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Reform UK leader may alienate swing voters with new socially conservative pitch View the full article

Google Search is testing a new section in the search results titled or named "Background." This includes articles from news publishers, with I guess, more background information than you would find from others.View the full article

Google Ads has this section (not sure if it is new) named Advanced Plans. This feature allows you to select a "mix of ad types based on goals" and Google will create conversion creation and capture plans for you.View the full article

Microsoft is testing adding a new box to the knowledge panels within Bing that show related searches. This is obviously to encourage searches to do more queries, to generate more ads and more revenue. Or maybe to help searchers find a more diverse set of topics to search for.View the full article

People who have employers often have disability benefits provided. When you’re self-employed, you need to get a disability insurance policy for yourself. You can get a policy no matter what you do for work in the many different types of self-employment jobs that are available. Purchasing a disability insurance policy shouldn’t be optional. It’s not expensive – you can find decent policies that will cost you about as much as a cup of coffee per day. If you do not have a disability insurance policy and you suffer an injury or illness, you will be unable to earn an income. Having disability insurance is essential for ensuring you have financial protection in the event of an illness or injury. A disability insurance policy won’t cover all your income. It will provide a benefit that’s a portion of your income. You make the choice of what percentage of your salary you need a disability insurance policy to cover. Can Self-Employed People Get Disability Insurance? Typically, an employer provides disability insurance to help cover employee salaries should they become ill or injured. If an employee is injured at work, he or she is covered by Worker’s Comp. If an employee is injured away from work, that’s when disability insurance coverage would be needed. Yes. Self-employed individuals can get insurance that provides disability benefits. The rates are affordable. To get a policy, you’ll need to be able to prove records of consistent income. A disability insurance company will want a look at your income taxes. How Does Disability Insurance Work for Self-Employed? Disability coverage works in much the same way for employed and self-employed individuals. With disability coverage, a portion of your income will be provided. If you suffer an injury or illness, there will be a waiting period—known as a qualifying or elimination period—of at least 30 days before you receive any payments from your disability insurance for self-employed. Types of Disability Insurance for Self-Employed Workers You can get short-term or long-term disability insurance. A short term policy benefit period typically spans from 90 to 180 days. Long term disability coverage has short term disability insurance “built in” – the short term kicks in for a specific period while long term disability approval is pending. In other words, short term is the first step in the long term policy. The waiting period for approval for long term disability benefits can be several months before benefits begin. An insurance company may pay 80% of your salary during the short-term period and 50-60% during the long-term period. You are paid in monthly benefits. You can get coverage from the government through the Social Security Administration or you can get coverage from private disability insurance companies. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) You must meet strict guidelines and pay self-employment taxes to be approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) in the Social Security system. For example, you must have had qualifying employment for a specific period of time. To get SSDI benefits, you must pay social security taxes, also called self-employment taxes and Medicare taxes. If you’ve paid social security taxes, disability analyst will review your case using federal guidelines, to see if you qualify for social security benefits. You must have a disability (injury or illness) which restricts your ability to be employed. The disability must be medically determined and can be physical or mental. You’ll have a medical exam. SSDI benefits aren’t the same as social security benefits. Can you get social security benefits and SSDI benefits at the same time? No. If that’s the case, Social Security will pay you whichever benefit is the higher amount. Best Long-Term Disability Insurance for Self-Employed from Private Companies Mutual of Omaha Mutual of Omaha is arguably the company with the most experience in providing disability income insurance. Applicants for long term disability insurance will be provided with an on lne Agent Assist. The Agent Assist will help you navigate through calculating your expenses and establishing the length of benefit period you need. There are lots of choices within those to categories. Those choices can help you arrive at an affordable solution. Breeze Breeze is a breath of fresh air. The insurance company offers options geared to the “gig” economy. Individual plans are as low as $9 a month. You can get instant quotes as you apply online. Additionally, Breeze provides valuable resources for those seeking disability insurance for self employed individuals. Breeze policies undergo an underwriting process that assesses factors such as the nature of your business, your net profit or income, your age and health, among other criteria. You have the option to select disability insurance and include critical illness insurance as an add-on. Additionally, business overhead insurance policies can assist you in covering monthly business expenses as a business owner. Illinois Mutual Illinois Mutual has a disability policy for a self employed worker. The company also has a business expenses policy for small business owners who own their own business. A standout for Illinois Mutual is the ROP Rider. That’s the Return on the Premium. When you reach retirement age, you get a 100% ROP, less any benefits received through your disability policy. You also may opt to begin the ROP after you’re had your policy 5 years. After 5 years, you can elect to receive back a portion of your monthly premiums. Northwestern Mutual Northwestern Mutual helps you calculate how much disability insurance you need to cover a portion of your salary as business income replacement based on annual income or company profits. You’ll be connected with a financial professional. The financial representative can help you create a more expansive benefits package. For example, you may be able to bundle long-term disability insurance policies with life insurance and other options. Guardian A Guardian financial representative will help you determine how much coverage you need to get the maximum benefit amount and keep afloat. Although Guardian’s focus is on providing supplemental disability policies to employees who are covered by work issued policies, the company also has a policy for an independent contractor. For business owners with a small number of employees, Guardian offers disability insurance for self employed individuals and their employees. Premiums can conveniently be paid through payroll deductions. Assurity Assurity helps people with self-employed jobs get disability insurance and additional benefits for a catastrophic disability (heart attack, stroke, cancer). Assurity has very flexible coverage options. For example, you can opt to get a policy that will only allow you to collect benefits that will cover your mortgage and utilities. Through Assurity, you can also get partial disability benefits paid if you return to work part-time. Best Disability Insurance for Self-employed Finding the best disability insurance depends on your specific needs, you own occupation definition and your company’s financial strength. You may even be turned down for business loans if you don’t have this type of insurance. Our best advice? Don’t wait until a disability occurs. Shop now using the links provided. How to Apply for Disability Insurance As you apply for disability insurance for self-employed individuals, you will undergo a couple of assessments. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation: Medical Exam – Not always, but may be required depending on the type of work you do and your age. Income Verification – You’ll need to provide documentation proving your income. Annual Household Income Replacement – If you are part of a two-income household, you can choose to receive lower benefits. An agent may request the total household income, including the percentage that you contribute, to help determine the amount of coverage you require. Your age and geographic location The type of work you do How much is self-employed disability insurance? Disability insurance tends to become more expensive as you age. Several factors influence the premium costs, including your profession, health status, age, income, the desired start date of the policy, and the duration for which the policy will remain active. Here are some round numbers: $23 to $36 a month for $800 coverage. $38 to $63 a month for $1500 coverage. $58 to $96 a month for $2,270 coverage. How Much Disability Insurance Coverage Do You Need? You need enough coverage to cover your basic expenses. You will need to manage your living expenses, including mortgage or rent, utilities, and food, which are typically covered by your earnings. Keep this in mind. According to Social Security Administration data, one out of five people will become disabled between the ages of 20 and 67. Of those, 90 percent of the disabilities will occur due to arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. What are the Requirements for Self-Employed Disability Insurance? You need to provide the necessary information, which includes your age, gender, family medical history, current height and weight, and results from blood and/or urine tests. A medical examination may also be required. If you have used tobacco in the past or are currently a user, some companies might deny you a policy. Alternatively, you may face significantly higher premiums. Is disability insurance for self employed tax deductible? No. The premiums you pay to a disability insurance company are not tax deductible. But, if you receive benefits, the benefits are tax free. Although disability insurance premiums don’t add the benefit of being tax-deductible, having a policy is essential. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Is There Disability Insurance for Self Employed?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

