ResidentialBusiness

18 year old, publicly traded education technology company, Chegg, has sued Google over its AI Overviews and how it has hurt their traffic and revenue. Chegg has "filed a complaint against Google, which has unjustly retained traffic that has historically come to Chegg, impacting our acquisitions, revenue and employees," said Nathan Schultz, CEO of Chegg.View the full article

Struggling with Google not indexing your pages? Learn how to address crawling issues and build stand-alone pages for better visibility. The post Ask An SEO: Why Is Google Not Indexing My Pages? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google is testing opening the normally closed/collapsed AI Answer box. Meaning, normally you need to manually tap to expand the answer, here Google is testing opening these boxes by default, without you needing to click expand.View the full article

What is a virtual assistant? Who is hiring them? Why does a business owner need one? Becoming a Virtual Assistant is a great fit for an entrepreneur with excellent organizational skills and tech-savvy. In this article, we’ll detail the key skills necessary for a virtual assistant job, the types of businesses that need virtual assistants, and the pathways you can take to become a virtual assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant is a professional who assists businesses with a wide range of tasks while communicating and handling their work remotely. They can serve a huge range of businesses and organizations, including the following: Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs: Those who operate their own businesses frequently employ virtual assistants to manage administrative tasks, customer service, and various other responsibilities. This delegation enables them to concentrate on their primary business activities. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs may lack the resources to hire full-time administrative staff, making virtual assistants a cost-effective solution for managing day-to-day operations, customer support, and other tasks. Startups: As startups grow, they frequently need flexible and scalable support services. Virtual assistants can help with a range of tasks, including data entry, social media management, and administrative support, enabling startups to operate efficiently while staying within tight budgets. Online Businesses: E-commerce businesses, digital marketing agencies, bloggers, and other online ventures often rely on virtual assistants to manage tasks such as content creation, social media management, email marketing, and customer support. Consulting Firms: Consulting firms often employ virtual assistants to assist consultants with various administrative duties, client communications, research, and project management. This support enables consultants to concentrate on providing high-value services to their clients. Real Estate: Real estate agents and property management companies often enlist virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing listings, coordinating showings, and providing customer support. Legal and Accounting Professionals: Law firms, accounting firms, and individual practitioners may utilize virtual assistants to assist with administrative tasks, client communications, document preparation, and research, enabling professionals to focus on delivering legal and financial services. Healthcare Practices: Virtual assistants can support healthcare professionals such as doctors, therapists, and medical consultants by managing appointments, handling patient inquiries, maintaining medical records, and performing other administrative tasks. Coaches and Consultants: Coaches, consultants, and trainers often hire virtual assistants to manage their schedules, handle client communications, assist with marketing efforts, and provide general administrative support. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and staff. Virtual assistants can support nonprofit organizations by assisting with fundraising efforts, donor communications, event planning, and administrative tasks. These are just a few examples, but the demand for virtual assistants spans across virtually every industry and business sector where there is a need for administrative support and specialized services. Virtual Assistant Skills Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks. So, various skills are beneficial for those entering this industry. Here are some of the most important: Scheduling Appointments This skill involves efficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability. Data Entry Data entry involves accurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data. Administrative Tasks Administrative tasks encompass a wide range of duties, such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients to streamline their operations. Social Media Management Social media management entails the creation and curation of content, interaction with followers, scheduling of posts, and analysis of metrics to ensure a robust online presence for clients on different social media platforms. Calendar Management Calendar management entails maintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients’ calendars are organized and optimized for efficiency. File Management File management involves the systematic organization and maintenance of digital files, folders, and documents, making sure that information is easily retrievable and securely stored. Marketing Tasks Marketing tasks involve assisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking marketing analytics to support client’s promotional efforts. Customer Service Customer service skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Skill/ResponsibilityDescriptionKey Components Scheduling AppointmentsEfficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability.- Calendar coordination - Meeting setup - Time management Data EntryAccurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data.- Typing accuracy - Database management - Information organization Administrative TasksEncompassing a wide range of duties such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients.- Email management - File organization - Correspondence drafting Social Media ManagementCreating and curating content, engaging with followers, scheduling posts, and analyzing metrics to maintain a strong online presence for clients.- Content creation - Audience engagement - Metrics analysis Calendar ManagementMaintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients' calendars are organized and optimized.- Schedule optimization - Reminder setup - Appointment coordination File ManagementOrganizing and maintaining digital files, folders, and documents in a systematic and accessible manner, ensuring easy retrieval and secure storage.- Document organization - Secure storage - Easy retrieval Marketing TasksAssisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking analytics.- Market research - Content creation - Campaign management Customer ServiceEffectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner.- Communication skills - Issue resolution - Client satisfaction Key Responsibilities of a Virtual Assistant The role of a Virtual Assistant (VA) can vary widely depending on the needs of the clients they serve and the industries they work in. Generally, a Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, often from a home office. Here’s an overview of the spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs available: Administrative Support: Managing emails, calendars, and appointments. Handling correspondence and communication with clients or stakeholders. Data entry and organization. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Making travel arrangements and managing itineraries. Providing customer support and managing inquiries. Personal Assistance: Providing support with personal tasks, including scheduling appointments, making reservations, and managing household expenses. Handling personal correspondence and managing social media accounts. Researching products, services, or travel options. Managing personal projects such as event planning or home organization. Technical Support: Providing technical assistance with software applications, websites, or online tools. Managing databases or CRM systems. Performing basic website maintenance tasks like updating content or plugins. Assisting with troubleshooting technical issues. Creative Support: Designing graphics or visual content for websites, social media, or marketing materials. Writing and editing content for blogs, newsletters, or marketing campaigns. Assisting with social media management, including content creation and scheduling. Video editing or audio transcription. Specialized Services: Offering niche services such as bookkeeping, transcription, translation, or legal assistance. Providing virtual event coordination or project management services. Offering coaching or consulting services in specific areas of expertise. The spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs is broad, and virtual assistant companies often tailor their services to match their skills and interests with the needs of their clients. Some may specialize in one area, while others may offer a combination of services to serve a diverse client base. How to Become a Virtual Assistant If you’re interested in learning how to start a virtual assistant business, either on your own or with a team, read on for a detailed list of steps. Steps to Become a Virtual Assistant: Assess Your Skills and Interests: Assess your skills, strengths, and interests to pinpoint the services you can provide as a virtual assistant. Recognize the areas where you excel, including administrative tasks, social media management, or technical support. Acquire Necessary Skills and Training: Take courses or obtain certifications in relevant areas to enhance your skills and knowledge. Consider taking a virtual assistant course in administrative support, digital marketing, customer service, or specialized software tools commonly used by virtual assistants. Build a Professional Online Presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your skills, services, and experience. Develop a strong online presence to attract potential clients and establish credibility in the virtual assistant industry. Define Your Services and Pricing Structure: Determine the services you will offer as a virtual assistant, such as administrative support, social media management, or specialized tasks. Define your pricing structure based on the complexity of services, your level of expertise, and market rates. Market Your Services: Utilize online marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email campaigns to promote your virtual assistant services. Network with potential clients, join online communities, and leverage freelancing platforms to find clients. Establish Client Relationships: Build relationships with clients by providing high-quality services, communicating effectively, and meeting their needs. Maintain professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Set Up Efficient Work Systems: Establish efficient work systems and tools to manage tasks, projects, and client communications effectively. Use project management software, time-tracking tools, and communication platforms to streamline workflows and stay organized. Continuously Improve and Adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve your skills and stay competitive as a virtual assistant. Adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the virtual assistant market to grow your business. Starting a Virtual Assistant Business with Employees: Hire Experienced Virtual Assistants: Hire virtual assistants who possess varied skills and expertise to provide clients with a broad array of services. Seek candidates with relevant experience, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each virtual assistant based on their skills and strengths. Assign tasks and projects according to their expertise to maximize efficiency and productivity. Establish Communication and Collaboration Tools: Set up communication and collaboration tools such as messaging apps, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among virtual assistants. Implement Quality Control Measures: Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency and accuracy in the services provided by virtual assistants. Develop standard operating procedures, provide training and feedback, and monitor performance to maintain high-quality standards. Provide Ongoing Support and Development: Support the professional development of virtual assistants by offering training, resources, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to help virtual assistants excel in their roles. Scale Your Business: As your virtual assistant business grows, consider expanding your team and diversifying your services to meet the evolving needs of clients. Continuously assess market demand, identify growth opportunities, and scale your business strategically. Maintain a Positive Company Culture: Foster a positive company culture and a sense of community among virtual assistants, even though they may work remotely. Encourage collaboration, recognition, and open communication to create a supportive and productive work environment. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Cost-effectiveness, scalability, flexibility, access to diverse skills and expertise, increased productivity, time savings, and the ability to focus on core business activities. Tools and Technology for Virtual Assistants Virtual assistants utilize a variety of productivity apps, including Trello and Asana, as well as communication tools like Slack and Zoom. They also employ project management software such as Basecamp, time tracking tools, cloud storage services, and virtual meeting platforms. Main Challenges Faced by Virtual Assistants Balancing the demands of multiple clients, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, overcoming communication barriers, managing different time zones, addressing client turnover, and keeping up with technology and industry trends are all essential challenges. Future of Jobs in the Virtual Assistant Field Continued growth and demand for virtual assistants due to remote work trends, advancements in technology, and the increasing need for flexible support services across industries. Value of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Outsourcing non-core tasks to virtual assistants allows businesses to focus on strategic initiatives, increase efficiency, leverage specialized skills, and more effectively adapt to changing business needs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4FxxkMC360A%3Fsi%3DeFj14rKNUss61jER FAQs: What is a Virtual Assistant What is a Pinterest Virtual Assistant? A Pinterest virtual assistant is a virtual assistant specializing in managing Pinterest accounts for businesses or individuals. They help clients create and curate content, optimize pins for engagement, and grow their presence on the platform to drive traffic and sales. What Qualifications Necessary to Become a Virtual Assistant? Qualifications for a VA vary depending on the services offered, but common qualifications include strong communication skills, proficiency in relevant software/tools, organizational abilities, attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. What is a Typical Virtual Assistant Salary? The salary range for virtual assistants can vary widely based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and the services provided. So, how much do virtual assistants make per hour? On average, virtual assistants may earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, with some highly experienced or specialized VAs commanding higher rates. How has Virtual Assistant Hiring Changed With Technology? Technology has transformed the VA position by enabling virtual assistants to work remotely and collaborate with clients worldwide. Advancements in communication tools, project management software, and automation have increased efficiency and expanded the scope of virtual assistant services offered by virtual assistants. Additionally, the rise of AI and machine learning may lead to the automation of certain tasks, prompting virtual assistants to adapt by focusing on higher-value services that require human creativity and judgment. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is a Virtual Assistant?