success reaching their social media goals. Amazon's first step is identifying what users on its platform are excited about. It identifies trending products and then keeps an eye on top performers to determine which have long-term sales potential. Companies that want to avoid the guesswork often associated with social media management can start by examining what others in their industry are doing to spark engagement on social platforms. This practice, usually referred to as social listening, aims to go beyond identifying what brands are saying in social media posts and understand why they are saying it. Amazon learns from consumer reviews not only what customers like about products, but also what they don't like. Brands that use social listening to keep tabs on their competitors gather similar insights, which helps spark content ideas and refine marketing strategies. Once Amazon identifies which products are popular with consumers, it creates its own version of them. This step of adapting a competitor's success to your own context is a critical part of optimizing your content. 'I highly encourage you to get inspired by and learn from your best competitors or the biggest people on each social media platform,' Iles says. 'But you also need to remember that those voices are talking to their audience. You'll need to adjust their approach to create content that resonates with your audience. It's those nuances that make or break the social content you put out.' Creating content that embodies your brand ethos, even when another brand's success inspires it, brings authenticity to your social media presence. If that authenticity is missing, consumers won't hang around. 'People are no longer buying based on brand logos or the last TV ad they saw,' Iles says. 'They buy from trust. Effective social media can help build that trust by showing your brand's face, voice, and values. Your content development strategy should ensure your fingerprints are on every piece of content.' Taking cues from competitors' posts can definitely help brands get their content creation off the ground. To keep it in the air, however, brands need to ensure they are creating content that is moving them closer to their marketing goals. Even the most engaging content isn't effective if it doesn't convert consumers into customers. Iles warns brands against putting too much stock in likes, views, and other vanity metrics. The focus should be on creating content that earns the market's loyalty, not just its attention. Brands will know they are creating valuable content when they see an increase in followers, lead generation, and sales. 'Amazon isn't just a store,' Iles explains. 'It's a data machine that is laser-focused on using meaningful metrics to optimize its effectiveness. Brands that build their social media strategies with the same degree of intentionality, leveraging strategic content to build trust with their target market, will dramatically increase their chances of success. Every time you post something, you learn something that will help to improve your content marketing strategy and increase conversions.' TIME BUSINESS NEWS


7NEWS
a day ago
- 7NEWS
Shoppers rave about budget suitcase with over 50k glowing reviews: ‘Quality for the price'
If you've got a September trip to Europe planned, your mind might be starting to turn towards packing. And if your suitcase is looking a little worse for wear, now is the time to invest. A budget buy sold on Amazon Australia is winning praise from shoppers, where over 50,000 people have given it a glowing review. The Amazon Basics Hardside Expandable Spinner Suitcase (78cm) may only cost $119.90 on Amazon Australia, but it rivals brands which are far more expensive. Retailing in black, navy blue, light blue and orange, the Amazon Basics suitcase has everything you need for a successful trip away. Boasting a protective extra-thick ABS hard shell and scratch-resistant black finish, it has four double spinner wheels that ensure smooth-rolling mobility in any direction, as well as a sturdy telescoping handle — which means you can comfortably maneuvre youeself through any airport. Others love the fully lined 150D-polyester interior organiser with a divider for all of your various items, along with the three zippered pockets for storing smaller items. The case is also expandable for up to 15 per cent more packing space as and when you need it. Amazon have put the case through a number of tests in order to ensure it both looks good and works well. These include a stability test, active-handle-strength test, castor/roller-durability test, drop test, zipper test, colorfastness test, seam-strength test, control-elements test and resistance-to-corrosion test. On Amazon Australia, there are more than 50,000 glowing reviews from shoppers who have bought the case time and again. 'It's not particularly stylish and may even feel a bit cheap and flimsy, but looks are deceiving,' one reviewer wrote. 'I took the carry-on to Thailand, where it needed to hold three weeks of clothes appropriate for jungle hiking and city sightseeing, and my scuba gear. 'It fitted everything with minimal groaning, and even let me compress it. It survived being wheeled all over varies city streets and on and off all sorts of public transport, and was light enough to hoist on and off my top bunk on a boat for easy access. 'I wouldn't hesitate to re-purchase.' Another added: ' The Amazon Basics luggage looks well made and feels sturdy for the price. The design is simple but practical, with smooth rolling wheels and a hard shell that seems durable. It's lightweight and spacious, making it a great budget friendly option for travel'. While a third said: 'Me and my partner have two of the 68cm for over two years and it's done well with lots of travel. Bought two of the 78cm for a longer trip and it's just as good. Highly recommend. 'I travel a lot and have used several big name brands and they all have given up after 18-24months. My 68cm is like new just with some scuffs.'


