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Customer loyalty program software is an essential tool for businesses aiming to improve customer retention. It tracks customer purchases, awarding points based on spending or frequency, which helps in creating customized promotions. By integrating with existing POS systems and CRM tools, it streamlines operations and provides real-time analytics. Comprehending how this software functions can greatly impact your marketing strategies. Explore the key features and benefits to see how it can transform your customer engagement efforts. Key Takeaways Customer loyalty program software helps businesses create and manage loyalty initiatives to enhance customer retention and engagement. It tracks customer purchases and rewards points based on spending habits or frequency of visits. The software integrates seamlessly with existing POS systems and CRM tools for efficient data collection and management. Real-time analytics provide insights into customer behavior, retention rates, and the effectiveness of loyalty programs. Customizable rewards structures and automated communications enhance customer satisfaction and encourage repeat purchases. Understanding Customer Loyalty Program Software When you consider implementing a customer loyalty program, comprehension of the software that supports these initiatives is vital. Customer loyalty program software helps businesses create, manage, and analyze their loyalty programs efficiently. By using free loyalty program software, you can track customer engagement and reward redemptions, ensuring effective program management. These solutions often integrate with existing Point of Sale (POS) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) tools, streamlining data collection. Additionally, effective loyalty software free options provide real-time analytics, allowing you to measure key metrics like retention rates and spending patterns. By automating communication about rewards and promotions, this software improves customer engagement, making it a significant investment for any business aiming to enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Key Features of Loyalty Program Software Key features of loyalty program software play a crucial role in the success of any customer loyalty initiative. This software typically tracks customer purchases, allowing you to award points based on spending, frequency, or specific products purchased. Look for solutions that integrate seamlessly with your existing point-of-sale systems and customer relationship management tools for a smoother enrollment and reward redemption process. Customizable rewards structures let you create tiered systems that motivate higher spending. Furthermore, advanced analytics capabilities offer insights into customer behavior, helping you optimize your program. A user-friendly interface enables customers to easily track their points and rewards through mobile apps or web portals, enhancing engagement and encouraging repeat visits. Consider exploring loyalty card software free options to get started. Benefits of Implementing Loyalty Program Software Implementing loyalty program software offers significant benefits that can transform your customer engagement strategies. You can streamline program management by easily tracking rewards and customer activity, which not only improves operational efficiency but also boosts spending among loyal customers. Furthermore, leveraging data-driven insights allows you to tailor promotions and campaigns that resonate with your audience, ultimately driving repeat purchases and nurturing lasting loyalty. Streamlined Program Management Streamlined program management is one of the significant advantages of using customer loyalty program software. This software automates the tracking and management of customer interactions, allowing you to monitor points and rewards effortlessly. By integrating with existing POS systems, updates on customer rewards occur in real-time, enhancing the shopping experience. Furthermore, you can analyze customer data and spending behaviors, which helps in crafting personalized marketing strategies. This targeted approach can lead to a 53% increase in customer spending and a 40% rise in visit frequency. In addition, advanced analytics provide continuous insights, enabling you to optimize your loyalty program based on customer preferences and performance metrics, ultimately making your management processes more efficient and effective. Enhanced Customer Engagement As customer expectations continue to evolve, improving customer engagement through loyalty program software becomes essential for businesses aiming to nurture lasting relationships. This software allows you to create personalized rewards based on individual purchasing behaviors, cultivating trust and encouraging frequent purchases. With seamless tracking of customer interactions, you can boost spending by up to 18% compared to non-members. Targeted communications celebrating customer milestones elevate satisfaction, whereas Target data analytics help you optimize rewards and promotions that resonate with your audience. Data-Driven Insights Loyalty program software provides businesses with valuable data-driven insights that can greatly boost their marketing strategies. By analyzing customer data, you can uncover purchasing behaviors and preferences, helping you tailor your marketing efforts. For example, identifying trends in customer engagement lets you optimize rewards that resonate with specific segments. Here’s a quick overview of the benefits: Benefit Description Customer Segmentation Enables personalized offers for distinct customer groups. Engagement Trends Identifies patterns to improve marketing tactics. Lifetime Value Analysis Compares loyalty members’ spending to non-members. Retention Strategies Proactively addresses customer needs based on data. Implementing this software eventually leads to improved customer retention and higher revenue potential. How Loyalty Program Software Works Loyalty program software enables you to earn and redeem points effortlessly, tracking your purchases and engagement in real-time. It connects with POS systems to guarantee accuracy, so you receive rewards based on your spending habits and frequency of purchases. Furthermore, the software provides analytics to help businesses assess program performance, including customer retention rates and the effectiveness of rewards, ensuring that your loyalty is recognized and rewarded appropriately. Earning and Redeeming Points In many modern retail environments, customers can earn points for each purchase they make, effectively turning shopping into a rewarding experience. Loyalty program software tracks these points, assigning specific values to products or spending amounts, making it easy for you to see your rewards accumulate. You can redeem your points for various benefits, such as discounts, free merchandise, or exclusive product access. The software streamlines enrollment, allowing you to sign up effortlessly during your transactions, whether in-store or online. You’ll receive notifications via email or SMS detailing your earned points and rewards, keeping you informed of your loyalty status. Many programs additionally offer tiered structures, providing greater rewards as your spending increases, encouraging you to return for more purchases. Tracking Customer Engagement With the right customer loyalty program software, businesses can effectively track customer engagement through a systematic approach that records purchases, interactions, and rewards accumulation. By using unique identifiers like membership numbers or loyalty cards, you can monitor your customers’ activities effortlessly. This software automates point earning and redemption processes, encouraging more frequent visits and higher spending. Key features include: Real-time notifications about points earned and rewards available Insights into spending patterns and customer behavior Easy integration with CRM and marketing platforms Customized loyalty programs based on customer preferences Automated updates on promotional offers These functionalities improve customer engagement, keeping them motivated to participate actively in your loyalty program. Analyzing Program Performance Analyzing the performance of your loyalty program is crucial for comprehending its impact on customer retention and overall business success. Loyalty program software automates the tracking of customer purchases and reward points, giving you real-time insights into engagement and effectiveness. By analyzing key metrics like customer retention rates and spending patterns, you can identify high-value customers and refine your strategies accordingly. The software as well leverages customer data analytics to determine which rewards motivate repeat purchases and improve satisfaction. Integrating with CRM tools allows for personalized communications and customized offers based on individual behaviors. Regular performance reviews will enable you to adapt your strategies, ensuring your loyalty program remains relevant and appealing to your customers. Integration With Existing Systems Integrating customer loyalty program software into your existing systems, such as CRM and point-of-sale platforms, improves your ability to track customer interactions and spending patterns in real time. This seamless integration boosts overall efficiency and customer satisfaction. Here are some benefits of such integration: Automatic updates of loyalty points and rewards during online purchases. Easy connections with third-party applications through APIs for customization. Targeted marketing campaigns based on loyalty data via marketing automation tools. A thorough view of customer behavior for effective data analytics. Improved customer engagement and retention rates through optimized loyalty strategies. Analyzing Customer Data and Insights Comprehending customer behavior is crucial for the success of any loyalty program, as it enables businesses to tailor their rewards and incentives effectively. Customer loyalty program software utilizes data analytics to track purchasing behavior and preferences, allowing you to discern which rewards truly engage customers. By analyzing this data, you can identify trends in spending patterns and determine the most effective rewards for driving repeat purchases. Moreover, measuring key performance metrics, like retention rates, offers valuable feedback on your program’s effectiveness. Insights gained can help you segment your audience, ensuring that your loyalty offerings resonate with their interests. This targeted approach strengthens brand loyalty and improves the overall customer experience, leading to greater retention and satisfaction. Personalization and Targeted Marketing To improve customer engagement and loyalty, businesses must leverage personalization and targeted marketing within their loyalty programs. By analyzing customer data and preferences, you can create customized interactions that enrich the overall experience. Here are key advantages to contemplate: Increased Spending: Loyalty members typically spend up to 18% more than non-members. Customized Offers: Personalization allows for rewards based on individual purchasing behavior. Customer Segmentation: Effective software segments customers into categories for targeted strategies. Augmented Trust: Data-driven personalization can boost customer satisfaction and trust. Retention Improvement: 95% of customers say trust in a company increases their loyalty, making targeted marketing crucial. Implementing these strategies can cultivate a deeper emotional connection to your brand. Examples of Loyalty Program Software Solutions Loyalty program software solutions play a crucial role in helping businesses nurture customer loyalty and engagement. For instance, Square Loyalty and Smile.io enable you to create, manage, and analyze your customer loyalty programs efficiently. Many platforms