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Donald The President called plan to transfer sovereignty of the archipelago to Mauritius an ‘act of great stupidity’View the full article

Since the The President administration deployed 2,000 immigration officers to Minneapolis a few weeks ago, childcare workers have been on high alert. Immigration officers have shown up at childcare centers across Minnesota, leaving many childcare workers scared to show up for work. Childcare providers, who have long faced funding challenges and staffing shortages, are now being forced to figure out how to protect their workers while continuing to provide an essential service to families. Today, many of these centers—at least 50 providers, according to the childcare coalition Kids Count on Us—have shut their doors to participate in an economic blackout across the state that is being called the Day of Truth and Freedom. The collective action is intended to protest ICE’s presence in the state, by halting all economic activity for the day. For childcare workers, there is a lot on the line: A viral YouTube video that made the rounds in December put a target on their backs, alleging that Somali-run daycares were committing fraud and misusing public funding. The video has since been debunked, but the damage was done: The The President administration issued a freeze on $10 billion in federal funding for childcare and social services in Minnesota, along with four other states. (A federal judge has temporarily blocked the freeze for the time being, and the states in question have brought a lawsuit against the The President administration.) “From the beginning, childcare and the ICE operation were very closely tied,” says Meredith Loomis Quinlan, the director of childcare at advocacy group Community Change. “There’s threats of these frozen funds, and at the same time their colleagues are getting targeted by ICE. These childcare providers have really stood together—and the childcare movement of parents and providers are a really core [part] of what’s happening right now in Minnesota.” Many of them feel it is essential that they fight back against both ICE and the looming threat of a funding freeze. That’s why Kayley Spencer and Megan Schmitz, directors at a childcare center in northern Michigan, decided to close their daycare for the day. “We have connections all around the state, [and] other providers and families are experiencing this very real heaviness around being scared to go to school, being scared to go to work, and being scared to leave their houses,” Schmitz says. “We needed to show solidarity, and that we won’t stand for our neighbors and families and other providers being targeted in that way.” While their staff has not been directly targeted thus far, they have fielded questions about how the center would navigate any encounters with ICE and introduced protocols accordingly. “That is something as a childcare provider that I never thought I’d have to come across,” Schmitz says. “What if they do show up now? So having those protocols in place was really important for us, to make our staff feel secure in coming to work.” This day of action is also intended to call attention to the federal funding freeze, which could leave many childcare providers struggling to keep their doors open. “We’re operating on razor thin margins,” Spencer says, noting that their center has six families who rely on childcare assistance from the state. “If you lose those six families—even one—you’re at risk of permanent closure.” Access to childcare allows countless parents to stay in the workforce, and closing for the day is not a decision that providers take lightly. Spencer and Schmitz were candid about why they felt it was important to participate and why collection action was critical at this moment. “We’re very transparent with our families about how this is not just an isolated incident,” Schmitz says. “We are in the collapse of childcare if we do nothing—and we’re already at severe risk of that every single day, and this is just another way to not give childcare [providers] the funding and the resources that they so badly deserve and need.” Spencer and Schmitz say they had the support and understanding of many families they serve—and a number of them who are small business owners closed shop for the day in solidarity, as well. “[As] providers, our only goal is to provide safe spaces for these children—and now they’re being targeted, and it’s not okay,” Schmitz says. “This is such a small way of us showing support, but we knew we had to do it.” These actions have also extended beyond Minnesota, as childcare workers around the country are finding ways to show their support. Community Change works with grassroots organizations in many states that are hosting events or taking other actions—from protesting ICE facilities to closing their centers in solidarity—to draw attention to what is happening in Minnesota. Meanwhile, childcare providers and advocates in Minnesota are continuing to put pressure on Republican lawmakers to preserve the federal funding that is so crucial for centers to keep serving families. “People might feel hopeless or afraid right now, but there are so many ways to show up for our neighbors and for each other,” Loomis Quinlan says. “So we’re just trying to encourage more people to join our movement.” View the full article

Apple is expanding ads in App Store search results, giving advertisers more opportunities to reach users at the moment they’re looking to download apps. Starting March 3rd, Apple Ads will begin showing additional ads per search query in the UK, followed by Japan. The expansion is expected to roll out to all Apple Ads markets by the end of March. Why we care. More ad slots in App Store search results mean more chances to win installs—but also more competition for the same high-intent queries, which could push up costs. With no ability to choose placements, performance may vary by position, making creative relevance, keyword strategy, and conversion tracking more important than ever. What’s changing. Until now, Apple Ads search results featured a single sponsored placement at the top of the page. Beginning in March, multiple ad positions may appear for a single search query, including the existing top slot and new placements further down the results. The new placements will be supported on devices running iOS and iPadOS 26.2 and later. How eligibility works. Advertisers don’t need to make any changes to access the new inventory. Any existing search results campaign will automatically be eligible to appear in all available positions. However, advertisers can’t choose or bid for specific placements. Apple will decide where an ad appears within search results. Ad formats and pricing stay the same. Ads will look the same regardless of placement, using either a default product page or a custom product page. Optional deep links can send users directly to a specific in-app destination. Billing remains unchanged, with advertisers paying on a cost-per-tap or cost-per-install basis. How ads are matched to searches. Search results ads continue to rely on keywords, either selected by advertisers or suggested by Apple. Apple says its relevance-based matching delivers more than a 60% average conversion rate for top-of-search ads. Placement is determined by a combination of relevance and bid, but relevance is non-negotiable. Apple says ads won’t enter auctions if they aren’t a strong match for the user’s query — regardless of bid size. What advertisers should watch. More ad slots mean more opportunities — but also more competition within the same search results page. Advertisers may need to closely monitor performance by query, creative alignment, and conversion rates as the rollout expands globally. What’s next. The phased rollout will continue through March, bringing additional App Store search ads to all Apple Ads markets. For app marketers, it marks a meaningful shift in how search visibility — and competition — will work inside the App Store. 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. 360-degree cameras like the GoPro Max2 are designed for creators who want to capture more than what a single-lens camera, like the GoPro Hero series, can handle. Right now, the GoPro Max2 action camera is down from $499 to $399 on Amazon, marking its lowest price ever. GoPro Max2 Action Camera $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $399.00 at Amazon $499.00 Save $100.00 Compared to the Max1, the Max2 has a higher 8K resolution and 29MP stills, resulting in sharper, more detailed footage and photos, while 10-bit color, GP-Log, and up to 14FPS Raw capture with 3D Tracking focus make it appealing for pros or anyone who wants more flexibility in post-production. It shoots 360-degree spherical video, unlike the single-lens action cams like the Hero, earning it an Editors' Choice Award from PCMag. This lets you record everything in your vicinity and reframe at any level, allowing for even more creative possibilities when editing. With a magnesium chassis and weather protection, it's built for adventures and high-impact environments, with waterproofing up to 5 meters, a compact build, easy-to-replace lenses, and a variety of mounting options. As part of the GoPro ecosystem, it works seamlessly with the GoPro Quik video editing app for edits and reframing, while Bluetooth mic support and voice control make it even more versatile. Still, compared to the Hero series and its sensor design, low-light performance may be weaker, and battery life varies depending on whether you’re shooting with both lenses, the resolution, and the frame rate. Long 8K sessions will be more demanding, during which heat buildup can also happen. Slow motion also maxes out at 100 fps, and editing isn’t as slick or built for social shares as platforms like Insta360. If your priority is immersive storytelling, post-shoot reframing, and more creative freedom, the GoPro Max2 action camera is a strong choice for pros and casual users at $100 off, and a major upgrade over the original. But if you mainly want traditional action footage, often shoot in low-light conditions, and want longer battery life, the less-niche Hero line may suffice. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $148.99 (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 — $399.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — (List Price $24.99 With Code "FTV4K25") Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Last month, Google told online publishers that it had started testing AI-generated headlines in Google Discover, replacing stories' carefully handcrafted titles with truncated alternatives made up by Gemini. Some journalists were predictably unhappy, but now, the company says that the AI headlines are no longer an experiment—they're a "feature." Back when the testing began, the results ranged from poorly worded to straight up misinformation. For instance, one AI-generated headline promised "Steam Machine price revealed," when the original article made no such claim. Another said "BG3 players exploit children," which sounds serious, until you click through to the article and see that it's about a clever way to recruit invincible party members in Baldur's Gate 3 (which, to be fair, does involve turning child NPCs into sheep at one point). At the time, Google said that the test was a "small UI experiment for a subset of Discover users," and simply rearranged how users saw AI previews, which were introduced in October of last year and feature short AI summaries of articles, including an occasional AI headline. However, while that AI headline was previously hidden below the original, authored headline, the test put it up top, while getting rid of the authored headline entirely. For a while, it seemed like Google might have been willing to back away from the AI headlines, but now the company says it's doubling down. In a statement to The Verge, Google said that its AI headlines are no longer in testing, but are now a full-fledged feature. The company didn't elaborate on why, but did say that the update "performs well for user satisfaction." When 9to5Google then reached out for more detail, the publication was told, "The overview headline reflects information across a range of sites, and is not a rewrite of an individual article headline." Well, that hasn't quite been the case for me: When I first wrote about this "experiment," I actually had yet to run into one of the AI headlines. But perusing my Google Discover feed today (to see yours, swipe right from the home screen on an Android phone, or scroll down in the Google app), I've finally seen some first hand. To Google's credit, these AI previews do seem to synthesize several sources as claimed—you can see them above the linked story. However, they still call out one article in particular, linking to it and using its header photo. That can easily lead users to think the AI generated headline was written by the linked publication. That can have consequences for the publication or writer if the AI gets something wrong, which a disclaimer at the bottom of these AI previews admits can happen. For instance, The Verge said it saw an AI Discover headline on a story from Lifehacker's sister site PCMag that said, "US reverses foreign drone ban," even though the linked story goes out of its way to say headlines that claim this are "misleading." Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt The AI headlines I've seen personally haven't been quite that bad, but as someone with a more than decade-long career in journalism, I do question their helpfulness. For instance, "Starfleet Academy full of Trek Nods" is much less informative than the original, "One of TNG's Strangest Species Is Getting a Second Life In Modern Star Trek." I guess "Star Trek show has Star Trek things" is apparently clickier or more useful to the reader than just saying what the specific Star Trek thing is? Another example: "Anbernic unveils RG G01 Controller." I hope you know what those letters and numbers mean, because this AI headline completely buries the context in the original headline, "Anbernic's New Controller Has a Screen and Built-In Heartbeat Sensor, for Some Reason." I guess this is a future that I'll have to get used to though. That I'm starting to see these headlines myself, despite not being part of the initial experiment, does suggest we can expect them to stick around, and to roll out to more people. If you see something that seems questionable while scrolling Google Discover, the feature has probably rolled out to you now too. How to check if a Google Discover headline was written by AITo check whether that suspicious headline was written by a human or not, try clicking the "See more" button at the bottom of the article's description and looking for a "Generated with AI" disclaimer. On the plus side, only about half of the articles in my Google Discover are currently using AI headlines, so not every piece of "content" is being affected. But for journalists, the move still comes at a tough time: According to Reuters, Google traffic from organic search was down by 38% on test sites in the United Stated between November 2024 and November 2025, and while Google Discover isn't Search, editors write headlines the way they do for a reason. Using a robot to overwrites those decisions probably isn't the best way to tackle eroding trust in media. I've reached out to Google for comment on its AI headlines and will provide an update when I hear back. View the full article

