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Everyone would love the idea of being “financially independent,” and the FIRE approach is a great option that makes that life accessible. Unfortunately, the prospect of sacrificing life’s comforts to achieve and live in Lean FIRE, or even FIRE, is too much for some to fathom. At the other end of the spectrum, the millions ... Read moreView the full article

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to set up an integration that syncs Freshservice service requests with Jira issues through an automated flow from Unito. Since Unito is a completely customizable platform with a no-code interface, you can set up this integration without any technical resources and minimal maintenance. No need to troubleshoot complex automations or rely on expensive consultants, either. Overview Tools: Freshservice and Jira Use cases: Ticket escalation, software development, project management, AI agent integration Great for: IT teams, software developers, product owners, project managers Unito’s integration for Freshservice and Jira allows users of any technical background, from product managers to software developers and support teams, to sync Freshservice service requests with Jira issues. This integration syncs updates from Freshservice to Jira, creates new issues, and can even automate repetitive actions. This in-depth guide shows you how that’s done. By the end of this guide, your Freshservice-Jira integration will: Create new Jira issues synced with Freshservice service requests. Update Jira fields in real-time based on updates you make in Freshservice. Here’s a video guide for a very similar integration. Before you start Setting up Jira If you’re connecting Jira to Unito via OAuth 2.0, follow the on-screen instructions when adding your account for the first time: If you’re not using OAuth 2.0 to connect your Jira Cloud workspace to Unito, you’ll need to do the following: Set your Jira contact email visibility to anyone in your Jira profile page. Set up an application link in Jira to sync your issues to NetSuite. If you’re connecting an on-premise Jira Server instance to Unito, you’ll need to follow this guide. You can also use ngrok to connect Jira Server to Unito. Step 1: Connect Freshservice and Jira to Unito Sign up for Unito. Click +Create Flow in the Unito app. Click Start Here to connect Freshservice and Jira. Click +Choose Account for each tool and complete the authorization process. Click Confirm. Connecting tools to Unito for the first time? Here’s an in-depth guide. Step 2: Choose flow direction for work items With flow direction, you decide where Unito automatically creates work items to match those you create manually. For most Unito integrations, you can choose between a two-way flow that creates work items in both tools or a one-way flow that only creates new items in one tool. With Unito’s Freshservice integration, you can only build one-way flows that sync data out of Freshservive and to other tools, so this step will be set up for you! Want to know more about flow direction? Check out this guide. Step 3: Build rules to sync specific work items Unito rules can do two things: Filter out work items you don’t want synced. For example, you could create a rule that only syncs Freshservice service requests created after a certain date. Automate certain actions. For example, you could create a rule that automatically assigns new Jira issues to a certain person on your team. To start building your rule, click Add new rule, then choose a trigger and action. Want to learn more about rules? Check out this guide. Step 4: Map fields between Freshservice and Jira When you map fields, you pair fields in Freshservice with fields in Jira so data goes exactly where it needs to. Unito can usually map most fields automatically, whether they’re exactly the same (Owner→Owner) or just compatible (URL→Text). You can also choose to map fields manually to fully customize your flow. Here’s what you’ll see when Unito maps your fields automatically. You can add a field mapping by clicking +Add mapping, then Select a field. When you choose the field you want to map in one tool, Unito will automatically recommend compatible fields in a dropdown under the other tool. Some fields have a cog icon, meaning you can customize them once they’re mapped. For example, a Status field can be customized so its options match those in another field. Step 5: Launch your Freshservice-Jira integration That’s it! You’re ready to launch your flow. Unito will automatically sync Freshservice data to Jira issues so software developers always know what’s going on when tickets are escalated to them. This will allow your teams to collaborate more effectively without copying and pasting data or constantly switching tools. Ready to optimize your workflow? Meet with our team to see what Unito can do for your workflows. Talk with sales FAQ: Freshservice-Jira integration Why should I integrate Freshservice with Jira? Syncing Freshservice service requests with Jira issues allows your teams to work more effectively without jumping back and forth between tools. This allows: Developers working on ticket escalations to have all the context they need as IT works with requesters. IT agents to send tickets to developers without any manual work or meetings. Team leads to get an overview on escalated tickets and context without leaving their tool of choice. How do I add a Freshservice service request to Jira? Freshservice offers a built-in integration with Jira that creates a link between service requests and Jira issues. This link can be enough to get a quick overview on service tickets on a case-by-case basis, but it’s not the best way to integrate these tools. Unito’s integration and similar platforms automatically create new Jira issues to match service requests in Freshservice, keeping fields in these issues up to date. That makes them the best way to collaborate seamlessly. Why should I use Unito’s Freshservice-Jira integration? Unito has some of the deepest integrations on the market and they only take minutes to set up. When you connect Freshservice service requests with Jira issues, any service requests you escalate automatically become Jira issues. That means you can get all the context you need in Jira without manually copying it over from Freshservice. You get the feeling of everyone working in a single tool without having to designate a middleman or force anyone to use multiple platforms. What’s next after integrating Freshservice with Jira? Need to integrate Jira with other tools in your stack? Check out our other guides: Integrating Jira and Wrike Syncing Jira and Salesforce Connecting Jira and GitHub Want to know more about Unito’s Freshservice integration? Check out this guide. View the full article

January isn't over yet, and Amazon's already set to pay more than $3 billion to U.S. customers across various settlements. If you've bought anything from Amazon recently, keep an eye out: Bezos' baby could owe you some money. How to get Amazon's returns settlementIf you've had difficulty returning an Amazon package recently, you could have a paycheck coming your way soon. As reported by Reuters, the company has agreed to a $309 million cash settlement (in addition to "other benefits") with affected customers, alongside more than $600 million in individual refunds. According to lawyers for the plaintiffs, the settlement as a whole provides more than $1 billion in relief. The lawsuit accused the e-commerce giant of causing "substantial unjustified monetary losses" with its return policies, which the plaintiffs say resulted in many customers returning items only to be charged for them anyway. Amazon denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement, but did say it will spend more than $363 million improving its return and refund practices. The company claims that, after an internal review last year, it "identified a small subset of returns where we issued a refund without the payment completing, or where we could not verify that the correct item had been sent to us, so no refund had been issued." However, Amazon said it had taken steps to resolve the issue, as seen in the refunds on years-old returns the company started issuing last year. The settlement is still awaiting approval from U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead in Seattle, but as both parties support it, it'll likely come soon. The class would cover "U.S. purchasers of goods on Amazon from Sept 2017 who allegedly did not receive timely or correct refunds, or who were later charged despite returning items," writes Reuters. It's currently unclear how class members would file a claim, or how the $309 million cash settlement and $600 million individual refunds will be divvied up. However, the plaintiffs told the court that class members should expect to recover the full amount of lost funds, plus interest. Eligible class members are often contacted by email, so keep an eye out. In the meantime, you can also search for legal updates using the case name, "In re: Amazon Return Policy Litigation, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, No. 2:23-CV-1372-JNW." How to get Amazon's Prime settlementWhile Amazon's returns settlement is still in its early phases, it's not the biggest payout the company's had to make this year. Earlier this January, Amazon reached a $2.5 billion settlement with the FTC over accusations that it had essentially tricked people into either signing up for or staying subscribed to Prime. Claims are going out in two ways, one of which is automatic, and the other you have to sign up for. According to the settlement website, as well as the FTC, automatic payments should have gone out already, and applied to people who meet the following requirements: You are a U.S. consumer who signed up for Prime between June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025, and You enrolled through a Challenged Enrollment Flow, and You used no more than three Prime benefits in a 12-month period from June 23, 2019 and June 23, 2025. If that doesn't sound like you, or you didn't receive a payment, you'll need to file a claim using the "File Claim" button on the settlement website. You're eligible to do this if you meet the follow requirements: You are a U.S. consumer who signed up for Prime, and You unintentionally enrolled in a Prime membership through a challenged enrollment method at issue in the FTC’s lawsuit from June 23, 2019 to June 23, 2025; or you tried to cancel your Prime membership through the online cancellation process from June 23, 2019 to June 23, 2025, but were unable to do so; and You used less than ten Prime benefits (e.g., delivery, shopping, streaming, reading, and other benefits provided to Prime members) during any 12-month period of enrollment in Prime, and You did not receive an automatic payment as part of this Settlement already. Neither website is entirely clear about what constitutes "challenged enrollment," aside from saying that Amazon enrolled customers in Prime without their knowledge or consent. Luckily, you probably won't need to do any legwork to see if you're eligible. According to the FTC, Amazon has begun sending claim notices by mail or email to eligible Prime customers who didn't already get an automatic refund. This will be your cue to sign up for your cut of the settlement, and in fact, you'll need the included Claim ID and PIN to do so. If you believe you're eligible for a share of the settlement but Amazon did not contact you, you can reach out to admin@SubscriptionMembershipSettlement.com for help. Once you file your claim, you can choose to be paid either through check, PayPal, or Venmo. Expected payments will differ from person to person, but will cap out at $51. And there's no need to rush. The deadline to file a claim is July 27, 2026, so you've got some time to ensure you get what you're owed. 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. As far as smart TVs go, the Roku interface is one of the easiest to use, and with a variety of different lines, it’s also easy to find one that fits your budget. The Plus Series is the brand’s first attempt at making its own television, and it’s a reliable mid-range smart TV that gives users a plug-and-play experience (no Roku stick or box required), solid picture quality, and fast streaming for the price. Right now, the 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series is 30% off at a record-low $348, down from $499.99. 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series $499.99 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $499.99 at Amazon This model is an upgrade over the Select Series and features a 4K QLED panel with a wide color gamut and a mini-LED backlight. It also supports HDR-10, including Dolby Vision. Colors are vibrant and detailed compared to similarly priced budget TVs, though according to this PCMag review, greens can occasionally look oversaturated. It reaches a peak brightness of approximately 412 nits. Like all Roku TVs, it has Roku OS built in, giving users access to a wide range of apps and services, and local dimming helps deepen blacks and improve contrast compared to lower-end Roku models. While it isn’t marketed as a gaming TV (it’s only 60Hz and also lacks VRR, which means no AMD FreeSync or Nvidia G-Sync), it still offers a low input lag of 3.1 milliseconds in Game Mode, making it responsive enough for everyday streaming and casual gaming. As one of Roku’s first in-house TVs, the 2025 Plus Series has strong value as a budget TV with a panel that’s brighter and delivers deeper blacks than many Amazon Fire TVs in the same price range. While it doesn’t have the faster refresh rate and more advanced features of the pricier Roku Pro Series or premium OLED TVs, it still delivers most of the core Roku TV experience and respectable visuals, making the 55″ 2025 Roku Smart TV Plus Series hit a sweet spot between budget TVs and more expensive models for those who don’t need cutting-edge gaming features. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $199.00 (List Price $249.00) 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

On Monday, I was introduced to "Clawdbot," the latest AI craze taking over tech social media channels. Clawdbot is designed to be an agentic personal assistant. In layman's terms, that means the bot can perform tasks on your behalf: You give it full access to your computer, and it can organize your inbox, code for you, or clear your calendar (allegedly, anyway). You can also talk to it from a chat app of your choice, like WhatsApp or iMessage, rather than it's own interface. Some people are even buying Mac minis exclusively to run Clawdbot from. If you're wondering where that name came from, it takes after another AI company's product. Creator Peter Steinberger says he was inspired by the monster that appears when users reload Claude Code—Claude being one of the big AI products in the space right now, developed by the company Anthropic. Steinberger decided to go the lobster route with his logo, and named his own lobster mascot "Clawd." From this, Clawdbot was born. The problem: Anthropic also calls Claude Code mascot "Clawd." Whoops. By Tuesday, Clawdbot was no more (in name, anyway). It turns out companies like Anthropic don't appreciate it when you start your own business and use the name of their mascot as your own—especially when you're working in the same ridiculously lucrative field. Maybe if Clawdbot had never taken off, Anthropic wouldn't have noticed, but the bot became an internet sensation, which no doubt landed it on Anthropic's radar. As such, Clawdbot has officially changed its name to "Moltbot," suggesting a lobster molting from its shell. Clawd is now affectionally known as "Molty." The company made the announcement on its official X page, noting that Anthropic had asked it to change the name over "trademark stuff." (Steinberger struck a different tone on his personal X account, however, writing: "I was forced to rename the account by Anthropic. Wasn't my decision.") Aside from the name change, the bot appears to be the same as it was on Monday. That is to say, it's still open source, still available to run locally on your own device, and still comes with the same inherent security risks I outlined yesterday. I still wouldn't recommend you install a program like Moltbot on your personal device, since, name change or not, you'd still be giving it incredible access to your hardware and its data with little knowledge of the safeguards in place to protect it. All it could take is one malicious prompt injection for Moltbot to molt your security. View the full article

Bank claims allegations made in lawsuit this week against wealth chief Andy Sieg were ‘fabricated’View the full article

