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Two new studies agree: Google’s AI Overviews steal clicks from organic search results. While Google told us that AI Overviews citations result in higher-quality clicks, the introduction of AI Overviews correlates with a measurable decline in organic visibility and clicks, particularly for top-ranking, non-branded keywords. That’s according to two new data studies from SEO tool provider Ahrefs and performance agency Amsive. By the numbers. Here’s how AI Overviews have decreased click-through rate (CTR) for traditional organic listings, according to the two studies: Ahrefs: A 34.5% drop in position 1 CTR when AI Overviews were present, based on an analysis of 300,000 keywords. Amsive: An average 15.49% CTR drop, with much larger losses in specific cases (e.g., -37.04% when combined with featured snippets), based on an analysis of 700,000 keywords. Non-branded keywords. AI Overviews are much more likely to trigger on non-branded queries, and these terms showed the largest CTR drops: Amsive: -19.98% CTR decline on non-branded keywords. Ahrefs: Focused exclusively on informational intent (99.2% overlap with AI Overviews). Lower rankings = bigger CTR hits. Google’s AI Overviews push organic results further down, minimizing visibility even for solidly ranking pages. There was a -27.04% CTR drop for keywords not in the Top 3 positions, according to Amsive: AI Overviews benefit branded queries. Branded keywords are less likely to trigger AI Overviews (only 4.79%) – but when they do, they get a +18.68% CTR boost. This is possibly due to greater user intent and brand familiarity, according to Amsive. Why we care. These two studies (as well as data from Seer Interactive, which we covered in Google organic and paid CTRs hit new lows: Report) call into question Google’s claim that AI Overviews get more clicks than traditional listings. Google’s claim may or may not be true, but these studies show that overall clicks have gone down – and many websites ranking well in Classic Search aren’t included in AI Overviews. About the data: Ahrefs: Used Ahrefs + Google Search Console (GSC) data to analyze CTR changes before (March 2024) and after (March 2025) the U.S. rollout of AI Overviews. Amsive: Pulled data from 700,000 keywords across 10 websites and 5 industries to isolate patterns by keyword type, industry, and SERP feature overlap. The studies. You can read them here: Ahrefs: AI Overviews Reduce Clicks by 34.5% Amsive: Google AI Overviews: New CTR Study Reveals How to Navigate Negative SERP Impact View the full article

Revenue and profit both reported higher. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Revenue and profit both reported higher. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Six roadblocks to avoid. By Alan Anderson, CPA Transforming Audit for the Future Go PRO for members-only access to more Alan Anderson. View the full article

Six roadblocks to avoid. By Alan Anderson, CPA Transforming Audit for the Future Go PRO for members-only access to more Alan Anderson. View the full article

By CPA Trendlines Research Every tax client is a potential client for other services. Stay busy after busy season by helping with other financial and tax-related services. MORE Listicles here Exclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

By CPA Trendlines Research Every tax client is a potential client for other services. Stay busy after busy season by helping with other financial and tax-related services. MORE Listicles here Exclusively for PRO Members. Log in here or upgrade to … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

After a three-day weekend, investors’ attention was trained on the stock market this morning to gauge how a new trade warning from China would impact stocks. So far, it’s not a very pretty picture—especially for some of the market’s most influential tech stocks. As of this writing, the S&P 500 is down 2.32% since last Thursday (the market closed for Good Friday), the Nasdaq Composite has slumped by 2.61%, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average is likewise down 2.30%. It’s the continuation of a trend for the three major U.S. indexes: Each has dropped in three of the four previous weeks as a result of The President’s tariffs on major trading partners, causing experts to warn that we may be entering a bear market. Major tech companies saw a brief reprieve last week, when the The President administration clarified that some electronic goods would be briefly exempt from existing reciprocal tariffs. Today, though, both the overall indexes and every member of the Magnificent Seven are back in the red. Here’s how Magnificent Seven stocks are faring at the time of this writing: Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG): down 2.26% Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN): down 3.42% Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL): down 2.77% Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META): down 3.29% Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT): down 2.05% NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): down 5.49% Tesla, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA): down 6.86% Why are tech stocks and markets falling? There are two main factors that experts believe are driving the decline. First, President The President has spent the last week openly criticizing and calling for the immediate firing of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The Fed is the central banking system of the United States, and it has long upheld an independence from politics that most economists feel is essential to the reserve functioning effectively. However, experts are concerned that, should The President follow through on firing Powell, the move could represent the end of an independent Fed and send stocks into a tailspin. Second, on Monday night, China issued an official warning against any countries striking deals with the U.S. at its expense. The warning came in response to a Bloomberg report that the The President administration planned to pressure other nations to cut down on trade with China in order to negotiate their own tariff exemptions with the U.S. In response, China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement that it would “take countermeasures in a resolute and reciprocal manner.” Currently, the The President administration has levied a whopping 145% tariff on Chinese imports, leading China to enforce 125% duties on U.S. goods. For most tech companies, strained trade relations with China have major ripple effects across operations. Most Apple products, for example, are manufactured in China, while many products sold on Amazon are made there as well, and Nvidia chips are manufactured in Taiwan. Likewise, Tesla relies heavily on parts made in China. Later this week, investors are due to get a more overarching sense of how The President’s tariff whiplash has impacted major tech companies, as big names including Tesla, Alphabet, Intel, and IBM are set to share their first-quarter earnings reports. View the full article

Shin Bet head claims premier asked him to target domestic opponents and sought support in future constitutional clashes View the full article

