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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Smartphone cameras have reached a point where the weak link in most videos is no longer image quality—it’s shaky hands. The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is built to fix that, and it’s currently down to $99 from $129.99, its lowest price so far, according to price-trackers. It’s a foldable three-axis gimbal that supports larger phones like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Galaxy S25 Ultra without feeling strained. Once your phone is mounted and balanced, the motors keep footage level and smooth in a way that built-in stabilization still can’t fully match. DJI Osmo Mobile 7P $99.00 at Amazon $129.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.00 at Amazon $129.00 Save $30.00 Getting started does not require much setup. You unfold it, snap your phone into the clamp, and it balances itself in seconds. The controls are straightforward and placed where your fingers naturally rest. The joystick lets you nudge the frame left or right, and the record button is easy to hit without shifting your grip. A rear trigger switches between portrait and landscape instantly, so you can move from TikTok to YouTube framing without taking the phone off. There’s also a built-in extension rod for higher or wider angles, and a small tripod in the base for hands-free filming. The magnetic multifunction module is where it becomes more than just a stabilizer. It enables gesture control and subject tracking even inside third-party apps, so you are not locked into DJI’s app ecosystem. In actual use, the tracking is what changes the experience most. The gimbal locks onto your face and follows you as you move across a room, which makes solo filming feel far less awkward. You do not have to keep checking whether you are still centered in the frame; that alone can save time during retakes. It’s one reason why PCMag gave the Osmo Mobile 7P an “outstanding” rating, and Lifehacker's Associate Tech Editor Michelle Ehrhardt said it feels like having “your own dedicated camera person” once you learn the basics. Battery life will depend on how many of those features you keep running. DJI estimates up to 10 hours if you are just using the gimbal. Turn on the tracking module, and you are closer to 4.5 hours. Add the fill light, and it drops to around three. For short sessions or content captured in bursts, that is workable. For long events or full-day shoots, you may need a power bank. If you mostly film static videos at a desk, a simple tripod is probably enough. But if your content involves movement, walking shots, or filming yourself without help, the Osmo Mobile 7P can make your footage look more controlled without making your setup complicated. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (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 Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

A reader writes: I was recently promoted to a director role, and one of my direct reports is my former boss who hired me into the company, “Tom.” Tom was a great boss in the eight years I worked for him. He’s an all-around terrific manager who coaches well, provides clear goals, gives flexibility to meet those goals, provides opportunities to learn and grow, advocates for his team, the works. After a few years working for him, a promotion opened up and Tom urged me to apply. I got it, became his peer, and built my own effective team using his style as my model. Last year, our department director positioned opened up. Tom and I both applied. I impressed our relatively new division VP, and got the job. Days after that, I found out through a colleague that Tom was very disappointed. Apparently the previous division VP had told Tom that he was a “shoo-in” for. the job when it opened. In fact, he turned down some outside opportunities that would have paid more because he was anticipating this promotion. I had no idea that this was his expectation. Tom has been nothing but professional and complimentary with me, but I’m really concerned about how I can manage him effectively. I need him to stay—he has longstanding personal relationships with all our key clients. If he left suddenly, we would be in a real bind. Our HR and division VP have also emphasized the need to keep Tom on staff due to his role as a talent spotter and his client relationships. I asked about getting him a raise and an intermediate promotion, but our corporate structure is pretty stratified and there’s nothing between his level and mine. What do you recommend to navigate the potential awkwardness of managing my former boss, as well as keeping him happy despite his disappointment in not getting this job—and his missing out on the raise that came with it? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. The post I’m afraid my star employee is going to quit appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Most social media tools — including Buffer, historically — operate on a pretty simple model: you give us your content, we publish it, we show you some charts. If you want to improve, that's on you. Go look at the analytics. Figure out what's working. Adjust your strategy. Come back and use the tool again. The problem is the gap between the data and what you're supposed to do with it. It’s where most people get stuck. Take posting times as an example. It's one of the most common questions we hear: "When should I post?" And the honest answer has always been: "It depends. Look at your analytics. Test different times. See what works for your audience." Which is technically correct but also exhausting. Especially if you're managing multiple accounts, or you're a creator juggling social alongside everything else you do, or you're just trying to stay consistent without turning it into a part-time job. So we've been asking ourselves: why are we making people do this work? We have the data and we can see patterns in their performance. We're kicking off an effort to build a more insights-driven product—one that actively helps you make better decisions about your social media presence. And we're starting with something fundamental: when to post. Introducing Smart SchedulingWe've recently introduced an algorithm-based approach that automatically determines optimal posting times based on what we know performs well for each platform. We’re calling it Smart Scheduling. When you're setting up a posting schedule, Buffer will now suggest times based on proven patterns across each network. You can accept the recommendations and let Buffer handle the timing, or customize your schedule if you prefer specific control. If you’re new to Buffer, this removes the guesswork and gets you posting at times that are likely to work. If you already have a posting schedule running, you can update it to use recommended times with a single click. We'll show you what's changing before you confirm, and if you have posts already queued, we'll let you know they'll shift to match your new schedule. We’ve also added posting time recommendations for specific days. Let’s say you have a post that must be published on Friday, but it’s not part of your typical posting schedule, and you want it to land at the optimal time. Rather than you needing to pick a random time, we’ll recommend a best time for that day. These are small shifts in how the product works, but it reflects a bigger change in how we're thinking about Buffer's role for creators, marketers and small businesses. More to comeInstead of just being a place where you schedule posts and check stats, Buffer will actively help you get better at social media. It will surface the right insight at the right moment, as a natural part of your workflow. This is the direction we’re headed: More contextual recommendations. If your engagement is trending down on a channel, we will tell you and suggest what might help. If your best-performing content type has shifted, we will flag it before you spend another week posting the wrong thing. Metrics that are useful AND comprehensive. We're going to make key insights accessible to everyone, not just users on paid plans. And we're going to focus on the metrics that actually help you make decisions, not just the ones that look impressive in a report. Automation that makes you faster without making you generic. For people who rely on social media professionally, this means tools that handle the repetitive stuff like optimizing posting times, or identifying your best content to reshare, so you can focus on the creative and strategic work only you can do. The common thread: your social data should work for you. Not the other way around. We think there is a real opportunity to: Help you stay consistent without the cognitive overhead of constantly second-guessing your strategy.Give you the flexibility to work however you want—one account or twenty, free plan or paid—while still getting the insights you need to improveThat's the Buffer we're building toward: one that makes all your social data useful and actionable to you, so you can focus on your voice and your business. More to come! View the full article

PM hits back at The President comments that Britain ‘took too long’ to allow its bases to be used for Iran strikesView the full article

Israel spent years hacking Tehran’s traffic cameras and monitoring bodyguards ahead of the assassination of Iran’s supreme leaderView the full article

