All Activity

When New York-based Autumn Myers, 31, was interviewing for her current digital marketing job, she pushed back the interview date so it didn’t fall during Mercury retrograde. “Those jobs have always ended up in more grief for me,” she tells Fast Company. Myers also looks up her colleagues’ zodiac signs to guide her interactions with them. For example: People born under fire signs often thrive in leadership roles, but they can struggle with impulsiveness. Earth signs tend to be more dependable, but they can be risk-averse. “It’s very Scorpio of me to be that calculated,” she admits. “But it’s needed sometimes.” Myers isn’t alone. According to a 2024 Harris Poll of more than 2,000 U.S. adults, some 70% say they either “somewhat” or “strongly” believe in astrology, with 69% of millennials turning to it for comfort and confidence during challenging moments. It’s also a massive global business. According to industry reports, the astrology industry will top $22 billion by 2031. Whether it’s Dior’s zodiac-themed line, astrology influencers posting videos to huge audiences on TikTok, or audio streamers like Spotify curating playlists based on your zodiac sign, the millennia-old belief system has continued to become more and more mainstream over the past few years, especially among millennials and Gen Zers. The Co-Star app, which uses AI to combine NASA data with the predictions of professional astrologers, has over 30 million global users. There are work-focused astrology tools, too, like Bizmos, a “project management tool with the ability to forecast the optimal month, week, or day for completing certain tasks and achieving goals.” And more than 6 million videos can be found under TikTok’s astrology hashtag. “It’s kind of hard to ignore astrology when everyone’s talking about it,” Myers says. In times of economic uncertainty, political turmoil, and a tumultuous job market—layoffs hit record highs last year—it’s no surprise that people are seeking comfort and advice from farther afield. And since we’re talking about things that involve light-years . . . perhaps the farthest afield. Personalized goal-setting According to a 2025 survey of 2,000 Gen Zers by writing platform EduBirdie, 27% of Gen Z men and 16% of Gen Z women say they let the universe choose their career path. But folks have been consulting the heavens long before today’s zoomers at work. The practice of astrology originated in ancient Mesopotamia in the second millennium B.C. A widely accepted subject taught at universities during the Middle Ages, astrology was closely intertwined with sciences like astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. That all stopped around the 1700s during the Scientific Revolution, and despite a resurgence during the New Age movement in the 1970s, many dismiss astrology as magical thinking or frivolous woo-woo. At its core, astrology holds that celestial events in the cosmos reflect what happens on Earth. Some believe that the actual transits of planets and positioning of stars directly influence our lives; others simply use astrology as an invitation to spot archetypal patterns in their lives, and then apply those lessons in productive ways. For example, in need of inspiration? See where Aquarius shows up in your birth chart—the sign most associated with innovation. That’s the area of life where you can naturally think outside the box, astrology holds. Brand strategist Giselle La Pompe-Moore, 36, checks what astrological season we’re in every month to guide her work and how she interacts with customers. During Sagittarius season (November 22 to December 21), she’ll focus on broader strategies and larger frameworks to do with her business, since Sagittarius is ruled by Jupiter, the planet tied to expansion and progress. Or she’ll consult her birth chart for hints about her personality and life themes. At the time of her birth, multiple planets were in Capricorn’s region of the sky; since Capricorn’s archetype is about structure and discipline, she takes this as a guide on the optimal way she should approach her long-term goals. “I think business advice often sticks to the business as this entity. It kind of forgets that the business is run by a person,” La Pompe-Moore says. “Astrology really speaks to that.” A way to work that feels “more natural” Many proponents will say that astrology is most useful as a spiritual framework, not a crystal ball that predicts the future. They say that astrology helps us to navigate emotional challenges and relationships, and to find greater balance in our lives. Jessica Maniatis, 44, consults the stars in her work as a coach to founders of small to scaling businesses. She creates reports that include clients’ birth charts, and also brings in other self-discovery tools, like the Enneagram, which attempts to outline people’s core fears and defense mechanisms. “The first half of the report is a breakdown of their charts, and the second half—and this is a 100-plus-page report—is really how they all overlay,” Maniatis explains. From there, she offers clients insights into the best ways to approach issues, from decision-making to self-regulation. “What I’ve seen with my clients is that none of this information is necessarily new—they’re seeing themselves reflected back to them,” she says. “It almost gives them permission to approach life and work in a way that feels much more natural to them.” For the corporate lawyer who posts anonymously on TikTok under the handle @astrologybro, astrology didn’t tell him to go into law. “But it can help you understand your individuality and your strengths and weaknesses,” he says, which “can give you a richer domain of reflection.” He explains that astrology’s use lies in prompting oneself to ask certain questions—in his case: “What would I like to do, and how does being a lawyer contribute or not contribute to that?” Rachel Ruth Tate, a full-time consulting astrologer, also finds astrology a neutral, shorthand language for patterns or behavior that may otherwise be trickier to identify and articulate on your own. For example, if you’re a hotheaded, blunt communicator, an astrologer might invite you to see where Mars (the planet of drive and anger) shows up in your chart. From there, you can spend time introspecting how that fiery energy shows up in your behavior and life—in good ways and bad. Those who get it, get it: “Me saying that you have a moon in Capricorn is easier than me telling you you’ll often work yourself into a corner because you’re a workaholic,” Tate tells Fast Company. Utilizing a “flexible language” for decisions For nonbelievers, astrology is written off as a pseudoscience or sometimes an outright moneymaking scam. But instead of debating whether or not it’s “real,” it’s perhaps more useful to consider what its widespread appeal says about modern life, says Shiri Noy, associate professor of sociology at Denison University in Ohio. Noy was a coauthor on a study about astrology’s contemporary uses, which was published last year in Social Currents, the official peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Sociological Society. “Astrology’s popularity reflects a broader moment of social, economic, and political uncertainty,” Noy tells Fast Company. Nowadays, “traditional sources of authority—religion, institutions, expertise—feel less stable or less trusted,” she says. Research has shown that people are more likely to be drawn to divinatory practices in times of uncertainty—something there’s no short order of in 2026. “For many users, astrology isn’t about believing the stars control their fate,” Noy says. “Instead, it operates as a flexible language for thinking about identity, relationships, timing, and choices—similar to personality tests or therapeutic frameworks.” Astrological charts are typically open to interpretation, and are highly individualized. As any astrologer will tell you, no two Geminis or Leos are the same. “People are obsessed with being one sign or another, because it’s easy to attach an identity to that,” says Scarlett Woodford, 37, founder of a PR agency for brands who wish to be guided by divine or cosmic timing. For example, Leos are often stereotyped as relishing in the spotlight—but depending on what else is in your chart, you might not instantly relate to being the center of attention and find that your Leo energy shows up in less obvious ways. “It’s definitely worth seeing the bigger picture,” Woodford says. Finding the perfect job “I think millennials as a generation [are] more open to seeking alternative ways of understanding their place in the universe,” says Chris Brennan, professional astrologer and host of The Astrology Podcast, which has more than 250,000 subscribers on YouTube. He says they’re also more likely to “take advantage of any available tools that might help them to navigate the world during these increasingly uncertain times.” In a time of shifting workplace norms—where remote work and portfolio careers are increasingly common, and the traditional career ladder shakier than ever—workers have never had more agency over how they choose to work. For some, especially younger folks like Gen Zers and millennials, consulting the stars is part of that path. Content creator Amelie Polk says, “To find your optimal career, you’ll want to look into your​ whole chart: mainly the Midheaven, North Node, Saturn sign, and second house.” That might sound like a foreign language to laypeople. But astrology fans say using the bevy of online astrology tools and apps out there to dive into your birth chart, and spot patterns or invite self-questioning, might trigger certain intuitive “aha” moments. For instance, depending on which planets were in which location at the time of your birth, that could help determine whether you’d benefit from a nurturing, slower-paced work environment or a faster, more competitive one. “This career is gonna be good for you. This career won’t work for you,” Polk says. “This will burn you out. This won’t.” Don’t just take an astrologer’s word for it: Famous businesspeople and politicians have been rumored to credit astrology with some of their success. As J.P. Morgan famously did—or didn’t—say: “Millionaires don’t use astrology. Billionaires do.” Or as one former aide told The New York Times, look to President Ronald Reagan reportedly timing the announcement of his reelection campaign after consulting astrological signs. For Myers, she’s also used astrology to guide her decision-making at work. After paying closer attention to her birth chart, she made the decision to step down from her role as director at her company to be a senior strategist. “I realized I don’t want to be climbing the corporate ladder,” she says. Understanding astrological patterns has, in many ways, regulated Myers’ nervous system at work, too: “New York is an intense city, and advertising can be an intense field,” she says. But, she adds, astrology provides perspective. “Astrology has actually made me feel more like—it’s not that deep.” View the full article

As AI takes on more analytical and operational decision-making, the leaders who will stand out are those who can do what machines can’t: read emotional cues, build trust, and inspire teams to act. In this new landscape, emotional intelligence is more than a soft skill. It’s becoming the core differentiator of effective leadership. I once advised a CEO whose metrics looked flawless. Revenue was rising, costs were under control, and the company was steadily gaining market share. Yet during their board review, the room was uncomfortably quiet. “The results are fine,” one board director finally admitted. “But people don’t trust him anymore.” Spreadsheets might tell you if targets are met, but not whether teams are aligned, engaged, or on the verge of burnout. Emotional intelligence—understanding your impact, reading others, and managing human dynamics—is no longer a soft skill. It’s the strategic edge that separates leaders who can sustain success from those whose results plateau. Why Emotional Intelligence Is the Edge That AI Can’t Imitate Artificial intelligence can process mountains of data and surface recommendations. But it can’t read a room, detect unspoken tension, or inspire the extra effort people give when they feel seen and understood. Leaders who master emotional intelligence can turn insight into action by aligning teams, building trust, and keeping people motivated when uncertainty hits. Emotional intelligence isn’t about being nice. It’s about mastering awareness and influence. It means recognizing how your words land, sensing team dynamics in real time, and regulating your own responses to lead with clarity. And boards are paying attention. Across industries, board directors are quietly redefining what effective leadership looks like. Beyond the numbers, they’re now asking whether a CEO can: Create psychological safety that fuels innovation Stay composed when the stakes are high Leads teams through ambiguity without losing alignment Leaders who demonstrate emotional intelligence make better decisions, communicate more effectively, and retain top talent, even during disruption. In other words, emotional intelligence is no longer a personality trait. It’s a strategic asset. Practical Ways to Cultivate Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence isn’t innate. It’s a skill developed through self-awareness, reflection, and consistent effort. The most effective leaders I advise understand this. And they work at it with intention. Audit your emotional impact. After meetings or key interactions, ask trusted peers: “How did my tone land?” or “What signals might I have sent unintentionally?” These quick debriefs help surface blind spots. Even small shifts in tone, body language, or word choice can significantly improve how your message is received and strengthen alignment across your team. Pause before interpreting emotion. When tensions rise or signals seem unclear, take a step back and ask yourself: “What is this person really trying to communicate?” Approaching emotions with curiosity rather than assumption helps you defuse potential conflict and uncover the needs or concerns beneath the surface. Separate intensity from clarity. High-stakes moments often come with heightened emotions. But urgency doesn’t require volume. Communicating calmly, even when the stakes are high, improves your ability to be heard and understood. It also sets the tone for more thoughtful, grounded responses from others. Practice dual awareness. Emotional intelligence means tuning into both the external dynamics of a situation and your own internal reactions. By observing what’s happening both in the room and within yourself, you can respond more intentionally. Build emotionally diverse teams. Surround yourself with people who are attuned to different emotional cues, i.e., those who pick up on what you might overlook. Their insight is a strategic advantage that deepens your perspective and strengthens team decision-making. Leading in the Age of AI AI is taking over many tasks once seen as markers of intelligence, including things like speed, recall, and analytical precision. What remains squarely in the hands of leaders are the uniquely human capabilities: judgment, empathy, and the skill to translate complexity into clarity. Leadership today means making sense of ambiguity, anchoring teams in shared purpose, and sustaining trust over time. Those who excel lead alongside AI, using emotional intelligence to turn insight into action. The most effective leaders of the next decade won’t be those who know the most, but those who see the most in themselves, their teams, and the emotional terrain they navigate daily. Because emotional intelligence isn’t a luxury. It is the infrastructure of effective leadership. View the full article

