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Google Ads has quietly rolled out multi-party approval, a security feature that requires a second administrator to approve certain high-risk account actions. These include adding or removing users and changing user roles. Why we care. As ad accounts grow larger — and more valuable — access control has become a bigger risk. A single unauthorized, malicious or accidental account change can disrupt campaigns, access, and billing in minutes. Multi-party approval reduces that risk by requiring a second admin sign-off on high-impact actions, adding protection without changing day-to-day campaign management. For agencies and large teams especially, it helps prevent costly mistakes and improves overall account security. How it works. When an admin initiates a sensitive change, Google Ads automatically creates an approval request. Other eligible admins receive an in-product notification, and one of them must approve or deny the request within 20 days. If no action is taken, the request expires and the change is blocked. Status tracking. Each request is clearly labeled as Complete, Denied, or Expired, making it easier for teams to monitor what’s been approved — and what didn’t make it through. Where to find it. Admins can view and manage approval requests from the Access and security section within the Admin menu. The bigger picture. The update reflects growing concern around account security, especially for agencies and large advertisers managing multiple users, partners, and permissions. With advertisers recently reporting costly hacks, this would be a very welcome update. Bottom line. Multi-party approval adds friction — but the good kind. It gives advertisers more control over who can make critical changes and helps protect Google Ads accounts from unauthorized access. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. January has a reputation for being a dumping ground at movie theaters, but that's certainly not the case when it comes to streaming, as the apps begin to load up on the prior year's critical and commercial hits—and 2026 came in like a champion, with the list of the top movies streaming including banger after banger, from One Battle After Another, to Sinners, to F1. January's streaming winners are heavy on social commentary. One Battle After Another plays it straight in its bracingly contemporary story of anti-fascist revolutionaries and immigration raids, while Sinners, Bugonia, and 28 Years Later use sci-fi and horror tropes to comment on our current political divides. If that all sounds too heavy, the list is rounded out by escapist fair like F1 and The Rip. Also of note: The popularity of The Running Man and The Long Walk indicate that movie-goers are hungry for adaptations of dystopian Stephen King novels written under the pen-name Richard Bachman and foregrounding near-future authoritarian societies in which deadly ambulation-based contests are popular. I wonder what that's about? Here's the full list of the top 10 most-streamed movies of January 2026 across all major streaming services, as compiled by JustWatch. One Battle After Another (2025) Topping the charts this month is Paul Thomas Anderson's nuanced, intelligent thriller about resistance and race in a fascistic, anti-immigration United States. (No, it's not a documentary.) Featuring fantastic performances from heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio Del Toro, and Regina Hall, One Battle After Another is that rare movie that's equal parts thoughtful and exciting. It was recently nominated for 13 Oscars. Stream one Battle After Another on HBO Max. One Battle After Another (2025) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max Bugonia (2025) It's always nice when a weirdo movie is widely watched, and Bugonia was that movie in January 2026. Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis play a couple of societal dregs who kidnap a high-powered pharmaceutical executive (Emma Stone) because they think she's an alien. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who helmed 2023's excellent Poor Things, the Best Picture Oscar nominee is a must-watch, even if you're only a little weird. (And if you want more weirdness, it's based on an even odder South Korean film called Save the Green Planet.) Stream Bugonia on Peacock. Bugonia (2025) at Peacock Learn More Learn More at Peacock Sinners (2025) This one-of-kind flick mashes up so many styles, it's practically its own genre. A historical-horror-ensemble romance-drama-comedy-musical exploring race and historical prejudice in the United States, Sinners tells its story through both song and vampire violence. It is absolutely to-notch in every cinematic way, which is probably why it earned a record 16 Oscar nominations. Stream Sinners on HBO Max and Prime Video. Sinners (2025) at HBO Max Learn More Learn More at HBO Max The Running Man (2025) Based on a 1982 novel by Stephen King (writing as Richard Bachman) and directed by Edgar Wright, The Running Man is a dystopian near-future sci-fi action flick in which the most popular show on TV is a deadly reality competition with contestants who must survive 30 days while being hunted by professional assassins. I hate to admit that I would totally watch that show, and you should totally watch this movie. Stream The Running Man on MGM+ and Paramount+. The Running Man (2025) at MGM+ Learn More Learn More at MGM+ The Rip (2026) If you're in the mood for a throwback action-thriller, check out The Rip, from director Joe Carnahan. It tells the story of a Miami tactical narcotics team that discovers $20 million of dirty money in a stash house. Nobody in the squad is a "clean cop" when there's that much money in play, and soon, everything goes predictably haywire in unpredictable ways. Starring movie pals Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, The Rip is a non-stop ride. Stream The Rip on Netflix. The Rip (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Train Dreams (2025) If you want maximum Americana drama, but not in a cheesy way, check out Train Dreams. Set in the early 1900s, it tells the story of Robert Grainier (Joel Edgerton), a logger and railroad builder whose quiet life is upended by a devastating tragedy. Train Dreams is a thoughtful, poetic movie about the passing of an era. It's also a Best Picture nominee this year. Stream Train Dreams on Netflix. Train Dreams (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) The third Knives Out mystery stars Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, the last of the gentleman's sleuths, who is this time investigating the murder of a priest. A stylish, twisty, brain-testing whodunnit with an all-star cast that includes Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, and Jeremy Renner, Wake Up Dead Man is proof that a classic murder mystery can still keep the most seasoned armchair detectives guessing. Stream Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery on Netflix. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) at Netflix Learn More Learn More at Netflix The Long Walk (2025) The second film in this month's top 10 based on a novel by Stephen King but written under the pseudonym Richard Bachman, The Long Walk shares only surface similarities with The Running Man in its story of a group of young men living in a dystopian future society who are forced to compete in a deadly contest that requires them to keep walking until only one of them is left standing (and alive). It's an ensemble character study closer to They Shoot Horses, Don't They than it is to over-the-top action sci-fi of The Running Man. (They'd make a great double-feature, though.) Stream The Long Walk on Starz or rent it from Prime Video. The Long Walk (2025) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video 28 Years Later (2025) Zombies spoil if you leave 'em out to long, and these dead boys have been marinating for nearly 30 years. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's 28 Years Later ditches much of the fast-paced chaos of modern zombie flicks for an atmospheric, haunting exploration of the community of humans still alive in a long-dead England. It’s a somber movie about the post-apocalypse that makes you wonder if the zombies have it better off. Stream 28 Years Later on Netflix or rent it from Prime Video. 28 Years Later (2025) at Prime Video Learn More Learn More at Prime Video F1 (2025) I'm happy that this list of bleak zombie narratives, carefully paced mysteries, and thinly veiled cultural critique ends with a movie about cars driving very, very fast. (Sometimes you just need a palate cleanser.) Starring Brad Pitt as race car driver striving for one last stab at glory, the Best Picture-nominated F1 was shot at actual F1 Grand Prix events and perfectly captures the danger, drama, and pure adrenaline of the sport. It's a great film to show off your new TV and soundbar. Stream F1: The Movie on Apple TV+. F1: The Movie (2025) at Apple TV+ Learn More Learn More at Apple TV+ View the full article

In procurement documents quietly published last month, Immigration and Customs revealed that the Veterans Affairs administration abruptly cut off its access to vaccines that the agency has historically provided to the people it detains. It was one of a series of medical support services that were suddenly halted, and comes amid long-standing and growing concerns about the health care provided at ICE facilities. ICE subsequently pursued an “emergency” procurement to access vaccines in another way, according to the contracting documents released by the government. The Department of Homeland Security, in which ICE is housed, claims there was no gap in the vaccine service provided by the agency. Still, the document is a small window into the state of ICE operations as the agency continues to ramp up immigration enforcement efforts. ICE had for decades secured what calls “seasonal and routine” vaccines from the VA Financial Services Center, which provides support to both the veterans agency and other federal departments. Earlier government documents, previously reported by Popular Information, show that the VA suddenly cut off services for the ICE Health Corps back in October, which created subsequent issues for both medical claims processing and the pharmacy benefits management for people detained at ICE facilities. Now, another set of documents show that disintegration of the collaboration between the VA and ICE even extended to vaccines and created what the document, as an “absolute emergency.” ICE reveals relatively little about the extent to which it actually provides vaccines to detainees, and the agency did not comment on which particular vaccines it actually provides. The agency did distribute tens of thousands of COVID-19 vaccine doses during the height of the pandemic, but further information isn’t available. There are already serious concerns about the quality and extent of health services provided to ICE detainees. The transmission of illnesses—including the flu and Hep A—are well documented at ICE facilities, and the risk of an outbreak has grown as ICE has sought to round up and detain more people, overcrowding detention centers. ICE recently paused movement at one detention facility in Texas because of a measles outbreak, and the agency is facing several class action lawsuits over the state of detainees’ health care. “Over the years, there have been many documented outbreaks of measles, mumps, influenza, chickenpox, and other infectious diseases in detained migrants in ICE detention centers,” Nathan Lo, a Stanford professor who studies infectious diseases, tells Fast Company. “Many of these outbreaks are quite unusual which underscore that it’s these conditions that predispose to these outbreaks.” Adults are often not even offered vaccines, Lo adds. ICE claimed in the documents, which were posted publicly in January, that the VA “abruptly and instantly terminated” the agreement in October, leaving the DHS component with no mechanism to provide vaccines to undocumented people. “It is an absolute emergency for ICE to immediately procure vaccine support because lack of this support will delay critical and life-saving vaccines,” the procurement justification said. DHS tells Fast Company that there was never a gap in services because they were able to secure a new vendor. ICE did not answer a series of questions about its vaccine provision, including which vaccines the agency offers detainees, or provide further details about its reliance on the VA. When Fast Company asked the Veterans Affairs Department about the situation, the agency’s press secretary Peter Kasperowicz only said that under the new administration, the “VA does not provide any services or support to illegal immigrants. We are solely focused on providing the best possible care and benefits to the Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors we serve.” Under the The President administration, ICE has aimed to deport a record number of people, which has exacerbated existing and serious concerns about the health and safety of detention centers and extremely limited oversight. More than 32 people died in ICE custody last year, making 2025 the deadliest year for the agency in decades, The Guardian reported. “ICE has systematically neglected—and actively harmed—the health and well-being of the people it detains for as long as the agency has existed, just like all the U.S. government agencies throughout history that have caged and deported people,” says Ana Linares, a paralegal focused on mental health care at legal access at the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice, one of the groups leading lawsuits against ICE. “The only solution that centers real health and safety is to end ICE detention and allow people to pursue their immigration processes in freedom with the support and care of family and community.” The VA did not provide any more details over its decision to cut off vaccine support to ICE, but it’s possible the agency made the decision in the wake of Executive Order 14218, which the The President Administration announced in February and dubbed the “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.” The order directed agencies to analyze taxpayer-funded funds that went to “unqualified” aliens and take any appropriate actions to end those programs. In response to the order, several other agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, began reviews of their programs. As detailed by Popular Information, the VA had previously faced right-wing backlash for providing this service to ICE, but it’s not clear if that backlash was related to the VA’s decision. When asked for comment, the Department of Homeland Security said it was a long-standing practice for the agency to provide medical care to people in ICE custody, including various medical and mental health screenings and health assessments. “As we transitioned contracts, there were no gaps in medical care—including access to necessary vaccines, which are being provided. Illegal aliens in ICE custody still have access to vaccines like they always have,” Tricia McLaughlin, the assistant secretary for the agency, told Fast Company. View the full article