Mid-market businesses are set to gain a competitive edge with the recent partnership between Intuit and Anthropic. This collaboration promises to introduce tailored AI agents designed specifically for various industries, enhancing workflow efficiencies and promoting smarter decision-making. With the integration of Anthropic’s Claude Agent SDK into Intuit’s existing platform, businesses now have an unprecedented opportunity to create and customize AI agents that cater to their specific operational needs. These agents are not just basic automation tools; they are advanced systems capable of blending data from multiple sources to provide actionable insights. This means companies can now develop solutions that align with their workflows without requiring extensive technical expertise. For instance, a regional restaurant chain with multiple locations will be able to implement an AI agent that synthesizes sales data with inventory management, payroll, and other financial metrics. This integration can automatically pinpoint margin variances and identify underperforming locations, ultimately allowing the business to respond swiftly with data-driven strategies. Similarly, a construction subcontractor managing significant project volumes can deploy an AI agent that keeps everything from project timelines to customer communications in sync, helping to flag any billing gaps and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations. The implications of such features are clear: small businesses can expect to improve both their operational efficiency and their bottom line by harnessing the power of AI tailored to their unique contexts. Integrating Intuit’s financial intelligence into Anthropic’s ecosystem is another significant benefit that small businesses should consider. Users will enjoy seamless access to Intuit’s suite of financial tools—including QuickBooks for accounting, TurboTax for tax management, and Mailchimp for marketing—directly within Anthropic products like Cowork and Claude.ai. This interconnectedness will enhance user experience and negate the need for jumping between platforms. Alex Balazs, Intuit’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the transformative nature of the partnership: “By combining Intuit’s proprietary data and domain-specific services with AI models built to support security, accuracy, and compliance, we’re delivering something customers haven’t had before: custom AI agents that truly understand their finances, their workflows, and their industry.” However, as exciting as these developments may be, small business owners should also be mindful of potential challenges. Customizing AI agents demands not just an initial investment of time and resources but an ongoing commitment to training and adaptation as their business evolves. Additionally, with any integration of advanced technology, concerns around data privacy and compliance will remain paramount. Intuit has underscored its commitment to security and responsible governance in this arena, ensuring that customer data is handled with the utmost care. Still, businesses must stay vigilant about how their data is shared and utilized within these new systems. The rollout of these capabilities is anticipated to start in spring 2026, allowing businesses ample time to prepare. By embracing this technology, small to mid-sized enterprises stand to unlock new capabilities, streamline operations, and ultimately enhance profitability—all while navigating an increasingly digital landscape. Paul Smith, Chief Commercial Officer at Anthropic, echoed the importance of this collaboration: “The combination of Intuit’s platform with Claude will enable Intuit customers to build and use AI agents that understand their specific industry, workflows, and compliance requirements.” As small businesses look for ways to innovate and stay competitive, the partnership between Intuit and Anthropic presents a promising avenue worth exploring. With AI becoming a crucial component of business strategy, now might be the ideal time to consider how these tools could reshape your operational landscape. For more details on this partnership, visit the original press release here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Intuit and Anthropic Launch Custom AI Agents for Mid-Market Businesses" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Did you know that you have free access to the Freelancers Union Legal Clinic? If this is the first you’re hearing about our Legal Clinic, we are excited to share some details with you! The clinic provides free legal support to all independent workers across the country. If you’re a freelancer, that means you. After you submit a complaint form on our website, our legal team will reach out directly to you and provide direct, specialized guidance based on your legal questions and concerns. Even if you have already sought every option for recourse without legal assistance (i.e. direct appeal to the client, demand letters, attempted mediation), the clinic can provide advice through consultation with our pro bono legal counsel, and if necessary – steps you could consider for pursuing legal action. As freelancers, we know that you value your ability to decide what work you take on and your ownership over your creative output. Working independently, you make the decisions that govern how you spend your time without the constraints of a boss. However, it can feel especially isolating when your rights are not respected. Without coworkers to commiserate with about potential legal violations, it can be difficult to know where to turn. All too often freelance labor is taken for granted and clients cut corners – jeopardizing your livelihood, your rights, and your future. Every day, freelancers with explicit agreements outlining scopes of work and payment do not receive timely payment for their work. Three-quarters of freelancers nationwide report not being paid on time. When clients delay, contest, and refuse payment for freelancers’ work it can feel overwhelming and unclear about where to turn for help. We, at the Freelancers Union, are here to tell you that you do have recourse to resolve these violations of your rights. The Freelancers Union is proud to have both sponsored the adoption of the Freelancers Isn’t Free Act for New York City in 2017, statewide across New York in 2024, and supported the growth of freelancer rights’ laws across the country. The Freelance Isn’t Free laws mandate that freelancers must be provided with a written contract, paid within 30-days unless otherwise stipulated, and will not be subject to retaliation. The laws provide double damages for freelancers who prevail on their claims in court. If you are experiencing issues including: nonpayment or delayed payment, employer misclassification, harassment, retaliation, unsafe working conditions of any kind, or other forms of abuse – please reach out to our legal clinic through our complaint form. And if you know of other freelancers facing similar issues with a specific client of yours, please share the complaint form with them so that we can speak with them too. The Freelancers Union Legal Clinic will be with you every step of the way to make sure that your voice is heard and that your rights are respected. View the full article

Did you know that you have free access to the Freelancers Union Legal Clinic? If this is the first you’re hearing about our Legal Clinic, we are excited to share some details with you! The clinic provides free legal support to all independent workers across the country. If you’re a freelancer, that means you. After you submit a complaint form on our website, our legal team will reach out directly to you and provide direct, specialized guidance based on your legal questions and concerns. Even if you have already sought every option for recourse without legal assistance (i.e. direct appeal to the client, demand letters, attempted mediation), the clinic can provide advice through consultation with our pro bono legal counsel, and if necessary – steps you could consider for pursuing legal action. As freelancers, we know that you value your ability to decide what work you take on and your ownership over your creative output. Working independently, you make the decisions that govern how you spend your time without the constraints of a boss. However, it can feel especially isolating when your rights are not respected. Without coworkers to commiserate with about potential legal violations, it can be difficult to know where to turn. All too often freelance labor is taken for granted and clients cut corners – jeopardizing your livelihood, your rights, and your future. Every day, freelancers with explicit agreements outlining scopes of work and payment do not receive timely payment for their work. Three-quarters of freelancers nationwide report not being paid on time. When clients delay, contest, and refuse payment for freelancers’ work it can feel overwhelming and unclear about where to turn for help. We, at the Freelancers Union, are here to tell you that you do have recourse to resolve these violations of your rights. The Freelancers Union is proud to have both sponsored the adoption of the Freelancers Isn’t Free Act for New York City in 2017, statewide across New York in 2024, and supported the growth of freelancer rights’ laws across the country. The Freelance Isn’t Free laws mandate that freelancers must be provided with a written contract, paid within 30-days unless otherwise stipulated, and will not be subject to retaliation. The laws provide double damages for freelancers who prevail on their claims in court. If you are experiencing issues including: nonpayment or delayed payment, employer misclassification, harassment, retaliation, unsafe working conditions of any kind, or other forms of abuse – please reach out to our legal clinic through our complaint form. And if you know of other freelancers facing similar issues with a specific client of yours, please share the complaint form with them so that we can speak with them too. The Freelancers Union Legal Clinic will be with you every step of the way to make sure that your voice is heard and that your rights are respected. 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. Marshall’s Monitor III ANC headphones have the kind of design that makes you want to show them off. The textured earcups and gold logo lean fully into the amp-inspired look, and at $249.99 (down from $379.99, and currently their lowest price ever, according to price trackers), they’re finally priced in a way that feels competitive. Marshall Monitor III A.N.C. Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones $249.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $249.99 at Amazon $379.99 Save $130.00 These are over-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation, and they’re clearly aimed at people cross-shopping Bose and Sony. The difference is that Marshall is selling a vibe along with the sound. The build feels sturdy, and small details like replaceable ear cushions and a swappable silicone headband strap suggest they’re made to last longer than most. They fold down neatly into a compact hard case (included), but they’re not water-resistant, so they’re better suited for travel and home listening than sweaty workouts. Living with them day to day is mostly smooth. The small gold joystick handles volume and track controls in a way that feels intuitive after a few minutes. There’s a separate button to toggle noise cancellation and transparency, plus a customizable shortcut button you can set up in the Marshall app. The app itself is simple, with a five-band EQ and a few presets, though it’s not especially deep if you like fine-tuning every frequency. Bluetooth 5.3 keeps connections stable, but you’re limited to AAC and SBC codecs, so there’s no hi-res audio support. You also can’t charge and listen through a traditional 3.5mm cable at the same time, since the single USB-C port handles both charging and wired playback. Battery life is where these headphones stand out. Up to 70 hours with ANC on is more than enough for long trips, and turning ANC off stretches that to an almost excessive 100 hours. As for sound, they deliver strong bass and crisp highs, with enough punch to make hip-hop and electronic tracks feel lively. Noise cancellation reduces plane engine rumble and city noise well, but it does not match leaders like Bose in blocking midrange chatter, notes this PCMag review. If top-tier ANC is your priority, Bose still has the edge. If you want bold design, long battery life, and lively sound at a significant discount, this deal makes the Monitor III ANC worth a look. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $119.00 (List Price $179.00) Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra 6.9" 512GB Privacy Display Smartphone + $200 Gift Card — $1,299.99 (List Price $1,699.99) Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 AI Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds + $20 Amazon Gift Card — $179.99 (List Price $199.99) Google Pixel 10a 128GB 6.3" Unlocked Smartphone + $100 Gift Card — $499.00 (List Price $599.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $329.99 (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 Soundbar — $99.99 (List Price $119.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