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is a virtual assistant? Who is hiring them? Why does a business owner need one? Becoming a Virtual Assistant is a great fit for an entrepreneur with excellent organizational skills and tech-savvy. In this article, we’ll detail the key skills necessary for a virtual assistant job, the types of businesses that need virtual assistants, and the pathways you can take to become a virtual assistant. What is a Virtual Assistant? A virtual assistant is a professional who assists businesses with a wide range of tasks while communicating and handling their work remotely. They can serve a huge range of businesses and organizations, including the following: Entrepreneurs and Solopreneurs: Those who operate their own businesses frequently employ virtual assistants to manage administrative tasks, customer service, and various other responsibilities. This delegation enables them to concentrate on their primary business activities. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs): SMEs may lack the resources to hire full-time administrative staff, making virtual assistants a cost-effective solution for managing day-to-day operations, customer support, and other tasks. Startups: As startups grow, they frequently need flexible and scalable support services. Virtual assistants can help with a range of tasks, including data entry, social media management, and administrative support, enabling startups to operate efficiently while staying within tight budgets. Online Businesses: E-commerce businesses, digital marketing agencies, bloggers, and other online ventures often rely on virtual assistants to manage tasks such as content creation, social media management, email marketing, and customer support. Consulting Firms: Consulting firms often employ virtual assistants to assist consultants with various administrative duties, client communications, research, and project management. This support enables consultants to concentrate on providing high-value services to their clients. Real Estate: Real estate agents and property management companies often enlist virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing listings, coordinating showings, and providing customer support. Legal and Accounting Professionals: Law firms, accounting firms, and individual practitioners may utilize virtual assistants to assist with administrative tasks, client communications, document preparation, and research, enabling professionals to focus on delivering legal and financial services. Healthcare Practices: Virtual assistants can support healthcare professionals such as doctors, therapists, and medical consultants by managing appointments, handling patient inquiries, maintaining medical records, and performing other administrative tasks. Coaches and Consultants: Coaches, consultants, and trainers often hire virtual assistants to manage their schedules, handle client communications, assist with marketing efforts, and provide general administrative support. Nonprofit Organizations: Nonprofits often operate with limited resources and staff. Virtual assistants can support nonprofit organizations by assisting with fundraising efforts, donor communications, event planning, and administrative tasks. These are just a few examples, but the demand for virtual assistants spans across virtually every industry and business sector where there is a need for administrative support and specialized services. Virtual Assistant Skills Virtual assistants can handle a wide range of tasks. So, various skills are beneficial for those entering this industry. Here are some of the most important: Scheduling Appointments This skill involves efficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability. Data Entry Data entry involves accurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data. Administrative Tasks Administrative tasks encompass a wide range of duties, such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients to streamline their operations. Social Media Management Social media management entails the creation and curation of content, interaction with followers, scheduling of posts, and analysis of metrics to ensure a robust online presence for clients on different social media platforms. Calendar Management Calendar management entails maintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients’ calendars are organized and optimized for efficiency. File Management File management involves the systematic organization and maintenance of digital files, folders, and documents, making sure that information is easily retrievable and securely stored. Marketing Tasks Marketing tasks involve assisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking marketing analytics to support client’s promotional efforts. Customer Service Customer service skills are essential for effectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Skill/ResponsibilityDescriptionKey Components Scheduling AppointmentsEfficiently managing calendars, coordinating meetings, and scheduling appointments according to client preferences and availability.- Calendar coordination - Meeting setup - Time management Data EntryAccurately inputting and updating information into databases, spreadsheets, or other systems, ensuring the integrity and organization of data.- Typing accuracy - Database management - Information organization Administrative TasksEncompassing a wide range of duties such as managing emails, organizing files, drafting correspondence, and providing general support to clients.- Email management - File organization - Correspondence drafting Social Media ManagementCreating and curating content, engaging with followers, scheduling posts, and analyzing metrics to maintain a strong online presence for clients.- Content creation - Audience engagement - Metrics analysis Calendar ManagementMaintaining and updating schedules, setting reminders, coordinating appointments, and ensuring that clients' calendars are organized and optimized.- Schedule optimization - Reminder setup - Appointment coordination File ManagementOrganizing and maintaining digital files, folders, and documents in a systematic and accessible manner, ensuring easy retrieval and secure storage.- Document organization - Secure storage - Easy retrieval Marketing TasksAssisting with various marketing activities such as market research, content creation, email campaigns, social media marketing, and tracking analytics.- Market research - Content creation - Campaign management Customer ServiceEffectively communicating with clients and addressing their inquiries, concerns, or requests in a professional and timely manner.- Communication skills - Issue resolution - Client satisfaction Key Responsibilities of a Virtual Assistant The role of a Virtual Assistant (VA) can vary widely depending on the needs of the clients they serve and the industries they work in. Generally, a Virtual Assistant provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, often from a home office. Here’s an overview of the spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs available: Administrative Support: Managing emails, calendars, and appointments. Handling correspondence and communication with clients or stakeholders. Data entry and organization. Creating and maintaining spreadsheets, documents, and presentations. Making travel arrangements and managing itineraries. Providing customer support and managing inquiries. Personal Assistance: Providing support with personal tasks, including scheduling appointments, making reservations, and managing household expenses. Handling personal correspondence and managing social media accounts. Researching products, services, or travel options. Managing personal projects such as event planning or home organization. Technical Support: Providing technical assistance with software applications, websites, or online tools. Managing databases or CRM systems. Performing basic website maintenance tasks like updating content or plugins. Assisting with troubleshooting technical issues. Creative Support: Designing graphics or visual content for websites, social media, or marketing materials. Writing and editing content for blogs, newsletters, or marketing campaigns. Assisting with social media management, including content creation and scheduling. Video editing or audio transcription. Specialized Services: Offering niche services such as bookkeeping, transcription, translation, or legal assistance. Providing virtual event coordination or project management services. Offering coaching or consulting services in specific areas of expertise. The spectrum of Virtual Assistant jobs is broad, and virtual assistant companies often tailor their services to match their skills and interests with the needs of their clients. Some may specialize in one area, while others may offer a combination of services to serve a diverse client base. How to Become a Virtual Assistant If you’re interested in learning how to start a virtual assistant business, either on your own or with a team, read on for a detailed list of steps. Steps to Become a Virtual Assistant: Assess Your Skills and Interests: Assess your skills, strengths, and interests to pinpoint the services you can provide as a virtual assistant. Recognize the areas where you excel, including administrative tasks, social media management, or technical support. Acquire Necessary Skills and Training: Take courses or obtain certifications in relevant areas to enhance your skills and knowledge. Consider taking a virtual assistant course in administrative support, digital marketing, customer service, or specialized software tools commonly used by virtual assistants. Build a Professional Online Presence: Create a professional website and social media profiles to showcase your skills, services, and experience. Develop a strong online presence to attract potential clients and establish credibility in the virtual assistant industry. Define Your Services and Pricing Structure: Determine the services you will offer as a virtual assistant, such as administrative support, social media management, or specialized tasks. Define your pricing structure based on the complexity of services, your level of expertise, and market rates. Market Your Services: Utilize online marketing strategies such as social media marketing, content marketing, and email campaigns to promote your virtual assistant services. Network with potential clients, join online communities, and leverage freelancing platforms to find clients. Establish Client Relationships: Build relationships with clients by providing high-quality services, communicating effectively, and meeting their needs. Maintain professionalism, reliability, and responsiveness to ensure client satisfaction and retention. Set Up Efficient Work Systems: Establish efficient work systems and tools to manage tasks, projects, and client communications effectively. Use project management software, time-tracking tools, and communication platforms to streamline workflows and stay organized. Continuously Improve and Adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, tools, and best practices to continuously improve your skills and stay competitive as a virtual assistant. Adapt to the evolving needs of clients and the virtual assistant market to grow your business. Starting a Virtual Assistant Business with Employees: Hire Experienced Virtual Assistants: Hire virtual assistants who possess varied skills and expertise to provide clients with a broad array of services. Seek candidates with relevant experience, excellent communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently. Define Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of each virtual assistant based on their skills and strengths. Assign tasks and projects according to their expertise to maximize efficiency and productivity. Establish Communication and Collaboration Tools: Set up communication and collaboration tools such as messaging apps, project management software, and video conferencing platforms to facilitate seamless communication and teamwork among virtual assistants. Implement Quality Control Measures: Implement quality control measures to ensure consistency and accuracy in the services provided by virtual assistants. Develop standard operating procedures, provide training and feedback, and monitor performance to maintain high-quality standards. Provide Ongoing Support and Development: Support the professional development of virtual assistants by offering training, resources, and opportunities for skill enhancement. Provide ongoing feedback, coaching, and support to help virtual assistants excel in their roles. Scale Your Business: As your virtual assistant business grows, consider expanding your team and diversifying your services to meet the evolving needs of clients. Continuously assess market demand, identify growth opportunities, and scale your business strategically. Maintain a Positive Company Culture: Foster a positive company culture and a sense of community among virtual assistants, even though they may work remotely. Encourage collaboration, recognition, and open communication to create a supportive and productive work environment. Benefits of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Cost-effectiveness, scalability, flexibility, access to diverse skills and expertise, increased productivity, time savings, and the ability to focus on core business activities. Tools and Technology for Virtual Assistants Virtual assistants utilize a variety of productivity apps, including Trello and Asana, as well as communication tools like Slack and Zoom. They also employ project management software such as Basecamp, time tracking tools, cloud storage services, and virtual meeting platforms. Main Challenges Faced by Virtual Assistants Balancing the demands of multiple clients, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, overcoming communication barriers, managing different time zones, addressing client turnover, and keeping up with technology and industry trends are all essential challenges. Future of Jobs in the Virtual Assistant Field Continued growth and demand for virtual assistants due to remote work trends, advancements in technology, and the increasing need for flexible support services across industries. Value of Hiring a Virtual Assistant Outsourcing non-core tasks to virtual assistants allows businesses to focus on strategic initiatives, increase efficiency, leverage specialized skills, and more effectively adapt to changing business needs. https://youtube.com/watch?v=4FxxkMC360A%3Fsi%3DeFj14rKNUss61jER FAQs: What is a Virtual Assistant What is a Pinterest Virtual Assistant? A Pinterest virtual assistant is a virtual assistant specializing in managing Pinterest accounts for businesses or individuals. They help clients create and curate content, optimize pins for engagement, and grow their presence on the platform to drive traffic and sales. What Qualifications Necessary to Become a Virtual Assistant? Qualifications for a VA vary depending on the services offered, but common qualifications include strong communication skills, proficiency in relevant software/tools, organizational abilities, attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work independently. What is a Typical Virtual Assistant Salary? The salary range for virtual assistants can vary widely based on factors such as experience, skills, geographic location, and the services provided. So, how much do virtual assistants make per hour? On average, virtual assistants may earn anywhere from $15 to $50 per hour, with some highly experienced or specialized VAs commanding higher rates. How has Virtual Assistant Hiring Changed With Technology? Technology has transformed the VA position by enabling virtual assistants to work remotely and collaborate with clients worldwide. Advancements in communication tools, project management software, and automation have increased efficiency and expanded the scope of virtual assistant services offered by virtual assistants. Additionally, the rise of AI and machine learning may lead to the automation of certain tasks, prompting virtual assistants to adapt by focusing on higher-value services that require human creativity and judgment. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is a Virtual Assistant?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

With ruthless purges of the US government, the president is tipping the scales towards autocracy View the full article

The Google Search Console API has been delayed for the past several days. Data is days behind the web interface and causing issued for those who use Looker Studio, Big Query and other solutions to see the Search Console data when accessed through the API.View the full article

Google seems to have added, for some merchants, a new section named Physical Stores to the Google Merchant Center Next console. In this section is random data from within the store's Google Business Profiles listing.View the full article

