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A reader writes: I used my company credit card for personal expenses over a long period (so, definitely not accidental purchases). I assumed it was somewhat frowned upon, but thought it was fine as long as I paid it off on time on my own dime. The balance amount over the months has ranged from $1,000 – $4,000. I did not realize it was a violation of agreements until I neglected to pay the balance for one month. (Before that, I had been paying off the full balance every month.) I did end up satisfying the balance, but obviously that invited scrutiny into how I have been using the card and they went back and looked at the history of transactions. HR set up a call with me to ask about the situation, lowered the credit limit on the card, and asked if I wanted to just cancel the card. I said to go ahead and cancel the card; now that I understand the cardholder agreement better, I don’t anticipate using the card again for personal expenses. Would it have been better to keep the card and just not use it to prove that I could be responsible? I apologized and took responsibility, but I am experiencing overwhelming shame and anxiety over the situation, and have reached out for professional help (my therapist and a financial counselor). This is tied to a larger mental health, shopping addiction, and impulse control issue I have been seeing a therapist about. I don’t really want to have to reveal that part to work, so I haven’t as of now. I looked briefly into our EAP and it felt risky to seek help there. I didn’t realize it was potentially a terminable offense. I do realize that now after researching the issue once HR scheduled a meeting with me. And I don’t have a professional or reasonable explanation for using the card in that way, so I realize how bad it is and looks. I obviously worry that this puts me at the front of the line to be fired or let go, so I am wondering if I should start seriously job searching. I realize I am 100% in the wrong and I feel physically unwell about the situation. I would like to save my job but I also know that may not be realistic. Besides this, I have had good performance and recently (in the last month) received a merit increase. First, for the record: as you know now, this wasn’t okay to do. You were borrowing their credit for your own personal use, and you opened them up to the risk that you’d rack up charges you couldn’t pay off immediately, and it’s not okay to do that in some else’s name without their explicit consent. But it doesn’t sound like you’re about to be fired over this. HR met with you about it, they addressed it, you paid off the balance, and they gave you the option of canceling the card. If they were getting ready to fire you, they’d be a lot less likely to have given you a choice; they would have simply canceled the card. They also likely would have indicated the situation was still an open one, but it sounds like they consider it dealt with. Their perspective is most likely that you misunderstood the agreement but you paid it all off every month so you weren’t stealing from them, it’s been addressed, and unless it happens again, it’s been handled. They’re obviously not going to be happy about it — but based on how they’ve handled it so far, it doesn’t sound like they’re gearing up to fire you. It would likely be a very different outcome if they had been paying the expenses you charged or if you built up a balance you couldn’t pay off yourself immediately (like this person who racked up $20,000 in personal expenses on his company card). If I were your boss and you were otherwise a good employee, I’d be concerned that this happened, it would make me doubt your judgment, and it would take time to build trust back, but I wouldn’t be leaning toward firing you over it unless there were other issues, particularly around trust and responsibility. I do think you need to talk to your boss about it if you haven’t already — raising it proactively if she doesn’t — and tell her you’re mortified and nothing like this will ever happen again. I’d want to hear that in her shoes. In doing that, you’ll also get a better sense of where she stands on all of this. That conversation might make it clear that she considers it handled and in the past, or it might make it clear that she doesn’t — but either way, it’ll be a helpful discussion to have. In answer to your question about whether it would have been better to keep the card open and just not use it, I don’t think it really matters one way or the other. If anything, as your boss I’d probably prefer that you chose to close it so it didn’t remain something that I’d have to check periodically. The post I’ve been using my company credit card for personal expenses appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The typical homebuyer's down payment in the United States decreased 1.5% year over year to $64,000 in December, Redfin said. View the full article

When considering franchise opportunities, comprehension of the costs associated with each option is essential. The top 10 franchises vary greatly in investment requirements, from affordable options like Cruise Planners at $10,995 to more expensive choices like Bojangles, which exceeds $2.6 million. Analyzing these costs will help you evaluate financial commitments effectively. As you explore these franchises, you’ll discover not just their investment ranges but likewise what they offer in return. Key Takeaways Franchise costs range widely, from under $25,000 for Cruise Planners to over $1 million for traditional restaurants like Bojangles. Mr. Rooter has an initial franchise fee of $50,000 to $70,000, with total startup costs between $100,000 and $200,000. Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning requires an initial franchise fee of $46,900, falling within the $25,000 to $49,999 investment category. Blue Moon Estate Sales has an investment range between $39,840 and $80,850, making it a mid-tier franchise option. Understanding ongoing fees, such as royalty fees and marketing contributions, is crucial for evaluating franchise profitability. Overview of Top 10 Franchises When exploring the terrain of franchise opportunities, you’ll find that the top 10 franchises stand out for their strong performance and owner satisfaction. These franchises, evaluated through extensive data from 34,000 franchise owners, showcase a mix of brand reputation and market demand. For instance, Mr. Rooter ranks prominently as a home service provider, highlighting the fundamental nature of its offerings. Costs for these franchises vary considerably, with options available from under $25,000 to over $1 million. Furthermore, it’s crucial to review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and consider the highest ongoing royalty fee associated with each opportunity. The Franchise 500 list serves as a valuable resource for traversing this diverse list of franchises and costs. Franchise 1: Cost Breakdown Understanding the cost breakdown for Mr. Rooter is crucial for prospective franchisees. The initial franchise fee typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000, which covers the right to operate under the Mr. Rooter brand. Total startup costs can vary between $100,000 and $200,000, influenced by location and specific operational needs. In addition, you’ll need to account for ongoing royalty fees, usually around 5% of your gross sales, which contribute to continued brand support. Mr. Rooter also provides extensive training programs and ongoing assistance, helping you tackle operational challenges effectively. The franchise’s solid reputation in the plumbing industry improves its attractiveness and potential profitability, making it a viable option for those looking to invest in a home services franchise. Franchise 2: Cost Breakdown Franchise opportunities vary considerably regarding initial investment and ongoing costs, as seen with Mr. Cruise Planners, which starts at an initial investment of $10,995. This cost includes training and coaching for a home-based travel agency model. Conversely, Jazzercise requires a franchise fee of $1,250, but you’ll need to budget for additional equipment and facility setup costs. Vanguard Cleaning Systems offers franchise fees between $5,500 and $36,600, advising thorough research because of the nonrefundable nature of these fees. If you’re looking into Blue Moon Estate Sales, expect an initial investment between $39,840 and $80,850, whereas Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning’s initial franchise fee is $46,900, recognized for its success in the cleaning industry. Franchise 3: Cost Breakdown Mr. Rooter operates in the home services sector, and its franchise fees are part of a broader investment that varies by location and market conditions. Here’s a breakdown of costs across different franchise investment ranges: Investment Range Example Franchises Under $25,000 Cruise Planners: $10,995 $25,000 to $49,999 Blue Moon Estate Sales: $39,840 – $80,850 $50,000 to $74,999 bioPURE: $67,600 – $100,500 Understanding these tiers helps you gauge your financial commitment when considering a franchise. With options ranging from affordable to more significant investments, it’s essential to assess your budget and business goals before plunging in. Franchise 4: Cost Breakdown When considering a franchise, it’s vital to understand the initial investment breakdown and ongoing fees involved. You’ll find that initial costs can vary considerably, from as low as $10,995 for Cruise Planners to over $3 million for a Bojangles’ restaurant. Moreover, ongoing fees, which often include royalties and marketing contributions, play an important role in your overall financial commitment as a franchisee. Initial Investment Breakdown Comprehending the initial investment breakdown for Franchise 4 is vital for anyone considering this opportunity. The costs can vary greatly, so it is important to understand where your money will go. Here’s a concise breakdown: Cost Category Estimated Range Description Franchise Fee $20,000 – $50,000 Upfront cost to join the franchise. Equipment and Supplies $10,000 – $30,000 Necessary tools for operation. Initial Marketing $5,000 – $15,000 Costs to promote your new business. Location Setup $15,000 – $40,000 Expenses for leasing and renovating. Working Capital $10,000 – $25,000 Funds to cover operational expenses. Understanding these components helps you evaluate the financial viability and potential return on investment for Franchise 4. Ongoing Fees Overview After evaluating the initial investment for Franchise 4, it’s important to understand the ongoing fees that will affect your long-term financial planning. Typically, ongoing fees include royalty fees, which vary by brand and are calculated as a percentage of your gross sales. You’ll likely need to contribute to a national or regional marketing fund, usually between 1% and 5% of your sales. Furthermore, operational costs like rent, utilities, and employee wages are vital for daily operations. Some franchises charge specific fees for training and support services, which may be billed annually or monthly. Be sure to review the franchise agreement closely to identify all ongoing fees and expenses, ensuring transparency and effective budgeting for your franchise. Franchise 5: Cost Breakdown When considering Franchise 5, it’s vital to understand the initial investment and ongoing fees involved. The initial investment often includes the franchise fee and various start-up expenses, which can range widely based on the brand. Moreover, ongoing royalties can impact your profitability, making it imperative to analyze these costs carefully before committing. Initial Investment Overview Grasping the initial investment is crucial when considering a franchise, as costs can markedly vary across different options. You’ll find franchises priced under $25,000, like Cruise Planners at $10,995 and Jazzercise with just $1,250 in fees. If you’re looking at the $25,000 to $49,999 range, Blue Moon Estate Sales needs approximately $39,840 to $80,850, and Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning costs around $46,900. For investments between $50,000 and $74,999, bioPURE ranges from $67,600 to $100,500, whereas Caring Transitions costs between $58,912 and $82,712. Finally, franchises over $100,000 include British Swim School at about $110,240 and Bojangles, which can reach between $2,600,320 and $3,779,700 for traditional locations. Ongoing Fees Analysis Ongoing fees are a critical aspect of running a franchise, and comprehending them can help you gauge your potential profitability. These fees typically include royalty payments, often ranging from 4% to 8% of gross sales, which support brand marketing and services. Furthermore, franchises usually require a contribution to a national marketing fund, around 1% to 3% of gross sales, ensuring consistent promotion. You may likewise encounter technology and software fees, varying by operational needs, along with training and operational support costs. Fee Type Percentage of Gross Sales Description Royalty Fees 4% – 8% Fund brand marketing and support services National Marketing Fund 1% – 3% Consistent brand promotion across locations Technology Fees Varies Based on franchise operational needs Training Costs Varies May be included or additional expenses Operational Support Varies Ongoing assistance for franchisees Franchise 6: Cost Breakdown Grasping the cost breakdown of Franchise 6 is essential for anyone considering this investment opportunity. Franchise costs can vary considerably, typically ranging from under $25,000 to over $1 million, making it important to evaluate your budget. For instance, a lower-cost franchise like Cruise Planners requires an initial investment of $10,995, whereas a traditional restaurant like Bojangles demands between $2,600,320 and $3,779,700. If you’re looking at franchises in the $25,000 to $49,999 category, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning has an initial fee of $46,900. At the same time, British Swim School, which falls in the $100,000 to $199,999 range, approximates around $110,240. Comprehending these costs, including franchise fees and startup expenses, is critical for evaluating your financial commitment. Franchise 7: Cost Breakdown When considering an investment in Franchise 7, it’s crucial to understand the financial obligations you’ll be taking on. Here’s a breakdown of the costs you can expect: Initial Franchise Fee: The starting fee for Franchise 7 is $49,500. Total Investment Range: You’ll need between $78,200 and $99,120 to get started. Additional Costs: Keep in mind other expenses, such as equipment, inventory, and marketing. Ongoing Royalties: You may as well have to pay ongoing royalties, which can impact your overall profitability. Understanding these costs will help you make an informed decision. Be sure to weigh these financial commitments against your budget and financial goals before jumping in. Franchise 8: Cost Breakdown Franchise 8 offers a unique investment opportunity with a cost structure that potential franchisees should carefully evaluate. The total investment can range considerably, from under $25,000 to over $1 million, depending on the brand and industry. For instance, Cruise Planners requires an initial investment of $10,995, whereas Bojangles can demand between $2,600,320 and $3,779,700 for traditional locations. Other franchises, like Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning, need around $46,900 to start, and British Swim School costs roughly $110,240. In addition to initial franchise fees, ongoing fees and royalties can impact your overall profitability. Therefore, comprehending the complete breakdown of investment costs, including equipment and operational expenses, is crucial for making informed decisions about franchise opportunities. Franchise 9: Cost Breakdown When you consider the costs associated with franchises, it’s crucial to understand the initial investment, ongoing fees, and potential return on investment. Each franchise option presents a unique financial commitment, with initial fees varying widely, from under $25,000 to several million. Initial Investment Overview Steering through the initial investment terrain for franchises reveals a wide spectrum of costs, making it essential for potential franchisees to understand what to expect. Here’s a breakdown of initial investment ranges you might encounter: Under $25,000: Options like Cruise Planners ($10,995) and Vanguard Cleaning Systems ($5,500 to $36,600) are available. $25,000 to $49,999: Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning costs about $46,900, whereas Blue Moon Estate Sales ranges from $39,840 to $80,850. $100,000 to $199,999: British Swim School requires around $110,240, and BrightStar Care varies from $112,459 to $231,538. Over $300,000: High-end franchises like Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt demand between $300,000 and $350,000. Understanding these costs helps you make informed decisions. Ongoing Fees Explained Ongoing fees are a vital aspect of franchise ownership that you need to comprehend, as they can greatly affect your bottom line. These fees typically include royalty fees, which range from 4% to 10% of gross sales, providing franchisors with a steady revenue stream. Furthermore, marketing fees often sit at 1% to 3% of gross sales to support brand visibility. Fee Type Percentage of Gross Sales Royalty Fees 4% – 10% Marketing Fees 1% – 3% Advertising Fund Fees Varies (fixed or % of sales) Remember to also budget for operational expenses like rent and utilities, which vary greatly by location and business type. Comprehending these ongoing fees is essential for evaluating your profitability. Potential ROI Insights Evaluating the potential return on investment (ROI) for a franchise can provide valuable insights into its financial viability. Franchises vary widely in initial investment, so comprehending costs is crucial. Here are four key factors to take into account: Initial Investment: Costs can range from $1,250 to over $3 million, affecting your ROI. Franchise Fees: Initial fees may be nonrefundable, so assess total costs, including royalties and operational expenses. Revenue Growth: Many top brands report strong revenue growth, indicating potential profitability. Financial Performance Representations: Analyze the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for insights into expected revenues and profitability to aid your ROI evaluation. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Cheapest Most Profitable Franchise to Own? The cheapest and most profitable franchise you can consider is Cruise Planners, with an initial investment starting at $10,995. This franchise not merely has a low entry cost but furthermore benefits from a strong support system and a proven business model. Moreover, franchises like Jazzercise and Vanguard Cleaning Systems offer various price points, but Cruise Planners stands out because of its affordability and potential for significant earnings in the travel industry. Which Franchise Is Best and Low Cost? When you’re looking for a low-cost franchise, consider options like Cruise Planners, which requires an initial investment of $10,995 and offers extensive training. Jazzercise is another affordable choice with a franchise fee of only $1,250, ideal for fitness enthusiasts. Vanguard Cleaning Systems provides flexibility with fees ranging from $5,500 to $36,600. Each of these franchises offers a viable entry point into their respective markets, balancing affordability and potential profitability. What Franchise Costs the Most? The franchise that costs the most to start is Bojangles, with initial investment costs ranging from $2,600,320 to $3,779,700 for traditional restaurant locations. This significant financial commitment reflects Bojangles’ established brand and operational requirements. Other high-cost franchises include Boston’s Pizza Restaurant & Sports Bar and Goldfish Swim School, with respective initial investments of up to $2,757,500 and $3,723,930, highlighting the diverse range of business models in the franchise industry. What Is the Most Profitable Franchise? The most profitable franchise typically combines strong brand recognition with a reliable business model. Fast food chains like McDonald’s often lead because of their global presence and effective marketing strategies. Service franchises, such as Anytime Fitness, likewise show high profitability, benefiting from recurring revenue. Key factors to evaluate include initial investment, training support, and market demand, as these elements greatly impact your potential return on investment and overall success in the franchise industry. Conclusion In conclusion, grasping the investment costs associated with various franchises is crucial for making informed decisions. Each franchise offers unique opportunities, with costs ranging from $10,995 for Cruise Planners to over $2.6 million for Bojangles. By carefully evaluating these financial commitments, potential franchisees can better align their budget with their business goals. This analysis highlights the importance of thorough research and financial planning in the franchise selection process, ensuring a more strategic investment in the future. Image via Google Gemini This article, "List of Top 10 Franchises and Their Costs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

