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Google Merchant Center recently began showing AI-generated summaries for how well your performance is doing with Merchant Center in Google Search. These are labeled as "experimental" and "AI-generated."View the full article

Google is testing adding to the search results snippet a section that is named "page includes." To be honest, this reminds me of the tags we saw on the search result snippets in 2021, 2019 and 2017 - but I am not sure if they are the same.View the full article

If you envision the world as your oyster and consider oysters served on the half-shell to be the ideal appetizer, then you might be well-suited for oyster farming. Yes, oysters can be raised to harvest in unique farms at the edge of the sea. Hey, the ancient Romans did it! And they didn’t have the aquaculture technology that exists today. Cultured oysters are most often raised on coastal farms. They prefer brackish, warmer waters, which are a mix of salt water and fresh water. Investing in Oyster Farming – Learn the Basics Your best bet for learning how to start a farm is to reach out to your state’s coastal Agricultural Extension office. That’s where you’ll learn how to make money farming oysters. Nearly all the East Coast states (Delaware’s is pending) offer workshops. For this type of farming, you’ll need to learn and comply with state and federal regulations. Another basic and tough truth to learn is that you’ll be waiting for your profit. Getting oyster farms set up requires significant capital, as you need equipment that will control the temperature and salinity of the water. Raising the oysters to harvest can take five years. You’ll need a top-notch business plan if you don’t have ready cash and want to borrow your startup funds. This can be one of the best options for those interested in learning how to start farming with no money. Note that the market is expected to increase by about 5% annually in the US. Other stats to whet your interest – 83% of oyster farmers earn more than $100,000 a year. The Benefits of Oyster Farming Helps Native Populations – Beginning in the 1870s, oysters suffered from overharvest. Oyster farming is restorative because it helps relieve pressure from native populations. Positive Impact on the Environment – Oysters can help the ecosystem by stabilizing sediment and recycling nutrients in the water column. Clean Water – A single oyster can filter 2,496 liters a day. Healthy to Eat – Oysters are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in cholesterol. Restoration Projects – The Pacific oysters, the most commonly cultivated species, have been essential to the Chesapeake Bay restoration project while being raised and harvested sustainably. The Basics of Farming Oysters The steps to get a permit for oyster farming vary by state. The best source of information about that is the local Agricultural Extension office. The most common species raised are Pacific oysters. Location and effective water management are crucial for success. Farmers require high water quality to cultivate premium oysters, as those raised in poor water conditions will lack in flavor. In the state, farmers have the option to lease water by the acre. The farmer sets up a nursery tank system with recirculating water. The farmer must be able to manipulate the temperature and salinity of the water, which is easier in the summer months. The farmer must also provide food. In the wild, oysters eat phytoplankton. In farms, oysters are raised using filter feed systems or cultured algae. The broodstock oysters are put on a tray in water. The water is rapidly cooled and heated so that they spawn, and the oysters release gametes. Eggs and sperm are mixed together for breeding to fertilize them. Fertilized eggs become larvae. As part of cultivation, larvae are fed using filter feeders or cultured algae daily. In two weeks, the young larvae oysters develop a small, round discoloration, which shows they are ready for the next step. The larvae are then called Spat. The farmer has two choices for raising the oysters. The Spat can be placed in tanks that provide “Cultch” options or objects which they can attach, such as old oyster shells. Or, they can be raised as “Seed” and allowed to develop their own shells. They must be kept below the surface, even at low tide. Oyster growth only occurs when they are underwater, not when exposed to air. The Spat or Seed can be stored in racks, bags, or cages positioned above the seabed but submerged below the surface during low tide. Alternatively, they can be placed in an artificial maturation tank to speed up growth to market size. Diversifying Your Oyster Farm Portfolio Pearls and Mother-of-Pearl You won’t get pearls from Pacific oysters or other species raised for food. Pearls are actually calcium carbonate spheres grown by some species. Oyster Shells When an oyster shell breaks or is no longer going to be used, the shell pieces can be sold. An oyster shell with its basic white color is ground and used in landscaping and even as a driveway surface. Other Marine Crop Farming In the same regulated environment that’s best for oyster growers, you can also raise seaweed (seaweed can be raised for food or medicinal use), sea vegetables, and shellfish such as mussels and clams. A shellfish crop can be sold to restaurants and is a great backup to help a business owner handle fluctuations in the oyster market. Those interested in other types of fish farming may require additional space for those species. For example, if you want to learn how to start catfish farming, you may keep that venture separate from your oyster farm. Harvesting Time – Tips and Best Practices Oysters are harvested by workers on foot or in a boat, depending on the water level of the land. In deeper waters, a boat must be used. Here are general tips: If on foot, begin with proper footwear. Oyster shells can be sharp. Wait for a few days after heavy rain to give the oysters time to filter any undesirable minerals or nutrients. Make sure each oyster is alive. Harvest of farmed oysters can be done by hand, with the humans using a hammer or tongs to break the oysters away from their beds and each other. The harvest crew will drag baskets behind them, towing the harvested oysters in the baskets, which float. Harvest methods for farmed oysters also include mechanical dredging. Mechanical dredging is most often done from a boat. Harvested oysters don’t have a long shelf life and must be kept cool to maintain quality and taste. If harvested in the summer months, extra steps must be taken to keep them cool. Market Research – Analyzing Profitability and Sustainability Oyster beds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ocean. By establishing an optimal marine environment for their growth, oyster farmers contribute to the recovery of native populations that have been impacted by overharvesting. Exploring Oyster Farming Techniques Oyster farming involves various techniques that contribute to successful cultivation and a thriving oyster farm. Here’s a closer look at some key methods used in oyster farming: Spat Collection: In their natural habitat, oyster larvae attach themselves to hard surfaces like shells or substrates. Oyster farmers gather these young spat and move them to appropriate growing areas. Floating Bags or Cages: Oysters can be housed in floating bags or cages that are suspended in the water. This technique safeguards the oysters from predators and keeps them elevated above the seafloor, which encourages more robust growth. Bottom Cultivation: Oysters can be cultivated directly on the seafloor, where they attach to natural or artificial substrate. This method mimics the oysters’ natural habitat and allows for larger oysters to be produced. Tumbling or Flipping: To enhance shell development and prevent overcrowding, oysters are tumbled or flipped at regular intervals. This promotes uniform growth and stronger shells. Remote Monitoring: Modern technology enables oyster farmers to monitor their farms remotely. Sensors and cameras can provide real-time data on water quality, temperature, and oyster health. Off-Bottom Culture: Some farmers use off-bottom culture methods, where oysters are suspended in the water column using floating devices. This technique helps avoid contact with sediment and predators. TechniqueDescription Spat CollectionOyster larvae are collected from the wild and placed on shells or substrate in growing areas. Floating Bags or CagesOysters are placed in suspended bags or cages to protect them from predators and aid growth. Bottom CultivationOysters attach to natural or artificial substrate on the seafloor, promoting larger oyster growth. Tumbling or FlippingOysters are rotated at intervals to encourage shell development and uniform growth. Remote MonitoringTechnology allows real-time monitoring of water quality, temperature, and oyster health. Off-Bottom CultureOysters are suspended in the water column using floating devices to avoid sediment and predators. By implementing these techniques, oyster farmers can tailor their approach to suit their specific goals and environmental conditions, contributing to a thriving and sustainable oyster farming operation. Financial Planning and Investment for Oyster Farming Launching an oyster farm involves significant financial planning and investment. Here’s a concise guide to navigating the financial aspects of this venture: Initial and Operating Costs Factor in initial costs like leasing water space, equipment purchase, and spat procurement. Ongoing expenses will include labor, equipment maintenance, feed, transportation, and insurance. Accurate estimation of these costs is crucial for setting up a sustainable operation. Long-Term Financial Strategy Oyster farming requires patience, with a growth period of 18-24 months for oysters to reach market size. Your financial strategy should account for this delay in revenue generation. Explore various funding options like loans, grants, or partnerships if personal capital isn’t sufficient. Revenue Diversification Consider diversifying your income streams by exploring eco-tourism, implementing educational programs, or selling by-products such as oyster shells. This approach can enhance financial stability, particularly during the early years of your oyster farm. Cost-Benefit Analysis Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to gauge potential profitability. Compare the market price of oysters and the expected yield against your projected expenses. Record Keeping Maintain detailed financial records and regularly review your farm’s financial health to make informed decisions. Engaging with a financial advisor for professional guidance can also be beneficial in navigating the unique challenges of oyster farming. Helpful FAQs How many oysters can you farm in an acre? The number of oysters that can be farmed in an acre depends on various factors, including the farming method, water quality, and the specific oyster species being cultivated. On average, oyster farmers can grow approximately 750,000 oysters per acre. However, this number can vary based on regional conditions, farming techniques, and other variables. What species of oysters are the best to grow? The selection of oyster species for an oyster farm is influenced by various factors, including the farming location, market demand, and environmental conditions. Experts in marine sciences suggest prioritizing the Crassostrea Virginica species, popularly referred to as Atlantic oysters. Other notable oyster species that are known for successful cultivation include Pacific oysters, Eastern oysters, Belon oysters, Sydney Rock oysters, and Southern Mud oysters. Each species possesses distinct characteristics and benefits, so the choice should correspond with your farm’s objectives and the suitability for your region. Is oyster farming difficult? Oyster farming presents both opportunities and challenges that aspiring oyster farmers should be aware of. While it can be a rewarding endeavor, it’s important to note that oyster farming requires significant capital investment, careful planning, and attention to detail. Raising oysters to market size takes time and dedication. Farmers need to manage the oysters’ growth conditions, monitor water quality, and implement disease prevention measures. Oysters can be susceptible to various diseases and predators, such as starfish, oyster drill snails, stingray fish, stone crabs, and birds. Therefore, oyster farming demands a comprehensive understanding of aquatic ecosystems and a commitment to sustainable practices. Where are most oyster farms located? The majority of oyster farms are strategically situated on the East Coast of the United States and in California. These regions offer favorable conditions for oyster cultivation, including brackish or saltwater environments that promote healthy oyster growth. The coastal waters of these areas provide a balance between saltwater and freshwater, creating the ideal habitat for oysters. However, oyster farming can also be found in other coastal regions around the world, where similar conditions exist. The choice of location depends on factors such as water quality, accessibility, market demand, and regulatory considerations. As you embark on your oyster farming journey, having a solid understanding of these frequently asked questions will help you make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the oyster farming industry. Remember that each farm is unique, and your success will depend on your dedication, expertise, and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start an Oyster Farm" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you envision the world as your oyster and consider oysters served on the half-shell to be the ideal appetizer, then you might be well-suited for oyster farming. Yes, oysters can be raised to harvest in unique farms at the edge of the sea. Hey, the ancient Romans did it! And they didn’t have the aquaculture technology that exists today. Cultured oysters are most often raised on coastal farms. They prefer brackish, warmer waters, which are a mix of salt water and fresh water. Investing in Oyster Farming – Learn the Basics Your best bet for learning how to start a farm is to reach out to your state’s coastal Agricultural Extension office. That’s where you’ll learn how to make money farming oysters. Nearly all the East Coast states (Delaware’s is pending) offer workshops. For this type of farming, you’ll need to learn and comply with state and federal regulations. Another basic and tough truth to learn is that you’ll be waiting for your profit. Getting oyster farms set up requires significant capital, as you need equipment that will control the temperature and salinity of the water. Raising the oysters to harvest can take five years. You’ll need a top-notch business plan if you don’t have ready cash and want to borrow your startup funds. This can be one of the best options for those interested in learning how to start farming with no money. Note that the market is expected to increase by about 5% annually in the US. Other stats to whet your interest – 83% of oyster farmers earn more than $100,000 a year. The Benefits of Oyster Farming Helps Native Populations – Beginning in the 1870s, oysters suffered from overharvest. Oyster farming is restorative because it helps relieve pressure from native populations. Positive Impact on the Environment – Oysters can help the ecosystem by stabilizing sediment and recycling nutrients in the water column. Clean Water – A single oyster can filter 2,496 liters a day. Healthy to Eat – Oysters are high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in cholesterol. Restoration Projects – The Pacific oysters, the most commonly cultivated species, have been essential to the Chesapeake Bay restoration project while being raised and harvested sustainably. The Basics of Farming Oysters The steps to get a permit for oyster farming vary by state. The best source of information about that is the local Agricultural Extension office. The most common species raised are Pacific oysters. Location and effective water management are crucial for success. Farmers require high water quality to cultivate premium oysters, as those raised in poor water conditions will lack in flavor. In the state, farmers have the option to lease water by the acre. The farmer sets up a nursery tank system with recirculating water. The farmer must be able to manipulate the temperature and salinity of the water, which is easier in the summer months. The farmer must also provide food. In the wild, oysters eat phytoplankton. In farms, oysters are raised using filter feed systems or cultured algae. The broodstock oysters are put on a tray in water. The water is rapidly cooled and heated so that they spawn, and the oysters release gametes. Eggs and sperm are mixed together for breeding to fertilize them. Fertilized eggs become larvae. As part of cultivation, larvae are fed using filter feeders or cultured algae daily. In two weeks, the young larvae oysters develop a small, round discoloration, which shows they are ready for the next step. The larvae are then called Spat. The farmer has two choices for raising the oysters. The Spat can be placed in tanks that provide “Cultch” options or objects which they can attach, such as old oyster shells. Or, they can be raised as “Seed” and allowed to develop their own shells. They must be kept below the surface, even at low tide. Oyster growth only occurs when they are underwater, not when exposed to air. The Spat or Seed can be stored in racks, bags, or cages positioned above the seabed but submerged below the surface during low tide. Alternatively, they can be placed in an artificial maturation tank to speed up growth to market size. Diversifying Your Oyster Farm Portfolio Pearls and Mother-of-Pearl You won’t get pearls from Pacific oysters or other species raised for food. Pearls are actually calcium carbonate spheres grown by some species. Oyster Shells When an oyster shell breaks or is no longer going to be used, the shell pieces can be sold. An oyster shell with its basic white color is ground and used in landscaping and even as a driveway surface. Other Marine Crop Farming In the same regulated environment that’s best for oyster growers, you can also raise seaweed (seaweed can be raised for food or medicinal use), sea vegetables, and shellfish such as mussels and clams. A shellfish crop can be sold to restaurants and is a great backup to help a business owner handle fluctuations in the oyster market. Those interested in other types of fish farming may require additional space for those species. For example, if you want to learn how to start catfish farming, you may keep that venture separate from your oyster farm. Harvesting Time – Tips and Best Practices Oysters are harvested by workers on foot or in a boat, depending on the water level of the land. In deeper waters, a boat must be used. Here are general tips: If on foot, begin with proper footwear. Oyster shells can be sharp. Wait for a few days after heavy rain to give the oysters time to filter any undesirable minerals or nutrients. Make sure each oyster is alive. Harvest of farmed oysters can be done by hand, with the humans using a hammer or tongs to break the oysters away from their beds and each other. The harvest crew will drag baskets behind them, towing the harvested oysters in the baskets, which float. Harvest methods for farmed oysters also include mechanical dredging. Mechanical dredging is most often done from a boat. Harvested oysters don’t have a long shelf life and must be kept cool to maintain quality and taste. If harvested in the summer months, extra steps must be taken to keep them cool. Market Research – Analyzing Profitability and Sustainability Oyster beds play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the ocean. By establishing an optimal marine environment for their growth, oyster farmers contribute to the recovery of native populations that have been impacted by overharvesting. Exploring Oyster Farming Techniques Oyster farming involves various techniques that contribute to successful cultivation and a thriving oyster farm. Here’s a closer look at some key methods used in oyster farming: Spat Collection: In their natural habitat, oyster larvae attach themselves to hard surfaces like shells or substrates. Oyster farmers gather these young spat and move them to appropriate growing areas. Floating Bags or Cages: Oysters can be housed in floating bags or cages that are suspended in the water. This technique safeguards the oysters from predators and keeps them elevated above the seafloor, which encourages more robust growth. Bottom Cultivation: Oysters can be cultivated directly on the seafloor, where they attach to natural or artificial substrate. This method mimics the oysters’ natural habitat and allows for larger oysters to be produced. Tumbling or Flipping: To enhance shell development and prevent overcrowding, oysters are tumbled or flipped at regular intervals. This promotes uniform growth and stronger shells. Remote Monitoring: Modern technology enables oyster farmers to monitor their farms remotely. Sensors and cameras can provide real-time data on water quality, temperature, and oyster health. Off-Bottom Culture: Some farmers use off-bottom culture methods, where oysters are suspended in the water column using floating devices. This technique helps avoid contact with sediment and predators. TechniqueDescription Spat CollectionOyster larvae are collected from the wild and placed on shells or substrate in growing areas. Floating Bags or CagesOysters are placed in suspended bags or cages to protect them from predators and aid growth. Bottom CultivationOysters attach to natural or artificial substrate on the seafloor, promoting larger oyster growth. Tumbling or FlippingOysters are rotated at intervals to encourage shell development and uniform growth. Remote MonitoringTechnology allows real-time monitoring of water quality, temperature, and oyster health. Off-Bottom CultureOysters are suspended in the water column using floating devices to avoid sediment and predators. By implementing these techniques, oyster farmers can tailor their approach to suit their specific goals and environmental conditions, contributing to a thriving and sustainable oyster farming operation. Financial Planning and Investment for Oyster Farming Launching an oyster farm involves significant financial planning and investment. Here’s a concise guide to navigating the financial aspects of this venture: Initial and Operating Costs Factor in initial costs like leasing water space, equipment purchase, and spat procurement. Ongoing expenses will include labor, equipment maintenance, feed, transportation, and insurance. Accurate estimation of these costs is crucial for setting up a sustainable operation. Long-Term Financial Strategy Oyster farming requires patience, with a growth period of 18-24 months for oysters to reach market size. Your financial strategy should account for this delay in revenue generation. Explore various funding options like loans, grants, or partnerships if personal capital isn’t sufficient. Revenue Diversification Consider diversifying your income streams by exploring eco-tourism, implementing educational programs, or selling by-products such as oyster shells. This approach can enhance financial stability, particularly during the early years of your oyster farm. Cost-Benefit Analysis Conduct a thorough cost-benefit analysis to gauge potential profitability. Compare the market price of oysters and the expected yield against your projected expenses. Record Keeping Maintain detailed financial records and regularly review your farm’s financial health to make informed decisions. Engaging with a financial advisor for professional guidance can also be beneficial in navigating the unique challenges of oyster farming. Helpful FAQs How many oysters can you farm in an acre? The number of oysters that can be farmed in an acre depends on various factors, including the farming method, water quality, and the specific oyster species being cultivated. On average, oyster farmers can grow approximately 750,000 oysters per acre. However, this number can vary based on regional conditions, farming techniques, and other variables. What species of oysters are the best to grow? The selection of oyster species for an oyster farm is influenced by various factors, including the farming location, market demand, and environmental conditions. Experts in marine sciences suggest prioritizing the Crassostrea Virginica species, popularly referred to as Atlantic oysters. Other notable oyster species that are known for successful cultivation include Pacific oysters, Eastern oysters, Belon oysters, Sydney Rock oysters, and Southern Mud oysters. Each species possesses distinct characteristics and benefits, so the choice should correspond with your farm’s objectives and the suitability for your region. Is oyster farming difficult? Oyster farming presents both opportunities and challenges that aspiring oyster farmers should be aware of. While it can be a rewarding endeavor, it’s important to note that oyster farming requires significant capital investment, careful planning, and attention to detail. Raising oysters to market size takes time and dedication. Farmers need to manage the oysters’ growth conditions, monitor water quality, and implement disease prevention measures. Oysters can be susceptible to various diseases and predators, such as starfish, oyster drill snails, stingray fish, stone crabs, and birds. Therefore, oyster farming demands a comprehensive understanding of aquatic ecosystems and a commitment to sustainable practices. Where are most oyster farms located? The majority of oyster farms are strategically situated on the East Coast of the United States and in California. These regions offer favorable conditions for oyster cultivation, including brackish or saltwater environments that promote healthy oyster growth. The coastal waters of these areas provide a balance between saltwater and freshwater, creating the ideal habitat for oysters. However, oyster farming can also be found in other coastal regions around the world, where similar conditions exist. The choice of location depends on factors such as water quality, accessibility, market demand, and regulatory considerations. As you embark on your oyster farming journey, having a solid understanding of these frequently asked questions will help you make informed decisions and navigate the complexities of the oyster farming industry. Remember that each farm is unique, and your success will depend on your dedication, expertise, and commitment to sustainable farming practices. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start an Oyster Farm" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In 2019, Google stopped using rel prev and next as a signal for its search engines to combine or understand paginated results on your site. Then Google offered up some other advice over the years on the topic. Now, John Mueller of Google explains why Google or other search engines don't need to do anything special for pagination or paginated results on your site.View the full article

