All Activity

With a more volatile electorate, all parties need to adapt to face down populismView the full article

Google faces a jury trial after a judge lets Yelp’s main antitrust claims proceed, raising questions about local search and ad market practices. The post Yelp Vs. Google Antitrust Case Survives First Big Test appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Vacation rental platform Airbnb on Thursday forecast second-quarter revenue largely below Wall Street estimates and signaled softening demand in the U.S. as an erratic trade policy hammers consumer sentiment and sparks worries over growth. Shares of the company fell more than 6% after the bell, set to add to the year-to-date decline of about 7%. The company expects second-quarter revenue between $2.99 billion and $3.05 billion, the midpoint of which is below analysts’ estimates of $3.04 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG. Over the last two months, Delta Airlines warned travel demand has “largely stalled”, while hotel operator Hilton indicated travelers were in a “wait-and see” mode, as President Donald The President’s on-again off-again tariffs take a toll. Airbnb Chief Financial Officer Ellie Mertz said on an earnings call that guests were booking trips closer to the check-in date, indicating that the booking window was growing shorter. Booking window refers to the number of days between the reservation date and actual arrival and a shorter booking window points towards increased consumer uncertainty and caution in travel spending. Nights and experiences booked during the first quarter rose 8% to 143.1 million on a global basis. Excluding North America, bookings were up 11% from a year earlier. The U.S. comprises a vast majority of the San Francisco-based company’s North America business, which contributes about 30% to nights booked on its platform. Airbnb said it expects average daily rate, or the rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day, to remain flat in the second quarter and core profit margin to be slightly down from a year earlier. It also expects moderation in the year-over-year growth rate of the nights booked in the current quarter from the first. Total revenue for the first quarter rose 6% to $2.27 billion, compared to analysts’ estimates of $2.26 billion. However, net income slumped 41.7% to $154 million due to higher headcount, write-downs of certain historical investments in privately held companies and lower interest income. —Aishwarya Jain, Reuters View the full article

Industry payrolls wavered in a tepid buying season in which total employment has been better than expected given government cuts. View the full article

Home ownership is receding further out of reach for most Americans as elevated mortgage rates and rising prices stretch the limits of what buyers can afford. A homebuyer now needs to earn at least $114,000 a year to afford a $431,250 home—the national median listing price in April, according to data released Thursday by Realtor.com The analysis assumes that a homebuyer will make a 20% down payment, finance the rest of the purchase with a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and that the buyer’s housing costs won’t exceed 30% of their gross monthly income—an often-used barometer of housing affordability. Based off the latest U.S. median home listing price, homebuyers need to earn $47,000 more a year to afford a home than they would have just six years ago. Back then, the median U.S. home listing price was $314,950, and the average rate on a 30-year mortgage hovered around 4.1%. This week, the rate averaged 6.76%. The annual income required to afford a median-priced U.S. home first crossed into the six figures in May 2022 and hasn’t dropped below that level since. Median household income was about $80,600 annually in 2023, according to the U.S. Census bureau. In several metro areas, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston, the annual income needed to afford a median-priced home tops $200,000. In San Jose, it’s more than $370,000. Rock-bottom mortgage rates turbocharged the housing market during the pandemic, fueling bidding wars for homes that pushed up sale prices sometimes hundreds of thousands of dollars above a seller initial asking price. U.S. home prices soared more than 50% between 2019 and 2024. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump since 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from their pandemic-era lows. Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes fell last year to their lowest level in nearly 30 years. In March, they posted their largest monthly drop since November 2022. It’s not all bad news for prospective homebuyers. Home prices are rising much more slowly than during the pandemic housing market frenzy. The national median sales price of a previously occupied U.S. home rose 2.7% in March from a year earlier to $403,700, an all-time high for March, but the smallest annual increase since August. In April, the median price of a home listed for sale rose only 0.3% from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. Buyers who can afford current mortgage rates have a wider selection of properties now than a year ago. Active listings—a tally that encompasses all homes on the market except those pending a finalized sale—surged 30.6% last month from a year earlier, according to Realtor.com. Home listings jumped between 67.6% and 70.1% in San Diego, San Jose and Washington D.C. As properties take longer to sell, more sellers are reducing their asking price. Some 18% of listings had their price reduced last month, according to Realtor.com. “Sellers are becoming more flexible on pricing, underscored by the price reductions we’re seeing, and while higher mortgage rates are certainly weighing on demand, the silver lining is that the market is starting to rebalance,” said Danielle Hale, chief economist at Realtor.com. “This could create opportunities for buyers who are prepared.” —Alex Veiga, AP Business Writer View the full article

Strategic thinking, curiosity, and innovation can turn traditional marketing roles into firm leadership opportunities. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

Strategic thinking, curiosity, and innovation can turn traditional marketing roles into firm leadership opportunities. Gear Up for Growth With Jean Caragher Go PRO for members-only access to more Jean Marie Caragher. View the full article

AI is coming for your organic search traffic. More people are turning to ChatGPT for quick answers, and AI Overviews are rapidly improving at delivering the kind of fast, surface-level information your website used to provide. But as long as people are searching, there will be demand for content created by those with real-world experience. The SEOs who will continue to capture traffic are the ones focused on producing unmistakably human content – the kind AI simply can’t replicate. Right now, the industry is fixated on what AI can do, while largely ignoring what it can’t. Your edge over generative AI is clear: real-world experience that adds depth, nuance, and trust. There’s still a need for the kind of content marketers excel at producing – but to drive results, we need to shift how we think about content strategy. That’s what this article is about. I’ll share how to: Identify which content to leave to AI – and which topics still drive meaningful, qualified traffic. Create unmistakably human content that resonates with real readers and moves them to act. Measure whether your content is delivering the impact you’re aiming for. Authenticity must be top of mind in the age of AI AI-generated answers dominate the top of search results, often answering basic informational searches satisfactorily. There are, however, topics where searchers want to hear from human beings with real, firsthand experience with a subject – not an AI-generated response. In these cases, users scroll past these AI-generated snippets and toward organic search results – often only to find content that is often indistinguishable from the AI-generated content at the top of the results. It’s a bit of a slap in the face: your reader scrolled past an AI answer, clicked on your website, and got another AI answer. This is understandable. SEOs are trying to figure out how to best use AI. However, the result has been that we’re often not delivering the only thing that ChatGPT and the AI Overviews are not able to provide: a unique perspective derived from real-world, firsthand experience with a topic. This needs to stop. If someone turns to Google instead of ChatGPT – and scrolls past the AI Overview – they’re probably looking for a human perspective (not your lightly edited AI output). We need to do all we can to make it clear to visitors that they are getting exactly that when they read our content: real perspectives from real people. How to identify topics where an individual’s insight is essential How do you identify topics where searchers are inclined to bypass ChatGPT and AI Overviews to hear from an actual human being? The ‘A’ in ‘BARS’ When doing keyword/topic research for blog content, we have a framework we use to qualify topics we refer to as “BARS.” Is the topic: On the buyer’s journey? Potentially answerable by AI? Ranking for keywords we can rank for? Able to drive enough search volume to be worth our time? The “BRS” parts of this framework are classic SEO-driven content marketing skills, but the “A” is new. Emotional, experiential, expert insights are key We’ve determined that the types of topics where people want to hear from real people typically want insights that are: Emotional: “What did it feel like when __________ ?” Experiential: “What was your experience with __________?” Expert insights: “Would someone prefer to hear what individual experts think vs. the consensus on a topic?” Examples include: Personal health journeys (emotional), such as mental health, chronic illness, weight loss, and recovery stories. Product reviews (experiential), especially for beauty, fitness, and tech products where personal use matters. Parenting advice (emotional): Real stories and experiences from parents who lived through what you’re dealing with. Career growth and job advice (expert): Examples from people who have achieved the growth a person wishes to achieve. Travel experiences (experiential): Nuanced tips and firsthand impressions make destinations feel real. Lifestyle and self-improvement (emotional, experiential, and expert): Covers productivity or personal development. When done well, this is the first “E” in E-E-A-T – experience. Blog topics need to be qualified by determining how well the content producer can deliver emotional, experiential, or expert insights. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. 4 tips for making content that is unmistakably human 1. Include video in your blogs Adding video to your articles – or using a video-first SEO strategy – is one way to help your content connect with visitors in a way that is unmistakably human. While there are tools that create convincing avatars for video, they all lack the most important aspect of connecting with your audience: Personality. Personal experience. Viewpoints. When searchers scroll past the AI Overview and land on your article, finding a video that clearly features a real, engaging human ready to share their experience and perspective on a topic, they are primed to hear what you have to say. At this point, it’s just a matter of being engaging and delivering value. Including video also has the added benefit of driving organic search traffic to your social media, where your social media can nurture it down the funnel. 2. Focus your content on topics that demand a unique perspective AI excels at summarizing existing consensus on a topic. When they scroll past the AI Overview, they often want to hear your perspective, not the consensus. Let’s look at an example: I had to make a choice about a lens for my cataract surgery last summer (odd, I know, I was only 45). I assure you, I was only interested in hearing from individual ophthalmologists who had implanted these in hundreds of patients, not the AI Overview – these are my eyes we’re talking about. In this case, some ophthalmologists feel that these lenses are only appropriate for people with perfectly healthy eyes. Others feel that the only reason to forego them is the additional cost. This is the kind of unique perspective I was looking for. 3. Focus your content on topics where the user may not trust AI There are many searches where the user is less likely to trust the AI Overview. Let’s look at an example: In this case, the AI Overview fails to deliver a consensus on the topic (there is no blanket “yes or no” consensus around this topic). A person wishing to explore HRT to address the symptoms surrounding menopause is likely to want to hear from breast cancer research organizations and doctors for a topic like this that still lacks consensus: I would argue that both topics meet the “A” in “BARS.” 4. Put your writers front and center in your blog layout This topic has been discussed as an E-E-A-T signal for a long time, but I don’t think Google’s systems are why we need to do it. Actual human beings want to know who is providing them with information, which is why we should prominently feature our authors in our blogs. Using the results for “parenting a child with ADHD” as an example, there’s one reason I have to scroll past the AI Overview. I want to hear from a professional (or perhaps several) who has formed a unique perspective from their years of experience. How likely are readers to feel that they are getting this if they land on a page that doesn’t even mention who wrote it? Want to make your content unmistakably human? Show us who wrote it and share their credentials: If users are clicking on the blue links because they want to hear from an expert, tell them who that expert is and what makes them an expert. Even better, embed video: Video gives people a chance to see and hear from the real subject matter behind your brand, whether that’s a clinician, founder, or patient. It builds trust faster than text alone and adds depth to your message. Measure success beyond clicks Too many SEOs focus on nothing beyond rankings and organic search traffic. What is the point of getting traffic if the reader leaves after 15 seconds? What is the point of organic search traffic if a typical reader spends two minutes reading your content and leaves without knowing who you are or what makes your organization unique? Develop KPIs that go beyond clicks and rankings; determine whether people are satisfied with your content. Here are a few suggestions: Are you shooting accompanying videos for all your blogs? Shoot for audience retention above 60% at 30 secs and a total view through above 40%. Establish a baseline for your average time on page for your blogs per 100 words – then identify your outliers to learn what works and what doesn’t. Start paying attention to scroll depth on your articles. Identify outliers and learn from them. Figuring out how to measure engagement with your content will enable you to learn what works as far as driving toward your business goals. Unmistakably human content will be key to making SEO drive business outcomes in the age of AI We have a burning platform. More people will turn to generative AI tools to get certain types of information and if we do not learn how to avoid spending resources on that type of content, we will not drive business outcomes for our organizations. Unless we are able to provide value that generative AI is unable to deliver, we will see our jobs, budgets, and engagements ended. Beyond that, we need to have a compelling narrative surrounding our role in a business world where there is a growing perception that AI should be able to do everything we do. The ability to show stakeholders that people still want to hear from other people – and that we know how to identify and deliver that content – is what will keep SEO-driven content marketing funded. View the full article