While much has been discussed about what the AI takeover means for those in entry-level roles, it seems even CEOs aren’t exempt. Uber employees have created an AI version of their company’s top executive, according to the company’s CEO. “One of my team members told me that some teams have built a Dara AI, you know, so that they basically make the presentation to the Dara AI as a prep for making a presentation to me,” Dara Khosrowshahi said on a recent episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. “You can imagine, like, you know, by the time something comes to me, there’s been a prep and a meeting of the slide deck has been beautifully honed,” he continued. “So they have Dara AI to tune their prep.” It’s unclear exactly how the AI version was trained (the engineers won’t share the code with him, Khosrowshahi said), but Uber employees have replicated Khosrowshahi’s feedback style and decision making patterns to stress-test their work before they take it to the boss. “Are you concerned that they’re going to show Dara AI to the board?” Bartlett asked on the podcast, to which both men laughed. It’s the latest high-profile case study of employees using AI in novel ways in the workplace. Some 12% of employed adults say they use AI daily in their job, according to a Gallup Workforce survey of more than 22,000 U.S. workers. A recent Deloitte report revealed that eight out of ten employees believe AI can support their professional growth through tailored learning opportunities. Here, Dara AI is a savvy response to the high-pressure environment Khosrowshahi admits he has created. “We’re going to be really demanding,” he told Bartlett about working at Uber. “If you’re not performing, we’re going to let you know—and if you don’t fix it, we’re going to push you out.” Khosrowshahi also addressed work-life balance: “Part of working hard is sending emails to the team on a Saturday and if I don’t get a response on Saturday, sending them an email on Sunday with a question mark,” said Khosrowshahi. “Don’t come here if you want to coast,” he warned. View the full article

From housing to healthcare and utilities to groceries, rising prices are increasingly making Americans feel burdened by the cost of living. At the same time, the ultra-rich are getting richer, widening the gap between the wealthy and the working class. That worsening equality has been buoyed by the The President administration. Federal policies like his “One Big Beautiful Bill” have cut taxes for corporations and the ultra-rich while slashing social services like Medicaid. But states have started fighting back. In the 2026 legislative session alone, lawmakers from at least 19 states have introduced more than 100 bills that look to rein in rampant wealth hoarding, as well as the runaway cost of living. And states are uniquely positioned, organizers say, to take action in this moment, particularly through tax laws that could redistribute wealth. Bills that address tax policies That 100-plus tally isn’t even a complete count of the effort, says Ida Eskamani, senior director of the State Innovation Exchange’s economic justice initiative. State Innovation Exchange, or SiX, works with state legislators across the country to advance policies that benefit the working class. The bills that SiX has tracked so far are a highlight, Eskamani says, of the states where the organization has been particularly hands-on with legislators. “It’s only February,” she told Fast Company last week. “We expect many more, and we continue to see momentum.” The proposed bills all focus on tax policy as the tool to address wealth inequality. In some cases, they are straightforward wealth taxes, similar to the Millionaires Tax that passed in Massachusetts in 2022—and which has become a leading example of how progressive tax policies can generate revenue that funds education, transit, and more. In Washington, for example, lawmakers have proposed a 9.9% tax on income above $1 million. In Illinois, lawmakers are considering a resolution to put an additional 3% tax on income that exceeds $1 million. A Connecticut bill would implement a 1.75% surcharge on capital gains for individuals earning over $1 million. In other instances, the proposed bills would adjust tax laws to address other hot-button political issues, from removing tax breaks for Immigration and Customs Enforcement contractors (as proposed in California), or repealing tax exemptions for data centers (as in Maryland). ‘The affordability crisis is not an accident’ Though they differ, what all these proposed bills have in common is that they leverage states’ power around tax law to course-correct a trend that lawmakers, union members, and other organizers say has been continuing for too long: that corporations and the super-wealthy have not been paying their “fair share” back to society. “The affordability crisis is not an accident,” Eskamani says. “It’s the result of intentional policy choices that protect concentrated wealth over working families. And so we’ve seen a system of ‘trickle down’ economics that rewards wealth hoarding and punishes hard working people.” Wealth inequality has surged in recent decades. Between 1989 and 2022, U.S, households in the top 1% gained at least 101 times more wealth than the median household, according to Oxfam—and at least 987 times more than households in the bottom 20%. That disparity hasn’t slowed down. In 2025 alone, America’s top 15 billionaires got $1 trillion richer, while everyday Americans struggled with mounting affordability concerns. The President is exacerbating these issues, experts say. His “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” or HR1, gave $1 trillion in tax cuts to the richest 1% over a decade. It cuts federal Medicaid funding by about the same amount in that time. That policy “leaves states to pick up the bill,” Eskamani says. “And so in this crisis, there’s a necessity for states to lead on taxes.” Some states have already seen wins by simply rejecting some HR1 tax cuts. States can choose not to follow certain federal tax rules through a process called “decoupling.” Idaho has declined to adopt some of the biggest corporate tax cuts in that bill, and Florida’s state legislature has indicated it won’t go along with many, either. A ‘real affordability agenda’ By passing new wealth and corporate taxes, states can fill gaps in their funding that emerge from these federal policies. But more than that, they also have the chance to “build something better,” Eskamani says. She points to New Mexico’s first-in-the-nation move to offer universal no-cost childcare as an example of what states can do to improve working families’ lives. That’s just one example. This week, May Day Strong, a coalition of legislators, unions, and community advocates (including SiX), released a guidebook for what it calls “the real affordability agenda.” That guidebook serves as a blueprint for how to propose and pass state-level policies that tackle affordability. It includes adjusting taxes, but also includes ways to ensure good-paying jobs through higher minimum wages and better worker protections; how to reign in housing costs, like via bans on rent gouging and expanded tenant rights; and policies that provide families with what they need, from childcare to healthcare. At a press conference launching that report, state legislators like Jason Lewis, who was the lead state Senate sponsor for Massachusetts’s Millionaires Tax, spoke alongside labor leaders like Jackson Potter, vice president of the Chicago Teachers Union. According to Eskamani, the guidebook isn’t just for lawmakers to follow. It also provides a map for activists, unions, and community organizations to get involved and advocate for changes. “We’re up against some of the most powerful corporations and billionaires in the world,” she says. “The legislators working in collaboration with folks organizing and everyday people and their constituents is key to this, because the only way we can defeat this lawless class of billionaires is by building people power.” View the full article

Here are 21 complaints. What could you be preventing? By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Here are 21 complaints. What could you be preventing? By Ed Mendlowitz Tax Season Opportunity Guide Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

