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When considering business acquisition loans, it’s essential to understand the current rates, which can vary widely from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit profile, the stability of your revenue, and how long your business has been operating can greatly impact these rates. With the rise in competition among lenders, you might find more favorable terms. Knowing how these elements interplay can help you navigate your options effectively. What should you focus on next? Key Takeaways Business acquisition loan rates currently range from 10% to 28% APR, depending on various factors like credit profiles and loan specifics. SBA loans offer lower rates, with variable rates between 10.00% to 13.50% and fixed rates from 12.00% to 15.00%. Equipment financing rates typically vary from 9.9% to 24% APR, while accounts receivable financing can range from 24% to 36% APR. Loan rates can fluctuate based on a borrower’s credit score, business longevity, and economic conditions, impacting overall loan accessibility. Understanding market trends and lender competition can lead to more favorable loan terms and rates for business acquisitions. Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates Overview When you’re contemplating a business acquisition, awareness of the current loan rates is vital for making informed financial decisions. Business acquisition loan rates typically range from 10% to 28% APR, influenced by the lender and the type of loan. For instance, if you opt for an SBA loan, you’ll find variable rates between 10.00% and 13.50%, whereas fixed rates can be between 12.00% and 15.00%. Equipment financing presents another option, with rates varying from 9.9% to 24% APR. Nevertheless, keep in mind that Accounts Receivable financing, often used during acquisitions, tends to carry higher rates, typically ranging from 24% to 36% APR. It’s vital to reflect that these business acquisition loan rates can fluctuate based on your credit profile, how long your business has been operating, and the overall economic environment. Grasping these rates can help you make a more strategic acquisition decision. Factors Influencing Loan Rates Comprehending the factors that influence business acquisition loan rates is essential to securing the best financing options. Several elements play a vital role in determining the rates you may encounter: Credit Profile: Higher credit scores typically lead to lower interest rates, as lenders see you as less of a risk. Business Longevity: Newer businesses often face higher interest rates because of perceived risk compared to established ones. Revenue Stability: Consistent revenue and cash flow can result in more favorable rates, signaling reliability to lenders. Collateral: Securing loans with collateral can lower your interest rates, as it reduces the lender’s risk compared to unsecured loans. Understanding these factors will empower you to negotiate better loan terms and improve your chances of securing favorable rates for your business acquisition. SBA Loan Rate Comparisons When you’re considering SBA loans, it’s important to understand the current rates and how they stack up against other options. Typically, these rates range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, which can be quite competitive. Furthermore, factors like loan size and repayment terms can influence these rates, so it’s wise to analyze your situation before making a decision. Current SBA Loan Rates Comprehending current SBA loan rates is vital for anyone considering financing a business acquisition. As of November 2025, the rates vary greatly, which can impact your borrowing decision. Here’s what you need to know: Variable rates range from 10.00% to 13.50%. Fixed rates fall between 12.00% and 15.00%. The average SBA loan rate usually sits in the 11%–13% range. Rates are influenced by factors like loan size, repayment term, and the specific SBA program. SBA loans typically offer lower interest rates compared to traditional commercial loans, making them an attractive choice for small business acquisitions. Rate Comparison Analysis Grasping how SBA loan rates compare to other financing options is crucial for anyone looking to make a business acquisition. SBA loan rates typically range from prime + 2.75% to prime + 6%, amounting to roughly 11%–13% in early 2025. These rates are typically more competitive than traditional bank loans, making SBA loans attractive for financing. Furthermore, you can choose between fixed or variable interest rates; fixed rates provide stability in monthly payments. Nonetheless, keep in mind that the overall cost includes fees like the guarantee fee, which varies with loan size. As economic conditions and the prime rate fluctuate, bear in mind that SBA loan rates may change, impacting your financing affordability over time. Fixed vs. Variable Interest Rates Comprehending the differences between fixed and variable interest rates is essential for business owners seeking loans, as each option has distinct implications for budgeting and financial planning. Here’s a breakdown of both types: Fixed Interest Rates: These rates remain constant throughout the loan term, offering predictable monthly payments that simplify budgeting. Variable Interest Rates: These fluctuate based on market conditions, possibly leading to lower initial payments but may increase over time, affecting overall loan costs. Market Trends: Fixed rates are more common in small business loans, whereas variable rates can be beneficial in stable or declining markets. Risk Factor: With variable rates, you might enjoy lower costs initially, but you also face the risk of rising rates in uncertain economic times. Understanding these factors will help you assess the overall affordability and make informed financial decisions regarding your loans. Understanding Loan Fees When evaluating a business acquisition loan, comprehending the various fees involved is important to accurately assessing the total cost of borrowing. Business loan fees can greatly increase your overall expenses, including origination fees, underwriting fees, and closing costs, which typically range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount. If you’re looking at SBA loans, be aware that they include a guarantee fee based on the loan size, along with annual service fees that affect the total financing cost. Furthermore, it’s key to examine other costs, such as monthly maintenance fees for business lines of credit, which can further impact your borrowing expenses. Each loan type, whether equipment financing or accounts receivable financing, comes with its own fee structure. Consequently, it’s imperative to clarify all applicable fees before finalizing your loan agreement to avoid unexpected expenses that could strain your cash flow and repayment capacity. Strategies for Securing the Best Rates To secure the best business acquisition loan rates, it’s essential to start by strengthening your credit profile, as lenders often reward higher credit scores with lower interest rates and more favorable terms. Here are some strategies to take into account: Maintain a strong credit score: Aim for a score above 700 to access better loan options. Explore SBA loans: These often provide competitive rates, typically ranging from 10.00% to 13.50%, making them a viable choice for acquisition financing. Offer collateral: Secured loans tend to have lower interest rates, so providing collateral can greatly reduce your borrowing costs. Shop around: Compare offers from various lenders, including banks and online options, to make sure you’re getting the most favorable rates customized to your acquisition needs. Economic Impact on Loan Availability Economic conditions play a vital role in determining the availability of business acquisition loans, impacting everything from interest rates to lender confidence. When the economy is strong, you’ll likely see lower rates and easier access to financing, but during uncertain times, lending standards often tighten, making it harder to secure loans. Staying informed about economic indicators and market trends can help you align your financing strategies with current conditions, increasing your chances of obtaining favorable loan terms. Economic Indicators Influence Rates Interest rates for business acquisition loans are closely tied to various economic indicators that reflect the overall health of the economy. Comprehending these factors can help you navigate loan options effectively. Here are key indicators that influence rates: Federal Reserve Adjustments: Lower federal rates typically lead to decreased loan rates. Economic Uncertainty: Higher uncertainty can raise interest rates as lenders perceive greater risk. Market Conditions: Inflation and growth forecasts considerably affect loan availability and competitiveness. Borrower Profiles: Your credit score and business revenue not just impact your loan rates but also the overall accessibility of financing. Prime Rate Fluctuations When the prime rate changes, it can considerably affect your ability to secure a business acquisition loan. Currently at 7%, the prime rate serves as a benchmark for various loan products, influencing interest rates on business loans. When the Federal Reserve adjusts the federal rate, fluctuations in the prime rate often lead to changes in business loan rates, impacting your overall borrowing costs. Typically, a decrease in the prime rate results in lower interest rates, making it easier for you to access funds for acquisitions. On the other hand, economic conditions like inflation and market stability likewise play an important role in determining the prime rate, directly influencing the availability of loans. Monitoring these trends is vital for comprehending loan affordability and terms. Market Trends and Demand As demand for business acquisition loans rises, the environment of lending is shifting considerably. Favorable SBA loan rates between 10.00-15.00% encourage small businesses to pursue growth, but economic uncertainty does tighten lending criteria. Here’s what you need to know: Average interest rates for business term loans range from 10-28% APR, affecting your access to capital. Increased competition among lenders is resulting in more flexible terms and competitive rates. Businesses with strong revenue and cash flow profiles are likelier to secure better financing options. Economic fluctuations in the prime rate are influencing lenders’ willingness to extend credit. Staying informed about these trends helps you navigate the current lending environment effectively. Resources for Business Acquisition Financing Finding the right resources for business acquisition financing can greatly impact your success in purchasing a business. One reliable option is LendingClub, which specializes in customized solutions for business acquisition financing. Their experienced relationship managers assist you throughout the financing process, ensuring a smooth shift. When considering loans, keep in mind that competitive interest rates depend on your credit profile and the loan amount. Additionally, explore resources like SBA loans, which often offer lower down payments and flexible terms, making them attractive for many buyers. It’s essential to evaluate customer reviews and testimonials to gauge the credibility and service quality of potential lenders. This research can help you make an informed decision, ensuring you choose a financing option that aligns with your needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Business Loan Interest Rate Today? You’ll find that business loan interest rates today vary considerably based on multiple factors. Typically, they range from around 10% to 28% APR, depending on the lender and the specific type of loan. For example, SBA loans often have fixed rates between 12% and 15%. Moreover, your credit profile, the revenue of your business, and current economic conditions can all influence the rates you might receive. Always compare options carefully. What Is the 20% Rule for SBA? The 20% Rule for SBA loans mandates that any owner with at least 20% ownership must personally guarantee the loan. This requirement holds significant stakeholders accountable for repayment, thereby reducing the lender’s risk. If you’re a business owner, understand that this personal guarantee can impact your credit score, linking your personal finances to the business loan. This rule applies to all SBA loan programs, including 7(a) and 504 loans, so consider it carefully when seeking financing. What Are SBA Loan Rates Right Now? Right now, SBA loan rates vary, typically ranging from a variable 10.00% to 13.50% and a fixed 12.00% to 15.00%, depending on the specific program and loan amount. These rates are influenced by the prime rate, which can change based on economic conditions. If you’re considering an SBA loan, it’s essential to stay updated on these trends, as they directly affect your borrowing costs and overall financial planning. What Is the Current Interest Rate for a Small Business Loan of $25,000? The current interest rate for a small business loan of $25,000 typically ranges from 10% to 28% APR. Factors like your credit score, business duration, and revenue play significant roles in determining the exact rate you’ll receive. For example, at a 10% interest rate over five years, your monthly payment would be around $532. Exploring options like SBA loans can provide more competitive rates, often between 10.00% and 13.50%. Conclusion In summary, comprehending current business acquisition loan rates is crucial for making informed financial decisions. With rates ranging from 10% to 28% APR and various influences like credit profiles and competition among lenders, it’s important to explore your options. By comparing SBA loans and considering fixed versus variable rates, you can find the best fit for your business needs. Staying informed about fees and market conditions will further improve your chances of securing favorable financing. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "Current Business Acquisition Loan Rates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In November 2024, with SE Ranking’s research team, we began a 16-month experiment to test how AI-generated content performs in organic search. We launched 20 websites across different niches and tracked their performance over time. But we didn’t stop there. We wanted to look beyond rankings and understand how AI systems discover, interpret, and cite information. So we expanded the project into a more ambitious set of experiments on AI search and LLM visibility. For the next phase, we created a new fictional brand in a real niche with real competition to see how quickly AI systems would pick it up and whether it could be cited alongside or above trusted industry leaders and government sources. After the first month, several patterns became clear. Methodology behind the experiment We created a fictional brand and published content about it across: Brand new website representing the brand, registered specifically for the experiment. 