European Union privacy watchdogs fined TikTok 530 million euros ($600 million) on Friday after a four-year investigation found that the video-sharing app’s data transfers to China breached strict data privacy rules in the EU. Ireland’s Data Protection Commission also sanctioned TikTok for not being transparent with users about where their personal data was being sent and it ordered the company to comply with the rules within six months. The Irish national watchdog serves as TikTok’s lead data privacy regulator in the 27-nation EU because the company’s European headquarters is based in Dublin. “TikTok failed to verify, guarantee and demonstrate that the personal data of (European) users, remotely accessed by staff in China, was afforded a level of protection essentially equivalent to that guaranteed within the EU,” Deputy Commissioner Graham Doyle said in a statement. TikTok said it disagreed with the decision and plans to appeal. The company said in a blog post that the decision focuses on a “select period” ending in May 2023, before it embarked on a data localization project called Project Clover that involved building three data centers in Europe. “The facts are that Project Clover has some of the most stringent data protections anywhere in the industry, including unprecedented independent oversight by NCC Group, a leading European cybersecurity firm,” said Christine Grahn, TikTok’s European head of public policy and government relations. “The decision fails to fully consider these considerable data security measures.” TikTok, whose parent company ByteDance is based in China, has been under scrutiny in Europe over how it handles personal information of its users amid concerns from Western officials that it poses a security risk over user data sent to China. In 2023, the Irish watchdog also fined the company hundreds of millions of euros in a separate child privacy investigation. The Irish watchdog said its investigation found that TikTok failed to address “potential access by Chinese authorities” to European users’ personal data under Chinese laws on anti-terrorism, counter-espionage, cybersecurity and national intelligence that were identified as “materially diverging” from EU standards. Grahn said TikTok has “has never received a request for European user data from the Chinese authorities, and has never provided European user data to them.” Under the EU rules, known as the General Data Protection Regulation, European user data can only be transferred outside of the bloc if there are safeguards in place to ensure the same level of protection. Grahn said TikTok strongly disagreed with the Irish regulator’s argument that it didn’t carry out “necessary assessments” for data transfers, saying it sought advice from law firms and experts. She said TikTok was being “singled out” even though it uses the “same legal mechanisms” that thousands of other companies in Europe does and its approach is “in line” with EU rules. The investigation, which opened in September 2021, also found that TikTok’s privacy policy at the time did not name third countries, including China, where user data was transferred. The watchdog said the policy, which has since been updated, failed to explain that data processing involved “remote access to personal data stored in Singapore and the United States by personnel based in China.” TikTok faces further scrutiny from the Irish regulator, which said that the company had provided inaccurate information to throughout the inquiry by saying that it didn’t store European user data on Chinese servers. It wasn’t until April that it informed the regulator that it discovered in February that some data had in fact been stored on Chinese servers. Doyle said that the watchdog is taking the recent developments “very seriously” and “considering what further regulatory action may be warranted.” —Kelvin Chan, AP Business Writer View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand the Cake Business: Gain knowledge about culinary and entrepreneurial aspects by researching market viability and customer preferences to establish a strong foundation for your cake business. Identify Your Niche: Define your specialty, whether it be custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, or unique offerings like cupcakes, to differentiate your brand and cater to specific target audiences. Develop a Solid Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your objectives, target audience, sales strategies, and financial projections to guide your cake business’s growth. Comply with Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits, and choose a suitable legal structure to protect your venture and ensure compliance with local food production regulations. Master Baking Skills and Quality Ingredients: Hone your baking and decoration techniques while sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor and presentation of your cakes. Implement Effective Marketing Strategies: Build a strong online presence and engage with your community to enhance visibility and attract customers through social media, networking, and a professional website. Starting a cake business can be a deliciously rewarding venture. If you’ve got a passion for baking and a flair for creativity, turning that hobby into a profitable enterprise might be your next big step. Imagine transforming your kitchen into a thriving bakery where your sweet creations bring joy to customers and celebrations alike. But where do you begin? From perfecting your recipes to understanding the business side of things, launching a cake business involves several key steps. With the right guidance and a sprinkle of determination, you can turn your love for baking into a successful career. Let’s dive into the essentials of starting your cake business and making your dreams come true. Understanding the Cake Business Starting a cake business involves understanding both the culinary and entrepreneurial aspects. Gain insights into market viability and establish a solid foundation for your venture. Market Research and Trends Conducting market research is essential for your cake business. Analyze current trends in flavors, decoration styles, and customer preferences. Look into local competitors to determine their offerings and pricing strategies. Use surveys and online research to identify gaps in the market. Successful cake businesses often capitalize on seasonal trends and dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan options. Stay informed about emerging market trends to adapt your business model accordingly. Identifying Your Niche Identifying your niche sets your cake business apart. Decide whether to focus on custom cakes for weddings, birthday cakes, or specialty products like cupcakes and cake pops. Consider your target audience and what unique offerings you can provide. Tailoring your products to specific themes or dietary needs can enhance customer acquisition. For instance, if you enjoy creating elaborate wedding cakes, make that your focus. Defining your niche not only helps in product development but also strengthens your branding efforts. Setting Up Your Business Starting a cake business requires careful planning and strategic decisions. Focus on solid foundations to boost your chance of success. Business Plan Development Developing a business plan is essential for defining your objectives. Outline your business model, including target audience and sales strategies. Conduct market research to understand customer preferences and competition. Establish measurable business goals to guide your growth strategy, like increasing customer acquisition and revenue within specific timeframes. Your plan should include financial projections concerning expenses, profit margins, and funding options. This document can also serve as a pitch for potential investors, like angel investors or venture capitalists, if you seek additional resources. Legal Requirements and Licensing Understanding the legal requirements of starting a cake business is crucial. Choose a legal structure that fits your needs, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different implications for taxes, liability, and administrative responsibilities. Obtain necessary licenses and permits, which may include health permits and business registration. Consult legal advice for intellectual property protections, such as trademarks for your brand. Ensure compliance with local regulations around food production and sales. Proper licensing safeguards your venture and builds trust with customers, enhancing your branding efforts. Baking Your Cakes Baking your cakes forms the foundation of your cake business. Focus on honing your skills and selecting the right products to offer. Essential Skills and Techniques Mastering essential baking skills sets you apart as an entrepreneur in the cake industry. Invest time in learning various baking techniques. You can attend specialized baking classes or workshops to refine your craft. Seek mentorship from experienced bakers who can provide valuable insights and guidance. Practice consistently to perfect your recipes and achieve the desired texture and flavor. Understanding cake decoration techniques is also vital; these enhance your product appeal and contribute to your branding efforts. Use precise measurements with tools like kitchen scales to ensure consistent results, crucial for maintaining quality. Sourcing Quality Ingredients Sourcing quality ingredients directly impacts the flavor and presentation of your cakes. Establish relationships with reputable suppliers who provide fresh, high-quality products. Prioritize local ingredients when possible to promote sustainability and support your community, which can strengthen your marketing story. Research potential suppliers and compare prices to identify the best-fit for your budget and business model. Being selective about your ingredients improves product quality, encourages customer acquisition, and helps build a loyal customer base. Consider obtaining certifications for organic or specialty ingredients, as these can enhance your brand’s credibility and attract specific target audiences. Marketing Your Cake Business Effective marketing strategies significantly enhance your cake business’s visibility and customer base. Focus on establishing your brand by utilizing various marketing channels tailored to your target audience. Building an Online Presence Create a professional website that serves as a digital storefront. Your website should include essential features like an e-commerce component to facilitate online orders, a gallery showcasing your cake designs, and an easy-to-navigate layout. Utilize SEO techniques to improve your website’s search engine ranking, enabling potential customers to find you more easily. Engage on social media platforms to share photos of your creations, connect with customers, and promote special offers. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook can effectively showcase your cakes, while email marketing helps maintain communication with your audience and drive repeat sales. Networking and Community Engagement Build relationships with local businesses and industry professionals. Collaborating with event planners, caterers, and local cafes can expand your reach and create new sales opportunities. Attend community events to showcase your cakes and connect with potential customers. Joining business networking groups or local entrepreneur meetups can provide valuable mentorship and support. Leverage these connections to gain insights into market trends and effective marketing strategies while fostering partnerships that enhance customer acquisition and brand recognition in your community. Managing Your Finances Managing your finances effectively is crucial for running a successful cake business. Proper financial management involves budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding revenue streams. This foundation helps in making informed decisions and achieving business goals. Budgeting and Pricing Strategies Creating a budget offers a clear financial roadmap for your cake business. Cover regular expenses such as rent, utilities, ingredients, wages, marketing, and maintenance. This budget helps determine the revenue required to sustain operations and reach profit margins. Set competitive prices based on costs, market research, and target audience willingness to pay. Use a pricing strategy that reflects product quality and uniqueness. For example, premium pricing can attract customers seeking high-end cakes, while competitive pricing may appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Tracking Expenses and Revenue Tracking expenses and revenue is essential for cash flow management. Utilize accounting software or simple spreadsheets to log all transactions. Regularly reviewing this data helps identify trends and areas for improvement. Calculate your profit margin by deducting total expenses from total revenue. This allows you to see where adjustments can enhance profitability. Understanding your sales funnel also aids in refining your marketing strategies and increasing customer acquisition. Establishing a clear system for tracking finances sets a solid groundwork for future growth, ensuring your cake business remains sustainable and profitable. Conclusion Starting a cake business can be a fulfilling journey that allows you to share your passion for baking with the world. By mastering your craft and understanding the business side, you’re setting the stage for success. Remember to keep your offerings unique and tailored to your target market. Focus on building a strong online presence and engaging with your community to attract loyal customers. With careful planning and effective financial management, you can turn your baking dreams into a thriving enterprise. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories as you create delicious memories for your customers. Your cake business awaits, so get started today! Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of starting a cake business? Starting a cake business allows you to turn your passion for baking into a profitable career. It provides the opportunity to express creativity, connect with customers, and enjoy the satisfaction of making events special. Additionally, it can offer flexibility in your work schedule, allowing you to balance personal and professional commitments. How do I know if my cake business will be successful? Success in a cake business largely depends on understanding your market. Conduct thorough research to identify trends, customer preferences, and competition. Tailoring your offerings to a specific niche and continually improving your recipes can better your chances of success. What skills do I need to start a cake business? Essential skills for a cake business include mastering baking techniques, recipe development, and decorating methods. Additionally, understanding basic marketing, financial management, and customer service skills is crucial for running the business effectively. Is there a specific niche I should focus on? Identifying a niche can help differentiate your cake business from competitors. Consider specializing in custom cakes for events, dietary-specific options (such as gluten-free), or unique flavor profiles. Tailoring your offerings to meet specific customer needs can attract a loyal clientele. What legal requirements do I need to consider? Starting a cake business requires compliance with local health regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. Check with your local government for specific requirements, as this ensures legal operation and builds customer trust. How can I effectively market my cake business? Effective marketing strategies include building a professional online presence with a website and engaging on social media platforms. Showcase your cake designs, utilize SEO for better visibility, and maintain customer communication through email marketing to enhance your reach. What are the financial basics for managing a cake business? Managing finances involves budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding your revenue streams. Create a budget to cover regular expenses, determine pricing strategies based on market research, and establish a tracking system to maintain healthy cash flow and ensure profitability. How can I improve the quality of my cakes? Improving cake quality starts with mastering essential baking techniques and investing in quality ingredients. Build relationships with reliable suppliers and prioritize local or organic products to enhance flavor. Consistent practice and seeking mentorship can also elevate your baking skills. Image Via Envato This article, "How to Start a Cake Business and Turn Your Baking Passion into Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand the Cake Business: Gain knowledge about culinary and entrepreneurial aspects by researching market viability and customer preferences to establish a strong foundation for your cake business. Identify Your Niche: Define your specialty, whether it be custom wedding cakes, birthday cakes, or unique offerings like cupcakes, to differentiate your brand and cater to specific target audiences. Develop a Solid Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your objectives, target audience, sales strategies, and financial projections to guide your cake business’s growth. Comply with Legal Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the necessary licenses and permits, and choose a suitable legal structure to protect your venture and ensure compliance with local food production regulations. Master Baking Skills and Quality Ingredients: Hone your baking and decoration techniques while sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor and presentation of your cakes. Implement Effective Marketing Strategies: Build a strong online presence and engage with your community to enhance visibility and attract customers through social media, networking, and a professional website. Starting a cake business can be a deliciously rewarding venture. If you’ve got a passion for baking and a flair for creativity, turning that hobby into a profitable enterprise might be your next big step. Imagine transforming your kitchen into a thriving bakery where your sweet creations bring joy to customers and celebrations alike. But where do you begin? From perfecting your recipes to understanding the business side of things, launching a cake business involves several key steps. With the right guidance and a sprinkle of determination, you can turn your love for baking into a successful career. Let’s dive into the essentials of starting your cake business and making your dreams come true. Understanding the Cake Business Starting a cake business involves understanding both the culinary and entrepreneurial aspects. Gain insights into market viability and establish a solid foundation for your venture. Market Research and Trends Conducting market research is essential for your cake business. Analyze current trends in flavors, decoration styles, and customer preferences. Look into local competitors to determine their offerings and pricing strategies. Use surveys and online research to identify gaps in the market. Successful cake businesses often capitalize on seasonal trends and dietary preferences such as gluten-free or vegan options. Stay informed about emerging market trends to adapt your business model accordingly. Identifying Your Niche Identifying your niche sets your cake business apart. Decide whether to focus on custom cakes for weddings, birthday cakes, or specialty products like cupcakes and cake pops. Consider your target audience and what unique offerings you can provide. Tailoring your products to specific themes or dietary needs can enhance customer acquisition. For instance, if you enjoy creating elaborate wedding cakes, make that your focus. Defining your niche not only helps in product development but also strengthens your branding efforts. Setting Up Your Business Starting a cake business requires careful planning and strategic decisions. Focus on solid foundations to boost your chance of success. Business Plan Development Developing a business plan is essential for defining your objectives. Outline your business model, including target audience and sales strategies. Conduct market research to understand customer preferences and competition. Establish measurable business goals to guide your growth strategy, like increasing customer acquisition and revenue within specific timeframes. Your plan should include financial projections concerning expenses, profit margins, and funding options. This document can also serve as a pitch for potential investors, like angel investors or venture capitalists, if you seek additional resources. Legal Requirements and Licensing Understanding the legal requirements of starting a cake business is crucial. Choose a legal structure that fits your needs, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation. Each structure has different implications for taxes, liability, and administrative responsibilities. Obtain necessary licenses and permits, which may include health permits and business registration. Consult legal advice for intellectual property protections, such as trademarks for your brand. Ensure compliance with local regulations around food production and sales. Proper licensing safeguards your venture and builds trust with customers, enhancing your branding efforts. Baking Your Cakes Baking your cakes forms the foundation of your cake business. Focus on honing your skills and selecting the right products to offer. Essential Skills and Techniques Mastering essential baking skills sets you apart as an entrepreneur in the cake industry. Invest time in learning various baking techniques. You can attend specialized baking classes or workshops to refine your craft. Seek mentorship from experienced bakers who can provide valuable insights and guidance. Practice consistently to perfect your recipes and achieve the desired texture and flavor. Understanding cake decoration techniques is also vital; these enhance your product appeal and contribute to your branding efforts. Use precise measurements with tools like kitchen scales to ensure consistent results, crucial for maintaining quality. Sourcing Quality Ingredients Sourcing quality ingredients directly impacts the flavor and presentation of your cakes. Establish relationships with reputable suppliers who provide fresh, high-quality products. Prioritize local ingredients when possible to promote sustainability and support your community, which can strengthen your marketing story. Research potential suppliers and compare prices to identify the best-fit for your budget and business model. Being selective about your ingredients improves product quality, encourages customer acquisition, and helps build a loyal customer base. Consider obtaining certifications for organic or specialty ingredients, as these can enhance your brand’s credibility and attract specific target audiences. Marketing Your Cake Business Effective marketing strategies significantly enhance your cake business’s visibility and customer base. Focus on establishing your brand by utilizing various marketing channels tailored to your target audience. Building an Online Presence Create a professional website that serves as a digital storefront. Your website should include essential features like an e-commerce component to facilitate online orders, a gallery showcasing your cake designs, and an easy-to-navigate layout. Utilize SEO techniques to improve your website’s search engine ranking, enabling potential customers to find you more easily. Engage on social media platforms to share photos of your creations, connect with customers, and promote special offers. Platforms such as Instagram and Facebook can effectively showcase your cakes, while email marketing helps maintain communication with your audience and drive repeat sales. Networking and Community Engagement Build relationships with local businesses and industry professionals. Collaborating with event planners, caterers, and local cafes can expand your reach and create new sales opportunities. Attend community events to showcase your cakes and connect with potential customers. Joining business networking groups or local entrepreneur meetups can provide valuable mentorship and support. Leverage these connections to gain insights into market trends and effective marketing strategies while fostering partnerships that enhance customer acquisition and brand recognition in your community. Managing Your Finances Managing your finances effectively is crucial for running a successful cake business. Proper financial management involves budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding revenue streams. This foundation helps in making informed decisions and achieving business goals. Budgeting and Pricing Strategies Creating a budget offers a clear financial roadmap for your cake business. Cover regular expenses such as rent, utilities, ingredients, wages, marketing, and maintenance. This budget helps determine the revenue required to sustain operations and reach profit margins. Set competitive prices based on costs, market research, and target audience willingness to pay. Use a pricing strategy that reflects product quality and uniqueness. For example, premium pricing can attract customers seeking high-end cakes, while competitive pricing may appeal to budget-conscious consumers. Tracking Expenses and Revenue Tracking expenses and revenue is essential for cash flow management. Utilize accounting software or simple spreadsheets to log all transactions. Regularly reviewing this data helps identify trends and areas for improvement. Calculate your profit margin by deducting total expenses from total revenue. This allows you to see where adjustments can enhance profitability. Understanding your sales funnel also aids in refining your marketing strategies and increasing customer acquisition. Establishing a clear system for tracking finances sets a solid groundwork for future growth, ensuring your cake business remains sustainable and profitable. Conclusion Starting a cake business can be a fulfilling journey that allows you to share your passion for baking with the world. By mastering your craft and understanding the business side, you’re setting the stage for success. Remember to keep your offerings unique and tailored to your target market. Focus on building a strong online presence and engaging with your community to attract loyal customers. With careful planning and effective financial management, you can turn your baking dreams into a thriving enterprise. Embrace the challenges and celebrate the victories as you create delicious memories for your customers. Your cake business awaits, so get started today! Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of starting a cake business? Starting a cake business allows you to turn your passion for baking into a profitable career. It provides the opportunity to express creativity, connect with customers, and enjoy the satisfaction of making events special. Additionally, it can offer flexibility in your work schedule, allowing you to balance personal and professional commitments. How do I know if my cake business will be successful? Success in a cake business largely depends on understanding your market. Conduct thorough research to identify trends, customer preferences, and competition. Tailoring your offerings to a specific niche and continually improving your recipes can better your chances of success. What skills do I need to start a cake business? Essential skills for a cake business include mastering baking techniques, recipe development, and decorating methods. Additionally, understanding basic marketing, financial management, and customer service skills is crucial for running the business effectively. Is there a specific niche I should focus on? Identifying a niche can help differentiate your cake business from competitors. Consider specializing in custom cakes for events, dietary-specific options (such as gluten-free), or unique flavor profiles. Tailoring your offerings to meet specific customer needs can attract a loyal clientele. What legal requirements do I need to consider? Starting a cake business requires compliance with local health regulations and obtaining the necessary licenses and permits. Check with your local government for specific requirements, as this ensures legal operation and builds customer trust. How can I effectively market my cake business? Effective marketing strategies include building a professional online presence with a website and engaging on social media platforms. Showcase your cake designs, utilize SEO for better visibility, and maintain customer communication through email marketing to enhance your reach. What are the financial basics for managing a cake business? Managing finances involves budgeting, tracking expenses, and understanding your revenue streams. Create a budget to cover regular expenses, determine pricing strategies based on market research, and establish a tracking system to maintain healthy cash flow and ensure profitability. How can I improve the quality of my cakes? Improving cake quality starts with mastering essential baking techniques and investing in quality ingredients. Build relationships with reliable suppliers and prioritize local or organic products to enhance flavor. Consistent practice and seeking mentorship can also elevate your baking skills. Image Via Envato This article, "How to Start a Cake Business and Turn Your Baking Passion into Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends 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. If your TV is stuck in the past and you’ve been itching to modernize your setup without going all in on a new screen, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen) is currently $29.99, down from $49.99. It's compact—roughly the size of a flash drive—and comes with a short HDMI extender in case your TV’s ports are not easily accessible. Setup’s a breeze, though it still uses micro USB for power, which feels a little dated in 2025. But once it’s tucked behind your screen and plugged into the wall (which it should be—TV USB ports are often too weak), you can pretty much forget about it. Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K (2nd Gen, 2023) $29.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $29.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $49.99 Save $20.00 Performance is where this model earns its stripes (like PCMag's "Best Media Hub of the Year 2023"). The 1.7GHz processor and 2GB of RAM keep things moving smoothly, even when juggling heavy apps like Netflix and Prime Video. There’s Wi-Fi 6 support, too, which will benefit crowded households where every device is fighting for bandwidth. Granted, you need a Wi-Fi 6 router to actually see the benefits, but if your setup supports it, this stick delivers. Xbox Game Pass streaming also works here, which is impressive for something that looks like a chunky USB stick, and it supports Bluetooth headphones and gamepads, so you can sneak in some late-night gaming without waking the house. As for the interface, it’s unmistakably Amazon-first. Prime Video content is front and center, but nearly every major streaming app—Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube, Apple TV, Tubi, and more—is here and runs well. Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos support mean this can actually handle high-end streaming setups if you’ve got the hardware, notes this PCMag review. Voice search via the Alexa button feels smarter this time, even letting you search by quotes or scene types, like “action movies with car chases,” which is genuinely useful when your brain blanks on titles. It's still missing AirPlay or Google Cast, which is a letdown if you're big into mirroring. But if you mostly want a fast, 4K-capable streamer with a solid remote and access to every service under the sun, this Fire TV Stick 4K is hard to argue against. View the full article