There's so much visual stuff you can customize in Android Auto. But Android Auto's capabilities go beyond aesthetics and the apps that pop up when you turn on the car. There's a hidden shortcut switch you can enable to run an action in the car that's programmed on your phone. No matter what car you're driving, if it has Android Auto, the shortcut is there. This is the Custom Assistant Shortcut, and it's been part of Android Auto since early 2021. The feature is worth revisiting now that Gemini is slowly rolling out to replace the legacy Google Assistant on Android Auto. Gemini's natural language processing enables it to handle more complex routines, so you're not just programming a rote command you could have otherwise said out loud. The Custom Assistant Shortcut is labeled a "secret" feature because it's camouflaged beneath a main text label in the Android Auto settings menu. I didn't even think to look for it until I stumbled across the trick on an Android blog, but once you find it, it only takes a minute to set up. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker There are several ways to configure the Custom Assistant Shortcut. For example, if you rely on the latest episode of a podcast to carry you through the morning commute, you could set up a shortcut to play the most recent episode via an app that plays well with Gemini, like Spotify or YouTube Music. I prefer to use the Custom Assistant Shortcut for a simpler sequence of actions: finding the nearest branded gas station, no matter where I am in my journey. I programmed the shortcut with the command "Navigate to the nearest [branded gas station]." This begins driving directions to the fuel station I specified, where I can count on adequate lighting and decent bathrooms. It's easier than pawing through the Google Maps app on the Android Auto screen, then looking for the sub-menu option that shows fuel stops, and then sorting through every single option within five miles when you select it. This version of the shortcut is also super helpful on road trips, especially solo ones. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker If you're into home automation, this shortcut gets even more powerful. You can program a Google Home Routine so that a phrase triggers a domino effect of actions. Imagine a routine that prepares for your arrival by opening the garage door, disarming the security system, and turning on the lights before you've ever pulled into the driveway. How to build the Custom Assistant shortcut in Android AutoYou don't need to be in your car to set up the Custom Assistant Action. On your phone, navigate to your Android Auto settings, then scroll down and tap on Customize launcher. Under the main heading, tap the smaller text that says Add a shortcut to the launcher. Select an Assistant action. Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker From here, the most robust option is to write out a specific command. Something like "Navigate Home," or "Play the latest episode of [podcast title] on [media player]." Credit: Florence Ion/Lifehacker Test out your Custom Assistant ShortcutYou can take the shortcut for a spin in your car before hitting the road. The ability to test the command will pop up when you connect your phone to the car. You'll see your new shortcut appear in the app drawer as a standard app icon. It will have a small Gemini asterisk in the corner to distinguish it from native apps (it may still show the legacy Assistant icon in your phone's settings). The "Test Command" button is on the same page where you set up the Custom Assistant Shortcut. Tap it, and you'll know your shortcut is working if the signature rainbow Gemini glow pulses at the bottom of the screen. If not, try adjusting the wording of your command and continue testing until it's a go. Things to note about Custom Assistant Shortcut in Android AutoThese actions are tied to your Google account on your phone, so if you hop into another car with Android Auto, the button will follow you to the display. Remember that Gemini requires a stable data connection to process those requests. If you're driving through a cellular "dead zone," the shortcut might hang, which is annoying while driving. If the shortcut is hard to find in the app drawer, remember you can return to the Customize Launcher menu in the phone's settings and reorder the shortcuts so they're at the top of the drawer. View the full article

In relation to enhancing your business strategy, utilizing customer feedback survey templates is vital. These templates, such as Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Net Promoter Score (NPS), provide valuable insights into customer experiences and preferences. By comprehending these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and drive loyalty. Nevertheless, knowing which templates to use and how to customize them for your specific needs is fundamental. Let’s explore these templates further and see how they can transform your approach. Key Takeaways Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys measure overall satisfaction levels, providing crucial insights into customer experiences and service quality. Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys assess customer loyalty and likelihood to recommend, helping gauge brand advocacy. Help Desk Satisfaction surveys evaluate the quality of customer service interactions, identifying areas for improvement in support processes. Customer Effort Score (CES) surveys pinpoint pain points in customer engagement, enhancing service efficiency and satisfaction. Customer Churn surveys investigate reasons for customer departures, offering actionable insights to retain and improve client relationships. Understanding Customer Feedback Survey Templates Grasping customer feedback survey templates is crucial for businesses aiming to improve their service offerings and address customer needs effectively. These templates serve as fundamental tools designed to gather insights on customer satisfaction, experience, and loyalty. With over 634,000 templates utilized across various industries, their widespread adoption highlights their significance in enhancing customer experiences. Specific templates, like the Product Satisfaction Survey and Customer Onboarding Satisfaction Survey, focus on evaluating different aspects of customer interactions. You can additionally find surveys such as the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Effort Score (CES) embedded within these templates, measuring loyalty and the ease of interactions. The best part? Customizable templates allow you to adapt questions and formats to fit your unique needs, ensuring you collect effective feedback. This adaptability drives actionable insights, enabling your business to identify areas for improvement and encourage growth. Importance of Customer Satisfaction Measurement Measuring customer satisfaction is essential for businesses that want to understand their customers’ experiences and pinpoint areas needing improvement. By utilizing a customer feedback form, you can gather important insights that highlight where your service may fall short. Research shows that a mere 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Additionally, 70% of customers who encounter poor service won’t return, making it vital to monitor satisfaction levels regularly. Customer satisfaction surveys like CSAT and NPS offer quantifiable metrics that allow you to track performance and benchmark against industry standards. When you actively seek and act on customer feedback, studies indicate you can achieve a 30% higher satisfaction rate. This commitment not only improves loyalty but also encourages repeat purchases and recommendations, ensuring your business thrives in a competitive market. Types of Customer Feedback Surveys In terms of gathering customer feedback, you’ll find various types of surveys, each serving a specific purpose. For instance, Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys gauge overall satisfaction, whereas Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys assess customer loyalty. Comprehending these different survey types and their benefits can help you choose the right templates for your feedback needs. Types of Survey Templates Comprehending the various types of customer feedback surveys is essential for businesses aiming to improve their products and services. A customer survey template can include several categories. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys assess overall satisfaction, whereas Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys gauge customer loyalty and their likelihood to recommend your brand. Help Desk Satisfaction surveys focus on the quality of customer service interactions, improving support offerings. Customer Churn surveys investigate the reasons behind customer departures, informing retention strategies. The Customer Effort Score (CES) survey evaluates how easy it’s for customers to engage with your company, identifying pain points. Finally, Product Feedback surveys gather user experiences to understand functionality and usability, highlighting areas for improvement. Purpose of Each Survey Comprehending the purpose of each type of customer feedback survey is fundamental for effectively gathering insights that can drive improvements in your business. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys help you assess overall satisfaction levels, providing direct insights into customer experiences. Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys measure customer loyalty by asking how likely customers are to recommend your business, categorizing them into promoters, passives, or detractors. Customer Effort Score (CES) surveys evaluate the ease of interactions, identifying pain points that can be streamlined. Customer Churn surveys investigate reasons behind customer departures, offering feedback to improve retention strategies. Finally, Help Desk Satisfaction surveys focus on the quality of support received, ensuring timely resolutions and aiding in service improvement, especially when using a customer service survey template. Benefits of Using Surveys Surveys offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve your business operations and customer relationships. By using customer feedback surveys, you can gauge customer satisfaction levels through metrics like the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score. Furthermore, Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys help you understand customer loyalty, revealing how likely customers are to recommend your brand. The Customer Effort Score (CES) highlights areas where customers struggle, enabling you to streamline their experience. Help Desk Satisfaction Surveys provide insights into service quality, allowing you to augment support offerings. Finally, Customer Churn Surveys uncover reasons behind customer departures, offering actionable insights to boost retention strategies. Implementing a feedback survey template can simplify this process, ensuring you gather valuable data efficiently. Crafting Effective Feedback Requests How can you guarantee your feedback requests resonate with customers? Start by using simple and clear language to improve comprehension and encourage participation. Clearly state the purpose of your event feedback survey template, so customers know what you aim to achieve. Providing multiple channels for feedback—like email, SMS, and online forms—caters to different preferences and maximizes response rates. Here’s a quick overview of effective practices: Practice Benefit Example Use clear language Improves comprehension “Please rate your experience” State purpose Sets expectations “We’d love your thoughts on our event!” Offer multiple channels Increases accessibility Online form, SMS link, email invite Keep it short Boosts completion rates 5-minute survey Show appreciation Cultivates goodwill “Thank you for your feedback!” Best Practices for Survey Design When designing effective customer feedback surveys, prioritizing clear and concise language is crucial, as it directly impacts response rates and participant comprehension. Start with a well-structured survey template word that combines quantitative questions, like multiple choice and rating scales, with qualitative open-ended questions for a thorough view of feedback. A visually appealing design improves user experience, making respondents more likely to engage with your survey. Incorporate skip logic and branching questions to tailor the survey experience, ensuring relevance and efficiency as well as keeping participants engaged. Regularly test and optimize your survey templates based on user feedback; this leads to continuous improvement in effectiveness. By making sure your questions are relevant and actionable, you’ll gather insights that can truly inform your business decisions. Following these best practices will help you create surveys that not just attract responses but also provide valuable information for your organization. Analyzing and Acting on Feedback Gathering customer feedback is only the first step; analyzing that feedback effectively is where the real value lies. Start by categorizing responses to identify common patterns and trends. This enables you to prioritize issues based on their frequency and impact. Utilizing data analytics tools can deepen your insights, allowing you to create actionable plans for improvement. You might consider using a questionnaire template in Excel to organize and analyze your data efficiently. Implementing changes based on this feedback can greatly boost customer satisfaction and loyalty, as it shows you value their opinions. Regular follow-ups with customers who provided feedback demonstrate your responsiveness and promote a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Finally, closing the feedback loop by communicating updates on changes made reinforces trust and encourages ongoing engagement, making customers feel involved in your business’s evolution. Customizing Templates for Specific Needs Customizing customer feedback survey templates for specific industries can greatly improve the relevance of the insights you gather. By tailoring questions and formats to meet your unique needs, you can guarantee that the feedback addresses the particular experiences and expectations of your customers. This approach not merely improves response quality but further allows you to focus on key demographics, leading to more effective marketing and product strategies. Tailored Templates for Industries Personalized templates for various industries play a vital role in effectively capturing customer feedback, as they address the specific needs and challenges unique to each sector. For instance, restaurants rely on customized survey formats to gather insights about dining experiences, whereas hotels assess guest satisfaction through specialized templates. Advertising agencies can use these tools to measure client satisfaction, which is critical for maintaining strong relationships. B2B businesses benefit from adaptable templates focusing on project management and service delivery. Furthermore, real estate agents can utilize evaluation templates to obtain structured feedback on performance. Personalization for Unique Needs When you customize feedback surveys to meet specific needs, you improve their effectiveness and relevance. Customizable customer survey templates enable you to target different customer segments, like new, returning, or loyal customers, enhancing response rates. Industry-specific templates, particularly for OpenTable or hotels, capture unique experiences, leading to focused improvements in service. Platforms like SurveyMonkey and QuestionPro offer extensive libraries of templates that you can easily modify to fit your business goals. By incorporating specific question types, such as multiple-choice or open-ended questions, you gather thorough insights customized to your objectives. Analyzing feedback collected through these personalized templates allows you to address customer pain points directly, nurturing stronger relationships and enhancing overall satisfaction. Frequently Asked Questions How Often Should I Conduct Customer Feedback Surveys? You should conduct customer feedback surveys regularly to gather meaningful insights. Typically, quarterly surveys work well for most businesses, as they allow you to track changes over time. Nevertheless, if you’re launching a new product or service, consider more frequent surveys to capture immediate reactions. Always analyze results thoroughly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Keeping a consistent schedule helps guarantee you’re staying connected with your customers’ needs and expectations. What Tools Can I Use to Distribute Surveys? To distribute surveys effectively, you can use several tools. Online platforms like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms allow you to create and share surveys easily. Email marketing services such as Mailchimp enable you to send surveys to your customer lists. Social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, provide another avenue for reaching your audience. Furthermore, consider using SMS survey tools for immediate feedback. Each tool has unique features that can improve your data collection efforts. How Can I Incentivize Customers to Respond? To incentivize customers to respond to surveys, consider offering rewards such as discounts, gift cards, or entry into a raffle. Make certain you communicate these incentives clearly in your survey invitation. You can additionally highlight the value of their feedback by explaining how it influences future products or services. Finally, guarantee the survey is easy to complete, as a simple process increases the likelihood of participation and improves the perceived value of the incentive. What Demographics Should I Target for Feedback? To effectively gather feedback, target demographics that align with your product or service. Focus on age, gender, income level, and geographic location. For instance, if you’re selling tech products, younger consumers might be more relevant. Consider furthermore targeting existing customers, as their insights can be particularly valuable. In addition, segmenting your audience can help you understand varied perspectives, ensuring you receive thorough feedback customized to your different customer groups. How Do I Ensure Survey Confidentiality for Respondents? To guarantee survey confidentiality for respondents, use anonymized data collection methods. Don’t ask for identifiable information except when necessary, and clearly communicate your privacy policy. Store data securely and limit access to authorized personnel only. You might additionally consider using third-party survey platforms that specialize in confidentiality. Finally, reassure participants that their responses are confidential, which can encourage honest feedback and improve the quality of the information you gather. Conclusion Incorporating customer feedback survey templates into your business strategy is crucial for comprehending client needs and enhancing overall satisfaction. By utilizing various survey types, such as CSAT and NPS, you can gather fundamental insights that inform your decisions. Crafting effective requests and designing user-friendly surveys will yield more accurate feedback. In the end, analyzing this data and customizing templates for specific industries will drive continuous improvement, ensuring your business remains responsive and competitive in today’s market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Customer Feedback Survey Templates for Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In relation to enhancing your business strategy, utilizing customer feedback survey templates is vital. These templates, such as Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) and Net Promoter Score (NPS), provide valuable insights into customer experiences and preferences. By comprehending these metrics, you can identify areas for improvement and drive loyalty. Nevertheless, knowing which templates to use and how to customize them for your specific needs is fundamental. Let’s explore these templates further and see how they can transform your approach. Key Takeaways Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys measure overall satisfaction levels, providing crucial insights into customer experiences and service quality. Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys assess customer loyalty and likelihood to recommend, helping gauge brand advocacy. Help Desk Satisfaction surveys evaluate the quality of customer service interactions, identifying areas for improvement in support processes. Customer Effort Score (CES) surveys pinpoint pain points in customer engagement, enhancing service efficiency and satisfaction. Customer Churn surveys investigate reasons for customer departures, offering actionable insights to retain and improve client relationships. Understanding Customer Feedback Survey Templates Grasping customer feedback survey templates is crucial for businesses aiming to improve their service offerings and address customer needs effectively. These templates serve as fundamental tools designed to gather insights on customer satisfaction, experience, and loyalty. With over 634,000 templates utilized across various industries, their widespread adoption highlights their significance in enhancing customer experiences. Specific templates, like the Product Satisfaction Survey and Customer Onboarding Satisfaction Survey, focus on evaluating different aspects of customer interactions. You can additionally find surveys such as the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and Customer Effort Score (CES) embedded within these templates, measuring loyalty and the ease of interactions. The best part? Customizable templates allow you to adapt questions and formats to fit your unique needs, ensuring you collect effective feedback. This adaptability drives actionable insights, enabling your business to identify areas for improvement and encourage growth. Importance of Customer Satisfaction Measurement Measuring customer satisfaction is essential for businesses that want to understand their customers’ experiences and pinpoint areas needing improvement. By utilizing a customer feedback form, you can gather important insights that highlight where your service may fall short. Research shows that a mere 5% increase in customer retention can boost profits by 25% to 95%. Additionally, 70% of customers who encounter poor service won’t return, making it vital to monitor satisfaction levels regularly. Customer satisfaction surveys like CSAT and NPS offer quantifiable metrics that allow you to track performance and benchmark against industry standards. When you actively seek and act on customer feedback, studies indicate you can achieve a 30% higher satisfaction rate. This commitment not only improves loyalty but also encourages repeat purchases and recommendations, ensuring your business thrives in a competitive market. Types of Customer Feedback Surveys In terms of gathering customer feedback, you’ll find various types of surveys, each serving a specific purpose. For instance, Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys gauge overall satisfaction, whereas Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys assess customer loyalty. Comprehending these different survey types and their benefits can help you choose the right templates for your feedback needs. Types of Survey Templates Comprehending the various types of customer feedback surveys is essential for businesses aiming to improve their products and services. A customer survey template can include several categories. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys assess overall satisfaction, whereas Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys gauge customer loyalty and their likelihood to recommend your brand. Help Desk Satisfaction surveys focus on the quality of customer service interactions, improving support offerings. Customer Churn surveys investigate the reasons behind customer departures, informing retention strategies. The Customer Effort Score (CES) survey evaluates how easy it’s for customers to engage with your company, identifying pain points. Finally, Product Feedback surveys gather user experiences to understand functionality and usability, highlighting areas for improvement. Purpose of Each Survey Comprehending the purpose of each type of customer feedback survey is fundamental for effectively gathering insights that can drive improvements in your business. Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) surveys help you assess overall satisfaction levels, providing direct insights into customer experiences. Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys measure customer loyalty by asking how likely customers are to recommend your business, categorizing them into promoters, passives, or detractors. Customer Effort Score (CES) surveys evaluate the ease of interactions, identifying pain points that can be streamlined. Customer Churn surveys investigate reasons behind customer departures, offering feedback to improve retention strategies. Finally, Help Desk Satisfaction surveys focus on the quality of support received, ensuring timely resolutions and aiding in service improvement, especially when using a customer service survey template. Benefits of Using Surveys Surveys offer numerous benefits that can greatly improve your business operations and customer relationships. By using customer feedback surveys, you can gauge customer satisfaction levels through metrics like the Customer Satisfaction (CSAT) score. Furthermore, Net Promoter Score (NPS) surveys help you understand customer loyalty, revealing how likely customers are to recommend your brand. The Customer Effort Score (CES) highlights areas where customers struggle, enabling you to streamline their experience. Help Desk Satisfaction Surveys provide insights into service quality, allowing you to augment support offerings. Finally, Customer Churn Surveys uncover reasons behind customer departures, offering actionable insights to boost retention strategies. Implementing a feedback survey template can simplify this process, ensuring you gather valuable data efficiently. Crafting Effective Feedback Requests How can you guarantee your feedback requests resonate with customers? Start by using simple and clear language to improve comprehension and encourage participation. Clearly state the purpose of your event feedback survey template, so customers know what you aim to achieve. Providing multiple channels for feedback—like email, SMS, and online forms—caters to different preferences and maximizes response rates. Here’s a quick overview of effective practices: Practice Benefit Example Use clear language Improves comprehension “Please rate your experience” State purpose Sets expectations “We’d love your thoughts on our event!” Offer multiple channels Increases accessibility Online form, SMS link, email invite Keep it short Boosts completion rates 5-minute survey Show appreciation Cultivates goodwill “Thank you for your feedback!” Best Practices for Survey Design When designing effective customer feedback surveys, prioritizing clear and concise language is crucial, as it directly impacts response rates and participant comprehension. Start with a well-structured survey template word that combines quantitative questions, like multiple choice and rating scales, with qualitative open-ended questions for a thorough view of feedback. A visually appealing design improves user experience, making respondents more likely to engage with your survey. Incorporate skip logic and branching questions to tailor the survey experience, ensuring relevance and efficiency as well as keeping participants engaged. Regularly test and optimize your survey templates based on user feedback; this leads to continuous improvement in effectiveness. By making sure your questions are relevant and actionable, you’ll gather insights that can truly inform your business decisions. Following these best practices will help you create surveys that not just attract responses but also provide valuable information for your organization. Analyzing and Acting on Feedback Gathering customer feedback is only the first step; analyzing that feedback effectively is where the real value lies. Start by categorizing responses to identify common patterns and trends. This enables you to prioritize issues based on their frequency and impact. Utilizing data analytics tools can deepen your insights, allowing you to create actionable plans for improvement. You might consider using a questionnaire template in Excel to organize and analyze your data efficiently. Implementing changes based on this feedback can greatly boost customer satisfaction and loyalty, as it shows you value their opinions. Regular follow-ups with customers who provided feedback demonstrate your responsiveness and promote a culture of continuous improvement within your organization. Finally, closing the feedback loop by communicating updates on changes made reinforces trust and encourages ongoing engagement, making customers feel involved in your business’s evolution. Customizing Templates for Specific Needs Customizing customer feedback survey templates for specific industries can greatly improve the relevance of the insights you gather. By tailoring questions and formats to meet your unique needs, you can guarantee that the feedback addresses the particular experiences and expectations of your customers. This approach not merely improves response quality but further allows you to focus on key demographics, leading to more effective marketing and product strategies. Tailored Templates for Industries Personalized templates for various industries play a vital role in effectively capturing customer feedback, as they address the specific needs and challenges unique to each sector. For instance, restaurants rely on customized survey formats to gather insights about dining experiences, whereas hotels assess guest satisfaction through specialized templates. Advertising agencies can use these tools to measure client satisfaction, which is critical for maintaining strong relationships. B2B businesses benefit from adaptable templates focusing on project management and service delivery. Furthermore, real estate agents can utilize evaluation templates to obtain structured feedback on performance. Personalization for Unique Needs When you customize feedback surveys to meet specific needs, you improve their effectiveness and relevance. Customizable customer survey templates enable you to target different customer segments, like new, returning, or loyal customers, enhancing response rates. Industry-specific templates, particularly for OpenTable or hotels, capture unique experiences, leading to focused improvements in service. Platforms like SurveyMonkey and QuestionPro offer extensive libraries of templates that you can easily modify to fit your business goals. By incorporating specific question types, such as multiple-choice or open-ended questions, you gather thorough insights customized to your objectives. Analyzing feedback collected through these personalized templates allows you to address customer pain points directly, nurturing stronger relationships and enhancing overall satisfaction. Frequently Asked Questions How Often Should I Conduct Customer Feedback Surveys? You should conduct customer feedback surveys regularly to gather meaningful insights. Typically, quarterly surveys work well for most businesses, as they allow you to track changes over time. Nevertheless, if you’re launching a new product or service, consider more frequent surveys to capture immediate reactions. Always analyze results thoroughly and adjust your strategy accordingly. Keeping a consistent schedule helps guarantee you’re staying connected with your customers’ needs and expectations. What Tools Can I Use to Distribute Surveys? To distribute surveys effectively, you can use several tools. Online platforms like SurveyMonkey and Google Forms allow you to create and share surveys easily. Email marketing services such as Mailchimp enable you to send surveys to your customer lists. Social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter, provide another avenue for reaching your audience. Furthermore, consider using SMS survey tools for immediate feedback. Each tool has unique features that can improve your data collection efforts. How Can I Incentivize Customers to Respond? To incentivize customers to respond to surveys, consider offering rewards such as discounts, gift cards, or entry into a raffle. Make certain you communicate these incentives clearly in your survey invitation. You can additionally highlight the value of their feedback by explaining how it influences future products or services. Finally, guarantee the survey is easy to complete, as a simple process increases the likelihood of participation and improves the perceived value of the incentive. What Demographics Should I Target for Feedback? To effectively gather feedback, target demographics that align with your product or service. Focus on age, gender, income level, and geographic location. For instance, if you’re selling tech products, younger consumers might be more relevant. Consider furthermore targeting existing customers, as their insights can be particularly valuable. In addition, segmenting your audience can help you understand varied perspectives, ensuring you receive thorough feedback customized to your different customer groups. How Do I Ensure Survey Confidentiality for Respondents? To guarantee survey confidentiality for respondents, use anonymized data collection methods. Don’t ask for identifiable information except when necessary, and clearly communicate your privacy policy. Store data securely and limit access to authorized personnel only. You might additionally consider using third-party survey platforms that specialize in confidentiality. Finally, reassure participants that their responses are confidential, which can encourage honest feedback and improve the quality of the information you gather. Conclusion Incorporating customer feedback survey templates into your business strategy is crucial for comprehending client needs and enhancing overall satisfaction. By utilizing various survey types, such as CSAT and NPS, you can gather fundamental insights that inform your decisions. Crafting effective requests and designing user-friendly surveys will yield more accurate feedback. In the end, analyzing this data and customizing templates for specific industries will drive continuous improvement, ensuring your business remains responsive and competitive in today’s market. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Customer Feedback Survey Templates for Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