When Apple first introduced MagSafe for the iPhone in 2020, I did not fully appreciate it. iPhones had supported wireless charging for a few years at that point—and Android phones started doing so in 2012—and while MagSafe offered faster and less finicky charging, it didn’t really change how you use your phone. Over time, though, Apple’s magnetic charging and docking system has blossomed into an important piece of the Apple accessory ecosystem. All of which makes the lack of MagSafe on the new iPhone 16e a letdown. It’s not the only compromise Apple made in pursuit of a $600 price tag: It also has just one rear camera lens, only two color options, and a front camera notch that cuts out Dynamic Island features. But to me, the MagSafe omission stands as the biggest reason to seek out other iPhone options. Beyond the overnight charge Admittedly I still don’t use MagSafe for overnight charging. I keep an Anker 3-in-1 charger on my nightstand, and placing my iPhone up against the vertical charging stand is simple enough. The 7.5W charging speeds are slower than MagSafe’s 15W (or 25W, on the latest version), but that’s irrelevant for an eight-hour charge session. For me, MagSafe matters most in two scenarios: Power banks: I have a couple of portable batteries that snap onto the iPhone’s backside for a wireless top-up. They’ve been essential on trips where I’m using the camera and mapping extensively and don’t want to have charging anxiety toward the end of the day. Dashboard mounting: The car we use for family trips doesn’t support CarPlay, so my wife and I use a magnetic vent mount to keep one of our phones within reach for navigation and music. Beyond that, accessory makers have tapped into MagSafe in all kinds of other creative ways: MagSafe iPhone grips prevent you from dropping your phone. MagSafe laptop and monitor mounts work with Apple’s Continuity Camera feature to turn your iPhone into a webcam. There’s even a freestanding mount that tracks your face during video calls. MagSafe tripods, tripod mounts, and ring lights can help out in photo shoots. MCON is working on a magnetic iPhone game controller that fits in your pocket. Double magnet rings let you attach an iPhone to all kinds of surfaces—including other iPhones. You may be familiar with MagSafe wallets, but what about MagSafe notepads? Meanwhile, Apple’s using MagSafe to turn iPhones into miniature smart displays using StandBy mode, which shows time, photos, and widgets when the phone is charging in landscape mode. I’m in the market for a desktop charger and will be seeking out MagSafe for StandBy in particular. As a frequent iPhone-to-Android switcher, I’ve tried to minimize the number of pain points that arise when bouncing between ecosystems, but MagSafe is a big one. I typically go back to the iPhone while traveling just to make use my existing MagSafe accessories, and it’s odd for Apple to exclude the feature from any of its phones as the MagSafe ecosystem continues to grow. In theory, MagSafe shouldn’t be this much of a differentiator for the iPhone. The open Qi2 standard, to which Apple was a main contributor, allows any phone to have similar magnetic attachments with 15W charging speeds, But while Qi2 has been available for more than year now, major Android device makers still aren’t building it into their phones,, so they can’t tap any of the accessories designed for magnetic charging and docking. The work-arounds Those who buy an iPhone 16e won’t be entirely frozen out of the MagSafe ecosystem. The phone still supports standard wireless charging, and lots of iPhone cases have built-in magnets that snap tightly onto MagSafe accessories. With a compatible case—or even just a MagSafe sticker—iPhone 16e owners could still use MagSafe accessories and chargers, albeit at slower charging speeds. Still, the lack of built-in MagSafe is an issue for anyone who prefers a caseless phone, uses a lightweight protective bumper, or has a case thin enough to support MagSafe accessories without its own magnets. Besides, Apple still markets the iPhone around caseless use—for instance, with ads that point to its durability—so it’s probably not assuming that all of its users will have a case to use with MagSafe accessories. Apple continues to sell the iPhone 15 for $699, which is $100 less than the iPhone 16e, but the refurbished and used markets offer considerable discounts. Back Market and Amazon, for instance, sell like-new refurbished iPhone 15 models with one-year warranties for $540 and $529, respectively. While the iPhone 16e improves on the iPhone 15 in some ways—longer battery life, newer processor with Apple Intelligence support, and an Action Button—I’d rather have MagSafe than any of those features. At this point, it’s hard to imagine using an iPhone without it. View the full article

Stablecoin nationalism meets attention-economy fatigueView the full article

In the franchise industry, 7-11 has truly humble beginnings. An owner in Dallas, Texas, ran 16 icehouse companies in 1927. All were thriving. There was no reason to make any changes. However, one of the managers had an inspiration for a business franchise. He asked the owner for permission to start selling bread, milk, and eggs. This idea proved to be extremely successful, and soon, all the stores began adopting it. They named these stores “Tote’m” stores. In 1964, the company acquired 126 SpeeDee Marts in California. Every year, there were more and more franchises. Currently, there are 78,029 7-11s in 19 countries, with 135,000 employees. There’s even a 7-Eleven in Japan. As franchises go, the 7-Eleven franchise is one of the easiest to start. Still interested? Time to learn more. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Basic Facts About the 7-11 Convenience Stores Franchise The original 7-11 was the store hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Now stores are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You may be able to get into a 7-Eleven franchise with 65% financing. That’s incredible in the franchise business. The folks who review 7-Eleven franchise applicants like to see a resume with 5-10 years of convenience store management and also encourage military veterans to apply. The company is known for its quick response to requests for information from interested entrepreneurs. The startup process for this specific franchise can take as little as 30 days, with a typical range of 30 to 90 days. The longer timelines are usually associated with retrofitted or remodeled buildings, as remodeling generally requires more time than constructing a new building from the ground up. The 7-11 franchise runs under other names in various parts of the country. They are known as Speedway in the Midwest and East Coast, and as Stripes in the South Central United States. As a franchise 7-11 is consistently ranked high by its new owners for its communications between corporate and the current franchisee’s interest. 7-11 Franchise Cost The initial fee depends on the specific type of 7 11 franchise you select. The different types of 7-Eleven franchises include: Traditional – one person owns the 7-Eleven franchise business Multi-unit – a great number of 7-Eleven franchise owners go on to expand and own multiple stores. Business Conversion program – 7-Eleven will take a look at an existing business structure and determine whether or not it can be turned into a 7-Eleven store. 7-Eleven has a good track record of retrofitting existing owned structures. 7-11 Franchise Fee Considering the varying options above, the total investment for a new 7-Eleven owner can range from $37,000 to $1.6 million. Within that total investment is a sliding scale of 7-Eleven franchise fees, which can range from $15,000 to $58,500. The franchise fee varies depending on the type of business you are opening. 7-Eleven pays special attention to military veterans who are seeking to own one of its finances. Veterans and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 7-11 Franchise Profit 7-Eleven franchises have a ton of brand strength and exclusive territory – all things that a franchisee appreciates. 7-Eleven also has local training centers and immediately responds to queries from the franchisor. The company will send you free info and soon reach out to you to provide more information about franchise operations. For aspiring entrepreneurs, owning 7 11 franchises offers an excellent opportunity in a growing industry. Franchisees receive substantial support and training. 7-11 Franchise Owner’s Salary The company reports that the new 7-Eleven franchise owner typically makes $50,000 in the first year. You make 5% of the store sales. A franchisee should make $75,000 in the second year. Compared to other businesses, that’s a great record in franchising. The amount you make is up to you – how much you can do to boost store sales. 7-11 Franchise Requirements Here are the essential financial requirements you should be aware of if you’re interested in becoming a 7 11 franchise owner. Net Worth The franchisor will want to see a net worth of at least $150,000. Liquid Capital Franchisees’ liquid capital should range between $50,000 and $150,000. Minimum Investment To open your doors and start selling to customers, franchisees need about $37,000. The additional funds will cover inventory and equipment such as shelving and racks. Financing Unlike other franchises, the 7 11 franchise may provide financing options that allow you to include the initial franchise fee along with your other fees and mortgage. The company aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Training You’ll have to sign up to attend training which will be offered at local locations. What’s Included in a 7 11 Franchise Disclosure Document? The franchisee will receive a franchise disclosure document. That is an important part of the presale “due diligence” for incoming franchisees buying into the company. The Franchise Disclosure should help you decide whether or not franchising is for you, and if you can operate it successfully. The Franchise Disclosure Document is not the same as the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement is the legal document you’ll sign after all questions about financing, operations and fees have been answered. Is Opening 7 11 Franchises Worth It? A convenience store becomes a vital part of a community for the services and products they provide. Suppose you look at Entrepreneur Media Inc., third-party sources rate 7-Elevenas as a top company, especially in terms of support. After the initial start-up fees, there will be an annual advertising fee. The franchisor covers any accidental damages to equipment inside and outside the store. That’s why the 7-Eleven franchising businesses are popular with many owners. The owners are people who enjoy being part of a neighborhood and providing services to the people who live there. How strong are your business and people skills? You’ll be the neighborhood “Go To” spot. If you relish that role and will be courteous and hard-working, you’ll get repeat customers. And you’ll join the ranks of successful franchise owners. READ MORE: 36 Shop Business Ideas Is a Franchise Right for Me? Image: Depositphotos This article, "7-11 Franchise Ownership FAQs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In the franchise industry, 7-11 has truly humble beginnings. An owner in Dallas, Texas, ran 16 icehouse companies in 1927. All were thriving. There was no reason to make any changes. However, one of the managers had an inspiration for a business franchise. He asked the owner for permission to start selling bread, milk, and eggs. This idea proved to be extremely successful, and soon, all the stores began adopting it. They named these stores “Tote’m” stores. In 1964, the company acquired 126 SpeeDee Marts in California. Every year, there were more and more franchises. Currently, there are 78,029 7-11s in 19 countries, with 135,000 employees. There’s even a 7-Eleven in Japan. As franchises go, the 7-Eleven franchise is one of the easiest to start. Still interested? Time to learn more. READ MORE: Buy Your First Franchise: Secrets Revealed Basic Facts About the 7-11 Convenience Stores Franchise The original 7-11 was the store hours, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Now stores are open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. You may be able to get into a 7-Eleven franchise with 65% financing. That’s incredible in the franchise business. The folks who review 7-Eleven franchise applicants like to see a resume with 5-10 years of convenience store management and also encourage military veterans to apply. The company is known for its quick response to requests for information from interested entrepreneurs. The startup process for this specific franchise can take as little as 30 days, with a typical range of 30 to 90 days. The longer timelines are usually associated with retrofitted or remodeled buildings, as remodeling generally requires more time than constructing a new building from the ground up. The 7-11 franchise runs under other names in various parts of the country. They are known as Speedway in the Midwest and East Coast, and as Stripes in the South Central United States. As a franchise 7-11 is consistently ranked high by its new owners for its communications between corporate and the current franchisee’s interest. 7-11 Franchise Cost The initial fee depends on the specific type of 7 11 franchise you select. The different types of 7-Eleven franchises include: Traditional – one person owns the 7-Eleven franchise business Multi-unit – a great number of 7-Eleven franchise owners go on to expand and own multiple stores. Business Conversion program – 7-Eleven will take a look at an existing business structure and determine whether or not it can be turned into a 7-Eleven store. 7-Eleven has a good track record of retrofitting existing owned structures. 7-11 Franchise Fee Considering the varying options above, the total investment for a new 7-Eleven owner can range from $37,000 to $1.6 million. Within that total investment is a sliding scale of 7-Eleven franchise fees, which can range from $15,000 to $58,500. The franchise fee varies depending on the type of business you are opening. 7-Eleven pays special attention to military veterans who are seeking to own one of its finances. Veterans and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. 7-11 Franchise Profit 7-Eleven franchises have a ton of brand strength and exclusive territory – all things that a franchisee appreciates. 7-Eleven also has local training centers and immediately responds to queries from the franchisor. The company will send you free info and soon reach out to you to provide more information about franchise operations. For aspiring entrepreneurs, owning 7 11 franchises offers an excellent opportunity in a growing industry. Franchisees receive substantial support and training. 7-11 Franchise Owner’s Salary The company reports that the new 7-Eleven franchise owner typically makes $50,000 in the first year. You make 5% of the store sales. A franchisee should make $75,000 in the second year. Compared to other businesses, that’s a great record in franchising. The amount you make is up to you – how much you can do to boost store sales. 7-11 Franchise Requirements Here are the essential financial requirements you should be aware of if you’re interested in becoming a 7 11 franchise owner. Net Worth The franchisor will want to see a net worth of at least $150,000. Liquid Capital Franchisees’ liquid capital should range between $50,000 and $150,000. Minimum Investment To open your doors and start selling to customers, franchisees need about $37,000. The additional funds will cover inventory and equipment such as shelving and racks. Financing Unlike other franchises, the 7 11 franchise may provide financing options that allow you to include the initial franchise fee along with your other fees and mortgage. The company aims to support aspiring entrepreneurs. Training You’ll have to sign up to attend training which will be offered at local locations. What’s Included in a 7 11 Franchise Disclosure Document? The franchisee will receive a franchise disclosure document. That is an important part of the presale “due diligence” for incoming franchisees buying into the company. The Franchise Disclosure should help you decide whether or not franchising is for you, and if you can operate it successfully. The Franchise Disclosure Document is not the same as the Franchise Agreement. The Franchise Agreement is the legal document you’ll sign after all questions about financing, operations and fees have been answered. Is Opening 7 11 Franchises Worth It? A convenience store becomes a vital part of a community for the services and products they provide. Suppose you look at Entrepreneur Media Inc., third-party sources rate 7-Elevenas as a top company, especially in terms of support. After the initial start-up fees, there will be an annual advertising fee. The franchisor covers any accidental damages to equipment inside and outside the store. That’s why the 7-Eleven franchising businesses are popular with many owners. The owners are people who enjoy being part of a neighborhood and providing services to the people who live there. How strong are your business and people skills? You’ll be the neighborhood “Go To” spot. If you relish that role and will be courteous and hard-working, you’ll get repeat customers. And you’ll join the ranks of successful franchise owners. READ MORE: 36 Shop Business Ideas Is a Franchise Right for Me? Image: Depositphotos This article, "7-11 Franchise Ownership FAQs" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Between the estimated damages in Los Angeles and rising home insurance prices, policyholders are left wondering how the market will fare in 2025. View the full article