This post was sponsored by Ahrefs. The opinions expressed in this article are the sponsor’s own. If you’ve ever run into the limits of solo AI or manual SEO tools, this article is for you. AI on its own can write and suggest ideas, but without reliable data to anchor those suggestions, it can miss the mark. On the other hand, traditional SEO dashboards are powerful – yet slow and siloed. The emerging sweet spot? Connecting AI to real, live SEO data so you can ask natural language questions and get deep answers fast. Ahrefs Uses Its Own MCP Server […] The post Using AI For SEO Can Fail Without Real Data (& How Ahrefs Fixes It) appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Isaac, 33, has been a mid-level software development engineer at a Big Tech firm for four years, and noticed entry-level job postings dropping at his workplace at the start of 2025. The work, however, didn’t vanish with them. Tasks once handled by junior engineers—like writing and testing code, fixing bugs, and contributing to development projects—were absorbed by senior staff, often with the assumption that AI would make up the difference. And while AI has sped up the velocity of shipping code and features, there are fewer people to do tasks like designing, testing, and working with stakeholders, which AI has zero grasp on. The cracks have been hard to ignore. “Seniors are burning out, and when they leave, there’s no rush to replace them, because ‘the AI will do it’!” Isaac says. Worried that he’ll become the next strung-out senior, he’s looking for his exit, ideally at a smaller tech firm. (Isaac spoke to Fast Company under a pseudonym to avoid possible retaliation.) The shift is striking, given how recently corporate America was courting Gen Z with fanatic fervor. Organizations raced to prove they understood younger employees. They flooded LinkedIn with thought leadership on the multigenerational workplace of the future, and retooled benefits programs to include wellness stipends and mental health days. Reverse mentorship programs, through which younger employees share knowledge and perspectives with more senior colleagues—touted by companies like Target, Accenture, and PwC—promised to give junior employees a voice in shaping culture and strategy. Some firms even brought Gen Z voices into the boardroom. Yet now, in the case of firms like Isaac’s, entry-level workers, once heralded as essential to innovation and growth, are struggling to get a toe—let alone a foot—in the door. Internships, starter jobs, and junior roles, the indispensable on-ramps to white-collar careers, have been evaporating for several years due to cost pressures and post-pandemic belt-tightening. Since 2023, entry-level job postings in the U.S. have sunk 35%, according to labor research firm Revelio Labs. The advent of AI is accelerating the entry-level apocalypse. Two-fifths of global leaders revealed that entry-level roles have already been reduced or cut due to efficiencies made by AI conducting research, admin, and briefing tasks, and 43% expect this to happen in the next year. “While there’s steady hiring or even growth in the skilled trades, we’re seeing entry-level vacancies fall significantly in tech and customer service and sales roles,” says Mona Mourshed, founder of the workplace development nonprofit Generation. “Being in the business of training and placing people into entry-level roles, we find it deeply concerning.” Graduates are clearly not okay—but neither are the companies that decided they could do without them. AI at work: the supercar with no driver The logic was seductive in its simplicity. Cut costs, move faster, shrink training budgets, let AI and a leaner workforce handle the rest. In reality, it’s producing something else entirely: flattened teams with little agency, endless cycles of rework, and exhausted senior employees juggling all task levels at once. One redditor who posted about how their company has stopped hiring entry-level engineers, received hundreds of other responses as others chiming in with similar stories. One commenter noted: “Not sure what the plan will be after the knowledge transfer is over.” Isaac has watched this dynamic unfold firsthand. Leaders at his company see AI as a force multiplier, and are fixated on shipping features quickly. Isaac can see their point: “[AI] can straight up write better, faster, more legible code than most developers,” he admits. However, he points out, “any seasoned engineer knows the hard part isn’t writing the code, it’s the design and testing.” Yet, there’s far fewer people to delegate this work to, so senior developers are left to do this on their own. Compounding the problem is the fact that AI doesn’t understand the problem it’s meant to solve. Left unchecked, it can go rogue. Isaac recalls multiple instances of chatbots deleting production stacks—unprompted—because they couldn’t figure out how to solve an issue. “Without an expert who knows how to prompt and guide it, AI is just a supercar with no driver,” he says. The team has seen their workload steadily increase in line with automation, so the time savings it creates have had little impact. Many seniors have checked out, with several burned out engineers signed off for medical leave. Research from the project management platform Asana underscores this growing “efficiency illusion.” While 77% of workers are already using AI agents and expect to hand more off to them in the next year, nearly two-thirds say the tools are unreliable, and more than half say agents confidently produce incorrect or misleading information. The result is time down the drain: a U.S. study found that employees are spending an extra 4.5 hours a week fixing AI workslop. “AI can make work look faster on the surface, but it can also create a lot of cleanup work—double-checking outputs, correcting errors, and redoing steps that were based on faulty information,” Mark Hoffman, Asana’s Work Innovation Lead, tells Fast Company. When something goes wrong, accountability is murky, he adds, and the responsibility often falls back on the employee to catch errors, explain outcomes, and manage the risk. It’s driving up already record-high levels of burnout; 77% of knowledge workers say their workloads are unmanageable, and 84% are digitally exhausted. When errors slip through, the consequences are costly and embarrassing. Three-quarters of Americans report at least one negative consequence from poor AI outputs, including work rejected by stakeholders (28%), security incidents (27%), and customer complaints (25%). In October, Deloitte was forced to refund the Australian Department of Employment and Workplace Relations after a report was found to contain AI hallucinations and workslop. In the past, newbie consultants would have handled tasks such as this. However, notably, Deloitte cut its graduate cohort by 18% and slashed hundreds of early-career roles earlier that summer. The demographic time bomb Not only are workloads increasing, by hollowing out their junior ranks, businesses are putting themselves squarely in the path of a slow-burning demographic time bomb as seniors begin to retire in record numbers. From 2024 to 2032, 18.4 million experienced workers age 55 to 64 with postsecondary education are expected to retire, but only 13.8 million younger workers (currently age 16 to 24) are entering with equivalent qualifications. Even in an AI-powered economy, where certain jobs will be automated, companies still need humans with judgment-, context-, institutional-, and sector-specific insight. Yet plenty are making moves—at least for today—to wipe out the training ground that turns beginners into experts. “There won’t be an endless supply of experienced hires to fall back on, so everyone will be fighting for the limited, increasingly expensive talent with domain expertise,” says Cali Williams Yost, futurist and founder of flexible-work consulting firm Flex+Strategy Group. “Companies have maybe five years to train younger workers to take over and gain the niche knowledge, so AI has something to augment.” Moe Hutt, an entry-level recruitment marketing expert and director of consulting at recruitment marketing agency HireClix, has watched clients scale back or abandon entry-level hiring, citing AI-aided workflows and economic uncertainty. Hutt points to the less visible fallout within organizations beyond damaging the talent pipeline. “It’s human nature to want to help,” she says. “When there’s no release valve of training juniors, it creates friction everywhere.” For middle and senior management, delegating, teaching, and watching someone grow is a reward for the experience. Research consistently shows that sharing knowledge and mentoring improves motivation, boosts psychological well-being, and reduces burnout among experienced employees. With no one to train or teach, disengagement spreads, eroding a workforce where most people have already checked out. Being AI-savvy and being prepared for the demographic cliff aren’t mutually exclusive. Organizations can build pro-worker environments where employees are augmented with AI, without hollowing out their future talent pipelines. PwC—admittedly, another firm which has been open about its cuts to entry-level recruiting, at least in the U.K.—is experimenting with what that balance could look like by training junior accountants to become managers of AI. Entry-level employees gain early exposure to leadership and accountability, while the firm builds a cache of managers that are fluent in both human judgment and machine output. It’s proof that efficiency and succession planning can coexist. This matters because disappearing entry-level jobs aren’t just a problem for the corporate workforce—it will be a societal crisis, too. A functioning society depends on younger generations steadily taking over from older ones. AI might be able to write the code, but without people trained to guide it, question it, and eventually replace their elders, there will be no one left to keep the lights on. View the full article