People who have employers often have disability benefits provided. When you’re self-employed, you need to get a disability insurance policy for yourself. You can get a policy no matter what you do for work in the many different types of self-employment jobs that are available. Purchasing a disability insurance policy shouldn’t be optional. It’s not expensive – you can find decent policies that will cost you about as much as a cup of coffee per day. If you do not have a disability insurance policy and you suffer an injury or illness, you will be unable to earn an income. Having disability insurance is essential for ensuring you have financial protection in the event of an illness or injury. A disability insurance policy won’t cover all your income. It will provide a benefit that’s a portion of your income. You make the choice of what percentage of your salary you need a disability insurance policy to cover. Can Self-Employed People Get Disability Insurance? Typically, an employer provides disability insurance to help cover employee salaries should they become ill or injured. If an employee is injured at work, he or she is covered by Worker’s Comp. If an employee is injured away from work, that’s when disability insurance coverage would be needed. Yes. Self-employed individuals can get insurance that provides disability benefits. The rates are affordable. To get a policy, you’ll need to be able to prove records of consistent income. A disability insurance company will want a look at your income taxes. How Does Disability Insurance Work for Self-Employed? Disability coverage works in much the same way for employed and self-employed individuals. With disability coverage, a portion of your income will be provided. If you suffer an injury or illness, there will be a waiting period—known as a qualifying or elimination period—of at least 30 days before you receive any payments from your disability insurance for self-employed. Types of Disability Insurance for Self-Employed Workers You can get short-term or long-term disability insurance. A short term policy benefit period typically spans from 90 to 180 days. Long term disability coverage has short term disability insurance “built in” – the short term kicks in for a specific period while long term disability approval is pending. In other words, short term is the first step in the long term policy. The waiting period for approval for long term disability benefits can be several months before benefits begin. An insurance company may pay 80% of your salary during the short-term period and 50-60% during the long-term period. You are paid in monthly benefits. You can get coverage from the government through the Social Security Administration or you can get coverage from private disability insurance companies. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) You must meet strict guidelines and pay self-employment taxes to be approved for Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) in the Social Security system. For example, you must have had qualifying employment for a specific period of time. To get SSDI benefits, you must pay social security taxes, also called self-employment taxes and Medicare taxes. If you’ve paid social security taxes, disability analyst will review your case using federal guidelines, to see if you qualify for social security benefits. You must have a disability (injury or illness) which restricts your ability to be employed. The disability must be medically determined and can be physical or mental. You’ll have a medical exam. SSDI benefits aren’t the same as social security benefits. Can you get social security benefits and SSDI benefits at the same time? No. If that’s the case, Social Security will pay you whichever benefit is the higher amount. Best Long-Term Disability Insurance for Self-Employed from Private Companies Mutual of Omaha Mutual of Omaha is arguably the company with the most experience in providing disability income insurance. Applicants for long term disability insurance will be provided with an on lne Agent Assist. The Agent Assist will help you navigate through calculating your expenses and establishing the length of benefit period you need. There are lots of choices within those to categories. Those choices can help you arrive at an affordable solution. Breeze Breeze is a breath of fresh air. The insurance company offers options geared to the “gig” economy. Individual plans are as low as $9 a month. You can get instant quotes as you apply online. Additionally, Breeze provides valuable resources for those seeking disability insurance for self employed individuals. Breeze policies undergo an underwriting process that assesses factors such as the nature of your business, your net profit or income, your age and health, among other criteria. You have the option to select disability insurance and include critical illness insurance as an add-on. Additionally, business overhead insurance policies can assist you in covering monthly business expenses as a business owner. Illinois Mutual Illinois Mutual has a disability policy for a self employed worker. The company also has a business expenses policy for small business owners who own their own business. A standout for Illinois Mutual is the ROP Rider. That’s the Return on the Premium. When you reach retirement age, you get a 100% ROP, less any benefits received through your disability policy. You also may opt to begin the ROP after you’re had your policy 5 years. After 5 years, you can elect to receive back a portion of your monthly premiums. Northwestern Mutual Northwestern Mutual helps you calculate how much disability insurance you need to cover a portion of your salary as business income replacement based on annual income or company profits. You’ll be connected with a financial professional. The financial representative can help you create a more expansive benefits package. For example, you may be able to bundle long-term disability insurance policies with life insurance and other options. Guardian A Guardian financial representative will help you determine how much coverage you need to get the maximum benefit amount and keep afloat. Although Guardian’s focus is on providing supplemental disability policies to employees who are covered by work issued policies, the company also has a policy for an independent contractor. For business owners with a small number of employees, Guardian offers disability insurance for self employed individuals and their employees. Premiums can conveniently be paid through payroll deductions. Assurity Assurity helps people with self-employed jobs get disability insurance and additional benefits for a catastrophic disability (heart attack, stroke, cancer). Assurity has very flexible coverage options. For example, you can opt to get a policy that will only allow you to collect benefits that will cover your mortgage and utilities. Through Assurity, you can also get partial disability benefits paid if you return to work part-time. Best Disability Insurance for Self-employed Finding the best disability insurance depends on your specific needs, you own occupation definition and your company’s financial strength. You may even be turned down for business loans if you don’t have this type of insurance. Our best advice? Don’t wait until a disability occurs. Shop now using the links provided. How to Apply for Disability Insurance As you apply for disability insurance for self-employed individuals, you will undergo a couple of assessments. Be prepared to provide supporting documentation: Medical Exam – Not always, but may be required depending on the type of work you do and your age. Income Verification – You’ll need to provide documentation proving your income. Annual Household Income Replacement – If you are part of a two-income household, you can choose to receive lower benefits. An agent may request the total household income, including the percentage that you contribute, to help determine the amount of coverage you require. Your age and geographic location The type of work you do How much is self-employed disability insurance? Disability insurance tends to become more expensive as you age. Several factors influence the premium costs, including your profession, health status, age, income, the desired start date of the policy, and the duration for which the policy will remain active. Here are some round numbers: $23 to $36 a month for $800 coverage. $38 to $63 a month for $1500 coverage. $58 to $96 a month for $2,270 coverage. How Much Disability Insurance Coverage Do You Need? You need enough coverage to cover your basic expenses. You will need to manage your living expenses, including mortgage or rent, utilities, and food, which are typically covered by your earnings. Keep this in mind. According to Social Security Administration data, one out of five people will become disabled between the ages of 20 and 67. Of those, 90 percent of the disabilities will occur due to arthritis, cancer, and heart disease. What are the Requirements for Self-Employed Disability Insurance? You need to provide the necessary information, which includes your age, gender, family medical history, current height and weight, and results from blood and/or urine tests. A medical examination may also be required. If you have used tobacco in the past or are currently a user, some companies might deny you a policy. Alternatively, you may face significantly higher premiums. Is disability insurance for self employed tax deductible? No. The premiums you pay to a disability insurance company are not tax deductible. But, if you receive benefits, the benefits are tax free. Although disability insurance premiums don’t add the benefit of being tax-deductible, having a policy is essential. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Is There Disability Insurance for Self Employed?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This type of engagement speaks to the interaction between readers, social media posts, videos, blog articles, and more. It takes different forms, like click-through rates, time spent on a page, comments, shares, and likes. If done right, it reaches its target audience, increases brand awareness, and leads to conversions and sales. Defining Content Engagement Engaging content is pivotal for small businesses looking to harness the power of digital platforms to reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. It’s not just about putting information out there; it’s about creating content that resonates with the audience, encourages interaction, and ultimately drives desired actions, such as sales, sign-ups, or social shares. Engagement is a critical metric that helps in evaluating the effectiveness of content marketing strategies by observing how readers interact with the content. Factors contributing to what constitutes engaging content include: Interactivity: Incorporating elements that prompt user action, such as: Polls and surveys that invite opinions or preferences. Sliders that users can interact with to view different pieces of content. Quizzes that provide personalized feedback or results. Content Completion: Evaluating the extent to which the audience engages with the content, as indicated by: Completion rates of videos indicate how many viewers watch them to the end. The percentage of readers who finish long-form articles or blog posts. Scroll Depth: Understanding how far users scroll through content, which helps in determining: The point at which most users stop reading, indicating potential areas for improvement. Which sections of the content are most engaging? User Experience: Ensuring the content is accessible and enjoyable to interact with, focusing on: Readability, ensuring text is easy to read both in terms of writing style and physical presentation. Navigation makes it easy for users to find what they’re looking for within the content or website. Load times, as faster loading content, are less likely to be abandoned. Responsive Design: Guaranteeing that content is accessible and aesthetically pleasing across all devices, especially mobile, considering: The increasing prevalence of mobile internet usage. The variety of screen sizes and resolutions for which content must be optimized. Visual Appeal: Using multimedia to enhance the content and capture attention through: High-quality images and graphics that complement the text. There are many places to find images online if you don’t want to take your own. Videos and animations that can explain concepts more effectively or provide a more dynamic user experience. Personalization: Tailoring content to meet the needs and interests of the target audience by: Segmenting content based on user demographics, interests, or past behavior. Providing recommendations for related content or products. Engaging content is a blend of these factors, designed to not only attract attention but to hold it, fostering a connection between the brand and its audience. By focusing on these elements, small businesses can create content that not only reaches their audience but resonates with them, encouraging interaction and engagement that supports business objectives. Tips to Create Engaging Content Here’s a list of tips for writing better content to help you create engaging posts that boost profits and drive sales. Understand Your Audience for Creating Engaging Content Understanding a target audience’s preferences and interests is essential for creating engaging content. Analytic tools like Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics can help you gain a good understanding of their interests, behaviors, and other demographics. There are also many good sources for content inspiration that may offer insights into your industry and target market. SEMrush is an excellent keyword research tool. It helps uncover search trends to understand the topics and questions they use to search. Use Engaging Headlines to Attract Attention Blog posts and social media updates need to have compelling headlines. Ask a question that will interest a reader. An analyzing tool will help to make sure your headlines are SEO-optimized. Including numbers in your headlines (such as “10 tips for…”) attracts readers by providing an easy-to-read structure. Enhance Content Engagement with Visuals and Multimedia A multi-part campaign can enhance the power of infographics, videos and images on social media. Start with a short, compelling video as an introduction and then follow up with infographics. Images can be used as a compliment to the infographics to highlight quotes, facts and statistics. Use visual storytelling tips to bring these elements together with your written content. Create Interactive Content to Boost Engagement There are several different methods for making content interactive so you can collect valuable feedback, gauge your audience, and increase your retention. Blog Posts Tools like Google Forms can be utilized to add quizzes to your blog posts. By including questions at the end of your content, you can encourage readers to engage with the content engagement by leaving comments. Social Media A dedicated hashtag can be used to share user-generated content related to your small business. You can also host live Q&A sessions, boosting personal connections and engagement. Some of the best social media platforms include Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. Canva is an excellent tool for creating infographics. Tell Stories to Engage Your Audience Personal stories boost engagement by making the text more impactful, memorable, and relatable. Sharing a startup owner’s journey in a blog post is a good example. Testimonials from customers can create a deep connection. Use real-life scenarios that showcase the benefits of a service or product. Everything needs to be authentic to boost your credibility. Authentic stories are a great way to boost discussions, shares, and comments. Keep It Concise, Clear, and Relevant Conciseness and relevance are two critical factors to keep an audience engaged. Concise content shows respect for the reader’s attention span. After you’ve written a draft, go through sentences and paragraphs and omit unnecessary details. Relevant content aligns with current trends and a target market’s interests and needs. Ongoing audience research makes sure content is on point. Use a Conversational Tone for Better Engagement Conversational content creates a sense of personal connection. It mimics human conversation. Use words like “you “ to make the content more personal. Encourage User Participation in Your Content Content generated from users is an excellent way to boost engagement. Readers can share tips, photos, and their own stories. Surveys and polls will give you direct feedback from your target market about what they’d like to see more of. Regularly Update Content to Maintain Engagement Engaging content needs to be regularly refreshed and updated. Customer preferences are constantly changing with new trends and developments. Regular audits can identify blog posts and pages that are underperforming. Set up a regular schedule for content creation. Optimize Content for Mobile to Enhance Accessibility Mobile optimization guarantees that content engagement is both captivating and easy to read, while also being accessible. Responsive design allows the layout, content, and visuals to adapt seamlessly to the screen size and resolution of any device. Leverage Social Proof to Increase Content Credibility User-generated content and testimonials enhance content engagement on social media platforms by building a sense of community. Additionally, they offer a rich source of authentic material for marketing purposes. Testimonials serve as a powerful tool for promoting social proof. Social proof influences customers by showing a product or service is valuable. Analyze Performance and Adapt Your Content Strategy Important engagement metrics include the following. The bounce rate is the number of visitors who leave your site after only visiting a page. The click-through rate is the percentage of people who click on an image, call to action, or link. The engagement rate is a metric measuring the interaction your content gets, considering the number of impressions and audience size. Utilize Internal Links to Enhance Engagement Internal links act like a guide through your website that keeps readers engaged. They improve your SEO performance. They make it easy for readers to find relevant information and navigate your website. Don’t skimp on them using generic phrases like “click here.” Something like “ “why plants thrive in low light” has more SEO juice than just “learn more.” Incorporate SEO Best Practices Search engine optimization (SEO) involves optimizing a website’s navigability and structure. It helps create content that captivates your audience and gets you a good ranking on search engine results pages (SERPS). Good content marketing campaigns keep SEO in mind. Implement relevant keywords. Remember that Google prioritizes high-quality, relevant content. When creating content, check out the Google Search Quality Guidelines. Foster a Community Around Your Content Building an online community is a great way to foster engagement. Creating opportunities so people can interact with your content and other visitors can be done through open-ended questions, challenges and polls. Providing exclusive content like a members-only newsletter offers a community something unique. Create Content That Resonates with Your Target Audience Content tailored to a target market’s interests and needs will maintain their interest and keep them engaged. The writing style should be conversational. Relevant content and content curation encourage interactions like comments, shares, and likes. This type of content leads to conversions like making purchases, signing up for a newsletter, or following through on a call to action. Tip NumberFocus AreaMain StrategyTools/Techniques SuggestedExpected Outcome 1Audience UnderstandingAnalyze audience preferences and interestsFacebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, SEMrushTailored content that resonates with the audience 2HeadlinesCraft compelling headlinesAnalyzing tools for SEOHigher attention and click-through rates 3Visuals and MultimediaUse visuals to enhance engagementInfographics, videos, imagesImproved engagement and information retention 4Interactive ContentMake content interactive for feedbackGoogle Forms, hashtags, live Q&AIncreased audience participation and feedback 5StorytellingUse personal stories to connectReal-life scenarios, testimonialsEnhanced relatability and engagement 6Content Clarity and RelevanceKeep content concise and relevantOngoing audience researchRespect for reader's time, improved engagement 7Conversational ToneUse a conversational stylePersonal pronouns like "you"Personal connection with the audience 8User ParticipationEncourage user-generated contentSurveys, polls, user storiesHigher engagement and community feeling 9Content UpdatesRegularly refresh contentContent audit, regular creation scheduleContinued relevance and engagement 10Mobile OptimizationOptimize content for mobile devicesResponsive designAccessible and engaging content on all devices 11Social ProofUse testimonials and user-generated contentTestimonials, user storiesIncreased credibility and trust 12Performance AnalysisMonitor and adapt based on engagement metricsBounce rate, click-through rate, engagement rateData-driven content strategy adjustments 13Internal LinkingUse internal links to keep readers engagedStrategic internal linkingImproved navigation and SEO performance 14SEO Best PracticesIncorporate SEO into content creationKeyword optimization, Google Search Quality GuidelinesBetter search engine visibility and engagement 15Community BuildingFoster an online community around contentOpen-ended questions, exclusive contentIncreased interaction and loyalty 16Resonant ContentCreate content that aligns with audience needsConversational writing style, relevancyHigh engagement leading to conversions Measuring Engaging Content Rates of Engagement This metric measures comments, shares, likes, and how actively involved your target market is. Likes This indicator is crucial because it signifies that someone is sharing the content. It acts as an endorsement, suggesting that the content is informative, entertaining, and valuable. Comments These represent direct audience feedback and deeper insights. They represent an interaction that requires more effort than likes or shares. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BhbP-hc_IfE%3Fsi%3DMfhhjoCcAdTZYNoQ Create Content that Engages: Boosting Your Digital Presence Engaging content is at the core of every digital marketing strategy. Providing valuable and relevant content encourages meaningful interactions and strengthens your brand. An effective content marketing strategy will get people to read your articles and ultimately increase sales. FAQs What is Content Engagement? Content engagement refers to how users interact and engage with online content. This encompasses activities such as reading, watching, clicking, sharing, commenting on, and reacting to content. A high level of engagement suggests that the content resonates effectively with the audience. How Can Content Engagement be Measured? Content engagement can be measured through various metrics such as page views, time spent on a page, social shares, comments, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics, and other data-tracking platforms are used for this purpose. Why is Content Engagement Important for SEO? Content engagement is crucial for SEO as it signals to search engines that the content is valuable, relevant, and interesting to users. High engagement can lead to improved search rankings, increased visibility, and more traffic to a website. What Types of Content Typically Have High Engagement? Types of content that typically have high engagement include interactive content (quizzes, polls), visually appealing content (videos, infographics), storytelling, problem-solving content, and content that evokes emotions or offers value through tips, guides, and tutorials. How Can One Improve Content Engagement? Improving content engagement involves creating high-quality, relevant, and valuable content tailored to the target audience’s interests. Utilizing engaging formats, optimizing for user experience, promoting content across various platforms, and encouraging user interaction can also enhance engagement. What Role Does Social Media Play in Content Engagement? Social media plays a significant role in content engagement by providing platforms for content distribution and facilitating interactions between users and content. Sharing content on social media can increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost engagement through likes, shares, and comments. Are There Tools to Help Analyze Content Engagement? Yes, there are tools to help analyze content engagement. These include web analytics tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics tools, content management systems with built-in analytics, and specialized tools like BuzzSumo and Hotjar that offer insights into user behavior and engagement patterns. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Content Engagement? How to Improve It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This type of engagement speaks to the interaction between readers, social media posts, videos, blog articles, and more. It takes different forms, like click-through rates, time spent on a page, comments, shares, and likes. If done right, it reaches its target audience, increases brand awareness, and leads to conversions and sales. Defining Content Engagement Engaging content is pivotal for small businesses looking to harness the power of digital platforms to reach their target audience and achieve their marketing goals. It’s not just about putting information out there; it’s about creating content that resonates with the audience, encourages interaction, and ultimately drives desired actions, such as sales, sign-ups, or social shares. Engagement is a critical metric that helps in evaluating the effectiveness of content marketing strategies by observing how readers interact with the content. Factors contributing to what constitutes engaging content include: Interactivity: Incorporating elements that prompt user action, such as: Polls and surveys that invite opinions or preferences. Sliders that users can interact with to view different pieces of content. Quizzes that provide personalized feedback or results. Content Completion: Evaluating the extent to which the audience engages with the content, as indicated by: Completion rates of videos indicate how many viewers watch them to the end. The percentage of readers who finish long-form articles or blog posts. Scroll Depth: Understanding how far users scroll through content, which helps in determining: The point at which most users stop reading, indicating potential areas for improvement. Which sections of the content are most engaging? User Experience: Ensuring the content is accessible and enjoyable to interact with, focusing on: Readability, ensuring text is easy to read both in terms of writing style and physical presentation. Navigation makes it easy for users to find what they’re looking for within the content or website. Load times, as faster loading content, are less likely to be abandoned. Responsive Design: Guaranteeing that content is accessible and aesthetically pleasing across all devices, especially mobile, considering: The increasing prevalence of mobile internet usage. The variety of screen sizes and resolutions for which content must be optimized. Visual Appeal: Using multimedia to enhance the content and capture attention through: High-quality images and graphics that complement the text. There are many places to find images online if you don’t want to take your own. Videos and animations that can explain concepts more effectively or provide a more dynamic user experience. Personalization: Tailoring content to meet the needs and interests of the target audience by: Segmenting content based on user demographics, interests, or past behavior. Providing recommendations for related content or products. Engaging content is a blend of these factors, designed to not only attract attention but to hold it, fostering a connection between the brand and its audience. By focusing on these elements, small businesses can create content that not only reaches their audience but resonates with them, encouraging interaction and engagement that supports business objectives. Tips to Create Engaging Content Here’s a list of tips for writing better content to help you create engaging posts that boost profits and drive sales. Understand Your Audience for Creating Engaging Content Understanding a target audience’s preferences and interests is essential for creating engaging content. Analytic tools like Facebook Insights and Twitter Analytics can help you gain a good understanding of their interests, behaviors, and other demographics. There are also many good sources for content inspiration that may offer insights into your industry and target market. SEMrush is an excellent keyword research tool. It helps uncover search trends to understand the topics and questions they use to search. Use Engaging Headlines to Attract Attention Blog posts and social media updates need to have compelling headlines. Ask a question that will interest a reader. An analyzing tool will help to make sure your headlines are SEO-optimized. Including numbers in your headlines (such as “10 tips for…”) attracts readers by providing an easy-to-read structure. Enhance Content Engagement with Visuals and Multimedia A multi-part campaign can enhance the power of infographics, videos and images on social media. Start with a short, compelling video as an introduction and then follow up with infographics. Images can be used as a compliment to the infographics to highlight quotes, facts and statistics. Use visual storytelling tips to bring these elements together with your written content. Create Interactive Content to Boost Engagement There are several different methods for making content interactive so you can collect valuable feedback, gauge your audience, and increase your retention. Blog Posts Tools like Google Forms can be utilized to add quizzes to your blog posts. By including questions at the end of your content, you can encourage readers to engage with the content engagement by leaving comments. Social Media A dedicated hashtag can be used to share user-generated content related to your small business. You can also host live Q&A sessions, boosting personal connections and engagement. Some of the best social media platforms include Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. Canva is an excellent tool for creating infographics. Tell Stories to Engage Your Audience Personal stories boost engagement by making the text more impactful, memorable, and relatable. Sharing a startup owner’s journey in a blog post is a good example. Testimonials from customers can create a deep connection. Use real-life scenarios that showcase the benefits of a service or product. Everything needs to be authentic to boost your credibility. Authentic stories are a great way to boost discussions, shares, and comments. Keep It Concise, Clear, and Relevant Conciseness and relevance are two critical factors to keep an audience engaged. Concise content shows respect for the reader’s attention span. After you’ve written a draft, go through sentences and paragraphs and omit unnecessary details. Relevant content aligns with current trends and a target market’s interests and needs. Ongoing audience research makes sure content is on point. Use a Conversational Tone for Better Engagement Conversational content creates a sense of personal connection. It mimics human conversation. Use words like “you “ to make the content more personal. Encourage User Participation in Your Content Content generated from users is an excellent way to boost engagement. Readers can share tips, photos, and their own stories. Surveys and polls will give you direct feedback from your target market about what they’d like to see more of. Regularly Update Content to Maintain Engagement Engaging content needs to be regularly refreshed and updated. Customer preferences are constantly changing with new trends and developments. Regular audits can identify blog posts and pages that are underperforming. Set up a regular schedule for content creation. Optimize Content for Mobile to Enhance Accessibility Mobile optimization guarantees that content engagement is both captivating and easy to read, while also being accessible. Responsive design allows the layout, content, and visuals to adapt seamlessly to the screen size and resolution of any device. Leverage Social Proof to Increase Content Credibility User-generated content and testimonials enhance content engagement on social media platforms by building a sense of community. Additionally, they offer a rich source of authentic material for marketing purposes. Testimonials serve as a powerful tool for promoting social proof. Social proof influences customers by showing a product or service is valuable. Analyze Performance and Adapt Your Content Strategy Important engagement metrics include the following. The bounce rate is the number of visitors who leave your site after only visiting a page. The click-through rate is the percentage of people who click on an image, call to action, or link. The engagement rate is a metric measuring the interaction your content gets, considering the number of impressions and audience size. Utilize Internal Links to Enhance Engagement Internal links act like a guide through your website that keeps readers engaged. They improve your SEO performance. They make it easy for readers to find relevant information and navigate your website. Don’t skimp on them using generic phrases like “click here.” Something like “ “why plants thrive in low light” has more SEO juice than just “learn more.” Incorporate SEO Best Practices Search engine optimization (SEO) involves optimizing a website’s navigability and structure. It helps create content that captivates your audience and gets you a good ranking on search engine results pages (SERPS). Good content marketing campaigns keep SEO in mind. Implement relevant keywords. Remember that Google prioritizes high-quality, relevant content. When creating content, check out the Google Search Quality Guidelines. Foster a Community Around Your Content Building an online community is a great way to foster engagement. Creating opportunities so people can interact with your content and other visitors can be done through open-ended questions, challenges and polls. Providing exclusive content like a members-only newsletter offers a community something unique. Create Content That Resonates with Your Target Audience Content tailored to a target market’s interests and needs will maintain their interest and keep them engaged. The writing style should be conversational. Relevant content and content curation encourage interactions like comments, shares, and likes. This type of content leads to conversions like making purchases, signing up for a newsletter, or following through on a call to action. Tip NumberFocus AreaMain StrategyTools/Techniques SuggestedExpected Outcome 1Audience UnderstandingAnalyze audience preferences and interestsFacebook Insights, Twitter Analytics, SEMrushTailored content that resonates with the audience 2HeadlinesCraft compelling headlinesAnalyzing tools for SEOHigher attention and click-through rates 3Visuals and MultimediaUse visuals to enhance engagementInfographics, videos, imagesImproved engagement and information retention 4Interactive ContentMake content interactive for feedbackGoogle Forms, hashtags, live Q&AIncreased audience participation and feedback 5StorytellingUse personal stories to connectReal-life scenarios, testimonialsEnhanced relatability and engagement 6Content Clarity and RelevanceKeep content concise and relevantOngoing audience researchRespect for reader's time, improved engagement 7Conversational ToneUse a conversational stylePersonal pronouns like "you"Personal connection with the audience 8User ParticipationEncourage user-generated contentSurveys, polls, user storiesHigher engagement and community feeling 9Content UpdatesRegularly refresh contentContent audit, regular creation scheduleContinued relevance and engagement 10Mobile OptimizationOptimize content for mobile devicesResponsive designAccessible and engaging content on all devices 11Social ProofUse testimonials and user-generated contentTestimonials, user storiesIncreased credibility and trust 12Performance AnalysisMonitor and adapt based on engagement metricsBounce rate, click-through rate, engagement rateData-driven content strategy adjustments 13Internal LinkingUse internal links to keep readers engagedStrategic internal linkingImproved navigation and SEO performance 14SEO Best PracticesIncorporate SEO into content creationKeyword optimization, Google Search Quality GuidelinesBetter search engine visibility and engagement 15Community BuildingFoster an online community around contentOpen-ended questions, exclusive contentIncreased interaction and loyalty 16Resonant ContentCreate content that aligns with audience needsConversational writing style, relevancyHigh engagement leading to conversions Measuring Engaging Content Rates of Engagement This metric measures comments, shares, likes, and how actively involved your target market is. Likes This indicator is crucial because it signifies that someone is sharing the content. It acts as an endorsement, suggesting that the content is informative, entertaining, and valuable. Comments These represent direct audience feedback and deeper insights. They represent an interaction that requires more effort than likes or shares. https://youtube.com/watch?v=BhbP-hc_IfE%3Fsi%3DMfhhjoCcAdTZYNoQ Create Content that Engages: Boosting Your Digital Presence Engaging content is at the core of every digital marketing strategy. Providing valuable and relevant content encourages meaningful interactions and strengthens your brand. An effective content marketing strategy will get people to read your articles and ultimately increase sales. FAQs What is Content Engagement? Content engagement refers to how users interact and engage with online content. This encompasses activities such as reading, watching, clicking, sharing, commenting on, and reacting to content. A high level of engagement suggests that the content resonates effectively with the audience. How Can Content Engagement be Measured? Content engagement can be measured through various metrics such as page views, time spent on a page, social shares, comments, click-through rates, and conversion rates. Tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics, and other data-tracking platforms are used for this purpose. Why is Content Engagement Important for SEO? Content engagement is crucial for SEO as it signals to search engines that the content is valuable, relevant, and interesting to users. High engagement can lead to improved search rankings, increased visibility, and more traffic to a website. What Types of Content Typically Have High Engagement? Types of content that typically have high engagement include interactive content (quizzes, polls), visually appealing content (videos, infographics), storytelling, problem-solving content, and content that evokes emotions or offers value through tips, guides, and tutorials. How Can One Improve Content Engagement? Improving content engagement involves creating high-quality, relevant, and valuable content tailored to the target audience’s interests. Utilizing engaging formats, optimizing for user experience, promoting content across various platforms, and encouraging user interaction can also enhance engagement. What Role Does Social Media Play in Content Engagement? Social media plays a significant role in content engagement by providing platforms for content distribution and facilitating interactions between users and content. Sharing content on social media can increase visibility, drive traffic, and boost engagement through likes, shares, and comments. Are There Tools to Help Analyze Content Engagement? Yes, there are tools to help analyze content engagement. These include web analytics tools like Google Analytics, social media analytics tools, content management systems with built-in analytics, and specialized tools like BuzzSumo and Hotjar that offer insights into user behavior and engagement patterns. Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Content Engagement? How to Improve It?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google is testing removing the numbers from the pagination menu at the footer of the Google Search results page. The normal pagination bar shows the page number you are on, the test just shows a next button.View the full article