The footage was real, verified, and delightful: a security camera clip of a coyote bouncing on a backyard trampoline in Los Angeles. Days after the video went viral, near-identical kangaroos, bears, and rabbits began circulating too, all generated by AI. Millions shared them, believing they’d captured another glimpse of animals behaving hilariously. It was an amusing mix-up, but it was also a warning. AI-generated video tools have moved far beyond producing surreal or obviously manipulated clips. They are now convincingly imitating the formats we instinctively trust most: CCTV, dashcams, police bodycams, wildlife cameras, and handheld eyewitness footage. These are the clips that shape public understanding during protests, disasters, violence, and emergencies. And the fake ones are becoming indistinguishable from the real thing. AI-generated realism has already entered the news cycle At Storyful, we verify thousands of real-world videos for newsrooms and brands worldwide. This year we ran a test: we fed real breaking-news headlines from our own platform into one of the newest AI video models. In seconds, we got clips that mimicked the texture and perspective of eyewitness reporting. Not glossy AI experiments, news-like footage that could plausibly land in a newsroom inbox during a breaking story. Side by side with the original real clips, even trained journalists needed to slow down and scrutinize the details. Consider this example, inspired by a verified authentic video posted to social media in the wake of heavy monsoon rains in India: Firefighters Save Man Clinging to Pole Amid Raging Indian Floods A man was rescued on Tuesday, September 16, in India’s Uttarakhand state after spending more than four hours clinging onto an electricity pole as deadly floodwaters raged around him, local media reported. Real: And this fully synthetic video, created by prompting OpenAI’s video generator app Sora with the title of the first video. Fake: This is no longer a theoretical future. It is happening right now. Guardrails are already slipping. Tutorials circulate openly on Reddit explaining how to remove the watermark on videos created by one of the most popular AI-video generators, OpenAI’s Sora. Restrictions on certain AI prompts can be bypassed—when they exist—or models can be run locally without curbs on highly realistic content. And because these tools can create fake CCTV or disaster footage on demand, the question isn’t whether AI can generate convincing videos of things that never happened. It’s how far will a convincing fake spread before anyone checks it? Why AI-generated videos feel believable The most significant shift in AI-generated video is not just its appearance, but also its behavior. Real eyewitness footage contains the rough edges that come with real life: a shaky hand, the camera pointed at the ground before the action begins, long stretches of nothing happening, imperfect angles and missed details. AI does not yet replicate these moments. It goes straight to the action, framed center-perfect, lit cleanly, and paced like a scene built for maximum impact. It offers the moment we expect to see, without the messy human lead-up that usually surrounds it. The reason is simple. Most models are still trained heavily on cinematic material rather than chaotic, handheld user-generated content. They understand drama better than they understand reality. That gap is what allows verification teams to spot the difference—for now. As models evolve and prompt-writing improves, these behavioral tells will fade. The training data for these video foundation models includes both shaky bystander videos and slick documentaries, allowing them to ably imitate their style and sense of realism. Public confidence is already eroding The Reuters Digital News Report finds that 58% of global audiences fear they can no longer tell real from fake online. That fear used to apply mainly to politics and propaganda. Now it applies to harmless backyard videos. This marks a deeper psychological shift. Once a viewer starts doubting everyday videos, they don’t toggle that skepticism on and off. If they question a dog rescue, they will question a protest. If they question a prank, they will question a war zone. Trust doesn’t collapse in a single dramatic moment. It erodes drip by drip, through thousands of small uncertainties. And as AI-generated video becomes abundant, authentic footage becomes scarce. How to tell when a video is AI-generated AI detection tools can be a useful part of your workflow, but they are not a replacement for human verification. According to Storyful’s analysis, current tools achieve 65–75% accuracy under ideal conditions, but that accuracy drops below 50% within weeks of a new AI model release. These are the signals Storyful’s verification teams use daily, cues the public can learn to recognize quickly. AI starts at the climax. Real footage almost always includes dead time or fumbling before the action. Subjects sit perfectly in the center of the frame. Eyewitnesses rarely capture the chaos of breaking news like cinematographers. Motion is too smooth Real user-generated content stutters, shakes, refocuses, and slips. Timestamps, signage, and license plates break down under scrutiny AI often approximates these details instead of rendering them accurately. Disaster and wildlife clips look “too composed.” Real life is uncertain. AI often looks staged. These cues won’t hold forever, but right now they offer critical protection. Authenticity is now an asset Tech platforms can add more guardrails to their video generator tools, regulators can update frameworks, detection tools can improve, and so can our own critical faculties. And as newsrooms help audiences navigate through the morass of fakery, the most impactful way they can rebuild trust is to be transparent. Audiences no longer trust “sources say.” They want to see how a journalist or a newsroom knows something is real. More news organizations are adopting verification-forward formats, including BBC Verify and CBS News Confirmed, which integrate open-source and forensic checks into reporting, examining provenance, imagery, metadata patterns, and geolocation when relevant. Storyful Newswire equips all of our partners with these basic but essential details about every video on our platform. This transparency is becoming the primary differentiator in an environment where AI-generated video is cheap, fast, and everywhere. The more AI-generated footage floods the ecosystem, the more credibility belongs to organizations that make showing their work a key part of the story. The internet’s most unforgettable videos were never perfect. They were unpredictable, flawed, and human, the kinds of moments AI still struggles to imagine. AI-generated footage can now mimic the visual language of truth. But it cannot yet reproduce the randomness of real life. What’s at stake when it does isn’t simply misinformation. It’s the public’s ability to trust what it sees in the moments that matter most. James Law is Editor in Chief of Storyful, a news agency used by 70 percent of the top 20 global newsrooms specializing in verifying breaking news and viral video. View the full article

In 2015, PPC was a game of direct control. You told Google exactly which keywords to target, set manual bids at the keyword level, and capped spend with a daily budget. If you were good with spreadsheets and understood match types, you could build and manage 30,000-keyword accounts all day long. Those days are gone. In 2026, platform automation is no longer a helpful assistant. It’s the primary driver of performance. Fighting that reality is a losing battle. Automation has leveled the playing field and, in many cases, given PPC marketers back their time. But staying effective now requires a different skill set: understanding how automated systems learn and how your data shapes their decisions. This article breaks down how signals actually work inside Google Ads, how to identify and protect high-quality signals, and how to prevent automation from drifting into the wrong pockets of performance. Automation runs on signals, not settings Google’s automation isn’t a black box where you drop in a budget and hope for the best. It’s a learning system that gets smarter based on the signals you provide. Feed it strong, accurate signals, and it will outperform any manual approach. Feed it poor or misleading data, and it will efficiently automate failure. That’s the real dividing line in modern PPC. AI and automation run on signals. If a system can observe, measure, or infer something, it can use it to guide bidding and targeting. Google’s official documentation still frames “audience signals” primarily as the segments advertisers manually add to products like Performance Max or Demand Gen. That definition isn’t wrong, but it’s incomplete. It reflects a legacy, surface-level view of inputs and not how automation actually learns at scale. Dig deeper: Google Ads PMax: The truth about audience signals and search themes What actually qualifies as a signal? In practice, every element inside a Google Ads account functions as a signal. Structure, assets, budgets, pacing, conversion quality, landing page behavior, feed health, and real-time query patterns all shape how the AI interprets intent and decides where your money goes. Nothing is neutral. Everything contributes to the model’s understanding of who you want, who you don’t, and what outcomes you value. So when we talk about “signals,” we’re not just talking about first-party data or demographic targeting. We’re talking about the full ecosystem of behavioral, structural, and quality indicators that guide the algorithm’s decision-making. Here’s what actually matters: Conversion actions and values: These are 100% necessary. They tell Google Ads what defines success for your specific business and which outcomes carry the most weight for your bottom line. Keyword signals: These indicate search intent. Based on research shared by Brad Geddes at a recent Paid Search Association webinar, even “low-volume” keywords serve as vital signals. They help the system understand the semantic neighborhood of your target audience. Ad creative signals: This goes beyond RSA word choice. I believe the platform now analyzes the environment within your images. If you show a luxury kitchen, the algorithm identifies those visual cues to find high-end customers. I base this hypothesis on my experience running a YouTube channel. I’ve watched how the algorithm serves content based on visual environments, not just metadata. Landing page signals: Beyond copy, elements like color palettes, imagery, and engagement metrics signal how well your destination aligns with the user’s initial intent. This creates a feedback loop that tells Google whether the promise of the ad was kept. Bid strategies and budgets: Your bidding strategy is another core signal for the AI. It tells the system whether you’re prioritizing efficiency, volume, or raw profit. Your budget signals your level of market commitment. It tells the system how much permission it has to explore and test. In 2026, we’ve moved beyond the daily cap mindset. With the expansion of campaign total budgets to Search and Shopping, we are now signaling a total commitment window to Google. In the announcement, UK retailer Escentual.com used this approach to signal a fixed promotional budget, resulting in a 16% traffic lift because the AI was given permission to pace spend based on real-time demand rather than arbitrary 24-hour cycles. All of these elements function as signals because they actively shape the ad account’s learning environment. Anything the ad platform can observe, measure, or infer becomes part of how it predicts intent, evaluates quality, and allocates budget. If a component influences who sees your ads, how they behave, or what outcomes the algorithm optimizes toward, it functions as a signal. The auction-time reality: Finding the pockets To understand why signal quality has become critical, you need to understand what’s actually happening every time someone searches. Google’s auction-time bidding doesn’t set one bid for “mobile users in New York.” It calculates a unique bid for every single auction based on billions of signal combinations at that precise millisecond. This considers the user, not simply the keyword. We are no longer looking for “black-and-white” performance. We are finding pockets of performance and users who are predicted to take the outcomes we define as our goals in the platform. The AI evaluates the specific intersection of a user on iOS 17, using Chrome, in London, at 8 p.m., who previously visited your pricing page. Because the bidding algorithm cross-references these attributes, it generates a precise bid. This level of granularity is impossible for humans to replicate. But this is also the “garbage in, garbage out” reality. Without quality signals, the system is forced to guess. Dig deeper: How to build a modern Google Ads targeting strategy like a pro Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The signal hierarchy: What Google actually listens to If every element in a Google Ads account functions as a signal, we also have to acknowledge that not all signals carry equal weight. Some signals shape the core of the model’s learning. Others simply refine it. Based on my experience managing accounts spending six and seven figures monthly, this is the hierarchy that actually matters. Conversion signals reign supreme Your tracking is the most important data point. The algorithm needs a baseline of 30 to 50 conversions per month to recognize patterns. For B2B advertisers, this often requires shifting from high-funnel form fills to down-funnel CRM data. As Andrea Cruz noted in her deep dive on Performance Max for B2B, optimizing for a “qualified lead” or “appointment booked” is the only way to ensure the AI doesn’t just chase cheap, irrelevant clicks. Enhanced conversions and first-party data We are witnessing a “death by a thousand cuts,” where browser restrictions from Safari and Firefox, coupled with aggressive global regulations, have dismantled the third-party cookie. Without enhanced conversions or server-side tracking, you are essentially flying blind, because the invisible trackers of the past are being replaced by a model where data must be earned through transparent value exchanges. First-party audience signals Your customer lists tell Google, “Here is who converted. Now go find more people like this.” Quality The Presidents quantity here. A stale or tiny list won’t be as effective as a list that is updated in real time. Custom segments provide context Using keywords and URLs to build segments creates a digital footprint of your ideal customer. This is especially critical in niche industries where Google’s prebuilt audiences are too broad or too generic. These segments help the system understand the neighborhood your best prospects live in online. To simplify this hierarchy, I’ve mapped out the most common signals used in 2026 by their actual weight in the bidding engine: Signal categorySpecific input (The “what”)Weight/impactWhy it matters in 2026Primary (Truth)Offline conversion imports (CRM)CriticalTrains the AI on profit, not just “leads.”Primary (Truth)Value-based bidding (tROAS)CriticalSignals which products actually drive margin.Secondary (Context)First-party customer match listsHighProvides a “Seed Audience” for the AI to model.Secondary (Context)Visual environment (images/video)HighAI scans images to infer user “lifestyle” and price tier.Tertiary (Intent)Low-volume/long-tail keywordsMediumDefines the “semantic neighborhood” of the search.Tertiary (Intent)Landing page color and speedMediumSignals trust and relevance feedback loops.Pollutant (Noise)“Soft” conversions (scrolls/clicks)NegativeDilutes intent. Trains AI to find “cheap clickers.” Dig deeper: Auditing and optimizing Google Ads in an age of limited data Beware of signal pollution Signal pollution occurs when low-quality, conflicting, or misleading signals contaminate the data Google’s AI uses to learn. It’s what happens when the system receives signals that don’t accurately represent your ideal client, your real conversion quality, or the true intent you want to attract in your ad campaigns. Signal pollution doesn’t just “confuse” the bidding algorithm. It actively trains it in the wrong direction. It dilutes your high-value signals, expands your reach into low-intent audiences, and forces the model to optimize toward outcomes you don’t actually want. Common sources include: Bad conversion data, including junk leads, unqualified form fills, and misfires. Overly broad structures that blend high- and low-intent traffic. Creative that attracts the wrong people. Landing page behavior that signals low relevance or low trust. Budget or pacing patterns that imply you’re willing to pay for volume over quality. Feed issues that distort product relevance. Audience segments that don’t match your real buyer. These sources create the initial pollution. But when marketers try to compensate for underperformance by feeding the machine more data, the root cause never gets addressed. That’s when soft conversions like scrolls or downloads get added as primary signals, and none of them correlate to revenue. Like humans, algorithms focus on the metrics they are fed. If you mix soft signals with high-intent revenue data, you dilute the profile of your ideal customer. You end up winning thousands of cheap, low-value auctions that look great in a report but fail to move the needle on the P&L. Your job is to be the gatekeeper, ensuring only the most profitable signals reach the bidding engine. When signal pollution takes hold, the algorithm doesn’t just underperform. The ads start drifting toward the wrong users, and performance begins to decline. Before you can build a strong signal strategy, you have to understand how to spot that drift early and correct it before it compounds. How to detect and correct algorithm drift Algorithm drift happens when Google’s automation starts optimizing toward the wrong outcomes because the signals it’s receiving no longer match your real advertising goals. Drift doesn’t show up as a dramatic crash. It shows up as a slow shift in who you reach, what queries you win, and which conversions the system prioritizes. It looks like a gradual deterioration of lead quality. To stay in control, you need a simple way to spot drift early and correct it before the machine locks in the wrong pattern. Early warning signs of drift include: A sudden rise in cheap conversions that don’t correlate with revenue. A shift in search terms toward lower-intent or irrelevant queries. A drop in average order value or lead quality. A spike