To succeed in social media marketing, you need to implement key strategies that can improve your brand’s visibility and engagement. Start by clearly defining your goals using the SMART framework, as this sets a solid foundation. Next, comprehending your audience and selecting the right platforms guarantees your content reaches the right people. Each of these strategies plays a vital role in driving performance, but how do they interconnect and impact your overall approach? Key Takeaways Define clear social media goals using the SMART framework to track progress and increase brand awareness effectively. Understand your target audience by analyzing demographics and utilizing buyer personas for personalized content. Create engaging, authentic content through visual storytelling and user-generated content to build trust and connection. Implement a consistent posting schedule to maintain audience engagement and boost brand recall significantly. Adapt strategies based on analytics and audience feedback to stay relevant and enhance overall engagement. Define Your Social Media Goals When you define your social media goals, it’s essential to use the SMART framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach guarantees your social media marketing strategy is focused and effective. For instance, aiming for a 20% increase in brand awareness through targeted campaigns within six months gives you a clear benchmark. Furthermore, setting a goal of generating 100 new leads per month allows you to measure the effectiveness of your engagement strategies. Establishing a consistent posting schedule of 3-5 posts weekly on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can improve visibility. Regularly revisiting your goals based on performance metrics guarantees alignment with your evolving business objectives, keeping your strategy relevant and on track. Understand Your Target Audience Comprehending your target audience is crucial for crafting effective social media marketing strategies. To truly understand your target audience, start by identifying key demographics like age, gender, location, and income. This allows you to customize your messaging to resonate with specific groups. Utilize analytics tools from social media platforms to gain insights into audience behavior and preferences, informing your content strategy. Developing buyer personas based on these insights humanizes your audience and guarantees your content remains relevant. Moreover, implementing social listening tools helps monitor audience sentiment and feedback, enabling real-time adjustments to your strategies. Research shows that brands that accurately understand their target audience experience higher engagement rates, with personalized content generating up to six times more interactions. Choose the Right Social Media Platforms Selecting the appropriate social media platforms is crucial for reaching your target audience effectively. By comprehending audience demographics and analyzing engagement trends, you can choose platforms that align with your business goals and improve interaction. Concentrating on one or two platforms not just enhances content quality but furthermore maximizes your marketing team’s efforts. Understand Audience Demographics Comprehending audience demographics plays a crucial role in selecting the right social media platforms for your marketing strategy. To effectively reach your target audience, you must understand audience demographics, as each platform attracts distinct age groups. For instance, 60% of TikTok users are aged 16-24, making it ideal for brands targeting younger consumers. Conversely, LinkedIn caters primarily to professionals aged 25-54. Research indicates that 84% of adults aged 18-29 use Instagram, whereas Facebook remains popular among adults aged 30-49, with 77% actively engaging. Furthermore, 50% of users on X (formerly Twitter) are under 30, highlighting their preference for real-time updates. Analyze Platform Engagement Trends With a solid comprehension of your audience demographics, the next step involves analyzing platform engagement trends to select the most effective social media channels for your marketing efforts. Different social media platforms for marketing attract distinct demographics and behaviors. For instance, TikTok and Instagram mainly engage younger audiences, whereas LinkedIn is favored by professionals aged 30 and above. Consider these factors when analyzing platforms: Facebook remains the most widely used, with over 2.9 billion active users. Instagram is vital for visual content, with 60% of users discovering new products. Tweets have a short lifespan of 18 minutes, whereas Facebook posts can engage for days. Engaging where your audience actively participates is critical for brand recommendations. Align Goals With Platforms Aligning your marketing goals with the right social media platforms is essential for maximizing your brand’s impact. Each platform serves distinct demographics; for instance, TikTok and Instagram are preferred by younger users, whereas LinkedIn caters to professionals. Comprehending where your target audience spends their time online improves your marketing strategy using social media. Research shows that 75% of users like to connect with brands on familiar platforms. Furthermore, content preferences vary; Instagram and TikTok thrive on dynamic visuals, whereas LinkedIn focuses on informative content. By aligning your business goals with the strengths of each platform, you can effectively engage your audience. For example, using TikTok for brand awareness can yield better results than LinkedIn because of higher engagement rates. Create Engaging and Authentic Content Creating engaging and authentic content is vital for connecting with your audience. Utilizing visual storytelling techniques can help convey your brand message more effectively, whereas incorporating user-generated content adds credibility and promotes community. Visual Storytelling Techniques Visual storytelling techniques play a crucial role in crafting engaging and authentic content for social media marketing. By leveraging compelling images and videos, you can effectively convey your brand narrative. Studies show that content with visuals receives 94% more views than text-only posts. To maximize the impact of your visual storytelling, consider these strategies: Use short-form videos, like those on Instagram Reels and TikTok, to drive engagement. Maintain a consistent visual style across all platforms to improve brand recognition. Implement character-driven narratives or relatable scenarios to create emotional connections. Incorporate user-generated content to promote authenticity and trust with your audience. User-Generated Content Value Many brands are discovering the significant value of user-generated content (UGC) in their social media marketing efforts. UGC can elevate engagement by up to 28%, nurturing community and authenticity. With 79% of consumers influenced by UGC in their purchasing decisions, it’s an influential tool for driving conversions. Brands utilizing UGC see a 4.5% higher conversion rate compared to those that don’t. By featuring customer photos and testimonials, you strengthen trust and connection with your audience. Plus, leveraging audience creativity reduces content creation costs, making your marketing campaigns more cost-effective. Here’s a quick look at UGC benefits: Benefit Impact Increased Engagement Up to 28% Influence on Purchases 79% of consumers Higher Conversion Rates 4.5% increase Cost-Effective Marketing Reduced content costs Trend Integration Strategies Incorporating user-generated content improves your social media strategy, allowing you to tap into current trends effectively. By focusing on engaging and authentic content, you can use various social media marketing techniques to capture your audience’s attention. Here are some strategies to reflect on: Leverage short-form videos, as they dominate engagement on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Use storytelling techniques to convey brand messages and cultivate emotional connections. Integrate trending topics and hashtags to increase your content’s visibility and relevance. Prioritize high-quality visuals and concise messaging to boost clicks and interactions. Implementing these strategies will help you create content that resonates with your audience as you stay relevant in the continuously changing social media environment. Implement a Consistent Posting Schedule When you implement a consistent posting schedule, you’re not just filling your social media feeds; you’re actively engaging your audience and improving your brand’s visibility. Research shows that maintaining this schedule can increase audience engagement by up to 30%. Aim to post on Instagram 3-7 times a week and on Twitter 1-2 times daily to maximize interaction. A content calendar can streamline your efforts, ensuring even distribution of posts that align with your social media marketing plan. Consistency keeps your audience interested, enhancing brand recall by 70%. Brands that post regularly see a 50% increase in follower growth. By establishing a routine, you boost your overall reach and create a stronger connection with your audience. Analyze Performance Metrics Regularly Analyzing performance metrics regularly is essential for comprehending your social media impact, as it helps you identify which content resonates most with your audience. By utilizing built-in analytics tools, you can gather insights that refine your social media marketing approach. Focus on these key aspects: Engagement rates: Measure interactions to gauge interest. Reach: Assess how many people see your posts. Conversion rates: Track actions taken after engagement. A/B testing: Experiment with different content and posting times. Regularly tracking these performance metrics allows you to align your strategies with audience preferences, ensuring your efforts yield the best return on investment. Adapt and Evolve Your Strategy Adapting and evolving your social media strategy is crucial for maintaining relevance in a swiftly changing digital environment. To effectively adapt and evolve your strategy, continuously monitor social media trends, like the rise of short-form videos, to align your content with audience preferences. Utilize analytics tools to assess engagement and performance, allowing for real-time, data-driven adjustments. Regularly review competitor strategies and audience sentiment through social listening tools to identify improvement opportunities. Be flexible in experimenting with new platforms and features, such as TikTok trends or Instagram updates. Finally, guarantee your online marketing strategies align with changing consumer needs by soliciting direct feedback through polls and interactive content, enabling you to stay relevant and capture your target audience’s interest. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 P’s of Social Media Marketing? The 7 P’s of social media marketing are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical Evidence. You need to focus on your product’s unique features, set competitive prices, and choose platforms where your audience interacts the most. Promotion strategies should highlight your product’s value through ads or influencers. Furthermore, consider the people involved, streamline processes for engagement, and provide physical evidence, like testimonials, to improve your brand’s credibility and presence. What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 Rule on social media suggests you share five pieces of your own content, curate five pieces from others, and promote five items. This balanced approach guarantees you provide value while preventing your audience from feeling overwhelmed by constant promotions. What Is the Best Strategy for Social Media Marketing? The best strategy for social media marketing involves setting clear SMART goals, comprehending your target audience, and customizing content for each platform. You need to maintain consistent posting and messaging to build trust with your followers. Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics like engagement and conversions, allowing for data-driven adjustments. Finally, engaging directly with your audience nurtures a community, enhancing loyalty and encouraging organic growth. Consistency and adaptability are key components of success. What Are the 4 Key Marketing Strategies? To effectively market, you should focus on four key strategies: first, identify your target audience to tailor your messaging; second, create high-quality content that captivates and aligns with platform norms; third, utilize analytics to track performance metrics and inform adjustments; and finally, guarantee consistent branding across all channels to build trust. These strategies collectively improve engagement, optimize outreach, and cultivate stronger relationships with your audience, leading to better overall results. Conclusion In summary, implementing these seven strategies can greatly improve your social media marketing efforts. By defining clear goals, comprehending your audience, and creating authentic content, you can effectively engage with your followers. Maintaining a consistent posting schedule and regularly analyzing performance metrics will keep your strategy aligned with audience preferences. As you adapt and evolve based on feedback, you’ll not just build brand awareness but additionally strengthen your connection with your audience, eventually driving better results. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Key Strategies for Social Media Marketing Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To succeed in social media marketing, you need to implement key strategies that can improve your brand’s visibility and engagement. Start by clearly defining your goals using the SMART framework, as this sets a solid foundation. Next, comprehending your audience and selecting the right platforms guarantees your content reaches the right people. Each of these strategies plays a vital role in driving performance, but how do they interconnect and impact your overall approach? Key Takeaways Define clear social media goals using the SMART framework to track progress and increase brand awareness effectively. Understand your target audience by analyzing demographics and utilizing buyer personas for personalized content. Create engaging, authentic content through visual storytelling and user-generated content to build trust and connection. Implement a consistent posting schedule to maintain audience engagement and boost brand recall significantly. Adapt strategies based on analytics and audience feedback to stay relevant and enhance overall engagement. Define Your Social Media Goals When you define your social media goals, it’s essential to use the SMART framework, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This approach guarantees your social media marketing strategy is focused and effective. For instance, aiming for a 20% increase in brand awareness through targeted campaigns within six months gives you a clear benchmark. Furthermore, setting a goal of generating 100 new leads per month allows you to measure the effectiveness of your engagement strategies. Establishing a consistent posting schedule of 3-5 posts weekly on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn can improve visibility. Regularly revisiting your goals based on performance metrics guarantees alignment with your evolving business objectives, keeping your strategy relevant and on track. Understand Your Target Audience Comprehending your target audience is crucial for crafting effective social media marketing strategies. To truly understand your target audience, start by identifying key demographics like age, gender, location, and income. This allows you to customize your messaging to resonate with specific groups. Utilize analytics tools from social media platforms to gain insights into audience behavior and preferences, informing your content strategy. Developing buyer personas based on these insights humanizes your audience and guarantees your content remains relevant. Moreover, implementing social listening tools helps monitor audience sentiment and feedback, enabling real-time adjustments to your strategies. Research shows that brands that accurately understand their target audience experience higher engagement rates, with personalized content generating up to six times more interactions. Choose the Right Social Media Platforms Selecting the appropriate social media platforms is crucial for reaching your target audience effectively. By comprehending audience demographics and analyzing engagement trends, you can choose platforms that align with your business goals and improve interaction. Concentrating on one or two platforms not just enhances content quality but furthermore maximizes your marketing team’s efforts. Understand Audience Demographics Comprehending audience demographics plays a crucial role in selecting the right social media platforms for your marketing strategy. To effectively reach your target audience, you must understand audience demographics, as each platform attracts distinct age groups. For instance, 60% of TikTok users are aged 16-24, making it ideal for brands targeting younger consumers. Conversely, LinkedIn caters primarily to professionals aged 25-54. Research indicates that 84% of adults aged 18-29 use Instagram, whereas Facebook remains popular among adults aged 30-49, with 77% actively engaging. Furthermore, 50% of users on X (formerly Twitter) are under 30, highlighting their preference for real-time updates. Analyze Platform Engagement Trends With a solid comprehension of your audience demographics, the next step involves analyzing platform engagement trends to select the most effective social media channels for your marketing efforts. Different social media platforms for marketing attract distinct demographics and behaviors. For instance, TikTok and Instagram mainly engage younger audiences, whereas LinkedIn is favored by professionals aged 30 and above. Consider these factors when analyzing platforms: Facebook remains the most widely used, with over 2.9 billion active users. Instagram is vital for visual content, with 60% of users discovering new products. Tweets have a short lifespan of 18 minutes, whereas Facebook posts can engage for days. Engaging where your audience actively participates is critical for brand recommendations. Align Goals With Platforms Aligning your marketing goals with the right social media platforms is essential for maximizing your brand’s impact. Each platform serves distinct demographics; for instance, TikTok and Instagram are preferred by younger users, whereas LinkedIn caters to professionals. Comprehending where your target audience spends their time online improves your marketing strategy using social media. Research shows that 75% of users like to connect with brands on familiar platforms. Furthermore, content preferences vary; Instagram and TikTok thrive on dynamic