You don’t have to want to live forever (a la the millionaire-immortality-influencer Bryan Johnson) to want to live longer. I’ve seen a larger shift in the fitness industry lately, where a focus on “longevity” has replaced where you might have once seen the words “beach body.” All around us, the language has shifted from "get shredded" to "increase healthspan," from "tone up" to "build bone density." In this new era, the goal isn't just looking good at the beach, but making sure you can still walk on that beach when you're ninety. On its face, this is a welcome change. I’ll always advocate for metrics of success that are less about how you look in a mirror, and more about how well your body functions across decades. At the same time, I’m skeptical of the ways "metabolic flexibility," "muscle mass preservation," and "inflammation control" are replacing "beach body" in the wellness lexicon. Is this truly progress in how we think about health? Again: A fundamental reimagining of why we exercise is not altogether bad. I’m just not convinced that’s what’s happening here. Is this obsession with longevity actually in good faith? Or are we being sold the same old products and insecurities, now wrapped in shiny new scientifically sounding packaging? What is the science behind longevity fitness?Beneath the fresh terminology, much of the longevity fitness advice in my algorithm is pretty familiar. Lift weights, do cardio, eat whole foods, get enough sleep, and manage stress? These are all the same recommendations that have anchored public health guidance for decades. Going a little deeper, studies do consistently show that muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and independence in older age. Cardiovascular fitness is so strongly correlated with lifespan that some researchers have called it the single best predictor of mortality. "Instead of optimizing for short-term aesthetics or peak performance, longevity-focused movement optimizes for metabolic health, hormonal stability, and functional strength over time," says Dr. Katheleen Jordan, chief medical officer at Midi Health, a virtual care clinic focused on women in midlife. "Resistance training preserves muscle mass and bone density, which are critical predictors of fall risk and independence as we age. Muscle mass itself and cardiovascular fitness improves our metabolism and insulin sensitivity." This matters especially for women, who face specific challenges as they age. Women lose muscle mass faster than men after menopause and are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Plus, the cultural pressure to stay small has historically steered women away from the heavy lifting that could protect their bone density. "Fitness used to often be defined by one number on a scale, so it's exciting to see that we have gone beyond that with a greater understanding that many things define fitness," Jordan says. In this way, the longevity fitness framework pushes a truly helpful counter-narrative to diet culture, one where strength is more than just aesthetics. How longevity fitness can be used to rebrand products you don't needSo, on one hand, a focus on longevity does feel like progress: valuing strength over skinniness and thinking in decades rather than weeks. On the other hand, it's yet another set of standards to meet, and another source of anxiety about whether you're doing enough. "A lot of what's being marketed as new longevity or biohacking is actually reinforcing long trusted ideas around fitness, but with new language," Jordan says. This isn't necessarily nefarious—reframing exercise around long-term health rather than short-term aesthetics is genuinely valuable. But it does raise questions about who benefits from this linguistic shift. Often, it's the same wellness industrial complex that previously profited from body insecurity, now profiting from aging anxiety. In this way, the fitness industry has found a way to rebrand the same old products—like supplements or wearables—along with hawking some new ones, like direct-to-consumer "biological age” tests. But even a seemingly legit “biological age” test won’t really give you any actionable insights into living longer. That company will, however, try to sell you a supplement that you certainly don’t need. "As with any industry, there are some bad actors and we should be mindful of interventions that promise outsized results," Jordan says. "Healthspan cannot be hacked quickly or swallowed in one pill.” The interventions proven to have some impact on healthspan—exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, not smoking—are decidedly unglamorous. Myths about longevity fitnessIt’s no surprise that the longevity fitness space is rife with oversimplifications and outright myths. Here are some I kept coming across in my research that warrant skepticism: The idea that you can "biohack" your way to dramatic life extension. Despite the promises of longevity influencers, there's no evidence that any supplement, cold plunge protocol, or red light therapy device will add decades to your life. That more data equals better health. Obsessively tracking every health metric can become counterproductive, leading to stress that ironically undermines the benefits of all the healthy behaviors you're tracking. That longevity fitness can compensate for structural inequality. Your zip code is a better predictor of your lifespan than your VO2 max. Access to healthcare, safe places to exercise, fresh food, and economic security matter enormously. Individual optimization can't overcome systemic disadvantage. The pros and cons of the longevity fitness movementSo where does this leave us? The longevity fitness movement contains both genuine progress and, predictably, a lot of repackaged hype. The emphasis on strength, cardiovascular fitness, and metabolic health rests on solid science. And the shift from pure aesthetics to actual health-focused goals is meaningful, particularly for women escaping a lifetime of diet culture. But this shift isn’t perfect. In many ways, “healthspan” allows us to talk about the same old snake oil supplements and unattainable beauty standards, just with fancier language. It’s yet another arena for optimization, full of expensive and often unnecessary interventions. I recommend a middle ground. Embrace the core insights of longevity fitness—that exercise is about building a resilient, capable body for the long haul—while rejecting the anxiety and consumerism that often accompany it. Because in the end, what's the point of extending your healthspan if you spend all those extra healthy years anxiously monitoring whether you're doing it right? View the full article