By default, your Mac doesn't allow you to control the volume levels of individual apps, something Windows has offered for years. If your alerts from messaging apps are too loud, you can either put the Mac in do-not-disturb mode to mute those alerts, or lower the system volume, but that's it. It's not ideal, since lowering system volume also impacts media volume, which can sometimes make it hard to listen to music or hear dialogue in TV shows or movies. If you could separately toggle volume levels per app, that would be ideal. Fortunately, some third-party apps allow you to do this, and this guide highlights the best of them. FineTune: A free Mac app for per-app sound control Credit: Pranay Parab A free app that lets you lower or mute alert tones while maintaining media volume, FineTune is good enough for most people. It's open-source, and has a few simple sliders that let you control each app's volume level. My previous pick for this job—BackgroundMusic—no longer works well, as it hasn't been updated in a while. FineTune's come in to fill that gap nicely, and it does what it says on the tin. Once you install the app, you can click its menu bar icon to finetune any individual app's volume. When an app starts playing audio on your Mac, it'll appear in FineTune's interface. And once you're done moving your sliders to change volume levels, you'll quickly discover a couple of other useful features, such as controlling the volume levels of each of your output device (speakers, headphones, etc.), and an equalizer for each app on your computer. You can also send audio from one app to a specific speaker or headphone. I've used these features to lower my AirPods' volume while keeping my Mac's speaker louder, and to set a bass-friendly EQ preset on those AirPods. You can play around with these tools to get the job done according to your needs, too. FineTune also has a convenient volume boost feature, which lets you increase the volume up to 400% on a per-app basis. This is good for files where the volume levels are almost inaudible, but I'd be choosy about how you use it. SoundSource: A paid app for advanced volume control Credit: Pranay Parab Most people will be happy with FineTune's feature set and lack of a price tag. However, if you need an app that can control AirPlay devices in your house, send audio to multiple devices at once, enable a per-app EQ with two dozen presets, set a preferred device order for audio output, and much more, then you should consider SoundSource 6 ($49). The app's been around for over a decade, and the newest version released towards the end of 2025. With SoundSource, the basic functionality lets you control the audio levels of each app, but it also has a few other neat touches. My favorite feature is the one that lets you mute all sound effects with just one click. I'm not sure about you, but alert sounds from messaging apps tend to make me a bit anxious. Some of my friends tend to send multiple short texts at once, too, which makes my Mac's speaker go off like a siren. I've tried putting my Mac on do-not-disturb mode, but that hides those alerts altogether, which isn't ideal either. Ever since I got SoundSource, I've just muted all sound effects. This lets me receive notifications without the annoying tones, and it allows me to watch movies sans interruptions from alert tones. You can also group multiple devices in SoundSource, and send audio to all of them at once, which is an easy way to create a multi-room audio setup. Of course, you can't have your audio 100% in sync, so don't get your hopes up about creating a surround sound system with five cheap Bluetooth speakers. However, it's good enough if you just want to have music playing in every room of your house while you cook, clean, or just move around. SoundSource's support for AirPlay devices means that you can send audio to your HomePod and other AirPlay devices like TVs or speakers, too. SoundSource also has granular controls for various features. As an example, you can set up a keyboard shortcut to increase or decrease your microphone's volume, or to mute the mic altogether. Another interesting feature lets you set up a mute timer, which sets the volume to zero for up to 2 minutes for specific apps or output devices. It's clear by now that SoundSource has lots of great features under the hood, which is amazing for power users, but probably overkill for anyone who just wants to set separate volume levels for a couple apps. The good news is that SoundSource offers a free trial that lets you use all of its features for up to 20 minutes at a time, so you can try it out to see if it's worth buying. View the full article