Europeans need to reduce their dangerous dependence on an adversarial AmericaView the full article

AI will undoubtedly become a bigger presence in your working life over the next few years. In fact, it likely already is, even without you knowing it. According to a recent study by Gallup, nearly all Americans (99%, in fact) use products that involve artificial intelligence features, but (64%) don’t even realize it. Our current level of AI use may seem subtle and harmless—think virtual assistants, navigation apps, or weather-forecasting websites. But the speed of new technology is fast and the promises it holds for transforming our work are too tempting for many companies to pass up. Like it or not, no matter your industry, AI is likely going to be your new coworker. So how can we adapt to work with AI, rather than training it to replace us? On the most recent episode of The New Way We Work, I spoke to Nigel Vaz, the CEO of Publicis Sapient, a consultancy focused on digital transformation. Vaz has been helping companies adapt to new technology for decades and sees both parallels and significant differences between our current AI transition and the dot-com boom of the 1990s. How this time is different Vaz points out that when the internet first started to change businesses, many leaders were skeptical that it would have a big impact. E-commerce sales accounted for such a small percent of sales, for example, and it took 20 years for the shift to fully take place. Now, he says, leaders remember how transformational the internet was and are more eager to embrace the changes that AI will bring. “The difference this time around is everybody’s interested in ‘What is AI? How is AI going to manifest? What does it mean for my business?’” he says. “But there is a recognition that it could be a significant driver.” He also notes that the speed of change is much faster now than it was before. “We are really asking organizations and people to evolve the way they work on an exponential basis,” he says. How employees and leaders can adapt “The technological transformation is the easy part,” Vaz says. “It’s the people transformation alongside the technological transformation. That’s the hard part.” So how can employees and leaders adapt to the speed of tech’s advancements? Vaz says that the average person can (and should) tune out all of the discussions around chip development and instead focus on the applications themselves and what problems they help solve—and what data they are trained on. He advises that companies should look at their needs and see if general AI tools can help or if they need customized tools. Learn, unlearn, and relearn So what about employees who are afraid of losing their jobs to AI? Vaz says that the nature of work is ever evolving and it’s not the ability to perform tasks that makes an employee valuable; it’s their ability to learn. “If you obsess about what you know, you are always fundamentally going to be less valuable to an organization. I think what you have to obsess about is your ability to learn,” he says. He uses the expression “learn, unlearn, and relearn.” “The single biggest gift an organization can give you, and you can give yourself, is this mindset that what we value is your ability to adapt and to learn and to evolve as things are evolving,” he says. Listen to the full episode for more on how companies and employees should prepare for AI changes, how they should be vetting new tech, and where tech is going in the future. You can listen and subscribe to The New Way We Work on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, RadioPublic, or wherever you get your podcasts. View the full article

Capture the attention of potential guests and drive direct bookings with a strong SEO strategy for your vacation rental business. The post Boost Your Vacation Rental Bookings with SEO appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. Last June, global architecture and design firm Gensler named Elizabeth Brink and Jordan Goldstein as co-CEOs, succeeding Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins, who jointly led the company for nearly 20 years. Though some U.S. companies, including Netflix, Zola, and Warby Parker, have two chief executive officers, the dual-CEO arrangement remains rare. In a recent joint interview, Brink and Goldstein explained how co-leadership permeates the entire organization—most of Gensler’s offices and its regions are led by pairs—and the way the model helps nurture managerial talent and train future managers to collaborate. They also shared insights into how they make their long-distance partnership work (Goldstein is based in Washington, D.C., and Brink is in Los Angeles), and why the co-CEO model isn’t for every company. Edited excerpts follow: Modern CEO: Let’s start by talking about the co-CEO relationship. You are the second set of co-CEOs at Gensler. Jordan Goldstein: The company started in 1965 and Art Gensler, who founded it, led it for a number of years. The prior CEOs, who actually were mentors to both of us, have now stepped into global chair roles.  Elizabeth Brink: The co-leadership model is pretty deep in the organization. JG: We have about 300 co-leaders. My introduction to “co” roles started at the office level. I was a co-office leader starting in 2008. Elizabeth’s been here 20 years, so we’ve known each other for 20 years in the organization. I did the co-office director role, then we each did co-regional roles, then moved into [the co-CEO] roles. My background is definitely heavy in design and design-oriented technology. My experiences in the firm have been focused on design on a global scale, practicing in different locations around the world, working with different cultures, different climates. EB: My background has been more on strategy and pushing our design strategy into areas that we have not been, connecting business and design, and also a little bit on the urban strategy side of things. It’s a really nice balance. I think we are both also people-oriented leaders, and one of the areas where we really overlap is an incredible focus on mentorship. And that’s part of why we work so well as a duo together—because of that kind of commitment. MC: You were elevated to the co-CEO roles simultaneously. But co-leads are not always assigned at the same time, right? JG: Right. For instance, when I was leading the Washington, D.C., office, it was me and another person, and we worked together growing our architectural practice in the D.C. metropolitan area. We did that for a number of years, and then my business partner said, “You know what? I really want to get back to just designing every day.” He stepped back into that everyday work, and then we brought in another individual who was much more oriented around particular industries. She joined me for a couple of years, and then I rotated out. EB: The organization is pretty matrixed, too. We’re always looking at what the needs are within each market, within each office, within each region, and who are the best people to be partnering together to create that balance? But our situation was a little bit different because of the scale [of the roles]. MC: Tell me about how that succession process worked. In your situation, when did it become clear that you were going to be each other’s co-CEOs? EB: We were on our own leadership exploration journeys; we were both getting opportunities across the firm. I had stepped in on building a lot of our work around our people and culture. Jordan had been a really strong design leader. Both of us had been members of the board. And both of us had stepped into some key task force development over the last couple of years. That’s where we really started developing our connection, and I think others saw how well we work together and what we could really bring to the table as a duo. JG: I was really focused on a design career, but as I got into larger, complex projects globally, I really enjoyed the leadership aspect of that. It was 10 years ago when the CEO team [at the time] asked: “Would you be interested in this type of path?” EB: One of the things that’s been so beneficial about both of us having these non-linear career journeys is the depth of relationships that we have stepping into this role. We’re leaning on people who have been peers, who have been mentors to us, who we’ve mentored. MC: Do you share direct reports, or do you divide and conquer? JG: The way we approached it was, for the beginning of our tenure together, we were all in on all [reports] so we could really get the lay of the land and feel where there was natural chemistry within the organization. [A few weeks ago] we mapped it out and said, “All right, given what we’ve experienced, let’s talk through it.” And we just divided it up. And we’re now letting people know she’s first position on this, and I’m first position on that. That doesn’t mean we won’t both be on the calls or both be in a meeting. EB: What it allows us to do is—when there are challenges, when there are issues—one of us can go really deep. It’s been very beneficial to have spent that time together because we start to understand how we each think about the tricky problems. I know which parts of a problem Jordan’s going to want to know about. And the reverse: He knows what parts are going to be really important for me to understand. And we text all the time. MC: It seems like trust is such an important part of what makes this co-leadership model work at the regional levels, at the office levels, and crucially at the CEO level. JG: I think it’s like trust combined with almost like an iterative dialogue. EB: I will say, to put out the vulnerable part of this, too, over the last year-and-a-half as we’ve been stepping into things, we both made mistakes. We’ve had times where I should have read you in on that. Or said, “Oops, I misread that situation.” But I think where the trust is coming in is in the openness with one another and [acknowledging]: “I made a mistake on that one.” The trust lies in both of our intentions and both of our ambitions to do what’s right for this organization. MC: Have you had co-leaders at the office or regional level where the pairing didn’t work out? JG: Yes, and those are obviously delicate conversations because the people can still be valuable to the organization. We just have to help them see a new perspective on how they can contribute, where their value add is, and how that offers career growth opportunities for them. The interesting thing for us is that when the “co” isn’t working, it’s not just something you see in the pairing, you see it in the office. It translates to other aspects of business. EB: When it works, it really can expand and elevate people’s opportunities to make an impact. But when it doesn’t, we’ve learned to not let that fester. The more you just hope for it to go away, the less it goes away and the more it impacts other people. MC: Would you recommend co-leadership to other organizations? And if a company is thinking about either starting out with co-leadership or adopting co-leadership, what advice would you give them? JG: There are some industries where it’s probably a tough fit. We actually get questions from clients [about the model]. It has to be something that can stand up on the pillars of a strategy that is embedded in the organization. The thing we haven’t really talked about is that the “co” model also enables a level of exploration, for pushing innovation in a way that you know surprises people when we talk about it. When I was an office leader, we talked about [developing] a venture capital mindset, to encourage different thinking. If one person was trying to grow the business and delegated [different thinking], that’s very different than if it’s owned by these two leaders, and they can touch it in different ways. We ended up creating these innovation funds, which were granted based on people’s ideas, which ended up going firmwide. EB: I think the co-leadership model has enabled really rapid growth, innovation, and iteration. I don’t know that it’s something to put onto an established organization. But I think, particularly for a creative entrepreneurial organization that is looking to grow or provide a platform for [professional] growth for a really talented team of people, it’s a great model. JG: When I was visiting Elizabeth recently, I spoke at USC’s [University of Southern California’s] business school, and the students were fascinated by the co-CEO model. You could just see the wheels turning because the students never thought about [the CEO role] that way. It was always the CEO as the singular visionary—and that’s not this model. EB: Ego has to be put aside. JG: Absolutely. EB: If you come in with ego, it doesn’t work. Does your company divvy up leadership roles? Are you a co-CEO or co-leader in your organization? How do you divide duties, and what are the skills and practices you employ to make the partnership work? Send your comments to me at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. I’d like to share some of your insights in an upcoming newsletter dedicated to co-leadership. Read and watch: co-leadership at work Inside Netflix’s unusual co-CEO arrangement—and why it works Zola co-CEO Rachel Jarrett says you need this skill for a good partnership Is it time to consider co-CEOs? View the full article

