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US president’s comments come after he has heaped pressure on the Fed chairView the full article

Key Takeaways Understanding Dropshipping: It’s a retail fulfillment model that allows businesses to sell products without holding inventory, reducing overhead costs and allowing focus on marketing and customer engagement. Market Demand: Identifying high-demand products is crucial for dropshipping success. Use tools like Google Trends and social media analytics to gauge customer preferences. Profit Margins: Aim for a minimum profit margin of 20%-30% when selecting products to ensure sustainability and allow for strategic upselling or cross-selling. Top Product Categories: Focus on electronics, fashion, home and kitchen, and health and beauty items, as these categories are consistently popular and can drive significant sales. Recommended Products: Basic apparel, skincare solutions, and innovative baby products are excellent choices for dropshipping as they meet current market demands. Effective Marketing Strategies: Utilize social media marketing, influencer partnerships, and targeted content to enhance product visibility and drive engagement, optimizing your overall sales performance. If you’re diving into the world of dropshipping, knowing which products to sell can make or break your success. The right products not only attract customers but also boost your profit margins. With countless options available, it’s crucial to identify the best dropshipping products that align with current trends and consumer demands. In this fast-paced e-commerce landscape, you’ll want to stand out from the competition. By focusing on high-demand items that resonate with your target audience, you can build a thriving online store. Get ready to explore the top picks that can elevate your dropshipping game and help you achieve your business goals. Understanding Dropshipping Dropshipping offers a unique e-commerce model that simplifies the sales process for small businesses. You can sell products without maintaining inventory, making it easier to focus on lead generation and customer engagement. What Is Dropshipping? Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where you don’t keep products in stock. Instead, when you receive a customer order, you purchase the item directly from a third party, typically a wholesaler or manufacturer. This third party ships the product to your customer. This approach minimizes overhead costs, allowing you to invest more in sales strategies and marketing. Benefits of Dropshipping Dropshipping provides several advantages for small businesses: Lower Startup Costs: You don’t need significant upfront investment in inventory. This allows for a more manageable sales funnel. Flexible Location: You can operate from anywhere with an internet connection, which aids in territory management. Wider Product Selection: You can offer a broader range of products without the risk associated with unsold inventory. This flexibility aligns with changing consumer needs. Scalable Operations: You can quickly scale your business without the constraints of physical stock, meeting your sales targets more efficiently. Focus on Marketing: With logistics handled by suppliers, you can concentrate on sales outreach, customer service, and relationship building. Increased Profit Margins: By sourcing products directly from manufacturers, you often enjoy better pricing, enhancing your potential profit margin. By adopting dropshipping, you can effectively enhance your sales process and drive business development, ensuring your product offerings align with customer expectations and market trends. Factors to Consider When Choosing Products Selecting the right products can greatly influence your dropshipping success. Consider essential factors that align with your sales strategy for optimal results. Market Demand Focus on the market demand for potential products. Research popular trends and consumer preferences to identify items that drive customer acquisition and revenue. Utilize sales metrics from platforms like Google Trends or social media analytics to spot high-demand products. Analyze the competition in your niche; understanding competitors’ offerings helps clarify what you’re up against. By aligning your product selection with tangible market needs, you increase the chance of closing sales and meeting sales targets. Profit Margins Evaluate profit margins carefully before choosing products. Calculate total costs, including the cost of goods, shipping fees, and related expenses while ensuring a sustainable profit margin remains. Typically, aim for a minimum profit margin of 20%-30% to support sales performance over time. Higher-margin products can absorb fluctuations in costs and allow room for upselling or cross-selling strategies. A solid pricing strategy contributes to your overall sales funnel, enhancing profitability and ensuring your small business thrives in a competitive landscape. Top Categories for Best Dropshipping Products Identifying the right product categories enhances your small business’s sales strategy. Here are top categories that consistently perform well in dropshipping. Electronics Electronics offer high demand, making them a perfect fit for your sales pipeline. Popular items include: Smart Home Devices: Video doorbells, motion sensors, and outdoor smart plugs attract tech-savvy customers. Phone Accessories: Wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, USB adapters, and portable chargers serve as recurring purchases. Gaming Accessories: Headsets, controllers, and other gaming items are highly sought after, especially by younger demographics. Smartwatches and Scanners: These essential devices cater to both personal and professional needs and are lightweight for easy shipping. Fashion and Accessories Fashion remains a lucrative niche, allowing for effective cross-selling and upselling. Key items include: Clothing: Trendy apparel aligns with current styles, appealing to various customer needs. Jewelry: Unique pieces can enhance customer engagement and repeat business. Handbags and Wallets: Versatile accessories present opportunities for increased sales conversions. Footwear: Casual and formal shoes cater to a wide customer base, maximizing your revenue potential. Home and Kitchen Home and kitchen products create a steady market with possibilities for customer acquisition. Consider these items: Cookware and Utensils: Essential items encourage frequent purchases from cooking enthusiasts. Home Decor: Stylish decorations and furnishings attract customers looking to enhance their spaces. Storage Solutions: These products fulfill practical needs, promising consistent sales. Cleaning Supplies: Eco-friendly and efficient options resonate well with consumers focused on health and safety. Health and Beauty Health and beauty items remain a priority for many consumers, offering opportunities for strong sales metrics. Top products encompass: Skincare: High-quality creams and serums meet growing customer needs for personal care. Fitness Accessories: Items like resistance bands and yoga mats appeal to health-conscious individuals. Nutritional Supplements: Natural and organic products attract a dedicated audience focused on wellness. Makeup: Trending cosmetic items present avenues for engaging promotional strategies. Focusing on these categories positions your business for enhanced profitability. Targeting high-demand items can streamline your sales process and drive revenue growth. Recommended Best Dropshipping Products Selecting the right products can enhance your sales strategy and streamline customer acquisition. Here are some recommended dropshipping products that align well with current trends and market demands. Product 1: Basic Short-Sleeve T-Shirts Basic short-sleeve t-shirts serve as a backbone in the apparel category, attracting a broad audience. You can customize these shirts through suppliers like AliExpress, catering to various customer needs. Their versatility and high demand create opportunities for upselling and cross-selling within your existing product offerings. Consider implementing promotional strategies to boost sales performance and increase your revenue. Product 2: Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches Hydrocolloid pimple patches address a common skincare concern, making them a popular choice in the beauty and personal care sectors. These patches are easy to market on platforms like TikTok due to their effective results and growing audience interest. Positioning them within your sales funnel can improve sales conversion rates and enhance customer engagement. Leverage customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track performance metrics and adjust your sales tactics accordingly. Product 3: Portable Baby Bed Diaper Bag The portable baby bed diaper bag creatively combines convenience and practicality, appealing to parents on the go. This highly demanded product resolves common parenting challenges, which increases its attractiveness. Use effective sales presentations to demonstrate its features and benefits during customer interactions. Highlighting its value proposition can help you meet sales targets and increase customer retention through repeat business. Strategies for Marketing Dropshipping Products Effective marketing strategies play a crucial role in driving sales and enhancing customer engagement for your dropshipping business. Focus on the following approaches to maximize your sales potential. Social Media Marketing Select the right social media platforms to reach your target audience. Visual platforms like Instagram and TikTok excel for beauty and fashion products due to their engaging format. Share valuable content, including product demonstrations, tutorials, and customer reviews. Structure your posts to foster discussions and invite audience interaction, enhancing customer relationship management (CRM) efforts. Schedule posts consistently to maintain visibility, and utilize analytics to track engagement metrics, adjusting your strategy based on what resonates with your audience. Utilize hashtags, keywords, and tags to enhance your posts’ visibility. For instance, incorporate trending hashtags relevant to the products you sell. This tactic can increase reach and attract more sales leads, benefiting your sales pipeline. Influencer Partnerships Forge partnerships with influencers in your niche to leverage their established audiences. Identify influencers whose followers align with your target market. Use these relationships as a sales strategy to promote your products. Collaborate on content that highlights your offerings, such as product reviews or live demonstrations. Ensure your influencers understand your value proposition clearly, as this helps them convey your brand message effectively. Measure the effectiveness of these partnerships by tracking referral sales and assessing conversions. Implement relationship-building techniques to nurture ongoing collaborations with influencers, enhancing the credibility of your small business. Focus on building a robust network of influencers, as this can lead to repeat business and increased customer acquisition over time. Conclusion Choosing the right dropshipping products is crucial for your business’s success. By focusing on high-demand items and understanding market trends, you can attract customers and boost your profit margins. Remember to evaluate your competition and ensure your profit margins are sustainable. Implementing effective marketing strategies will further enhance your sales potential. Engaging with your audience on social media and collaborating with influencers can elevate your brand presence. With the right product selection and marketing approach, you’re well on your way to thriving in the competitive e-commerce landscape. Keep exploring and adapting to stay ahead in the game. Frequently Asked Questions What is dropshipping? Dropshipping is a retail fulfillment method where a store doesn’t keep the products it sells in stock. Instead, when a store sells a product, it purchases the item from a third party and has it shipped directly to the customer. This model allows businesses to sell without handling inventory, simplifying operations and reducing startup costs. Why is product selection important in dropshipping? Choosing the right products is crucial in dropshipping because it directly affects sales and profit margins. High-demand items that resonate with current trends can attract more customers and enhance profitability. A well-researched product selection helps businesses succeed in a competitive market. How can I find high-demand products for dropshipping? To identify high-demand products, use tools like Google Trends, social media analytics, and market research. Monitor trending items and consumer preferences to find products that attract attention. Analyze competitors in your niche to understand what sells well and refine your selection accordingly. What profit margin should I aim for in dropshipping? Aiming for a profit margin of 20%-30% is recommended in dropshipping. This margin helps ensure sustainable profitability after covering costs like shipping, marketing, and product sourcing. Careful calculation of total expenses is essential for maintaining healthy financial performance. What product categories perform well in dropshipping? Popular dropshipping product categories include electronics, fashion and accessories, home and kitchen items, and health and beauty products. Selecting items from these categories can lead to better sales potential, as they align with consumer interests and current market trends. How can marketing strategies enhance dropshipping sales? Effective marketing strategies help drive sales and improve customer engagement. Utilizing social media platforms for content sharing, audience interaction, and analytics can boost visibility. Additionally, collaborating with influencers whose audiences match your target market can expand your reach and attract more customers. What are some recommended dropshipping products? Some recommended dropshipping products include basic short-sleeve t-shirts, hydrocolloid pimple patches, and portable baby bed diaper bags. These items align with current consumer interests and market demands, making them good choices for boosting your dropshipping enterprise. Can dropshipping be scalable? Yes, dropshipping can be highly scalable. As your business grows, you can easily expand your product range without the constraints of inventory management. This flexibility allows you to focus on lead generation, marketing, and customer engagement while keeping operational costs relatively low. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Best Dropshipping Products to Boost Your E-Commerce Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