The Centennial State may become first in the nation to require retailers to warn consumers that burning fossil fuels “releases air pollutants and greenhouse gases, known by the state of Colorado to be linked to significant health impacts and global heating.” The warning is the linchpin of a bill—HB25-1277—that narrowly passed the state House on April 2 and is scheduled to be heard in the Senate’s Transportation & Energy Committee this week. Its Democratic sponsors say the bill will raise awareness among consumers that combusting gas in their vehicles creates pollutants that harm their health and trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to more intense and extreme weather, wildfires, and drought. The groundbreaking measure would require retailers to place warning labels printed in black ink on a white background in English and Spanish in no smaller than 16-point type on fuel pumps and “in a conspicuous location” near displays offering petroleum-based goods for sale. Proponents compare the stickers to warnings labels on cigarettes that scientific evidence found motivated consumers to reconsider the health impacts of smoking. The labeling bill is backed by environmental groups, including 350 Colorado and the Sierra Club, and opposed by gas stations, chambers of commerce, and energy trade associations. About 136 lobbyist registrations were filed with the secretary of state in the position of support, opposition, or monitoring—a benchmark of the measure’s divisiveness. “The bill, as you’ve heard, seeks to drive systemic change and to help us meet our greenhouse gas emission goals,” state Rep. Junie Joseph (D-Boulder), a sponsor, testified at a House Energy & Environment Committee hearing on March 6. “Colorado is actively working to reduce emissions to comply with the Clean Air Act and state climate targets.” Colorado is on track to meet greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 26% by 2025 and 50% by 2030, over 2005 levels—albeit a year late for each period mandated under state law, according to a November report compiled by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the Colorado Energy Office. Yet the state is woefully behind in its compliance with federal air quality standards. Emissions from energy industry operations and gas-powered vehicles are the main drivers of the nine-county metropolitan Denver region’s failure to clean up its air over the last two decades. The state’s largest cities rank among the 25 worst in the nation for lung-damaging ozone pollution. Several days before the labeling bill passed the House, the state’s health department said it planned to ask the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to downgrade its air quality for the second time in a year. The request is intended to give regulators more time to draw up a plan to reduce pollutants that cause a toxic haze that blurs the Rocky Mountains from May to September. Colorado repeatedly touts its “nation-leading” greenhouse gas emissions reduction laws targeting oil and gas production, as well as requirements that utilities transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Yet to make long-term progress toward a state mandate to cut emissions 100% by 2050, officials need residents to drive less and carpool and take public transit more. The bill’s sponsors cited a first-in-the-nation labeling law in the city of Cambridge, Massachusetts, as proof such initiatives work. The Cambridge City Council enacted its greenhouse gas label law in 2020. City inspectors affix about 116 bright yellow stickers that read: “Warning. Burning Gasoline, Diesel, and Ethanol has major consequences on human health and on the environment including contributing to climate change” in pump bays at 19 gas stations annually, along with inspection stickers, Jeremy Warnick, a city spokesman, wrote in an email. Early research into the impacts of Cambridge’s labeling law suggest that peer pressure that results from one person seeing a label on a gas pump and telling friends about it at a party can indeed motivate people to reconsider their transportation choices. A measure instituted in Sweden in 2021 that requires labels depicting each fuel grade’s impact on the climate to be installed on gas pumps produced similar results. The warning stickers communicate to people as they’re pumping gas that others in their community acknowledge petroleum products create emissions that are warming the planet, said Gregg Sparkman, an assistant professor of psychology and neuroscience at Boston College. Sparkman’s research found Americans function in a state of “pluralistic ignorance,” essentially “walking around thinking others don’t care about climate change.” A study he co-authored in Nature in 2022 found that most Americans “underestimate the prevalence of support for climate change mitigation policies.” While 66% to 80% of people approve of such measures, Americans estimate the prevalence to be between 37% and 43%, on average, data showed. Warning labels can cut through this apathy, he said. “These signs chip away at the mirage—they become one of hopefully many signals that an increasing number of Americans regard this as an emergency that requires urgent action out of government, citizens and everybody,” he said. In Colorado, gas station owners, as well as representatives of retail trade organizations and the American Petroleum Institute, among others, testified against the labeling bill at the three-hour March 6 House energy committee hearing, calling the legislation an “unfunded mandate” that would “shame consumers” and target retailers with “exorbitant fines.” Some warned it would make gas prices rise. The law would require convenience stores to design, buy, and affix the labels and to keep them in good condition. If a consumer reported a defaced decal to the state Attorney General’s Office, a store owner could face a $20,000 penalty per violation—standard for violations under the Consumer Protection Act. An amendment added on the House floor would provide retailers with 45 days to fix a problem with a label. “The gas pump itself is already cluttered with words, numbers, prices, colors, buttons, and payment mechanisms,” Angie Howes, a lobbyist representing Kum & Go, which owns Maverik convenience stores, testified at the committee hearing. “The message will likely be lost in the noise and we question the impact of such a label toward the proponents’ goals.” Republican and Democratic committee members alike expressed concern about the fines, asking bill sponsors to consider reducing them. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, or CDPHE, also opposed the measure, citing the state’s efforts to make it easier and cheaper for Coloradoans to reduce their energy use by taking advantage of electric vehicle and heat pump subsidies, among other voluntary measures. Colorado is already first in the nation in market share of new EVs, Lindsay Ellis, the agency’s director of legislative affairs, testified. “This bill presupposes that awareness alone is an effective strategy for changing behavior and does so at the liability and expense of small businesses like gas stations,” she said. “We should continue to focus on solutions with measurable emissions reductions to improve air quality.” Gov. Jared Polis also appears dubious of the measure’s ability to effect long-term change. When contacted by Capital & Main for comment, spokesperson Eric Maruyama cited legislative and administrative strategies that have “cut hundreds of millions of metric tons of cumulative greenhouse gas emissions since 2010.” “Like CDPHE, Governor Polis is committed to protecting Colorado’s clean air and reducing pollution through proven strategies that are good for the environment, good for consumers, and that empower Colorado businesses and individuals to take meaningful action that improves public health,” Maruyama wrote in an email. “Governor Polis is skeptical of labeling requirements and will review any legislation that reaches his desk.” Doctors and scientists who testified at the House energy committee hearing on March 6 disagreed. “I take care of children living in some of the most polluted zip codes in the country, and I can tell you firsthand that burning fossil fuels is making them sick,” Dr. Clare Burchenal, a Denver pediatrician, told the committee. “Warning labels can connect the abstract threat of a climate emergency with fossil fuel use in the here and now—my patients and their families have a right to know how the products they’re using are impacting their health.” — Jennifer Oldham, Capital & Main This piece was originally published by Capital & Main, which reports from California on economic, political, and social issues. 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Key Takeaways Affordable Franchise Options: There are numerous franchises available for under $10,000, making entrepreneurship accessible without a substantial financial burden.Service and Retail Franchises: Opportunities exist in both service-based and retail sectors, with low initial investment requirements that benefit from brand recognition and ongoing support.Lower Financial Risk: Investing less than $10,000 reduces financial risk, allowing for more manageable business operations and better cash flow management.Essential Documentation: Familiarize yourself with key documents such as the franchise agreement and franchise disclosure document (FDD) to understand your obligations and the potential for success.Strong Support Systems: Many affordable franchises come with robust training and operational support, increasing the likelihood of a successful franchise launch.Importance of Research: Conduct thorough research on potential franchises, focusing on brand reputation, market presence, and the experiences of current franchisees for informed decision-making. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business but thought it was out of reach, you’re not alone. Many aspiring entrepreneurs believe that starting a franchise requires a hefty investment. The good news? There are plenty of franchises available for under $10,000 that can help you kickstart your journey without breaking the bank. These affordable opportunities offer you the chance to tap into established brands while minimizing financial risk. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time venture, you can find a franchise that fits your budget and lifestyle. Let’s explore some of the best options that can pave the way for your entrepreneurial success. Overview of Franchises Under 10k Franchising offers a viable path for small business owners to enter the market with a lower initial investment. You can explore numerous franchise opportunities available for under $10,000, making entrepreneurship accessible. Affordable franchises come with several advantages that attract aspiring franchisees. Established brands associated with these franchises benefit from brand recognition, which enhances your potential for profit. Many franchisors provide franchise training and ongoing support, ensuring you understand the franchise model and can operate effectively. Key elements of franchises under $10K include: Initial Investment: Many franchises under $10,000 offer lower franchise fees, allowing you to start your business without substantial financial strain. Franchise Agreement: Each franchise opportunity includes a franchise agreement outlining your rights and obligations as a franchisee. Franchise Disclosure Document: This essential document provides insights into franchise operations and expected performance metrics, helping you make informed decisions. Franchise Support: Ongoing training and support from the franchisor can set you up for success, ensuring you stay compliant with franchise laws and regulations. Exclusive Territory: Some franchises offer exclusive territories, minimizing competition and maximizing your sales potential. Engaging in franchise research can help you identify various franchise systems that fit your goals and lifestyle. With the right franchise marketing strategy and a solid understanding of franchise compliance, you can successfully navigate the franchise industry. Consider participating in franchise expos or consulting franchise consultants to gain deeper insights into potential franchising trends and opportunities for growth. Types of Franchises Under 10k Franchises under $10,000 offer a range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. These types of franchises require minimal initial investment and provide access to established brands, support systems, and training resources. Service-Based Franchises Service-based franchises often present some of the most accessible options for small business ventures. These franchises typically focus on delivering services rather than products, resulting in lower startup costs. Examples include: Financial Services: Franchises focusing on tax preparation and financial consulting allow you to operate with minimal overhead. Many finance franchise systems enable work from home or a small office, reducing location-related expenses. Vending Machine Ownership: By purchasing and managing vending machines, you can enter the franchise world with a small investment. Initial expenses generally cover the cost of the machines, inventory, and maintenance, making this a low-cost choice. These service-based franchises often benefit from the strong support provided by the franchisor. You’ll find training programs, marketing assistance, and franchise operations manuals essential to your success. Retail Franchises Retail franchises are another viable option for you if you’re aiming to invest under $10,000. Although more common in higher investment ranges, several retail franchises maintain affordable entry points. Examples include: Mobile Retail Franchises: Vendors selling products from mobile units have relatively low investment requirements compared to traditional retail. This model allows you to reach customers in various locations without the expense of a brick-and-mortar storefront. Pop-Up Shops: Many franchises designed around temporary retail locations require less capital. This flexible approach can be ideal for testing markets and generating brand recognition quickly. When entering a retail franchise agreement, ensure you fully understand the franchise disclosure document and any ongoing royalty fees. These factors can impact your initial investment and long-term profitability. Both service-based and retail franchises offer unique opportunities in the franchise industry. Each franchise model allows you to leverage brand recognition and support, driving potential growth for your small business. Advantages of Investing in Low-Cost Franchises Investing in low-cost franchises presents several significant advantages, particularly for small business entrepreneurs looking to enter the franchise industry without substantial upfront costs. Low Initial Investment Lower initial investments give you access to numerous franchise opportunities. For example, franchises like Java Dave’s Coffee, Corvus Janitorial Systems, and SlipDoctors require investments from $499.95 to $3,495. This affordability means you can start your franchise business with reduced financial pressure. With the remaining capital, you can allocate funds for essential aspects like marketing, franchise training, and operational expenses, ensuring effective franchise management from the onset. Less Financial Risk Less financial risk accompanies low-cost franchises. By investing under $10,000, you minimize potential losses, allowing you to navigate the complexities of franchising more comfortably. The decreased risk can lead to greater franchise success, letting you focus on building brand recognition and expanding your franchise network. This stability supports better cash flow management, making it easier to meet ongoing obligations, such as royalty fees and other franchise fees, as your business grows. Popular Franchises Under 10k Several franchise opportunities exist for under $10,000, making it easier for you to start a small business. Below are two notable franchises that provide affordable entry points and strong support systems. Franchise A: Steak ‘n Shake Initial Investment: $10,000 Ownership: You can operate an existing Steak ‘n Shake restaurant with a 50% ownership stake in profits. Requirements: Full-time, hands-on operation and completion of an extensive training program are essential. Ongoing Costs: Higher ongoing costs may arise due to the lower upfront pricing model. Support: You benefit from robust franchise support, including training and operational guidance from the franchisor. Franchise B: Chick-fil-A Initial Investment: $10,000 Ownership: The corporate office retains most profits, yet franchisees can earn between $150,000 and $250,000 annually. Requirements: The franchise agreement demands exclusivity, often requiring years of U.S. experience to qualify. Choosing a franchise under $10,000 allows you to join established brands with strong training and support systems, promoting better franchise growth potential. Considerations Before Investing Investing in a franchise under $10,000 requires careful evaluation of several important aspects. Understanding these factors equips you for a successful venture in the franchise industry. Researching the Franchise Research helps you identify the right franchise opportunity. Look for franchises that align with your interests and skill set. Assess the franchise’s history, brand recognition, and market presence. Review the franchise disclosure document (FDD) to understand the initial investment, franchise fees, and any ongoing royalty fees. Attend franchise expos to connect with franchisors and gain insights into their franchise systems. Investigate current franchisees’ experiences, focusing on support and franchise training provided. A comprehensive analysis enables you to gauge the potential for franchise growth and success. Understanding the Commitment Understanding your commitment is essential for making an informed decision. Franchise agreements outline your rights and obligations as a franchisee. Expect to invest time in training and adhere to the franchisor’s operational guidelines. Some franchises offer exclusive territories, protecting your market space from competition. Be aware of the responsibilities involved, including ongoing franchise marketing efforts and compliance with franchise regulations. Evaluate your financing options to ensure you can sustain initial expenses while managing day-to-day operations. Knowing these factors builds a solid foundation for your small business franchise journey. Conclusion Exploring franchises under $10,000 opens up exciting opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. With lower financial barriers you can tap into established brands that offer invaluable support and training. These affordable options allow you to focus on growth without overwhelming financial pressure. By understanding the different franchise models available and conducting thorough research you can find the right fit for your skills and interests. The potential for success increases when you choose a franchise that aligns with your goals. Take the time to evaluate your options and consider the benefits of low-cost franchises as you embark on your entrepreneurial journey. Frequently Asked Questions What are affordable franchise options available for under $10,000? Many franchises require an initial investment of less than $10,000, including options like Java Dave’s Coffee and Corvus Janitorial Systems. These franchises offer low financial risk while providing structure and support from established brands. Why should I consider a franchise for under $10,000? Franchises under $10,000 provide a lower financial barrier to entry, making entrepreneurship accessible. They also offer ongoing support from franchisors, which can enhance your chances of success by ensuring you have training and marketing assistance. What types of franchises are available under $10,000? Franchises under $10,000 can be categorized into service-based franchises, like vending machine ownership, and retail franchises, such as mobile retail and pop-up shops. Each offers unique opportunities and often comes with necessary support. What is a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)? A Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) is a legal document that provides insights into a franchise’s operations, financial performance, and more. It helps potential franchisees understand their rights and obligations before committing to a franchise. How important is ongoing support from franchisors? Ongoing support from franchisors is crucial as it includes training and marketing assistance, helping franchisees establish and grow their business. This support can significantly reduce the risks associated with running a franchise. How can I start researching franchises? To start researching franchises under $10,000, consider exploring online resources, attending franchise expos, or consulting with franchise experts. This research can help you identify options that align with your goals and lifestyle. Are there risks associated with low-cost franchises? While low-cost franchises have less financial risk, it’s important to evaluate each opportunity thoroughly. Understand the operational commitments, ongoing fees, and market presence to ensure you make an informed decision. Can I participate in franchise events? Yes, participating in franchise expos or events can be beneficial. They provide an opportunity to network, gain insights, and learn about current trends and various franchise systems available under $10,000. Image Via Envato This article, "Affordable Franchises Under 10k: Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Dreams Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