11 additional domains, all over a year old, with prior history and existing rankings. Across these sites, we tested seven content formats: Deep guides. “Alternatives” listicles. “Best of” listicles. Review articles. Comparison (“vs”) pages. How-to/tutorial content. Clickbait-style articles. We started publishing in March 2026 and tracked how five AI systems responded: ChatGPT, Google’s AI Overviews, Google’s AI Mode, Perplexity, and Gemini. In total, we tracked 825 prompts across different query types and scenarios, which generated 15,835 AI answers during the first month. For each prompt, we looked at three things: Whether our brand (or one of our sites) appeared in the AI answer Whether it was cited as a source How often it appeared as the main cited source (position 1) This experiment is still ongoing, and the first month was designed to see how AI systems respond to newly created, fully available information tied to a fictional brand. Key experiment insights 96% of all AI visibility for our fake brand came from branded searches. Even in a real niche with relatively low competition, a completely new domain had little chance of competing with established brands for broader, non-branded topics. On queries that only our fake brand could realistically answer, we outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by as much as 32x and achieved near-exclusive visibility in less than 30 days. Even without strong authority, the pages that clearly explained who we were, what we offered, and how we were different (e.g., “[Brand Name] Compete Guide” and “About Us”) became the most cited sources from the main domain. This shows that brand positioning can be shaped early in AI search. Perplexity was the fastest engine to surface new content. Newly published pages usually reached position #1 within 1–3 days of indexation. However, Perplexity often cited additional domains instead of the main brand site. Google’s AI Mode was the most stable for branded queries tied to unique claims (showing our brand at #1 for an average of 90% of prompts). Gemini, by contrast, often misidentified the brand. And even for uniquely branded queries, this AI platform provided 60% of AI answers with no citations to our brand. Deep guides, review articles, and comparison pages generated the highest number of AI citations, while more generic formats like how-to articles and listicles showed minimal impact. A topical silo made up of one hub page and 10 supporting articles generated no AI citations. Meanwhile, a set of 30 short, repetitive pages (500-750 words each) generated more than 1,800 citations. So, in this test, high-volume content publishing mattered more than internal linking. Insight 1: New domains may not beat market leaders right away, but they can define their brand narrative in AI search One of the clearest takeaways from the first month is that a brand-new site has limited chances of competing for broader, non-branded topics, even in a niche with relatively low competition. AI systems did pick up our fictional brand quickly, but most of that visibility came when the query was already connected to the brand itself, whether through: the brand name product-specific claims or other brand-related angles Specifically, out of all AI answers, 96% (15,553 out of 15,835) came from branded searches. Non-branded informational queries produced just 4% of AI answers in total, and even those mostly came through our supporting test domains. The pattern was even stronger on the main fictional brand site itself. There, we recorded: 10,253 AI answers for branded queries and just 6 for non-branded ones That is a 1,700x difference. This feels familiar because it mirrors classic SEO. New brands still need time to earn trust, build recognition, and compete for broader topics. When AI systems answer general industry questions, they tend to rely on established and authoritative sources. This is why the strongest results in our experiment came from prompts tied to information only our brand could answer, such as how the product works, how often it updates, and so on. These queries alone generated 11,430 AI answers with citations to our brand, accounting for 72% of allvisibility in the experiment. The reason is simple: there is no competition. If a query is something like “Was [Brand Name] originally built as an internal tool?”, only one source can realistically answer it. AI systems don’t need to compare sources, evaluate authority, or resolve conflicts. That gave our fictional brand a major advantage. Even with no domain authority, it outperformed established competitors (DT 40+) by up to 32x on these queries. What all this means for marketers and business owners is that when users ask about your brand, AI systems are likely to rely on your website as one of the main sources of information. So, the content they cite should be fully aligned with how you want your brand to be positioned. Our experiment supports this. The “Complete Guide” page on the main site appeared in 1,799 AI answers (the highest result in the dataset) largely because it consolidated key brand information in one place. The “About Us” page followed with 1,500 AI answers. Together, these were the most cited URLs from our main domain, with LLMs relying on them 3–5 times more often than the additional domains. In practice, AI systems may learn about your brand quickly, but what they learn depends on what you publish. Your core pages should clearly answer all the questions that are important for your brand: who you are, what you offer, and how you’re different. This way, you can start shaping your narrative in LLMs even as a new or small brand, before you have the authority to compete for broader industry topics. Insight 2: AI engines behave very differently Another strong pattern in the experiment is that the five AI systems do not behave alike. They vary not just in how often they mention the fictional brand, but in how quickly they pick it up, how consistently they cite it, and which domains they prefer as sources. Google’s AI Mode: The most stable for branded visibility Google AI Mode was the most reliable engine in the dataset. Throughout the experiment, it placed our domain in position 1 for branded queries in about 90% of cases. Unlike other engines, it did not show major fluctuations or dependency on other test domains. If there was one place where direct brand visibility was predictable, this was it. Google’s AI Overviews: High visibility, lower consistency Google’s AI Overviews also surfaced our tested domain for branded queries, but the pattern was less consistent. We saw our brand appear in position 1 for 14 days for some prompts, followed by a drop mid-month that didn’t recover. More broadly, mentions and links for branded queries fluctuated heavily, appearing and disappearing multiple times each week. Yet when links were included, it accurately described the brand. When no links were shown, it often claimed there was no public information available. The takeaway here is not that AI Overviews failed to recognize the brand. It did. But that visibility was harder to sustain over time. Perplexity: The fastest to pick up new content, but not always brand-first Perplexity was the breakout engine for fresh content. It picked up newly indexed pages within 1–3 days, which clearly made it the primary driver of early visibility within our experiment. But this speed comes with a tradeoff. Instead of consistently citing pages from our main domain, Perplexity often used our supporting test domains as sources. In early March, our main brand held position 1. But as we published more content on supporting domains, those domains gradually replaced it in AI citations. By the end of the month,six different domains were being cited: our main brand site and five supporting test domains where we had published additional content about the fake brand. So while Perplexity increases overall visibility, it doesn’t always send that visibility directly to the main brand site. ChatGPT: Slower to react, stronger over time ChatGPT showed the most noticeable progression over time. At the beginning of March, there were no links or mentions of our brand at all. But as the month progressed, visibility steadily increased. This growth was especially clear across specific content types: Unique claims drove the strongest performance, accounting for the majority of visibility, with around 70% of citations appearing in position 1. Review articles started with zero presence but quickly gained traction, reaching consistent position 1 rankings by March 17. Comparison (“vs”) articles achieved the highest consistency overall, with mentions on 29 out of 31 days by the end of the month. Overall, ChatGPT didn’t immediately recognize the brand. Once it recognized the brand, ChatGPT began surfacing it frequently, especially for branded prompts. Gemini: weakest performance and most inconsistent behavior Gemini was the weakest engine in the dataset and the least consistent. Initially, it struggled to identify our niche correctly. However, the results improved when we changed how we asked the questions. When prompts were framed as comparisons (“X vs Y”) or reviews, Gemini was much more likely to recognize the brand correctly. Even then, the results were still limited. In the best-performing scenario (queries based on unique claims about the brand), Gemini failed to include any citations to our brand in about 60% of responses. Insight 3: Content format matters, but so does the volume Next, for this experiment, we tested seven different content types across both our main site and supporting test sites. And what we found is that comprehensive, in-depth content earns far more AI citations than shorter articles. The strongest-performing formats were: Deep guides (5,000–6,000 words): ~900 AI answers per page Review articles: ~257 AI answers per page Comparison (“vs”) articles: ~145 AI answers per page This does not mean there is one ideal content length or that longer pages automatically perform better. The stronger results likely came from the depth, structure, and completeness of the information these formats provided. This finding also aligns with our broader research, where we’ve seen that detailed, well-structured content performs better across platforms like AI Mode and ChatGPT. Pages with narrower or less comprehensive coverage generated fewer citations overall. For example: How-to articles/tutorials: 22 AI answers per page Clickbait/skeptical articles: 19 “Best of” listicles: 11 “Alternatives” listicles: 4 As part of the experiment, we also tested a “spam” approach: publishing 30 thin pages (500–750 words each) on one of our test domains. Individually, these pages were weak (averaging just 63 AI answers per page). But together, they generated 1,897 total AI answers, which makes it the highest-performing content setup at the domain level. However, thin content is not inherently “better” because of this result. It just shows that volume can sometimes compensate for quality by increasing the likelihood of retrieval and citation (especially in AI engines like Perplexity that prioritize freshness). In simple terms, a few strong pages win on quality, but a large number of weaker pages can still win on overall exposure. Insight 4: Topical clustering alone doesn’t produce AI visibility One of the most useful negative findings came from the content structure test. For this part of the experiment, we created a hub page on one of our test domains and linked it to 10 supporting articles. In theory, this setup should have built strong topical depth and semantic reinforcement. All 11 pages were indexed, properly structured, and internally linked. Yet, they generated zero AI citations. This is significant because it challenges a common assumption carried over from traditional SEO: that topical clustering automatically improves authority or increases the likelihood of being retrieved. At least in this experiment, it did not. That does not mean topic clusters are useless. It means they are not sufficient alone. Internal linking and semantic breadth may help a search engine understand a site, but AI systems still need a reason to retrieve and cite a specific page for a specific answer. So, do AI engines reward entity coherence more than truth verification? Even within just one month, the results point to a clear conclusion: AI systems appear to respond more strongly to consistency, repetition, and availability than to strict verification. That should not be overstated. It is not that LLMs “believe anything.” But if a claim is: Structured clearly Repeated across relevant pages Phrased like a fact Available in retrievable source environments Then AI systems may surface it surprisingly easily. We also saw this in manual checks of LLM responses in AI Results Tracker. For prompts such as “is [brand] worth it,” some systems responded positively and recommended using our completely unknown fictional brand. It may not be because LLMs automatically favor every new brand. In some cases, when little or no negative information exists, a system may fill the gap with a neutral or positive-sounding response based on the limited signals available. But the result is the same: if a completely fictional brand can generate consistent citations and favorable recommendations under certain conditions, then brand narratives in AI search may be more flexible than they seem. Final thoughts The most important outcome of this experiment isn’t that a fictional brand achieved visibility. It’s that visibility followed a repeatable pattern once specific inputs were introduced: branded context, unique claims, diverse content formats, and sufficient presence across different sources. That leads to two important conclusions. AI search is not random. It follows identifiable signals, and those signals can be studied, tested, and influenced. AI is still highly sensitive to manipulation. AIs don’t have their own sense of truth, verification processes, or critical thinking. The same factors that help legitimate brands become visible can also be used to simulate credibility. If there’s one lesson here, it’s that you can’t assume AI systems will accurately represent your company, product, or category by default. You have to actively shape the information environment they rely on. And this is only the first month of results. We’re continuing to collect data, expand the experiment, and monitor how these patterns change over time. View the full article