offer customizable features, letting you tailor rewards, point systems, and tier levels according to your customers’ behaviors and preferences. Yotpo focuses on user-generated content and social proof, enhancing your brand’s credibility, whereas Loyverse provides a thorough suite for managing loyalty and sales analytics. With these tools, you can track customer engagement and spending patterns, gaining actionable insights to optimize your initiatives. Utilizing loyalty program software can greatly boost customer retention, with studies showing potential increases in repeat purchases by up to 30%. Best Practices for Using Loyalty Program Software When using loyalty program software, a streamlined enrollment process is vital for attracting more customers. By offering easy sign-up options at the point of sale or online, you can greatly boost participation rates. Moreover, using data-driven personalization strategies will help you tailor promotions and rewards, making them more appealing to your audience. Streamlined Enrollment Process An effective enrollment process is crucial for maximizing customer participation in loyalty programs, as it directly impacts user experience and retention rates. To create a streamlined process, consider the following best practices: Use simple registration forms requiring minimal information to improve completion rates. Implement automatic transactional notifications like text alerts for earned points, keeping customers engaged. Integrate the enrollment process with existing customer databases for personalized experiences and targeted marketing. Provide easy access to loyalty program details through mobile apps or digital wallets, enhancing convenience. Allow sign-ups at various points, such as at the point of sale or on digital platforms, to reduce drop-off rates. Data-Driven Personalization Strategies Effective data-driven personalization strategies are essential for maximizing the impact of your customer loyalty program, as they enable you to tailor rewards and offers particularly to individual customer preferences. By leveraging customer data, you can segment your audience and create targeted communications that improve engagement. For instance, incorporating feedback can increase customer trust, leading to more frequent purchases. Here’s a quick overview of best practices: Strategy Description Customer Segmentation Group customers based on purchasing behavior. Feedback Integration Use customer insights to refine offerings. Performance Tracking Analyze metrics to adjust strategies accordingly. Utilizing these strategies can increase the likelihood of repeat purchases and cultivate a deeper emotional connection with your customers. Measuring the Success of Loyalty Programs How can businesses effectively measure the success of their loyalty programs? By tracking key metrics, you can gain valuable insights into your program’s performance. Here are five important metrics to evaluate: Customer Retention Rate: This metric shows how well your program keeps customers engaged over time. Net Promoter Score (NPS): NPS assesses customer satisfaction and their likelihood to recommend your brand. Customer Effort Score (CES): CES evaluates how easy it’s for customers to engage with the program, impacting their satisfaction. Negative Churn Analysis: This measures customers who upgrade or make additional purchases, highlighting revenue growth. Spending Habits: Compare the spending of loyalty members versus non-members to assess the program’s effectiveness in driving sales. Monitoring these metrics will help you refine and improve your loyalty initiatives. Future Trends in Customer Loyalty Program Software As businesses look to the future, customer loyalty program software is set to evolve considerably, driven by advancements in technology and changing consumer expectations. You can expect advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to personalize experiences and predict purchasing behaviors through data analytics. Loyalty programs will increasingly integrate with mobile wallets and apps, allowing real-time rewards tracking and redemption for added convenience. You’ll see a shift in the direction of omnichannel loyalty programs, providing a unified experience across online and offline platforms, which boosts engagement. Furthermore, sustainability initiatives will become a focal point, offering rewards that align with your values, such as eco-friendly products. Finally, improved data security measures will guarantee your personal information remains protected, as privacy becomes a top priority. Frequently Asked Questions How Do Customer Loyalty Programs Work? Customer loyalty programs work by rewarding you for repeat purchases, encouraging ongoing engagement with a brand. When you join, you receive a unique identifier that tracks your purchases and rewards. As you spend or shop frequently, you accumulate points or rewards, often with tiered levels that reveal greater benefits. These programs utilize data analytics to personalize your experience, tailoring rewards to your preferences, eventually motivating you to spend more. Regular communication keeps you informed and engaged. What Is the Difference Between a CRM and a Loyalty Program? A CRM focuses on managing all customer interactions and data throughout their lifecycle, enhancing relationships and retention strategies. Conversely, a loyalty program is particularly designed to reward repeat business through points or exclusive perks. Meanwhile, CRMs provide insights into customer behavior, loyalty programs incentivize continued patronage. For example, a CRM might analyze purchase history, whereas a loyalty program tracks points earned for each transaction, directly encouraging customers to return. What Are the 4 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 4 C’s of customer loyalty are Customer, Cost, Convenience, and Communication. First, you need to understand your customers’ needs to build a stronger connection. Next, consider the perceived value of your loyalty program; customers should feel they’re receiving worthwhile rewards. Convenience is key—ensure it’s easy for customers to earn and redeem rewards. Finally, maintain transparent communication to build trust, reinforcing your commitment to their loyalty and enhancing their overall experience with your brand. What Is the Primary Purpose of a Customer Loyalty Program? The primary purpose of a customer loyalty program is to encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers. By offering points, discounts, or exclusive benefits, you improve customer retention and increase their lifetime value. For instance, members might receive a discount on their next purchase after accumulating a certain number of points. This creates a rewarding experience, nurturing appreciation and recognition, which in turn can lead to increased spending and referrals, ultimately benefiting your business. Conclusion In summary, customer loyalty program software is a crucial tool for businesses aiming to improve customer retention and engagement. By tracking purchases and rewarding customer loyalty, this software allows you to tailor promotions effectively. Integrating with existing systems guarantees a seamless experience, as real-time analytics provide insights into customer behavior. Implementing best practices can maximize the benefits of these programs, helping you build stronger relationships with your customers and ultimately drive business growth. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Customer Loyalty Program Software and How Does It Function?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If your paid search looks efficient, branded keywords may be hiding the truth. Learn how to measure real performance. The post The Brand Tax: How Google Profits From Demand You Already Own appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Improving communication skills within a team is crucial for collaboration and productivity. Engaging in specific activities can promote better dialogue and comprehension among members. For instance, virtual coffee chats create informal spaces for discussion, whereas the Blind Drawing Challenge sharpens active listening abilities. Other activities, like the Barter Puzzle and “The Elephant in the Room,” encourage negotiation and open dialogue. Each of these methods contributes to a more cohesive team environment, but there’s more to explore. Key Takeaways Virtual Coffee Chats foster open conversations and build trust in remote environments, enhancing communication skills through regular interactions. The Blind Drawing Challenge promotes active listening and clarity in instructions, encouraging participants to articulate their thoughts effectively. Collaborative storytelling through Once Upon a Time enhances creativity and strengthens team bonds, reinforcing shared goals and open communication. Emoji Check-Ins allow non-verbal expression of feelings, breaking down barriers and improving emotional awareness among team members. The Communication Chain activity highlights message distortion and emphasizes active listening, increasing overall team productivity and accountability. Virtual Coffee Chats Virtual Coffee Chats are an effective way to improve communication skills within teams, particularly in remote or hybrid work environments. These informal sessions allow team members to engage in open conversations, nurturing trust and strengthening relationships. By utilizing platforms like CoffeePals, you can randomly pair employees, encouraging interactions that might seldom occur in structured meetings. Scheduling these chats weekly or biweekly promotes consistency, creating a culture of communication that’s crucial for team cohesion. Incorporating light prompts, such as discussing energizing moments or personal interests, elevates discussions and helps participants feel more connected. Regular interactions through Virtual Coffee Chats serve as valuable team building activities for communication skills, providing vital team exercises to improve communication. As a result, these chats not only boost employee engagement and morale but additionally contribute to a more productive work environment, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued within the team. Blind Drawing Challenge The Blind Drawing Challenge is an engaging activity that encourages communication skills among team members by requiring one person to describe an image as another attempts to draw it without seeing the reference. This exercise promotes active listening and clarity, crucial components of effective communication. You can conduct it in person or virtually using platforms like Miro or FigJam, making it adaptable for various team setups. During the challenge, no peeking or clarifying questions are allowed, which adds difficulty and encourages precise descriptive skills. Afterward, you’ll compare the drawings to discuss communication successes and areas for improvement. This reflection nurtures constructive feedback and improves comprehension of the importance of clear instructions and patience in effective communication. Barter Puzzle In the Barter Puzzle activity, you’ll face the challenge of completing your puzzle using pieces that belong to other teams, which requires effective collaboration and negotiation skills. By designating a negotiator for each group, you’ll engage in strategic communication dynamics that promote open discussions and exchanges of ideas. This activity not just improves your problem-solving abilities but additionally builds trust among team members as you work together in the direction of a shared goal. Collaboration and Negotiation Skills When teams participate in the Barter Puzzle activity, they not just engage in a fun challenge but furthermore improve their collaboration and negotiation skills. This activity involves teams of 6–12 participants who receive puzzles with pieces belonging to others. To succeed, you must communicate effectively and negotiate trades