Business Ideas and Inspiration

Meta has introduced an expanded labeling system for advertisements created or significantly edited using its in-house generative AI tools. The company says this initiative is part of its ongoing effort to increase transparency and accountability in digital advertising. The labeling system applies to ads featuring images or videos that have been significantly modified by Meta’s AI-powered marketing tools. Depending on the level of AI involvement, labels will either appear in the three-dot menu of an ad or directly next to the “Sponsored” label. Meta outlined a multi-pronged approach to determining when to apply these AI labels: If an advertiser uses Meta’s generative A…

BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) has announced updates to Catalyst, its next-generation composable storefront technology, designed to simplify and accelerate ecommerce site deployment. The new feature allows marketers to launch and customize storefronts with a single click from the BigCommerce Control Panel, eliminating the need for extensive development time and resources. Seamless Storefront Deployment and Flexibility Catalyst provides a fully integrated marketing-friendly visual editor, Makeswift, allowing brands to design high-performance storefronts without rigid templates or costly development efforts. Built with Next.js and React, Catalyst is optimized for Core Web Vita…

Discover the best photo booth app for elevating your small business’s event and promotional efforts. In today’s digital-dominated era, photo booth apps serve as invaluable tools, merging entertainment with marketing to create memorable experiences. This article will guide you through the top photo booth apps, each designed to make your business stand out at any gathering or campaign. Best App for 360 Photo Booth: Touchpix Touchpix is the ultimate 360 photo booth app, offering a comprehensive solution for event professionals. It seamlessly integrates iPhone, iPad, Android, GoPro 7-11, and DSLR cameras, making it a versatile choice. With over 60 advanced video and phot…

Wellness Wednesday is a popular weekly topic on social media. And it can impact workplaces as well. If you own a business, this concept may provide benefits for you and your team. Here’s a guide to observing this weekly tradition. What Exactly is Wellness Wednesday? Wellness Wednesday is not an officially regulated activity. Rather, many businesses and organizations use the term independently to promote a healthy lifestyle in their own way. The term gained popularity in the early days of social media, as brands shared tips and tricks under the #WellnessWednesday hashtag. But today, many workplaces use it to promote well-being among employees. Potential Topics for Welln…

OpenAI has announced the release of new tools designed to help developers and enterprises build AI agents that can independently accomplish tasks on behalf of users. The update includes a suite of APIs and tools aimed at simplifying the development of agentic applications. According to OpenAI, “We’re launching a new set of APIs and tools specifically designed to simplify the development of agentic applications.” These tools include the Responses API, built-in tools for web search, file search, and computer use, the new Agents SDK, and integrated observability tools for tracking agent workflow execution. Responses API: A New Foundation for AI Agents OpenAI’s new Response…

Invoice payment terms are essential for several reasons. They impact everything from the strength of business relationships to cash management. Specific payment terms are an integral part of financial management. They even tell businesses when they can expect to have money coming in so they can budget and plan their finances. Read this guide for all the details that small businesses may need to know. Essential Invoice Payment Terms Several critical components are involved, including the invoice and payment due dates. Payment terms such as Net 60 or Net 30 define the time frame where the payment is expected. Some invoices might say “owing on receipt.” Common Invoice…

Facebook plays a major role in social media marketing and is key to business success. You need a strategic approach. We’ve developed these Facebook marketing tips to give you the strategic framework you’ll need for all your advertising campaigns. Setting Up Your Facebook Page for Success The configuration of your Facebook page is crucial. A well-designed business page establishes the atmosphere for customer engagement and influences brand perception. Creating an Impactful Facebook Business Page 1. Choose the Right Page Name and Category Select a page name that reflects your brand and category that accurately describes your business to make it easier for users to find…

Hiring difficulties remain a significant challenge for small businesses, particularly in the construction and transportation sectors, according to NFIB’s January jobs report. The report found that 35% of small business owners reported job openings they could not fill in January, a figure unchanged from December. Job openings were most prevalent in transportation, construction, and manufacturing, while the agriculture and finance sectors reported the fewest vacancies. The construction sector saw a notable four-point increase in job openings from December but remained two points lower than January 2024. “Small business owners are certainly feeling hopeful about the direct…