China on Monday warned other countries against making trade deals with the United States to China’s detriment. Governments including those of Taiwan, Japan and South Korea have begun negotiations with Washington after President Donald The President announced sweeping tariffs against almost all of America’s trading partners on April 2. The import taxes were quickly paused against most countries after markets panicked, but he increased his already steep tariffs against China. “China firmly opposes any party reaching a deal at the expense of China’s interests,” China’s Commerce Ministry said in a statement. “If this happens, China will never accept it and will resolutely take countermeasures in a reciprocal manner. China is determined and capable of safeguarding its own rights and interests.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said earlier this month the countries currently negotiating trade deals with the U.S. should “approach China as a group” together with Washington. The U.S. tariffs against other countries are economic bullying, the ministry said in the statement attributed to an unnamed spokesperson. “Appeasement cannot bring peace, and compromise cannot win respect,” it added. “For one’s own temporary selfish interests, sacrificing the interests of others in exchange for so-called exemptions is like seeking the skin from a tiger. It will ultimately only fail on both ends and harm others without benefiting themselves.” China said it’s open to talks with Washington but no meetings have been announced. The President made China the target of his steepest tariffs, imposing several rounds of tariffs totaling 145% duties on Chinese imports. Beijing has retaliated with tariffs of 125% on U.S. imports. The tariffs have spooked exporters and stalled shipments, while threatening to drag on the global economy. —Associated Press 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. Ever since Apple released the latest Apple Watch Series 10 earlier in September, it has been steadily dropping in price; it's currently sitting at $299 (originally $399) after a $100 drop, matching the lowest price yet, according to price-tracking tools. This price is for the 42mm case, 130 to 180mm size bands, in black, denim, and rose-gold case colors. The bigger 46mm case is down to $329 (originally $429), also its lowest price after a $100 discount. Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB, Connectivity Technology: GPS, Screen Size: 42 Millimeters Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 42mm case] $299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $399.00 Save $100.00 Memory Storage Capacity: 64 GB, Connectivity Technology: GPS, Screen Size: 46 Millimeters Apple Watch Series 10 [GPS 46mm case] $411.91 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Get Deal Get Deal $411.91 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg SEE -1 MORE The Apple Watch Series 10 is the best Apple Watch for most people and a great replacement if you're still wearing the more budget SE, according to Lifehacker associate tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt's review. There are also some key upgrades from the Apple Watch 9, although they're less noticeable than previous Apple Watch upgrades. If you're curious to know how it compares to other flagship smartwatches, you can check out our head-to-head comparison post here. Some of the first things you'll notice on the Series 10 are a thinner case and a bigger OLED screen (either 1.6 inches or 1.8 inches, depending on which model you get). Unlike the Series 9, which could only take calls on the speaker, the Series 10 has audio playback, meaning you can listen to podcasts or Spotify on its speakers. The sleep features were also improved, with a notification that gets triggered by sleep apnea symptoms. There are also new depth and water temperature sensors that automatically turn on when you go underwater, a feature that used to be unique to the more premium Apple Watch Ultra series. Of course, you get the Vitals App with the Watch OS 11, which gives you your energy score based on many health metrics. The battery will last you anywhere between 18 and 36 hours, depending on your use. You still get the same fitness features, heart rate monitor, and sleep tracker from previous models—but still no blood oxygen sensor. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I have a manager who you would deem unfixable, and I’m currently job hunting so I can put him behind me. In the meantime, I’d love your advice on how to handle this very emotionally draining situation. It has been two years of trying to fix him and I’ve exhausted every avenue, including seeking help from his manager. He’s not changing and I know that; he is very much out of his depth in the role, has poor professional instincts, and is emotionally juvenile. Last year, he blew up at me after I tried to reopen a conversation about my concerns regarding his shortcomings (obviously not phrased like that lol) and, after realizing that buying me a sweet treat wasn’t going to paper over my ongoing concerns started spiraling out because I was no longer being as chatty or friendly with him as before. I have to make clear that I was still being scrupulously professional and polite – just not being buddy-buddy. He started sending me two or three emotionally charged emails a week explaining how he was overwhelmed at work, was doing his best, and that asking for anymore was too much and also trying to apologize but not apologize for his behavior. This ended in me going to his boss and her putting a stop to the emails, but not addressing any of the substantive issues regarding his overall competency. Fast forward to this year and his shortcomings are even more pronounced, despite his promises to do better. Fine, whatever. My way of dealing with my (overwhelming, disabling) anger toward him and his victim complex is to be scrupulously professional and polite. However, because of his poor professional boundaries, he can’t stand that I’m not being warm towards him and keeps trying to ask if I have any concerns (despite knowing what the concerns are) and pushing me to be friendly toward him. I then feel very awkward and guilty for choosing to establish sound professional boundaries. The long, rambling emails are beginning to start up again too. It’s a punishing, stupid emotional cycle. Help! I think I need reassurance that what I’m doing is not bad, that I’m not responsible for the awkwardness of the situation. Do you have any other insights to share? I want to know more about what “scrupulously professional and polite” looks like, because there are different ways to implement that. There’s an obviously frosty version (one that strongly conveys “I am speaking to you only because it’s required for my job but I do so with zero warmth toward you as a person”) and there’s a version that … well, doesn’t make that quite so clear. Where are you on that spectrum? It would be understandable if you’re more on the chilly side of that continuum, given all you described, but that doesn’t mean it would be wise — particularly with a manager who you know will spiral from it. If you are being frosty or frosty-adjacent … well, you’re allowed to, but it’s probably going to make your work life harder for however long you remain there. You don’t need to engage much beyond work and basic pleasantries, but you should at least appear to speak to him with a reasonable amount of human warmth and good will. A good litmus test is whether an outside observer watching you interact would know you disliked him, or whether they’d find your side of the interaction utterly unremarkable. But if you’re confident that you’re getting that balance right, then here is the reassurance you requested that you’re behaving reasonably and you are not responsible for the awkwardness of the situation. I do wonder if there’s any value in saying, “I get the sense that you want us to have a chattier relationship, so I want to be up-front that I need to just focus on work when I’m at work. It’s not personal and you don’t need to apologize for anything; it’s just what I need to balance my life right now.” It might not make a huge impact, but maybe that would give him something to calm his mind when he starts to panic about why you’re not available to him in the way he seems to want. Otherwise, though, tell his boss that the long, rambling emails she shut down earlier have starter back up and ask if she can squelch them again. That question about the balance is really key, though. View the full article

Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, whose annual gathering of business and political leaders in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos became a symbol of globalisation, has resigned as chair of its trustees. The Geneva-based WEF made the announcement on Monday after revealing earlier this month that the 87-year-old Schwab, who for decades has been the face of the Davos get-together, would be stepping down, without giving a firm timeline. “Following my recent announcement, and as I enter my 88th year, I have decided to step down from the position of Chair and as a member of the Board of Trustees, with immediate effect,” Schwab said in a statement released by the WEF. The forum did not say why he was quitting. The WEF board said in the statement it had accepted Schwab’s resignation at an extraordinary meeting on April 20, with Vice Chairman Peter Brabeck-Letmathe serving as interim chairman while the search for a new chair began. The German-born Schwab established the WEF in 1971 with the aim of creating a forum for policymakers and top corporate executives to tackle major global issues. The village of Davos gradually became a fixture on the international calendar in January when political leaders, CEOs and celebrities got together in discreet, neutral Switzerland to discuss the agenda for the coming year. CRITICISM Widely regarded as a cheerleader for globalisation, the WEF’s Davos gathering has in recent years drawn criticism from opponents on both left and right as an elitist talking shop detached from lives of ordinary people. Headquartered above Lake Geneva at the other end of Switzerland from Davos, the WEF has also had to cope with negative reports about its internal culture. The Wall Street Journal last year said the WEF’s board was working with a law firm to investigate its workplace culture, after the newspaper reported allegations of harassment and discrimination at the forum. The WEF denied the allegations. Shaken by the 2007-2009 global financial crisis, the WEF has also been buffeted by geopolitical tensions since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine and more protectionist U.S. trade policies. Some analysts see it as an institution in decline. Schwab anticipated globalisation would come under fire long before Donald The President first won the U.S. presidency and Britain voted to leave the European Union in 2016, events which analysts attributed to discontent with the prevailing economic order. “A mounting backlash against (globalisation’s) effects, especially in the industrial democracies, is threatening a very disruptive impact on economic activity and social stability in many countries,” Schwab and his colleague Claude Smadja jointly wrote in an opinion piece in 1996. “The mood in these democracies is one of helplessness and anxiety, which helps explain the rise of a new brand of populist politicians.” —Dave Graham, Reuters View the full article