in new-user volume with no matching lift in sales. A campaign that looks healthy in-platform but feels wrong in the CRM or P&L. These are all indicators that the system is optimizing toward the wrong signals. To correct drift without resetting learning: Tighten your conversion signals: Remove soft conversions, misfires, or anything that doesn’t map to revenue. The machine can’t unlearn bad data, but you can stop feeding it. Reinforce the right audience patterns: Upload fresh customer lists, refresh custom segments, and remove stale data. Drift often comes from outdated or diluted audience signals. Adjust structure to isolate intent: If a campaign blends high- and low-intent traffic, split it. Give the ad platform a cleaner environment to relearn the right patterns. Refresh creative to repel the wrong users: Creative is a signal. If the wrong people are clicking, your ads are attracting them. Update imagery, language, and value props to realign intent. Let the system stabilize before making another change: After a correction, give the campaign 5-10 days to settle. Overcorrecting creates more drift. Your job isn’t to fight automation in Google Ads, it’s to guide it. Drift happens when the machine is left unsupervised with weak or conflicting signals. Strong signal hygiene keeps the system aligned with your real business outcomes. Once you can detect drift and correct it quickly, you’re finally in a position to build a signal strategy that compounds over time instead of constantly resetting. The next step is structuring your ad account so every signal reinforces the outcomes you actually want. Dig deeper: How to tell if Google Ads automation helps or hurts your campaigns Building a strategy that actually works in 2026 with signals If you want to build a signal strategy that becomes a competitive advantage, you have to start with the foundations. For lead gen Implement offline conversion imports. The difference between optimizing for a “form fill” and a “$50K closed deal” is the difference between wasting budget and growing a business. When “journey-aware bidding” eventually rolls out, it will be a game-changer because we can feed more data about the individual steps of a sale. For ecommerce Use value-based bidding. Don’t just count conversions. Differentiate between a customer buying a $20 accessory and one buying a $500 hero product. Segment your data Don’t just dump everyone into one list. A list of 5,000 recent purchasers is worth far more than 50,000 people who visited your homepage two years ago. Stale data hurts performance by teaching the algorithm to find people who matched your business 18 months ago, not today. Separate brand and nonbrand campaigns Brand traffic carries radically different intent and conversion rates than nonbrand. Mixing these campaigns forces the algorithm to average two incompatible behaviors, which muddies your signals and inflates your ROAS expectations. Brand should be isolated so it doesn’t subsidize poor nonbrand performance or distort bidding decisions in the ad platform. Don’t mix high-ticket and low-ticket products under one ROAS target A $600 product and a $20 product do not behave the same in auction-time bidding. When you put them in the same campaign with a single 4x ROAS target, the algorithm will get confused. This trains the system away from your hero products and toward low-value volume. Centralize campaigns for data density, but only when the data belongs together Google’s automation performs best when it has enough data to be consistent and high-quality data to recognize patterns. That means fewer, stronger campaigns are better as long as the signals inside them are aligned. Centralize campaigns when products share similar price points, margins, audiences, and intent. Decentralize campaigns when mixing them would pollute the signal pool. The competitive advantage of 2026 When everyone has access to the same automation, the only real advantage left is the quality of the signals you feed it. Your job is to protect those signals, diagnose pollution early, and correct drift before the system locks onto the wrong patterns. Once you build a deliberate signal strategy, Google’s automation stops being a constraint and becomes leverage. You stay in the loop, and the machine does the heavy lifting. View the full article

A reader writes: I work in healthcare IT. Recently, our organization made the decision to switch to a new Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system. I, along with dozens of colleagues, are responsible for building this new EMR to meet our organization’s needs. It’s a months-long process that involves lots of coordinated decision-making across the entire organization. The tentative go-live date for this new system is well over a year from now. Our leadership is telling the entire IT department that no PTO requests will be approved during this time. None of this has been communicated to the department en masse, but it has trickled down to managers, who then relay it to their respective teams. The message from my manager has been, “No PTO will be approved.” When I asked about booking a vacation this summer, the response was, “The go-live date is [specific 2027 date].” Since then, I’ve confirmed that no PTO means no PTO. They’ve said they might be able to grant a day off here or there, depending on project needs. But those decisions would only be made closer to the dates we would want to take off. I have a spouse and small children. The thought of zero vacation for over a year seems really awful to me. (I do think this is only about vacation and not sick time. I don’t think they’re saying if we get sick that we can’t take time off. And we are salaried, so we have been told that we can generally flex our schedules to go to one-off appointments without using PTO. But PTO for vacations is a no-go. ) Many folks in our department are quietly seething, but it doesn’t seem like anyone is willing to bring it up in a large group. Is this something that my company can do? PTO is a part of our compensation package, and we accrue leave every pay period. I am new to this organization, so it’s entirely possible that I am way off-base in thinking that this is a bizarre policy. No, this is absurd. The idea that people should work a full year through with no time off to recharge is ridiculous. And no one can attend a family wedding? A funeral? Be at the birth of their grandchild? All trips of any sort for the year are off the table? Legally, in most states, they can probably do it. California is the exception to that, because California treats vacation time as earned wages and prohibits extreme black-out periods that prevent you from having practical access to the time off. Assuming you’re not in California, the best thing you and your coworkers can do is to push back as a group, pointing out that this is an unacceptable restriction on your use of earned benefits and a massive hit to very routine quality-of-life expectations, that you have lives and commitments outside of work, and that it’s in the organization’s best interest to have well-rested and recharged employees. You said no one seems willing to do that, but why? This is an incredibly normal thing for a group of employees to take issue with and push back on … and if you don’t, you’re going to be stuck with no vacation for a year. Create some friction for your company and make it harder for them to do this. There’s a very good chance that if you push back as a group, they’ll budge. The post my company says no one can take any time off for a full year appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Anthropic is drawing the line against advertising in AI chatbots. Claude will remain ad-free, the company said, even as rival AI platforms experiment with sponsored messages and branded placements inside conversations. Ads inside AI chats would erode trust, warp incentives, and clash with how people actually use assistants like Claude (for work, problem-solving, and sensitive topics), Anthropic said in a new blog post. Why we care. Anthropic’s position removes Claude, and its user base of 30 million, from the AI advertising equation. Brands shouldn’t expect sponsored links, conversations, or responses inside Claude. Meanwhile, ChatGPT is about to give brands the opportunity to reach an estimated 800 million weekly users. What’s happening. AI conversations are fundamentally different from search results or social feeds, where users expect a mix of organic and paid content, Anthropic said: Many Claude interactions involve personal issues, complex technical work, or high-stakes thinking. Dropping ads into those moments would feel intrusive and could quietly influence responses in ways users can’t easily detect. Ad incentives tend to expand over time, gradually optimizing for engagement rather than genuine usefulness. Incentives matter. This is a business-model decision, not just a product preference, Anthropic said: An ad-free assistant can focus entirely on what helps the user — even if that means a short exchange or no follow-up at all. An ad-supported model, by contrast, creates pressure to surface monetizable moments or keep users engaged longer than necessary. Once ads enter the system, users may start questioning whether recommendations are driven by help or by commerce. Anthropic isn’t rejecting commerce. Claude will still help users research, compare, and buy products when they ask. The company is also exploring “agentic commerce,” where the AI completes tasks like bookings or purchases on a user’s behalf. Commerce should be triggered by the user, not by advertisers, Anthropic said. The same rule applies to third-party integrations like Figma or Asana. These tools will remain user-directed, not sponsored. Super Bowl ad. Anthropic is making the argument publicly and aggressively. In a Super Bowl debut, the company mocked intrusive AI advertising by inserting fake product pitches into personal conversations. The ad closed with a clear message: “Ads are coming to AI. But not to Claude.” The campaign appears to be a direct shot at OpenAI, which has announced plans to introduce ads into ChatGPT. Here’s the ad: Claude’s blog post. Claude is a space to think View the full article

Since then, AI Overviews have rolled out to more countries and more languages, and many websites have continued to see the clicks from organic search decline month-over-month. Today, it seems likely that the impact of AI Overviews has worsened. As…Read more ›View the full article

Online accounting management streamlines financial tasks using web-based software, making it easier for you to manage invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. This technology allows you to access real-time financial data from any internet-connected device, which can greatly improve your decision-making process. By automating routine tasks, you can reduce errors and improve cash flow. Comprehending its key features and benefits is essential for leveraging it effectively in your business. Let’s explore these aspects further. Key Takeaways Online accounting management uses web-based software to streamline financial tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy in invoicing and expense tracking. Businesses benefit from real-time access to financial data, enabling timely decision-making and better cash flow management. Automated features reduce manual data entry errors and speed up billing processes, enhancing overall financial professionalism. Integration with other business tools, like CRM and project management software, fosters collaboration and operational efficiency across departments. Cost-effective subscription models lower upfront expenses and allow scalability as businesses grow, making online accounting accessible for various sizes. Understanding Online Accounting Management In the current digital era, many businesses are turning to online accounting management as a practical solution for their financial needs. This web-based software streamlines financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, considerably reducing manual errors. You can access your financial data from any device with internet connectivity, allowing for real-time updates on cash flow and performance. By integrating Salesforce and accounting software, you improve customer relations as you manage finances effectively. Furthermore, project management software for accountants aids in overseeing multiple projects at the same time. The subscription-based model of online accounting management is cost-effective, as it eliminates hefty upfront costs associated with traditional software, ensuring your financial data remains secure through automatic backups and encryption. The Evolution of Accounting Practices You’ve likely noticed how accounting practices have transformed from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems. The rise of technology hasn’t just streamlined processes but similarly allowed you to access financial data in real-time from any device. Traditional vs. Online Accounting As businesses evolve, the shift from traditional to online accounting practices reflects a significant transformation in how financial data is managed and analyzed. Traditional accounting often relies on manual data entry and local software installations, leading to delays and potential errors. Conversely, online accounting automates these processes, providing real-time updates accessible from any device. With a bachelor degree in finance and accounting, you’ll find that online systems typically use a subscription model, lowering initial costs. Furthermore, online platforms offer immediate visibility into financial performance and allow multiple users to collaborate from different locations simultaneously. Improved security measures, such as encryption and automatic backups, further protect your financial information, making online accounting a crucial choice for modern businesses. Impact of Technology Advances With the rapid advancement of technology, accounting practices have undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems that improve efficiency. Cloud accounting technology enables real-time updates and access to financial data from any device, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. Automation features in QuickBooks streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, which reduces manual errors and saves time. Moreover, integration with third-party applications facilitates seamless workflows across various business functions, enhancing operational efficiency. Finally, the move toward online accounting drives cost efficiencies through subscription-based models, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in IT infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This evolution supports more effective financial management for modern businesses. Key Features of Online Accounting Software In today’s fast-paced business environment, online accounting software offers crucial features like real-time financial monitoring and automated invoicing that streamline your operations. You’ll benefit from secure data access and protection, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe as you manage payments efficiently. These tools not just save you time but additionally improve your decision-making capabilities, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Real-Time Financial Monitoring Real-time financial monitoring is a crucial feature of online accounting software that empowers businesses to stay on top of their financial health. This capability allows you to track cash flow, incoming, and outgoing transactions as they happen, enhancing your decision-making. With instant financial statements and reports, like income statements and balance sheets, you gain quick access to critical data for informed management. Automated data entry processes minimize manual errors, ensuring your financial records remain accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for compliance. Real-time updates enable you to identify potential financial issues early, allowing for timely interventions. Furthermore, integration with banking applications streamlines transaction matching and reconciliation, further enhancing your operational efficiency and financial oversight. Automated Invoicing and Payments Automated invoicing and payments play a crucial role in simplifying the billing process for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting software, you can generate and send customizable invoices within seconds, enhancing professionalism in your operations. The software automatically tracks invoice statuses, sending reminders for overdue payments to improve your cash flow management. Many solutions likewise integrate with payment processors, allowing you to accept credit cards and bank transfers directly from invoices. For subscription-based services, automation of recurring invoices saves you time and guarantees consistent cash flow. Furthermore, real-time payment