visuals, whereas LinkedIn focuses on informative content. By aligning your business goals with the strengths of each platform, you can effectively engage your audience. For example, using TikTok for brand awareness can yield better results than LinkedIn because of higher engagement rates. Create Engaging and Authentic Content Creating engaging and authentic content is vital for connecting with your audience. Utilizing visual storytelling techniques can help convey your brand message more effectively, whereas incorporating user-generated content adds credibility and promotes community. Visual Storytelling Techniques Visual storytelling techniques play a crucial role in crafting engaging and authentic content for social media marketing. By leveraging compelling images and videos, you can effectively convey your brand narrative. Studies show that content with visuals receives 94% more views than text-only posts. To maximize the impact of your visual storytelling, consider these strategies: Use short-form videos, like those on Instagram Reels and TikTok, to drive engagement. Maintain a consistent visual style across all platforms to improve brand recognition. Implement character-driven narratives or relatable scenarios to create emotional connections. Incorporate user-generated content to promote authenticity and trust with your audience. User-Generated Content Value Many brands are discovering the significant value of user-generated content (UGC) in their social media marketing efforts. UGC can elevate engagement by up to 28%, nurturing community and authenticity. With 79% of consumers influenced by UGC in their purchasing decisions, it’s an influential tool for driving conversions. Brands utilizing UGC see a 4.5% higher conversion rate compared to those that don’t. By featuring customer photos and testimonials, you strengthen trust and connection with your audience. Plus, leveraging audience creativity reduces content creation costs, making your marketing campaigns more cost-effective. Here’s a quick look at UGC benefits: Benefit Impact Increased Engagement Up to 28% Influence on Purchases 79% of consumers Higher Conversion Rates 4.5% increase Cost-Effective Marketing Reduced content costs Trend Integration Strategies Incorporating user-generated content improves your social media strategy, allowing you to tap into current trends effectively. By focusing on engaging and authentic content, you can use various social media marketing techniques to capture your audience’s attention. Here are some strategies to reflect on: Leverage short-form videos, as they dominate engagement on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Use storytelling techniques to convey brand messages and cultivate emotional connections. Integrate trending topics and hashtags to increase your content’s visibility and relevance. Prioritize high-quality visuals and concise messaging to boost clicks and interactions. Implementing these strategies will help you create content that resonates with your audience as you stay relevant in the continuously changing social media environment. Implement a Consistent Posting Schedule When you implement a consistent posting schedule, you’re not just filling your social media feeds; you’re actively engaging your audience and improving your brand’s visibility. Research shows that maintaining this schedule can increase audience engagement by up to 30%. Aim to post on Instagram 3-7 times a week and on Twitter 1-2 times daily to maximize interaction. A content calendar can streamline your efforts, ensuring even distribution of posts that align with your social media marketing plan. Consistency keeps your audience interested, enhancing brand recall by 70%. Brands that post regularly see a 50% increase in follower growth. By establishing a routine, you boost your overall reach and create a stronger connection with your audience. Analyze Performance Metrics Regularly Analyzing performance metrics regularly is essential for comprehending your social media impact, as it helps you identify which content resonates most with your audience. By utilizing built-in analytics tools, you can gather insights that refine your social media marketing approach. Focus on these key aspects: Engagement rates: Measure interactions to gauge interest. Reach: Assess how many people see your posts. Conversion rates: Track actions taken after engagement. A/B testing: Experiment with different content and posting times. Regularly tracking these performance metrics allows you to align your strategies with audience preferences, ensuring your efforts yield the best return on investment. Adapt and Evolve Your Strategy Adapting and evolving your social media strategy is crucial for maintaining relevance in a swiftly changing digital environment. To effectively adapt and evolve your strategy, continuously monitor social media trends, like the rise of short-form videos, to align your content with audience preferences. Utilize analytics tools to assess engagement and performance, allowing for real-time, data-driven adjustments. Regularly review competitor strategies and audience sentiment through social listening tools to identify improvement opportunities. Be flexible in experimenting with new platforms and features, such as TikTok trends or Instagram updates. Finally, guarantee your online marketing strategies align with changing consumer needs by soliciting direct feedback through polls and interactive content, enabling you to stay relevant and capture your target audience’s interest. Frequently Asked Questions What Are the 7 P’s of Social Media Marketing? The 7 P’s of social media marketing are Product, Price, Place, Promotion, People, Process, and Physical Evidence. You need to focus on your product’s unique features, set competitive prices, and choose platforms where your audience interacts the most. Promotion strategies should highlight your product’s value through ads or influencers. Furthermore, consider the people involved, streamline processes for engagement, and provide physical evidence, like testimonials, to improve your brand’s credibility and presence. What Is the 5 5 5 Rule on Social Media? The 5 5 5 Rule on social media suggests you share five pieces of your own content, curate five pieces from others, and promote five items. This balanced approach guarantees you provide value while preventing your audience from feeling overwhelmed by constant promotions. What Is the Best Strategy for Social Media Marketing? The best strategy for social media marketing involves setting clear SMART goals, comprehending your target audience, and customizing content for each platform. You need to maintain consistent posting and messaging to build trust with your followers. Utilize analytics tools to track performance metrics like engagement and conversions, allowing for data-driven adjustments. Finally, engaging directly with your audience nurtures a community, enhancing loyalty and encouraging organic growth. Consistency and adaptability are key components of success. What Are the 4 Key Marketing Strategies? To effectively market, you should focus on four key strategies: first, identify your target audience to tailor your messaging; second, create high-quality content that captivates and aligns with platform norms; third, utilize analytics to track performance metrics and inform adjustments; and finally, guarantee consistent branding across all channels to build trust. These strategies collectively improve engagement, optimize outreach, and cultivate stronger relationships with your audience, leading to better overall results. Conclusion In summary, implementing these seven strategies can greatly improve your social media marketing efforts. By defining clear goals, comprehending your audience, and creating authentic content, you can effectively engage with your followers. Maintaining a consistent posting schedule and regularly analyzing performance metrics will keep your strategy aligned with audience preferences. As you adapt and evolve based on feedback, you’ll not just build brand awareness but additionally strengthen your connection with your audience, eventually driving better results. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Key Strategies for Social Media Marketing Success" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. I inherited a team from a terrible manager Thanks to your help, I have a shiny new job. I’ve inherited a team where the last manager, Jane, was a true chaos agent. I’m getting stories of her ignoring staff, not communicating on projects or workload at all, putting the blame on staff to senior manager when projects didn’t happen, drinking too much at work events, inappropriate behavior. All her behavior went unchecked for some years until she was suddenly let go. The team are generally exhausted. There is some anger that they escalated complaints about Jane and nothing was done (until it was). At least one openly says she has PTSD. I am trying to support the team and be an aggressively good manager. I’m being transparent about what I’m working on and how it involves them, consulting with them on planning, giving them clear guidance and timelines and so on. They are being super receptive to everything, and bringing good attitudes to the table because they seem so relieved to have a normal manager. Every single day I’m getting multiple team members say, “Wow, it’s not like it was before” and “Wow, Jane would never have done that” or “Jane always did XYZ, it was awful.” When they say these things, I want to acknowledge what they’ve been through but also not have meetings turn into group therapy sessions. And when the flush of me being not Jane has worn off, I’m sure they fill discover some things they don’t like. They won’t get to do whatever they want all day anymore (like they were before) for a start. So how do I best support this traumatized team to get the most out of them and help them move on, and what do I say when they start in on the Jane stories? Visibly being an aggressively good manager (as you’re doing) and time. It’s going to take a while for them to viscerally feel and trust that they’re working in a different situation now and for the stability of that to feel solid. In response to the comments about how things used to be under Jane, try to keep things moving forward in a reasonably upbeat way: “This is what I’ve found to work well” … “I’m always open to feedback if you have it” … “I’m glad this sounds better to you” … “Let’s see how this goes!” … etc. I do think you can be open to some one-on-one venting about what happened in the past — and it might give you useful insights into some of the clean-up you’re going to have to do — but it shouldn’t be a group activity that takes over team meetings; that tends to go off the rails quickly and can keep people mired in the past longer. If you see that happening and redirection doesn’t resolve it pretty quickly, it might be worth addressing directly: “I know this team has had a rough time of it. I’m seeing our meetings start to derail on how things used to be, and while some of that is understandable to process the changes this team has been through, I also want to keep us focused on what we’re doing now.” (That said, if people are really struggling with it, there might be value in one discussion to process it together, for anyone who wants to participate, with the understanding that the team needs to move forward after that.) 2. Application asked about how anxiety affects your work I was filling out a teacher job application and it had a questionnaire that included this question: “In the last period of time, how much has anxiety interfered with your interaction with your team mates?” The answers you could choose from were: * None * Mild; some interactions have been strained, but no serious problems * Moderate, we have complained or accused each other of minor insults or work slip-ups * Severe, I am concerned that anxiety has made it difficult to work effectively as a team * Extreme, I am concerned that my anxiety makes it impossible to work with others on this team Is this question illegal? If you’re in the U.S., it’s illegal. Employers can’t legally ask questions that are designed to suss out the existence of a disability. They could certainly ask questions about your relationships with coworkers and how effectively you’ve worked on a team, but they can’t ask, as they’re effectively doing here, “Do you have anxiety and, if so, how does it show up at work?” 3. I did a huge amount of work to save my team’s butt — and no one has even thanked me My office was changing to a new system in a month after working toward it for over a year, and my manager called me into a meeting, near tears, and told me that the new system had not been set up to create important reports that we desperately need. Our work runs on these reports. We report to auditors and the government using these reports. We track our own data using these reports. Not having them wasn’t an option. She asked if I had any ideas as to what could be done because I’m good with Excel, and if I knew any formulas that could organize this data in the way we needed. I spent weeks designing a sprawling framework that automatically mapped all of our data into six wildly different reports, including some that were requested after the initial meeting as a “want” rather than a “need.” I learned new skills to make this happen and put aside my own work to get it done. I worked late. I analyzed and picked apart the old reports to correct the mapping, even identifying errors in the old reports that needed to be corrected moving forward. It was a ton of work and no one else in my department could have created this, including my manager. It felt like a miracle when I pulled it off. It is now being utilized by all levels of management in my division due to how useful it is. And I never even received a thank you. Now, six months on, it is invariably “my” file when there is an update or correction that needs to be made, but “our” file in every other context. That’s it. I’m not expecting a parade or a promotion, but there hasn’t even been a conversation highlighting that someone at least understands that I pulled our butts out of the fire in a major way. I’m wondering if I’m being too sensitive? I work here. It wasn’t volunteer work; they paid me to do it. But without me, they would have had to delay launch and pay the system designers a whole lot of money to get the result I basically handed to them. Is it wrong to expect a ‘thank you’ for working, even if the task was this far outside of my normal purview? No, you absolutely should have been recognized for going above and beyond and solving a massive problem! That would be true even if it were a normal part of your job; it’s extra true because it wasn’t. You should ask for a raise, and make this a centerpiece of your argument for why you deserve it — both the creation of the system itself, and your ongoing role in keeping it working. 4. My boss’ personality changed after brain surgery I’ve worked for the same boss at the same company for 16 years. During that time, my boss needed brain surgery. It’s been three years since his surgery, and his personality and management style have taken quite a turn for the worse. Instead of the demanding but fair boss I worked with for so many years, he is now harsh and downright mean — to the point that other colleagues will contact me privately after an undeserved public dressing down to ask if I’m okay. Executive leadership has been present for some of these meltdowns and have not intervened. After three very difficult years working with him, I’m looking for another job and it looks like I’m about to get a very welcome offer. But I’m wondering how honest I should be in my eventual exit interview. Should I highlight these personality shifts to HR as a reason for leaving? It doesn’t seem quite fair to my boss, because it is very possible and even likely that these personality changes are due to the brain surgery itself and therefore there is little that can be done to change for the better. All the same, I’ve been shielding the rest of the more junior team from his mercurial moods as best I can and feel guilty quietly leaving them to deal with him in this state. I want to approach this both honestly and compassionately, and any advice is appreciated! Yes, tell HR. Your boss is in a position of power over other people and being abusive to them; it’s not a question of whether or not he can help it, it’s a question of the fact that it’s happening. You can certainly present it through a compassionate lens — specifying that it’s a change since his surgery and you realize it might stem from that — but it would be a significant kindness to the people left behind if you make someone aware that it’s happening. (And while executive leadership has seen some of it, they don’t necessarily know the extent of it.) 5. Leaving after I successfully pass a performance improvement plan I’ve been on a performance improvement plan (PIP) for the past few months (it was paused for a long while) due to poor performance that ended up being caused by a sudden onset of a pretty serious disease. Now that I’m recovering and back at work, my PIP is active again and … well, I’m progressing fine. No major issues, hitting KPIs and not feeling terrible after the work day. Barring any major hiccups, it’s looking like I’ll pass it. I want to relax and get into the groove again but on the other hand, the way the middle levels of the company treated me while I was ill (grandboss and HR), up to and including open mockery in meetings. I still want out. I really love my team but I’ve lost trust in the company. I also have wider issues with the workplace that are more of “we need to all join the union” problems but those don’t really factor into my PIP, they just piss me off. I’m dealing with guilt from wanting to leave, anger from how I was treated, exhaustion from fighting an illness that impacted my life for the better part of two years and the longing to leave to see if I can get a better deal in a new workplace (likely outside of my current high-stress field). Obviously there’s a lot of parts at play here, but is it common to pass a PIP and leave anyway? Is it ethically questionable? It’s no way ethically questionable to leave after passing a PIP. It would be in no way ethically questionable to leave if the PIP had never happened, either. If you want to leave, you get to leave! Ethics don’t come into it, unless you’re, like, an airline pilot parachuting out of the plane mid-flight. People end up leaving shortly after PIPs all the time — sometimes because they feel poorly treated, but sometimes because the PIP made them realize the job wasn’t a great match (whether due to the work itself or their manager’s expectations, or because the PIP made them feel too much instability, or all sorts of other things). The post I inherited a team from a terrible manager, job application asked about how anxiety affects your work, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

