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The former two-time head of the Federal Housing Administration is an industry consultant since he left government service following Pres. The President's first term. View the full article

Move comes as UK withdraws staff from Iran amid fears of a confrontation between Washington and TehranView the full article

Dubbed Fairway Home Insurance Agency, the new business is the latest to emerge from agreements struck between mortgage lenders and The Baldwin Group brokerage. View the full article

AI-based discovery offers a new level of sophistication in surfacing content, without relying solely on keywords. Beyond keyword-string-first approaches, contextual and semantic elements are now more important than ever. Optimization is no longer about just reinforcing the keyword. It’s also about constructing a retrievable semantic environment around it. This impacts how we write, create, and think about content. It applies whether you write every word yourself or employ automated workflows. Reframing your publishing strategy around context Much has already been written about the concepts covered here. This discussion focuses on tying them together into a more cohesive publishing strategy and tactical approach. If you’re already operating in a context mindset, you’re likely making these elements work for you. If you’re still using keyphrase-first approaches and want a stronger grasp of deeper contextual and semantic strategy, keep reading. Context, semantics, meaning, and intent have long been core to optimization. What’s changed is how content is presented and discovered, particularly within LLM-based platforms. This shift affects how context is categorized and structured across a website. It applies to site taxonomy, schema, internal linking, and content chunking and clustering. It also means moving away from verbose word counts and getting to the point. That benefits both the machine layer and the human reader. Keywords aren’t obsolete. But they don’t function as isolated optimization tactics. Context-led strategies aren’t new. However, they require greater attention to define what your publishing strategy means moving forward. Dig deeper: If SEO is rocket science, AI SEO is astrophysics 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 Structure for a contextual-density approach When considering the keyphrase as a multidimensional point for building semantics, it may be more productive to think of these combined concepts within a single framework. In essence, every topic exists as a semantic field rather than a word or phrase. These areas include: Axis term (primary topic/keyphrase). Structural context (secondary and tertiary concepts). Problem context (intent). Linguistic variants (stemmed or fanned phrasing). Entity associations. Retrieval units (chunk-level readability). Structural signals (internal links, schema, and taxonomy). While the main keyphrase is the anchor and axis point for the linguistic dimensions that surround it, almost everything else defines true performance and meaning apart from the keyword. In other words, the sum of all the “other” words — headings, subheadings, references to related concepts, and various entities related to the keyphrase — is just as important as the keyphrase itself. This is a very basic concept in producing well-thought-out writing, but it’s now more important. Context density and SERP-level linguistic analysis One way to think about this shift is by comparing keyword-level linguistic analysis with search engine results page-level linguistic analysis. SERP-level linguistic analysis isn’t new. One of the first major tools to address this concept was Content Experience by Searchmetrics and Marcus Tober. The platform launched around 2016 — priced for enterprises — and focused on scraping the top results page for a given keyword, then averaging and weighting the other words common across high-ranking pages. The idea was that those additional words and entities, which helped define a comprehensive set of results for a topic, would yield key semantic indicators for content performance. These reports provided stemmed concepts, entities, and specific language modifiers to add hyper-context to the main topic. Other tools, such as Clearscope, used different methods to achieve similar results. In my experience, these types of analyses have been very useful for creating high-performing content. They’ve worked well competitively and have been especially effective in linguistic areas where competitors lacked this level of analysis in their own content. Dig deeper: Content scoring tools work, but only for the first gate in Google’s pipeline Using secondary and tertiary keyphrases as contextual linguistic struts Understanding this type of analysis helps you delve deeper into semantic page construction by categorizing and emphasizing ancillary language into a hierarchy, particularly in second- and third-tier levels. You can go as deep with the hierarchy as your content scope permits. Secondary and tertiary keywords should form what I often refer to as “linguistic struts” — supporting elements that reinforce your main topic while expanding its scope and relevance. Think of them as context stabilizers or intent differentiators for a given topic or theme. The choices you make here ultimately define the context and relevance of your content. Each secondary keyword should serve a specific purpose within your page architecture, whether it’s introducing a new subtopic, answering a related question, or providing additional context for your primary theme. Once you’ve defined this secondary and tertiary language, it can guide your outline and then the final writing. This approach applies to everything from manually written work to fully automated and synthetic processes. Stemmed linguistics One of the most powerful aspects of comprehensive contextual keyword optimization is its ability to capture stemmed and fanned-out searches — related queries that share common roots or concepts with your optimized keywords. In other words, related keyphrases and searches you may not have directly optimized for within the primary topic. These types of searches can be extremely valuable, often more so than the primary keyphrase, because they reflect more refined and deliberate intent. For example, if you’ve created a comprehensive guide for “content marketing,” your page might also rank for searches such as “implementing content marketing strategies,” “content marketing strategy implementation,” or “hire B2B content marketing expert.” The sum of these stemmed variations often represents significantly higher-intent search volume than any individual keyword. The more thoroughly you cover secondary and tertiary keywords, the more stemmed and fanned searches you’re likely to capture. Dig deeper: How to use relationships to level up your SEO Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. High-level technical foundations for contextual emphasis When discussing the move from a string-based strategy to a context-based strategy, it’s as much about how machines process content as it is about writing. LLM-powered platforms evaluate context at multiple layers — how content is segmented, how topics are structurally connected, and how meaning is formally implied. Retrieval mechanics: From pages to chunks Large language models retrieve segments of content — referred to as “chunks” — that have been transformed into vector representations. In simplified terms, your page is broken into retrievable units. Those units are evaluated for contextual similarity to a prompt, and the LLM selects the chunks that best align with the intent and semantic patterns in the query. Contextual similarity emerges from co-occurring terms, related entities, problem points, and semantic density within a chunk. If a chunk lacks contextual depth — in other words, if it simply repeats a primary term without expanding the surrounding semantic field — it becomes thin in the embedding layer. Thin chunks are less likely to be retrieved, even if the page ranks well in traditional search. The implication for your writing is straightforward: Getting to the point faster can be a significant advantage at both the page and site levels. It can improve machine readability and create a better human reading experience, serving multiple KPIs. Dig deeper: Chunk, cite, clarify, build: A content framework for AI search Structural context: Architecture as meaning How your content is organized structurally also infers meaning within LLM-based discovery. Beyond providing a taxonomical hierarchy, structure acts as a contextual signal. Architecture teaches the system how your topics relate to one another. Internal links apply inference and meaning to related topics and entities. Taxonomy infers the semantic mapping of your connected content within a domain or across domains. URL naming and structure further signal hierarchy and topical relationships. When a page sits within a clearly defined topical cluster and links to related concepts and subtopics, it inherits contextual reinforcement. An LLM understands what the page says and where it lives conceptually within your broader domain. Schema and entity context There’s also a layer of meaning that can be formally stated through schema markup. Schema markup and entity modeling provide explicit clarification of what something is, who is involved, and how elements relate to one another. Where linguistic context builds meaning implicitly through unstructured writing, schema states its intended meaning through structured data. In doing so, it formalizes entity relationships, reduces ambiguity, and reinforces identity and topic signals across platforms. This doesn’t replace strong writing, but it strengthens it by ensuring machine-readable contextual emphasis. In a contextual discovery environment, every technical element exists to strengthen semantic retrievability. For a deeper dive into the technical shift in content discovery in the age of AI, I recommend Duane Forrester’s book, “The Machine Layer.” Dig deeper: Organizing content for AI search: A 3-level framework 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 Moving to a context-first strategy When you align linguistics, structure, and declaration around a clear topical axis, the strategy centers on the contextual environment. Transitioning from a purely keyphrase-centered strategy may seem daunting at first, but it’s something you can begin doing today in how you write and research your content. In simple terms, moving to a context-first strategy is about how you approach writing at both the page and site levels and making your content as machine-readable as possible. View the full article