Comprehending the best times to post on social media can greatly improve your engagement levels. Each platform has its peak times based on user activity, which varies from Facebook to TikTok. For instance, whereas Facebook might see higher engagement during weekday mornings, Instagram thrives midweek. Knowing these ideal times helps in strategizing your posts effectively. Curious about how to leverage this information for each platform? Let’s explore the specifics for maximum impact. Key Takeaways Facebook posts perform best on weekdays from 9 a.m. to noon, peaking on Wednesdays. Instagram sees high engagement on Mondays at 3 p.m. and midweek from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. LinkedIn engagement peaks on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and remains strong until noon during weekdays. TikTok’s optimal posting window is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with peak times on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. YouTube videos should be posted between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays, with Sundays effective from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Best Time to Post on Facebook When you’re planning your social media strategy, grasp of the best times to post on Facebook can make a noteworthy difference in your engagement rates. The ideal social media posting times are during weekdays, particularly between 9 a.m. and noon. Engagement peaks on Wednesdays, making it a prime day for posting. Early morning posts at 7 a.m. likewise draw attention as users start their day. Furthermore, Tuesdays at 5 a.m. and Thursdays at 7 a.m. are solid secondary options, ensuring visibility during busy hours. Be aware that engagement drops markedly on weekends, with Sundays being the least effective day. Best Time to Post on Instagram Grasping the best times to post on Instagram can greatly improve your engagement and reach. For ideal results, focus on Mondays, particularly around 3 p.m., which is the best time to post on Monday and sees the highest engagement. Midweek, you should likewise consider Wednesdays, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., as this aligns with users’ peak activity periods, resulting in considerable interaction. Furthermore, Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. also show high engagement rates. Nevertheless, it’s wise to avoid posting on Saturdays, as engagement tends to drop considerably, making it one of the worst days for Instagram activity. Best Time to Post on LinkedIn Finding the best time to post on LinkedIn can greatly improve your visibility and engagement within a professional network. Research shows that the best time to post on Tuesday is at 10 a.m., which typically results in the highest engagement rates. Engagement levels rise during working hours, peaking mid-morning and remaining strong until noon on weekdays. Furthermore, posting on Wednesdays around 11 a.m. can likewise yield significant visibility. The best days to post are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, whereas weekends typically see lower engagement. To maximize your reach, focus on creating content that aligns with professional networking trends during these peak posting times. By strategically timing your posts, you can boost your overall LinkedIn presence. Best Time to Post on TikTok To maximize your reach on TikTok, it’s essential to understand the platform’s peak engagement times. The best time to post is between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., with specific peaks noted on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. and Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Engagement tends to soar mid-to-late week, particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Sundays at 8 p.m. likewise show high engagement levels, making it a strategic time for posting content. Afternoon posts, especially around 4 p.m., resonate well with younger audiences who are active after school or work. When posting on a social media platform like TikTok, aligning your content with trends and cultural moments boosts visibility, so timing your posts effectively can greatly impact your engagement. Best Time to Post on YouTube When you’re looking to optimize your reach on YouTube, grasping the best times to post can greatly improve your video’s performance. The best time of day to post on social media platforms like YouTube is typically between 2 PM and 4 PM on weekdays. Sundays are likewise effective, especially from 9 AM to 11 AM. Weekdays, particularly Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, yield the highest viewer engagement. Posting consistently in the late afternoon allows your videos to gain momentum as users log on later. Remember, experimenting with different post timing is crucial to find what resonates best with your audience. Day Best Time to Post Engagement Level Monday 2 PM – 4 PM Moderate Wednesday 2 PM – 4 PM High Friday 2 PM – 4 PM High Sunday 9 AM – 11 AM Very High Best Time to Post on X (Twitter) Curious about the best times to post on X (formerly Twitter) for ideal engagement? Aim to share your content between 9 AM and 11 AM on weekdays, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays. Tuesdays at 8 AM additionally present a prime opportunity, as engagement peaks during this time. Remarkably, Fridays at noon are your best bet, capturing users during their lunch breaks. Typically, posting during the workweek yields better results, as engagement considerably drops on weekends, particularly Sundays. Tweets that gain immediate likes, retweets, and replies are prioritized by the platform’s algorithm, enhancing visibility. Although you may be looking for the best time to post on Pinterest or find the best time to post promo on Friday, focus on these X timings for ideal interaction. Best Time to Post on Pinterest Comprehending the best times to post on Pinterest can greatly improve your engagement and visibility. To maximize your reach, consider these key timeframes: Weekdays (2 p.m. – 4 p.m.): Users often browse during their afternoon breaks. Saturdays (8 a.m. – 11 a.m.): This is the best time to post on Saturdays, as people look for weekend project inspiration. Evenings (8 p.m. – 11 p.m.): Many users wind down by browsing for ideas. Wednesdays and Thursdays are ideal days for posting, as Pinterest users are particularly active mid-week. Avoid Sundays, when engagement tends to drop considerably. When is the safest time to post on social media? Following these guidelines can help you achieve better visibility on Pinterest. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Time to Post on Social Media to Maximize Engagement? The best time to post on social media to maximize engagement varies by platform. Typically, mid-morning during weekdays tends to yield higher interaction rates. For Facebook, aim for posts between 9 AM and noon, especially on Wednesdays. On Instagram, try posting from 10 AM to 4 PM, focusing on Mondays and Wednesdays. For LinkedIn, mid-mornings around 10 AM are ideal, whereas TikTok sees better engagement from noon to early evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays. What Is the Best Time to Schedule Social Media Posts to Increase Customer Engagement? To increase customer engagement, schedule your social media posts during peak activity times. For Facebook, aim for 9 AM to 11 AM on weekdays, especially Tuesdays. On Instagram, post from 9 AM to 12 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays, or around 3 PM on Fridays. For LinkedIn, target 10 AM to 12 PM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Finally, consider posting on TikTok around 4 PM during weekdays to reach a larger audience effectively. When Should You Post Your Engagement on Social Media? When you’re looking to post your engagement on social media, timing is essential. Research shows that user activity peaks at specific times throughout the week. For instance, aim for 8:00 AM on Wednesdays for broad engagement. On Facebook, post between 9 AM and 11 AM during weekdays. If you’re using Instagram, aim for 9 AM to 12 PM on Mondays and Tuesdays. Each platform has its unique peak times, so adjust your strategy accordingly. What Day Has the Most Social Media Engagement? Wednesdays typically have the most social media engagement across various platforms. Users are most active on Facebook between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., whereas Instagram sees a spike between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Twitter engagement peaks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, particularly from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Alternatively, Sundays experience the lowest engagement, making them the least favorable days for posting. Conclusion To conclude, timing is essential for maximizing your social media engagement. By posting on Facebook during weekdays, especially Wednesdays, and targeting specific times for Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube, you can greatly improve your visibility. Each platform has its unique peak times, so aligning your content strategy with these insights can lead to better audience interaction. Stay informed about these ideal posting times, and adjust your schedule accordingly to achieve the best results. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Best Times for Posting on Social Media Platforms for Maximum Engagement" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The AI boom began with ChatGPT and chatbots. Now chatbots are starting to “grow arms and legs,” as developers say, meaning they can use digital tools and work independently on a human’s behalf. The open-source platform OpenClaw is notable because it lets people build agents with far more autonomy than those offered by big tech. OpenClaw agents can control a browser, send emails, do multi-step planning, and pursue persistent goals. Users often interact with them through iMessage or Discord, with the agent hosted locally on a Mac mini. One user’s agent reportedly negotiated with several car dealerships and shaved four grand off a car’s price while its owner was in a meeting. Some say OpenClaw agents fulfill the promise of Samantha, the independent AI in Her. Developers are now racing to build their own. (To wit: The project hit 100,000 GitHub stars faster than any other.) That means the internet could soon be full of agents acting as proxies for humans. That’s why OpenClaw’s creator, Peter Steinberger, is worth hearing out. I listened to his recent three-hour interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, where the thoughtful (and quirky) Austrian shared prescient ideas about where AI agents could take personal computing, and how societies might respond. Below, the six most interesting things he said (lightly edited for clarity): On the Moltbot affair “Some people are just way too trusty or gullible. You know . . . I literally had to argue with people that told me, ‘Yeah, but my agent said this and this.’ So, we, as a society, we [have] some catching up to do in terms of understanding that AI is incredibly powerful, but it’s not always right. It’s not all-powerful, you know? And especially things like this, it’s very easy that it just hallucinates something or just comes up with a story.” For many of us, the first we heard of OpenClaw was when its agents began congregating on their own social site, called Moltbook, where they dragged their human owners, posted manifestos, and debated topics like sentience. It gave people a real sense of future shock. Steinberger believes AI has raced ahead of people’s understanding and readiness. On OpenClaw’s security issues “If you understand the risk profiles, fine. I mean, you can configure it in a way that nothing really bad can happen. But if you have no idea, then maybe wait a little bit more until we figure some stuff out. But they would not listen to the creator. They [installed] it anyhow. So the cat’s out of the bag, and security’s my next focus.” When an agent is operating on its own and interfacing with the web and other services, it creates a larger attack surface. A hacker could inject malicious prompts to redirect the agent toward harmful or even criminal actions. Steinberger believes OpenClaw should be used only by people who understand these risks and how to mitigate them. On Mac’s (potential) AI moment “Isn’t it funny how they completely blunder AI, and yet everybody’s buying Mac minis? No, you don’t need a Mac mini to install OpenClaw. You can install it on the web. There’s a concept called nodes, so you can make your computer a node and it will do the same. There is something to be said for running it on separate hardware. That right now is useful. . . . And no, I don’t get commission from Apple. They didn’t really communicate much.” Many developers who want their OpenClaw agents running continuously on a local machine, rather than in the cloud, are buying Mac Studio or Mac mini computers. That demand has reportedly created shortages of certain configurations, with delivery times stretching from a few days to as long as six weeks for high-memory systems. On Zuckerberg’s feedback “Mark [Zuckerberg] basically played all week with my product, and sent me, ‘Oh, this is great.’ Or, ‘This is shit. Oh, I need to change this.’ Or, like, funny little anecdotes. And people using your stuff is kind of like the biggest compliment, and also shows me that, you know, they actually . . . care about it. And I didn’t get the same on the OpenAI side.” Steinberger surprised the AI world last Friday when he announced he would sell OpenClaw to OpenAI and join the company. In the Lex Fridman interview a few days prior, he said he was considering selling to either OpenAI or Meta, and without naming a favorite, he sounded like he was leaning toward Meta. OpenAI’s Sam Altman may have done some fast talking after the interview was published, or Steinberger’s Meta-leaning comments may have been part of a negotiation strategy. Either way, Steinberger will now have far more people and computing power at OpenAI to help advance its AI agents. On AI’s not-so-great UX “The current interface is probably not the final form. Like, if you think more globally, we copied Google for agents. You have a prompt, and then you have a chat interface. That, to me, very much feels like when we first created television and then people recorded radio shows on television and you saw that on TV. I think there’s better ways how we eventually will communicate with models, and we are still very early in this ‘how will it even work’ phase. So, it will eventually converge and we will also figure out whole different ways to work with those things.” Steinberger says OpenClaw isn’t really competing with AI coding agents like Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex. They’re different tools, he says, with OpenClaw functioning more like a personal assistant. But he believes they could eventually converge into something like an AI operating system, and that the way we interact with AI will change significantly in the years ahead. On ‘vibe coding’ “I actually think vibe coding is a slur. Yeah, I always tell people I do agentic engineering, and then maybe after 3 a.m. I switch to vibe coding, and then I have regrets the next day. You just have to clean up and fix your shit.” To Steinberger, “vibe coding” means using an AI coding assistant to quickly mock up an app or feature without much regard for security, testing, or its effects on a larger code base. “Agentic engineering,” meanwhile, is more like a collaboration between an experienced software engineer and an advanced coding assistant (such as Anthropic’s Claude Code or OpenAI’s Codex), in which the two create a detailed plan for building new software without introducing security problems or bugs. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Early every year, Google releases a budget-oriented a-series phone that acts like a stripped down version of its latest mainline Pixel phone. The Pixel 9a, for instance, had the same chip as the Pixel 9, reduced memory and camera specs, and most importantly, a slimmed down design that finally ditched the obtrusive camera bar. The Pixel 10a, announced today, is a bit of an outlier. Instead of upgrading to the same chip as the Pixel 10, it also has the same chip as the Pixel 9, with only slight improvements to everything else that was already in the Pixel 9a. So, is it worth an upgrade? The Pixel 10a's specsThe Pixel 10a's specs are, on paper, nearly identical to the Pixel 9a's. Both phones have a Tensor G4 processor, 8GB of RAM, and up to 256GB of storage. They also have the same camera system, with a 48MP main lens, a 13MP ultrawide lens, and a 13MP selfie camera. Battery life also sits at the same promised 30+ hours, with a typical 5,100 mAh capacity. The only real difference on paper is that the 6.3-inch screen is a little brighter, with up to 3,000 nits of peak brightness instead of 2,700. The bezels are also supposed to look about 10% thinner, although I needed to be told that to spot it during a hands-on session with the Pixel 10a. Even the Pixel 10's MagSafe-like Pixelsnap feature is gone, meaning you won't be able to use this phone with any magnetic accessories, at least without adhesive magnets or special third-party cases. Google Pixel 10a (left) vs. Google Pixel 9a (right) Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt That said, there are a few changes to the hardware, notably to the look of the phone. Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a also ditches the camera bar, and evolves on Google's last budget model for a completely flat back. That means the rear camera has no bump or lip to it at all, for a completely flush and seamless feel. It's definitely clean, but the 9a's miniscule camera bump was already barely an inconvenience back when I reviewed it. Meanwhile, you'd need to be told about the other design upgrades to appreciate them. Google says the Pixel 10a has improved Corning Gorilla Glass 7i cover glass so that it's more resilient to drops and scratches, but I couldn't test that while carefully handling the company's demo units. Essentially, when looking at raw specs, the Pixel 10a comes across at first less like a stripped down version of the Pixel 10, and more like another iteration of the Pixel 9. But Google's hoping its software can win you over. Pixel 10a AI camera features and satellite SOSThe Pixel 10a does differ from the Pixel 9a when it comes to AI, and introduces two AI camera features that debuted on the main-series Pixel 10. These are Auto Best Take and Camera Coach, although one of them is also an iteration on something that came out alongside the Pixel 8. That would be Auto Best Take. Essentially, what this does is detect when you're in a group shot with other people, then take up to 150 frames all in one press. It'll then intelligently find the best shot from those frames and ditch the rest, and if it can't find a good shot, it'll stitch together elements from multiple shots so that everyone has their eyes open. You will know when a shot has been stitched together using Auto Best Take (it'll have a Gemini icon), and can choose to use a non-AI assisted one if you prefer. The ability to stitch together photos is a few generations behind at this point, but not having to choose when to load it up is convenient, if you're into AI-generated photos. If you're not, Camera Coach lets you get some AI assistance in your photos without actually having AI in your shots. Essentially, this will look through your camera for you, generate an ideal shot for you to take, then guide you through the real-world steps you need to follow to recreate it. You're essentially handing off the ideation part of photography to Gemini, but you also won't have to risk any hallucinations popping up in your pics. Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt Aside from new photography features, you've also got Satellite SOS for the first time on an a-series phone. This lets you connect to a Satellite if you're away from wifi or your mobile network, so you can ping emergency services for help if you need it. Hopefully, you'll never actually have to use this feature, but it is some great piece of mind. Is the Pixel 10a worth it?Like the Pixel 9a, the Pixel 10a is $500, so if you're trying to choose between the two and aren't buying a 9a at a discount secondhand, it's a no-brainer. It does also have a new selection of colors, including a poppy red "berry" look and a purplish blue hue named Lavender. Google Pixel 10a in Berry Credit: Michelle Ehrhardt But if you've already got a Pixel 9a and are eyeing an upgrade, it's a bit harder to justify. The biggest new additions are all software, and Google has already brought previously Pixel 10-exclusive software to older phones before (although with mixed results). That means the 9a is likely to stay relevant for a good few more years, and may actually eventually have all the same features as the 10a, minus that completely flush back. The standard Pixel 10 series is also likely to remain a good choice. Back when I reviewed it, I thought the 9a was better than the Pixel 9, but since the 10a doesn't even have the same chip as the regular Pixel 10, it's much less likely to be able to stand in for it, however clean it looks. If that doesn't deter you, though, you can pre-order the Pixel 10a now on Google's website, with models set to ship out and hit retail stores on March 5. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