Many of us choose to upgrade our smartphones every two or three years, while others pick up the latest model every year. But just because it's the norm to swap out your smartphone on a regular basis, that doesn't mean all of us do. Smartphones can last a long time, especially if you maintain it with the occasional battery replacement. But no piece of technology lasts forever. Eventually, something gives out—even if it's just the company that makes it. Even Apple, which usually offers its iPhones a number of years of updates after their original release, drops support for new features after some time. That's why your iPhone XS can't run iOS 26: Apple drew the line here this year. But iPhones like the XS can still receive updates, even if they aren't the latest and greatest version of iOS. Instead, Apple tends to issue security and stability patches to older iPhones, to ensure the users who still rely on them can do so safely and securely. It might be in Apple's best financial interest to persuade you to buy a new iPhone, but not at the cost of putting a large number of users at risk of cyber attacks. Apple's latest update patches very old iPhonesApple dropped new updates for an assortment of devices on Monday. That includes its latest devices, of course, which can now install iOS 26.2.1. But a host of older devices also received new updates, some of which are particularly surprising, considering their age. Apple released iOS 18.7.4 for iPhones that either can't or won't update to iOS 26. In the former category, that basically includes the iPhone XS, XS Max, and XR. Then, there's iOS 16.7.13, for iPhone 8, 8 Plus, and X, and iOS 15.8.6, for iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, and iPhone SE (first-gen). Those are some old iPhones, but that's not what caught my eye today. In a twist, Apple dropped an update for iPhones running iOS 12, including iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus. These iPhones can now run iOS 12.5.8. For reference, Apple released iOS 12 back in 2018, so it's pretty wild to see a new version in 2026. These iPhones are even older. The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus dropped all the way back in 2014, while the iPhone 5S released the year before that. As such, Apple just sent an update to 12-year-old iPhone. If you're still rocking one of these devices, that new update must be quite the surprise. It's even more than the age of the devices itself: Apple considers all three of these iPhones "obsolete," as the company stopped selling them more than seven years ago. The company will not service the hardware for obsolete products, and largely omits them from future software releases. That's why this is so interesting. What's new in iOS 12.5.8iOS 12.5.8 is, of course, not a feature update, but it's also not a security update, either. Instead, Apple extended the certificate required for features like iMessage, FaceTime, and device activation to continue working after January of next year. These iPhones might not have seen a new feature in years, but they'll still be able to FaceTime in a year's time—and that's pretty great. It's not clear how many people are using these iPhones in 2026. But if you do, and it's working for you, Apple gave you one more reason to keep your phone for another year. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. On Monday, Apple released a new AirTag—but you wouldn't know that from looking at it. The new AirTag is visibly identical to the old one, despite dropping nearly five years later. But the point of this refresh wasn't to introduce a new design, or even a remarkably improved tracker. Instead, Apple added a couple subtle upgrades that benefit new buyers, without displacing existing AirTag users. There are two key improvements here: The first impacts Precision Finding, Apple's system to guide you to lost items. Your device uses its ultra wideband (UWB) chip to give you detailed directions to the location of your AirTag, including haptics, visual, and auditory cues. The second-gen AirTags have a newer UWB chip, which boosts Precision Finding by 50%. That means your new AirTag can be as much as 1.5 times farther away than your old AirTag while still showing up in Precision Finding. Those improvements carry over to the speaker, as well. The new AirTag's speaker is 50% louder than the original model, which could help you hear your missing tracker better, especially if it's buried somewhere like a couch cushion. The main thing that didn't change was the most important part: the price. One AirTag is still $29, while a four-pack is still $99. But before you go out an buy one (or four), you should know that your iPhone might not be able to take advantage of these new perks. If so, you'd be better off spending your money on the first-gen AirTag. What you need to take full advantage of the new AirTagAs noted by Techradar, the new AirTag actually requires iPhones and iPads to be running iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 before they can connect. That immediately eliminates any iPhones and iPads that do not support these latest updates, of course (generally any iPhones older than the iPhone 11) but it also presents a challenge to anyone who has simply been holding off from installing iOS 26 and iPadOS 26. If you want to use these newest AirTags, you'll need to update. If you don't want to update, stick with the OG AirTags. Even if your iPhone is running iOS 26, it might not work with one of the new AirTag's big features. In order to take advantage of that 50% improved Precision Finding, you need an iPhone 15 or newer. That's because these iPhones also come with Apple's newest UWB chip, which is necessary for that upgraded location feature. (The iPhone 16e unfortunately does not have this new UWB chip.) If you have an iPhone 14 or older running iOS 26, you'll still be able to use Precision Finding with the new AirTag, but it'll be the standard Precision Finding experience you had with the original. (Apple Watches can also take advantage of this standard Precision Finding, so long as you have an Apple Watch Series 9 or later, or Apple Watch Ultra 2 or later, running watchOS 26.2.1.) Buy an older AirTag if you don't meet these specificationsApple doesn't sell the first-generation AirTag anymore, but that's not an issue. If you don't meet all of the specifications above, you should look into buying the older AirTags. That's not because the new AirTags won't work just as well; I only say this because you can save some serious money. Instead of dropping $99 on a four-pack of second-gen AirTags, you can currently spend $69.99 on a four-pack of first-gen AirTags. These trackers will work exactly the same, minus the louder speaker on the second-gen AirTags, all the while saving you $30. You can also save a bit off a single AirTag, as the first-gen AirTags are going for $25.99 on Amazon. If you'd rather future-proof your AirTags, you could spend full-price on the second-gens without worry. However, if you don't plan to upgrade your iPhone anytime soon, this is a pretty solid deal. View the full article

TikTok agreed to settle a landmark social media addiction lawsuit just before the trial kicked off, the plaintiff’s attorneys confirmed. The social video platform was one of three companies — along with Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube — facing claims that their platforms deliberately addict and harm children. A fourth company named in the lawsuit, Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum. Details of the settlement with TikTok were not disclosed, and the company did not immediately respond to a request for comment. At the core of the case is a 19-year-old identified only by the initials “KGM,” whose case could determine how thousands of other, similar lawsuits against social media companies will play out. She and two other plaintiffs have been selected for bellwether trials — essentially test cases for both sides to see how their arguments play out before a jury and what damages, if any, may be awarded, said Clay Calvert, a nonresident senior fellow of technology policy studies at the American Enterprise Institute. A lawyer for the plaintiff said in a statement Tuesday that TikTok remains a defendant in the other personal injury cases, and that the trial will proceed as scheduled against Meta and YouTube. Jury selection starts this week in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. It’s the first time the companies will argue their case before a jury, and the outcome could have profound effects on their businesses and how they will handle children using their platforms. The selection process is expected to take at least a few days, with 75 potential jurors questioned each day through at least Thursday. A fourth company named in the lawsuit, Snapchat parent company Snap Inc., settled the case last week for an undisclosed sum. KGM claims that her use of social media from an early age addicted her to the technology and exacerbated depression and suicidal thoughts. Importantly, the lawsuit claims that this was done through deliberate design choices made by companies that sought to make their platforms more addictive to children to boost profits. This argument, if successful, could sidestep the companies’ First Amendment shield and Section 230, which protects tech companies from liability for material posted on their platforms. “Borrowing heavily from the behavioral and neurobiological techniques used by slot machines and exploited by the cigarette industry, Defendants deliberately embedded in their products an array of design features aimed at maximizing youth engagement to drive advertising revenue,” the lawsuit says. Executives, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, are expected to testify at the trial, which will last six to eight weeks. Experts have drawn similarities to the Big Tobacco trials that led to a 1998 settlement requiring cigarette companies to pay billions in health care costs and restrict marketing targeting minors. “Plaintiffs are not merely the collateral damage of Defendants’ products,” the lawsuit says. “They are the direct victims of the intentional product design choices made by each Defendant. They are the intended targets of the harmful features that pushed them into self-destructive feedback loops.” The tech companies dispute the claims that their products deliberately harm children, citing a bevy of safeguards they have added over the years and arguing that they are not liable for content posted on their sites by third parties. “Recently, a number of lawsuits have attempted to place the blame for teen mental health struggles squarely on social media companies,” Meta said in a recent blog post. “But this oversimplifies a serious issue. Clinicians and researchers find that mental health is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue, and trends regarding teens’ well-being aren’t clear-cut or universal. Narrowing the challenges faced by teens to a single factor ignores the scientific research and the many stressors impacting young people today, like academic pressure, school safety, socio-economic challenges and substance abuse.” A Meta spokesperson said in a statement Monday the company strongly disagrees with the allegations outlined in the lawsuit and that it’s “confident the evidence will show our longstanding commitment to supporting young people.” José Castañeda, a Google Spokesperson, said Monday that the allegations against YouTube are “simply not true.” In a statement, he said “Providing young people with a safer, healthier experience has always been core to our work.” TikTok did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday. The case will be the first in a slew of cases beginning this year that seek to hold social media companies responsible for harming children’s mental well-being. A federal bellwether trial beginning in June in Oakland, California, will be the first to represent school districts that have sued social media platforms over harms to children. In addition, more than 40 state attorneys general have filed lawsuits against Meta, claiming it is harming young people and contributing to the youth mental health crisis by deliberately designing features on Instagram and Facebook that addict children to its platforms. The majority of cases filed their lawsuits in federal court, but some sued in their respective states. TikTok also faces similar lawsuits in more than a dozen states. —Kaitlyn Huamani and Barbara Ortutay, AP technology writers View the full article

US homeland security chief under fire after weekend killing of protester by agents in Minneapolis View the full article

The The President administration has not shied away from sharing AI-generated imagery online, embracing cartoonlike visuals and memes and promoting them on official White House channels. But an edited — and realistic — image of civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong in tears after being arrested is raising new alarms about how the administration is blurring the lines between what is real and what is fake. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s account posted the original image from Levy Armstrong’s arrest before the official White House account posted an altered image that showed her crying. The doctored picture is part of a deluge of AI-edited imagery that has been shared across the political spectrum since the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. Border Patrol officers in Minneapolis However, the White House’s use of artificial intelligence has troubled misinformation experts who fear the spreading of AI-generated or edited images erodes public perception of the truth and sows distrust. In response to criticism of the edited image of Levy Armstrong, White House officials doubled down on the post, with deputy communications director Kaelan Dorr writing on X that the “memes will continue.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson also shared a post mocking the criticism. David Rand, a professor of information science at Cornell University, says calling the altered image a meme “certainly seems like an attempt to cast it as a joke or humorous post, like their prior cartoons. This presumably aims to shield them from criticism for posting manipulated media.” He said the purpose of sharing the altered arrest image seems “much more ambiguous” than the cartoonish images the administration has shared in the past. Memes have always carried layered messages that are funny or informative to people who understand them, but indecipherable to outsiders. AI-enhanced or edited imagery is just the latest tool the White House uses to engage the segment of The President’s base that spends a lot of time online, said Zach Henry, a Republican communications consultant who founded Total Virality, an influencer marketing firm. “People who are terminally online will see it and instantly recognize it as a meme,” he said. “Your grandparents may see it and not understand the meme, but because it looks real, it leads them to ask their kids or grandkids about it.” All the better if it prompts a fierce reaction, which helps it go viral, said Henry, who generally praised the work of the White House’s social media team. The creation and dissemination of altered images, especially when they are shared by credible sources, “crystallizes an idea of what’s happening, instead of showing what is actually happening,” said Michael A. Spikes, a professor at Northwestern University and news media literacy researcher. “The government should be a place where you can trust the information, where you can say it’s accurate, because they have a responsibility to do so,” he said. “By sharing this kind of content, and creating this kind of content … it is eroding the trust — even though I’m always kind of skeptical of the term trust — but the trust we should have in our federal government to give us accurate, verified information. It’s a real loss, and it really worries me a lot.” Spikes said he already sees the “institutional crises” around distrust in news organizations and higher education, and feels this behavior from official channels inflames those issues. Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor at UCLA and the host of the Utopias podcast, said many people are now questioning where they can turn to for “trustable information.” “AI systems are only going to exacerbate, amplify and accelerate these problems of an absence of trust, an absence of even understanding what might be considered reality or truth or evidence,” he said. Srinivasan said he feels the White House and other officials sharing AI-generated content not only invites everyday people to continue to post similar content but also grants permission to others who are in positions of credibility and power, like policymakers, to share unlabeled synthetic content. He added that given that social media platforms tend to “algorithmically privilege” extreme and conspiratorial content — which AI generation tools can create with ease — “we’ve got a big, big set of challenges on our hands.” An influx of AI-generated videos related to Immigration and Customs Enforcement action, protests, and interactions with citizens has already been proliferating on social media. After Renee Good was shot by an ICE officer while she was in her car, several AI-generated videos began circulating of women driving away from ICE officers who told them to stop. There are also many fabricated videos circulating of immigration raids and of people confronting ICE officers, often yelling at them or throwing food in their faces. Jeremy Carrasco, a content creator who specializes in media literacy and debunking viral AI videos, said the bulk of these videos are likely coming from accounts that are “engagement farming,” or looking to capitalize on clicks by generating content with popular keywords and search terms like ICE. But he also said the videos are getting views from people who oppose ICE and DHS and could be watching them as “fan fiction,” or engaging in “wishful thinking,” hoping that they’re seeing real pushback against the organizations and their officers. Still, Carrasco also believes that most viewers can’t tell if what they’re watching is fake, and questions whether they would know “what’s real or not when it actually matters, like when the stakes are a lot higher.” Even when there are blatant signs of AI generation, like street signs with gibberish on them or other obvious errors, only in the “best-case scenario” would a viewer be savvy enough or be paying enough attention to register the use of AI. This issue is, of course, not limited to news surrounding immigration enforcement and protests. Fabricated and misrepresented images following the capture of deposed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro exploded online earlier this month. Experts, including Carrasco, think the spread of AI-generated political content will only become more commonplace. Carrasco believes that the widespread implementation of a watermarking system that embeds information about the origin of a piece of media into its metadata layer could be a step toward a solution. The Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity has developed such a system, but Carrasco doesn’t think that will become extensively adopted for at least another year. “It’s going to be an issue forever now,” he said. I don’t think people understand how bad this is.” —Kaitlyn Huamani, AP technology writer Associated Press writers Jonathan J. Cooper and Barbara Ortutay contributed to this report. View the full article

When Stephen Smith started NOCD 11 years ago, he wanted to build an app for people like himself—one of the nearly 3 million Americans with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—to track their symptoms and time their therapy exercises. Since 2018, NOCD (pronounced “No-CD”) has provided virtual appointments with therapists specializing in OCD-focused exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. With more than 140 million people able to access NOCD through their insurance, the company currently provides at least 1 million therapy sessions annually. Now, NOCD—last valued at nearly $270 million in 2024, according to PitchBook—is making an acquisition and forming a parent company that will position it as the largest telehealth provider of specialty therapy. The company on Tuesday announced its acquisition of Rebound Health, a self-guided mental health platform focused on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and trauma. The deal—the financial terms of which weren’t disclosed—took place in November 2025. Starting today, both companies will operate under Noto, a parent company that takes its name from the AI-powered software platform that has fueled NOCD’s growth. Rebound’s specialized focus on PTSD and trauma care will be integrated into Noto’s platform, which Smith says will help both companies reach more patients and expedite the process of getting them support. A common pairing In 2022, Smith and his team noticed there was a significant subset of NOCD users who suffered from both OCD and PTSD. Those individuals, he says, benefit from a treatment called prolonged exposure (PE) therapy, which asks patients to confront memories in order to process them. Like ERP, PE is an exposure-based method of treatment, so NOCD trained about 100 of its 1,000 therapists to specialize in PE therapy. By 2025, Smith felt confident that PE had proven effective and useful for NOCD’s patient base. “We saw that that segment [of therapists] was delivering best-in-class outcomes,” he says. Given the results, he felt a need to scale the treatment as quickly as possible. That’s where Rebound Health comes in. Founded in 2023, the company focuses on PTSD and trauma, and has primarily supported patients when a therapist is not immediately available to them due to timing or cost. Under Noto, it will launch Rebound Therapy, a live therapy offering that will be available in the next two months. Noto is in the process of working with payers to enroll patients in Rebound Therapy, and the service should be available to most Rebound and NOCD users as a covered benefit sometime this year. Revving a growth engine With the Rebound acquisition expanding NOCD’s scope, Smith wanted to create a parent company that highlights the technology that has helped the company grow to the point that it logged its first quarter of positive cash flow last year. “Noto is essentially the engine of the NOCD vehicle,” he says. Through awareness campaigns that target both consumers and providers, Noto is able to identify patients who have OCD but may have been misdiagnosed and miscoded in a medical system, then enroll them in a NOCD care plan. Noto’s data also showed that offering PE therapy to NOCD patients experiencing PTSD resulted in long-term improvement in their mental health. When looking for the right business to help scale NOCD’s PE capabilities, Smith says Rebound stood out because CEO Raeva Kumar has personal experience with PTSD, and her cofounder and chief product officer, Erin Berenz, has clinical experience treating the disorder. Smith says the two saw the acquisition as an opportunity to get live therapy to their users. “With Noto, we’re able to easily work with payers, enroll hard-to-engage members, and disseminate gold-standard trauma therapy,” Kumar said in a press release about the acquisition. “[Rebound] realized that they could offer scale therapy in a much shorter amount of time on the Noto infrastructure, because we already had it all built,” Smith says, suggesting Noto may add more therapy areas as it grows. “We built this incredible foundation serving a complex, hidden, but treatable population. In the future, we realize there could be more.” View the full article