Ten reasons, including bosses. By Ed Mendlowitz Call Me Before You Do Anything: The Art of Accounting Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Ten reasons, including bosses. By Ed Mendlowitz Call Me Before You Do Anything: The Art of Accounting Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

When dealing with business travel deductions, comprehension of what you can claim is crucial for maximizing your tax benefits. You can deduct various expenses, such as transportation, lodging, and meals, but there are specific criteria you must meet. For instance, your trip needs to qualify primarily as a business endeavor. To navigate this complex area, it’s important to know the details of eligible expenses and the required documentation. What other factors should you consider to guarantee compliance? Key Takeaways Deductible transportation costs include airfare, train fares, rental cars, and associated travel expenses like parking and tolls. Lodging expenses are fully deductible if the trip primarily serves business purposes. Business meal expenses qualify for a 50% deduction when they serve a necessary business function. To fully deduct international travel, at least 75% of the trip must focus on business activities. Accurate documentation, including receipts and detailed itineraries, is essential for substantiating all claimed deductions. Understanding Business Travel Deductions When you travel for business, grasping the rules around business travel deductions can greatly impact your tax return. Comprehending what qualifies as business travel expenses is vital. You can deduct costs like airfare, train fares, car rentals, lodging, and 50% of your meal expenses, provided they’re ordinary and necessary for your work. If you’re traveling internationally, at least 75% of your trip must focus on business activities to fully qualify for deductions. Keep in mind, if your trip includes personal elements, you can only deduct expenses related to the business portion based on time spent on each activity. Proper documentation is fundamental; save your receipts and maintain a detailed itinerary to substantiate your claims. Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines can guarantee compliance with IRS rules and maximize your eligible deductions, ultimately enhancing your financial situation during tax season. Qualifying Your Trip as a Business Trip To qualify your trip as a business trip, it’s important to understand specific criteria set by the IRS. First, your travel must leave your tax home and primarily focus on business activities. To secure a full business trip tax deduction for international travel, at least 75% of your time abroad needs to be spent on business-related tasks. Travel days are counted as business days, so if your itinerary includes travel alongside business meetings, you can still claim deductions for those days. Furthermore, guarantee your trip is planned in advance, supported by a documented itinerary that outlines the business purpose. It’s essential to recall that personal vacations can’t qualify as business trips; the primary intent of your travel must be business-related to be eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Expenses In terms of deductible travel expenses, you need to understand the categories that can greatly reduce your taxable income. Transportation costs, lodging expenses, and meal allowances are key areas where you can claim deductions, provided they meet specific criteria. Keeping accurate records, like receipts and travel logs, will help guarantee that you can substantiate these expenses come tax season. Transportation Costs Breakdown Transportation costs represent a significant portion of the expenses you can deduct when traveling for business. Transportation costs that are deductible include airfare, train, and bus tickets, in addition to any baggage fees incurred during your trip. If you rent a car for business purposes, those expenses, including fuel, tolls, and parking fees, are fully deductible. You can also claim deductions for your personal vehicle’s use by either applying the standard mileage rate—70 cents per mile for 2025—or calculating actual expenses based on the percentage of business use. In addition, taxi and rideshare fares to and from airports, hotels, and meetings are fully deductible, provided they serve a business purpose. Keep thorough records to substantiate these expenses. Lodging Expense Deductions Lodging expenses can be fully deductible when your business trip is primarily for business purposes and you’re away from your tax home. You can claim various costs associated with accommodations, including: Hotel, motel, or Airbnb rental fees. Additional charges such as internet access and parking. Costs incurred during personal days if strategically planned, like weekend stays between business days. Meal Allowance Rules How can you guarantee that your meal expenses during business travel are deductible? To qualify under the meal allowance rules, keep in mind that only 50% of your meal costs are deductible, as long as they serve an ordinary and necessary business purpose. You’ll need to document these expenses carefully; receipts should clearly indicate the amount, date, place, and purpose, especially if dining with business contacts. Avoid lavish meals, as those won’t qualify for deduction. Furthermore, when traveling to and from a business destination, meals still count for the 50% deduction, provided they meet the same criteria. You can use per diem rates to simplify tracking, but keep in mind, the deduction will still cap at 50% of your actual meal costs. Transportation Costs for Business Travel When you travel for business, grasp of the costs associated with transportation can help you maximize your tax deductions. Awareness of what qualifies as deductible transportation costs is vital for claiming business travel deductions. Here are three key areas to reflect on: Airfare and Ground Travel: Airfare, train, or bus tickets—along with baggage fees—are fully deductible if the primary purpose of the trip is business-related. Car Rentals: Rental car expenses are deductible, including gas, tolls, and parking fees incurred during your business trips. Personal Vehicle Use: You can deduct mileage using either the standard mileage rate (70 cents per mile in 2025) or the actual expense method, which accounts for total vehicle costs based on business use. Keep thorough records and receipts for all these transportation-related expenses, as they’re vital for substantiating your claims on tax returns. Lodging Expenses During Business Trips During business travel, comprehending the intricacies of lodging expenses can greatly influence your overall tax deductions. You can fully deduct lodging expenses during business trips as long as the trip is primarily for business purposes and your stay aligns with business activities. This includes costs for hotels or motels, in addition to related fees for internet and parking, provided they’re business-related. If your trip spans a weekend, lodging costs for those days may likewise be deductible if planned strategically to minimize travel expenses. Nonetheless, keep in mind that personal days during a business trip don’t qualify for deductions unless they coincide with business activities. Documentation is essential; always retain receipts that clearly detail the amount, date, place, and nature of your lodging expenses to substantiate your claims. Properly managing these details can help maximize your tax benefits. Meals and Entertainment Deductions Regarding meals and entertainment deductions, comprehending what qualifies can save you money. Typically, you can deduct 50% of your meal expenses if they’re necessary for your business, and meals during travel likewise count as long as you keep proper documentation. Deductible Meal Expenses Grasping deductible meal expenses is crucial for maximizing your business travel deductions. To qualify for these deductions, you should keep a few key points in mind: Deduction Rate: Business meal expenses are typically 50% deductible, as long as they’re ordinary and necessary for your business. Business Purpose: Meals must serve a business purpose, like being consumed during meetings with clients or associates. Documentation: You need proper documentation, including proof of the amount, date, place, and nature of the business discussion. Entertainment Expense Guidelines Comprehending entertainment expense guidelines is essential for effectively maneuvering your business travel deductions. Usually, business meals are 50% deductible if they’re ordinary and necessary, but don’t forget to keep those receipts that specify the meeting’s nature. Nevertheless, entertainment expenses like tickets to shows or events can’t be deducted unless they’re directly tied to a business meeting and meet specific IRS criteria. Meals consumed during traveling can similarly be 50% deductible, but again, proper documentation is key. Documentation Requirements Comprehending the documentation requirements for meal and entertainment deductions is vital for maximizing your business travel claims. To guarantee your travel expenses are deductible, follow these guidelines: Receipts: Always keep receipts showing the date, amount, place, and business purpose of each meal. Remember, only 50% of eligible meal costs can be deducted. Business Purpose: Document that meals are ordinary and necessary for business. Lavish meals aren’t deductible. Entertainment Details: For entertainment deductions, detail the business relationship and reason for the meeting. Only expenses directly tied to business qualify. Special Rules for International Travel When you travel internationally for business, it’s essential to comprehend the specific rules that determine your eligibility for deductions on travel expenses. To qualify for a full business travel deduction, you must spend at least 75% of your time abroad on business activities. If your business days fall below this threshold, you can only deduct the proportionate costs related to your business days. Travel days are likewise counted as business days, allowing deductions even with some personal time, as long as business days outnumber personal ones. Furthermore, if the primary purpose of your trip is business and you meet certain criteria, your round-trip airfare is fully deductible. For short trips, lasting one week or less, you may qualify for a full deduction if business activities are predominant. Grasping these specific rules can help maximize your deductions effectively during your travels internationally for work. Bringing Friends and Family on Business Trips When you bring friends or family on business trips, it’s essential to know what expenses you can deduct. Typically, travel costs for those accompanying you aren’t deductible except if they’re performing business duties, like your spouse if they work during the trip. Keep in mind that although some costs, like car rentals, may be fully deductible, additional expenses related to non-business travelers often aren’t eligible for deductions. Deductible Travel Costs Business trips often come with the added consideration of whether to bring friends or family along for the adventure. Although it can be enjoyable, be aware that certain costs may not qualify for business trip deductions. Here are key points to remember: Expenses for friends or family are typically non-deductible unless they’re employees on business duties. You can fully deduct rental car costs if the trip’s primarily for business, even if your spouse is a passenger. Lodging costs may be partially deductible based on single occupancy rates, only for the business-related portion. Keeping clear records of the trip’s purpose and your relationship with accompanying individuals is crucial to substantiate any potential deductions. Non-Deductible Expenses Though it might be tempting to bring friends or family along on business trips for some extra company, you should be aware that most associated expenses are typically non-deductible. Expenses for additional passengers, like friends or family, can’t be claimed as business trip expenses. The only exception is if a spouse is employed by your business and performs work during the trip, making their expenses potentially deductible. Although you can fully deduct the car rental costs if the trip is primarily for business, personal travel expenses, including family activities during the trip, aren’t deductible. It’s essential to clearly separate your business and personal costs to guarantee compliance with tax regulations. Vehicle Use for Business Travel How can you effectively manage your vehicle expenses when traveling for work? Comprehending your options for vehicle use for business travel can help you maximize your travel expenses deductions. Here are three key points to reflect on: Deduction Methods: You can choose between deducting actual expenses like gas and maintenance or using the standard mileage rate of 70 cents per mile in 2025. Car Rentals: If you rent a car, all related costs, including gas, parking fees, and tolls, are fully deductible. Log Your Miles: To use the standard mileage rate, keep a detailed log of your business miles, noting the date, destination, and purpose of each trip. Recordkeeping for Travel Expenses When managing vehicle expenses for business travel, effective recordkeeping plays a pivotal role in ensuring you can substantiate your deductions. Start by documenting crucial details like departure and return dates, the number of business days, and the trip’s purpose. For travel expenses examples, keep all receipts for lodging and significant business-related costs over $75, as well as documenting smaller expenses, even if they fall below that threshold. A travel log is invaluable; it should record your destinations, expenses, and the business purpose behind each cost, ensuring accuracy in your claims. Using a business credit card can simplify this process by clearly separating personal and business expenses, making tracking easier. Finally, itemizing each travel expense provides clear documentation that aligns with IRS requirements, helping you maintain proper records for potential audits. This careful approach will improve your ability to claim the deductions you deserve. The Consequences of Improper Deductions Improper deductions can lead to serious consequences, especially if you’re cautious about the claims you make on your tax returns. For self-employed individuals, the stakes are even higher regarding commuting expenses. Here are three potential repercussions you should be aware of: Penalties: Claiming illegitimate deductions can result in penalties from the IRS, typically amounting to 20% of the difference between taxes owed and taxes paid. Audits: Deductions that considerably lower your tax payments may trigger an audit, leading to increased scrutiny of your financial records. Documentation Issues: Messy or incomplete records can’t only lead to missed tax-saving opportunities but likewise heighten the risk of being flagged for improper deductions. To protect yourself, keep accurate records and consider filing Form 8275 for any questionable deductions. This may help explain your claims to the IRS, though it won’t guarantee you’ll avoid an audit. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the $2500 Expense Rule? The $2,500 expense rule allows businesses to deduct certain purchases as expenses rather than capitalizing them, simplifying tax reporting. This rule applies to tangible property and materials costing up to $2,500 per item or invoice. Only taxpayers with an applicable financial statement can utilize this rule. To benefit, your purchases must be ordinary and necessary for your operations, and you need proper documentation for each claimed expense to support the deduction. What Can You Claim for Business Travel? When you travel for business, you can claim various expenses. You can deduct costs for transportation like flights, car rentals, and even gas. Lodging is fully deductible if your trip’s primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary and well-documented. Furthermore, you can include baggage fees, laundry, and dry cleaning as travel expenses. If your trip is international, guarantee at least 75% of your time is spent on business activities for full deductions. How Does the New $6000 Tax Deduction Work? The new $6,000 tax deduction allows you to deduct qualifying business expenses directly related to your work without itemizing. This includes expenses like travel, office supplies, and equipment. To qualify, your total expenses mustn’t exceed your business income for the year. It’s essential to maintain proper records to support your deduction in case of an audit. This change simplifies tax filing for self-employed individuals and small businesses, enhancing financial efficiency. What Travel Expenses Can I Claim? You can claim various travel expenses when conducting business. This includes transportation costs like airfare or train tickets, along with baggage fees. Lodging expenses for Marriott or rentals are likewise deductible if your trip is primarily for business. Meals are typically 50% deductible, provided they’re necessary. Furthermore, you can deduct car rental fees or mileage, fuel costs, and even laundry expenses incurred during your travel. Keep records to support your claims. Conclusion In summary, comprehending business travel deductions can help you maximize your tax savings. By ensuring your trip qualifies as a business trip and keeping detailed records of all eligible expenses, you can effectively reduce your taxable income. Remember to document transportation costs, lodging, and meals accurately. Avoid the pitfalls of improper deductions by adhering to IRS guidelines, as compliance is essential for maintaining your financial integrity. Stay informed to take full advantage of these deductions during your travels. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Business Travel Deductions Can You Claim?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Australia has proposed taxing digital giants Meta, Google and TikTok on a part of their revenue to pay for news reporters. The government released draft legislation Tuesday it intends to introduce to Parliament by July 2 that would create a financial incentive for the social media companies to strike deals with news organizations to pay for journalism. The platforms’ criticisms included that the proposal was a “digital services tax” that misunderstood the evolving advertising industry and would fail to deliver a sustainable news sector. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said a monetary value needed to be attached to journalists’ work. “It shouldn’t just be able to be taken by a large multinational corporation and used to generate profits for that organisation with no compensation appropriate for the people who produce that creative content,” Albanese told reporters. “We think that investment in journalism is critical to a healthy democracy,” he added. It’s Australia’s second legislative attempt to make the platforms pay for the Australian news text and images that their users view. Digital platforms had been pressured to strike deals with Australian news publishers to pay for journalism by legislation passed in 2021 that created the country’s News Media Bargaining Code. The platforms chose to reach commercial deals with news creators rather than be forced into arbitration and have a judge set the price. But they have since avoided renewing those deals by removing news from their services. The proposed News Bargaining Incentive would charge major platforms that choose not to strike commercial deals with news publishers a 2.25% tax on their Australian revenue. The platforms would be given offsets and their overall costs would be lowered if they agree to pay publishers for journalism, the government said. The government expects the incentive would raise between 200 to 250 million Australian dollars ($144 million-$179 million) a year. That was about as much as the platforms paid news outlets when the News Media Bargaining Code was working at its peak. The government would distribute that income among news organizations based on how many journalists each organization employed, Communication Minister Anika Wells said. The tax would apply to Meta Platforms, which owns Facebook and Instagram, Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc., and TikTok, which is majority-owned by U.S.-backed investors. Opposing the proposed legislation, Meta said news organizations “voluntarily post content on our platforms because they receive value from doing so.” “The idea that we take their news content is simply wrong. This proposed legislation, which would apply to platforms regardless of whether news content even appears on our services, is nothing more than a digital services tax,” Meta said in a statement. “A government-mandated transfer of wealth from one industry to another, with no connection to the value exchanged, will not deliver a sustainable or innovative news sector. Instead, it will create a news industry dependent on a government-administered subsidy scheme,” Meta added. Google said “we reject the need for this tax.” “It ignores the fact that Google already has commercial agreements with the news industry, misunderstands how the ad market changed and mandates payments from some companies while arbitrarily excluding platforms like Microsoft, Snapchat and OpenAI — despite the major shift in how people consume news,” a Google statement said. TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment. All the targeted platforms are American. U.S. critics have argued that Australia’s News Media Bargaining Code had disproportionately cost American corporations. Albanese was not concerned by potential pushback from the United States. “We’re a sovereign nation and my government will make decisions based upon the Australian national interest,” Albanese said. —Rod McGuirk, Associated Press View the full article