Buzz Feed
3 days ago
- General
- Buzz Feed
31 Dorm Products That Reviewers Call 'Essential'
A gel-infused memory foam mattress topper to rescue your child from the lumpy disaster your university calls a "bed." Aww, they shouldn't have! (No really... they shouldn't have). Instead of your kid tossing, turning, and waking up feeling like you wrestled a raccoon in their sleep, treat them to this breathable, cooling topper. It adds the plush, cushy comfort they're used to at home, turning that dorm nightmare into an actual daydream. A set of Amazon Basics sheets that'll be their dorm bed MVP because they're super cozy and don't cost a lot of dough. The fitted sheet has deep pockets so the corners won't pop off, and the wrinkle-resistant and shrink-resistant material will make their sleep setup look super polished once they make their bed for parents' weekend. And a set of two plush Beckham Hotel pillows, aka the kind of pillow that'll make your "little" one's Twin XL bed feel less like a dorm cot and more like a fancy SoHo loft (even if they're sharing a room with a near-stranger and eating mac and cheese out of a mug). These pillows are soft, fluffy, and supportive — even if they're a side sleeper, stomach snuggler, or a "just passed out mid-scroll" kind of student. Plus, these pillows stay cool, don't go flat, *and* can go right in the washer when life (or a late-night snack) gets messy. A hanging shoe organizer so your college-bound baby can bring their full lineup of footwear without turning their dorm into an obstacle course. Just hook it over their door and boom — instant storage for at least 12 pairs of shoes. But don't stop there. They can also fill the pockets with snacks, school supplies, toiletries, or anything else they want within arm's reach. A mini fridge to keep your college freshman's snacks, bevvies, and "emergency" ice cream within arm's reach. Now they can skip the overpriced vending machine and take exactly two steps from their bed to grab what they want, and then hop right back into their cozy nest. Whether they're battling a cold, craving a midnight snack, or recovering from one too many 'sodas' at the tailgate, this little fridge will feel like the best college investment you ever made (besides the exceptional education, of course). A durable mesh shower caddy if your mini-me is about to brave communal bathrooms for the first time. With eight side pockets and a roomy center compartment, this caddy hauls it all: shampoo, body wash, towel, clothes, and more. It's made from breathable, quick-drying mesh that can handle getting totally soaked without turning into a mildewy mess. And, a pair of slide-on shower shoes because communal bathrooms aren't that scary — but foot fungus definitely is. These comfy slides are like walking on clouds (reviewers said it first!) and the thick, supportive sole protects feet from whatever mystery mess is lurking on those tiles. They're so cushy, they might just forget someone sculpted a hairball masterpiece in the corner. A surge-protector power strip since the last thing your academic weapon of a student needs is their $$$ laptop getting fried during a random power surge. This only takes up one precious outlet but gives them 12 charging slots in return, meaning their phone, laptop, lamp, fan, and other gadgets can all plug in without any commotion. Plus, the 45-degree angle plug means it won't block the other outlet (honestly, genius). A super soft Bedsure throw blanket your dorm dweller can throw over suspect furniture their school provides or leave on their bed to add a little snuggly bliss to their sleep routine. It's warming yet lightweight, so don't be surprised if their location on Find My Friends is always at their dorm... They're just too cozy! A rollable laundry hamper with a removable wash bag so your child (with too many clothes) can glide into laundry day like the organized icon you want them to be. It's compact enough to tuck away in their dorm but roomy enough to handle their weekly laundry haul. The real flex? They'll be rolling their clothes to the machines while everyone else is huffing and puffing with overstuffed bins. Work smarter, not sweatier. A Brita water filter if your little scholar is an H2O snob who can taste the difference. If tap water just isn't cutting it, this pitcher's got them. It holds up to 10 cups of crisp, filtered goodness and helps reduce