updates and reconciliation features help you monitor incoming payments instantly, reducing errors and providing you with up-to-date financial visibility, making your billing process more efficient. Secure Data Access and Protection As businesses increasingly rely on online accounting software, guaranteeing secure data access and protection becomes essential. These platforms utilize encryption and secure servers to safeguard sensitive financial information, blocking unauthorized access and data breaches. With automatic data backups, you can easily recover vital information lost because of system malfunctions or disasters. Secure login credentials grant access only to authorized personnel, allowing them to manage financial data from any internet-connected device while maintaining data integrity. Cloud-based solutions additionally implement advanced security measures, like two-factor authentication and regular updates, to reduce risks. In addition, compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, guarantees responsible handling of financial data, nurturing trust among clients and stakeholders. Benefits of Online Accounting for Small Businesses Online accounting offers small businesses a strong tool to improve their financial management. With real-time access to financial data, you can make informed decisions and track cash flow immediately, identifying potential shortages before they arise. The automation features help reduce manual data entry errors and save you time by streamlining tasks like invoicing and payment processing. Subscription-based pricing models lower your upfront costs, making online accounting a cost-effective solution compared to traditional software. Furthermore, secure cloud storage and automatic backups protect your financial data against loss, ensuring business continuity. Integration with payment processors and banking applications enables seamless transactions and real-time error detection, enhancing cash flow management and reducing the risk of fraud. Simplifying Financial Management With Automation Automating your financial management processes can greatly streamline your operations. With features like automated data entry and real-time financial insights, you’ll spend less time on tedious tasks and more time making informed decisions. Plus, streamlined invoicing processes guarantee faster payments, enhancing your cash flow and overall business efficiency. Streamlined Invoicing Processes Streamlining invoicing processes can greatly improve your financial management, particularly when you leverage automation tools. Automated invoicing allows you to create and send professional invoices with just a few clicks, complete with customization options. By incorporating integrated payment processing, you can accept various payment methods directly from invoices, which streamlines cash flow and minimizes delays. Automation likewise reduces manual errors, ensuring accurate billing. With real-time tracking, you can easily monitor payment statuses and follow up on outstanding invoices. Setting up automated recurring invoices for ongoing services saves time and helps maintain consistent revenue. Benefit Description Quick Invoice Creation Create and send invoices in just a few clicks. Integrated Payment Options Accept various payment methods directly. Error Reduction Minimize manual errors for accurate billing. Real-Time Tracking Monitor payment statuses effectively. Automated Data Entry Incorporating automated data entry into your financial management practices can greatly improve your efficiency and accuracy. By automatically importing transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards, you’ll dramatically reduce the time spent on manual data entry, streamlining your financial workflows. This automation minimizes the risk of human errors, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. Furthermore, many online accounting solutions provide customizable templates for invoices and reports, allowing you to create professional documents without needing extensive accounting knowledge. With seamless integration of automated data entry features across various third-party applications, you can optimize your overall operational efficiency, making it easier to manage your financial information and focus on your business growth. Real-Time Financial Insights Real-time financial insights are crucial for any business looking to maintain a competitive edge. Online accounting management automatically records transactions as they occur, allowing you to monitor cash flow without the delays and errors often found in traditional methods. By quickly generating detailed financial statements, such as income statements and balance sheets, you can make informed decisions based on current data. Integrating online accounting software with Intuit applications provides real-time updates on transactions, helping you spot potential cash flow shortages before they escalate. Centralized financial data simplifies performance analysis, enabling stakeholders to access insights anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, automation reduces your manual workload, allowing you to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive productivity and efficiency. Real-Time Access to Financial Data Accessing financial data in real-time is crucial for business owners who need to stay on top of their cash flow and overall financial health. With online accounting management, you can instantly monitor your financial performance from any internet-connected device. This immediate access allows you to make timely decisions, helping you respond quickly to changes and avoid cash shortages. Automated updates guarantee that transactions are recorded as they occur, reducing inaccuracies and keeping your financial reports current. Furthermore, the improved reporting capabilities enable you to generate detailed financial statements and insights on demand, which supports informed strategic planning and operational adjustments. Real-time data not only empowers you but also improves collaboration among team members, allowing simultaneous analysis from various locations. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication Improved collaboration and communication are crucial components of effective online accounting management, as they allow teams to work more efficiently and make informed decisions. With online accounting, multiple users can access the same financial data simultaneously from any device, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Cloud-based solutions centralize financial information, eliminating confusion over version discrepancies and guaranteeing that all users have the most up-to-date data. Enhanced communication features facilitate seamless sharing of reports and insights, promoting informed decision-making across departments. Integrating third-party business applications streamlines workflows, improving collaborative efforts in managing finances. Regular updates and automated notifications keep stakeholders informed about financial performance, nurturing transparency and accountability within your organization. Cost-Effectiveness of Cloud-Based Solutions When considering the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based accounting solutions, you’ll find that they offer significant financial advantages over traditional software. First, cloud services often operate on a subscription model, which minimizes upfront costs and eliminates hefty hardware investments. You could save up to 30% on operational costs since these solutions reduce the need for IT support and maintenance. By using cloud accounting, you remove the need for physical servers, cutting down on electricity and space costs. In addition, the scalability of cloud-based solutions means you can easily adjust your services as your business grows, avoiding the financial burden of new software or hardware. Improved automation also speeds up processes, leading to better cash flow management and further cost savings. Security and Data Protection in Online Accounting How can businesses guarantee their financial data remains secure in an increasingly digital world? Online accounting management offers significant security advantages. By utilizing encryption and automatic backups, your financial information is protected from loss caused by hardware failures or disasters. Cloud accounting systems often provide robust security measures that surpass traditional software, with password-protected access reducing risks of unauthorized breaches. Continuous monitoring and automated backups assure that your financial records remain safeguarded and easily recoverable. Regular security updates from cloud software vendors help mitigate vulnerabilities, implementing the latest security protocols. Centralizing data storage and utilizing advanced security measures minimizes risks associated with outdated desktop systems, enhancing your confidence in the integrity of your financial records. Choosing the Right Online Accounting Software Selecting the right online accounting software is a significant step for any business looking to streamline its financial processes. Start by identifying your specific needs, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting features that are crucial to your operations. Opt for user-friendly software with an intuitive interface, which simplifies navigation, particularly for users with limited accounting knowledge. Make sure the software is scalable, allowing you to add functionalities as your business grows. Strong security measures, like data encryption and automatic backups, are fundamental for protecting your financial information. Finally, evaluate customer support options to guarantee timely assistance during setup and troubleshooting. Feature Importance Example User-Friendly Reduces learning curve Intuitive dashboard Scalability Grows with your business Add-ons for advanced features Security Measures Protects sensitive data Data encryption Customer Support Helps resolve issues quickly 24/7 chat support Integrating Online Accounting With Other Business Tools Why is integrating your online accounting software with other business tools essential for your operations? This integration improves efficiency and guarantees your financial data is always accurate. By connecting your accounting software with various platforms, you can automate data flow and reduce manual entry errors. Here are three key benefits of integration: Streamlined Payment Processing: Linking to payment processors allows real-time transaction recording, enhancing cash flow management. Improved Reporting Capabilities: Utilizing APIs enables customized workflows and personalized reporting, meeting your specific business needs. Better Budget Tracking: Integrating with project management tools helps you monitor costs in real-time, assuring better expense management and informed decision-making. Leveraging these connections will optimize your operations and provide a clearer financial picture. Reporting and Analytics for Informed Decision-Making Effective reporting and analytics play a crucial role in informed decision-making for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting management, you can access real-time reporting capabilities to generate financial statements like income statements and balance sheets quickly. This immediacy allows for timely decisions based on accurate data. Automated data entry reduces errors in reporting, providing clearer insights into your financial performance and helping you identify trends. Advanced analytics tools convert raw data into actionable insights, aiding strategic growth. Customizable reporting features let you tailor reports to your specific needs, focusing on key performance metrics. Moreover, regular reporting improves communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about your financial health, which can build investor confidence and attract new opportunities. Future Trends in Online Accounting Management As businesses navigate the swiftly changing financial environment, they’ll find that future trends in online accounting management are set to redefine how they handle their finances. Here are three key trends to watch: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will enable automated data analysis and real-time financial forecasting, allowing for smarter decision-making. Enhanced Security: With increasing cybersecurity threats, online accounting systems will adopt advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data. Cloud Accounting Growth: The market for cloud accounting solutions is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, offering scalable and flexible options for businesses of all sizes. Frequently Asked Questions How Does Cloud Accounting Benefit Small Businesses? Cloud accounting benefits small businesses by providing anytime access to financial data from any internet-connected device, promoting remote collaboration. It automates routine tasks like categorizing transactions and generating reports, which reduces manual errors and saves you time. With real-time updates, you gain immediate insights into cash flow, allowing for quick decision-making. Additionally, subscription pricing lowers upfront costs, whereas improved security measures guarantee your sensitive financial information remains protected. What Is Online Accounting? Online accounting refers to the use of cloud-based software to handle financial activities. You can access your financial data from any internet-connected device, ensuring real-time updates. This method helps eliminate delays and errors common in traditional accounting. With features like automated transaction categorization and report generation, your workload decreases considerably. Furthermore, online accounting offers secure data storage and automatic backups, protecting your financial information from loss or theft, in addition to being cost-effective for small businesses. How Does TD Online Accounting Benefit Our Customers? TD Online Accounting benefits you by streamlining your invoicing process, allowing you to create and send secure invoices easily. With payments processed within 1-2 days, you can expect quicker cash flow, as 95% of invoices are paid in under five days. The platform’s expense tracking and financial reporting tools help you monitor performance in real-time. Furthermore, automatic bank reconciliation reduces errors, and strong customer support guarantees you have access to assistance whenever needed. What Is Accounting and Why Is It Important for Businesses? Accounting’s the process of systematically recording and analyzing financial information for your business. It’s essential since it helps you understand your revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. Accurate accounting guarantees compliance with regulations, preventing potential legal issues. Furthermore, financial statements like income statements and balance sheets provide critical insights for stakeholders, helping them assess your company’s viability. Regular accounting practices likewise improve transparency, nurturing trust and better relationships with investors and creditors. Conclusion In conclusion, online accounting management offers businesses a potent tool to streamline their financial operations. By automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, you can reduce errors and save time. The integration with other business tools improves overall efficiency, allowing for better decision-making through real-time data access. As you consider your options, choosing the right software is vital to maximizing these benefits and ensuring your financial management processes are both effective and cost-efficient. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Online Accounting Management and How Can It Benefit Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Online accounting management streamlines financial tasks using web-based software, making it easier for you to manage invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting. This technology allows you to access real-time financial data from any internet-connected device, which can greatly improve your decision-making process. By automating routine tasks, you can reduce errors and improve cash flow. Comprehending its key features and benefits is essential for leveraging it effectively in your business. Let’s explore these aspects further. Key Takeaways Online accounting management uses web-based software to streamline financial tasks, improving efficiency and accuracy in invoicing and expense tracking. Businesses benefit from real-time access to financial data, enabling timely decision-making and better cash flow management. Automated features reduce manual data entry errors and speed up billing processes, enhancing overall financial professionalism. Integration with other business tools, like CRM and project management software, fosters collaboration and operational efficiency across departments. Cost-effective subscription models lower upfront expenses and allow scalability as businesses grow, making online accounting accessible for various sizes. Understanding Online Accounting Management In the current digital era, many businesses are turning to online accounting management as a practical solution for their financial needs. This web-based software streamlines financial tasks like invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, considerably reducing manual errors. You can access your financial data from any device with internet connectivity, allowing for real-time updates on cash flow and performance. By integrating Salesforce and accounting software, you improve customer relations as you manage finances effectively. Furthermore, project management software for accountants aids in overseeing multiple projects at the same time. The subscription-based model of online accounting management is cost-effective, as it eliminates hefty upfront costs associated with traditional software, ensuring your financial data remains secure through automatic backups and encryption. The Evolution of Accounting Practices You’ve likely noticed how accounting practices have transformed from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems. The rise of technology hasn’t just streamlined processes but similarly allowed you to access financial data in real-time from any device. Traditional vs. Online Accounting As businesses evolve, the shift from traditional to online accounting practices reflects a significant transformation in how financial data is managed and analyzed. Traditional accounting often relies on manual data entry and local software installations, leading to delays and potential errors. Conversely, online accounting automates these processes, providing real-time updates accessible from any device. With a bachelor degree in finance and accounting, you’ll find that online systems typically use a subscription model, lowering initial costs. Furthermore, online platforms offer immediate visibility into financial performance and allow multiple users to collaborate from different locations simultaneously. Improved security measures, such as encryption and automatic backups, further protect your financial information, making online accounting a crucial choice for modern businesses. Impact of Technology Advances With the rapid advancement of technology, accounting practices have undergone a remarkable transformation, shifting from manual bookkeeping to sophisticated online systems that improve efficiency. Cloud accounting technology enables real-time updates and access to financial data from any device, allowing you to make informed decisions quickly. Automation features in QuickBooks streamline invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting, which reduces manual errors and saves time. Moreover, integration with third-party applications facilitates seamless workflows across various business functions, enhancing operational efficiency. Finally, the move toward online accounting drives cost efficiencies through subscription-based models, eliminating the need for significant upfront investments in IT infrastructure and ongoing maintenance. This evolution supports more effective financial management for modern businesses. Key Features of Online Accounting Software In today’s fast-paced business environment, online accounting software offers crucial features like real-time financial monitoring and automated invoicing that streamline your operations. You’ll benefit from secure data access and protection, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe as you manage payments efficiently. These tools not just save you time but additionally improve your decision-making capabilities, allowing you to focus on growing your business. Real-Time Financial Monitoring Real-time financial monitoring is a crucial feature of online accounting software that empowers businesses to stay on top of their financial health. This capability allows you to track cash flow, incoming, and outgoing transactions as they happen, enhancing your decision-making. With instant financial statements and reports, like income statements and balance sheets, you gain quick access to critical data for informed management. Automated data entry processes minimize manual errors, ensuring your financial records remain accurate and up-to-date, which is essential for compliance. Real-time updates enable you to identify potential financial issues early, allowing for timely interventions. Furthermore, integration with banking applications streamlines transaction matching and reconciliation, further enhancing your operational efficiency and financial oversight. Automated Invoicing and Payments Automated invoicing and payments play a crucial role in simplifying the billing process for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting software, you can generate and send customizable invoices within seconds, enhancing professionalism in your operations. The software automatically tracks invoice statuses, sending reminders for overdue payments to improve your cash flow management. Many solutions likewise integrate with payment processors, allowing you to accept credit cards and bank transfers directly from invoices. For subscription-based services, automation of recurring invoices saves you time and guarantees consistent cash flow. Furthermore, real-time payment updates and reconciliation features help you monitor incoming payments instantly, reducing errors and providing you with up-to-date financial visibility, making your billing process more efficient. Secure Data Access and Protection As businesses increasingly rely on online accounting software, guaranteeing secure data access and protection becomes essential. These platforms utilize encryption and secure servers to safeguard sensitive financial information, blocking unauthorized access and data breaches. With automatic data backups, you can easily recover vital information lost because of system malfunctions or disasters. Secure login credentials grant access only to authorized personnel, allowing them to manage financial data from any internet-connected device while maintaining data integrity. Cloud-based solutions additionally implement advanced security measures, like two-factor authentication and regular updates, to reduce risks. In addition, compliance with data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, guarantees responsible handling of financial data, nurturing trust among clients and stakeholders. Benefits of Online Accounting for Small Businesses Online accounting offers small businesses a strong tool to improve their financial management. With real-time access to financial data, you can make informed decisions and track cash flow immediately, identifying potential shortages before they arise. The automation features help reduce manual data entry errors and save you time by streamlining tasks like invoicing and payment processing. Subscription-based pricing models lower your upfront costs, making online accounting a cost-effective solution compared to traditional software. Furthermore, secure cloud storage and automatic backups protect your financial data against loss, ensuring business continuity. Integration with payment processors and banking applications enables seamless transactions and real-time error detection, enhancing cash flow management and reducing the risk of fraud. Simplifying Financial Management With Automation Automating your financial management processes can greatly streamline your operations. With features like automated data entry and real-time financial insights, you’ll spend less time on tedious tasks and more time making informed decisions. Plus, streamlined invoicing processes guarantee faster payments, enhancing your cash flow and overall business efficiency. Streamlined Invoicing Processes Streamlining invoicing processes can greatly improve your financial management, particularly when you leverage automation tools. Automated invoicing allows you to create and send professional invoices with just a few clicks, complete with customization options. By incorporating integrated payment processing, you can accept various payment methods directly from invoices, which streamlines cash flow and minimizes delays. Automation likewise reduces manual errors, ensuring accurate billing. With real-time tracking, you can easily monitor payment statuses and follow up on outstanding invoices. Setting up automated recurring invoices for ongoing services saves time and helps maintain consistent revenue. Benefit Description Quick Invoice Creation Create and send invoices in just a few clicks. Integrated Payment Options Accept various payment methods directly. Error Reduction Minimize manual errors for accurate billing. Real-Time Tracking Monitor payment statuses effectively. Automated Data Entry Incorporating automated data entry into your financial management practices can greatly improve your efficiency and accuracy. By automatically importing transactions from your bank accounts and credit cards, you’ll dramatically reduce the time spent on manual data entry, streamlining your financial workflows. This automation minimizes the risk of human errors, ensuring that your financial records are accurate and compliant with regulations. Furthermore, many online accounting solutions provide customizable templates for invoices and reports, allowing you to create professional documents without needing extensive accounting knowledge. With seamless integration of automated data entry features across various third-party applications, you can optimize your overall operational efficiency, making it easier to manage your financial information and focus on your business growth. Real-Time Financial Insights Real-time financial insights are crucial for any business looking to maintain a competitive edge. Online accounting management automatically records transactions as they occur, allowing you to monitor cash flow without the delays and errors often found in traditional methods. By quickly generating detailed financial statements, such as income statements and balance sheets, you can make informed decisions based on current data. Integrating online accounting software with Intuit applications provides real-time updates on transactions, helping you spot potential cash flow shortages before they escalate. Centralized financial data simplifies performance analysis, enabling stakeholders to access insights anytime, anywhere. Furthermore, automation reduces your manual workload, allowing you to concentrate on strategic initiatives that drive productivity and efficiency. Real-Time Access to Financial Data Accessing financial data in real-time is crucial for business owners who need to stay on top of their cash flow and overall financial health. With online accounting management, you can instantly monitor your financial performance from any internet-connected device. This immediate access allows you to make timely decisions, helping you respond quickly to changes and avoid cash shortages. Automated updates guarantee that transactions are recorded as they occur, reducing inaccuracies and keeping your financial reports current. Furthermore, the improved reporting capabilities enable you to generate detailed financial statements and insights on demand, which supports informed strategic planning and operational adjustments. Real-time data not only empowers you but also improves collaboration among team members, allowing simultaneous analysis from various locations. Enhanced Collaboration and Communication Improved collaboration and communication are crucial components of effective online accounting management, as they allow teams to work more efficiently and make informed decisions. With online accounting, multiple users can access the same financial data simultaneously from any device, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Cloud-based solutions centralize financial information, eliminating confusion over version discrepancies and guaranteeing that all users have the most up-to-date data. Enhanced communication features facilitate seamless sharing of reports and insights, promoting informed decision-making across departments. Integrating third-party business applications streamlines workflows, improving collaborative efforts in managing finances. Regular updates and automated notifications keep stakeholders informed about financial performance, nurturing transparency and accountability within your organization. Cost-Effectiveness of Cloud-Based Solutions When considering the cost-effectiveness of cloud-based accounting solutions, you’ll find that they offer significant financial advantages over traditional software. First, cloud services often operate on a subscription model, which minimizes upfront costs and eliminates hefty hardware investments. You could save up to 30% on operational costs since these solutions reduce the need for IT support and maintenance. By using cloud accounting, you remove the need for physical servers, cutting down on electricity and space costs. In addition, the scalability of cloud-based solutions means you can easily adjust your services as your business grows, avoiding the financial burden of new software or hardware. Improved automation also speeds up processes, leading to better cash flow management and further cost savings. Security and Data Protection in Online Accounting How can businesses guarantee their financial data remains secure in an increasingly digital world? Online accounting management offers significant security advantages. By utilizing encryption and automatic backups, your financial information is protected from loss caused by hardware failures or disasters. Cloud accounting systems often provide robust security measures that surpass traditional software, with password-protected access reducing risks of unauthorized breaches. Continuous monitoring and automated backups assure that your financial records remain safeguarded and easily recoverable. Regular security updates from cloud software vendors help mitigate vulnerabilities, implementing the latest security protocols. Centralizing data storage and utilizing advanced security measures minimizes risks associated with outdated desktop systems, enhancing your confidence in the integrity of your financial records. Choosing the Right Online Accounting Software Selecting the right online accounting software is a significant step for any business looking to streamline its financial processes. Start by identifying your specific needs, such as invoicing, expense tracking, and reporting features that are crucial to your operations. Opt for user-friendly software with an intuitive interface, which simplifies navigation, particularly for users with limited accounting knowledge. Make sure the software is scalable, allowing you to add functionalities as your business grows. Strong security measures, like data encryption and automatic backups, are fundamental for protecting your financial information. Finally, evaluate customer support options to guarantee timely assistance during setup and troubleshooting. Feature Importance Example User-Friendly Reduces learning curve Intuitive dashboard Scalability Grows with your business Add-ons for advanced features Security Measures Protects sensitive data Data encryption Customer Support Helps resolve issues quickly 24/7 chat support Integrating Online Accounting With Other Business Tools Why is integrating your online accounting software with other business tools essential for your operations? This integration improves efficiency and guarantees your financial data is always accurate. By connecting your accounting software with various platforms, you can automate data flow and reduce manual entry errors. Here are three key benefits of integration: Streamlined Payment Processing: Linking to payment processors allows real-time transaction recording, enhancing cash flow management. Improved Reporting Capabilities: Utilizing APIs enables customized workflows and personalized reporting, meeting your specific business needs. Better Budget Tracking: Integrating with project management tools helps you monitor costs in real-time, assuring better expense management and informed decision-making. Leveraging these connections will optimize your operations and provide a clearer financial picture. Reporting and Analytics for Informed Decision-Making Effective reporting and analytics play a crucial role in informed decision-making for businesses of all sizes. With online accounting management, you can access real-time reporting capabilities to generate financial statements like income statements and balance sheets quickly. This immediacy allows for timely decisions based on accurate data. Automated data entry reduces errors in reporting, providing clearer insights into your financial performance and helping you identify trends. Advanced analytics tools convert raw data into actionable