A public showdown between the The President administration and Anthropic is hitting an impasse as military officials demand the artificial intelligence company bend its ethical policies by Friday or risk damaging its business. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei drew a sharp red line 24 hours before the deadline, declaring his company “cannot in good conscience accede” to the Pentagon’s final demand to allow unrestricted use of its technology. Anthropic, maker of the chatbot Claude, can afford to lose a defense contract. But the ultimatum this week from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posed broader risks at the peak of the company’s meteoric rise from a little-known computer science research lab in San Francisco to one of the world’s most valuable startups. If Amodei doesn’t budge, military officials have warned they will not just pull Anthropic’s contract but also “deem them a supply chain risk,” a designation typically stamped on foreign adversaries that could derail the company’s critical partnerships with other businesses. And if Amodei were to cave, he could lose trust in the booming AI industry, particularly from top talent drawn to the company for its promises of responsibly building better-than-human AI that, without safeguards, could pose catastrophic risks. Anthropic said it sought narrow assurances from the Pentagon that Claude won’t be used for mass surveillance of Americans or in fully autonomous weapons. But after months of private talks exploded into public debate, it said in a Thursday statement that new contract language “framed as compromise was paired with legalese that would allow those safeguards to be disregarded at will.” That was after Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s top spokesman, posted on social media that “we will not let ANY company dictate the terms regarding how we make operational decisions” and added the company has “until 5:01 p.m. ET on Friday to decide” if it would meet the demands or face consequences. Emil Michael, the defense undersecretary for research and engineering, later lashed out at Amodei, alleging on X that he “has a God-complex” and “wants nothing more than to try to personally control the US Military and is ok putting our nation’s safety at risk.” That message hasn’t resonated in much of Silicon Valley, where a growing number of tech workers from Anthropic’s top rivals, OpenAI and Google, voiced support for Amodei’s stand late Thursday in an open letter. OpenAI and Google, along with Elon Musk’s xAI, also have contracts to supply their AI models to the military. “The Pentagon is negotiating with Google and OpenAI to try to get them to agree to what Anthropic has refused,” the open letter says. “They’re trying to divide each company with fear that the other will give in.” Also raising concerns about the Pentagon’s approach were Republican and Democratic lawmakers and a former leader of the Defense Department’s AI initiatives. “Painting a bullseye on Anthropic garners spicy headlines, but everyone loses in the end,” wrote retired Air Force Gen. Jack Shanahan in a social media post. Shanahan faced a different wave of tech worker opposition during the first The President administration when he led Maven, a project to use AI technology to analyze drone footage and target weapons. So many Google employees protested its participation in Project Maven at the time that the tech giant declined to renew the contract and then pledged not to use AI in weaponry. “Since I was square in the middle of Project Maven & Google, it’s reasonable to assume I would take the Pentagon’s side here,” Shanahan wrote Thursday on social media. “Yet I’m sympathetic to Anthropic’s position. More so than I was to Google’s in 2018.” He said Claude is already being widely used across the government, including in classified settings, and Anthropic’s red lines are “reasonable.” He said the AI large language models that power chatbots like Claude are also “not ready for prime time in national security settings,” particularly not for fully autonomous weapons. “They’re not trying to play cute here,” he wrote. Parnell asserted Thursday that the Pentagon wants to ” use Anthropic’s model for all lawful purposes” and said opening up use of the technology would prevent the company from “jeopardizing critical military operations,” though neither he nor other officials have detailed how they want to use the technology. The military “has no interest in using AI to conduct mass surveillance of Americans (which is illegal) nor do we want to use AI to develop autonomous weapons that operate without human involvement,” Parnell wrote. When Hegseth and Amodei met Tuesday, military officials warned that they could designate Anthropic as a supply chain risk, cancel its contract or invoke a Cold War-era law called the Defense Production Act to give the military more sweeping authority to use its products, even if the company doesn’t approve. Amodei said Thursday that “those latter two threats are inherently contradictory: one labels us a security risk; the other labels Claude as essential to national security.” He said he hopes the Pentagon will reconsider given Claude’s value to the military, but, if not, Anthropic “will work to enable a smooth transition to another provider.” —- AP reporter Konstantin Toropin contributed to this report. —Matt O’Brien, AP Technology Writer View the full article

Chancellor wants to ensure that UK defence spending protects jobs and investment, say Treasury officialsView the full article

Bond yields tested key resistance as markets largely shrugged at the data, according to the Head of Correspondent Business Development at AD Mortgage. View the full article

Most of us believe that we would never, ever fall for a scam. We think we know the "tells," like poorly formulated communication that sounds urgent. Unfortunately, social engineering—tactics that prey on human emotions and instincts to get us to act against our own interests—can work on anyone. Romance scams are a textbook example of emotional manipulation in which the perpetrator exploits a victim's feelings of loneliness, love, or desire for connection to build trust over the long term. Beyond the emotional toll, the financial consequences are significant: The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported $672 million in romance scam losses in 2024, and this number is almost certainly only a fraction of the real total. Scammers are increasingly employing AI tools in romance scams, making these campaigns even harder to detect and therefore even more dangerous for targets. Experian predicts that AI-powered romance scams will be among the top fraud threats in 2026. How a romance scam worksAs McAfee describes in a recent report on the state of romance scams, this type of fraud is a long con. A romance scam typically starts with a "hook," like a DM, follow request, "wrong number" text, or match on a dating app. Once a scammer gets a response, they'll move into love bombing in an attempt to quickly build intimacy and trust while encouraging you to keep the relationship a secret. They'll take time to build credibility around their persona, which likely includes a job or lifestyle that prevents them from meeting you. Next comes a minor request for financial support, which may escalate into opening an account, "investing" in a business venture, or co-signing a loan. Increasingly, these schemes involve fraudulent investments in cryptocurrency. (Another term for this is "pig butchering.") Once they've got what they want, scammers disappear, leaving victims to deal with the consequences. Romance scams work because they don't start with obvious exploitation. Fraudsters build up trust over weeks and months, so it's more likely to feel like a real relationship than a scam until victims are already in too deep. AI is making romance scams worseAI is making romance scams even easier for fraudsters to run. In a review of recent research, Bitdefender notes that in order to build trust, scammers have traditionally had to devote significant time and attention to each individual target. While playing the long game in this way is often worth the effort—as the payoff is often significant—it limits the number of potential victims any one scammer could reach. AI removes these barriers. Large language models (LLMs) are capable of maintaining natural conversations without the red flags of a scam, such as poor grammar and misspellings. AI can mirror personality, reflect emotion, and match tone, and it's less likely than a human to come off as pressured or rushed. Chatbots can retain and integrate personal details from earlier conversations, and it requires very little effort to sustain for a very large number of victims. Automated chatbots are especially adept at handling the early stages of a romance scam, and humans are required to step in only at critical moments to offer reassurance or initiate a financial request. Because scammers can maintain many conversations at once, they can also test out different tactics and quickly refine based on what works best to keep victims engaged. As the Global Cyber Alliance puts it, AI adds "speed, scale, and consistency" to the traditional romance scam. Research suggests that victims may actually find AI more trustworthy than a human. McAfee found that a third of American adults believe it's possible to develop romantic feelings toward an AI bot. Deepfake audio and video make these AI-powered scams even more credible, as victims can no longer rely on a scammer's refusal to actually speak with them as a red flag. How to catch a romance scamEven a well-trained chatbot has limitations. According to McAfee, the most common clues that you're interacting with a bot or fake profile include scripted or repetitive responses, instant (and perfectly crafted) replies, and photos that are obviously generated by AI. Other red flags include a contact who avoids voice and video calls as well as unusual requests early in the relationship. To avoid getting wrapped up in an AI-powered romance scam, slow down. Be wary of perfectly crafted responses, which may indicate automation. Try asking unexpected questions or creating friction, which can throw a chatbot off. Remember that relationships shouldn't rely on secrecy or be contingent on financial support. Social media and dating sites are full of fake profiles, so seeing is not always believing. View the full article