chlorine taste, mercury, and copper. It comes with a filter that lasts about two months and helps them ditch single-use plastic bottles (saving them $$$ in the process). Their wallet and their taste buds will be thanking you. A pack of space-saving hangers with nine square holes so they can finally make their tiny dorm closet work overtime. Perfect for hanging all their go-to jackets, jeans, tops, or nicer 'fits, these hangers let them organize vertically and find what they need fast. Each one rotates a full 360 degrees and helps them free up precious rod space without sacrificing their wardrobe. If their closet is the size of a shoebox (because... college), this pack is basically a miracle. And, a splurge-worthy BrüMate because your little bundle of tuition payments is gonna want a cold sip of water after walking around campus all day. This leakproof baddie is coming for their Stanley's crown and is built for their chaotic college schedule. With a twist-to-lock lid, they can sip during class and seal it tight when they're speed-walking across campus (without it spilling all over their laptop). It fits in cupholders for weekend road trips and keeps their drinks cold for over 24 hours. They'll never experience a lukewarm sip again! A Swiffer WetJet so they can stop pretending their dorm floor didn't just witness a coffee spill, ramen splatter, and mystery stickiness all in one week. It's super easy to use and helps get their tile, vinyl, laminate, and sealed hardwood floors absolutely spotless. The spray feature means no nasty buckets, no wringing out gross mop heads, and (unfortunately) no excuses when their RA does surprise room checks and asks why their floors are so dirty... A set of seven Command hooks your baby (who swears they're independent now) can use to deck out their dorm without dooming their security deposit. Perfect for hanging up their decor, keys, backpack, or that new game day hoodie, these strips stick to smooth surfaces and come off clean. They're easy to apply, easy to remove, and make move-in and move-out way less chaotic. Their walls stay damage free, and their room stays effortlessly put-together. A twin XL bedding set complete with a comforter, fitted sheet, pillowcase, and sham. It'll instantly show all of your kids' floormates that they didn't wait until move-in day to think about bedding (they have you to thank!). The comforter is reversible, super soft, and light enough that they won't overheat in their stuffy dorm, but still cozy enough when the radiator decides to fail them. And the whole set is machine washable because no one has time to dry clean anything in college. Plus, a waterproof, hypoallergenic mattress protector to keep their bed protected from spillage, dust mites, and bacteria. Spill Diet Coke? No problem. Sweat through a stress nap? Handled. Dropped a bowl of cereal while marathon-watching Love Island? This has got them (and their mattress) covered... literally. It fits snug around their mattress, and the soft cotton terry top is breathable, quiet, and comfy, so they won't be sleeping on a crunchy tarp. A touch-to-dim desk lamp that doubles as a charging station and triples as a vibe setter. With a USB-C port, USB-A port, and a standard outlet, they can power up to three devices and set the mood all from their desk or nightstand. Just tap the base to cycle through brightness levels, whether they're pulling a late-night study session or winding down with their favorite playlist. A set of six clear storage bins so your college-bound chaos gremlin can finally stay organized. These are perfect for laundry supplies, out-of-season clothes, or the random overflow of stuff they swear they need. They slide neatly under that sky-high dorm bed and even stack for max space-saving magic. Plus, they're totally see-through, so when they inevitably forget where they put something, finding it won't require tearing the room apart. And a set of vacuum storage bags because fitting an entire wardrobe into a tiny dorm closet is like a game of Tetris. These magical bags shrink bulky items like clothes, pillows, and jackets down by up to 80%, giving your college kid way more room to store (or hoard) their stuff. It even comes with a pump to suck out the air (no vacuum needed), and doubles as the ultimate travel hack for your favorite overpacker. A mini Keurig that's itty bitty but brews a mighty cup of caffeine-fueled