AI overviews in SERPs: a challenge or opportunity for ecommerce site owners? Ecommerce expert, Kevin Gibbons shares his insights. The post Ask An SEO: How Should Ecommerce Stores Deal With The Arrival Of AI Overviews? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

In December, Y Combinator’s first-ever Fall batch got their own Demo Day. The Silicon Valley-based startup accelerator—which has produced big hits like Airbnb, Doordash, and Stripe—had doubled the number of startup classes that could enter its program. The showing was mixed: 87% were AI companies, and few have yet to publicly disclose their seeds. Undoubtedly the most prestigious hub of Silicon Valley’s startup culture, YC’s outside critics have grown in their ranks. They have many sore spots to point to: increased batches, diminished seed rounds, more duplicate companies, less specialized training, and the list goes on. But, from the inside, it’s rare to hear a YC founder complain about their experience. The deal ($125,000 for 7% of the company, plus a $375,000 SAFE note, extensive mentorship, and physical office space) remains highly sought after. YC’s acceptance rate is still a mere 1%. So, what’s with the shift in energy? It’s hard to tell—but the change has been immediate. “From the entrepreneur’s perspective, the core base of Y Combinator has diluted,” says Arpita Agnihotri, an associate professor of management at the Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg. “The excitement has definitely reduced.” ‘It’s just so many companies’ Like a university, YC has its own specialized application process, where it chooses which startups to accept into its class (or “batch”). These batches are remarkably successful; where the average startup failure rate is around 90%, YC’s is an estimated 18%. 5.5% of YC startups become unicorns; the summed value of YC’s graduates is over $600 billion. In YC’s early days, there were only two batches a year, and they remained small. In 2009, when Airbnb and Stripe went through, YC’s two cohorts hosted a summed 42 companies. But then things got out of hand; the 2022 winter batch had 400 companies. New CEO Garry Tan took action to reduce batch sizes, though they remain relatively large. He also introduced two additional cohorts in the fall and spring, creating a more distributed schedule. But this reconfiguration comes with its own challenges: Two more classes of entrepreneurs for investors to consider, and two more Demo Days for them to attend. Masha Bucher, CEO of Day One Ventures, has invested in 35 companies out of YC within the past six years. Eight of those companies have been acquired. She slowed her investments during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she saw the quality of YC’s choice in firms go down. But she’s been happy under Garry Tan—even if she wishes he’d cut down the number of participating firms. “I want batches to be smaller, because it’s a bit overwhelming,” Bucher says. “It’s just so many companies and, as a result of it, you dedicate less time for every single opportunity.” At one recent Demo Day, Bucher noticed that many more founders were surrounded by angel investors than venture capitalists, a sign that valuations have gotten too high for VC firms and left founders reliant on smaller-dollar investors. To Bucher, greater exclusivity could be the solution. While smaller (or fewer) cohorts would saddle YC with more risk, it could also coax back these VCs, proving that the high valuations are worth it. “This change makes it easier for YC to support founders when they’re ready, instead of making them wait for the next application cycle,” a YC spokesperson wrote in an email to Fast Company. “The batch sizes are smaller now—about half the size of the old cohorts. So even with more cohorts, the total number of startups we fund each year stays the same.” ‘Not everybody is hopeful of being the star’ AI startup Artisan sparked outrage in 2024 for its provocative San Francisco ads: “Stop Hiring Humans.” But, among the YC heads, Artisan is a golden child. They’re one of the biggest raisers among the winter 2024 batch, having collected around $12 million in seed funding. The company’s CEO, Jaspar Carmichael-Jack, was confident in his ability to court investors far before he joined YC, but credits the accelerator with bringing “brand awareness.” Artisan’s $12 million seed ranks them among the declining number of YC firms who aim for bigger seeds. Among its cohort, AI-powered legal software Leya was the only other firm to publicly break $10 million. Some others made it around $5 million; more landed closer to $2 million or below. For many, it looks like the seed rounds of YC-stamped firms are in decline. “A lot of people end up raising $2-3 million and sometimes that’s enough, but sometimes it’s not,” says Amy Cheetham, a partner at Costanoa Ventures who estimates that 10–15% of the companies that come across her desk are from YC. “What I always tell people is to make sure that they’re really thoughtful about not under capitalizing their business coming out of [YC].” For those rare big raisers, it’s common to bring big investors on board before even applying for YC. Artisan collected $2.3 million in pre-seed funding. Lumen Orbit, a space datacenter startup that now boasts a staggering $11 million seed, amassed $2.4 million beforehand. Its CEO Philip Johnston says he thinks of the seed as a “small Series A,” and claims that the big raise was necessary because of the company’s hardware focus. Taking on gobs of money out of YC may not be the best move for founders. At a minimum, it lessens the chances for future catastrophic down rounds. YC has also been a haven for “little tech,” the smaller, more technically oriented companies that are not looking to be the next Airbnb or Stripe. Saurabh Bhattacharya, a reader in digital marketing at Newcastle University Business School, notes the importance of these companies: “Not everybody is hopeful of being the star startup.” “YC encourages founders to raise only the capital they need,” a YC spokesperson wrote. “With advancements in AI, startups are increasingly able to achieve more significant milestones with less funding. This approach not only enables rapid progress but also minimizes founder dilution, allowing them to retain more control of their companies.” ‘Multiple horses in the same race’ When Demo Day arrives, a founder’s success often hinges on their company’s individuality. But as YC continues to accept similar startups—some of which directly overlap—standing out has become increasingly difficult. Concerns about company duplication flared up in fall 2024 when an AI code-editing scandal shook the accelerator. New YC inductee Pear AI, which promised to create “VSCode for The New Age of AI,” came under fire for altering the open-source license of Continue—another YC-backed startup. Many saw it as a blatant case of copying. (Pear AI did not respond to an interview request.) Even when direct imitation isn’t an issue, many startups find themselves with near-identical counterparts within the accelerator. Using the AlphaLens tool, Léopold Gasteen analyzed 4,938 YC startups and identified numerous look-alikes. “[YC] conducts a whole bunch of concurrent experiments,” Gasteen says. “What’s clear to me is that they don’t mind having multiple horses in the same race.” Are founders uncomfortable with having a duplicate within YC? Fast Company reached out to several of them; only two were willing to speak on the record. Cossi Achille Arouko, founder of Africa-based Bujeti, doesn’t mind sharing space with Middle East-based Alaan, which also runs a corporate expense management platform. He’s “spent so much time [with the Alaan team] that we are all friends,” he says. Similarly, Flock Safety and Abel Police were flagged as look-alikes for their AI-driven crime footage uploads, but Abel CEO Daniel Francis dismisses concerns. They’re not a “competing product,” he says; if anything, Flock Safety has only helped his business. YC maintains that it prioritizes “founders over ideas” and sees competition as an unavoidable byproduct of innovation. But Artisan CEO Carmichael-Jack admits he only applied to YC because his company filled a niche within the accelerator. “If I was doing an HR platform, dealing with [YC companies] Gusto and Rippling, I probably wouldn’t do YC,” he says. “Because, are you really going to become the category leader over them?” ‘A whole bunch of B2B SaaS businesses’ YC only has one guiding principle for companies: “Make something people want.” But, on the inside, the types of companies that succeed within the accelerator’s walls may be more unified. “One of the criticisms of YC is that it’s turned into a whole bunch of B2B SaaS businesses sitting around selling their stuff to each other,” says Ryan Wardell, the cofounder of StartupSauce, a digital community of SaaS entrepreneurs. “How much help are you actually getting to move outside into the real world and sell to actual companies that are outside the YC ecosystem?” Fast Company asked every YC founder interviewed for this piece whether there was a certain “type” of company that succeeds within the accelerator. Most demurred, citing a low fail rate or positive personal experiences. Lumen Orbit’s Johnson acknowledged the stereotype that YC was built for “young B2B SaaS founders,” but insisted that YC’s advantages move in “waves and trends.” Artisan’s Carmichael-Jack, though, was unusually blunt. “I wouldn’t do Y Combinator if we were a consumer company,” he says. “The value that we got from YC was specifically from being a B2B company.” ‘How much value does the actual accelerator program provide?’ When YC was founded in 2005, Silicon Valley was a smaller, more insular community. For tech founders, the accelerator’s mentorship provided a crucial entry point—offering access to the right investors and influential networks. Twenty years later, the landscape has changed. Capital is more accessible, and any startup generating revenue can find a seat at the table. This shift raises a pressing question: Is YC’s training still worth it? “How much value does the actual accelerator program provide?” Wardell asks. “If Y Combinator just picked out the top 1.5% of startups and said, ‘We think these ones are good, you should invest in them,’ and then they got out of the way, I think their success or failure rate would probably be identical to what it is now.” While YC continues to thrive, the accelerator space has encountered some turbulence. Newchip, once an Austin-based competitor to YC, filed for bankruptcy in 2023. Meanwhile, Techstars closed its Boulder, Seattle, and Austin operations. Those hiccups have led some to speculate that accelerators might eventually drop or reduce their mentorship programs. YC’s value, they argue, might lie primarily in its stamp of approval; guidance would take a secondary role. Agnihotri, the Penn State professor, sees the diminished training as a trade-off with the high number of companies. What startups gain from a wider network, they lose in mentorship. “When you have large batch sizes, then you cannot have customized solutions to the problems that startups are facing,” she says. Y Combinator, for its part, insists its 21 full-time and visiting partners can adequately mentor the founders they take on. “Founders are getting just as much, if not more, support than ever,” a YC representative wrote. View the full article

With proposed tariffs on homebuilding materials working looming and a cloudy forecast for mortgage rates, young homebuyers are facing increased volatility. View the full article