OpenAI may seek to acquire Chrome if it's split from Google in the ongoing antitrust proceedings. The post OpenAI Expresses Interest In Buying Chrome Browser appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

As the impact of President The President’s tariffs comes into focus during the coming months, hundreds of thousands of workers could stand to lose their jobs. Economists have warned that the tariffs could drive up the unemployment rate, and many experts fear they could spark a recession. This upheaval could place additional stress on the current unemployment insurance program, which already fails to adequately support laid-off employees and other Americans struggling to find work. While unemployment benefits continue to be a key resource for workers—offering relief to one in six U.S. adults when unemployment surged during the pandemic—a new report from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) illustrates that they fall short of offering the level of support that workers say they need. The limits of unemployment benefits Of the nearly 1,500 workers surveyed, about one in five said they found that unemployment benefits were “not adequate to meet their financial needs,” though this figure varied by state. Since unemployment benefits vary from state to state, the average percentage of wage replacement could be anywhere from 29% in Alabama to 49% in Washington, according to NELP. In states where coverage was less generous, workers were more likely to express that their benefits were inadequate. Barriers to accessing benefits But the system also seems to be riddled with inefficiencies that make it difficult for people to receive the benefits to which they are entitled. Many respondents said they faced challenges when trying to navigate unemployment benefits, between tech issues and delayed payments. This was exacerbated during the pandemic but continued afterward, per the NELP survey. While fewer applicants had issues with payments overall, they continued to experience underpayment and delays receiving checks, not to mention being denied benefits outright. (In fact, the share of applicants who were incorrectly denied benefits doubled from 9% to 18% in the aftermath of the pandemic.) How employers can help Employers, too, can play a significant role in how people navigate these benefits. Nearly a third of workers said their employer had a hand in how they approached unemployment benefits—and 19% claimed an employer actively discouraged them from applying for benefits. On the other hand, employers were more likely to encourage highly paid and educated workers to seek out unemployment benefits. There was also some correlation with location, with workers receiving more assistance from employers in states like New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The study indicates that Americans are in need of more generous unemployment benefits and expanded eligibility, in addition to basic improvements to how they access those benefits. At the same time, it reaffirms that any access to those benefits can be a crucial source of support for people facing unemployment, mitigating food insecurity and helping families manage the steep cost of medical bills and mortgage payments. With the looming threat of job losses, more workers may come to rely on those benefits to make ends meet. View the full article

The hits keep coming for the world’s richest man. Tesla reported another weak quarter of performance as car buyers around the world increasingly opt for other brands. That wasn’t entirely surprising, however; analysts had forecasted dismal first-quarter quarter results, though the carmaker reported revenue and earnings that were significantly worse than the consensus of analysts’ estimates. The Austin-based carmaker reported that revenue fell 9.2% to $19.34 billion during the three months ended March 31, while the decline in the company’s automotive revenue was even worse, falling 20% from the first quarter of 2024. Adjusted earnings per share for the quarter came in at 27 cents. The company cited issues stemming from policy to politics for its performance. “Uncertainty in the automotive and energy markets continues to increase as rapidly evolving trade policy adversely impacts the global supply chain and cost structure of Tesla and our peers,” the company said in the report. “This dynamic, along with changing political sentiment, could have a meaningful impact on demand for our products in the near-term.” An update from Elon Musk In an effort to revitalize the beleaguered carmaker, investors are hopeful that CEO Elon Musk will make a newsworthy announcement in a live company update following the release of the quarterly results, scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Eastern. Investors have been looking for any silver linings, amid a 50% crash in the stock’s price since its all-time high in December. One long-awaited update that Musk could offer investors is regarding plans for a more affordable electric vehicle model. That said, three sources exclusively told Reuters last week that the launch of such a vehicle has been delayed by at least several months. Likewise, there’s been speculation on Wall Street that Musk might use the conference call to update infestors about the planned debut of robotaxis, driverless ride-hailing services, in Austin in June and in California later this year. There’s likewise been speculation that Musk might announce the timing of his departure from the The President administration. Tesla shares fell nearly 1% in after-hours trading after posting a 4.6% gain Tuesday alongside a broader rally in the U.S. stock market. Disdain reigns supreme Analysts and investors alike were bracing for what was widely expected to be a disastrous earnings report that coincides with Musk assuming a heavy-handed role as a senior advisor in President Donald The President’s second administration. Musk has become one of the most polarizing figures in the new administration, and there’s palpable disdain for the man and the brand: About half of Americans have a negative view of both Musk and Tesla, according to the results of a CNBC survey released Tuesday. Tesla has become “arguably the most scrutinized company in the world,” Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, told The Associated Press ahead of the earnings results. In addition to being the subject of protests and vandalism, Tesla was recently dealt a blow by regulators, who issued a recall of nearly all Cybertrucks last month. Fork in the road Once a darling of Wall Street, Tesla’s performance has hit more than a few bumps in the road this year. Not only has vehicle production has slowed, so too has delivery of these vehicles. In a report released earlier this month, the Austin-based company reported 336,681 vehicle deliveries in the first quarter, a 13% decline from the same period a year ago. This missed the mark of various estimates of analysts, who were expecting deliveries to number as much as nearly 378,000, according to the average estimate of select estimates that Tesla’s investor relations team sent to select analysts. That report highlighted a particular weakness for Tesla: Delivery of models other than the Model 3 and Model Y, the most-popular in its fleet, slumped more than 24% compared to less than 13,000 vehicles, compared with 17,027 in 2024. This group of vehicles includes the much-hyped—though increasingly much-maligned—Cybertruck model that debuted in 2023. Following the release of that report, Dan Ives, an analyst with Wedbush Securities, posted on the social media X platform that the numbers “were a disaster on every metric” and represented a “fork in the road moment” for the carmaker. View the full article

