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Rare books collection, including work by John Keats and Oscar Wilde, will be auctionedView the full article

Civil Aviation Authority’s draft decision comes despite criticism from carriers over airport’s expansion projectView the full article

Nikkei Asia has some bad news for anyone hoping for RAM prices to fall anytime soon: The outlet reported on Friday that the global shortage of memory chips will likely continue until around 2027. According to Nikkei, U.S. and South Korean memory suppliers are raising DRAM production, but are only going to be able to meet about 60% of the demand. What's more, the current conflicts in the Middle East are making electricity and other relevant goods more expensive. Even Samsung, which is launching a fourth RAM plant this year, won't be at full-scale production until at least 2027, if not later. The memory crisis is ongoingPart of the problem is split production needs: Samsung's fourth plant needs to make logic chips for computing as well, which means it can't use all of its resources to develop memory chips. And while the company is also building a fifth plant, that location will be designated for producing advanced high-bandwidth memory (HMB), a specific type of memory used for AI semiconductors. That could lower the demand for more general use RAM, but Nikkei reports that this fifth plant will not begin running until 2028 or later. Nikkei reports that memory prices for the first three months of this year are up 90% on the quarter. A silver lining though: SK Hynix, the second-largest memory chip producer in the world, is currently producing HMB chips, and has been since February. SK Hynix is also on track to start producing in a new plant in Seoul by February 2027, which is three months earlier than previous estimates. That said, Nikkei says this is the only production increase among the big three memory companies, which include SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron Technology (based in the U.S.) For its part, Micron will start producing in both Idaho as well as Singapore in 2027. Taken together, these three companies control 90% of the global DRAM, and are the only companies that can make HBM. Nikkei cites Counterpoint Research, which estimates that these companies would need to increase production by 12% per year through 2027 in order to fix the RAM shortage. Right now, it reports that growth looks to be about 7.5%. As such, the issue may not return to normal until sometime next year. The RAM shortage affects everythingThis news is disappointing, especially following positive developments in late March. Back then, we saw prices for RAM kits drop slightly—still far above historic lows, but $30 to $45 reductions in a time when the biggest AI companies on the planet were buying up as much RAM as possible. But following Nikkei's reporting, general prices likely won't fall (or stop rising) for at least another year and a half. Unfortunately, that has implications for everything that uses RAM, not just the RAM itself. While those who build or work with computers will notice the strain on RAM hardware, there's a long list of consumer devices that will continue to be impacted here as well. Smartphones, laptops, smart glasses, tablets, gaming consoles, cars: If it runs on a computer, it uses RAM. Coupled with market instability across the globe, expect prices on devices you buy to increase in tandem. This perfect storm likely caused Sony to raise prices on the PlayStation consoles and handhelds, for example. View the full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a cornerstone of business operations, small business owners might find themselves wondering how the latest advancements in cloud technology can bolster their operations. Intel Corporation and Google recently announced a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure, which could provide tangible benefits for small enterprises seeking to implement AI solutions. Intel’s Xeon processors will continue to drive Google Cloud infrastructure, reinforcing the essential role of central processing units (CPUs) in managing diverse AI workloads. With demand for AI only expected to rise, the collaboration emphasizes a move toward a more efficient, robust cloud landscape that can better serve businesses of all sizes. Intel and Google are particularly focusing on co-developing custom infrastructure processing units (IPUs). These specialized processors will offload specific tasks—like networking, storage, and security—traditionally handled by CPUs. This move is set to improve efficiency and performance, enabling businesses to scale their AI solutions without overwhelming their systems. The objective is clear: small businesses utilizing Google Cloud will benefit from a streamlined infrastructure that can effectively manage both extensive and latency-sensitive workloads. By improving energy efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership, the partnership aims to make cutting-edge AI technology more accessible. AI-Driven Benefits Small businesses can leverage the advancements from this collaboration in a variety of ways. Here are some key benefits: Cost Efficiency: The partnership is designed to enhance performance while lowering operational costs. By utilizing Intel’s Xeon processors, businesses can achieve better compute capabilities without a significant increase in investment. Scalable Solutions: With the new IPUs, businesses can scale their AI applications more readily. This is particularly important for small businesses with growing data needs, as they can adapt their cloud resources without incurring exorbitant expenses. Optimized Performance: The integration of CPUs and IPUs means that workloads, whether for data training or real-time analytics, can be managed more effectively. This should result in faster processing times and improved user experiences. Flexibility: The partnership reinforces an architecture that combines general-purpose computing with dedicated accelerators. For small businesses, this means the ability to handle a wider variety of tasks effectively while maintaining system simplicity. Insights from Industry Leaders Industry leaders underscore the importance of balanced systems for AI. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel, stated, “AI is reshaping how infrastructure is built and scaled. Scaling AI requires more than accelerators – it requires balanced systems.” This points to the fact that for small businesses looking to adopt AI, a well-rounded approach is crucial for long-term sustainability. Amin Vahdat, SVP & Chief Technologist at Google, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “CPUs and infrastructure acceleration remain a cornerstone of AI systems.” For small business owners, this underscores the importance of not just investing in AI technology, but doing so in a way that considers the underlying architectures that support these innovations. Laying the Foundation The collaboration signifies a commitment to advancing open, scalable infrastructure for the AI era. For small businesses, tapping into these advancements can offer numerous possibilities for innovation. By adopting AI-driven cloud services, businesses can empower themselves to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately compete on a larger scale. However, it’s important to consider some potential challenges. Transitioning to a more sophisticated AI system can require upfront investment and a certain level of technical expertise. Small business owners should weigh these factors as they consider integrating new technologies. The collaborative efforts between Intel and Google not only highlight the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure but also signal that advanced technologies are becoming more accessible. For small businesses, embracing these changes could usher in a new era of efficiency and growth. For those interested in detailed technical insights and future implications, the full press release can be found at Intel’s newsroom: Intel Newsroom. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intel and Google Forge Partnership to Revolutionize AI Cloud Infrastructure" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a cornerstone of business operations, small business owners might find themselves wondering how the latest advancements in cloud technology can bolster their operations. Intel Corporation and Google recently announced a significant collaboration aimed at enhancing AI infrastructure, which could provide tangible benefits for small enterprises seeking to implement AI solutions. Intel’s Xeon processors will continue to drive Google Cloud infrastructure, reinforcing the essential role of central processing units (CPUs) in managing diverse AI workloads. With demand for AI only expected to rise, the collaboration emphasizes a move toward a more efficient, robust cloud landscape that can better serve businesses of all sizes. Intel and Google are particularly focusing on co-developing custom infrastructure processing units (IPUs). These specialized processors will offload specific tasks—like networking, storage, and security—traditionally handled by CPUs. This move is set to improve efficiency and performance, enabling businesses to scale their AI solutions without overwhelming their systems. The objective is clear: small businesses utilizing Google Cloud will benefit from a streamlined infrastructure that can effectively manage both extensive and latency-sensitive workloads. By improving energy efficiency and reducing total cost of ownership, the partnership aims to make cutting-edge AI technology more accessible. AI-Driven Benefits Small businesses can leverage the advancements from this collaboration in a variety of ways. Here are some key benefits: Cost Efficiency: The partnership is designed to enhance performance while lowering operational costs. By utilizing Intel’s Xeon processors, businesses can achieve better compute capabilities without a significant increase in investment. Scalable Solutions: With the new IPUs, businesses can scale their AI applications more readily. This is particularly important for small businesses with growing data needs, as they can adapt their cloud resources without incurring exorbitant expenses. Optimized Performance: The integration of CPUs and IPUs means that workloads, whether for data training or real-time analytics, can be managed more effectively. This should result in faster processing times and improved user experiences. Flexibility: The partnership reinforces an architecture that combines general-purpose computing with dedicated accelerators. For small businesses, this means the ability to handle a wider variety of tasks effectively while maintaining system simplicity. Insights from Industry Leaders Industry leaders underscore the importance of balanced systems for AI. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO of Intel, stated, “AI is reshaping how infrastructure is built and scaled. Scaling AI requires more than accelerators – it requires balanced systems.” This points to the fact that for small businesses looking to adopt AI, a well-rounded approach is crucial for long-term sustainability. Amin Vahdat, SVP & Chief Technologist at Google, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that “CPUs and infrastructure acceleration remain a cornerstone of AI systems.” For small business owners, this underscores the importance of not just investing in AI technology, but doing so in a way that considers the underlying architectures that support these innovations. Laying the Foundation The collaboration signifies a commitment to advancing open, scalable infrastructure for the AI era. For small businesses, tapping into these advancements can offer numerous possibilities for innovation. By adopting AI-driven cloud services, businesses can empower themselves to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and ultimately compete on a larger scale. However, it’s important to consider some potential challenges. Transitioning to a more sophisticated AI system can require upfront investment and a certain level of technical expertise. Small business owners should weigh these factors as they consider integrating new technologies. The collaborative efforts between Intel and Google not only highlight the evolving landscape of AI infrastructure but also signal that advanced technologies are becoming more accessible. For small businesses, embracing these changes could usher in a new era of efficiency and growth. For those interested in detailed technical insights and future implications, the full press release can be found at Intel’s newsroom: Intel Newsroom. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intel and Google Forge Partnership to Revolutionize AI Cloud Infrastructure" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

First damage assessment since US-backed ceasefire comes as progress on peace plan stalls during Iran warView the full article

Every digital PR (DPR) team’s been there: New data drops and the team huddles while someone stares at a blank Google doc spiraling over angles and journalist targets. Eventually, a pitch limps out the door just in time to hit “Send” before end of day. The pitch then lands in a top-tier publication, everyone celebrates, and the next month the whole team does the exact same thing over again, like it never happened. But here’s the thing nobody talks about: That winning pitch is a valuable asset, and most teams will just leave it sitting in their sent folder collecting virtual dust. Whether it was a data study, a product launch, or an expert quote, that pitch is a template. And with AI, you can clone its DNA onto every new campaign rather than reinventing the wheel every single time. By the numbers The stakes for getting this right have never been higher. About 46% of journalists receive six or more pitches every single workday, and of those, 49% seldom or never respond to a pitch, per Muck Rack’s State of Journalism report. Pitch volume keeps climbing while relevance drops, with 47% of journalists saying they seldom or never receive pitches relevant to what they cover, Cision’s 2025 State of the Media Report found. The volume problem is real, and AI is making it worse by enabling everyone to quickly and easily generate pitches. This means journalist inboxes are quickly filling up with content that sounds more generic than ever. So how do you get your pitches in front of as many journalists as possible while actually getting noticed? The answer is deceptively simple: Rather than blindly scaling your pitch generation, scale what you already know lands. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Meet the DPR duplication method I call it the “DPR duplication method,” and the idea behind it is simple: rinse, reuse, repeat. The process is straightforward. You take a pitch that generated coverage previously, determine exactly what made it work structurally, and then use AI to replicate that structure for your next campaign rather than prompting from a blank slate. It works across pitch types, too, which is the part I love most about it. Data studies, product launches, expert quotes, reactive commentary — it doesn’t matter. If the structure worked once, it can work again, and if it worked 10 times, it can work 20. One of my favorite pitches to use with this method is one I sent to an editor at PR Daily, and the subject line read: “Your basset hound is the cutest [New SEO study for PR Daily].” The pitch was built around a data study on YouTube thumbnail performance, with findings that were specific, visual, and easy for a journalist to turn into a standalone story without much heavy lifting on their end. It landed. Same-day response. Anatomy of a winning pitch: What made it work? So why did it work? There are four reasons, and you can replicate every single one: The subject line led with a personal connection before it ever mentioned the pitch, directly referencing the editor’s dog before dropping the study hook in brackets. This made it impossible to ignore because initially it didn’t feel like a pitch. Instead, it felt like a personal message from someone who actually knew them. The opening hook built rapport before it built a case, acknowledging their pet and sharing something personal before naturally transitioning into the actual reason for the email. By the time the data showed up, they were already reading and receptive. The stat sequencing moved from the broadest behavioral finding down to the most specific and visual. This gave them multiple angles to work with, depending on what their audience needed most. It didn’t force them to figure out the story themselves. Plus, it was also about a topic they were already covering. The CTA was framed entirely around their readers and not around my study or client. It asked whether their audience of growing businesses interested in videography would benefit from the findings. The CTA wasn’t simply, “Would you like to cover this?” Instead, it was, “Would your readers benefit?” That’s a very different ask, and journalists immediately feel the difference. Steal the structure: Prompt by prompt Don’t describe your best pitch to the AI. Instead, give it the pitch by pasting in the full text. Then, ask it to mirror the specific parts that made the pitch work rather than having it write something new from scratch. Here’s how that looks using a hypothetical campaign. Say you are pitching a new survey for a financial wellness company that shows one in three Americans have skipped a doctor’s appointment in the last year because of cost. This is strong data with a clear emotional hook that a lot of journalists covering personal finance or healthcare would care about. You need to pitch it, and you need it to land. So you open the PR Daily pitch above, and you use it as your blueprint, duplicating each component that made it work for the new campaign. Duplicate the subject line That PR Daily subject line worked because it opened with something personal to the journalist before it ever mentioned the study, and you want that same energy in every new pitch you send: “Create seven headlines with each provided stat. For example: [paste your winning subject line format].” “Make this subject line more focused on [new topic]: [paste winning subject line].” “Make this subject line more newsworthy based on the articles I provided: [paste current subject line draft].” “Make this statistic into a newsworthy headline: [paste stat].” “Make this headline more personal to a journalist covering [beat]: [paste headline].” Duplicate the opening hook The opening worked because it felt human before it felt like a pitch, and injecting that same warmth and specificity into a new campaign is as simple as showing the AI exactly what you mean rather than trying to describe it: “Love this opening. Make the new opening mimic more of this: [paste opening from winning pitch].” “Here is some trending news. Highlight this in the opening hook: [paste URL].” “Make this opening more [inflation/healthcare/financially] focused: [paste current opening].” “Here is another example of what is happening right now. Let’s incorporate it: [paste URL].” “Make this intro feel more like a journalist would write it and less like a press release: [paste current intro].” Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Duplicate the stat sequencing The stats in the PR Daily pitch moved from the broadest finding down to the most specific and surprising, which handed the journalist a ready-made narrative she could work with instead of a list of numbers she had to interpret herself: “Here are my key statistics: [paste stats]. Make the stats mimic this verbiage: [paste stat section from winning pitch].” “Make this statistic more clear and newsworthy but not misleading: [paste stat].” “Rewrite these stats so they flow like a story, starting broad and getting more specific: [paste stats].” “Make these stats feel more conversational and less like a press release: [paste stats].” Duplicate the CTA The CTA worked because it put the journalist’s readers at the center of the ask rather than the study or the client, and that shift in framing is something you want to carry into every pitch you send: “Make the CTA more like this: [paste CTA from winning pitch]. New topic is [insert topic].” “Make this CTA more [topic] focused: [paste current CTA].” “Rewrite this CTA so it leads with what the journalist’s readers will get, and not what we want covered: [paste current CTA].” “Make this feel less salesy and more like a genuine offer: [paste current CTA].” Duplicate the follow-up The follow-up gets the exact same treatment, because there is a version of your best follow-up already sitting in your sent folder. You should be using this winning follow-up as the model every time instead of writing a new one: “Mimic this follow-up and add the link [paste URL]: [paste your winning follow-up].” “Mention [insert trend] from [insert article] in this follow-up: [paste follow-up].” “Rewrite this follow-up so that it leads with a new stat we did not include in the original pitch: [paste follow-up and new stat].” “Make this follow-up shorter and punchier while keeping the same structure: [paste follow-up].” Every component has a proven version already sitting in your sent folder, so use it. Re-prompting with the actual text of the original rather than describing it will consistently yield more faithful results, as the AI won’t need to guess at your voice. Instead, it has a blueprint. You can duplicate anything Ask yourself what is preventing your current pitches from landing. The first answer that comes to mind probably isn’t the lack of a new AI tool. Rather, it’s likely a structural ingredient from something that already worked and that you stopped using the moment it landed coverage. The DPR duplication method can apply to every part of your outreach (e.g., headlines, pitch intros, stat formatting, CTAs, sign-offs, and follow-ups). Every single component can be duplicated and evolved from a version that has already proven its effectiveness. I know what you might be thinking at this point: Won’t pitches start to sound the same if they all pull from the same structure? The answer is no, because the structure is yours, built from your wins, your voice, and your relationship with a specific editor about her specific dog. Nobody else has that blueprint. Here are some questions worth considering before your next campaign: What group of stats did you love from a past pitch, and how can you use them as a formatting model for new data? What pitch generated an outsized amount of press, and what was the structural reason it actually worked? What headlines received responses from journalists, and what was the pattern that made them land? What in your past experience can be enhanced with AI rather than replaced by it? Using AI doesn’t require sacrificing the secret sauce of what generates press — because the strategy is still yours. AI just helps you execute it faster and more consistently without losing the specific ingredients that made your best work actually work. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Your next pitch starts with your last win Open the pitch that generated your best coverage in the last 12 months, whether it was a data study, product launch, or expert quote pitch. Identify the things that made it work, including the subject line, opening hook, stat or story sequence, and the CTA. Notice what made each one feel specific, human, and impossible to ignore. Then prompt AI to duplicate each component individually using that pitch as the model. Add current news context where it fits, combine everything, refine as needed, and duplicate the follow-up, too. You’re not copying. You’re compounding. Rinse, reuse, repeat. View the full article

A reader writes: I’m a former attorney from a government office, and I’ve been curious how you’d view something that was framed as positive but felt … off. Each spring, our office held a “Wellness Week” intended to promote work/life balance. We were divided into teams, and each day included a different “wellness challenge” to be completed during the workday. These ranged from things like a scavenger hunt outside, guided meditation sessions, or reading an article about wellness, to more involved activities like donating to charity. During this week, I often had to forgo my actual wellness activities to participate in the one-size-fits-all “wellness” challenges so as not to let my team down. On paper, this all sounded fine. Participation was repeatedly described as “optional” and “no pressure.” However, there was a competitive element: the team that completed the most challenges won a pizza party. In practice, this created a very different dynamic. Many of us were already overworked and underpaid attorneys with significant caseloads, and this particular week didn’t come with any reduction in workload or expectations. The activities — especially the charitable ones — often required additional time, coordination, and money. For example, one year we were encouraged to donate “professional clothing,” which meant providing fairly new items that needed to be dry cleaned and presentable. This largely fell on the attorneys, who were already carrying the heaviest workloads. Because participation was tracked by team, there was a subtle but real pressure not to be the person who held your team back. Even though no one explicitly said participation was required, it was hard not to feel like opting out would be noticed. At the same time, participating meant taking time away from already demanding work or adding tasks outside of working hours. What made it feel particularly tone-deaf was the disconnect between the stated goal (reducing stress and promoting balance) and the reality (adding more to already full plates). It also raised questions for me about whether this kind of programming unintentionally shifts responsibility for burnout onto employees — i.e., “do more yoga and scavenger hunts” — rather than addressing structural workload issues. Is this a common dynamic with workplace “wellness” initiatives? And how can employees navigate situations where something is labeled “optional” but carries implicit social or team pressure? From a management perspective, what would a more effective (and less burdensome) approach to supporting employee well-being actually look like? Yeah, when “wellness” becomes one more employer-imposed obligation, it’s not wellness at all. It’s just more stress. It’s also awfully invasive, frankly. If employers want to support employee wellness, they should look at what they themselves can do, not just come up with lists of things employees should be doing. If “wellness” is truly a company value, then the company can do things like offering free and healthy snacks, excellent health insurance, generous time off, schedules that allow time for rest and exercise, and workloads that are kept to a manageable level — things that they alone are uniquely positioned to do. Scavenger hunts and charity drives ask things of employees and take all the burden off the employer. But it’s a hell of a lot cheaper for employers than doing things of real substance on their end — and so as a result, it’s incredibly common. And as you point out, it becomes additionally offensive when you’re pressured to participate in activities but not given any real relief in your workload to make it possible; at that point, it’s just one more thing you need to juggle and can become antithetical to wellness. As an employee, the best thing you can do is to take it at face value when you’re told that participating is optional. Yes, there may be implicit to pressure to participate, but you can still say no. If coworkers press you to participate, you can say, “I just don’t have the room on my plate; it would end up being the opposite of wellness for me.” You just need to be willing to hold firm; the majority of the time, if you do, the reaction won’t be anything you can’t handle. Moreover, doing this will model for others that they can do it too — and you might find that once you do it, others feel more comfortable setting their own boundaries too. You can also speak up about the pressure, if you’re willing to! It would be a social good to say, “You know, tracking this by team creates pressure for people to participate when they might have reasons not to, and that’s at odds with the whole idea of a wellness initiative. Can we make this truly opt-in, where people who want to participate have the opportunity to, but it’s truly okay when people don’t? A team shouldn’t be penalized if someone on their team doesn’t have time or simply doesn’t want to participate.” You’d probably have the gratitude of your coworkers for being willing to say that. The post my office’s “wellness week” just adds to our stress appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Developers including D.R. Horton Inc., Lennar Corp. and KB Home all missed expectations last quarter and estimates suggest both sales and earnings have fallen further as conflict in the Middle East unsettled buyers and raised costs. View the full article

PM will update the Commons about officials’ failure to share findings of security checksView the full article

Treasurys posted solid gains Friday as oil futures dropped $15 a barrel, while the S&P 500 logged its 10th straight day of higher highs, according to the head of correspondent business development at AD Mortgage. View the full article

In 2026, news SEO content performance isn’t just defined by page views and clicks — brand awareness is taking center stage. With the emergence of multimodal search, digital editorial strategy is no longer just about the first page of Google. You have to meet readers anywhere and everywhere they consume content. Amid this industry shift, AI platforms are an increasingly important traffic source for publishers to consider. If publishers want to remain relevant, it’s critical to find ways to play ball with Google AI Overviews, chatbots, voice assistants, and other emerging technologies. Fortunately, utility news content is a key deliverable that can connect with audience needs across platforms throughout a variety of breaking news and evergreen windows. What is utility news content? Utility news content is service journalism that’s specifically crafted to provide simple and straightforward answers to topline questions. The recent rise of answer engine optimization (AEO) is driven by a similar methodology. Service journalism encourages readers to contemplate: What does this topic mean? Why does this angle connect with my interests and needs? How can I apply this information to my life? When constructing a utility content strategy, we must remember: Simple isn’t stupid. Don’t overcomplicate the process. Listen to the needs of your audience and let those signals guide you to the right places. In terms of execution, the “set it and forget it” days of evergreen content are fading in favor of more proactive audience engagement strategies. To maximize the impact of utility news content, it’s essential to: Map out evergreen targets in advance with trend forecasting around seasonal events and recurring search patterns. Track the breaking news cycle closely to pinpoint new areas of opportunity. Refresh existing explainers when corresponding breakout queries arise. Create new utility posts when content gaps exist. Recirculate related resources across appropriate platforms in timely windows. Track article performance to assess overall impact and share key takeaways with editorial stakeholders. Consolidate related articles in a streamlined content library for easy access and regular review. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with What are traditional utility news content examples? These helpful guides show that simple and straightforward content can serve reader needs by breaking news within a crucial window of time, zoning in on evergreen themes of interest, and connecting with seasonal tentpole event calendars. Checklists – The Denver Gazette, “Know before you have to go: wildfire evacuation checklist” “Everything to know about [insert topic here]” – CBS News, “Everything you need to know about the Texas primaries” FAQs – CNN, “What parents need to know about The President Accounts: An FAQ” “How to [insert topic here]” – The New York Times, “How to Shovel Snow Safely” Localized guides – The Los Angeles Times, “The 70 best hikes in L.A.” Multi-purpose landing pages – ESPN, “MLB spring training 2026: Schedule, highlights, updates” Timelines – The Wall Street Journal, “A Timeline of Key Moments in American Capitalism” “How does [insert topic here] work?” – AP News, “How Social Security works and what to know about its future” “What happens if [insert topic here]?” – ABC News, “What happens if the government shuts down? A lot, history tells us” “What is [insert topic here]?” – People Magazine, “What is Fat Tuesday? All About Mardi Gras’ History and Meaning” ESPN utility news AI Overviews case study During my tenure as SEO Director at ESPN from 2022-2026, I spearheaded a utility content initiative that prioritized fan-forward queries throughout a variety of game and event windows. In managing that workflow, I picked up helpful dos and don’ts for making utility content shine within a newsroom. These examples demonstrate why utility news content can resonate in AI modules if you have a proper editorial strategy in place. Create content that can maintain relevance throughout long-term event cycles When the Indiana Pacers started trending for the “NBA teams that have never won an NBA championship” theme at the end of the 2025-26 NBA season, updating this evergreen piece of content to maintain accuracy secured consistent AI Overview placement through to the championship. Answer breaking news questions with evergreen resources Following his unexpected passing in July 2025, Hulk Hogan’s wrestling titles were a major search topic that translated well into this breakout explainer. Its evergreen potential can resonate with audiences beyond the initial post-demise trending window. Create evergreen lists in advance that can spike off of breaking news Candace Parker’s 2025 jersey retirement gave this previously published evergreen roundup a fresh window to reach new fans and drive traffic. Recirculate guides that can benefit from frequent updates With LeBron and Bronny James frequently in the news, this fun evergreen take reflects their evolving stats and provides a related link to feature complementary content. Lean into your brand Whenever possible, it’s great to showcase in-house talent with breakout posts that spotlight unique elements that are synonymous with your brand. Why is utility news content still relevant? With the rise of zero-click search, some concerns have been raised about investing in service journalism when related SERP modules regularly snatch up topline shelf space in time-sensitive windows. Though declining click-through rates are alarming, service journalism isn’t only about traffic. Publishers have a duty to showcase legitimate sourcing and provide accurate information that serves audience needs across top platforms. Among many recent studies, Ahrefs presented new data in December 2025 that showed how easy it is for LLMs to get confused and present inaccurate information to users. Google AI Overviews can also sometimes produce “predictions” that share outcomes on events that haven’t happened yet. Inaccuracies are especially concerning in breaking news windows, which AI Overviews have been increasingly staking their claim on (as noted by Glenn Gabe). Additionally, innocent online interactions can quickly turn dangerous, which The Guardian emphasized in a 2025 investigation that uncovered how Google’s AI Overviews gave “very dangerous mental health advice” to billions of searchers. Though visibility challenges are frustrating, we can’t sit idly by and let the general public be led astray when seeking timely information. In 2026 (and beyond), AI-friendly utility news content is still worth championing in your newsroom. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. How can publishers pinpoint the best topics for utility news content? An ideal utility content workflow should function under a healthy combination of breaking news reaction and evergreen trend forecasting. A variety of tools and interfaces can help publishers during the ideation process: Google Trends ‘Trending now’ section Toggle upper navigational features to explore trends within different regions, date ranges, and content categories. “Past 4 hours” is ideal for breaking news brainstorming. Use “Search volume” and “Started” filters alongside search interest activity chart to gauge the timing and format of potential pieces. Older trends can be repurposed past the breaking news window in the form of timelines and “bigger picture” explainers. Sift through the “Trend breakdown” section for angles of interest that could translate into breakout explainers. Tap into the “In the news” section for brand performance validation and competitor intel. Standalone topic searches Discover trending questions, people, places, events, and things in “Rising queries” section. Determine essential phrases to target in headlines and subheadlines with the “Top queries” section. Conduct localized research with the “Interest by subregion” module in “Classic Explore” view. Use the comparison bar to narrow down potential topics of interest for breakout articles and establish the most search-friendly phrasing for headlines. Experiment with “YouTube,” “News,” and “Image” search filters to assess how searches on topics of interest may vary by platform. Regularly share related insights with external departments that can incorporate search-friendly angles into their workflows and deliverables (e.g., The video team with “YouTube” search, the photo team with “Image” search). Use “Past hour” filter during breaking news windows to assess urgent audience queries and predict where search behavior may be going next. Use “Past 5 years” and “2004-present” filters to identify seasonal audience trends that can positively influence year-over-year content planning and “all-time highs” in search interest When do search interest spikes occur every single year? What content can you refresh on an annual basis to capitalize on cyclical audience behavior? How should you stagger your content rollout during a recurring event window? Experiment with the “Suggest search terms” Gemini feature for supplementary content research (Note: If you use AI tools in a prominent way during the content creation process, it’s important to be transparent with your audience and include a corresponding disclosure statement within the final deliverable). Curated pages (ad hoc basis) Zone in on trending takeaways around tentpole events with mass interest. Regularly check the Google Trends homepage for featured modules around elections, sporting events, awards shows, etc. Curated newsletter (typically Monday-Friday) Take the guesswork out of daily Google Trends analysis. Receive top trends, breakout queries, data visualizations, and interesting stats from industry experts that can be applied to breakout articles. Sign up on the Google Trends homepage. Competitor research throughout all modules Gauge where you’re winning and pick up on lingering content gaps where other publishers may have an edge. Google News Explore primary topics of interest in the “Top stories” homepage section. Dig into upper navigational bar content categories based off of newsroom beats. Discover regional opportunities in the “Local” section. Access the platform regularly to receive a curated selection of articles in the “For you” section based off of your personal user behavior and interests. “Follow” searches that would benefit from regular monitoring to streamline the daily research process. Press the star button on the upper right-hand side of an individual search to save topic to your “Following” section. Utilize standalone topic searches for targeted content ideation. Explore standalone source searches for validating brand performance and conducting competitor research. People Also Ask Converse with “AI Mode” to uncover topic clusters that extend beyond your initial search. Semrush Pinpoint high-volume Q&A angles that maintain long-term relevance in seasonal windows. Alternative search platforms Identify trends that can spark content with compatibility across a variety of formats, including articles, videos, and social posts: Google Autocomplete: Ideal for research on high-intent long-tail keywords. YouTube search bar: Ideal with topics that can be enhanced by strong visuals and/or a video walk-through approach. TikTok search bar: Ideal for targeting younger demographics. How should utility news content be constructed for success on AI platforms? Once the brainstorming process is complete, search strategists need to adopt the right techniques to make sure that corresponding content serves utility needs. Utility news content can be structured to be more “AI-friendly,” so to speak. Specifically, LLMs are more likely to cite content that contains: Simple and straightforward formatting FAQ styling Easily extractable answers Fresh updates Objective stats that lean into substance Include AI-friendly tactics like bullet point lists, numbered steps, tables, keyword-targeted subheadings, and snackable paragraphs to better position your content for LLMs. Don’ bury the lead Answer the most search-friendly questions in the top half of the article using the five journalism staples: Who, what, where, when, why, how? Break out the buzziest angles from live blogs, rolling roundups, and extensive features into standalone articles. Quick-hit explainers and deep dive analyses can cover the same general topic and serve different audiences. Important themes can get lost in bigger pieces and fail to surface in related external searches, whereas separate articles with targeted headlines can increase search potential. Highlight E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness) Promote need-to-know information that can appeal to the masses while elevating the unique value your brand can offer: Quotes from brand experts. In-house data. Original reporting. Regional angles. Historical context. Be sure to create author pages to consolidate content from in-house experts, make articles more discoverable, and encourage ongoing followership. Utilize timestamps to your advantage Implement a “Last updated” marker to produce the freshest search signal possible to readers and crawlers. Refresh articles with new and noticeable updates, such as content, headlines, photos, videos, and links. Tweak and recirculate content across a variety of related news windows to get articles back into feeds and provide readers with related context. Small-scale updates can build up to substantial traffic and AI Overview placements throughout a calendar year. You should also be adding new links to supplementary stories as news cycles evolve. These updated links send a fresh signal to Google, provide essential context to readers, and reinforce your E-E-A-T on top priority topics for your brand. Create short, concise titles and headlines that prioritize search-friendly entities When crafting headlines, avoid conversational fluff (including quotes, which are better utilized elsewhere) and instead zone in on people, places, events, etc. Try to keep your headlines within 60 characters or less to stay on the safe side with Google’s roulette of SERP formatting. Google is increasingly randomizing the appearance of search results with the influx of multimodal sources flooding the scene. For instance, “Top stories” carousels have been disappearing on more newsy searches, which can shift SERPs back to their traditional title tag structure (which can sometimes cut off titles and headlines at less than 60 characters) vs. a headline structure (which tends to have more wiggle room with character count). Though frontloading keywords isn’t a requirement in titles and headlines (variety and readability are helpful for UX), you should keep top-priority themes away from the 60-character cutoff point as a precaution. Remember, it’s okay to tweak titles and headlines if readers aren’t connecting with them. Fresh angles can provide a late traffic surge, especially when paired with homepage and/or app placement. If SERPs lag in reflecting your latest updates, re-index articles in Google Search Console. Be strategic with keyword placement As Google tests out AI-generated headline rewrites, it’s increasingly important to optimize original headlines with essential terms that readers are searching for. You’ll also want to showcase supplementary keywords in meta descriptions. Utilize a call to action when appropriate, especially with guides in urgent windows like natural disasters, shootings, etc. Mirror top keywords from titles and headlines into URLs, but tread carefully with years and specific numbers in URLs to maintain evergreen status as news cycles evolve. Don’t forget to optimize your images! Include keyword-rich alt text and captions on any images in your news content, which help AI models better understand visuals within your content and improve your odds of discoverability. Implement sitemaps and structured data Enable a news-specific sitemap to optimize delivery of timely content. This will emphasize freshness, streamline indexing, and boost overall search visibility. Additionally, employ schema markup to help ensure the proper indexation of articles. “NewsArticle,” “LiveBlogPosting,” and “FAQPage” are especially relevant for surfacing utility news content. How can you recirculate utility news content effectively? Once publishers have established a productive utility content workflow, it’s essential to employ a strategic recirculation strategy to maximize visibility in all appropriate channels. “SEO is dead” messaging has been spreading over the past year. Everyone’s entitled to their own opinion, but I believe that as long as people are searching for the information they need online, traditional search best practices are still very much alive. However, certain old-school SEO ideologies are dying off, chief among them being that search performance lives and dies with the first page of SERPs. With ongoing AI visibility challenges, search strategies must extend beyond Google’s digital walls. We must recirculate always, in all ways In 2026, search strategists need to be audience strategists to surface content across all the places people visit online. Collaborate and find common ground with departments across your organization to be able to quickly elevate search-friendly angles and content within crucial news windows. A strong strategy is essential to ensure your brand stays top of mind across platforms when timely audience needs arise. Channels that can benefit from cross-departmental search and distribution strategies include: Your website/homepage Apps Alerts Newsletters Podcasts Instagram/Threads Facebook X Bluesky Reddit TikTok Linkedin YouTube Google Discover News aggregators (Apple News, Smart News, etc.) How should newsrooms assess the performance of utility news content? With a growing list of platforms in the content recirculation mix, performance tracking is evolving with additional nuances for publishers to consider. Prior to Google’s Search Generative Experience and AI Overviews, utility news content was primed for placement in knowledge panels, featured snippets, and “Top stories” carousels. Google started to take up more of that top shelf space with its own bespoke charts and modules over time, minimizing publisher activity during top priority events. The public rollout of AI Overviews in May 2024 changed the playing field in a big way, but the development didn’t come out of nowhere. As AI Overviews have become increasingly prominent in search results, respected institutions such as the Pew Research Center have noted declining click-through rates across the news industry. This development has pushed publishers to place greater emphasis on overall brand visibility alongside their traditional prioritization of page views and clicks. Though standard metrics remain important, publishers should rethink what “successful content” means as audience engagement shifts. In 2026 (and beyond), search strategists should pay extra attention to: AI Overview placements. Featured snippet placements. People Also Ask placements. “Top stories” placements. Percentage of traffic from chatbots. Overall search impressions. Organic search traffic across multiple utility pieces under one general topic. Year-over-year growth of evergreen SEO content. Other metrics that can indicate a positive editorial experience and encourage long-term brand loyalty include: Scroll depth. Time spent on site. Return visits on evergreen content. Bookmarked entry pages. Newsletter, app, and other subscription signups from individual pages. Dedicated AI platforms from companies like Profound, Semrush, Similarweb, Ahrefs, and other industry vendors can help demystify the performance tracking process. Though every AI interaction may not lead to a click or page view, consistent placements in related modules can psychologically trigger trust and encourage long-term reader loyalty, as pointed out by Go Fish Digital. Since this performance ideology may differ from what some stakeholders are accustomed to, ongoing newsroom search training is critical to ensure that leadership understands the broader industry implications. For instance, positive performance snapshots should be regularly shared with editorial partners to reinforce the impact of the content investment. Postmortem reports can also provide performance insights following tentpole events, driving home key takeaways and reinforcing best practices for the future. How does personalization play a role in surfacing utility news content? The recent rise in personalization features underscores the growing need for publishers to adopt brand-first editorial strategies. To maximize brand reach despite decreased visibility in traditional SERPs, it’s critical for publishers to leverage features that can strengthen brand loyalty. Preferred sources in Google “Top stories” carousels and new follow capabilities in Google Discover can increase the value of everyday interactions that are likely to trigger needs utility content can address. For example, Google shared that when someone picks a preferred source in “Top stories,” they click that site twice as often on average. With such benefits, publishers should demystify these offerings and encourage readers to curate their content consumption habits in their favor. Instructions to guide your readers to choose your brand as a preferred source in Google’s “Top stories” carousel: Log into your Google account. Search for a trending topic that would populate a “Top stories” carousel. Click on the star icon next to “Top stories.” Enter [source name] in the search bar and check the corresponding box. Reload results and watch the content shift based on your new selection. Once you pick your favorite sources, they’ll appear more frequently in “Top stories” carousels or in a dedicated “From your sources” section on search results pages. Instructions to guide your readers to enable the “Follow” feature in Google Discover: Log into your Google account. Scroll through your Google Discover feed. Find a story from your favorite source. Click the “Follow” button in the upper right-hand corner. Once you track sources, you’ll see more of their content in your feed. To maximize visibility around these new features and simplify the signup process, publishers can install related buttons on their article pages and create standalone documentation that illustrates implementation. How can utility news content benefit a newsroom and the industry at large? We know that readers benefit from personalized strategies, but there are also advantages to sharing the utility content ideation and creation process with more colleagues in your newsroom. Service journalism can have a positive internal impact by creating a pathway for more colleagues to participate in the content creation process. Opening up the utility workflow within your organization can encourage colleagues across the following departments to showcase unique expertise and encourage a culture of inclusivity that can elevate search-friendly coverage: Editorial sections: In-house experts to loop in during the research process and support with content gap coverage. Audience engagement: Trend trackers who pinpoint which emerging topics are worth creating content around and featuring on the website, apps, and other spaces. Social media: Cross-platform collaborators to link up with on shared trends that can maximize brand visibility in multimodal search. Data and analytics: Methodical minds who can explain how performance insights should influence future content roadmaps. Design: Visual visionaries who can create bold new environments for search stats to live on, including maps and infographics. Product: Technical talents who can build proprietary tools that address reader needs in unique ways during timely windows. Features: Outside-the-box thinkers with strong sourcing who can highlight newsy angles in a narrative and/or investigative fashion. Copy editors: Streamlined strategists who ensure maximum accuracy in explainers, guides, and other objective resources. Freelance writers: External partners who can bolster internal efforts with outside expertise and supplemental bandwidth. PR and communications: Internal partners who can spotlight brand priorities that can be elevated through search-friendly content. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with Visibility, trust, and why utility content still wins Though the SEO industry faces unique challenges in 2026, publishers can still benefit from creating utility content. Amid LLM inaccuracies and AI growing pains, we must continue to serve our readers with accurate, authoritative articles in digestible formats that align with evolving content preferences. With Google testing out adding more links in AI Overviews, I remain cautiously optimistic that publishers and AI platforms can work in tandem to provide optimal editorial experiences to audiences in the future. In the meantime, keep these fundamental best practices in mind: Prioritize audience needs. Elevate newsroom expertise. Forge a path forward that champions evolution while honoring lasting fundamentals. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...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. The My Arcade Atari Gamestation Go is down to $124.99 on Woot, compared to its usual $179.99, and still below the $148.99 it’s currently listed for on Amazon. Price-trackers show this is the lowest it has dropped so far. Shipping is free for Prime members, and the deal is expected to run for about 12 days, though it could end sooner if the stock runs out. My Arcade Atari Gamestation Go Handheld Retro Gaming Console $124.99 at Woot $180.06 Save $55.07 Get Deal Get Deal $124.99 at Woot $180.06 Save $55.07 Atari is no longer the dominant force it was in the 1980s, but its catalog still defines early gaming history. The Gamestation Go tries to package that legacy into a single portable device, both in how it looks and how it plays. The main draw is the library. You get more than 200 built-in games, including recognizable titles like Asteroids, Breakout, Centipede, Missile Command, Tempest, and Yar’s Revenge. Most of the collection comes from the Atari 2600, with smaller selections from the 5200 and arcade releases. There are also a few licensed additions like PAC-MAN and games from Jaleco and PIKO Interactive. If that is not enough, you can expand the library further using a microSD card. The hardware is also designed to match the games. There is a 7-inch color display, and instead of relying on one control scheme, it includes a paddle, d-pad, trackball, numeric keypad, and standard buttons. You’ll also find a “SmartGlow” feature that lights up the controls you need for each game, which helps when switching between very different input styles. As for connectivity, it connects to a TV through HDMI, includes wifi for updates, and runs on a built-in rechargeable battery. On the downside, the build quality feels basic, and the layout is not very comfortable for long sessions. Also, the controls are accurate to the era, but that does not always translate to modern ergonomics. Still, if the goal is nostalgia and variety, the Gamestation Go does a lot, especially at this price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Elon Musk has been summoned to Paris on Monday, where investigators are looking into allegations of misconduct related to the social media platform X, including the spread of child sexual abuse material and deepfake content. The world’s richest man and Linda Yaccarino — the former CEO of X — have been summoned for “voluntary interviews,” while other employees of the platform are scheduled to be heard as witnesses throughout this week, the Paris prosecutor’s office said. It remains unclear whether Musk and Yaccarino will travel to Paris. A spokesperson for X did not respond to questions from The Associated Press and Yaccarino’s current company, eMed, did not answer a request sent to the press email. French prosecutors also suspect that controversy around the platform’s AI system Grok’s deepfakes was concocted to boost the value of Musk-owned companies ahead of a key market listing, and alerted U.S. authorities. Musk welcomed a report that U.S. justice officials refused to help French investigators, posting on X, “This needs to stop.” The reason for summoning Musk Musk was summoned after a search took place in February at the French premises of X as part of an investigation opened in January 2025 by the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office. Musk and Yaccarino have been invited in their capacities as managers of X at the time of the events investigated. Yaccarino was CEO from May 2023 until July 2025. “These voluntary interviews with the executives are intended to allow them to present their position regarding the facts and, where appropriate, the compliance measures they plan to implement,” prosecutors said. “At this stage, the conduct of this investigation is part of a constructive approach, with the ultimate objective of ensuring that platform X complies with French law, insofar as it operates within the national territory.” The Paris prosecutor’s office said Musk and Yaccarino’s potential no-show on Monday “is not an obstacle for investigations to continue.” What is being investigated French authorities opened their investigation after reports from a French lawmaker alleging that biased algorithms on X likely distorted the functioning of an automated data processing system. It expanded after the AI system, Grok, generated posts that allegedly denied the Holocaust, a crime in France, and spread sexually explicit deepfakes. It’s looking into alleged “complicity” in possessing and spreading pornographic images of minors, sexually explicit deepfakes, denial of crimes against humanity and manipulation of an automated data processing system as part of an organized group, among other charges. Grok, which was built by xAI and is available through X, sparked global outrage this year after it pumped out a torrent of sexualized nonconsensual deepfake images in response to requests from X users. Grok also wrote in a widely shared post in French that gas chambers at the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp were designed for “disinfection with Zyklon B against typhus” rather than for mass murder — language long associated with Holocaust denial. In later posts on X, the chatbot reversed itself and acknowledged that its earlier reply was wrong, saying it had been deleted, and pointed to historical evidence that Zyklon B was used to kill more than 1 million people in Auschwitz gas chambers. French prosecutors alert U.S. authorities In March, the Paris prosecutor’s office alerted the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — the U.S. federal agency responsible for regulating and overseeing financial markets — suggesting “that the controversy surrounding sexually explicit deepfakes generated by Grok may have been deliberately orchestrated to artificially boost the value of the companies X and xAI — potentially constituting criminal offenses,” prosecutors said. The Paris prosecutor’s office said this could have been done “ahead of the planned June 2026 stock market listing of the new entity formed by the merger of Space X and xAI, at a time when company X was clearly losing momentum.” Justice Department brushes off French call According to the Wall Street Journal, the Justice Department told French law enforcement authorities it wouldn’t facilitate their efforts to investigate Musk’s X. The newspaper reported that the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, in a two-page letter last week, accused the French of inappropriately using its justice system to interfere with an American business. The letter also said France’s requests for U.S. assistance “constitute an effort to entangle the United States in a politically charged criminal proceeding aimed at wrongfully regulating through prosecution the business activities of a social media platform.” French judicial authorities didn’t respond to requests for comments. Investigations launched into several internet platforms The cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office has launched in recent years a series of investigations focusing on internet platforms’ suspected illegal activities. French-language website Coco, which was cited in the landmark trial that turned Gisèle Pelicot into a global icon against sexual violence, closed in 2024 as its manager is accused of complicity in spreading child pornography and trafficking of children for sexual purposes, among other things. Pavel Durov, the founder of the Telegram messaging app, was handed preliminary charges and placed under judicial supervision for allegedly allowing criminal activity on the platform, including child sexual abuse material and drug trafficking. The Paris prosecutor’s office opened last year an investigation into TikTok over allegations that the platform allows content promoting suicide and that its algorithms may encourage vulnerable young people to take their own lives. Meanwhile, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it has lodged a new complaint against X with the cybercrime unit of the Paris prosecutor’s office targeting “the platform’s policies that allow disinformation to flourish.” Associated Press reporter Kelvin Chan contributed to this story. —Samuel Petrequin, Associated Press View the full article

A business plan mission statement defines your company’s purpose and core values, serving as an essential guide for strategic decisions. It communicates what you do and who you serve, setting you apart from competitors. This clarity not merely aligns your team’s efforts but also reassures investors about your direction. Crafting an effective mission statement involves key components that resonate with your audience. Comprehending these elements can greatly impact your business’s success and sustainability. Key Takeaways A business plan mission statement defines the company’s purpose, direction, and core values. It identifies the target audience and communicates the unique value proposition. A strong mission statement unites employees towards shared goals and guides strategic decision-making. Regular review ensures the mission statement remains relevant and aligned with evolving business objectives. It differentiates the company from competitors and reassures stakeholders about its intent and direction. Understanding the Purpose of a Mission Statement A mission statement is a crucial element of any business, serving as a clear declaration of its purpose and direction. To define a mission statement, think of it as outlining what your company does, whom it serves, and what sets it apart from competitors. The importance of a mission statement lies in its ability to unite employees, aligning their efforts toward shared goals and enhancing productivity. A well-crafted mission statement not only guides strategic decision-making but also reassures investors about your long-term vision. When creating a mission statement, consider what makes a good mission statement: clarity, inspiration, and relevance. Regularly reviewing it guarantees it stays aligned with your evolving business objectives, highlighting the difference between mission and vision. Key Components of a Business Plan Mission Statement Creating a business plan mission statement involves several key components that clearly articulate the essence of your company. Your business mission statement should define what your company does, who it serves, and its core values. Identifying the target audience is essential, as it establishes a connection with potential clients. Furthermore, your mission statement should communicate the unique value proposition, differentiating your business from competitors. These key components of a business plan serve as a guiding framework for strategic planning and decision-making. Remember to prioritize regularly reviewing and updating your mission statement, ensuring it remains relevant and reflects your evolving goals. This ongoing process keeps your company aligned with its core values and objectives. The Role of Mission Statements in Strategic Decision-Making Although mission statements might seem like just a formality, they play a crucial role in strategic decision-making. A well-crafted mission statement provides a framework that helps you align decisions with your company’s core values and objectives. By defining your organization’s purpose, good mission statements prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively. Mission Statement Vision Statement Difference Guides daily operations Envisions future goals Mission is present-focused, vision is future-focused Clarifies purpose Inspires long-term goals Mission tells why you exist, vision shows where you’re going Consistency in decisions Motivates employees Mission supports strategy, vision drives aspiration Regularly revisiting your mission statement guarantees it remains relevant, adapting to market changes as it provides direction during shifts. Examples of Effective Mission Statements Effective mission statements serve as strong tools that encapsulate a company’s purpose and direction. For instance, Patagonia’s mission, “We’re in business to save our home planet,” clearly defines its commitment to social responsibility. Starbucks emphasizes customer connection with its mission, “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Tesla’s focus on innovation is evident in its mission: “To accelerate the world’s shift to sustainable energy.” JetBlue captures a service ethos with, “To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.” Coca-Cola’s broader aspirations are highlighted in its mission, “To refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit.” These examples of good mission statements illustrate the difference between mission and vision statements, offering clear guidance for your business vision statement. Tips for Crafting a Compelling Mission Statement When crafting a compelling mission statement, it’s essential to keep it concise, ideally one to two sentences, to clearly articulate your company’s purpose and unique value proposition. Involve your employees in the process to promote ownership and alignment with core values. Regularly review and revise your mission statement to guarantee it reflects current goals and market conditions. Use clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon, to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences. Highlight the positive impact on customers and the community, making it relatable and inspiring. Remember, good vision statements complement your mission by defining future aspirations. Comprehending mission versus vision can improve your writing mission and create corporate mission statements that resonate, similar to examples of great mission statements. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Business Mission Statement and Why Is It Important? A business mission statement is a concise declaration that defines your company’s purpose, outlining what you do, who you serve, and the value you provide. It’s important as it aligns your team and stakeholders with shared goals, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. A clear mission statement differentiates your organization from competitors, improves your identity, and communicates your unique value to customers and investors. Regular updates guarantee it stays relevant to your evolving objectives. Why Is Mission Planning Important? Mission planning’s important as it gives your business a clear direction, aligning your team’s efforts with your long-term goals. It helps everyone understand the company’s purpose, enhancing motivation and engagement. A well-defined mission guides decision-making and supports effective marketing by conveying your unique value to customers and investors. Regularly updating your mission guarantees it reflects your evolving goals, keeping your organization relevant and focused, eventually contributing to sustained success in a competitive environment. What Is the Difference Between a Mission Statement and a Business Plan? A mission statement defines your business’s core purpose and values, serving as a guiding principle. Conversely, a business plan is an extensive document that outlines how you’ll achieve your goals, detailing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. Meanwhile, the mission statement focuses on the “why” of your business, the business plan addresses the “how” and “what,” providing a tactical roadmap for success in your market. Both are crucial but serve different functions. Why Is It Important to Write a Mission Statement? Writing a mission statement is important as it gives your business clarity and direction. It aligns your team’s goals with a common purpose, making decision-making easier. A clear mission can differentiate your company from competitors by highlighting your unique value. Regularly reviewing it guarantees it remains relevant as your business evolves. Furthermore, a strong mission nurtures employee engagement and motivation, creating a sense of belonging and purpose within your organization. Conclusion In conclusion, a business plan mission statement is vital for defining your company’s purpose and guiding its strategy. By clearly outlining your core values and unique offerings, it helps differentiate your business in a competitive environment. This statement not just unites your team around shared objectives but furthermore instills confidence in investors regarding your future direction. Crafting a compelling mission statement is indispensable, as it lays the foundation for effective decision-making and long-term success. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is a Business Plan Mission Statement and Why Is It Important?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A business plan mission statement defines your company’s purpose and core values, serving as an essential guide for strategic decisions. It communicates what you do and who you serve, setting you apart from competitors. This clarity not merely aligns your team’s efforts but also reassures investors about your direction. Crafting an effective mission statement involves key components that resonate with your audience. Comprehending these elements can greatly impact your business’s success and sustainability. Key Takeaways A business plan mission statement defines the company’s purpose, direction, and core values. It identifies the target audience and communicates the unique value proposition. A strong mission statement unites employees towards shared goals and guides strategic decision-making. Regular review ensures the mission statement remains relevant and aligned with evolving business objectives. It differentiates the company from competitors and reassures stakeholders about its intent and direction. Understanding the Purpose of a Mission Statement A mission statement is a crucial element of any business, serving as a clear declaration of its purpose and direction. To define a mission statement, think of it as outlining what your company does, whom it serves, and what sets it apart from competitors. The importance of a mission statement lies in its ability to unite employees, aligning their efforts toward shared goals and enhancing productivity. A well-crafted mission statement not only guides strategic decision-making but also reassures investors about your long-term vision. When creating a mission statement, consider what makes a good mission statement: clarity, inspiration, and relevance. Regularly reviewing it guarantees it stays aligned with your evolving business objectives, highlighting the difference between mission and vision. Key Components of a Business Plan Mission Statement Creating a business plan mission statement involves several key components that clearly articulate the essence of your company. Your business mission statement should define what your company does, who it serves, and its core values. Identifying the target audience is essential, as it establishes a connection with potential clients. Furthermore, your mission statement should communicate the unique value proposition, differentiating your business from competitors. These key components of a business plan serve as a guiding framework for strategic planning and decision-making. Remember to prioritize regularly reviewing and updating your mission statement, ensuring it remains relevant and reflects your evolving goals. This ongoing process keeps your company aligned with its core values and objectives. The Role of Mission Statements in Strategic Decision-Making Although mission statements might seem like just a formality, they play a crucial role in strategic decision-making. A well-crafted mission statement provides a framework that helps you align decisions with your company’s core values and objectives. By defining your organization’s purpose, good mission statements prioritize initiatives and allocate resources effectively. Mission Statement Vision Statement Difference Guides daily operations Envisions future goals Mission is present-focused, vision is future-focused Clarifies purpose Inspires long-term goals Mission tells why you exist, vision shows where you’re going Consistency in decisions Motivates employees Mission supports strategy, vision drives aspiration Regularly revisiting your mission statement guarantees it remains relevant, adapting to market changes as it provides direction during shifts. Examples of Effective Mission Statements Effective mission statements serve as strong tools that encapsulate a company’s purpose and direction. For instance, Patagonia’s mission, “We’re in business to save our home planet,” clearly defines its commitment to social responsibility. Starbucks emphasizes customer connection with its mission, “To inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.” Tesla’s focus on innovation is evident in its mission: “To accelerate the world’s shift to sustainable energy.” JetBlue captures a service ethos with, “To inspire humanity – both in the air and on the ground.” Coca-Cola’s broader aspirations are highlighted in its mission, “To refresh the world in mind, body, and spirit.” These examples of good mission statements illustrate the difference between mission and vision statements, offering clear guidance for your business vision statement. Tips for Crafting a Compelling Mission Statement When crafting a compelling mission statement, it’s essential to keep it concise, ideally one to two sentences, to clearly articulate your company’s purpose and unique value proposition. Involve your employees in the process to promote ownership and alignment with core values. Regularly review and revise your mission statement to guarantee it reflects current goals and market conditions. Use clear and straightforward language, avoiding jargon, to communicate effectively with both internal and external audiences. Highlight the positive impact on customers and the community, making it relatable and inspiring. Remember, good vision statements complement your mission by defining future aspirations. Comprehending mission versus vision can improve your writing mission and create corporate mission statements that resonate, similar to examples of great mission statements. Frequently Asked Questions What Is a Business Mission Statement and Why Is It Important? A business mission statement is a concise declaration that defines your company’s purpose, outlining what you do, who you serve, and the value you provide. It’s important as it aligns your team and stakeholders with shared goals, guiding decision-making and resource allocation. A clear mission statement differentiates your organization from competitors, improves your identity, and communicates your unique value to customers and investors. Regular updates guarantee it stays relevant to your evolving objectives. Why Is Mission Planning Important? Mission planning’s important as it gives your business a clear direction, aligning your team’s efforts with your long-term goals. It helps everyone understand the company’s purpose, enhancing motivation and engagement. A well-defined mission guides decision-making and supports effective marketing by conveying your unique value to customers and investors. Regularly updating your mission guarantees it reflects your evolving goals, keeping your organization relevant and focused, eventually contributing to sustained success in a competitive environment. What Is the Difference Between a Mission Statement and a Business Plan? A mission statement defines your business’s core purpose and values, serving as a guiding principle. Conversely, a business plan is an extensive document that outlines how you’ll achieve your goals, detailing strategies, financial projections, and operational plans. Meanwhile, the mission statement focuses on the “why” of your business, the business plan addresses the “how” and “what,” providing a tactical roadmap for success in your market. Both are crucial but serve different functions. Why Is It Important to Write a Mission Statement? Writing a mission statement is important as it gives your business clarity and direction. It aligns your team’s goals with a common purpose, making decision-making easier. A clear mission can differentiate your company from competitors by highlighting your unique value. Regularly reviewing it guarantees it remains relevant as your business evolves. Furthermore, a strong mission nurtures employee engagement and motivation, creating a sense of belonging and purpose within your organization. Conclusion In conclusion, a business plan mission statement is vital for defining your company’s purpose and guiding its strategy. By clearly outlining your core values and unique offerings, it helps differentiate your business in a competitive environment. This statement not just unites your team around shared objectives but furthermore instills confidence in investors regarding your future direction. Crafting a compelling mission statement is indispensable, as it lays the foundation for effective decision-making and long-term success. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is a Business Plan Mission Statement and Why Is It Important?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re running a single-member LLC, choosing the right accounting software is crucial for managing your finances effectively. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which solution suits your business needs best. The top seven accounting software solutions include Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and Xero, among others. Each platform has unique features that cater to small business owners. Comprehending these differences can help you make an informed decision. What’s the best choice for you? Key Takeaways Wave offers a free basic plan ideal for single-member LLCs with limited financial activity, featuring invoicing and expense tracking capabilities. FreshBooks provides a user-friendly interface with strong invoicing features, starting at $21/month with a 60% discount for the first three months. Zoho Books includes a comprehensive free plan, supporting invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management for up to 15 users. Intuit QuickBooks Online is highly rated for small businesses, offering robust features and a 50% discount for the first three months. QuickBooks Solopreneur targets freelancers and solo entrepreneurs with essential accounting tools, focusing on income and expense tracking without advanced complexities. Intuit QuickBooks Online When you’re managing a single-member LLC, choosing the right accounting software can streamline your financial processes considerably. Intuit QuickBooks Online is an excellent option for limited liability company accounting, rated 4.5 out of 5 for its extensive features customized for small businesses. This single member LLC accounting software offers robust invoicing and expense tracking, making it easier for you to keep your finances organized. With customizable reports and helpful AI agents, you can gain valuable financial insights without needing extensive accounting knowledge. QuickBooks Online starts at $38/month, with a 50% discount for the first three months or a free 30-day trial, making it budget-friendly. Its strong integration capabilities allow you to connect with various third-party applications, enhancing your overall workflow. Plus, with excellent customer support options available Monday through Saturday, you’ll receive timely assistance whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth experience. FreshBooks FreshBooks stands out as a top choice for single-member LLCs, particularly those focused on freelance and service-based work. It’s highly rated for its user-friendly interface and strong invoicing capabilities, making financial management easier for entrepreneurs like you. With a starting price of $21 per month, you get unlimited time tracking, expense tracking, and customizable invoicing, which can streamline your processes considerably. Furthermore, FreshBooks integrates seamlessly with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, enhancing your payment collection efficiency. For new single-member LLCs, FreshBooks offers a compelling 60% discount for the first three months, making it budget-friendly. In addition, it includes client communication tools and project management features, helping you stay organized and maintain strong client relationships. Xero Xero stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it easy for you to manage your single-member LLC’s finances without a steep learning curve. The platform offers real-time financial reporting, so you can always stay on top of your financial health and make informed decisions. With features like invoicing and expense tracking, Xero simplifies your accounting tasks during being accessible from anywhere. User-Friendly Interface A key feature of Xero is its user-friendly interface, which has garnered a perfect rating of 5.0/5 for intuitiveness, making it an ideal choice for single-member LLCs and small business owners. The customizable dashboard lets you monitor financial information at a glance, streamlining your workflow. With cloud-based accessibility, you can manage your accounts from anywhere, providing flexibility whether you’re at the office or on the move. Automated bill capture simplifies data entry, reducing the time you spend on bookkeeping tasks. In addition, Xero’s excellent mobile app enables you to perform vital accounting functions directly from your smartphone or tablet, ensuring you can stay on top of your finances no matter where you are. Real-Time Financial Reporting In regards to managing your finances effectively, real-time financial reporting is a crucial feature that many accounting software platforms, including Xero, excel in. Xero provides you with up-to-date insights into your income, expenses, and overall financial health whenever you need them. You can easily generate reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, directly from the dashboard. This improves your decision-making capabilities. The platform’s customizable reporting feature allows you to customize reports to your specific needs. Automated bank feeds guarantee that your financial data remains accurate and continuously updated. With Xero’s mobile app, you can access these reports on-the-go, making informed decisions from anywhere. Feature Benefit Note Real-Time Insights Up-to-date financial overview No more manual updates Customizable Reports Customized financial analysis Adaptable to your needs Mobile Access Financial data on-the-go Stay informed anywhere Wave Wave Accounting stands out for its free basic plan, making it a practical option for single-member LLCs with limited financial activity. You’ll find its intuitive design simplifies key tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, which is perfect if you don’t have extensive accounting expertise. Whereas the core features are free, you should be aware that additional services, such as payroll, could come with extra costs. Key Features Overview Although managing finances can be intimidating for single-member LLCs, choosing the right accounting software can simplify the process considerably. Wave offers a free accounting solution customized for microbusinesses like yours, providing crucial features without monthly fees. Its user-friendly invoicing capabilities allow you to create and send invoices easily as you track payments effortlessly. You can link your bank accounts for automatic expense tracking and categorization, which improves your financial management. Key features of Wave include: A customizable dashboard for a clear overview of your financial health. Basic reporting tools to generate financial statements. Automatic expense management that saves you time. With these features, Wave helps streamline your accounting tasks effectively. Pricing and Plans Choosing the right plan for your accounting needs is crucial, especially when you’re operating a single-member LLC on a budget. Wave offers an attractive free accounting software plan that includes vital features like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and receipt scanning. If you need payroll management later, their paid payroll service starts at $35 per month. Remember, during the basic features are free, additional services like credit card processing and payroll come with transaction fees, impacting your overall costs. Plan Type Price Free Accounting $0 Payroll Service Starting at $35/month Credit Card Processing Varies based on transactions Wave‘s cloud-based and mobile-ready platform guarantees you can manage your finances from any device. Zoho Books When managing the finances of a single-member LLC, Zoho Books stands out as a top choice owing to its user-friendly interface and broad features, which cater particularly to small business needs. Rated 5.0/5 for user-friendliness, it offers a thorough free plan, making it ideal for those on a limited budget. Key features include: Invoicing and expense tracking: Easily create and send invoices as well as keeping tabs on expenses. Inventory management: Maintain an organized view of your stock and sales. Mobile access: Use robust mobile apps to manage your finances on-the-go. Zoho Books additionally allows up to 15 users per plan, providing scalability as your business grows. With automated workflows and various payment gateway integrations, it streamlines your financial management process, making it a solid choice for busy entrepreneurs. Sage 50 Accounting Sage 50 Accounting is a well-regarded option for single-member LLCs seeking robust accounting capabilities and advanced inventory tracking features. Rated 4.0 for its