What is a 1099 form, and how is it used? Most U.S.-based business owners have issued 1099 tax forms to independent contractors, keeping them in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. However, there are several other scenarios in which a small business owner would issue or receive a type of 1099. Do you know the 1099 rules? Are you curious about who should get a 1099 form, how to issue one, or what rules apply in different scenarios? In this article, we’ll provide the answers to these questions about 1099 forms and more. What Is a 1099 Form? The 1099 form, issued by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, serves several specific purposes, each with a different variant of the form. Some of these include: Form 1099-MISC: This version is issued when a business pays a non-employee more than $600 in a year. It’s often used for independent contractors, freelancers, or other non-employee workers. Form 1099-INT: This version is for reporting interest income, for instance from a bank or other financial institution. Form 1099-DIV: This version reports dividend payments made by corporations to their shareholders. Just as businesses use W2 forms to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, 1099 forms are used to report different types of income received by individuals or entities. The use of these forms assists the IRS in ensuring accurate tax reporting and payment, while enabling individuals and entities to accurately determine their tax liabilities based on their total annual income. Despite the similarities with W2, a key distinction is that 1099 forms don’t account for any tax withholdings, as taxes are typically not withheld from the types of income these forms report. READ MORE: Basics ABout 1099 forms for Small Business Owners What Types of Income Payments Are Reported on a 1099 Form? While 1099 forms often are associated with income paid to independent contractors, they also can be used to report a variety of other income payments and miscellaneous income. Some of the more common types of income payments reported on a 1099 include (but aren’t limited to): Non-employee compensation Rent or royalty payments State or local tax refunds Gambling winnings Brokerage gains or losses Dividends and interest payments Commissions Non-qualified deferred compensation Medical and healthcare payments Prizes and awards Crop insurance proceeds Fishing boat proceeds What Are the Types of 1099 Forms? A 1099 might be a common IRS form, but it’s available in multiple versions. A few of the most common types of 1099 forms include: 1099-NEC reports nonemployee compensation such as income earned as an independent contractor, freelancer, or self-employed individual. 1099-MISC reports payments like rent, royalties, prizes and awards, substitute payments in lieu of dividends, medical and health care payments and crop insurance proceeds. 1099-INT reports interest payments from banks, brokerage firms, and other investment firms. 1099-DIV reports payments to investors, including cash dividends. 1099-G reports unemployment payments or local tax refunds. 1099-R reports payments from taxable pension retirement plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs), as well as certain life insurance plans and annuities. 1099-B reports income from commodities, stock sales, certain types of bartering, and other securities. 1099-S reports real estate transactions that gain money, including the sales of land, residential properties, and commercial or industrial properties. 1099-K reports payments received through reportable payment card transactions of third-party payment network transactions. These include sources like PayPal and Venmo. 1099 for Digital Payments With the rise of digital payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo, businesses must be aware of the 1099 reporting requirements for transactions made through these services. The IRS requires reporting for business-related digital payments that exceed specific thresholds. For instance, if transactions surpass $600, they may necessitate a 1099 form. This requirement calls for businesses to stay updated on the tax implications of digital transactions and ensure compliance with these evolving IRS guidelines. Ultimately, providers like PayPal may be required to issue a 1099-K for all users earning more than $600. However, that requirement has been postponed again, and they are thus only required to issue the form to users earning more than $20,000 with at least 200 transactions. READ MORE: How to File Self Employment Taxes What Common 1099 Rules Must a Business Owner Follow? Like many other aspects of filing income taxes in the United States, 1099 forms have undergone their share of changes in recent years, so it’s important for a small business owner to keep abreast of the newest applicable rules, such as the following: New Forms Beginning with a recent tax period, the IRS reintroduced the 1099-NEC, which hadn’t been used for decades. Prior to this change, payments to non-employees such as independent contractors, which were subject to self-employment taxes, were reported on a 1099-MISC. Such income is now reported on a 1099-NEC. $600 Threshold Businesses are required to send copies of Form 1099-NEC to the IRS and contractors if they pay $600 or more in compensation. The $600 threshold also applies to other 1099 forms to report payments such as non-qualified deferred compensation, crop insurance proceeds, rent, prizes, and more. Taxpayers who earn less than $600 usually are still required to report the income with their tax obligations, even if they did not receive a 1099. Dates and Deadlines Businesses must supply 1099 to contractors and vendors and file a copy with the IRS by Jan. 31. However, if that date falls on a weekend, the due date is the following Monday. Some types of 1099 forms require IRS filing by Feb. 28, but copies should still be furnished to recipients by Jan. 31. Foreign Workers If you hire a non-U.S. citizen who works remotely via the Internet from another country, generally speaking, you do not need to file a 1099 for that person. However, if the foreign worker performs any work inside the United States, you would need to file the 1099. Payments to Corporations Businesses usually do not need to issue 1099 forms for payments made to corporations. For example, if paying a corporation that provides web design services or some other business service, they do not need to issue a 1099. This can include independent contracts operating as an S Corp, as well. However, it’s important to remember that an LLC, or limited liability company, is not the same as a corporation. In general, an entity is expected to send 1099 forms to most small business LLCs. PayPal and Credit Card Payments In most cases, businesses are not required to send 1099 forms to independent contractors or unincorporated businesses if they were paid electronically via PayPal or credit cards. Instead, the credit card companies and payment companies will handle any required reporting. Personal Payments 1099 forms are not required for personal payments. Entities are required to issue 1099-MISC reports only for payments made in the course of doing a trade or business. If you run a non-profit organization, however, that’s considered a business for purposes of 1099s. 1099 Errors A payer who identifies an error after issuing a 1099 form must re-issue a corrected version to the payee and update the filing with the IRS. If a payee receives a 1099 that contains an error, they should reach out to the payer to request a correction. If the form cannot be amended, the payee must attach an explanation to their tax return and accurately report the income. Record-Keeping and Compliance Maintaining accurate records is vital for adhering to 1099 compliance. Businesses need to track all payments to contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees throughout the year. Proper documentation is key, including detailed logs of payments and retaining copies of contracts and work orders. Timely filing of 1099 forms and accurate reporting of payment amounts are crucial for smooth tax processing and avoiding any penalties from the IRS. READ MORE: Best Tax Software for Self-Employed People How to Issue and File 1099 Forms Issuing and filing a 1099 form is simple once the payer has the proper information. To fill out a 1099 form, a business needs four pieces of information: Payer’s information Payee’s information Nonemployee compensation amount Tax information, such as Social Security number or tax ID number The first box of the 1099-NEC contains the information on the paying business. There is only one box for this information, and you must include your name and business name, street address and phone number. The second section of the 1099-NEC is for the paid contractor’s information. To obtain this, the payer will send the payee a W-9 form requesting their name, address, and taxpayer identification number. However, if the contractor is not a U.S. resident, the payer will need a W-8BEN or W-8BEN to certify that they reside outside the country. After a business fills out these sections, it needs only to input the compensation amount that the contractor received during the tax year. After completing the 1099 form, make sure to verify the state 1099 form requirements. Some states mandate the submission of forms, while others do not. To comply with federal regulations, the business must send two copies: one to the IRS and one to the payee, ensuring that both reach their destinations by January 31. Detailed filing procedures for each of these copies can be found on the first page of the 1099 form. A new online portal from the IRS, called the Information Return Intake System, enables users to create and file 1099 forms. READ MORE: Don’t Forget This New Tax Rule for Small Business 1099 Related Penalties Businesses that fail to issue a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC by the filing deadline could face penalties ranging from $50 to $280 per form for the current tax year, depending on how late the form was submitted. Businesses that intentionally disregard a payee’s request to correct 1099 with errors can be subject to a minimum penalty of $570 per form, or 10% of the income reported on the form, with no maximum. Automating 1099 Processes The advent of technology has made managing 1099 forms more efficient. Many modern accounting software solutions offer features to automate the generation, filing, and tracking of 1099 forms. This automation enhances accuracy, saves time, and reduces administrative burdens. When choosing a 1099 automation tool, consider factors like integration with existing accounting systems, e-filing capabilities, and secure data handling. This technological shift is reshaping how businesses handle their 1099 processes, offering a more streamlined approach to financial management. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_yHPIvtiKjs%3Fsi%3D07wWf0OfVlIZeMTr FAQ What If You Don’t Receive a 1099? Taxpayers earning qualified income should receive a 1099 form from the payer no later than early February, but what happens when they don’t? The first step to take if a 1099 isn’t received is to contact the payer. If it’s still not received by Feb. 15, the party should call the IRS for help at 1-800-829-1040. Regardless of whether a 1099 is received, the taxpayer is still required to report the income on their tax return. This can often be done by obtaining the information from alternative sources, such as bank statements. What Is an Author’s Income Threshold for Book Royalties? Royalties paid to an artist, such as an author, musician, songwriter, or singer, are considered taxable income. Whether or not those royalties are subject to self-employment tax depends largely on whether the artist is a professional or a hobbyist. The United States Tax Code requires publishers to report royalties paid that exceed $10 in Form 1099-MISC. What are Other income payments considered on a 1099? Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments categorized as “other” than nonemployee compensation made by a trade or business to individuals or entities. This “other” income can include payments for rent, royalties, prizes, and awards, as well as substitute payments made in place of dividends. The 1099-MISC form includes a section for payments that do not fit into its specified categories, which is labeled as “other income.” This is where a business will report payments of $600 or more made for activities including participation in a medical research study, monetary prizes or awards, termination of self-employed insurance salespeople and punitive damages, damages for nonphysical injuries or sickness and any other taxable damages. How Do You Report Interest Income to the IRS? Most interest that taxpayers can withdraw without incurring a penalty is regarded as taxable income by the IRS, although there are some exceptions. Interest recipients should receive Copy B of form 1099-INT or form 1099-OID, which report taxable or tax-exempt interest payments of $10 or more. These forms are typically issued by a broker as part of a composite statement. Interest earners must report all taxable and tax-exempt interest on their federal income tax returns, whether or not they receive a Form 1099. Where Can You Get 1099 Forms? Blank 1099 forms are available from a variety of convenient locations. Businesses can get paper copies at many post offices, public libraries and even office supply stores. They also can request 1099 forms from the IRS, which can be mailed to them in paper form or downloaded to print. However, it’s important to know the correct 1099 form to request. A new IRS online portal, known as the Information Return Intake System allows users to electronically create and file 1099 forms. Some accounting and tax-preparation software services also will prepare, print and file certain 1099 forms, such as the 1099-NEC. An accountant or tax preparer can also e-file 1099 forms together with a business’s tax returns. It’s important to note that if a business is required to file more than 250 1099s, it must do so electronically. Businesses that do not comply and lack an approved waiver may face penalties of up to $100 for each return. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Form 1099 Rules for Employers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is a 1099 form, and how is it used? Most U.S.-based business owners have issued 1099 tax forms to independent contractors, keeping them in compliance with the Internal Revenue Service. However, there are several other scenarios in which a small business owner would issue or receive a type of 1099. Do you know the 1099 rules? Are you curious about who should get a 1099 form, how to issue one, or what rules apply in different scenarios? In this article, we’ll provide the answers to these questions about 1099 forms and more. What Is a 1099 Form? The 1099 form, issued by the Internal Revenue Service in the United States, serves several specific purposes, each with a different variant of the form. Some of these include: Form 1099-MISC: This version is issued when a business pays a non-employee more than $600 in a year. It’s often used for independent contractors, freelancers, or other non-employee workers. Form 1099-INT: This version is for reporting interest income, for instance from a bank or other financial institution. Form 1099-DIV: This version reports dividend payments made by corporations to their shareholders. Just as businesses use W2 forms to report wages, tips, and other compensation paid to employees, 1099 forms are used to report different types of income received by individuals or entities. The use of these forms assists the IRS in ensuring accurate tax reporting and payment, while enabling individuals and entities to accurately determine their tax liabilities based on their total annual income. Despite the similarities with W2, a key distinction is that 1099 forms don’t account for any tax withholdings, as taxes are typically not withheld from the types of income these forms report. READ MORE: Basics ABout 1099 forms for Small Business Owners What Types of Income Payments Are Reported on a 1099 Form? While 1099 forms often are associated with income paid to independent contractors, they also can be used to report a variety of other income payments and miscellaneous income. Some of the more common types of income payments reported on a 1099 include (but aren’t limited to): Non-employee compensation Rent or royalty payments State or local tax refunds Gambling winnings Brokerage gains or losses Dividends and interest payments Commissions Non-qualified deferred compensation Medical and healthcare payments Prizes and awards Crop insurance proceeds Fishing boat proceeds What Are the Types of 1099 Forms? A 1099 might be a common IRS form, but it’s available in multiple versions. A few of the most common types of 1099 forms include: 1099-NEC reports nonemployee compensation such as income earned as an independent contractor, freelancer, or self-employed individual. 1099-MISC reports payments like rent, royalties, prizes and awards, substitute payments in lieu of dividends, medical and health care payments and crop insurance proceeds. 1099-INT reports interest payments from banks, brokerage firms, and other investment firms. 1099-DIV reports payments to investors, including cash dividends. 1099-G reports unemployment payments or local tax refunds. 1099-R reports payments from taxable pension retirement plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs), as well as certain life insurance plans and annuities. 1099-B reports income from commodities, stock sales, certain types of bartering, and other securities. 1099-S reports real estate transactions that gain money, including the sales of land, residential properties, and commercial or industrial properties. 1099-K reports payments received through reportable payment card transactions of third-party payment network transactions. These include sources like PayPal and Venmo. 1099 for Digital Payments With the rise of digital payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo, businesses must be aware of the 1099 reporting requirements for transactions made through these services. The IRS requires reporting for business-related digital payments that exceed specific thresholds. For instance, if transactions surpass $600, they may necessitate a 1099 form. This requirement calls for businesses to stay updated on the tax implications of digital transactions and ensure compliance with these evolving IRS guidelines. Ultimately, providers like PayPal may be required to issue a 1099-K for all users earning more than $600. However, that requirement has been postponed again, and they are thus only required to issue the form to users earning more than $20,000 with at least 200 transactions. READ MORE: How to File Self Employment Taxes What Common 1099 Rules Must a Business Owner Follow? Like many other aspects of filing income taxes in the United States, 1099 forms have undergone their share of changes in recent years, so it’s important for a small business owner to keep abreast of the newest applicable rules, such as the following: New Forms Beginning with a recent tax period, the IRS reintroduced the 1099-NEC, which hadn’t been used for decades. Prior to this change, payments to non-employees such as independent contractors, which were subject to self-employment taxes, were reported on a 1099-MISC. Such income is now reported on a 1099-NEC. $600 Threshold Businesses are required to send copies of Form 1099-NEC to the IRS and contractors if they pay $600 or more in compensation. The $600 threshold also applies to other 1099 forms to report payments such as non-qualified deferred compensation, crop insurance proceeds, rent, prizes, and more. Taxpayers who earn less than $600 usually are still required to report the income with their tax obligations, even if they did not receive a 1099. Dates and Deadlines Businesses must supply 1099 to contractors and vendors and file a copy with the IRS by Jan. 31. However, if that date falls on a weekend, the due date is the following Monday. Some types of 1099 forms require IRS filing by Feb. 28, but copies should still be furnished to recipients by Jan. 31. Foreign Workers If you hire a non-U.S. citizen who works remotely via the Internet from another country, generally speaking, you do not need to file a 1099 for that person. However, if the foreign worker performs any work inside the United States, you would need to file the 1099. Payments to Corporations Businesses usually do not need to issue 1099 forms for payments made to corporations. For example, if paying a corporation that provides web design services or some other business service, they do not need to issue a 1099. This can include independent contracts operating as an S Corp, as well. However, it’s important to remember that an LLC, or limited liability company, is not the same as a corporation. In general, an entity is expected to send 1099 forms to most small business LLCs. PayPal and Credit Card Payments In most cases, businesses are not required to send 1099 forms to independent contractors or unincorporated businesses if they were paid electronically via PayPal or credit cards. Instead, the credit card companies and payment companies will handle any required reporting. Personal Payments 1099 forms are not required for personal payments. Entities are required to issue 1099-MISC reports only for payments made in the course of doing a trade or business. If you run a non-profit organization, however, that’s considered a business for purposes of 1099s. 1099 Errors A payer who identifies an error after issuing a 1099 form must re-issue a corrected version to the payee and update the filing with the IRS. If a payee receives a 1099 that contains an error, they should reach out to the payer to request a correction. If the form cannot be amended, the payee must attach an explanation to their tax return and accurately report the income. Record-Keeping and Compliance Maintaining accurate records is vital for adhering to 1099 compliance. Businesses need to track all payments to contractors, freelancers, and other non-employees throughout the year. Proper documentation is key, including detailed logs of payments and retaining copies of contracts and work orders. Timely filing of 1099 forms and accurate reporting of payment amounts are crucial for smooth tax processing and avoiding any penalties from the IRS. READ MORE: Best Tax Software for Self-Employed People How to Issue and File 1099 Forms Issuing and filing a 1099 form is simple once the payer has the proper information. To fill out a 1099 form, a business needs four pieces of information: Payer’s information Payee’s information Nonemployee compensation amount Tax information, such as Social Security number or tax ID number The first box of the 1099-NEC contains the information on the paying business. There is only one box for this information, and you must include your name and business name, street address and phone number. The second section of the 1099-NEC is for the paid contractor’s information. To obtain this, the payer will send the payee a W-9 form requesting their name, address, and taxpayer identification number. However, if the contractor is not a U.S. resident, the payer will need a W-8BEN or W-8BEN to certify that they reside outside the country. After a business fills out these sections, it needs only to input the compensation amount that the contractor received during the tax year. After completing the 1099 form, make sure to verify the state 1099 form requirements. Some states mandate the submission of forms, while others do not. To comply with federal regulations, the business must send two copies: one to the IRS and one to the payee, ensuring that both reach their destinations by January 31. Detailed filing procedures for each of these copies can be found on the first page of the 1099 form. A new online portal from the IRS, called the Information Return Intake System, enables users to create and file 1099 forms. READ MORE: Don’t Forget This New Tax Rule for Small Business 1099 Related Penalties Businesses that fail to issue a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC by the filing deadline could face penalties ranging from $50 to $280 per form for the current tax year, depending on how late the form was submitted. Businesses that intentionally disregard a payee’s request to correct 1099 with errors can be subject to a minimum penalty of $570 per form, or 10% of the income reported on the form, with no maximum. Automating 1099 Processes The advent of technology has made managing 1099 forms more efficient. Many modern accounting software solutions offer features to automate the generation, filing, and tracking of 1099 forms. This automation enhances accuracy, saves time, and reduces administrative burdens. When choosing a 1099 automation tool, consider factors like integration with existing accounting systems, e-filing capabilities, and secure data handling. This technological shift is reshaping how businesses handle their 1099 processes, offering a more streamlined approach to financial management. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_yHPIvtiKjs%3Fsi%3D07wWf0OfVlIZeMTr FAQ What If You Don’t Receive a 1099? Taxpayers earning qualified income should receive a 1099 form from the payer no later than early February, but what happens when they don’t? The first step to take if a 1099 isn’t received is to contact the payer. If it’s still not received by Feb. 15, the party should call the IRS for help at 1-800-829-1040. Regardless of whether a 1099 is received, the taxpayer is still required to report the income on their tax return. This can often be done by obtaining the information from alternative sources, such as bank statements. What Is an Author’s Income Threshold for Book Royalties? Royalties paid to an artist, such as an author, musician, songwriter, or singer, are considered taxable income. Whether or not those royalties are subject to self-employment tax depends largely on whether the artist is a professional or a hobbyist. The United States Tax Code requires publishers to report royalties paid that exceed $10 in Form 1099-MISC. What are Other income payments considered on a 1099? Form 1099-MISC is used to report payments categorized as “other” than nonemployee compensation made by a trade or business to individuals or entities. This “other” income can include payments for rent, royalties, prizes, and awards, as well as substitute payments made in place of dividends. The 1099-MISC form includes a section for payments that do not fit into its specified categories, which is labeled as “other income.” This is where a business will report payments of $600 or more made for activities including participation in a medical research study, monetary prizes or awards, termination of self-employed insurance salespeople and punitive damages, damages for nonphysical injuries or sickness and any other taxable damages. How Do You Report Interest Income to the IRS? Most interest that taxpayers can withdraw without incurring a penalty is regarded as taxable income by the IRS, although there are some exceptions. Interest recipients should receive Copy B of form 1099-INT or form 1099-OID, which report taxable or tax-exempt interest payments of $10 or more. These forms are typically issued by a broker as part of a composite statement. Interest earners must report all taxable and tax-exempt interest on their federal income tax returns, whether or not they receive a Form 1099. Where Can You Get 1099 Forms? Blank 1099 forms are available from a variety of convenient locations. Businesses can get paper copies at many post offices, public libraries and even office supply stores. They also can request 1099 forms from the IRS, which can be mailed to them in paper form or downloaded to print. However, it’s important to know the correct 1099 form to request. A new IRS online portal, known as the Information Return Intake System allows users to electronically create and file 1099 forms. Some accounting and tax-preparation software services also will prepare, print and file certain 1099 forms, such as the 1099-NEC. An accountant or tax preparer can also e-file 1099 forms together with a business’s tax returns. It’s important to note that if a business is required to file more than 250 1099s, it must do so electronically. Businesses that do not comply and lack an approved waiver may face penalties of up to $100 for each return. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Form 1099 Rules for Employers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Conferences have been on my mind a lot lately—specifically, the ones that bring together the brightest marketers and creators in the industry. After sharing the list with my Marketing team, one thought echoed across the board: "Our readers would probably love this, too." So, why are conferences on our radar in the first place? Well, being a remote team has some huge perks—working with people from around the globe, for starters. But there's something about meeting face-to-face that simply can’t be replicated through a Zoom call. Plus, the right conference does two things at once: gives you access to top-tier education and opens doors to incredible networking opportunities. If you’ve been toying with attending one this year (or just got the idea beamed into your head), you’re in luck. I’ve rounded up the top conferences on my radar, with dates, locations, and highlights. These events tick one or more of these boxes: Relevant topics: You’ll walk away with strategies that actually work and insights on trends shaping social media, marketing, and business today.Great speaker lineups: Think industry leaders and innovators across tech, branding, and the creator economy.Networking opportunities: Perfect for meeting collaborators, sponsors, and professionals who can help take your business or creator journey to the next level.So, let’s dive into the events you’ll want on your calendar for 2025. 1. Creator Economy LiveDate: February 4-5, 2025 Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas Price: $999-2,099 Best for: Creators looking to connect with decision-makers and influencer marketing pros Creator Economy Live is a two-day deep dive into the creator economy, focusing on the strategies, relationships, and platforms that drive the industry forward. Whether you're a creator, agency rep, or marketing professional, you'll find valuable insights to help you grow. What to Expect: Panels and fireside chats with experts sharing their success stories and strategies on building sustainable careers in the creator space.Networking lounges and interactive sessions provide opportunities to meet brand partners and other creators.If making strategic connections and learning from top-tier experts is your goal, this one’s a must. 2. SXSW AustinDates: March 7–15, 2025 Location: Austin, Texas Price: $895-2,195 Best for: Creators and marketers interested in digital innovation, culture, and technology trends SXSW Austin blends film, music, technology, and interactive media, offering a dynamic space for creative and tech professionals. The conference track is a major draw, focusing on topics that matter to social media, content creation, and digital innovation. What to expect: Panels and workshops on storytelling, audience engagement, and tech innovation.Networking mixers and live showcases to connect with potential collaborators in a high-energy, creative atmosphere.3. Social Media Marketing WorldDate: March 30–April 1, 2025 Location: San Diego Convention Center, California; Virtual Price: $497-1,497 Best for: Marketing professionals, social media managers, and small business owners Hosted by Social Media Examiner, Social Media Marketing World offers practical training to level up your social media strategies. You'll learn about platform algorithms and content marketing tactics directly from industry leaders. What to expect: Sessions on content marketing, platform algorithms, and engagement strategies to drive conversions.Niche workshops on platform-specific tactics like TikTok growth, Instagram Reels, and LinkedIn personal branding.4. Social Media Week by AdWeekDate: May 12-14, 2025 Location: Metropolitan Pavilion, New York Price: $935-1,359 Best for: CMOs, social media strategists, creators, and brand marketers AdWeek’s Social Media Week is where top minds in social media, branding, and pop culture come to share insights. With high-profile speakers and data-driven sessions, this event helps marketers and creators stay sharp in a rapidly evolving industry. What to expect: Deep dives into case studies from viral campaigns that broke the internet.Tactics for building stronger influencer partnerships.Strategies to stay ahead of changing audience trends and behaviors.Panels often include experts from platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, giving you an inside look at what’s next in the social landscape. 5. SocialDayDate: May 20-22, 2025 Location: Phantom Peak, London, United Kingdom Price: £350-3,500 Best for: Social media professionals, content creators, and digital strategists SocialDay is one of the top social media marketing conferences in the UK, designed for professionals looking to stay ahead of trends, sharpen their skills, and connect with industry leaders. What to expect: Keynotes and panels covering TikTok strategies, SEO, and social media trends.Expert insights on building community, brand storytelling, and content scaling.Interactive workshops on influencer marketing, agency growth, and AI in social media.Networking opportunities in an engaging, ‘unstuffy’ environment with industry peers.6. SXSW LondonDate: June 2-7, 2025 Location: Shoreditch, London, United Kingdom Price: £520-1,040 Best for: Creators, tech entrepreneurs, and marketers The first-ever SXSW London builds on the iconic Austin edition, creating a hub for creators, innovators, and technologists across Europe. With a spotlight on the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture, this event offers a front-row seat to the future of digital experiences. What to expect: Sessions exploring creativity-driven tech innovations.Panels featuring industry leaders reshaping digital culture.Networking opportunities in one of London's most vibrant creative districts.7. Cannes Lions Creator TrackDate: June 16-20, 2025 Location: Cannes, France Price: €1,183 for Creator track Best for: Creators, marketers, and agency professionals focused on creative innovation The Cannes Lions festival is the ultimate celebration of creativity in communications, marketing, and media. The Creator Track zeroes in on influencer marketing, content production, and brand storytelling, making it a must for anyone pushing creative boundaries. What to expect: Sessions led by world-renowned creatives on storytelling and brand innovation.Insights on building impactful influencer marketing strategies.Exclusive networking events in the stunning backdrop of Cannes.8. VidCon AnaheimDate: June 19-21, 2025 Location: Anaheim, California Price: $125-1,230 Best for: Digital creators, influencers, and fans VidCon is one of the largest gatherings for creators and their communities. It’s a hotspot for both established creators and newcomers, offering panels, keynotes, and interactive fan experiences. What to expect:Insights on platform updates, audience engagement, and monetization strategies from experts across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.Opportunities to connect with fans, industry leaders, and other creators.Panels and keynotes featuring top influencers and social media pioneers.9. Content Entrepreneur ExpoDate: August 24-26 2025 Location: Virtual Price: $695-995 Best for: Content entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and digital business owners The Content Entrepreneur Expo is designed to help content creators and entrepreneurs build sustainable, scalable businesses. This event dives deep into topics like launching digital products, growing subscription-based revenue, and building diverse income streams. What to expect: Workshops on digital product launches and revenue generation.Networking through mastermind sessions, mentorship circles, and brand partnership meetups.Insights from successful content entrepreneurs sharing real-world growth strategies.10. CreatorFestDate: October 24, 2025 Location: London, United Kingdom Price: TBA Best for: Creators, marketers, and brand representatives focused on collaboration and growth CreatorFest is a high-energy festival connecting creators with brands and industry leaders across Europe. It’s a must-attend event for those looking to explore new opportunities and trends shaping the creator economy. What to expect:Interactive workshops on creator monetization and growth strategies.Brand showcases highlighting collaboration opportunities.Strategy sessions on cross-platform content trends.11. Web SummitDate: November 10-13, 2025 Location: Lisbon, Portugal Price: TBA Best for: Tech-savvy creators, entrepreneurs, and startup founders Web Summit is one of the world’s largest and most influential tech conferences, attracting leaders from technology, media, and venture capital. While innovation is the main focus, there’s plenty for creators and entrepreneurs, with sessions on digital content, creator platforms, and scaling startups. What to expect:Key sessions on digital content strategies and platform innovation.Insights on startup growth and fundraising from top industry leaders.Networking opportunities with tech innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs.12. Spotlight Conference Date: October 29, 2025 Location: Passenger Terminal Amsterdam (PTA), Netherlands Price: €99-849 Best for: Digital marketers, in-house teams, agency professionals, and entrepreneurs Spotlight is a one-day marketing conference hosted by Semrush, designed for professionals who want actionable strategies, real-world insights, and meaningful networking opportunities. With a focus on solving real marketing challenges, Spotlight blends expert-led keynotes, small-group mastermind sessions, and interactive experiences to help attendees leave with a plan—not just inspiration. What to expect:Main stage keynotes featuring industry leaders sharing data-driven strategies and campaign insights and mastermind sessions—roundtable discussions with experts to tackle specific marketing challenges.Expo area showcasing the latest marketing tools, trends, and solutions.Networking mixers before and after the event to build connections with peers and industry leaders.Semrush certification workshops offering hands-on training in the latest digital marketing strategies.Conferences that are yet to be announcedSome key events have yet to confirm the details for 2025. However, they’re usually highly anticipated and worth keeping an eye on. CreatorConfBest for: Creators looking to build community and business infrastructure CreatorConf is a virtual conference designed to help creators optimize and scale their operations. With a focus on productivity, team-building, and sustainable business models, it’s perfect for creators looking to grow their ventures efficiently. What to expect:Workshops on productivity hacks and tools to streamline workflows.Sessions on scaling content teams and managing business infrastructure.Community-building opportunities with other creators worldwide.VidSummitBest for: Video creators, marketers, and entrepreneurs VidSummit focuses on the business of content creation, with an emphasis on monetization, video marketing, and audience growth. It’s a creator-first event, offering direct access to expert insights on building successful video content careers. What to expect: Sessions on growing and monetizing your YouTube and TikTok presence.Keynotes from top creators and video marketing experts.Practical strategies to maximize reach and engagement across platforms.The Information’s Creator Economy SummitBest for: Industry analysts, creator platform leaders, and marketers The Creator Economy Summit, hosted by The Information, offers a deep dive into the business side of the creator economy. It’s known for bringing together executives, analysts, and creators to explore critical industry shifts and opportunities. What to expect: In-depth discussions on platform policies and their impact on creators.Panels on emerging monetization opportunities and creator partnerships.Networking with top-level decision-makers shaping the creator economy.How we handle conferences at BufferWe've put some real thought into how we approach conferences at Buffer (and yes, I've had a front-row seat to these discussions!). Here's what's interesting: we started out with a simple "$500 per person" approach back in 2017. Spoiler alert: It wasn't great. Some people needed more, others didn't use it at all. These days, we're much more strategic about it. In 2025, we're focusing on key conferences that tick specific boxes: Events hosted by our integration partners (think Meta Conference and Threads API Summit) to stay in the loop on platform updatesOpportunities for our team to share their expertise through speaking engagementsConferences that help us better understand and serve our customersFun fact: We spent around $7,000 on conferences in the last year alone, covering everything from tickets to travel. And you know what? It's been worth every penny. Some of our team's favorites have included SaaStr, WWDC, and the Meta Conference. We plan to be at more this year — case in point, I’ll be attending SXSW in London, courtesy of Buffer! Reach out via LinkedIn if you’ll be there too. What conferences will you be attending in 2025?That’s our list! Of course, with so many conferences happening each year, it’s impossible to include them all. These are just some of the standout events we’re excited about. Which ones are you planning to attend? Did we miss any must-attend conferences? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you! View the full article