A development academy might be the answer. By Domenick J. Esposito 8 Steps to Great Go PRO for members-only access to more Dom Esposito. View the full article

Cards Against Humanity may be known as the tabletop game most likely to make your mom say filthy words over Christmas, but the company’s latest stunt is an act of uncommon decency. In response to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down President The President’s broad, extensive, wildly unpopular tariffs on February 20, the gonzo gaming company has announced a plan to celebrate the victory—and potential tariff refund—with its fans. Cards Against Humanity is now offering them a chance to get back any money they may have overpaid for a CAH game at retail due to tariffs this past year. This giveaway has been long in the works, according to the gamemaker, but it was never inevitable. “We’ve been talking about doing this for months, because we always knew the tariffs were blatantly illegal, but we didn’t decide until the ruling came down,” a spokesperson tells Fast Company. “Honestly, we were skeptical that the Supreme Court would actually have the balls to stand up to The President on this, given how much other illegal stuff they’ve let him keep doing with unsigned shadow docket opinions.” After the unlikely news broke on February 20, a dam seemed to burst among companies straining to keep up with the tariffs. Hundreds of businesses— including Costco, Revlon, Hasbro, Dyson, and Bausch + Lomb—quickly announced lawsuits against the U.S. government to recover money they’ve spent on tariffs that have now been deemed illegal. Similarly, states are also hoping to recoup their tariff losses, with New York Governor Kathy Hochul calling upon the The President administration to refund New Yorkers more than $13 billion in tariff payments from this past year, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker demanding $8.6 billion. But how many of these tariff refunds will actually reach the people on the hook for the tariffs? “It seems so obvious,” the CAH spokesperson says. “Most companies passed tariffs onto their customers, and now the companies and their shareholders stand to get the refunds—not the customers who actually paid the tariffs. How is that fair?” Among the companies looking to retrieve funds, FedEx has stood out for declaring it willpass on to its customers any tariff refunds it might receive. Perhaps others will follow suit, as the refund checks get closer to becoming a reality—especially those companies that raised their prices to foist tariff pain onto their customers. Cards Against Humanity, however, isn’t waiting for its government check to clear before getting the ball rolling on those refunds. Instead, the company—which never raised prices throughout The President’s tariff escalations, despite claiming to have paid “hundreds of thousands” in tariffs—has created a dedicated website where fans can register their overpayment at retailers and sign up for reimbursement. True to the game’s cheeky, R-rated sensibility, that site is called Get Your Fucking Money Back. According to the spokesperson, thousands of people have already responded seeking tariff relief. How much they will be getting back, though, depends on which version of the game they bought and how much they were overcharged for it. “We’ve seen price hikes as high as 40% over MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) in some big retailers, which is really significant for our customers, especially in the current economy,” the spokesperson says. “Retailers don’t share that data with us, so we don’t know precisely how much they overcharged our fans, but we expect it’s a lot!” Whether obvious or not, the refund announcement is only the latest stunt for Cards Against Humanity, who is seemingly always ready to inject some eyes-emoji outrageousness into the discourse. The company, whose flagship game plays like competitive Mad Libs for Rick and Morty lovers, has previously sent customers boxes of actual feces and dug an enormous hole in the ground—in both cases, as satirical commentary about Black Friday sales madness. Some of its stunts have been brazenly political, however, such as the company’s successful 2017 effort to purchase land that lay on the U.S./Mexico border, ostensibly tostifle The President’s efforts at building a border wall in his first term. (SpaceX later started encroaching into that plot of land, leading Cards Against Humanity to sue Elon Musk over it in 2024.) More recently, the company addressed The President’s tariffs head on. Last October, it unveiled a special limited edition of the game calledCards Against Humanity Explains the Joke. How was it different from the company’s normal offerings? By adding a joke-explainer on each card, the game technically counted as an “informational product,” exempting it from tariffs. Also unlike typical CAH editions, all of the proceeds from this one went to the American Library Association to combat book bans and censorship. In the end, almost 20,000 people purchased the “game” during its one-week pre-order window, raising nearly half a million dollars for libraries. As for this latest effort, though the company won’t be able to share any refunds until receiving its own—a process that will likely take months—for now, fans can delight in the possibility that, in the future, they’ll be saying more expletives while playing the game than while purchasing it. View the full article

The moon is just going to have to wait a little longer. NASA is pushing its moon landing back a year to streamline its rocket production and workforce to improve safety, accelerate mission frequency, and better compete with China’s growing space program, announced NASA administrator Jared Isaacman on Friday. The revamped schedule calls for standardizing its massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket configuration and aligning workforces with private contractors with an eye toward launching as frequently as every 10 months. Artemis III, initially slated to return astronauts to the lunar surface next year for the first time since 1972, will instead conduct tests in low-Earth orbit to validate systems and operational capabilities ahead of an Artemis IV landing in 2028. These tests include rendezvous and docking with one or both commercial landers from SpaceX and Blue Origin, as well as in-space trials of life support, communications, propulsion systems, and Axiom Space’s new spacesuits. NASA also plans to use the mission to rebuild core strengths within its workforce, including more hands-on, side-by-side development with private partners. The agency’s Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel report prompted the revamp, after flagging numerous safety concerns about an overambitious Artemis III that relies on too many novel technologies while attempting the first lunar landing at the South Pole. It also deemed the three-year gap between Artemis I and II too long to maintain skills and recommended smaller steps and more testing. “When you are launching every three years, your skills atrophy, you lose muscle memory,” said Isaacman. “We’ve got a lot of really talented folks that have been working hard on the Artemis II campaign, and whether they’re going to want to stick around for three more years after this mission is complete is a question mark. This is just not the right pathway forward.” The announcement comes amid delays to the Artemis II launch, caused by hydrogen leaks and helium flow issues that also plagued Artemis I, the uncrewed lunar flyby mission in 2022. Artemis II will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day loop around the moon. Last week, NASA rolled the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft back to the Vehicle Assembly Building for repairs ahead of the next launch window in April. NASA’s new architecture borrows from the Apollo era’s incremental learning and frequent launches. “We didn’t go right to Apollo 11,” said Isaacman, noting the initial Artemis schedule was like jumping from Apollo 8 to the moon. “We are looking back to the wisdom of the folks who designed Apollo,” said NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya. “The entire sequence of Artemis flights needs to represent a step-by-step build-up of capability. Each step needs to be big enough to make progress, but not so big that we take unnecessary risk given previous learnings.” Artemis’ long-term goals are to establish a sustained presence on the moon and possibly send crewed missions to Mars. But a more immediate challenge is returning before China, which is targeting its first crewed lunar landing by 2030. “With credible competition from our greatest geopolitical adversary increasing by the day, we need to move faster, eliminate delays, and achieve our objectives,” said Isaacman. View the full article

Insolvency of UK property lender is the latest failure to raise questions about credit quality and diligenceView the full article