For the first time in Dr Pepper’s 140-year history, the brand is the second-most-popular soda in America. Now it has a shiny new jingle to match. In late December, TikTok creator Romeo Bingham, 25, posted a jingle she had made up for Dr Pepper. “Dr Pepper baby. It’s good and nice. Doo. Doo. Doo,” the tune went. In her caption she tagged the company and noted, “please get back to me with a proposition we can make thousands together.” The original post has garnered almost 54 million views, 6.4 million likes and almost 500,000 bookmarks, at the time of writing. One month later, Bingham’s dreams were realised. Dr. Pepper licensed the song and folded it into an NCAA football commercial. TikTok creators capitalizing on viral moments is not unusual. Influencers have long been tagging brands in content in the hopes of landing freebies or a lucrative brand deal, as the booming influencer-marketing industry becomes ever-more saturated. Here, the success of Bingham’s overt brand baiting may signal a subtle shift in power dynamics, as creators compete for brand’s attention and marketing budgets. Once the jingle became viral, Bingham’s comments section was inundated with brands. “Me next bb i beg,” wrote Denny’s Diner. “Yea imma need one of these theme songs right now,” added Buffalo Wild Wings. “GET HER ON THE PHONE NOW!!” Popeyes chimed in. “Not to be pick me but US NEXT,” commented Welch’s Fruit Snacks. Bingham has since gone on to make jingles for Hyundai and Vita Coca, fully realising the new American dream of overnight viral success. Brands showing up in the comments sections on TikTok and Instagram, whether the post is about them or not, isn’t new. The top comments on a trending TikTok video often garner hundreds of thousands of likes, gaining brands the type of attention they could only dream of on their own channels. But overnight, a new batch of of “POV: trying to make a jingle so I can quit my job,” type videos have been cropping up across social media platforms, some of the most popular of which have brands meeting the creators in the comments section hoping to capitalise on some of Dr Pepper’s hype. With these public auditions in pursuit of 10 seconds of fame, brands might appear like the real winners, receiving massive amounts of unpaid creative labor, sometimes even full commercials, complete with engagement metrics and audience-testing in real time. “If brands reward the noisiest creators with paid partnerships, this could lead to creators shilling spec work ads as a new content pillar,” Dayna Castillo, founder of the digital culture newsletter Silence, Brand! told Fast Company. And yet, “brand baiting is normalizing unpaid promotional labor from creators and long term, this practice risks burning out both audiences, brands, and creators.” As she noted in a recent Substack post: “We no longer skip the ads. We consume the ads our peers made in hopes The Capitalism will notice.” The warp speed with which the internet moves means replicating another’s recipe for viral success is unlikely to ever deliver the same results. As the saying goes, lightning never strikes twice. Instead, all that’s left to gain is further muddying the shared waters of the internet with sub-par unpaid spon-con (Bingham’s jingle was at least catchy). View the full article

The President, during his return from Davos, signaled reluctance to allow 401(k) withdrawals for home down payments, but other tax-advantaged options remain on table. View the full article

A growing number of wealthy UK residents are investing in country establishmentsView the full article

Wall Street executive’s remuneration jumps 21% from the previous year and was roughly in line with bank’s profits View the full article

Share prices and profits have soared under lenient policies but presidential broadsides always lurk View the full article

Nothing lasts forever, and technology is no exception. As shiny and new as your computer was when you first bought it, eventually, developers will drop support for it. There's no telling when exactly, but at some point, you'll open an app to find a message that reads something like: "This device does not support the latest version of this app. Please update your hardware." That goes for Macs, as well. You might forget that fact, since Apple's computers tend to stick around for a long time. But inevitably, the shadow of end-of-life policies comes for them, too. If you're still rocking an older Mac, I have some bad news, specifically if you use Chrome: Google is officially planning its last supported version of the browser. Google Chrome is dropping support for macOS Monterey Google quietly announced the news in a post on the Chrome Platform Status site. The company confirmed that Chrome 150 will be the last version of the browser to support macOS 12, otherwise known as macOS Monterey. Once Google eventually releases Chrome 151, users on macOS 12 will not be able to install it, and will forever be stuck on Chrome 150. Google hasn't said when Chrome 150 will actually drop (we're currently on Chrome 143), but MacRumors estimates it'll be sometime in mid-2026, based on past releases. Before you panic, know there are a couple caveats here. First, Chrome will not stop working on macOS 12 once version 151 drops. You'll still be able to use Chrome as you always have. In fact, you might not even notice the difference, minus any new features and changes that Google rolls out in future software versions. You will see an alert that your browser is out of date, but it'll still get you to YouTube, Gmail, and Lifehacker. This version of macOS is also fairly outdated. Google isn't just picking last year's macOS version, or the one before that. We're currently on macOS 26, which for these purposes, could be read as macOS 16. It's the fourth version of macOS since Monterey, meaning unless you know your Mac is running macOS 12, there's a good chance you're running something that Chrome still supports. If you aren't sure, click the Apple in the top-left corner, then choose "About This Mac." Here, you'll find the macOS version next to "macOS." Security concerns with using Chrome on macOS 12Let's say your Mac is running macOS 12. If so, you really should stop using Chrome once version 151 drops. That's because you'll no longer receive Google's latest security updates for the browser, which puts your machine (and its data) at risk. Once Chrome 150 drops, bad actors will look for security vulnerabilities in the code to exploit. Google will do the same, and will patch any it or any third-party researchers find. Once 151 comes out, it'll include those patches, but Chrome 150 users will be left behind. The risk only grows as new vulnerabilities are discovered, and new versions of Chrome come out. As such, you have a couple of options if you're running macOS 12. The first is to update your OS, if you have that choice. If your Mac does support macOS 13 or newer, updating will open you up to new versions of Chrome. Of course, perhaps the reason you're running macOS 12 is because you cannot update. While that largely affects Macs that are at least 10 years old, there are still plenty of these machines out there. There are alternative ways to update your older Mac, even if Apple won't let you, such as with OpenCore Legacy Patcher, but that might be too technical a route for some. The other option here is to stop using Chrome, and switch to a browser that does support macOS 12. Firefox, for example, supports macOS 10.15 or later, and Microsoft Edge fully supports macOS 12 and later. (Safari itself hasn't been updated on macOS 12 since July 2024.) It isn't fun watching your tech grow old, but you don't need to chuck your Mac just because Chrome will end support this year—even if the newest ones are really good. View the full article

On episode 338 of PPC Live The Podcast, I speak to Nick Handley Paid Media Lead at Impression, about one of the most formative mistakes of his career — and why those early errors often shape the strongest marketers. The podcast series focuses on PPC professionals’ biggest “F-ups,” but never without exploring how they recovered, who helped them, and what lasting lessons came out the other side. Nick’s story is a textbook example of how a single mistake can permanently change how you work — for the better. The Black Friday mistake that took everything down Nick takes listeners back nearly ten years, to the very start of his career at Tyres on the Drive (now owned by Halfords). With only around seven months of PPC experience, he was left managing campaigns during the Black Friday period while a senior colleague was on holiday. The task sounded simple: update URLs across multiple campaigns using Google Ads Editor. The execution, however, went very wrong. Nick mistyped part of the landing page URL — a small error with massive consequences. Once uploaded, ads across the account were disapproved, effectively taking paid search offline during one of the most important trading periods of the year. At the time, PPC accounted for around 70% of the company’s conversions. “It was full panic,” Nick admits. “I genuinely thought I was going to lose my job.” Panic makes problems worse What made the situation harder wasn’t just the typo — it was what came next. In a stressed state, Nick tried to fix the issue without properly re-syncing Google Ads Editor with the live account. Changes didn’t apply, errors stacked up, and confusion grew. The turning point came when Max Hopkinson, a senior colleague, stepped in. Instead of blaming or escalating, Max calmly walked Nick through the fix: re-sync the account, undo the changes properly, re-upload, and get campaigns live again. The downtime was resolved in about an hour, and the team worked strategically to recover performance by increasing spend later in the day. The Black Friday period ultimately performed well — but the emotional impact of the mistake stuck. The real lesson: de-escalate yourself first One of the biggest takeaways from Nick’s experience isn’t technical — it’s psychological. When things go wrong, panic actively makes solutions harder to see. Nick stresses the importance of stepping away, calming yourself down, and then methodically identifying the issue. Five minutes away from the screen can prevent five hours of damage. This mindset now underpins how he works — and how he manages others. From junior panic to leadership principles As a leader today, Nick is intentional about building systems that reduce risk and pressure. At Impression, large changes go through a buddy-based QA system, where someone outside the immediate account team sense-checks major updates before they go live. The goal isn’t mistrust — it’s safety. Fresh eyes catch errors tired ones miss, especially when working at speed. Nick is clear that this approach isn’t just for agencies. In-house teams, freelancers, and solo marketers can adapt it using automation, AI checks, or structured workflows to ensure nothing slips through. AI is helpful — but only if you know the basics Nick also warns against leaning too heavily on AI without understanding fundamentals first. While automation and AI can help sense-check work, speed up QA, or manage budgets, they can’t replace foundational knowledge. “If you don’t know what ‘right’ looks like,” he explains, “you won’t know when AI is wrong.” This applies to everything from ad copy and keyword research to budget pacing and performance analysis. AI should amplify expertise — not replace it. Accountability beats perfection Perhaps the most important message from the episode is that mistakes are inevitable — but hiding them is optional. Nick emphasizes accountability over blame. When errors happen, the best response is to clearly explain what went wrong, what the impact was, and how it’s being fixed. Most clients and managers are far more understanding than people expect, especially when transparency comes early. This culture of openness not only protects performance — it protects mental health. Why sharing mistakes makes better marketers Nick believes leaders should openly share their failures, not just their wins. Digital marketing already carries intense pressure, constant change, and unrealistic expectations of perfection. Hearing that respected experts still make mistakes — and survive them — normalizes the learning curve. “We’re not robots,” he says. “We’re people doing complex work in fast-moving systems.” The big takeaway Nick’s early-career mistake didn’t derail his career — it defined it. It shaped how he approaches QA, leadership, automation, and stress. More importantly, it reinforced a truth many PPC professionals need to hear: Mistakes don’t end careers. Panic, silence, and lack of accountability do. View the full article