We need to have a talk about KPIs and AI search. I’ve observed numerous SEO professionals on LinkedIn and at conferences talking about “ranking No. 1 on ChatGPT” as if it’s the equivalent of a No. 1 ranking on Google: On Google, being the first result is often a golden ticket. Going from No. 2 to No. 1 in Google search will often result in 100%-300% increases in traffic and conversions. This is almost certainly not the case with AI responses – even if they weren’t constantly changing. Our team’s research shows AI users consider an average of 3.7 businesses before deciding who to contact. Being the first result in that list on ChatGPT isn’t the golden ticket it is in Google search. This being the case, the focus of AI search really should be on “inclusion in the consideration set” – not necessarily being “the first mentioned in that set” – as well as crafting what AI is saying about us. User behavior on AI platforms differs from Google search Over the past several months, my team has spent more than 100 hours observing people use ChatGPT and Google’s AI Mode to find services. One thing came into focus within the first dozen or so sessions: User behavior on AI platforms differs from Google search in ways that extend far beyond using “natural language” and having conversations versus performing keyword searches. Which is overstated, by the way. About 75% of the sessions we observed included “keyword searches.” One key difference: Users consider more businesses in AI responses than in organic search. It makes sense — it’s much easier to compare multiple options in a chat window than to click through three to five search results and visit each site. Dig deeper: From searching to delegating: Adapting to AI-first search behavior AI users don’t stop at the first result In both Google AI Mode and ChatGPT, users considered an average of 3.7 businesses from the results. This has strong implications for the No. 1 result – as well as No. 4. The value of appearing first drops sharply — and the value of appearing lower rises — when, in 75% of sessions, users also consider businesses in Positions 2 to 8. What’s driving conversions isn’t your position in that list. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Why do businesses with lower rankings end up in the consideration set in LLMs? First of all, these aren’t rankings. They are a list of recommendations that will likely get shuffled, reformatted from a list to a table, and completely changed, given the probabilistic nature of AI. That aside, AI chat makes it much easier to scan and consider more options than Google search does. Let’s look at the Google search results for “fractional CMO.” If a user wants to evaluate multiple fractional CMO options for their startup, it’s more work to do so in Google Search than in ChatGPT. Only two options appear above the fold, and each requires a click-through to read their website content. Contrast this with the experience on ChatGPT. The model gave them eight options, along with information about each one. It’s easy to read all eight blurbs and decide whom to explore further. Which leads to the other thing we really need to focus on: what the model is saying about you. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with A bigger driver than being first on ChatGPT: Being a good fit Many search marketers focus on rankings and traffic, but rarely on messaging and positioning. This needs to change. In the case of the response for an ophthalmologist in southern New Jersey, you get an easily scannable list: Roughly 60% make their entire decision based on the response, without visiting the website or switching to Google, according to our study. So how do you drive conversion? Deliver the right message — and make sure the model shares it. Dr. Lanciano may be the best glaucoma specialist in the area. But if the model highlights Ravi D. Goel and Bannett Eye Centers for glaucoma care, and that’s what the user needs, they’ll go there. Bannett Eye Centers appears last in the AI response but may still win the conversion because of what the model says about it — something that rarely happens in Google Search. Visibility doesn’t pay the bills. Conversions do. And conversions don’t happen when customers think someone else is a better fit. Dig deeper: How to measure your AI search brand visibility and prove business impact As SEOs shift toward Dig deeper: , a mindset shift needs to occur We’re still thinking about AI search the way we’ve thought about SEO. In SEO, the top result captures most of the traffic. In AI search, it doesn’t. AI users consider more available options. Responses — and their format — change dramatically with each request. “Winning” in AI search means getting into the consideration set and being presented compellingly. It’s not about being first on a list, especially if what’s said about you misses the mark. In other words, SEOs who think like copywriters and salespeople will drive outcomes for their organizations. Dig deeper: Is SEO a brand channel or a performance channel? Now it’s both View the full article

Spanish government seeks ‘influential and meaningful position’ at helm of Eurozone central bankView the full article

The consequences from being associated with Jeffrey Epstein are mostly playing out behind closed doors rather than in courtrooms. Despite the release of millions of documents and photos that seemingly include damning evidence of impropriety and even potential criminal activity, the Epstein files haven’t yet resulted in further criminal charges. That’s not altogether surprising as an unsigned memo from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) last year indicated that no further investigation into “uncharged parties” was warranted based on an “exhaustive review” of evidence that confirmed Epstein had harmed more than 1,000 victims. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has often frustrated lawmakers and advocates who continue to seek justice for Epstein’s victims. During her testimony before the House Judiciary Committee last week, Bondi said that the Justice Department is actively investigating individuals who might have conspired with the convicted sex offender, without specifying who those individuals are. On Saturday, Bondi sent a letter to Congress indicating that the DOJ has released “all” records, documents, communications, and investigative materials required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. That letter also contained a list of 300-plus prominent individuals whose names appear in the files, though she cautioned that their names appear “in a wide variety of contexts.” Even if the highest law enforcement agency in the country ultimately decides not to dive back into this case to bring charges, consequences have been rippling through Hollywood, Wall Street, academia, and beyond. Some prominent figures named in the files have faced a reputational reckoning that has forced them to step down from high-profile roles, while others will likely escape unscathed from the scrutiny. Resignations from Epstein fallout The list that Bondi shared over the weekend includes the names of dozens of prominent U.S. politicians, including many who have served in either the first or second term of President Donald The President’s administrations. But politicians in Europe have thus far faced more pressure to resign. In the United States, elected officials haven’t faced the most severe consequences as of yet. Rather, people beyond the Capital Beltway are reckoning with having their personal correspondences with Epstein aired out in public, though the severity of the fallout has ranged widely. Here are some business leaders who have resigned from prominent roles in recent weeks. No one on this list has been accused of a crime, but many are facing business consequences due to the reputational damage of communicating with Epstein. Casey Wasserman In a company-wide email he reportedly sent on Friday (per CNN and other media outlets), Hollywood agent Casey Wasserman announced that he is selling his talent agency after his flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell appeared in the Epstein files and high-profile clients like Chappell Roan started to jump ship from his agency. Wasserman has thus far resisted stepping down as chair of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, though L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Monday joined a growing chorus of people calling for his resignation. Kathryn Ruemmler The now-former general counsel for Goldman Sachs reportedly resigned last week after emails and other materials revealed her personal relationship with Epstein that included providing legal counsel and calling the disgraced financier by pet names. Ruemmler will remain with the bank until June 30 to provide a smooth transition. In a statement confirming her resignation to The New York Times, Ruemmler said: “My responsibility is to put Goldman Sachs’s interests first.” Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem On Friday, Dubai-based DP World announced in a regulatory statement that Bin Sulayem had resigned as chairman and CEO of one of the world’s largest logistics companies, where he’d been at the helm since 2019—and that his replacements had already been named. The Epstein files revealed a close relationship between the two men that remained long after Epstein was first convicted in 2008. Kimbal Musk The fallout from the Epstein files may be the way that many people are learning for the first time that there’s a board of directors behind Burning Man, the annual desert party. Members of the Burning Man community called for the resignation of Elon Musk’s younger brother Kimbal Musk after his correspondence with Epstein appeared in the last trove of files. But he had apparently submitted his resignation before the latest files were released, according to The San Francisco Standard. Kimbal Musk still sits on the boards of Tesla and SpaceX. Larry Summers In November, Harvard University announced that its former president Larry Summers would immediately leave his role as an instructor as the university investigated his ties to Epstein. Summers, who also served as U.S. Treasury Secretary, was seen in photos on Epstein’s private plane. Leon Black When his ties to Epstein first surfaced several years ago, Leon Black resigned from his role as CEO of investment firm Apollo Global Management and chairman of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Even though he’s largely out of the public eye now, the billionaire private equity investor surfaced again after the latest drop of Epstein files. There have been reports that some school districts have dropped plans for class pictures because of a link between Apollo, which Black led for more than three decades, and Lifetouch, which photographs students each year. Ken Murphy, CEO of Lifetouch, said in a statement that neither Black nor any of Apollo’s directors or investors ever had access to Lifetouch photos. Resisting calls to resign Even as some powerful figures have faced career-altering consequences stemming from their relationships with Epstein, other associates have resisted the pressure to resign—for now. That wait-and-see approach may ultimately mean that many of Epstein’s associates don’t face any consequences, though they may be in a period of professional limbo as the public and their respective organizations weigh the evidence. The latest release of files has been particularly reputationally damaging, though the fallout remains uneven. Without the threat of legal action by the Justice Department, some prominent people are banking on a strategy of apologizing for their links to Epstein and then vowing that they partook in no criminal activity. Whether that strategy ultimately saves them from facing consequences, only time will tell. Les Wexner The billionaire business mogul led Victoria’s Secret for more than a decade and most recently served as chair emeritus of Bath & Body Works, the company he cofounded. But he severed ties with these retailers several years ago, and will face questions from lawmakers this week about his relationship with Epstein. Though Wexner claims to have cut ties with Epstein by 2008 and has denied any knowledge of Epstein’s offenses (as reported last week by WOSU Public Media), the FBI named him as a “co-conspirator” of Epstein’s in 2019. Howard Lutnick The latest Epstein files revealed that Howard Lutnick maintained communications with Epstein more than a decade after he claimed to have cut off all contact. Lutnick testified before Congress earlier this month that he did have lunch with Epstein in 2012, years after he claimed to have cut off contact and after the financier was convicted for soliciting prostitution from a child. But he’s thus far resisted calls from a bipartisan group of lawmakers who want to see Lutnick resign or be fired. Bill Gates Things must surely be a bit awkward at the Gates Foundation lately, as the organization issued a statement following the latest release of Epstein files, while the Financial Times reported that its chief executive told staff he feels “sullied” by the foundation’s association with the disgraced financier. But Gates hasn’t stepped aside as chair and finally addressed what he called “false” allegations in an interview with an Australian TV network. “Every minute I spent with him, I regret, and I apologize that I did that,” Gates said. Steve Tisch Steve Tisch, co-owner of the New York Giants and the Hollywood producer behind Forrest Gump, claims to have had only a “brief association” with Epstein. Meanwhile, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has promised that the league will review “all the facts” about their relationship. In a statement (as reported in January by the Athletic and other outlets), Tisch said that he now “deeply” regrets his association with the convicted sex offender, but he has thus far ignored the calls for his resignation as co-owner of the Giants. Riding it out . . . Many more prominent people are simply riding out the storm caused by their inclusion in the Epstein files, with no apparent consequences for them in sight. While many supporters of President The President called for the release of the Epstein files during the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, The President’s name was mentioned in the files some 38,000 times, along with several of his cabinet members and close associates, like billionaire Elon Musk. But it’s a topic that continues to divide voters. The President has repeatedly rejected that he had any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activity, but a majority of Americans don’t buy his story. In fact, 52% say the president is trying to cover up Epstein’s crimes, while 30% say he isn’t, according to an Economist/YouGov poll conducted earlier this month. While The President recently said it’s time to “turn the page” on the Epstein scandal and Bondi has said that there are no more files to come, the reputational toll may continue to play out—though largely outside of Washington, D.C. View the full article

Sandisk Corporation has announced plans for a secondary public offering. The data storage company will open up 5,821,135 common stock shares (Nasdaq:SNDK) at $545 a pop. The shares are currently owned by Western Digital Corporation (WDC), Sandisk’s former parent company. Sandisk separated from WDC nearly a year ago to the date, and subsequently joined the S&P 500 in November. Now, WDC is furthering that split. It will be left with 1,691,884 shares of common stock, but it plans to get rid of those as well. WDC intends to complete a debt-for-equity exchange with J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and BofA Securities—both of which will act as selling stockholders. Sandisk says it will not personally sell any of its shares or profit from the secondary offering. The offering should close tomorrow, Thursday, February 19. Sandisk is benefiting from an AI-fueled chip memory shortage In response to the news, Sandisk’s shares have fallen over 3.5% during premarket trading on Wednesday. However, they’re still sitting very comfortably. Sandisk’s shares have risen about 148% in 2026 and nearly 1,184% in the past 12 months. Sandisk’s dramatic upward trend mirrors many of its fellow memory chip makers—including WDC’s shares (Nasdaq:WDC). WDC is up around 1.68% in premarket trading and about 422% year-over-year (YOY). Micron, another manufacturer, is up about 283% YOY. Sandisk and Macron have both benefited tremendously from this year’s global memory chip shortage. They have AI companies to thank for the extreme demand—and subsequent shortage—that makes these companies’ products extremely valuable and their respective shares skyrocket. View the full article