When managing construction projects, comprehension of the various financing options available can be vital for your success. From short-term construction loans that address immediate cash needs to equipment loans that help you purchase critical machinery, each loan type serves a specific purpose. You’ll find options like SBA 7(a) loans and merchant cash advances that cater to different financial situations. Knowing these seven important business loans can help you make informed decisions that improve your project’s viability and profitability. Key Takeaways Short-term construction loans provide quick funding, typically disbursing within 1-2 days for project-specific needs. Merchant cash advances offer urgent financing with flexible repayments based on daily sales percentages. Business lines of credit help manage cash flow, allowing access to funds as needed with lower interest on withdrawn amounts. Invoice financing allows construction companies to access funds tied up in invoices, improving cash flow without stringent qualification criteria. SBA loans offer long-term financing options with competitive interest rates and terms for various construction funding needs. Short-Term Construction Loans for Contractors When you’re managing a construction project, having quick access to funds can be crucial for keeping everything on track. Short-term construction loans for contractors are designed to provide this immediate capital, often disbursing funds within one to two days. You can find lending firms for commercial construction projects that offer these loans, which typically range from $10,000 to $500,000, customized to your specific needs. One advantage is that these loans usually don’t require collateral, making them accessible even if your credit score fluctuates. The fixed lump sums come with specified interest rates, simplifying your financial planning. Repayment terms typically last from six months to two years, aligning with the duration of your project. Business Lines of Credit for Construction Businesses Business lines of credit for construction businesses offer a flexible financing option that can be crucial for managing cash flow during projects. These lines function much like credit cards, providing access to approved credit limits with lower interest rates. You’ll only pay interest on the amounts you withdraw, making this a cost-effective choice for your financial needs. Using a line of credit responsibly can additionally improve your business’s credit profile, enhancing future borrowing terms. You can utilize these funds for purchasing materials, covering unexpected expenses, or paying for labor as you await client payments. Approval typically requires a minimum gross monthly revenue of $10,000 and a credit score of 500 or higher, making it accessible for many construction businesses. Feature Description Interest Payment Only on withdrawn amounts Use Cases Materials, unexpected expenses, labor Credit Profile Improvement Responsible use improves terms Approval Requirements $10,000 monthly revenue, 500+ credit score Equipment Loans for Construction Companies When you’re looking to improve your construction company’s capabilities, equipment loans can be a smart choice. These loans offer 100% financing to acquire necessary machinery, with a simple application process that often gets you the funds within days. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms, you can invest in vital equipment without straining your cash flow. Equipment Financing Benefits Equipment financing offers significant advantages for Caterpillar companies looking to acquire vital machinery without straining their cash flow. These loans typically provide 100% financing, allowing you to purchase fundamental equipment with the machinery itself serving as collateral. This means you can invest in the necessary tools without depleting your working capital. Competitive interest rates make these loans even more appealing, helping you improve operational capabilities. By utilizing equipment financing, you can preserve cash flow, enabling you to manage other operational expenses effectively. Moreover, responsible use of these loans can positively impact your credit profile, improving future financing opportunities as your business grows. Streamlined Application Process Maneuvering through the application process for equipment loans can be straightforward, especially for Caterpillar companies enthusiastic to acquire new machinery. Here’s what you can expect: 100% financing: The equipment serves as collateral, making approval easier. Minimal documentation: Most lenders require just a few crucial papers. Quick approvals: You could get approved in 24 to 48 hours. Competitive rates: Enjoy attractive interest rates that benefit your budget. Flexible repayment terms: Align your payments with cash flow for effective management. With these advantages, securing equipment loans becomes less intimidating, allowing you to focus on growing your business and enhancing operational efficiency. Make the most of this streamlined process to invest in the machinery your company needs. SBA 7(a) and Microloans for Construction Companies For construction companies seeking financial support, the SBA 7(a) loan program and Microloans offer valuable options to meet various funding needs. The SBA 7(a) loan program provides loans up to $5 million, allowing you to purchase equipment, cover operational costs, or finance construction projects. With competitive interest rates often lower than conventional financing, these loans become a cost-effective choice for your business. Repayment terms range from 10 to 25 years, ensuring manageable monthly payments that align with your cash flow. On the other hand, Microloans, which can provide up to $50,000, are designed particularly for startups and small businesses needing working capital. Both SBA 7(a) loans and Microloans can be used for buying materials, hiring staff, and covering vital expenses, ultimately promoting growth within your construction company. These financing options can greatly improve your ability to execute projects effectively as you manage your financial obligations. Invoice Financing and Factoring for Construction Companies In terms of managing cash flow in construction, invoice financing and factoring can be game-changers for your business. With invoice financing, you can access up to 100% of your invoice value, allowing you to cover project expenses without the wait for client payments. On the other hand, factoring lets you sell your accounts receivable at a discount to quickly obtain funds, ensuring you maintain operations smoothly even when cash flow is tight. Cash Flow Management Cash flow management is crucial for construction companies, especially when maneuvering the challenges of delayed client payments. Utilizing invoice financing and factoring can provide immediate liquidity, helping you maintain financial stability. Here are some benefits of these options: Access up to 100% of invoice value instantly. Augment cash flow to meet payroll and project expenses. Benefit from less stringent qualification criteria. Improve financial flexibility for strategic project bidding. Avoid lengthy waits for client payments. Invoice Collateral Benefits Managing cash flow effectively is crucial for construction companies, and leveraging invoice collateral through financing and factoring can greatly improve financial stability. Invoice financing allows you to receive up to 100% of the invoice value upfront, helping you mitigate the waiting period for customer payments. Conversely, factoring involves selling invoices at a discount to a lender, providing immediate capital as the lender collects directly from the customer. Both options use invoices as collateral, simplifying the qualification process based on the customer’s creditworthiness. These solutions aid in managing operational expenses and maintaining steady cash flow, particularly during peak project phases or post-completion waiting periods. Financing Type Benefits Invoice Financing Up to 100% upfront, improved cash flow Factoring Immediate capital, lender collects payment Collateral Basis Simplified qualification, customer credit Operational Support Helps cover expenses and maintain cash flow Merchant Cash Advance for Construction Companies Are you looking for a fast way to fund your construction projects? A Merchant Cash Advance (MCA) could be the solution. This option provides quick access to capital by offering a lump sum in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales or daily bank deposits. Here are some key points to take into account about MCAs: No collateral is needed, making it less risky for you. Approval can happen within 24 hours, ideal for urgent needs. Repayment is flexible, based on daily sales percentages. Although fast, MCAs usually come with higher costs; factor rates can range from 1.1 to 1.5 times the borrowed amount. Best suited for short-term financial needs, like purchasing materials or covering payroll. Keep in mind the potential impact on your overall cash flow before opting for an MCA. This financial tool can be beneficial, but it requires careful consideration. Renovation and Redevelopment Loans When funding a construction project, you may find that a Merchant Cash Advance isn’t the only option available. Renovation and redevelopment loans particularly cater to updating, broadening, or reimagining existing properties, whether residential or commercial. These loans cover various costs, such as construction, design, and permits, providing an all-encompassing financial solution. Interest rates and terms can vary widely based on your creditworthiness and the lender, so it’s vital to shop around. You’ll likely need to present detailed plans and budgets, demonstrating the potential for increased property value post-renovation. Many lenders likewise require a clear timeline and may tie disbursements to project milestones to manage risk. Loan Type Typical Use Key Requirement Renovation Loan Updating residential homes Detailed project plan Commercial Redevelopment Broadening business space Timeline for completion Design Loan Architectural changes Budget demonstrating value Construction Loan New builds Permits and inspections Bridge Loan Temporary funding Proof of future financing Frequently Asked Questions What Do I Need to Know About Construction Loans? When considering construction loans, you need to understand their short-term nature, typically lasting six months to two years. Lenders disburse funds in phases based on project milestones. You’ll need to submit detailed financial statements, tax returns, and an extensive project plan during your application. A strong credit score, ideally 680 or higher, is often required. After approval, you’ll manage draw requests and provide proof of completed work to access funds efficiently. Do You Need 20% Down for a Construction Loan? You don’t necessarily need 20% down for a construction loan. Although typical down payments range from 10% to 25%, some lenders offer options with as little as 5% down, especially for qualified buyers. There are even no-money-down alternatives, but these often come with higher interest rates or stricter criteria. It’s essential to assess your financial situation and compare multiple lenders to find the best down payment requirements for your project. What Do You Need to Get Pre-Approved for a Construction Loan? To get pre-approved for a construction loan, you’ll need a credit score of at least 500 and monthly revenue of $10,000 or more. Prepare crucial documents like tax returns, financial statements, and a detailed project plan outlining your scope, budget, and timeline. Lenders will additionally review your business’s operational history, requiring at least six months of activity, and may ask for contractor qualifications to assess project viability. Can SBA 7A Loans Be Used for Construction? Yes, you can use SBA 7(a) loans for construction projects. These loans offer up to $5 million, covering costs like land, materials, and labor. With competitive interest rates and flexible terms ranging from 10 to 25 years, they provide a solid financing option. To qualify, you’ll need a strong business plan, financial stability, and typically a credit score of 680 or higher. This makes SBA 7(a) loans a viable choice for construction financing. Conclusion In summary, comprehending the various business loans available for construction projects can improve your financial strategy and project execution. Short-term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing each serve distinct purposes, whereas SBA loans and merchant cash advances offer additional support. By leveraging these funding options effectively, you can manage cash flow, invest in necessary equipment, and guarantee your projects stay on track. Staying informed about these loans is essential for your construction business’s long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Business Loans for Construction Projects You Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