When considering the best franchises to purchase in 2025, it’s important to evaluate various sectors that are thriving in today’s market. Health and wellness brands, food and beverage chains, retail services, and tech-focused franchises all present unique opportunities for potential investors. Each franchise type offers distinct advantages, from strong brand recognition to increasing consumer demand. Comprehending these options can help you make an informed decision about your investment strategy. What criteria should you prioritize in your search? Key Takeaways Health and wellness franchises are experiencing significant growth, making them a smart investment choice for the future. Food and beverage franchises dominate the market due to high revenue potential and low failure rates. Established brands often offer better support and training, leading to higher owner satisfaction and profitability. The Franchise 500 list provides insights into top-performing franchises to guide your investment decisions. Conduct thorough due diligence, including reviewing the FDD and speaking with existing franchise owners for valuable insights. What Is a Franchise? A franchise is a business model that allows you, as a franchisee, to operate a business under the established brand and proven systems of a franchisor. In exchange for franchise fees and royalties, you gain access to valuable resources that can greatly improve your chances of success. Franchises boast an impressive 80-90% success rate compared to independent businesses, making them some of the best franchises to buy. Opportunities in various industries like food services, health and wellness, automotive, and retail cater to diverse interests, ensuring you find the best franchise to purchase. With the International Franchise Association projecting steady annual growth, investing in franchises remains an appealing option for potential franchisees looking to thrive in a robust market. The Best Franchises to Own in 2025 In 2025, franchise ownership presents unique opportunities shaped by evolving market trends and consumer preferences. Franchises in health and wellness are on the rise, offering lucrative investment options and significant growth potential. Food and beverage franchises still dominate, boasting high revenue growth and low failure rates, making them appealing choices for new franchisees. The Franchise 500 list serves as a reliable resource, showcasing top-performing brands based on sales and location growth, guiding your investment decisions. Moreover, franchises that focus on community engagement and brand recognition tend to enjoy long-term success, as these factors improve customer loyalty and market presence. By choosing wisely, you can position yourself for a profitable franchise venture in 2025. Factors to Consider When Choosing a Franchise Choosing the right franchise requires careful consideration of several key factors that can greatly impact your success. To make an informed decision, keep these points in mind: Owner Satisfaction: High satisfaction among franchise owners usually indicates better support and profitability. Financial Performance: Look at metrics like revenue growth and low failure rates to gauge long-term viability. Training and Support: Evaluate the thoroughness of training programs and ongoing assistance offered by the franchisor. Brand Recognition: Established brands often have a stronger market presence, attracting more customers and encouraging loyalty. Research and Due Diligence Tips When considering a franchise purchase, thorough research and due diligence are vital steps in ensuring you make an informed decision. Start by reviewing the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), which outlines the franchise’s financial health and operational requirements. Speak with existing franchise owners to gain insights on profitability, challenges, and support from the franchisor. Evaluate the franchise’s historical performance, focusing on sales trends and market demand to confirm sustainability and growth potential in your chosen location. Furthermore, analyze initial investment costs, including franchise fees and start-up expenses, along with ongoing fees and royalties. Finally, research the franchisor’s track record for providing adequate support and training, as effective systems are critical for your long-term success in the franchise business. How to Get Started With Owning a Franchise Getting started with owning a franchise involves a structured approach that builds on the research and due diligence you’ve already conducted. Here are key steps to follow: Research franchise opportunities aligning with your interests and financial goals. Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for crucial financial and operational insights. Connect with current franchise owners to understand their experiences and the franchisor’s support. Secure funding by evaluating your financial situation and exploring financing options. Complete the application process and meet the franchisor’s qualifications before signing the franchise agreement. Don’t forget to participate in any required training programs to guarantee you’re well-prepared for success. Following these steps will set you on the right path to becoming a franchise owner. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the Most Profitable Franchises to Buy? You’ll find that the most profitable franchises often operate in the food and beverage sector, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Dutch Bros, thanks to steady consumer demand. Service-oriented franchises, such as Mr. Rooter, likewise prove lucrative by offering vital services. Strong brand recognition, thorough training, and ongoing support from franchisors improve your chances of success. Furthermore, franchises engaged in community initiatives tend to build consumer trust, further boosting profitability. What Is the #1 Franchise in the US? The #1 franchise in the U.S. often varies year to year, but it typically ranks based on owner satisfaction, financial performance, and brand reputation. Franchises like McDonald’s frequently dominate these rankings because of their strong market presence and extensive support for franchisees. Evaluating metrics such as sales performance and growth potential is crucial when determining the leading franchise. This information can guide you in making an informed choice if you’re considering franchise ownership. What Are the Best Franchises to Own in 2025? In 2025, you’ll find promising franchise opportunities primarily in the food and beverage sector, together with health and wellness franchises like Orangetheory Fitness. Low-cost franchises are appealing, reducing financial risk during offering established business models. When evaluating options, consider the strength of the franchise support system, including training and operational assistance. Researching franchisee satisfaction can likewise provide insights into profitability and long-term success, aiding your decision-making process. Which Franchise Is Best to Start? When considering which franchise is best to start, evaluate factors like initial investment, market demand, and support from the franchisor. Food and beverage franchises often offer strong returns, whereas health and wellness brands are emerging sectors with growth potential. Look for franchises that provide thorough training and ongoing support, as these elements greatly improve your chances of success. Assess your financial capacity and personal interests to make an informed decision. Conclusion In summary, selecting the right franchise in 2025 involves careful consideration of market trends and personal interests. Health and wellness brands, food franchises, crucial service retailers, and tech-focused options present profitable opportunities. By conducting thorough research and due diligence, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals. Starting a franchise can be a rewarding venture, provided you understand the responsibilities and commitments involved in running a successful business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Best 5 Franchises to Purchase" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Bill Ackman has made a lot of noise in recent years. On Wednesday, that noise came in the form of ringing the opening bell on the New York Stock Exchange, in honor of the initial public offering of his hedge fund, Pershing Square. Here’s what you need to know about Ackman’s latest move and the Pershing Square IPO. What is Pershing Square? Pershing Square Inc is the parent company for Ackman’s hedge fund, Pershing Square Capital Management, and the closed-end management company Pershing Square USA. What is being offered on the market? Shares in Pershing Square Inc. and Pershing Square USA are being put on the market in a combined IPO, with two stocks. When is Pershing Square’s IPO? The combined IPO for the two stocks is Wednesday, April 29. What are the stock tickers? Pershing Square Inc shares will be traded under the symbol “PS” while Pershing Square USA shares will be traded under the symbol “PSUS.” What is the IPO share price of the two stocks? The IPO price is set at $50 per share for PSUS, with IPO shares in PS issued as a bonus. For every five shares in PSUS, one share in PS was issued to the buyer. After the IPO, the stocks will trade separately. How much did Pershing Square raise in its IPO? The combined IPO raised approximately $5 billion. That comes at the low end of the target range, which was as much as $10 billion. How much is Bill Ackman worth? According to Forbes, Bill Ackman’s net worth is $9.1 billion. View the full article

The long-awaited 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in less than 45 days and fans may still be able to score some tickets—although not always for a low price. Soccer’s largest tournament is arriving in North America on June 11, with 16 host cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico readying for the quadrennial festivities. But even as the upcoming World Cup has expanded the number of qualifying teams from 32 to 48 countries with over 100 games scheduled, snagging affordable tickets remains difficult. In fact, this year’s World Cup has raised criticism over the sky-high ticket prices leaving many fans out of the stadium. Take the four tickets for the final game that made headlines for being offered at $2.3 million each, or a few lower deck seats offered for around $200,000 for the same match. While those tickets might be somewhat of outliers tied to scalping and resale practices in the U.S. and Canada (Mexico’s law heavily regulates ticket resale prices), tickets sold through official channels weren’t necessarily affordable either. Tickets to games were originally sold via a lottery system, where fans would sign up and potentially be assigned to a specific phase sale, with over two million tickets sold by December last year. While FIFA planned to sell tickets for as low as $60, most tickets below the $1,000 mark have become somewhat scarce, which fans say is uncommon. “In Europe the max you’ll ever pay for a ticket is maybe £1.5k and that’s to go to the Champions League final or an El Clásico,” a user said on X. “They’re selling World Cup tickets for $2.3M. God bless the United States of America, what an incredibly tapped country.” But even though the pricier tickets might be making headlines, some tickets for under $300 are still available, the USA TODAY Shopping team found. Fast Company has updated the original list’s pricing when needed to reflect the most up-to-date pricing at the time of publishing. Saturday, June 13 – Qatar vs. Switzerland at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $242. Monday, June 15 – Iran vs. New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles – Tickets as low as $245. Tuesday, June 16 – Austria vs. Jordan at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $180. Thursday, June 18 – Czech Republic vs. South Africa at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – Tickets as low as $246. Saturday, June 20 – Tunisia vs. Japan at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey – Tickets as low as $297. Sunday, June 21 – New Zealand vs. Egypt at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver – Tickets as low as $255. Monday, June 22 – Jordan vs. Algeria at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco – Tickets as low as $215. Wednesday, June 24 – Bosnia and Herzegovina vs. Qatar at Lumen Field in Seattle – Tickets as low as $243. Wednesday, June 24 – South Africa vs. Korea Republic at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey – Tickets as low as $202. Thursday, June 25 – Curacao vs. Ivory Coast at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia – Tickets as low as $207. Friday, June 26 – Egypt vs. Iran at Lumen Field in Seattle – Tickets as low as $287. Friday, June 26 – Cabo Verde vs. Saudi Arabia at NRG Stadium in Houston – Tickets as low as $223. Saturday, June 27 – Algeria vs. Austria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City – Tickets as low as $182. Saturday, June 27 – DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – Tickets as low as $250. View the full article