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has introduced the Cooper WORK Series Regional Haul All-position (RHA) 2, a commercial truck tire designed to balance fuel efficiency with durability for super-regional and regional fleets. The SmartWay-verified tire is engineered to deliver long miles to removal and even wear, addressing the evolving demands of Less-than-Truckload (LTL) carriers and super-regional operations. Addressing Efficiency and Durability in Super-Regional Transport As shipping hubs move closer to last-mile delivery networks, the demand for commercial tires that can withstand both highway and urban driving conditions is increasing. Joe Burke, vice president of N…

If you’re searching for unique, profitable, and trending items to sell online, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will share 30 of the best products to sell. Whether you’re interested in starting an eCommerce store or just want to know what’s hot right now, you’re sure to find something useful here. So without further ado, let’s get started! The Retail E-commerce Market Technology has made online shopping so easy and during COVID-19 online sales exploded. There are currently somewhere between 12 and 24 million e-commerce stores around the world with 58.4% of users buying online weekly. According to Statista, the e-commerce industry is anticipated to re…

A spa table plays a pivotal role in providing clients with a comfortable and relaxing environment. It is the centerpiece of your treatment room and can significantly impact the overall ambiance of your business. Often seen as the cornerstone of spa and wellness centers, a spa table plays a vital role in delivering a wide array of therapeutic services. At its core, the spa table is designed to provide comfort and support to clients while enabling therapists to perform treatments effectively. Typically, these tables come with plush padding and are upholstered with materials like leather or vinyl, which are not only comfortable but also easy to clean and maintain. Spa Tabl…

Seasonal business ventures remain one of the hottest small business trends thanks to the numerous business opportunities and the unique benefits these options offer budding entrepreneurs. After all, seasonal businesses such as those that only operate during the winter season allow small business owners to take extended breaks during their lengthy off-seasons or to spend that time strategizing ways to boost sales the next year. Before you can run a successful seasonal business in the cooler months, however, you need some innovative winter business ideas. READ MORE: Small Business Ideas for Beginners Choosing the Best Winter Business Ideas: Our Methodology The winter …

A new survey by Omnisend reveals that AI-powered customer service tools may be driving shoppers away rather than improving their online experience. According to the survey, 39% of shoppers have abandoned a purchase due to frustrating interactions with AI chatbots, while 40% cite poor customer service as AI’s biggest drawback in ecommerce. Despite concerns, 88% of consumers reported having at least one conversation with an AI chatbot in the past year. However, only 28% of shoppers believe AI consistently understands their needs. Additionally, 53% of respondents rated their experience with AI chat support as average to extremely poor. Challenges in AI-Driven Customer Supp…

Bluevine has announced a new partnership with Xero, a global small business accounting platform, aimed at providing small business owners and accountants in the U.S. with improved financial management tools. The collaboration allows Bluevine customers to sync their banking data with Xero, enhancing efficiency, financial tracking, and overall business growth. Through this partnership, small businesses and their accountants will be able to integrate banking data from Bluevine directly into Xero. This enables streamlined collaboration, easier financial management, and improved tracking of expenses and cash flow. In Bluevine’s accountant dashboard, accountants can securely …

Microsoft has announced it will retire Skype in May 2025, shifting its focus to Microsoft Teams (free) as its primary communication platform. The move is aimed at streamlining Microsoft’s consumer communication offerings and consolidating users onto a single collaboration hub. Transitioning to Microsoft Teams Microsoft stated that Skype users will have the option to migrate to Teams for free, with their existing contacts and chats seamlessly transferring when they log in using their Skype credentials. During the transition period, Teams users will be able to call and chat with Skype users and vice versa, ensuring continued connectivity between both platforms. “For years…

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a reminder to farmers and fishers who opted out of making estimated tax payments in January that they must file their 2024 federal income tax return and pay any taxes due by March 3, 2025. The usual March 1 deadline has been extended to the next business day since it falls on a Saturday this year. Avoiding Estimated Tax Penalties Farmers and fishers who meet the two-thirds gross income requirement from farming or fishing during 2023 or 2024 are eligible for the March 3 deadline, provided they did not make an estimated tax payment by January 15, 2025. Those who did make a payment by January 15 can wait until the regular April …

ASUS has introduced the ExpertBook B5 (B5405/B5605), a lightweight business laptop powered by AI-enhanced Intel Core Ultra processors, enterprise-grade security, and customizable configurations designed for professional use. The AI-powered business laptop features ASUS AI ExpertMeet, an on-device AI assistant, and ASUS ExpertGuardian, a security suite providing multi-factor authentication and firmware protection. AI-Powered Performance and Productivity The ExpertBook B5 integrates AI-driven computing, offering up to 99 total-platform TOPS for enhanced multitasking. ASUS’s AI ExpertMeet provides real-time transcription, noise cancellation, and live-translated captions, en…