Google will confront an existential threat Monday as the U.S. government tries to break up the company as punishment for turning its revolutionary search engine into a ruthless monopoly. The drama will unfold in a Washington courtroom during the next three weeks during hearings that will determine how the company should be penalized for operating an illegal monopoly in search. The proceedings, known in legal parlance as a “remedy hearing,” feature a parade of witnesses that includes Google CEO Sundar Pichai. The U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to order a radical shake-up that would ban Google from striking the multibillion dollar deals with Apple and other tech companies that shield its search engine from competition, share its repository of valuable user data with rivals and force a sale of its popular Chrome browser. The moment of reckoning comes four-and-half-years after the Justice Department filed a landmark lawsuit alleging Google’s search engine had been abusing its power as the internet’s main gateway to stifle competition and innovation for more than a decade. After the case finally went to trial in 2023, a federal judge last year ruled Google had been making anti-competitive deals to lock in its search engine as the go-to place for digital information on the iPhone, personal computers and other widely used devices, including those running on its own Android software. That landmark ruling by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta sets up a high-stakes drama that will determine the penalties for Google’s misconduct in a search market that it has defined since Larry Page and Sergey Brin founded the company in a Silicon Valley garage in 1998. Since that austere start, Google has expanded far beyond search to become a powerhouse in email, digital mapping, online video, web browsing, smartphone software and data centers. Seizing upon its victory in the search case, the Justice Department is now setting out to prove that radical steps must be taken to rein in Google and its corporate parent, Alphabet Inc. “Google’s illegal conduct has created an economic goliath, one that wreaks havoc over the marketplace to ensure that — no matter what occurs — Google always wins,” the Justice Department argued in documents outlining its proposed penalties. “The American people thus are forced to accept the unbridled demands and shifting, ideological preferences of an economic leviathan in return for a search engine the public may enjoy.” Although the proposed penalties were originally made under President Joe Biden’s term, they are still being embraced by the Justice Department under President Donald The President, whose first administration filed the case against Google. Since the change in administrations, the Justice Department has also attempted to cast Google’s immense power as a threat to freedom, too. “The American dream is about higher values than just cheap goods and ‘free’ online services,” the Justice Department wrote in a March 7 filing with Mehta. “These values include freedom of speech, freedom of association, freedom to innovate, and freedom to compete in a market undistorted by the controlling hand of a monopolist.” Google is arguing the government’s proposed changes are unwarranted under a ruling that its search engine popularity among consumers is one of the main reasons it has become so dominant. The “unprecedented array of proposed remedies would harm consumers and innovation, as well as future competition in search and search ads in addition to numerous other adjacent markets,” Google lawyers said in a filing leading up to hearings. “They bear little or no relationship to the conduct found anticompetitive, and are contrary to the law.” Google also is sounding alarms about the proposed requirements to share online search data with rivals and the proposed sale of Chrome posing privacy and security risks. “The breadth and depth of the proposed remedies risks doing significant damage to a complex ecosystem. Some of the proposed remedies would imperil browser developers and jeopardize the digital security of millions of consumers.” The showdown over Google’s fate marks the climax of the biggest antitrust case in the U.S. since the Justice Department sued Microsoft in the late 1990s for leveraging its Windows software for personal computers to crush potential rivals. The Microsoft battle culminated in a federal judge declaring the company an illegal monopoly and ordering a partial breakup — a remedy that was eventually overturned by an appeals court. Google intends to file an appeal of Mehta’s ruling from last year that branded its search engine as an illegal monopoly but can’t do so until the remedy hearings are completed. After closing arguments are presented in late May, Mehta intends to make his decision on the remedies before Labor Day. The search case marked the first in a succession of antitrust cases that have been brought against a litany of tech giants that include Facebook and Instagram parent Meta Platforms, which is currently fighting allegations of running an illegal monopoly in social media in another Washington D.C. trial. Other antitrust cases have been brought against both Apple and Amazon, too. The Justice Department also targeted Google’s digital advertising network in a separate antitrust case that resulted last week in another federal judge’s decision that found the company was abusing its power in that market, too. That ruling means Google will be heading into another remedy hearing that could once again raise the specter of a breakup later this year or early next year. —Michael Liedtke, AP Technology Writer View the full article

Now that tax season is over, you may be breathing a sigh of relief. However, once your return is filed (or before your return is filed on extension), it’s key to be prepared in case you receive an audit notice from the IRS. If you have already filed your freelance taxes, beware that there are a number of red flags described below that may sometimes draw scrutiny from the IRS. If you have yet to file because you were granted an extension on your tax filing, review this list so you can proactively avoid any of the audit triggers below. While being audited isn’t necessarily a sign of wrongdoing, it’s a stressful and time-consuming process that is best avoided. If you do run into an audit request due to these or other issues, consult with a tax professional who can help you respond appropriately to the IRS. Claiming excessive deductions.The IRS fully expects freelancers to take advantage of deductions to lower their taxable income but claiming excessive deductions or ones that don’t add up can be a red flag. This is especially true for service businesses if you did not hire third parties or issue 1099s because high levels of income may cause greater scrutiny. It’s best to stick to deductions that are directly related to your work, such as office supplies, business-related travel, and legitimate client meals. Be reasonable and ensure that all deductions are documented backed up by receipts and documentation to mitigate as much of your audit risks as possible. If you work from home, the home office deduction can be especially beneficial, but it must meet the IRS’s strict requirements. Your home office must be exclusively used for business purposes and not double as a personal space (e.g., your dining room). Keep detailed records, including photos, to demonstrate the legitimacy of your claim. Underreporting incomeOne of the most common mistakes freelancers make is underreporting their income, whether intentionally or accidentally. The IRS receives income information from third-party sources such as clients who issue Form 1099-NEC or other relevant tax documents. If the income you report doesn’t match the information the IRS has, it could trigger an audit. To avoid this, ensure you carefully track all income throughout the year. Keep digital or physical copies of all Form 1099s you receive and compare them to your own records. If you receive income that isn’t reported on a 1099, you’re still required to report it on your tax return. Mixing personal and business expensesAs a freelancer, it’s crucial to separate your personal expenses from your business ones. Using your business account for personal spending—or vice versa—is an easy way to create confusion and draw IRS attention. For instance, claiming a lavish family vacation as a “business trip” is likely to be flagged during an audit. To maintain clarity, establish separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business. This makes it easier to identify legitimate business expenses and ensures that you aren’t inadvertently claiming personal costs. Accurate bookkeeping is your best defense here—maintain organized records and categorize expenses correctly. Using rounded numbersFiling a tax return with perfectly rounded numbers can also raise suspicion. For example, reporting $5,000 for advertising expenses and $10,000 for equipment costs suggests you’re estimating rather than using actual figures. The safer option is to file precise amounts based on documented expenses and receipts. Accurate reporting demonstrates diligence and reduces the chances of discrepancies that could lead to an audit. Reporting net losses year after year As a freelancer, you are allowed to deduct legitimate business expenses, but consistently reporting losses over several years could indicate to the IRS that your business is not a profit-driven enterprise. If you’re claiming a business loss year after year, the IRS may question whether your freelancing is truly a business or a hobby. The solution? Document how you’re actively working to turn your business into a profitable endeavor. Keep records of marketing campaigns, client acquisition efforts, and investments you’ve made in growing your work. A clear business plan also demonstrates your commitment to generating income. Overusing vehicle deductionsMany freelancers claim deductions for vehicles they use for business purposes. While this is perfectly fine, claiming 100% of your vehicle use as business-related—even if it’s also your family car—can raise suspicion. If you’re using a car for both personal and business reasons, keep detailed mileage logs. Document the date, purpose of the trip, and miles driven. The IRS accepts well-maintained mileage records as evidence for deductions. Missing forms or incorrect filings Simple mistakes like missing a form or filing with incorrect information can lead to scrutiny. Errors in Social Security numbers, names, or business classifications on forms such as your 1099s can trigger the IRSto take a closer look at your entire return. Take the time to review your return thoroughly before submitting it to make sure it as accurate as possible. This can help catch errors and ensure proper filing. High incomeIt’s no secret that high earners are more likely to be audited, regardless of whether they’re freelancers or salaried employees. If your freelancing income is substantial, you may be subject to heightened scrutiny. While you can’t control your income level, you can minimize audit risks by ensuring your tax return is flawless. Document your income thoroughly, keep receipts for expenses, and file accurately. Consider working with a tax professional to double-check your return if you’re in a higher income bracket. Final ThoughtsAs a freelancer, avoiding audit red flags boils down to accurate reporting, detailed record-keeping, and reasonable claims. Take time throughout the year to maintain organized financial records so tax season doesn’t become a scramble. If possible, consult a tax professional who understands the unique challenges freelancers face to help you develop a proactive approach to tax filing that can save you from unnecessary stress and help you focus on what truly matters—your work. View the full article