Bank groups said that although the Federal Reserve's eased capital plans are a major improvement over previous versions, the recent proposals still need changes to help avoid risk assessments they say may hinder banks' ability to boost lending. View the full article

In an era where swift decision-making can significantly impact mission success, outdated financial systems are under the spotlight. Research from Workday reveals striking concerns about inefficiencies within federal finance teams, emphasizing a compelling message for small business owners: the need for modern, agile financial management tools to thrive in a competitive landscape. The key takeaway from the report, titled “Future-Ready Finance: Trust, Transparency, and Accuracy in Government Spending,” is alarming. A staggering 80% of senior finance decision-makers within federal agencies reported lacking the visibility necessary to effectively manage risk. This insight surfaces critical warnings for small businesses, particularly those juggling financial compliance and operational challenges. Legacy systems present widespread challenges, with respondents from various agencies highlighting issues such as siloed data, delayed financial reporting, and inefficient operations. For small business owners, these drawbacks translate into wasted resources—time and money that could be better spent on strategic planning and customer engagement. One of the most pressing concerns raised in the report is the sheer amount of time finance teams waste on manual data management. On average, federal finance leaders lose one-third of their work hours to such tasks. Imagine the potential gains for small business owners who embrace automation and real-time data analytics. With modern systems, they can cut out the manual noise and gain insights that drive profitability and growth. Notably, many finance leaders reported dealing with outdated information. Almost 55% said their financial reports are frequently outdated by the time they’re shared, meaning significant decisions may be based on obsolete data. This raises an essential consideration for small businesses: having access to timely and relevant information needs to be a priority to make informed and proactive decisions. The report found that over half of respondents rated their systems as “very effective” for planning and budgeting; however, this number dropped sharply when it came to execution and reconciliation. If a business struggles in these areas, it may find itself bogged down by errors and manual processes, hindering response times and complicating financial audits. With resource constraints are common in smaller enterprises, this gap can be especially problematic. Yet, there is a silver lining. Federal finance leaders see modernization as vital for enhancing financial accuracy and oversight, particularly through the adoption of cloud platforms powered by responsible AI. A striking 96% of respondents expect significant benefits in terms of audit readiness and operational efficiency from such technologies. For small business owners, investing in cloud-based platforms like Workday can offer a pathway to streamline operations and foster quicker adaptability to market changes. “Federal finance leaders are clear: modernizing financial systems is essential to building public trust,” said Lynn Martin, general manager of Workday Government. This principle resonates strongly for small businesses, where trust and reputation are crucial components of success. AI-driven solutions can enhance transparency and reliability in financial reporting, ultimately solidifying client confidence. While the transition to modern financial systems offers clear benefits, small business owners should navigate potential challenges with care. Implementing new technology can be a daunting process, often requiring an upfront investment of time and resources. Identifying the right solution that fits specific business needs and ensuring staff are adequately trained to use new systems can present additional hurdles. Despite these challenges, the imperative for modernization is clear. As smaller businesses look to compete in a rapidly evolving marketplace, they must consider not just immediate gains, but also the long-term sustainability of their financial practices. By adopting innovative technology and embracing real-time data analytics, small businesses can position themselves to leverage insights effectively, improve operational efficiency, and ultimately deliver higher value to customers. For more detailed insights, you can view the original study reported by Workday here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Federal Finance Teams Face Growing Risks from Outdated Systems, Study Finds" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Apple AirPods have always supported Bluetooth, so you can pair them with any phone, tablet, or computer you like—whether or not it's made by Apple—for basic audio listening. Until now, though, getting the full set of features on these earbuds, including head gestures and all the rest, required using an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. That's now changed with the arrival of LibrePods, an app that actually launched a couple of years ago but that's now available on the Google Play Store. Previously, to get LibrePods to work, you had to jailbreak your Android device and sideload it. That's no longer necessary—you can just install it like any regular Android app. According to developer Kavish Devar, Google recently fixed an issue with the Bluetooth stack in Android, and rolled it out with Android 16 QPR3. That means a jailbreak isn't required any longer, though you do need a phone with the Android 16 QPR3 update installed. At the moment, that means a Google Pixel, OnePlus, Oppo, or Realme device. As the Android update makes its way to other phones, including Samsung Galaxy handsets, they'll be able to use LibrePods too. AirPods connected via Bluetooth on Android. Credit: Lifehacker Among the AirPods features that LibrePods enables on Android, we've got head gestures (so you can accept or reject calls with a nod or a shake of the head), plus noise control modes (controlling how much external sound leaks), ear detection, more accurate battery level reporting, and conversational awareness (where the AirPods audio dips if you're talking to someone). Note that some of those features, including head gestures and conversational awareness, require a one-off purchase of $4.99 inside the app. You can see the differences between the free and paid-for versions of the app from the main settings screen—tap the cog icon in the top right corner of the app's front page to find it. How to customize settings in LibrePodsThe app should work with all AirPods models, but first you need to connect your earbuds over Bluetooth. To do this on a Pixel phone, for example, head to Settings, then tap Connected devices > Pair new device. You also need to press the pairing button on the AirPods case or double-tap the case, depending on the AirPods you have. Once you've got your AirPods linked to your Android phone over Bluetooth, LibrePods should be able to see them, but the earbuds options will only show up when the AirPods are actively connected—so you may have to take them out of the case. Finding your way around the app is straightforward. Right from the main screen you can switch between listening modes, if they're available on your AirPods: Transparency (letting external noises in), Active Noise Cancellation (blocking out external noises), and Adaptive (an automatic balance between the other two modes). You're able to customize the action taken with a press and hold action on the left or right AirPod—you can even launch Gemini, if you want—and there's also the option to customize which AirPod microphone is used by default. Choosing listening modes in LibrePods. Credit: Lifehacker Tap Head Gestures to enable this feature (if you've paid for it): You can tweak the sensitivity of the gestures needed, based on your preferences, and practice the detection. If you find that you need to use gestures that are aggressive and pronounced to get this to work, for example, you can dial up the sensitivity here. More options can be found by tapping the cog icon in the top right corner of the AirPods info screen: You can enable a home screen widget for battery information, choose the level of volume reduction for conversational awareness, and choose whether or not media playback should automatically connect to your AirPods. View the full article

SEO sits at an interesting crossroads. One camp insists on optimizing for large language models (LLMs) and AI engines, and the other insists on doing SEO the same way we’ve always done it. But there’s another way to approach it: combining the fundamentals of SEO with an understanding of how LLMs operate and why. With this approach, you can keep what’s always worked — like on-page SEO and backlinks from reputable sources. Yet you can also look ahead to new tactics, such as optimizing for query fan-out and emerging prompt intents. Since 2023, and the rise of tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, and Perplexity, I’ve been researching how AI engines display search results and where SEO is headed. Here’s what I’ve found, and how you can use it to rethink your approach to a future where AI SEO considers human behavior at its core. How the Red Queen theory applies to AI search The Red Queen evolutionary model says that for everything to stay the same over time, everything must change. But as you adapt to the changing environment, so does the competition. As a result, you and your competitors remain the same distance apart. In your attempt to become the predator, your prey adapts in equal measure, leaving the status quo firmly in place. Essentially, if you don’t adapt, you’ll get eaten. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with How to apply the Red Queen principle to your AI SEO strategy Along the same lines, AI search is a natural progression of what has existed for at least a decade. A hybrid search model has been in place since 2015, with the introduction of RankBrain. That’s why many of the same SEO tactics still work now. Instead of a fundamental change, a series of big and small shifts has taken place over time. For example: LLMs still use retrieval-based search engines. Content quality and freshness still matter. Site speed remains crucial for performance. Intent matching across the major categories is still relevant. “Stop optimizing for ‘AI,’” says Britney Muller via LinkedIn. “Optimize for search engines (so retrieval-based AI can cite you) + earn third-party coverage (so the model already knows you before the prompt is typed).” So, what makes a worthy source for LLMs? What are people using AI assistants to accomplish? Is it to find information, analyze an issue, or create a list of recommendations? Research from Moz shows that only 12% of AI Mode citations mirror the URLs in organic results. This means AI engines only somewhat follow the traditional rules of SEO. And over time, these changes will likely become more extensive. While Google denies that the search engine will be entirely generative, my prediction is that Google will continue along a generative path that encompasses AI assistant behavior, such as questions, actions, analysis, and creation. As a result, your short- and long-term strategies must work together to remain innovative yet grounded. Focusing on human behavior and traditional search while working to understand LLMs is how you worship the Red Queen. Why RAG is essential to understanding AI search The most effective approach is focusing on where LLMs fall short: their limited databases. Their systems rely on retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) to address gaps in their databases without requiring constant retraining. AI assistants like Google AI Mode and Gemini need RAG to prevent hallucinations and to continue surfacing relevant answers for consumers. Here, I gave Google AI Mode and ChatGPT the same prompt: “I am looking for a skincare routine that prioritizes anti-aging. What routines and products should I use?” Both returned relevant results, but the specifics differed. Google AI mode returned anti-aging tips and routines, while ChatGPT sourced anti-aging products. They also used different sources for their information. Where ChatGPT preferred a fresh Today.com source, Google referenced dermatology websites and even Google Shopping listings. In both instances, the AI assistants needed external sources. How to optimize for AI search vs. traditional search For SEO, you need to understand how your content aligns with the limitations of AI engines. They do the searching for themselves and then generate a response for the user, only showing external sources some of the time. It’s a subtle shift in thinking. Optimizing for search is less about crafting SEO content and more about becoming a trusted supplier for these LLMs — so when people enter a prompt, your brand shows up in the answer. In that way, the Red Queen evolution involves studying AI answers, learning their quirks, comparing their preferences, and evaluating their most common intents. Then, you can feed the database. Make sure Google, which has the largest database of any LLM, has sufficient data to keep you in the pool of trusted sources. Without people, AI assistants have no power. That’s why you have to put people first. Where are people using AI assistants to create, achieve, build, search, and prompt? And where does it make sense for your brand to be? Now that the AI search landscape is more competitive, you have to think like a social media professional or a traditional marketer. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Short-term SEO tactics rely on topical authority A short-term SEO strategy can work now, in the overlap between traditional and AI search. It uses topical authority to deliver results immediately, shortening clients’ time to success. Here’s the short-term plan. Use internal links to build entity relationships As Kevin Indig explains: “Today, internal links aren’t just distributing authority. They’re defining the semantic structure of your site.” Internal links help search engines understand your site’s overall structure. AI Mode, for example, is built with vector search models, and entities are crucial to their operation. Vector search puts your website’s information into a 3D model, allowing algorithms to go beyond keywords and determine the intent behind someone’s search. Internal links help strengthen these signals. As Gianluca Fiorelli suggests: “We should link internally and externally to content that reinforces entity connections, because this helps LLMs map embeddings to a wider network of connected entities, hence increasing our authority in the knowledge graph.” Links have long mattered for search, and they still do. As you develop your long-term SEO strategy, they become increasingly important for surfacing your content in LLMs and AI assistants. Think in terms of topical coverage versus keyword research Plan your topical authority through these four lenses: Topical coverage: Develop pages that cover the overall topic and its subtopics in a relevant, useful way. Query fan-out: Study the query fan-out behavior for your most valuable search terms to identify gaps in your website content. Intent: Be ruthless in determining intent by breaking down the categories in your niche that do or don’t have AI visibility potential. Content quality: Make sure your content follows strong experience, expertise, authority, and trust (E-E-A-T principles) and is optimized for AI SEO. These are all based on traditional SEO tactics. However, they consider a hybrid or LLM-based approach versus focusing solely on organic search. Optimize and maintain your site’s technical health Technical health is rooted in what works for search now: site speed, schema markup, and optimized titles and descriptions. After all, LLMs are expensive to maintain and run. It’s in their best interest to use resources that are fast and easy to extract information from. Consider recent site speed findings from Mike King, who notes, “Slow responses can trigger 499 errors, where the AI stops waiting.” These three short-term goals — topical coverage, internal links, and technical health — are all important for visibility in LLMs and AI engines. But search has evolved because human behavior has changed. So, the long-term play involves adapting to human behavior. The long-term future of SEO relies on human behavior Long-term SEO strategies should focus on the intent and actions of human behavior surrounding AI. Identify search intent The four traditional search intents (informational, navigational, commercial, and transactional) are still relevant. But AI search has added a few more. According to MIT, examples include zero-shot, instructional, and contextual prompts. Grammarly considers other intents, including educational, opinion-based, and problem-solving. I tend to break down intent into multiple categories of SEO opportunity based on the clients I’m working with. Some common examples include directional, recommendation, local, booking, and shopping. Consider query fan-out Once you identify the most relevant search intents, you can hypothesize what people are looking for the generative engine to do. From there, you can do one of two things: Rule a subset of topics out of your strategy. For example, if you don’t have a local business but the results have local intent, you don’t need to focus on those topics. Create web pages optimized for LLMs. For example, you can break down a topical category, study its query fan-out results, and reverse engineer what answer engines find valuable based on their behavior. Say your target customers are U.S. home buyers. They want to know: “Is now a good time to buy a house?” Plug the prompt into an AI engine and study the AI-generated answer. In AI Mode, for example, you can infer that Google fans out across multiple topics, including market conditions and pros and cons. ChatGPT, in contrast, looks at trends, forecasts, and seasonality. Based on the data, develop a content strategy that supports query fan-out behavior. As Aleya Solis explains: “By ‘fanning out’ the original query, the system can explore various facets and subtopics simultaneously based on semantic understanding, user behavior patterns, and logical information architecture around the topic, leading to a more complete and contextually rich understanding of the user’s need.” For example, you can break down the complexities of buyer’s markets, buyer and seller perspectives, or the changes in rising inventories. You could even build a useful tool around mortgage rates or national home price trends. I use a variety of tools to help with analyzing query fan-out. But the most popular options include Semrush, Ahrefs, and Profound. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Prepare for the future of AI search Prompting may not even be a concern in the future if AI assistants become more sophisticated at solving problems rather than responding to prompts. Instead, AI engines may be able to anticipate searchers’ needs and intentions, according to Harvard Business Review. That means it may be increasingly helpful to focus less on prompts and more on problems. In the absence of keyword research, it will be more important than ever to analyze human behavior, evaluating and pivoting based on how people use AI assistants. It’s helpful to consider how social media professionals and brand experts think creatively about where their audiences are and how to attract attention while building brand power and recognition. For example, Rare Beauty and Rhode have both grown their brands with creativity and consumer listening, especially in the last six years. They’ve put considerable effort into brand campaigns, public relations (PR) campaigns, TikTok content, and in real-life (IRL) experiences that have gone viral globally. Looking at ChatGPT, the first product recommended for “best makeup gifts for Gen Z” is Rare Beauty. Google makes similar recommendations, with Rare Beauty and Rhode leading the list. The results are influenced by PR coverage and social media virality. SEO’s role in the future of search SEO will have a future as long as there are search engines with AI experiences. While it might look like SEO has become the prey, it’s evolved just as much as the predator has. Everything’s changed. Yet everything’s the same. View the full article