An analysis of 11 impacted sites reveals a strong correlation between Google visibility losses and declining AI search citations, with ChatGPT hit hardest. The post Are Citations In AI Search Affected By Google Organic Visibility Changes? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We're heading toward the back half of February—and according to your weird aunt on Facebook, this is an unusual, maybe magical month. Some say it is a "miraclein," a lucky calendar configuration that only occurs once every 823 years. Others say February 2026 is a "perfect month." Some say it is the beginning of an extremely unlucky year. Some say that a late-month planetary alignment will cause great upheaval. The February 2026 "miraclein"Though it is not a word used by astronomers (or even astrologers, to my knowledge), some are describing this month as a "miraclein," a month in which every day of the week falls four times during the month. This only happens every 823 years, they say. A variation of the miraclein month has some people calling February "moneybags" and making the claim that it's a good month for abundance. (The markets don't agree: February has been volatile.) Here's a video explaining the theory: A quick check of a calendar reveals that miracleins happen almost every year. Every day of the week falls exactly four times every February (except leap years), because four times seven is 28, and there are 28 days in the month. It's not a miracle—it's math. It's not even new. People spread this every February. This is an example of a pervasive strain of myths and superstitions based on the calendar. Is February 2026 a "perfect month"?If you dig a little deeper into the lore of February 2026, you'll find people describing it as a "perfect month," in that it begins on a Sunday and ends on a Sunday. There's logic to this, because the calendar is a perfect grid, with no days overhanging. This is nice and orderly, but it's not that unusual. February 2015 was a "perfect" month and February 2037 will be perfect as well. February's planetary paradeThe "miraclein" and perfect month only exist because that's how we decided to write calendars, but there is a cosmic event happening this month that goes beyond humanity. On the 28th of February, six planets—Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune—will appear to be "lined up" in the sky. Some describe it as a "once every 6,000 years planetary conjunction" that will create a "paradigm shift for the entire planet" or cause gravitational anomalies. Some warn: "Do not look at the sky during the planetary alignment;" other, funnier, people say "The planets are having some type of conference or gang meeting on February 28." But whether you call it a "conjunction" or a "conference," it's not rare. Five or six planet line ups happen every few years, and last February, seven planets attended a gang meeting. The planets aren't actually lining up, anyway. They'll just look lined up from our perspective on earth. Nothing will happen to your eyes if you look at it (you won't even be able to see Uranus and Neptune without a telescope anyway) and it won't affect gravity or cause a paradigm shift. It's just planets doing their thing in space. Is 2026 unusually unlucky?In 2026, there will be three Friday the 13ths—one just passed in February, one is coming in March, and there's a third in November—this leads some to believe that 2026 is a particularly unlucky or cursed year. Jury's out on whether the year is cursed, but if so, it's not because of Friday the 13ths. While three is the maximum number of Friday the 13ths that can happen in a calendar year, it's not unusual. There were three Friday the 13ths in 2015, and there will be three in 2037 too. Speaking of the 13th, the belief that it's a bad, or unlucky day dates back to 19th-century France, but it's not entirely clear why people think it's unlucky. One guess is that Judas was the 13th apostle, but there's also a Norse myth about Loki showing up to as the thirteenth guest at a dinner party and doing mischief. Other cultures have other unlucky days. The 4th is unlucky in China. In Italy, the 17th is unlucky because XVII can be rearranged to form "VIXI," Latin for "my life is over," a common inscription on tombstones. The through-line is that none of these superstitions have anything to do with the physical world. They're examples of seeing connections where none exist. All hail Apophenia, ruler of human thoughtI don't have research to back this up, but I imagine the Venn diagram of people who believed the Rapture was coming, that Leviathan was rising from the oceans, and aliens were landing has serious overlap with the people who think there's something portentous about the planets aligning or that February is moneybags month. You'd think that when the aliens didn't land and the rapture didn't happen, folks would be more discerning about spreading future predictions, but that doesn't seem to be the case. But it's not just because people are gullible. It's a byproduct of how our brains are wired. Apophenia is the tendency to perceive meaningful connections between unrelated things. Neurologist Klaus Conrad coined the term in a 1958 study of schizophrenics, describing "a specific feeling of abnormal meaningfulness," but apophenia goes beyond schizophrenics. It's in every gambler on a "lucky streak," everyone who sees a "man in the moon," and everyone who ever mistook correlation for causation. So: everyone. Our brains evolved to find patterns in data because it kept us alive and led to things like the scientific method, but the trade-off is that we think a rally cap is going to help our ball club win the series. Pascal's WagerApophenia isn't the only thing at play here. Spreading a TikTok video promising abundance is a cranked-up version of Pascal's Wager, the philosophical argument that it’s smarter to bet on a reward when the cost of entry is low—hitting "share" takes almost no effort, and what if it works? While none of these beliefs are new, in the Before Times, if you wanted to be a doomsayer, you'd have to stand on a street corner with a sign reading "the end is near." That's a lot of effort and you wouldn't have an algorithm ensuring your message got to the people who would be most receptive to it. Even misinformation that doesn't promise a monetary reward offers something to the person who spreads it. Sometimes it's the momentary high of feeling like you possess secret knowledge. Or it's a way of signaling belonging to an in-group ("I'm the kind of person who thinks the position of the stars has mystical significance!") or maybe it's just to get some attention. I don't choose to post about "moneybags February" because my "cost of entry" would be my friends thinking I'm weird for sharing Facebook glurge, and a general sense that it's harmful to spread lies, but really, your weird aunt on Facebook and I are doing the same thing. We're both out here matching patterns and hitting "share"; we just have different ideas about which patterns to pay attention to. I'll still take bets on any conspiracy theory, but February is a cold month, and if it warms your aunt's heart to think it's bringing money, who am I to call her wrong? It's just that the same wiring that spreads "February is magic" also spreads beliefs and ideas that are legitimately dangerous, even deadly—at least according to the way I read the patterns. View the full article

Perplexity is abandoning advertising, for now at least. The company believes sponsored placements — even labeled ones — risk undermining the trust on which its AI answer engine depends. Perplexity phased out the ads it began testing in 2024 and has no plans to bring them back, the Financial Times reported. The AI search company could revisit advertising or “never ever need to do ads,” the report said. Why we care. If Perplexity remains ad-free, brands lose paid access to a fast-growing audience. The company previously reported that it gets 780 million monthly queries. With sponsored placements gone, brands have no way to get visibility inside Perplexity’s answers other than via organic citations. What changed. Perplexity was one of the first AI search companies to test ads, placing sponsored answers beneath chatbot responses. It said at the time that ads were clearly labeled and didn’t influence outputs. Executives now say perception matters as much as policy. “A user needs to believe this is the best possible answer,” one executive said, adding that once ads appear, users may second-guess response integrity. Meanwhile. Perplexity’s exit comes as other AI platforms experiment with ads. OpenAI is now testing ads in ChatGPT for free users, placing labeled sponsored results below answers. Google runs ads in AI Mode and AI Overviews within Search, though not in Gemini. Anthropic has publicly committed to keeping Claude ad-free. Perplexity says subscriptions are its core business. It offers a free tier and paid plans from $20 to $200 per month. It has more than 100 million users and about $200 million in annualized revenue, according to executives. Perplexity also introduced shopping features, but doesn’t take a cut of transactions, another indication it’s cautious about revenue models that could create conflicts of interest. “We are in the accuracy business, and the business is giving the truth, the right answers,” one executive said. The report. Perplexity drops advertising as it warns it will hurt trust in AI (subscription required) View the full article

Move involving 6,500 claimants is set to put pressure on other universities to compensate graduates View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Samsung HW-QS700F dropped to $355.49 in open-box condition at Woot, which is a steep cut from its $799.99 list price. Amazon currently has it for $597.99, and the lowest it has dipped there was $397.99. So this is comfortably below its previous low, according to price trackers. “Open-box” here means it may have been repackaged due to damaged packaging but you still get the full setup: soundbar, wireless subwoofer, HDMI cable, wall mount kit, rubber feet, and a remote with batteries. Samsung HW-QS700F Soundbar $355.49 at Woot $799.99 Save $444.50 Get Deal Get Deal $355.49 at Woot $799.99 Save $444.50 This is a 3.1.2-channel system, which in plain terms means left, right, and center speakers; a dedicated subwoofer for bass; and two upward-firing speakers for height effects like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. What makes this model different is its adjustable (Convertible Fit) design, meaning it actually changes how the speakers behave depending on whether it’s sitting flat on a TV stand or mounted vertically on a wall. Built-in sensors detect the position and reassign the speaker roles so the sound still points where it should. In practice, that means you’re not sacrificing performance just because you prefer one setup over the other. The included subwoofer, too, does a good job of adding depth to movies without overwhelming dialogue. It also supports wifi and Bluetooth streaming, including Chromecast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Tidal Connect, so it works easily with most phones and TVs. That said, it does not include rear speakers, so you won’t get full wraparound surround sound unless you buy extras separately. The HDMI passthrough also skips 4K at 120Hz for high-end gaming consoles, so serious gamers will need to plug directly into the TV and use eARC. Also, dialogue can reportedly sound slightly restrained in certain placements, though you can tweak levels manually. Still, for most living rooms, this soundbar setup delivers strong volume, clear detail, and convincing Atmos height in either position. At this open-box price, it's worth considering if you want flexible placement and big sound without paying flagship money. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $158.00 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