Donna Ferrato stopped paying her mortgage more than 15 years ago, yet she's still living in her Manhattan condo. Her case is part of a broader power struggle between mortgage lenders and homeowners in New York state. View the full article

“Competency checking” is a practice that imposes extra scrutiny on Black professionals and people of color, challenging their qualifications, intellect, and ability to advance. There are three primary ways competency checking is deployed in the modern workplace. The first is the assumption of Black intellectual inferiority and/or a lack of qualifications. This can manifest in low expectations, marginalization, and extreme micromanagement. (More simply: If someone assumes, consciously or unconsciously, that all Black people are intellectually inferior, they may question the person and their qualifications more closely during an interview and, once hired, pay much more attention to their work while looking for any mistakes.) The second method of competency checking is the expression, particularly of surprise or unease, with open displays of Black intelligence, which can trigger requests or demands to confirm how it was acquired and whether it’s the result of rote memorization or actual, integrated knowledge. This can manifest as dismissal, quizzing, argument, and tokenization. (If a Black person knows something that their white coworker doesn’t already know, the coworker’s reaction isn’t “I didn’t know that!” but more often “How do you know that?”) The third method of competency checking is activation, specifically the feeling of fear when confronted with a Black person who holds any authority, especially someone in a leadership position. This can manifest as requests for identification, undefined feelings of unfairness, anger, unease, and what I would describe as an “autoimmune level” rejection of Black leadership. While competency checking can happen to other people of color and, to some extent, white women, there are specific historical and cultural reasons why Black people seem to bear the brunt of it. This book is an exploration of these methods; when, how, and why they were created and implemented; and how they continue to have an outsize impact on Black people and other people of color at work. The idea that it is not incompetence that is holding back Black professionals is for many a foreign concept. That’s understandable, given that the narrative surrounding Black people—and the reason the workplace looks the way it does today—is that they don’t value education or that there’s no one in the hiring pipeline because there are so few qualified Black people, or that Black people want special treatment. What’s interesting is that both anecdotal and empirical evidence suggests that Black workers are getting a type of “special” treatment, just not the type that many people think. In 2019, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) released research that revealed the impact of race and racism in the workplace. That year was a hot labor market, and the U.S. saw the longest economic expansion in its history, with more than 100 consecutive months of job growth and more than 21 million jobs added. But the EPI’s analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics and Local Area Unemployment Statistics and U.S. Census Bureau data uncovered some surprising things: Per their report, “Black workers are twice as likely to be unemployed as white workers overall, even Black workers with a college degree are more likely to be unemployed than similarly educated white workers.” That unemployment “gap,” apparently, is “a pattern that has persisted for more than 40 years. In fact, this 2-to-1 ratio holds in practically every state in the nation where Black workers make up a significant share of the workforce.” I believe that gap is linked, especially when it comes to new hires and leadership, to competency checking. And it starts with a name. In 2024, The New York Times reported on research from the National Bureau of Economic Research about the impact of a “Black- or white-sounding” name on job applications. In a 2019 study, researchers sent 80,000 fake résumés for 10,000 job openings at 100 companies. The résumés were modified to imply different racial and gender identities, using names like “Latisha” or “Amy” to indicate a Black or white woman, respectively, and “Lamar” or “Adam” for a Black or white man. According to the resulting data, “on average, candidates believed to be white received contact from employers about 9.5% more frequently compared to those thought to be Black. This type of research is known as an audit study, and it was the largest of its kind in the United States. Ultimately, it found that “the results demonstrate how entrenched employment discrimination is in parts of the U.S. labor market—and the extent to which Black workers start behind in certain industries.” It’s not all doom and gloom: Some companies showed little to no bias when it came to screening applicants for entry-level positions. And while there is much to learn from the companies that “got it right,” we must remember that this study pertains solely to entry-level positions that do not require a college degree or extensive work experience. It also does not cover aspects of career progression or advancement opportunities within these companies, which are equally critical to understanding the full scope of how competency checking shows up in the workplace. From the book Qualified: How Competency Checking and Race Collide at Work by Shari Dunn. Copyright © 2025 by Shari Dunn. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers. View the full article