insights, aiding strategic growth. Customizable reporting features let you tailor reports to your specific needs, focusing on key performance metrics. Moreover, regular reporting improves communication with stakeholders, keeping them informed about your financial health, which can build investor confidence and attract new opportunities. Future Trends in Online Accounting Management As businesses navigate the swiftly changing financial environment, they’ll find that future trends in online accounting management are set to redefine how they handle their finances. Here are three key trends to watch: AI and Machine Learning: These technologies will enable automated data analysis and real-time financial forecasting, allowing for smarter decision-making. Enhanced Security: With increasing cybersecurity threats, online accounting systems will adopt advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication to safeguard sensitive data. Cloud Accounting Growth: The market for cloud accounting solutions is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2025, offering scalable and flexible options for businesses of all sizes. Frequently Asked Questions How Does Cloud Accounting Benefit Small Businesses? Cloud accounting benefits small businesses by providing anytime access to financial data from any internet-connected device, promoting remote collaboration. It automates routine tasks like categorizing transactions and generating reports, which reduces manual errors and saves you time. With real-time updates, you gain immediate insights into cash flow, allowing for quick decision-making. Additionally, subscription pricing lowers upfront costs, whereas improved security measures guarantee your sensitive financial information remains protected. What Is Online Accounting? Online accounting refers to the use of cloud-based software to handle financial activities. You can access your financial data from any internet-connected device, ensuring real-time updates. This method helps eliminate delays and errors common in traditional accounting. With features like automated transaction categorization and report generation, your workload decreases considerably. Furthermore, online accounting offers secure data storage and automatic backups, protecting your financial information from loss or theft, in addition to being cost-effective for small businesses. How Does TD Online Accounting Benefit Our Customers? TD Online Accounting benefits you by streamlining your invoicing process, allowing you to create and send secure invoices easily. With payments processed within 1-2 days, you can expect quicker cash flow, as 95% of invoices are paid in under five days. The platform’s expense tracking and financial reporting tools help you monitor performance in real-time. Furthermore, automatic bank reconciliation reduces errors, and strong customer support guarantees you have access to assistance whenever needed. What Is Accounting and Why Is It Important for Businesses? Accounting’s the process of systematically recording and analyzing financial information for your business. It’s essential since it helps you understand your revenue, expenses, and overall financial health. Accurate accounting guarantees compliance with regulations, preventing potential legal issues. Furthermore, financial statements like income statements and balance sheets provide critical insights for stakeholders, helping them assess your company’s viability. Regular accounting practices likewise improve transparency, nurturing trust and better relationships with investors and creditors. Conclusion In conclusion, online accounting management offers businesses a potent tool to streamline their financial operations. By automating tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, you can reduce errors and save time. The integration with other business tools improves overall efficiency, allowing for better decision-making through real-time data access. As you consider your options, choosing the right software is vital to maximizing these benefits and ensuring your financial management processes are both effective and cost-efficient. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Online Accounting Management and How Can It Benefit Businesses?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We live in a world of increasing change. The international order is shifting and political certainties are evaporating day by day. Technological shifts are changing how we experience the world and interact with others. And in the workplace, AI is poised to unleash what might be the most revolutionary set of changes humanity has experienced since the first hunter-gatherers settled down to grow crops and build cities. But while change is everywhere, we still find it hard to manage. The statistics around organizational change have always been brutal. For at least the last quarter century, corporate transformation efforts have failed at a remarkable rate: only three out of ten are brought to something approaching a successful conclusion. The age of AI will make things even more challenging. We will need to adapt more rapidly and more comprehensively, and we will need to manage multiple layers of continuous change at any one time. How will we cope? Many different factors contribute to making change hard, but one in particular stands out: change is tiring. At the human level, constant transformation depletes our energy, attention, and commitment. At the organizational level, this depletion translates into stalled initiatives, institutional resistance, and a diminishing capacity for further adaptation. To make the process of change navigable for real humans—rather than the compliant ideals who often appear in strategy decks—we need to rethink how we understand change. We need to find the stable foundations that persist amidst the maelstrom of transformation. The adaptation fallacy The standard response to the reality of ever-increasing change is to insist that individuals and organizations simply adapt to it. “Everything flows,” as the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus is reported to have said. The world is in flux, nothing is fixed, and we should all get used to the idea that the stability of the past was just a temporary illusion. This ancient wisdom has become something of a cliché, the “It is what it is” of the business world. It is offered up as a slogan to hold onto, a manifesto that distils the increasingly rapid change of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. But it doesn’t do much to help people stay afloat. Human beings are not infinitely malleable. There is a psychological and physical toll to constant, chaotic change that compounds in two distinct ways. The first is the sheer quantity of simultaneous initiatives—the burden of switching between half a dozen transformation efforts at once. People find themselves juggling competing priorities, each with its own vocabulary, metrics, and demands on their attention. It becomes hard to see the big picture because the parts never stay still long enough to focus. The cognitive overhead of keeping track of everything crowds out the close attention that each single initiative requires. The second is the exhausting length of individual change processes that can stretch over many months, or even years. The reasons for the change, once vivid and urgent, become abstract and distant. Champions move on, new people arrive who weren’t part of the original vision, and maintaining momentum becomes harder with each passing quarter. The demand that team members “adapt to the new reality” addresses neither problem. The flux pushes and pulls them in different directions with no coherence, giving them no stable ground to stand on. Expecting people to “get used to it” amounts to expecting people not to be human. Leaders who demand adaptation without addressing the underlying human experience are not solving the problem. They are adding to it. The other Heraclitus Heraclitus has some real wisdom that can help here, but we need to move past the most common versions of his sayings. Heraclitus’ most famous aphorism is usually rendered as “You cannot step into the same river twice.” The idea is that when you step into the river, the water flows on and so it is not the same when you take your next step. “Panta rhei.” “Everything flows.” But there is another version of this saying that comes closer to capturing what Heraclitus actually meant: “We step and do not step into the same river twice.” The difference is small, but it matters. Yes, the water flows. Yes, the river is never the same from one moment to the next. But the river itself remains. The river has an identity that persists through its constant flow. There is an important lesson here for organizations seeking to manage change. Recognizing that things flow is important. But we also have to identify and spotlight what it is that persists through that change. Finding, defining, and celebrating the order that underlies the chaos is essential if we do not want to be swept away. The task is not to eliminate flux—that is neither possible nor desirable—but to identify and preserve the stability that gives change its meaning. Purpose, identity, strategic clarity: these define the organization and give it its identity. They provide the stable vessel that allows people to float happily along on the flowing water rather than being pulled under by the constant motion. Providing this stability is the leader’s responsibility. The constants that allow people to navigate change do not maintain themselves. They must be deliberately established, clearly communicated, and actively protected. What leaders must do If change fatigue is not a failure of individual resilience but a failure of organizational design, then leaders must take responsibility for building organizations in which change happens more easily. Here are five principles that can help provide stability in a changing world. Be discerning about what you change. Not every transformation deserves equal energy. The familiar danger of chasing shiny objects—constantly running from one initiative to the next—undermines the efforts that actually matter. Every proposed change should be tested against the organization’s strategic purpose. If it does not clearly advance the core mission, it should not be adding to the cognitive burden on your teams. Communicate the why, not just the what. Much of change fatigue comes not from the pace of change itself but from the cognitive burden of not understanding how changes connect. When people cannot see how a new process, tool, or structure contributes to an outcome, changes feel arbitrary and exhausting. Often, even C-suite executives are not fully aligned on precisely why things matter. That confusion cascades downward, multiplying fatigue at every level. Leaders must articulate the purpose behind each initiative and show how it fits into a coherent whole. Build a unified narrative. When organizations pursue multiple change initiatives simultaneously, a unified story smooths the cognitive burden by holding the pieces together. Rather than experiencing six disconnected transformations, people can understand themselves as participating in a single journey with multiple dimensions. The narrative does not eliminate the work, but it reduces the sense of fragmentation. Create systemic anchors that survive turnover. Long-term change efforts may see key leaders depart before the work is complete. If the change depends entirely on individual champions, it will falter when those individuals leave. There must be a process core—governance structures, documentation, embedded practices—that can survive personnel changes and maintain momentum independent of any single person. Co-design the change with the humans who must live with it. Change fatigue intensifies when transformations are handed down fully formed, only to collide with realities about which leaders were unaware. Co-design reverses this logic. Frontline staff know the constraints they face; customers know what the change feels like on the receiving end. When the people involved help shape the new way of working that will affect them, compliance turns into ownership, and the change arrives already adapted to the world it must survive in. Principles in practice A clear illustration of these principles being put into successful practice comes from Gold Coast Mental Health and Specialist Services in Queensland, Australia, which undertook a sustained transformation to support the adoption of a Zero Suicide approach. The case is instructive both for the ambition of the goal—to permanently shift the culture of a whole health system—and for the care that was taken to make the change sustainable over time. From the outset, the program was framed as a system-wide approach rather than as “the heroic efforts of individual practitioners.” This distinction matters. When success depends on personal endurance, organizations quietly burn through their people. By treating transformation as a collective endeavor supported by organizational structures rather than individual willpower, the program avoided placing impossible burdens on staff already working in an emotionally demanding field. The new practices were institutionalized, not merely announced. Training reached more than 500 staff and was then embedded into orientation for new hires and supported by online modules, face-to-face sessions, and custom-produced materials designed with the local culture in mind. The change was designed to outlast the people who initiated it—the kind of systemic anchor that keeps momentum alive even as personnel turn over. Crucially, the service built feedback loops to prevent drift. Staff received timely data on adherence to the new pathway, followed by supervision and coaching to embed skills. This continuous improvement cycle meant that standards did not have to be constantly re-litigated; the system itself kept reinforcing what good practice looked like. Co-design was an essential component of the Gold Coast approach. The service’s culture change strategy explicitly integrates suicide attempt and loss survivors in leadership and planning roles, recognizing that effective prevention requires perspectives beyond those of clinicians. The result is that change is shaped by those most exposed to its failure modes. Gold Coast’s transformation success did not depend on asking already-stretched professionals to simply try harder. Instead, the program leaders ensured that their teams could see the unifying structures that provided stability, meaning, and identity through change. Conclusion The 70% failure rate is not a law of nature. It is the predictable result of asking people to navigate constant change without giving them anything constant to hold onto. Purpose, identity, strategic clarity—these are not luxuries to be addressed once the “real work” of transformation is complete. They are the vessel that keeps people afloat. Without that vessel, you are asking your people to swim through every change. And eventually, swimmers tire. Build the structures. Communicate the purpose. Shine a clear and steady light on what endures. That is how transformation succeeds—not by demanding more adaptation, but by providing stable foundations on which to build something new. 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. At $699.99, down from $999.99, the Roborock Qrevo Curv is at its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. That puts a top-tier robot vacuum and mop within a price range that is still expensive but no longer out of reach for people who were already considering a premium hybrid. This is the model our reviewer, Amanda Blum, called the most adaptable robot vacuum she’s tested, and PCMag backed that up with an “excellent” rating. Roborock Qrevo Curv Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop $699.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Get Deal $699.99 at Amazon $999.99 Save $300.00 The Curv, using Roborock’s AdaptiLift chassis, can raise its body and climb thresholds up to 1.6 inches. In real use, that means it can move from hardwood to tile or over raised door frames without stopping short. Cleaning performance is strong as well. It delivers 18,500Pa of suction power, handles pet hair with an anti-tangle main brush, and uses a redesigned side brush that extends outward to sweep debris from corners. It can also avoid more than 60 types of obstacles, including shoes and cords. And when the job’s done, the dock takes care of most maintenance: emptying the dustbin into a bag that lasts around two months (depending on usage), refilling water, washing mop pads with hot water, drying them, and cleaning itself afterward. Navigation relies on LiDAR and a camera that can also be used for live viewing or patrol routes, effectively turning the robot into a rolling security cam. Setup takes a bit of time, but mapping is fast and accurate, and the app gives clear control over schedules, rooms, and cleaning intensity. On the downside, there’s no detergent dispenser, and the voice assistant (“Hello Rocky”) has a learning curve unless you’re reading off the cheat sheet. Also, while the robot tries to lift its mops over carpets, it may still drag them across, depending on the rug’s height. All in, the Qrevo Curv feels like a well-rounded investment for someone who wants more than just a basic robot vacuum, especially at its all-time low price right now. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Ring Outdoor Cam Pro Plug-In With Outdoor Cam Plus Battery (White) — $189.99 (List Price $259.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A few weeks ago, we completed our seventh profit share at Buffer, distributing $377,005 to 75 teammates. This represents more than a dollar amount. It reflects a real turnaround in our growth and in where we are headed. Just a few years ago, we were not in a position to do this at all. We went through two years of net losses, made hard decisions, and focused deeply on rebuilding a healthy, sustainable business. There were moments when profitability and profit sharing felt far away. So returning to this practice in 2025, with an average share of $5,095 per teammate, feels especially meaningful. It reflects the resilience of our team, the care people have put into their work, and the progress we have made together. In this post, I’ll share more about this milestone, why profit sharing is so meaningful at Buffer, and detail how our formula works. Why we share profitsAt Buffer, profitability is not just a financial milestone. It’s what gives us the freedom to operate as an independent, long-term company. We are now in our 15th year of business. Staying profitable allows us to continue investing in our product, our customers, our team, and our mission without compromising our values. Our founder and CEO, Joel Gascoigne, often talks about how, if Buffer grows and succeeds, we should grow and succeed together. Profit sharing is one of the most tangible ways we put that belief into practice. When the company does well, our teammates benefit directly. That creates a strong connection between our collective effort and real, meaningful outcomes in people’s lives. It also reinforces something we care deeply about: building a company where success is shared. For me personally, profit sharing is a reminder that sustainable growth and people-first values do not have to be in tension. When done thoughtfully, they strengthen each other. Our profit-sharing historyWe started profit sharing in 2017. Here's a look at our profit shares since then: 2017: Net income: $1,418,604 | Profit share pool: $300,000 2018: Net income: $3,418,352 | Profit share pool: $394,997 2019: Net income: $2,392,409 | Profit share pool: $368,051 2020: Net income: $1,940,828 | Profit share pool: $243,047 2021: Net income: $216,557 | Profit share pool: $89,828 2022: Net income: -$1,109,745 | Profit share pool: $0 2023: Net income: -$743,936 | Profit share pool: $0 2024: Net income: $156,244 | Profit share pool: $30,369 2025: Net income: $2,513,367 | Profit share pool: $377,005 Looking at this history, you can see a clear story. We had several strong growth years, followed by a sharp decline in 2021. In 2022 and 2023, we were not profitable and did not issue a profit share. In 2024, we began rebuilding, but at a modest pace. 2025 represents something different. It is our second-largest profit share to date and a meaningful milestone after two challenging years. It reflects the work our team has done to stabilize, refocus, and rebuild a strong foundation for the future. How Our Profit-Sharing Formula WorksWe distribute 15 percent of our annual net profit using a formula designed to balance fairness, transparency, and impact. Here’s how it works: 40 percent distributed equally Every teammate receives the same amount from this portion, regardless of role or tenure. 40 percent based on salary Each teammate receives a share proportional to their salary as a percentage of total company payroll. This reflects our broader compensation philosophy and our investment in building a thoughtful, transparent salary system. 20 percent based on tenure This portion is based on how long each person has worked at Buffer relative to the total months worked by all teammates. For 2025, this resulted in: Net profit: $2,513,367Profit share pool (15 percent): $377,005Team members: 75Average profit share: $5,095Each part of the formula serves a clear purpose. The equal distribution ensures that everyone shares in our success. The salary-based component reflects responsibility and scope. The tenure component recognizes long-term commitment and contribution. We have learned over time that compensation systems only work when people understand them and trust them. That is why we prioritize simplicity and transparency. Our goal is to create a system that feels fair, consistent, and aligned with our values. Looking AheadCompleting our seventh profit share has been a meaningful moment for me. It reflects the dedication of our teammates, the strength of our culture, and the belief that building a healthy company is a collective effort. It also reminds me that setbacks do not define us. How we respond to them does. Profit sharing is not just a financial outcome. It is a reflection of trust, resilience, and shared ownership in what we are building together. Over to youIf this post sparked questions for you about profit sharing or how we operate at Buffer, I would love to hear them. We are always learning, and we are grateful to be building this company alongside such a thoughtful community. View the full article

Small business owners across the country may want to pay attention to a significant legal development concerning Oregon’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has filed an amicus brief in the case National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors v. Leah Feldon, et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, challenging this law. This pivotal case could have implications for small businesses, particularly those that operate or sell products across state lines. Oregon’s EPR law aims to shift the burden of disposal and recycling to producers, but NFIB argues that it crosses constitutional boundaries by imposing regulatory requirements on businesses based outside the state. As Beth Milito, Vice President and Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, pointed out, “Oregon’s EPR regime goes beyond the authority granted to states in the Constitution by attempting to regulate businesses outside of Oregon.” This assertion suggests that if the court finds the law unconstitutional, it could set a precedent that protects small businesses from similar regulations in other states. One of the primary arguments in NFIB’s brief is that Oregon’s EPR law is an unconstitutional extraterritorial regulation, which threatens the operational capabilities of small businesses engaged in interstate commerce. The group contends that imposing additional compliance costs not only burdens businesses financially but also interferes with their ability to compete effectively. Milito emphasizes, “Allowing one state to impose significant burdens on producers outside of its borders will negatively impact any small business that does commerce in the region.” This case underscores the broader implications of regulatory overreach. For many small businesses, compliance with state-specific regulations can be challenging and costly, especially when those regulations extend beyond the state line. Business owners may find themselves navigating a complex patchwork of laws that vary by location, complicating their logistics and operational strategies. The NFIB’s brief also critiques how Oregon’s EPR law grants regulatory authority to a private entity, which can exacerbate these challenges. This delegation could lead to inconsistent enforcement and added layers of confusion for small producers, who may struggle to understand the requirements they must meet to sell their products in Oregon. The risk of running afoul of such regulations may force businesses to divert resources away from growth and innovation toward compliance efforts. For small business owners, the key takeaways are clear. They should remain vigilant about the potential for regulatory changes that could affect their operations and be prepared for the possibility of costs associated with compliance. The outcome of this case could either embolden other states to enact similar laws or serve as a wake-up call for regulatory reconsideration across the country. As the legal battle unfolds, small business owners should monitor the discussions surrounding the case, especially how it may clarify the extent of state powers over out-of-state businesses. The NFIB’s ongoing involvement in litigation aims to protect not just its members but the broader interests of small businesses nationwide. For those looking for more detailed information, the full text of NFIB’s amicus brief and further updates can be found on their website. Engaging with community and industry partners about these issues could provide valuable insights and strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at protecting small business rights, particularly in terms of navigating complex regulatory landscapes. As developments arise, small business stakeholders should remain informed and proactive in their approach to adapting to any regulatory changes that may come their way. For further details on the NFIB’s position and the ongoing legal context, visit NFIB’s official page. Image via Google Gemini This article, "NFIB Challenges Oregon’s EPR Law, Citing Interstate Commerce Risks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Much to the chagrin of investors, the value of Bitcoin continues to slide. As of Wednesday morning, the world’s most popular cryptocurrency was trading around $75,000 per coin. That’s down more than 10% over the past five days, down 18% over the past month, and down a whopping 34% over the past six months. It’s a far cry from October of last year, when Bitcoin’s price topped out at nearly $125,000. Values are now roughly where they were in early April 2025, and before that, in November 2024. From bump to slump Notably, Bitcoin’s value is now lower than it was when The President took office last January, effectively giving up all of the “The President Bump” gains that it and other crypto assets saw over much of 2025. That bump was real, too: Bitcoin returns were down around 12% during Q1 2025, but jumped to nearly 30% during Q2, and then 6.3% in Q3, according to data from Coinglass. The downturn seemingly took hold at some point during Q4, when returns were down 23%. Ethereum, the second-largest crypto on the market, saw a similar trajectory: It saw huge increases (37% during Q2 and 67% during Q3), followed by a big drop in Q4 (down 28%). Here are a few notable crypto slumps year to date as of this writing: Bitcoin (BTC): Down 13.86% Ether (ETC): Down 25.56% XRP (XRP): Down 15.13% Why are crypto values declining? As for what’s causing the sell-off? A lot of things, but mostly, investors looking for off-ramps from riskier assets. This can partially be blamed on a government shutdown delaying the release of important economic data (the jobs report was supposed to come out on Friday, but has been delayed), geopolitical tensions rising in many parts of the world, on-again off-again tariff threats, and even the fear of increased regulation on the crypto industry, according to reporting from CNBC. The crypto markets are also caught in the maelstrom of other downturns. The stock market has been flat for the past month, with some earnings announcements—notably Microsoft’s—causing fervor and worry among investors. President The President has also named a new Fed Chair, who if confirmed will take up the position in mid-May, adding another variable of uncertainty into the mix. As a cherry on top, precious metals have seen a steep sell-off, too. Gold and silver prices had shot to the moon in recent months, last week, silver experienced its worst day ever, falling nearly 30%. The confluence of all of these factors is what’s led to massive crypto volatility. This story is developing… View the full article

Small business owners across the country may want to pay attention to a significant legal development concerning Oregon’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has filed an amicus brief in the case National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors v. Leah Feldon, et al. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, challenging this law. This pivotal case could have implications for small businesses, particularly those that operate or sell products across state lines. Oregon’s EPR law aims to shift the burden of disposal and recycling to producers, but NFIB argues that it crosses constitutional boundaries by imposing regulatory requirements on businesses based outside the state. As Beth Milito, Vice President and Executive Director of NFIB’s Small Business Legal Center, pointed out, “Oregon’s EPR regime goes beyond the authority granted to states in the Constitution by attempting to regulate businesses outside of Oregon.” This assertion suggests that if the court finds the law unconstitutional, it could set a precedent that protects small businesses from similar regulations in other states. One of the primary arguments in NFIB’s brief is that Oregon’s EPR law is an unconstitutional extraterritorial regulation, which threatens the operational capabilities of small businesses engaged in interstate commerce. The group contends that imposing additional compliance costs not only burdens businesses financially but also interferes with their ability to compete effectively. Milito emphasizes, “Allowing one state to impose significant burdens on producers outside of its borders will negatively impact any small business that does commerce in the region.” This case underscores the broader implications of regulatory overreach. For many small businesses, compliance with state-specific regulations can be challenging and costly, especially when those regulations extend beyond the state line. Business owners may find themselves navigating a complex patchwork of laws that vary by location, complicating their logistics and operational strategies. The NFIB’s brief also critiques how Oregon’s EPR law grants regulatory authority to a private entity, which can exacerbate these challenges. This delegation could lead to inconsistent enforcement and added layers of confusion for small producers, who may struggle to understand the requirements they must meet to sell their products in Oregon. The risk of running afoul of such regulations may force businesses to divert resources away from growth and innovation toward compliance efforts. For small business owners, the key takeaways are clear. They should remain vigilant about the potential for regulatory changes that could affect their operations and be prepared for the possibility of costs associated with compliance. The outcome of this case could either embolden other states to enact similar laws or serve as a wake-up call for regulatory reconsideration across the country. As the legal battle unfolds, small business owners should monitor the discussions surrounding the case, especially how it may clarify the extent of state powers over out-of-state businesses. The NFIB’s ongoing involvement in litigation aims to protect not just its members but the broader interests of small businesses nationwide. For those looking for more detailed information, the full text of NFIB’s amicus brief and further updates can be found on their website. Engaging with community and industry partners about these issues could provide valuable insights and strengthen advocacy efforts aimed at protecting small business rights, particularly in terms of navigating complex regulatory landscapes. As developments arise, small business stakeholders should remain informed and proactive in their approach to adapting to any regulatory changes that may come their way. For further details on the NFIB’s position and the ongoing legal context, visit NFIB’s official page. Image via Google Gemini This article, "NFIB Challenges Oregon’s EPR Law, Citing Interstate Commerce Risks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The U.S. Justice Department and a coalition of states plan to appeal a federal judge’s remedies ruling in the Google search antitrust case. The appeal challenges a decision that found Google illegally monopolized search but stopped short of imposing major structural changes, such as forcing a divestiture of Chrome or banning default search deals outright. What’s happening. The DOJ and state attorneys general filed notices of appeal yesterday, challenging U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s September remedies ruling, Bloomberg and Reuters reported. Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google unlawfully maintained its search monopoly through default search agreements with Apple, Samsung, and other device makers. Those deals cost Google more than $20 billion a year and blocked rivals from key distribution channels. After a second remedies trial in 2025, Mehta rejected the government’s request to force Google to divest Chrome or prohibit payments for default search status. Instead, he ordered Google to rebid its default search and AI app contracts annually. Why we care. The appeal means we still don’t know how much Google will keep controlling where search gets placed. And that control basically decides who wins traffic. If stricter fixes happen, it could change default search settings, open the door to rival search engines, and shift how people use search across devices. Yes, but. The DOJ and states haven’t detailed their legal arguments. Court filings didn’t specify which parts of the ruling they will challenge, though attention is expected to focus on Chrome and Google’s default search deal with Apple. What to watch. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit is expected to hear the case later this year. For now, it’s business as usual for Google — though its most important contracts now face annual review, and the risk of tougher remedies remains firmly on the table. What they’re saying. David Segal, Yelp’s vice president of public policy, welcomed the appeal. In a statement shared with Search Engine Land, Yelp said the trial court’s remedies do not go far enough to restore real competition in search: “Unfortunately, the measures put forth in the trial court’s remedy decision are unlikely to restore competition — for instance, it allows for Google to continue to pay third parties for default placement in browsers and devices, which was the primary mechanism by which Google unlawfully foreclosed competition to begin with. “Internet users, online advertisers and others who rely on and seek to compete in the industry deserve a level playing field with more, higher quality, and fairer search options — and the need for a more competitive space is all the more clear as Google seeks to leverage its vast power over the web, especially search indexing and ranking, to come to dominate the GenAI space.” View the full article