Sales reps, business owners and recruiters are documenting their cold calls online and cashing in on the viral content. Cold calling has existed as long as the telephone: It’s a sales technique where a representative for a company calls an individual unsolicited to attempt to hook them with their sales pitch in the first 30 seconds or less. Some say cold calling is dead in 2026, as people pick up the phone less and less due to the increase in spam and AI bots on the other end of the line. But these days, if your phone incessantly buzzes with endless sales calls, answer at your own risk—you might end up going viral on TikTok. Across the social media platform, sales reps create compilations of clips from the week’s calls, complete with the headset, standing desk and lively salesperson energy. Some test out different openers live on camera to varying results. Others document the blunt interactions or unconventional strategies for viral content. One content creator and life insurance salesman, Juliano Massarelli, who has gained notoriety online refers to himself as The Wolf of Insurance. The 18-year-old’s most popular cold call to date has over 16.3 million views. In between hang ups, he bounces around his bedroom, embodying Jordan Belfort-esque energy. In another video, with 5 million views, Massarelli is shirtless and flexing in front of the camera before hitting the call button. After the woman hangs up less than a minute in, rather than be disheartened, he hits play on the music and dances at his desk. Massarelli’s boundless enthusiasm is so infectious, some have since parodied his content. “Unfortunately this is the sales attitude you need,” one person commented. This is at a time when a lot has been made of Gen Z’s general aversion to phones. Almost a third report having phone anxiety at work, according to recent research from Trinity College London. Still, for those who work in sales, mastering the art of the cold call is non-negotiable, even in the year 2026. Other sales reps online choose to lean into the funny side of the incessant rejection that comes with the job. “Would it absolutely ruin your day if I told you this was a cold call,” one sales rep opens with in a viral video. “Yes”, the person responds. “OK…then I just won’t tell you it’s a cold call,” he swiftly replies. “Quick question: do you wanna hear what I’m selling, or no?” he tries in another video. The answer this time, is surprisingly yes. It’s an undisputed fact: most people don’t enjoy getting unexpected phone calls and many simply won’t give cold callers the time of day. Still, over 50% of B2B leads still originate from cold calling in 2025, according to a recent report from lead generation company Martal.AI. Almost half of B2B buyers prefer to be contacted via phone first, and 82% accept meetings from cold outreach, the report found. And for the times cold callers get rejected, posting the clips online creates a feedback loop for promoting their products, businesses, or just themselves, to an audience of millions, whilst simultaneously cashing in on the viral content. Here, every “no” really is one step closer to a “yes”. View the full article

For decades, the discussion around organic farming has centered on important tenets of sustainability, environmental health, animal welfare, and a vision for food that heals rather than harms. But in America’s fields today, a different conversation is taking root and is grounded in profits. With new economic data and over 40 years of side-by-side comparisons between organic and conventional systems, we can now confidently say that organic is no longer just a values-driven choice; it’s the most profitable model available to U.S. farmers. At Rodale Institute, the latest Economics of Organic report examines farm-level data across crops, regions, and production systems. The findings show diversified, certified organic farms consistently outperform conventional operations on net income, even when organic yields are modestly lower. In a sector squeezed by volatile input prices and climate risk, organic offers what farmers rarely get: predictable premiums and stronger long-term margins. How is this possible? Organic corn, wheat, and soybeans earn price premiums ranging from roughly 145% to 250% over conventional counterparts, according to FINBIN data gathered between 2016 and 2020. Even after accounting for higher labor and management costs, organic producers net significantly more income per bushel. In many cases, conventional production results in a net economic loss, while organic systems remain profitable. ROOTED IN RESEARCH This is grounded in more than 40 years of side-by-side research from Rodale Institute’s Farming Systems Trial, the longest-running comparison of organic and conventional agriculture in North America. Over time, organic systems yield results comparable to those of traditional systems for crops like corn and wheat, while reducing exposure to increasingly volatile fertilizer and chemical input costs. That cost stability matters when synthetic inputs swing dramatically in price, as they have in recent years. The market now exceeds $70 billion annually in U.S. organic food sales and continues to grow faster than the overall food market, bolstering the business case for organic practices. Organic production generates nearly 3% of total U.S. farm revenue on just 1% of all farmland. More than half of organic food is sold through mainstream retailers like Walmart and Target, providing clear evidence that organic is no longer a niche category, but a core segment of the modern food economy. In my new book, The Farm is Here, I explore what is driving this surge. A key aspect of this growth is the exploding demand for products with trusted certifications. In the past year, sales of Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) products rose 22%, according to SPINS CEO Jay Margolis, and other sustainability certifications are outpacing the rest of the market. For today’s shoppers, certifications are symbols of trust that guide decisions in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Consumer demand is only part of the story. Capital is following returns. Impact investors, farmland real estate investment trusts, specialty lenders, and conservation finance groups have deployed hundreds of millions of dollars into organic and regenerative operations. These investors aren’t solely driven by ideology; but they’re responding to a business model that delivers durable margins, diversified revenue streams, and growing demand. Together, these numbers point to a simple conclusion: organic has crossed the threshold from specialty category to economically material market. THE NEXT GENERATION OF FARMERS Equally important is who is choosing to farm this way. USDA census data shows a 7% increase in farmers under 45, many of whom are rejecting the subsidy-dependent industrial model in favor of smaller, diversified, organic operations. An analysis of the USDA census data shows that 2,000 U.S. farms are currently transitioning to organic. For the next generation, organic is not a lifestyle choice, but a strategy for avoiding high-input debt, reducing exposure to price volatility, and building viable operations at smaller scales. That doesn’t mean the transition is effortless. The three-year certification period, when farmers adopt organic practices before earning full price premiums, can strain cash flow. But risk-mitigation tools are expanding. USDA cost-share programs, conservation incentives, organic-specific crop insurance, and emerging transitional labels are reducing financial exposure. When these tools are aligned, the economic risk of transition drops significantly. The broader takeaway is that organic agriculture offers a viable economic pathway for rebuilding resilience in American farming. It reduces dependence on volatile inputs, aligns production with consumer demand, and opens the door for new farmers without locking them into unsustainable debt structures. At a moment when policymakers are searching for ways to strengthen rural economies, investors are looking for climate-resilient assets, and consumers are voting with their dollars, organic agriculture sits at the intersection of profitability and purpose. The question is no longer whether organic farming can scale economically. The data shows it already has. The real question is whether we will invest, finance, and design agricultural systems that will allow more farmers to succeed. Jeff Tkach is CEO of Rodale Institute. View the full article

In relation to enhancing client feedback, using effective satisfaction questionnaires is essential. These customized surveys can provide insights into various aspects of your services. For instance, a general satisfaction questionnaire can gauge overall contentment, whereas a support satisfaction survey focuses on responsiveness. Furthermore, evaluating website usability, event experiences, and pricing perception can yield specific feedback for improvement. Comprehending how to implement these questionnaires can greatly impact your client relationships and business strategy. What are the best practices for crafting these surveys? Key Takeaways Utilize a concise format with 10 to 20 questions to encourage higher response rates and clearer insights. Incorporate Likert scales to quantify satisfaction levels, enabling easy trend tracking and analysis. Include open-ended questions to gather detailed feedback and suggestions from clients for continuous improvement. Tailor questionnaires for specific areas like customer support, website usability, or event satisfaction to target relevant aspects of client experience. Analyze demographic data to segment feedback, allowing for targeted improvements based on specific client groups or needs. Sample Client Satisfaction Questionnaire for General Feedback How can you effectively gauge client satisfaction? One way is to use a client satisfaction questionnaire sample designed to gather actionable insights. Focus on key areas like overall satisfaction, service quality, and responsiveness. Including questions that ask clients to rate their experience on a Likert scale helps quantify their feedback, making it easier to track trends over time. Aim to keep your questionnaire concise, ideally between 10 to 20 questions, to maintain engagement and improve completion rates. Incorporating open-ended questions allows clients to provide detailed feedback, enriching your comprehension of their experiences. This blend of quantitative and qualitative data will give you an all-encompassing view of client satisfaction. By analyzing the responses, you can identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that your services meet client expectations effectively. A well-structured questionnaire not only improves client feedback but also cultivates a positive relationship with your business. Targeted Questionnaire for Customer Support Satisfaction What factors contribute to effective customer support satisfaction? A targeted customer satisfaction questionnaire is crucial in gathering specific feedback. You should include questions about responsiveness, resolution effectiveness, and the attitude of support representatives. Utilizing a Likert scale allows you to quantify responses, making it easier to analyze sentiments. Here’s a visual representation of key aspects: Question Type Purpose Likert Scale Measure satisfaction levels Efficiency Question Assess resolution time Open-ended Question Identify challenges faced Demographic Info Segment responses for trend analysis Overall Satisfaction Gauge general customer experience For more structured feedback, consider compiling your findings into a customer satisfaction questionnaire PDF. This format not just captures valuable insights but also helps in recognizing areas for improvement in your support services. Questionnaire Template for Website Usability Feedback When evaluating the usability of a website, a well-structured feedback questionnaire can provide invaluable insights into user experiences. A client satisfaction questionnaire should focus on user navigation, clarity of information, and overall user experience to gauge effectiveness and satisfaction levels. Consider incorporating questions about specific features, like search functionality and content accessibility, as these can reveal areas needing improvement in your website’s design. Utilizing a Likert scale, ranging from 1 to 5, for questions regarding ease of use and satisfaction allows you to gather quantifiable data, helping you assess user experience trends. Moreover, open-ended questions, such as “What challenges did you encounter during your use of the website?” enable users to express detailed feedback, highlighting specific pain points. Finally, including demographic questions helps segment feedback, allowing for targeted improvements based on different user profiles and behaviors, ultimately leading to a more user-friendly website. Event Satisfaction Survey Sample Gathering feedback from event attendees is crucial for grasping their experiences and identifying areas for enhancement. An effective event satisfaction survey typically includes questions evaluating overall experience, satisfaction with the venue, and the quality of speakers or presentations. You should also gather input on logistical aspects like registration processes, event duration, and accessibility. Including a Net Promoter Score® (NPS) question can help gauge attendees’ likelihood of recommending the event, providing valuable insight into satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, open-ended questions allow participants to express what they enjoyed and offer suggestions for future events, leading to actionable improvements. Analyzing demographic data from attendees further helps tailor future events to meet different audience preferences. For a thorough grasp, consider using a sample customer satisfaction questionnaire PDF that reflects these elements, ensuring you gather relevant and targeted feedback for continued improvement. Pricing and Value Perception Questionnaire How do clients perceive the value of your products or services in relation to their pricing? A pricing and value perception questionnaire can provide essential insights into this question. By evaluating clients’ willingness to pay and comparing your prices with competitors, you can refine your market positioning. Consider the factors that influence value perception, such as quality and customer service. Use a Likert scale to quantify clients’ views on pricing fairness and perceived value. Open-ended questions can reveal specific elements that impact their satisfaction, guiding necessary improvements. Here’s a sample table you might include in your questionnaire: Question Category Example Question Response Type Willingness to Pay How much would you pay for this product? Open-ended Pricing Comparison How do our prices compare to competitors? Likert scale (1-5) Value Assessment Do you feel you received fair value? Likert scale (1-5) Quality Evaluation How satisfied are you with quality? Likert scale (1-5) Overall Satisfaction What would improve your satisfaction? Open-ended Utilizing this approach can greatly improve your resultat enquete satisfaction client. Frequently Asked Questions What Questions Should I Ask in a Client Satisfaction Survey? To create a client satisfaction survey, start by asking about their overall experience on a scale of 1 to 10. Include questions on responsiveness, quality, and value for money. Add open-ended questions for detailed feedback on their likes and dislikes. Ask how likely they’re to recommend your service, using the Net Promoter Score. Finally, incorporate demographic questions to help segment responses and tailor future services to client needs. How to Design an Effective Questionnaire That Will Lead to Sufficient Feedback? To design an effective questionnaire that leads to sufficient feedback, start by defining your goals clearly. Use various question types, such as multiple-choice and open-ended formats, to gather diverse insights. Keep your questionnaire concise, ideally between 10 to 20 questions, to maintain engagement. Organize questions logically, beginning with general topics and narrowing down to specifics. Finally, assess the questionnaire with a small group to identify and address any potential confusion before wider deployment. What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are Clarity, Consistency, and Caring. Clarity means you provide clear, straightforward communication about your products and services, ensuring customers understand what to expect. Consistency involves maintaining a uniform level of service across all interactions, building trust. Caring emphasizes empathy and responsiveness to customer needs, nurturing a positive emotional connection. Together, these principles improve the overall customer experience, encouraging loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals. What Are Some Examples of Feedback Questions? To gather meaningful feedback, you can ask specific questions like, “How satisfied are you with our customer service?” or utilize rating scales, such as, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend us?” Open-ended questions, like, “What improvements would you like to see?” can reveal customer needs. Furthermore, demographic questions help you segment responses, whereas Likert scale questions assess agreement levels with statements about your product or service. Conclusion Implementing these five customized client satisfaction questionnaires can greatly improve your feedback collection process. By addressing general satisfaction, customer support, website usability, event experiences, and pricing perceptions, you can gain valuable insights into your clients’ needs. This structured approach not just helps identify areas for improvement but additionally cultivates stronger client relationships. Regularly utilizing these questionnaires guarantees you’re continually aligning your services with client expectations, ultimately driving greater satisfaction and loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Effective Client Satisfaction Questionnaire Samples to Enhance Feedback" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In relation to enhancing client feedback, using effective satisfaction questionnaires is essential. These customized surveys can provide insights into various aspects of your services. For instance, a general satisfaction questionnaire can gauge overall contentment, whereas a support satisfaction survey focuses on responsiveness. Furthermore, evaluating website usability, event experiences, and pricing perception can yield specific feedback for improvement. Comprehending how to implement these questionnaires can greatly impact your client relationships and business strategy. What are the best practices for crafting these surveys? Key Takeaways Utilize a concise format with 10 to 20 questions to encourage higher response rates and clearer insights. Incorporate Likert scales to quantify satisfaction levels, enabling easy trend tracking and analysis. Include open-ended questions to gather detailed feedback and suggestions from clients for continuous improvement. Tailor questionnaires for specific areas like customer support, website usability, or event satisfaction to target relevant aspects of client experience. Analyze demographic data to segment feedback, allowing for targeted improvements based on specific client groups or needs. Sample Client Satisfaction Questionnaire for General Feedback How can you effectively gauge client satisfaction? One way is to use a client satisfaction questionnaire sample designed to gather actionable insights. Focus on key areas like overall satisfaction, service quality, and responsiveness. Including questions that ask clients to rate their experience on a Likert scale helps quantify their feedback, making it easier to track trends over time. Aim to keep your questionnaire concise, ideally between 10 to 20 questions, to maintain engagement and improve completion rates. Incorporating open-ended questions allows clients to provide detailed feedback, enriching your comprehension of their experiences. This blend of quantitative and qualitative data will give you an all-encompassing view of client satisfaction. By analyzing the responses, you can identify strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring that your services meet client expectations effectively. A well-structured questionnaire not only improves client feedback but also cultivates a positive relationship with your business. Targeted Questionnaire for Customer Support Satisfaction What factors contribute to effective customer support satisfaction? A targeted customer satisfaction questionnaire is crucial in gathering specific feedback. You should include questions about responsiveness, resolution effectiveness, and the attitude of support representatives. Utilizing a Likert scale allows you to quantify responses, making it easier to analyze sentiments. Here’s a visual representation of key aspects: Question Type Purpose Likert Scale Measure satisfaction levels Efficiency Question Assess resolution time Open-ended Question Identify challenges faced Demographic Info Segment responses for trend analysis Overall Satisfaction Gauge general customer experience For more structured feedback, consider compiling your findings into a customer satisfaction questionnaire PDF. This format not just captures valuable insights but also helps in recognizing areas for improvement in your support services. Questionnaire Template for Website Usability Feedback When evaluating the usability of a website, a well-structured feedback questionnaire can provide invaluable insights into user experiences. A client satisfaction questionnaire should focus on user navigation, clarity of information, and overall user experience to gauge effectiveness and satisfaction levels. Consider incorporating questions about specific features, like search functionality and content accessibility, as these can reveal areas needing improvement in your website’s design. Utilizing a Likert scale, ranging from 1 to 5, for questions regarding ease of use and satisfaction allows you to gather quantifiable data, helping you assess user experience trends. Moreover, open-ended questions, such as “What challenges did you encounter during your use of the website?” enable users to express detailed feedback, highlighting specific pain points. Finally, including demographic questions helps segment feedback, allowing for targeted improvements based on different user profiles and behaviors, ultimately leading to a more user-friendly website. Event Satisfaction Survey Sample Gathering feedback from event attendees is crucial for grasping their experiences and identifying areas for enhancement. An effective event satisfaction survey typically includes questions evaluating overall experience, satisfaction with the venue, and the quality of speakers or presentations. You should also gather input on logistical aspects like registration processes, event duration, and accessibility. Including a Net Promoter Score® (NPS) question can help gauge attendees’ likelihood of recommending the event, providing valuable insight into satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, open-ended questions allow participants to express what they enjoyed and offer suggestions for future events, leading to actionable improvements. Analyzing demographic data from attendees further helps tailor future events to meet different audience preferences. For a thorough grasp, consider using a sample customer satisfaction questionnaire PDF that reflects these elements, ensuring you gather relevant and targeted feedback for continued improvement. Pricing and Value Perception Questionnaire How do clients perceive the value of your products or services in relation to their pricing? A pricing and value perception questionnaire can provide essential insights into this question. By evaluating clients’ willingness to pay and comparing your prices with competitors, you can refine your market positioning. Consider the factors that influence value perception, such as quality and customer service. Use a Likert scale to quantify clients’ views on pricing fairness and perceived value. Open-ended questions can reveal specific elements that impact their satisfaction, guiding necessary improvements. Here’s a sample table you might include in your questionnaire: Question Category Example Question Response Type Willingness to Pay How much would you pay for this product? Open-ended Pricing Comparison How do our prices compare to competitors? Likert scale (1-5) Value Assessment Do you feel you received fair value? Likert scale (1-5) Quality Evaluation How satisfied are you with quality? Likert scale (1-5) Overall Satisfaction What would improve your satisfaction? Open-ended Utilizing this approach can greatly improve your resultat enquete satisfaction client. Frequently Asked Questions What Questions Should I Ask in a Client Satisfaction Survey? To create a client satisfaction survey, start by asking about their overall experience on a scale of 1 to 10. Include questions on responsiveness, quality, and value for money. Add open-ended questions for detailed feedback on their likes and dislikes. Ask how likely they’re to recommend your service, using the Net Promoter Score. Finally, incorporate demographic questions to help segment responses and tailor future services to client needs. How to Design an Effective Questionnaire That Will Lead to Sufficient Feedback? To design an effective questionnaire that leads to sufficient feedback, start by defining your goals clearly. Use various question types, such as multiple-choice and open-ended formats, to gather diverse insights. Keep your questionnaire concise, ideally between 10 to 20 questions, to maintain engagement. Organize questions logically, beginning with general topics and narrowing down to specifics. Finally, assess the questionnaire with a small group to identify and address any potential confusion before wider deployment. What Are the 3 C’s of Customer Satisfaction? The 3 C’s of customer satisfaction are Clarity, Consistency, and Caring. Clarity means you provide clear, straightforward communication about your products and services, ensuring customers understand what to expect. Consistency involves maintaining a uniform level of service across all interactions, building trust. Caring emphasizes empathy and responsiveness to customer needs, nurturing a positive emotional connection. Together, these principles improve the overall customer experience, encouraging loyalty and positive word-of-mouth referrals. What Are Some Examples of Feedback Questions? To gather meaningful feedback, you can ask specific questions like, “How satisfied are you with our customer service?” or utilize rating scales, such as, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend us?” Open-ended questions, like, “What improvements would you like to see?” can reveal customer needs. Furthermore, demographic questions help you segment responses, whereas Likert scale questions assess agreement levels with statements about your product or service. Conclusion Implementing these five customized client satisfaction questionnaires can greatly improve your feedback collection process. By addressing general satisfaction, customer support, website usability, event experiences, and pricing perceptions, you can gain valuable insights into your clients’ needs. This structured approach not just helps identify areas for improvement but additionally cultivates stronger client relationships. Regularly utilizing these questionnaires guarantees you’re continually aligning your services with client expectations, ultimately driving greater satisfaction and loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "5 Effective Client Satisfaction Questionnaire Samples to Enhance Feedback" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