So many factors contribute to the success of your videos on YouTube: your video title, thumbnail, YouTube SEO, and (perhaps most importantly) the quality of your content. It’s a lot to consider, and it’s often not easy to pinpoint what will resonate with your YouTube subscribers the most. But thanks to our analysis of more than 1 million videos shared on YouTube, we can offer a little more concrete guidance on at least one of those factors: the best time to post on YouTube. As we’ll get into later on, this is not a magic bullet for content success — the factors I mentioned above have an outsized impact. But compared to all the work that goes into the rest of these processes, posting your YouTube videos and YouTube shorts when you’re most likely to get views is an easy box to tick. And it could give your content the boost it deserves. In our analysis, we compared the median views of more than a million videos shared at different times. This helped us pinpoint patterns in the posting times with the highest video views, which we recommend as the best time to post on YouTube. Of course, these are general recommendations — in this article, I'll also walk you through how to figure out the best time to post on YouTube for your audience, whether you’re a marketer, casual content creator, or full-time YouTuber. Jump to a section: The best time to post on YouTube The best time to post on YouTube daily at a glance The best and worst days to post on YouTube The best time to post YouTube Shorts Finding the best time for you to post YouTube videos and Shorts The best time to post on YouTubeThe best time to post on YouTube overall is Wednesday at 4 p.m. — we found that videos shared at that time tended to get the highest number of views. Other posting times that got high views are Thursday at 4 p.m. and Monday at 4 p.m. 🌞 Generally speaking, videos shared between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays tended to get the most views. In the heatmap graph above, the darkest slots represent the time slots with the highest video views (the best time to post on YouTube) while the lighter blocks are the time slots with the lowest video views (the upload times probably best avoided). You’ll see that audience behavior is pretty predictable, given that most YouTube users are working age — more than 40% of YouTube users are between the ages of 25 and 44, per Statista. These peak hours suggest that most YouTube users prefer to watch videos later in the day as their workday draws to a close, when they have time to watch longer videos. Views on videos posted earlier in the mornings tend to be lower, though views start to climb during midmornings, lunch breaks, and late afternoon and evening. The worst times to post on YouTube are generally between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., when most viewers are asleep. That said, there still are some good times to post videos on YouTube on the other days of the week that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here’s a closer look at the best time to post on YouTube for each day of the week. 🌍 Wait, what time zone? To make this data easier to understand, our data scientist Bufferoo has done some mathematical magic to make the recommended time zones universally applicable. In other words, no need to convert. Whether you're in EST (Eastern Standard Time), PST (Pacific Standard Time), or IST (Indian Standard Time), the times apply to you. At a glance: The best time to post on YouTubeOn most days of the week, anywhere between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. is a great time to post on YouTube. Here are the best times for every day of the week: Monday: 4 p.m.Tuesday: 3 p.m.Wednesday: 4 p.m.Thursday: 4 p.m.Friday: 3 p.m.Saturday: 5 p.m.Sunday: 3 p.m.The best time to post on YouTube on MondayThe best time to post on YouTube on Monday is 4 p.m., followed by 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., according to our data. YouTube content uploaded at 4 p.m. on Mondays saw the third-highest median views all week, making Monday afternoons an excellent time to post videos. The best time to post on YouTube on TuesdayThe best time to post on YouTube on Tuesday is 3 p.m., with other peak slots at 4 p.m., then 5 p.m. As is the case with Monday, late afternoon posting times tend to be when YouTube videos get the most views. The best time to post on YouTube on WednesdayThe best time to post on YouTube on Wednesday is at 4 p.m., followed by 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. YouTube videos posted at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays saw the highest median views of the entire week, our data found, making it the best time to post on YouTube overall. If you're looking for an excellent time to post on YouTube this is it — it's a must for your YouTube posting schedule. The best time to post on YouTube on ThursdayThe best time to post on YouTube on Thursday is 4 p.m., followed by (you guessed it) 3 p.m., and 5 p.m., respectively. Videos uploaded on Thursdays at 4 p.m. saw the second-highest median views of the week, making it a great slot for your YouTube posting schedule. The best time to post on YouTube on FridayThe best time to post on YouTube on Friday is between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. The time slot with the highest views was 3 p.m., with other peak slots at 4 p.m., then 5 p.m. The best time to post on YouTube on SaturdayThe best time to post YouTube videos on Saturday is in the late afternoon, at 5 p.m., then 3 p.m., then 4 p.m. That said, Saturday is a slower day on the platform, so, if you can, it might be best to keep Saturday off your posting schedule. The best time to post on YouTube on SundayThe best time to post on YouTube on Sunday is in line with the rest of the week: 3 p.m. is the best slot, with other peak hours at 4 p.m., then 5 p.m. However, Sunday is the worst day of the week to post on YouTube — our analysis showed that videos shared on Sundays tended to get lower views than the rest of the week. The best and worst days to post on YouTubeThe best days of the week to post on YouTube are Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. According to our data, those three posting days are tied for median video views. For best results, publish YouTube videos between 3 and 5 p.m. on these days. Sunday is the worst day of the week to post YouTube videos, followed by Saturday. Videos posted on weekends tend to get lower views than the rest of the week, so it could be worthwhile experimenting with a weekday-only posting schedule. 🌏Just as there’s no one-size-fits-all best time to post, there’s no single best time to post across all social platforms, either. Here’s the best time to post on Instagram, the best time to post on TikTok, the best time to post on Facebook, and the best time to post on LinkedIn.The best time to post YouTube ShortsThe best time to post YouTube Shorts is Wednesday at 4 p.m., with 4 p.m. on Thursday and 4 p.m. on Monday coming a close second and third, respectively. Our dataset weighed the median views of all YouTube videos, including YouTube Shorts, so the graphs and data in this article apply to both long-form videos and YouTube Shorts. So, you can safely post YouTube Shorts during the time slots mentioned above, too. ⚡Give your YouTube Shorts the best possible chance of success by scheduling them to go live at peak viewing times with Buffer. Sign up (for free!) here ➡️Finding your best time to post on YouTubeAs we often share on this blog, every audience is different. Videos with the most views are generally uploaded in the timeslots above — but they may not be the right fit for your audience and their behavior. So, your best time to post on YouTube might be slightly different to what we've shared here. Your YouTube posting schedule, like all things in content marketing, has to be finetuned and figured out for your specific audience. But how do you do that? The good news is that YouTube Analytics makes this pretty easy. Their metrics are extensive and updated in real-time. Here, you’ll get a good sense of when to post videos for your target audience — if you know where to look. Here’s a step-by-step guide. 1. Go to YouTube StudioFirst up, head over to YouTube Studio. While there are several routes via your YouTube channel when logged in, it’s easiest to head straight to studio.youtube.com. If you’re just starting, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the tool (here’s how to use YouTube Studio for newbies). In a nutshell, YouTube Studio is your channel's control room, where you’ll go to upload your videos and shorts, keep on top of your subscribers and comments, manage monetization, and monitor your video performance. 2. Check out your YouTube analyticsOf all the native social media analytics tools, YouTube Studio is one of the best. Not only does it offer you a wealth of stats and numbers, but it also does an excellent job of helping you understand and take action from all those metrics. To access all this good stuff, click on the Analytics tab on the left-hand side of your screen. Here, you’ll find your YouTube analytics Overview, with insights into your overall viewership, watch time, subscriber growth, engagement metrics, and more. Visiting this space should be a regular task on your social media marketing checklist. 3. Navigate to ‘Audience’This is where things get interesting. In YouTube Studio’s Audience tab (at the top of the screen), you can dig into some fascinating info about your audience as a whole — not just your subscribers. You’ll find insights into things like which videos are growing your audience (definitely a set of metrics to pay attention to if your goal is to grow your YouTube channel), a host of audience demographics like location, age, and gender, as well as the type of content your audience usually watches on YouTube (YouTube Shorts, Lives, or longer videos). But when it comes to the best time to post on YouTube for you, the most helpful analytics segment is 'When your viewers are on YouTube.' To find this graph, scroll down a bit on the Audience tab. Here, you’ll find a unique heat map set in your local time, indicating the specific times your audience is on YouTube. As with Buffer’s graphs, their most active times will be in the darkest purple and the least active times in the lightest purple. These slots are a great indicator of the best time to post on YouTube for your target audience. You’ll see in the screenshot above that Buffer’s YouTube audience is most active around 5 p.m. on weekdays. It’s well worth checking on these numbers regularly. The data applies to the last 28 days, so peak times may shift periodically. Your checklist for high-performing YouTube videos and YouTube ShortsWhile it might offer your channel a little boost to upload YouTube videos at the best time to post, it’s not the be-all and end-all. There are many factors to consider to give your videos the best chance of success. For more guidance on this, check out our guide to getting more subscribers on YouTube. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to get you started: 1. Optimize your channel: Make sure you have unique, high-quality channel art (a profile picture, banner image, and video watermark), write a comprehensive channel description, and create a video spotlight or trailer for your channel. 2. Get to grips with the YouTube algorithm: The YouTube algorithm determines how your YouTube content is ranked in the platform’s various feeds. It weighs specific signals — like views, watch time, engagement, and more, to pinpoint how valuable your video content is and who to show it to. Here’s our guide to the YouTube algorithm and YouTube Short’s algorithm to walk you through it. 3. Tap into YouTube SEO: YouTube is owned by Google, and its search algorithm works similarly. Conduct keyword research with a search engine optimization (SEO) tool, and make sure you use those keywords in your channel description, video title, and video description. 4. Create thumbnails that stop the scroll: YouTube thumbnails can make or break the success of your YouTube video. Studies have shown that YouTube creators with thumbnails that feature faces and emotions, are colorful, and contain branding or text generally perform better. 5. Deliver value upfront: There's no point in uploading videos at the best time to post on YouTube if your audience is going to close the video within a few seconds. You've caught their attention, now make sure you hold it. Ditch long, winding intros and start delivering on your video’s promise from the get-go to capture viewers’ attention. 6. Use pattern interrupts: Talking-head videos get real boring, real fast. Keep your viewers engaged with subtle edits that keep things interesting — think text, transitions, b-roll footage, animations, stickers, and more. 7. Start a series: Give your audience a reason to keep coming back to your channel. Build successful videos out into a series, and, if it makes sense for your audience, deliver the next installment at regular intervals (use this 'best time to post on YouTube' guide to create your posting schedule if you're not sure when will work best). 8. Don’t sleep on YouTube Shorts: With more than 70 billion views daily, YouTube’s answer to TikTok and Instagram Reels can be a brilliant way to draw in new subscribers. Here are 15+ YouTube Shorts Ideas For Your Next Video to get you started. 9. Post consistently: Whether it’s a video or a short, keep your YouTube channel as active as possible with a consistent posting schedule. All social media platform algorithms reward their creators for consistency, YouTube included. A social media content calendar is a must-have to help you maintain your chosen cadence of quality content creation. 10. Engage with your audience: Replying to and liking viewer comments is table stakes. Go the extra mile and screenshot their comments to feature in videos, encourage discussion by asking questions in your scripts, and moderate your comments to keep your community safe and healthy. You could even ask them when they're most likely to watch videos, to help you pinpoint your best time to post on YouTube. 11. Keep going: YouTube success is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t expect virality with your first video—it will probably need some work! And don't expect leveraging the best time to post on YouTube to do all the work for you. Take the pressure off and know that your content and video quality are improving with each upload. Stick with it, pay attention to content performance, and subscribers will come. View the full article

Confrontation comes after Taipei launched crackdown on Beijing’s ‘shadow fleet’View the full article

At WordCamp Asia 2025 Q&A, Matt Mullenweg struggled to answer where WordPress will be in five years The post WordCamp Asia: No Plans For WordPress In 5 Years appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Ford has used some version of its famous script logo for more than a century, but despite its widespread usage, people are scratching their heads over a detail they just noticed. In a viral TikTok, user Monica Turner asked viewers to pick the correct version of the automaker’s logo, one with a funny-looking flourish on the logo’s “F” and one without. Viewers were split on which version they thought was correct, and to some commenters’ surprise, it’s the one with the curlicue. Side by side and to the untrained eye, the real Ford logo looks fake next to its dupe. In the age of corporate blanding, the curlicue flourish reads as fake, but it’s been there as far back as the 1910s, according to a vintage advertising sign in the Henry Ford Museum. Some commenters—including a former Ford mechanic and another who worked at a Ford dealership—got it right, but the rest of us should know better too. Ford’s F-150 truck has been the long-running best-selling vehicle in the U.S., and over multiple rebrands, Ford has kept the script styling of its logo intact. From top: The 1907 version of Ford’s logo by C. Harold Wills, and a contemporary version [Images: Ford] The origin of Ford’s logo The logo, designed by Ford engineer and former letterpress printer C. Harold Wills, is inspired by its founder’s signature, but it’s not an exact replica. (Ford’s signature, notably, didn’t include the curlicue.) Like the script logo for Coca-Cola, founded several decades before Ford, the automaker’s logo was created in an era of ornate script branding that’s survived through multiple iterations and a trend toward sans-serif type all the way to the 21st century. When legendary designer Paul Rand created a handsome, modern, non-script logo concept for Ford in 1966, Henry Ford II decided against it because he thought it would have been too radical. [Photo: Ford] Imagine Ford’s logo, and you’re likely to recall the script font and blue oval, but perhaps other details are a bit hazy. That’s normal. Studies have shown that humans are terrible at remembering logos because our brains don’t bother storing unnecessary information unless we choose to memorize it; that way we can free up space to remember more important things. That leads to our inability to remember whether the bite mark and tilt of the leaf on the Apple logo is on the left or right (it’s the right) or whether or not the Fruit of the Loom logo has a cornucopia in it (it doesn’t). Since the minutia of Ford’s logo isn’t a pressing concern for most of us, our brain stores only the basics. See an oval badge with script type, and you know it’s Ford. Look a little closer, though, and the details may surprise you. View the full article