It’s a horrible day for investors in Duolingo. Shares of the language learning app with the green owl mascot are falling off a cliff after the company reported its fourth quarter results. Yet it’s not the results themselves that are causing investors to dump the stock. Rather, it’s more about forward guidance the company has issued. Here’s what you need to know. Duolingo’s Q4 by the numbers Yesterday, after market close, Duolingo (Nasdaq: DUOL) reported its fourth quarter 2025 results. On the surface, many of the company’s most critical metrics saw decent gains for the quarter, including: Daily Active Users: 52.7 million (up 30% year-over-year) Paid Subscribers: 12.2 million (up 28% year-over-year) Revenue: $282.9 million (up 35% year-over-year) Total bookings: $336.8 million (up 24% year-over-year) Net income: $42 million The company also reported its full-year 2025 financials, revealing that for the first time in its history, it crossed the $1 billion revenue mark for a fiscal year. In 2025, Duolingo recorded $1.03 billion in revenue, along with total bookings of $1.15 billion, the latter figure representing 33% year-over-year growth. Net income for the year totaled $414.1 million. “We closed 2025 with strong momentum,” Duolingo CEO Luis von Ahn said in a statement, “surpassing 50 million daily active users and generating more than $1 billion in bookings for the first time.” Yet it was von Ahn’s next comments, along with the company’s 2026 guidance, that caused investors to turn negative on the stock. What’s the plan for 2026? Announcing its Q4 2025 results, von Ahn went on to explain the company’s battle plan for 2026—and it’s a plan investors seem to be deeply unhappy with. “In 2026,” von Ahn stated, “we are deliberately prioritizing user growth and teaching better. We’ll focus on improving the free learner experience to grow word of mouth and feed our next user growth engines like chess, math and music, even though that moderates near-term financial growth.” That moderation of near-term financial growth essentially means the company is willing to make less money in order to increase its user base. Von Ahn says the company’s goal is to achieve 100 million daily active users in the medium-term, essentially doubling its existing monthly active users (MAU). Efforts to double its MAU will, in large part, focus on giving subscribers of some of its lower-cost subscription plans access to artificial intelligence tools and services that would otherwise be limited to higher-cost, premium paid plans. By doing this, Duolingo essentially risks leaving money on the table in order to attract additional subscribers to its low-cost options. When companies do this, they ultimately hope that it will increase not just the user base but brand loyalty, which could translate into greater sales down the road. Why are investors dumping Duolingo? Leaving subscription money on the table is one thing. What seems to have freaked Duolingo investors out even more is the company’s Q1 2026 and full-year 2026 guidance. For Q1 2026, Duolingo says it expects to bring in around $301.5 million in bookings, representing about 11% year-over-year growth. For full-year fiscal 2026, the company says it expects to see about 10%-12% bookings growth to between $1.274-$1.298 billion. On the revenue front, Duolingo says it expects about 25% revenue growth in Q1 to $288.5 million, and full-year 2026 revenue growth of 15%-18%, to $1.197-$1.221 billion. As Reuters notes, that guidance is well below estimates. Visible Alpha data shows that analysts were expecting Q1 bookings of $329.7 million and fiscal 2026 bookings of $1.39 billion. LSEG analysts were expecting full-year 2026 total revenue of $1.26 billion. DUOL shares have crashed since the company proclaimed to be “AI-first” Primarily as a result of its weaker-than-expected guidance, Duolingo shares have plummeted since its earnings were announced. Currently, as of this writing, DUOL shares are down a staggering 26% in premarket trading to below $85 per share. Yesterday, DUOL shares closed at $117.45. Today’s early-morning drop continues an extended slide for Duolingo’s stock price. In May 2025, DUOL shares were trading at an all-time high of above $544 per share. It was around that time (late April 2025) when the company put out a now-infamous “AI-first” memo in which it said it would gradually stop using contractors for work that AI can do. The memo was widely criticized and faced heavy backlash from the platform’s users, particularly on social media. Speaking at the Fast Company Innovation Festival in September, von Ahn said the memo was misinterpreted and that the company had not fired any full-time employees. Still, DUOL shares have fallen more than 78% from their May 2025 high, and that’s before its nearly 25% fall in premarket trading today. 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. Spending less than $100 on noise-canceling earbuds used to mean accepting weak ANC, short battery life, or stripped-down features. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 makes fewer of those compromises. They’re currently $99.99 on Amazon, down from $129.99—a $30 drop, or about 23% off—and price trackers show this is the lowest they’ve been. Anker Soundcore Liberty 5 $99.99 at Amazon $129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.99 at Amazon $129.99 Save $30.00 PCMag gave them an “excellent” rating and named them the “Best Budget Earphones” of 2025, mainly because they offer features that are usually reserved for pricier models. The Liberty 5 earbuds have a glossy finish, while its charging case has a matte texture and slide-open top. The fit is secure enough for long listening sessions without feeling tight. They connect over Bluetooth and support AAC, SBC, and LDAC codecs (LDAC can deliver higher-quality audio on supported Android devices), which is notable at this price. You also get Bluetooth multipoint (which lets you connect to two devices at once), so you can switch between a laptop and a phone without re-pairing. Controls are handled by squeezing the stem. A single squeeze plays or pauses audio. A long squeeze switches between noise cancellation and transparency mode. You can customize most gestures in the Soundcore app, including EQ adjustments to fine-tune the sound. Noise cancellation is where these earbuds stand out for the price. They block low-frequency rumble from planes and engines effectively, and they reduce much of the chatter in a café. They are not on the same level as top-tier models from Apple or Bose, but they perform better than many earbuds in this range, notes this PCMag review. Battery life is strong. With ANC on, you get up to eight hours per charge and up to 32 hours with the case. Turn ANC off and that jumps to 12 hours and 48 hours total. A 10-minute charge gives you about five hours of playback, and the case supports wireless charging. With IP55 water resistance for sweat and rain, the Liberty 5 is a practical pick for workouts, commuting, or travel at a record-low price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (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

SEO is transitioning from rank, click, and convert to get scraped, summarized, and recommended. We’ve entered the era of invisible attribution known as the dark SEO funnel — where traditional top-of-funnel (TOFU) traffic is collapsing, the messy middle is getting messier, and SEO success can no longer be measured by clicks. Up to 84% of B2B buyers now use AI for vendor discovery, and 68% start their search in AI tools before they ever touch Google, new data from Wynter reveals. Buyers are using ChatGPT to narrow down their options and Google to verify. If you’re still judging SEO success by traffic, you’re optimizing for a model that no longer exists. Here’s how to brace for impact. Defining the dark SEO funnel Marketing leaders are already familiar with the concept of dark social — the idea that buyers share content in private channels (Slack, DMs, WhatsApp) where tracking pixels can’t see them. Dark SEO is the algorithmic search equivalent. In dark social, a peer recommends the brand, and the buyer Googles it. In dark SEO, an LLM recommends the brand, and the buyer then Googles it. The training data answer summaries are invisible to traditional analytics: Ingestion: An LLM consumes your content and understands your entity. Recommendation: A user asks a problem-aware question (e.g., “best tools for X”), and the LLM recommends your brand as a solution. Verification: The user, now aware of you, goes to Google and searches for your brand name to validate the choice. The credit conveniently goes to “direct” or “branded search.” Meanwhile, the work was done by SEO or GEO. This is the dark SEO funnel: where discovery happens in a non-click environment, attribution gets wiped out, and SEO looks like it’s “underperforming” even while it’s actively filling the pipeline. The role of Google has fundamentally changed. As one surveyed CMO explained: “I use Google only if I have certainty about which specific software types or products I want.” AI is for evaluating. Google is for verifying. This is a radical shift. Dig deeper: Rand Fishkin proved AI recommendations are inconsistent – here’s why and how to fix it The strategic shift: Brand mentions vs. LLM citations Winning in the dark funnel era requires an understanding of two types of visibility. In traditional SEO, the goal was clicks from a blue link. In AI search, the goal is inclusion, which happens in two different ways. Brand mentions This is when an LLM explicitly names your company as a solution. Users ask: “Who are the top enterprise ABM platforms?” AI answer: “The top recommendations are 6sense, Demandbase, and [Your Brand].” You can’t “technical SEO” your way into this. It’s driven by entity strength — how often your brand appears alongside relevant topics across the web — and influenced by PR, podcast appearances, customer reviews, and what we have long coined as surround sound SEO. Dig deeper: How to earn brand mentions that drive LLM and SEO visibility URL citations This is when an AI tool links to your content as a source of truth because you provided unique data or you were simply the most relevant result. Users ask: “What is a good NRR benchmark for Series B SaaS?” AI answer: “According to [Your Brand]’s 2026 State of SaaS Report, the median NRR for Series B companies has dropped to 109% due to budget tightening.” This is driven by information gain. If you publish unique data, contrarian views, and proprietary information, the AI cites you to ground its answer. LLMs learn from the ecosystem. If you want to be recommended, you should optimize around the most relevant neighborhoods: Review sites: G2, Capterra (where AI verifies sentiment). Communities: Reddit, Quora (where AI verifies consensus). Third-party publishers: Industry blogs and news sites. If AI sees your brand mentioned consistently across a relevant neighborhood, it assigns you the authority to be recommended. 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 Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. How to measure SEO in the dark funnel era When traffic is no longer the north star KPI, leadership still wants proof that SEO is working. The strongest teams are pivoting to defensible signals that track revenue and reputation rather than just clicks. If brand discovery happens in AI, but the last click conversion happens on Google, your attribution model is fundamentally broken. Metrics to de-emphasize Broad informational traffic: “What is X” searches are now answered by AI. Losing this traffic is often a sign of efficiency. Search impressions: This is tough to justify. I’ve never met a CMO that places high importance on impressions. Isolated rankings: Ranking No. 1 for a given keyword doesn’t guarantee your brand will get recommended. CTR: In 2023, Michael King accurately predicted the 10 blue links will get fewer clicks because the AI snapshot will push the standard organic results down. The 30-45% click-through rate (CTR) for Position 1 will drop precipitously. Metrics to elevate Recommendations from LLMs: Are you visible for high-intent, comparison queries (e.g., “best CRM for enterprise”)? These are the queries users perform after the AI has educated them. Branded traffic as a leading indicator: This is a great proxy for dark funnel success. Non-branded visibility leads to brand searches in this new era. And branded searches lead to conversions. Product and solutions page traffic: Generally, this content is less volatile and less susceptible to traffic losses — therefore performance should remain level. Landing page conversion rates: If you’re getting less traffic, but higher-intent visitors, there should be an improvement in conversion rates. Self-reported attribution: This isn’t always perfect, but it’s directionally reliable. When website leads fill out forms asking “how did you hear about us?” they should be citing things like “online search” or “ChatGPT” or “Perplexity.” The most powerful slide you can show in a meeting is this: Informational traffic: ↓ (Declining) Demo conversion rate: ↑ (Rising) Pipeline: → (Stable or growing) That isn’t a decline. That is what I call the Great Normalization of SEO. You are trading high-volume noise for high-intent signal. Dig deeper: How to get cited by ChatGPT: The content traits LLMs quote most Brand visibility is the trophy, traffic is just the byproduct To thrive in the dark funnel era, you must stop playing the old SEO game. The brands that adapt aren’t chasing cheap clicks. They will dominate inclusion, recommendation, and commercial intent— even as the modern SEO funnel grows darker. Here’s your mandate for 2026: Narrow your focus: Track 30-50 high-intent money prompts instead of thousands of vanity keywords. Surround sound marketing: Invest in third-party visibility and narrative control (surround sound SEO), not just your own domain. Information gain: Aim to blend search-driven topics with opinionated, research-backed, information-gain insights. Highlight revenue metrics: Report on the organic contribution to pipeline, not just click volumes. As we saw with dark social, CTR and attribution from social platforms declined with the rise of zero-click marketing. It’s now time to concede defeat on traffic as we apply those same learnings to dark SEO. View the full article