CEO Paolo Ardoino downplays the scale of $185bn stablecoin group’s capital raiseView the full article

The presumptive next chair might be better than others on the list, but he is a confusing, perhaps confused, figureView the full article

UK lender’s move to expand its institutional unit would include growing its US officeView the full article

We are either on the verge of widespread adoption or a terrible crashView the full article

Unencrypted European communications are being targeted by MoscowView the full article

German group’s outspoken boss Armin Papperger wants to ‘catch’ €300bn in European deals by 2030View the full article

The state department has pushed for close scrutiny before approving export licencesView the full article

This month offers some impressive promos and discounts you shouldn’t overlook. For instance, Yogurtland’s BOGO deal on yogurt or ice cream cups on October 27 makes it a great opportunity for a treat. If you’re a pet owner, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is available for just $25, a significant drop from its original price. You might likewise consider the Vera Bradley Throw Blanket at Target for only $12.34. Stay tuned for more details on additional savings! Key Takeaways Enjoy a BOGO offer on yogurt or ice cream cups at Yogurtland on October 27, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Grab a Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for only $25 at HSN, down from $70, ideal for pet hair cleanup. Score Vera Bradley Throw Blankets at Target for $12.34, originally priced at $65, offering over 80% savings on stylish home decor. Purchase a 2-Pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food for as low as $9.39 on Amazon, perfect for nurturing indoor plants effectively. Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon, reduced from $250, combining versatile cooking functions in one appliance. BOGO Yogurt or Ice Cream Cups at Yogurtland If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank, Yogurtland‘s BOGO (Buy One Get One) deal on yogurt or ice cream cups on October 27 is an excellent opportunity. This promotion’s available for both iOS and Android users, making it easy for everyone to take part. You can explore various flavors and toppings as part of this BOGO offer, enhancing your dessert experience considerably. Not just does this deal allow you to indulge, but it likewise gives you the chance to share your treats with a friend or family member, effectively doubling the fun. Plus, you get to try new flavors without the guilt of paying full price for two cups. Don’t forget to check for any photo deals or photo coupons that might accompany this promotion, and consider using a photo promo code to maximize savings. Enjoy your sweet day at Yogurtland! Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 Shipped For pet owners seeking an effective cleaning solution, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is currently available for just $25 with free shipping at HSN, a remarkable discount from its usual price of $70. This handheld vacuum is particularly designed to tackle pet hair and debris, making it a crucial tool for maintaining a clean home. With its lightweight design, you’ll find it easy to maneuver around your living spaces, and its robust suction guarantees that tough messes are handled efficiently. This limited-time offer not merely provides a reliable cleaning solution but serves as a great chance to take advantage of a first order discount. As you’re at HSN, don’t forget to check out other deals like photo print deals, including discount photo prints and print deals, which could improve your home decor. Seize this opportunity to elevate your cleaning routine without breaking the bank. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for $12.34 at Target Right now, you can grab Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for just $12.34 at Target, offering a substantial reduction from their original price of $65. This promotion allows you to save over 80%, making it a great time to improve your home decor or find a perfect gift. Available in various lively patterns, these blankets showcase the brand’s signature designs. You can take advantage of this limited-time offer in-store or online, providing convenience for your shopping experience. As you’re at Target, consider exploring additional savings with photo coupon codes and photo print coupons, as they often have great picture deals. Don’t forget to check for a photo print coupon code or a photobook discount to maximize your savings. Pattern Original Price Discounted Price Floral $65 $12.34 Geometric $65 $12.34 Paisley $65 $12.34 Stripes $65 $12.34 Animal Print $65 $12.34 Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for as Low as $9.39 The Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is currently available for as low as $9.39 on Amazon, presenting an excellent opportunity for indoor gardening enthusiasts. This deal was noted just a day ago, so you can take advantage of this current promotion swiftly. Miracle-Gro has a reputation for providing effective plant nutrition, ensuring your indoor plants thrive. Each package includes easy-to-follow instructions, helping you achieve ideal growth with minimal hassle. With this promotion, you can save considerably compared to standard retail prices for similar products. If you’re likewise looking to improve your home decor, consider using a photobook coupon code for personalized keepsakes, or check out the photo prints sale for deals on picture prints. Don’t forget, a canvas print coupon can add a beautiful touch to your indoor space. Take advantage of these offers as long as they last, and nurture your plants without breaking the bank. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon If you’re looking to improve your cooking experience, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer is now available for just $129.99 on Amazon, a considerable drop from its original price of $250. This versatile appliance combines air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating, making it perfect for varied cooking needs. With Smart Cook System technology, you can select your desired doneness, and the appliance adjusts cooking time and temperature automatically. This air fryer features a large 5-quart cooking basket and a 3-quart crisper basket, making it suitable for feeding families. Plus, cleanup is easy since the baskets and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, improving overall convenience. As you’re exploring kitchen deals, don’t forget to check for photo book coupons or promo codes online. These can help you save on picture specials, making it a great month for both cooking and preserving memories. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the GIMME10 Promo Code? The GIMME10 promo code gives you a $10 discount on purchases over $50 at participating retailers. To use it, you need to enter the code at checkout. Keep in mind that it can’t be combined with other offers and is only valid for a limited time. Be sure to check any specific terms and conditions, as some items or categories may be excluded from this promotion. Act quickly to take advantage of these savings. What Is the Temu $100 off Code for Existing Customers? To access the Temu $100 off code for existing customers, you’ll need to check your Temu account or promotional emails. This code can provide significant savings on your next purchase, but it often comes with a minimum spend requirement. Stay informed about the terms and expiration dates to maximize your savings. You can additionally share the code with friends or family, enhancing your shopping experience as well as encouraging community engagement. What Is the TRIPLE10 Promo Code? The TRIPLE10 promo code lets you save 10% on select items for a limited time. You can use this code at checkout, so remember to enter it before finalizing your purchase. It’s available for both new and existing customers, broadening its appeal. Nonetheless, check the terms and conditions for any exclusions. Furthermore, you might be able to combine TRIPLE10 with other ongoing discounts, maximizing your savings on eligible purchases. What Is the Most Popular Coupon Site? The most popular coupon site is RetailMeNot. It offers a vast selection of coupons and cash-back deals from thousands of retailers. You can find discounts on various products and services, making it easy to save money during shopping. Honey is another top choice, automatically applying coupon codes at checkout, whereas Coupons.com focuses on grocery savings. Furthermore, Rakuten provides cash-back opportunities, and Groupon specializes in local deals, enhancing your shopping experience. Conclusion This month offers a range of exceptional discounts that can improve your shopping experience. From the BOGO yogurt deal at Yogurtland to the significant savings on the Shark vacuum and Vera Bradley throw blankets, there are plenty of opportunities to save. Moreover, the affordable Miracle-Gro indoor plant food and the discounted Ninja Foodi air fryer provide practical options for various needs. Take advantage of these promotions to maximize your budget as you enjoy quality products. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Promos and Discounts You Can’t Miss This Month" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This month offers some impressive promos and discounts you shouldn’t overlook. For instance, Yogurtland’s BOGO deal on yogurt or ice cream cups on October 27 makes it a great opportunity for a treat. If you’re a pet owner, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is available for just $25, a significant drop from its original price. You might likewise consider the Vera Bradley Throw Blanket at Target for only $12.34. Stay tuned for more details on additional savings! Key Takeaways Enjoy a BOGO offer on yogurt or ice cream cups at Yogurtland on October 27, perfect for sharing with friends or family. Grab a Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for only $25 at HSN, down from $70, ideal for pet hair cleanup. Score Vera Bradley Throw Blankets at Target for $12.34, originally priced at $65, offering over 80% savings on stylish home decor. Purchase a 2-Pack of Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food for as low as $9.39 on Amazon, perfect for nurturing indoor plants effectively. Get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon, reduced from $250, combining versatile cooking functions in one appliance. BOGO Yogurt or Ice Cream Cups at Yogurtland If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the bank, Yogurtland‘s BOGO (Buy One Get One) deal on yogurt or ice cream cups on October 27 is an excellent opportunity. This promotion’s available for both iOS and Android users, making it easy for everyone to take part. You can explore various flavors and toppings as part of this BOGO offer, enhancing your dessert experience considerably. Not just does this deal allow you to indulge, but it likewise gives you the chance to share your treats with a friend or family member, effectively doubling the fun. Plus, you get to try new flavors without the guilt of paying full price for two cups. Don’t forget to check for any photo deals or photo coupons that might accompany this promotion, and consider using a photo promo code to maximize savings. Enjoy your sweet day at Yogurtland! Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum for $25 Shipped For pet owners seeking an effective cleaning solution, the Shark Cyclone Pet Handheld Vacuum is currently available for just $25 with free shipping at HSN, a remarkable discount from its usual price of $70. This handheld vacuum is particularly designed to tackle pet hair and debris, making it a crucial tool for maintaining a clean home. With its lightweight design, you’ll find it easy to maneuver around your living spaces, and its robust suction guarantees that tough messes are handled efficiently. This limited-time offer not merely provides a reliable cleaning solution but serves as a great chance to take advantage of a first order discount. As you’re at HSN, don’t forget to check out other deals like photo print deals, including discount photo prints and print deals, which could improve your home decor. Seize this opportunity to elevate your cleaning routine without breaking the bank. Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for $12.34 at Target Right now, you can grab Vera Bradley Throw Blankets for just $12.34 at Target, offering a substantial reduction from their original price of $65. This promotion allows you to save over 80%, making it a great time to improve your home decor or find a perfect gift. Available in various lively patterns, these blankets showcase the brand’s signature designs. You can take advantage of this limited-time offer in-store or online, providing convenience for your shopping experience. As you’re at Target, consider exploring additional savings with photo coupon codes and photo print coupons, as they often have great picture deals. Don’t forget to check for a photo print coupon code or a photobook discount to maximize your savings. Pattern Original Price Discounted Price Floral $65 $12.34 Geometric $65 $12.34 Paisley $65 $12.34 Stripes $65 $12.34 Animal Print $65 $12.34 Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack for as Low as $9.39 The Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food 2-Pack is currently available for as low as $9.39 on Amazon, presenting an excellent opportunity for indoor gardening enthusiasts. This deal was noted just a day ago, so you can take advantage of this current promotion swiftly. Miracle-Gro has a reputation for providing effective plant nutrition, ensuring your indoor plants thrive. Each package includes easy-to-follow instructions, helping you achieve ideal growth with minimal hassle. With this promotion, you can save considerably compared to standard retail prices for similar products. If you’re likewise looking to improve your home decor, consider using a photobook coupon code for personalized keepsakes, or check out the photo prints sale for deals on picture prints. Don’t forget, a canvas print coupon can add a beautiful touch to your indoor space. Take advantage of these offers as long as they last, and nurture your plants without breaking the bank. Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer for $129.99 on Amazon If you’re looking to improve your cooking experience, the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Air Fryer is now available for just $129.99 on Amazon, a considerable drop from its original price of $250. This versatile appliance combines air frying, roasting, baking, and dehydrating, making it perfect for varied cooking needs. With Smart Cook System technology, you can select your desired doneness, and the appliance adjusts cooking time and temperature automatically. This air fryer features a large 5-quart cooking basket and a 3-quart crisper basket, making it suitable for feeding families. Plus, cleanup is easy since the baskets and crisper plate are dishwasher safe, improving overall convenience. As you’re exploring kitchen deals, don’t forget to check for photo book coupons or promo codes online. These can help you save on picture specials, making it a great month for both cooking and preserving memories. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the GIMME10 Promo Code? The GIMME10 promo code gives you a $10 discount on purchases over $50 at participating retailers. To use it, you need to enter the code at checkout. Keep in mind that it can’t be combined with other offers and is only valid for a limited time. Be sure to check any specific terms and conditions, as some items or categories may be excluded from this promotion. Act quickly to take advantage of these savings. What Is the Temu $100 off Code for Existing Customers? To access the Temu $100 off code for existing customers, you’ll need to check your Temu account or promotional emails. This code can provide significant savings on your next purchase, but it often comes with a minimum spend requirement. Stay informed about the terms and expiration dates to maximize your savings. You can additionally share the code with friends or family, enhancing your shopping experience as well as encouraging community engagement. What Is the TRIPLE10 Promo Code? The TRIPLE10 promo code lets you save 10% on select items for a limited time. You can use this code at checkout, so remember to enter it before finalizing your purchase. It’s available for both new and existing customers, broadening its appeal. Nonetheless, check the terms and conditions for any exclusions. Furthermore, you might be able to combine TRIPLE10 with other ongoing discounts, maximizing your savings on eligible purchases. What Is the Most Popular Coupon Site? The most popular coupon site is RetailMeNot. It offers a vast selection of coupons and cash-back deals from thousands of retailers. You can find discounts on various products and services, making it easy to save money during shopping. Honey is another top choice, automatically applying coupon codes at checkout, whereas Coupons.com focuses on grocery savings. Furthermore, Rakuten provides cash-back opportunities, and Groupon specializes in local deals, enhancing your shopping experience. Conclusion This month offers a range of exceptional discounts that can improve your shopping experience. From the BOGO yogurt deal at Yogurtland to the significant savings on the Shark vacuum and Vera Bradley throw blankets, there are plenty of opportunities to save. Moreover, the affordable Miracle-Gro indoor plant food and the discounted Ninja Foodi air fryer provide practical options for various needs. Take advantage of these promotions to maximize your budget as you enjoy quality products. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Promos and Discounts You Can’t Miss This Month" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The new prime minister has revived the LDP, which had looked as if it might collapse. But if she wins this week’s elections, she will face harsh realitiesView the full article