After Meta announced it would lay off 10% of its workforce next month to offset AI spending, employees swarmed to Blind—an anonymous online workplace forum—to get a few things off their chests. According to a report by Blind provided to Fast Company, posts containing negative sentiment about AI at Meta have grown to 83% since late 2025—that’s a roughly 300% jump since 2024, when just 20% of posts on the site about AI at Meta were negative. “Meta is dead and depressing,” one post on the platform said after the company’s layoff announcements. Cynicism around AI and workplace culture at Meta is pervasive on the platform. “They do not care about the employees anymore and all they care about is AI,” another post said. In April alone, there have been 523 posts related to Meta’s layoff announcement. While there was an uptick in posts after the layoff announcement, Blind’s data is telling that perspectives around AI at Meta have been pervaded with anxiety and negativity for some time now. (The platform—which is especially popular among tech professionals—has different tiers of verification and keeps employee emails encrypted.) In 2019, most of the posts on Blind about AI at Meta on the platform were described as optimistic. Through the years, though, such posts took a turn towards anxiety. From 2024 to 2025, the negativity deepened, with discussions about layoffs being a dominant theme in the conversations. Blind CEO Sunguk Moon said that employees have rated the culture at Meta a 2.23 out of five, a 43% drop since 2020. “We’ve seen sentiment among Meta employees turn more negative in the past two years, largely due to layoffs and the internal push for AI adoption,” Moon told Fast Company. “The top, recurring sentiment among Meta employees is that, while the benefits and pay remain competitive, the mental health of employees worried about job stability continues to worsen.” Meta declined Fast Company‘s request for comment. Meta has made its commitment to AI adoption and innovation clear. The company announced earlier this year that it would spend $135 billion on AI initiatives. Some of its endeavors, like tracking the staff’s mouse movements and keystrokes to train AI models, ruffled employees’ feathers. “I feel violated,” one anonymous user posted to Blind in response to the tracker news. “I get it that Meta is trying to improve the quality of AI and all that but seriously? Are you gonna monitor our every move and see how our mouse moves? Screenshot our screen sometimes? What next? Implement chips in our brains to read our minds?” On May 20, 8,000 employees out of the company’s workforce of more than 78,000 will be laid off, with an additional 6,000 open roles set to be closed. In an internal memo sent to employees, Meta attributed the cuts to the company’s “continued effort to run the company more efficiently and to allow us to offset the other investments we’re making.” While the memo didn’t name AI as the direct cause of the layoffs, the tech is a hot topic at Meta. At least on Blind, it’s clear that employees are receiving a message of replacement rather than innovation. View the full article

Lots of people claim that writing poetry is something only humans can do. It requires emotion, wordcraft, and the unique body of painful, jubilant lived experience that only a person can accumulate. To which I say, “phooey.” Poems are words. And today’s Large Language Models are incredibly good at manipulating words. An AI should be able to beat the Poes and Frosts of the world at their own game. To put that theory into practice, I teamed up with my friend Jared Bauman, built an AI-powered poem generator, and released it into the world for anyone to discover and use. I never expected what people would do with it. Here’s what happened. Powerful calculators Jared and I have worked together on various AI projects for years, and used to co-host a podcast about niche website building. On the podcast, we often dissected the performance of a specific type of website: the calculator site. If you’ve ever converted something to title case, checked the number of characters in a chunk of text before pasting it into an online form, or ballparked the monthly mortgage payment for your boss’ house via a price you found on Zillow, you’ve used a calculator site. These simple sites often generate ungodly amounts of traffic and revenue. We’ve looked at simple calculators that can earn north of $10,000 per month. Despite their huge reach, though, most calculator sites are built around just a few lines of code. With the rise of generative AI, we felt we could do better. What if a calculator-style site could generate paragraphs of creative text, rather than just doing simple math? What if it could–for example–write a poem? Poets in code To build out this idea, we registered a domain with somewhat tortured phrasing but good keywords (PoemAIGenerator.com), called up ChatGPT, and vibe-coded a simple web interface in less than an hour. I then used OpenAI’s Assistants platform to create a basic, LLM-powered poem generator, while Jared built out the site’s SEO framework. The Assistants platform essentially lets you create your own version of ChatGPT, tailored to a specific use case, and accessible via an API–the standard way that developers connect applications together. We didn’t want people to hijack our poem generator and use it to hack the Pentagon. Using Assistants let me build a capable system that leverages OpenAI’s powerful frontier models, while specifying rules, parameters and instructions that keep the system in check and on task. We agreed on some rules for the poem generator, which I built into the Assistant. It should refuse to generate offensive poems, for example, and should keep everything G-rated. It should also refuse requests to include personal information or to target individual people. Beyond safety rules, I wanted the poem generator to adapt itself to any poetry style users threw at it. If a user asked for a haiku, it would provide the requisite 17 syllables. If they wanted an iambic pentameter in the style of Maya Angelou, it would oblige. The end result is extremely simple–it takes in an idea, and spits out a poem. We connected everything up, launched the site in April of 2025, and promptly forgot about it. For a while, nothing happened. Then, all at once, things changed. Hundred of poets For reasons that still evade us, users suddenly discovered Poem AI Generator. And once they found it, they started using it–a lot. The site is designed to display each generated poem publicly (this is disclosed on the homepage, so people don’t send anything too private or sensitive). The public nature of the site lets people share their poems with others. But it also provides a record of the kinds of topics people want transformed into AI poetry. And that record is fascinating. Originally, I expected people to enter simple keywords into the site. And indeed, many people do just that. “Nature”, “Christmas” and “Cats” are among the topics people have turned into poems, often more than once. But many of the poems are far more interesting–and specific. “A cricket in the room where my wife and I watch television that keeps ticking, ticking, ticking” is a personal favorite, as is “Texas plumber, green hair, ugly, false teeth.” One user asked for a poem about “The Love of Toes After an Injury”, and then–apparently unsatisfied–returned to ask for “The Love of Toes After an Injury in the Style of Poe.” Lots of people appear to use the site for practical purposes. Poems written to loved ones, birthday messages, and the like appear frequently. We saw a big surge of poems around Valentine’s day. Lots of people clearly use it to make funny poems for their kids. But many requests are far more melancholy and emotional. “How Do I Learn to Say Goodbye” is heartbreaking–both the poem itself, and my imagination of the person asking for it. Poems such as “Fade away like ink in the rain” and “Vulnerability and love” are surprisingly lyrical. Overall, I expected some funny limericks, and perhaps an anniversary poem here and there. Instead, what we got was people pouring out their hearts and souls to our anonymous, AI-powered computer. Sympathy for the builders I learned a lot from our strange little experiment. For starters, I remain steadfast in my belief that AI can write good poetry. Yes, Poem AI Generator tends towards four-line stanzas and an ABAB rhyme scheme, unless it’s specifically asked to write something else. But so do many human poets. And at least the system is very good at rhyming! Some lines are genuinely moving, though. Meditating on love, the system wrote “Love is the hush between two words unsaid/ A lantern’s glow cast warm on winter’s night/ The silent art of dreams beneath a thread/ Of whispered hope that softens every plight.” I’ve read far worse descriptions of the emotion. Beyond the poems itself, building Poem AI Generator gave me a new appreciation for the immense challenges faced by frontier model builders like Anthropic and OpenAI. Most professionally-oriented, productivity-focused people (for instance, the audience of FastCompany) use chatbots for high-minded, businessy tasks. We hone an email, reformat a spreadsheet, or–if we’re really bold–ask an AI agent to book us a flight to Maui. And when we imagine the kinds of queries that the average user types into a modern chatbot, we picture the same kind of thing. In building Poem AI Generator, I saw firsthand the kinds of requests people on the open Internet actually put into AI bots. And they’re far wilder, more ambiguous, and difficult to make sense of than I’d imagined. If people are keying things like “Mystical Majical Stories Of Old New Arises Bright And Bold Stardust And Fairies Dragons And More Inspire Create A Story Folklore Dazzling Details Mythical Flare Inspire Create Your Story Here” into our humble little public poem website and expecting a clever result, I can only imagine what they’re sharing with Claude or ChatGPT behind closed doors. To build a system which can write passable Python code or create a logo for your off-the-books pressure washing company is one thing. Providing a useful response to a request like “Twenty Friends Enjoying Three Kinds Of Delicious Pizza Served By Cesar In A Lovely Mexican Evening” is quite another. Model builders must process those kinds of queries every day–and others which are far more concerning and nefarious. It must be an immense task. More encouragingly, though, building Poem AI Generator gave me a sense of AI’s power to help people process challenges and celebrate joyful experiences. Perhaps because our site is anonymous and relies on machines instead of human poets, people clearly felt comfortable pouring out complex feelings to it. Reading through the poems feels a bit like perusing a modern, AI-mediated version of Post Secret. There’s joy, sorrow, longing, and cats–sometimes in the same poem! I doubt that Poem AI Generator changed anyone’s life, or even altered their opinions about poetry. But reading and writing poems is all about processing the complex, challenging, contradictory emotions that come along with being human. If our AI provided an outlet for people to do that work in even a cursory way, I consider the project a big success. Or to put it in Haiku form: Silent keys unlock new rivers of thought and hope— machine heart, helps heal. View the full article