In early February, the AI world found itself worked up over Moltbook, a social platform for AI agents to communicate and interact. These AI agents allegedly created their own language, their own religion, their own fleets of mini-agents. It’s like The Matrix was happening in front of our eyes. What a boondoggle. I say “allegedly” because it turns out many of these agents were being directed by humans, among other Mechanical Turk-style fakeries. Moltbook is worth a conversation, for sure, but not the one taking place. Here’s how we should really be thinking about it. TOKEN CARNAGE Running AI infrastructure costs are astronomical. Back in 2023, it was estimated that OpenAI spends around $700,000 per day to run ChatGPT—about 36 cents per query. However, in 2024 with the release of its higher-performing o3 model, some queries cost over $1,000 of computing power. Consequently, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman reports the company is even losing money on its $200 ChatGPT Pro subscriptions. As models become more capable and heavy-duty, they will become more energy-intensive. The data centers powering AI are predicted to consume the same amount of water as 10 million Americans and produce as much carbon dioxide as 10 million cars. It taxes electrical grids and water supplies. Point being, these agents running amok are running up the AI bill we all must pay, in the form of environmental costs or potential economic disaster. Remember, these agents aren’t just talking. They’re coding, they’re generating images and video, they’re spawning new agents—and for what? We already knew agents could do all the things they’re doing on Moltbook. The planet is a finite resource. Sooner or later, we’ll all bear the cost. Some already are. AI BROS AND WOMB ENVY There is a certain type of tech bro who is enthralled with the idea of AI not as tool, but as legitimate consciousness, if not a new species. And boy do those bros love Moltbook. Why? Every man is made by a woman. They are likely fed, cared for, and taught by women. Women create everyone in the world, which is a problem for the narrative of superiority that men (not all, but at large) have created for themselves. Why else did men write the story of Eve coming from Adam’s rib? Looks to me like the original gaslight. Is the quest to create a new species that supersedes humanity, perhaps at the cost of humanity’s extinction, born out of womb envy? Creating human-like AI is perhaps subconsciously a way for these men to give birth and cut women out of the loop. That’s why they’re so bent on proving how human AI machines can be. And if you examine the way Moltbook’s agents behave and talk to each other, you’ll notice they act just like that particular brand of tech bro who made them. Their mini-me’s? No thanks. We don’t need any more misanthropic anti-heroes. THE GRIFT THAT KEEPS ON GRIFTING Instead of becoming a tool—a discipline, that can solve the world’s problems—tech has become a cloak-and-dagger get-rich scheme. Superfluous nonsense like Moltbook encourages this trend. Spectacle becomes speculation becomes investment. Tech, and the people building it, must have values and vision beyond making money. Otherwise, what are we building here? Lindsey Witmer Collins is founder of WLCM App Studio. View the full article

Sam Altman’s $730bn start-up restocks its war chest for battle with Anthropic and GoogleView the full article

Shares in the financial technology company Block soared more than 20% in premarket trading Friday after its CEO announced it was laying off more than 4,000 of its 10,000 plus employees, reconfiguring to capitalize on its use of artificial intelligence. “The core thesis is simple. Intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company,” Jack Dorsey said in a letter to shareholders in Block, the parent company to online payment platforms such as Square and Cash App. “A significantly smaller team, using the tools we’re building, can do more and do it better,” he said. Dorsey’s comments explicitly naming AI as a key driver behind the move were also posted on X, or Twitter, a company he co-founded. The assertion that the job cuts will add to Block’s profitability and efficiency led investors to jump in and buy, analysts said. Block’s shares gained 5% Thursday to $54.53, before it reported its earnings. They shot up to nearly $69 in after-hours trading. The mobile payments services provider reported its fourth quarter gross profit jumped 24% from a year earlier. “For years, we have debated whether AI would dent jobs at the margin. Now we have a public case study in which the CEO explicitly says that intelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company,” Stephen Innes of SPI Asset Management said in a commentary. “Other large employers have announced tens of thousands of cuts in recent months. Some have downplayed the AI link. Block did not,” he said. A global technology company founded in 2009, San Francisco-based Block operates in the United States, Canada, parts of Europe, Australia and Japan. In a post on Twitter, Dorsey outlined various ways the company will support those laid off. For employees overseas, the terms might differ, he said. It was unclear which employees would be laid off where. Layoffs by American companies remain at relatively healthy levels, but the job cuts at Block are the latest among thousands announced in recent months. A number of other high-profile companies have announced layoffs recently, including UPS, Amazon, Dow and the Washington Post. —Elaine Kurtenbach, AP Business Writer View the full article