A reader recently sent me a clip from Chris Williamson’s podcast. In the segment, Williamson discusses his evolving relationship with productivity: “Look, I come from a productivity background. When I first started this show, I was chatting shit about Pomodoro timers, and Notion external brains, and Ebbinhaus forgetting curves, and all of that. Right? I’ve been through the ringer, so I’m allowed to say, and, um, you realize after a while that it ends up being this weird superstitious rain dance you’re doing, this sort of odd sort of productivity rain dance, in the desperate hope that later that day you’re going to get something done.” I was intrigued by this term “productivity rain dance.” Some additional research revealed that Williamson had discussed the concept before. In a post from last summer, he listed the following additional examples of rain dance activities: “Sitting at my desk when I’m not working” “Being on calls with no actual objective” “Keeping Slack notifications at zero, sitting on email trying to get the Unread number down” “Saying yes to a random dinner when someone is coming through town” What do these varied examples, from obsessing over Ebbinhaus forgetting curves to waging war against your email inbox, have in common? They’re focused on activity in the moment instead of results over time. “The problem is that no one’s productivity goal is to maximize inputs,” Williamson explains. “It’s to maximize outputs.” When you look around the modern office environment, and see everyone frantically answering emails as they jump on and off Zoom meetings, or watch to solo-entrepreneur lose a morning to optimizing their ChatGPT-powered personalized assistant, you’re observing rain dances. Everyone’s busy, but is no one is asking if all these gyrations are actually opening the clouds. The solution to the rain dance phenomenon is not to abandon organizational systems or routines altogether, nor is to crudely commit to working less. It’s instead, as Williamson suggests, to turn your attention from inputs to outputs. Identify the most valuable thing you do in your job, and then figure out what actually helps you do it better. This is what you should focus on. The answers to these questions aren’t necessarily easy. As I talk about in Slow Productivity, making more time for key efforts often requires that you first tame the less important activities that are getting in the way. You probably need a more formal workload management philosophy to avoid overload, such as using quotas or separating “active” tasks from “waiting” tasks. You’ll also need better collaboration processes that avoid the distraction of constant messaging, such as using regular office hours for complicated discussions, and some notion of time management, such as time blocking, to maintain control of your schedule. What separates these grounded productivity efforts from productivity rain dances is that they’re not symbolic, nor are they exercises in busyness for the sake of busyness. (What I call “pseudo-productivity” in my book.) Their success is instead measured by the concrete results they produce. As a result, they’re not flashy, or high-tech, or even all that exciting to deploy. But they work. Rain dances can be satisfying. They feel important and active in the moment, and give you all sorts of little details to tweak and adjust. But ultimately, if your goal is to reap a rich harvest, there’s no avoiding the necessity to get down among your crops, sweat on your brow, and actually work the land. ##### In other news… –> For an extended discussion of productivity rain dances, check out Episode #340 of my podcast. –> If you want to see me discussing productivity with Williamson, check out my appearance on his show from last spring. –> Over at Growth Equation, Brad Stulberg recently wrote an essay I really enjoyed: “The Case for Mastery and Mattering in a Chaotic World” [ read | subscribe ] –> Amazon has my latest book, Slow Productivity, discounted all the way to $18.00. If you were on the fence about checking it out, this would be a good time! The post Productivity Rain Dances appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

A reader recently sent me a clip from Chris Williamson’s podcast. In the segment, Williamson discusses his evolving relationship with productivity: “Look, I come from a productivity background. When I first started this show, I was chatting shit about Pomodoro timers, and Notion external brains, and Ebbinhaus forgetting curves, and all of that. Right? I’ve been through the ringer, so I’m allowed to say, and, um, you realize after a while that it ends up being this weird superstitious rain dance you’re doing, this sort of odd sort of productivity rain dance, in the desperate hope that later that day you’re going to get something done.” I was intrigued by this term “productivity rain dance.” Some additional research revealed that Williamson had discussed the concept before. In a post from last summer, he listed the following additional examples of rain dance activities: “Sitting at my desk when I’m not working” “Being on calls with no actual objective” “Keeping Slack notifications at zero, sitting on email trying to get the Unread number down” “Saying yes to a random dinner when someone is coming through town” What do these varied examples, from obsessing over Ebbinhaus forgetting curves to waging war against your email inbox, have in common? They’re focused on activity in the moment instead of results over time. “The problem is that no one’s productivity goal is to maximize inputs,” Williamson explains. “It’s to maximize outputs.” When you look around the modern office environment, and see everyone frantically answering emails as they jump on and off Zoom meetings, or watch to solo-entrepreneur lose a morning to optimizing their ChatGPT-powered personalized assistant, you’re observing rain dances. Everyone’s busy, but is no one is asking if all these gyrations are actually opening the clouds. The solution to the rain dance phenomenon is not to abandon organizational systems or routines altogether, nor is to crudely commit to working less. It’s instead, as Williamson suggests, to turn your attention from inputs to outputs. Identify the most valuable thing you do in your job, and then figure out what actually helps you do it better. This is what you should focus on. The answers to these questions aren’t necessarily easy. As I talk about in Slow Productivity, making more time for key efforts often requires that you first tame the less important activities that are getting in the way. You probably need a more formal workload management philosophy to avoid overload, such as using quotas or separating “active” tasks from “waiting” tasks. You’ll also need better collaboration processes that avoid the distraction of constant messaging, such as using regular office hours for complicated discussions, and some notion of time management, such as time blocking, to maintain control of your schedule. What separates these grounded productivity efforts from productivity rain dances is that they’re not symbolic, nor are they exercises in busyness for the sake of busyness. (What I call “pseudo-productivity” in my book.) Their success is instead measured by the concrete results they produce. As a result, they’re not flashy, or high-tech, or even all that exciting to deploy. But they work. Rain dances can be satisfying. They feel important and active in the moment, and give you all sorts of little details to tweak and adjust. But ultimately, if your goal is to reap a rich harvest, there’s no avoiding the necessity to get down among your crops, sweat on your brow, and actually work the land. ##### In other news… –> For an extended discussion of productivity rain dances, check out Episode #340 of my podcast. –> If you want to see me discussing productivity with Williamson, check out my appearance on his show from last spring. –> Over at Growth Equation, Brad Stulberg recently wrote an essay I really enjoyed: “The Case for Mastery and Mattering in a Chaotic World” [ read | subscribe ] –> Amazon has my latest book, Slow Productivity, discounted all the way to $18.00. If you were on the fence about checking it out, this would be a good time! The post Productivity Rain Dances appeared first on Cal Newport. View the full article

Discussions in Riyadh on Tuesday will address possible future talks to end war in UkraineView the full article

Generative AI transforms the way we work, but its impacts aren’t limited to what it can do. It can also teach us about language and communication. We typically think of hallucinations as sensory perceptions—like a sound or image—that seem real in the mind but didn’t occur in external reality. In the era of Generative AI, the word “hallucination” refers to a large language model that produces incorrect or fabricated information. But hallucinations aren’t just an AI problem, because inaccuracies are an equally common occurrence in human interactions. Most conversations contain hallucinations, and the corporate meeting is a space that is especially prone to that. Meetings are often where we tackle the most challenging communication tasks. Balancing priorities, working through clarifying questions, delivering news—these tasks require the tools of real-time responses and nuanced inflection. Meeting hallucinations occur when incorrect assumptions derail conversations. These misunderstandings can lead to circular conversations or meetings that don’t accomplish their goal. These hallucinations are a key piece of the puzzle of our meeting culture. And this is why many despise meetings even though they remain necessary. The concept of common ground In my subfield of linguistics—pragmatics—there’s a foundational concept called common ground. During a conversation, common ground refers to the information that all parties have established to be true. If information is in the common ground, you don’t need to restate it. In my role as a data scientist at AT&T, we don’t feel the need to say things like: “this is an AT&T meeting,” “we are data scientists,” or “this is a work meeting.” However, it’s fair to say that all of those assumptions are in common ground at any given time. Or do they? The challenge with meeting hallucinations occurs when you have mismatched common ground assumptions. One person’s understanding of what constitutes common ground (e.g., the purpose of the meeting, the goal of the project, the best outcome of the discussion, the role of the meeting participant) doesn’t always match someone else’s. Meeting hallucinations—or mismatched common ground assumptions in meetings—can lead to conflict that diverts the focus. It can also mask the fundamental disagreement, which might not actually be about a specific solution requirement—but the goal of the solution writ large. Addressing meeting hallucinations will reduce the frequency of meetings, increase productivity in meetings across the board, and perhaps most importantly: will enhance the buy-in to your meetings. Here are some best practices to follow to overcome these subtle, hidden miscommunications: Reflect on common ground assumptions before a meeting Preventing meeting hallucinations starts with understanding what is in your own set of common ground assumptions. Before you begin a meeting, think through what you want to achieve. Consider what you believe to be true about the topics you’re discussing. Reflect on whether all parties in the meeting share this belief. Boldly state ‘the obvious’ at the top of the meeting No one wants to beat a dead horse. But it’s worth talking through relevant common ground assumptions with other meeting participants. This way, you can avoid unnecessary miscommunication and avoid wasting time. Whether the common ground assumption is about timelines, who owns the work, or the overall goal of a project, take the time to say the obvious part out loud. It might not be obvious to everyone. Identify possible communication gaps by restating the common ground assumptions When meeting hallucinations happen, they require you to recognize that a moment of conflict or confusion isn’t always due to the discussion topic. If you feel like a meeting is going south, reset the conversation. You can do this by reestablishing common ground assumptions or flagging statements that seem to introduce a new common ground assumption to the context. Perspectives based on unrelated previous outcomes, rigid takes on a situation based on specific training, rushing to judgement without all the information—these are common issues that many have with corporate meetings. They’re also core drivers of AI hallucinations, and they are also lurking in our corporate culture. Meeting hallucinations might feel like a strange way to think about meetings. But once you apply it, you’ll find that you’re finally meeting your colleagues where they are. View the full article

Chinese authorities said to be weighing approval as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations with TrumpView the full article