This week, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission rescinded its guidance on workplace harassment, in a move that could significantly undermine protections for all workers, but especially those who identify as LGBTQ+. The agency, which plays a crucial role as the federal watchdog that enforces anti-discrimination laws governing the workplace, voted on Thursday to strike down guidance that had been codified in 2024, during the Biden administration. Across nearly 200 pages, the document offered an important update to the EEOC’s language on harassment—which had not been updated in over two decades—and also incorporated a key Supreme Court ruling in 2020 that extended anti-discrimination protections to LGBTQ+ workers. The guidance included over 70 examples of workplace discrimination that employees might encounter, with a section dedicated to sexual orientation and gender identity. Before releasing the final version back in 2024, there was a customary notice and comment process on the proposed document, during which the agency fielded over 38,000 comments from the public. All that guidance has now been scrapped, with no room for public comment on the decision. (The harassment document has since been taken down and is no longer accessible to the public.) EEOC chair Andrea Lucas suggested that this would not change how the agency approached harassment claims. “Let me be perfectly clear: The EEOC will not tolerate unlawful harassment, as was the case before the guidance document was issued and will remain so even after the guidance document is rescinded,” she said during an open meeting on Thursday. Still, this reversal is a big loss for workers, who remain protected by federal anti-discrimination laws but rely heavily on the agency when they encounter harassment in the workplace. People who experience workplace discrimination typically have to file a complaint with the agency before taking any kind of legal action. By rescinding this guidance, the EEOC has stripped away an important resource for workers (and employers) who are trying to understand what constitutes workplace harassment—and what they can do about it. This decision also cements a seismic shift in the agency’s priorities since Lucas took the helm. Under the The President administration, the EEOC has undergone changes that experts believe have compromised its mission to protect workers’ rights. After assuming office, The President immediately fired two EEOC commissioners—Jocelyn Samuels and Charlotte Burrows—before their term limits were up, breaking with precedent and eliminating the Democratic majority. (Commissioners of federal agencies are usually allowed to serve out their terms, regardless of political affiliation.) He later nominated Brittany Panuccio to join the commission; her confirmation in October secured a Republican majority and restored the three-person quorum required for the agency to revise guidance or pursue certain types of litigation. Over the last year, the The President administration’s attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace have reshaped the agency’s priorities. Lucas has explicitly stated that the agency would focus on “rooting out unlawful DEI-motivated race and sex discrimination” in accordance with The President’s executive orders targeting DEI programs. Back in December, Lucas even put out a call for white men to report workplace discrimination and potentially recover damages. (This took the form of a video on X, in which Lucas asked: “Are you a white male who has experienced discrimination at work based on your race or sex?”) Revoking the harassment guidance, however, seems to align with a broader agenda to curtail protections for LGBTQ+ and trans workers. A federal ruling last year struck down the section of the EEOC’s harassment document that applied to transgender and gender-nonconforming workers, claiming the agency did not have the authority to impose those guidelines on employers; the section stated, for example, that misgendering employees or denying them access to bathrooms in line with their gender identity qualified as workplace harassment. Last year, the EEOC also dropped six cases that involved allegations of discrimination from trans or gender-nonconforming workers. Even prior to the The President administration’s directives, however, Lucas was a dissenting voice on the commission. When the harassment guidance was finalized in 2024, Lucas had taken issue with the section that outlined protections for trans and gender-nonconforming workers and ultimately voted against it, under the guise of protecting women’s rights in the workplace. Lucas echoed anti-trans sentiment by noting “biological sex is real” and “binary,” suggesting that women would be harmed by the updated guidance. “Women’s sex-based rights in the workplace are under attack—and from the EEOC, the very federal agency charged with protecting women from sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination at work,” she wrote in a statement at the time. “Women in the workplace will pay the price for the Commission’s egregious error.” By rescinding the harassment guidance outright, however, Lucas has effectively weakened anti-discrimination protections for all kinds of workers—women included. View the full article

Some Google Ads advertisers are seeing a bug that causes the option to add notes to disappear from the account change popup, making it harder to document optimizations and performance shifts. The issue was flagged by paid search consultant Odi Caspi, who says the problem has appeared intermittently over the past couple of weeks. What advertisers should be seeing: Caspi shares his view below: Why we care. Account notes are a key workflow tool for agencies and in-house teams tracking changes over time. Losing easy access to notes makes troubleshooting performance swings harder and weakens institutional memory across teams. What users are seeing. In affected accounts, the “Add note” option no longer appears in the standard popup where advertisers typically annotate changes. The issue appears to be sporadic, working normally at times and disappearing at others. Workarounds, for now. Caspi says one workaround is clicking on an existing note, which then reveals the option to add a new one. The downside: this only works if a note exists in the current date range. Another option, shared by Paid Media Specialist, Dids Reeve, is to open the Notes panel from the “More” (burger) menu, where the add-note function may still be accessible. What’s next. Google has not publicly acknowledged the bug or shared a timeline for a fix. Until then, advertisers relying on notes may need to use alternative entry points — and double-check that important changes are being properly documented. First seen. This error was first spotted by Caspi who shared his view of camapign reports on LinkedIn View the full article