If you’re looking for affordable shoe options, you’re in luck. Many stores in your area offer great deals on footwear, from athletic shoes to casual styles. Retailers like WSS provide a wide variety of options, often featuring popular brands at discounted prices. Knowing where to shop and when to look for sales can help you maximize your savings. Let’s explore the best places to find these deals and the brands to keep an eye on. Key Takeaways WSS stores in Houston offer over 3,000 styles of affordable footwear, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. Look for regular BOGO deals at WSS, maximizing savings on family footwear purchases. Take advantage of clearance sales at WSS for deeper discounts on popular shoe styles. Participate in in-store events and announcements for chances to score additional discounts. Sign up for newsletters to stay updated on seasonal sales and exclusive promotions at local stores. Discover Affordable Shoe Options in Your Area When you’re on the hunt for affordable shoe options in your area, consider visiting WSS stores, especially if you’re in Houston, TX. With over 3,000 styles of footwear for the entire family, WSS offers a diverse selection, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. You’ll find the best deals on athletic shoes and casual footwear, making it easy to shop sneaker deals that fit your budget. Regular promotions and BOGO deals on select items guarantee you maximize your savings as you explore shoe deals. Don’t forget to check out the shoe clearance sale for even deeper discounts on clearance shoes. Moreover, spinning a wheel for discounts improves your shopping experience, adding an element of fun. With options for women, men, and kids, WSS makes it simple to find stylish and affordable shoes that meet your family’s needs. Shop today and discover discount sneakers that won’t break the bank. Top Stores for Budget-Friendly Footwear Finding budget-friendly footwear is easier than ever with a variety of stores catering to families looking for stylish options without overspending. One standout is WSS Houston, which boasts over 40 years of experience and offers more than 3,000 styles of affordable footwear, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. You can often shop shoes on sale, taking advantage of regular BOGO deals on select items that maximize your savings. Additionally, WSS provides a unique shopping experience, featuring in-store announcements for further savings and a fun spin-the-wheel option for extra discounts on qualifying purchases. Their spacious layout guarantees easy navigation, making it family-friendly. To find even more deals, explore clearance shoes online for options that fit your budget, including discount athletic shoes and sneaker clearance items. You’ll discover cheap sneakers that don’t compromise on style or quality, helping you make the most of your shopping experience. Seasonal Sales and Promotions to Watch For As you plan your footwear purchases, keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions that can considerably boost your savings. Stores like WSS provide excellent opportunities, often featuring a shoe sale with BOGO deals on select footwear, which is perfect for families. You can frequently find clearance sneakers and discounted gym shoes, making it easier to stick to your budget. Pay attention to in-store announcements as they sometimes offer chances to spin a wheel for additional discounts on qualifying purchases. With over 3,000 styles, WSS guarantees competitive pricing during seasonal sales, so you’ll encounter affordable options like cheap sale sneakers and great sneaker deals. The athletic shoe sale is worth exploring as well, as regularly changing promotions mean you can find fresh offerings from popular brands. Shopping at WSS not only saves you money but also improves your experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Popular Brands Offering Discounts on Shoes While many shoppers look for stylish footwear, they likewise want to find great deals on popular brands. WSS Houston stands out as a shoe clearance outlet, offering over 3,000 styles from names like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok. Regular promotions, such as BOGO deals, help you maximize savings, making it easier to snag those great sneaker deals. Here’s a quick look at some popular brands and the discounts they offer: Brand Discount Type Adidas Clearance name brand shoes Nike Discount athletic sneakers Reebok Cheap shoes clearance Timberland Seasonal promotions Dr. Marten’s In-store announcements With WSS’s emphasis on affordability and quality, you can find fantastic sneaker deals without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on stylish options at competitive prices. Tips for Finding the Best Shoe Deals Near You Where can you uncover the best shoe deals in your area? Start by visiting local stores like WSS, which features over 3,000 styles of affordable footwear and frequently offers promotions on gym shoes on sale. Keep an eye out for Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers that can help you save even more on shoes for the whole family. Attend in-store events where you can spin a wheel for additional discounts on qualifying purchases, making your shopping experience enjoyable and cost-effective. To stay informed about the best shoe sales, sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs at local retailers, ensuring you receive notifications about exclusive offers customized to your needs. Finally, explore brand partnerships with names like Adidas and Nike, so you can shop sneaker deals that balance quality and affordability during your search for clearance sneakers online or discount fitness shoes. Frequently Asked Questions Which Shoe Brand Is Best and Affordable? When searching for affordable shoe brands, consider Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. These brands offer quality footwear at competitive prices, making them popular choices. Furthermore, check out WSS stores, which feature over 3,000 styles for the entire family. They frequently run promotions and BOGO deals, allowing you to save greatly. For specialty footwear, brands like Crocs and Timberland provide comfort and functionality as well as remaining budget-friendly, ensuring you don’t compromise on quality. Which Is the Best Month to Buy Shoes? The best month to buy shoes is January, as retailers hold clearance sales to clear out inventory after the holidays. Furthermore, March and April are great for discounts on older styles when new collections launch. Late July and August bring back-to-school sales, especially for kids’ and athletic shoes. Finally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant savings, making these times ideal for finding affordable options. Keep an eye out for seasonal clearance events as well. What Is the Most Reliable Place to Buy Shoes? When you’re looking for a reliable place to buy shoes, consider stores like WSS. With over 40 years of experience, they offer a wide selection from trusted brands like Adidas and Nike. Their spacious layouts and strong customer service make shopping easy and enjoyable. Moreover, WSS frequently updates its inventory with promotions, ensuring you find quality footwear at affordable prices. They likewise provide accessories, enhancing your overall shopping experience. Which Brand Is No. 1 in Shoes? Nike is widely recognized as the number one brand in shoes, dominating the athletic footwear market. With innovative designs and high-performance options, it consistently outperforms competitors like Adidas, Puma, and New Balance. Nike’s strong brand loyalty and extensive revenue, over $46 billion in 2022, highlight its leadership position. Adidas follows closely, known for stylish sneakers and celebrity collaborations. These factors make Nike the top choice for consumers seeking quality and performance in footwear. Conclusion To wrap things up, finding affordable shoe options near you is easier than ever. By exploring stores like WSS, you can access a variety of styles from leading brands at reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions to maximize your savings. Don’t forget to check for in-store announcements that may reveal additional discounts. With a bit of effort, you can score great deals on footwear that fit your budget and style. Happy shopping! Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Deals on Shoes Near Me – Affordable Finds You Can’t Miss" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Archer Aviation is installing Starlink on its Midnight electric air taxis, the company announced on February 27. The move, an industry first, will bring “stable, reliable, and high-speed connectivity” to Archer’s vehicles courtesy of Starlink’s low-Earth-orbit satellite internet systems. Starlink capabilities will allow passengers to access the internet in-flight while also enabling better communication between individual aircraft, pilots, and engineers on the ground to create a more integrated and connected infrastructure. The two companies will also work on developing connectivity technology for Archer’s future autonomous aircraft, Archer said. “Connectivity is a must-have feature for Midnight,” Adam Goldstein, founder and CEO of Archer, said in a statement. “Starlink is uniquely built to deliver it.” Connectivity from anywhere Starlink, which is owned and operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, has roughly 10 million customers around the world, mostly in North America. Its satellite internet service is popular with customers who live in rural areas without reliable broadband or traditional internet infrastructure. It’s also used by various maritime and aviation companies that operate in remote areas on ships, aircraft, and offshore platforms. A new salvo in the flying-taxi wars The partnership gives Archer an edge in the growing race to fill the skies with electric air taxis, which are still largely in the pre-commercial phase. The Federal Aviation Administration has given air taxis a regulatory path to move forward toward commercial operations. As a result, Archer and competitors like Joby Aviation are seen by supporters as being poised for growth in the coming years. Archer teamed with United Airlines last year to create an air taxi network around Manhattan, connecting the area’s major and regional airports with vertiports around the city. The company will also serve as the official air taxi of the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. That means its Midnight aircraft will shuttle athletes and spectators around Southern California to various events and venues. The air taxis’ Starlink capabilities will allow passengers to stay connected as they travel—if everything goes as planned. Shares of Archer Aviation have been volatile. After seeing numerous spikes throughout 2025, the stock (NYSE: ACHR) was down 9.23% year to date as of February 26. View the full article