It’s kind of a misnomer. Ghost Kitchens aren’t spooky figments of the imagination. They are real. Ghost kitchens are facilities where food is prepared, cooked, and packaged specifically for delivery. Orders are placed and managed online. There are several ways you can start ghost kitchens: Within a restaurant that you already own or lease. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease. From your home. Ghost kitchens grew hugely as a response to Covid restrictions. That’s when “ordering in” became even more popular. In fact, according to stats the average person in the US orders food at least once a week. The big restaurant operators are already taking advantage of the ghost restaurants trend. For more information, you can look at Big Brands Posing as Ghost Restaurants on Delivery Apps – Small Business Trends (smallbiztrends.com). What is a Ghost Kitchen? Ghost kitchens, virtual kitchens, or cloud kitchens use licensed commercial kitchen facilities to prepare, cook, and package food. They operate on a delivery-only concept, most often using delivery apps to pick up and deliver the food. Ghost Kitchensare is a relatively new and innovative business model in the food industry. They are transforming the way people dine and how restaurants operate. Here’s a more in-depth look: Concept and Operation No Physical Dining Space: Unlike traditional restaurants, ghost kitchens don’t have a physical space for customers to dine in. Delivery-Only: They operate solely through delivery, using platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Shared or Standalone Kitchens: Ghost kitchens may operate from shared commercial kitchens where several brands prepare food or have a standalone space dedicated solely to one virtual brand. Advantages Cost-Efficient: Without the need for dining space and related amenities, overhead costs can be significantly lower. Flexibility: Ghost kitchens can easily change menus, try new concepts, or even host multiple virtual brands from one kitchen. Scalability: The model allows for quick expansion into new markets without the significant investment required for traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Data-Driven: By relying on online orders, ghost kitchens can utilize data analytics to understand customer preferences and trends better. Challenges Competition: The lower entry barrier means increased competition among virtual restaurants. Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality across various delivery locations can be a challenge. Dependence on Delivery Platforms: A reliance on third-party delivery services can lead to complications, such as high commission fees or issues with delivery times. Trends and Future Integration with Traditional Restaurants: Certain restaurants are utilizing ghost kitchens to enhance their delivery services while alleviating pressure on their current kitchen operations. Sustainability Concerns: With delivery at its core, considerations around packaging and environmental impact are becoming more crucial. Global Expansion: Ghost kitchens are becoming popular worldwide, especially in densely populated urban areas. Ghost kitchens represent a significant shift in the restaurant industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for food delivery. They provide opportunities for both new entrants and established brands to innovate, experiment, and grow. However, they also bring new challenges and considerations, particularly around quality control, competition, and sustainability. As technology and dining habits continue to evolve, ghost kitchens are likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of food. Whether as a response to changing consumer needs or as a strategy to optimize resources, the ghost kitchen model offers a glimpse into the potential future of dining. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Ghost Kitchen? Let’s go back to the places where you can start virtual restaurants. Obviously, the cost will vary. Within a restaurant that you already own or lease – Your additional overhead costs for this will be labor. You’ll need additional staff members who will only work on take-out orders. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease – You’ll lease space in an existing restaurant. On an annual lease, you may be able to get in for $20,000 to $30,000. But in a major metro area, you may pay as much as $100,000 to lease kitchen space. From your home – The equipment you’ll need depends on your menu items. As a minimum, you’ll need food storage areas, including refrigeration. You’ll be inspected to ensure you meet food quality and safety requirements. How to Start a Ghost Kitchen in 17 Simple Steps Regardless of the type of physical space required for your commissary kitchen, the steps you need to take are generally similar. Whether you own, lease, or run your kitchen from home, here are the steps on how to start a ghost kitchen. Research Nearby Ghost Kitchens Since the market share for this type of restaurant is driven by digital technology, that’s where your research will be. You can start by checking with food delivery services like Uber Eats and others. Those who are running a ghost kitchen operation are linked to food delivery partner apps. Choose a Niche If you’re going to start a ghost kitchen within your own dine-in restaurant, choose items from your menu that lend themselves to delivery. You already know what’s most popular with your existing customer base. There may be more than one ghost operation in commercial kitchens in brick-and-mortar restaurants. The space is chosen to be leased by its fit to your menu. Your meals should be easy to make using existing equipment at a restaurant. If you’re ghosting from home, consider equipment costs and the best fit for your menu. No matter where food is prepped and prepared, the ghost menu should be a specialty. It should fill a niche that is not already taken in the local market. Name and Brand Your Business Experts recommend that there are no more than three words in your business name. It should define your menu and be easy to search. Names for virtual brands or virtual restaurants must be catchy and definitive. Write a Ghost Kitchen Business Plan Remember, you are optimizing to be delivery only. Your business plan is similar to any restaurant business place, but you are locked to the delivery-only concept. Here are key elements you’ll add to a routine restaurant business plan: Packaging essentials, point of sale and delivery apps, delivery-friendly menu, and separate staff. Form a Legal Entity and Register You’ll register your business with your secretary of state to obtain a business license. The limited liability company, or LLC, is most often chosen as the business entity. That’s because your personal assets will be protected. Other choices are Partnerships and Corporations (c-corp and S-corp) Open a Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is a critical step in setting up your ghost kitchen. It provides a clear financial separation between your personal and business finances, which is essential for legal protection and financial organization. A business account simplifies tracking expenses, revenues, and profits, which is crucial for effective business management. Using a business account for transactions adds a level of professionalism and credibility when dealing with vendors. Furthermore, establishing a business credit card is important for building credit and is beneficial for future business financing needs. Having a separate account also eases the process of filing taxes and claiming business expenses, making it a practical choice for any business owner. Choose a Location Here are critical components of your choice of location: average delivery distances and availability of delivery subcontractors. As a minimum, the facility must be licensed to sell food legally. When people order food, they have an expectation that it will arrive ready to eat. If distances are great, it will be challenging for drivers to keep the food warm or cold (whichever is required). If you’re in a rural area, a lack of delivery services may challenge your delivery-only concepts. If you hire your own delivery team, your overhead cost will be much higher. Make Sure You Have the Licenses and Permits Required in Your State Restaurants are much more regulated than other low-risk businesses. The potential for food-borne illnesses exists, and you’ll be regularly inspected. You’ll need kitchen liability insurance. Every person who handles food must have ServSafe Food Handler certification. Design Your Menu You’re a new restaurant with a new concept – prepping and preparing food that is specifically for takeout customers. Those customers, hungry people all, need a menu with catchy names and accurate descriptions. For aspiring restaurateurs, this is a new food concept. Remember that because you’re poking into new markets, start with limited ingredients to keep costs low. Choose dishes that are easy to make and transport. Design Your Packaging Many states have adopted new legislation regarding packaging, such as eliminating the use of styrofoam containers. Before ordering packaging for cold or hot foods, ensure you meet state and local requirements. Should you put your ghost kitchen name on the packaging? Some say that customers will throw the packaging away. Instead, provide a business card that customers can keep handy. Set Your Menu Prices In addition to your food price, you’ll have to add the price of packaging and also the cost of third-party delivery. There are commission fees paid for delivery services. Factor in Costs: When setting your menu prices, consider the cost of ingredients, packaging, and labor. Remember that ghost kitchens often have lower overhead than traditional restaurants, which can be reflected in the pricing. Delivery Costs: Include the fees for third-party delivery services. These fees can be significant, so you’ll need to find a balance between covering these costs and keeping your prices competitive. Competitive Pricing Analysis: Investigate the prices of comparable food items in your locality. It’s essential to remain competitive while ensuring a healthy profit margin for long-term sustainability. Dynamic Pricing Strategy: Consider implementing a dynamic pricing strategy where prices may vary based on demand, special promotions, or time of day. Transparency with Customers: It’s important to be clear about your pricing. Customers value understanding what they are paying for, particularly when there are extra charges, such as delivery fees. Get Your Taxes in Order You’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to pay employees and state sales taxes. If you’re an LLC, you’ll be taxed on net income at the individual level. Tax requirements vary by state. Purchase Business Insurance Standard insurance needed for a commercial kitchen is general liability and property insurance. Since your profits rely on digital technology, it is essential to obtain cyber and business interruption insurance. Choose Delivery Partners Your main delivery partners may be GrubHub, UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates. You may also have a local food delivery service. Create a Website and Market Your New Business You’ll be found through an internet search, a food delivery company search, and/or via social media. In order to thrive, you’ll need a strong social media presence and affiliation with food delivery companies. You won’t see customers face-to-face. A top marketing tool for the ghost kitchen is the handwritten note tucked inside the packaging. It’s a personal touch that will separate you from the competition. Hire Staff Hiring the right staff is essential for the success of a ghost kitchen. This involves recruiting skilled chefs and kitchen personnel who can prepare meals swiftly and efficiently, a critical requirement for a delivery-oriented business. Additionally, dedicated packaging staff are essential to ensure that food is securely and attractively packaged for delivery. If you opt to manage deliveries in-house, you’ll need a team of reliable and punctual delivery personnel, preferably with a good understanding of the local area, for efficient delivery. Providing comprehensive training is crucial for ensuring consistency in both food quality and packaging, as this significantly affects customer satisfaction and retention. Additionally, staff members should be flexible and adaptable, prepared to manage the ever-changing environment of a ghost kitchen operation. Launch Your Ghost Kitchen Business Announce your opening on social media and get ready for those online orders. Ghost Kitchen Vs. Brick and Mortar Restaurant AspectGhost KitchenBrick and Mortar Restaurant Operational Focus- Food Preparation: Focuses exclusively on preparing, cooking, and packaging food for delivery.- Full Dining Experience: Includes ambiance, customer service, and entertainment. - No Front-of-House Operations: No hosts, servers, or bartenders.- Requires Front-of-House Staff: Staff for greeting, serving, bartending, etc. - Limited Customer Interaction: Limited to the digital platform or delivery driver.- Direct Customer Interaction: Engage customers, respond to feedback, personalized experience. Cost Structure- Lower Overhead Costs: Less space, no dining furniture or decor.- Higher Costs: Rent for dining space, furnishings, decor, additional staff. - Fewer Staff Required: Typically only chefs and kitchen staff.- More Complex Operations: Managing kitchen and front-of-house requires coordination. Marketing and Branding- Digital Presence: Online marketing, social media, delivery platforms.- Physical Presence: Location, signage, appearance attract customers. - Limited Physical Brand Exposure: No physical storefront for walk-ins.- Broader Marketing Options: In-person events, local advertising, digital channels. Customer Experience- Delivery Convenience: Focuses on home or office delivery.- Dining Experience: Enjoy ambiance, service, social aspects of dining in. - Limited Personal Connection: Less opportunity to build customer relationships.- Potential for Loyalty: Opportunities for face-to-face interactions to build loyalty. Flexibility and Adaptation- Agile and Adaptable: Quickly change menus, test concepts, operate multiple brands.- More Fixed Structure: Changes require significant adjustments in training, marketing, decor. There is a big difference between a ghost kitchen and a brick-and-mortar restaurant. And both have their pros and cons depending on where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. These two models’ choices depend on the business objectives, target audience, and market trends. Some businesses even find value in combining the two models to leverage both benefits. 1. Operational Focus Ghost Kitchen: Food Preparation: Focuses exclusively on preparing, cooking, and packaging food for delivery. No Front-of-House Operations: No need for hosts, servers, or bartenders. Limited Customer Interaction: Interaction is typically limited to the digital platform or the delivery driver. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Full Dining Experience: Offers a full dining experience that includes ambiance, customer service, and sometimes entertainment. Requires Front-of-House Staff: Staff needed for greeting, serving, bartending, etc. Direct Customer Interaction: Opportunities to engage customers, respond to feedback, and create a personalized experience. 2. Cost Structure Ghost Kitchen: Lower Overhead Costs: Less space required, no need for dining furniture or decor. Fewer Staff Required: Typically only needs chefs and kitchen staff. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Higher Costs: Rent for dining space, furnishings, decor, and additional staff can be substantial. More Complex Operations: Managing both the kitchen and front-of-house requires more coordination. 3. Marketing and Branding Ghost Kitchen: Digital Presence: Relies heavily on online marketing, social media, and delivery platforms. Limited Physical Brand Exposure: No physical storefront to attract walk-in customers. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Physical Presence: The location, signage, and appearance can attract customers. Broader Marketing Options: Can engage customers through in-person events, local advertising, and digital channels. 4. Customer Experience Ghost Kitchen: Delivery Convenience: Focuses on the convenience of home or office delivery. Limited Personal Connection: Less opportunity to build relationships with customers. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Dining Experience: Customers enjoy the ambiance, service, and social aspects of dining in. Potential for Loyalty: Opportunities to build customer loyalty through face-to-face interactions. 5. Flexibility and Adaptation Ghost Kitchen: Agile and Adaptable: Able to swiftly modify menus, experiment with new ideas, or manage several brands from a single kitchen. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: More Fixed Structure: Changing concepts or menus might require more significant adjustments in staff training, marketing, and decor. Ghost Kitchens and Brick and Mortar Restaurants serve distinct segments of the food industry. Ghost Kitchens prioritizes delivery efficiency, providing flexibility and reduced operational costs, though they have limited opportunities for direct customer interaction. In contrast, brick-and-mortar restaurants offer a comprehensive dining experience, fostering deeper customer connections, but they also entail higher expenses and more intricate management requirements. FAQs About Starting a Ghost Kitchen What Is a Ghost Kitchen? Ghost Kitchen, also known as a virtual or cloud kitchen, is a licensed commercial kitchen that prepares food exclusively for delivery. It operates without a physical dining area, often utilizing delivery apps. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Ghost Kitchen? The cost varies depending on factors such as location, kitchen size, equipment, and licensing. It typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. What Licenses and Permits Are Required? Similar to traditional restaurants, ghost kitchens need to obtain food service licenses, health permits, and possibly local business permits. Regulations vary by jurisdiction, so it’s essential to consult with local authorities. How Do I Choose a Location for My Ghost Kitchen? Location considerations might include proximity to delivery areas, accessibility for drivers, and rental costs. Shared commercial kitchens can be an affordable option for startups. How Do I Market My Ghost Kitchen? Effective marketing may include using social media, partnering with popular delivery apps, SEO optimization for your website, and offering special promotions or loyalty programs. Can I Operate Multiple Brands from One Ghost Kitchen? Yes, one of the advantages of a ghost kitchen is the ability to operate multiple virtual brands from a single kitchen, allowing for varied menus and target audiences. What Are the Main Challenges of Running a Ghost Kitchen? Challenges might include quality control across delivery areas, competition with other virtual restaurants, dependence on third-party delivery services, and maintaining customer relationships without face-to-face interactions. Image: Depositphotos, Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Ghost Kitchen" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It’s kind of a misnomer. Ghost Kitchens aren’t spooky figments of the imagination. They are real. Ghost kitchens are facilities where food is prepared, cooked, and packaged specifically for delivery. Orders are placed and managed online. There are several ways you can start ghost kitchens: Within a restaurant that you already own or lease. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease. From your home. Ghost kitchens grew hugely as a response to Covid restrictions. That’s when “ordering in” became even more popular. In fact, according to stats the average person in the US orders food at least once a week. The big restaurant operators are already taking advantage of the ghost restaurants trend. For more information, you can look at Big Brands Posing as Ghost Restaurants on Delivery Apps – Small Business Trends (smallbiztrends.com). What is a Ghost Kitchen? Ghost kitchens, virtual kitchens, or cloud kitchens use licensed commercial kitchen facilities to prepare, cook, and package food. They operate on a delivery-only concept, most often using delivery apps to pick up and deliver the food. Ghost Kitchensare is a relatively new and innovative business model in the food industry. They are transforming the way people dine and how restaurants operate. Here’s a more in-depth look: Concept and Operation No Physical Dining Space: Unlike traditional restaurants, ghost kitchens don’t have a physical space for customers to dine in. Delivery-Only: They operate solely through delivery, using platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Shared or Standalone Kitchens: Ghost kitchens may operate from shared commercial kitchens where several brands prepare food or have a standalone space dedicated solely to one virtual brand. Advantages Cost-Efficient: Without the need for dining space and related amenities, overhead costs can be significantly lower. Flexibility: Ghost kitchens can easily change menus, try new concepts, or even host multiple virtual brands from one kitchen. Scalability: The model allows for quick expansion into new markets without the significant investment required for traditional brick-and-mortar locations. Data-Driven: By relying on online orders, ghost kitchens can utilize data analytics to understand customer preferences and trends better. Challenges Competition: The lower entry barrier means increased competition among virtual restaurants. Quality Control: Ensuring consistent quality across various delivery locations can be a challenge. Dependence on Delivery Platforms: A reliance on third-party delivery services can lead to complications, such as high commission fees or issues with delivery times. Trends and Future Integration with Traditional Restaurants: Certain restaurants are utilizing ghost kitchens to enhance their delivery services while alleviating pressure on their current kitchen operations. Sustainability Concerns: With delivery at its core, considerations around packaging and environmental impact are becoming more crucial. Global Expansion: Ghost kitchens are becoming popular worldwide, especially in densely populated urban areas. Ghost kitchens represent a significant shift in the restaurant industry, capitalizing on the growing demand for food delivery. They provide opportunities for both new entrants and established brands to innovate, experiment, and grow. However, they also bring new challenges and considerations, particularly around quality control, competition, and sustainability. As technology and dining habits continue to evolve, ghost kitchens are likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of food. Whether as a response to changing consumer needs or as a strategy to optimize resources, the ghost kitchen model offers a glimpse into the potential future of dining. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Ghost Kitchen? Let’s go back to the places where you can start virtual restaurants. Obviously, the cost will vary. Within a restaurant that you already own or lease – Your additional overhead costs for this will be labor. You’ll need additional staff members who will only work on take-out orders. Within a restaurant that you don’t own or lease – You’ll lease space in an existing restaurant. On an annual lease, you may be able to get in for $20,000 to $30,000. But in a major metro area, you may pay as much as $100,000 to lease kitchen space. From your home – The equipment you’ll need depends on your menu items. As a minimum, you’ll need food storage areas, including refrigeration. You’ll be inspected to ensure you meet food quality and safety requirements. How to Start a Ghost Kitchen in 17 Simple Steps Regardless of the type of physical space required for your commissary kitchen, the steps you need to take are generally similar. Whether you own, lease, or run your kitchen from home, here are the steps on how to start a ghost kitchen. Research Nearby Ghost Kitchens Since the market share for this type of restaurant is driven by digital technology, that’s where your research will be. You can start by checking with food delivery services like Uber Eats and others. Those who are running a ghost kitchen operation are linked to food delivery partner apps. Choose a Niche If you’re going to start a ghost kitchen within your own dine-in restaurant, choose items from your menu that lend themselves to delivery. You already know what’s most popular with your existing customer base. There may be more than one ghost operation in commercial kitchens in brick-and-mortar restaurants. The space is chosen to be leased by its fit to your menu. Your meals should be easy to make using existing equipment at a restaurant. If you’re ghosting from home, consider equipment costs and the best fit for your menu. No matter where food is prepped and prepared, the ghost menu should be a specialty. It should fill a niche that is not already taken in the local market. Name and Brand Your Business Experts recommend that there are no more than three words in your business name. It should define your menu and be easy to search. Names for virtual brands or virtual restaurants must be catchy and definitive. Write a Ghost Kitchen Business Plan Remember, you are optimizing to be delivery only. Your business plan is similar to any restaurant business place, but you are locked to the delivery-only concept. Here are key elements you’ll add to a routine restaurant business plan: Packaging essentials, point of sale and delivery apps, delivery-friendly menu, and separate staff. Form a Legal Entity and Register You’ll register your business with your secretary of state to obtain a business license. The limited liability company, or LLC, is most often chosen as the business entity. That’s because your personal assets will be protected. Other choices are Partnerships and Corporations (c-corp and S-corp) Open a Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is a critical step in setting up your ghost kitchen. It provides a clear financial separation between your personal and business finances, which is essential for legal protection and financial organization. A business account simplifies tracking expenses, revenues, and profits, which is crucial for effective business management. Using a business account for transactions adds a level of professionalism and credibility when dealing with vendors. Furthermore, establishing a business credit card is important for building credit and is beneficial for future business financing needs. Having a separate account also eases the process of filing taxes and claiming business expenses, making it a practical choice for any business owner. Choose a Location Here are critical components of your choice of location: average delivery distances and availability of delivery subcontractors. As a minimum, the facility must be licensed to sell food legally. When people order food, they have an expectation that it will arrive ready to eat. If distances are great, it will be challenging for drivers to keep the food warm or cold (whichever is required). If you’re in a rural area, a lack of delivery services may challenge your delivery-only concepts. If you hire your own delivery team, your overhead cost will be much higher. Make Sure You Have the Licenses and Permits Required in Your State Restaurants are much more regulated than other low-risk businesses. The potential for food-borne illnesses exists, and you’ll be regularly inspected. You’ll need kitchen liability insurance. Every person who handles food must have ServSafe Food Handler certification. Design Your Menu You’re a new restaurant with a new concept – prepping and preparing food that is specifically for takeout customers. Those customers, hungry people all, need a menu with catchy names and accurate descriptions. For aspiring restaurateurs, this is a new food concept. Remember that because you’re poking into new markets, start with limited ingredients to keep costs low. Choose dishes that are easy to make and transport. Design Your Packaging Many states have adopted new legislation regarding packaging, such as eliminating the use of styrofoam containers. Before ordering packaging for cold or hot foods, ensure you meet state and local requirements. Should you put your ghost kitchen name on the packaging? Some say that customers will throw the packaging away. Instead, provide a business card that customers can keep handy. Set Your Menu Prices In addition to your food price, you’ll have to add the price of packaging and also the cost of third-party delivery. There are commission fees paid for delivery services. Factor in Costs: When setting your menu prices, consider the cost of ingredients, packaging, and labor. Remember that ghost kitchens often have lower overhead than traditional restaurants, which can be reflected in the pricing. Delivery Costs: Include the fees for third-party delivery services. These fees can be significant, so you’ll need to find a balance between covering these costs and keeping your prices competitive. Competitive Pricing Analysis: Investigate the prices of comparable food items in your locality. It’s essential to remain competitive while ensuring a healthy profit margin for long-term sustainability. Dynamic Pricing Strategy: Consider implementing a dynamic pricing strategy where prices may vary based on demand, special promotions, or time of day. Transparency with Customers: It’s important to be clear about your pricing. Customers value understanding what they are paying for, particularly when there are extra charges, such as delivery fees. Get Your Taxes in Order You’ll need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to pay employees and state sales taxes. If you’re an LLC, you’ll be taxed on net income at the individual level. Tax requirements vary by state. Purchase Business Insurance Standard insurance needed for a commercial kitchen is general liability and property insurance. Since your profits rely on digital technology, it is essential to obtain cyber and business interruption insurance. Choose Delivery Partners Your main delivery partners may be GrubHub, UberEats, DoorDash, and Postmates. You may also have a local food delivery service. Create a Website and Market Your New Business You’ll be found through an internet search, a food delivery company search, and/or via social media. In order to thrive, you’ll need a strong social media presence and affiliation with food delivery companies. You won’t see customers face-to-face. A top marketing tool for the ghost kitchen is the handwritten note tucked inside the packaging. It’s a personal touch that will separate you from the competition. Hire Staff Hiring the right staff is essential for the success of a ghost kitchen. This involves recruiting skilled chefs and kitchen personnel who can prepare meals swiftly and efficiently, a critical requirement for a delivery-oriented business. Additionally, dedicated packaging staff are essential to ensure that food is securely and attractively packaged for delivery. If you opt to manage deliveries in-house, you’ll need a team of reliable and punctual delivery personnel, preferably with a good understanding of the local area, for efficient delivery. Providing comprehensive training is crucial for ensuring consistency in both food quality and packaging, as this significantly affects customer satisfaction and retention. Additionally, staff members should be flexible and adaptable, prepared to manage the ever-changing environment of a ghost kitchen operation. Launch Your Ghost Kitchen Business Announce your opening on social media and get ready for those online orders. Ghost Kitchen Vs. Brick and Mortar Restaurant AspectGhost KitchenBrick and Mortar Restaurant Operational Focus- Food Preparation: Focuses exclusively on preparing, cooking, and packaging food for delivery.- Full Dining Experience: Includes ambiance, customer service, and entertainment. - No Front-of-House Operations: No hosts, servers, or bartenders.- Requires Front-of-House Staff: Staff for greeting, serving, bartending, etc. - Limited Customer Interaction: Limited to the digital platform or delivery driver.- Direct Customer Interaction: Engage customers, respond to feedback, personalized experience. Cost Structure- Lower Overhead Costs: Less space, no dining furniture or decor.- Higher Costs: Rent for dining space, furnishings, decor, additional staff. - Fewer Staff Required: Typically only chefs and kitchen staff.- More Complex Operations: Managing kitchen and front-of-house requires coordination. Marketing and Branding- Digital Presence: Online marketing, social media, delivery platforms.- Physical Presence: Location, signage, appearance attract customers. - Limited Physical Brand Exposure: No physical storefront for walk-ins.- Broader Marketing Options: In-person events, local advertising, digital channels. Customer Experience- Delivery Convenience: Focuses on home or office delivery.- Dining Experience: Enjoy ambiance, service, social aspects of dining in. - Limited Personal Connection: Less opportunity to build customer relationships.- Potential for Loyalty: Opportunities for face-to-face interactions to build loyalty. Flexibility and Adaptation- Agile and Adaptable: Quickly change menus, test concepts, operate multiple brands.- More Fixed Structure: Changes require significant adjustments in training, marketing, decor. There is a big difference between a ghost kitchen and a brick-and-mortar restaurant. And both have their pros and cons depending on where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. These two models’ choices depend on the business objectives, target audience, and market trends. Some businesses even find value in combining the two models to leverage both benefits. 1. Operational Focus Ghost Kitchen: Food Preparation: Focuses exclusively on preparing, cooking, and packaging food for delivery. No Front-of-House Operations: No need for hosts, servers, or bartenders. Limited Customer Interaction: Interaction is typically limited to the digital platform or the delivery driver. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Full Dining Experience: Offers a full dining experience that includes ambiance, customer service, and sometimes entertainment. Requires Front-of-House Staff: Staff needed for greeting, serving, bartending, etc. Direct Customer Interaction: Opportunities to engage customers, respond to feedback, and create a personalized experience. 2. Cost Structure Ghost Kitchen: Lower Overhead Costs: Less space required, no need for dining furniture or decor. Fewer Staff Required: Typically only needs chefs and kitchen staff. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Higher Costs: Rent for dining space, furnishings, decor, and additional staff can be substantial. More Complex Operations: Managing both the kitchen and front-of-house requires more coordination. 3. Marketing and Branding Ghost Kitchen: Digital Presence: Relies heavily on online marketing, social media, and delivery platforms. Limited Physical Brand Exposure: No physical storefront to attract walk-in customers. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Physical Presence: The location, signage, and appearance can attract customers. Broader Marketing Options: Can engage customers through in-person events, local advertising, and digital channels. 4. Customer Experience Ghost Kitchen: Delivery Convenience: Focuses on the convenience of home or office delivery. Limited Personal Connection: Less opportunity to build relationships with customers. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: Dining Experience: Customers enjoy the ambiance, service, and social aspects of dining in. Potential for Loyalty: Opportunities to build customer loyalty through face-to-face interactions. 5. Flexibility and Adaptation Ghost Kitchen: Agile and Adaptable: Able to swiftly modify menus, experiment with new ideas, or manage several brands from a single kitchen. Brick and Mortar Restaurant: More Fixed Structure: Changing concepts or menus might require more significant adjustments in staff training, marketing, and decor. Ghost Kitchens and Brick and Mortar Restaurants serve distinct segments of the food industry. Ghost Kitchens prioritizes delivery efficiency, providing flexibility and reduced operational costs, though they have limited opportunities for direct customer interaction. In contrast, brick-and-mortar restaurants offer a comprehensive dining experience, fostering deeper customer connections, but they also entail higher expenses and more intricate management requirements. FAQs About Starting a Ghost Kitchen What Is a Ghost Kitchen? Ghost Kitchen, also known as a virtual or cloud kitchen, is a licensed commercial kitchen that prepares food exclusively for delivery. It operates without a physical dining area, often utilizing delivery apps. How Much Does It Cost to Start a Ghost Kitchen? The cost varies depending on factors such as location, kitchen size, equipment, and licensing. It typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000 or more. What Licenses and Permits Are Required? Similar to traditional restaurants, ghost kitchens need to obtain food service licenses, health permits, and possibly local business permits. Regulations vary by jurisdiction, so it’s essential to consult with local authorities. How Do I Choose a Location for My Ghost Kitchen? Location considerations might include proximity to delivery areas, accessibility for drivers, and rental costs. Shared commercial kitchens can be an affordable option for startups. How Do I Market My Ghost Kitchen? Effective marketing may include using social media, partnering with popular delivery apps, SEO optimization for your website, and offering special promotions or loyalty programs. Can I Operate Multiple Brands from One Ghost Kitchen? Yes, one of the advantages of a ghost kitchen is the ability to operate multiple virtual brands from a single kitchen, allowing for varied menus and target audiences. What Are the Main Challenges of Running a Ghost Kitchen? Challenges might include quality control across delivery areas, competition with other virtual restaurants, dependence on third-party delivery services, and maintaining customer relationships without face-to-face interactions. Image: Depositphotos, Envato Elements This article, "How to Start a Ghost Kitchen" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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Picture this: Your boss is asking you about the business impact of your social media strategy. You know you’ve moved the needle — brought in website visitors, converted some of them, and nudged brand awareness. But how do you prove it? This is where a social media dashboard comes in handy. It’s a visual representation of the key metrics that prove the impact of your social media efforts. Your job as a social media manager is to convert the raw data of social media metrics into something easily understandable for you, your team, and your executives. But that’s not all it is. A social media marketing dashboard also helps in: Uncovering actionable insights about what kind of social media posts are getting the most tractionFinding which social media campaigns are giving you the highest return on investment (ROI)Deciding where you should put your marketing dollars — for example, you’d like to put more resources behind social media platforms that have an outsized impactThis article is a complete guide for creating a social media dashboard: what social media metrics you should monitor, where to get them, how to build helpful data visualizations, and a lot more. A social media dashboard needs to be personalizedThe most important thing about building a social media reporting dashboard is it should be tailor-made. As social media managers, you likely have to communicate with various stakeholders — all of whom have different levels of knowledge about your marketing strategy and social media in general. C-suite executives might not know which social media channels the company is active on and why. They might also be unaware of the various features of different social media platforms. However, they also have concerns about whether the marketing dollars are well-spent. So, they need more explainers behind your marketing strategy. You need to add not just the engagement metrics but also prove you’ve made informed decisions to get the value of money & resources. On the other hand, your social media team doesn’t need to know the thought process behind your social media marketing strategy. They likely had an input in formulating it. Their social media reporting dashboard needs to focus more on execution. Perhaps you’re experimenting with a new social media channel — so you need to create custom reports on how your social media posts are performing here and any valuable insights you’ve derived. Maybe you’re working as a creator on your own business. In this case, your social media dashboard needs to serve only you. You don’t need to include the standard social media metrics since you’re living and breathing them anyway. You need deeper insights about your target audience and what they love. What a social media dashboard displays depends on who’s at the receiving end. Instead of relying on cookie-cutter social media dashboard templates that you have to spend forever tinkering with, it’s a better use of your time to build custom social media dashboards (and their templates) for your unique use case. Here’s everything you need to ask to create the most impactful custom social media dashboards: Who is on the receiving end of this social media dashboard?What do they already know about my social media strategy?What’s their level of knowledge in social media marketing?Which social media analytics do they care about the most?How do they best digest information about social media performance?Answering these questions will help you tailor the scope of your social media dashboard and eliminate unnecessary bloat. The shortcut for creating custom social media dashboardsCan you find almost all social media analytics you need natively on your social media accounts? Of course. All social media platforms have in-built performance data. But that’s a lot of busy work. And I mean, a lot. You’ll have to gather raw data from multiple channels > add it to Google Sheets > derive valuable insights by playing around with the numbers > create data visualizations > and put it in a PowerPoint presentation. You can develop the muscle to do this quickly and create social media dashboard templates for recurring reports. If that’s the way that works best for you right now, great! Move ahead to the next section, where there’s a step-by-step guide to follow this process. But there’s a far quicker route you can take: Use a social media analytics software. Analytics tools require you to connect your social media accounts to their software. Then, they aggregate all the real time data from multiple accounts and present it in their own native social media dashboard. You can play around and tinker with the social media metrics here — filter the ones you need to examine your social media performance and create various custom reports. Most tools also offer the option to brand these reports with your logo, company colors, etc. Take Buffer. We help you track performance and create a social media dashboard for Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter), and LinkedIn. Using Buffer, you can instantly know: Which types of posts perform the best on your social media channel(s)The best day, time, and frequency to post to maximize your resultsAll key performance indicators analytics you get natively — follower growth, total reach, engagement metrics, audience demographics, hashtag performance, etc.There are plenty of benefits of using an analytics tool like Buffer (over creating dashboards yourself): You don’t have to collect the data manually. Buffer connects to your data sources and does the gathering task without you lifting a finger. No copy-pasting numbers to a Google Sheet from multiple social media channels. Everything’s already available in a single social media dashboard.You don’t have to hunt for insights. Buffer doesn’t just collect data, it also does the work of analyzing it. Is your engagement rate suffering compared to last month? What’s the best time to post for your social media account? It crunches the numbers and tells you exactly what you (and your manager) need to know.You don’t have to create custom reports yourself. Look, I may be biased, but this is a fact: Buffer’s reports look way better than the same old spreadsheet. It infuses your social media reporting with not just accurate numbers, but the best data visualization. And you can brand it to call it your own.And that’s not all: Buffer can do a whole lot more than build your reporting dashboard. It’s a full-fledged social media management tool that can help you store ideas, schedule social media posts, and respond to comments. Try Buffer for free for yourself. How to build your own social media dashboard in 3 stepsIf you aren’t ready to take the plunge with analytics tools, here’s a 3-step guide to build your own social media dashboard from scratch. Step 1: Collect all the data you needThe first step is collecting all the social media analytics you need to build your dashboard. Your data sources are the native insights on your social media accounts. If you’re tracking website visits, Google Analytics can also help you understand how much traffic comes via social media. ⚠️Note: You can’t view your social media analytics on X (formerly Twitter) if you don’t purchase the blue tick. It has scrapped native insights for non-premium users entirely.All social platforms have varying degrees of depth in their key metrics. Social media pages (like Facebook pages or LinkedIn company pages) have slightly more thorough info than individual accounts. Here are some important performance metrics present on all social platforms: Total reachFollower countFollower growthEngagement rateAudience demographicsFacebook insights are on the Meta Business Suite (for Facebook Pages), for instance. It has all the details about your page followers — audience demographics, follower growth, link clicks, page visits, etc. You can even benchmark your social media dashboard against similar businesses on Facebook. Similarly, Instagram insights show you data about your Instagram followers. How your audience interacts can differ widely based on the social channel. You might also have different social media goals for different platforms. For example, maybe you use Facebook to build brand awareness and TikTok to increase conversions. Thus, your Facebook social media dashboard focuses more on overall reach, and TikTok’s social dashboard highlights click-through rates and influencer marketing results. Your social media dashboard should shift based on the direction of your niche marketing efforts. Bella Rose Mortel, social media strategist at Beehiiv, says the best metrics to monitor are impressions, follower count, shares, and saves. She explains why: “I think best metrics to monitor are impressions (goal of organic social is always reach and eyeballs), as well as follower count (account growth is an important indicator that you're doing something right), and also shares and saves in content because those are good indicators someone was like ‘hey look at this piece of content!’ or had the intention to save it to come back to later.” Collect any and all the metrics you’ll need to build your social media dashboard. Where do you collect this data? I recommend Google Sheets because it’s easy to organize your data there. Plus, it’s easy to transfer to data visualization tools. Instead of copy-pasting, you can also download analytics reports from social platforms and export them to Google Sheets. You’ll have your sheets divided on a channel basis rather than a timeline basis. ,Pro-tip: You can shift the approach of collecting your data based on the goal behind your social media analytics dashboard. For example: Instead of having sheets based on timelines (like I have templated above), you can also segregate your data collection based on each individual social channel — one tab for Facebook, another for TikTok, a third for Instagram, etc.If you have a strong advertising strategy, you can approach data collection based on your organic and paid efforts. If you’re running specific social media campaigns, dedicate one sheet to one campaign.Think ahead about how you want to present the information on your social media analytics dashboard, and you’ll find the most convenient way to organize your raw data. Step 2: Present the data in a visually-friendly wayData visualizations can become the bane of your existence if you don’t know how to create them painlessly. Many data sources, like Facebook Pages, visualize the data for you in their insights tab. But what if you want to create an aggregate dashboard of all your social channels? Or what if you want to brand it with your own logo, colors, etc.? This is where data visualization tools come in. Using them, you can enter the data you have on your Google Sheets and create graphs, pie charts, whatever you need. The catch? They aren’t always easy to use, and they aren’t always free. Google Looker Studio is a marketer’s favorite, but I rely on ChartBlocks more. You can import your Google Sheets if you want to. There are plenty of designs to choose from to customize your charts, too. Some other tools you can use to visualize your data easily: VismeFlourishJuliusDeckpilot (you just need to prompt and upload your Google Sheet in this tool)If you want to keep it even simpler, use the social media dashboard templates on Canva or choose from one of their pre-made chart designs that fit your needs. Step 3: Put the final touches by organizing your various datasetsTransforming your rough data into fancy charts is just the beginning of showing your social media progress. Great social media reporting dashboards go beyond it to present the findings in an easy-to-comprehend way — without everyone scratching their heads and doing the work of “What is this chart telling me?” Here’s a checklist for transforming your dashboard from respectable to phenomenal: Each chart should always have a title and date range accompanying it. This will show your audience what you are talking about and when exactly these results appeared.Put the key metrics and findings front and center. Your first reporting slide should present the key takeaways (in text) with adjoining numbers for reliability. For example, if your stakeholders care the most about follower count, discuss it right at the beginning.Share your conclusions at the end of each chart/slide. Show you’re making informed decisions by first showing the numbers, discussing what they signify, and what you can conclude. For example, if your goal is to increase Instagram followers and data tells you that Reels increase your follower count, you can justify why you’re focusing your marketing efforts on creating more Reels. Bella from beehiiv explains how she uses these insights to inform her own strategy, too: “The lowest performing posts based on impressions have always been an indicator of types of content to either stop doing or completely reframe. As an example, we saw that carousel posts on Linkedin got so much more engagement and impressions than just text posts, so we started putting our text on multiple slides and people seemed to resonate with it a lot more.”Show how your social media presence is benefiting the overall business. It’s easy to see results in a bubble (our follower count increased by 60 percent compared to last month!), but your numbers are empty of impact until they positively impact the company’s goals. Display how your brand’s online presence is affecting business goals.Highlight the caveats that affect your numbers. Was your campaign performance affected by the holidays? Did your follower count suddenly drop because of factors beyond your control (like changes in the platform)? Shed a light on these factors — especially in recurring reports — to ensure your stakeholders fully understand what’s going on.Present qualitative findings, too. Numbers are great but often don’t tell the whole story — especially in the most successful campaigns. Show how your audience engagement is from a qualitative lens, too. Did you get a lot of positive direct messages (DMs) about a campaign? Did you receive a string of comments from many potential buyers on a post? Add their screenshots and bring them to the dashboard. Qualitative and quantitative work in tandem to present the whole picture.Want to fast-track this process? Use an AI presentation tool like Plus, which can take your prompts and turn them into slide decks that you can edit quickly. My last tip is to create a dashboard template for your own use so you don’t have to do all this work manually every time — all you’ll have to do is edit the numbers. Beyond individual campaign performance dashboards, every other dashboard will have more or less a recurring use. Perhaps you have a monthly dashboard for your social media team and a quarterly dashboard to present in a company-wide meeting. A dashboard template frees up time and resources to create content & nurture audience engagement. Social media dashboard = your ticket to data-driven insights and smarter budgetingAn effective social media dashboard can do a lot of work to guide your marketing strategy: Does your Google Analytics show website visitors climbing due to a social channel? Double down on it. Does your ad spend on TikTok provide significantly better results than Meta? Cut Meta and invest more money in TikTok. A dashboard can also help you negotiate for an increased budget for socials in your organization. Concrete insights from your dashboard prove social media’s impact, which increases the chances of stakeholders agreeing to invest more in marketing. While creating your dashboard from scratch is a viable option, upgrading to a paid analytics tool as soon as possible is best. This will allow you to prioritize implementing your content strategy and leave the data tinkering to the tech lords. View the full article