Now that tax season is over, you may be breathing a sigh of relief. However, once your return is filed (or before your return is filed on extension), it’s key to be prepared in case you receive an audit notice from the IRS. If you have already filed your freelance taxes, beware that there are a number of red flags described below that may sometimes draw scrutiny from the IRS. If you have yet to file because you were granted an extension on your tax filing, review this list so you can proactively avoid any of the audit triggers below. While being audited isn’t necessarily a sign of wrongdoing, it’s a stressful and time-consuming process that is best avoided. If you do run into an audit request due to these or other issues, consult with a tax professional who can help you respond appropriately to the IRS. Claiming excessive deductions.The IRS fully expects freelancers to take advantage of deductions to lower their taxable income but claiming excessive deductions or ones that don’t add up can be a red flag. This is especially true for service businesses if you did not hire third parties or issue 1099s because high levels of income may cause greater scrutiny. It’s best to stick to deductions that are directly related to your work, such as office supplies, business-related travel, and legitimate client meals. Be reasonable and ensure that all deductions are documented backed up by receipts and documentation to mitigate as much of your audit risks as possible. If you work from home, the home office deduction can be especially beneficial, but it must meet the IRS’s strict requirements. Your home office must be exclusively used for business purposes and not double as a personal space (e.g., your dining room). Keep detailed records, including photos, to demonstrate the legitimacy of your claim. Underreporting incomeOne of the most common mistakes freelancers make is underreporting their income, whether intentionally or accidentally. The IRS receives income information from third-party sources such as clients who issue Form 1099-NEC or other relevant tax documents. If the income you report doesn’t match the information the IRS has, it could trigger an audit. To avoid this, ensure you carefully track all income throughout the year. Keep digital or physical copies of all Form 1099s you receive and compare them to your own records. If you receive income that isn’t reported on a 1099, you’re still required to report it on your tax return. Mixing personal and business expensesAs a freelancer, it’s crucial to separate your personal expenses from your business ones. Using your business account for personal spending—or vice versa—is an easy way to create confusion and draw IRS attention. For instance, claiming a lavish family vacation as a “business trip” is likely to be flagged during an audit. To maintain clarity, establish separate bank accounts and credit cards for your business. This makes it easier to identify legitimate business expenses and ensures that you aren’t inadvertently claiming personal costs. Accurate bookkeeping is your best defense here—maintain organized records and categorize expenses correctly. Using rounded numbersFiling a tax return with perfectly rounded numbers can also raise suspicion. For example, reporting $5,000 for advertising expenses and $10,000 for equipment costs suggests you’re estimating rather than using actual figures. The safer option is to file precise amounts based on documented expenses and receipts. Accurate reporting demonstrates diligence and reduces the chances of discrepancies that could lead to an audit. Reporting net losses year after year As a freelancer, you are allowed to deduct legitimate business expenses, but consistently reporting losses over several years could indicate to the IRS that your business is not a profit-driven enterprise. If you’re claiming a business loss year after year, the IRS may question whether your freelancing is truly a business or a hobby. The solution? Document how you’re actively working to turn your business into a profitable endeavor. Keep records of marketing campaigns, client acquisition efforts, and investments you’ve made in growing your work. A clear business plan also demonstrates your commitment to generating income. Overusing vehicle deductionsMany freelancers claim deductions for vehicles they use for business purposes. While this is perfectly fine, claiming 100% of your vehicle use as business-related—even if it’s also your family car—can raise suspicion. If you’re using a car for both personal and business reasons, keep detailed mileage logs. Document the date, purpose of the trip, and miles driven. The IRS accepts well-maintained mileage records as evidence for deductions. Missing forms or incorrect filings Simple mistakes like missing a form or filing with incorrect information can lead to scrutiny. Errors in Social Security numbers, names, or business classifications on forms such as your 1099s can trigger the IRSto take a closer look at your entire return. Take the time to review your return thoroughly before submitting it to make sure it as accurate as possible. This can help catch errors and ensure proper filing. High incomeIt’s no secret that high earners are more likely to be audited, regardless of whether they’re freelancers or salaried employees. If your freelancing income is substantial, you may be subject to heightened scrutiny. While you can’t control your income level, you can minimize audit risks by ensuring your tax return is flawless. Document your income thoroughly, keep receipts for expenses, and file accurately. Consider working with a tax professional to double-check your return if you’re in a higher income bracket. Final ThoughtsAs a freelancer, avoiding audit red flags boils down to accurate reporting, detailed record-keeping, and reasonable claims. Take time throughout the year to maintain organized financial records so tax season doesn’t become a scramble. If possible, consult a tax professional who understands the unique challenges freelancers face to help you develop a proactive approach to tax filing that can save you from unnecessary stress and help you focus on what truly matters—your work. View the full article

Everyone wants privacy, but how far are you willing to go for it? For most people, the answer is "not very far." The cost of privacy is not only the knowledge it takes to navigate safely and invisibly online, but often also the inconvenience that comes with security practices practices like using VPNs, installing ad blockers and other extensions, and using a non-Chrome browser. If you go to extra lengths to protect your online privacy, we want to hear from you. And if you go to extreme lengths, we definitely want to hear from you. The first time I switched to a privacy-focused browser, I wondered why I hadn't done it sooner. I left Google Chrome after reading one of the countless stories about how Chrome is the worst browser for your data and privacy, and after importing my bookmarks and settings, I admittedly felt rather smug. I was a Brave user now, separate from the flock of sheep who gave their data away to Chrome, resigned to having their data tagged and tracked wherever they went. I also deleted my Facebook account, installed a VPN on my phone, and used Tor to browse anything I would be less than proud of. I also stopped using Google Maps. At least, I tried. As you might have guessed, few of these changes lasted long. Protecting my privacy online was one inconvenience after another. At first, I attributed my minor annoyances to a learning curve. My VPN broke certain websites, so I got in the habit of switching it on and off whenever I needed, for example. But while some decisions made life easier—I still don't miss Facebook, and browsing the internet without an ad blocker seems unthinkable now—others created accumulating obstacles. Websites wouldn't load, citing compatibility problems with my browser. Extensions were unavailable. Tech walkthroughs with friends and IT teams each invariably met the point where I would need to explain that, no, I am not on Chrome, or Firefox, or Edge. Once, I spent several days debating companies, agencies, and friends who insisted they tried calling me even though my phone never rang. Frustrated, I eventually called Verizon, and a customer service representative ran me through a series of tests and pings to identify the problem. After half an hour, my call was escalated to a higher tech support team that walked me through heavier solutions like resetting my network. Eventually, in a moment of clarity, I apologized to customer service, confessed that it was user error, and hung up the phone. I knew what the problem was, even if I couldn't explain it: I left my VPN on, and somehow it was blocking incoming calls. I turned it off, and life went back to normal. I began to feel less smug and more impractical, my decision to live a privacy-focused life having downsides I wasn't sure I was willing to accept. My breaking point came when I was on a trip and a Netflix error informed me that my browser was no longer supported. Stuck at an airport with yet another inconvenience, I got frustrated, threw in the towel, and found myself back on Chrome. Of course, my failure is my own, and there are endless reasons to push past the inconveniences to make your online privacy a standard practice. As part of our Safety Net series, I want to speak with people who take their privacy seriously enough to go to great lengths—arguably extreme ones, even—to keep your identity and privacy safe. I want us to learn what you do for privacy, what it's like to use technology the way you do, and how much convenience you sacrifice to do it. If this sounds like you, email me at jcalhoun@lifehacker.com with the subject line "Safety Net" or message me on Bluesky, and I'll get back to you if your story is selected to be featured. If it sounds like someone you know, please send them this article to share their experience. You can, of course, stay as anonymous as you'd like. View the full article

Optimizing the client experience is the real key to growth and profitability. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

Optimizing the client experience is the real key to growth and profitability. The Concierge CPA With Jackie Meyer For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Jackie Meyer. View the full article