AI Won’t Replace Accountants. Instead, It Will Rewire the Business Model. Big 4 Transparency With Dominic Piscopo, CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Dominic Piscopo. View the full article

AI Won’t Replace Accountants. Instead, It Will Rewire the Business Model. Big 4 Transparency With Dominic Piscopo, CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Dominic Piscopo. View the full article

Android users are now able to share their live, real-time location in Google Messages, so you can easily see where your friends and family members are and are moving to over a period of time. This makes it easier to coordinate meeting up or share your whereabouts for safety reasons. Real-time location sharing was previously available in Find Hub but is now being integrated directly into Messages. Until this change, location sharing in Messages was limited to a static Google Maps link. Similar functionality exists in other messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messages on iPhone. When using real-time location sharing, Google allows you to set a custom duration (up to 24 hours), or you can choose to share for an hour, until the end of the current day, or indefinitely until you manually stop sharing. Note that while your messages are encrypted end-to-end and visible only to the users in your conversations, this feature is powered by Maps, which processes your location. If you don't see the update yet, it's likely coming soon, as Google has published a support article detailing the feature. How to share your real-time location in Google MessagesTo share your location in Google Messages, you need to be signed into your Google Account—you'll be prompted to do so if you aren't already. Open a conversation in Google Messages and tap Attachment > Real-time location. (The first time you share, you'll need to tap I accept to confirm the updates to Location Sharing settings.) Choose the duration and tap Send. If you want to share your location with someone who has already shared theirs with you, select the message with the contact's location, tap Share next to your name, set the duration, and hit Send. You can stop real-time location sharing by selecting the message with your location and tapping Stop > Stop sharing next to your name. View the full article

Gold and the US dollar jump but government bonds fall amid fears of an inflation shockView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Amazfit’s T‑Rex Ultra 2 has landed—a bigger, brighter, tougher, and significantly more expensive outdoors watch. At $549, this is Amazfit’s priciest smartwatch ever, a rugged multi-sport device clearly targeting adventure‑watch heavyweights. While my full in‑depth review is still underway (testing has been a challenge, due to some blizzard conditions), several features have already stood out in a big way. Amazfit’s T‑Rex Ultra 2 Smartwatch $549.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $549.99 at Amazon The Ultra 2 features a truly long battery lifeSo far, the headline for this watch is its battery life. Amazfit claims of up to 30 days of smartwatch use—a roughly 25% jump over the previous model—and up to 50 hours of GPS tracking. So far, battery drain has been impressively slow, even during my cold‑weather workouts (where lithium cells typically suffer). If you spend long stretches off the grid, or simply hate bringing a charger everywhere, this single upgrade alone may justify the Ultra 2’s substantial size and price hike. A strong battery life, with options to make it last even longer. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2 includes accurate, offline-ready navigation The most anticipated day‑to‑day improvement is the new preloaded offline maps and generally more robust mapping experience. For the first time in the T‑Rex lineup, you can load full‑color global maps straight from the Zepp app, then use them on your wrist without a phone or cell service needed. Here are the biggest highlights I've seen myself—and other online reviewers have confirmed: Map data is great at distinguishing trails vs. roads. Offline route planning now supports up to 100 km. GPS accuracy is consistently strong with six‑system satellite support. Faster rerouting and improved elevation profiles. POI (point of interest) search is fantastic, showing all sorts of water, shelter, trailheads, and emergency points nearby. I had fun exploring nearby points of interest. Credit: Meredith Dietz In practice, this has already proven helpful. When heavy snow blocked my usual running route, I hopped into live navigation, zoomed around the map, and found the nearest patch of green space. It felt intuitive and fun. During a standard city run, it was a neat reminder that navigation isn’t exclusively a rugged survival feature. Re-routing on-the-go. Credit: Meredith Dietz A note: Route creation in the Zepp app could still be smoother. You can’t drag‑adjust between points, meaning you want to place your route carefully. But the on-watch implementation is strong, and things like Explore Nearby work well once you’re in open space (which my NYC apartment is decidedly not). You can add voice memos to your workout with this watch Press and hold the bottom-left button during a workout and you can record a quick voice memo, automatically geotagged. Did a training thought bubble up you don’t want to lose? Is there a trail detail you want to remember? “Don’t run that icy corner again?" It's a major improvement to be able to record as you go, and a seriously delightful addition that immediately became part of my routine. For strength workouts, too, this provides a far more intuitive way to track things like reps and weights, all without breaking your flow. Once synced to the Zepp App, your notes are timestamped, transcribed, and saved with playback, making it easy to review exactly what you recorded and when. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2's hardware is big, bright, and toughAmazfit clearly wants the Ultra 2 to compete with the toughest adventure watches on the market. The hardware reflects that ambition: 1.5-inch AMOLED touchscreen Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal Grade 5 titanium bezel and case back 10 ATM water resistance Dual diving certification 64 GB storage for maps, music, and activity data The new 3,000‑nit display is a monster—allegedly triple the brightness of the original Ultra. It’s crisp, extremely visible in full sunlight (or sun-reflecting-off-snow, as I’ve learned recently). Compare the Amazfit Bip 6 on the left to the T-Rex Ultra 2 on the right. Credit: Meredith Dietz The Ultra 2's flashlight got an upgrade, tooAmazfit swapped last year’s red LED for a greener secondary option. The flashlight now sits at the 12:00 position, and the controls are intuitive: • Press and hold the Up button to turn it on. • Tap the onscreen icon to toggle. • Press Up or Down five times to switch brightness or activate green mode. It’s a small thing, but it reinforces the idea of this being an outdoors-first watch. I've yet to test this during night runs, camping, or emergency situations, but I can say that it works fine in a dark city apartment! The Ultra 2 has workout modes for just about anythingAmazfit packed more than 180 sports modes into the Ultra 2—including extremely niche ones like spearfishing, free diving, parkour, and snorkeling. There are more than 180 sport types. Credit: Meredith Dietz In this same arena of sport modes, the watch also includes: Grade-adjusted pace for runners Improved climb segmentation Onboard speaker and mic for Bluetooth calls and audible alerts Smooth integration with the Zepp app for fitness, recovery, sleep, and nutrition insights The early experience here is promising. Even if some newly advertised software features aren’t fully polished yet, Amazfit’s ambition is on full display. Final (early) thoughts on the Ultra 2There’s still a lot of testing ahead before I can answer the big question: Is the Amazfit T‑Rex Ultra 2 worth $549—especially when Garmin already dominates the rugged-adventure landscape? That said, there are already clear, meaningful upgrades that impress me—offline mapping that feels complete, the best‑ever battery life for an Amazfit watch, a surprisingly delightful voice‑memo tool, and hardware that feels built for the apocalypse. View the full article