strategically. As you articulate your needs, you likewise learn to understand others’ perspectives, nurturing mutual agreements. The structured trading promotes problem-solving and teamwork, as each member relies on the group’s communication skills. This exercise is enjoyable yet reinforces crucial skills that are transferable to real-world work situations, where collaboration and negotiation are imperative for project success. Strategic Communication Dynamics Effective communication is vital in managing the intricacies of group dynamics, especially during activities like the Barter Puzzle. In this exercise, teams receive puzzles with pieces belonging to other groups, requiring you to negotiate and trade effectively to complete your puzzle first. This activity improves collaboration by pushing team members to strategize and clearly communicate their needs as they address challenges. Best suited for groups of 6 to 12 participants, the Barter Puzzle promotes interaction in a structured environment. It emphasizes clarity and active listening, as articulating your puzzle piece requirements without confusion is significant. Engaging in this activity nurtures a sense of shared achievement and strengthens relationships through collaborative problem-solving, making it an effective tool for building communication skills. Once Upon a Time “Once Upon a Time” serves as an engaging team-building activity that improves communication skills by encouraging collaborative storytelling. In this exercise, one team member begins with a sentence, and each participant adds to the narrative, nurturing creativity and teamwork. This structure encourages active listening and quick thinking, as you must build on previous contributions as well as ensuring the story flows smoothly. Suitable for any team size, it adapts well to both virtual and in-person settings, making it versatile for various environments. By incorporating work-related themes into the storytelling, you can improve communication skills in addition to reinforcing shared goals and values. Engaging in “Once Upon a Time” strengthens bonds among team members and promotes a culture of openness and collaboration, which is crucial for effective communication. This activity not only boosts creativity, but it also develops a supportive atmosphere that encourages everyone to participate and share ideas. The Elephant in the Room Building on the collaborative storytelling experience of Once Upon a Time, the “Elephant in the Room” activity offers a different approach to improving communication within teams. This exercise encourages team members to anonymously share challenges that may be affecting the group’s dynamics, promoting a culture of openness and trust. By addressing these “elephants,” you advance honest dialogue and create an environment where everyone feels safe to express their concerns and vulnerabilities. The activity leads to respectful discussions about identified issues, allowing the team to collaboratively seek solutions. This process not only enhances communication effectiveness but also reduces misunderstandings that can hinder productivity. Regularly implementing the “Elephant in the Room” activity contributes to a healthier work environment, encouraging ongoing transparency and proactive conflict resolution among team members. In the end, this exercise can greatly improve team dynamics and boost overall morale. Back-to-Back Drawing Back-to-Back Drawing is a team-building activity where one person describes an image during their partner, unable to see it, draws based solely on verbal instructions. This exercise sharpens communication skills by emphasizing clarity and active listening, as participants must interpret and convey precise details. After comparing their drawings to the original, teams can reflect on their communication effectiveness, identifying strengths and areas for growth. Activity Overview and Setup The Back-to-Back Drawing activity serves as an effective tool for enhancing communication skills within a team. To set up, pair team members as a speaker and a listener. Provide one participant with an image as the other sits back-to-back, unable to see it. The speaker must describe the image clearly and accurately, as the listener attempts to draw based solely on these instructions. This exercise can be adapted for in-person or virtual settings, making it versatile for various team dynamics. After completing the drawings, hold a discussion to reflect on communication successes and areas needing improvement. This activity promotes patience and comprehension, as participants navigate the challenges of conveying ideas effectively throughout the process. Communication Skills Developed When team members engage in the Back-to-Back Drawing activity, they develop several essential communication skills that are fundamental for effective collaboration. This exercise sharpens your ability to convey clear instructions, as one person describes an image as the other recreates it without seeing the original. Key skills developed include: Descriptive Communication: You learn to articulate details precisely and clearly. Active Listening: You focus entirely on the speaker’s words, ensuring accurate interpretation. Identification of Gaps: You recognize areas for improvement in both verbal expression and comprehension. Additionally, this activity nurtures patience and collaboration, prompting you to adjust your communication strategies based on your partner’s progress. Engaging in this process boosts overall team dynamics and effectiveness. Reflection and Discussion Insights Engaging in the Back-to-Back Drawing activity offers valuable opportunities for reflection and discussion among team members. This exercise not only improves your clarity in communication but also strengthens your listening skills. As one person describes an image as the other draws it, you learn to interpret verbal instructions without visual cues, promoting patience and comprehension. After completing the drawings, you’ll often notice significant differences between the original image and your interpretation, which highlights the need for precise language. Discussing these outcomes allows you to identify communication challenges and areas for improvement within your team. This activity is adaptable for various settings, whether in-person or virtual, making it suitable for different team dynamics and sizes. Emoji Check-Ins Emoji check-ins provide an innovative way for team members to communicate their feelings and mood in a quick, visual manner. This engaging activity encourages emotional awareness and comprehension, creating a supportive work environment. Here’s how emoji check-ins can benefit your team: Foster connection: Approximately 70% of employees feel more engaged when they share personal feelings in a lighthearted way. Break down barriers: By expressing emotions non-verbally, team members can encourage open communication and collaboration. Improve dynamics: Regularly implementing emoji check-ins can lead to higher morale and improved productivity within the group. Incorporating this simple practice not just makes communication more enjoyable but also strengthens relationships among team members. The Communication Chain Building on the idea of improving communication within teams, the Communication Chain exercise serves as a practical method to highlight how messages can change as they pass from one person to another. In this activity, one team member relays a message to another, showcasing how easily information can be altered or lost through multiple channels. Participants must focus on active listening, ensuring they accurately receive and convey the message to avoid misunderstandings. Research shows that teams with strong communication skills can be up to 25% more productive, underscoring the significance of exercises like the Communication Chain. This exercise additionally cultivates a culture of openness and accountability. Team members learn to clarify and confirm messages, which is crucial for effective collaboration and conflict resolution. Picture This In the “Picture This” activity, you’ll improve your visual communication skills as you describe an image for a teammate to draw without seeing it. This process requires you to articulate details clearly, encouraging both creativity and collaboration within your team. Enhance Visual Communication Skills How can you improve your team’s visual communication skills? Start by incorporating practical activities that emphasize the use of visual aids. Engaging in exercises like “Back-to-Back Drawing” helps team members articulate visual elements without seeing them, enhancing clarity. Here are three effective strategies to boost visual communication: Use infographics to represent complex data, making it easier for visual learners to grasp concepts. Implement visual presentations in team meetings to increase information retention by up to 42%. Encourage regular practice of visual communication exercises to nurture creativity and innovative thinking. Foster Creativity and Collaboration Nurturing creativity and collaboration within your team can greatly improve communication and problem-solving abilities. Engaging in activities like “Back-to-Back Drawing” augments your team’s descriptive communication skills, as participants must convey information without visual aids. Collaborative storytelling games, such as “Once Upon a Time,” encourage active listening and creativity, allowing team members to build on each other’s ideas. Group art projects promote open dialogue and collaboration, leading to innovative solutions and stronger team bonds. Implementing non-verbal communication exercises like charades helps everyone understand body language better, which is crucial for effective teamwork. Overall, team-building activities centered on creativity not merely boost morale but can additionally make teams 25% more productive through improved communication and collaboration. Two Truths and a Lie (with a Twist) What makes “Two Truths and a Lie” an effective icebreaker for improving communication skills in teams? This popular game promotes engagement and personal connections among team members, enhancing communication in various ways. By incorporating a twist, such as focusing on work experiences or team goals, you can make the activity even more relevant. It encourages active listening, as participants must pay attention to discern which statement is the lie. Critical thinking is engaged, pushing individuals to analyze information and draw conclusions based on their observations. The relaxed atmosphere helps break down barriers, building trust within the team, which is crucial for effective communication. As you engage in “Two Truths and a Lie,” you’ll likely find an increase in morale and collaboration, as team members feel more comfortable sharing personal stories and getting to know one another better. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 C’s of Communication Activities? The 7 C’s of communication include Clear, Concise, Concrete, Correct, Consideration, Complete, and Courteous. Each element plays a crucial role in effective messaging. Clear communication guarantees your message is easily comprehended, whereas Concise eliminates unnecessary details. Concrete provides specific examples, and Correct guarantees factual accuracy. Consideration involves grasping your audience’s perspective, Complete means delivering all necessary information, and Courteous cultivates a respectful environment. Together, these principles improve communication effectiveness in any setting. How to Improve Communication Skills in a Team? To improve communication skills in a team, encourage open dialogue by establishing regular check-ins and feedback sessions. Cultivate a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and concerns. Implement structured activities that promote active listening and collaboration, such as role-playing or brainstorming sessions. Furthermore, set clear expectations for communication, and utilize tools like project management software to streamline interactions. Consistently evaluating and adjusting your approach will improve overall team communication effectiveness. What Are the 5 C’s of Team Building? The 5 C’s of team building are Clarity, Communication, Collaboration, Conflict Resolution, and Commitment. Clarity guarantees you understand your role and the team’s goals. Communication promotes open dialogue, nurturing idea exchange. Collaboration emphasizes working together, which builds trust. Conflict Resolution skills help you address disagreements constructively, enhancing relationships. Finally, Commitment guarantees all team members are dedicated to achieving common objectives, strengthening overall team effectiveness and cohesion. Each component is crucial for a successful team dynamic. How Does Team Building Improve Communication? Team building improves communication by promoting open dialogue among participants, which boosts clarity and comprehension. When you engage in structured activities, you develop active listening skills, allowing you to grasp and respond effectively to others’ ideas. Regularly participating in these exercises builds trust, encouraging you to communicate more freely. As interpersonal connections strengthen, misunderstandings decrease, leading to increased productivity and a culture of continuous improvement in communication within the team. Conclusion Incorporating these ten team-building activities can greatly improve communication skills within your team. Each activity targets specific aspects of communication, from active listening to creative expression. Regular practice of these exercises cultivates a culture of openness and collaboration, allowing team members to connect more effectively. By engaging in these structured interactions, teams can not just enhance their communication skills but additionally build stronger relationships, ultimately resulting in a more productive and cohesive work environment. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Team Building Activities for Boosting Communication Skills" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We’ve all been there: You need something at this exact moment—maybe toilet paper, staples, or ibuprofen—but you also can’t be bothered to run out to the local store for it. Enter Amazon’s newest solution: 1-hour and 3-hour delivery. It sounds good until you see the final bill. Here’s what you need to know. Amazon announces new 1-hour and 3-hour deliveries Today, Amazon announced that it will offer new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options for 90,000 products, including everyday essentials such as health and beauty items, cleaning products, over-the-counter medications, and more. The new super-quick delivery windows won’t be available to every Amazon customer in America. Instead, the 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options will be limited to customers in over 2,000 cities and towns across the country. Amazon says you can check the availability of 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options in your area via this link: www.amazon.com/getitfast. The company has also listed specific locations that are covered by the new delivery options, including major cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., as well as smaller ones like American Fork, Utah; Boise, Idaho; and Des Moines, Iowa. Amazon will even offer the new short delivery windows to customers in suburbs like those of Harrah, Oklahoma, and Cornwall, Pennsylvania. However, there is a huge catch to getting the items so quickly. You’re going to pay a lot for Amazon’s latest convenience It’s no secret that many people are willing to pay for convenience, but when it comes to Amazon’s new 1-hour and 3-hour delivery options, the price of convenience is high. If you aren’t a Prime subscriber, Amazon will charge you $19.99 for 1-hour delivery and $14.99 for 3-hour delivery. Yes, for the price of a 1-hour delivery from Amazon, you could get a month of Netflix. Prime members get slightly better pricing: 1-hour delivery will cost $9.99, while 3-hour delivery will cost $4.99. What this means is that if you are out of an everyday essential like toilet paper, Amazon can get you it in a hurry, but instead of paying around $4 for a pack, you’ll be paying $24. That’s a crazy high premium. View the full article

At SEJ Live, we sorted Q1's AI search changes into what's hot and what's not. Here's what we covered and where to watch it. The post What’s Hot, What’s Not: AI Search Changes In Q1 2026 [Recap] appeared first on Search Engine Journal. 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. A refurbished Nintendo Switch OLED (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe) bundle is currently selling for $269.99 on Woot, a noticeable drop from the $447 price for a new unit on Amazon and below the $299 typical price for a “like-new” refurb. This unit is listed as “Grade A” refurbished, meaning it has passed diagnostic testing and should only show minimal cosmetic wear that you likely won’t notice during normal use. Along with the console and standard accessories, you also get a download code for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership. That means you can start playing immediately without having to buy a game or subscription separately. Shipping is free for Prime members, while others pay $6, and the deal is expected to run for two weeks or until it sells out. Shipping is limited to the contiguous U.S. Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle (Grade A Refurbished) $269.99 at Woot $447.00 Save $177.01 Get Deal Get Deal $269.99 at Woot $447.00 Save $177.01 The seven-inch OLED display is the main reason to pick this version. Colors appear more vibrant, and darker scenes look deeper and more defined when you’re playing in handheld mode. That difference is easy to notice in bright games like Mario Kart or platformers with colorful environments. Nintendo also replaced the small plastic kickstand from the older Switch with a wide, adjustable stand, which reportedly makes tabletop play more stable when you’re using detached Joy-Cons. Storage is 64GB out of the box (though you’ll still want a microSD card if you download a lot of games), and the dock includes a wired Ethernet port for more reliable online play, notes this PCMag review. None of this changes raw performance—games run the same as they do on the base Switch, so you are not getting higher frame rates or better graphics beyond the screen itself. The bigger consideration now is how this compares to the latest Switch 2. Nintendo’s newer console introduces more powerful hardware and improved graphics, so players looking for the most future-proof option may lean in that direction. The counterargument is the price and the library. The original Switch already has years of games available, and most of Nintendo’s biggest titles were designed specifically around this hardware. And at $270 with a major game and a year of online access included, this bundle lowers the cost of entry considerably compared with buying new or moving to the newer console. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam Plus (2025) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Search strategy once meant ranking on Google. We optimized websites and invested heavily in organic visibility. Entire marketing strategies were built around capturing demand from Google search results. But search behavior doesn’t live on a single platform. Today, people search on TikTok for recommendations, YouTube for tutorials, Reddit for honest opinions, and Amazon for product validation. Search behavior now spans a much wider set of platforms, creating one of the most overlooked opportunities in digital marketing. Search behavior is diversifying Recent research from SparkToro and Datos analyzed search behavior across 41 major platforms, including traditional search engines, ecommerce platforms, social networks, AI tools, and reference sites. The findings reinforce something many marketers are beginning to notice. Search is no longer confined to traditional search engines. While Google still dominates search activity, a growing share of discovery now happens across a wider collection of platforms — a search universe, if you will. The research suggests search activity is roughly distributed as follows: Traditional search engines: ~80% of searches, with Google alone at ~73.7% Commerce platforms (Amazon, Walmart, eBay): ~10% Social networks: ~5.5% AI tools (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.): ~3.2% Consumers search directly on platforms where they expect to find the most useful answers, in the formats they prefer, rather than relying on Google to send them elsewhere. Dig deeper: Discoverability in 2026: How digital PR and social search work together 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 The industry is focused on AI and missing the bigger mainstream shift Much of the search industry conversation today is focused on AI. Questions like: How do I rank in ChatGPT? How do I optimize for AI search? Will AI replace Google? They’re constantly being posed, debated, and answered by SEO professionals on platforms like Search Engine Land. I want to be clear, these are important questions. But the data within this study tells a more grounded story, especially when thinking about strategy over the next 12 months. AI search tools currently account for roughly 3.2% of search activity, per SparkToro research. That’s meaningful. It will almost certainly reshape how people search and discover information in the future. But today, AI search is still smaller than many established discovery platforms with far broader adoption. For example: Amazon receives more searches than ChatGPT. YouTube receives more searches than ChatGPT. Even Bing receives more search activity. Yet many brands are pouring disproportionate attention into AI visibility while overlooking platforms where millions of searches are already happening every day. Social platforms are now search engines For many users, social platforms are now core search destinations. People look to: TikTok for recommendations, restaurants, travel ideas, and products. YouTube for tutorials, reviews, and problem-solving. Reddit for honest discussions and community opinions. Pinterest for inspiration and visual discovery. Each platform plays a different role in the discovery journey. PlatformWhat people search forTikTok/InstagramDiscovery and recommendationsYouTubeLearning, tutorials, and reviewsRedditReal opinions and community discussionsPinterestInspiration and planning These platforms are more than entertainment destinations. Users head to them with real intent to find a solution to a problem, need, or desire. Social content is now appearing directly in Google results As users adopt social platforms for search, Google has begun aggregating and organizing information right within its SERPs. So yes, social and creator content appears directly inside Google search results. Over the past year, Google has significantly expanded how it surfaces social content within SERPs. Search results now frequently include TikTok videos, YouTube Shorts, Reddit threads, Instagram posts, and forum discussions. Google even partnered with platforms like Reddit to ensure that community discussions appear more prominently in search results. This means social content can now influence discovery in multiple ways: Direct searches on social platforms. Visibility within Google search results. Influence within AI-generated answers. Dig deeper: Social and UGC: The trust engines powering search everywhere Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Social content is also powering AI search Social platforms are also important sources for AI-generated answers. AI systems rely on content that reflects real-world experiences, discussions, and opinions. That’s why platforms such as Reddit, YouTube, Quora, forums, and