In today’s competitive market, customer loyalty is vital for small businesses to thrive. Implementing a loyalty card program can greatly improve customer retention and increase repeat purchases. Various software solutions cater to different needs, from customizable digital cards to automated rewards tracking. Comprehending these options can help you choose the right fit for your business. Let’s explore some of the top loyalty card software solutions available, starting with Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty. Key Takeaways Loyally.ai offers customizable digital loyalty cards with plans ranging from $12 to $78 monthly, suitable for various business sizes. Square Loyalty automates rewards tracking and starts at $25 per location, ensuring a user-friendly experience for managing customer engagement. Smile.io provides a free plan with essential features and paid tiers, known for boosting customer retention and satisfaction ratings above 4.6 on G2. Stamp Me features digital stamp cards priced between $29 and $119, simplifying customer activity monitoring with its straightforward system. Loyalzoo charges $0.15 per customer monthly, capped at $99, offering flexible pricing that adapts to business growth and needs. Why Loyalty Matters for Small Businesses Loyalty matters for small businesses since retaining existing customers isn’t only beneficial; it’s vital for long-term success. Studies show that it’s five to seven times cheaper to keep a current customer than to acquire a new one. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more than newcomers, but a mere 5% increase in retention can lead to a remarkable 25% rise in profits. Over half of your revenue likely comes from repeat customers, making loyalty programs fundamental for driving frequent purchases. Implementing loyalty card software can help streamline this process, allowing you to track customer engagement and reward their loyalty effectively. Furthermore, satisfied loyal customers often share their experiences, enhancing your brand’s reputation and attracting new clientele. Key Loyalty Program Features to Look For When choosing loyalty card software, you should prioritize features like personalization and segmentation to better meet your customers’ needs. These tools enable you to tailor marketing efforts and rewards based on individual behaviors, increasing engagement and satisfaction. Furthermore, verify the software supports omnichannel engagement, allowing customers to interact with your loyalty program seamlessly across different platforms. Personalization and Segmentation Effective personalization and segmentation are vital components of any successful loyalty program, as they directly impact customer engagement and retention. With 64% of consumers stating that customized offers influence their shopping decisions, utilizing advanced loyalty card software free can greatly improve your program. AI-driven analytics allow you to create personalized experiences based on customer behavior, leading to increased engagement and repeat purchases. By segmenting customers according to their purchasing patterns, you can send targeted communications, potentially boosting customer lifetime value by 48%. Flexibility in reward structures is also important; offering points for non-purchase actions accommodates varied customer preferences. Real-time analytics provide valuable insights, enabling you to dynamically adjust your loyalty strategies for enhanced effectiveness. Omnichannel Engagement Support To create a seamless customer experience across various touchpoints, omnichannel engagement support is crucial for any loyalty program. This feature guarantees that your loyalty card application works across web, mobile, and in-store interactions, providing customers with a unified experience. Effective loyalty software integrates with existing CRM and POS systems, allowing real-time data sharing, which is fundamental for grasping customer interactions. Moreover, features like digital card integration and customer data management improve personalized marketing efforts, boosting engagement across channels. Advanced analytics capabilities provide insights into customer behavior, enabling you to tailor loyalty strategies based on preferences. Incorporating gamification elements, such as challenges and milestones, can further drive participation and strengthen brand loyalty through interactive experiences. Top Loyalty Card Software for Small Businesses When selecting loyalty card software for your small business, you’ll want to evaluate both affordability and ease of use. Many options, like Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty, provide budget-friendly pricing and user-friendly interfaces that make implementation straightforward. Affordable Pricing Options Finding affordable loyalty card software is crucial for small businesses looking to improve customer engagement without straining their budgets. Loyally.ai offers customizable digital loyalty cards with plans ranging from $12 to $78 monthly, fitting various business needs. If you already use Square POS, Square Loyalty starts at $25 per location per month, automating customer rewards tracking. For online stores, Smile.io has a free plan with limited features and paid options like Starter, Growth, and Unlimited. Stamp Me provides digital stamp cards with pricing between $29 and $119, along with a free 30-day trial. Finally, Loyalzoo charges $0.15 per customer monthly, capped at $99, and offers a 7-day free trial with no long-term commitment. User-Friendly Interface After exploring affordable pricing options, the focus shifts to the importance of a user-friendly interface in loyalty card software, especially for small businesses. A well-designed interface allows you to easily customize digital loyalty cards and manage customer interactions without extensive training. For instance, Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enabling you to track rewards and view analytics effortlessly. Moreover, Smile.io offers an intuitive setup for e-commerce brands, allowing quick implementation of loyalty programs. Stamp Me simplifies customer activity monitoring through its straightforward digital stamp card system. Finally, platforms like Yotpo improve user experience with customizable loyalty levels, making navigation easy for both you and your customers, especially when exploring digital loyalty card free options. Deep Dive Into Loyally.Ai Loyally.ai stands out in the competitive environment of loyalty card software solutions, as it offers businesses customizable digital loyalty cards aimed to improve customer retention. This platform is particularly beneficial for salons looking for a salon loyalty app, as it improves customer engagement through flexible loyalty options. With a built-in CRM, Loyally.ai allows you to manage customer data effectively, enabling personalized marketing and automated notifications that keep customers informed. Their pricing ranges from $12 to $78 per month, making it accessible for various business sizes and budgets. Furthermore, Loyally.ai features location marketing tools that help you target customers based on their geographic area, driving foot traffic to your business. The automated referral sharing feature encourages users to promote your services through word-of-mouth marketing, further boosting customer acquisition and loyalty, making it an all-encompassing solution for any business aiming to improve customer relationships. Deep Dive Into Square Loyalty Square Loyalty offers a robust solution for businesses looking to improve customer retention through an integrated loyalty program. This software seamlessly integrates with Square’s point-of-sale (POS) system, allowing you to automatically track customer rewards and engagement without any additional setup. With monthly pricing starting at $25 per location, it remains an affordable option for small businesses enthusiastic to implement a loyalty program. Square Loyalty provides various reward types, such as points for purchases and discounts, giving you flexibility in incentivizing customer loyalty. You can likewise take advantage of a 30-day free trial, enabling you to test the software’s features and effectiveness before committing to a subscription. By leveraging automatic tracking of rewards and personalized engagement strategies, businesses using Square Loyalty can improve customer retention and cultivate lasting relationships with their clientele. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking effective free loyalty program software. Deep Dive Into Smile.Io In regards to enhancing customer loyalty, Smile.io stands out as a specialized platform customized for e-commerce brands. It integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento, allowing you to create personalized loyalty programs that boost customer retention. With Smile.io, you can reward customers for various actions, such as purchases, social sharing, and account creation, which encourages deeper engagement and loyalty. Users report experiencing a 2× higher purchase frequency and a 48% increase in customer lifetime value (CLV) thanks to its effective strategies. The platform offers a free plan with basic features, alongside paid options categorized as Starter, Growth, and Unlimited, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Smile.io likewise enjoys a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.6+ on G2, with over 314 positive reviews, emphasizing its impact on driving customer loyalty through features like a virtual loyalty card. Loyalty Software Comparison When evaluating loyalty software solutions, it’s important to recognize the diverse features and capabilities available to enterprises. Different solutions offer various functionalities, including digital card integration, customer data management, and automated engagement tools. Pricing is another key factor; although some loyalty software can start as low as $12 per month for small businesses, custom pricing is common for larger enterprises. If you’re just starting out, consider platforms like Smile.io or Yotpo, which provide free loyalty card app options with limited features. This can be an excellent way to establish your loyalty program without a significant financial investment. Additionally, integration capabilities play an essential role in your selection process. Solutions like Talon.One and Annex Cloud offer robust API options for seamless connectivity with existing systems, ensuring that you can maximize the effectiveness of your loyalty initiatives. Always look for user-friendly setups and customizable branding to improve your return on investment. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Does Loyalty Card Software Typically Cost? Loyalty card software typically ranges from $20 to $500 per month, depending on features and scale. Basic plans offer crucial functionalities, whereas advanced options provide analytics, customer segmentation, and integration capabilities. Some providers charge a one-time setup fee, whereas others may include it in the monthly cost. You might likewise encounter transaction fees or additional charges for extra features, so it’s important to evaluate your business needs before making a decision. Can I Customize the Rewards Structure Easily? Yes, you can typically customize the rewards structure easily. Most loyalty card software allows you to set different reward tiers, points systems, or redemption options based on your business needs. You’ll usually find user-friendly interfaces that let you adjust these settings without extensive technical knowledge. Furthermore, many platforms offer templates or predefined structures that you can modify, ensuring flexibility as you align your rewards program with your marketing strategy and customer preferences. Is Customer Data Secure With These Solutions? In terms of customer data security, you should prioritize solutions that implement robust encryption methods and comply with industry standards, such as GDPR or CCPA. These solutions often utilize secure servers, regular security audits, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. It’s crucial to review their privacy policies and data handling practices, ensuring they take necessary precautions to protect your customers’ data from breaches and unauthorized access. Always stay informed about their security measures. How Do I Integrate Loyalty Software With My Existing Systems? To integrate loyalty software with your existing systems, start by evaluating compatibility. Review APIs or connectors that facilitate communication between platforms. Next, consult your IT team to determine necessary adjustments or customizations. After that, conduct thorough testing to guarantee seamless operation. Finally, train your staff on the new system, making sure everyone understands how to utilize it effectively. This approach will help you leverage your loyalty program during the maintenance of your current infrastructure. What Kind of Customer Support Is Available for Users? When considering customer support options, you’ll typically find various resources available. Most systems offer online help centers and FAQs, allowing you to troubleshoot common issues. Many likewise provide email support, where you can submit inquiries and expect responses within a specified timeframe. Furthermore, some platforms include live chat services for real-time assistance. Phone support might be available, depending on your subscription level. Always check the specific support features offered by your chosen provider. Conclusion In summary, choosing the right loyalty card software can greatly improve your customer retention efforts. Each solution, from Loyally.ai’s customizable cards to Square Loyalty’s automated tracking, offers unique features suited to various business needs. By evaluating the key functionalities of each platform, you can find a loyalty program that aligns with your goals and boosts customer engagement. In the end, investing in a robust loyalty system can lead to increased sales and a more loyal customer base for your small business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Loyalty Card Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In today’s competitive market, customer loyalty is vital for small businesses to thrive. Implementing a loyalty card program can greatly improve customer retention and increase repeat purchases. Various software solutions cater to different needs, from customizable digital cards to automated rewards tracking. Comprehending these options can help you choose the right fit for your business. Let’s explore some of the top loyalty card software solutions available, starting with Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty. Key Takeaways Loyally.ai offers customizable digital loyalty cards with plans ranging from $12 to $78 monthly, suitable for various business sizes. Square Loyalty automates rewards tracking and starts at $25 per location, ensuring a user-friendly experience for managing customer engagement. Smile.io provides a free plan with essential features and paid tiers, known for boosting customer retention and satisfaction ratings above 4.6 on G2. Stamp Me features digital stamp cards priced between $29 and $119, simplifying customer activity monitoring with its straightforward system. Loyalzoo charges $0.15 per customer monthly, capped at $99, offering flexible pricing that adapts to business growth and needs. Why Loyalty Matters for Small Businesses Loyalty matters for small businesses since retaining existing customers isn’t only beneficial; it’s vital for long-term success. Studies show that it’s five to seven times cheaper to keep a current customer than to acquire a new one. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more than newcomers, but a mere 5% increase in retention can lead to a remarkable 25% rise in profits. Over half of your revenue likely comes from repeat customers, making loyalty programs fundamental for driving frequent purchases. Implementing loyalty card software can help streamline this process, allowing you to track customer engagement and reward their loyalty effectively. Furthermore, satisfied loyal customers often share their experiences, enhancing your brand’s reputation and attracting new clientele. Key Loyalty Program Features to Look For When choosing loyalty card software, you should prioritize features like personalization and segmentation to better meet your customers’ needs. These tools enable you to tailor marketing efforts and rewards based on individual behaviors, increasing engagement and satisfaction. Furthermore, verify the software supports omnichannel engagement, allowing customers to interact with your loyalty program seamlessly across different platforms. Personalization and Segmentation Effective personalization and segmentation are vital components of any successful loyalty program, as they directly impact customer engagement and retention. With 64% of consumers stating that customized offers influence their shopping decisions, utilizing advanced loyalty card software free can greatly improve your program. AI-driven analytics allow you to create personalized experiences based on customer behavior, leading to increased engagement and repeat purchases. By segmenting customers according to their purchasing patterns, you can send targeted communications, potentially boosting customer lifetime value by 48%. Flexibility in reward structures is also important; offering points for non-purchase actions accommodates varied customer preferences. Real-time analytics provide valuable insights, enabling you to dynamically adjust your loyalty strategies for enhanced effectiveness. Omnichannel Engagement Support To create a seamless customer experience across various touchpoints, omnichannel engagement support is crucial for any loyalty program. This feature guarantees that your loyalty card application works across web, mobile, and in-store interactions, providing customers with a unified experience. Effective loyalty software integrates with existing CRM and POS systems, allowing real-time data sharing, which is fundamental for grasping customer interactions. Moreover, features like digital card integration and customer data management improve personalized marketing efforts, boosting engagement across channels. Advanced analytics capabilities provide insights into customer behavior, enabling you to tailor loyalty strategies based on preferences. Incorporating gamification elements, such as challenges and milestones, can further drive participation and strengthen brand loyalty through interactive experiences. Top Loyalty Card Software for Small Businesses When selecting loyalty card software for your small business, you’ll want to evaluate both affordability and ease of use. Many options, like Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty, provide budget-friendly pricing and user-friendly interfaces that make implementation straightforward. Affordable Pricing Options Finding affordable loyalty card software is crucial for small businesses looking to improve customer engagement without straining their budgets. Loyally.ai offers customizable digital loyalty cards with plans ranging from $12 to $78 monthly, fitting various business needs. If you already use Square POS, Square Loyalty starts at $25 per location per month, automating customer rewards tracking. For online stores, Smile.io has a free plan with limited features and paid options like Starter, Growth, and Unlimited. Stamp Me provides digital stamp cards with pricing between $29 and $119, along with a free 30-day trial. Finally, Loyalzoo charges $0.15 per customer monthly, capped at $99, and offers a 7-day free trial with no long-term commitment. User-Friendly Interface After exploring affordable pricing options, the focus shifts to the importance of a user-friendly interface in loyalty card software, especially for small businesses. A well-designed interface allows you to easily customize digital loyalty cards and manage customer interactions without extensive training. For instance, Loyally.ai and Square Loyalty integrate seamlessly with existing systems, enabling you to track rewards and view analytics effortlessly. Moreover, Smile.io offers an intuitive setup for e-commerce brands, allowing quick implementation of loyalty programs. Stamp Me simplifies customer activity monitoring through its straightforward digital stamp card system. Finally, platforms like Yotpo improve user experience with customizable loyalty levels, making navigation easy for both you and your customers, especially when exploring digital loyalty card free options. Deep Dive Into Loyally.Ai Loyally.ai stands out in the competitive environment of loyalty card software solutions, as it offers businesses customizable digital loyalty cards aimed to improve customer retention. This platform is particularly beneficial for salons looking for a salon loyalty app, as it improves customer engagement through flexible loyalty options. With a built-in CRM, Loyally.ai allows you to manage customer data effectively, enabling personalized marketing and automated notifications that keep customers informed. Their pricing ranges from $12 to $78 per month, making it accessible for various business sizes and budgets. Furthermore, Loyally.ai features location marketing tools that help you target customers based on their geographic area, driving foot traffic to your business. The automated referral sharing feature encourages users to promote your services through word-of-mouth marketing, further boosting customer acquisition and loyalty, making it an all-encompassing solution for any business aiming to improve customer relationships. Deep Dive Into Square Loyalty Square Loyalty offers a robust solution for businesses looking to improve customer retention through an integrated loyalty program. This software seamlessly integrates with Square’s point-of-sale (POS) system, allowing you to automatically track customer rewards and engagement without any additional setup. With monthly pricing starting at $25 per location, it remains an affordable option for small businesses enthusiastic to implement a loyalty program. Square Loyalty provides various reward types, such as points for purchases and discounts, giving you flexibility in incentivizing customer loyalty. You can likewise take advantage of a 30-day free trial, enabling you to test the software’s features and effectiveness before committing to a subscription. By leveraging automatic tracking of rewards and personalized engagement strategies, businesses using Square Loyalty can improve customer retention and cultivate lasting relationships with their clientele. This makes it an excellent choice for those seeking effective free loyalty program software. Deep Dive Into Smile.Io In regards to enhancing customer loyalty, Smile.io stands out as a specialized platform customized for e-commerce brands. It integrates seamlessly with popular platforms like Shopify, BigCommerce, and Magento, allowing you to create personalized loyalty programs that boost customer retention. With Smile.io, you can reward customers for various actions, such as purchases, social sharing, and account creation, which encourages deeper engagement and loyalty. Users report experiencing a 2× higher purchase frequency and a 48% increase in customer lifetime value (CLV) thanks to its effective strategies. The platform offers a free plan with basic features, alongside paid options categorized as Starter, Growth, and Unlimited, making it accessible for businesses of all sizes. Smile.io likewise enjoys a high customer satisfaction rating of 4.6+ on G2, with over 314 positive reviews, emphasizing its impact on driving customer loyalty through features like a virtual loyalty card. Loyalty Software Comparison When evaluating loyalty software solutions, it’s important to recognize the diverse features and capabilities available to enterprises. Different solutions offer various functionalities, including digital card integration, customer data management, and automated engagement tools. Pricing is another key factor; although some loyalty software can start as low as $12 per month for small businesses, custom pricing is common for larger enterprises. If you’re just starting out, consider platforms like Smile.io or Yotpo, which provide free loyalty card app options with limited features. This can be an excellent way to establish your loyalty program without a significant financial investment. Additionally, integration capabilities play an essential role in your selection process. Solutions like Talon.One and Annex Cloud offer robust API options for seamless connectivity with existing systems, ensuring that you can maximize the effectiveness of your loyalty initiatives. Always look for user-friendly setups and customizable branding to improve your return on investment. Frequently Asked Questions How Much Does Loyalty Card Software Typically Cost? Loyalty card software typically ranges from $20 to $500 per month, depending on features and scale. Basic plans offer crucial functionalities, whereas advanced options provide analytics, customer segmentation, and integration capabilities. Some providers charge a one-time setup fee, whereas others may include it in the monthly cost. You might likewise encounter transaction fees or additional charges for extra features, so it’s important to evaluate your business needs before making a decision. Can I Customize the Rewards Structure Easily? Yes, you can typically customize the rewards structure easily. Most loyalty card software allows you to set different reward tiers, points systems, or redemption options based on your business needs. You’ll usually find user-friendly interfaces that let you adjust these settings without extensive technical knowledge. Furthermore, many platforms offer templates or predefined structures that you can modify, ensuring flexibility as you align your rewards program with your marketing strategy and customer preferences. Is Customer Data Secure With These Solutions? In terms of customer data security, you should prioritize solutions that implement robust encryption methods and comply with industry standards, such as GDPR or CCPA. These solutions often utilize secure servers, regular security audits, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information. It’s crucial to review their privacy policies and data handling practices, ensuring they take necessary precautions to protect your customers’ data from breaches and unauthorized access. Always stay informed about their security measures. How Do I Integrate Loyalty Software With My Existing Systems? To integrate loyalty software with your existing systems, start by evaluating compatibility. Review APIs or connectors that facilitate communication between platforms. Next, consult your IT team to determine necessary adjustments or customizations. After that, conduct thorough testing to guarantee seamless operation. Finally, train your staff on the new system, making sure everyone understands how to utilize it effectively. This approach will help you leverage your loyalty program during the maintenance of your current infrastructure. What Kind of Customer Support Is Available for Users? When considering customer support options, you’ll typically find various resources available. Most systems offer online help centers and FAQs, allowing you to troubleshoot common issues. Many likewise provide email support, where you can submit inquiries and expect responses within a specified timeframe. Furthermore, some platforms include live chat services for real-time assistance. Phone support might be available, depending on your subscription level. Always check the specific support features offered by your chosen provider. Conclusion In summary, choosing the right loyalty card software can greatly improve your customer retention efforts. Each solution, from Loyally.ai’s customizable cards to Square Loyalty’s automated tracking, offers unique features suited to various business needs. By evaluating the key functionalities of each platform, you can find a loyalty program that aligns with your goals and boosts customer engagement. In the end, investing in a robust loyalty system can lead to increased sales and a more loyal customer base for your small business. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Top Loyalty Card Software Solutions" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