Wall Street figure and Republican donor offers rare public criticism of perceived administration’s self-dealingView the full article

If you’re looking to save money during shopping online, there are several effective strategies you can employ. For instance, exploring coupon websites like RetailMeNot can yield valuable discount codes. Moreover, signing up for retailer newsletters often grants access to exclusive offers. Don’t overlook social media, where brands frequently announce flash sales and follower-only promotions. By utilizing these methods, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your savings. But that’s just the beginning—let’s explore more ways to improve your discount game. Key Takeaways Explore coupon websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com for discount codes and user-shared savings opportunities. Sign up for retailer newsletters to gain access to exclusive promotions and first-time shopper discounts. Follow retailers on social media for flash sales and follower-only discount codes. Join loyalty programs to earn points and access member-only sales and special offers. Utilize cashback websites to earn a percentage back on purchases while combining with coupons for maximum savings. Explore Coupon Websites When you’re looking to save money on your online purchases, exploring coupon websites can be a highly effective strategy. Sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com aggregate numerous discount codes for various online retailers, making it easy for you to find cheap deals online. Many of these coupon websites likewise feature user-generated content, allowing shoppers to share and review coupon codes, ensuring you access the most effective options. You can filter coupons by category or retailer on discount shopping sites, streamlining your search. Furthermore, some platforms offer exclusive coupons, providing unique savings opportunities. Consider using an online coupon extension to automatically apply discounts during checkout. By utilizing the best online discount shopping websites, you can maximize your discount internet shopping experience. Sign Up for Retailer Newsletters Signing up for retailer newsletters can greatly improve your online shopping experience by providing access to exclusive offers and promotions. When you sign up for retailer newsletters, you often receive first-time shopper discounts that can reduce your purchase costs. Moreover, many retailers notify subscribers about upcoming sales and special events, allowing you to plan your shopping accordingly. By subscribing, you can also take advantage of flash sales and subscriber-only discounts that aren’t available to the general public. Many retailers reward your loyalty with points or loyalty rewards, enhancing savings through member-only sales and offers. Staying updated through newsletters guarantees you’re among the first to know about limited-time promotions, helping you secure significant savings. Utilize Social Media for Promotions How can you maximize your savings during shopping online? Utilizing social media is an influential way to access the best deals online shopping. By following Instagram and Facebook, you can find exclusive flash sales and hot deals online that you won’t see elsewhere. Brands often share follower-only discount codes, giving you significant savings on online purchases. Furthermore, social media is a great source for upcoming sales announcements and seasonal promotions. You can likewise engage with brands for chances to win giveaways or contests. Here’s a quick overview of what to look for: Promotion Type Benefit Exclusive Flash Sales Limited-time discounts Follower-Only Codes Unique savings opportunities Giveaways Additional chances to save Upcoming Sales Plan purchases ahead of time Join Loyalty Programs Joining loyalty programs can greatly augment your online shopping experience by offering opportunities to save money on future purchases. When you join loyalty programs, you accumulate points with frequent purchases, which you can redeem for discounts or exclusive offers. Many retailers provide members-only sales and special promotions, boosting your savings opportunities beyond regular discounts. Sign-up bonuses for immediate savings Extra points for referrals or social media engagement Access to special events and flash sales Exclusive offers just for members Amplified rewards for loyal shopping habits With so many discount online shopping websites available, using a discount shopping app to track your loyalty points can lead to significant savings. Don’t miss out on these valuable benefits! Keep an Eye on Seasonal Sales Keeping an eye on seasonal sales can greatly improve your shopping strategy, as many retailers offer steep discounts during these periods. Major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off these deals, often starting as early as October. You’ll find amazing opportunities for discount online shopping with reductions of up to 70% during end-of-season clearance events. Retailers’ sales events coincide with these holidays, making it an excellent time to purchase gifts and necessities at lower prices. To stay in the loop, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite online discount shopping sites. This way, you can track inventory turnover and seize unbelievable deals online, ensuring you never miss the best offers available. Use Cashback Websites When you shop online, using cashback websites can greatly boost your savings. By choosing platforms like Rakuten or TopCashback, you can earn a percentage back on your purchases, often stacking these rewards with available coupons for even greater discounts. To maximize your benefits, make it a habit to track cashback offers regularly and stay updated on promotional events that may increase your cashback rates. Choose Cashback Platforms Wisely Choosing the right cashback platform can greatly impact your online shopping savings, especially since various sites offer different rates and incentives. To make the most of your experience, consider the following: Look for cashback platforms that offer up to 10% cash back on qualifying purchases. Take advantage of sign-up bonuses, which can provide instant savings. Combine cashback offers with coupons to maximize your total discount. Always compare rates across multiple platforms to find the best deals online shopping today. Be aware of minimum withdrawal thresholds, as they can affect your ability to redeem cashback. Track Cashback Offers Regularly To maximize your savings through cashback platforms, it’s important to track cashback offers regularly. Cashback websites like Rakuten and TopCashback provide percentages back on purchases made through discount retail websites, often between 1% to 10%. By combining these cashback offers with existing coupons, you can find amazing deals online. Using a deal tracker website can help you stay updated on fluctuating rates and seasonal promotions, guiding your purchase decisions. Moreover, many cashback platforms offer sign-up bonuses or increased rates during special events, enhancing your savings opportunities. Remember to complete your transaction in one session to guarantee you receive the cashback. This approach can help you make the most of discount internet shopping sites and shopping discount stores for cheap deals. Apply Coupons at Checkout Applying coupons at checkout can greatly improve your online shopping experience, as it allows you to take advantage of savings that might otherwise go unnoticed. To get the most out of your purchases, always remember to: Utilize free coupon apps for instant access to discount codes. Search online coupon databases before finalizing your order. Sign up for newsletters to receive exclusive coupon codes. Look for free shipping offers to further enrich your savings. Combine coupons with cashback offers to maximize savings. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the WAYDAY20 Promo Code? The WAYDAY20 promo code provides a 20% discount on eligible purchases during Wayfair’s Way Day sales event. To use it, you need to be logged into your Wayfair account and select qualifying items. Once you reach checkout, apply the code to reduce your total cost. Keep in mind that this code is typically available for a limited time and may have exclusions, so check the terms to guarantee your items qualify for the discount. How Do I Get a Discount on Online Purchases? To get a discount on online purchases, start by signing up for retailer newsletters to access exclusive deals. Use coupon apps to apply codes before checking out, as these can provide significant savings. Consider cashback websites and credit cards that offer rewards for your purchases. Furthermore, compare prices across various retailers and follow your favorite brands on social media for flash sales or unadvertised discount codes that could improve your savings. What Are People Using Instead of Groupon? Instead of Groupon, many people are turning to platforms like Honey and Rakuten for cashback offers and coupons. Websites such as RetailMeNot and Coupons.com provide extensive databases of promo codes, making it easier to find discounts across various retailers. Local deal sites like LivingSocial and Travelzoo focus on experiences and dining, whereas social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, showcase exclusive deals. Apps like DealNews and Slickdeals likewise help you discover savings efficiently. How to Find the Cheapest Items Online? To find the cheapest items online, start by using price comparison websites to compare different retailers. Check for shipping fees and any applicable coupons. Sign up for newsletters and follow brands on social media for exclusive deals. Don’t forget to look for seasonal sales and clearance events, as retailers often reduce prices considerably to clear inventory. Incorporating cashback websites and coupon apps can further improve your savings on purchases. Conclusion By implementing these strategies, you can greatly improve your online shopping experience. Explore coupon websites, sign up for newsletters, and engage with retailers on social media to access exclusive deals. Joining loyalty programs and using cashback sites like Rakuten can further maximize your savings. Finally, always remember to apply coupons at checkout for the best possible price. By staying organized and informed, you’ll make the most of available discounts and enjoy a more budget-friendly shopping experience. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Ways to Get Online Discounts Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to save money during shopping online, there are several effective strategies you can employ. For instance, exploring coupon websites like RetailMeNot can yield valuable discount codes. Moreover, signing up for retailer newsletters often grants access to exclusive offers. Don’t overlook social media, where brands frequently announce flash sales and follower-only promotions. By utilizing these methods, you’ll be on your way to maximizing your savings. But that’s just the beginning—let’s explore more ways to improve your discount game. Key Takeaways Explore coupon websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com for discount codes and user-shared savings opportunities. Sign up for retailer newsletters to gain access to exclusive promotions and first-time shopper discounts. Follow retailers on social media for flash sales and follower-only discount codes. Join loyalty programs to earn points and access member-only sales and special offers. Utilize cashback websites to earn a percentage back on purchases while combining with coupons for maximum savings. Explore Coupon Websites When you’re looking to save money on your online purchases, exploring coupon websites can be a highly effective strategy. Sites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com aggregate numerous discount codes for various online retailers, making it easy for you to find cheap deals online. Many of these coupon websites likewise feature user-generated content, allowing shoppers to share and review coupon codes, ensuring you access the most effective options. You can filter coupons by category or retailer on discount shopping sites, streamlining your search. Furthermore, some platforms offer exclusive coupons, providing unique savings opportunities. Consider using an online coupon extension to automatically apply discounts during checkout. By utilizing the best online discount shopping websites, you can maximize your discount internet shopping experience. Sign Up for Retailer Newsletters Signing up for retailer newsletters can greatly improve your online shopping experience by providing access to exclusive offers and promotions. When you sign up for retailer newsletters, you often receive first-time shopper discounts that can reduce your purchase costs. Moreover, many retailers notify subscribers about upcoming sales and special events, allowing you to plan your shopping accordingly. By subscribing, you can also take advantage of flash sales and subscriber-only discounts that aren’t available to the general public. Many retailers reward your loyalty with points or loyalty rewards, enhancing savings through member-only sales and offers. Staying updated through newsletters guarantees you’re among the first to know about limited-time promotions, helping you secure significant savings. Utilize Social Media for Promotions How can you maximize your savings during shopping online? Utilizing social media is an influential way to access the best deals online shopping. By following Instagram and Facebook, you can find exclusive flash sales and hot deals online that you won’t see elsewhere. Brands often share follower-only discount codes, giving you significant savings on online purchases. Furthermore, social