A new Lenovo-commissioned study conducted by IDC reveals that global organizations are significantly increasing AI investments, but concerns over return on investment (ROI) remain a primary barrier to broader adoption. The 2025 CIO Playbook: It’s Time for AI-nomics reports that AI spending is expected to nearly triple in 2025 compared to last year, yet business leaders remain divided on its long-term value. Key Findings: AI Investment and ROI Challenges While AI adoption is accelerating, financial risk and uncertain ROI remain the most cited obstacles. The study found that 37% of management remains skeptical or has reservations about AI’s impact, despite 90% of IT profes…

Running a business can be a challenging endeavor, and it requires careful attention to various aspects to ensure success. One critical aspect that often goes overlooked is the cleanliness of the business premises. Maintaining a clean and hygienic environment is not only important for the health and well-being of employees and customers, but it also enhances the overall appearance of the business, creating a positive impression. Janitorial supplies are essential items used to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your business premises. They include cleaning products like disinfectants, detergents, and sprays, as well as cleaning tools such as mops, brooms, and vacuum c…

You’ve likely heard it countless times: packing lunch is a great way to save money. However, did you know that it also encourages healthier eating habits and saves you time? Say farewell to standing in long lines or pondering which takeout choice is the least detrimental to your diet. With the best lunch boxes for adults, you gain complete control over what and when you eat, benefiting both your budget and your health. Adult Lunch Boxes: Not Just for Kids Anymore Once upon a time, lunch boxes were for kids. But those days are gone. Nowadays, lunch boxes for adults are on the rise, bringing style, function, and convenience to meal prep. These aren’t the cartoon-clad conta…

Black-owned small businesses are embracing digital tools at higher rates than their non-Black counterparts, helping them navigate financial challenges and drive long-term success, according to a new Intuit QuickBooks Black History Month Survey. The report highlights how early technology adoption is proving to be a key factor in business resilience and financial health, even as access to funding remains a major hurdle. Technology Adoption as a Competitive Advantage The study, based on insights from 2,490 Black and 3,000 non-Black small business owners, found that 28% of Black entrepreneurs are early adopters of new technology, compared to 20% of non-Black entrepreneurs. B…

In the digital world where creativity knows no bounds, Patreon has emerged as a powerful membership platform that allows creators to earn a sustainable income. With Patreon, creatives across all fields can turn their passion into profit, engaging a community of fans who are willing to pay for exclusive access to their work. This article explores how to make money on Patreon and provides tips for maximizing your success. What is Patreon? So, what is Patreon, and how can creators leverage it to make money? Patreon is a membership platform that allows creators to earn income by offering a subscription service to their fans. It acts as a virtual tip jar or fan club, where su…

Microsoft PowerPoint is a great tool to turn your presentation ideas into reality. But PowerPoint presentations are also a surefire way to bore your audience to death if you don’t make your presentations engaging. To get your audience hooked, adding video files to your presentations can be a good strategy, as videos offer more engagement than most other content types. In this article, you will learn how to embed a video in PowerPoint and the benefits of doing so. How to Add a Video to PowerPoint from Your Hard Drive Here are simple steps to include a video in a PowerPoint presentation: Step. 1 Go to the Insert tab and click on the Video tab. Step. 2 When you click …

People who have employers often have disability benefits provided. When you’re self-employed, you need to get a disability insurance policy for yourself. You can get a policy no matter what you do for work in the many different types of self-employment jobs that are available. Purchasing a disability insurance policy shouldn’t be optional. It’s not expensive – you can find decent policies that will cost you about as much as a cup of coffee per day. If you do not have a disability insurance policy and you suffer an injury or illness, you will be unable to earn an income. Having disability insurance is essential for ensuring you have financial protection in the event of a…

A small business audit doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be dealing with the Internal Revenue Service. Small business owners can conduct internal audits on an annual basis. Either way, the audit process involves looking at accounting records and tax return numbers. The idea is to make sure your financial data is correct, and that it’s in line with tax laws. What is a Small Business Audit? This process involves reviewing the tax filings and financial records of small businesses to ensure accuracy. Both internal and external auditors examine the accounting books and financial statements. Keep in mind you need to report things like a foreign bank account to the IRS. Why d…