Business

Speqta CEO Fredrik Lindros Teaches Us How to Say No to Black Box Bidding on PLAs with Their New AI-Based Bid-Optimization Tool Bidbrain™

Published

4 years ago

January 14, 2021

Stand out from the crowd by investing in Speqta’s new SaaS tool, Bidbrain™! An AI-based solution for Google Shopping ads that specializes in bid optimization. Developed specifically for the e-commerce industry and dedicated to getting you ahead of the competition by optimizing your Product List Ads (PLAs.)

In the interview below with Speqta’s CEO, Fredrik Lindros, learn more about this smart new tool and how you can bid more confidently and feel more secure about your businesses’ growth.

Please tell us something that not everyone knows about yourself!

Fredrik Lindros: I’ve always been personally driven by innovation and change, obsessed as I was over sci-fi shows like Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, both of which instilled upon me an acceptance and an inclination towards new technology and innovation. .

As for my passion for being equally strategic and creative, I have my time as a magician to thank for that. Unorthodox, yes! But I did, in fact, work as a professional magician some time ago. And, after working odd gigs at kindergartens, company gatherings, and various other stages, I developed skills that would later show itself in my business work as a talent for presentation, communication, and marketing.

And how do you usually start your days? (Are you a proactive or reactive type?)

Fredrik Lindros: I would say that I am a bit of both. I have a very particular schedule that I follow to the ‘T’ most days as a result of my waking habits. But, I’m flexible enough that I can deal with the unexpected when they come.

More specifically, every day, I wake up while the rest of my family is still asleep. Usually in the time between 4 AM and 5 AM. I start things off with a cup of coffee and then work entirely at home until it’s time to go to the office to catch up with whoever is there for the day — we’ve done a lot of juggling to account for the global pandemic, but the work must go on.

The rest of the workday is spent hosting meetings, regularly communicating with others through email or Slack, and just working as efficiently as possible so that I can go back home and spend time with my children before the day ends and the routine starts anew.

Please introduce Bidbrain™! What is it? And, how can we use it?

Fredrik Lindros: In short. Bidbrain™ is a SaaS solution outfitted with both artificial intelligence and machine learning. We at Speqta developed it for the e-commerce industry to use for optimizing bids for Google Shopping Ads.

How would you say Bidbrain™ compares to manually bidding on PLAs?

Fredrik Lindros: E-retailers that show a preference over manual rule-based bidding on Google PLAs usually prize control over their bidding strategies. After all, at least then, they won’t have to suffer through Google’s automated black-box bidding strategies.

However, the main issue with manually bidding on PLAs, at least, when compared to BidBrain™, is that it just cannot beat the kind of results that you can achieve with an AI-based system. There’s no question there. Bidbrain not only optimizes your bidding strategies to receive the best outcomes, but it is also capable of product feed optimization in order to increase the quality score of your PLAs. Furthermore, all you need to do to keep it working is to continue feeding it data in order to fuel its intelligence.

I know that there are many e-retailers out there that are reluctant to use new technology like this. But, there’s no denying that compared to those who work manually, those who use AI-based optimization tools like Bidbrain, in the long-run, will always win over their competition.That’s just how technology advances.

How about those e-retailers that already use the automated bidding tools provided by Google? What kind of benefits would Bidbrain™ offer to them?

Fredrik Lindros: One thing that we addressed during the creation of Bidbrain is transparency. Many online retailers that use Google’s own tools can never be fully confident that the program is working for them at 100%. In fact, if you dissect the bids made by Google’s Target-ROAS or Smart Shopping, you’ll find that they are extremely high CPC-bids worth around 30-50 Euros each that result in very few conversions.

As a retailer, it’s just hard to feel secure with such black box bidding methods. Which is where Bidbrain™ comes in. Unlike Google’s tools, Bidbrain was designed to reveal all data. So, e-retailers will always know where their bids are going, and they can rest easy knowing that the AI is 100% on their side. All while enjoying the extra functionalities provided by our sophisticated product feed optimization tools, the helpful insights given for future campaigns, and so on.

What advice would you give to fellow business owners looking to release their own products?

Fredrik Lindros: Bidbrain™ was only developed to be as dynamic and as insightful as it is today with communication. And so, my advice to fellow business owners is simple: communicate. Talk to your team, talk to your key customers, just talk.

As a team, we got to know exactly what our customers were looking for and why they were looking for certain things. And this would not have been possible if our work environment had not been conducive to open dialogue. A significant portion of the developmental process of our service also involved just talking directly with our customers. It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that these key customers more or less designed Bidbrain together with us. So, the more open you are to understanding the opinions of others, the better.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

18 hours ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.