When you’re booking travel, scoring a ticket to a sporting event, or securing yourself a spot at some other sort of show, you’re frequently faced with the impossible-seeming task of committing to a specific seat—on the spot. It may seem simple. But, well—which is the best seat on the plane? Which areas of the arena will give you an unobscured view of the action? Is that concert seat going to be behind a speaker? And are the more expensive options really worth their cost? Today, I’m sharing some excellent tools I rely on to pick the best seat at any kind of event or activity. In addition to helping me feel confident about the quality of my selection, they often help me save some cash—since I can book some of the least expensive seats with the knowledge that they’ll offer a good view and/or experience. Hang onto these now, and the next time you’re faced with that daunting moment of needing to select a seat without first seeing it, you’ll have all the inside intel you need. Psst: If you love these types of tools as much as I do, check out my free Cool Tools newsletter from The Intelligence. You’ll be the first to find all sorts of simple tech treasures! Your new seat selecting superpowers I’ve got two especially useful tools for you in this area—both designed to help you find the right seat for different types of occasions. ➜ For selecting the best possible seat on an airplane, fire up ​SeatMaps​. And, for choosing a seat at an event venue—a sporting event, concert, or anything else—head to ​A View From My Seat​. Both couldn’t be much easier to use. ✈️ First, on the air travel front, just open up ​the SeatMaps website​ in whatever browser you’re using on any device. Plug in the information about your flight and select your flight number. SeatMaps will then show you a color-coded grid with all the seats on that specific type of plane, and you can dig in deeper to any given option for all sorts of helpful info—for instance: What is the exact size and width of each seat? Which seats have more legroom? Which seats can’t recline? Which seats are missing a window view? With that insight in hand, you can then figure out the right seat for you and decide if any extra fees are actually worthwhile. You’ll see seats like never before with SeatsMaps’ crowdsourced insights. ~ 🎸 Next, when you’re planning on attending an event, pull up the ​A View From My Seat website—or, if you’d rather, grab the app for ​Android​ or ​iOS. Then, just use the service’s search feature to look up any performer, venue name, sports team, or even city to find the place you need. Select “Seating Chart” and click or tap any green area to see an actual photo taken from a nearby seat in that exact location. Average people going to shows submit these, complete with a short “review” of each option. You’ll get an idea of the view and learn about any problems or obstructions you might encounter. Once you get used to selecting seats this way, you’ll never go back. ~ All that’s left is to make your choice—and now, you can do so with full confidence that you’re making a fully informed decision. SeatMaps is available only on the web​. A View From My Seat will work ​on the web​ as well as via its native apps for Android​ and iOS. Both services are 100% free. You don’t need any accounts, and neither service asks for any manner of personal info. Ready to unearth more off-the-beaten-path tech treasures? Check out my free Cool Tools newsletter for an instant introduction to an audio app that’ll tune up your days in some delightful ways—and another little-known tech gem in your inbox every Wednesday! View the full article