excellent performance, this software caters to small to mid-sized businesses by offering thorough financial tools. You’ll find customizable reports, accounts payable and receivable management, and payroll features, all of which can improve your financial oversight. While Sage 50 is primarily a desktop solution, limiting mobility compared to cloud-based platforms, it provides strong traditional software support. The optional cloud access adds flexibility, letting you choose between desktop functionality and online capabilities. Nevertheless, the software’s advanced features may overwhelm businesses that don’t need extensive functionality. It’s vital to evaluate your specific needs before committing, as the learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with complex accounting software. QuickBooks Solopreneur QuickBooks Solopreneur is an excellent choice for freelancers and solo business owners who need a straightforward accounting solution. This software is particularly designed to cater to your unique needs, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies financial management. You can easily track your income, expenses, and cash flow without dealing with the intricacies of more robust accounting tools. Here are some key features of QuickBooks Solopreneur: Affordable Pricing: It provides competitive pricing, making it accessible for individuals managing their business finances. Fundamental Tools: You’ll find basic accounting features that help you stay organized, though it lacks advanced options like inventory and time tracking. Limited Support: Keep in mind that customer support is more limited compared to other QuickBooks offerings, focusing on crucial assistance for solo entrepreneurs. This software can be a practical solution for your accounting needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Accounting Software for a Small Business? When choosing the best accounting software for your small business, consider options like QuickBooks Online for its robust features, starting at $38/month. FreshBooks is great for service-based businesses, beginning at $21/month. Xero offers unlimited user access, starting at $25/month. If you’re on a budget, Wave Accounting provides a free plan. Finally, Zoho Books has a competitive pricing model, making it suitable for small to midsize companies. Evaluate these based on your specific needs. Which Quickbooks for Single Member LLC? For a Single Member LLC, QuickBooks Online is your best choice. It offers robust features like invoicing, expense tracking, and customizable reporting, starting at $38/month. You’ll benefit from seamless collaboration with accountants, making tax management easier. QuickBooks Online additionally provides mobile access, allowing you to manage finances on the go. Plus, you can try it free for 30 days to see if it meets your business needs before committing to a subscription. What Method of Accounting Does an LLC Use? An LLC typically uses either the cash basis or accrual basis of accounting. The cash basis method records income and expenses when cash changes hands, making bookkeeping simpler for you. Conversely, the accrual basis recognizes revenue and expenses when they’re earned or incurred, providing a more accurate financial picture but adding complexity. For tax purposes, single-member LLCs often operate as sole proprietorships, reporting profits and losses on their personal tax returns via Schedule C. Is Xero or Quickbooks Better for Small Business? When deciding between Xero and QuickBooks for your small business, consider your specific needs. Xero offers a user-friendly interface and strong mobile functionality, ideal if you value ease of use. QuickBooks, in contrast, thrives in robust features like inventory management and extensive app integrations. QuickBooks additionally provides 24/7 support, which might be essential if you need immediate assistance. Evaluate these aspects to choose the best fit for your business operations. Conclusion Choosing the right accounting software for your single-member LLC is crucial for efficient financial management. Each of the top seven options—Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Xero, Wave, Zoho Books, Sage 50, and QuickBooks Solopreneur—offers distinct features catering to your business needs. By carefully evaluating pricing, functionality, and customer support, you can select the solution that best suits your requirements. Taking the time to make an informed choice can streamline your accounting processes and help your business thrive. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Accounting Software Solutions for Single Member LLCs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re running a single-member LLC, choosing the right accounting software is crucial for managing your finances effectively. With so many options available, it can be challenging to determine which solution suits your business needs best. The top seven accounting software solutions include Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, and Xero, among others. Each platform has unique features that cater to small business owners. Comprehending these differences can help you make an informed decision. What’s the best choice for you? Key Takeaways Wave offers a free basic plan ideal for single-member LLCs with limited financial activity, featuring invoicing and expense tracking capabilities. FreshBooks provides a user-friendly interface with strong invoicing features, starting at $21/month with a 60% discount for the first three months. Zoho Books includes a comprehensive free plan, supporting invoicing, expense tracking, and inventory management for up to 15 users. Intuit QuickBooks Online is highly rated for small businesses, offering robust features and a 50% discount for the first three months. QuickBooks Solopreneur targets freelancers and solo entrepreneurs with essential accounting tools, focusing on income and expense tracking without advanced complexities. Intuit QuickBooks Online When you’re managing a single-member LLC, choosing the right accounting software can streamline your financial processes considerably. Intuit QuickBooks Online is an excellent option for limited liability company accounting, rated 4.5 out of 5 for its extensive features customized for small businesses. This single member LLC accounting software offers robust invoicing and expense tracking, making it easier for you to keep your finances organized. With customizable reports and helpful AI agents, you can gain valuable financial insights without needing extensive accounting knowledge. QuickBooks Online starts at $38/month, with a 50% discount for the first three months or a free 30-day trial, making it budget-friendly. Its strong integration capabilities allow you to connect with various third-party applications, enhancing your overall workflow. Plus, with excellent customer support options available Monday through Saturday, you’ll receive timely assistance whenever you need it, ensuring a smooth experience. FreshBooks FreshBooks stands out as a top choice for single-member LLCs, particularly those focused on freelance and service-based work. It’s highly rated for its user-friendly interface and strong invoicing capabilities, making financial management easier for entrepreneurs like you. With a starting price of $21 per month, you get unlimited time tracking, expense tracking, and customizable invoicing, which can streamline your processes considerably. Furthermore, FreshBooks integrates seamlessly with popular payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, enhancing your payment collection efficiency. For new single-member LLCs, FreshBooks offers a compelling 60% discount for the first three months, making it budget-friendly. In addition, it includes client communication tools and project management features, helping you stay organized and maintain strong client relationships. Xero Xero stands out with its user-friendly interface, making it easy for you to manage your single-member LLC’s finances without a steep learning curve. The platform offers real-time financial reporting, so you can always stay on top of your financial health and make informed decisions. With features like invoicing and expense tracking, Xero simplifies your accounting tasks during being accessible from anywhere. User-Friendly Interface A key feature of Xero is its user-friendly interface, which has garnered a perfect rating of 5.0/5 for intuitiveness, making it an ideal choice for single-member LLCs and small business owners. The customizable dashboard lets you monitor financial information at a glance, streamlining your workflow. With cloud-based accessibility, you can manage your accounts from anywhere, providing flexibility whether you’re at the office or on the move. Automated bill capture simplifies data entry, reducing the time you spend on bookkeeping tasks. In addition, Xero’s excellent mobile app enables you to perform vital accounting functions directly from your smartphone or tablet, ensuring you can stay on top of your finances no matter where you are. Real-Time Financial Reporting In regards to managing your finances effectively, real-time financial reporting is a crucial feature that many accounting software platforms, including Xero, excel in. Xero provides you with up-to-date insights into your income, expenses, and overall financial health whenever you need them. You can easily generate reports, such as profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports, directly from the dashboard. This improves your decision-making capabilities. The platform’s customizable reporting feature allows you to customize reports to your specific needs. Automated bank feeds guarantee that your financial data remains accurate and continuously updated. With Xero’s mobile app, you can access these reports on-the-go, making informed decisions from anywhere. Feature Benefit Note Real-Time Insights Up-to-date financial overview No more manual updates Customizable Reports Customized financial analysis Adaptable to your needs Mobile Access Financial data on-the-go Stay informed anywhere Wave Wave Accounting stands out for its free basic plan, making it a practical option for single-member LLCs with limited financial activity. You’ll find its intuitive design simplifies key tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, which is perfect if you don’t have extensive accounting expertise. Whereas the core features are free, you should be aware that additional services, such as payroll, could come with extra costs. Key Features Overview Although managing finances can be intimidating for single-member LLCs, choosing the right accounting software can simplify the process considerably. Wave offers a free accounting solution customized for microbusinesses like yours, providing crucial features without monthly fees. Its user-friendly invoicing capabilities allow you to create and send invoices easily as you track payments effortlessly. You can link your bank accounts for automatic expense tracking and categorization, which improves your financial management. Key features of Wave include: A customizable dashboard for a clear overview of your financial health. Basic reporting tools to generate financial statements. Automatic expense management that saves you time. With these features, Wave helps streamline your accounting tasks effectively. Pricing and Plans Choosing the right plan for your accounting needs is crucial, especially when you’re operating a single-member LLC on a budget. Wave offers an attractive free accounting software plan that includes vital features like income and expense tracking, invoicing, and receipt scanning. If you need payroll management later, their paid payroll service starts at $35 per month. Remember, during the basic features are free, additional services like credit card processing and payroll come with transaction fees, impacting your overall costs. Plan Type Price Free Accounting $0 Payroll Service Starting at $35/month Credit Card Processing Varies based on transactions Wave‘s cloud-based and mobile-ready platform guarantees you can manage your finances from any device. Zoho Books When managing the finances of a single-member LLC, Zoho Books stands out as a top choice owing to its user-friendly interface and broad features, which cater particularly to small business needs. Rated 5.0/5 for user-friendliness, it offers a thorough free plan, making it ideal for those on a limited budget. Key features include: Invoicing and expense tracking: Easily create and send invoices as well as keeping tabs on expenses. Inventory management: Maintain an organized view of your stock and sales. Mobile access: Use robust mobile apps to manage your finances on-the-go. Zoho Books additionally allows up to 15 users per plan, providing scalability as your business grows. With automated workflows and various payment gateway integrations, it streamlines your financial management process, making it a solid choice for busy entrepreneurs. Sage 50 Accounting Sage 50 Accounting is a well-regarded option for single-member LLCs seeking robust accounting capabilities and advanced inventory tracking features. Rated 4.0 for its excellent performance, this software caters to small to mid-sized businesses by offering thorough financial tools. You’ll find customizable reports, accounts payable and receivable management, and payroll features, all of which can improve your financial oversight. While Sage 50 is primarily a desktop solution, limiting mobility compared to cloud-based platforms, it provides strong traditional software support. The optional cloud access adds flexibility, letting you choose between desktop functionality and online capabilities. Nevertheless, the software’s advanced features may overwhelm businesses that don’t need extensive functionality. It’s vital to evaluate your specific needs before committing, as the learning curve can be steep for those unfamiliar with complex accounting software. QuickBooks Solopreneur QuickBooks Solopreneur is an excellent choice for freelancers and solo business owners who need a straightforward accounting solution. This software is particularly designed to cater to your unique needs, offering a user-friendly interface that simplifies financial management. You can easily track your income, expenses, and cash flow without dealing with the intricacies of more robust accounting tools. Here are some key features of QuickBooks Solopreneur: Affordable Pricing: It provides competitive pricing, making it accessible for individuals managing their business finances. Fundamental Tools: You’ll find basic accounting features that help you stay organized, though it lacks advanced options like inventory and time tracking. Limited Support: Keep in mind that customer support is more limited compared to other QuickBooks offerings, focusing on crucial assistance for solo entrepreneurs. This software can be a practical solution for your accounting needs. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Accounting Software for a Small Business? When choosing the best accounting software for your small business, consider options like QuickBooks Online for its robust features, starting at $38/month. FreshBooks is great for service-based businesses, beginning at $21/month. Xero offers unlimited user access, starting at $25/month. If you’re on a budget, Wave Accounting provides a free plan. Finally, Zoho Books has a competitive pricing model, making it suitable for small to midsize companies. Evaluate these based on your specific needs. Which Quickbooks for Single Member LLC? For a Single Member LLC, QuickBooks Online is your best choice. It offers robust features like invoicing, expense tracking, and customizable reporting, starting at $38/month. You’ll benefit from seamless collaboration with accountants, making tax management easier. QuickBooks Online additionally provides mobile access, allowing you to manage finances on the go. Plus, you can try it free for 30 days to see if it meets your business needs before committing to a subscription. What Method of Accounting Does an LLC Use? An LLC typically uses either the cash basis or accrual basis of accounting. The cash basis method records income and expenses when cash changes hands, making bookkeeping simpler for you. Conversely, the accrual basis recognizes revenue and expenses when they’re earned or incurred, providing a more accurate financial picture but adding complexity. For tax purposes, single-member LLCs often operate as sole proprietorships, reporting profits and losses on their personal tax returns via Schedule C. Is Xero or Quickbooks Better for Small Business? When deciding between Xero and QuickBooks for your small business, consider your specific needs. Xero offers a user-friendly interface and strong mobile functionality, ideal if you value ease of use. QuickBooks, in contrast, thrives in robust features like inventory management and extensive app integrations. QuickBooks additionally provides 24/7 support, which might be essential if you need immediate assistance. Evaluate these aspects to choose the best fit for your business operations. Conclusion Choosing the right accounting software for your single-member LLC is crucial for efficient financial management. Each of the top seven options—Intuit QuickBooks Online, FreshBooks, Xero, Wave, Zoho Books, Sage 50, and QuickBooks Solopreneur—offers distinct features catering to your business needs. By carefully evaluating pricing, functionality, and customer support, you can select the solution that best suits your requirements. Taking the time to make an informed choice can streamline your accounting processes and help your business thrive. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Accounting Software Solutions for Single Member LLCs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Back in December, Google began showing read more links on some of the search result snippets within Google Search. Today, Google published new documentation around best practices on how to show Read more links in the Google search results. The best practices. The new documentation was posted over here in the snippets section and it lists three best practices: Make sure content is immediately visible on the page to a human (and not hidden behind an expandable section or tabbed interface, for example). Avoid using JavaScript to control the user’s scroll position on page load (for example, don’t force the user’s scroll position to the top of the page). If you make history API calls or window.location.hash modifications on page load, make sure you don’t remove the hash fragment from the URL, as this breaks deep linking behavior. What it looks like. Google also posted an illustration of these links, here it is: Here is an example of how they look: Why we care. These read more links do add an additional eye-catching link to the search result snippets. Hopefully, this leads to encouraging more clicks to websites and no less. More clicks to websites is a good thing, so make sure to review the best practices to encourage more clicks to your site. View the full article