Private banker quietly became paedophile financier’s money manager in his final yearsView the full article

President Donald The President says history is on his side. He wants to build a towering arch near the Lincoln Memorial and argues that the nation’s capital first clamored for such a monument two centuries ago — even going so far as to erect four eagle statues as part of the project before being derailed by the attack on Fort Sumter. “It was interrupted by a thing called the Civil War, and so it never got built,” The President said aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida last weekend. “Then, they almost built something in 1902, but it never happened.” The President’s history is off — the eagles he references are actually part of a bridge connecting Virginia and Washington that was built decades after the Civil War. The closest Washington came to an arch was a wood and plaster construction built in 1919 to mark the end of World War I — and even that was always meant to be temporary. “For 200 years they’ve wanted to build an arc,” The President said, meaning an arch. “They have 57 cities throughout the world that have them. We’re the only major city – Washington, D.C. – that doesn’t.” Chandra Manning, a history professor at Georgetown University, said Washington was fledgling in the 19th century, dealing with a housing shortage, a lack of boarding houses for visitors, roads that went nowhere and an incomplete U.S. Capitol. “Washington coming into the Civil War was still this unfinished city,” Manning said. “There’s no push for decorative memorialization in Antebellum Washington because it’s still such a place that doesn’t even have all the functional buildings it needs yet.” The President has offered a similar historical rationale for the $400 million ballroom he demolished the White House’s East Wing to begin building — arguing that officials for 150 years have wanted a large event space. That claim, too, is dubious. While space at the White House has indeed long been an issue, there’s no record of public outcry for a ballroom. The President nonetheless is employing a similar argument to justify the arch. “I think it will be the most beautiful in the world,” he said. ‘Biggest one of all’ The arch would stand near the Arlington Memorial Bridge, which spans the Potomac River. The President first unveiled the idea at an October dinner for top donors to his ballroom. Without divulging how much the arch would cost, who would pay for it or whether he’d seek approval from planning officials, the president showed off three different-sized arch models, all featuring a statue of Lady Liberty on top. The president acknowledged then that the largest one was his favorite, and The Washington Post reported that The President is mulling building an arch standing 250 feet (76 meters) tall. Asked about that aboard Air Force One, The President didn’t confirm the exact height he desires, but offered: “I’d like it to be the biggest one of all.” “We’re setting up a committee, and the committee is going to be going over it,” The President said. “It’ll be substantial.” The president says he’d like the new structure to be reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe, at the end of the Champs-Élysées in Paris, which was built to honor those who fought for France during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars. But that monument stands only 50 meters (164 feet) high. A 250-foot Washington arch would dwarf the Lincoln Memorial and White House, and even rival the Capitol, which stands 288 feet (88 meters). The finished arch would be part of a building boom The President has personally triggered, anxious to use his background as a onetime New York construction mogul to leave a lasting physical mark on the presidency. In addition to the ballroom, The President is closing the Kennedy Center for two years of renovations amid backlash from artists over changes he’s made at the nation’s premier performing arts venue. He replaced the lawn in the Rose Garden with a patio area reminiscent of his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, and redecorated the Lincoln Bathroom and Palm Room in the White House’s interior. The President also installed a Walk of Fame featuring portraits of past presidents along the Colonnade, massive flagpoles on the north and south lawns, and golden flourishes, cherubs and other flashy items to the substantially overhauled Oval Office. The arch would extend the president’s influence into Washington, where he has talked of beautifying “tired” grassy areas and broken signage and street medians and also deployed the National Guard to help break up homeless encampments. Harrison Design, a local firm, is working on the project, though no construction start date has been announced. The President wants to unveil the new structure as part of celebrations marking America’s 250th birthday. The bridge actually came after the Civil War Pressed on what The President meant by the four eagles, the White House sent a photo showing eagle sculptures at the four corners of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, but no further details. “President The President is right. The American people for nearly 200 years have wanted an Arch in our Nation’s capital to showcase our great history,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement. “President The President’s bold vision will be imprinted upon the fabric of America and be felt by generations to come. His successes will continue to give the greatest Nation on earth — America — the glory it deserves.” The president’s timing is off, though. The Arlington Memorial Bridge was first proposed in 1886, but it wasn’t approved by Congress until 1925. According to the National Park Service, the bridge was conceived after the Civil War and meant to memorialize the symbolic reunification of the North and South. It was originally built to link the site of the Lincoln Memorial with the home of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee — where Arlington National Cemetery now stands. At the time, the direction the eagles would face — right or left, meant to symbolize inward toward the city or outward facing visitors — sparked controversy. The park service says the bridge was constructed between 1926 and 1931, and an engineer’s report lists only slightly different dates — still decades after The President’s timeline. Washington also once had a Victory Arch built near the White House in 1919, to commemorate the end of World War I. It was wood and plaster, however, and meant to be temporary. That structure was torn down in the summer of 1920. A 2000 proposal called for a peace arch in Washington, but those plans were abandoned after the Sept. 11 attacks the following year. Manning, who is also a former National Park Service ranger, said that, Washington aside, “I don’t know of a long U.S. tradition of building arches for things.” “That sounds like an import from elsewhere to me,” she said. —Will Weissert, 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. At $99 on Woot, the factory reconditioned Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones are nearly $60 cheaper than the next best price on Amazon and the lowest they’ve been to date, according to price trackers. While “refurbished” might scare off some shoppers, this deal includes all accessories in retail packaging, a 90-day warranty, and a professional inspection that guarantees like-new functionality. Cosmetic wear should be minimal and only noticeable up close, if that. You get a 90-day Woot warranty, and free shipping if you’re a Prime member (with a $6 fee for everyone else). This deal runs for about three weeks or until the stock runs out. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2 headphones $99.00 at Woot Get Deal Get Deal $99.00 at Woot The Px7 S2’s knit fabric ear cups and metallic accents look sharp, and the padding feels good against the skin. Clamp force is on the firmer side but generally comfortable, though long sessions can create pressure points for some head shapes. They work well for commuting and travel, thanks to active noise cancelling that handles voices and higher-frequency noise better than low-end rumbles. Physical buttons handle power, volume, playback, and noise control. They’re tactile and easy to use, though there’s no audible feedback for volume changes. As for portability, the ear cups swivel flat but don’t fold, so portability depends on the included hard case, which is well-made but bulky. Battery life is a strong point. With ANC on, they can stretch past 30 hours, and a 15-minute charge gets you several more hours of playback. Sonically, these headphones skew bass-heavy. You get a punchy, energetic profile that works well for electronic music, though it can feel muddy for anything more detailed, like acoustic or jazz. There’s a two-band EQ in the companion app, but no deep customization beyond that. Codec support includes aptX HD and aptX Adaptive, which is great if your devices support them. All said, if you're not chasing absolute top-tier ANC and can live with the stock sound signature, you're getting flagship-level comfort and design here, at a mid-range price point. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (List Price $179.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 10.9" 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (Graphite) — $149.99 (List Price $219.99) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $299.99 (List Price $349.00) Blink Mini 2 1080p Security Camera (White) — $23.99 (List Price $39.99) Ring Outdoor Cam Pro Plug-In With Outdoor Cam Plus Battery (White) — $189.99 (List Price $259.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google's search rankings are highly volatile...View the full article

If your CPCs keep climbing, the cause may not be your bid strategy, your budget, or even your competitors. You might be suffering from low ad quality. Let’s break down the most foundational — and most misunderstood — metric in your Google Ads account. If you want to stop overpaying Google and start winning auctions on merit, you need to understand how the 1-to-10 Quality Score actually works. The difference between Quality Score, Ad Strength, and Optimization Score Before we dive in, let’s clear up the confusion. Google shows a lot of “scores” and “diagnostics,” and you can safely ignore most of them. Quality Score is the exception. Ad strength is an ad-level diagnostic. It checks whether your responsive ad follows best practices, like having enough headlines and descriptions. It has zero impact on auction performance. Optimization score is a sales metric. It measures how many Google recommendations you’ve reviewed. It does not reflect real campaign performance. Quality Score is different. It’s foundational. This keyword-level diagnostic summarizes the quality of your ads. Along with your bid, it determines Ad Rank. Ad Rank determines whether your ad appears at all, where it appears on the SERP, and how much you pay per click. The formula is simple: Ad Rank = price × quality. The 1–10 score you see is only a summary, but it reflects the real-time quality calculation Google runs on every single search. Setting up your dashboard: How to find your Quality Score You can’t fix what you can’t see. To get started, go to your Keywords report in Google Ads and add these four columns: Quality Score Exp. CTR Ad Relevance Landing Page Exp. When you analyze Quality Score, don’t judge keywords in isolation. You’ll drive yourself crazy. Look for patterns at the ad group level instead. If most keywords have a Quality Score of 7 or higher, you’re in good shape. If most are at 5 or below, that’s your cue to roll up your sleeves and improve ad quality. The three core components of Quality Score and how to fix them 1. Ad Relevance: The ‘message match’ This is the only part of Quality Score fully within your control. It asks one simple question: Does the keyword match the ad and the landing page? If your ad relevance is generally “Below average,” the fastest fix is Dynamic Keyword Insertion. It automatically inserts your keywords into the ad text. If you prefer a manual approach, make sure the keywords in the ad group actually appear in both the ad copy and the landing page. 2. Landing Page Experience: The “Delivery” When Google sends users to your site, do they find what they’re looking for? Or do they bounce after two seconds and head back to Google for a better result? If your landing page experience score is low, start with the PageSpeed Insights tool. A “Below average” rating often points to slow load times, a poor mobile experience, generic content, weak navigation, or all of the above. 3. Expected CTR: The “Popularity Contest” Google only makes money when users click, so it favors ads people are most likely to click. If your expected CTR is lagging, start with competitive research: Check Auction Insights to see who you’re competing against. A “Below average” expected CTR means their ads are earning higher click-through rates than yours. Next, visit the Google Ads Transparency Center and review your competitors’ ads. Are their offers more enticing? Is their copy more clickable? Borrow what works and update your own ads. If your ads are great but CTR is still low, review the Search terms report. You may be showing for irrelevant queries, which explains why users aren’t clicking on an otherwise awesome ad. What’s a realistic Quality Score goal? I’ll be honest: chasing a 10/10 Quality Score everywhere is a waste of time. It’s unrealistic and usually unnecessary. Instead, do a quick check-up every few months. Find one or two ad groups with lower Quality Scores, identify the most “Below Average” component, and fix that first. Improving ad quality takes more effort than raising budgets or bids. But it pays off with more clicks at the same — or even lower — cost. This article is part of our ongoing Search Engine Land series, Everything you need to know about Google Ads in less than 3 minutes. In each edition, Jyll highlights a different Google Ads feature, and what you need to know to get the best results from it – all in a quick 3-minute read. View the full article

Shore Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm founded by billionaire Justin Ishbia, has raised more than $400 million for its second industrial fund. View the full article

A figure resembling Italy’s prime minister on a Rome church wall blurred the lines between religion and politicsView the full article

Despite a weak ADP jobs print, Treasury yields went nowhere, reinforcing a growing bearish, defensive case for rates, according to the CEO of IF Securities. View the full article