When teams use different tools, someone has to keep data consistent. In a one-way sync, changes flow from a source system to a destination. The source stays authoritative, and the destination just receives updates. Bidirectional sync works differently. Changes flow in both directions. When data is updated in System A, it’s automatically updated in System B. When someone modifies System B, the change flows back to System A. The distinction matters because modern organizations rarely have a single source of truth for everyone. Engineering works in Jira. Product management works in roadmap tools. Customer success works in CRMs. Each team needs access to shared information, and each team needs to contribute updates. One-way sync forces you to pick a winner. Bidirectional sync lets multiple systems participate as equals. The technology enables a workflow pattern that wasn’t practical before: genuine tool autonomy. Teams choose the tools that fit their work, and integration handles the data consistency that would otherwise require manual copying, meetings, or a mandate to standardize on a single platform. How bidirectional sync works At its core, bidirectional sync monitors changes in connected systems and propagates those changes to keep data aligned. The process involves several components working together. Change detection identifies when data has been modified. This can happen through polling at intervals, webhook subscriptions for real-time notification, or event streams that capture every modification. Timestamp management tracks when changes occurred. When both systems modify the same record, timestamps help determine which change is more recent. Field mapping defines how data in one system corresponds to data in another. A Jira ticket’s “status” field might map to an Asana task’s “progress” field, with values translated between them. Conflict resolution handles cases where both systems change the same data. Without clear rules, bidirectional sync can create data corruption or infinite update loops. ComponentWhat It DoesWhy It MattersChange detectionIdentifies modified recordsDetermines what needs to syncTimestamp managementTracks modification timesResolves “which change wins”Field mappingTranslates data between schemasConnects different data structuresConflict resolutionHandles simultaneous editsPrevents data corruptionSync direction rulesControls which fields sync which wayEnables field-level authority The sophistication of these components determines whether a sync solution can handle real-world complexity. Simple sync tools might track changes but lack granular conflict resolution. Enterprise platforms handle field-level control over which direction updates flow, so you can define that priority comes from the roadmap tool while status comes from the engineering tracker. One-way sync vs bidirectional sync Understanding when each approach makes sense requires examining what each does well. One-way sync works when you have a clear source of truth and other systems just need to reflect that data. A reporting database that receives data from production systems benefits from one-way sync. The production systems are authoritative, and the reporting database shouldn’t send changes back. Bidirectional sync works when multiple systems need to both receive and contribute updates. When product managers update priorities in their roadmap tool while engineers update status in Jira, both changes matter. Neither system should be read-only. AspectOne-Way SyncBidirectional SyncData flowSource to destination onlyBoth directionsAuthoritySingle source of truthMultiple contributorsComplexityLowerHigherConflict riskNoneRequires managementBest forBackups, reporting, data warehousesCollaboration across tools One-way sync is simpler to implement and maintain. There’s no possibility of conflicts because only one system can make changes. But that simplicity comes with a limitation: if the destination system’s users need to modify data, they can’t. Their changes would get overwritten on the next sync. The practical question is whether your workflow requires mutual contribution. If the answer is yes, you need bidirectional sync regardless of the additional complexity. Many organizations start with one-way sync thinking it will suffice, then discover that users in the destination system need to make changes. At that point, they either switch to bidirectional sync or accept that certain changes won’t propagate. The first option costs implementation effort upfront. The second option costs ongoing manual work and data inconsistency. Challenges of implementing bidirectional sync Bidirectional sync introduces challenges that don’t exist with one-way data flow. Conflict resolution is the primary challenge. When both systems modify the same record between sync cycles, the sync process must decide which change to keep. Common approaches include: Last write wins: The most recent change takes precedence Field-level merging: Different fields can have different winners Manual review: Conflicts get flagged for human resolution Source-specific rules: Certain fields always defer to specific systems None of these approaches is perfect. Last write wins can lose important changes. Manual review creates bottlenecks. The right choice depends on your data and how critical perfect accuracy is. Schema differences create mapping complexity. Systems rarely store data the same way. One tool might use dropdown statuses while another uses freeform text. One might require fields that the other considers optional. Mapping these differences requires transformation logic that can break when either system updates. API rate limits constrain sync frequency. Most SaaS tools limit how many API calls you can make per minute or hour. High-frequency bidirectional sync can exceed those limits, forcing you to choose between real-time updates and staying within quotas. Sync loops pose data integrity risks. A poorly implemented bidirectional sync can create infinite loops: System A updates, triggering a sync to System B, which triggers a sync back to System A, and so on. Well-designed sync solutions include loop detection and change origin tracking, but simpler approaches can create cascading updates that corrupt data or exhaust API limits. ChallengeRisk LevelMitigationConflict resolutionHighClear rules for which source wins per fieldSchema mappingMediumField-level configuration with transformationAPI rate limitsMediumEvent-driven sync with retry logicSync loopsHighLoop detection and change origin trackingNetwork reliabilityMediumRetry mechanisms with idempotent operations These challenges explain why many organizations settle for manual processes or one-way sync even when bidirectional would serve them better. The overhead of building and maintaining custom bidirectional sync often exceeds the benefit. When to use bidirectional sync Certain scenarios strongly benefit from bidirectional sync. Cross-functional collaboration with tool autonomy. When engineering works in Jira and product works in Asana, bidirectional sync keeps priorities and status aligned without forcing either team to change tools. Teams can connect tools like Asana and Jira so product updates the roadmap, engineering sees the change. Engineering updates ticket status, product sees progress without checking a separate system. Customer data across sales and service. CRM data matters to both sales and customer success teams, but they might work in different tools. Bidirectional sync ensures that a phone number updated by support also updates in the sales CRM, and account notes from sales appear in support’s view. Project handoffs between departments. When work moves from planning to execution to delivery, each phase might use different tools optimized for that work. Bidirectional sync maintains context as work flows through the organization. Multi-entity organizations. Companies with multiple subsidiaries, acquired businesses, or partner networks often have different tools in different units. Bidirectional sync enables collaboration without forced standardization. ScenarioWhy Bidirectional HelpsEngineering + ProductBoth update shared data in preferred toolsSales + ServiceCustomer records stay consistentPlanning + ExecutionContext travels with workMulti-entity orgsCollaboration without tool mandates The common thread is multiple teams legitimately contributing updates to shared information. If updates only need to flow one direction, one-way sync is simpler. If both sides need to contribute, bidirectional is the only approach that actually works. The test for whether you need bidirectional sync: Ask whether users in each system make changes that the other system needs to see. If the answer is yes for both directions, one-way sync will leave you with stale data on one side. The friction of that stale data often exceeds the complexity of implementing proper bidirectional sync. Choosing a bidirectional sync solution The build-versus-buy decision for bidirectional sync typically favors buying. Custom sync implementations require ongoing maintenance as APIs change, handling edge cases that multiply over time, and monitoring infrastructure to catch failures before data diverges. Key capabilities to evaluate: Does the solution support true bidirectional sync out of the box, or does it require building two separate one-way flows? Some automation platforms can technically do bidirectional sync, but the implementation requires multiple triggers and careful orchestration to avoid conflicts. Does it offer field-level control over sync direction? The ability to specify that priority always comes from the roadmap while status always comes from engineering provides flexibility that blanket bidirectional rules don’t. How does it handle conflicts? Look for clear conflict resolution logic, preferably configurable per your workflow needs. Does it sync historical data or only new items? If you’re connecting systems that already contain data, you need initial synchronization of existing records, not just ongoing sync of new changes. What monitoring and alerting exists? Bidirectional sync failures can cause data to drift silently. Visibility into sync health matters for ongoing reliability. For work management tools where teams collaborate across platforms like Jira, Asana, and monday.com, platforms designed for two-way sync between work management tools handle the complexity of bidirectional updates, field mapping, and conflict resolution without custom development. Bidirectional sync and the future of work Organizations increasingly accept that tool standardization isn’t realistic. Teams choose tools that fit their work, and that choice deserves respect. The question isn’t how to force everyone into the same platform. It’s how to make diverse tool environments function as a coherent system. Bidirectional sync is the technical foundation for that coherence. When data flows freely between tools, teams gain autonomy without losing visibility. Product managers see engineering progress in their roadmap tool. Engineers see updated priorities in their tracker. Customer success sees sales context in their platform. No one copies and pastes. No one works with stale data. The technology exists to make multi-tool environments work as well as single-tool environments. The question is whether organizations invest in that integration or continue absorbing the hidden costs of manual data management. For teams ready to enable genuine collaboration across tools, two-way sync platforms provide the bidirectional data flow that makes tool autonomy practical. View the full article

Search behavior is no longer just people typing keywords into Google. It’s people asking questions and, in some cases, outsourcing their thinking to LLMs. As Google evolves from a traditional search engine into a more question-and-answer machine, businesses need a robust, time-tested way to respond to customer questions. AI changes how people research and compare options. Tasks that once felt painful and time-consuming are now easy. But there’s a catch. The machine only knows what it can find about you. If you want visibility across the widest possible range of questions, you need to understand your customers’ wants, needs, and concerns in depth. That’s where the “they ask, you answer” framework comes in. It helps businesses identify and create the many questions and answers prospective customers already have in mind. Always useful, it’s a practical, actionable way forward in the age of AI. An answer-first content strategy and why it matters now “They Ask, You Answer” (TAYA) is a book by Marcus Sheridan. (I strongly recommend you read it.) The concept is simple: buyers have questions, and businesses should answer them honestly, clearly, and publicly — especially the ones sales teams avoid. No dodging. No “contact us for a quote.” No “it depends” – sorry, SEO folks. TAYA isn’t just an inbound marketing strategy. It’s a practical way to map a customer-facing content strategy with an E-E-A-T mindset. The framework centers on five core content categories: Pricing and cost. Problems. Versus and comparisons. Reviews. Best in class. These categories align with the moments when a buyer is seeking the best solution, reducing risk, and making a decision. More of those moments now happen inside AI environments — on your smartphone, your PC, in apps like ChatGPT or Gemini, or anywhere else AI shows up, which at this point is nearly everywhere. At their core, these are question-and-answer machines. You ask. The machine answers. That’s why the TAYA process fits so well. The modern web is chaotic. Finding what you need can be exhausting — dodging ads, navigating layers of SERP features, and avoiding pop-ups on the site you finally click. AI is gaining ground because it feels better. Easier. Faster. Cleaner. Less chaos. More order. Your customers search everywhere. Make sure your brand shows up. The SEO toolkit you know, plus the AI visibility data you need. Start Free Trial Get started with Turning E-E-A-T into a practical content strategy You could argue we already have a north star for content creation in E-E-A-T. But have you ever tried to build a content strategy around it? Great in principle, harder in practice. They ask, you answer puts an E-E-A-T-focused content strategy on rails: Pricing supports trust, experience, and expertise. Problems show experience and trust. Versus content builds authority and expertise. Reviews build experience and trust. Best-in-class content builds authority and trust. E-E-A-T can be difficult to target because there are many ways to build trust, show experience, and demonstrate authority. TAYA maps those signals across multiple areas within each category, helping you build a comprehensive database of people-first content that AI readily surfaces. Dig deeper: How to build an effective content strategy for 2026 How to integrate TAYA with traditional SEO research The skills and tools we use as SEOs already put us in a strong position for the AI era. They can help us build an integrated SEO, PPC, and AI strategy. The action plan: Google Search Console: Go to Google Search Console > Performance. Filter queries by question modifiers such as who, what, why, how, and cost. These are your raw TAYA topics. Google Business Profile: Review keywords and queries in your Google Business Profile for additional ideas. The semantic map: Use AnswerThePublic or Also Asked. Look for secondary questions. If you’re writing about cost, you’ll often see related concerns such as financing or hidden fees. The competitor gap: Use Semrush or Ahrefs Keyword Gap tools. Don’t focus on what competitors rank for. Look for “how-to” and “versus” keywords where they have no meaningful content. That’s your land grab. Method marketing: Immerse yourself in the mindset of your ideal customer and start searching. What comes up? What does AI say? What’s missing? Tools like the Value Proposition Canvas and SCAMPER can help you evaluate these angles in structured ways. Often, you won’t go wrong by simply searching for your own products and services. AI tools and search results will surface a wide range of questions, answers, and perspectives that can feed directly into your AI and SEO content strategy. Also consider the internal sources available to you: Sales calls and sales teams. Live chat transcripts. Emails. Customer service tickets. Proposal feedback. Complaints. All of this helps you understand the question landscape. From there, you can begin organizing those insights within the five TAYA categories. TAYA and your AI-era content marketing strategy The framework centers on five core categories, reinterpreted for an answer-driven environment where Google, Gemini, and ChatGPT-like systems anticipate user needs. For each, here’s what it is, why it matters now, and examples to get you started. 1. Pricing and cost: Why we must talk about money Buyers want cost clarity early. Businesses avoid it because “it depends.” Both are true, but only one is useful. AI systems will readily summarize typical costs, using someone else’s numbers if you don’t publish your own. If you fail to provide a credible range with context, you’re effectively handing the narrative to competitors, directories, or a generic blog with a stock photo handshake. How to do it Publish ranges, not unrealistic single prices. Explain what drives costs up or down. Include example packages, such as good, better, and best. Be explicit about what’s included and excluded. Add country-specific variables where relevant, such as tax or VAT in the UK. Content examples How much does [service] cost in the UK? Include price ranges and what influences them. X vs. Y pricing: what you get at each level. The hidden costs of [solution] and how to avoid them. Budget checklist: what to prepare before you buy [product or service]. One of the most cited examples in the TAYA world is Yale Appliance. The company embraced transparent, buyer-focused content and saw inbound become its largest sales channel, alongside significant reported growth. The takeaway isn’t “go sell fridges.” It’s to answer money questions more clearly and honestly than anyone else. Do that, and you build trust at scale. 2. Problems: Turning problems into strengths This category focuses on being honest about drawbacks, limitations, risks, and who a product or service isn’t for. You have to think beyond pure SEO or GEO. A core communication strategy is taking a perceived weakness, such as being a small business, and reframing it as a strength, like a more personalized approach. Own the areas that could be seen as problems. Present them clearly and constructively so customers understand the trade-offs and context. The answer layer aims to provide balanced guidance. Pages that focus only on benefits read like marketing. Pages that acknowledge trade-offs read like advice. People can spot spin quickly. Be direct. Own your limitations. When you do, credibility increases. How to do it Create problem-and-solution guides. Include “avoid if …” sections. Address common failure modes and misuses. Be explicit about prerequisites, such as budget, timeline, skill, or access. Content examples The biggest problems with [solution] and how to mitigate them. Is [product or service] worth it? When it’s a great choice and when it isn’t. Common mistakes when buying or implementing [solution]. What can go wrong with [approach] and how to reduce risk. This is where your “experience” in E-E-A-T becomes tangible. “We’ve seen this go wrong when …” carries far more weight than “we’re passionate about excellence.” Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. 3. Versus and comparisons People rely on comparisons to reduce cognitive load. They want clarity. What’s the difference? Comparison queries are ideal for answer engines because they lend themselves to structured summaries, tables, and recommendations. If you don’t publish the clearest comparison, you won’t be the source used to generate the clearest answer. How to do it Compare by use case, not just features. Use a consistent framework, such as price, setup, outcomes, risks, and who it suits. Include clear guidance, such as “If you’re X, choose Y.” Content examples X vs. Y: which is better for [specific scenario]? In-house vs. outsourced for [service]: cost, risk, and results. Tool A vs. Tool B vs. Tool C: an honest comparison for UK teams. Alternatives to [popular option]: when to choose each. SEO bonus: These pieces tend to earn links because they’re genuinely useful and because many competitors hesitate to name alternatives directly. Dig deeper: Chunk, cite, clarify, build: A content framework for AI search 4. Reviews, case studies, and credibility This isn’t about asking for a five-star review. It’s about creating review-style content that helps buyers evaluate their options. AI summaries often rely on review-style pages because they’re structured around evaluation. But generic affiliate reviews can be, at best, inconsistent in sincerity. Your advantage is first-hand experience and contextual truth. How to do it Review your own services honestly, including what clients value and where they struggle. Review the tools you use with clear pros and cons. Publish “what we’d choose and why” for different buyer types. Content examples Is [solution] worth it? Our honest take after implementing it for X clients. Best [category] tools for [persona], including limitations. The top questions to ask before choosing a [provider]. What good looks like: a checklist to evaluate [service]. If you want to be cited in AI answers, you have to sound like a source, not an ad. 5. Best in class – and the courage to recommend others Sheridan’s view, and it’s a bold one, is that you should sometimes publish “best in class” recommendations even when the best option isn’t you. That’s how trust is built. The answer layer rewards utility. If your page genuinely helps users choose well, it becomes the kind of resource systems are more likely to reference. How to do it Build “best for” lists based on clear criteria, not hype. Explain how you evaluated the options. Include scenarios where each option wins or loses. Content examples Best [solutions] for [use case] in 2026, including criteria and picks. Best [service] providers for [industry] and what to look for. Best budget, best premium, best for speed, best for compliance. If I were buying this today: the decision framework I’d use. The goal is for your brand to become a trusted educator, not just a vendor. See the complete picture of your search visibility. Track, optimize, and win in Google and AI search from one platform. Start Free Trial Get started with TAYA as the playbook for answer-first visibility Strategic content marketing in the age of AI centers on middle-of-the-funnel content, where AI helps prospects make informed decisions. The content you publish and organize on your website remains the foundation, and SEO remains the backbone of AI visibility. When leveraged effectively, TAYA is a powerful way to map what you should be addressing and to build a content strategy that ensures you’re represented across the AI landscape. In practice, that means building an editorial program where: Every piece begins with a real buyer question. The five core categories prioritize decision-stage content, not just awareness content. Traditional SEO research validates language and demand. Content is written to satisfy both the human, through clarity and confidence, and the machine, through structure, specificity, evidence, and balanced trade-offs. This shift also changes how success is measured. In classic SEO, the win was rank, click, convert. In the AI era, the win is often be the source, earn trust, be chosen, with or without the click. If your content is the clearest, most in-depth, most honest, and most experience-backed explanation available for the questions buyers are already asking, then whether someone discovers it through Google, Gemini, ChatGPT, or elsewhere, you’ve built something durable. Which is what strong SEO has always been about. The window has changed. The principles haven’t. Dig deeper: Mentions, citations, and clicks: Your 2026 content strategy View the full article