Comments by US president signal further escalation in his attacks on American universitiesView the full article

Apple shares fell nearly 3% in premarket trade on Friday after the iPhone maker trimmed its share buyback program and CEO Tim Cook warned of additional tariff-related costs of about $900 million this quarter amid a raging Sino-U.S. trade war. The Cupertino, California-based company that makes over 90% of its products in China said it plans to shift production of iPhones to India to minimize the impact of President Donald The President’s trade war. “It looks like Apple is progressing faster than expected with its move to shift production of US phones into the region (India),” said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. Analysts at Wedbush echoed this view, referring to India as Apple’s “life raft supply chain” as the company navigates through tariff turbulence. Cook outlined how Apple has started to build up a stockpile of products so that the majority of its devices sold in the U.S. this quarter will not come from China. “Tim Cook did his best to reassure investors on last night’s earnings call, but many likely came away still wanting more clarity about what lies beyond June,” Matt said, adding that the $900 million hit to profit turned out to be smaller than many had feared. Apple, which has been grappling with increased competition in key market China from rivals like Huawei due to slower rollouts of AI features, was already in troubled waters before the tariffs hit. “The question for investors is what can replace China for Apple? This is not an easy question to answer and could threaten the long-term trajectory of Apple’s growth plan,” said Kathleen Brooks, research director at XTB. Despite electronics being exempted from U.S. President Donald The President’s slew of import tariffs so far, Washington has signaled that some levies could be imposed in the coming weeks. Big Tech peers Alphabet, Microsoft and Meta Platforms beat quarterly estimates aided by artificial intelligence, while Amazon.com’s cloud revenue growth fell short of revenue expectations. These results were in stark contrast to dour forecasts from consumer electronics companies that are more exposed to tightening consumer budgets — chipmakers Qualcomm, Samsung Electronics, and Intel. Apple shares lost about 15% so far this year. That compares with a 2.3% fall in Meta, and a nearly 1% rise in Microsoft. Apple’s 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio is 27.63, compared with Microsoft’s 28.64 and Meta’s 21.48. (This story has been corrected to add ‘premarket trade’ in paragraph 1) —Kanchana Chakravarty and Lucy Raitano, Reuters View the full article

Latest share sale disclosed after e-commerce giant warns of impact from Donald The President’s global trade warView the full article

Scams often fit with the old adage: "if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the FBI are warning consumers about several similar-sounding scams that involve the promise of discounted services—ranging from utilities to health insurance—that end with fraudsters stealing your money and you having nothing to show for it. Here's how scammers are ripping people off, and how to protect yourself. How discounted services scams workOne iteration of this scam type begins with a robocall from someone who claims to be from a utility company (like AT&T or Comcast Xfinity) that offers phone, TV, or internet services. As the FTC alert describes, the scammer promises a 40 to 50% discount on future bills, bundles, or product purchases, but only if you act fast and pay up front. They'll ask you to purchase a gift card and provide them with the number—and they may also request your utility account information. A public service announcement from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center describes a similar scam involving discount medical insurance. In this scheme, fraudsters reach out via unsolicited calls, texts, or emails and pretend to represent legitimate health insurance providers. They may pressure targets to sign up for a new plan at a discounted rate that's available only for a limited time or promise free services. Once victims purchase a plan, they are unable to cancel it, receive refunds, or use the supposed benefits upon receiving costly medical or dental bills they believed were covered. How to protect yourselfAs with many scams, there are a few telltale signs that the promise of discounted services is fake, including a stranger contacting you out of the blue trying to sell you something, the sense of urgency to act now or lose the opportunity, and the demand to pay right away (especially with a gift card). To avoid becoming a victim, don't make any quick decisions. End the conversation, and contact the company that's supposedly offering the deal to confirm whether it's real. Only use phone numbers and websites you search for directly—do not click links or call back numbers you're sent in messages. Never pay anything up front. If you are targeted for discounted medical insurance, research the company through your state insurance commissioner and the Better Business Bureau to check whether it's reputable and licensed in your state. Confirm that your providers accept the plan, and read any policy documents carefully before signing. If you don't receive any documents, it's almost certainly a fraud. View the full article