An Instagram calendar is a crucial tool for planning and scheduling your posts in advance. It helps you organize content around important dates and themes, ensuring you maintain a consistent posting routine. By strategically aligning your posts with your marketing goals, you can improve content quality and variety, which can lead to increased engagement rates. Comprehending how to effectively create and manage your calendar can greatly impact your brand’s success on the platform. Key Takeaways An Instagram calendar organizes content posting schedules, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment with marketing goals. It reduces last-minute posting stress, allowing for higher quality content creation and improved engagement. By incorporating diverse content types, it encourages interaction rates and broadens audience reach. Scheduling posts during peak engagement times maximizes visibility and interaction with followers. Regular review of analytics through the calendar helps refine strategies, enhancing overall performance and engagement. Understanding the Instagram Calendar When you start to develop an Instagram calendar, you create a structured approach to managing your content, ensuring that you post consistently and strategically. An Instagram calendar is crucial for outlining when and what to post, helping you maintain a regular schedule aligned with your marketing goals. By visualizing upcoming posts, you reduce last-minute content creation, which can lead to missed opportunities. You can categorize content types, ensuring a balanced mix of promotional, educational, and engaging posts. Additionally, using insights from analytics, you can determine peak engagement times, allowing you to schedule posts on Instagram effectively. This organized method not only aids in planning but also helps you track performance metrics, refining your strategy based on engagement data. Benefits of Using an Instagram Calendar Using an Instagram calendar offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your social media strategy. It helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, keeping your followers engaged and boosting brand visibility. By planning posts around key events and themes, you can align content with marketing goals, improving campaign effectiveness. A content calendar likewise cuts down last-minute posting stress, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. Furthermore, it encourages a diverse mix of content types, leading to higher audience interaction. Regularly reviewing the calendar based on analytics helps identify successful strategies, optimizing engagement and follower growth. Benefit Description Impact Consistent Posting Maintains a regular schedule Increases engagement Strategic Planning Aligns content with marketing goals Improves effectiveness Diverse Content Types Encourages various formats like stories and posts Boosts interaction rates Key Components of an Effective Instagram Calendar An effective Instagram calendar contains several key components that secure your content strategy remains organized and targeted. First, establish a clearly defined posting schedule, ideally aiming for three to five feed posts per week to maintain audience engagement. Incorporate diverse content types, such as high-resolution images, reels, and user-generated content, to cater to varied preferences. Utilize insights from Instagram Analytics to strategically schedule posts during peak engagement times based on audience activity data. Outline key dates and themes in your calendar to plan around holidays and events that resonate with your target audience. Finally, regularly track performance metrics against your goals, allowing for continuous optimization of your content strategy to guarantee alignment with overall marketing objectives. Steps to Create Your Instagram Calendar Creating your Instagram calendar starts with a solid comprehension of your audience demographics and preferences, which you can gather using insights and analytics tools. Follow these steps to establish an effective calendar: Conduct an audit of your existing Instagram profile to evaluate post types, engagement levels, and overall performance. Outline specific goals for your Instagram presence, ensuring they align with your broader marketing objectives for focused content creation. Establish ideal posting times based on analytics data to maximize engagement and reach your audience when they’re most active. Utilize a content calendar tool to visually organize and plan your posts, allowing for a balanced mix of content types and the flexibility to schedule evergreen content. Implementing these steps will help you craft a strategic Instagram calendar. How an Instagram Calendar Enhances Engagement Using an Instagram calendar helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is essential for keeping your audience engaged. By planning targeted content around key dates and trends, you can better capture your followers’ interest and increase interactions. Moreover, leveraging audience engagement insights allows you to optimize your strategy, ensuring your posts reach followers when they’re most active. Consistent Posting Schedule Though maintaining a consistent posting schedule might seem like a simple task, it plays a crucial role in enhancing engagement on Instagram. Here’s how utilizing an Instagram calendar can help: Visibility: Regularly posting three to five times per week keeps your brand top-of-mind for your audience. Strategic Timing: Schedule posts during peak engagement times identified through analytics to maximize reach. Diverse Content: A balanced mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining content maintains audience interest and engagement. Continuous Improvement: Regularly update your calendar based on performance metrics, allowing you to adapt and optimize your strategy over time. Targeted Content Strategy A targeted content strategy is vital for enhancing engagement on Instagram, as it allows you to tailor your posts to the specific interests and preferences of your audience. An Instagram content calendar streamlines your planning process, helping you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is critical for keeping followers engaged. By categorizing content types, you can guarantee a balanced mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining posts, leading to higher engagement rates. Scheduling posts during peak times identified through Instagram Insights maximizes your reach and interaction. Furthermore, a well-structured calendar enables you to plan around holidays and events, making certain your content remains timely and relevant. Regularly analyzing performance metrics further refines your strategy, aligning future posts with audience preferences. Audience Engagement Insights An Instagram content calendar serves as a potent tool for improving audience engagement by enabling strategic planning that aligns with follower interests and peak activity times. By using a calendar, you can: Schedule posts in advance, ensuring consistent posting frequency, which is essential for maintaining audience interest. Analyze audience behavior to tailor content types, like stories or reels, that resonate better with your followers. Allocate time for community interaction, nurturing connection and encouraging user-generated content. Regularly review performance metrics of scheduled posts, allowing for data-driven adjustments to boost engagement. Tools for Managing Your Instagram Calendar Managing your Instagram calendar effectively can greatly improve your social media strategy, especially when you utilize specialized tools designed for this purpose. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer enable you to schedule posts in advance, ensuring consistent content delivery during peak activity times. They often include analytics features that offer insights on post performance, helping you refine your content strategies based on audience behavior. Kontentino streamlines collaboration among team members, allowing easy sharing of ideas as you keep your content calendar organized. Moreover, many tools provide hashtag suggestions and ideal posting time recommendations, enhancing your chances of reaching a broader audience. Frequently Asked Questions What Is an Instagram Calendar? An Instagram calendar is a planning tool that helps you organize and schedule your posts in advance. It allows you to visualize upcoming content, ensuring you maintain consistency in your posting. By using this calendar, you can align your posts with marketing campaigns and key events, like holidays or product launches. This strategic approach not just streamlines your content creation but likewise improves collaboration among team members, improving overall quality and engagement. How Can I Increase Engagement on Instagram? To increase engagement on Instagram, focus on consistency by posting regularly. Analyze your audience’s peak activity times using Instagram Insights to schedule posts for maximum visibility. Diversify your content with formats like reels and stories to cater to different preferences. Engage actively with your followers by responding quickly to comments and messages. Finally, utilize analytics to refine your strategy based on performance data, adapting your content to meet your audience’s interests. Why Is a Design Calendar Crucial for Your Instagram Presence? A design calendar‘s essential for your Instagram presence since it helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule. By planning your content, you align with marketing goals and improve engagement. It streamlines your content creation, reducing last-minute rushes, and guarantees high-quality visuals. Incorporating various formats like reels and stories keeps your feed dynamic. Regular performance analysis of scheduled posts lets you refine strategies, guaranteeing continuous improvement in your engagement metrics over time. How to Make an Instagram Calendar? To create an Instagram calendar, start by defining your goals and objectives, ensuring they align with your overall marketing strategy. Next, analyze your audience using Instagram Insights to understand their preferences. Plan a mix of content types, including images, videos, and stories, and schedule posts during peak engagement times. Finally, regularly review your calendar’s performance metrics, adjusting your strategy based on engagement rates and follower growth to optimize your content effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, an Instagram calendar is a valuable tool for planning and scheduling your content effectively. By organizing posts around themes and key dates, you can guarantee consistency and relevance, which are essential for audience engagement. Implementing this strategy helps you maintain a steady flow of diverse content, eventually leading to higher interaction rates. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can improve your Instagram presence and connect more meaningfully with your followers. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is an Instagram Calendar and How Can It Boost Engagement?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