In the past year, I’ve worked with job seekers, HR teams, and tech leaders, navigating everything from résumé optimization to the ethics of AI in hiring. And I’ve seen a clear pattern emerge: Candidates are using AI more than ever, and sometimes in ways that backfire. The tools are smarter. The competition is fiercer. Used well, AI can be your most powerful copilot. Used poorly, it can quietly disqualify you before a human ever sees your name. Here are five of the most common AI-related job search mistakes I see, along with one bonus pitfall you may not realize you’re making. Mistake 1: Relying on AI to Write Your Entire Résumé or Cover Letter AI résumé and cover letter generators promise to help you create professional documents quickly. But these tools often generate generic content based on keywords, which can make your application blend in with the rest. Yes, with a single ChatGPT prompt, you can have a résumé draft in 30 seconds. But if you stop there, you’re hurting your chances. Remember: AI-generated résumés read like they were written by a robot, because they were. Why it’s a problem: AI can help you with structure and grammar, but it cannot capture the nuances of your personal brand or unique career story. Worse yet, you also risk having a nearly identical résumé as another applicant because you are all asking for the same keywords/skills. Solution: Use AI to improve rather than replace your writing process—for example, to check for grammar errors, suggest keywords, or guide you to quantify your impact further. But make sure to personalize the content with specific examples from your own career. Your résumé should reflect your unique journey, not just a collection of skills and accomplishments with AI-generated words in between. Mistake 2: Using AI to Apply for Jobs on Your Behalf Without Customizing Your Application AI tools like job application bots can now apply for thousands of jobs on your behalf, filling out applications and submitting résumés for you. While this may save you time, it can also lead to oversaturation and missed opportunities. Why it’s a problem: These AI tools are good at mass applications but are not great at tailoring your application to each job and company. Customization is key when it comes to standing out in this crowded job market. An AI application will often lack the personalized touch that hiring managers value, and it won’t allow you to highlight specific aspects of your experience that align with the company’s culture and needs. Solution: Use AI to help identify relevant job openings, but take the time to customize your applications. Craft a personalized cover letter and tweak your résumé to reflect the most relevant skills and experiences for each job. Even a few tailored adjustments can make a huge difference in catching a hiring manager’s eye. Mistake 3: Letting AI or Deepfakes Do the Interview for You Yes, we’ve entered that chapter. Some candidates are now using AI tools to generate real-time answers during live chat interviews and in extreme cases, deploying deepfakes to complete asynchronous video screenings. Even if you make it through the first round or get hired, consider this: What will you do on the job? Why it’s a problem: AI-driven interviews and deepfakes can make it easier for candidates to present themselves in an overly polished or dishonest way. While you might pass the screening, the real challenge comes once you’re on the job. Most companies now prohibit pasting confidential or company-specific info into public AI tools like ChatGPT. So even if you’re AI-savvy, the tools you used to land the role may not be available on the job. If you oversell your capabilities or rely on tools you won’t have access to later, you risk being fired or flagged early in onboarding. Solution: While it might be tempting to rely on AI to enhance your interview performance, remember that authenticity is now paramount. Use AI to prep, not perform. Practice interview questions, refine your examples, and improve how you tell your story using AI, but never fake it. The risk isn’t just not getting the job. It’s losing your reputation. Mistake 4: Overinflating Your Experience with AI Polish AI tools can help you highlight your accomplishments and frame your experiences more effectively, but there’s a danger in overinflating your role or contributions. While it’s tempting to use AI to embellish your résumé or cover letter, it’s important to remember that overstatement will be quickly exposed, not only in interviews, but also through informal back-channel checks. Why it’s a problem: Hiring managers often reach out to former colleagues, managers, or industry connections to gather informal insights about candidates. Even if they’re not conducting formal reference checks, these casual conversations can reveal discrepancies between your résumé and the reality of your work experience. If your claims don’t match the reality of how you were perceived in previous roles, it could harm your credibility and disqualify you immediately. Solution: Focus on being authentic and accurate when detailing your experience. Use AI to help articulate or reframe your achievements but ensure that everything you list is something you can back up with real examples. Honesty and transparency go a long way in establishing trust with hiring managers. Mistake 5: Underestimating the Power (and Liability) of Your Digital Presence AI tools may help you land interviews, but they can also scan your LinkedIn profile or social media accounts as part of the screening process. It’s not enough to just have a résumé. Your online presence is increasingly scrutinized by employers. Why it’s a problem: If your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match your résumé, at minimum, it can confuse hiring managers. AI won’t just look at your résumé. Now it’s scanning your digital presence on all platforms. If you have once posted something negative about your potential employer as a customer, it can be flagged and prevent you from landing an interview. Solution: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, fully aligned with your résumé, and clearly highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments. Create a compelling headline and summary that clearly state what you do and what you’re looking for. Share posts that demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership. Clean up any social media posts that might paint an inaccurate or outdated picture of the current “you.” Remember, your LinkedIn is an extension of your résumé and should reflect your personal brand authentically. Bonus Mistake: Ignoring the Human Side of the Job Search Here’s the reality: Many jobs aren’t filled through cold applications. Some jobs are never even listed on job boards. They’re filled through referrals and networking. AI can’t replace genuine relationship building, and it shouldn’t. You should use AI to help you research target companies, suggest outreach messages on LinkedIn, or prep for networking calls and coffee chats. Then, go out there and attend events. On LinkedIn, you can comment thoughtfully on industry conversations and start building relationships with those who might someday become the hiring manager of your dream job. Remember, networking is expanding who you know and having a strong personal brand online expands who knows you. Both will enhance your chance of getting hired in this market. Final Thoughts: Stay Human and Stay Authentic My advice as an AI expert? Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your job search but always maintain authenticity and integrity. Let it help you shine brighter, not become a distorted version of yourself. Your skills, experience, and passion are what will ultimately land you the right job. Don’t let AI derail that by turning you into someone you’re not. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