If you’re not actively managing your branded search campaigns, you’re leaving money on the table and your reputation in the hands of competitors, review aggregators, and affiliate marketers. Brand protection through PPC isn’t just about bidding on your own name. It’s a strategy that spans defensive bidding, query monitoring, ad copy testing, and reputation management across the entire customer research journey. Why brand search deserves more than basic defense Most PPC managers treat brand campaigns as an afterthought. Set up a campaign, bid on the exact brand name, maybe add some close variants, and call it done. But the reality is far more complex, especially when we’re talking about bigger, well-known brands. Your brand exists across dozens of query contexts, each representing a different stage of the customer journey and requiring a different strategic approach. Consider what happens when someone searches for your brand. They’re not just typing your company name, they’re asking questions, seeking validation, comparing alternatives, and researching specific features. If you’re only covering exact-match brand terms, you’re missing the majority of brand-related searches and leaving those high-intent users exposed to competitor messaging. Third-party sites like review aggregators and affiliate comparison websites actively bid on your brand terms to capture traffic and redirect it to their comparison pages, where your competitors pay for prominence. The cost? Your brand equity, customer trust, and ultimately, conversion rates. 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 4 categories of branded searches you need to cover Based on user intent and competitive vulnerability, branded searches fall into four strategic categories. Each requires different bid strategies, ad copy approaches, and landing page experiences. Let’s break down each category and the specific PPC tactics that can work. Brand trust and reputation queries “Is [Brand] good?” “[Brand] reviews.” “Is [Brand] legit?” “Is [Brand] worth it?” These searchers are in the validation phase. They’ve heard of your brand but want social proof before committing. The competitive threat here comes from review aggregators and affiliate sites that will happily show your reviews alongside competitor CTAs. PPC strategy Bid aggressively — these are high-intent users who are close to converting. Use review extensions and star ratings in your ads. Highlight trust signals in ad copy (years in business, customer count, awards). Send users to dedicated testimonial or case study landing pages, not your homepage. Test callout extensions with specific proof points. Product features queries “What is [Brand] known for?” “Pros and cons of [Brand].” “Does [Brand] offer [feature]?” Users searching for feature-specific information are evaluating whether your solution meets their requirements. Competitors often bid on these queries with ads suggesting they offer superior features. PPC strategy Create feature-specific ad groups with tailored ad copy. Use sitelink extensions to direct users to specific feature pages. Address the specific feature in headline 1, don’t waste space on your brand name. Include feature demos or video on the landing page. Test whether these queries warrant higher bids than core brand terms. Comparison queries “Alternatives to [Brand].” “How does [Brand] compare?” “Is [Brand] better than [Competitor]?” “Is [Brand] right for [use case]?” This is the most competitive category. Users are actively comparing you to alternatives, and both direct competitors and third-party comparison sites are bidding heavily. This is where you’re most vulnerable to losing customers who were already considering you. PPC strategy Bid at or above top-of-page estimates to maintain Position 1. Create dedicated comparison landing pages for each major competitor. Include pricing transparency if it’s a competitive advantage. Monitor auction insights obsessively to identify new competitive threats. Consider category-level comparison ads for “best [category] tools/products” searches. Niche questions “Is [Brand] expensive?” “Does [Brand] offer discounts?” “Is [Brand] secure?” These queries reveal specific concerns or evaluation criteria. They’re often low-volume but extremely high-intent because they represent genuine decision-making criteria. PPC strategy Develop FAQ landing pages that address multiple related concerns. Test lower bids — these queries often have less competition. Use search query reports to identify emerging concerns and address them proactively. Dig deeper: How to benchmark PPC competitors: The definitive guide Advanced brand campaign architecture The traditional single-brand campaign approach doesn’t give you enough control or insight at scale. Instead, structure your brand defense across four specialized campaigns, each targeting different intent signals and requiring distinct bid strategies. Core brand defense This covers exact-match brand terms and common misspellings with aggressive bidding to maintain 95%+ impression share and top positions. Never let this campaign be budget-limited. Use multiple RSAs to test different value propositions. Monitor lost impression share due to rank as your primary competitive threat indicator. Brand + category Capture phrase-match queries like “[Brand] CRM” or “[Brand] for [use case],” where users are researching you within a specific product context. Bid slightly lower than core brand terms, but ensure ad copy acknowledges the category and emphasizes your category leadership. Test whether category-specific landing pages outperform your homepage for these queries. Brand reputation and reviews These intercept validation-phase users searching “[Brand] reviews,” “[Brand] ratings,” or “is [Brand] good” before they click through to third-party aggregators. Bid aggressively here — these comparison-shopping clicks are worth more than core brand searches. Use review extensions prominently, include specific social proof metrics in ad copy (4.8 stars, 10,000+ reviews), and send traffic to dedicated testimonial pages rather than your homepage. Test video testimonials on landing pages. Competitive comparison defense Control the narrative for queries like “[Brand] vs [Competitor],” “[Brand] alternative,” or “better than [Brand].” These are users you’re at risk of losing, so pay up to your maximum acceptable CPA. Create unique landing pages for each major competitor with honest comparisons that emphasize your advantages, include side-by-side feature tables, and offer special conversion incentives like extended trials or migration assistance. Defensive tactics against third-party aggregators Sites like G2, Capterra, and other affiliate comparison sites actively bid on your brand terms without violating trademark policy because they legitimately have content about your brand. But they’re siphoning off your traffic and often presenting biased or incomplete information. Your defense requires three coordinated approaches. Bid aggressively on review keywords Review aggregators bid heavily on “[Brand] reviews” and “[Brand] ratings” because these are their money keywords, so you need to bid even higher. Run the math: If a review aggregator click costs you $3 but sends that user to a page where your competitor’s ad costs $50, you’re getting a deal at $10 per click on your own review keywords. Calculate the lifetime value of a customer versus the cost of letting them click to a third-party site where competitors can advertise. Also, keep in mind it’s cheaper for you to bid on your own brand than for competitors to outbid you. Claim and optimize your profiles on major review platforms you want to work with Even if you can’t prevent them from bidding on your brand, ensure that when users click through, they see optimized content, strong ratings, and an active presence with responses to reviews. Many review platforms offer advertising options — test running ads on your own profile pages to capture users who arrive via organic search or competitor ads. Build dedicated testimonial and customer story pages Make yours more compelling than third-party review aggregators. Include video testimonials, detailed case studies with metrics, filterable reviews by industry or use case, and verified customer badges. Then use your PPC ads to drive users to these owned properties instead of letting them discover review aggregators organically. Dig deeper: When to use branded and competitor keywords in PPC Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Ad copy strategies for brand protection Your brand campaign ad copy needs to do more than confirm your brand name. It needs to preempt objections, differentiate from competitors, and provide compelling reasons to click your ad instead of a competitor’s or third-party site. Three frameworks deliver results. The preemptive strike Identify the top 3-5 objections that come up in your sales process and address them directly in your ad copy before users encounter them on competitor or review sites. If implementation time is a concern, use “Live in 5 days, not 5 months.” If pricing is opaque, try “Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.” If enterprise readiness is questioned, lead with “Trusted by 500+ enterprise customers.” If ease of use is a concern, emphasize “No training required, start today.” The competitive differentiator Don’t just state features, state features your competitors don’t have or can’t match. This is especially critical for comparison queries where you know competitors are showing ads. Examples include: “Only platform with native [unique integration].” “Industry’s fastest performance, verified by [third party].” “Patent-pending [technology] competitors can’t replicate.” If you can’t identify any unique features or USPs, that’s a signal to improve your product positioning or capabilities. Without clear differentiation, PPC alone won’t drive sustainable conversions. Social proof stacking Combine multiple types of social proof to build credibility quickly. Don’t just pick one element, stack them. Try “4.8 stars from 10,000+ reviews. G2 leader 5 years running.” “Join 50,000+ companies. Featured in Forbes and TechCrunch.” “Winner: Best [category] 2025. 98% customer satisfaction.” Dig deeper: How to write paid search ads that outperform your competitors Landing page strategy for brand campaigns Sending all brand traffic to your homepage is a missed opportunity. Different branded queries represent different user intents and concerns, and your landing pages should address those specific intents. Feature-specific pages When users search “[Brand] + [feature],” send them to dedicated pages that explain the feature in detail, show it in action, and provide clear next steps. Include a hero section explaining the feature in one sentence, a video demo or animated screenshot, technical specifications for enterprise buyers, integration details if relevant, and customer examples using this specific feature. Comparison pages Create dedicated comparison landing pages for each major competitor. Be honest about differences while emphasizing your advantages. Include side-by-side feature tables, pricing comparisons if advantageous, and customer testimonials from switchers. Acknowledge competitor strengths without being dismissive, highlight 3-5 key differentiators where you excel, and offer migration assistance or switch incentives. Make your CTA clear and prominent, offering a trial or demo. Trust and validation pages For review and reputation queries, create dedicated pages that aggregate social proof rather than linking to your G2 profile or hoping users browse scattered testimonials. Display aggregate ratings prominently (average of G2, Capterra, etc.), place video testimonials above the fold, show recent reviews with verified badges, make reviews filterable by industry, company size, and use case, include case studies with concrete metrics, and highlight third-party awards and recognition. Monitoring and optimization: The ongoing battle Brand protection isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it strategy. The competitive landscape constantly evolves, new competitors emerge, third-party sites adjust their strategies, and user search behavior shifts. You need systematic monitoring and rapid response capabilities across three time horizons. Weekly monitoring Review: Search term reports to identify new query patterns. Auction insights for increased competitor presence. Impression share metrics to diagnose declining performance. Lost impression share breakdowns by budget and rank. Manual searches of your top 10 brand queries to see what ads are showing. Quality score checks for brand keywords to diagnose landing page or ad relevance issues. Monthly deep dives Analyze conversion paths to understand how brand search fits into the broader customer journey. Review assisted conversions since brand campaigns often contribute to non-brand conversions. Audit landing pages for relevance and conversion performance. Gather competitive intelligence on what landing pages competitors use for brand conquesting. Test new ad copy variations focused on emerging objections or competitive threats. Analyze search impression share by device and location to identify gaps. Quarterly strategic reviews Audit your complete branded query coverage to identify missing categories or query types. Assess whether your coverage across the four query categories remains comprehensive. Conduct competitive conquest analysis to determine which competitors most aggressively target your brand. Evaluate ROI of different brand campaign types to optimize budget allocation. Review third-party aggregator presence for new sites bidding on your brand. Advanced tactics for sophisticated brand protection Dynamic keyword insertion For validation queries like “is [Brand] good” or “does [Brand] work,” use dynamic keyword insertion to echo the user’s specific question in your ad copy, creating higher relevance and click-through rates. Try headlines like “Yes, {KeyWord:[Brand]} Is Excellent” or “Absolutely, {KeyWord:[Brand]} Works.” Geo-modified campaigns If you have location-specific offerings or competitors vary by geography, create geo-modified brand campaigns. Users searching “[Brand] New York” or “[Brand] enterprise” may have different needs than general brand searchers. Audience layering Apply audience segments to brand campaigns to adjust bids based on user quality. Users who’ve visited your pricing page before should get higher bids on brand searches than first-time visitors. Similarly, prioritize users who match your ideal customer profile demographics. Trademark enforcement While Google generally allows competitors to bid on your brand terms, using your trademarked brand name in their ad copy is often prohibited. Monitor competitor ads and file trademark complaints when they use your brand name in headlines or descriptions. This is particularly effective against smaller competitors and affiliates who may not realize they’re violating policy. Problem/solution queries Capture queries where users are researching whether your solution addresses a specific problem. These are often high-intent and represent clear use case alignment. Target queries like: “[Brand] for [problem].” “How to [solve problem] with [Brand].” “[Brand] [use case] solution.” “Can [Brand] help with [challenge].” Budget allocation and ROI considerations How much should you invest in brand protection versus acquisition campaigns? The answer depends on three factors: Competitive pressure. Brand strength. Customer lifetime value. If you operate in a highly competitive category where multiple well-funded competitors actively bid on your brand terms, invest more in brand protection. Run auction insights weekly to monthly to quantify competitive presence. If competitors show in 40% or more of your brand auctions, this is a high-threat environment requiring aggressive defense. Stronger brands with dominant organic presence can afford to spend less on core brand defense because their organic listings provide natural protection. This doesn’t apply to reputation and comparison queries where third-party sites rank organically. High LTV businesses should invest more aggressively in brand protection because the cost of losing a customer to a competitor or having them influenced by negative review sites is substantial. If your average customer is worth $50,000 over their lifetime, paying $50 per click to defend against comparison queries is economically rational. For most B2B SaaS and high-consideration products, allocate approximately 15-25% of total paid search budget to comprehensive brand protection. Within that allocation, dedicate 40% to core brand defense (exact match), 25% to competitive comparison defense, 20% to reputation and review queries, and 15% to feature and niche question queries. 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 Brand protection as competitive moat Brand protection through PPC isn’t just defensive marketing. It’s a competitive moat. When you control the narrative across branded search contexts, you ensure high-intent users see accurate information instead of competitor ads or third-party pages monetizing your brand equity. The brands that win treat this as strategy, not maintenance. They segment branded queries by intent, build landing pages to match, monitor threats continuously, and defend high-value search real estate aggressively. Start with an audit using the four-category framework. Close coverage gaps, align campaigns and landing pages to intent, and commit to weekly monitoring, monthly optimization, and quarterly strategic reviews. If you don’t own your branded searches, someone else will. View the full article