Watch this video on YouTube Rand Fishkin didn’t get into SEO because he saw the future. He got into it because he had no choice. In the early 2000s, Fishkin helped run a small web business with his mom in Seattle. They hired another company to do SEO until they couldn’t afford to pay them anymore. That moment pushed him into search marketing. More than 20 years later, Fishkin has become one of the best-known voices in SEO — and one of Google’s biggest critics. In this interview, he looks back at how search has changed, what went wrong, and what may happen next. Early SEO was wild SEO today can feel messy. But in the early days, it was even more chaotic. “There was no social media,” is how Fishkin described that era, where forums like WebmasterWorld and Search Engine Watch were the center of the industry. People shared tactics openly. Many of those tactics were risky. Buying links was common — and effective. Fishkin did it, too. Then Google’s Matt Cutts called him out in public. That moment changed how he approached SEO. He spent years focusing on “white hat” practices and following Google’s guidelines. Looking back, though, Fishkin now questions whether that shift went too far. He believes Google’s own behavior over time has made those guidelines harder to trust. The early industry wasn’t just chaotic — it was also full of strange and memorable moments. Fishkin recalled massive conference parties with huge budgets and over-the-top ideas, including a staged “retirement” of the Ask Jeeves mascot. But what stood out most to him wasn’t the tactics or the parties. “My favorite thing… is people,” he said, pointing to the relationships and friendships built over decades in search. When Google stopped sending traffic Many people think AI is the big turning point in search. Fishkin says the shift started much earlier — around 2011. That’s when the idea of “zero-click search” first appeared. Google began answering more queries directly on the results page instead of sending users to websites. At first, it was small features like weather boxes and calculators. Then it grew: Around 2016–2017: nearly half of searches ended without a click By 2018: more than half Today: more than two-thirds Fishkin emphasized that this trend didn’t start with AI — it has been building for more than a decade. Publishers had a chance — and missed it Fishkin believes publishers could have taken action early — but didn’t. “The time to fight back… was 15 or 20 years ago,” he said. In his view, large media companies should have worked together to push back against Google’s growing control. They could have demanded payment for content or limited how Google used it. Instead, they allowed Google to crawl and use their content freely. At the same time, Google expanded its influence through lobbying and policy. “Publishers just missed that opportunity,” Fishkin said. Now, he argues, the focus has to shift to adapting: Build subscription businesses Monetize attention, not just traffic Learn how to operate within platform ecosystems Some companies have already made that shift. Fishkin pointed to The New York Times as an example of a business evolving beyond traditional news consumption. Did Google change? Fishkin does not believe Google has become worse for users. “If it was easier or better to search on Bing… people would go to those places,” he said. But he does believe Google has become much harder for publishers and creators. The change, he said, was gradual. As Google grew, went public, and aligned with investor expectations, its priorities shifted toward growth and revenue. “They became the people that they spent time with,” Fishkin said. The biggest AI mistake people make Fishkin says most people misunderstand how AI works. They treat AI answers like search results — consistent and reliable. But they aren’t. If you ask the same question multiple times, the answers can vary widely. “You will get completely different answers. And if you do that 10 times, you will get 10 incredibly unique different answers,” he said. His advice is simple: don’t rely on a single response. Ask multiple times and look for patterns. If the same answer shows up consistently, it’s more likely to be trustworthy. This matters most for important decisions, like health or finance, where relying on one answer could be risky. What he misses about the early days of SEO Fishkin doesn’t miss a specific tactic or tool. He misses the level of opportunity that existed in the early web. Back then, smaller creators and independent sites had a better chance to succeed. Traffic was more evenly distributed. “The world of clicks and traffic… was so… flat compared to… today,” he said. What’s next? Fishkin believes the future of media and search may look more like the past. He expects a smaller number of powerful platforms to control most of the flow of information. At the same time, individual creators will still produce much of the content — but within those systems. Still, he hopes the web can evolve again. View the full article

A refund system for businesses that paid tariffs which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled President Donald The President imposed without the constitutional authority to do so is scheduled to launch Monday. Importers and their brokers will be able to begin claiming refunds through an online portal beginning at 8 a.m., according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the agency administering the system. It’s the first step in a complicated process that also might eventually lead to refunds for consumers who were billed for some or all of the tariffs on products shipped to them from outside the United States. Companies must submit declarations listing the goods on which they collectively put billions of dollars toward the import taxes the court subsequently struck down. If CBP approves a claim, it will take 60-90 days for a refund to be issued, the agency said. The government expects to process refunds in phases, however, focusing first on more recent tariff payments. Any number of technical factors and procedural issues could delay an importer’s application, so any reimbursements businesses plan to make to customers likely would trickled down slowly. In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court on Feb. 20 found that The President usurped Congress’ tax-setting role last April when he set new import tax rates on products from almost every other country, citing the U.S. trade deficit as a national emergency that warranted his invoking of a 1977 emergency powers law. Although the court majority did not address refunds in its ruling, a judge at the U.S. Court of International Trade determined last month that companies subjected to IEEPA tariffs were entitled to money back. Not all taxed imports immediately eligible Customs and Border Protection said in court filings that over 330,000 importers paid a total of about $166 billion on over 53 million shipments. Not all of those orders qualify for the first phase of the refund system’s rollout, which is limited to cases in which tariffs were estimated but not finalized or within 80 days of a final accounting. To receive refunds, importers have to register for the CPB’s electronic payment system. As of April 14, 56,497 importers had completed registration and were eligible for refunds totaling $127 billion, including interest, the agency said. System requires accuracy Meghann Supino, a partner at Ice Miller, said the law firm has advised clients to carefully list in their declarations all of the document numbers for forms that went to CBP to describe imported goods and their value. “If there is an entry on that file that does not qualify, it may cause the entire entry to be rejected or that line item might be rejected by Customs,” she said. Supino thinks the portal going live will require composure as well as diligence. “Like any electronic online program that goes live with a lot of interest, I would expect that there might be some hiccups with the program on Monday,” she said. “So we continue to ask everyone to be patient, because we think that patience will pay off.” Nghi Huynh, the partner-in-charge of transfer pricing at accounting and consulting firm Armanino, said most companies claiming refunds will have imported a mix of items, and not all will qualify right away. “It’s about having a clear process in place and keeping track of what’s been submitted and what’s been paid, so nothing falls through the cracks,” she said. “Each file can include thousands of entries, but accuracy is critical, as submissions can be rejected if formatting or data is incorrect.” Patience with the process Small businesses have eagerly awaited the chance to apply for refunds. Brad Jackson, co-founder of After Action Cigars in Rochester, Minnesota, said he starting compiling records and preparing to enter information into the system the minute CPB announced the launch date. The company imports cigars and accessories from Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. Last year, it paid $34,000 in tariffs and absorbed much of the cost instead of raising customer prices, Jackson said. Last spring, he had a two-week delay in a shipment due to a missing document, so he is being more careful with refund documents, he said. “My main concern is the turnaround time,” Jackson said. “A refund process that takes several months to complete doesn’t solve the cash flow problem that it is supposed to fix.” Will consumers see refunds? Tariffs are paid by importers, and some companies pass on the tax costs to consumers via higher prices. The system starting up Monday will refund tariffs directly to the businesses that paid them, which are not obligated to share the proceeds with customers. However, class-action lawsuits that aim to force companies, ranging from Costco to Ray-Ban maker Essilor Luxottica, to reimburse shoppers are winding their way through the U.S. legal system. Individuals may be more likely to receive refunds from delivery companies like FedEx and UPS, which collected tariffs on imports directly from consumers. FedEx has said it would return tariff refunds to customers when it receives them from the CPB. “Supporting our customers as they navigate regulatory changes remains our top priority,” FedEx said in a statement. “We are working with our customers as CBP begins processing refunds and plan to begin filing claims on April 20.” —Mae Anderson, AP Business Writer 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. The CRKD Nitro Deck is down to $34.99 on Woot, which is a noticeable drop from its usual $59.99 and lower than its current price on Amazon. Price-trackers also suggest this is the lowest it has gone so far. Shipping is free with Prime, or $6 otherwise, and the deal is expected to run for about 12 days unless it sells out sooner. That said, Woot does not ship to Alaska, Hawaii, or PO box addresses. CRKD Nitro Deck Handheld Deck for Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED $34.99 at Woot $59.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Get Deal $34.99 at Woot $59.99 Save $25.00 At its core, the Nitro Deck is trying to solve one of the Nintendo Switch’s most persistent problems: Joy-Con stick drift. But it is not a traditional controller—it is a full shell that your Nintendo Switch slides into and locks in with a simple latch system that feels secure without being annoying to use. Once it is in place, it feels more like holding a proper controller with a screen attached—the grips are thicker and shaped more like what you would find on a standard console controller, so your hands have something to rest on instead of flattening out against the Joy-Cons. The sticks are full-sized, the triggers have more travel, and there are four back buttons you can map if you like customizing controls. You still get motion controls and rumble, and there is also a USB-C passthrough for charging or video output. That said, the right stick sits a bit too far out, so using it for camera control or aiming can feel cramped and slightly awkward. It is manageable for short bursts, but it can get uncomfortable over time. The kickstand is also limited—it works, but you do not get much flexibility in how you prop the system up. And because everything is built into one shell, you lose the option to detach the controllers entirely, which is part of what makes the Switch unique in the first place. And while the added bulk improves grip, it makes the system less portable. Still, if you mostly play in handheld mode and want something sturdier with drift-resistant sticks, the Nitro Deck feels great, especially at this discounted price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" A16 128GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Silver, 2025) — $299.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam (2nd Gen, 2-pack, White) — $59.98 (List Price $79.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

AI search exists on a spectrum. At one end: a human asks an AI a question and gets a fast, generated response. At the other: an AI receives a goal and browses the web on a human’s behalf. It evaluates your brand, makes a decision, and leaves no trace in your analytics. That’s agentic search. And it’s already emerging. ChatGPT’s deep research, Gemini’s agentic mode, and Perplexity’s research features are early expressions of it. Shopping within ChatGPT and booking tables without ever visiting a website are where it’s heading. AI systems are already running multi-step evaluations with less human direction at each step. The brands that show up in those evaluations aren’t waiting to see how this develops. They’re optimizing for it now. By the end of this guide, you’ll know what agentic search is, how it differs from typical AI search, and how you can prepare your brand for it. What Agentic Search Actually Is Agentic search is AI that searches and acts on your behalf — not just composing an answer from its training data, but going out to find information, use tools, and complete tasks. At the simpler end of the agentic search spectrum, the AI retrieves sources and synthesizes a response. At the more complex end, the AI agent receives a search goal, breaks it into sub-tasks, searches across multiple sources, cross-references what it finds, and takes action, without waiting for your input at each stage. Examples of Agentic Search in Action At the simpler end of the agentic search spectrum, you give an AI tool a prompt like “Which project management software is best for a remote team of ten?” It won’t just produce an answer from its training data. It’ll go online, search for comparison articles, pull pricing and feature information from review platforms, and synthesize a recommendation. Move further along the AI search spectrum and the behavior gets more complex. For instance, imagine you ask the AI to research the competitive landscape in your market. It formulates a plan, then runs multiple searches across different source types — news coverage, review platforms, company pages, industry analysis. It cross-references what it finds, and you get a structured report. You’re still the one taking action based on this report, but this is a step up from the fairly simple, synthesized response we’re now used to. Further still: some agents don’t need a prompt at all. Configured with a recurring search task, like monitoring competitor pricing, flagging new entrants, or summarizing industry news weekly, they run on a schedule. And at the furthest end of the agentic search spectrum, the AI finds the right option, evaluates it against alternatives, and completes a transaction on your behalf. You asked for a recommendation. It booked the table. Both OpenAI and Google have published open protocols specifically designed to make this possible (more on them soon). Why This Is Different from What SEOs Already Know Agentic search challenges some of the core assumptions SEO has operated on for years. Here are the three that matter most. Rankings Matter Less Than Before for Overall Visibility AI tools are built to pull from a deliberately diverse range of sources, not just the highest-ranking pages. A single search query triggers retrieval across multiple source