UnitedHealth Group spent nearly $1.7 million on security for its top executives in 2024, the healthcare conglomerate disclosed on Monday, months after the fatal shooting of senior executive Brian Thompson outside a Manhattan hotel in December. The company also paid $207,931 on behalf of certain family members of the executives to provide them with personal and home security services, it said. The security spending disclosures, absent from UnitedHealth’s previous annual filings, underscore how the December shooting is prompting companies to reassess the risk of targeted violence against top management. U.S. drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly also increased spending on security for their top executives in 2024, regulatory filings showed last month. “We believe that these security services are appropriate and necessary given the risks associated with executive officer positions at the company,” UnitedHealth said in the filing. Brian Thompson, the former CEO of UnitedHealth Group’s insurance unit UnitedHealthcare, was shot dead on December 4 outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel where the company was holding an investor conference. The filing also showed UnitedHealth CEO Andrew Witty’s total compensation for 2024 was $26.3 million, compared with $23.5 million a year ago. The conglomerate spent $150,951 towards Witty’s security, while $926,989 was paid for Heather Cianfrocco, the CEO of the company’s health services unit Optum. Following Thompson’s murder, health insurers removed pictures of their executives from corporate websites. In January, organizers at a major San Francisco healthcare meeting increased security for attendees inside and outside the venue. In past years, healthcare and pharmaceutical companies have typically covered the use of private jets and provided limited security-related compensation, according to earlier filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. —Sriparna Roy, Reuters View the full article

The higher education community is pushing back against the The President Administration’s treatment of colleges and universities. On Tuesday, the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), a global membership organization, published a joint statement condemning the administration’s ongoing threats to withhold federal funding from colleges and universities. “We speak with one voice against the unprecedented government overreach and political interference now endangering American higher education,” the letter reads. “We are open to constructive reform and do not oppose legitimate government oversight. However, we must oppose undue government intrusion,” it said, adding: “We must reject the coercive use of public research funding.” Over 170 university, college, and scholarly society presidents signed the letter, including presidents from Ivy League institutions including Harvard University, Brown University, and Princeton University, as well as heads of liberal arts schools and community colleges. The statement comes as tensions between higher education institutions and the current administration have been heating up in recent weeks. On Monday, Harvard University said it had filed a lawsuit against the The President Administration, alleging the administration’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in funding was unlawful. “Today, we stand for the values that have made American higher education a beacon for the world,” Harvard’s president Alan Garber said in a statement announcing the suit. “We stand for the truth that colleges and universities across the country can embrace and honor their legal obligations and best fulfill their essential role in society without improper government intrusion.” In its complaint, Harvard accused the government of failing to follow procedures set by federal civil rights laws, and said the government was attempting to “coerce and control” the university by denying necessary funding. The federal funding freeze came after Harvard refused to bend to the administration’s demands, which included giving the administration information on students who may be participating in political activism it disagrees with; banning masks on campus; and ending diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. “The gravy train of federal assistance to institutions like Harvard, which enrich their grossly overpaid bureaucrats with tax dollars from struggling American families is coming to an end,” White House principal deputy press secretary Harrison Fields said in a statement on Monday, per CNN. “Taxpayer funds are a privilege, and Harvard fails to meet the basic conditions required to access that privilege.” As the The President Administration has revoked student visas and detained students who participated in pro-Palestine demonstrations on campuses, which the administration has called anti-semitic, the reaction from colleges and universities has differed broadly from school to school. While some institutions have stood fiercely behind their detained students, others have seemed to bow to The President’s demands. Columbia University has expelled, suspended, and revoked the degrees of some students who had participated in political protests. However, Tuesday’s letter might be a sign of what’s to come, as it is the largest collective effort among university and college heads to push back against the administration thus far. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. In "celebration" of Earth Day, some tech retailers are offering discounts on their refurbished products. Sonos is one of these retailers, and their discounts are actually good. Sonos says it repairs these products to "like-new" conditions and still offers the same one-year warranty. Here is what you can get from them on sale today: 30 hour battery, ANC, lossless streaming, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking. Refurbished Sonos Ace $269.00 at Sonos $359.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $269.00 at Sonos $359.00 Save $90.00 Dolby Atmos, two height channels, Sonos app, and Apple AirPlay 2, multiroom, wifi. Refurbished Sonos Arc Ultra $599.00 at Sonos $719.00 Save $120.00 Get Deal Get Deal $599.00 at Sonos $719.00 Save $120.00 Spatial audio, Dolby Atmos, Sonos app, voice control, multiroom. Refurbished Beam (Gen 2) Smart Soundbar $299.00 at Sonos $399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Sonos $399.00 Save $100.00 Sonos app, voice control, and Apple AirPlay 2. Refurbished Beam (Gen 1) - Shadow Smart Soundbar $191.00 at Sonos $319.00 Save $128.00 Get Deal Get Deal $191.00 at Sonos $319.00 Save $128.00 Wireless, sonos app. Refurbished Sub (Gen 3) Premium Wireless Subwoofer $479.00 at Sonos $639.00 Save $160.00 Get Deal Get Deal $479.00 at Sonos $639.00 Save $160.00 Sonos app, wireless. Refurbished Sub Mini Wireless Subwoofer $259.00 at Sonos $349.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal Get Deal $259.00 at Sonos $349.00 Save $90.00 SEE 3 MORE The Sonos Ace headphones are $269The Sonos Ace is Sonos' only pair of headphones, first released last summer. You can get a pair for $269 ($449 for new ones). The battery life is impressive, with about 30 hours with either the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) or Aware Mode settings active, or about 40 hours with both of those off. The Bluetooth multipoint connectivity means you can connect up to two devices at once and switch seamlessly between them. Their ANC and Aware Mode are top-tier, competing with the best headphones on the market. You can read more about them on PCMag's "excellent" review. Soundbars start at $191The Sonos Beam Gen 1 has been around since 2018, but it's much better than most soundbars you can get under $200 today. It supports both Google and Alexa voice assistants, as well as AirPlay, according to CNET's review. At $191 straight from the Sonos website, this is a great deal for anyone who wants to try the Sonos ecosystem for cheap. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 came out in 2021 with Atmos compatibility and a better processor, according to CNET's review. For $299 ($499 for a new one), you get a much bigger and fuller sound on the same-sized compact soundbar. If you're looking for a top-notch soundbar, consider the Sonos Arc Ultra. This is the latest soundbar from Sonos and one of the best on the market, according to PCMag's "outstanding review." It's still expensive at $599, but it's 40% cheaper than a new one ($999). It has a speakerphone, Sonos Voice control, an Ethernet connection, multiroom, and the best sound Sonos offers. Subwoofers start at $259If you want to have that rumbling bass that adds more depth to your theater system, get a subwoofer. The Sonos Sub Gen 3 is not the newest (that's the Gen 4), but the 3 is much cheaper and still a very capable subwoofer. You can get it for $479 ($799 for a new one). The Sonos Sub Mini is a smaller and more affordable version of the Sonos Sub, perfect for a small apartment or room where you want a soundbar and subwoofer combo. You can get it for $259 ($428 for a new one); learn more about it on CNET's review. View the full article