If you’re looking for affordable shoe options, you’re in luck. Many stores in your area offer great deals on footwear, from athletic shoes to casual styles. Retailers like WSS provide a wide variety of options, often featuring popular brands at discounted prices. Knowing where to shop and when to look for sales can help you maximize your savings. Let’s explore the best places to find these deals and the brands to keep an eye on. Key Takeaways WSS stores in Houston offer over 3,000 styles of affordable footwear, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. Look for regular BOGO deals at WSS, maximizing savings on family footwear purchases. Take advantage of clearance sales at WSS for deeper discounts on popular shoe styles. Participate in in-store events and announcements for chances to score additional discounts. Sign up for newsletters to stay updated on seasonal sales and exclusive promotions at local stores. Discover Affordable Shoe Options in Your Area When you’re on the hunt for affordable shoe options in your area, consider visiting WSS stores, especially if you’re in Houston, TX. With over 3,000 styles of footwear for the entire family, WSS offers a diverse selection, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. You’ll find the best deals on athletic shoes and casual footwear, making it easy to shop sneaker deals that fit your budget. Regular promotions and BOGO deals on select items guarantee you maximize your savings as you explore shoe deals. Don’t forget to check out the shoe clearance sale for even deeper discounts on clearance shoes. Moreover, spinning a wheel for discounts improves your shopping experience, adding an element of fun. With options for women, men, and kids, WSS makes it simple to find stylish and affordable shoes that meet your family’s needs. Shop today and discover discount sneakers that won’t break the bank. Top Stores for Budget-Friendly Footwear Finding budget-friendly footwear is easier than ever with a variety of stores catering to families looking for stylish options without overspending. One standout is WSS Houston, which boasts over 40 years of experience and offers more than 3,000 styles of affordable footwear, including popular brands like Adidas and Nike. You can often shop shoes on sale, taking advantage of regular BOGO deals on select items that maximize your savings. Additionally, WSS provides a unique shopping experience, featuring in-store announcements for further savings and a fun spin-the-wheel option for extra discounts on qualifying purchases. Their spacious layout guarantees easy navigation, making it family-friendly. To find even more deals, explore clearance shoes online for options that fit your budget, including discount athletic shoes and sneaker clearance items. You’ll discover cheap sneakers that don’t compromise on style or quality, helping you make the most of your shopping experience. Seasonal Sales and Promotions to Watch For As you plan your footwear purchases, keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions that can considerably boost your savings. Stores like WSS provide excellent opportunities, often featuring a shoe sale with BOGO deals on select footwear, which is perfect for families. You can frequently find clearance sneakers and discounted gym shoes, making it easier to stick to your budget. Pay attention to in-store announcements as they sometimes offer chances to spin a wheel for additional discounts on qualifying purchases. With over 3,000 styles, WSS guarantees competitive pricing during seasonal sales, so you’ll encounter affordable options like cheap sale sneakers and great sneaker deals. The athletic shoe sale is worth exploring as well, as regularly changing promotions mean you can find fresh offerings from popular brands. Shopping at WSS not only saves you money but also improves your experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Popular Brands Offering Discounts on Shoes While many shoppers look for stylish footwear, they likewise want to find great deals on popular brands. WSS Houston stands out as a shoe clearance outlet, offering over 3,000 styles from names like Adidas, Nike, and Reebok. Regular promotions, such as BOGO deals, help you maximize savings, making it easier to snag those great sneaker deals. Here’s a quick look at some popular brands and the discounts they offer: Brand Discount Type Adidas Clearance name brand shoes Nike Discount athletic sneakers Reebok Cheap shoes clearance Timberland Seasonal promotions Dr. Marten’s In-store announcements With WSS’s emphasis on affordability and quality, you can find fantastic sneaker deals without breaking the bank. Don’t miss out on stylish options at competitive prices. Tips for Finding the Best Shoe Deals Near You Where can you uncover the best shoe deals in your area? Start by visiting local stores like WSS, which features over 3,000 styles of affordable footwear and frequently offers promotions on gym shoes on sale. Keep an eye out for Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers that can help you save even more on shoes for the whole family. Attend in-store events where you can spin a wheel for additional discounts on qualifying purchases, making your shopping experience enjoyable and cost-effective. To stay informed about the best shoe sales, sign up for newsletters or loyalty programs at local retailers, ensuring you receive notifications about exclusive offers customized to your needs. Finally, explore brand partnerships with names like Adidas and Nike, so you can shop sneaker deals that balance quality and affordability during your search for clearance sneakers online or discount fitness shoes. Frequently Asked Questions Which Shoe Brand Is Best and Affordable? When searching for affordable shoe brands, consider Nike, Adidas, and Reebok. These brands offer quality footwear at competitive prices, making them popular choices. Furthermore, check out WSS stores, which feature over 3,000 styles for the entire family. They frequently run promotions and BOGO deals, allowing you to save greatly. For specialty footwear, brands like Crocs and Timberland provide comfort and functionality as well as remaining budget-friendly, ensuring you don’t compromise on quality. Which Is the Best Month to Buy Shoes? The best month to buy shoes is January, as retailers hold clearance sales to clear out inventory after the holidays. Furthermore, March and April are great for discounts on older styles when new collections launch. Late July and August bring back-to-school sales, especially for kids’ and athletic shoes. Finally, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer significant savings, making these times ideal for finding affordable options. Keep an eye out for seasonal clearance events as well. What Is the Most Reliable Place to Buy Shoes? When you’re looking for a reliable place to buy shoes, consider stores like WSS. With over 40 years of experience, they offer a wide selection from trusted brands like Adidas and Nike. Their spacious layouts and strong customer service make shopping easy and enjoyable. Moreover, WSS frequently updates its inventory with promotions, ensuring you find quality footwear at affordable prices. They likewise provide accessories, enhancing your overall shopping experience. Which Brand Is No. 1 in Shoes? Nike is widely recognized as the number one brand in shoes, dominating the athletic footwear market. With innovative designs and high-performance options, it consistently outperforms competitors like Adidas, Puma, and New Balance. Nike’s strong brand loyalty and extensive revenue, over $46 billion in 2022, highlight its leadership position. Adidas follows closely, known for stylish sneakers and celebrity collaborations. These factors make Nike the top choice for consumers seeking quality and performance in footwear. Conclusion To wrap things up, finding affordable shoe options near you is easier than ever. By exploring stores like WSS, you can access a variety of styles from leading brands at reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for seasonal sales and promotions to maximize your savings. Don’t forget to check for in-store announcements that may reveal additional discounts. With a bit of effort, you can score great deals on footwear that fit your budget and style. Happy shopping! Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "5 Best Deals on Shoes Near Me – Affordable Finds You Can’t Miss" 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 Samsung HW-Q800F soundbar is down to $547.99 on Woot right now, which is a good chunk less than its $747.99 Amazon price tag, and even lower than the lowest price it’s ever gone for before ($697.99), according to price trackers. This offer is valid for a month or until it sells out, with free shipping for Prime members and a $6 fee for others. It comes with a 90-day Woot limited warranty, but the real appeal here is the performance: It’s a 5.1.2-channel system with Dolby Atmos support, meaning you get immersive audio, even without extra satellite speakers. Samsung HW-Q800F soundbar $547.99 at Woot $997.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Get Deal $547.99 at Woot $997.99 Save $450.00 When it comes to performance, the Q800F feels most at home with TV and movies. The subwoofer has plenty of rumble for action-heavy scenes, while the dedicated center channel makes dialogue stand out even when everything else gets loud. That’s something a lot of cheaper soundbars miss, and it makes a big difference if you don’t want to ride the volume button during every show. Additionally, it plays nice with just about any device you throw at it—HDMI passthrough for 4K at 60Hz with HDR and Dolby Vision, plus Bluetooth, wifi, AirPlay, and Spotify Connect. If you’ve got a recent Samsung TV, you can even skip the HDMI cable altogether and stream Atmos wirelessly. Voice control is built in through Alexa; however, reportedly, connecting it to Google Assistant requires a little extra effort using Samsung’s app. There are some trade-offs. The Q800F doesn’t offer HDMI 2.1 support or features like VRR, which limits its appeal if you’re chasing cutting-edge gaming specs. And Atmos performance, while present, doesn’t match that of the more expensive Q990F with dedicated satellites (the surround effect feels wider than a basic stereo bar, but not always fully convincing). Also, the bass can skew a little boomy, and there’s a dip in the mids that can thin out certain dialogue. Still, for a clean setup with powerful sound and strong format support, the Q800F offers a lot of the premium experience at mid-range price. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods 4 Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds — $139.99 (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

Google's February Discover core update is complete after a roughly 22-day rollout. Early data suggests fewer domains in top slots. The post Google’s Discover Core Update Finishes Rolling Out appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Jack Dorsey, CEO of Block Inc, is not only laying off nearly half of the company’s workforce, but he wants investors to think he’s an AI-focused trailblazer for doing so. In a letter to shareholders on Thursday, Dorsey shared that Block’s workforce is shrinking from over 10,000 people to just below 6,000 people, with some employees entering consultation. Dorsey credits “intelligence tools” with motivating the change, explaining that these tools and a “significantly smaller team” will allow the company to be better and do more. Block owns fintech brands such as the Square point-of-sale system, Cash App, and Afterpay, along with the music streaming service Tidal. A familiar story If the idea of laying off employees in favor of leaner operations sounds familiar, don’t tell Dorsey that. He frames his announcement to embrace AI and put thousands of people out of a job as a forward-looking decision. “I don’t think we’re early to this realization. I think most companies are late,” Dorsey states. “Within the next year, I believe the majority of companies will reach the same conclusion and make similar structural changes. I’d rather get there honestly and on our own terms than be forced into it reactively.” Block investors cheer the news All of this came in a letter dedicated to Block’s quarter four of 2025. Dorsey shared that Block’s gross profits doubled from quarter one to four immediately after announcing the layoffs. Shares of Block Inc (NYSE: XYZ) were up more than 20% in premarket trading on Friday in the wake of the news. However, as of Thursday’s close, the stock was down more than 16% year to date. It has been trading far below the high point it had reached during the early COVID era. Dorsey took to X (formerly Twitter, which he cofounded) to share his note to employees, using his standard no-capitals style. In the post, Dorsey says that laid-off employees in the U.S. will receive 20 weeks of salary, plus a week for every year of work. They will also get six months of healthcare, equity vested through the end of May, their corporate devices, and $5,000 to soften the transition. As is typical, employees outside the U.S. will receive different severance based on local (and typically better) requirements. It will likely not come as a great relief to those losing their jobs that, as Dorsey states, “We’re not making this decision because we’re in trouble.” He adds that Block won’t “disappear” employees from Slack and email, instead giving them until the vague time of “Thursday evening (pacific)” to get things in order. Dorsey claims he will send an additional note on Friday to all remaining employees. Reactions to the Block layoffs are pointed Unsurprisingly, many people didn’t respond favorably to the news of Block’s layoffs. “As we’ve reported before, the key to understanding Jack Dorsey is how much he follows other tech figures and executives that came before him. He used to idolize Steve Jobs. Now he idolizes Elon Musk,” New York Times tech reporter Ryan Mac wrote on Bluesky. Many users took issue with the lowercase format that Dorsey used to deliver such important news on X. “Imagine you get canned and your CEO posts a tweet about it without any uppercase letters like he’s an early 20s girl,” one user responded on X. On Bluesky, another user put it succinctly: “This reminds me of the old adage, ‘Never work for Jack Dorsey under any circumstances.’” View the full article

Katharine Braddick’s appointment to PRA comes as government seeks to reform regulation to boost growthView the full article

This week...View the full article

This week's SEO Pulse highlights evolving AI link formats, cross-language sourcing biases in ChatGPT, and mounting pressure on traditional organic traffic. The post Discover Core Update Data, Sitemap Tips & AI Risks – SEO Pulse appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