creator-led content (i.e., Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts) are frequently cited in AI-generated responses. Google’s AI Overviews often reference Reddit threads and YouTube videos. Other AI tools regularly draw insights from community discussions, reviews, and creator content when generating answers. This means content created for social discovery can influence visibility across multiple layers of search, including social platforms, Google search results, and AI-generated responses. A single piece of content can now travel much further across the universe, consistently providing signals to audiences, developing a preference toward one brand over another. The compounding discoverability effect When brands invest in social search visibility, they unlock a powerful compounding effect. For example, a useful YouTube tutorial could: Rank in YouTube search. Appear in Google search results. Be referenced in AI-generated answers. Be shared across social platforms. Spread through private messaging and dark social channels. Unlike traditional website content, social content can move across platforms, dramatically expanding its reach. This creates an entirely new layer of discoverability. And at a time when marketing budgets are under increasing scrutiny, the ability for content to generate visibility across multiple platforms makes the ROI of content strategies far more compelling. Dig deeper: The social-to-search halo effect: Why social content drives branded search Most brands still follow the old search playbook Despite these shifts, most search strategies still revolve around Google SEO, paid search, website content, and AI/LLM interfaces. Few brands have structured strategies for TikTok search optimization, YouTube search visibility, Reddit community engagement, and creator-led discovery strategies. While Google SEO is incredibly competitive, social search remains relatively under-optimized. Brands that move early can capture visibility (presence) in spaces where demand already exists, thereby developing preference for their brand. When brands invest in social search visibility, they aren’t just unlocking the 5.5% of searches happening directly on social platforms. They’re also influencing traditional search results, AI-generated answers, and wider discovery across the web. 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 Search everywhere: A new model for discoverability Search is more than a channel. It’s a behavior that happens across a developing and evolving search universe. Your audience searches wherever they believe they’ll find the best answer in the most useful format — whether that’s Google, TikTok, YouTube, Reddit, Amazon, Pinterest, or increasingly, AI interfaces. Winning search today means being discoverable wherever those searches happen. The brands that win won’t be the ones that rank in just one place, even as traditional SEO remains an important part of the mix. They’ll be the ones that are discoverable wherever their audience searches. That is the future of search. That is “search everywhere.” Dig deeper: ‘Search everywhere’ doesn’t mean ‘be everywhere’ View the full article

Along with the AI tools, ICE Mortgage Technology also added 16 exception-based automation servicing agents with directly integration to its servicing platform. View the full article

Web browsers love the theme of navigation. Safari is clearly a compass. Chrome appears to be an all-seeing cyborg eye. But Firefox? It’s comparatively unhinged: a wild animal made of flame. It’s like a beast out of Pokémon, Digimon, or Chinese mythology. And now, for the first time, the fox is breaking out of the Firefox logo to become a full-blown corporate mascot ready to protect its customers. In an era when AI companions are quickly becoming commonplace, the fox named Kit is a keen-nosed scout, helping you navigate a world filled with unprecedented surveillance. “Kit is really like your companion for this internet era,” says Amy Bebbington, global head of brand at Mozilla, the nonprofit makers of Firefox. “We want people to feel that Firefox has their back.” Developed in conjunction with Jones Knowles Ritchie (JKR), which worked on Mozilla’s larger rebrand in 2024, Mozilla is launching Kit at a critical time. Firefox drives the group’s mission and revenue, but it’s lost around 25% of its market share since 2020. It currently commands 5% of the global desktop browser market, and just 0.5% of the mobile market. People prioritize Firefox for its privacy features, but it faces an uphill battle when platform holders like Google and Apple prioritize their own browsers, and AI companies like OpenAI lure people with automation to browse the web. “It’s really important that we convey that we are here for humanity, and you should be able to have choice and control over the way that you use the internet,” says Bebbington. “If we didn’t remind people at this moment in time, it’s almost like a kind of missed opportunity for us.” Designing the new Firefox mascotSo Kit has arrived as a carefully groomed brand ambassador, born straight from the Firefox logo, as if he broke out of the browser’s app icon to run free. He won’t ever be re-skinned in different styles (you’ll never see Kit with kawaii eyes, or sketched in black and white). The strategy reminds me quite a bit of the publisher Penguin Random House’s new brand, which breaks the bird out of its stoic silhouette to become less of a logo stamp and more of a living character. “It’s really trying to hit that sweet spot between characterization and immediate recognition,” says Stuart Radford, executive creative director at JKR. Kit features a similar visual treatment to the core Firefox logo, with the same flame-inspired gradient and minimal faceting that lands it somewhere between a 2D and 3D figure. Getting his personality just right was the biggest part of the challenge. Early renditions of Kit had a spikier look and came across as too sly. So the team domesticated Kit a bit. Adding a bit of roundness to his whiskers and “chubbiness” to his legs was key to softening the vibe, and the approach was to make Kit less fox and more pup. The team also worked quite a bit on the expressiveness of Kit’s eyes, so that the character could convey curiosity or intelligence. That approach seems to work. At times, Kit looks sweet enough to pet. During others, Kit appears to be standing watch. Starting today, Kit will show up across Firefox marketing, and within the onboarding of new users. Over time, however, Kit could very well become an active element of the user interface. Bebbington imagines that Kit might cover their eyes during private browsing, or chomp down on a cookie to convey how Firefox is preventing tracking. Even Kit’s tail is a strong opportunity for wayfinding, as its infinite length allows it to drape and point its way across other graphics and UI. “The next phase of this work is to really make sure that we can bake that brand experience into the product so it feels seamless,” says Bebbington. And no doubt, in an era when every site and service seems to be developing half-sentience to extract even more from us, the prospect of having a flaming spirit animal nipping at malicious AIs is more than a little appealing. View the full article

Robocalls, texts, and phishing emails from scammers are up this tax season compared to previous years, with artificial intelligence likely increasing fraud attempts, according to the consumer protection bureau of the Federal Trade Commission. Consumer advocates and government officials urge the public to stay wary, to stop and think before engaging with phone or text messages, and to remember the IRS will not contact you directly by text or phone. Here’s what to know. ‘Tis the season for tax scams Each year, the IRS releases its “Dirty Dozen” of tax scams that target taxpayers. At the top of the list is impersonation of the agency by email, text, and phone. The IRS reported over 600 social media impersonators during fiscal year 2025, and urges people not to “click links or open attachments from unexpected messages.” The IRS also reminds taxpayers it “does not leave urgent, threatening prerecorded messages, call to demand immediate payment, or threaten arrest.” Scammers often use alarming language and QR codes to send people to fake websites where they ask the taxpayer to “verify” accounts or enter personal information, according to the IRS. Links may also install malware or malicious software, such as ransomware, which could prevent access to files and private information. “AI-enabled IRS impersonation by phone (robocalls, voice mimicry, and spoofed caller ID),” is also increasing, according to the agency. As phone scams evolve, AI provides new computer-generated tactics and spoofed caller identification to look legitimate. In this vein, identity theft is one of the most common forms of fraud around tax season, according to Rosario Mendez, an attorney for the bureau of consumer protection at the FTC. Mendez defines this type of theft as the misuse of one’s social security number or other personal information, often to collect a tax refund. “People usually discover this when they go to file their tax returns and discover someone else has already filed,” she said. “For the records of the IRS, that is, it’s already happened. But it’s not the person — it’s an identity thief.” A deluge of scams Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, said the ITRC has also tracked an increase in scams and identity theft attempts over the past several years, likely aided by AI-generated messages. “We’re seeing an uptick in phishing emails, fake texts, and even phone calls,” Velasquez said. “Scammers are trying to get you to engage in any manner — talk to them, click the link, share your personal data, or share access to your devices or accounts.” The “sheer volume and level of sophistication” suggests AI is being leveraged, according to Velasquez. “‘Deluge’ is the best word I can think of, because it’s relentless,” she said. “Type, don’t tap.” Whenever possible, according to Velasquez, the best practice when receiving any of these messages is, “Type, don’t tap.” That is, rather than tapping on any link sent in any kind of message, type in the URL of the official website for the IRS (IRS.gov), or whichever agency is supposedly contacting you. “Go to the source. Don’t click any of those links,” she said. “If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t engage.” Scammers hit all ages According to Kathy Stokes, director of fraud prevention programs for the AARP, younger people more frequently file reports stating they’ve been scammed, but older individuals report losing more money than younger consumers. “That’s because they have more money to lose,” she said. If you suspect fraud, or a message seems suspicious, Stokes emphasized the importance of slowing down and talking to someone. When someone receives a notification that sounds strange, scary or urgent, if they stop to talk to a friend or family member or someone they trust, they can typically figure out it’s a scam. “That’s also going to inoculate the people you share it with from falling for the scam,” she said. Ask for help if your identity is compromised If someone has already used your social security number to file a tax return before you, it’s important to let the IRS know. You should also go to IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft, according to Mendez. At the end of that reporting process, the government will give you a personal recovery plan. “If a scammer has used your social security number to file a tax return, it’s possible the same thief could use it to open bank accounts, credit cards, or file for unemployment,” she said. “Another worthwhile step is to monitor your credit report and freeze credit accounts so they can’t be misused.” Alan Butler, executive director of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, echoed this, encouraging victims of scams to seek identity theft