Google Analytics adds new data quality features to help track campaigns and overcome privacy limitations. The post Google Analytics Adds New Features For Privacy-Era Tracking appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

The platform behind your site plays a bigger role than you might think. From site speed and mobile responsiveness to content scalability and technical SEO, the foundation you choose can make or break your organic performance. If your goal is seamless, secure, and engaging digital experiences that also support strong search visibility, it’s time to re-evaluate your CMS. Join MarTech’s Future-Proof Your Content Strategy with the Right CMS, and discover exactly what marketers need to consider when evaluating content management systems. You’ll learn: Must-have CMS features for delivering top-notch digital experiences. How to tackle security, compliance, and integration challenges effectively. Practical ways to ensure your CMS scales with your long-term growth. Get real-world insights from industry experts and leave with a clear roadmap for making smart CMS decisions. Save your seat here. View the full article

Key Takeaways Integration Benefits: Using Squarespace and PayPal together enhances online retail experiences, simplifying the process of building a website while providing a secure payment solution. User-Friendly Features: Squarespace’s intuitive design tools and e-commerce functionalities, combined with PayPal’s trusted payment processing, facilitate a professional online store setup. Enhanced Customer Trust: PayPal’s reputation increases consumer confidence, which can lead to higher conversion rates and reduced cart abandonment. Varied Payment Options: PayPal supports multiple payment methods, accommodating a wider audience, while Squarespace Payments streamlines transactions via a built-in solution. Efficient Customer Support: Both platforms offer robust customer support, with Squarespace providing 24/7 assistance and PayPal’s dedicated seller support aiding transaction-related issues, ensuring minimal downtime. Mobile Optimization: Both Squarespace and PayPal are optimized for mobile use, enabling users to shop and complete transactions seamlessly on smartphones, ultimately driving sales. If you’re looking to build a stunning website with seamless payment options, Squarespace and PayPal make a powerful duo. Squarespace offers a user-friendly platform for creating visually appealing sites, while PayPal provides a trusted payment gateway that can boost your online sales. Together, they simplify the process of setting up an e-commerce store, allowing you to focus on what you do best—growing your business. Integrating PayPal with your Squarespace site not only enhances your customers’ shopping experience but also builds trust and security. With just a few clicks, you can start accepting payments, manage transactions, and provide a smooth checkout process. Whether you’re a small business owner or a creative entrepreneur, leveraging these tools can elevate your online presence and drive sales. Let’s dive deeper into how Squarespace and PayPal can work together to transform your website into a thriving online store. Overview of Squarespace and PayPal Using Squarespace and PayPal together can significantly enhance your small business’s online retail presence. Squarespace simplifies creating a storefront, while PayPal provides a trusted payment solution. Brief Introduction to Squarespace Squarespace offers an intuitive platform for small businesses to build visually stunning websites. It provides an array of customizable templates that cater to various retail needs. You can easily showcase your products, optimize your site for mobile use, and implement effective SEO strategies to increase visibility. Squarespace also features built-in e-commerce capabilities, allowing you to manage inventory, process orders, and track customer data seamlessly. Brief Introduction to PayPal PayPal serves as a reliable payment gateway that elevates customer trust for your small business. It enables secure transactions, accommodating various payment methods, including credit cards and debit cards. With PayPal, you can streamline customer checkout experiences, reducing cart abandonment rates. Additionally, its robust fraud protection measures ensure peace of mind for both you and your customers as you transact. Features of Squarespace Squarespace offers powerful features ideal for small businesses looking to establish a strong online presence. You can create a professional retail storefront that captures your brand’s essence and engages customers effectively. Website Building Tools Squarespace provides intuitive website building tools that empower you to design high-quality websites without extensive technical skills. You can choose from a variety of customizable templates tailored for retail and other small business needs. Drag-and-drop functionality simplifies layout adjustments, while built-in mobile optimization ensures that your site performs well on all devices. Easy-to-navigate dashboards allow you to manage your content, edit images, and optimize your site for search engines. E-commerce Capabilities Squarespace excels in e-commerce capabilities that enhance your ability to sell online. Integrated tools enable you to manage inventory, track orders, and process transactions smoothly. Payment options, including PayPal, provide customers with secure methods to purchase, fostering trust in your retail storefront. Additionally, you can set up promotional features such as discount codes and abandoned cart recovery, which help boost sales and improve customer retention. With Squarespace, transforming your business into a thriving online store becomes achievable and efficient. Integration of PayPal with Squarespace Integrating PayPal with Squarespace creates a streamlined payment process for your small business. This combination improves customer experience and builds trust in your retail storefront. Setting Up PayPal on Squarespace Navigate to Settings: Access the Squarespace dashboard and select “Settings.” Choose Payment Processors: Click on “Payment” under the settings menu. Connect PayPal: Select the PayPal option and follow the prompts to log into your PayPal account. Authorize the integration to link your accounts. Configure Settings: Set preferences for payment notifications and currency options to match your business needs. Test Transactions: Conduct a few test transactions to ensure everything operates smoothly. Benefits of Using PayPal with Squarespace Enhanced Security: PayPal’s secure payment processing reduces concerns over online transactions, boosting customer confidence. Multiple Payment Options: Accept various payment methods like credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal balances, catering to a wider audience. Reduced Cart Abandonment: PayPal’s one-click checkout simplifies the payment process, helping minimize cart abandonment for your retail storefront. Mobile Compatibility: PayPal’s mobile-friendly interface allows customers to make purchases seamlessly on their smartphones, increasing potential sales. Automatic Updates: PayPal updates transaction data in real-time, keeping your Squarespace inventory in sync with orders. Comparison of Payment Solutions Understanding the differences between Squarespace Payments and PayPal can help you streamline your retail operations. Examine how each solution caters to small businesses and enhances your storefront. Squarespace Payments vs PayPal Squarespace Payments offers a built-in payment processor that integrates seamlessly with your website. You can manage transactions directly within the Squarespace platform, which simplifies your workflow. Squarespace Payments supports credit and debit card payments, Apple Pay, and Google Pay, providing a smooth checkout experience for your customers. PayPal, on the other hand, functions as an external payment gateway. This allows greater customer trust due to its established brand recognition. PayPal supports various payment methods, including direct bank transfers and credit cards. It promotes security and can help reduce cart abandonment by allowing customers to check out without entering their card details each time. Pros and Cons of Each Squarespace Payments Pros: Integrated with your Squarespace site, allowing you to manage everything from one dashboard. Easy setup with no additional fees apart from standard transaction costs. Supports mobile payments for on-the-go shopping. Cons: Limited to payment methods available within Squarespace Payments. Not as widely recognized by customers compared to PayPal. PayPal Pros: High trust factor among consumers, which can boost conversion rates. Supports a wide range of payment options, including international transactions. Offers buyer protection, increasing confidence in online purchases. Cons: Separate transaction fees that can accumulate, affecting profit margins. Redirects customers away from your storefront during the checkout process, potentially impacting user experience. Making an informed choice between these payment solutions is crucial for optimizing your small business’s e-commerce strategy. User Experience and Support User experience and support play crucial roles in enhancing your retail storefront’s efficiency on Squarespace and PayPal. Both platforms focus on providing your small business