A reader writes: My coworker, Chuckie, has concerns. A lot of concerns. They aren’t necessarily unfounded — I would say about 50% are completely justified, 40% have some foundation but are overblown, either mildly or significantly, and 10% are ridiculous — but he tends to bring them up with the attitude of a beleaguered martyr airing grievances rather than a professional colleague addressing work issues. He often talks at length about his own stress and frustration and implies (or even outright states) that no one outside of our department cares about the work we do or the people we serve. My main problem is that sometimes Chuckie raises issues in a way that implies he is speaking on behalf of me and our other five coworkers as well. Often, I agree with some of what he says — like, say Chuckie asks if I think that the bells on the new llama harnesses jangle too loudly (made-up example for anonymity’s sake), and I agree that they’re pretty annoying. But he thinks they’re loud enough that no one in the audience of the afternoon llama show will be able to hear the handler speaking. He also thinks the fact that the handling team didn’t consult our team indicates a serious communication breakdown between the two departments and has written up a 1,000-word email detailing “our” concerns and sent it to everyone in my department and both managers. I try to be more solutions-oriented at work, and when I can, I’ll steer Chuckie’s complaints in that direction, which seems to be taken positively by our manager. But sometimes I don’t think there’s anything we can/should do. Sure, I would have liked the handling team to have consulted us before they made the purchase and would have brought up the bell issue, but I don’t think it’s my place to argue a fait accompli unless I have evidence of a serious problem in my area of expertise — like that the llamas are experiencing acute distress. He’ll use “our concerns” and “we feel” pretty consistently both in writing and in person, but when it’s in person the problems are usually smaller, and he’ll turn to us at some point for confirmation, at which point I can pivot to solutions and use softer language. It is still very awkward and I would love to not have to do it, but it’s a low-level tension. (I often feel particular pressure to respond because Chuckie and I have more experience and are generally more proactive than our other colleagues, who tend to be quiet in meetings. I am probably the person who brings the second-highest number of concerns to the table, and I couldn’t swear that my tone or word choice has been 100% perfect, either. I think my lapses are milder and rarer than Chuckie’s but I’m wary of being lumped in as The Two Who Complain.) His snippy emails only happen a few times a year but I typically find them harder to respond to, both due to the medium and due to the fact that the problems either have no easy solutions or aren’t ours to solve. (I think he saves the tough problems for email so he can plan out the language he wants to use.) Sometimes he will raise an issue with me first, sort of taking my temperature, and I’ll express mild agreement, only to be taken by surprise when an email goes out soon after. I usually just don’t reply, if I think I can get away with it, and mostly a manager will respond to the substance of the email without commenting on the tone. Chuckie might grumble a bit to me and our coworkers in person, but not for very long, until the next problem arises. I should also mention that, due to some internal reorganization, our day-to-day supervision has changed hands a couple of times in the five years we’ve been working together, so this pattern is probably more obvious to me than some of our supervisors. What do I do? If I keep silent, that feels like I’m endorsing Chuckie’s overreaction, which reflects poorly on me. If I say “I don’t agree with his concerns at all,” that feels dishonest — and I don’t want to endorse the handing team’s decision either, because I do think it was a bad call, just not a disastrous one. What I really want is a professional way to say, “I basically agree with Chuckie but without all the histrionics.” Does that even exist? It does exist! When it happens in person and Chuckie is using “our concerns” and “we feel,” you can correct that! For example: * “I agree the new harness bells are annoying, but I don’t feel that strongly about it. I’m okay with deferring to the llama handling team on this.” * “I hear the concern, but I don’t think Chuckie is speaking for the whole group on this. I don’t disagree in principle, but I also don’t feel that strongly about it.” * “I hear the concern, but I also don’t think Chuckie is speaking for the group on this. I don’t disagree in principle — and I told him I agreed the bells were annoying when we talked about it — but I should have made it clearer that I don’t feel that strongly about it.” * “Eh, I agree the bells are annoying and I wish they would have consulted us, but I don’t think there’s anything we need to do about it now.” You can also talk to him after the next meeting where he does this and say something like, “You’ve been presenting things as ‘our concerns’ and ‘we feel’ but I would rather you not speak on behalf of the group without our explicit agreement beforehand. Sometimes it ends up not accurately representing my stance — often because I don’t feel as strongly as you do — and I don’t want to end up distracting from what you’re saying if I have to interject to clarify that.” Or even just, “Hey, you made it sound like I fully agreed with you on this, but I don’t actually share your take in the way you explained it. I would rather you just speak for yourself when you’re raising this stuff, and I will speak for myself as well.” With the emails, you might be able to use a similar format — “I understand where Chuckie is coming from, but now that they’ve ordered the bells, it’s probably easiest to just live with it. We could talk to them about checking with us before they place their next order though.” In other words, a mild correction about where you stand, and a pivot to a solution. You can also try warding all of this off more preemptively, when Chuckie first raises issues with you. You know from experience that if you express mild agreement, there’s a good chance he’ll relay that as strong agreement later. So instead, you could try changing the responses you’re giving him — leaning more on things like, “Eh, I don’t feel that strongly about it” or “I think it’s probably fine/not worth the capital/something we shouldn’t bother pursuing.” Also, though, if you have a decent relationship with your current manager, you might just address it directly with her: “I’ve noticed Chuckie will sometimes word things as if he’s speaking for the group when he raises concerns, but I don’t always agree with him or at least don’t feel as strongly, so I wanted to clarify that. I’ll always speak up myself if I do feel strongly about something.” The post how can I signal that my coworker doesn’t speak for me? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The designate chair has signalled a willingness to take the central bank’s balance sheet into account when setting monetary policyView the full article

Brent crude rises for eighth consecutive dayView the full article

Housing starts increased 10.8% to an annual pace of 1.5 million homes in March, the highest since December 2024, according to figures released Wednesday by the Census Bureau. View the full article

Banking panel votes in favour of Donald The President’s candidate to lead US central bank View the full article

“They are requiring us to be the leaders that we deserved and didn’t get.” MOVE Like This With Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk For CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk. View the full article

“They are requiring us to be the leaders that we deserved and didn’t get.” MOVE Like This With Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk For CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk. View the full article

Internal linking is one of the most controllable levers in technical SEO. But when tracking parameters are embedded in internal URLs, they introduce inefficiencies across crawling and indexing, analytics, site speed, and even AI retrieval. At scale, this isn’t just a “best practice” issue. It becomes a systemic problem affecting crawl budget, data integrity, and performance. Here’s how to build a case study for your stakeholders to show the side effects of nuking tracking parameters in internal links — and propose a win-win fix for all digital teams. How tracking parameters waste crawl budget Crawl budget is often misunderstood. What matters isn’t the volume of crawl requests, but how efficiently Google discovers and prioritizes valuable pages. Crawl budget oversimplified As Jes Scholz pointed out back in 2022, crawl efficacy indicates how quickly Googlebot reaches new or updated content. Inefficient signals, such as low-value or parameterized URLs, can dilute crawl demand and delay the discovery of important pages. Tracking parameters like utm_, vlid, fbclid, or custom query strings work well for campaign tracking. But when applied to internal links, they force search engines to process additional URL variations, increasing crawl overhead. Crawlers treat every parameterized URL as a unique address. This means: Multiple versions of the same page are discovered. Crawl paths become longer and more complex. Resources are wasted processing duplicate content variants. Search engines must still crawl first, then decide what to index. How crawl budget feeds into the crawling and indexing pipeline Tracking parameters can quickly escalate a single URL into many variations by combining different values, creating a large number of duplicate URLs. This leads to: Redundant crawling of identical content. Longer crawl paths (more “hops” before reaching key pages). Reduced discovery efficiency for important URLs. URLs with tracking parameters lost in the invisible long tail of a website. On large websites, this becomes a critical issue. Googlebot has a limited number of crawl requests per website. Any time spent crawling parameterized URLs reduces the opportunity to crawl the most important pages, even the so-called “money pages.” Crawl entries for URLs with tracking parameters via server logs Granted, crawl budget is typically a source of concern for larger websites, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be ignored on sites with 10,000+ pages. Optimizing for it often reveals more room for efficiency gain in how search engines discover your content. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Canonicalization isn’t a long-term fix A common misconception is that canonical tags “fix” parameter issues and “optimize” crawl efficacy. They don’t. Canonicalization works at the indexing stage, not at the discovery stage. If your internal links point to parameterized URLs: Search engines will still crawl them. Crawl budget is still consumed. Crawl depth is unnecessarily extended. Lengthy crawl depth (5 to 7 steps) for web crawlers to discover this website. This is why parameter-heavy sites often show patterns like: “Discovered – currently not indexed.” “Duplicate, Google chose different canonical.” Crawl budget is not the only culprit here. When tracking breaks attribution Ironically, tracking parameters in internal links can corrupt the data they are meant to measure. When a user lands on your site via organic search and then clicks an internal link with a tracking parameter, the session may break down and be reattributed. Anecdotally, Google Analytics 4 resets a session based on campaign parameters, whereas Adobe Analytics does not. This creates several downstream issues. Attribution becomes fragmented, especially under last-click models, where credit may shift away from organic entry points to internal interactions. Attribution is fragmented across the same pair of URLs As performance is split across URL variants, page-level SEO reporting becomes unreliable and creates a disconnect between organic SERP behavior and what actually happens when a prospect lands on your pages. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. How tracking parameters dilute link equity One of the most overlooked risks is backlink fragmentation. If internal links include tracking parameters, users may share those exact URLs. As a result, external backlinks may point to parameterized versions of your pages rather than the canonical ones. This means authority is split across URL variants, some signals may be lost or diluted, and search engines may treat these links as lower value. Over time and in large proportions, this is set to weaken your backlink profile. Backlink dilution on target URLs by allegedly authoritative domains Nonetheless, it piggybacks on the above tracking problems. Those external backlinks carry internal UTM parameters into external environments. This permanently fractures session attribution and wastes crawling resources. Why URL bloat slows pages and weakens AI access Using UTM parameters in your internal links is more than just a crawl overhead. It also strains your caching system. Each URL with parameters is essentially a different page with its own cache entry. That means the same content may be fetched and processed multiple times, increasing load on both servers and CDNs. This becomes even more critical with AI crawlers and LLM retrieval systems. It’s understood that many of these agents fetch content at scale and have limited rendering capabilities, making them more sensitive to parameterized URLs. As the web is increasingly consumed by aggressive AI bots, having internal links with tracking parameters leaves traditional web crawlers and RAG-based systems wasting bandwidth on duplicate cache entries for pages that serve the same purpose. At the same time, many of these systems rely heavily on cached versions and avoid rendering JavaScript due to architectural and cost constraints at scale. This makes URL hygiene a foundational requirement, not just a technical preference. On the cache front, Barry Pollard recently suggested a smart workaround that Google has been testing for a while. Granted that removing those parameters results in identical content, helping the browser reuse a single cached response can dramatically improve Time to First Byte (TTFB), a metric that directly affects your Core Web Vitals. Some CDNs already strip UTM parameters from their cache key, improving edge caching. However, browsers still see each parameterized URL as a separate asset and will request them one by one. The No-Vary-Search response header closes this gap by aligning browser caching behavior with CDN logic. Implementing it allows browsers to treat URLs with specific query parameters as the same resource. Once set, the browser excludes the specified parameters during cache lookups, avoiding unnecessary network requests. In practice, the header signals which parameters to ignore when determining cache identity. The only caveat is that it’s supported in Google Chrome +141, with support coming in version 144 on Android. If most of your organic traffic comes from Chromium-based browsers and you run paid campaigns, this is worth adding now. The structural fix: Move tracking out of URLs and into the DOM While canonicalization to the clean URL version isn’t a long-term solution, it remains the standard requirement. If you’re stuck in such a position, it’s likely a symptom of deeper architectural challenges at the intersection of SEO, IT, and tracking. Either way, the preferred solution is to move measurement from the URL layer into the DOM layer. This can be achieved successfully using a good old HTML workaround: data attributes. This configuration allows tracking tools (e.g., tag managers) to capture click events and user interactions without altering the URL. Plus, it ensures internal links point to the canonical version without introducing duplicate cache entries. Dig deeper: How the DOM affects crawling, rendering, and indexing Why data-* attributes are a win-win for all digital marketing teams BenefitStakeholderEnables clean internal link URLs and unbreakable trackingSEO, analytics, product managersRobust against CSS changes for page restylingWeb developers, product managersDo not interfere with providing structural or semantic meaning to screen readers and search enginesProduct managers, SEOEasy to embed directly onto an HTML elementWeb developers, analyticsActs as a hidden storage layer for tracking data, allowing tools to capture interactions via JavaScript without exposing parameters in URLsPR, affiliates, analytics See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Rethinking internal tracking for scalable growth Tracking parameters in internal links is a legacy workaround, often rooted in siloed teams and flawed site architecture. However, they create downstream issues across the entire organization: wasted crawl budget, fragmented analytics, diluted backlink equity, and degraded web performance. They also interfere with how both search engines and AI systems access and interpret your content. The solution isn’t to optimize these parameters, but to remove them entirely from internal linking and adopt a cleaner, more robust tracking approach. Using a good old HTML trick sounds just about the right fix to win over traditional search engines, AI agents, and especially your stakeholders. Note: The URL paths disclosed in the screenshots have been disguised for client confidentiality. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Some Google AdSense vignette ads may trigger the new back button hijacking search penalty...View the full article