U.S. consumer confidence declined sharply in January, hitting the lowest level since 2014 as Americans grow increasingly concerned about their financial prospects. The Conference Board said Tuesday that its consumer confidence index cratered 9.7 points to 84.5 in January, falling below even the lowest readings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for their income, business conditions and the job market tumbled 9.5 points to 65.1, well below 80, the marker that can signal a recession ahead. It’s the 12th consecutive month that reading has come in under 80. Consumers’ assessments of their current economic situation slid by 9.9 points to 113.7. “Confidence collapsed in January, as consumer concerns about both the present situation and expectations for the future deepened,” said Dana Peterson, the Conference Board’s chief economist. ”All five components of the index deteriorated, driving the overall index to its lowest level since May 2014 — surpassing its COVID19 pandemic depths.” Respondents’ references to inflation, including gas and grocery prices, remained elevated. Mentions of tariffs and trade, politics, and the labor market also rose in January as did comments about health insurance and war. Perceptions of the job market also declined this month. The conference board’s survey reported that 23.9% of consumers said jobs were “plentiful,” down from 27.5% in December. Also, 20.8% of consumers said jobs were “hard to get,” up from 19.1% the month previous. The country’s labor market has been stuck in a “low hire, low fire” state, economists say, as businesses stand pat due to uncertainty over The President’s tariffs and the lingering effects of elevated interest rates. Earlier this month, the government reported that employers added just 50,000 jobs in December, nearly unchanged from 56,000 in November. The unemployment rate is 4.4%. Job gains have been subdued all year, particularly after April’s “liberation day” tariff announcement by The President. The economy gained just 584,000 jobs in 2025, sharply lower than that more than 2 million added in 2024. “The dramatic drop on confidence is a direct result of the hiring recession,” said Heather Long, chief economist at Navy Federal Credit Union. “The fact that 2025 was the weakest year for job gains outside of a recession since 2003 is not going over well with the middle class.” “This is a warning sign to policymakers that they need to focus on affordability and reviving hiring in 2026,” Long added. The softening job market comes even as the U.S. economy keeps growing, often beyond projections. Powered by strong consumer spending, the U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in two years from July through September, according to the government’s latest estimate. —Matt Ott, AP business writer View the full article