In sports, time-outs are a strategic weapon. Super Bowl teams don’t just go full speed from kickoff until the clock runs out; they pause at the right moments to regroup, recalibrate, and regain momentum. In business, the same principle applies. High-performing teams know when to stop, reassess, and make adjustments before forging ahead. Yet, in our relentless, always-on work culture, calling a time-out can feel counterintuitive. Speed is glorified. We celebrate hustle. For many, Mark Zuckerberg’s motto, “Move fast and break things,” has been the dominant approach to innovating in the digital age. And now, with AI supercharging efficiency, the obsession with speed has only intensified. But the most effective teams don’t just move fast. They move with purpose. And that requires knowing when to slow down. Slowing Down to Speed Up I often tell my teams, “We need to slow down to speed up.” It sounds paradoxical, but strategic pauses prevent wasted effort, misalignment, and burnout. A time-out recalibrates and ensures you’re moving in the right direction. Velocity, after all, is not just speed; it’s speed with direction. Without thoughtful direction, we risk climbing the ladder of success only to realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall. This is the difference between playing a finite game—focused on short-term wins—and an infinite game, where the goal is enduring growth, adaptability, and purpose. Many organizations default to the former, focusing on immediate metrics, quarterly targets, and rapid iterations. The best leaders, however, recognize that time-outs are an investment in lasting success. When to Call a Time-Out So how do you know when to pause? Here are a few critical moments: Before a Major Launch or Initiative: When we launched Glean out of stealth, we took a 10-day time-out first. We had set an aggressive timeline—less than 60 days to name and position the company, build a website, and create all external marketing materials. To ensure alignment, we held large team meetings, reinforcing our founder’s commitment to transparency and buy-in. This extra time, even though it pushed our launch back, allowed us to refine our narrative, resolve key debates, and iterate daily. It also gave us the runway to secure an exclusive interview, integrate customer quotes, and orchestrate a “rolling thunder” campaign to sustain postlaunch momentum. Far from slowing us down, this approach set the stage for Glean to become a $4.6B+ company. When You Need to Regain Control of the Game: Great sports teams use time-outs to stop an opponent’s momentum and reset their game plan. In business, if execution starts feeling reactive instead of proactive, it’s time to pause. Often this means shipping another random feature, versus solving real problems. Look internally at your company’s “why” and reset around your original motivation for solving a big problem, and how you uniquely solve it. When Leaders Need to Update Their Assumptions: When major industry shifts happen—like disruptive technological advances or regulatory changes—leaders need to take stock. A perfect example is the emergence of DeepSeek, an open-source large language model. The rapid advancement of highly capable, low-cost, and open-source AI models is forcing companies like OpenAI, Google, and Microsoft to rethink their AI strategy. For their leaders, now is the time to call a strategic time-out to ask, are we still prioritizing the right AI strategies, or do we need to pivot to a more flexible, modular approach? Ignoring change and plowing ahead can be a recipe for disaster. To Prevent Burnout and Sustain High Performance: Elite athletes don’t train at full intensity 24/7. They build in recovery time. Yet, in business, we expect people to sprint indefinitely. I learned this lesson the hard way as Evernote’s CEO. I didn’t take a meaningful break for two years, and it led to burnout and costly hiring mistakes. A well-timed pause can prevent these long-term setbacks. Making Strategic Pauses Part of Your Culture Many teams resist time-outs because they confuse activity with progress. Leaders need to reframe pauses as a competitive advantage, not a loss of momentum. Here’s how: Embed retrospectives into your cadence: Great coaches make halftime adjustments; great businesses do the same. Frequently review what’s working and what’s not, and adjust accordingly. Regular offsites, strategy refreshes, and retrospectives ensure course corrections happen before the business veers off track. This avoids an emergency reset later. Set three strategic priorities at a time: At GrowthLoop, rather than sweating over every KPI we can measure, we focus on a few vital things around our product, processes, and people that must be true for our customers and team to win. This ensures our team stays focused on what truly moves the needle. Emphasize deep work: Elite athletes don’t just train haphazardly; they work with intention. They break down their training into focused components—honing agility, refining technique, and studying game film to anticipate their next move. The best business leaders do the same. Instead of glorifying constant busyness, they prioritize deep work—uninterrupted, high-focus sessions where real breakthroughs happen. It’s not about doing more; it’s about doing what matters most with absolute focus. This more productive work prevents wasted energy and allows time for proper recovery. The Best Teams Know When to Stop John Wooden, one of the greatest basketball coaches of all time, once said: “Be quick, but don’t hurry.” It’s a lesson I remind myself of constantly. Speed alone won’t win the game—velocity will. Making strategic pauses a part of your culture and recognizing when to stop and refocus will keep everyone moving in the right direction, together. So, the next time your team is running hard but you sense a lack of alignment, don’t be afraid to call a time-out. It might be the most important play you make. View the full article

In 2017, the most consumed household food was coffee. In 2024, it was meat. That doesn’t just mean many Americans are eating more animal protein than ever. It means there are downstream effects in other products—including how our dish soap is formulated. Today, Dawn is introducing a new product called Dawn Powersuds. It has twice the suds of the old Dawn, with bubbles that promise to “stay white longer” and dishes that rinse more easily. The more interesting point is that the formulation is the direct response to cultural practices around diet that have become obsessed with protein. Back in 2017 when Dawn created most of its cleaning formulas used today, our top consumed foods were coffee, eggs, butter, oil, and milk, according to Procter & Gamble, which makes Dawn dish soap. Now, they are meat, coffee, eggs, oil, and cheese. Neither meat nor cheese was on the list less than a decade ago, but the company says that thanks to diets like keto, consumers are cooking vastly differently at home. It drove P&G to spend the last two years creating Powersuds as a response to consumer needs. “Proteins and fats we see are really on the rise,” says Angelica Matthews, P&G’s VP of North American Dish Car, whose company interviewed 10,000 people last year about their dishwashing habits. “Things like a one-pan casserole dish like a chicken cheesy bake is something we see being really popular.” Dawn PowerSuds is P&G’s new detergent is more bubbly and grease-cutting than any of its products to date, as a way to mitigate the messes of a protein-rich, fat-laden diet. The biodegradable formulation advertises two times more suds than Dawn Platinum, and its grease-trapping formula is protected by five separate patents, promising that if you stick a pan of bacon drippings into a full stack of other dishes, the oil will be encapsulated instead of coating your plates. The formula also balances this task for those of us who don’t fill a whole sink of water, and avoids being so concentrated that you can’t simply squirt it onto a single dish as many people do. [Photo: Dawn] America’s shift toward meatier, more complex diets The truth of contemporary diets is a bit more complicated than protein. According to P&G, we’re not just cooking more meat and cheese; we’re actually cooking more involved dishes across the board with “more complex soils” than just a few years ago. The company credits a shift in the food media as whetting our appetites and ambitiousness for actual cooking rather than food entertainment. “Think of being at home in the 2010s and watching Gordon Ramsay yell at people in a kitchen . . . you were maybe making a little less complex dishes yourself,” says Morgan Eberhard, principal scientist at P&G. “Now we’re seeing just more accessibility, more availability of different cooking recipes through social media—through Instagram, TikTok, and things like that.” Anyone who has cooked an ambitious meal with lots of ingredients and pans knows that it’s the dishes that can be the most daunting part of the project. Dawn calls this phenomenon the “mental load,” and points to dishwashing as the second most hated chore after cleaning the toilet. The company argues that dishes that clean more easily will reduce this mental load, thereby encouraging us to cook more at home. “If I can get a consumer with Dawn Powersuds to go from spending 30 minutes a day cleaning the dishes to 25 minutes a day cleaning the dishes, five minutes doesn’t sound like a big deal, but it really is,” says Matthews. Aside from dishes, P&G notes that Dawn is formulated to stretch outside the sink to serve as something of an all purpose cleaner. They see customers grab it for all sorts of other tasks, like wiping down cabinets, washing plastic lawn chairs, and degreasing tire rims. Cutting through soil and oil with a product always on your counter, and tested to not turn your hands into a mummy’s, has a most certain appeal. The Powersuds experience As I fill my sink with water and soap, I have to say, the new Powersuds are really something. They’re so white they almost have an almost blue tint, like freshly bleached teeth. Thirty full minutes later, I return to the sink, and the bubbles are still sitting there, confidently smelling like apple Bath & Bodyworks (a bit too strong for my taste, tbh, but clean-feeling all the same). Dawn’s obsession with the sud has driven much of the reformulation, even though its actual relationship to cleaning power is more demonstrative than functional. “The suds are more of a cue of what’s happening,” says Eberhard. “So you can think of the suds as the tip of the iceberg, and all of the the ingredients that are doing the cleaning that are breaking down the grease and tough food under the water.” As Eberhard explains, when suds dissipate on their own, you can actually agitate the water to bring them back. But when they dissipate while doing your dishes, it’s indicative that the surfactants (which break up oil) and other cleaning agents under the water are binding to food and losing cleaning power. In this sense, the longer lasting suds are an advertisement and cue of longer lasting cleaning power. They’re a bubbly data visualization. Overall, how much better the new Dawn cleans than older Dawn is hard for me to quantify. Egg stuck in a frying pan is still a pain in the butt to clean, no two ways about it. I saw a bigger jump from Dawn to Dawn Powerwash, the company’s superb spray-on degreaser, than I did from Powerwash to Powersuds. But I rarely fill a whole sink to do dishes—and my cheesy chicken casseroles are pretty rare. P&G contends its beta testers are saying they can wash all their dishes in a single sink of water, without draining and restarting. I trust that’s true. But there is a depressing twist to this innovation: meat now necessitates a frothy new solution to its own growing problem. View the full article

When startups speak of going green, that might now be in reference to the color’s association with the Army. At least that appears to be the thinking of many in the cleantech and sustainability sector, since the early actions of the Trump administration has made many anxious about the loss of climate-related government funding and incentives. Especially when the administration’s position against what the president calls the “Green New Scam” has led him to freeze congressionally allocated funding for green energy projects via the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s vital to find other means of support. Now the sector is finding more and more ways to tie itself to national security, not climate issues. “Clean energy is good for a lot of different reasons,” said Daniel Bresette, president of the Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI), a nonprofit education and policy organization. “All of the stuff we might be saying about the national security benefits of clean energy today, they were absolutely also true yesterday. Even if the messaging shifts again, it will still absolutely be true.” Take the Solar Energy Industries Association, a renewables trade association. Just a few days ago on LinkedIn, the group posted the message “​​The new era of U.S. energy dominance is being built on American soil,” echoing, deliberately or not, President Trump’s language around unleashing U.S. energy. That change in messaging isn’t necessarily just marketing. From job creation to reducing energy dependence to making the military more resilient, cleantech makes a credible case for being crucial to national defense. “I’d like to push back on the notion that this is about ‘rebranding,’” said Rushad Nanavatty, managing director of Third Derivative, the cleantech incubator for RMI, the clean energy think tank. “The dual-use nature of climate technologies is substantive, and I’m certain many of these startups were eyeing defense well before the election. The military has extremely high-performance standards—its energy solutions need to be highly robust and resilient, have secure supply chains, minimize dependence on fuel, be less liable to blow up and catch on fire, deliver large amounts of energy very reliably.” According to Nanavatty, a number of advanced technologies—microgrid controls, advanced batteries, and other forms of energy storage—as well as a range of advanced materials—often find their first applications in a military or aerospace context. That first investment then helps these applications become more advanced, cheaper, and then widely available. As Edwin Oshiba, a top logistics and energy policy leader for the US Air Force, told GovCIO in 2023, it’s crucial the military understand how climate change alters the nation’s ability to “​​project power overseas, how it impacts our ability to operate in a distributed environment.” And the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) acknowledged last year that the climate crisis “fundamentally alters the conditions that shape military operations at home and around the world,” and requires adaptation strategies. The military is known for its logistics expertise, which values efficiency, whether that’s measured in time to move goods or energy usage. Several portfolio companies supported by Third Derivative already work with the Department of Defense, including Lex Products (energy storage systems), Sesame Solar (mobile nanogrids), Joule Case (mobile power solutions), and Electricfish (flexible EV charging). Swedish startup BLIXT, which develops solid state circuit breakers, was recently selected to participate in NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA). In addition, bolstering renewable tech and the use of renewable and storage tech helps with community and grid resilience. America’s armed forces also have a substantial footprint, both internationally and abroad. There are nearly 500 military bases across the United States, which can become testing grounds for clear energy technology. Naval ports have explored resilience strategies in an era of rising sea levels and climate change-fueled weather patterns. In Texas, a handful of bases are piloting geothermal power systems, which would help make them more resilient. “When someone says clean energy investments promote national security, it helps that it’s true,” said Bresette. View the full article