with the assistance it requires to thrive. Customer Support for Squarespace Squarespace offers comprehensive customer support tailored to help you navigate your retail site. You can access 24/7 email support, along with live chat assistance during business hours, ensuring quick resolutions to your queries. The extensive knowledge base includes articles, video tutorials, and community forums that cover everything from website design to troubleshooting e-commerce issues. This robust support network empowers you to build and manage your storefront effectively while minimizing downtime. Seller Support from PayPal PayPal provides essential resources for sellers to facilitate smooth transactions. You gain access to a dedicated seller support team that helps address payment-related concerns and resolve disputes efficiently. Additionally, PayPal’s Help Center offers guides on best practices, security measures, and payment processing solutions. This comprehensive support structure ensures your small business can manage payments seamlessly, enabling you to focus on growing your retail operations while seeing improved customer satisfaction. Conclusion Combining Squarespace and PayPal can transform your e-commerce experience. With Squarespace’s intuitive design tools and PayPal’s trusted payment processing, you can create a professional online store that resonates with your customers. This integration not only streamlines transactions but also enhances security and customer satisfaction. By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, you can focus on growing your business while providing a seamless shopping journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your existing site, this powerful duo can help you achieve your e-commerce goals effectively. Embrace the potential of Squarespace and PayPal to elevate your online presence and drive sales. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of using Squarespace for e-commerce? Squarespace offers a user-friendly platform with customizable templates, mobile optimization, and built-in e-commerce features. It allows small businesses to create visually appealing storefronts that enhance customer engagement and simplify inventory management. How does PayPal improve customer trust in e-commerce? PayPal is a reliable payment gateway that ensures secure transactions and offers various payment methods. This trust factor helps businesses reduce cart abandonment and creates a seamless shopping experience for customers. How do I integrate PayPal with Squarespace? To integrate PayPal with Squarespace, navigate to the settings, connect your PayPal account, configure your preferences, and test transactions. This integration offers enhanced security and a smoother checkout process for customers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cublLEv3erw What are the differences between Squarespace Payments and PayPal? Squarespace Payments is a built-in processor that streamlines transaction management on the platform, while PayPal is an external gateway offering high customer trust. However, PayPal may redirect customers during checkout, which can impact user experience. What kind of customer support does Squarespace provide? Squarespace provides 24/7 email assistance, live chat during business hours, and a robust knowledge base with tutorials and community forums to help users effectively manage their e-commerce operations. How can I reduce cart abandonment with Squarespace and PayPal? Both platforms offer features like one-click checkout, discount codes, and abandoned cart recovery tools. These features help improve the checkout process and enhance customer retention, lowering cart abandonment rates. Can Squarespace handle mobile optimization for e-commerce? Yes, Squarespace offers mobile optimization, ensuring that your online store is visually appealing and functional across all device types, enhancing the shopping experience for mobile users. Why should small businesses choose Squarespace for their online store? Squarespace is ideal for small businesses due to its intuitive website building tools, customer support, and powerful e-commerce capabilities. These features help create professional storefronts while saving time on management tasks. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlock E-Commerce Success with Squarespace and PayPal Integration for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Picture-in-picture (PiP) is a great feature for us multitaskers. We have things to do, sure, but there are so many videos to watch, too. Why not kill two birds with one stone, and cross off our to-do lists with a floating media player in the corner of our screens? The thing about PiP, however, is it's not always the most convenient feature to use—especially on desktop. Usually, you need to learn how to activate it in the first place, which might entail a keyboard shortcut, or perhaps a double right-click to reveal a hidden menu. Unless your browser or app contains a convenient shortcut, it's often more of a hurdle than it should be. Contrast that with how it works on mobile, where simply switching out of the app will automatically place the video in a PiP window. This function makes a lot of sense for PiP: Usually, you want to use the feature in order to continue watching a video while moving away from its source, so it tracks to have the PiP window launch on its own once you switch to another window or app. In my view, the more platforms that adopt this behavior, the better. So it is with Chrome: As reported by XDA Developers, Google is actively working on a feature for its web browser that automatically launches a PiP window when switching out of a YouTube tab. While Google announced the feature back in February, it hasn't made it actively available for testing until now. Researcher Leopeva64 discovered this development, posting about it on X on Friday. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How to force YouTube to automatically open in picture-in-picture The feature is not live yet—it's currently being tested in Google's beta version of Chrome, Chrome Canary—but you should, in theory, be able to try it out right now. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be working for me at this time, but here are the potential steps you can take to try it out today: First, you'll need to be running Chrome Canary, which you can download for your platform of choice here. Then, head to chrome://flags, and search for "picture in picture." There are two relevant flags here: "Browser initiated automatic picture in picture," and "Auto picture in picture for video playback." You can try enabling both to force the feature to work, but again, neither forces it to work on my end yet. Next, open YouTube, and click the settings button directly to the left of the URL. Choose Site settings, then scroll down to Automatic picture-in-picture. By default, it should be set to Ask, which would force the site to ask each session if you want picture-in-picture, but you can choose Allow to enable picture-in-picture each time. Now, start playing a video, and switch tabs. If the feature is working on your end, it should automatically present a PiP window when you leave the YouTube tab. If the setting is configured to Ask, you will need to approve the window permissions before it begins playing. This feature might not be for everyone. If that's the case, you can disable it completely from this same settings page by choosing Block. View the full article

U.S. health officials said they plan to phase out eight petroleum-based artificial colors from the nation’s food supply, triggering an overhaul of scores of brightly hued products on American store shelves. Details of the plan are expected to be announced Tuesday afternoon by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary, who have advocated the change as part of Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The officials are expected to spell out a regulatory path for removing the color additives, a process that typically requires public notice and agency review. It would be a sweeping change for U.S. food producers, who would likely replace the dyes with natural substitutes. Health advocates have long called for the removal of artificial dyes from foods, citing mixed studies indicating they can cause neurobehavioral problems, including hyperactivity and attention issues, in some children. The FDA has maintained that the approved dyes are safe and that “the totality of scientific evidence shows that most children have no adverse effects when consuming foods containing color additives.” The FDA currently allows 36 food color additives, including eight synthetic dyes. In January, the agency announced that the dye known as Red 3 — used in candies, cakes and some medications — would be banned by 2028 because it caused cancer in laboratory rats. The dyes Kennedy wants to remove are used widely in the U.S. foods. In Canada and in Europe — where artificial colors are required to carry warning labels — manufacturers use natural substitutes. Some U.S. states, such as California and West Virginia, recently enacted laws that ban artificial colors and other additives from school meals, and in some cases, the broader food supply. ___ The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. —Jonel Aleccia and Matthew Perrone, Associated Press View the full article