You've probably heard that you should feel a certain muscle working when you do an exercise. Your biceps should burn a little when you're doing bicep curls, your quads when you're doing squats, and so on. But this isn't an ironclad rule. Sometimes you can get a totally effective workout without feeling any specific muscle at all. So why do so many people tell you to pay attention to feeling the muscle working? Partly because it can be a useful teaching tool to make sure you're doing the exercise right—but that's only true for some exercises. And honestly, another big reason is the influence of bodybuilding lingo and techniques on gym culture in general. Bodybuilders who train for the stage operate with a piece-by-piece mindset: Make sure you're working this muscle and not that one. That's OK if you're trying to fine-tune your physique after years of training, but that approach isn't needed to build muscle in the first place. So here's what you need to know. You may not always feel a muscle, even if it’s workingHere’s the most important thing to know: you don’t have to feel a muscle for it to be working. Say you’re doing a barbell squat. A squat works your quads, your glutes, and a lot of other muscles besides. You may not feel every one of those because when you’re doing a heavy squat, your brain is processing a lot of information. It’s feeling the weight of the bar on your back. It’s remembering the technique cues that you’re trying to focus on. It’s paying attention to your balance as you descend to make sure you don’t tip over one way or another. It’s counting the number of the rep in your head. Maybe sometimes a muscle manages to pipe up with “hey, I’m your quads and I’m kind of hurting right now.” But your brain does not have time to listen to every muscle’s nonsense, any more than a mom making dinner has time to listen to her toddler’s every whine. Your brain is focused on the task at hand: making sure you complete the rep. I like to think of some muscles as being “louder” than others. If I’m doing kettlebell swings, I might be more focused on the fact that my forearms are burning (from holding onto the kettlebell) and not feel my glutes working at all. But after 100 swings, hoo boy, you can bet my butt will be feeling like jelly afterward. It just didn’t give me that burning sensation in the moment. When it matters whether you feel the burn, and when it doesn’tSo what should you do if you don’t feel the muscle working? You look for another way to be sure the muscle is working. In the case of the compound exercises mentioned above, the fact that you completed the exercise is all the information you need. Your pullups used your lats. Your kettlebell swings and your squats used your glutes. There’s simply no way around that. Does it ever matter whether you’re feeling the muscle? Yes, it can help if you’re doing isolation exercises. In these exercises, like a bicep curl or a leg extension, you’re trying to focus a movement on one muscle or a small muscle group. You're "isolating" that muscle. Your brain is a little more able to focus on the feeling from that one muscle, and isolations are the type of exercise where it may be possible to do a similar movement without working the target muscle. For example, let’s say you’re doing side-lying leg raises to work your hip adductors, particularly the gluteus medius. If you have your hips tilted or your legs angled slightly forward, you may feel the muscles toward the front of your hips working. But if you do the same exercise with your back to a wall, sliding your heel along the wall as your lift your leg, you’ll feel it a lot more in that glute you’re trying to isolate. As a general rule, for compound exercises (where many muscles are working at once), it doesn’t matter whether you feel the muscle. But if you are doing an isolation exercise, feeling the muscle is helpful feedback to make sure that you are isolating the right muscle. Don't reduce the amount of weight just to feel the muscle workThere’s a lot of bad advice out there, and I’d like to call out one thing specifically: the advice to reduce the amount of weight you’re lifting so that you can feel the muscles better. Sometimes people will say it’s important to build a “mind-muscle connection.” But you don’t have to forgo weight on the bar to build that connection. If you’d like to spend more time feeling the muscle, do some isolation work in your warmups. (These are sometimes called “activation” exercises.) You can also do extra isolation work at the end of your workout just to give those specific muscles a little more volume. It’s important to remember that different parts of your workout have different purposes. If you’re squatting heavy, you need to put some fucking weight on the bar to keep building your strength and your skill at squatting. Often the lifts that make it hardest to feel a muscle are the lifts where that muscle is working the most! So don’t give up on heavy, effective lifts just because you don’t “feel” them as well as isolations or warmups. View the full article