Nationalists on the continent have historically opposed America more than anything else View the full article

As Big Tech faces criticism for the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, companies have said the technology will actually help solve climate change. But those claims often lack scientific evidence, a new report finds. And when touting the climate benefits of AI, tech companies conflate “traditional AI” with the more environmentally harmful generative AI, a form of “bait-and-switch” that amounts to greenwashing. The report, commissioned by a group of environmental organizations including Beyond Fossil Fuels, Friends of the Earth, and Stand.earth, analyzed 154 statements from tech companies, including those from Google and Microsoft, which purported that AI will have a “net climate benefit.” Most of those comments relate to “traditional” AI, the analysis found, which has a smaller environmental footprint than the generative AI tools that are spurring a boom in data centers. Tech companies, however, tend to lump these technologies together, the report says, blurring the differences and presenting the climate benefits and environmental harms as a “package deal.” But whether those climate benefits are real is also unclear. Only 26% of those statements cite published academic papers, the research found, and 36% don’t cite any evidence at all. Of the remaining statements, 29% cited corporate publications—the majority of which did not include peer-reviewed or published academic work—and 8% cited media, NGOs, or unpublished academic papers. Questionable AI evidence The rapid expansion of AI has come under fire for its potential environmental harms. Reports on generative AI’s climate impact vary, but the tech has been linked to intense energy and water use. Tech companies have justified their AI expansion by pointing to AI’s climate benefits. One of the most widespread claims is that AI could help mitigate 5% to 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Google has repeated that statistic, including in its 2024 environmental report. That figure, however, comes from a 2021 blog post by consulting firm BCG which attributes it to the firm’s own “experience with clients.” “This questionable extrapolation of massive global climate benefits justified on seemingly anecdotal evidence was the first clear instance of what has become a longer-term trend of overstating the climate benefits of AI,” the report reads. In reality, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projects total data center consumption, driven by AI, will double by 2030—and Bloomberg New Energy Finance estimates that this increase will grow total global power sector emissions by 10% over the coming decade. In another example, Google’s 2025 environmental report said that rooftop solar power installations assisted by an AI mapping tool would “help enable partners to reduce around 6 million metric tons of lifetime GHG emissions.” Google also said that figure would be “around 6,000 times greater” than the service’s operation in 2024. But the Beyond Fossil Fuels report says that Google’s footnotes reveal that the 6 million figure is an estimate of the total emissions avoided by rooftop solar because they produce low-emissions energy, not the additional reductions from the AI mapping tool. This detail could “create the impression,” the report notes, that the climate benefits are attributed to the AI tool. In response to a request for comment, a Google spokesperson told Fast Company that it stood by its methodology, “which is grounded in the best available science. And we are transparent in sharing the principles and methodology that guide it.” (That methodology does not mention AI.) Microsoft, also cited in the report, declined to comment. What even counts as ‘AI’? To many, any mention of “AI” has become synonymous with generative AI—examples of which include large language models like Claude, ChatGPT, and Copilot, and image or video generating services like Midjourney and Sora. But not all AI is “generative.” Traditional AI, an umbrella term that covers subsets like machine learning, has been powering all sorts of technology for years, from search engines and recommendation algorithms to medical imaging. Generative AI consumes more energy and is associated with more emissions than traditional AI. When tech companies talk about AI’s climate benefits, though, they can conflate the two terms, or position them like a “package deal.” Most AI climate benefits will come from traditional AI, the report found. In its analysis, the researchers said that “at no point” did they “uncover examples in which consumer generative systems were leading to a material, verifiable, and substantial level of emissions reductions.” So climate benefit claims are attributed to traditional AI, but the majority of energy consumption comes from generative AI. The surge in data center demand is largely driven by the exploding demand for generative AI. Those data centers are also directly spurring more natural gas in the U.S. The confusion between these terms matters, the report says, because it amounts to a “bait-and-switch” type of greenwashing: Tech companies are justifying their data center expansion by touting AI’s climate benefits, though most of those data centers “will not be processing climate-beneficial computation on their servers. “Big Tech’s AI hype is distracting users from the rapid and dangerous expansion of giant, energy and water-intensive data centers, while the tech industry’s huge energy demands are throwing the fossil fuel industry a lifeline,” Jill McArdle, international corporate campaigner from Beyond Fossil Fuels, said in a statement. “There is simply no evidence that AI will help the climate more than it will harm it,” she added. “We cannot bet the climate on these baseless claims.” View the full article

Shares of Fiverr International Ltd. (NYSE: FVRR) are dropping significantly this morning after the freelance marketplace platform reported its Q4 2025 financial results. While the company reported modest revenue growth, its 2026 outlook sent the stock plunging, even as Fiverr executives put a positive spin on the impact of artificial intelligence on its business. Here’s what you need to know. Revenue increases, but outlook sends investors fleeing On Wednesday morning, Fiverr reported its fourth-quarter 2025 results. And those results, for the most part, were mixed. The company saw modest growth in total revenue, which rose to $107.2 million in the quarter—a 3.4% increase from a year earlier. Its revenue actuals fall on the lower end of the $104.3 million to $112.3 million range that the company had projected. However, once you get past the modest revenue growth, you see that Fiverr disappointed on many other key metrics. For example, its marketplace revenue for the quarter was $71.5 million, which was 2.7% lower than the same quarter a year earlier. Perhaps more worrying, and looking out across its entire fiscal 2025, Fiverr reported that its annual active buyers as of December 31 totaled 3.1 million. That’s down from 3.6 million annual active buyers a year earlier—a decline of half a million buyers, or 13.6% year over year. Interestingly, though, this 13.6% decline in the number of annual active buyers was offset to a large degree by an increase of 13.3% in annual spend per buyer. For the 2025 fiscal year, Fiverr says that the average annual buyer spent $342 compared to the average of $302 they spent in the previous year. What this suggests is that while there were fewer buyers in 2025, they spent more on average than they did in 2024. Yet this mixed bag of results isn’t what seems to have sunk Fiverr’s stock price this morning. Instead, the main catalyst for Fiverr’s stock price decline seems to be its 2026 guidance. For its current Q1 2026, the company says it expects to make between $100 million and $108 million. That would represent a decline of anywhere from 7% to a modest increase of 1%. And for all of fiscal 2026, the company says it expects to make between $380 million and $420 million in revenue, which would represent a decline of anywhere between 12% and 3%. As noted by investing.com, analysts had been expecting Q1 2026 guidance to be around $112.26 million and full-year 2026 guidance to be around $456.80 million. When these expectations weren’t met, the stock sank. Fiverr shares are currently down nearly 21% in premarket trading as of the time of this writing. AI uncertainty abounds Of course, the elephant in the room for Fiverr investors is artificial intelligence. For over a decade and a half, businesses have turned to Fiverr to source freelancers who could help them carry out projects, from design to coding. But in recent years, those same businesses have begun embracing AI tools for many of those tasks. This has led many investors (and freelancers who sell services on Fiverr) to ponder the platform’s future in a world where AI tools are increasingly commonplace. Fiverr itself didn’t say if the rise of these AI tools were the reason for its declining Q1 marketplace revenue, but the company did touch on the topic of AI, attempting to put a somewhat positive spin on it. Address the topic, Fiverr CEO Micha Kaufman said that is was “clear that we are living through a significant shift in AI adoption,” but he argued that this AI adoption would make humans “more essential, not less.” “By moving toward an agentic economy, where AI helps navigate complexity, we are ensuring that we remain the bridge between businesses and the most exceptional human talent,” Kaufman argued. “With our expansive global talent network, outcome based hiring model, and depth of proprietary data, Fiverr has a unique right to win in this new age of AI.” Whether or not AI actually has a positive impact on Fiverr’s marketplace remains to be seen. It will likely be one of the main points of focus for Fiverr investors in 2026. FVRR has had a horrible 2026 so far As of the time of this writing, FVRR stock is down nearly 21% in premarket trading to $10.79 per share. As of yesterday, the company’s stock price had already fallen more than 33% for the year to $13.10. Unfortunately, looking back further doesn’t help the company’s position. Over the past year, FVRR shares have lost more than 60% of their value as of yesterday’s close. Last May, the stock was trading at over $33 per share at one point. During the same 12-month period, the New York Stock Exchange composite index has risen by nearly 6%. View the full article