Remember when meta keywords were all the rage? Fast forward to 2025, and while search engines have evolved dramatically, meta tags remain crucial building blocks of your SEO foundation, just not the ones you might remember. You’re juggling countless priorities, so it’s tempting to view meta tags as “set it and forget it” HTML snippets. But here’s the truth: properly optimized meta tags are still conversion-driving assets that both search engines and potential customers use to understand your content. This guide cuts through the noise to spotlight the meta tags that actually move the needle – on rankings, click-through rates, and visibility. Before we dive deep, here’s what you need to know: Title tags and meta descriptions remain your most powerful meta elements in 2025. With AI Overviews now prominent in search, robots meta tags have become crucial content governance tools. Mobile optimization through viewport tags directly impacts your rankings. Social meta tags drive significantly higher engagement when properly implemented. What are meta tags? You’ve heard about meta tags, but what exactly are they? Think of them as your website’s elevator pitch to search engines, invisible to visitors but critical for rankings. These HTML snippets live in the <head> section of your code, quietly working behind the scenes to tell Google, Bing, and other search engines what your page is about, who should see it, and how it should appear in search results. Meta tags remain one of the few direct communication channels between marketers and search engines. Despite all the algorithm changes we’ve seen, properly implemented meta tags still provide clear ranking signals. Unlike the early 2000s when you could stuff keywords into meta tags and call it a day, today’s meta tags work as part of a sophisticated system that impacts not just rankings but also user behavior and conversion rates. They’ve become even more crucial with the widespread adoption of AI-driven search features like Google’s AI Overviews. Meta tags every site must have Title tag If I could only optimize one meta element, it would be the title tag every single time. It’s the heavyweight champion of meta tags, appearing as the clickable headline in search results and significantly influencing both rankings and click-through rates. Here’s what actually works in 2025: Optimal format: Primary Keyword | Secondary Keyword | Brand Name Character limit: 50-60 characters (Google typically displays about 600 pixels worth) Psychology hack: Numbers and power words can entice clicks I recently worked with a SaaS client who changed their homepage title tag from “Cloud-Based Project Management Software” to ” #1 Project Management Software for Remote Teams | Save 5hrs/Week” The result? A 27% increase in click-through rate and a jump from Position 4 to Position 2 for their primary keyword. That’s the power of a well-crafted title tag. But here’s what most marketers miss: your title tag doesn’t exist in isolation. It needs to work in harmony with your meta description to tell a compelling two-part story. Meta descriptions Think of meta descriptions as free advertising space. While they don’t directly impact rankings, they’re your best opportunity to convince searchers to click your result instead of the competition. The most effective meta descriptions follow this proven formula: Open with a benefit or promise that addresses search intent. Include specific details that build credibility (numbers, stats, features). End with a clear call-to-action that creates urgency. For example, compare these two meta descriptions for the same article about email marketing: “This article discusses email marketing best practices for small businesses. Learn how to improve your email marketing strategy and get better results from your campaigns.” “Boost your open rates by 37% with these 7 proven email templates designed for small businesses. See how brands like yours are driving 2X conversions with our step-by-step approach.” The second example is specific, benefit-focused, and creates urgency. Tip: Google now dynamically adjusts meta descriptions based on the search query, but don’t leave this to chance! Write compelling descriptions for your key pages, or Google might pull random text from your page that doesn’t convert. Dig deeper: SEO for page titles and meta descriptions: How to win more clicks Robots meta tag The robots meta tag has evolved from a simple indexing control to a sophisticated governance tool for how your content appears in search, particularly in AI-generated results. The most important directives you need to know: index/noindex: Controls whether a page appears in search results at all. follow/nofollow: Determines if Google should follow links on your page. nosnippet: Prevents your content from appearing in featured snippets and from being used as input for AI Overviews. max-snippet:[number]: Limits how much text can be used in snippets and AI Overviews. This last point deserves special attention. With Google’s AI Overviews now answering many queries directly at the top of search results, you face a strategic decision: Do you want your content to be cited (potentially gaining visibility)? Or do you want to drive direct traffic to your site? For high-value content that answers specific questions, using max-snippet:50 can be a smart compromise. You provide enough information to be cited in AI Overviews, but not enough for the AI to give a complete answer without the user clicking through. Viewport meta tag With mobile-first indexing now the standard, the viewport meta tag is non-negotiable. This simple line of code ensures your site displays correctly on all devices: <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> This tag is so important because mobile usability is a direct ranking factor. Sites that force users to pinch and zoom on mobile can be impacted in search rankings, regardless of how valuable their content might be. The strategy behind effective meta tags Meta tags as the first impression Your meta tags create the first impression in search results, before users reach your website. This first impression needs to accomplish three things: Signal relevance: Clearly show that you’re answering the user’s query. Build trust: Demonstrate expertise and credibility. Create urgency: Give users a compelling reason to click now. The most successful meta tags address all three of these elements simultaneously. Aligning meta tags with search intent One of the biggest shifts in meta tag optimization is focusing on search intent rather than just keywords. Today’s successful meta tags specifically address one of these four intent types: Intent typeWhat users wantMeta tag approachExampleInformationalLearn somethingEducational tone, promise of insights“What is Growth Marketing: 7 Essential Strategies Explained”NavigationalFind a specific siteBrand-forward, direct“Netflix Official Site – Stream Movies & TV Shows”CommercialResearch before buyingComparison terms, benefits“Best Running Shoes 2025: Compare Top Brands & Features”TransactionalMake a purchaseAction terms, urgency“Shop iPhone 16 – Free Shipping & Returns Until Friday” The key is matching your meta tags to what users actually want at this moment in their journey. This alignment signals to both Google and users that your content is precisely what they’re looking for. Advanced meta tag techniques for 2025 Social meta tags Social meta tags (Open Graph and X card tags) control how your content appears when shared on social platforms. With social platforms driving significant traffic, these tags are essential for comprehensive visibility. The minimum social tags you should implement on every page: Canonical tags The canonical tag might not be visible to users, but it’s crucial for preventing duplicate content issues and consolidating ranking signals: <link rel="canonical" href="https://yourdomain.com/definitive-url"> This tag is particularly important for: Ecommerce sites with product pages accessible through multiple category paths. News sites that publish similar content across different sections. Sites with both www and non-www versions (or HTTP and HTTPS variants). Data-nosnippet One of the newest and most valuable tools in your meta tag arsenal is the data-nosnippet attribute. This HTML attribute lets you mark specific sections of content that you don’t want included in either traditional snippets or AI Overviews: <div data-nosnippet>This content won't appear in snippets or AI Overviews</div> This offers control, allowing you to protect your most valuable content, like executive summaries, key conclusions, or proprietary data, while still allowing other parts of your page to appear in search results. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Measuring meta tag performance How do you know if your meta tags are actually working? Here’s my three-step process for measuring and optimizing meta tag performance: Track click-through rate (CTR): Use Google Search Console to identify pages with lower-than-expected CTR for their position. These are prime candidates for meta tag optimization. A/B test critical pages: For high-value pages, create variations of your title and description tags to see which combinations drive the highest CTR. Even small wording changes can yield significant improvements. Monitor impressions in AI Overviews: Track when your content is cited in AI Overviews and measure the impact on both direct traffic and brand awareness. This helps inform your robots tag strategy. One test for a retail client of ours discovered that adding product prices directly in their title tags (“Men’s Leather Wallet – $49.99”) increased their CTR by 23% compared to titles without pricing information. Common meta tag mistakes Even seasoned marketers make these meta tag mistakes that can hurt visibility: 1. Duplicate meta descriptions across multiple pages I recently audited a site where 62% of their product pages shared the same generic meta description. Google was forced to create its own snippets, resulting in inconsistent messaging and poor CTR. The fix? Create unique, specific meta descriptions for each page, focusing on the unique value proposition of that particular content. 2. Keyword stuffing in title tags It’s 2025, but I still see sites trying to cram every possible keyword variation into their title tags: “Best SEO Services, SEO Agency, SEO Company, Search Engine Optimization Services” This approach looks spammy to users and triggers Google’s title rewriting algorithm, giving you even less control over your SERP appearance. 3. Missing or improper robots directives With AI Overviews now prevalent, misconfigured robots directives can lead to either: Valuable content being completely excluded from AI citations. Proprietary information being fully exposed in AI summaries. Review your robots directives quarterly to ensure they align with your current content strategy and business goals. 4. Ignoring mobile meta tag optimization Title tags and meta descriptions appear differently on mobile devices, with even tighter character limits. Yet many marketers still optimize exclusively for desktop display. Mobile optimization means: Front-loading the most important information in titles and descriptions. Keeping mobile meta descriptions under 120 characters. Ensuring your viewport meta tag is properly implemented. Meta tags and AI search: Preparing for what’s next The rise of AI in search has fundamentally changed how we approach meta tags. Here’s how to position your content for success in this evolving landscape: Strategic decisions about AI content usage Every site now faces a critical decision: Do you want your content to appear in AI-generated summaries? There are valid arguments on both sides: Allowing AI usage: Gains visibility as a cited source in AI Overviews. Positions your brand as an authority. Creates multiple entry points to your content. Restricting AI usage Preserves direct traffic to your site. Protects proprietary or premium content. Maintains control over how your information is presented. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every brand should decide for themselves which aligns or take a hybrid approach. Enhanced structured data integration While not technically meta tags, structured data (schema.org markup) works alongside your meta tags to provide context to search engines. In 2025, implementing relevant schema markup is essential for: Qualifying for rich results (ratings, FAQs, how-tos). Providing clear entity signals to AI systems. Enhancing the appearance of your content in both traditional and AI search results. The sites seeing the most success in AI-driven search are those that provide both strong meta tag signals and comprehensive structured data. Your 15-minute meta tag audit Ready to put these insights into action? Here’s a quick audit process you can run right now: Check your top 5 landing pages in Google Search Console for CTR outliers. Verify that each page has a unique, compelling title and meta description. Ensure your robots meta directives align with your AI content strategy. Confirm proper canonical tags are in place, especially for similar content. Validate that viewport and social meta tags are correctly implemented. This simple process can help you identify quick wins to increase organic traffic within weeks, not months. Smart meta tags power search performance In 2025, meta tags are no longer just technical SEO elements; they’re strategic marketing assets that require thoughtful optimization. The most successful marketers approach meta tags with three principles in mind: User-first thinking: Write for humans first, algorithms second. Strategic control: Make deliberate choices about how and where your content appears. Continuous testing: Regularly measure performance and refine your approach. As search continues to evolve with AI at the forefront, your meta tags will remain one of your most powerful tools for visibility, engagement, and control. The time you invest in optimizing them today will pay dividends in traffic and conversions tomorrow. View the full article

Party receives £100,000 from donors ahead of voting across England on May 1View the full article