Loyalty rewards software is an influential tool that helps businesses automate their loyalty programs. It tracks customer engagement and reward redemptions seamlessly, integrating with your existing Point of Sale systems. By analyzing customer behavior and purchasing habits, this software allows you to offer personalized rewards. Comprehending how it works and its benefits can greatly impact your sales and customer retention strategies. So, what features should you look for to maximize these advantages? Key Takeaways Loyalty rewards software automates the management of customer loyalty programs, enhancing operational efficiency and tracking engagement. It offers insights into customer behavior, enabling businesses to tailor marketing strategies and improve satisfaction. The software supports various loyalty program types, such as points-based and tiered systems, catering to diverse customer preferences. By utilizing data analytics, businesses can drive higher sales and improve customer retention through personalized rewards. Implementing loyalty rewards software can turn satisfied customers into brand advocates, fostering long-term relationships and increasing revenue. Understanding Loyalty Rewards Software As businesses work to improve customer loyalty, grasping loyalty rewards software becomes essential. This software automates the tracking and management of your loyalty program card system, allowing you to monitor customer engagement and reward redemptions seamlessly. By utilizing loyalty rewards software, you gain valuable insights into customer behavior, analyzing data on purchasing habits and preferences. This information can inform your targeted marketing strategies. Many software solutions integrate with existing Point of Sale (POS) systems, ensuring streamlined operations and enhancing data accuracy for reward calculations. Additionally, these platforms often enable you to create personalized marketing campaigns based on customer data, nurturing stronger relationships and boosting retention. In the end, using loyalty rewards software can greatly improve your overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and an increase in repeat purchases, which drives revenue growth for your business. Key Features of Loyalty Rewards Software When considering loyalty rewards software, it’s crucial to recognize the key features that boost its effectiveness in driving customer engagement and retention. This software allows you to track customer purchases and engagement, providing valuable insights into their buying habits and preferences. You can manage various loyalty programs, such as points-based, tiered, or subscription systems, customizing them to meet your specific business goals. Many solutions integrate seamlessly with existing Point of Sale (POS) systems, simplifying reward tracking and customer data collection. Advanced features often include analytics tools that measure the effectiveness of your loyalty campaigns and customer satisfaction, enabling data-driven decision-making. By utilizing these features, you can improve customer engagement through personalized communication and offers, in the end, strengthening brand loyalty and increasing customer lifetime value. Grasping these functionalities can help you leverage loyalty rewards software effectively for your business. Benefits of Implementing Loyalty Rewards Software Implementing loyalty rewards software can greatly increase customer engagement by allowing you to track and understand customer preferences. With improved data insights, you can tailor your marketing strategies to meet the specific needs of different customer segments, leading to more effective loyalty programs. As a result, you’ll not merely retain more customers but additionally drive higher sales through targeted rewards that resonate with your audience. Increased Customer Engagement Loyalty rewards software greatly improves customer engagement by offering personalized rewards and incentives that resonate with individual preferences. When you implement this software, you can see a 15% to 25% increase in revenue, as customers feel valued and motivated to return. Research shows that customers enrolled in loyalty programs are 67% more likely to make extra purchases, highlighting a direct link between loyalty software and increased purchase frequency. Moreover, this software boosts communication, allowing you to deliver targeted promotions that enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Engaged loyalty program members often participate in referral activities, turning satisfied customers into brand advocates, which can further expand your customer base through effective word-of-mouth marketing. Enhanced Data Insights Utilizing loyalty rewards software can transform your business into a data-driven entity that gains valuable insights into customer behaviors and preferences. This software acts as a data engine, tracking customer purchases and interactions, which allows you to analyze patterns in shopping frequency, spending habits, and product preferences. With this information, you can tailor your marketing strategies and product offerings to better meet customer needs, ultimately increasing satisfaction and engagement. Additionally, by measuring key performance indicators like customer lifetime value and average order value, you can make informed decisions that improve your overall business strategy. Regular assessment and adjustment based on real-time data guarantee your loyalty programs remain effective and relevant, driving continued customer loyalty and growth. How Loyalty Rewards Software Enhances Customer Engagement Even though many businesses seek effective ways to engage their customers, loyalty rewards software stands out as an influential tool for improving these interactions. This software automates and personalizes engagement, creating stronger emotional connections with your brand. By analyzing customer data, you can tailor rewards and communications, leading to better satisfaction and retention. Here are some key benefits: Incentivizes repeat purchases, with loyal customers spending 67% more than new ones. Allows tracking of customer interactions, enabling targeted marketing that can boost revenue by 15% to 25%. Encourages customer advocacy through features like referral bonuses and tiered rewards. Transforms satisfied customers into brand ambassadors who promote your business to their networks. Implementing loyalty rewards software can greatly improve customer engagement, eventually enhancing your bottom line as you cultivate long-term relationships with customers. The Role of Data Analytics in Loyalty Programs Data analytics plays an essential role in loyalty programs by providing insights into purchase behavior, which helps you understand what your customers want. By analyzing this data, you can personalize reward offerings, ensuring they resonate with your audience and encourage repeat purchases. This customized approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives engagement and loyalty over time. Insights Into Purchase Behavior How can businesses truly understand their customers’ purchasing habits? By leveraging loyalty rewards software, you can capture and analyze valuable data on customer purchases. This analysis helps you identify key trends, including: Peak purchasing times that signal when customers are most active. Popular products that resonate with your audience. The effectiveness of different rewards that can guide your offerings. Customer segmentation that allows for customized communication. These insights not only improve your marketing strategies but also help optimize your rewards program. As you adjust your offerings based on data-driven decisions, you’ll likely see an increase in customer lifetime value (CLV), nurturing stronger relationships and encouraging repeat business. Personalization of Rewards Offerings Comprehending your customers’ preferences is key to enhancing your loyalty rewards program. By leveraging data analytics, you can track customer behaviors and preferences, allowing you to tailor rewards that resonate with individual needs. Analyzing purchasing patterns helps you identify which rewards appeal to specific segments, leading to effective marketing strategies and higher redemption rates. Data-driven insights enable personalized communication, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring rewards feel relevant. Businesses utilizing data analytics in their loyalty programs can see a 15% to 25% revenue increase, as personalized offerings encourage repeat purchases and boost average order value. Furthermore, loyalty rewards software provides actionable insights, helping you continuously refine your strategies to maintain customer interest and engagement over time. Types of Loyalty Programs Supported by Software When businesses implement loyalty rewards software, they can support a variety of program types aimed at improving customer engagement and retention. Each program type has unique features that can cater to different customer needs: Points-Based Programs: Customers earn redeemable points for purchases, like Sephora’s Beauty Insider. Tiered Loyalty Programs: Based on spending levels, these programs, such as Nordstrom‘s The Nordy Club, offer increasingly valuable rewards. Value-Based Programs: Businesses can reward customer engagement beyond purchases, as seen with MoxieLash Insider. Subscription-Based Programs: Memberships like Amazon Prime provide exclusive benefits, nurturing loyalty through ongoing fees. Effective loyalty rewards software not only supports these programs but additionally helps businesses gather and analyze customer data. This capability allows for customized rewards and marketing strategies that align with customer preferences and behaviors, leading to improved satisfaction and retention. Integrating Loyalty Rewards Software With Existing Systems Integrating loyalty rewards software with your existing systems, like POS and CRM tools, is vital for maximizing efficiency. You’ll want to focus on seamless system compatibility to guarantee smooth data synchronization, which helps streamline customer interactions and rewards tracking. Seamless System Compatibility Seamless system compatibility is essential for businesses looking to implement loyalty rewards software effectively. By ensuring that your loyalty system integrates well with existing platforms, you can streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Here are some benefits of seamless integration: Sync with Point of Sale (POS) systems to track purchases and rewards in real-time. Connect with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for customized marketing efforts. Integrate with e-commerce platforms for easy access to rewards during online checkouts. Link with inventory management systems to adjust rewards based on stock levels and trends. This compatibility not only enhances operational efficiency but also automates communication and engagement, leading to higher customer retention and increased spending. Data Synchronization Strategies Effective data synchronization strategies are pivotal for businesses that want to integrate loyalty rewards software with their existing systems. By ensuring seamless connections with Point of Sale (POS) systems, you can track customer purchases and rewards in real-time. Integrating with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems enables you to gather valuable data for personalized marketing efforts, improving customer engagement. Accurate reporting on spending patterns and program effectiveness offers insights that can drive targeted promotions. Moreover, automating data entry processes reduces operational inefficiencies, keeping customer information consistently updated. In the end, strong data synchronization improves the customer experience by delivering timely rewards based on purchasing history, encouraging greater loyalty and retention for your business. Measuring Success With Loyalty Rewards Software Measuring success with loyalty rewards software involves a thorough analysis of various key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly impact a business’s bottom line. By utilizing this software, you can track crucial metrics, leading to informed decision-making and strategic adjustments. Here are some important KPIs to take into account: Customer retention rates: Monitor how well you’re keeping your customers engaged. Repeat purchase frequency: Assess how often customers return to buy again. Reward redemption rates: Evaluate how often customers are using their rewards. Customer satisfaction scores: Gauge how happy your customers are with your program. Examples of Successful Loyalty Programs Using Software When businesses implement loyalty programs using specialized software, they often see significant improvements in customer engagement and retention. For instance, Starbucks Rewards effectively tracks customer purchases, rewarding points that lead to a 67% higher spending rate among loyal members. Similarly, Sephora’s Beauty Insider program personalizes rewards and experiences, improving customer engagement and brand loyalty. The Nordy Club by Nordstrom utilizes tiered rewards through its software, encouraging members to spend more and make repeat purchases. Amazon Prime operates on a subscription-based model, offering exclusive benefits like free shipping and streaming services, which boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, McDonald’s McCafé Rewards tracks beverage purchases, providing free drinks that incentivize frequent visits in a competitive market. These examples illustrate how various businesses successfully leverage loyalty software to create compelling programs that improve customer experiences and cultivate lasting relationships. Common Challenges in Implementing Loyalty Rewards Software Implementing loyalty rewards software presents several challenges that can hinder a business’s success. Many companies encounter obstacles that can affect engagement and operational efficiency. Here are some common issues you might face: Integration: About 60% of businesses struggle with integrating the software into existing systems, which can disrupt customer service and data management. Goal Definition: A significant 70% fail to align loyalty program incentives with customer preferences, leading to low participation rates. Resistance to Change: Nearly 50% of employees may feel overwhelmed by new technology, impacting their enthusiasm to promote the program. Data Privacy Concerns: With 80% of consumers uneasy about personal data usage, transparent communication about data policies is crucial. These challenges highlight the importance of careful planning and ongoing evaluation when implementing loyalty rewards software to guarantee its effectiveness and sustainability in your business. Best Practices for Using Loyalty Rewards Software After addressing the common challenges in implementing loyalty rewards software, it’s important to focus on best practices that can improve the effectiveness of these programs. Start by implementing a user-friendly interface, making it easy for customers to navigate and understand how to earn and redeem rewards. This simplicity can lead to higher participation rates. Utilize the data analytics features to track customer behavior and preferences, allowing you to tailor rewards that resonate with different segments, thereby increasing engagement. Regularly update customers about the program’s benefits using the software’s communication tools, as personalized interactions improve satisfaction. Leverage automation capabilities to streamline processes like reward tracking, saving time and reducing costs. Finally, monitor and assess your program’s performance through analytics, enabling data-driven adjustments that boost retention rates, since keeping existing customers is cheaper than acquiring new ones. Future Trends in Loyalty Rewards Software As businesses look to the future of loyalty rewards software, they’ll increasingly turn to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to craft personalized customer experiences. These innovations can improve engagement and retention rates by as much as 25%. Furthermore, integrating mobile wallets and contactless payment systems will streamline reward redemption, as 70% of consumers prefer digital solutions for managing loyalty points. Here are some key trends shaping the future of loyalty rewards software: Enhanced data analytics will provide deeper insights into customer behavior, helping tailor rewards that resonate. Gamification elements will increase customer participation by up to 30% through engaging reward systems. Sustainability features will attract customers, with 60% willing to join programs offering eco-friendly rewards. Personalization will be key, as custom rewards improve overall customer satisfaction. These trends indicate a shift in the direction of more interactive and relevant loyalty programs. Choosing the Right Loyalty Rewards Software for Your Business Choosing the right loyalty rewards software for your business is vital, not just for enhancing customer engagement but also for achieving your overall strategic goals. Start by considering your business objectives and customer preferences to guarantee the program aligns with your strategy. Look for software that integrates seamlessly with your existing Point of Sale (POS) systems to streamline operations. Evaluate its ability to provide insights into customer behavior, which can inform your marketing strategies. Flexibility in program design is likewise important; a customizable rewards structure can better cater to your customer base. Finally, be mindful of costs, as basic programs can start at a few hundred dollars, whereas advanced solutions may impact your budget considerably. Key Considerations Importance Impact on Business Alignment with Business Goals High Drives Strategy Integration with POS Systems High Streamlines Operations Insights into Customer Behavior Medium Informs Marketing Cost of Software High Affects Budget Frequently Asked Questions How Do Loyalty Programs Benefit Businesses? Loyalty programs benefit businesses by greatly enhancing customer retention and increasing profits. When you implement such programs, you can expect a notable uptick in repeat purchases and average order value. Customers involved in loyalty initiatives often spend more than new clientele, driving revenue growth. Furthermore, these programs provide valuable data, enabling you to tailor marketing strategies and rewards, which eventually improves customer experience and satisfaction, leading to greater overall engagement with your brand. What Is Loyalty Rewards? Loyalty rewards are programs designed to encourage repeat customer engagement. They typically offer points, discounts, or exclusive offers that improve brand loyalty and retention. By participating, customers often spend considerably more than new ones, boosting overall revenue. These programs can reduce churn rates, as many consumers are willing to switch brands for better rewards. Furthermore, customized rewards based on customer preferences can enhance satisfaction, making loyalty programs essential for sustained business success. What Is a Loyalty Program Software? Loyalty program software is a digital tool that helps you create and manage customer loyalty initiatives. It tracks purchases and reward redemptions, integrating seamlessly with your Point of Sale (POS) systems. This software allows you to gather insights into customer behavior, enabling you to tailor marketing strategies effectively. Why Is Loyalty Important for Businesses? Loyalty is essential for businesses since it can greatly enhance customer retention and profits. When you nurture loyal customers, they tend to spend about 67% more than new ones. Furthermore, around 75% of shoppers would switch brands for better loyalty programs, making it important to offer competitive options. Satisfied customers likewise generate valuable word-of-mouth referrals, broadening your customer base without extra advertising costs, as nurturing trust and emotional connections strengthens long-term brand commitment. Conclusion In summary, loyalty rewards software is a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve customer engagement and retention. By automating program management and integrating with Point of Sale systems, it provides insights into customer behavior and preferences. The benefits, including increased sales and brand loyalty, are significant. Nevertheless, to maximize these advantages, it is crucial to implement best practices and stay informed about industry trends. Choosing the right software will in the end drive your loyalty program’s success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Loyalty Rewards Software and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Loyalty rewards software is an influential tool that helps businesses automate their loyalty programs. It tracks customer engagement and reward redemptions seamlessly, integrating with your existing Point of Sale systems. By analyzing customer behavior and purchasing habits, this software allows you to offer personalized rewards. Comprehending how it works and its benefits can greatly impact your sales and customer retention strategies. So, what features should you look for to maximize these advantages? Key Takeaways Loyalty rewards software automates the management of customer loyalty programs, enhancing operational efficiency and tracking engagement. It offers insights into customer behavior, enabling businesses to tailor marketing strategies and improve satisfaction. The software supports various loyalty program types, such as points-based and tiered systems, catering to diverse customer preferences. By utilizing data analytics, businesses can drive higher sales and improve customer retention through personalized rewards. Implementing loyalty rewards software can turn satisfied customers into brand advocates, fostering long-term relationships and increasing revenue. Understanding Loyalty Rewards Software As businesses work to improve customer loyalty, grasping loyalty rewards software becomes essential. This software automates the tracking and management of your loyalty program card system, allowing you to monitor customer engagement and reward redemptions seamlessly. By utilizing loyalty rewards software, you gain valuable insights into customer behavior, analyzing data on purchasing habits and preferences. This information can inform your targeted marketing strategies. Many software solutions integrate with existing Point of Sale (POS) systems, ensuring streamlined operations and enhancing data accuracy for reward calculations. Additionally, these platforms often enable you to create personalized marketing campaigns based on customer data, nurturing stronger relationships and boosting retention. In the end, using loyalty rewards software can greatly improve your overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction and an increase in repeat purchases, which drives revenue growth for your business. Key Features of Loyalty Rewards Software When considering loyalty rewards software, it’s crucial to recognize the key features that boost its effectiveness in driving customer engagement and retention. This software allows you to track customer purchases and engagement, providing valuable insights into their buying habits and preferences. You can manage various loyalty programs, such as points-based, tiered, or subscription systems, customizing them to meet your specific business goals. Many solutions integrate seamlessly with existing Point of Sale (POS) systems, simplifying reward tracking and customer data collection. Advanced features often include analytics tools that measure the effectiveness of your loyalty campaigns and customer satisfaction, enabling data-driven decision-making. By utilizing these features, you can improve customer engagement through personalized communication and offers, in the end, strengthening brand loyalty and increasing customer lifetime value. Grasping these functionalities can help you leverage loyalty rewards software effectively for your business. Benefits of Implementing Loyalty Rewards Software Implementing loyalty rewards software can greatly increase customer engagement by allowing you to track and understand customer preferences. With improved data insights, you can tailor your marketing strategies to meet the specific needs of different customer segments, leading to more effective loyalty programs. As a result, you’ll not merely retain more customers but additionally drive higher sales through targeted rewards that resonate with your audience. Increased Customer Engagement Loyalty rewards software greatly improves customer engagement by offering personalized rewards and incentives that resonate with individual preferences. When you implement this software, you can see a 15% to 25% increase in revenue, as customers feel valued and motivated to return. Research shows that customers enrolled in loyalty programs are 67% more likely to make extra purchases, highlighting a direct link between loyalty software and increased purchase frequency. Moreover, this software boosts communication, allowing you to deliver targeted promotions that enhance customer satisfaction and retention. Engaged loyalty program members often participate in referral activities, turning satisfied customers into brand advocates, which can further expand your customer base through effective word-of-mouth marketing. Enhanced Data Insights Utilizing loyalty rewards software can transform your business into a data-driven entity that gains valuable insights into customer behaviors and preferences. This software acts as a data engine, tracking customer purchases and interactions, which allows you to analyze patterns in shopping frequency, spending habits, and product preferences. With this information, you can tailor your marketing strategies and product offerings to better meet customer needs, ultimately increasing satisfaction and engagement. Additionally, by measuring key performance indicators like customer lifetime value and average order value, you can make informed decisions that improve your overall business strategy. Regular assessment and adjustment based on real-time data guarantee your loyalty programs remain effective and relevant, driving continued customer loyalty and growth. How Loyalty Rewards Software Enhances Customer Engagement Even though many businesses seek effective ways to engage their customers, loyalty rewards software stands out as an influential tool for improving these interactions. This software automates and personalizes engagement, creating stronger emotional connections with your brand. By analyzing customer data, you can tailor rewards and communications, leading to better satisfaction and retention. Here are some key benefits: Incentivizes repeat purchases, with loyal customers spending 67% more than new ones. Allows tracking of customer interactions, enabling targeted marketing that can boost revenue by 15% to 25%. Encourages customer advocacy through features like referral bonuses and tiered rewards. Transforms satisfied customers into brand ambassadors who promote your business to their networks. Implementing loyalty rewards software can greatly improve customer engagement, eventually enhancing your bottom line as you cultivate long-term relationships with customers. The Role of Data Analytics in Loyalty Programs Data analytics plays an essential role in loyalty programs by providing insights into purchase behavior, which helps you understand what your customers want. By analyzing this data, you can personalize reward offerings, ensuring they resonate with your audience and encourage repeat purchases. This customized approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also drives engagement and loyalty over time. Insights Into Purchase Behavior How can businesses truly understand their customers’ purchasing habits? By leveraging loyalty rewards software, you can capture and analyze valuable data on customer purchases. This analysis helps you identify key trends, including: Peak purchasing times that signal when customers are most active. Popular products that resonate with your audience. The effectiveness of different rewards that can guide your offerings. Customer segmentation that allows for customized communication. These insights not only improve your marketing strategies but also help optimize your rewards program. As you adjust your offerings based on data-driven decisions, you’ll likely see an increase in customer lifetime value (CLV), nurturing stronger relationships and encouraging repeat business. Personalization of Rewards Offerings Comprehending your customers’ preferences is key to enhancing your loyalty rewards program. By leveraging data analytics, you can track customer behaviors and preferences, allowing you to tailor rewards that resonate with individual needs. Analyzing purchasing patterns helps you identify which rewards appeal to specific segments, leading to effective marketing strategies and higher redemption rates. Data-driven insights enable personalized communication, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring rewards feel relevant. Businesses utilizing data analytics in their loyalty programs can see a 15% to 25% revenue increase, as personalized offerings encourage repeat purchases and boost average order value. Furthermore, loyalty rewards software provides actionable insights, helping you continuously refine your strategies to maintain customer interest and engagement over time. Types of Loyalty Programs Supported by Software When businesses implement loyalty rewards software, they can support a variety of program types aimed at improving customer engagement and retention. Each program type has unique features that can cater to different customer needs: Points-Based Programs: Customers earn redeemable points for purchases, like Sephora’s Beauty Insider. Tiered Loyalty Programs: Based on spending levels, these programs, such as Nordstrom‘s The Nordy Club, offer increasingly valuable rewards. Value-Based Programs: Businesses can reward customer engagement beyond purchases, as seen with MoxieLash Insider. Subscription-Based Programs: Memberships like Amazon Prime provide exclusive benefits, nurturing loyalty through ongoing fees. Effective loyalty rewards software not only supports these programs but additionally helps businesses gather and analyze customer data. This capability allows for customized rewards and marketing strategies that align with customer preferences and behaviors, leading to improved satisfaction and retention. Integrating Loyalty Rewards Software With Existing Systems Integrating loyalty rewards software with your existing systems, like POS and CRM tools, is vital for maximizing efficiency. You’ll want to focus on seamless system compatibility to guarantee smooth data synchronization, which helps streamline customer interactions and rewards tracking. Seamless System Compatibility Seamless system compatibility is essential for businesses looking to implement loyalty rewards software effectively. By ensuring that your loyalty system integrates well with existing platforms, you can streamline operations and improve customer experiences. Here are some benefits of seamless integration: Sync with Point of Sale (POS) systems to track purchases and rewards in real-time. Connect with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems for customized marketing efforts. Integrate with e-commerce platforms for easy access to rewards during online checkouts. Link with inventory management systems to adjust rewards based on stock levels and trends. This compatibility not only enhances operational efficiency but also automates communication and engagement, leading to higher customer retention and increased spending. Data Synchronization Strategies Effective data synchronization strategies are pivotal for businesses that want to integrate loyalty rewards software with their existing systems. By ensuring seamless connections with Point of Sale (POS) systems, you can track customer purchases and rewards in real-time. Integrating with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems enables you to gather valuable data for personalized marketing efforts, improving customer engagement. Accurate reporting on spending patterns and program effectiveness offers insights that can drive targeted promotions. Moreover, automating data entry processes reduces operational inefficiencies, keeping customer information consistently updated. In the end, strong data synchronization improves the customer experience by delivering timely rewards based on purchasing history, encouraging greater loyalty and retention for your business. Measuring Success With Loyalty Rewards Software Measuring success with loyalty rewards software involves a thorough analysis of various key performance indicators (KPIs) that directly impact a business’s bottom line. By utilizing this software, you can track crucial metrics, leading to informed decision-making and strategic adjustments. Here are some important KPIs to take into account: Customer retention rates: Monitor how well you’re keeping your customers engaged. Repeat purchase frequency: Assess how often customers return to buy again. Reward redemption rates: Evaluate how often customers are using their rewards. Customer satisfaction scores: Gauge how happy your customers are with your program. Examples of Successful Loyalty Programs Using Software When businesses implement loyalty programs using specialized software, they often see significant improvements in customer engagement and retention. For instance, Starbucks Rewards effectively tracks customer purchases, rewarding points that lead to a 67% higher spending rate among loyal members. Similarly, Sephora’s Beauty Insider program personalizes rewards and experiences, improving customer engagement and brand loyalty. The Nordy Club by Nordstrom utilizes tiered rewards through its software, encouraging members to spend more and make repeat purchases. Amazon Prime operates on a subscription-based model, offering exclusive benefits like free shipping and streaming services, which boosts customer satisfaction and loyalty. Finally, McDonald’s McCafé Rewards tracks beverage purchases, providing free drinks that incentivize frequent visits in a competitive market. These examples illustrate how various businesses successfully leverage loyalty software to create compelling programs that improve customer experiences and cultivate lasting relationships. Common Challenges in Implementing Loyalty Rewards Software Implementing loyalty rewards software presents several challenges that can hinder a business’s success. Many companies encounter obstacles that can affect engagement and operational efficiency. Here are some common issues you might face: Integration: About 60% of businesses struggle with integrating the software into existing systems, which can disrupt customer service and data management. Goal Definition: A significant 70% fail to align loyalty program incentives with customer preferences, leading to low participation rates. Resistance to Change: Nearly 50% of employees may feel overwhelmed by new technology, impacting their enthusiasm to promote the program. Data Privacy Concerns: With 80% of consumers uneasy about personal data usage, transparent communication about data policies is crucial. These challenges highlight the importance of careful planning and ongoing evaluation when implementing loyalty rewards software to guarantee its effectiveness and sustainability in your business. Best Practices for Using Loyalty Rewards Software After addressing the common challenges in implementing loyalty rewards software, it’s important to focus on best practices that can improve the effectiveness of these programs. Start by implementing a user-friendly interface, making it easy for customers to navigate and understand how to earn and redeem rewards. This simplicity can lead to higher participation rates. Utilize the data analytics features to track customer behavior and preferences, allowing you to tailor rewards that resonate with different segments, thereby increasing engagement. Regularly update customers about the program’s benefits using the software’s communication tools, as personalized interactions improve satisfaction. Leverage automation capabilities to streamline processes like reward tracking, saving time and reducing costs. Finally, monitor and assess your program’s performance through analytics, enabling data-driven adjustments that boost retention rates, since keeping existing customers is cheaper than acquiring new ones. Future Trends in Loyalty Rewards Software As businesses look to the future of loyalty rewards software, they’ll increasingly turn to advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to craft personalized customer experiences. These innovations can improve engagement and retention rates by as much as 25%. Furthermore, integrating mobile wallets and contactless payment systems will streamline reward redemption, as 70% of consumers prefer digital solutions for managing loyalty points. Here are some key trends shaping the future of loyalty rewards software: Enhanced data analytics will provide deeper insights into customer behavior, helping tailor rewards that resonate. Gamification elements will increase customer participation by up to 30% through engaging reward systems. Sustainability features will attract customers, with 60% willing to join programs offering eco-friendly rewards. Personalization will be key, as custom rewards improve overall customer satisfaction. These trends indicate a shift in the direction of more interactive and relevant loyalty programs. Choosing the Right Loyalty Rewards Software for Your Business Choosing the right loyalty rewards software for your business is vital, not just for enhancing customer engagement but also for achieving your overall strategic goals. Start by considering your business objectives and customer preferences to guarantee the program aligns with your strategy. Look for software that integrates seamlessly with your existing Point of Sale (POS) systems to streamline operations. Evaluate its ability to provide insights into customer behavior, which can inform your marketing strategies. Flexibility in program design is likewise important; a customizable rewards structure can better cater to your customer base. Finally, be mindful of costs, as basic programs can start at a few hundred dollars, whereas advanced solutions may impact your budget considerably. Key Considerations Importance Impact on Business Alignment with Business Goals High Drives Strategy Integration with POS Systems High Streamlines Operations Insights into Customer Behavior Medium Informs Marketing Cost of Software High Affects Budget Frequently Asked Questions How Do Loyalty Programs Benefit Businesses? Loyalty programs benefit businesses by greatly enhancing customer retention and increasing profits. When you implement such programs, you can expect a notable uptick in repeat purchases and average order value. Customers involved in loyalty initiatives often spend more than new clientele, driving revenue growth. Furthermore, these programs provide valuable data, enabling you to tailor marketing strategies and rewards, which eventually improves customer experience and satisfaction, leading to greater overall engagement with your brand. What Is Loyalty Rewards? Loyalty rewards are programs designed to encourage repeat customer engagement. They typically offer points, discounts, or exclusive offers that improve brand loyalty and retention. By participating, customers often spend considerably more than new ones, boosting overall revenue. These programs can reduce churn rates, as many consumers are willing to switch brands for better rewards. Furthermore, customized rewards based on customer preferences can enhance satisfaction, making loyalty programs essential for sustained business success. What Is a Loyalty Program Software? Loyalty program software is a digital tool that helps you create and manage customer loyalty initiatives. It tracks purchases and reward redemptions, integrating seamlessly with your Point of Sale (POS) systems. This software allows you to gather insights into customer behavior, enabling you to tailor marketing strategies effectively. Why Is Loyalty Important for Businesses? Loyalty is essential for businesses since it can greatly enhance customer retention and profits. When you nurture loyal customers, they tend to spend about 67% more than new ones. Furthermore, around 75% of shoppers would switch brands for better loyalty programs, making it important to offer competitive options. Satisfied customers likewise generate valuable word-of-mouth referrals, broadening your customer base without extra advertising costs, as nurturing trust and emotional connections strengthens long-term brand commitment. Conclusion In summary, loyalty rewards software is a valuable tool for businesses looking to improve customer engagement and retention. By automating program management and integrating with Point of Sale systems, it provides insights into customer behavior and preferences. The benefits, including increased sales and brand loyalty, are significant. Nevertheless, to maximize these advantages, it is crucial to implement best practices and stay informed about industry trends. Choosing the right software will in the end drive your loyalty program’s success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is Loyalty Rewards Software and How Can It Benefit Your Business?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Amazon will double down on the Whole Foods brand, killing two of its own physical retail experiments in the process. The online retail giant said Tuesday that it will close all of its Amazon Go convenience stores and Amazon Fresh brick-and-mortar grocery stores. In total, around 70 locations across the two sub-brands will close starting at the beginning of February, with some to later reopen under the Whole Foods brand. Amazon Fresh stores served as a physical counterpart to Amazon’s online grocery delivery service by the same name while Amazon Go stores offered convenience store staples with a high-tech checkout twist. “After a careful evaluation of the business and how we can best serve customers, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh physical stores, converting various locations into Whole Foods Market stores,” Amazon wrote in a blog update, adding that it “gathered valuable insights” during their operation. The Amazon brand might take a back seat in its brick-and-mortar strategy, but the retail giant’s IRL ambitions remain. Amazon also announced plans to open more than 100 new Whole Foods stores over the next few years. When the latest Go and Fresh store closures are wrapped up, Amazon’s network of Whole Foods stores will serve as the company’s only physical retail footprint – at least for now. With the closures, Amazon is backing off of its long experiment with Fresh and Go physical retail stores, which tested emerging retail technology and pushed its brand into new shopping categories. Amazon Go was known for allowing shoppers to pick up what they wanted and “Just Walk Out” instead of individually scanning items in a traditional checkout counter. That system, which relied on sensors and overhead cameras to track what shoppers purchased and linking it to their accounts digitally. While Amazon once held an ambitious roadmap for a vast network of physical stores centered around its Just Walk Out technology, the company has scaled back consistently in recent years. In 2018, Amazon was reportedly planning to open up to 3,000 cashierless stores running the technology over the next three years. By early 2026, Amazon Go was down to just 14 stores. The high cost of outfitting stores with a sophisticated array of sensors eventually dimmed those ambitions, with the company backtracking to a system that lets customers scan items to smart carts as they shop. Amazon now licenses the Just Walk Out technology out to third parties, including a number of merch, food and beverage locations in Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. Amazon is still tinkering around with ways to bring its digital storefront into the physical shopping realm. Even as it rolls back some smaller-scale retail plans, Amazon clearly still wants to take a bite out of the everyday shopping and grocery success that brands like Walmart and Costco enjoy. As soon as next year, Amazon plans to open its first massive, big box-style store stocked with home goods, groceries and prepared food in the Chicago area. “It’s purpose-built for what we see retail customers demand today,” an Amazon lawyer told local officials, who went on to greenlight the project last week. View the full article