monitoring going forward as well. That said, he warns people not to pay high costs for these services, which are sometimes shady themselves, but to thoroughly vet the offerings. “People can be victimized not only once with the theft of their identity, but a second time, because the monitoring services are trying to up-sell them,” he said. Filing a police report is also an option If you’ve been the victim of a scam and you’ve lost money, you may also want to file a report with local police, according to Stokes. “Even if you get pushback from local law enforcement, you should insist on the report,” she said. “There may be a means of restitution for fraud victims down the road, and they would want that as a point of proof of what happened.” — The Associated Press receives support from the Charles Schwab Foundation for educational and explanatory reporting to improve financial literacy. The independent foundation is separate from Charles Schwab and Co. Inc. The AP is solely responsible for its journalism. —Cora Lewis, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Amazon Echo Show 11 arrived in late 2025 as the successor to the Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation), and it now sits at its lowest price since release, according to price trackers. Amazon currently lists the smart display for $169.99 (originally $219.99). The Echo Show line has always been about turning Alexa into something you can see as well as hear, and this version leans heavily into the display. The 11-inch touchscreen runs at 1,920 by 1,200 resolution and measures about 8mm thick, making it thinner and larger than the screen on the Echo Show 10. In practice, it works well for everyday household tasks. You can follow a recipe from across the kitchen, keep a video call open while doing other things, or leave a calendar visible during the day. Echo Show 11 Full-HD 11" Display with Alexa+ $169.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Amazon $219.99 Save $50.00 The biggest design change from the Echo Show 10 is that the screen no longer rotates to follow you. Amazon replaced the moving display with a fixed panel that appears to float above a fabric speaker base. That said, if you want to rotate or tilt the display, Amazon does sell a $39.99 magnetic stand. As for connectivity, the Echo Show 11 supports Wi-Fi 6E and broader smart-home compatibility—it works well with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread, allowing it to function as a hub for lights, plugs, locks, and other connected gear without an extra bridge. One change longtime Echo users may notice is the lack of a physical camera shutter. Older models included one, so people who liked that extra privacy safeguard may miss it here. Feature-wise, the Echo Show 11 runs the same experience as the smaller Echo Show 8. It launches with Alexa+, Amazon’s new AI-enhanced assistant, currently in Early Access and included with a Prime membership. The new Alexa+ feels more conversational and better at handling natural language requests, notes this PCMag review. The only real drawback is that the interface can feel busy, and you’re paying more for screen size rather than new features. If you want a bigger display and stronger sound in one unit, this deal makes sense. If you’re fine with a smaller screen, the Echo Show 8 delivers nearly the same experience for less. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Sony WH1000XM6- Best Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones — $398.00 (List Price $459.99) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $299.00 (List Price $399.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) Blink Video Doorbell Wireless (Newest Model) + Sync Module Core — $35.99 (List Price $69.99) Ring Indoor Cam Plus (2025) — $39.99 (List Price $59.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

In recent years, news around women at work has been bleak—especially for Black women. Unemployment for Black women rose significantly in 2025, moving from 5.4% to a rate of 7.3% by December, as federal job cuts disproportionately hit them. And, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, over 300,000 Black women either left the workforce or were laid off in a period of just three months last year. However, there is a silver lining: Black women are becoming the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States. According to recent data from Wells Fargo, between 2024 and 2025, Black women-owned employer businesses grew by 13% and their revenue was up almost 6%. Black women-owned businesses without employees grew by 13% and revenue surged by 8%. By comparison, female-owned businesses grew at a rate of 4.4% during the same period of time. The growth is impressive, but it is driven by a lack of opportunities inside corporations. Aside from current economic woes, AI fears, and rising rates of job insecurity, Black women also face unique challenges—many of which have reached new heights as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have dimmed significantly since the 2024 election. Per a previous Wells Fargo report from 2025, Black women earn just 70% as much as white men (white women earn 83%). Similarly, per McKinsey’s 2025 Women in the Workplace report, Black women receive fewer promotions than men. For every 100 men promoted to a manager role, 93 women are promoted, but Black women see the lowest number of promotions. Only 60 Black women are promoted for every 100 men. By comparison, 82 Asian women and 82 Latina women are promoted. “You don’t see that same loss with Black men, you don’t see that same loss with other groups of women,” Valerie Wilson, a labor economist, told the New York Times of the drastic change. “It was a sharp and unique decline in employment for Black women,” Wilson added. Krista Norris, PhD, a marriage and family therapist who owns Conscious Connection Therapy Services, LLC and specializes in working with individuals of color, tells Fast Company that Black women are facing major challenges in today’s corporate world, and that, for many, entrepreneurship feels like a saving grace. Norris says it gives Black women, in particular, back their “agency” and “financial mobility” when the “traditional system” fails them. Norris continues, noting that “many corporate environments are unsafe when it comes to expressing diversity” and says that entrepreneurship can be a place where “cultural identity, authenticity, wellness, and purpose-driven work are embraced.” Black women have made major strides when it comes to owning businesses. Still, per the recent Wells Fargo report, they still face financial barriers and fewer funding opportunities. “Most women-owned businesses, especially those owned by minorities, are smaller and more likely to be sole proprietorships, which limits their capacity to absorb shocks or pivot quickly,” the report explains. “These trends underscore the need for targeted financial and technical support for women-owned businesses in vulnerable industries, particularly those led by women of color.” Meanwhile, last year’s Wells Fargo report noted it would take about forty years for Black women business owners to be on par with their male counterparts. View the full article

Financial services entrepreneur wins auction that drew interest from wealthy individuals, family offices and media groupsView the full article

Google is expanding capabilities in Google Ads Editor to give advertisers more creative flexibility, automation control, and budget precision — especially as AI-driven campaign types continue to evolve. What’s new. The 2.12 release introduces a wide set of updates across Performance Max, Demand Gen, and video campaigns, with a clear focus on scaling creative assets and improving workflow efficiency. Creative expansion. Performance Max campaigns now support up to 15 videos per asset group, allowing advertisers to feed more variations into Google’s AI for testing. The addition of 9:16 vertical images also reflects growing demand for mobile-first formats, particularly across surfaces like short-form video. Campaign upgrades. Demand Gen campaigns get several enhancements, including new customer acquisition goals, brand guideline controls, and hotel feed integrations. A new minimum daily budget and a streamlined campaign build flow aim to improve stability and setup. Video & AI control. Updates to non-skippable video formats and real-time bid guidance give advertisers more control over performance, while new text and brand guidelines help ensure AI-generated assets stay on-brand and compliant. Budgeting shift. A new total campaign budget feature allows advertisers to set a fixed spend across a defined period — ideal for promotions or seasonal bursts — with Google automatically pacing delivery. Workflow improvements. Account-level tracking templates, better visibility into Final URL expansion performance, clearer campaign status filters, and bulk link replacement tools are designed to reduce manual work and improve account management at scale. Why we care. This update to Google Ads Editor gives them more creative flexibility and control over AI-driven campaigns, especially in Performance Max and Demand Gen. Features like increased video limits, vertical assets, and total campaign budgets help you test more, scale faster, and manage spend more efficiently. It also improves workflows and brand safeguards, making it easier to guide automation while maintaining consistency and performance across Google Ads. Between the lines. The update continues a broader trend: as automation increases, Google is giving advertisers more ways to guide AI rather than manually control every input. The bottom line. Google Ads Editor 2.12 is less about one standout feature and more about incremental gains across creative, automation, and control — helping advertisers better manage increasingly AI-driven campaigns within Google Ads. View the full article

Flexibility is an underrated aspect of fitness, especially since we tend to lose some of our mobility as we get older—how many of the older folks in your life can comfortably reach overhead? But whether you’re doing it for lifestyle improvements or athletics, stretching can be boring, and progress can be slow. How do you know if you’re stretching enough? Fortunately, a study has given us some guidelines. These guidelines are for static stretching, which is the traditional kind where you hold a position. (Other mobility work, including dynamic stretching, is still good for you, but it wasn’t included in this study.) For immediate improvement, stretch for 4 full minutesStretching has both short-term and long-term effects. We often think of flexibility as a long-term journey (we are becoming a more flexible person over time)—but there is also a more dramatic temporary effect that occurs during and right after the stretching session. Let’s talk about that first. You may remember that when I did a three-minute video with toe touching exercises, I couldn’t quite touch the ground at the start. By the end, I had my palms flat on the ground. This short-term effect is an excellent way to unlock flexibility that you need to use for a given purpose. For example, dancers will stretch right before a practice or performance. And if you need a little extra ankle mobility to get the most out of your squats, or some extra shoulder mobility to do overhead lifts, that’s a great reason to do some stretches for those body parts in your warmup. According to the study, you can maximize the short-term benefits of stretching from four total minutes of stretching for that muscle. That doesn’t have to mean a single four-minute stretch; it could be 30 seconds, eight times, or one minute four times. And they don’t have to be the same type of stretch, so long as they hit the same muscle. Less than four minutes will still give you some benefit, but four minutes is the most that the researchers found to help. For long-term improvement, stretch for 10 minutes per week (per muscle)If you’re looking to get more flexible in the long term, the number to aim for is 10 minutes, per muscle, per week. Again, this can be broken up. If you have a routine that stretches each muscle for two total minutes (4 sets of 30 seconds, for example), doing that routine five days a week will get you there. Or perhaps you’re already interested in those short-term benefits I mentioned above, so you’re doing a warmup session that racks up three or four minutes per muscle. Those count toward your ten minutes for the week, so you may not need to do any extra stretching sessions beyond those warmups—as long as those warmups include all the muscles you are targeting. You don’t have to do every stretch in existence; just pick a few muscles or body parts that you’d like to make more flexible. Pick a favorite stretch or two for each, and get into the habit of performing those stretches for a minute each day. Here are some of my favorite stretches to get you started: The best stretches for calves and ankles (especially good for squatting) The best stretches for your shoulders The best stretches for hamstrings The best stretches for your lower back The best stretches for your neck and upper back Should stretching hurt? Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that stretching is more effective the harder you do it. Stretching doesn’t need to be painful to be effective. The recent study found that hard stretching and gentle stretching both worked about equally well. Flexibility trainers often say that your best bet is gentle stretching, where you can feel the stretch but it’s not painful. Being gentle about it lets you stretch longer and more often (and enjoy the process more!), which are the factors that really help you to make progress. View the full article