Dynamic pricing is a strategy that adjusts prices in real-time based on various factors, such as consumer demand and competitor pricing. This approach uses advanced algorithms to analyze market trends, enabling businesses to optimize pricing for maximum revenue. For example, airlines often increase ticket prices during holiday seasons when demand is high. Comprehending how dynamic pricing works can help you grasp its implications for businesses and consumers alike, and the next steps in its implementation are critical. Key Takeaways Dynamic pricing is a strategy that adjusts prices in real time based on market demand, supply, and competitor pricing. It utilizes algorithms that analyze data to optimize pricing and maximize revenue, particularly in industries like airlines and hospitality. Common strategies include demand pricing, time-based pricing, location-based pricing, and competition-based pricing to respond effectively to market changes. Automation in dynamic pricing systems enables quick price adjustments, reducing manual intervention and enhancing market competitiveness. Key performance metrics, such as conversion rates and profit margins, are essential for evaluating and refining dynamic pricing strategies. What Is Dynamic Pricing? Dynamic pricing is a strategic approach where prices for products or services fluctuate in real time, responding to various market conditions such as supply and demand, competitor pricing, and inventory levels. This dynamic pricing model uses algorithms to analyze data, allowing businesses to implement a dynamic pricing strategy that maximizes revenue. Demand-based pricing is a key component, adjusting prices based on consumer interest and purchasing behavior. The benefits of dynamic pricing include improved competitiveness, better resource management, and increased profitability. Commonly used in industries like Delta Air Lines and hospitality, dynamic pricing enables companies to react swiftly to market changes, ultimately leading to better financial performance and customer satisfaction. How Dynamic Pricing Works Pricing strategies that adjust to current market conditions rely heavily on real-time data collection and analysis. So, how does dynamic pricing work? It involves a dynamic pricing system that gathers data on market demand, competitor pricing, and customer behavior. This data undergoes analysis to identify pricing opportunities, leading to automated price adjustments across sales channels. For instance, airlines use dynamic pricing optimization to change ticket prices based on booking time, competitor fares, and seat availability. The advantages of dynamic pricing include the ability to respond swiftly to market fluctuations and maximize revenue. Automation tools facilitate instantaneous changes, ensuring businesses can adapt to consumer demand almost immediately, enhancing competitiveness in a constantly evolving marketplace. Types of Dynamic Pricing Strategies When businesses seek to optimize their revenue and adapt to changing market conditions, they often turn to various types of dynamic pricing strategies. Here are some key examples: Strategy Type Description Example Demand Pricing Adjusts prices based on real-time demand. Airlines increase prices during busy seasons. Time-Based Pricing Prices vary by specific times or seasons. Discounts on weekends for hotels. Location-Based Pricing Prices change based on geographic location. Uber’s fares vary by city. Competition-Based Pricing Adjustments based on competitor prices. Retailers match or beat competitors’ prices. These dynamic pricing strategy examples help businesses maximize sales as they remain competitive, ensuring they can effectively respond to fluctuations in demand, time, and location. Advantages of Dynamic Pricing As businesses work to improve their revenue and maintain competitiveness, embracing dynamic pricing offers several advantages that can markedly impact their operations. Dynamic pricing meaning involves adjusting prices based on real-time market conditions, which can lead to a revenue increase of up to 13% during peak sales. One of the key dynamic pricing pros is improved market competitiveness, as companies can quickly respond to competitor pricing. Furthermore, this strategy improves inventory management by optimizing prices for high-demand items while reducing excess stock. By personalizing pricing based on customer data, dynamic pricing companies cultivate stronger relationships and encourage repeat purchases. Disadvantages of Dynamic Pricing Although dynamic pricing can improve revenue and competitiveness, it likewise presents several significant disadvantages that businesses must consider. One major issue is customer dissatisfaction, as frequent price changes can confuse consumers and lead to feelings of unfair treatment. Moreover, implementing a dynamic pricing policy can be complex and costly, requiring substantial investments in data analytics tools and skilled personnel. There are also ethical concerns, especially with personalized pricing strategies that may seem discriminatory, affecting brand trust. In addition, aggressive dynamic pricing can provoke price wars among competitors, eroding profit margins. Finally, regulatory scrutiny may arise as companies must guarantee compliance with legal standards to avoid penalties for any perceived unfair pricing practices, adding to the overall cost of dynamic pricing. Real-World Examples of Dynamic Pricing When you think about real-world examples of dynamic pricing, ride-sharing services and airlines come to mind. For instance, ride-sharing companies like Uber adjust their fares based on demand, often increasing prices during peak times to manage rider requests effectively. Similarly, airlines frequently alter ticket prices in response to factors like demand and time until departure, optimizing their revenues as they ensure that flights are filled efficiently. Ride-Sharing Services Impact Dynamic pricing has significantly transformed the ride-sharing industry, enabling services like Uber and Lyft to adjust fares in real time based on demand and driver availability. This surge pricing strategy can lead to fares increasing two to three times during peak hours or major events. Here’s how dynamic pricing impacts ride-sharing: Encourages more drivers to work during high-demand periods. Provides increased ride availability when demand spikes. Sends notifications to customers about potential fare increases, enhancing transparency. Contributes to a 20% revenue increase during busy times compared to fixed pricing models. Utilizes algorithms to analyze data on ride requests and driver availability. Dynamic pricing is typically used for pricing in various sectors, including dynamic pricing online and dynamic pricing tickets. Airline Pricing Adjustments Airlines are increasingly adopting dynamic pricing strategies, which allow them to adjust ticket prices in real time based on various factors like demand fluctuations, booking time, and remaining seat availability. This dynamic pricing is most often used for maximizing revenue, particularly as departure dates approach. For instance, airlines may raise prices by up to 50% owing to heightened demand and reduced inventory. Major carriers like Delta and United utilize dynamic pricing engines, leveraging sophisticated algorithms for dynamic price optimization. During peak travel seasons, these airlines may implement surge pricing, increasing ticket costs by 30% or more to capitalize on high demand. These dynamic pricing examples highlight the flexibility airlines have in responding to market conditions. How to Implement a Dynamic Pricing Strategy Implementing a dynamic pricing strategy requires careful planning and execution, as it hinges on real-time data analysis and market insights. To successfully implement dynamic pricing in your ecommerce business, follow these steps: Collect and analyze real-time data on market demand, inventory levels, and competitor pricing. Integrate automation tools for instant price adjustments across sales channels. Establish clear objectives and metrics that align with your dynamic price policy. Continuously monitor key performance indicators like conversion rates and profit margins to evaluate effectiveness. Set price guardrails to establish minimum and maximum thresholds, preventing extreme price fluctuations. Best Practices for Successful Dynamic Pricing To guarantee success in your dynamic pricing strategy, it’s crucial to establish clear objectives that align with your overall business goals. Start by utilizing high-quality, accurate data to inform your ecommerce pricing strategy, ensuring it supports both revenue maximization and customer satisfaction. Choose the right pricing model, whether it’s rule-based or AI-powered, to improve responsiveness to market changes. Implement automation to evaluate real-time data for instant price updates as you set guardrails like minimum and maximum price thresholds to avoid significant pricing errors. Continuously monitor key performance metrics, such as conversion rates and profit margins, to refine your dynamic rates. This proactive approach will help you differentiate variable pricing vs dynamic pricing effectively, leading to improved outcomes. Frequently Asked Questions What Is Dynamic Pricing With an Example? Dynamic pricing involves adjusting prices in real-time based on various factors like demand, supply, and competitor pricing. For example, when you book a flight, the airline might increase ticket prices as more people book the same flight or as the departure date approaches. This strategy allows businesses to maximize revenue during responding to market changes, ensuring they remain competitive and efficient in meeting customer demand. What Is the Downside of Dynamic Pricing? Dynamic pricing can lead to customer dissatisfaction because of frequent price fluctuations, which may be viewed as unfair. This perception can erode trust and loyalty, especially if consumers feel they’re being exploited. Furthermore, implementing dynamic pricing requires significant resources for data analysis and can trigger price wars among competitors, in the end harming profitability. In addition, ethical concerns about personalized pricing may arise, drawing scrutiny from consumer advocacy groups and regulatory bodies, complicating its adoption. Did Taylor Swift Use Dynamic Pricing? Yes, Taylor Swift utilized dynamic pricing for her “Eras Tour” tickets. Prices fluctuated based on real-time demand, seat location, and market conditions. For instance, some tickets surged to over $1,000 on resale platforms as demand spiked. This approach aimed to maximize revenue by adjusting prices quickly in response to consumer willingness to pay. Although effective for revenue generation, it likewise drew criticism from fans frustrated by the high prices and limited ticket availability. Who Benefits From Dynamic Pricing? Dynamic pricing benefits various stakeholders, including consumers, businesses, and service providers. You, as a consumer, might enjoy lower prices during off-peak times or targeted discounts. Businesses, like airlines and hotels, maximize revenue by adjusting prices based on demand, ensuring peak occupancy rates. Moreover, e-commerce platforms respond to competitor pricing, keeping their offerings competitive. Conclusion In summary, dynamic pricing is a valuable strategy that allows businesses to adjust prices in real-time based on market conditions. By leveraging advanced algorithms to analyze data on demand, supply, and competitor pricing, companies can improve competitiveness and optimize revenue. Although it offers several advantages, such as improved inventory management, it likewise presents challenges, like customer dissatisfaction. Implementing a successful dynamic pricing strategy requires careful planning and adherence to best practices to maximize its benefits. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Dynamic Pricing Strategy and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article