Peter Berg doesn’t need to do Super Bowl commercials. Yet the award-winning director helmed two ads during this year’s big game. First, was a fun NFL spot advocating for varsity girls flag football. And second, was water bottle brand Cirkul’s first-ever trip to the Super Bowl, starring Adam Devine. The commercial diversion comes not long after the release of Berg’s hit Netflix limited series American Primeval, which dropped on January 9, and quickly hit the top of the streamer’s ratings. In its first week, it had 1.25 billion viewing minutes. Berg has built an incredible Hollywood career, producing, writing, and directing hit films and TV series, from Friday Night Lights to Battleship, Lone Survivor, The Kingdom, Patriots Day, and more. Before he was a director, Berg was an actor, best known for his role on the drama Chicago Hope. Then in 1998, Berg directed his first feature, Very Bad Things. Over the years, in between projects, Berg has also regularly directed high-profile spots for brands. In 2011, it was an epic Call of Duty ad starring Jonah Hill called “The Vet & The N00b.” In 2019, both his Super Bowl efforts finished in the Top 5 of USA Today‘s Ad Meter: The NFL’s “100-Year Game” was the most popular spot of the night, and Verizon’s “The Coach Who Wouldn’t Be Here” clocked in at No. 5. That same year, Berg launched Film 47, a companion commercial production company to his Film 44 production company, and his unscripted production company. Glenn Cole, founder and chairman of ad agency 72andsunny, has worked with Berg on many of those commercials. Cole says Berg has a great sense of what broad audiences find most appealing, and focuses on the moments that will resonate the most. “One of the things I admire about him the most is how he maintains the respect of his peers across Hollywood,” says Cole. “He is seen as a rare authentic person in a business of bullshitters, and operates with an uncommon generosity of spirit. He is brutally honest about the work, but he is kind with the people around him which, in my experience, usually leads to creating the best work.” [Photo: Courtesy of 72andsunny] In the wake of American Primeval’s success, and the buzz of two more Super Bowl ads under his belt, I jumped on a Zoom with Berg to chat about his creative process, why he still does advertising, and how his newest project embodies how these worlds can seamlessly collide. Why Advertising After you remove the paycheck from the equation, it can be hard to understand why big name film directors still do advertising. But talk to enough of them, and it’s clear they find something else interesting about the process. Some do it in order to get in quick reps to experiment with techniques, lenses, and other hardware, all under a tight production timeline. Ads can take days, while film and TV can drag on for months. Cole says Berg works incredibly fast, translating his handheld filming style (which he dug into on his recent appearance on the SmartLess podcast) to commercial work. The style allows actors to focus on what they are doing, not where they are doing it. They don’t need to hit marks, they just need to perform. “For ‘Flag 50,‘ it allowed to us to do a three-day shoot in two days,” says Cole. “In a world where budgets are getting smaller and smaller, this is becoming more and more valuable. It’s like being in creative development while filming the shots. That can be scary, but I find it invigorating. The result is unexpected moments and performances that you can’t get from fastidious planning.” NFL chief marketing officer Tim Ellis says that the key to the types of stories Berg tells is emotion. “Every choice he makes in the creative process is about heightening the emotional journey viewers are taken along,” says Ellis. “Elevated emotion is the thing that makes any piece of work, whether it’s a film or an ad, stick with a person, and it’s why we keep turning to him for some of our biggest projects of the year.” Berg says that he’s always loved doing commercials, and they’ve helped build his problem-solving skills that translates to film and TV. But experience across different media doesn’t always translate for all directors. Berg says that he’s talked to a lot of top directors over the years, and one of the most common complaints about ads is the need for collaboration. “They’d say, ‘When I’m doing a film, it’s just kind of me. I can pretty much do whatever I want. And occasionally, you know, the boss of the studio might call and say, what the hell are you doing? But generally, you’re free to do what you want,‘” says Berg. “What I say is that if you want to do commercials, you have to understand that it’s different. You have to collaborate; you have to listen to a bunch of creatives from the agency, you have to listen to even more people. If the client wants to come onto the set and have an idea, you have to accept that. If you resist that, you will lose. It’s not possible to win that fight. You will just end up very unhappy. “One of the surprising benefits is you learn to listen to other people better because you have to. And I found that at once I learned how to kind of get over, you know, ‘Hey man, don’t tell me what to do!’ That sometimes they were suggesting actually good ideas. And it opened me up and I think made me a better collaborator in general.” [Photo: Courtesy of 72andsunny] Berg’s Creative process So, how does a guy like Berg jump from a violent, American frontier period drama, to an uplifting NFL Super Bowl ad, to now starting a film adaptation of Buzz Bissinger’s 2022 bestseller The Mosquito Bowl? For Berg, it’s not exactly a calculated process. “It’s a strange phenomenon for me,” he says. “I find that I always have a vague, abstract idea of things that I want to do. I have a book here, and I’m working on a script there, and I think I know what’s gonna happen, and I’m always usually finishing up one project, and I’m starting to think about what’s next. But I’m waiting for all the divine, supernatural deities out there to lock me in on something and I’m ready to go. And almost inevitably something comes out of nowhere. I’m not kidding, like out of nowhere.” He knew of Bissinger’s book about a 1944 football game between American Marines—many college All-Americans and future pros—on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal. But he was just finishing up American Primeval, and had other ideas of what might be next. “Then I was at dinner at a friend’s house, and his son looked at me and said, ‘You gotta do The Mosquito Bowl. I just read the book; you’re doing it,’” says Berg. “This was a 21-year-old kid. My best friend’s son. And I looked at him, and he’s smiling at me. He’s like, ‘You got to.’ And I said, ‘That’s it. I’m doing it.’ Everything just clicked.” Now even Pat McAfee (who appeared as the school principal in the NFL’s Super Bowl ad) might be involved, as Ari Emanuel declared on McAfee’s February 7th show. “I love Pat McAfee, so we’ll figure that one out,” says Berg. Worlds Collide The Mosquito Bowl is in its early stages, but it is already embodying the often serendipitous nature of how Berg’s various worlds collide. While researching the film, Berg traveled to Okinawa, Japan, to learn about the battle. He spent time with the U.S. Marine Corps stationed there, learning about what they are currently working on and the threats they’re navigating with China and Taiwan. “I think that would be a great reality show,” he says. His research also took him to the Marine Corps training base in Parris Island, South Carolina. “I actually started writing my script there, and I’m being exposed to the recruits, the ethos, the drill instructors, and kind of the magic that happens on that island,” he says. “And I’m like, ‘Well, that should be a reality show.” And then the Marines’ ad agency calls and says, ‘Hey man, we hear you’re down here. Would you be interested in doing some commercials?’ And I said, ‘Well, let’s talk.’ So you have a whole bunch of stuff going on, and I like that. That’s how my brain works. It’s not for everybody, but it’s perfect for me.” Advice and AI A lot has changed in the past 30-odd years between media fragmentation, pop culture, audience behavior, and appetite. But for Berg, some things remain the same. He sees a lot of great stuff across all the various social platforms, but also a lot of quickly consumed candy. His advice to aspiring filmmakers is simply to put in the hard work. “Turn off the noise, lock in, and watch what happens,” he says. “I’ve found that it still works and attracts all kinds of good things. If you want to get a film or series made, whatever it is, you need to carry a certain amount of passion and commitment it. If you’re really putting the work in, and you’re interested in working with brands, you have a much better chance if they believe that there’s a solid foundation in your creative endeavor.” He also sees that sort of hard-earned, creative graft as a protection against the growing use of AI in film and commercial production. “The only thing that anyone aspiring to not be replaced by AI can do is double down on their commitment to making really, really special great things,” he says. “AI cannot write a great screenplay. AI cannot really act, AI cannot direct on the same level. Probably one day it will, but there’s still power in the human experience, and that’s what you can focus on today. “Maybe the great writers and directors of tomorrow will be those who can prompt the best,” he says. “It won’t be writing and directing, it’ll be prompting. If that happens, hopefully I’ll be out on the Gold Coast of Australia with a koala bear.” View the full article

SEO plagiarism involves copying other sites’ content (intentionally or not). It can have serious consequences. View the full article