Picture this: It’s Black Friday, and the point-of-sale system your thousands of customers depend on keeps crashing. Understandably, those retailers are livid. Complaints pour in day after day, and you start to wonder if the business will survive. That’s exactly what happened to me when I was just starting out as an entrepreneur nearly 20 years ago. And as painful as it was, that near-death experience taught me something invaluable: the power of calm leadership. In today’s unpredictable world, whether that’s due to economic, environmental, or political events—it can be harder than ever to stay calm and centered. Company leaders are no exception to this. Yet it’s critical that they do learn to stay calm, because that’s what will set the tone for the rest of their team. Stress and entrepreneurship There’s no escaping the brutal realities of entrepreneurship. As this founder and CEO can attest, stress is an unfortunate part of it. That’s why three-quarters of small business owners are worried about their mental health, while more than half have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or stress-related problems. As a company matures, new hurdles and anxieties arise. The average entrepreneur spends almost 70% of their time working “in” the business—much of it putting out fires. Inevitably, there are days and weeks when the failures far outnumber the wins. That makes it easy to get dragged down into negativity. But if the leader operates from a place of calm, it can help everyone else bring their best selves to work. Here are a few principles that I’ve learned about that can help you do just that. 1. You’re not the hero of this story So many business leaders feel like it’s up to them to save the day and feel like they’re the only one who can fix things. But this is a recipe for dizzying highs and crushing lows. And trust me, the lows outnumber the highs. You whiplash back and forth between elation and despair, and rarely find that middle ground of calm that you desperately need to make strategic decisions. A far more useful approach is to think of yourself as just one player in a larger drama. Sure, you’re the boss, but you’re channeling greater forces. Ultimately, you’re an instrument that supports and directs the talents of the team around you. 2. Mission actually does matter Sustaining calm is easier with a sense of purpose. People can accept a tough journey if they know where they’re going and can see progress, however small. This is where your mission comes in. Now, it doesn’t have to be earth-shattering. You just need something that everyone can get behind. My company’s mission is simple: helping small businesses compete in a world of Amazon and Shein. Using technology to empower customers is our rallying cry. Importantly, this has to be more than a slogan on a website or a poster on the wall. (There’s a reason only 25% of employees actually feel educated on company goals, according to Slingshot’s digital work trends report). Your company needs to live the mission, and employees need to understand how it translates into tangible goals and also see incremental progress. As gimmicky as it might seem, dashboards and trackers can be invaluable here. We have screens throughout our office showing key KPIs and movement over time. We also celebrate wins in monthly huddles and recognize team members who push the mission forward. 3. Think impact rather than urgency The startup world moves fast. On any given week, there will be dozens (if not hundreds) of time-sensitive tasks that demand your attention. To focus on the things that matter, you need to think in terms of impact, not urgency. Rather than prioritizing your to-do list by deadline, narrow your to-do list down to the tasks that will actually move the needle for you and your company. With a manageable list, it’s easier to exit panic mode and to start calmly working away on what really matters. Running on adrenaline—and treating everything like a five-alarm fire—might get results in the short term. However, this is a surefire recipe for team burnout, which is ultimately inefficient and counterproductive. Doing this right isn’t possible without long-term priorities. Setting a north star or long-term goal for your company allows you to see what you should prioritize and what you shouldn’t. 4. Remember that creation follows in the wake of destruction When I’m not running a business, I work in conservation. I’ve seen how the terrible violence of a forest fire sets the stage for regreening—and how quickly that recovery can happen. I think of that every time I suffer a setback, like losing a key employee. Of course, it hurts, but more often than not, such departures set the stage for much-needed changes and renewals. From moments of devastation, new opportunities for growth arise. 5. When in doubt, write down the good and the bad Calm leaders focus on the positive, but they also take stock of the negative. Throughout the year, I keep a running list of my “gratefuls” and “lows.” The real impact of this approach is retrospective. Looking back, I often realize that some of the lows weren’t really that low after all. In fact, they needed to happen and sometimes led to a major transformation. One example was losing a particular deal. In the end, that event ended up setting the company up for success by pushing us to explore new markets. Ultimately, every leader must decide how they want to show up for the team. In my experience, calm beats panic every time. That’s especially true when the stakes are high and people are looking to their leader to lower the temperature. And right now, that virtue may be more valuable than ever. View the full article