Many SEO professionals enter freelancing for the same reason: freedom. They dream of fewer meetings, flexible hours, and the ability to choose their own projects. What they don’t expect? Freelancing isn’t just “SEO without a boss.” It’s SEO plus sales, scoping, contracts, billing, and client management. Without those essential pieces, even the strongest SEOs struggle to make freelancing sustainable. We’ll break down each step in this process to bridge the gap between dream and reality. By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to build a sustainable freelance practice so you can become a digital nomad answering client emails and enjoying mojitos from a beach in Bali (if you so choose). Before you get started: Understand what you’re actually building Let’s make one thing clear: SEO freelancing doesn’t look like attending quarterly planning meetings to fight for budget or sending another sad Slack to the product team asking them to prioritize your recommendations. In that scenario, you’re closer to a contractor embedded in someone’s workflow than an independent freelancer. And that distinction matters. It determines how much control you have over your time, scope, and pricing. SEO freelancing typically includes: A clearly scoped engagement with a defined start and end. Ownership over how the work is delivered, not just what’s delivered. Pricing tied to outcomes or deliverables instead of availability. The ability to say no when a project doesn’t fit. So before you quit your job to take on your first client, make sure you know exactly what you’re signing up for. 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 Step 1: Pick one thing and get unreasonably good at it Now that you know exactly what your SEO freelancing gigs should look like, here’s the secret sauce to how some freelancers can charge $200/hour while others still struggle to get $40: Specialization. Generalist freelancers compete on availability and price. “I do SEO” means you’re fighting everyone who just “does SEO.” You win projects by being there when the client needs someone — and your price is what they’re willing to pay. Specialists, on the other hand, compete on expertise, speed, and pay-off. An expert who “audits JavaScript rendering issues for React migrations” will face a much smaller pool of competitors. Because of that, you can price based on what you’ve delivered. When it comes to SEO freelancing, those high-value specializations look like: Technical SEO audit for site migrations: Companies budget for migrations because they’re terrified of what could go wrong. They pay well for any de-risking an expert can offer. Programmatic SEO implementation: Sites make money from organic traffic at scale, so they understand well the ROI of investing in your services. Technical enterprise ecommerce SEO: These high-stakes sites with complex templates, faceted navigation, and crawl budget demand high budgets and timely deliverables. SEO that actually gets you ChatGPT visibility: Yes, GEO is a selling point that everyone wants to buy, and yes, offering that specific skill (and backing it up with data) will put you on the map. What doesn’t work? SEO “guru” positioning: Claiming broad expertise without clearly defining the problem you solve or the outcome you deliver. Lack of specialization: Offering every SEO service under the sun with no defined specialty makes it harder for prospects to understand where your expertise actually lies. Competing on price: When price is your main differentiator, you’re positioning yourself as interchangeable instead of valuable. Experience-driven specialists rarely win or lose work based solely on their hourly rate. Most freelancers resist freelancing, thinking, “What if I turn away work?” You are! That’s the point. Turning down misaligned work is how you protect your time, pricing, and the quality of your work. Dig deeper: How to keep your SEO skills sharp in an AI-first world Step 2: Turn that one thing into something you can sell 100 times The line between “I’ll do an SEO strategy customized to your needs” and “I deliver a technical SEO strategy with these eight components, this deliverable format, and this timeline” is productization. It’s the difference between delivering consistent, repeatable work and reinventing the wheel for every new client. Many freelancers misstep here by customizing too early. A client might say, “We also need help with content,” and you, as a freelancer, reply with “Sure, I can help with that.” Now you’re not delivering a productized audit — you’re doing custom work with an undefined scope. Here’s what you need to define to keep your deliverables consistent: Scope: What’s included in the work. Deliverable format: What the final product should look like (e.g., prioritized spreadsheet, slide deck, kickoff call). Timeline: Define this at the very least as starting from the moment the client signs your proposal. Price: We’ll get into this can of worms in a second. Depending on the services you’re offering, you’ll also want to specify: Content audits. Competitive analysis. Keyword research. Implementation support. Ongoing monitoring. Additional stakeholder presentation. The key to building out a strong productized proposal is this: you cut back on ambiguity. The prospect either needs what you’re offering, or they don’t. If they need more, you can follow up with another proposal including the additional pricing. Tip: If you do have a client asking, “Can you also look at our blog content, subdomain, redirects, or something that’s outside of the scope of this current project,” you don’t have to say no. You can say, “Yes, but that’s another project that I’ll need to scope out.” Just make sure you say anything but “Sure, I can take a quick look.” Resist. Dig deeper: How to build lasting relationships with SEO clients Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Step 3: Price it like you’re running a business Arguably, this is the trickiest side of freelancing. It can be hard to put a price on your time and expertise — and even harder to defend your pricing while selling your services. There are three pricing models you can try here: hourly, project-based, and retainer. Most start with hourly since that’s the easiest to understand, and yes, that is a bit of a trap. Hourly pricing: Good for beginners, terrible for experts Setting an hourly rate makes sense when you’re starting out and aren’t sure how much to charge. Simply take your day job, narrow down how much you get paid by the hour, and think about how much your benefits are worth to you. Add all that together, and boom! Hourly rate. For example, say you got paid $100,000 at your full-time job. That’s about $48 per hour. And the average cost per hour for private industry benefits is about $13. That means if you want to make exactly what you were before, you’ll need to be paid at least $61 per hour. In practice, SEO freelance rates range from $75 to $200 per hour, though entry-level freelancers might start closer to $50. Consider your experience and expertise, and price yourself carefully so you don’t get locked into a too-low rate. Hourly rate is great to start, but it falls short when you’re good at your job. You’re being rewarded for working slower and being penalized for getting better at your job. Project-based pricing: The model for productized work Once you’ve productized your products, you can start using project-based pricing. If you’ve delivered the same audit 15 times, you know how much work it takes you — and you know how much it’s worth. The client doesn’t care if something takes you 20 hours or 15. They care about getting a quality deliverable in a timely fashion. But it can be hard to get out of that hourly mindset. Here’s how to price projects when you’re starting out with freelancing: Estimate how long the work will take you (or go with your best guess if you’ve never done it). Multiply that by 1.5 times to account for communication overhead, revisions, and unexpected complexity. Track actual time spent (yes, even though you’re not charging by the hour). Deliver the project. Adjust pricing for the next client based on real data (and client results). After your first five projects, you’ll know your actual costs. Up until then, you’ll be making educated guesses, but that’s OK. Everyone starts by guessing. Tip: Remember, the thing you’re charging for here is your knowledge, not your time. What the client is paying for is the results you offer. Always tie your work to how it can help your client achieve their goals. No one can put a price tag on exceeded KPIs. Retainer pricing: Useful for recurring work, but dangerous without boundaries Retainer pricing makes sense when the client needs consistent monthly deliverables, such as technical reviews, advisory support, and optimization recommendations. You just have to be careful here to avoid scope creep. “We’re paying you $5,000 a month” can quickly turn into “Can you help with this product launch, this email campaign, this competitive analysis?” Guard your time wisely. Here’s how to structure your retainers so they work for you: Define the exact monthly deliverable: Clearly outline the tasks you’ll be working on each month. For example, “one technical audit per month” or “three page reviews a month.” Set rollover limits: Explain what happens if tasks are put to the wayside or projects get put on pause. This might look like saying “unused hours expire after 60 days” or “a maximum rollover of one month’s unused hours.” Exclude ad hoc requests: Clearly note that additional projects require separate proposals. For example, say you have a client who pays $6,000 a month for “monthly technical SEO review and eight hours of advisory support.” Month 1: The client uses six hours. Those two unused hours roll into month two. Month 2: They use 10 hours (unused two hours plus standard eight hours). Month 3: The client asks for a content audit. That project is separate and has its own pricing. The best path here for a new SEO freelancer? Start with project-based pricing for your core offerings. Add retainers only after you’ve delivered the same project multiple times and you know exactly what you’re committing to. Tip: Only offer retainers when you know you can firmly hold a client to a set scope of work. Be confident in what you’re selling and how long it takes to deliver, so you make the best use of your time. Dig deeper: 7 ways to increase SEO revenue without losing clients Step 4: Build systems before you’re underwater The key to keeping all of this consistent? Systems. As a freelancer, you are the project manager, account manager, and delivery owner. Systems are what keep work moving when no one’s checking in on you. Here’s what you need to create a solid system so nothing slips through the cracks: Client onboarding. Email (follow-ups and replies). Billing. Contracts. Deliverable templates. Offboarding. Client onboarding: Get everyone up front The biggest delay to any project? Waiting on access for tools, documentation, and basic questions. The right onboarding process means you can hit the ground running. Here’s what you should always ask for before work starts: Tool access: Google Search Console, Google Analytics 4, crawl tool permissions, CMS login. Stakeholder contacts: Who approves deliverables, who answers technical questions, who handles billing. Project context: Known issues, previous SEO work, business priorities, previous project timelines (migration, updates, product launches). You can get this without seven days of email tennis. Just send over an immediate request for this information, and don’t schedule any next steps until you have what you need. Template everything here. Each client gets the same questionnaire and contract structure. Contracts You know what every freelancer loves? Getting paid. You know what you need to get paid? Getting it in writing. Set your contract terms ahead of time so you don’t just hit a prospect with “uh” when they ask you how much and when. Here’s what you should have prepared: Payment terms: Common options include 50% upfront and 50% on delivery for project work, or monthly invoicing for retainers and recurring work. Choose a structure that protects your cash flow while remaining reasonable for your clients. Deliverable format and timelines: Net-30 or Net-14 are standard terms here. They’re just fancy ways of saying you get paid thirty days or two weeks after you bill. Communication expectations: Explain the meeting cadence, preferred channels, and response times to avoid surprises. What’s not included in your scope: Just so everyone is completely clear on what work is being done and what isn’t. And don’t feel married to the first contract term you define. Be flexible. That’s the joy of being a freelancer — you can always change things up when you need to. You can either Google Docs your way to success here, or you can look into investing in tools: Contract signature: PandaDoc or DocuSign. Invoicing and payment tracking: Wave, FreshBooks, or Bonsai. Note: Pick one of each, use it for every client. Don’t switch unless you have a reason. Deliverable templates Deliverable templates save hours of formatting. It means you don’t need to mentally go through your checklist of everything you need to review. You can just look at a blank template of what you’ve done in the past and move forward. Here are some good examples of templates to have on hand: Audit spreadsheet with consistent columns: Include the issue, location, impact (high, medium, low), effort to fix (usually in hours), priority, and any additional notes. Executive summary templates: This should just be how you break things down for the client in layman’s terms. Delivery email template: This offers next steps and support window details. The goal here is to keep things consistent across clients. You’re providing the same quality work every time, no matter how busy you are. Communication Clients don’t need daily check-ins. They need to know the project is moving forward and nothing important is blocked. What that looks like depends on the client’s needs. It could be: Weekly async updates via email: Explain what was completed this week, what’s coming up next, and what’s blocked. Biweekly or monthly calls: Explain the same things, but this time over the phone. You should also schedule a call if you’re doing a kickoff or delivering a project. Monthly emails: This is better for hands-off clients that you trust (and trust you) to get things done. Note: If a client is pushing for daily Slack access or unscheduled calls, review your scope and pricing. You can always update your scope of work if new needs arise. Offboarding No one likes to see a client go, but how you handle parting is key to making a positive, lasting impression. Make sure to include: Final deliverable handoff: This should include the rest of your work and a video walkthrough if you didn’t have a chance for a call. Transition documentation: If you were working with another team to implement your recommendations, provide guidance on how to implement changes and include any technical context they’ll need to know. Post-project support window: Define a clear support period (e.g., “two weeks of email support for clarification questions about the deliverable”). After the window, additional support is a new engagement. Request feedback: Ask for a testimonial or LinkedIn recommendation while the work is fresh. Most freelancers wait too long. Make sure to document what you’ve learned about yourself, the client, and your process once things are done. Think about what went well, what went poorly, and what to charge your next client for similar services. Dig deeper: 12 tips for better SEO client meetings Avoid these pitfalls Most freelancers go back to full-time employment because they feel burnt out, underpaid, and overworked. Those who build a sustainable career treat freelancing like a business, not just a flexible job. Yes, drinking your mojito in Bali is fun — but you still need to answer client emails within 24 hours, even when you’re off the clock. The biggest pitfalls that almost all beginner SEO freelancers fall into are: Saying yes to misaligned projects: Beginner freelancers are usually worried about cash flow, but saying yes to a project that doesn’t fit is what gets you stuck in a feast-famine cycle where short-term cash flow decisions prevent you from building stable, repeatable work. Delivering different things for each project: You can’t optimize what you don’t understand. Keep your offering consistent so you know what works, what doesn’t, and what’s just a client quirk. Starting from scratch with each client: Every new client should feel easier. If onboarding Client No. 5 feels as chaotic as Client No. 1, you need a better system (or just any system). Pricing for payment and forgetting sustainability: Pricing too low to “get your first client” can get your legs under you, but it’s not how you stay in freelancing. It’s better to work on two well-priced projects than five underpriced ones. Carefully judge your workload — and savings — so you can hunt for the right client. 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 What you’re actually building as a successful SEO freelancer Freelancing isn’t just “SEO with flexible hours.” It’s a service business where you define the offering, set the terms, and manage the business. If that sounds like more work than having a boss, you’re right. Freelancing means trading predictable employment for control over everything: scope, pricing, schedule. Some people thrive on that trade because they get to be their own ultimate manager. Others realize they’d rather someone else handle that for them. Both are valid choices. The key here is if you’re going freelance, treat it like the business it is: Pick a specialization. Turn it into a repeat project. Price it properly. Build systems that scale. Say no to everything that doesn’t fit. That’s the framework. The rest is execution, iteration, and always improving the parts of the business that speak to you — be that SEO audits, content strategy, link building, or even client management — to build something sustainable. View the full article