Don Layton, former Freddie Mac CEO, and self-proclaimed "GSEologist" predicts that a release of the two entities will occur within four to six years. View the full article

Adjusted net income drops 39% as investors worry about Elon Musk’s political involvement View the full article

The Supreme Court’s conservative majority on Tuesday signaled support for the religious rights of parents in Maryland who want to remove their children from elementary school classes using storybooks with LGBTQ characters. The court seemed likely to find that the Montgomery County school system, in suburban Washington, could not require elementary school children to sit through lessons involving the books if parents expressed religious objections to the material. The case is the latest dispute involving religion to come before the court. The justices have repeatedly endorsed claims of religious discrimination in recent years. “I’m surprised this is the hill to die on in terms of not respecting religious liberty,” Justice Brett Kavanaugh said, citing the county’s diverse population and Maryland’s history as a haven for Catholics. The county school board introduced the storybooks as part of an effort to better reflect the district’s diversity. Parents sued after the school system stopped allowing them to pull their kids from lessons that included the books. The parents argue that public schools cannot force kids to participate in instruction that violates their faith, and they pointed to the opt-out provisions in sex education classes. The schools said allowing children to opt out of the lessons had become disruptive. Lower courts backed the schools, prompting the parents’ appeal to the Supreme Court. Five books are at issue in the high court case, touching on the same themes found in classic stories that include Snow White, Cinderella and Peter Pan, the school system’s lawyers wrote. In “Prince and Knight,” two men fall in love after they rescue the kingdom, and each other. In “Uncle Bobby’s Wedding,” a niece worries that her uncle will not have as much time for her after he gets married. His partner is a man. “Love, Violet” deals with a girl’s anxiety about giving a valentine to another girl. “Born Ready” is the story of a transgender boy’s decision to share his gender identity with his family and the world. “Intersection Allies” describes nine characters of varying backgrounds, including one who is gender-fluid. Billy Moges, a board member of the Kids First parents’ group that sued over the books, said the content is sexual, confusing and inappropriate for young schoolchildren. The writers’ group Pen America said in a court filing what the parents want is “a constitutionally suspect book ban by another name.” Pen America reported more than 10,000 books were banned in the last school year. A decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor is expected by early summer. —Mark Sherman, Associated Press View the full article

Aston Martin and other marques that depend on American market may require aid such as furlough schemes, auto chief says View the full article

Few moments in Pope Francis‘ papacy better exemplify his understanding of climate change and the need to address it than the rain-soaked Mass he celebrated in Tacloban, Philippines, in 2015. Wearing one of the cheap plastic yellow ponchos that were handed out to the faithful, Francis experienced first-hand the type of freak, extreme storms that scientists blame on global warming and are increasingly striking vulnerable, low-lying islands. He had traveled to Tacloban, on the island of Leyte, to comfort survivors of one of the strongest recorded tropical cyclones, Typhoon Haiyan. The 2013 storm killed more than 7,300 people, flattened villages and displaced about 5 million residents. But with another storm approaching Tacloban two years later, Francis had to cut short his visit to get off the island. “So many of you have lost everything. I don’t know what to tell you,” Francis told the crowd in Tacloban’s muddy airport field as the wind nearly toppled candlesticks on the altar. Francis, who died Monday at 88, was moved to silence that day by the survivors’ pain and the devastation he saw. But he would channel it a few months later when he published his landmark encyclical, “Praised Be,” which cast care for the planet as an urgent and existential moral concern. The first ecological encyclical The document, written to inspire global negotiators at the 2015 Paris climate talks, accused the “structurally perverse,” profit-driven economy of the global north of ravaging Earth and turning it into a “pile of filth.” The poor, Indigenous peoples and islanders like those in Tacloban suffered the most, he argued, bearing the brunt of increasing droughts, extreme storms, deforestation and pollution. It was the first ecological encyclical, and it affirmed the Argentine Jesuit, who in his youth studied to be a chemist, as an authoritative voice in the environmental movement. Later cited by presidents and scientists, the document inspired a global faith-based coalition to try to save God’s creation before it was too late. “I think he understood from the beginning that there are three relationships that had to be regenerated: Our relationship with God, our relationship with the created world and our relationship with our fellow creatures,” said papal biographer Austen Ivereigh. It wasn’t always so. A conversion in 2007 in Brazil Francis had a steep learning curve on the environment, just as he did with clergy sexual abuse, which he initially dismissed as overblown. He himself pointed to a 2007 meeting of Latin American and Caribbean bishops in Aparecida, Brazil, as the moment of his ecological awakening. There, the then-Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio had been elected to draft the conference’s final document, and was under pressure to include calls from Brazilian bishops to highlight the plight of the Amazon. Bergoglio, the dour-faced archbishop of urbane Buenos Aires, didn’t get what all the fuss was about. “At first I was a bit annoyed,” Francis wrote in the 2020 book “Let Us Dream.” “It struck me as excessive.” By the end of the meeting, Bergoglio was converted and convinced. The final Aparecida document devoted several sections to the environment: It denounced multinational extraction companies that plundered the region’s resources at the expense of the poor. It warned of melting glaciers and the effects of lost biodiversity. It cast the ravaging of the planet as an assault on God’s divine plan that violated the biblical imperative to “cultivate and care” for creation. Those same issues would later find prominence in “Praised Be,” which took its name from the repeated first line of the “Canticle of the Creatures,” one of the best-known poetic songs of the pontiff’s nature-loving namesake, St. Francis of Assisi. They also would be highlighted in the Amazon Synod that Francis called at the Vatican in 2019, a meeting of bishops and Indigenous peoples specifically to address how the Catholic Church could and should respond to the plight of the Amazon and its impoverished people. “I think the pope’s most important contribution was to insist on the ethical aspect of the debate about climate justice,” said Giuseppe Onofrio, head of Greenpeace Italy, “that the poor were those who contributed the least to pollution and the climate crisis, but were paying the highest price.” How the environment affects all other ills In many ways, those same issues would also come to define much of Francis’ papacy. He came to view the environmental cause as encapsulating nearly all the other ills afflicting humanity in the 21st century: poverty, social and economic injustice, migration and what he called the “throwaway culture” — a melting pot of problems that he was convinced could only be addressed holistically. Some of Francis’ strongest calls to protect the environment would come on or around Earth Day, celebrated April 22. “For some time now, we have been becoming more aware that nature deserves to be protected, even if only because human interaction with God’s biodiversity must take care with utmost care and respect,” Francis said in a video message released on Earth Day in 2021. Cardinal Michael Czerny, the Canadian Jesuit whom Francis would later entrust with the ecological dossier, said the 2007 meeting in Brazil had a big impact on Francis. “In Aparecida, listening to so many different bishops talking about what was deteriorating, but also what the people were suffering, I think really impressed him,” said Czerny. Czerny’s mandate encapsulated Francis’ vision of “integral ecology,” covering the environment, the Vatican’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, its charitable Caritas federation, migration advocacy, economic development and its antinuclear campaign. The multifaceted approach was intentional, Czerny said, to establish new thinking about ecology that went beyond the politicized concept of “green” advocacy to something bigger and nonnegotiable: humanity’s relationship with God and creation. “Everything is connected,” Francis liked to say. A legacy from Pope Paul VI He was by no means the first pope to embrace the ecological cause. According to the book “The Popes and Ecology,” Pope Paul VI was the first pontiff to refer to an “ecological catastrophe” in a 1970 speech to a U.N. food agency. St. John Paul II largely ignored the environment, though he did write the first truly ecological manifesto: his 1990 World Day of Peace message, which linked consumer lifestyle with environmental decay. Pope Benedict XVI was known as the “green pope,” primarily for having installed solar panels on the Vatican auditorium and starting a tree-planting campaign to offset the greenhouse gas emissions of Vatican City. Francis issued an update to “Praised Be” in 2023, just before the U.N. climate conference in Dubai. While consistent with the original text, the update was even more dire and showed Francis had grown more urgent in his alarm. He became even more willing to point fingers at the world’s biggest emitters of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, especially the U.S. And he called out those, including in the church, who denied the human causes of global warming. “He showed that he had an understanding of what was happening in the world, and he saw the world from the point of view, as he was like to say, of the peripheries, of the margins,” said Ivereigh, the papal biographer. “He brought the margins into the center.” —Nicole Winfield, Associated Press View the full article