With TikTok and DeepSeek, young people are forking over sensitive personal data to the Chinese government. We should be worried. Among Gen Z, there’s a certain nihilism about China’s access to American data. Some argue that they have nothing to hide. Others say that, if American billionaires can access their data, why not let China, too? When TikTok momentarily shut down, young people ran to RedNote, a Chinese alternative, as a not-very-veiled middle finger to the U.S. government. China’s threat to our data security is difficult to comprehend. If they were accessing sensitive information, we wouldn’t see it. And, for young people not yet in the workforce, their privacy concerns may be decades away. But we should take this threat seriously; China isn’t some victimless entity to hand over your data to. “Knowing that the world’s largest police state is collecting your data should make anyone nervous,” James Lewis, a researcher at the Center for International and Strategic Studies, writes in an email. “China’s laws say that any and all Chinese companies must turn over data if MSS asks for it and there is no appeal or refusal.” The domestic capitalists versus the foreign autocrats Many Americans aren’t thrilled with who has access to their data already. Elon Musk, whose Department of Government Efficiency has effectively taken a buzzsaw to the federal bureaucracy, holds gobs of sensitive user data through X. The same goes for Mark Zuckerberg and his portfolio at Meta. So why would we care about China having that data too? But there’s a difference between domestic and foreign data ownership. The United States has a court system users can fight through if their data is misused. If China abuses your data, there’s no recourse. Moreover, the Chinese government and America-based companies have completely different incentives. “Musk and Zuckerberg have a lot of money, but China’s rulers have a thousand times more, plus an army and nuclear weapons,” Lewis writes. “They’re individuals, the [Chinese Communist Party] CCP is a huge institution that will do anything to maintain the Party’s control.” China has also committed dozens of documented human rights abuses. Bill Drexel, a fellow at the Center for New American Security, says it’s entirely possible the CCP is using American data to fuel their abuses of power. Shipping off our data to China helps “strengthen and augment” their “techno-authoritarian” governance, he argues. “These companies are part of an ecosystem that is actively engaging in genocide,” Drexel says. “Yes, Facebook is not my favorite company, but it doesn’t have Uyghurs in labor camps.” ‘Preventative’ data privacy Chinese ownership of American personal data feels like a victimless crime. We’d likely never see its usage, given how secretive China’s data collection process is. (Drexel says that experts are even wary of saying what they know, given how quickly the CCP can “patch” holes.) That means we don’t even know if the abuse is happening at all. Much of the conversation around a TikTok ban covered how China could access American data, not that they are. But there are signs. Lewis says the CCP is “addicted” to collecting data, having done so through health insurance companies, airlines, travel agents, and federal offices since 2014. True, America has the Foreign Information Surveillance Act, which allows the government to collect foreign intelligence information through means such as electronic surveillance and physical searches. But, he writes, compared to the CCP’s operations, that law “looks like a chihuahua.” The greatest threat of China’s data abuse is pluralistic in nature; the fear, basically, is that the CCP can effectively mine the data of millions of Americans for value. But that’s not to say some individuals aren’t especially vulnerable. Those in military and intelligence roles are especially wary of China’s data overreach, Drexel notes, but more working professionals should be cautious. “It’s conceivable that if you’re in a business role that has significant national competitiveness dimensions, they could use it there too,” he says. “China has been extremely effective at corporate espionage and IP theft. You can see this data coming into the service of that.” That puts young people in an especially blind position. Most have yet to reach high-ranking military status or climb to the top of the corporate ladder. Why would China care about the data of a random high school student? But that teenager scrolling Red Note or treating DeepSeek like a therapist could enter a sensitive industry in the decades to come. Meanwhile, the CCP is building their leverage. Lewis calls data privacy “preventative,” trying to cut out foreign data abuse at the root. But Americans are notoriously bad at valuing forward-looking policy. Just look at climate change; while many Americans claim to care about the issue, it remains low on their priorities because it is so far away. But we should want to protect our future selves—especially from the whims of a foreign competitor with which there is no legal fallback. Drexel puts it bluntly: “The CCP isn’t interested in you until they are.” View the full article