See how PPC automation layering helps marketers shape automated campaign performance instead of relying on a single feature. The post PPC Automation Layering: How Smart Advertisers Combine Automation With Strategy appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

As Google rolls out AI Overviews, AI Mode in Search, and the Gemini ecosystem, we face a growing challenge: what happens when users get answers — and soon complete purchases — without leaving Google’s interfaces? Enter Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol (UCP), now in beta. UCP is designed to help brands to sell to consumers without leaving the Gemini or LLM experience. Consumers can check out within the LLM, add rewards points, and fully execute the transaction. Here’s an example flow: How Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol works At its core, UCP standardizes how consumer AI interfaces communicate with merchant checkout systems. When a user tells Gemini, “Find me a highly rated, waterproof hiking boot in size 10 under $200 and buy it,” UCP is the invisible bridge that allows the AI to securely fetch inventory, process the payment, and confirm the order. While Google’s developer documentation leans into technical jargon like “Model Context Protocol (MCP)” and “Agent2Agent (A2A) interoperability,” the implications are remarkably straightforward: It uses your existing feeds: UCP plugs directly into your existing Google Merchant Center (GMC) shopping feeds. The inventory data you’re already managing for your campaigns is the same data that will power these AI transactions. You keep the data: Unlike selling on some third-party marketplaces, where you lose the customer relationship, UCP ensures you remain the merchant of record. You process the transaction, you own the first-party customer data, and you control the post-purchase experience. Frictionless checkout: By enabling checkouts directly within Google’s AI ecosystem, UCP can reduce cart abandonment and increase conversion rates among high-intent shoppers. Dig deeper: How Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol changes ecommerce SEO 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 Best practices for Google’s UCP Like many LLM optimization recommendations, these steps come down to the fundamentals of managing your shopping feed and Merchant Center account. Google outlined a few best practices. If you follow these four steps, you’ll be well-positioned for success. 1. Master your feed data hygiene In an agentic commerce environment, your product feed is your primary sales tool. To ensure the AI accurately matches your products to highly specific user queries, you need to enrich your feed with granular details. Write product titles that are 30 or more characters long. Expand product descriptions to 500 or more characters. Include Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), where relevant, to ensure accurate product matching. Include three or more additional images alongside your primary product photo to engage visual shoppers. Use lifestyle images, not just standard product shots on white backgrounds. Ensure your image quality meets the standard of 1,500×1,500 pixels. Categorize your inventory by product type and share key product highlights. Prepare specific feed attributes required for UCP, such as returns, support information, and policy information. Support Google’s Native Checkout when possible (checkout logic integrated directly into the AI interface). Google also offers another option called Embedded Checkout (an iframe-based solution for highly bespoke branding). This will work, but is suboptimal at this time. Dig deeper: Google publishes Universal Commerce Protocol help page 2. Highlight convenience and trust signals To set your brand apart when AI is helping consumers make immediate, confident purchasing decisions, you must pass trust and convenience signals directly through your feed. The data shows that these elements directly impact the bottom line: Indicate clearly if your brand offers free shipping. Share your shipping speed (next day, two-day, etc.). Display your return policy. Submit sale prices when available. Regardless, ensure the feed represents the most accurate pricing details. Include product ratings. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. 3. Upgrade your technical infrastructure and SEO The shift to UCP requires foundational updates to how your backend systems interact with Google. You must work hand in hand with their development and SEO teams to prepare for these AI search experiences. Migrate from the Content API to the Merchant API to enable real-time inventory updates and programmatic access to data and insights. Upgrade your tag in Data Manager and implement Conversion with Cart Data to effectively use first-party data in your campaigns. Prioritize content-rich pages for indexing and crawling, and ensure structured data is always supported by visible content. Create your Business Profile and claim your Brand Profile to highlight your business information and brand voice on Google platforms. Have your development team explore and prototype with UCP open source on GitHub to map APIs for checkout, session creation, and order management. 4. Additional features and tools beyond UCP to consider Google is actively rolling out pilot programs designed specifically for the agentic era. Be proactive in adopting these new solutions rather than waiting for wide release: Prepare for the “Business Agent,” a virtual sales associate that acts like a brand representative to answer product questions right on Google. Consider the “Direct Offers Pilot,” a new way for advertisers to present exclusive discounts directly in AI Mode. Inquire about the “Conversational Attributes Pilot,” which introduces dozens of new Merchant Center attributes designed to enhance discovery in the conversational commerce era. Dig deeper: Are we ready for the agentic web? The future of search will happen within LLMs The launch of Google’s Universal Commerce Protocol signals a significant shift. The SERP is becoming a transactional engine that increasingly operates within large language models. UCP presents a meaningful opportunity. By removing friction between discovery and purchase, conversion rates could increase. However, taking advantage of this requires stepping outside the Google Ads interface and working directly in your feed data and technical integrations, much like with Google Shopping. While this isn’t new, it’s becoming more important. Ultimately, this comes down to the quality of your product data. View the full article

The doughnut chain that hardly needs an excuse to give away free doughnuts is, you guessed it, giving away more free doughnuts today. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day 2026, America’s favorite doughnut chain, Krispy Kreme, is giving away green doughnuts to those wearing the right colors. Here’s what you need to know. Get green for green Krispy Kreme usually has fun holiday-themed doughnuts for holidays throughout the year, and today, Tuesday, March 17—aka St. Patrick’s Day—is no different. The doughnut chain has been selling a selection of assorted St. Patrick’s Day-themed treats for the past week. But today, customers can get a Patty’s Day-themed doughnut at no cost, provided they meet certain requirements. The free doughnut to be had is the company’s iconic Green O’riginal Glazed Doughnut, which Krispy Kreme releases every year at this time. But in order to get a free green glazed, you’ll need to meet some requirements. First, the free doughnut offer is available only to customers who shop in-store or at a store’s drive-thru. It is not available to those using the Krispy Kreme app or online ordering service. And that limitation is understandable when you find out the second requirement: In order to get the free Green O’riginal Glazed doughnut, you’ll need to be wearing something green. Krispy Kreme doesn’t specify how much green is required, so it’s reasonable to assume that a green shamrock pin or a green hat is just as good as a green sweater. Krispy Kreme St. Patrick’s Day full lineup Of course, one of the reasons why Krispy Kreme gives away so many free doughnuts is because the company knows you’re likely to buy other items when you come in for your free treat. And Krispy Kreme has other Patty’s Day-theme doughnuts ready to tempt you today. Those doughnuts include: the Shooting Shamrock, a glazed doughnut with vanilla-creme-filled flavoured icing the Over the Rainbow, a creme-filled doughnut with shamrock rainbow sprinkles the Plaid Party, a glazed doughnut with green icing drizzles the Chocolate Iced with St. Patrick’s Sprinkles, a glazed doughnut with chocolate icing All doughnuts are available at participating Krispy Kreme locations through March 17. DNUT stock is seeing red While Krispy Kreme may be embracing green today, the company’s stock price is more familiar with the color red lately. Shares in Krispy Kreme Inc. (Nasdaq: DNUT) are down more than 14% year-to-date. Over the past 12 months, the company’s share price has declined more than 35%. The company is facing struggles on many fronts, including a failed McDonald’s partnership, high debt loads, and the popularity of GLP-1 anti-obesity drugs, which many see as a threat to companies whose business models rely on the consumption of high-sugar treats. As of yesterday’s closing bell, DNUT shares were trading at $3.44, which was up over 5% for the day. However, that price is a far cry from the above $10 range that the company’s shares traded at before 2025. View the full article