An Instagram calendar is a crucial tool for planning and scheduling your posts in advance. It helps you organize content around important dates and themes, ensuring you maintain a consistent posting routine. By strategically aligning your posts with your marketing goals, you can improve content quality and variety, which can lead to increased engagement rates. Comprehending how to effectively create and manage your calendar can greatly impact your brand’s success on the platform. Key Takeaways An Instagram calendar organizes content posting schedules, ensuring consistency and strategic alignment with marketing goals. It reduces last-minute posting stress, allowing for higher quality content creation and improved engagement. By incorporating diverse content types, it encourages interaction rates and broadens audience reach. Scheduling posts during peak engagement times maximizes visibility and interaction with followers. Regular review of analytics through the calendar helps refine strategies, enhancing overall performance and engagement. Understanding the Instagram Calendar When you start to develop an Instagram calendar, you create a structured approach to managing your content, ensuring that you post consistently and strategically. An Instagram calendar is crucial for outlining when and what to post, helping you maintain a regular schedule aligned with your marketing goals. By visualizing upcoming posts, you reduce last-minute content creation, which can lead to missed opportunities. You can categorize content types, ensuring a balanced mix of promotional, educational, and engaging posts. Additionally, using insights from analytics, you can determine peak engagement times, allowing you to schedule posts on Instagram effectively. This organized method not only aids in planning but also helps you track performance metrics, refining your strategy based on engagement data. Benefits of Using an Instagram Calendar Using an Instagram calendar offers numerous benefits that can greatly improve your social media strategy. It helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, keeping your followers engaged and boosting brand visibility. By planning posts around key events and themes, you can align content with marketing goals, improving campaign effectiveness. A content calendar likewise cuts down last-minute posting stress, allowing you to focus on creating high-quality content. Furthermore, it encourages a diverse mix of content types, leading to higher audience interaction. Regularly reviewing the calendar based on analytics helps identify successful strategies, optimizing engagement and follower growth. Benefit Description Impact Consistent Posting Maintains a regular schedule Increases engagement Strategic Planning Aligns content with marketing goals Improves effectiveness Diverse Content Types Encourages various formats like stories and posts Boosts interaction rates Key Components of an Effective Instagram Calendar An effective Instagram calendar contains several key components that secure your content strategy remains organized and targeted. First, establish a clearly defined posting schedule, ideally aiming for three to five feed posts per week to maintain audience engagement. Incorporate diverse content types, such as high-resolution images, reels, and user-generated content, to cater to varied preferences. Utilize insights from Instagram Analytics to strategically schedule posts during peak engagement times based on audience activity data. Outline key dates and themes in your calendar to plan around holidays and events that resonate with your target audience. Finally, regularly track performance metrics against your goals, allowing for continuous optimization of your content strategy to guarantee alignment with overall marketing objectives. Steps to Create Your Instagram Calendar Creating your Instagram calendar starts with a solid comprehension of your audience demographics and preferences, which you can gather using insights and analytics tools. Follow these steps to establish an effective calendar: Conduct an audit of your existing Instagram profile to evaluate post types, engagement levels, and overall performance. Outline specific goals for your Instagram presence, ensuring they align with your broader marketing objectives for focused content creation. Establish ideal posting times based on analytics data to maximize engagement and reach your audience when they’re most active. Utilize a content calendar tool to visually organize and plan your posts, allowing for a balanced mix of content types and the flexibility to schedule evergreen content. Implementing these steps will help you craft a strategic Instagram calendar. How an Instagram Calendar Enhances Engagement Using an Instagram calendar helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is essential for keeping your audience engaged. By planning targeted content around key dates and trends, you can better capture your followers’ interest and increase interactions. Moreover, leveraging audience engagement insights allows you to optimize your strategy, ensuring your posts reach followers when they’re most active. Consistent Posting Schedule Though maintaining a consistent posting schedule might seem like a simple task, it plays a crucial role in enhancing engagement on Instagram. Here’s how utilizing an Instagram calendar can help: Visibility: Regularly posting three to five times per week keeps your brand top-of-mind for your audience. Strategic Timing: Schedule posts during peak engagement times identified through analytics to maximize reach. Diverse Content: A balanced mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining content maintains audience interest and engagement. Continuous Improvement: Regularly update your calendar based on performance metrics, allowing you to adapt and optimize your strategy over time. Targeted Content Strategy A targeted content strategy is vital for enhancing engagement on Instagram, as it allows you to tailor your posts to the specific interests and preferences of your audience. An Instagram content calendar streamlines your planning process, helping you maintain a consistent posting schedule, which is critical for keeping followers engaged. By categorizing content types, you can guarantee a balanced mix of promotional, educational, and entertaining posts, leading to higher engagement rates. Scheduling posts during peak times identified through Instagram Insights maximizes your reach and interaction. Furthermore, a well-structured calendar enables you to plan around holidays and events, making certain your content remains timely and relevant. Regularly analyzing performance metrics further refines your strategy, aligning future posts with audience preferences. Audience Engagement Insights An Instagram content calendar serves as a potent tool for improving audience engagement by enabling strategic planning that aligns with follower interests and peak activity times. By using a calendar, you can: Schedule posts in advance, ensuring consistent posting frequency, which is essential for maintaining audience interest. Analyze audience behavior to tailor content types, like stories or reels, that resonate better with your followers. Allocate time for community interaction, nurturing connection and encouraging user-generated content. Regularly review performance metrics of scheduled posts, allowing for data-driven adjustments to boost engagement. Tools for Managing Your Instagram Calendar Managing your Instagram calendar effectively can greatly improve your social media strategy, especially when you utilize specialized tools designed for this purpose. Tools like Hootsuite and Buffer enable you to schedule posts in advance, ensuring consistent content delivery during peak activity times. They often include analytics features that offer insights on post performance, helping you refine your content strategies based on audience behavior. Kontentino streamlines collaboration among team members, allowing easy sharing of ideas as you keep your content calendar organized. Moreover, many tools provide hashtag suggestions and ideal posting time recommendations, enhancing your chances of reaching a broader audience. Frequently Asked Questions What Is an Instagram Calendar? An Instagram calendar is a planning tool that helps you organize and schedule your posts in advance. It allows you to visualize upcoming content, ensuring you maintain consistency in your posting. By using this calendar, you can align your posts with marketing campaigns and key events, like holidays or product launches. This strategic approach not just streamlines your content creation but likewise improves collaboration among team members, improving overall quality and engagement. How Can I Increase Engagement on Instagram? To increase engagement on Instagram, focus on consistency by posting regularly. Analyze your audience’s peak activity times using Instagram Insights to schedule posts for maximum visibility. Diversify your content with formats like reels and stories to cater to different preferences. Engage actively with your followers by responding quickly to comments and messages. Finally, utilize analytics to refine your strategy based on performance data, adapting your content to meet your audience’s interests. Why Is a Design Calendar Crucial for Your Instagram Presence? A design calendar‘s essential for your Instagram presence since it helps you maintain a consistent posting schedule. By planning your content, you align with marketing goals and improve engagement. It streamlines your content creation, reducing last-minute rushes, and guarantees high-quality visuals. Incorporating various formats like reels and stories keeps your feed dynamic. Regular performance analysis of scheduled posts lets you refine strategies, guaranteeing continuous improvement in your engagement metrics over time. How to Make an Instagram Calendar? To create an Instagram calendar, start by defining your goals and objectives, ensuring they align with your overall marketing strategy. Next, analyze your audience using Instagram Insights to understand their preferences. Plan a mix of content types, including images, videos, and stories, and schedule posts during peak engagement times. Finally, regularly review your calendar’s performance metrics, adjusting your strategy based on engagement rates and follower growth to optimize your content effectively. Conclusion In conclusion, an Instagram calendar is a valuable tool for planning and scheduling your content effectively. By organizing posts around themes and key dates, you can guarantee consistency and relevance, which are essential for audience engagement. Implementing this strategy helps you maintain a steady flow of diverse content, eventually leading to higher interaction rates. With the right tools and a clear plan, you can improve your Instagram presence and connect more meaningfully with your followers. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What Is an Instagram Calendar and How Can It Boost Engagement?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