At a time when book bans are raging and the federal government is pushing back against DEI initiatives, there’s one place where diversity is thriving: children’s literature. Picture books—which cater to those under the age of 10—are often children’s first introduction to poetry and art. And this year, there are many newly-published picture books that celebrate aspects of Black life in nuanced ways, portraying history, culture, and joy. Here are five of our favorites. ‘City Summer, Country Summer’ [Art: Courtesy of Kokila/Penguin Random House] By Kiese Laymon, illustrated by Alexis Franklin. (Kokila/Penguin Young Readers, ages 5-9.) Author Kiese Laymon is the author of Heavy: An American Memoir. In 2020, he wrote an article for the New York Times describing what how Black boys from New York would come down South to visit their grandparents during the summer months. He’s translated this narrative into a story about three Black boys who spend a summer together exploring the woods of Mississippi, under the watchful eye of their grandmother. Under the surface, you find a tale about how the Great Migration shaped the Black community, resulting in different subcultures in the North and South. But ultimately the story is about the tender bonds of friendship that Black boys create with one another, and how they turn to one other to express their joy, as well as their fear. ‘Go Tell It: How James Baldwin Became A Writer’ [Art: Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers] By Quartez Harris, illustrated by Gordon C James. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, ages 7-10.) James Baldwin is remembered as a celebrated writer whose work offered Americans a powerful insight into the richness and complexity of Black American life. But few of us know about his childhood. Growing up in Harlem, he was known as a Jimmy, and the stepson of a Reverend who preached fiery sermons against racism. At fourteen, Jimmy decided to take to the pulpit, but chose to speak from a place of love. This pivotal moment informs the years to come, as Jimmy leaves home to become a writer. With lyrical language, the book shows Jimmy traveling to France and returning back to New York to write his first book, Go Tell It On The Mountain. ‘On Our Way! What a Day!’ [Art: Courtesy of Penguin Random House] By JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Tamisha Anthony. (Nancy Paulsen/Penguin Young Readers, ages 4-6). This is a fun, colorful book that will delight young readers. Six grandkids wake up and get ready to go visit their grandmother on her birthday. But none of them have a gift. As they walk over as a group—looking after one another along the way—they come across lots of little objects, from pine cones to pencils. But they’re not sure whether any of these things are good enough for Gram. This book is ultimately about the joy of having siblings, discovering treasures in the world around us, and enjoying a little bit of independence from grown-ups. The illustrations in this book are replete with little details that will keep children coming back to it again and again. ‘And She Was Loved: Toni Morrison’s Life’ [Art: Courtesy of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers] By Andrea Davis Pinkney, illustrated by Daniel Minter. (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; ages 4-8). This book is written as a poem that captures the beauty in Toni Morrison’s language. It depicts how she grew up in a small town in Ohio by the name of Chloe Ardelia, finding joy playing hopscotch in the playground and as the only Black girl at her school. It was at Howard University that she decided to take her fate into her own hands and change her name. We learn about how Morrison rose through the ranks of the all-white publishing world as an editor. And even though she have very little time as a single mother, she woke up a four in the morning to write her own stories. The words, “and she was loved” echoes in each page, reflecting how she took all the support her community gave her to create some of the greatest works of American literature. ‘Girls on the Rise’ [Art: Courtesy of Penguin Random House] By Amanda Gorman, illustrated by Loveis Wise. (Viking Books for Young Readers, ages 4-8). The poet Amanda Gorman has a new picture book dedicated to girls, written in verse. It is a manifesto about how girls are strong and capable, but are unstoppable when they work together to bring about change. The book nods to history, as the illustrations explore everything from the achievements of everyone from Beyonce to the Williams sisters to Simone Biles. But it also hints at how women have had to fight for their rights, including reproductive freedom. Gorman first came to the world’s attention as the youngest poet to speak at a presidential inauguration four years ago, when President Biden entered office. As a new administration takes root with a much more regressive stance on women’s rights, this picture book could not come at a better time. View the full article