While Google still dominates local search, ChatGPT has made notable strides. Its local results, though not yet on par with Google’s, have improved significantly since we ranked it last among AI search tools less than a year ago. The key change? ChatGPT’s integration with Microsoft Bing’s search index last fall. While it now pulls web content from Bing, it applies its own algorithm to organize results. As a result, the best way to make your business visible in ChatGPT is to ensure it’s included in Bing’s index. However, ChatGPT processes local queries differently than Bing does. Here are several key differences I uncovered by running side-by-side queries and digging into how ChatGPT compiles local results. ChatGPT uses, but doesn’t match, Bing Search When I asked ChatGPT to suggest dry cleaners in Red Hook, Brooklyn that are open on Sundays, I got back a map and three listings, not unlike a local pack on Google. The cited sources include city guides like Best of Brooklyn, business websites, and sources like Reddit and Yelp. When I perform the same search on Bing, I get a result that seems similar at first, but has several key differences. For example, the top-ranked result, The Cobble Hill Cleaners and Laundry, is the same in both cases. However, the second result from ChatGPT, Bridgestone Cleaners, is listed at rank position 14 on Bing as Bridgestone Dry Cleaners & Bridal Care. In contrast, the third listing, Brooklyn Cleaner & Tailor, cannot be found in the Bing listings result at all. There is a small overlap between the two results, but it’s clear ChatGPT is not merely repackaging Bing. What’s going on here? Dig deeper: How ChatGPT can help with local SEO ChatGPT doesn’t see Bing’s local profile details ChatGPT: Does not see the local profile data managed by businesses via the Bing Places for Business platform. Can’t access features added to Bing Places listings through partnerships such as reviews from Facebook and Yelp. Does not have access to the map showing the location of listed businesses that is displayed in Bing local results. I confirmed all of this through a series of questions with ChatGPT, where I delved into its process for creating local results (more on that below). ChatGPT does have access to Bing web results ChatGPT performs a Bing search for the relevant local query, gathers 20-30 of the top web results returned by Bing, and organizes those results using its own logic. And some of ChatGPT’s priorities are quite different from those of a search engine. For instance, ChatGPT told me that it follows this process when answering a query about top-rated local businesses in a certain category: Initial pass: ChatGPT scans the first 20-30 results, looking for store websites, review aggregators, niche blogs or local guides, and directories. Deeper dive: From those results, ChatGPT analyzes 5-8 sources that seem “most promising.” Selection filter: ChatGPT then picks 3-5 sources that clearly present an average star rating, do not hide content behind a paywall, and are “verifiable and linkable.” ChatGPT applies its own criteria for filtering and showcasing results I quoted two phrases from ChatGPT’s response in the section above that struck me as needing explanation. First is the phrase “most promising,” mentioned in the “Deeper dive” phase of the sorting process. I asked ChatGPT what “most promising” means in this context, and the answer was fascinating. ChatGPT said that, for a query like “best store for snow gear in Eugene Oregon,” it tries to identify “sources that look like they’ll contain trustworthy, specific, or structured information to answer your question well,” with criteria that include: Highly relevant titles/snippets, e.g., “Top 5 Ski Shops in Eugene”, “Eugene Outdoor Gear Guide.” Trusted domains, including sites like: REI.com (retailer website) Yelp.com (review aggregator) Local blogs (e.g., eugenemagazine.com) BBB.org, Facebook business pages, or news sites Rich metadata: “If the snippet includes hours, ratings, addresses, that suggests the page is structured and useful.” Unique content: “I skip over duplicative aggregator results or generic directories (like Yellow Pages or outdated TripAdvisor lists) unless nothing better is available.” As for what ChatGPT means by “verifiable and linkable,” it said that “verifiable” means the following: You, the user, can independently visit the source and see the same facts I reference. The info is specific, dated (if necessary), and attributed – not vague, anonymous, or unsourced. I avoid referencing anything that looks like user-generated fluff without moderation or oversight. It listed the following examples: An REI store page listing hours and gear brands. A Yelp page with a visible 4.7-star rating from 100+ reviews. A blog post with an author and a publish date. It also listed examples of sources that would not pass the “verifiable” test: A snippet from an unlinked forum post A vague business name with no physical or online footprint A site with no contact info or clear publishing source As for “linkable,” ChatGPT said that this means the page has a direct URL the user can visit that is not hidden behind a paywall or subscription service. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. ChatGPT does not reference Google directly This answer took some digging. In several of its responses, ChatGPT mentioned pulling data for local queries from various sources, including Google Search and Google Maps. But when pressed, ChatGPT clarified that it does not have direct access to Google. In some cases, ChatGPT may reference a business’s average rating on Google or provide a link to Google Maps, but this is only when a website indexed by Bing cites Google’s information. A pertinent example occurred when I asked ChatGPT the average Google rating of Bridgestone Cleaners in Brooklyn. It provided an answer, using the business website – which contained structured review data from Google – as its source. ChatGPT’s map is part of the interface If ChatGPT is applying its own logic to reorganize web results sourced from Bing, why do its results resemble a local pack with a map, as seen in Bing’s own local results? I asked ChatGPT about this, and at first, it confidently replied that it does not generate any maps, but may sometimes copy a map from a web page in a Bing search result. But this clearly wasn’t what I saw in my local query examples. When I pointed out to ChatGPT that the maps in its responses had special features like a “List/Map” toggle and a carousel of business listings, it clarified that the map is not generated by ChatGPT itself, the LLM, but rather by the interface layer of the ChatGPT website, or “OpenAI’s front end” as ChatGPT put it. ChatGPT states: “That map uses the structured data I supply (names, addresses) to visually organize businesses, likely via an integration with a mapping layer.” How should local businesses optimize for ChatGPT? I asked ChatGPT: “Given all of these explanations for how you handle local queries, what are the top recommendations you would offer to local businesses who want to optimize their online presence to appear prominently in ChatGPT answers?” ChatGPT offered eight tactics, which I summarize below with some commentary. Maintain an accurate, detailed website ChatGPT frequently references business websites when they appear in Bing search results. Make sure your website has structured content, preferably using schema.org markup, including business contact info, hours, and customer testimonials. Note that structured content apparently acts as a signal that your site is trustworthy. Claim and optimize your Bing Places Listing I was surprised to see this as a top tactic, since ChatGPT had previously explained that it did not look at Bing Places information. However, after some further questioning, ChatGPT clarified that Bing Places listings influence the web results ChatGPT looks at. For instance, a highly ranked business in Bing local listings will more likely have its website appear in organic results. Get listed on reputable review platforms Accurate profiles on sites like Yelp and Facebook that are public and contain positive, recent reviews will help you stand out. Encourage reviews on visible platforms This is a no-brainer for many reasons, and ChatGPT is now one of them. Earn links from local directories and press In particular, ChatGPT mentions local magazines, “best of” blog posts, and local chamber of commerce directories. Use consistent local SEO best practices ChatGPT mentions having consistent data across your website, local listings, and social profiles. However, many other best practices seem to apply to ChatGPT as already indicated above. Offer unique, searchable content “If your site includes helpful info like ‘How to choose ski boots’ or ‘Why eco-friendly dry cleaning matters,’ those pages can become entry points that I may find and reference.” Monitor what’s actually ranking on Bing Check what appears in the first 20 or 30 Bing organic results for queries relevant to your business. Look for opportunities to optimize your presence in the results ChatGPT will most likely reference. In summary, ChatGPT says: “Make your business easy for Bing to understand and easy for ChatGPT to cite.” Dig deeper: Top SEO tips for location-specific websites A final caveat Yes, I did use ChatGPT to help me write this article, and we should take these explanations and suggestions with a grain of salt – or rather, in the words of its own footer, “ChatGPT can make mistakes. Check important info.” Still, on the whole, the info ChatGPT provided correlates with the results I see for its local queries, and offers a more cogent explanation for how ChatGPT answers local queries than any I’ve previously seen. View the full article

Figures indicate labour market resilience despite The President administration’s deep cuts to federal workforceView the full article

SharkNinja has announced the voluntary recall of more than 1.8 million units of Foodi multi-function pressure cookers after more than 100 reports of burn injuries—many of them serious. Here’s what you need to know about the SharkNinja pressure cooker recall. What’s happened? On May 1, home appliance company SharkNinja issued a recall for some of its SharkNinja pressure cookers, according to a notice posted on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website. The recall covers more than 1.8 million units of SharkNinja’s Foodi OP300 Series Multi-Function Pressure Cookers. The recall was issued after the company received 106 reports of burn injuries from people interacting with the cookers. The company has discovered that the pressure-cooking lids of the recalled units can be opened while the cooker is pressurized. This could result in “burn injuries from hot contents” in the cooker, according to the company’s recall notice. In addition to the cooking units themselves, SharkNinja is also recalling lid replacements for the units that were sold separately. What pressure cooker is being recalled? SharkNinja says the recall covers the “Ninja”-brand “Foodi” OP300-series Pressure Cookers/TenderCrisp Air. The following model numbers of that series are being recalled: OP300 OP300C OP301 OP301A OP301C OP302 OP302BRN OP302HAQ OP302HB OP302HCN OP302HW OP305 OP305CO OP305CCO OP350CO In addition to the models above, the OP300 lid replacement with the SKU 111FY300 has also been recalled. How many SharkNinja OP300-series units are affected? According to the notice posted on the CPSC website, about 1,846,400 units are being recalled, as well as about 184,240 that were sold in Canada. Where were the recalled units sold? According to the CPSC, the recalled pressure cookers were sold at some of the largest retailers nationwide. They were sold in both physical retail stores and online. The physical retail stores where the recalled units were sold at include: Walmart Costco Sam’s Club Amazon Target The recalled pressure cookers were also sold online at: Ninjakitchen.com walmart.com costco.com samsclub.com amazon.com target.com The recalled units were sold from January 2019 through March 2025. Each unit retailed for around $200. Have the recalled products injured anyone? Unfortunately, yes. SharkNinja says that it has received 106 reports of burn injuries involving the recalled products. Even worse, more than 50 of those injuries included second- or third-degree burns to a person’s body or face. What should I do if I have a recalled product? If you have the recalled pressure cooker or lid, you should immediately stop using the pressure cooker and ensure that no one else who has access to the pressure cooker uses it. You should then fill out the Ninja OP300 Series Recall form here. Once you’ve submitted the form, SharkNinja will send you a replacement lid. You should also dispose of your current faulty lid. You can view the full CPSC recall notice here, as well as SharkNinja’s full FAQ on the recall here. View the full article