If you’re in need of a winter pick-me-up, look no further than your local IHOP. The pancake chain just reminded folks that its yearly National Pancake Day holiday is about to take place. To celebrate, IHOP will be dishing out some free buttermilk pancakes all day long. The breakfast chain will be giving out free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes on Tuesday, March 3, from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. That means whether you’re in the mood for pancakes for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, IHOP will grill them up for free. The deal is only good for guests who are dining in and other flavors aren’t included in the deal—just the original buttermilk recipe. “As the leader in breakfast, pancakes are part of our DNA—so much so that they’re embedded in our name,” said Lenna Yamamichi, vice president Brand Creative, IHOP in the announcement. Yamamichi continued, “This National Pancake Day, we want IHOP to feel like more than a restaurant. We’re getting creative and flipping the narrative, transforming IHOP into the go-to meetup spot to grab a free short stack, settle into a booth, and turn a simple meal into quality time. No planning, no pressure, because pancakes just taste better when the table’s full.” There’s a small catch that goes with the deal. The chain will be encouraging diners to donate to a good cause while they’re in the restaurant. For every $1 donated, IHOP says it will provide at least 10 meals to local Feeding America partner food banks. The event is sure to get pancake lovers in the door on March 3. But it’s not the first total steal that’s hit the chain recently. Last year, the chain introduced value meals to the menu which included four different breakfast options for $6 or $7, depending on location. That offering came after sales had been slower than normal for the chain for over a year. View the full article