The The President administration might be in the process of dismantling the Department of Education, but it still wants a say in what students learn in school. The Washington Post reports that The President has drafted (but not yet signed) an executive order that would make artificial intelligence part of the school process for children as young as five years old. The EO, titled “Advancing artificial intelligence education for American youth” and reportedly seen by the paper, instructs federal agencies to help train K-12 students in the use of AI and make it part of teaching-related tasks. Private sector AI companies, which are not named but could include Elon Musk’s xAI as well as OpenAI, would also be asked to be part of the program, helping to develop programs to run in schools. The President could decide to change or simply not sign the EO but in his three months in office, he has shown a strong backing for the technology. The White House did not immediately respond to Fast Company’s request for comment about the report. Since the start of his administration, The President has done away with regulations put in place during the Biden administration to create guardrails for AI companies. He also has championed a private sector investment to build AI data centers, worth as much as $500 billion. The order, as it stands now, reportedly calls for several actions that would benefit AI companies and adjust the educational process for children in all grades of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and high school. Here’s a look at some of the changes mentioned. Grant adjustments The task force overseeing the AI integration plans would reportedly be instructed to look at existing federal funding, including grants for AI, which can be prioritized for AI educational spending. Across all areas of the government, federal investment in research and development to support advances in AI has increased by $2.8 billion since 2021, with a budget of $11.2 billion this year (excluding classified programs). AI partnerships Public-private partnerships with AI companies are a critical part of the drafted EO. Federal agencies would be told to seek these out in order to teach students “foundational AI literacy and critical-thinking skills,” the Post reports. Many AI companies already have government contracts with the Department of Defense testing use cases for AI models from Meta, Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Mistral, among others. The Treasury Department, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the National Science Foundation also all have contracts with AI companies. Teacher training While the DOE is being eliminated, the draft of the EO reportedly calls for Education Secretary Linda McMahon to adjust federal grant funding, with a new emphasis on training teachers to use AI for everything from teacher training to evaluations. Professional development classes with AI integration are also part of the order, for teachers in all subject areas. Apprenticeships Also reportedly in the draft of the order, The President instructs Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to put together a collection of registered apprenticeships in occupations in the AI field, presumably for students in higher grades. “Presidential AI Challenge” To motivate students, the order reportedly calls for the formation of a “Presidential AI Challenge,” which will be a competition for both students and educators to showcase their AI skills. Whether the executive order is signed or not, AI is increasingly becoming a part of the educational process. California recently passed a law requiring AI literacy to be incorporated into K-12 curricula starting in the fall of 2025. The European Union’s AI Act, meanwhile, went into effect on February 5, requiring organizations that use AI in their products to implement AI literacy programs and train applicable staff to have the “skills, knowledge, and understanding that allow providers, deployers, and affected persons . . . to make an informed deployment of AI systems, as well as to gain awareness about the opportunities and risks of AI and possible harm it can cause.” View the full article

Kevin Systrom backs US Federal Trade Commission’s case in monopoly trialView the full article

Moody's Corp., a company that grades bonds and analyzes corporations' financial performance, said it expects to earn less this year than it had previously forecast. View the full article

The Sunshine State deal comes following a banner year for credit union-bank combinations, despite pushback from community banking advocates. View the full article

A large share of each generation, baby boomers, Gen X, Millennials and Gen Z, said another age group is the reason why homeownership is unaffordable, Clever found. View the full article

There still is potential for the Supreme Court to review nuances of its landmark Tyler v. Hennepin County decision as other lawsuits raise questions about it. View the full article