joy. Perfect for small dorm spaces and even smaller morning patience, this compact coffee maker whips up 6–12 oz. of your fave brew using any K-Cup—or a reusable one if your mini me is all about that eco life. And if they want to brew straight into their go-to thermos before class? Just pop off the drip tray and slide it right in. It's fast and exactly what they'll need to survive 8 a.m. lectures. An 80-piece Johnson & Johnson first aid kit stocked with all your stumbler's 'ouchie' essentials because campus sidewalks are a hazard. It's got band-aids in all shapes and sizes, a full-size Neosporin, Tylenol, and more to handle blisters, scrapes, headaches, and the occasional wipeout. Compact enough to stash in a drawer or under their bed, and clutch when life (or gravity) comes for them. A vintage-inspired microwave for when your kid's dorm doesn't come with one — and the dining hall is already on their 'never again' list. With 12 pre-programmed settings and express cooking for essentials like popcorn, pizza, and frozen veggies, this retro cutie is both functional *and* Instagram-worthy. So next time they call you dramatically claiming they 'might actually starve,' you can remind them their mini kitchen sits two feet from their bed. And a set of microwave-safe cups, bowls, plates, and utensils since their dorm microwave is about to become their personal chef. From 2 a.m. ramen cravings to mug cakes that double as therapy, their microwave is doing the most freshman year — and their dishware needs to keep up. It's durable and ready for all their late-night snacks, leftovers, and "this kinda counts as a meal" moments. A hands-free light so they can study late without turning their dorm into a spotlight show. They just wrap it around their neck and boom — instant personal lighting that won't disturb their roommate's beauty sleep. It's got three color modes and six brightness levels, so they can find that sweet spot between 'I can read my notes' and 'I'm not blinding my roomie.' Bonus: it's rechargeable and lasts up to 80 hours, which is basically an entire finals week. A cordless handheld vacuum that's lightweight, powerful, rechargeable, and perfect for when your kid drops their Cap'n Crunch all over the floor. It has a washable dustbowl, pull-out crevice tool, built-in flip-up brush, and a 180-degree rotating nozzle to make clean-up a breeze. A bedside shelf (aka the BedShelfie) because their dorm bed is too tall for a nightstand and too far from literally everything. This floating nightstand clips right onto their bed frame and gives them the perfect spot to stash their phone, tablet, remote, water bottle, and whatever else they need within arm's reach before passing out. It holds up to 35 pounds, has a spill-proof cupholder, and installs easily. They can say goodbye to awkwardly reaching over the edge or sleeping with their phone on their face. A medium-size hardshell suitcase so your kid doesn't have to "borrow" (and possibly destroy) your nice luggage at home. This one's durable, expandable, and ready to be tossed, rolled, and crammed with everything your future college grad needs to pack. It's got smooth 360-degree spinner wheels for easy airport navigation and plenty of room for holiday trips home — and that *totally* academic spring break adventure in Cabo. A pair of noise-cancelling AirPod Pros they'll need when their roommate starts FaceTiming at full volume at 2 a.m. The adaptive sound and comfy, customizable fit will be perfect when they're trying to focus at the library, walking to class with an iced coffee in hand, or romanticizing their life after they just got assigned a heinous group project. A forehead thermometer for when your sleep-deprived intellectual is asking themselves, "Did I just pull an all-nighter or catch the dorm plague?" This reliable, no-contact thermometer gives fast, accurate readings so they can figure out what they have fast. No more guessing — just scan, check, and possibly call student health. A set of American Soft Linen towels so they can wrap themselves in something actually cozy after freezing their butt off in the dorm showers. Made with 100% cotton, these towels are soft, absorbent, and thick enough to feel like a mini spa moment. The set comes with two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths, so they're fully stocked for showers, face washing, and drying off your hands.


Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Amazon recalls mattress due to 'serious injury' risk — how to identify affected models
Amazon has recalled an Amazon Basics Mattress after the impacted model failed to meet mandatory flammability requirements, resulting in a fire hazard. The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission warns customers that the Amazon Basics Premium Foam Eurotop Mattress poses a "risk of serious injury or death" and notes that consumers should stop using the mattress immediately. Approximately 2,700 mattresses are affected by the recall. Impacted customers are advised to dispose of their mattress safely and contact Amazon for a refund. Sold as part of Amazon Basics' mattress range, the Premium Foam Eurotop Mattress was manufactured from December 22nd 2022 to May 16th 2024 at the 3Z Brands factory and sold via Amazon. The mattress was priced between $82 and $278. The recall covers twin, full, queen and king size mattresses. The Amazon Basics bed was initially sold compressed, rolled and packaged as a bed in a box. Out of its packaging, the mattress expands to roughly nine inches tall. The brand is contacting known purchasers directly but if you suspect your mattress is included in the recall, here are the features to look for: In addition, look for SKU number ABFM0933, ABFM0946, ABFM0950 or ABFM0966; and prototype ID: 1131 40 00 1. These appear on the white label located in the center seam of the quilted panel at the foot of the bed. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Due to the fire safety risk, impacted mattresses aren't safe for use and should be disposed of immediately. If your mattress is included in the recall, Amazon asks that you: If you're unsure if your mattress is included in the recall or you'd like more information about the disposal and refund process, you can contact Amazon toll-free at 800-913-4350 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can contact Amazon online via or find more information at Follow the link to 'Recalls and Product Safety Alerts' at the bottom of the page. We typically recommend donating or recycling an old mattress but as these models have been recalled, the only option is disposal. Contact your local waste disposal service for more information on how to safely get rid of your mattress. Mattress recalls are rare and so far no injuries have been reported in relation to the current warning. However, before buying a new mattress we recommend familiarizing yourself with the brand, particularly if you're opting for a budget bed with minimal reviews. Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button.


Daily Mirror
30-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Dyson vacuum that 'brings up a lot of dirt from carpets' cut by £150
'It brought up a lot of deep down dirt from the carpets which our previous cleaner missed' Dyson has arguably become the byword for top-quality home products. One of its most popular gadgets is the Dyson V8 Absolute vacuum, which boasts 115 air watts of suction powered by a Hyperdymium digital motor, which spins at up to 110,000rpm. It's cordless sousers don't have to worry about trailing cables all over the house, and it runs up to 40 minutes on a single charge. It also features a special cleaner head to detangle and remove pet hair, and comes with seven attachments for when you need to get into corners. Quality comes with a price, and Dyson products tend to be some of the more expensive on the market - but the V8 Absolute is currently on offer for £150 off its usual price, at £249.99. Alternatives include the Amazon Basics two-in-one cordless vacuum, which is £69.29, and is more powerful than its Dyson counterpart. It has 150 watts of suction power, although its battery isn't as powerful, offering 15 minutes on normal setting, or 40 on a slower setting. However, it is lighter at only 2,41kg. Also available from Shark is a bundle featuring a Stratos anti-hair wrap plus pet pro cordless vacuum, and a Klik n' Flip automatic steam mop, for £297.99 - down £221.99 from its usual price of £519.98. The vacuum runs up to 60 minutes in one charge, when run on eco mode, and features anti-odour technology. It has a 0.7 litre capacity, and includes three attachments. The Dyson V8 Absolute vacuum currently has an impressive 4.4 out of five rating on the company's website, including 9,596 five star reviews. One reviewer said they were 'pleased with the produc and said: "Our first outing brought up a lot of deep down dirt from the carpets which our previous cleaner missed." Another said: "Always wanted a Dyson so treated myself. Absolutely love it." While another described it as 'worth the buy'. They said: " Bought this Dyson after my elderly mother swapped her Henry hoover, which was getting heavy to use, for this product." Another shopper said: "After trying the Dyson and noticing how better the performance was and how easy the manoeuvrability was without a cord, we decided to purchase one. The battery lasts long enough to vacuum the entire house three times over and the attachments are easy to change." However, some raised concerns over the battery life. One shopper said: "Battery dies after 15 minutes. I regret purchasing this vacuum." Another said: "Returned, battery performance woeful. Size and form good." But another said: "This is my first Dyson and is far superior to any other vacuum cleaner I've used. The attachments are so good and the suction is great my home is properly clean for the first time."