Key Takeaways User Engagement: Encourage user-generated content and actively engage with your audience to foster community and trust across your social media platforms. Creative Campaigns: Implement unique campaign ideas such as hashtag challenges and storytelling through video content to captivate your audience and improve brand visibility. Leverage Influencers: Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand to extend your reach and introduce your products to new potential customers. Data-Driven Decisions: Regularly monitor social media analytics to understand audience behavior and optimize campaigns, ensuring ongoing engagement and improved performance. Content Consistency: Develop a content calendar to maintain consistent messaging and timely responses to trends, enhancing your overall social media strategy. Embrace Community Management: Foster meaningful interactions and address customer feedback promptly to build a loyal community around your brand. In today’s digital landscape, social media isn’t just a platform for sharing updates; it’s a powerful tool for brands to connect with their audience. With billions of users scrolling through their feeds daily, crafting a compelling social media campaign can set you apart from the competition. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, innovative campaign ideas can elevate your brand’s visibility and engagement. Overview of Social Media Campaign Ideas You can leverage various social media campaign ideas tailored for small businesses to enhance your online presence and connect with your audience. Here are key concepts to consider: User-Generated Content Encourage your customers to create content related to your brand. Showcase their posts on your profiles to foster community and trust. Influencer Marketing Partner with influencers who align with your brand voice. Collaborating with them can amplify your reach and introduce your products to new audiences. Hashtag Campaigns Create a memorable hashtag to promote specific marketing campaigns. Use it across social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to categorize content and boost engagement. Storytelling Through Video Content Utilize video content to share your brand story. Engaging narratives on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories can captivate viewers and drive social media engagement. Content Calendar Development Plan your posts with a content calendar. This strategy ensures consistent messaging and allows for timely responses to social media trends. Community Management Actively engage with your social media followers. Respond to comments and messages, and participate in online conversations to strengthen customer interaction. Social Media Ads Implement targeted paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Focus on audience targeting to increase brand awareness and drive conversions. Facebook Groups Creation Establish a group for your customers. This platform creates a dedicated community for discussions, feedback, and shared experiences. Social Media Analytics Monitoring Regularly review your social media analytics. Understanding metrics like engagement rate and reach can help optimize your campaigns for better performance. Content Sharing Share valuable content related to your industry. This approach positions your business as a knowledgeable resource, enhancing credibility and attracting new followers. By integrating these social media campaign ideas into your strategy, you can foster organic growth and improve brand consistency across your digital platforms. Each idea aligns with the goal of maximizing engagement and boosting your small business’s overall social media performance. Creative Campaign Ideas for Different Platforms Engaging effectively across social media platforms enhances your brand visibility and builds a loyal customer base. Here are tailored campaign ideas for various platforms you can implement for your small business. Instagram Campaign Ideas Utilize Hashtags and User-Generated Content (UGC): Create a branded hashtag to encourage UGC, just like Apple with its #ShotOniPhone campaign, which has gathered 29.6 million posts. This strategy promotes community engagement and can enhance your brand’s storytelling through authentic content shared by real customers. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels: Share visually appealing stories or videos about your products or customer experiences. For instance, Adidas’s “Originals” campaign effectively used short films and Reels to narrate valuable brand stories, improving audience engagement and brand awareness. Facebook Campaign Ideas Build a Facebook Group: Create a space for discussions around your brand and industry. Engage your audience with exclusive content and direct interactions. This can foster a more robust community connection and improve customer interaction. Run Targeted Social Media Ads: Focus on audience targeting to reach potential customers effectively. Using paid ads can significantly increase your online presence and drive traffic to your products or services. Experiment with different types of ad formats to see what resonates best with your audience. Twitter Campaign Ideas Engage with Twitter Chats: Participate in or host Twitter chats relevant to your industry. This strategy increases your visibility and positions you as an expert, helping you attract more followers and engage with your community. Utilize Polls and Questions: Generate interactions by asking questions or running polls that invite feedback. These tweets encourage participation and strengthen your brand voice, while also allowing you to gather valuable insights into customer preferences. Incorporating these campaign ideas into your social media strategy can enhance your business’s engagement, visibility, and growth. Focus on building authentic connections with your audience through storytelling, UGC, and engaging social media tools across various platforms. Strategies for Successful Social Media Campaigns To build effective social media campaigns, focus on engaging your audience and utilizing analytics. These strategies enhance brand awareness and improve your overall social media marketing efforts. Engaging Your Audience Engage your audience by consistently creating valuable content that resonates with them. Tailor social media posts to reflect your brand voice and encourage user-generated content. Use engaging formats like video content, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Live to connect on a deeper level. Implement audience targeting techniques to reach specific demographics across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Foster community management by interacting with your followers and responding to customer feedback. Create a content calendar to maintain brand consistency and ensure timely posting. Leverage social media trends to keep your content fresh and relevant. Utilizing Analytics Utilize social media analytics tools to monitor your campaign’s performance. Track engagement rates, organic reach, and audience interactions to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Analyze data from your social media ads and posts across different platforms, including LinkedIn and Twitter. Use these insights to refine your social media strategy, enhancing your online presence and maximizing your social media ROI. By observing trends and patterns, you can adjust your approach, ensuring ongoing engagement and growth for your small business. Case Studies of Successful Social Media Campaigns Spotify Wrapped Personalization and Shareability: Spotify’s “Wrapped” campaign shows how personalized content drives social media engagement. It leverages user data to create annual summaries of listening habits, presented in eye-catching graphics that are easily shareable. In 2022, over 156 million users interacted with their Wrapped summaries, resulting in over 400 million tweets and posts in just the first three days of its launch. Small businesses can adopt similar strategies by customizing content for their audiences to enhance brand awareness. Creating Rituals: The annual timing of Spotify Wrapped establishes a sense of ritual, making it a highly anticipated event. Small businesses can use similar tactics, creating seasonal campaigns that encourage customer participation and anticipation. Encouraging Sharing: By crafting shareable content, Spotify promotes viral success. Small business social media strategies can include campaigns that motivate followers to share their experiences, leveraging user-generated content to strengthen community ties and broaden reach. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Raising Awareness: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge effectively utilized social media to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. Participants filmed themselves pouring ice water over their heads, then challenged others to do the same. This simple, fun campaign engaged millions, with over 17 million videos shared on Facebook. Your small business can benefit from creating challenges that resonate with your audience, driving engagement through fun interactions. Incorporating Hashtags: The campaign employed the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge, which helped unify posts across platforms. Small businesses should consider developing unique hashtags for their campaigns to boost visibility and engagement rates. Starbucks #RedCupContest Encouraging User-Generated Content: Starbucks initiated the #RedCupContest, inviting customers to share images of their holiday-themed cups. This campaign encouraged community interaction and highlighted customer creativity. Small businesses can implement similar contests, prompting customers to share their own content related to your brand, fostering organic growth. Leveraging Social Media Platforms: Starbucks effectively used Instagram and Twitter for this campaign, reaching diverse audiences. Your social media strategy should include multi-platform engagement, targeting followers on the platforms they frequent the most, be it Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign Authentic Storytelling: Dove’s Real Beauty campaign featured real women instead of models, promoting body positivity. This strategy resonated with many consumers, enhancing brand loyalty. Small businesses can harness storytelling to showcase genuine customer experiences, fostering strong connections with your audience. Influencer Partnerships: Dove collaborated with influencers to amplify the campaign’s reach. Small businesses should consider influencer marketing to tap into new audiences and enhance credibility within various social media platforms. Airbnb’s #WeAccept Campaign Social Responsibility Engagement: Airbnb’s #WeAccept campaign promoted inclusivity and diversity, aligning the brand with a social cause. Small businesses can adopt a similar approach by participating in social issues that resonate with their customer base, establishing a deeper emotional connection through your social media posts. Video Content Utilization: The campaign heavily featured video content, enhancing storytelling and driving engagement. Small businesses should use video effectively, showcasing products, services, and customer testimonials to increase engagement on platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook. By analyzing successful campaigns, you can glean insights applicable to your business, optimizing your social media strategy to foster growth, engagement, and brand awareness. Tips for Implementing Your Campaign Ideas Create Engaging and Relevant Content: Develop content that resonates with your audience. Focus on storytelling through various formats like video content and social media posts. For instance, use engaging visuals and narratives similar to Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign, which highlights unique local experiences. Utilize User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create and share content about your brand. For example, ask customers to share selfies with your products using a branded hashtag. User-generated content boosts authenticity and strengthens community ties. Include Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Incorporate clear CTAs in your social media posts to drive engagement and encourage specific actions. Effective CTAs can significantly increase engagement rates, guiding customers toward desired actions like visiting your website or making a purchase. Leverage Social Media Tools: Use social media analytics and scheduling tools to optimize your social media strategy. Monitor engagement rates and analyze which posts perform best to refine your content calendar. Consistently tracking data helps improve your online presence. Utilize Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with relevant influencers to reach a broader audience. Influencer marketing enhances brand awareness and can lead to more organic reach. Ensure that the influencers align with your brand voice for authenticity. Engage in Community Management: Actively manage customer interactions across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Respond to comments and feedback promptly, fostering a sense of community. Utilizing Facebook Groups can further enhance engagement and deepen customer relationships. Stay Current with Social Media Trends: Monitor social media trends to keep your content fresh and relevant. Adapt your strategy according to platform-specific trends on Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn, ensuring you maintain brand consistency across all social media channels. Optimize Paid Social Ads: If using paid ads, focus on audience targeting to maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns. Tailor your social media ads based on demographic insights to improve your return on investment (ROI). Utilizing these tips can enhance your social media campaigns, increase engagement, and foster organic growth for your small business. Conclusion Implementing innovative social media campaign ideas can transform your brand’s online presence. By focusing on engagement and authenticity you can create meaningful connections with your audience. Utilize user-generated content and collaborate with influencers to extend your reach. Don’t forget the power of storytelling through videos and consistent messaging via a content calendar. Regularly analyze your campaign performance to refine your strategies and stay ahead of trends. Remember that every interaction counts in building a loyal community. With the right approach your small business can thrive in the competitive landscape of social media. Embrace these strategies and watch your brand flourish. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of social media for brands today? Social media serves as a crucial platform for brands to connect and engage with their audience. Given the vast number of active users, effective social media campaigns enable brands to stand out, enhance visibility, and interact meaningfully with consumers. How can small businesses boost their social media presence? Small businesses can improve their social media presence by using targeted campaigns, encouraging user-generated content, partnering with influencers, and creating engaging hashtag campaigns that resonate with their audience, helping them build community trust. What are some effective social media campaign ideas? Effective campaign ideas include user-generated content, storytelling through videos, Facebook groups for customer engagement, and targeted ads. These strategies foster connection, boost engagement, and enhance brand visibility across various platforms. Why is audience engagement important in social media marketing? Audience engagement is essential as it helps brands build relationships, gain trust, and promote loyalty. Engaged audiences are more likely to share content, participate in campaigns, and contribute to organic growth, enhancing brand visibility. How can analytics improve social media strategies? Using analytics allows businesses to track engagement rates, monitor the performance of campaigns, and understand audience preferences. This data helps refine strategies, ensuring content resonates more effectively with the target audience. What is the significance of user-generated content? User-generated content encourages community involvement and trust, as it showcases real customer experiences. By sharing this content, brands can leverage authenticity, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance overall engagement. How can businesses utilize Instagram effectively? Businesses can use Instagram effectively by employing hashtags, sharing user-generated content, and utilizing Instagram Stories and Reels. This enhances storytelling and helps brands connect visually with their audience, driving engagement. What are some successful social media campaign examples? Notable examples include Spotify’s “Wrapped,” which personalizes user experiences, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge for raising awareness, and Starbucks’ #RedCupContest that encourages community participation through user-generated content. These campaigns highlight creativity and engagement. Why is storytelling important in social media campaigns? Storytelling creates emotional connections with audiences. By sharing authentic stories through visuals or videos, brands can humanize their message, making it relatable and memorable, thus fostering stronger engagement and brand loyalty. What tips can help improve social media campaigns? To enhance social media campaigns, businesses should focus on creating relevant, engaging content, utilize clear calls-to-action, leverage social media tools for analytics, collaborate with influencers, and actively manage community interactions for stronger relationships. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Social Media Campaign Ideas to Boost Engagement and Brand Visibility" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways User Engagement: Encourage user-generated content and actively engage with your audience to foster community and trust across your social media platforms. Creative Campaigns: Implement unique campaign ideas such as hashtag challenges and storytelling through video content to captivate your audience and improve brand visibility. Leverage Influencers: Collaborate with influencers who align with your brand to extend your reach and introduce your products to new potential customers. Data-Driven Decisions: Regularly monitor social media analytics to understand audience behavior and optimize campaigns, ensuring ongoing engagement and improved performance. Content Consistency: Develop a content calendar to maintain consistent messaging and timely responses to trends, enhancing your overall social media strategy. Embrace Community Management: Foster meaningful interactions and address customer feedback promptly to build a loyal community around your brand. In today’s digital landscape, social media isn’t just a platform for sharing updates; it’s a powerful tool for brands to connect with their audience. With billions of users scrolling through their feeds daily, crafting a compelling social media campaign can set you apart from the competition. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, innovative campaign ideas can elevate your brand’s visibility and engagement. Overview of Social Media Campaign Ideas You can leverage various social media campaign ideas tailored for small businesses to enhance your online presence and connect with your audience. Here are key concepts to consider: User-Generated Content Encourage your customers to create content related to your brand. Showcase their posts on your profiles to foster community and trust. Influencer Marketing Partner with influencers who align with your brand voice. Collaborating with them can amplify your reach and introduce your products to new audiences. Hashtag Campaigns Create a memorable hashtag to promote specific marketing campaigns. Use it across social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter to categorize content and boost engagement. Storytelling Through Video Content Utilize video content to share your brand story. Engaging narratives on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Stories can captivate viewers and drive social media engagement. Content Calendar Development Plan your posts with a content calendar. This strategy ensures consistent messaging and allows for timely responses to social media trends. Community Management Actively engage with your social media followers. Respond to comments and messages, and participate in online conversations to strengthen customer interaction. Social Media Ads Implement targeted paid ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Focus on audience targeting to increase brand awareness and drive conversions. Facebook Groups Creation Establish a group for your customers. This platform creates a dedicated community for discussions, feedback, and shared experiences. Social Media Analytics Monitoring Regularly review your social media analytics. Understanding metrics like engagement rate and reach can help optimize your campaigns for better performance. Content Sharing Share valuable content related to your industry. This approach positions your business as a knowledgeable resource, enhancing credibility and attracting new followers. By integrating these social media campaign ideas into your strategy, you can foster organic growth and improve brand consistency across your digital platforms. Each idea aligns with the goal of maximizing engagement and boosting your small business’s overall social media performance. Creative Campaign Ideas for Different Platforms Engaging effectively across social media platforms enhances your brand visibility and builds a loyal customer base. Here are tailored campaign ideas for various platforms you can implement for your small business. Instagram Campaign Ideas Utilize Hashtags and User-Generated Content (UGC): Create a branded hashtag to encourage UGC, just like Apple with its #ShotOniPhone campaign, which has gathered 29.6 million posts. This strategy promotes community engagement and can enhance your brand’s storytelling through authentic content shared by real customers. Leverage Instagram Stories and Reels: Share visually appealing stories or videos about your products or customer experiences. For instance, Adidas’s “Originals” campaign effectively used short films and Reels to narrate valuable brand stories, improving audience engagement and brand awareness. Facebook Campaign Ideas Build a Facebook Group: Create a space for discussions around your brand and industry. Engage your audience with exclusive content and direct interactions. This can foster a more robust community connection and improve customer interaction. Run Targeted Social Media Ads: Focus on audience targeting to reach potential customers effectively. Using paid ads can significantly increase your online presence and drive traffic to your products or services. Experiment with different types of ad formats to see what resonates best with your audience. Twitter Campaign Ideas Engage with Twitter Chats: Participate in or host Twitter chats relevant to your industry. This strategy increases your visibility and positions you as an expert, helping you attract more followers and engage with your community. Utilize Polls and Questions: Generate interactions by asking questions or running polls that invite feedback. These tweets encourage participation and strengthen your brand voice, while also allowing you to gather valuable insights into customer preferences. Incorporating these campaign ideas into your social media strategy can enhance your business’s engagement, visibility, and growth. Focus on building authentic connections with your audience through storytelling, UGC, and engaging social media tools across various platforms. Strategies for Successful Social Media Campaigns To build effective social media campaigns, focus on engaging your audience and utilizing analytics. These strategies enhance brand awareness and improve your overall social media marketing efforts. Engaging Your Audience Engage your audience by consistently creating valuable content that resonates with them. Tailor social media posts to reflect your brand voice and encourage user-generated content. Use engaging formats like video content, Instagram Stories, and Facebook Live to connect on a deeper level. Implement audience targeting techniques to reach specific demographics across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Foster community management by interacting with your followers and responding to customer feedback. Create a content calendar to maintain brand consistency and ensure timely posting. Leverage social media trends to keep your content fresh and relevant. Utilizing Analytics Utilize social media analytics tools to monitor your campaign’s performance. Track engagement rates, organic reach, and audience interactions to understand what’s working and what needs improvement. Analyze data from your social media ads and posts across different platforms, including LinkedIn and Twitter. Use these insights to refine your social media strategy, enhancing your online presence and maximizing your social media ROI. By observing trends and patterns, you can adjust your approach, ensuring ongoing engagement and growth for your small business. Case Studies of Successful Social Media Campaigns Spotify Wrapped Personalization and Shareability: Spotify’s “Wrapped” campaign shows how personalized content drives social media engagement. It leverages user data to create annual summaries of listening habits, presented in eye-catching graphics that are easily shareable. In 2022, over 156 million users interacted with their Wrapped summaries, resulting in over 400 million tweets and posts in just the first three days of its launch. Small businesses can adopt similar strategies by customizing content for their audiences to enhance brand awareness. Creating Rituals: The annual timing of Spotify Wrapped establishes a sense of ritual, making it a highly anticipated event. Small businesses can use similar tactics, creating seasonal campaigns that encourage customer participation and anticipation. Encouraging Sharing: By crafting shareable content, Spotify promotes viral success. Small business social media strategies can include campaigns that motivate followers to share their experiences, leveraging user-generated content to strengthen community ties and broaden reach. ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Raising Awareness: The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge effectively utilized social media to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. Participants filmed themselves pouring ice water over their heads, then challenged others to do the same. This simple, fun campaign engaged millions, with over 17 million videos shared on Facebook. Your small business can benefit from creating challenges that resonate with your audience, driving engagement through fun interactions. Incorporating Hashtags: The campaign employed the hashtag #IceBucketChallenge, which helped unify posts across platforms. Small businesses should consider developing unique hashtags for their campaigns to boost visibility and engagement rates. Starbucks #RedCupContest Encouraging User-Generated Content: Starbucks initiated the #RedCupContest, inviting customers to share images of their holiday-themed cups. This campaign encouraged community interaction and highlighted customer creativity. Small businesses can implement similar contests, prompting customers to share their own content related to your brand, fostering organic growth. Leveraging Social Media Platforms: Starbucks effectively used Instagram and Twitter for this campaign, reaching diverse audiences. Your social media strategy should include multi-platform engagement, targeting followers on the platforms they frequent the most, be it Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign Authentic Storytelling: Dove’s Real Beauty campaign featured real women instead of models, promoting body positivity. This strategy resonated with many consumers, enhancing brand loyalty. Small businesses can harness storytelling to showcase genuine customer experiences, fostering strong connections with your audience. Influencer Partnerships: Dove collaborated with influencers to amplify the campaign’s reach. Small businesses should consider influencer marketing to tap into new audiences and enhance credibility within various social media platforms. Airbnb’s #WeAccept Campaign Social Responsibility Engagement: Airbnb’s #WeAccept campaign promoted inclusivity and diversity, aligning the brand with a social cause. Small businesses can adopt a similar approach by participating in social issues that resonate with their customer base, establishing a deeper emotional connection through your social media posts. Video Content Utilization: The campaign heavily featured video content, enhancing storytelling and driving engagement. Small businesses should use video effectively, showcasing products, services, and customer testimonials to increase engagement on platforms like Instagram Stories or Facebook. By analyzing successful campaigns, you can glean insights applicable to your business, optimizing your social media strategy to foster growth, engagement, and brand awareness. Tips for Implementing Your Campaign Ideas Create Engaging and Relevant Content: Develop content that resonates with your audience. Focus on storytelling through various formats like video content and social media posts. For instance, use engaging visuals and narratives similar to Airbnb’s “Live There” campaign, which highlights unique local experiences. Utilize User-Generated Content: Encourage your audience to create and share content about your brand. For example, ask customers to share selfies with your products using a branded hashtag. User-generated content boosts authenticity and strengthens community ties. Include Calls-to-Action (CTAs): Incorporate clear CTAs in your social media posts to drive engagement and encourage specific actions. Effective CTAs can significantly increase engagement rates, guiding customers toward desired actions like visiting your website or making a purchase. Leverage Social Media Tools: Use social media analytics and scheduling tools to optimize your social media strategy. Monitor engagement rates and analyze which posts perform best to refine your content calendar. Consistently tracking data helps improve your online presence. Utilize Influencer Partnerships: Collaborate with relevant influencers to reach a broader audience. Influencer marketing enhances brand awareness and can lead to more organic reach. Ensure that the influencers align with your brand voice for authenticity. Engage in Community Management: Actively manage customer interactions across platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Respond to comments and feedback promptly, fostering a sense of community. Utilizing Facebook Groups can further enhance engagement and deepen customer relationships. Stay Current with Social Media Trends: Monitor social media trends to keep your content fresh and relevant. Adapt your strategy according to platform-specific trends on Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn, ensuring you maintain brand consistency across all social media channels. Optimize Paid Social Ads: If using paid ads, focus on audience targeting to maximize the effectiveness of your campaigns. Tailor your social media ads based on demographic insights to improve your return on investment (ROI). Utilizing these tips can enhance your social media campaigns, increase engagement, and foster organic growth for your small business. Conclusion Implementing innovative social media campaign ideas can transform your brand’s online presence. By focusing on engagement and authenticity you can create meaningful connections with your audience. Utilize user-generated content and collaborate with influencers to extend your reach. Don’t forget the power of storytelling through videos and consistent messaging via a content calendar. Regularly analyze your campaign performance to refine your strategies and stay ahead of trends. Remember that every interaction counts in building a loyal community. With the right approach your small business can thrive in the competitive landscape of social media. Embrace these strategies and watch your brand flourish. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of social media for brands today? Social media serves as a crucial platform for brands to connect and engage with their audience. Given the vast number of active users, effective social media campaigns enable brands to stand out, enhance visibility, and interact meaningfully with consumers. How can small businesses boost their social media presence? Small businesses can improve their social media presence by using targeted campaigns, encouraging user-generated content, partnering with influencers, and creating engaging hashtag campaigns that resonate with their audience, helping them build community trust. What are some effective social media campaign ideas? Effective campaign ideas include user-generated content, storytelling through videos, Facebook groups for customer engagement, and targeted ads. These strategies foster connection, boost engagement, and enhance brand visibility across various platforms. Why is audience engagement important in social media marketing? Audience engagement is essential as it helps brands build relationships, gain trust, and promote loyalty. Engaged audiences are more likely to share content, participate in campaigns, and contribute to organic growth, enhancing brand visibility. How can analytics improve social media strategies? Using analytics allows businesses to track engagement rates, monitor the performance of campaigns, and understand audience preferences. This data helps refine strategies, ensuring content resonates more effectively with the target audience. What is the significance of user-generated content? User-generated content encourages community involvement and trust, as it showcases real customer experiences. By sharing this content, brands can leverage authenticity, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance overall engagement. How can businesses utilize Instagram effectively? Businesses can use Instagram effectively by employing hashtags, sharing user-generated content, and utilizing Instagram Stories and Reels. This enhances storytelling and helps brands connect visually with their audience, driving engagement. What are some successful social media campaign examples? Notable examples include Spotify’s “Wrapped,” which personalizes user experiences, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge for raising awareness, and Starbucks’ #RedCupContest that encourages community participation through user-generated content. These campaigns highlight creativity and engagement. Why is storytelling important in social media campaigns? Storytelling creates emotional connections with audiences. By sharing authentic stories through visuals or videos, brands can humanize their message, making it relatable and memorable, thus fostering stronger engagement and brand loyalty. What tips can help improve social media campaigns? To enhance social media campaigns, businesses should focus on creating relevant, engaging content, utilize clear calls-to-action, leverage social media tools for analytics, collaborate with influencers, and actively manage community interactions for stronger relationships. Image Via Envato This article, "Innovative Social Media Campaign Ideas to Boost Engagement and Brand Visibility" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The era of subway gate jumping could soon be over. By this fall, 20 stations across the New York City subway system will begin testing new gate systems that aim to make it all but impossible for someone to get through the gate to the subway platform without paying a fare. This week, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced the planned piloting of four gate control systems as part of its effort to crack down on fare evasion in the subway system. The four systems will be installed in five stations each across the MTA’s subway network to test their effectiveness. In contrast to the conventional turnstile gates seen in many subway stations, the MTA’s subway gates pilots are generally larger and more akin to sliding or swinging doors, making them more difficult to climb over or sneak under. Provided by vendors Conduent, Cubic, Scheidt & Bachmann, and STraffic, some may be familiar from other transit systems around the world, or security areas in airports. These off-the-shelf gate systems are vying for their chunk of the $1.1 billion the MTA has budgeted for improving fare gates at 150 stations over the next five years. The MTA’s subway gate pilot program is a calculated investment, which the agency sees as a way of increasing revenue and improving service. About 40% of the MTA’s operating budget comes from fares and tolls, and it sees reducing gate jumping as a way of bumping that number even higher. Previous investments seems to have worked. The agency reports that “multiple anti-fare evasion strategies” have helped total fare revenue rise to $5 billion in 2024, an increase of $322 million from the year before. “We will continue to use all the tools at our disposal—including increased enforcement efforts and new infrastructure—to prevent fare evasion, hold perpetrators accountable and keep these numbers trending in the right direction,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement. How will the new gates work? These approaches vary from station to station. About 200 stations have implemented guards to monitor gates, and the MTA reports that fare evasion is down 36% in these stations. Some turnstiles have even been retrofitted with “sleeves” and “fins”—add-on attachments that make them harder to climb on and over. Turnstiles are also being retrofitting to prevent “backcocking,” or pulling them back just enough to create space for some people to squeeze through. Adapting the existing infrastructure has contributed to the reduction in fare evasion, but the MTA sees an opportunity to do more with its new gate pilot program. “For the last two years, we’ve been attacking fare and toll evasion from all angles —hardening the system against fare beaters, simplifying fare payment, raising awareness about discounted fares and, yes, doing more enforcement,” says MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “Now those efforts are yielding positive results that will grow even more with the new modern fare gates that are coming.” View the full article