Downloads of UpScrolled, a new short-form video app, are surging after TikTok’s recent change to U.S. ownership. Developed by Palestinian-Australian Issam Hijazi, the social media app currently ranks #2 in the U.S. in the Apple store among free apps, following ChatGPT, and markets itself as a place “where every voice gets equal power.” “No shadowbans . . . No pay-to-play favoritism. Just authentic connection where your content reaches the people who matter most,” reads UpScrolled’s website. Last week, Chinese-owned TikTok closed a $14 billion deal, brokered by the The President administration, to avoid a ban in the U.S., creating an American subsidiary with new ownership going to a joint venture that includes The President allies Oracle founder Larry Ellison and Dell Technologies’ Michael Dell. The surge in downloads is also happening amid allegations that TikTok censored videos of ICE agents in Minnesota and other anti-The President content. What is UpScrolled? UpScrolled is a platform for sharing photos, videos, and text. It says its mission is to “always remain impartial to political agendas, conflicts, and unjust views.” It brands itself as a “no-censorship” platform with a focus on free speech. It’s available on iOS and Android. UpScrolled says it was developed as an alternative to popular Big Tech-run social media platforms such as Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta and Instagram, Elon Musk’s X, and, of course, TikTok. “UpScrolled exists because we were tired of waiting for Big Tech to do the right thing,” its website states. “We needed a place where people could speak freely without playing algorithm games or being punished for telling the truth.” Other TikTok alternatives are also seeing a surge UpScrolled is not the only TikTok alternative seeing a surge after the U.S. deal. Skylight Social, or Skylight, also saw an uptick to over 380,000 users, per TechCrunch. Backed by Mark Cuban and built on open source tech, has over 42 million users. View the full article