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Over the weekend, the The President administration threatened the broadcast licenses of news organizations that it claims are reporting unfair or distorted news about the war in Iran. On March 15, the president himself backed up Brendan Carr, chair of the Federal Communications Commission, who made the initial threats. “I am so thrilled to see Brendan Carr, the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), looking at the licenses of some of these Corrupt and Highly Unpatriotic ‘News’ Organizations,” The President wrote in a Truth Social post. “They get Billions of Dollars of FREE American Airwaves, and use it to perpetuate LIES, both in News and almost all of their Shows, including the Late Night Morons, who get gigantic Salaries for horrible Ratings, and never get, as I used to say in The Apprentice, ‘FIRED.’” During a Pentagon briefing on March 13, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth took aim at CNN, saying, “The sooner David Ellison takes over that network, the better,” referring to the recent acquisition of CNN’s parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery, by Paramount. Ellison is Paramount’s CEO and a The President ally. But coverage of the Iran war has clearly struck a nerve with the administration, which is now making large and broad threats against news organizations in a markedly unprecedented way. The question: Do those threats carry any weight? Not really, experts say. Do the threats actually carry legal weight? “Carr’s threats don’t have much legal teeth,” says Tara Puckey, president and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association. “The FCC regulates obscenity and technical operations, not editorial decisions. Courts have been clear on that for decades. If [Carr] tries to pull a license over news coverage, he’s going to lose. And he knows that.” Puckey says that doesn’t necessarily mean there won’t be a downstream effect of the threats. “The chilling effect is the strategy. If local stations start pulling punches on stories—especially smaller [stations] that can’t afford a prolonged legal fight—Carr wins without ever setting foot in a courtroom. You don’t need a legal victory when fear does the work for you.” Why local broadcasters are most vulnerable Local TV stations are the ones on the front lines of the FCC’s war against broadcasters. Despite the administration’s aversion to news organizations like CNN, the FCC’s reach applies only to over-the-air broadcasters, like local news affiliates, rather than cable networks. “We’re just talking about over-the-air broadcasters using the public spectrum—that’s the basis of their threats,” says David B. Hoppe, founder and managing partner at San Francisco-based Gamma Law. “CNN is not within the jurisdiction of the FCC.” Hoppe adds that the FCC is leaning on “the news distortion” policy—a rule that could kick in “if there is an intentional distortion of news concerning a significant event and that results in direct and immediate public harm, then, in that case, the FCC could exercise its authority to suspend or revoke a broadcaster’s license.” That policy, however, is not a law. And as it relates to recent events that have sparked the administration’s fury? “The critical thing here is that the internal policy says that it has to be an intentional statement and cause direct and immediate public harm,” Hoppe says. “I just don’t see how that could apply in this particular case.” Lee Rowland, executive director of the National Coalition Against Censorship, says Carr and The President are simply using the power of the federal government to silence dissent. First Amendment concerns take center stage “Chairman Carr’s threats are astonishingly unconstitutional and should have no purchase whatsoever. But unfortunately, we are living in a world where we have already seen broadcasters comply with unconstitutional demands precisely because they know that their licenses are at their mercy,” says Rowland, who has extensive experience as a First Amendment litigator, having worked with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Brennan Center for Justice, among others. “Everything that the chairman of the FCC says, and while implying that licenses are at stake, is inherently coercive and fundamentally undermines the basics of a free press,” she says. As for what comes next? Rowland says the public needs to speak up, just as they did last year when the The President administration pulled strings to dismiss late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. For example, Kimmel was suspended indefinitely in September 2025 by ABC for his comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk, but then reinstated after massive public backlash against Disney, ABC’s parent company. “Broadcasters don’t have much of a spine,” Rowland adds. “What comes next will be determined by the public.” View the full article

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When Andrey Khusid cofounded Miro in 2011, the idea was simple: bring a whiteboard into the browser, and let people collaborate visually, not just with text. Now that digital canvas is evolving into what the CEO calls an “AI Innovation Workspace.” More than 100 million people use Miro these days, so the company’s ventures into AI are quickly reaching more than 250,000 organizations, including GitHub, Prudential, and Cisco. To serve those Fortune 500 companies, Miro now offers a platform for collaborative AI workflows with Sidekicks that work alongside teams on the canvas, and tools for turning rough sketches into clickable prototypes. The company, which sported a $17.5 billion valuation when it raised $400 million in 2022, recently acquired Butter, a workshop facilitation platform, to tackle what Khusid sees as broken meetings. Fast Company spoke with Khusid about why he believes AI’s real value lies in teams rather than individuals, how Miro can compete in an increasingly crowded software arena, and what he learned from scaling the company from 200 to 1,600 employees. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. You’ve said AI’s biggest opportunity lies in teamwork, not individual productivity. Why is focusing on solo work a mistake? When you work in a company, the company moves not with the speed of every individual. The company moves with the speed of the outcome that those individuals produce together. If I boost my individual productivity but I still wait two weeks between my milestone and the next person’s milestone, it doesn’t matter if I accomplish the task in one hour instead of one week. Before, you would do a workshop, then someone needs to summarize action items—that takes a week. Someone comes back, the group forgot what was discussed, you chase people—another week or two. Then someone breaks it down into tasks, someone builds a prototype. What AI allows you to do is see the final output in the first workshop. You brainstorm ideas, turn them into a project brief, a project plan, a prototype—and you see it immediately. You work backwards and iterate on the inputs. That’s a completely different game. With Flows and Sidekicks, you’re embedding agentic AI directly on the canvas. How do you see AI tools working alongside human teams? We are creative creatures. We like to think about things and come up with things. We’re less into executing repeatable tasks. So even if work can be fully automated, I don’t believe it should be—because what else will we do? In areas where it’s more defined and predictable, you can do more human-in-the-loop. In areas where you want to explore, you make it human-in-the-lead. It depends on the preferences of the organization and the type of project. We try to build a product that accommodates both. Miro Prototypes lets teams turn sticky notes into clickable prototypes. What are unexpected examples of how people are using that? One big unlock is that you don’t need to learn a design tool to express yourself visually. You put several stickies with your ideas and turn them into a prototype. That’s magical because you remove the friction of the learning curve. Another interesting use case: A lot of internal tooling was built 10 or 20 years ago with no design system. People take a screenshot of an existing product, add a button in one click, then use a Sidekick to validate it with a synthetic persona, check accessibility guidance—all without expensive resources or delays. Before, you’d need an outsourcing company to validate accessibility. Now you can do it with a Sidekick. The most interesting examples are at the intersection of prototyping and the validation work that happens before and after. You acquired Butter and launched Miro Engage. What’s broken about how teams run workshops and meetings? What we’re trying to solve is engagement in a distributed setting. When everyone’s in the room, you can observe the audience, call out things. In a digital setting, it’s a completely different challenge. You need to create an environment where people lean in, provide inputs, speak up—even if they’re off camera. Our vision is combining human intelligence and artificial intelligence together. Miro Engage is focused on collecting human intelligence in the most engaging way, then combining it with AI to synthesize and bring out the best insights. Apple launched Freeform, Figma has FigJam, Microsoft has Whiteboard, and project management tools are adding visual features. What keeps you up at night competitively? I focus on what we are uniquely positioned to solve. But you do need to navigate the marketplace—you have usage and budgets that can move to other platforms. I’m focused on how we progress toward our mission to empower teams to create the next big thing, not how we stick to the canvas. We may abstract from the canvas, double down on the canvas—whatever it takes. Innovation velocity matters. We’re building journeys, not features. And then taste—how we stand out in design, in storytelling, in helping companies transform. Because I don’t think we’re in a delivery competition anymore. Software development is so commoditized. It’s brand, taste, transformation partnership, thought leadership that will differentiate. Some argue horizontal platforms lose to vertical ones that go deeper. What’s your take? I totally agree we’ll see more consolidation. Our strategy is what I call T-shaped: how do you provide an experience accessible to everyone, but solve certain problems deeply that horizontal tools won’t go after because it’s too small for them, but sizable for us. Those jobs need to be connected to one platform, not separate tools creating more silos. You grew from 200 to 1,600 employees. What was the hardest lesson about scaling that fast? We had values, but we didn’t translate those values into behaviors. Tightening that up earlier would have helped a lot. The biggest unlock was bringing more hands-on players—what I call super ICs, super individual contributors. Leaders who know how to do the work end-to-end, not just sit and wait while people bring the job. Today, every manager should manage an army of agents, not just humans. That’s a new skill we’re looking for: hands-on with the craft, but also able to deliver work through both people and agents. What leaders do you admire or learn from? Brian Halligan—how he transformed HubSpot several times without fundamentally changing the core business. Jensen Huang—the journey he’s on is impressive. Des Traynor and the Intercom team, how they changed the business from major decline into a new rocket ship. Anton Osika from Lovable—he’s building from scratch with a very new approach to the operating model. For me, the most interesting are people who did a hard job—escape velocity from the ground up, or transforming the biggest companies into something completely new. The CEO of Axa went from 80% B2C to 80% B2B in a few years. Satya Nadella did an incredible job transforming Microsoft. I’m trying to learn as much as possible from those doing it in 2025 and 2026, not just those who transformed before. What’s in your personal tool kit? I spend my entire day in Gmail, Slack, Google Meet, and, of course, Miro. That’s my stack. I’m using Miro more and more because now we have all the AI models available—OpenAI, Anthropic, Google—inside the platform. So I do a lot of work inside Miro instead of context-switching between tools. For agentic stuff, I’m playing with Claude’s computer use and other tools to experiment with automating offline work. It’s too early to say it’s my tool, but I believe that’s the next horizon of experiences we’ll all bet on. View the full article