With a historically bad winter storm expected to bring snow, ice, and sub-zero wind chills to many parts of the United States this weekend, it's a good time to make sure you're prepared for a potentially life-threatening disaster. While winter storms are generally less deadly than hurricanes and heat waves, they can be extremely dangerous, particularly when extremely cold, wind, and ice storms cause power outages. But with a little preparation and common sense, you should be all right when it gets extra snowy and cold. Here are some tips and instructions for blizzard and winter storm survival. Who is the winter storm likely to affect? Credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The map above, from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Weather Prediction Center shows the predicted course of the storm through Jan. 26. You can click the link to dig into predicted snow amounts, ice accumulation, and more, but the overall picture is a huge storm that is likely to affect more than 172 million people in the U.S. and bring record low temperatures. If you're anywhere in the affected area, take time to plan for a potential snow-and-cold disaster before it happens. Make a blizzard emergency kit For a winter storm, you want to prepare for a few cold days without power. You should have a basic survival bag tucked away in an easy-to-access spot in your house for any disaster. According to the government, a boilerplate emergency kit will contain: Water and non-perishable food for several days Extra cell phone battery or charger Battery-powered or hand crank radio that can receive NOAA Weather Radio tone alerts and extra batteries Flashlight and extra batteries First aid kit Whistle to signal for help Dust mask to help filter contaminated air, and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter in place Moist towelettes, garbage bags, and plastic ties for personal sanitation Non-sparking wrench or pliers to turn off utilities Can opener (if your kit contains canned food) Local maps Extra clothing and blankets (although I bet you already know where these are in your home) For winter storm saftey, I'd add a carbon monoxide detector, just to be as safe as possible when shut up inside your house. Here’s a handy shopping list you can take to the supermarket, complete with “extra credit” items like prescriptions medicine and games to keep you busy. Stay homeIf you only follow one rule for blizzard survival, make it this one: Do not be outside during a winter storm. If you’re home, you probably won’t be snowbound for more than a week (and even that is unlikely), and you’ll be much warmer than if you were outside. If you are home during a blizzard or winter storm (and you should be) take the following steps: Stay inside. Don’t forget your pets. Bring them inside, too. Be able to access multiple sources of information about the weather, from the internet, to television, to radio, and make sure you can get updates even if the power goes out. If you have electric heat, crank it up as the storm approaches in case you lose power. Stay in a small, insulated area: To conserve heat, stay in one room as much as possible. Stuff towels and rags under doors to conserve heat. Be careful with alternative heaters like kerosene. They can start a fire, and if not properly ventilated, you can die from carbon monoxide poisoning. Wear layers of light clothing. Cover windows at night but uncover them during day to catch any heat from sunlight. Save batteries: Use your phone to check in on friends, family and neighbors by or to call authorities only. Know the difference between “advisories,” “watches,” and “warnings”As cold weather approaches, you may hear difference kinds of buzzwords for approaching storms on your NOAA weather radio and from other sources. Here’s a crash course on the relevant winter weather warnings from the National Weather Service, and what they mean, with the most severe listed first. WarningsA warning indicates an 80% or greater probability of conditions that pose a threat to life or property, and that travel will become difficult to impossible. In other words: “This storm is serious business.” Blizzard Warning: A blizzard warning means that the following conditions are occurring or expected within the next 12 to 18 hours: Snow and/or blowing snow reducing visibility to 1/4 mile or less for three hours or longer, and sustained winds of 35 mph or greater or frequent gusts to 35 mph or greater. Winter Storm Warning: A winter storm warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent. That means five inches or more of snow/sleet within a 12-hour period or seven inches or more of snow/sleet within a 24-hour period, and/or enough ice accumulation to cause damage to trees or power lines. It also can mean a life-threatening or damaging combination of snow and/or ice accumulation with wind. WatchesWatches are intended to provide enough lead time so you can make plans to stay safe. They are usually issued a day or so before the predicted event when there’s a greater than 50% chance of it happening. Winter Storm Watch: A winter storm watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. This doesn’t mean that significant and hazardous winter weather will occur—it only means it is possible. Blizzard Watch: This means conditions are favorable for a blizzard event—low visibility with winds of at least 35 mph. AdvisoriesWinter storm advisories indicate that less serious (but still concerning) weather conditions are possible. Remember, though, a storm can change from one condition to another, so keep checking back. Go to the National Weather Service’s site for more in-depth weather-warning information. What to do if you are caught in your car during a blizzard or snowstormBeing trapped in your car during a snow-mergency is bad, but not necessarily deadly. Here’s a detailed trapped-in-your-car survival guide, but here are the main points: Don’t panic: As survival scenarios go, being trapped in a car in a snowstorm is not that bad. It definitely beats being trapped in a snowstorm without a car. Make sure your tailpipe is not clogged: When you first realize you are trapped, check the exhaust pipe to make sure it’s clear. You don’t want to die of carbon monoxide poisoning. Indicate you are in distress to the outside world: Call 911 if you can. Tie a brightly colored cloth or ribbon to your antenna or door. If the snow stops, raise your hood. Stay in your vehicle: A car is an excellent survival shelter—a guy in Sweden survived in his car for two months, and he didn’t even seem to have had food or water. It is a bad idea to go walking around in a blizzard. You will get lost, cold, wet, and maybe even hit by another driver. Bundle up: Wear as many layers as you can with the extra clothing you packed. Create as small a space as possible: If you have blankets or jackets, create a little “fort” for yourself. A smaller space is easier to heat. You could try lining the windows with newspaper or those discarded fast food bags you never cleaned up. Run your car for 10 minutes an hour: Experts recommend starting your car and running the heater, hazard lights, and dome light for about 10 minutes per hour. Roll down the window a crack while the engine is running to avoid the possibility of inhaling carbon monoxide. Other than cold, carbon monoxide is your biggest danger. Don’t play on your phone: I know it’s boring to sit in the car for so long, but only use your cell to call emergency numbers. Don’t be surprised if the authorities tell you to “sit tight,” though. If you run out of water, drink melted snow: You can get a little moisture into your body by drinking melted snow. What to do if you are caught outside during a blizzardSo you didn’t listen when I said to stay home, huh? Now you’re stumbling blindly through a snowstorm and freezing to death. I won’t sugar coat it: things are bad for you, and your survival depends on the severity of the storm. But here’s what to do: Find shelter: Get out of the wind and snow. Don’t try to make it home or wherever else you’re going if there’s somewhere safe you can wait things out. Cover up your exposed flesh: I imagine this would occur to you anyway, but just in case it doesn’t, cover up as much as possible to stay warm and avoid frostbite. Build a shelter: The National Weather Service recommends the following if you can’t find a shelter: “Build a lean-to, windbreak, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention. Place rocks around the fire to absorb and reflect heat.” I think they’re being very optimistic. During a serious blizzard, like Minnesota’s “Children’s Blizzard” of 1888, people died yards from their houses because they got disoriented and snow-blind, so you’re probably not going to have time to build an igloo or whatever in a real blizzard. But learn wilderness survival tactics if you are likely to be at risk. Melt snow for water: Melting snow for water is OK, but don’t eat it frozen—that will lower your body temperature. View the full article

The U.S. is no longer part of the World Health Organization. After the The President administration declared its intention to pull the country out of the global public health agency one year ago, on Thursday it formally followed through, ending its commitment to the organization after 78 years. Withdrawing the U.S. from the WHO was one of The President’s day one priorities. The president signed an executive order on January 20, 2025 declaring that the U.S. would pull out of the organization over its criticisms of the agency’s response to the pandemic. Now, after the required one year notice period, the deed is done. “Following its withdrawal from the WHO, the United States will continue to lead global health efforts independently—engaging partners directly, deploying resources efficiently, and ensuring accountability to the American people outside of WHO structures,” a fact sheet on the U.S. Health and Human Services website reads. In an unusual joint statement issued by Secretary of State Rubio and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. government aired a series of grievances about the agency, which it accused of working against American interests. “From our days as its primary founder, primary financial backer, and primary champion until now, our final day, the insults to America continue,” Kennedy and Rubio wrote. On a practical level, the U.S. will no longer send any funding or staff for WHO initiatives. All federal employees working at its main Geneva location or in other global offices have been recalled. Next month, the WHO will meet to determine which strain of the flu virus to target in the next flu vaccine – a consequential public health decision the U.S. looks ready to sit out. Nearly all of the countries in the world are members of the WHO, but the U.S.has been one of the agency’s most prominent members and its largest financial backer for decades. A board session scheduled for early February will be the organization’s first without the U.S. since its founding. Fear for the future of global health The The President administration’s decision to walk away from the WHO has had a year to sink in, but its impact is still resonating. When the decision to withdraw was first announced, the American Academy of Pediatrics called on Congress to intervene, warning that WHO membership provides the U.S. a vital perspective into the global health landscape. “For more than 70 years, the WHO has played a leading role in protecting, supporting and promoting public health in the United States and around the world,” the professional organization of pediatricians wrote. “Withdrawing from the WHO will hamper our country’s ability to predict and respond to major public health emergencies and limit access, communication and information sharing to a global network of health professionals.” President of the Infectious Diseases Society of America Ronald G. Nahass M.D. called the decision “scientifically reckless” and warned that the U.S. will be less equipped to fight illnesses like the flu moving forward. “The U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization is a shortsighted and misguided abandonment of our global health commitments,” Nahass said. “Global cooperation and communication are critical to keep our own citizens protected because germs do not respect borders.” Former CDC Director Thomas Frieden, who served under the Obama administration, issued his own dire warning about the U.S. withdrawal on X. “We’ll look back on this as a grave error. Health threats do not respect borders, and weakening global cooperation makes Americans less safe,” Frieden said. “WHO isn’t perfect, but it is irreplaceable to detect outbreaks early and coordinate emergency responses before they become global crises.” The President has openly expressed his contempt for longstanding alliances that have shaped the modern global order – and he hasn’t been shy to end them. The President capped a tense week defined by global worries over his threat to invade Greenland with one more insult for U.S. allies, claiming that NATO soldiers stayed “a little off the front lines” during the war in Afghanistan. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the remarks “frankly appalling.” View the full article