Shares in US company tumble as launch of latest version of best-selling game is delayedView the full article

This week we covered the ongoing Google Search ranking volatility. I posted the big Google webmaster report for May. Google admitted in a deposition that it used its search data for Gemini AI. Google Search Console leaked that it was showing desktop data...View the full article

SAG-AFTRA is expanding its reach into the influencer economy. In late April, the union’s board unanimously voted to establish a new influencer committee, appointing New York-based lifestyle influencer Patrick Janelle as chair. SAG-AFTRA’s involvement with influencers isn’t new. In 2021, the union introduced an influencer agreement and waiver to cover branded content work—an initiative that thousands of members have used. While that agreement marked a major step forward, it notably excluded original creative content, which remains the core of many creators’ livelihoods. “It really became clear that if we’re going to continue to expand, and especially outside of the branded content space, we needed to have a formal structure in the union so that members who do this work could come together and give us guidance and leadership,” SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland told The Hollywood Reporter. Online content creation is a fast-growing but still loosely regulated industry. Since 2020, the number of full-time content creators in the U.S. has surged from 200,000 to 1.5 million in 2024, according to Axios. Despite this growth, pay structures and content guidelines vary significantly across platforms—from Instagram Reels to long-form YouTube podcasts. To successfully advocate for creators across the board, the new committee plans to engage voices from all major platforms. “The goal of this committee is to provide the union with necessary guidance and feedback from the creator’s perspective as SAG-AFTRA continues its efforts to assist creators in their pursuit of stable, safe, sustainable careers,” Janelle posted to LinkedIn. “As a SAG-AFTRA member, I’m honored and excited to be stepping up and representing my fellow creators and the industry at large.” SAG-AFTRA doesn’t have a clear count of how many of its 160,000 members are influencers, but Crabtree-Ireland points to the 2023 actors strike as a moment of convergence. Influencers found themselves in a gray area, as the union warned that any nonmember who took work with struck companies during the strike would be barred from future membership. Many chose solidarity over a paycheck, something the union now wants to show in return. “During the theatrical strike, creators of influencers stepped up in big ways to stand by our members on strike,” Crabtree-Ireland told The Hollywood Reporter. “I think that just really cemented for us the obvious connection and nexus there.” View the full article