Wondering how to start a brewery? It’s an excellent idea with a lot to consider, especially if you’re aiming to carve out your own niche in the thriving craft beer industry. From navigating the complexities of federal and state laws to understanding the significant investment in equipment costs, there’s much to think about for anyone looking to start this type of small business. This post is designed to be your go-to guide, offering not just an overview of the key steps involved in launching a brewery but also exploring crucial aspects like market analysis, branding strategies, and financial planning. How to Open a Brewery Starting your own business is about more than just figuring out start-up costs. You might be looking to turn your home brewery into a business, so there are many options. Use the following steps as a guide and watch your craft brewery take shape. Look at the Current Market (and other Brewery Owners) Brewing beer is competitive. Get excellent stats here. But you’ll need to have an account. Look into neighborhood features and demographics. And what other breweries are doing, as well as problems facing the beer industry. Name and Brand Your Business Brand identity is essential for distinguishing yourself from competitors. A strong name creates a positive first impression for customers. It should be both meaningful and unique. Additionally, it’s important to trademark your name. When your brand is visually appealing and aligns well with your graphics and packaging, you can expect to see an increase in sales. Choose a Niche Choosing the right niche is a big part of success when selling craft beers. There are several options that appeal to specific craft beer drinkers. A Taproom brewery sells beer onsite. There’s no restaurant. A Nano Brewery is the smallest. A microbrewery produces 15,000 barrels a year. A Brewpub adds food in a restaurant/bar setting. Contract Brewing Business. These hire other SMBs to produce their beer. Regional Brewery. These are recognized worldwide. Write a Brewery Business Plan A good business plan is a financial road map. It’s also an overview detailing things like the startup capital needed. And it includes numbers like projected cash flow. Here are a few boxes to check. Executive Summary. Cover what’s to come in one page. Business Overview. Just the facts here–contact details, legal address, name. Description. Add the goals and objectives. Market Analysis. Fill in the stats and trends for your niche. Competition Analysis. Make sure to include both direct and indirect competitors. Marketing. What’s your strategy? Add in promotion ideas, pricing, etc. Operations. An overview of your day-to-day. Don’t forget staffing and licensing requirements. Financials. Pitching to investors and/or looking for a loan? Include the money details here, like expenses, costs, and forecasted revenue. Register and Form a Business Structure The right business format is critical. The one you choose dictates your SMB structure. Sole Proprietorship. This is top-of-list because it’s the simplest. But you’re responsible for all the liabilities and debts. General Partnership. There are two or more owners here. Partners divvy up both profits and losses. Limited Partnership. You’ll need to file paperwork in your state to form an LP. A limited partner is usually an investor. C Corporation. A business entity with shareholders and others with control over the brewery. Lots of tax deductions. S Corp. The profits and losses here can be filtered through the owner’s personal returns. Limited Liability Company. There are big bonuses here. Less paperwork and no owner personal liability for profits and losses. Create a Business Bank Account Opening a business bank account leads to a business credit card. Buy equipment and supplies. You’ll need an Employer Identification Number and other documents like a business license. Look into Small Business Loans There are costs involved with breweries. You’ll need funding. Here are a few options. Conventional options such as bank loans, SBA loans, and business lines of credit. Here’s a brief overview of the process for these. Crowdfunding or CrowdBrewed is a relatively new way to get funding. Supporters donate cash online. Investors. A solid business plan helps your pitch. Choose a Location Choosing the right location is about how much space you’ll need. Craft breweries should consider the following. Utilities. Look to see if your gas, electric, water, and sewer needs will be met. Your needs and wants. For example, your day-to-day operations might not need a loading dock. Sometimes, a forklift and drive-in door will do. This depends on how much beer you sell. You’ll need to have some restroom stalls for a tap room. Other considerations include local zoning regulations and leasing considerations. Have the Required Licences and Permits for Starting a Brewery You need to remember a brewery is connected to alcohol production and sales. That means there are state regulations to follow. Check with your local government or the feds for: A Retailer’s License. So you can sell stuff like shirts and such. Insurance. Get liability, casualty, and property. An Operating Agreement. Covers the rules for an LLC. A Federal Brewer’s Permit. To produce beer and serve food. A State Liquor License. So you can sell beer to your target consumer. A Brewer’s Bond. Ensures you pay state and federal taxes. Get Your Taxes in Order There are both government and state taxes you’ll need to pay. Here are the main ones a brewery will have to dole out. Federal Excise Tax. The first 60,000 barrels will cost $3.50 per. Here’s more about those rates. There are state taxes, too. Only five states don’t charge. Purchase Business Insurance Business insurance is another must. A brewery owner needs these standard types. Commercial Property. Covers physical damage. Business Income. Covers you if you need to shut down. General Liability. Protects against injuries and lawsuits. Important for new brewery owners. Finalize Plans for the Brewing Process Don’t forget why you opened a business. How you brew your beer makes all the difference. Most breweries start with a milling and mashing process. Down the list are boiling and fermentation. Purchase Brewing Equipment and Other Essential Items Equipment prices are important to consider. The right brewery equipment is as critical as the suds themselves. Getting the most from brewing equipment ultimately depends on your skill level. These items need to be on the list. Some are the same as for liquor stores. Refrigeration Equipment. Here’s a checklist covering compressors and pump motors. Canning Lines. These are cheaper than bottling lines. Look at cans per minute speed. Cleaning Equipment. You’re tackling things like protein and mineral scale. Look for a strong alkaline cleaner. Other items include kettles, boilers, and storage tanks. Some items are the same for companies that sell alcohol. Set Your Prices The average markup for beer is as much as 300 percent. The same price works for draft, bottles and canned beer. Find Beer Distributors A contract brewing company requires distributors. It’s important to examine their clearly defined policies. Determine your distribution strategy, considering whether you intend to distribute your products locally, regionally, or nationally. This choice will influence your logistics and supply chain management. Hire Employees Good employees make everything happen. Like a Head Brewer. They choose ingredients and create recipes. A General Manager looks after the other employees. They look after inventory, too. The Assistant Brewer is basically an apprentice. Market Your Business Here are a few proven ideas. Look for a Brand Ambassador. Make sure they’re willing to undergo product training. Be An Active Community Member. Your city should have events, festivals, and the like. Get involved. Be a vendor or sponsor. Optimize Your Profiles. Review sites attract customers. Here’s a list to get started. Expand Your Brewery Expanding your brewery can be challenging, and the fact that you are considering is a good sign, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a proven framework to help you navigate the expansion process: Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify demand, trends, and potential competition in your target area. Understanding the market will help you determine the viability of expansion and make informed decisions. Financial Assessment: Evaluate your current financial situation and project the costs associated with the expansion. Consider expenses like equipment, raw materials, labor, marketing, and any necessary permits or licenses. Ensure you have sufficient funds or access to financing options. Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your expansion strategy, objectives, target market, marketing approach, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap to guide your expansion efforts and attract potential investors or lenders. Location Selection: If you plan to open a new brewery, choose a location strategically. Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to your target market, competition, and local regulations. If expanding an existing brewery, assess the current location’s capacity and potential for growth. Production Capacity: Assess your current production capacity and determine how much you need to increase it to meet the demand. This might involve investing in larger equipment or optimizing existing processes. Quality Control: Maintain or improve the quality of your products during expansion. Implement strict quality control measures to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction. Staffing: Analyze your workforce needs and hire skilled personnel as required. Well-trained and motivated employees play a crucial role in the success of your brewery. Regulatory Compliance: Be aware of all local, state, and federal regulations related to alcohol production, distribution, and sales. Ensure that your expansion complies with all legal requirements and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Marketing and Branding: Develop a robust marketing and branding strategy to create brand awareness and attract new customers. Utilize both traditional and digital marketing channels to reach a broader audience. Distribution Strategy: Decide on your distribution approach, whether you plan to distribute your products locally, regionally, or nationally. This will impact your logistics and supply chain management. Sustainability: Consider implementing sustainable practices in your expanded brewery, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Consumers are increasingly interested in environmentally responsible businesses. Customer Feedback: Continuously collect feedback from customers to understand their preferences and adapt your products accordingly. Building strong customer relationships is essential for long-term success. Partnerships and Collaborations: Look for opportunities to collaborate with other businesses or breweries. Forming partnerships can help you access new markets and increase your overall reach. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and have contingency plans in place. Expansion involves inherent risks, and being prepared to handle unforeseen challenges is crucial. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor the progress of your expansion and evaluate its success against the objectives outlined in your business plan. Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on the results. Be the Successful Business Owner of Your Own Brewery Your new brewery is waiting. Take these ideas and get started today. Is Owning a Brewery Profitable? Any new business is concerned with the bottom line. A new venture in the brewing industry is no exception. Here are some numbers budding entrepreneurs can mull over. Small-scale breweries are a great model. The profit on a keg is 75 percent. There are some headwinds. The Brewers Association reported a 9% decline for craft brewers, which is related to the pandemic. Overall, the beer market in the USA has significant value, with the craft beer segment accounting for a notable portion of that total. If you’re interested in how to start a brewery, understanding these market dynamics can be quite beneficial. What’s the Most Profitable Type of Beer? The most profitable beer or flavor of beer can vary depending on several factors like market trends, consumer preferences, and geographical location. However, some general trends can be identified: Craft Beers: Craft beers often have higher profit margins than mass-produced beers. This is because consumers are usually willing to pay more for unique, high-quality, and locally produced beers. IPAs (India Pale Ales): Within the craft beer category, IPAs are particularly popular and profitable. Their strong flavor profile and variety, including New England IPAs and West Coast IPAs, appeal to a broad audience. Seasonal and Limited-Edition Beers: These create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, often fetching higher prices. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin ales in autumn or spiced beers during the holidays are examples. Light Beers: In the wider beer market, light beers continue to be very profitable because of their broad appeal and reduced production costs. They attract consumers who prefer options that are lower in calories and alcohol content. Specialty Beers: Beers with unique ingredients or brewing methods, such as barrel-aged beers, sour ales, or beers with exotic flavors, can be quite profitable. They often target niche markets willing to pay premium prices. Non-Alcoholic Beers: This emerging segment has gained popularity, particularly among health-conscious consumers, and can offer good profit margins due to the growing demand. It’s important to note that the profitability of a beer type also depends on the brewery’s brand positioning, marketing strategy, distribution channels, and the ability to tap into the target audience’s preferences. Trends can also shift rapidly, so staying informed about current consumer tastes and market trends is crucial. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Brewery? You need to spend money to start one of these small businesses. Many breweries will set you back $500,000 to $1 million. Both major and smaller expenses must be covered in your startup costs. These include staff salaries, ingredient prices, utilities, rental fees, and, of course, the cost of equipment, to name just a few. Don’t forget to put a market analysis focusing on the craft beer community in your business plan. Getting Your Own Brewery or Contract Brewing AspectOwning Your Own BreweryContract Brewing OwnershipYou own the entire operation - brewery, equipment, brand.You rent space and equipment, don't own the brand. InvestmentMajor investment required (brewery, equipment, ingredients).Lower-cost option, pay for ingredients and brewing time. RiskRisky venture, no guarantee of success, potential for high losses.Lower-risk, less investment, not responsible for day-to-day operations. ControlComplete control over brewing process, beer selection, marketing.Less control over brewing process, limited beer selection. BrandingCreate your own unique brand identity reflecting your vision.Limited ability to build your own brand, may use another brewery's brand. DistributionControl over distribution, choose where to sell and set prices.Less control over distribution, handled by other brewery. ProfitabilityPotentially more profitable due to full profit from beer sales.Typically less profitable due to brewery/equipment costs. Time commitmentVery time-consuming, involved in all aspects of the business.Less time-consuming, focus on brewing and marketing. FlexibilityGreater flexibility in brewing and marketing decisions.Less flexible, may have to brew beers as per other brewery's wishes. ScalabilityCan scale brewery up or down based on demand.Less scalable, limited by capacity of the other brewery. Keep in mind that the decision between owning your own brewery and contract brewing depends on various factors, including financial capacity, risk appetite, desired level of control, and long-term business goals. Ownership: When you have your own brewery, you own the entire operation. This includes the brewery itself, the equipment, and the brand. When you contract brew, you are essentially renting space and equipment from another brewery. You do not own the brand and may not have as much control over the brewing process. Investment: Launching your own brewery requires a significant financial investment. You will need to acquire the brewery itself, along with the necessary equipment and ingredients. Alternatively, contract brewing offers a more affordable option, as you only need to cover the costs of the ingredients and the brewing time. Risk: Starting your own brewery is a risky venture. There is no guarantee of success, and you could lose a lot of money. Contract brewing is a lower-risk option. You do not have to invest as much money, and you are not responsible for the brewery’s day-to-day operations. Control: When you have your own brewery, you have complete control over the brewing process. You can decide what beers to brew, how to brew them, and how to market them. When you contract brew, you have less control over the brewing process. You may have to brew beers that the other brewery wants to brew, and you may not be able to use your own recipes. Branding: When you have your own brewery, you can build your own brand. You can create a unique brand identity reflecting your brewery’s vision. When you contract brew, you may not be able to build your own brand. You may have to use the brand of the other brewery, or you may have to share the brand with other contract brewers. Distribution: With your own brewery, you gain control over your distribution. You can choose where to sell your beer and establish your own pricing. In contrast, when you contract brew, your control over distribution may be limited. The partnering brewery might manage distribution on your behalf, or you may need to seek out your own distributors. Profitability: The profitability of a brewery depends on a number of factors, including the size of the brewery, the type of beer brewed, and the marketing strategy. Contract brewing is typically less profitable than having your own brewery. This is because you are paying for the use of the brewery and the equipment, and you are not getting the full profit from the sale of your beer. Time commitment: Starting your own brewery is a very time-consuming venture. You will need to be involved in all aspects of the business, from brewing the beer to marketing it. Contract brewing is a less time-consuming option. You will not need to be involved in the brewery’s day-to-day operations, and you can focus on brewing the beer and marketing it. Flexibility: Having your own brewery gives you a lot of flexibility. You can brew whatever beers you want and market your beer however you want. Contract brewing is less flexible. You may have to brew beers that the other brewery wants to brew, and you may not be able to market your beer as you want. Scalability: A brewery can be scaled up or down depending on demand. If demand increases, you can brew more beer. If demand decreases, you can brew less beer. Contract brewing is less scalable. The capacity of the other brewery limits you. FAQs What are the legal requirements for starting a brewery? You need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to produce and sell alcohol. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is crucial. How much capital do I need to start a brewery? The required capital varies based on the scale and location of your brewery. Consider expenses for equipment, ingredients, staff, and marketing. Do I need prior brewing experience to start a brewery? While prior experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. You can hire experienced brewers or take brewing courses to learn the craft. What equipment is essential for a brewery startup? Basic equipment includes fermenters, kettles, bottling lines, and storage tanks. The size and capacity of equipment depend on your production scale. How do I select a suitable location for the brewery? Look for areas with access to your target market and distribution channels. Consider factors like zoning laws, proximity to suppliers, and customer footfall. What marketing strategies can I use to promote my brewery? Social media, events, brewery tours, and collaborations with local businesses. Focus on building a strong brand identity and connecting with the community. Is sustainability important in brewery operations? Yes, sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious consumers. Consider energy-efficient systems, waste management, and eco-friendly packaging. Image: Depositphotos, Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Brewery" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wondering how to start a brewery? It’s an excellent idea with a lot to consider, especially if you’re aiming to carve out your own niche in the thriving craft beer industry. From navigating the complexities of federal and state laws to understanding the significant investment in equipment costs, there’s much to think about for anyone looking to start this type of small business. This post is designed to be your go-to guide, offering not just an overview of the key steps involved in launching a brewery but also exploring crucial aspects like market analysis, branding strategies, and financial planning. How to Open a Brewery Starting your own business is about more than just figuring out start-up costs. You might be looking to turn your home brewery into a business, so there are many options. Use the following steps as a guide and watch your craft brewery take shape. Look at the Current Market (and other Brewery Owners) Brewing beer is competitive. Get excellent stats here. But you’ll need to have an account. Look into neighborhood features and demographics. And what other breweries are doing, as well as problems facing the beer industry. Name and Brand Your Business Brand identity is essential for distinguishing yourself from competitors. A strong name creates a positive first impression for customers. It should be both meaningful and unique. Additionally, it’s important to trademark your name. When your brand is visually appealing and aligns well with your graphics and packaging, you can expect to see an increase in sales. Choose a Niche Choosing the right niche is a big part of success when selling craft beers. There are several options that appeal to specific craft beer drinkers. A Taproom brewery sells beer onsite. There’s no restaurant. A Nano Brewery is the smallest. A microbrewery produces 15,000 barrels a year. A Brewpub adds food in a restaurant/bar setting. Contract Brewing Business. These hire other SMBs to produce their beer. Regional Brewery. These are recognized worldwide. Write a Brewery Business Plan A good business plan is a financial road map. It’s also an overview detailing things like the startup capital needed. And it includes numbers like projected cash flow. Here are a few boxes to check. Executive Summary. Cover what’s to come in one page. Business Overview. Just the facts here–contact details, legal address, name. Description. Add the goals and objectives. Market Analysis. Fill in the stats and trends for your niche. Competition Analysis. Make sure to include both direct and indirect competitors. Marketing. What’s your strategy? Add in promotion ideas, pricing, etc. Operations. An overview of your day-to-day. Don’t forget staffing and licensing requirements. Financials. Pitching to investors and/or looking for a loan? Include the money details here, like expenses, costs, and forecasted revenue. Register and Form a Business Structure The right business format is critical. The one you choose dictates your SMB structure. Sole Proprietorship. This is top-of-list because it’s the simplest. But you’re responsible for all the liabilities and debts. General Partnership. There are two or more owners here. Partners divvy up both profits and losses. Limited Partnership. You’ll need to file paperwork in your state to form an LP. A limited partner is usually an investor. C Corporation. A business entity with shareholders and others with control over the brewery. Lots of tax deductions. S Corp. The profits and losses here can be filtered through the owner’s personal returns. Limited Liability Company. There are big bonuses here. Less paperwork and no owner personal liability for profits and losses. Create a Business Bank Account Opening a business bank account leads to a business credit card. Buy equipment and supplies. You’ll need an Employer Identification Number and other documents like a business license. Look into Small Business Loans There are costs involved with breweries. You’ll need funding. Here are a few options. Conventional options such as bank loans, SBA loans, and business lines of credit. Here’s a brief overview of the process for these. Crowdfunding or CrowdBrewed is a relatively new way to get funding. Supporters donate cash online. Investors. A solid business plan helps your pitch. Choose a Location Choosing the right location is about how much space you’ll need. Craft breweries should consider the following. Utilities. Look to see if your gas, electric, water, and sewer needs will be met. Your needs and wants. For example, your day-to-day operations might not need a loading dock. Sometimes, a forklift and drive-in door will do. This depends on how much beer you sell. You’ll need to have some restroom stalls for a tap room. Other considerations include local zoning regulations and leasing considerations. Have the Required Licences and Permits for Starting a Brewery You need to remember a brewery is connected to alcohol production and sales. That means there are state regulations to follow. Check with your local government or the feds for: A Retailer’s License. So you can sell stuff like shirts and such. Insurance. Get liability, casualty, and property. An Operating Agreement. Covers the rules for an LLC. A Federal Brewer’s Permit. To produce beer and serve food. A State Liquor License. So you can sell beer to your target consumer. A Brewer’s Bond. Ensures you pay state and federal taxes. Get Your Taxes in Order There are both government and state taxes you’ll need to pay. Here are the main ones a brewery will have to dole out. Federal Excise Tax. The first 60,000 barrels will cost $3.50 per. Here’s more about those rates. There are state taxes, too. Only five states don’t charge. Purchase Business Insurance Business insurance is another must. A brewery owner needs these standard types. Commercial Property. Covers physical damage. Business Income. Covers you if you need to shut down. General Liability. Protects against injuries and lawsuits. Important for new brewery owners. Finalize Plans for the Brewing Process Don’t forget why you opened a business. How you brew your beer makes all the difference. Most breweries start with a milling and mashing process. Down the list are boiling and fermentation. Purchase Brewing Equipment and Other Essential Items Equipment prices are important to consider. The right brewery equipment is as critical as the suds themselves. Getting the most from brewing equipment ultimately depends on your skill level. These items need to be on the list. Some are the same as for liquor stores. Refrigeration Equipment. Here’s a checklist covering compressors and pump motors. Canning Lines. These are cheaper than bottling lines. Look at cans per minute speed. Cleaning Equipment. You’re tackling things like protein and mineral scale. Look for a strong alkaline cleaner. Other items include kettles, boilers, and storage tanks. Some items are the same for companies that sell alcohol. Set Your Prices The average markup for beer is as much as 300 percent. The same price works for draft, bottles and canned beer. Find Beer Distributors A contract brewing company requires distributors. It’s important to examine their clearly defined policies. Determine your distribution strategy, considering whether you intend to distribute your products locally, regionally, or nationally. This choice will influence your logistics and supply chain management. Hire Employees Good employees make everything happen. Like a Head Brewer. They choose ingredients and create recipes. A General Manager looks after the other employees. They look after inventory, too. The Assistant Brewer is basically an apprentice. Market Your Business Here are a few proven ideas. Look for a Brand Ambassador. Make sure they’re willing to undergo product training. Be An Active Community Member. Your city should have events, festivals, and the like. Get involved. Be a vendor or sponsor. Optimize Your Profiles. Review sites attract customers. Here’s a list to get started. Expand Your Brewery Expanding your brewery can be challenging, and the fact that you are considering is a good sign, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here’s a proven framework to help you navigate the expansion process: Market Research: Conduct thorough market research to identify demand, trends, and potential competition in your target area. Understanding the market will help you determine the viability of expansion and make informed decisions. Financial Assessment: Evaluate your current financial situation and project the costs associated with the expansion. Consider expenses like equipment, raw materials, labor, marketing, and any necessary permits or licenses. Ensure you have sufficient funds or access to financing options. Business Plan: Create a detailed business plan outlining your expansion strategy, objectives, target market, marketing approach, and financial projections. This plan will serve as a roadmap to guide your expansion efforts and attract potential investors or lenders. Location Selection: If you plan to open a new brewery, choose a location strategically. Consider factors such as accessibility, proximity to your target market, competition, and local regulations. If expanding an existing brewery, assess the current location’s capacity and potential for growth. Production Capacity: Assess your current production capacity and determine how much you need to increase it to meet the demand. This might involve investing in larger equipment or optimizing existing processes. Quality Control: Maintain or improve the quality of your products during expansion. Implement strict quality control measures to ensure consistency and customer satisfaction. Staffing: Analyze your workforce needs and hire skilled personnel as required. Well-trained and motivated employees play a crucial role in the success of your brewery. Regulatory Compliance: Be aware of all local, state, and federal regulations related to alcohol production, distribution, and sales. Ensure that your expansion complies with all legal requirements and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Marketing and Branding: Develop a robust marketing and branding strategy to create brand awareness and attract new customers. Utilize both traditional and digital marketing channels to reach a broader audience. Distribution Strategy: Decide on your distribution approach, whether you plan to distribute your products locally, regionally, or nationally. This will impact your logistics and supply chain management. Sustainability: Consider implementing sustainable practices in your expanded brewery, such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and water conservation. Consumers are increasingly interested in environmentally responsible businesses. Customer Feedback: Continuously collect feedback from customers to understand their preferences and adapt your products accordingly. Building strong customer relationships is essential for long-term success. Partnerships and Collaborations: Look for opportunities to collaborate with other businesses or breweries. Forming partnerships can help you access new markets and increase your overall reach. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and have contingency plans in place. Expansion involves inherent risks, and being prepared to handle unforeseen challenges is crucial. Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly monitor the progress of your expansion and evaluate its success against the objectives outlined in your business plan. Be prepared to adjust your strategies based on the results. Be the Successful Business Owner of Your Own Brewery Your new brewery is waiting. Take these ideas and get started today. Is Owning a Brewery Profitable? Any new business is concerned with the bottom line. A new venture in the brewing industry is no exception. Here are some numbers budding entrepreneurs can mull over. Small-scale breweries are a great model. The profit on a keg is 75 percent. There are some headwinds. The Brewers Association reported a 9% decline for craft brewers, which is related to the pandemic. Overall, the beer market in the USA has significant value, with the craft beer segment accounting for a notable portion of that total. If you’re interested in how to start a brewery, understanding these market dynamics can be quite beneficial. What’s the Most Profitable Type of Beer? The most profitable beer or flavor of beer can vary depending on several factors like market trends, consumer preferences, and geographical location. However, some general trends can be identified: Craft Beers: Craft beers often have higher profit margins than mass-produced beers. This is because consumers are usually willing to pay more for unique, high-quality, and locally produced beers. IPAs (India Pale Ales): Within the craft beer category, IPAs are particularly popular and profitable. Their strong flavor profile and variety, including New England IPAs and West Coast IPAs, appeal to a broad audience. Seasonal and Limited-Edition Beers: These create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, often fetching higher prices. Seasonal flavors like pumpkin ales in autumn or spiced beers during the holidays are examples. Light Beers: In the wider beer market, light beers continue to be very profitable because of their broad appeal and reduced production costs. They attract consumers who prefer options that are lower in calories and alcohol content. Specialty Beers: Beers with unique ingredients or brewing methods, such as barrel-aged beers, sour ales, or beers with exotic flavors, can be quite profitable. They often target niche markets willing to pay premium prices. Non-Alcoholic Beers: This emerging segment has gained popularity, particularly among health-conscious consumers, and can offer good profit margins due to the growing demand. It’s important to note that the profitability of a beer type also depends on the brewery’s brand positioning, marketing strategy, distribution channels, and the ability to tap into the target audience’s preferences. Trends can also shift rapidly, so staying informed about current consumer tastes and market trends is crucial. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Brewery? You need to spend money to start one of these small businesses. Many breweries will set you back $500,000 to $1 million. Both major and smaller expenses must be covered in your startup costs. These include staff salaries, ingredient prices, utilities, rental fees, and, of course, the cost of equipment, to name just a few. Don’t forget to put a market analysis focusing on the craft beer community in your business plan. Getting Your Own Brewery or Contract Brewing AspectOwning Your Own BreweryContract Brewing OwnershipYou own the entire operation - brewery, equipment, brand.You rent space and equipment, don't own the brand. InvestmentMajor investment required (brewery, equipment, ingredients).Lower-cost option, pay for ingredients and brewing time. RiskRisky venture, no guarantee of success, potential for high losses.Lower-risk, less investment, not responsible for day-to-day operations. ControlComplete control over brewing process, beer selection, marketing.Less control over brewing process, limited beer selection. BrandingCreate your own unique brand identity reflecting your vision.Limited ability to build your own brand, may use another brewery's brand. DistributionControl over distribution, choose where to sell and set prices.Less control over distribution, handled by other brewery. ProfitabilityPotentially more profitable due to full profit from beer sales.Typically less profitable due to brewery/equipment costs. Time commitmentVery time-consuming, involved in all aspects of the business.Less time-consuming, focus on brewing and marketing. FlexibilityGreater flexibility in brewing and marketing decisions.Less flexible, may have to brew beers as per other brewery's wishes. ScalabilityCan scale brewery up or down based on demand.Less scalable, limited by capacity of the other brewery. Keep in mind that the decision between owning your own brewery and contract brewing depends on various factors, including financial capacity, risk appetite, desired level of control, and long-term business goals. Ownership: When you have your own brewery, you own the entire operation. This includes the brewery itself, the equipment, and the brand. When you contract brew, you are essentially renting space and equipment from another brewery. You do not own the brand and may not have as much control over the brewing process. Investment: Launching your own brewery requires a significant financial investment. You will need to acquire the brewery itself, along with the necessary equipment and ingredients. Alternatively, contract brewing offers a more affordable option, as you only need to cover the costs of the ingredients and the brewing time. Risk: Starting your own brewery is a risky venture. There is no guarantee of success, and you could lose a lot of money. Contract brewing is a lower-risk option. You do not have to invest as much money, and you are not responsible for the brewery’s day-to-day operations. Control: When you have your own brewery, you have complete control over the brewing process. You can decide what beers to brew, how to brew them, and how to market them. When you contract brew, you have less control over the brewing process. You may have to brew beers that the other brewery wants to brew, and you may not be able to use your own recipes. Branding: When you have your own brewery, you can build your own brand. You can create a unique brand identity reflecting your brewery’s vision. When you contract brew, you may not be able to build your own brand. You may have to use the brand of the other brewery, or you may have to share the brand with other contract brewers. Distribution: With your own brewery, you gain control over your distribution. You can choose where to sell your beer and establish your own pricing. In contrast, when you contract brew, your control over distribution may be limited. The partnering brewery might manage distribution on your behalf, or you may need to seek out your own distributors. Profitability: The profitability of a brewery depends on a number of factors, including the size of the brewery, the type of beer brewed, and the marketing strategy. Contract brewing is typically less profitable than having your own brewery. This is because you are paying for the use of the brewery and the equipment, and you are not getting the full profit from the sale of your beer. Time commitment: Starting your own brewery is a very time-consuming venture. You will need to be involved in all aspects of the business, from brewing the beer to marketing it. Contract brewing is a less time-consuming option. You will not need to be involved in the brewery’s day-to-day operations, and you can focus on brewing the beer and marketing it. Flexibility: Having your own brewery gives you a lot of flexibility. You can brew whatever beers you want and market your beer however you want. Contract brewing is less flexible. You may have to brew beers that the other brewery wants to brew, and you may not be able to market your beer as you want. Scalability: A brewery can be scaled up or down depending on demand. If demand increases, you can brew more beer. If demand decreases, you can brew less beer. Contract brewing is less scalable. The capacity of the other brewery limits you. FAQs What are the legal requirements for starting a brewery? You need to obtain the necessary licenses and permits to produce and sell alcohol. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is crucial. How much capital do I need to start a brewery? The required capital varies based on the scale and location of your brewery. Consider expenses for equipment, ingredients, staff, and marketing. Do I need prior brewing experience to start a brewery? While prior experience is beneficial, it’s not mandatory. You can hire experienced brewers or take brewing courses to learn the craft. What equipment is essential for a brewery startup? Basic equipment includes fermenters, kettles, bottling lines, and storage tanks. The size and capacity of equipment depend on your production scale. How do I select a suitable location for the brewery? Look for areas with access to your target market and distribution channels. Consider factors like zoning laws, proximity to suppliers, and customer footfall. What marketing strategies can I use to promote my brewery? Social media, events, brewery tours, and collaborations with local businesses. Focus on building a strong brand identity and connecting with the community. Is sustainability important in brewery operations? Yes, sustainable practices can attract environmentally conscious consumers. Consider energy-efficient systems, waste management, and eco-friendly packaging. Image: Depositphotos, Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Brewery" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Hey ChatGPT, you talk too much. You too, Gemini. Like many LLMs, you are insufferable. You make Fidel Castro’s 6-hour speeches feel like haikus. I ask, “why do you LLMs talk so damn much?” and in response, you churn out a 671-word answer that resembles a third-grade essay—75% of it devoid of any real meaning or fact. You ramble about how much you ramble. You are incapable of giving me one straight answer, even if I carefully craft a two-paragraph prompt trying to coerce you into it. When I finally get you to respond with one monosyllable, you ruin it by adding a long apologetic promise that it will never ever happen again. Apparently I’m not alone in my ire. I’ve been talking with both friends and strangers for months about your verbal incontinence, and they, too, hate your verbosity. I have one friend who wants to smash her computer against the wall at least twice a day. Another has visions of himself getting into your server room and smashing each and every one of your CPUs and GPUs with a baseball bat. I always imagine a flamethrower. We only keep using you because, for all these problems, I’ll admit that you can save me time on research. But there’s a relatively simple fix for your idle chatter. It’s one that begins with your creators admitting that you are a lot dumber than what they think you are. Your excess is rooted in ignorance. Answers are padded with needless explanations, obvious caveats, and inane argumental detours. “It’s not an intentional choice,” says Quinten Farmer, the co-founder of engineering studio Portola, who makes Tolan, a cute artificial intelligence alien designed to talk to you like a human. “I think the reason that these models behave this way is that it’s essentially the behavior of your typical Reddit commenter, right?” Farmer tells me, laughing. “What do they do? They say too much to sort of cover up the fact that they don’t actually know what they’re talking about. And of course that’s where all the data came from, right?” In one study, researchers call this “verbosity compensation,” a newly discovered behavior where LLMs respond with excessive words, including repeating questions, introducing ambiguity, or providing excessive enumeration. This behavior is similar to human hesitation during uncertainty. The researchers found that verbose responses often exhibit higher uncertainty across datasets, suggesting a strong connection between verbosity and model uncertainty. Many LLMs produce longer responses when they are less confident about the answer. There’s also a lack of knowledge retention. LLMs forget previously supplied information in a conversation, resulting in repetitive questions and unnecessarily verbose interactions. And researchers found that there is a clear “verbosity bias” in LLM training where models prefer longer, more verbose answers even if there is no difference in quality. Verbosity can be fixed No matter how much LLMs sound like a human, the truth is that they really don’t really understand language, despite being quite good at stringing words together. This proficiency in language can create the illusion of broader intelligence, leading to more elaborate responses. So basically, research shows what we suspected: LLMs are great at bullshitting you into thinking they know the answer. Many people buy this illusion because they either simply want to believe or because they just don’t use critical thinking—something that Microsoft’s researchers discovered in a new study looking at AI’s impact on cognitive functioning. There are gradients to this phenomenon, of course. Farmer believes that Perplexity and Anthropic’s Claude and are better at giving more concise answers without all the pointless filler. And DeepSeek, the new kid on the block coming from China, keeps its answers much shorter and to the point. According to DeepSeek, the model’s answers are designed to be more direct and concise because its training prioritizes clarity and efficiency, influenced by data and reinforcement that favorites brevity. American models emphasize conversational warmth or elaboration, it claims, reflecting cultural and design differences. In my testing, I also found that Claude’s answers skewed shorter (though they can still be annoying). Claude, at least, recognized this when I was questioning him about this problem: “Looking at my previous response—yes, I probably did talk too much there!” It also surprised me with this gem when I said it seemed to be an honest LLM: “I try to be direct about what I know and don’t know, and to acknowledge my limitations clearly. While it might be tempting to make up citations or sound more authoritative than I am, I think it’s better to be straightforward.” Another illusion of cognitive activity, yes, but 100% on point. Developers could solve for this issue with better training and guidance. In fact, Farmer tells me that when creating Tolan, the development team discussed how long or short the answers should be. The writer who created the characters’ backstories leaned longer, because it would develop the connection with the digital entity. Others wanted shorter, more to-the-point answers. It’s a debate that they still have internally, but they believe they struck the right balance. You, ChatGPT, however, you are not a cute alien. You are a tool. There’s no need for balance. I don’t need to bond with you. Just answer the damn question. And, if you don’t know the answer—like when I asked which soccer players had won the most UEFA Champions Leagues—just admit it, and shut up instead of giving me 500 characters of wrong. Brevity is the soul of wit. And clearly, neither you nor I are Polonius (but at least I have the excuse of being an old angry man screaming at clouds). View the full article