media is a great source for upcoming sales announcements and seasonal promotions. You can likewise engage with brands for chances to win giveaways or contests. Here’s a quick overview of what to look for: Promotion Type Benefit Exclusive Flash Sales Limited-time discounts Follower-Only Codes Unique savings opportunities Giveaways Additional chances to save Upcoming Sales Plan purchases ahead of time Join Loyalty Programs Joining loyalty programs can greatly augment your online shopping experience by offering opportunities to save money on future purchases. When you join loyalty programs, you accumulate points with frequent purchases, which you can redeem for discounts or exclusive offers. Many retailers provide members-only sales and special promotions, boosting your savings opportunities beyond regular discounts. Sign-up bonuses for immediate savings Extra points for referrals or social media engagement Access to special events and flash sales Exclusive offers just for members Amplified rewards for loyal shopping habits With so many discount online shopping websites available, using a discount shopping app to track your loyalty points can lead to significant savings. Don’t miss out on these valuable benefits! Keep an Eye on Seasonal Sales Keeping an eye on seasonal sales can greatly improve your shopping strategy, as many retailers offer steep discounts during these periods. Major holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday kick off these deals, often starting as early as October. You’ll find amazing opportunities for discount online shopping with reductions of up to 70% during end-of-season clearance events. Retailers’ sales events coincide with these holidays, making it an excellent time to purchase gifts and necessities at lower prices. To stay in the loop, subscribe to newsletters from your favorite online discount shopping sites. This way, you can track inventory turnover and seize unbelievable deals online, ensuring you never miss the best offers available. Use Cashback Websites When you shop online, using cashback websites can greatly boost your savings. By choosing platforms like Rakuten or TopCashback, you can earn a percentage back on your purchases, often stacking these rewards with available coupons for even greater discounts. To maximize your benefits, make it a habit to track cashback offers regularly and stay updated on promotional events that may increase your cashback rates. Choose Cashback Platforms Wisely Choosing the right cashback platform can greatly impact your online shopping savings, especially since various sites offer different rates and incentives. To make the most of your experience, consider the following: Look for cashback platforms that offer up to 10% cash back on qualifying purchases. Take advantage of sign-up bonuses, which can provide instant savings. Combine cashback offers with coupons to maximize your total discount. Always compare rates across multiple platforms to find the best deals online shopping today. Be aware of minimum withdrawal thresholds, as they can affect your ability to redeem cashback. Track Cashback Offers Regularly To maximize your savings through cashback platforms, it’s important to track cashback offers regularly. Cashback websites like Rakuten and TopCashback provide percentages back on purchases made through discount retail websites, often between 1% to 10%. By combining these cashback offers with existing coupons, you can find amazing deals online. Using a deal tracker website can help you stay updated on fluctuating rates and seasonal promotions, guiding your purchase decisions. Moreover, many cashback platforms offer sign-up bonuses or increased rates during special events, enhancing your savings opportunities. Remember to complete your transaction in one session to guarantee you receive the cashback. This approach can help you make the most of discount internet shopping sites and shopping discount stores for cheap deals. Apply Coupons at Checkout Applying coupons at checkout can greatly improve your online shopping experience, as it allows you to take advantage of savings that might otherwise go unnoticed. To get the most out of your purchases, always remember to: Utilize free coupon apps for instant access to discount codes. Search online coupon databases before finalizing your order. Sign up for newsletters to receive exclusive coupon codes. Look for free shipping offers to further enrich your savings. Combine coupons with cashback offers to maximize savings. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the WAYDAY20 Promo Code? The WAYDAY20 promo code provides a 20% discount on eligible purchases during Wayfair’s Way Day sales event. To use it, you need to be logged into your Wayfair account and select qualifying items. Once you reach checkout, apply the code to reduce your total cost. Keep in mind that this code is typically available for a limited time and may have exclusions, so check the terms to guarantee your items qualify for the discount. How Do I Get a Discount on Online Purchases? To get a discount on online purchases, start by signing up for retailer newsletters to access exclusive deals. Use coupon apps to apply codes before checking out, as these can provide significant savings. Consider cashback websites and credit cards that offer rewards for your purchases. Furthermore, compare prices across various retailers and follow your favorite brands on social media for flash sales or unadvertised discount codes that could improve your savings. What Are People Using Instead of Groupon? Instead of Groupon, many people are turning to platforms like Honey and Rakuten for cashback offers and coupons. Websites such as RetailMeNot and Coupons.com provide extensive databases of promo codes, making it easier to find discounts across various retailers. Local deal sites like LivingSocial and Travelzoo focus on experiences and dining, whereas social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, showcase exclusive deals. Apps like DealNews and Slickdeals likewise help you discover savings efficiently. How to Find the Cheapest Items Online? To find the cheapest items online, start by using price comparison websites to compare different retailers. Check for shipping fees and any applicable coupons. Sign up for newsletters and follow brands on social media for exclusive deals. Don’t forget to look for seasonal sales and clearance events, as retailers often reduce prices considerably to clear inventory. Incorporating cashback websites and coupon apps can further improve your savings on purchases. Conclusion By implementing these strategies, you can greatly improve your online shopping experience. Explore coupon websites, sign up for newsletters, and engage with retailers on social media to access exclusive deals. Joining loyalty programs and using cashback sites like Rakuten can further maximize your savings. Finally, always remember to apply coupons at checkout for the best possible price. By staying organized and informed, you’ll make the most of available discounts and enjoy a more budget-friendly shopping experience. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "7 Ways to Get Online Discounts Now" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Less than 45% of mortgage residential properties in the United States were equity-rich last quarter, a 1.5-percentage-point drop from the third quarter. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Does your gym bag reek? You’re not alone, but it doesn’t have to be this way. With proper care, you can keep your workout gear stink-free. The key is to do yourself a favor and start taking care of everything before it starts to smell. But even if you’ve already let things get bad, I have some tips for you. I'll get into specifics below, but first, it can help to understand why the gym stink develops on clothing and other items that contact your skin. You sweat into them, but it's not the sweat itself that is the problem. It's the bacteria that feed on your sweat. So you'll need to either get rid of the sweat before the bacteria can grow, or handle your clothes and gear in a way that the bacteria won't be able to grow. (It's the same deal with shaker bottles, except substitute food residue for sweat.) If you take nothing else away from this article, just remember this: for the love of God, rinse everything immediately, or at least air your shit out. Rinse your gym clothes as soon as you take them offA lot of gym clothes these days are made of synthetic fabrics because they provide stretch or sweat-wicking features to keep us comfortable. The downside is that bacteria can cling to synthetic fibers in a way that makes them nearly impossible to wash off. So it’s important that we don’t let those germ colonies grow in the first place. The bacteria I’m talking about are the ones that digest your sweat and skin oils. I know, gross. But that means it’s not the sweat itself that causes stinking, but rather the bacteria that multiply while your sweaty shirt is sitting in the laundry basket. Nip this problem in the bud by rinsing the sweat out of synthetics as soon as you take them off. I do this in the shower, squeezing out each garment and hanging it to dry. A set of extra shower curtain hooks will give you a place to hang them. I put up a basic tension rod in the back of my shower for exactly this reason. If you shower at the gym, squeeze those garments out and roll them up in your towel until you get home. If you can't rinse your gym clothes right after wearing, or if you have a whole workday in between your shower and your access to laundry, air your clothes out. Cotton clothes don’t have these problems, by the way. If you wear cotton socks or t-shirts, they can be chucked into the laundry whenever and however you like. What to do if your clothes already smell badYou may never be able to completely remove the stink, but you’ll have the best luck with detergents that contain enzymes or that bill themselves as being good for “sport” or “performance” fabrics. I’ve had good experiences with both Hex (a detergent) and Lysol laundry sanitizer (which you add to the rinse, like a fabric softener). I use one or the other, not both. Either of these can also be used for a soak: soak your gross clothes in a bucket with the Hex or Lysol laundry sanitizer, and then wash as usual. And for a finishing touch, if you really want to be sure you've gotten the stink out, hang the clothes outdoors (or lay them on a surface, like your deck) on a sunny day. Fresh air helps, and sunlight really does kill some of those stench-producing bacteria. What to avoidLook, you can try baking soda or vinegar (not together), but I haven't found those to help. If you want a chemical answer to your problems, just get a bottle of Hex. Air out shoes, knee sleeves, and other items that can’t be easily washedWhat about things that can’t be quickly rinsed and dried, like your shoes and the gym bag itself? Or, worse, your neoprene knee sleeves? These items stink up most easily when they stay damp and warm. If you wanted to make a gym bag smell as much as possible, I would tell you to fill it with sweaty gear, lock it in the trunk of your car, forget about it until the next gym day. So if that’s your habit already, stop it. You need to air those suckers out. If your bag has a mesh compartment for sweaty gear, make use of it. And if you can tie objects to the outsides of the bag—hanging your shoes by their laces, for example—that will help, too. But ultimately what you really want to do is open up the bag as soon as you get home. I always make sure that if my knee sleeves are deep inside the bag, I bring them up to the top to make sure they can get some air. And my shoes are in a mesh compartment, but if I have an extra minute, I’ll open up that compartment and loosen up the shoes so they get as much air flow as possible. What to do if it’s already gotten badMost of the things in your gym bag can be washed, but check manufacturer’s instructions for the best methods. For example, SBD says to hand wash knee sleeves with soap or a wetsuit detergent, but not to put them in the washing machine or dry them with heat. Just as with clothes, another good option is to hang or lay out your items in the sunshine and fresh air for a few hours. Sunlight will kill some bacteria, and a good airing-out never hurts. What to avoidAvoid spraying things down with vinegar (I’ve never found this to be effective), rubbing alcohol (degrades some materials, so check with the manufacturer), or vodka (unnecessarily expensive, just buy rubbing alcohol and then see above about why you might not want to use rubbing alcohol). Rinse your shaker cup as soon as you finish your shakeFinally, we come to the bane of many a gym bro’s existence, the stinky shaker cup. If you leave residue from your protein shake in there—especially a milk-based one, like a shake made with whey powder—it can go rancid, and the smells can seep into the plastic where they may never really go away. To prevent this, rinse your shaker cup immediately after you drink the shake. Don’t tell yourself you’ll do it when you get home, because we all know you won’t, and honestly, that's too late anyway. You don’t have to fully wash the cup at this point, just rinse it out in the bathroom sink. Or do what I do, and chug your shake at home, over the sink, and wash the cup while it’s still in your hand. What to do if it’s already gotten badYour Hail Mary hope is to wash it really well. Use soap and hot water. Soak it for a bit if you like. Scrub all the little nooks and crannies (like where the spout meets its cap) to make sure no residue is left. Air it out to dry for a few days; you can even try the sunlight trick above. But if that doesn’t work, buy a new shaker cup, and treat this one right. View the full article