A points program is a structured rewards system that allows you to earn points primarily through purchases. Each dollar spent typically translates into a set number of points, which you can later redeem for discounts or exclusive items. These programs usually require you to create an account to track your points, and they often include guidelines on how long your points last and how you can use them. Comprehending the mechanics behind these programs can improve your shopping experience considerably. Key Takeaways A points program is a rewards system that encourages customer engagement through earning points from purchases and referrals. Customers earn points at predetermined rates, commonly 1 point per $1 spent, for various activities. Points can be redeemed for discounts, exclusive products, or other rewards, enhancing customer loyalty. Successful programs, like Starbucks Rewards, significantly boost customer spending and retention. Clear policies on point expiration and redemption options are essential for effective program management. What Is a Loyalty Points Program? A loyalty points program is a rewards system designed to encourage customer engagement by allowing you to earn points through various actions, such as making purchases or referring friends. These points act as virtual currency, which you can redeem for discounts, free products, or exclusive perks once you reach a specified threshold. Typically, you’ll need to create an account to track your earned points, making it easier to monitor your progress. Loyalty points programs come in different structures, including flat-rate, tiered, and gamified models, each aimed at incentivizing distinct customer behaviors and engagement levels. Successful programs can greatly boost customer retention and satisfaction; studies show that 78% of consumers prefer brands offering loyalty rewards. Major retailers like Starbucks and Target effectively utilize loyalty points programs, with Starbucks Rewards accounting for over 50% of U.S. store sales in 2023, illustrating the program’s potential impact on revenue. How Loyalty Points Programs Function Loyalty points programs operate by assigning points to customers based on specific actions, primarily purchases and referrals. When you participate in a loyalty program, you typically earn points at a predetermined rate, like one point for every dollar spent. Furthermore, points can be awarded for various engagement activities, which encourages you to interact more with the brand. You can redeem the points you accumulate for rewards, discounts, or exclusive products once you reach a certain threshold, enhancing the value of your loyalty. Effective loyalty programs guarantee seamless integration between earning and redeeming processes, making it easy for you to track your points and rewards. Clear policies regarding point expiration, redemption options, and the visibility of your point balance are vital for maintaining satisfaction and encouraging your ongoing engagement with the program. Benefits of Loyalty Points Programs Many businesses find that implementing a points program offers significant benefits, particularly in improving customer retention and boosting revenue. Loyalty points programs can increase customer retention by 5–10 times, making them a cost-effective alternative to acquiring new customers. Customers enrolled in these programs tend to spend 12–18% more annually compared to non-members, directly contributing to higher overall revenue. Furthermore, members who actively redeem rewards typically spend 3.1 times more than those who don’t engage with the rewards system. In addition, these programs improve customer satisfaction by providing personalized rewards and exclusive deals, which strengthen emotional connections with your brand. You can also gain valuable insights into customer purchasing habits through data collected from loyalty programs, allowing for customized marketing strategies that resonate with your audience. Incorporating features like credit card points can further incentivize spending, making your loyalty program even more attractive. Examples of Successful Points-Based Programs Successful points-based programs have emerged as effective tools for enhancing customer loyalty and driving sales across various industries. Here are some notable examples: Starbucks Rewards: Members earn 1 Star for every $1 spent, redeemable for free items starting at just 25 Stars, greatly contributing to over 50% of U.S. store revenue in 2023. Target Circle: With over 100 million members, this points program allows customers to earn 1% back on purchases, along with exclusive deals and personalized savings that can be combined with Target RedCard benefits. Gap Good Rewards: This program integrates across multiple brands, offering 1 point per $1 spent, with 100 points equating to a $1 reward, plus exclusive benefits for higher-tier members. Adidas adiClub: Members earn 10 points for every €1 spent and for engaging in app activities, revealing tier-based benefits and exclusive access to limited-edition products. How to Create a Points-Based Loyalty Program Creating a points-based loyalty program can greatly improve customer engagement and retention if you approach it with a clear strategy. Start by defining measurable objectives, like increasing customer retention or average order value, to guide your program’s structure and rewards. Next, select a technology platform that integrates seamlessly with your eCommerce system to manage point accumulation and redemption efficiently. Establish clear earning and redemption rules, such as awarding 1 point per $1 spent, and guarantee the redemption threshold is achievable to motivate participation. Design an engaging customer interface, including a mobile-friendly dashboard, so members can easily track their points and rewards status. Finally, promote the program through targeted marketing strategies, such as email campaigns and social media, to encourage customers to sign up for the loyalty program and maintain ongoing interest in its benefits. Following these steps will help you create a successful points-based loyalty program. Frequently Asked Questions How Does the Points Program Work? A points program allows you to earn points through specific actions like purchases or referrals. You typically earn a point for every dollar spent, and special promotions can offer bonus points. Once you reach a set threshold, you can redeem points for discounts or products. Many programs have tiered structures, providing faster point accumulation as you engage more. Seamless tracking and redemption improve your experience and promote loyalty. How Much Is 5000 Points Worth in Dollars? The value of 5000 points varies depending on the loyalty program’s structure. Typically, if 100 points equal $1, then 5000 points would be worth about $50. Nevertheless, you should check the specific program rules, as some may have minimum redemption thresholds or different point values based on tier levels. Furthermore, the value can fluctuate based on the type of rewards offered, so comprehending your options is vital for maximizing your points. How Do Points Programs Make Money? Points programs generate revenue by encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases. When you join a program, you typically spend more, which boosts overall sales for the business. These programs provide valuable insights into your shopping habits, helping companies tailor their marketing strategies. By partnering with other brands, they can improve rewards, attracting even more customers. In the end, retaining existing customers is less costly than acquiring new ones, making these programs financially beneficial for businesses. What Is an Example of a Point Based Program? One notable example of a points-based program is Starbucks Rewards. In this program, you earn 1 Star for every $1 spent, and once you accumulate 25 Stars, you can redeem them for free items. This model not just incentivizes repeat purchases but additionally greatly contributes to the brand’s revenue, highlighting how effective points programs can be in nurturing customer loyalty and driving sales. Other brands, like Target and Adidas, utilize similar structures. Conclusion In conclusion, a points program is an effective way for businesses to cultivate customer loyalty by rewarding purchases and engagement. By allowing customers to earn points that can be redeemed for various benefits, these programs not merely incentivize repeat business but additionally improve customer satisfaction. Implementing a well-structured points-based loyalty program can greatly contribute to a brand’s success, encouraging ongoing relationships with customers as well as providing them valuable rewards for their loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Points Program and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A points program is a structured rewards system that allows you to earn points primarily through purchases. Each dollar spent typically translates into a set number of points, which you can later redeem for discounts or exclusive items. These programs usually require you to create an account to track your points, and they often include guidelines on how long your points last and how you can use them. Comprehending the mechanics behind these programs can improve your shopping experience considerably. Key Takeaways A points program is a rewards system that encourages customer engagement through earning points from purchases and referrals. Customers earn points at predetermined rates, commonly 1 point per $1 spent, for various activities. Points can be redeemed for discounts, exclusive products, or other rewards, enhancing customer loyalty. Successful programs, like Starbucks Rewards, significantly boost customer spending and retention. Clear policies on point expiration and redemption options are essential for effective program management. What Is a Loyalty Points Program? A loyalty points program is a rewards system designed to encourage customer engagement by allowing you to earn points through various actions, such as making purchases or referring friends. These points act as virtual currency, which you can redeem for discounts, free products, or exclusive perks once you reach a specified threshold. Typically, you’ll need to create an account to track your earned points, making it easier to monitor your progress. Loyalty points programs come in different structures, including flat-rate, tiered, and gamified models, each aimed at incentivizing distinct customer behaviors and engagement levels. Successful programs can greatly boost customer retention and satisfaction; studies show that 78% of consumers prefer brands offering loyalty rewards. Major retailers like Starbucks and Target effectively utilize loyalty points programs, with Starbucks Rewards accounting for over 50% of U.S. store sales in 2023, illustrating the program’s potential impact on revenue. How Loyalty Points Programs Function Loyalty points programs operate by assigning points to customers based on specific actions, primarily purchases and referrals. When you participate in a loyalty program, you typically earn points at a predetermined rate, like one point for every dollar spent. Furthermore, points can be awarded for various engagement activities, which encourages you to interact more with the brand. You can redeem the points you accumulate for rewards, discounts, or exclusive products once you reach a certain threshold, enhancing the value of your loyalty. Effective loyalty programs guarantee seamless integration between earning and redeeming processes, making it easy for you to track your points and rewards. Clear policies regarding point expiration, redemption options, and the visibility of your point balance are vital for maintaining satisfaction and encouraging your ongoing engagement with the program. Benefits of Loyalty Points Programs Many businesses find that implementing a points program offers significant benefits, particularly in improving customer retention and boosting revenue. Loyalty points programs can increase customer retention by 5–10 times, making them a cost-effective alternative to acquiring new customers. Customers enrolled in these programs tend to spend 12–18% more annually compared to non-members, directly contributing to higher overall revenue. Furthermore, members who actively redeem rewards typically spend 3.1 times more than those who don’t engage with the rewards system. In addition, these programs improve customer satisfaction by providing personalized rewards and exclusive deals, which strengthen emotional connections with your brand. You can also gain valuable insights into customer purchasing habits through data collected from loyalty programs, allowing for customized marketing strategies that resonate with your audience. Incorporating features like credit card points can further incentivize spending, making your loyalty program even more attractive. Examples of Successful Points-Based Programs Successful points-based programs have emerged as effective tools for enhancing customer loyalty and driving sales across various industries. Here are some notable examples: Starbucks Rewards: Members earn 1 Star for every $1 spent, redeemable for free items starting at just 25 Stars, greatly contributing to over 50% of U.S. store revenue in 2023. Target Circle: With over 100 million members, this points program allows customers to earn 1% back on purchases, along with exclusive deals and personalized savings that can be combined with Target RedCard benefits. Gap Good Rewards: This program integrates across multiple brands, offering 1 point per $1 spent, with 100 points equating to a $1 reward, plus exclusive benefits for higher-tier members. Adidas adiClub: Members earn 10 points for every €1 spent and for engaging in app activities, revealing tier-based benefits and exclusive access to limited-edition products. How to Create a Points-Based Loyalty Program Creating a points-based loyalty program can greatly improve customer engagement and retention if you approach it with a clear strategy. Start by defining measurable objectives, like increasing customer retention or average order value, to guide your program’s structure and rewards. Next, select a technology platform that integrates seamlessly with your eCommerce system to manage point accumulation and redemption efficiently. Establish clear earning and redemption rules, such as awarding 1 point per $1 spent, and guarantee the redemption threshold is achievable to motivate participation. Design an engaging customer interface, including a mobile-friendly dashboard, so members can easily track their points and rewards status. Finally, promote the program through targeted marketing strategies, such as email campaigns and social media, to encourage customers to sign up for the loyalty program and maintain ongoing interest in its benefits. Following these steps will help you create a successful points-based loyalty program. Frequently Asked Questions How Does the Points Program Work? A points program allows you to earn points through specific actions like purchases or referrals. You typically earn a point for every dollar spent, and special promotions can offer bonus points. Once you reach a set threshold, you can redeem points for discounts or products. Many programs have tiered structures, providing faster point accumulation as you engage more. Seamless tracking and redemption improve your experience and promote loyalty. How Much Is 5000 Points Worth in Dollars? The value of 5000 points varies depending on the loyalty program’s structure. Typically, if 100 points equal $1, then 5000 points would be worth about $50. Nevertheless, you should check the specific program rules, as some may have minimum redemption thresholds or different point values based on tier levels. Furthermore, the value can fluctuate based on the type of rewards offered, so comprehending your options is vital for maximizing your points. How Do Points Programs Make Money? Points programs generate revenue by encouraging customer loyalty and repeat purchases. When you join a program, you typically spend more, which boosts overall sales for the business. These programs provide valuable insights into your shopping habits, helping companies tailor their marketing strategies. By partnering with other brands, they can improve rewards, attracting even more customers. In the end, retaining existing customers is less costly than acquiring new ones, making these programs financially beneficial for businesses. What Is an Example of a Point Based Program? One notable example of a points-based program is Starbucks Rewards. In this program, you earn 1 Star for every $1 spent, and once you accumulate 25 Stars, you can redeem them for free items. This model not just incentivizes repeat purchases but additionally greatly contributes to the brand’s revenue, highlighting how effective points programs can be in nurturing customer loyalty and driving sales. Other brands, like Target and Adidas, utilize similar structures. Conclusion In conclusion, a points program is an effective way for businesses to cultivate customer loyalty by rewarding purchases and engagement. By allowing customers to earn points that can be redeemed for various benefits, these programs not merely incentivize repeat business but additionally improve customer satisfaction. Implementing a well-structured points-based loyalty program can greatly contribute to a brand’s success, encouraging ongoing relationships with customers as well as providing them valuable rewards for their loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "What Is a Points Program and How Does It Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Eufy FamiLock S3 Max is a deadbolt, a 2K video doorbell, and a small indoor monitor in one device. Right now it’s $279.98 on Amazon, down from $399.99, which price trackers list as its lowest price to date. Eufy FamiLock S3 Max $279.98 at Amazon $399.99 Save $120.01 Get Deal Get Deal $279.98 at Amazon $399.99 Save $120.01 PCMag gave it an “excellent” rating and named it the best smart lock of 2025 (for more options, check out this roundup). While that context helps justify the cost, it’s still a premium buy—you’re paying for convenience and consolidation. Instead of installing a separate lock, doorbell camera, and indoor display, this wraps all three into one setup with local storage. In practice, that means fewer gadgets around your door and fewer apps to juggle. The exterior panel of this IP65-rated smart lock houses a 2K HDR camera with a wide 180-degree view, so packages left at the edge of the frame are less likely to get cut off. At night, infrared kicks in automatically. The keypad stays dark until you tap it, then lights up clearly enough to use, and the palm vein scanner works quickly and consistently, which makes it more practical than fingerprint readers, which can struggle in bad weather. If you prefer traditional access, you can still fall back on a physical key, a passcode, the mobile app, or voice control through Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, or Google Assistant. Also, there’s a four-inch 1080p screen on the interior unit that shows a live view of whoever is outside, essentially replacing a peephole. That's helpful in homes that never had one, or for anyone who prefers not to pull out their phone every time the bell rings. Power comes from a 15,000mAh rechargeable battery rated for up to five months, with four AA batteries as backup. It fits standard doors and installs like a typical smart lock, though the hardware is larger than most. As for its integrations and storage, it supports Matter, the cross-platform smart home standard, so you are not locked into one ecosystem. That said, it does not support IFTTT, which limits more niche automations. Video is stored locally on 15.5GB of built-in memory, which avoids a monthly fee, and it can expand up to 16TB through Eufy’s HomeBase 3 (sold separately). Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $158.00 (List Price $179.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.00 (List Price $349.00) Apple Watch Series 11 [GPS 46mm] Smartwatch with Jet Black Aluminum Case with Black Sport Band - M/L. Sleep Score, Fitness Tracker, Health Monitoring, Always-On Display, Water Resistant — $329.00 (List Price $429.00) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $29.99 (List Price $49.99) Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones — $229.00 (List Price $349.00) Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 64GB Wi-Fi 11" Tablet (Silver) — $159.99 (List Price $219.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article