Software teams often stretch their tools beyond their original purpose, especially when delivery pressure meets organizational complexity. This article explores Azure DevOps for project management, examining where it fits, where it struggles and why teams debate using it beyond workflows. What Is Azure DevOps? Azure DevOps is a Microsoft platform that provides a set of services for software development teams to plan work, manage source code, automate build and release pipelines and collaborate throughout the application lifecycle. It brings together tools for version control, continuous integration, testing, deployment and work item tracking within a single cloud-based environment used by organizations across many industries. Is Azure DevOps Project Management Software? While Azure DevOps supports planning and tracking work within software teams, it does not fully align with what is typically considered project management software. Its tools help coordinate tasks, iterations and delivery workflows, but the platform lacks core capabilities such as native Gantt charts, project portfolio-level roadmaps, comprehensive resource management and financial tracking. As a result, Azure DevOps can assist with managing development work, yet it falls short of providing the broader project oversight found in dedicated project management solutions. Try ProjectManager if you’re looking for project management software that includes the traditional yet powerful features that project teams want. Our software is built for project management, not just software delivery. Our features include Gantt charts, budget tracking, resource planning, dashboards, reports and so much more. Traditional project managers get tools that match their preferred methodology. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2023/02/operations-implementation-gantt-chart-150-cta.jpgLearn more Can Azure DevOps Still Be Used for Project Management? Despite its limitations as a standalone project management solution, some teams still rely on Azure DevOps to organize, coordinate and monitor project work within a development-focused environment. Pros of Azure DevOps for Project Management The strongest case for using Azure DevOps for project management emerges in software development teams, where engineering workflows, technical dependencies and delivery cadence matter more than traditional and general-use project planning, scheduling and monitoring tools. Built-in work item tracking aligns naturally with developer tasks, user stories, bugs and technical backlog management. Sprint planning and iteration tools support agile delivery without requiring external project management platforms. Native integration with source control and CI/CD pipelines connects planning directly to code and deployment activity. Cross-team visibility through backlogs and delivery plans helps coordinate work across multiple development teams. Highly customizable workflows allow teams to adapt processes to their engineering practices rather than generic PM models. Related: 18 Free Software Development Templates for Excel, Word & More Cons of Azure DevOps for Project Management Even software development teams eventually require broader project management capabilities to coordinate timelines, resources and priorities across initiatives. Azure DevOps concentrates on delivery execution, leaving critical project planning, scheduling, tracking and portfolio-level controls either absent or dependent on integrations with external tools and extensions. No native project portfolio management roadmap, making it difficult to track timelines across multiple projects. Absence of built-in Gantt charts for visualizing schedules, dependencies and long-term plans. No centralized resource management to allocate people across projects or assess capacity organization-wide. Lack of financial management features such as cost estimating, project budgeting or cost tracking. Limited dependency visualization across projects, teams and high-level initiatives. No standardized project-level reporting for executives outside development-focused metrics. Missing milestone-focused planning views common in traditional project management tools. Requires marketplace extensions or external software to approximate core project management functionality. Does Azure DevOps Have Project Management Features? Several Azure DevOps features were built for development workflows but overlap with project management needs, offering limited planning, tracking and coordination capabilities when teams adapt them beyond their original intent. Azure DevOps Roadmap Azure DevOps roadmaps, delivered primarily through Delivery Plans, are designed to visualize work items such as epics and features across iterations and teams, presenting a timeline-based view of planned development. They focus on coordinating delivery schedules rather than defining strategic objectives or long-term portfolio investments at the team level only. From a project management perspective, these timelines offer partial visibility into delivery commitments. However, because they lack portfolio context, budgeting and cross-project alignment, they provide only a narrow substitute for true project roadmaps used to manage multiple initiatives effectively. /wp-content/uploads/2024/08/portfolio-roadmap-light-mode-webp-600x322.webpLearn more Azure DevOps Kanban Board Kanban boards in Azure DevOps are designed to visualize the flow of work items through defined stages, allowing teams to manage backlog, work in progress and completion status. They emphasize continuous delivery, limiting bottlenecks and improving workflow efficiency rather than enforcing fixed schedules or milestones common in traditional project plans. For project management, kanban boards help teams monitor task status and surface execution issues early. Still, they do not support timeline forecasting, dependency modeling or long-range planning, which restricts their usefulness beyond day-to-day coordination across projects and strategic planning efforts. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/product-launch-template-light-mode-kanban-600x339.jpgLearn more Azure DevOps Sprint Board Sprint boards are designed to support time-boxed iterations by organizing committed work for a sprint into task-level views. They help teams track progress against sprint goals, manage workload during active iterations and respond to short-term changes within an agile delivery cycle without addressing broader planning horizons at the project or portfolio. In project management terms, sprint boards assist with execution tracking and short-term accountability. Yet their focus on single iterations limits visibility into overall schedules, milestones and cross-project coordination needed for managing projects end-to-end across multiple teams and initiatives. /wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Agile-Sprint-Plan-Template.png Get your free Agile Sprint Plan Template Use this free Agile Sprint Plan Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template Azure DevOps Backlog The Azure DevOps backlog is designed to organize and prioritize work items such as epics, features, user stories and bugs. It provides a structured hierarchy that helps teams break down complex development efforts into manageable units aligned with product and delivery objectives. For project management purposes, backlogs offer visibility into scope and priorities. However, they do not provide timeline forecasting, milestone planning or cross-project coordination, limiting their usefulness for managing projects beyond development execution. Azure DevOps Dashboards Azure DevOps dashboards are designed to present configurable visual summaries of work item status, sprint progress, build results and delivery metrics. They aggregate data from across teams and projects into widgets intended to support monitoring, transparency and operational awareness. From a project management angle, dashboards help stakeholders track progress and surface risks quickly. Still, they lack standardized project reporting, financial indicators and portfolio-level insights required for comprehensive project oversight. Related: 5 Free Excel Dashboard Templates Azure DevOps Burndown Chart The burndown chart in Azure DevOps is designed to visualize remaining work against time within a sprint or iteration. It helps teams assess whether they are on track to complete committed work by comparing planned effort versus actual progress. In project management contexts, burndown charts provide short-term progress indicators. However, their sprint-level focus makes them unsuitable for tracking long-term schedules, milestones or multi-project timelines. /wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Burndown-chart-sample-with-border-and-logo-600x407.png ProjectManager Is the Best Azure DevOps Project Management Integration ProjectManager is a well-rounded project management software designed to support all types of projects and teams. Our software provides built-in financial tracking, schedule visualization, reporting, portfolio management and many more engaging features. There’s no steep learning curve and the onboarding process is fast. AI-Powered Project Management Insights AI Project Insights brings automated analysis, data-driven recommendations and real-time visibility to fast-moving delivery requirements. The latest GPT5 technology analyzes task progress, highlights bottlenecks in delivery pipelines and identifies risky areas in the project. Use it to support smarter sprint planning and backlog refinement. /wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Ai-insights-lightmode-gantt-gpt5.png Resource & Workload Management to Support Sprint Planning With built-in resource and workload management, ProjectManager allows teams to assign human and non-human resources, visualize workloads and balance staffing. This helps traditional project managers manage resource bottlenecks, allocations and utilization across projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/workload-page-resource-management-lightmode.png Related Software Development Content 18 Free Software Development Templates for Excel, Word and More Software Development Estimation: A Quick Guide SDLC – The Software Development Life Cycle Burndown Chart: What Is It, Examples & How to Use One ProjectManager is online software that helps teams organize their work no matter where they are or how they work. Get real-time data for better decision-making while connecting teams and fostering collaboration. Deliver products on time, within your budget and with the level of quality that your customers expect. Try ProjectManager for free today! The post Azure DevOps for Project Management: Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Washington’s allies are looking for a new strategy after a week that has demonstrated what some see as the risks of subordination and coercionView the full article

In an age where efficiency is paramount for small business owners, Slack has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of a redesigned version of Slackbot, which promises to be a personal, context-aware AI agent tailored for the workplace. This innovative tool is geared toward streamlining workflows and cutting down on the time spent searching for information, ultimately allowing teams to focus on what truly matters. The newly enhanced Slackbot builds on the foundation of its predecessor but adds a robust layer of intelligence that learns from your interactions within the Slack ecosystem. Unlike traditional AI assistants, which often lack contextual awareness, Slackbot recognizes the nuances of team communication, existing projects, and individual user behavior. This capability allows it to deliver personalized insights and actionable recommendations based on your work patterns. “AI has raised expectations in our personal lives, but work is fundamentally different. To truly be useful at work, AI needs context: an understanding of your conversations, your tools, and how decisions actually get made,” noted Rob Seaman, Chief Product Officer and Interim CEO at Slack. This recognition of context could serve as a game-changer for small businesses that often juggle multiple tasks and communication channels. Key Benefits for Small Business Owners Improved Efficiency: Small business owners often wear many hats, and the frustration of searching through countless messages for crucial information can be overwhelming. Slackbot synthesizes information from channels, files, and past conversations, helping you to make informed decisions quickly. Reports from users like Sinan, Head of Marketing at MrBeast, indicate that they save up to 90 minutes a day by using Slackbot to prepare for meetings and create project canvases. Streamlined Communication: The AI agent can prepare meeting summaries and key points relevant to your work, significantly reducing the time spent catching up. This can enhance collaboration among teams, especially when multiple departments are involved. For example, Mollie Bodensteiner, SVP of Operations at Engine, describes Slackbot as a “chaos tamer,” helping their team maintain focus. Content Creation Assistance: Whether drafting emails, creating meeting briefs, or summarizing discussions, Slackbot provides a solid first draft based on your style and preferences. This functionality minimizes friction in the content creation process, allowing you to refine ideas rather than start from scratch. Data Analysis: For small businesses, sifting through reports or project documents can be daunting. Slackbot’s ability to read and analyze files enables users to extract insights without having to comb through reams of data. This capability allows for more informed decision-making across various operational aspects. Integrated Security: Slackbot is built with enterprise-grade security features, respecting user permissions and maintaining data privacy. This foundation of trust is crucial for small businesses, especially those dealing with sensitive information. However, while Slackbot presents numerous advantages, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. One significant hurdle could be the learning curve as teams adapt to integrating an AI tool into their daily operations. Although the setup is described as straightforward, the transition still requires some adjustment for teams used to traditional methods of communication and data retrieval. Furthermore, as with any AI system, reliance on Slackbot for critical decision-making may introduce risks if it provides inaccurate information or misinterprets context. The cost associated with upgrading to Business+ or Enterprise+ tiers to access Slackbot may also be a concern for some small business owners, especially those monitoring budgets closely. As Slackbot rolls out in phases to its premium subscribers beginning this month, businesses have a unique opportunity to explore how this tool can transform their workflow. Ramping up productivity and reducing the chaos of daily tasks may be more attainable than ever, making it vital for small business owners to engage with this intelligent assistant and unlock its full potential. Those interested in trying out Slackbot can access its features directly through the Slack interface and join an upcoming webinar to learn how this tool can improve everyday work routines. For more details on Slackbot and its features, check out the full announcement on Slack’s official blog at Slack.com. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Unveils Context-Aware Slackbot as Your New AI Productivity Partner" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an age where efficiency is paramount for small business owners, Slack has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of a redesigned version of Slackbot, which promises to be a personal, context-aware AI agent tailored for the workplace. This innovative tool is geared toward streamlining workflows and cutting down on the time spent searching for information, ultimately allowing teams to focus on what truly matters. The newly enhanced Slackbot builds on the foundation of its predecessor but adds a robust layer of intelligence that learns from your interactions within the Slack ecosystem. Unlike traditional AI assistants, which often lack contextual awareness, Slackbot recognizes the nuances of team communication, existing projects, and individual user behavior. This capability allows it to deliver personalized insights and actionable recommendations based on your work patterns. “AI has raised expectations in our personal lives, but work is fundamentally different. To truly be useful at work, AI needs context: an understanding of your conversations, your tools, and how decisions actually get made,” noted Rob Seaman, Chief Product Officer and Interim CEO at Slack. This recognition of context could serve as a game-changer for small businesses that often juggle multiple tasks and communication channels. Key Benefits for Small Business Owners Improved Efficiency: Small business owners often wear many hats, and the frustration of searching through countless messages for crucial information can be overwhelming. Slackbot synthesizes information from channels, files, and past conversations, helping you to make informed decisions quickly. Reports from users like Sinan, Head of Marketing at MrBeast, indicate that they save up to 90 minutes a day by using Slackbot to prepare for meetings and create project canvases. Streamlined Communication: The AI agent can prepare meeting summaries and key points relevant to your work, significantly reducing the time spent catching up. This can enhance collaboration among teams, especially when multiple departments are involved. For example, Mollie Bodensteiner, SVP of Operations at Engine, describes Slackbot as a “chaos tamer,” helping their team maintain focus. Content Creation Assistance: Whether drafting emails, creating meeting briefs, or summarizing discussions, Slackbot provides a solid first draft based on your style and preferences. This functionality minimizes friction in the content creation process, allowing you to refine ideas rather than start from scratch. Data Analysis: For small businesses, sifting through reports or project documents can be daunting. Slackbot’s ability to read and analyze files enables users to extract insights without having to comb through reams of data. This capability allows for more informed decision-making across various operational aspects. Integrated Security: Slackbot is built with enterprise-grade security features, respecting user permissions and maintaining data privacy. This foundation of trust is crucial for small businesses, especially those dealing with sensitive information. However, while Slackbot presents numerous advantages, small business owners should also consider potential challenges. One significant hurdle could be the learning curve as teams adapt to integrating an AI tool into their daily operations. Although the setup is described as straightforward, the transition still requires some adjustment for teams used to traditional methods of communication and data retrieval. Furthermore, as with any AI system, reliance on Slackbot for critical decision-making may introduce risks if it provides inaccurate information or misinterprets context. The cost associated with upgrading to Business+ or Enterprise+ tiers to access Slackbot may also be a concern for some small business owners, especially those monitoring budgets closely. As Slackbot rolls out in phases to its premium subscribers beginning this month, businesses have a unique opportunity to explore how this tool can transform their workflow. Ramping up productivity and reducing the chaos of daily tasks may be more attainable than ever, making it vital for small business owners to engage with this intelligent assistant and unlock its full potential. Those interested in trying out Slackbot can access its features directly through the Slack interface and join an upcoming webinar to learn how this tool can improve everyday work routines. For more details on Slackbot and its features, check out the full announcement on Slack’s official blog at Slack.com. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Slack Unveils Context-Aware Slackbot as Your New AI Productivity Partner" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Reform UK leader’s pass and hotel costs for World Economic Forum event were paid for by Sasan GhandehariView the full article