Within the dynamic and competitive landscape of side hustles, DoorDash prominently figures as a popular choice for many seeking flexible earning opportunities. The key question that often arises is, “How much money can you make with DoorDash?” This article will answer that question and more. Earnings As is the case with most side hustles, how much DoorDash drivers make depends on how much they hustle. As a service provider and subcontractor, you’ll make your own schedule and work only when you’re available. Most DoorDash drivers’ average earnings are between $15 and $25 per hour. Drivers are paid a set delivery fee, but the hourly wage can be calculated from the total of the fees and the time period that is worked. The amount you earn is influenced by your availability and the number of deliveries you can complete, particularly during busy periods. What’s more? As an independent contractor providing service for DoorDash, you have the freedom to shape your own schedule and determine your earning potential based on your availability and effort. What is DoorDash? DoorDash isn’t truly a food delivery services company. It’s a logistics company (or aggregator business) that developed software to link customers’ online orders, restaurants and drivers. It got its start with three college students in the San Francisco area, and it is one of the legit money-making apps you can use. Dashers The drivers are called Dashers, who learn of requests for deliveries via their DoorDash app. Once you download the DoorDash driver app, you’ll start earning extra cash. Loan Payments Doordash is a top choice for student loan borrowers seeking to pay off student loans or for anyone who wants to chip away at payments on personal loans. Paying off loans can greatly improve your credit score. Here’s a word from DoorDash Diaries that discusses the money-making mindset you need to adopt for delivering for Doordash: how much money can you make with doordash. How Much Does a DoorDash Driver Make? The average hourly pay is $15 to $25 per hour. How is that calculated? Minimum Payment DoorDash sets a base minimum pay per order, ranging from $2 to $10. The amount is set based on your area and also the time of day (peak hours for restaurant delivery times equals peak pay). Bonus Some orders come with a bonus, such as an additional $2. These deliveries are associated with specific clients or major events, like catered deliveries. The App You will log into the DoorDash app to indicate that you are ready to accept delivery orders. Number of Deliveries You don’t have to accept all the delivery requests. But you’ll get a bonus and earn more money if you accept more deliveries than the average dasher. Typically, you’ll get a bonus with an 80% acceptance rate. Costs When you’re calculating how much drivers make – net earnings – with DoorDash, you can’t forget your actual cost. You’ll be paying for your own gas with this side hustle, plus handling car maintenance. Modes of Delivery A DoorDash driver doesn’t have to be a driver using his or her own car – in some areas, they use a bicycle or scooter or deliver on foot. How much do DoorDash drivers make? You’ll earn high hourly wages if you make many deliveries. How to Earn Money as a DoorDash Driver Let’s get into the specifics of DoorDash, one of the gig apps that is most popular. Delivery Payouts Using the system of base pay that is offered with each delivery, doordash keeps tabs on all your work as you’re driving for Doordash. Each time you deliver a customer’s order, DoorDash adds it to your total. Your deliveries are totaled during a Monday through Sunday pay period, and you’re paid on the following Wednesday. How Are You Paid? You can be paid by direct deposit to your financial institution or bank account, or you can be paid via a DoorDash fast pay card (prepaid card) that you use as a debit card. DoorDash Driver Tips Some customer tips are paid to you in cash as you deliver. More frequently, the customer elects to add a tip at the time they pay to have someone deliver food. Either way, the tips customers pay are added to your pay as extra income. Peak Pay In the restaurant business, there are peak times such as lunch and dinner. When you drive and deliver during those peak times, your DoorDash driver earnings are higher. Bonuses and Incentives If you take more than 80% of the available deliveries, you may get a DoorDash referral bonus. You may also earn a bonus by driving and delivering during peak times. How to Get Started with DoorDash Ready to chip away at student loan debt, save for a vacation, or supplement your main income? If so, delivering food to hungry customers through an app is likely a good fit. You can choose from multiple delivery apps, but DoorDash can be an excellent choice due to its popularity and ease of use. DoorDash provides a delivery bag that helps keep restaurant orders hot (or cold). You’ll also get a DoorDash shirt (you don’t have to wear it unless you want to!). It’s easy to get started, too. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with DoorDash: Step 1: Sign Up The first step is to sign up for a DoorDash account. This involves agreeing to a background check and credit report. A valid driver’s license is a must. Step 2: Receive DoorDash Kit After you register successfully, DoorDash will send you a kit that contains a delivery bag to maintain the proper temperature for the food items, as well as a branded DoorDash shirt. While wearing the shirt is optional, it could contribute to a more professional appearance. Step 3: Install DoorDash App Next, you will need to install the DoorDash app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Step 4: Availability Indication You can indicate your availability for deliveries by turning on the app. This will notify the system that you’re ready to accept delivery orders. Step 5: Choose and Make Deliveries Use the app to view available deliveries near you and accept the ones that suit your schedule and location. Make sure to be prompt and professional in picking up and delivering the orders. This will enhance your chances of getting positive reviews from restaurants and customers, which could lead to more opportunities in the future. Comparison Table Here’s a comparison table that illustrates the sequential steps you’ll need to follow to start working as a DoorDash driver. This table serves as a convenient quick-reference guide, highlighting the crucial steps from signing up to successfully making deliveries. It also emphasizes the importance of professionalism in gaining positive reviews, which can play a significant role in your success as a DoorDash driver. StepDescription 1. Sign UpRegister an account, agree to a background check, credit report, and provide a valid driver's license. 2. Receive DoorDash KitGet the DoorDash kit that includes a delivery bag and a DoorDash shirt. 3. Install DoorDash AppDownload and install the DoorDash app on your iPhone or Android device. 4. Availability IndicationTurn on the app when you're ready to start accepting deliveries. 5. Choose and Make DeliveriesUse the app to accept deliveries, ensure prompt and professional service for positive reviews. Maximizing Earnings as a DoorDash Driver To optimize your earnings with DoorDash, consider the following strategies: Strategic Scheduling: While flexibility is a key advantage of driving for DoorDash, strategically choosing your working hours can significantly impact your income. Peak times, such as lunch (11 am to 2 pm) and dinner (5 pm to 9 pm), often see higher demand and can boost your earnings. Additionally, working on weekends and holidays, when demand is high, can be more lucrative. Efficient Routing: Maximizing the number of deliveries per hour can increase your earnings. Using navigation apps to find the fastest routes and planning your pick-ups and drop-offs can save time and allow for more deliveries. Maintaining High Ratings: Customer satisfaction plays a crucial role in your success as a Dasher. High ratings can lead to more frequent and higher-paying delivery opportunities. Ensuring timely deliveries, being courteous, and handling orders carefully can help maintain high ratings. Taking Advantage of Promotions: DoorDash occasionally offers promotions and challenges that can boost earnings. These may include extra pay for completing a certain number of deliveries within a set timeframe or bonus pay for working during specific hours. Reducing Expenses: Since expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance can eat into your profits, finding ways to reduce these costs is crucial. Regular vehicle maintenance, using fuel-efficient driving methods, and planning routes to minimize mileage can help lower expenses. Understanding the Impact of Location The location where you decide to dash can greatly influence your earnings. Urban and city areas generally have a higher demand and provide more delivery opportunities than rural regions. Moreover, working in wealthier neighborhoods may enhance your likelihood of receiving larger tips. If you’re wondering, how much money can you make with doordash? The Role of Customer Tips Tips from customers can make a substantial difference in your total earnings. Although you cannot control how much a customer tips, providing excellent service can encourage more generous tips. Some Dashers find that a friendly greeting and ensuring orders are correct and well-handled can positively influence tipping. Seasonal Variations in Earnings It’s important to note that earnings with DoorDash can vary seasonally. During colder months or bad weather, more people tend to order in, potentially increasing demand for deliveries. However, this can also mean more challenging driving conditions, so it’s important to balance the potential for higher earnings with safety considerations. When Does DoorDash Pay? How often will you get the extra cash? DoorDash makes weekly rather than monthly payments. DoorDash totals your deliveries from Monday through Sunday, and DoorDash pays the following Wednesday. DoorDash will add your base pay and customer tip totals. Business Expenses DoorDash Drivers Should Consider While being a DoorDash driver can be a lucrative side hustle, it’s important to remember that there are costs associated with the job. Here are some of the key expenses to consider when evaluating potential earnings: Distance, MPG, and Fuel Costs: Your net profit can be significantly affected by factors such as fuel costs and the efficiency of your vehicle. City driving can further decrease your miles per gallon (MPG), leading to higher fuel costs. Keeping diligent records of your mileage can allow for deductions on fuel costs when filing a Schedule C, though it’s important to note that you cannot deduct mileage expenses if you qualify for the standard deduction. Vehicle Maintenance: Aside from fuel costs, wear and tear on your vehicle is an unavoidable expense as a DoorDash driver. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacement, will need to be factored into your overall costs. Additionally, potential repairs due to increased use of your vehicle should also be taken into consideration. Income and Self-Employment Taxes: As a DoorDash independent contractor, you will receive a 1099 form, which means you are responsible for paying federal, state, and local income taxes on your earnings. Furthermore, self-employment tax—which includes contributions to Medicare and Social Security—adds an extra 15.3% to your earnings. Insurance Costs: Depending on your personal car insurance policy, delivering food might not be covered, and you may need to get additional coverage. Some insurance companies offer a rideshare insurance policy that can be added to your existing coverage. Always check with your insurance company to ensure you’re adequately covered. Smartphone and Data Usage: As a DoorDash driver, you’ll be using the DoorDash app extensively, which means you’ll need a reliable smartphone and potentially a large data plan. The cost of upgrading your phone or data plan, as well as any potential repair or replacement costs, should be factored into your overall expenses. Understanding these expenses can help you more accurately calculate your potential earnings and ensure that your experience as a DoorDash driver is financially beneficial. Conclusion: Maximizing Earnings as a DoorDash Driver Understanding DoorDash Earnings: Income Factors: Earnings depend on your dedication, availability, and number of deliveries. Average Pay: Most drivers earn between $15 to $25 per hour. Delivery Fees & Hours: Wages are based on these factors, with more deliveries leading to higher earnings. DoorDash’s Role in the Gig Economy: A Logistics Platform: Connects online orders, restaurants, and drivers. Opportunity for Flexibility: Ideal for paying off loans or managing personal finances. Being a Dasher: Flexible Work: Choose your hours and method of delivery (car, bike, scooter, walking). Income Components: Base pay, bonuses, and delivery volume affect earnings. Startup Process: Sign up, pass background checks, and receive a delivery kit. Financial Considerations: Weekly Payments: Earnings are calculated weekly via direct deposit or DoorDash prepaid card. Boost from Tips & Peak Pay: Customer tips and peak hour pay can increase income. Expenses to Factor In: Fuel, vehicle maintenance, taxes, insurance, and smartphone use. Strategies for Increased Earnings: Peak Time Management: Work during busy hours for higher pay. Expense Tracking: Monitor and manage costs to maximize net earnings. Quality Service: Deliver excellent service for more tips and better opportunities. Becoming a DoorDash driver provides a flexible opportunity to earn money, but it demands careful planning and attention to different factors to optimize your earnings. By recognizing peak delivery times, controlling your expenses, and delivering outstanding service, you can increase your earning potential. Keep in mind that succeeding in this position depends not only on the number of hours you work but also on how effectively you utilize those hours. Additionally, if you’re wondering how much money you can make with doordash, it’s important to consider these strategies. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How Much Money Can You Make with DoorDash? A Fair Assessment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Within the dynamic and competitive landscape of side hustles, DoorDash prominently figures as a popular choice for many seeking flexible earning opportunities. The key question that often arises is, “How much money can you make with DoorDash?” This article will answer that question and more. Earnings As is the case with most side hustles, how much DoorDash drivers make depends on how much they hustle. As a service provider and subcontractor, you’ll make your own schedule and work only when you’re available. Most DoorDash drivers’ average earnings are between $15 and $25 per hour. Drivers are paid a set delivery fee, but the hourly wage can be calculated from the total of the fees and the time period that is worked. The amount you earn is influenced by your availability and the number of deliveries you can complete, particularly during busy periods. What’s more? As an independent contractor providing service for DoorDash, you have the freedom to shape your own schedule and determine your earning potential based on your availability and effort. What is DoorDash? DoorDash isn’t truly a food delivery services company. It’s a logistics company (or aggregator business) that developed software to link customers’ online orders, restaurants and drivers. It got its start with three college students in the San Francisco area, and it is one of the legit money-making apps you can use. Dashers The drivers are called Dashers, who learn of requests for deliveries via their DoorDash app. Once you download the DoorDash driver app, you’ll start earning extra cash. Loan Payments Doordash is a top choice for student loan borrowers seeking to pay off student loans or for anyone who wants to chip away at payments on personal loans. Paying off loans can greatly improve your credit score. Here’s a word from DoorDash Diaries that discusses the money-making mindset you need to adopt for delivering for Doordash: how much money can you make with doordash. How Much Does a DoorDash Driver Make? The average hourly pay is $15 to $25 per hour. How is that calculated? Minimum Payment DoorDash sets a base minimum pay per order, ranging from $2 to $10. The amount is set based on your area and also the time of day (peak hours for restaurant delivery times equals peak pay). Bonus Some orders come with a bonus, such as an additional $2. These deliveries are associated with specific clients or major events, like catered deliveries. The App You will log into the DoorDash app to indicate that you are ready to accept delivery orders. Number of Deliveries You don’t have to accept all the delivery requests. But you’ll get a bonus and earn more money if you accept more deliveries than the average dasher. Typically, you’ll get a bonus with an 80% acceptance rate. Costs When you’re calculating how much drivers make – net earnings – with DoorDash, you can’t forget your actual cost. You’ll be paying for your own gas with this side hustle, plus handling car maintenance. Modes of Delivery A DoorDash driver doesn’t have to be a driver using his or her own car – in some areas, they use a bicycle or scooter or deliver on foot. How much do DoorDash drivers make? You’ll earn high hourly wages if you make many deliveries. How to Earn Money as a DoorDash Driver Let’s get into the specifics of DoorDash, one of the gig apps that is most popular. Delivery Payouts Using the system of base pay that is offered with each delivery, doordash keeps tabs on all your work as you’re driving for Doordash. Each time you deliver a customer’s order, DoorDash adds it to your total. Your deliveries are totaled during a Monday through Sunday pay period, and you’re paid on the following Wednesday. How Are You Paid? You can be paid by direct deposit to your financial institution or bank account, or you can be paid via a DoorDash fast pay card (prepaid card) that you use as a debit card. DoorDash Driver Tips Some customer tips are paid to you in cash as you deliver. More frequently, the customer elects to add a tip at the time they pay to have someone deliver food. Either way, the tips customers pay are added to your pay as extra income. Peak Pay In the restaurant business, there are peak times such as lunch and dinner. When you drive and deliver during those peak times, your DoorDash driver earnings are higher. Bonuses and Incentives If you take more than 80% of the available deliveries, you may get a DoorDash referral bonus. You may also earn a bonus by driving and delivering during peak times. How to Get Started with DoorDash Ready to chip away at student loan debt, save for a vacation, or supplement your main income? If so, delivering food to hungry customers through an app is likely a good fit. You can choose from multiple delivery apps, but DoorDash can be an excellent choice due to its popularity and ease of use. DoorDash provides a delivery bag that helps keep restaurant orders hot (or cold). You’ll also get a DoorDash shirt (you don’t have to wear it unless you want to!). It’s easy to get started, too. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started with DoorDash: Step 1: Sign Up The first step is to sign up for a DoorDash account. This involves agreeing to a background check and credit report. A valid driver’s license is a must. Step 2: Receive DoorDash Kit After you register successfully, DoorDash will send you a kit that contains a delivery bag to maintain the proper temperature for the food items, as well as a branded DoorDash shirt. While wearing the shirt is optional, it could contribute to a more professional appearance. Step 3: Install DoorDash App Next, you will need to install the DoorDash app on your smartphone. The app is available for both iPhone and Android devices. Step 4: Availability Indication You can indicate your availability for deliveries by turning on the app. This will notify the system that you’re ready to accept delivery orders. Step 5: Choose and Make Deliveries Use the app to view available deliveries near you and accept the ones that suit your schedule and location. Make sure to be prompt and professional in picking up and delivering the orders. This will enhance your chances of getting positive reviews from restaurants and customers, which could lead to more opportunities in the future. Comparison Table Here’s a comparison table that illustrates the sequential steps you’ll need to follow to start working as a DoorDash driver. This table serves as a convenient quick-reference guide, highlighting the crucial steps from signing up to successfully making deliveries. It also emphasizes the importance of professionalism in gaining positive reviews, which can play a significant role in your success as a DoorDash driver. StepDescription 1. Sign UpRegister an account, agree to a background check, credit report, and provide a valid driver's license. 2. Receive DoorDash KitGet the DoorDash kit that includes a delivery bag and a DoorDash shirt. 3. Install DoorDash AppDownload and install the DoorDash app on your iPhone or Android device. 4. Availability IndicationTurn on the app when you're ready to start accepting deliveries. 5. Choose and Make DeliveriesUse the app to accept deliveries, ensure prompt and professional service for positive reviews. Maximizing Earnings as a DoorDash Driver To optimize your earnings with DoorDash, consider the following strategies: Strategic Scheduling: While flexibility is a key advantage of driving for DoorDash, strategically choosing your working hours can significantly impact your income. Peak times, such as lunch (11 am to 2 pm) and dinner (5 pm to 9 pm), often see higher demand and can boost your earnings. Additionally, working on weekends and holidays, when demand is high, can be more lucrative. Efficient Routing: Maximizing the number of deliveries per hour can increase your earnings. Using navigation apps to find the fastest routes and planning your pick-ups and drop-offs can save time and allow for more deliveries. Maintaining High Ratings: Customer satisfaction plays a crucial role in your success as a Dasher. High ratings can lead to more frequent and higher-paying delivery opportunities. Ensuring timely deliveries, being courteous, and handling orders carefully can help maintain high ratings. Taking Advantage of Promotions: DoorDash occasionally offers promotions and challenges that can boost earnings. These may include extra pay for completing a certain number of deliveries within a set timeframe or bonus pay for working during specific hours. Reducing Expenses: Since expenses like gas and vehicle maintenance can eat into your profits, finding ways to reduce these costs is crucial. Regular vehicle maintenance, using fuel-efficient driving methods, and planning routes to minimize mileage can help lower expenses. Understanding the Impact of Location The location where you decide to dash can greatly influence your earnings. Urban and city areas generally have a higher demand and provide more delivery opportunities than rural regions. Moreover, working in wealthier neighborhoods may enhance your likelihood of receiving larger tips. If you’re wondering, how much money can you make with doordash? The Role of Customer Tips Tips from customers can make a substantial difference in your total earnings. Although you cannot control how much a customer tips, providing excellent service can encourage more generous tips. Some Dashers find that a friendly greeting and ensuring orders are correct and well-handled can positively influence tipping. Seasonal Variations in Earnings It’s important to note that earnings with DoorDash can vary seasonally. During colder months or bad weather, more people tend to order in, potentially increasing demand for deliveries. However, this can also mean more challenging driving conditions, so it’s important to balance the potential for higher earnings with safety considerations. When Does DoorDash Pay? How often will you get the extra cash? DoorDash makes weekly rather than monthly payments. DoorDash totals your deliveries from Monday through Sunday, and DoorDash pays the following Wednesday. DoorDash will add your base pay and customer tip totals. Business Expenses DoorDash Drivers Should Consider While being a DoorDash driver can be a lucrative side hustle, it’s important to remember that there are costs associated with the job. Here are some of the key expenses to consider when evaluating potential earnings: Distance, MPG, and Fuel Costs: Your net profit can be significantly affected by factors such as fuel costs and the efficiency of your vehicle. City driving can further decrease your miles per gallon (MPG), leading to higher fuel costs. Keeping diligent records of your mileage can allow for deductions on fuel costs when filing a Schedule C, though it’s important to note that you cannot deduct mileage expenses if you qualify for the standard deduction. Vehicle Maintenance: Aside from fuel costs, wear and tear on your vehicle is an unavoidable expense as a DoorDash driver. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tire replacement, will need to be factored into your overall costs. Additionally, potential repairs due to increased use of your vehicle should also be taken into consideration. Income and Self-Employment Taxes: As a DoorDash independent contractor, you will receive a 1099 form, which means you are responsible for paying federal, state, and local income taxes on your earnings. Furthermore, self-employment tax—which includes contributions to Medicare and Social Security—adds an extra 15.3% to your earnings. Insurance Costs: Depending on your personal car insurance policy, delivering food might not be covered, and you may need to get additional coverage. Some insurance companies offer a rideshare insurance policy that can be added to your existing coverage. Always check with your insurance company to ensure you’re adequately covered. Smartphone and Data Usage: As a DoorDash driver, you’ll be using the DoorDash app extensively, which means you’ll need a reliable smartphone and potentially a large data plan. The cost of upgrading your phone or data plan, as well as any potential repair or replacement costs, should be factored into your overall expenses. Understanding these expenses can help you more accurately calculate your potential earnings and ensure that your experience as a DoorDash driver is financially beneficial. Conclusion: Maximizing Earnings as a DoorDash Driver Understanding DoorDash Earnings: Income Factors: Earnings depend on your dedication, availability, and number of deliveries. Average Pay: Most drivers earn between $15 to $25 per hour. Delivery Fees & Hours: Wages are based on these factors, with more deliveries leading to higher earnings. DoorDash’s Role in the Gig Economy: A Logistics Platform: Connects online orders, restaurants, and drivers. Opportunity for Flexibility: Ideal for paying off loans or managing personal finances. Being a Dasher: Flexible Work: Choose your hours and method of delivery (car, bike, scooter, walking). Income Components: Base pay, bonuses, and delivery volume affect earnings. Startup Process: Sign up, pass background checks, and receive a delivery kit. Financial Considerations: Weekly Payments: Earnings are calculated weekly via direct deposit or DoorDash prepaid card. Boost from Tips & Peak Pay: Customer tips and peak hour pay can increase income. Expenses to Factor In: Fuel, vehicle maintenance, taxes, insurance, and smartphone use. Strategies for Increased Earnings: Peak Time Management: Work during busy hours for higher pay. Expense Tracking: Monitor and manage costs to maximize net earnings. Quality Service: Deliver excellent service for more tips and better opportunities. Becoming a DoorDash driver provides a flexible opportunity to earn money, but it demands careful planning and attention to different factors to optimize your earnings. By recognizing peak delivery times, controlling your expenses, and delivering outstanding service, you can increase your earning potential. Keep in mind that succeeding in this position depends not only on the number of hours you work but also on how effectively you utilize those hours. Additionally, if you’re wondering how much money you can make with doordash, it’s important to consider these strategies. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How Much Money Can You Make with DoorDash? A Fair Assessment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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