Successful projects aren’t had by holding one’s nose and jumping in. There must be preparation. In project management, once a project has been approved, it starts with a project outline. While a project outline might seem obvious, it’s worth spending a little time defining what the phase means. Once that’s clear, we’ll show when a project outline is made, what should be included and provide an example to show how it works in a real-life scenario. What Is a Project Outline? A project outline is a high-level overview that summarizes the key components of a project. It typically includes the project’s objectives, scope, timeline, key milestones, deliverables, stakeholders and resources. A project outline serves as a roadmap, providing an understanding of what needs to be accomplished and how the work will be structured, helping to ensure alignment and effective project management. True, a project outline isn’t a formal, standardized term that one would find in project management frameworks, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), PRINCE2 (PRojects IN Controlled Environments) or agile. However, it’s still a widely used concept across industries and project types. The idea can be found in the project brief (PRINCE2), project charts (PMBOK), statement of work and project initiation document. A project outline also serves as the foundation for creating a Gantt chart by providing the essential details needed to map out tasks and timelines. It identifies key tasks, milestones and deliverables. Additionally, identifying dependencies, resources and responsible team members from the project outline helps accurately sequence tasks and assign responsibilities in the Gantt chart. This is all facilitated by the use of project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project views to turn a project outline into an actionable plan. Tasks, resources and costs can be scheduled on the Gantt chart, which goes further by linking all four types of task dependencies to avoid cost overruns. Improve Project Outlines with ProjectManager Use the sheet, list, kanban and calendar view alongside the Gantt to execute outlines Reference real-time reports and dashboards to see how outlines are being executed Share data with stakeholders using free guest licenses. Try it free /wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Gantt-CTA-2025.jpgLearn more When to Make a Project Outline A project outline is typically created in the early stages of project planning, often before or alongside the development of a project charter or project proposal. It acts as a simplified version of those documents, helping to break down the project’s key components and organize initial thoughts. Creating a project outline can clarify objectives, identify major tasks and estimate timelines, making it easier to draft a more detailed and comprehensive charter or proposal. It’s useful for stakeholder discussions, ensuring alignment before committing to more detailed planning. Essentially, a project outline is a practical starting point that streamlines the development of formal project documents by providing a clear, high-level structure. A project outline is particularly useful when you’re still in the brainstorming or early planning phases. It allows you to explore the project’s feasibility, refine the objectives and identify potential challenges without the commitment of a formal document. If you’re working on a project proposal to gain stakeholder approval or secure funding, the outline summarizes the key points, ensuring you’re aligned on the project’s purpose and scope before investing time in detailed planning. Similarly, when preparing a project charter, which formally authorizes the project and defines roles and responsibilities, the outline serves as a precursor by organizing the core details in a clear, manageable format. What Should Be Included in a Project Outline? A project outline serves as a high-level summary that provides clarity and direction for project stakeholders. It helps establish a shared understanding of the project’s purpose, scope and key details. Below are the essential sections that should be included in a project outline. Project Background The project background provides context for why the project is being initiated. It typically includes information about the problem or opportunity the project is addressing, relevant industry or organizational challenges and any previous efforts to resolve the issue. This section helps stakeholders understand the motivation behind the project. Project Overview This section offers a concise summary of the project, including its name, purpose and a brief description of what will be accomplished. It should cover the key aspects of the project in a few sentences to provide a clear understanding of the project’s intent. Project Goals and Objectives Clearly state the goals and objectives the project aims to achieve. Goals are broad statements that define the desired outcomes, while objectives are specific, measurable actions that contribute to those goals. This section provides a benchmark for measuring the project’s success. Project Scope The project scope defines the boundaries of the project, outlining what is included and excluded. It specifies the deliverables, features, functions and activities involved. Establishing a clear scope prevents scope creep and ensures all stakeholders are aligned. Project Management Team Identify the key individuals and their roles within the project. This typically includes the project manager, team members, sponsors and other stakeholders. Describing the responsibilities of each role ensures accountability and clarity within the team. Resource Requirements List the resources necessary to complete the project, including personnel, materials, equipment, technology and facilities. This section helps in planning resource allocation and estimating the overall project needs. Project Estimated Costs Provide an initial estimate of the project’s budget. This should include direct and indirect costs such as labor, materials, software and any external services. While the estimate may not be precise at this stage, it should offer a realistic view of the anticipated expenses. Estimated Project Timeline Outline the project’s expected timeline, including key milestones, deliverable dates and deadlines. While a detailed schedule may come later, providing an estimated timeline helps stakeholders understand the project’s duration and major phases. Risks and Assumptions Identify any potential risks that could impact the project, along with assumptions made during planning. Risks may include technical challenges, resource limitations or external dependencies. Understanding these factors early allows for proactive risk management and contingency planning. Including these components in your project outline will provide a solid foundation for further planning and ensure that all stakeholders have a clear, consistent understanding of the project from the outset. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/PM-101-eBook-banner-ad.jpg Project Outline Example Now that we understand what a project outline is and the components that make up one, let’s illustrate the process by imagining how one is applied in a real-life scenario. Below is a project outline for the design and construction of a new warehouse. Project Background The rapid growth of the client’s e-commerce operations has outpaced the capacity of their current distribution infrastructure. To meet rising demand and reduce shipping times, a new regional warehouse is required. Project Overview This project involves the design and construction of a 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse facility in the Greater Dallas area. The warehouse will include receiving and shipping docks, climate-controlled storage, office space and parking for delivery vehicles. Project Goals and Objectives Here’s a list of the project’s goals and objectives. Expand storage and distribution capacity by Q2 2026 Improve delivery efficiency in the southern U.S. region Construct a cost-effective and scalable facility Ensure compliance with local zoning and building regulations Project Scope Below is what will be in and out of scope for the project. In Scope: Site preparation, permitting, foundation, structural framing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, interior build-out and final inspection Out of Scope: Staffing operations and ongoing warehouse management Project Management Team Another step towards realizing the project is determining the team that will lead and execute it. For this project, the project team includes the following. Project Sponsor: VP of Logistics Project Manager: Construction PM from General Contractor Architect: XYZ Design Studio Contractor: ABC Commercial Builders Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer and MEP Specialists Resource Requirements Resources are the people, materials, equipment, etc., needed to execute the project tasks. Those resources are included below. Construction materials (steel, concrete, insulation) Labor crews for all phases of construction Heavy equipment and machinery IT infrastructure for security and operations Legal and permitting services Project Estimated Costs Projects cost money, and the funding needed to complete one must be estimated in advance. Here are the forecast costs for the project. Total estimated cost: $8.5 million, includes design, construction, materials, equipment, labor, permits and contingency reserves Estimated Project Timeline The project schedule will determine the estimated start and finish dates for the project. Design and Permitting: April–June 2025 Site Prep and Foundation: July–August 2025 Structural Framing: September–October 2025 MEP and Interior Work: November 2025–January 2026 Final Inspection and Handover: February–March 2026 Risks and Assumptions Risk are potential events or conditions that could negatively or positively impact the project, while assumptions are factors considered true without definition proof. Key Risks Delays due to permitting or weather Rising material costs Supply chain disruptions Assumptions All permits will be approved on time No major zoning or environmental constraints Contractor availability remains stable throughout the project Benefits of Making a Project Outline Creating a project outline provides numerous benefits by offering clarity, alignment and efficient project management. First, it establishes a shared understanding among stakeholders by clearly defining the project’s goals, scope and responsibilities. This minimizes misunderstandings and ensures that everyone is working towards the same objectives. Second, a project outline is a practical planning tool that helps identify potential risks, resource needs and timeline constraints early in the process. By highlighting these elements upfront, project managers can make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively and mitigate risks before they become major issues. Finally, a well-structured project outline acts as a reference document throughout the project’s lifecycle. It keeps the team focused on priorities, tracks progress against milestones and supports effective communication with stakeholders. This alignment and visibility contribute to the successful execution of the project from initiation to completion. Free Project Management Templates While project management software is better suited to planning, managing and tracking projects, for those not ready to upgrade, we have over 100 free project management templates that can be immediately downloaded from our site. Some templates address every aspect of managing projects across multiple industries. Below are just three that can help with the project outline process. Project Charter Template Download this free project charter template for Word to outline the key details of a project and authorize its initiation. It serves as a foundational reference that provides stakeholders with a clear understanding of the project’s purpose, objectives and structure. Project Plan Template Use this free project plan template for Word to detail the steps required to complete a project. It serves as a roadmap that guides the project team through each phase, ensuring all tasks are completed on time, within scope and budget. Scope of Work Template A scope of work (SOW) outlines the specific tasks, deliverables, timelines and expectations of a project. This free scope of work template for Word serves as a detailed agreement between the project team and stakeholders to ensure mutual understanding of the project’s scope. How ProjectManager Helps Bring a Project Outline to Life Templates can help gather the information needed to create a project outline, but then all the hard work will have to be replicated onto the tools needed to plan the project. That’s because templates are static documents that must be manually updated and are poor for collaborating on project execution. They might help at first, but then they slow progress and can lead to project failure. To avoid that, use project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has multiple project views that are collaborative and easy to edit. We also have resource management features and tools to track progress to help projects succeed. Use Resource Planning to Stay Productive Both human and nonhuman resources are scheduled on the Gantt chart. When onboarding team members, project managers can set their availability, which makes it easy to know which resources can be assigned to which tasks and when. To view resource allocation across one or multiple projects, use the color-coded workload chart. See who is overallocated or underutilized at a glance and balance the team’s workload to keep them working at capacity without threatening burnout. A team page provides a daily or weekly overview of their activity, which can be filtered by progress or priority, and tasks are updated without leaving the page. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Progress With Real-Time Dashboards and Reports Ensuring that the execution of the project goes as planned requires close monitoring of key project metrics. Project managers can get a high-level overview of progress, cost, resources and more by toggling over to the real-time project or portfolio management dashboards. Each dashboard offers unique data on easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. For deeper analysis, use customizable reports on status, workload, variance, timesheets and more. Each can be filtered to show key data points or a more general summary of progress, which can then be shared with stakeholders. Even our secure timesheets help by monitoring labor costs to help keep to the budget. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Portfolio-Summary-Dashboard-Home-Screen-Light-Mode.png Related Project Planning Content A project outline is like an overview of what is needed to deliver a project. For those readers who’d like more information on project planning, you’re in the right place. Below are a handful of links to recently published articles from our blog on the topic. What Is the Project Life Cycle? Project Phases Explained Project Documentation: 15 Essential Documents How to Write Effective Project Objectives & Goals Every Time Project Management Tools & Techniques Project Management Basics: Definitions, Methods and Tools ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post How to Make a Project Outline (Example Included) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article