In 2024, the world wide web was made up of 149 zettabytes of data. That's 149 trillion gigabytes, or 149 billion terabytes—whichever helps you wrap your head around that gigantic number. Suffice it to say, the internet is a big place. It's so big, in fact, that you can't access all of it the same way. There are actually different tiers to the web, and depending on with tier a piece of content you're looking for is on, you may or may not be able to view it—even if you know where to find it. That's the crux of the difference between the "surface" web, and the "deep" web. These are two separate parts of the internet that are also part of the larger world wide web. While these two tiers are quite different, you've visited content on both of them before. In fact, you likely visited both surface web pages and deep web pages today, multiple times, without ever realizing it. What is the surface web?The surface web, also known as the visible web, is really true to its name: This is the part of the web you can easily access through search engines, as they are indexed by platforms like Google. As a rule of thumb, if you can google it, it's on the surface web. The article you're reading right now is on the surface web, for example. Maybe you found it by searching "difference between surface web and deep web" on Google. The same applies to Lifehacker as a whole, as well as articles on websites like Mashable, CNET, and PCMag. You likely spend a good amount of your internet time on the surface web, on websites both old and new. Forums like Reddit are largely fully represented on the surface web, as are some Instagram pages. Listings for products you can buy on websites like Amazon and Best Buy are surface web pages. Video platforms like YouTube are very much the surface web, including TikTok—though the experience for the latter is not optimized for web browsers. Legacy websites like AddictingGames (which is still playable in 2026), as well as the site for the 1996 movie Space Jam are the surface web. A lot of the surface web is made of up individual articles, which makes sense, since articles still make up a large amount of search engine results. Like the surface of the ocean, the surface web is just a fraction of the internet as a whole. Back in 2017, some estimates claimed the surface web made up just 10% of the entire internet. That's still a huge number of websites, which tells you how big the overall web really is. What is the deep web?If the surface web is everything you can find via Google, the deep web is everything you can't. The deep web is much larger than the surface web, and is compromised of websites that are not readily accessible from search engines or direct URLs. They're often locked away behind authentication. That means you need at least a username and password to access them, and in many cases, they require an additional form of authentication as well. The article you're reading is on the surface web, but the software (content management system, or CMS) we use to write and publish the article is not—our CMS is still a website, but it's not something you can find in a Google search, and even if you knew the direct URL, you wouldn't have access. It's the same with the many sites you access that only you have permission to view. Think about something like Gmail: The service's homepage is accessible to everyone, and it's something that pops up when searching "Gmail," but to access your Gmail inbox, you need to log in. Once you do, your inbox is accessible via the website, but it's not like anyone can see it with a URL, and they certainly can't find your inbox from a Google search. It's the same story with your Facebook feed, YouTube account, or your banking information. These are all accessible in your web browser as websites, but you need to log in to view them. That's also the case for services and subscriptions. Think about stuff like Netflix, Hulu, or HBO: These are all accessible in your web browser, which means you're streaming the content on individual web pages. But the players on those web pages cannot be accessed from Google, even if the landing pages for a particular show or movie can be. In order to actually watch or listen to the content, you need to sign into your account. That's not the case with all streaming services, of course: Happy Gilmore on Tubi is a surface web page, since it's indexed on Google. Some of the deep web is also made up of pages you'll never see, such as protocols for identifying user accounts and running payments behind the scenes. It's not all paywalled content. What about the dark web?Maybe you've also heard about the dark web, but don't quite know what it is. As such, you might conflate the deep web and the dark web, but the two are not identical. In fact, the dark web is a part of the deep web; it's just the part you can't access with a traditional web browser. In order to access the dark web, you need a specialized browser, like Tor, and knowledge of the unique dark web URLs, which typically end in .onion instead of .com or .org. For more information on the differences between the dark web and the deep web, check out my explainer here. View the full article

Democrats on influential banking committee threaten to stymie appointment if DoJ does not halt probe into Jay PowellView the full article

For Christmas, I got my husband and myself YouTube Premium, and as much as I hate paying for yet another streaming service, it's pretty dang nice. There's ad-blocking, sure, but there are also other bonuses, like additional playback speed options and audio that continues to play in the background when you lock your phone. However, some users have developed hacks to get a few of these features without a subscription, believing they should be included with the site's free tier rather than being locked behind a paywall. Google's been cracking down on ad blockers for a while, but now it's coming after another common YouTube hack—free background play. Performing this hack was simple. In many cases, you simply needed to watch YouTube in a non-Chrome browser (and definitely not the official YouTube app). Samsung Internet, for instance, had free YouTube background play officially built-in, with the company even publishing official tutorials on how to use it. Brave also offered this feature, as did Vivaldi. If your browser didn't support free background play by default, you could also usually find an extension for it. Unfortunately, according to reporting from Android Authority, the hack no longer seems to work in most cases. Toward the end of January, the site noticed that users across Samsung Internet, Brave, and Microsoft Edge complained that free background play no longer worked for them, even when enabled in their browsers or through an extension. Now Google has responded to a question sent by the publication, confirming that it purposefully broke free background play in third-party browsers, whether enabled in the browser's settings or through an extension. "Background playback is a feature intended to be exclusive for YouTube Premium members," a spokesperson for the company said. "While some non-Premium users may have previously been able to access this through mobile web browsers in certain scenarios, we have updated the experience to ensure consistency across all out platforms." Well, dang. I've reached out to Google for additional comment, but it seems the eye of Sauron is upon us. Google is now officially cracking down on more than ad blocking. That said, while Google's efforts do seem to be affecting many users, not everyone is unable to access background play without paying. One user said it's now been re-enabled on Brave, and I can confirm that I'm able to access it on Safari with my iPhone using the Vinegar extension. It's unclear how long these efforts will remain operational, but at least we've now been able to diagnose a cause. Free YouTube background play didn't break on accident, and that means developers and users will have to be extra crafty to keep the hack alive in the future. View the full article