types: editorial content, review platforms, community forums, company pages. No single ranking position dominates that process. AI tools also heavily weigh up content and brand relevance when forming responses, versus factors like website authority, which is more important for SEO. That doesn’t mean backlinks don’t matter — they do. But topical depth and relevance to the searcher’s intent are the focus in these tools. Finally, when an AI tool processes a search, it generates multiple related sub-queries, pulling from the results of each. This is called query fan-out. Your ranking for the original keyword is just one input into a much wider retrieval process. This makes broader topical coverage a key component of AI search in general. This is how you show AI agents that you’re worth citing, recommending, and taking action on. Your Content Depth Is Now a Competitive Advantage As Crystal Carter, Head of AI Search & SEO at Wix, puts it: “LLMs don’t get tired of reading 45 pages about your business.” The average user won’t read countless pages of product documentation. But an agent will — and it’ll use what it finds to make a recommendation. FAQs, knowledge base articles, documentation, case studies — content that might rarely surface in a standard browsing session becomes evidence in an agentic evaluation. Crystal gives Levi’s sustainability documentation as an example. A human visitor might not find it. If you were wondering if Levi’s were sustainable, you’d probably look them up on a single trusted site. Compare that with what Perplexity AI does to answer the question “Are Levi’s sustainable?” It conducts a deep dive into Levi’s site. It evaluates evidence from 15 different sources. It reads multiple pages from Levi’s own site, including their sustainability report, details on the sustainability of their fibers, their stance on human rights, and a page on slavery from a domain in a separate geography (Levi’s UK). To succeed in agentic search, you need to make sure agents can answer any questions about your brand your users may have. For more information on all things AI search, watch our full interview with Crystal Carter. Breadth Now Matters Just as Much as Depth AI systems don’t simply retrieve results. They actively research, compare, and filter brands before a human ever sees a recommendation. Your brand isn’t being ranked once. It’s being audited across sources. If we take the Levi’s example again, ChatGPT doesn’t just look at Levi’s own content to answer the sustainability question. It also looks at official rating bodies, third-party research, and media publications. It acts more like a professional researcher than a human conducting a low-stakes product search question. An agentic system evaluates brands through layered filters like: Can it find you clearly? Does it understand you correctly? Are you validated elsewhere? Does it trust you enough to recommend you? If you fail any of those layers, you can disappear entirely from the final answer. Your Site Needs to Be Usable By Agents, Not Just People Increasingly, AI agents interact with businesses through structured agentic protocols designed for machine-to-machine communication. Instead of just relying on what’s in a page’s HTML, AI agents are moving toward standardized protocols, like the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP) and Natural Language Web (NLWeb). This changes what “being accessible” actually means. Content that only exists inside a visual interface — FAQs that expand on click, pricing tables rendered dynamically, product comparisons loaded via JavaScript — may never exist in the structured layer agents rely on to retrieve and execute actions. And if they can’t access it, they can’t use it. That matters because AI agents are increasingly the ones deciding what to include in their recommendations and what to ignore. The human only sees your site if you’re in those recommendations. So the question is no longer just: “Can people find my website?” It’s: “Can AI systems clearly understand and use my business information without friction?” Because in this new system, if your business isn’t easy for AI to access and act on, you may not show up at all. Further reading: The agentic web: How AI agents decide which brands make the cut What Agents Actually Look At An agent evaluating your brand might find everything it needs on a single page of your website. But when it does go looking further, it’s not just gathering information. It’s also checking whether the rest of its sources agree. An agent corroborates, actively checking whether the picture is consistent across everything it finds. Here are some of the key places agents look: Your Website Agents are likely to prioritize sites that are easy to parse and extract from. They look for: Clear, up-to-date pricing in plain HTML (not hidden behind interactions). Feature descriptions that explain capabilities — not just marketing claims. Positioning that makes it obvious who the product is for (and who it isn’t). Review Platforms (G2, Capterra, Trustpilot) Agents read review content for specificity, covering things like use case, company size, outcomes, and integrations. Community Signals (Reddit & Other Forums) Agents look at user sentiment on community platforms to cross-check vendor claims. A brand that talks about itself one way and gets discussed differently in communities creates a consistency gap that leaves agents hesitant to recommend your brand (at least without caveats). Third-Party Editorial Agents also look at comparison articles, analyst coverage, and industry endorsements. Appearing consistently in credible “best X for Y” content is a positive signal. 6 Things to Do Before Agentic Search Goes Mainstream Agentic search isn’t fully mainstream yet, but the infrastructure is being built now. The brands that will be well-positioned are the ones that start taking action before their rivals are even aware of what agentic search is. Here’s how to make sure you’re one of those brands. 1. Run a Cross-Source Consistency Audit Check your pricing, features, and positioning across your own site, your G2 and Capterra profiles (or any other platforms your target audience users), and comparison articles where your brand appears. Flag and correct every contradiction. Make this a recurring part of your workflow. Old positioning language lingers in third-party content long after you’ve updated your own pages. 2. Build Hub Pages for Your Highest-Value Queries If you don’t have them already, create new standalone pages that fully answer the key questions: what you do, who it’s for, how it compares to other solutions, what it costs, and what customers say. 3. Pressure-Test Your Declared Audience Pull up your homepage, pricing page, and top comparison content. Ask: can an agent clearly extract who this is for, what problem it solves, and what makes it right for a specific profile? To make this concrete, paste the content into an AI tool and use this prompt: “You are an AI agent evaluating this company. Based only on the content provided, extract: (1) who this product is for, (2) what problem it solves, (3) key use cases, and (4) what differentiates it from alternatives. Then highlight any ambiguity or contradictions.” If the output is vague or generic, your positioning is too. 4. Ask Customers for More Detailed Reviews Most reviews are vague: “Great product, really helpful team.” That doesn’t help AI systems understand when your product is actually a good fit. Instead, ask customers to be more specific about how they use it and what changed. For example, in your review requests, you can say: “If you’re happy to leave a review, it would be really helpful if you could include: What you use the product for Your company size or team type The problem you were trying to solve The outcome or result you saw Any tools you integrate with” 5. Check Your Accessibility Make sure your pricing, FAQs, and feature comparisons are in plain HTML. Also check your forms and CTAs. If an agent needs to book, enquire, or transact on a user’s behalf, it needs to be able to find and use the form. So don’t hide them behind JavaScript. 6. Implement Agentic Search Protocols While agentic search protocols are still new and being actively developed, understanding how they work and implementing them on your site can help you prepare for wider rollouts. For more information on which protocols matter and what they do, read our guide to agentic search protocols. 7. Monitor Your AI Footprint Right now, here are two things you can actually track to monitor your AI footprint: Run Regular Brand Queries Open ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Mode, and search for your brand by name. Then search for the category queries a buyer would use — “best [product type] for [your target audience].” In both cases, document what comes back. Is your brand mentioned? Is what’s being said accurate? Is it consistent with your current positioning? Do this monthly and track how things change over time. If your positioning is wrong or outdated, update your homepage, pricing, and comparison pages first (these are usually the sources AI systems rely on most). If competitors are being favoured, strengthen your comparison content and aim to get more third-party reviews. If you’re missing entirely, check whether your key pages are crawlable, indexable, and clearly describe your use case. Further reading: How to Optimize Content for AI Search Engines Check Your Server Logs for AI Crawler Activity Your server logs record the bots that visit your site, including AI crawlers. The ones to track include: GPTBot: OpenAI’s training crawler OAI-SearchBot: Powers real-time ChatGPT search results ClaudeBot: Anthropic’s crawler PerplexityBot: Perplexity’s crawler Google-Extended: Google’s AI training crawler Look for: How often they’re visiting Which pages they’re accessing Whether those pages return clean 200 responses (successful loads) If key pages are returning errors (404s), that’s a signal those pages may not be properly accessible to AI systems. This won’t tell you whether an agent recommended you or ruled you out. But it’s one of the earliest available signals of how AI systems are interacting with your site. Further reading: What Is a Log File Analysis? & How to Do It for SEO Get Your Site Ready for Agentic Search Agentic search is already here. And as time goes on, complex agentic tasks — like signing up for a tool or buying on behalf of the user — will only become more common. That’s why it’s worth preparing for full agentic search right now. Start by figuring out where you stand currently. Tools like Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit show you how AI systems currently perceive your brand across platforms. That’s your baseline before you tackle anything else. Learn how to use it in our Semrush AI visibility guide. The post What Is Agentic Search? (And Why SEOs Need to Pay Attention) appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

I’m not one for binaries, but it’s likely you’re either aware of Gap’s 2025 comeback tour, or you have a healthy amount of screen time. For those of us who aren’t full luddite teen (aspirational), I’m here to tell you that Gap is continuing its play to cement its place among the fashion set—and cultural domination—in 2026. We’re seeing this with Gap’s announcement today of a new Spring collection kicking off a multi-season partnership with Victoria Beckham, bringing clean lines and refined classics that harken from the designer’s British sensibilities to the eponymous American brand. The 38-piece line of wardrobe staples will be available online and in select global Gap stores beginning April 24 at 9am ET, with prices that range between $34 to $328. This isn’t Gap’s first partnership of the year. It previously launched collaborations with Harlem’s Fashion Row and Awake, as well as a keystone campaign for the brand’s sweatpants with rapper Young Mikko. (And let’s not forget last year’s sell-out Sandy Liang collaboration.) The Victoria Beckham collaboration is its latest in an ongoing story of reinvention the brand wants to convey to the public. “We always are looking for new, interesting, cool, unexpected-for-our-customer collabs, and Victoria Beckham is a real natural for us,” says Gap CEO Mark Breitbard of the pairing, noting that her design sensibilities bring an elevated level of polish and refinement to Gap’s casual everyday wear. The partnership was the result of a conversation Breitbard had with celebrity stylist Alastair McKimm, who he considers to be part of the Gap creative team, about his other clients. “When he brought up Victoria, we both just kind of looked at each other and said, ‘Wait, could this be interesting for us?’” Breitbard recalled. And Beckham, for her part, was game. The design results apply subtle degrees of difference from Gap classics like its Arc denim and matching jacket, pull-over denim quarter zips with a tent-like shape, dark wash capris (having a moment this spring), pleated khaki shorts, white button-downs, jersey tank dresses, and a classic trench coat. The difference from Gap pieces may not be detectable to the non-fashion obsessive’s human eye, but the simplicity of lines and the appeal of the Victoria Beckham brand ID could subconsciously appeal to the same discerning shopper who gets neutral manicures and wears La Ligne. “You’ll see really modern lines and elegance that still has Gap casual in it,” says Breitbard. “So it’s very versatile. Dress up, dress down. Look incredibly chic, but also don’t look like you tried too hard. It’s just a really great balance, but clean lines and a fine aesthetic.” The cerulean blue pullover anorak adds a bright pop of color to staples like white, khaki, olive, and denim, which have enough wearability that could toss on a piece and head out the door. There is some overlap between the positioning of this line and Gap Studio as an elevated take to Gap classics, but Breitbard splices Gap Studio as more of a play for red carpet caché, with some looks they then commercialize. The multi-season partnership also points to the brand’s broader partnerships strategy, which aims to reestablish relevancy through brand partners with caché. Gap is extending these partnerships through marketing that’s less sales-y and more shareable content (“brandtainment” is the linguistic ligature du jour). By doing so, it’s goal is to drive cultural conversation. In short: organically become part of the chatter in the elusive group chat. At this point, the brand is building on the momentum of the previous year-and-a-half. (Its financial gains are still playing out: net sales were up 2% and store sales up 1% year over year, respectively.) Where Gap gets luxury fashion bonafides from Beckham, Beckham gets to capitalize on her existing growth and expand her reach. Victoria Beckham posted $170 million in group sales resulting in 19% growth in 2025, which includes fashion and beauty, (Breitbard noted her success in beauty in particular). Beckham told WWD last fall that she plans to open more stores in the U.S., which is the brand’s biggest market—this collab could be a preview for a lot of new consumers. Ultimately a collaboration is successful if it’s multidimensional. “[The Victoria Beckham collaboration] is going to hit new consumers who are paying attention to fashion and existing consumers, and consumers who have been with us for a while,” says Breitbard. While I can’t say that the Victoria Beckham brand has been in my group chats lately (that’s been dominated by fashion brands like Khaite, the Row, Still Here, and quests for vintage Prada and Manolo Blahniks, and even Gap itself), it does have a major online fan base: 3 million TikTok followers compared to Gap’s one million, and 33.4 million Instagram followers compared to Gap’s 3.7 million. “One of the things that I think we’re doing well when we do a remix, [is] there might be dimensions that the younger consumer really appreciates, and then there is also just artistry and creative that is very accessible and easy,” says Breitbard, which translates to online traction and cultural interest that are bigger than sales KPIs. He points to the Katseye campaign as an example. “They’re young. They have a young demographic. They have a huge fan base, but tens of thousands of people reposted that dance. We had 600 million views, and it wasn’t just from young [people]. It was so accessible and so uplifting to a very broad audience. That’s what we’ve done well,“ he says. “Victoria has younger consumers, but also consumers who have known her and followed her throughout her career and I think that’ll be inspiring very broadly.” He adds that Beckham’s cultural impact and personal relationship with her brand also fit with Gap’s story telling sensibilities. The story they plan together was too big for one drop. And a multi-season collaboration has to have a different business strategy. “The strategy for us here is to bring in the right amount to have excitement and energy and have it be accessible, but not bought with such depth that it’s meant to live for months and months in the store,” says Breitbard. “These things are meant to be moments of high heat, to draw attention, to have fun, to drive business. And so we are intending to do that for this drop and then another drop later in the year, versus it’s going to launch and it’s going to be in the store.” Beckham’s designer bonafides are another lens for potential Gap customers who haven’t thought of the brand yet to tap in. “Gap made new,” says Breitbard concisely of the brand’s strategy. “We want to continue to make Gap new and this is a great way to do that.” View the full article