When White Lotus first season debuted in 2021 and shot to near-instant acclaim, it was a sleeper hit for HBO. But now, four years later, HBO is well aware of just how enthusiastic White Lotus’s fanbase has become—and, to tap into the show’s highly online viewership, its marketing team has decided to officially don their tin foil hats and fangirl right alongside the rest of us. White Lotus recently debuted its own TikTok page dedicated to stirring up conversation around the show’s third season, which just debuted. It’s the first time that the show itself will have a separate TikTok presence from HBO’s broader account. White Lotus’s marketing team is in a unique position, given that it’s joining TikTok after a culture of mining the show for meme fodder has already flourished organically on the app. (See: Jennifer Coolidge’s unforgettable delivery of the line, ”These gays, they’re trying to murder me” being the soundtrack to dozens of mash-ups and even a few original songs.) As a result, the White Lotus TikTok account needs to offer something unique to stand out from the crowd—and their strategy includes pulling back the curtain on behind-the-scenes anecdotes, fan theories, actor perspectives, and hidden details from the show. It’s a move that taps into the growing culture of using TikTok as a site for exchanging detailed critical analyses of popular media. “Especially in the White Lotus, when you see the craft that [director Mike White] puts into the details of everything, people want to dive in,” says Pia Barlow, EVP of originals marketing at HBO and Max. “Like, ‘Oh, did you see that that statue was turned this way?’ Or, ‘Did you catch that little aside that some character said that paid off later in the episode?’ It’s really a way for us to engage fans by tapping into memes and trends, but also theories and speculation.” The new account currently hosts about 27,000 followers. Its most successful clips are digging into small anecdotes, like one video with 6.3 million views about how Jennifer Coolidge hated being on a boat in the show’s second season, or an in-depth analysis of a confrontation scene in season 1 that’s racked up 10.1 million views so far. [Photo: TikTok @theWhiteLotus] These kinds of videos feed fans’ appetite for close-reading beloved series—especially those with a mysterious plot line—within a community of other viewers. A search for “white lotus fan theories” on TikTok produces dozens of results from the show’s last season, digging into everything from the subtle motifs of background wallpaper to how certain plot points might mirror Homer’s The Odyssey. TikTok users have similarly used the platform to hash out ideas during recent seasons of Succession, Squid Game, and, currently, the second season of Apple TV’s Severance. “For TikTok in particular, it’s really about just being aware of whatever trends are happening in real time—which, as you know, changes weekly, or even daily,” Barlow says. “So it’s about behaving like a fan.” For White Lotus’s marketing team, digging into the show’s small nuances on TikTok is a pretty smart way to cosplay as a fan. As of yet, it’s unclear just how much the account will attempt to harness the meme culture that’s bound to pop up around season three—a move that might be harder to pull off, given that the new account is pretty late to the scene. And, to be honest, we’d take a Gen Alpha teen’s fan edit of Jennifer Coolidge falling off of a boat over an in-house video from HBO’s marketing team any day. View the full article

Wedding websites have become essential for modern couples planning their special day. These platforms offer a unique and personalized touch to the wedding experience, allowing couples to showcase their love story, share important details with guests, and create a central hub for all wedding-related information. In this article, we explore some inspiring wedding website examples that demonstrate the power of these online platforms in creating memorable and engaging wedding celebrations. Why You Need a Wedding Website A wedding website is essential in today’s digital age, offering convenience and seamless information sharing. It simplifies RSVP management, provides a centralized platform for guests, and ensures everyone stays up-to-date with event details. Experience the benefits of a wedding website and effortlessly organize your special day. The Core Elements of a Great Wedding Website A well-crafted wedding website features essential elements that enhance both its appearance and usability. The design should be attractive and easy to navigate, while the content needs to be informative and captivating. Incorporating personal stories and photos adds a unique charm. To create a practical and beautiful wedding website, prioritize design, user experience, content quality, and personalization. The Wedding Details A wedding website should provide essential details to guests for a seamless experience. It should include information on the wedding venue, date, time, and dress code guidelines. It can also offer recommendations for accommodations, making it easier for guests to plan and attend the celebration. The Wedding Party Introducing the wedding party on the website adds a personal touch and makes guests feel more connected to the celebration. Including brief profiles or photos of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members fosters a sense of involvement, allowing guests to get to know the important people in the couple’s lives. Our Favorite Wedding Website Examples Discover the best wedding website examples that showcase creativity, elegance, and functionality. From stunning designs to innovative features, these beautiful wedding website examples inspire couples to create their unique online presence for their special day. Elegant Wedding Website Example This elegant wedding website by Megan and Zach stands out with personalized visuals and a charming color palette. They offer venue directions, accommodation suggestions, and a custom Google map for guests’ perfect weekend plans. Rustic Wedding Website Example Kate and Trevor customized their wedding website by incorporating a distinctive header logo and background. Delightful custom illustrations display the schedule of events and highlight Richmond, along with accommodation recommendations for guests traveling from out of town. Modern Wedding Website Example Take inspiration from Allie and Gavin’s wedding website, which seamlessly blends their physical invitations. With a custom emblem by The Blackline Bottega, their modern and minimal site offers easy navigation, showcasing their timeline, venue details, and dress code. Vintage Wedding Website Discover a charming wedding website inspired by the 1950s. Featuring a full-screen image of the couple, vibrant inner pages, retro typography, vector graphics, a venue map, gift registry links, and an RSVP form. Beach Wedding Website Example Colleen and Andrew’s beach wedding website showcases a minimalist design with a personal touch, featuring their love story, practical details, and local recommendations for out-of-town guests. Bohemian Wedding Website Leah and Matt’s captivating Bohemian wedding website showcases a captivating olive green and gold color scheme accompanied by beautiful visuals. It provides essential details about their dress code, venue, and accommodations while adding a personal touch with images of their bridal party. Cultural Wedding Website Rush and Danit’s wedding website is distinctive for its use of childhood photos instead of the usual couple portraits. It boasts a beautifully crafted interface, stylish fonts, an endearing logo, and smooth navigation for RSVP, gifts, and other wedding necessities. This creative approach could be a great inspiration for your own site. Choosing The Best Wedding Website Builder When it comes to selecting the ideal wedding website builder, various platforms offer unique features and functionalities. Let’s explore different options to find the perfect fit for your needs. Creating a Custom Wedding Website on WordPress Creating a custom wedding website design on WordPress offers numerous advantages. With its vast selection of themes and plugins, couples can easily find designs that suit their style and enhance functionality. WordPress provides flexibility, customization options, and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for crafting a personalized and stunning wedding website. Other Great Platforms to Create a Stunning Wedding Website Several platforms other than WordPress offer intuitive tools and features to bring your vision to life. Wix provides a user-friendly interface and extensive design options but may have limited customization for some. Squarespace boasts elegant templates and excellent customer support, yet it may require a learning curve for beginners. Zola offers wedding-specific features and seamless registry integration but lacks advanced customization. Joy provides RSVP management and social media integration yet may have fewer design options. Selecting the ideal wedding website builder ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. PlatformProsCons WordPress- Extensive customization options - Wide variety of themes and plugins - User-friendly interface- Requires more technical knowledge than other platforms - Maintenance and updates need to be done manually Wix- User-friendly interface - Wide range of design options- Limited customization options compared to WordPress - The free version comes with ads Squarespace- Elegant, professional design templates - Excellent customer support- Can be more expensive than other platforms - Steeper learning curve for beginners Zola- Wedding-specific features - Seamless registry integration- Less customization options - Limited template designs Joy- Excellent RSVP management - Integration with social media- Fewer design options - Some features may require upgrade to premium version Inspiring Wedding Website Templates Ideal for sophisticated couples, the classic wedding invite template features a blush and white color scheme with botanical elements. Affordable and responsive, the Marriage template offers a comprehensive wedding website with multiple pages, a photo gallery, a blog, RSVP, and CMS for updates. The free Napa template offers stunning floral illustrations in pink, purple, white, and green. With a sleek cursive font and clean sans serif, it’s perfect for a romantic outdoor wedding. Tips for Creating the Perfect Wedding Website A wedding website is a wonderful tool for couples to share all the essential information with their guests in an engaging and visually appealing way. Here are some detailed tips for creating a fantastic wedding website: Design: Choose a Reflective Theme: Your website should reflect your style. Consider incorporating these elements into your website design if your wedding has a specific theme or color scheme. Clear Navigation: Make sure your website has a user-friendly interface. Information should be easy to locate and navigate through, with clearly labeled sections or pages for different types of content (e.g., details about the event, RSVP, gift registry, etc.). Mobile-Friendly: With many people accessing websites on their mobile devices, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and works well on various screen sizes. Visuals: Incorporate a variety of visual elements to keep it engaging. This could include engagement photos, venue images, or a countdown to the wedding day. Content: Essential Details: Include all necessary information such as the date, time, venue of the wedding, and details about any other related events like a rehearsal dinner or a day after brunch. Directions or a map of the venue can also be helpful. Your Story: Share the story of your relationship and engagement. This gives a personal touch and makes guests feel more connected to you as a couple. RSVP Online: Having an online RSVP system can simplify the process for both you and your guests. It can also make tracking responses and managing your guest list easier. FAQs: Consider any questions your guests may have about the wedding and provide answers in an FAQ section. This could include dress code, parking details, children’s policy, etc. Functionality: Accommodation Suggestions: If you have guests coming from out of town, provide information about local hotels or accommodation options, including any group rates you may have arranged. Gift Registry: Simplify the process for guests to locate and purchase gifts by including links to your online registries. It’s a good idea to offer a range of price points to suit all budgets. Wedding Day Schedule: Outline the sequence of events on the wedding day so guests know what to expect. This can include timings for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any after-party. Contact Information: Provide a way for guests to contact you or your wedding planner if they have any questions. This could be an email address or a contact form on the website. Finally, remember to update your website regularly as your plans evolve and more details are finalized. This will keep your guests informed at all times. FAQs: Wedding Website Examples What do you write on a Wedding website? On your wedding website, like on the wedding website examples we shared, you’ll want to write about your love story, share engagement photos, provide event details, introduce the wedding party, and include RSVP options for guests. How do I come up with a Wedding URL? To create a wedding website URL, combine your name or initials with a relevant word or phrase, and include “wedding” or “love” to craft a personalized and memorable web address. What should be on the home page of a Wedding website? The home page of a wedding website should include an inviting welcome message, a stunning photo, key event details, and straightforward navigation to other sections such as RSVP, accommodations, and gift registry. Is Wix a good Wedding website? Wix is a popular and user-friendly website builder that offers wedding-specific templates, customizable designs, and features like RSVP forms, guest lists, and photo galleries, making it a great option for creating a wedding website. How do you choose the best Wedding website template? When choosing a wedding website template, take into account the design aesthetics, layout options, responsiveness on various devices, customization capabilities, and compatibility with important wedding features such as RSVPs and guest lists. Can I create a Wedding website for free? Yes, you can create a wedding website for free using platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or The Knot. These platforms offer free templates and basic features, allowing you to easily build a beautiful and functional wedding website. What are the benefits of having a Wedding website? Having a wedding website provides a centralized platform to share event details, directions, and accommodations with guests. It allows for easy RSVP management and gift registry integration and provides a space to showcase your love story and engagement photos. A wedding website is also beneficial for small businesses in the wedding industry. For example, creating a comprehensive website is an essential part of learning how to become a wedding planner or creating a wedding venue business plan. You may need to learn how to copyright a website and advertise your offerings if you’re creating a site for business purposes. Our small business advertising guide may help. Where can I find a Wedding website example that matches my Wedding theme? You can find wedding website examples that match your theme by searching for templates on platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or The Knot. Browse through their extensive collections to find designs that align with your wedding theme. This article, "Wedding Website Examples" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wedding websites have become essential for modern couples planning their special day. These platforms offer a unique and personalized touch to the wedding experience, allowing couples to showcase their love story, share important details with guests, and create a central hub for all wedding-related information. In this article, we explore some inspiring wedding website examples that demonstrate the power of these online platforms in creating memorable and engaging wedding celebrations. Why You Need a Wedding Website A wedding website is essential in today’s digital age, offering convenience and seamless information sharing. It simplifies RSVP management, provides a centralized platform for guests, and ensures everyone stays up-to-date with event details. Experience the benefits of a wedding website and effortlessly organize your special day. The Core Elements of a Great Wedding Website A well-crafted wedding website features essential elements that enhance both its appearance and usability. The design should be attractive and easy to navigate, while the content needs to be informative and captivating. Incorporating personal stories and photos adds a unique charm. To create a practical and beautiful wedding website, prioritize design, user experience, content quality, and personalization. The Wedding Details A wedding website should provide essential details to guests for a seamless experience. It should include information on the wedding venue, date, time, and dress code guidelines. It can also offer recommendations for accommodations, making it easier for guests to plan and attend the celebration. The Wedding Party Introducing the wedding party on the website adds a personal touch and makes guests feel more connected to the celebration. Including brief profiles or photos of the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and other wedding party members fosters a sense of involvement, allowing guests to get to know the important people in the couple’s lives. Our Favorite Wedding Website Examples Discover the best wedding website examples that showcase creativity, elegance, and functionality. From stunning designs to innovative features, these beautiful wedding website examples inspire couples to create their unique online presence for their special day. Elegant Wedding Website Example This elegant wedding website by Megan and Zach stands out with personalized visuals and a charming color palette. They offer venue directions, accommodation suggestions, and a custom Google map for guests’ perfect weekend plans. Rustic Wedding Website Example Kate and Trevor customized their wedding website by incorporating a distinctive header logo and background. Delightful custom illustrations display the schedule of events and highlight Richmond, along with accommodation recommendations for guests traveling from out of town. Modern Wedding Website Example Take inspiration from Allie and Gavin’s wedding website, which seamlessly blends their physical invitations. With a custom emblem by The Blackline Bottega, their modern and minimal site offers easy navigation, showcasing their timeline, venue details, and dress code. Vintage Wedding Website Discover a charming wedding website inspired by the 1950s. Featuring a full-screen image of the couple, vibrant inner pages, retro typography, vector graphics, a venue map, gift registry links, and an RSVP form. Beach Wedding Website Example Colleen and Andrew’s beach wedding website showcases a minimalist design with a personal touch, featuring their love story, practical details, and local recommendations for out-of-town guests. Bohemian Wedding Website Leah and Matt’s captivating Bohemian wedding website showcases a captivating olive green and gold color scheme accompanied by beautiful visuals. It provides essential details about their dress code, venue, and accommodations while adding a personal touch with images of their bridal party. Cultural Wedding Website Rush and Danit’s wedding website is distinctive for its use of childhood photos instead of the usual couple portraits. It boasts a beautifully crafted interface, stylish fonts, an endearing logo, and smooth navigation for RSVP, gifts, and other wedding necessities. This creative approach could be a great inspiration for your own site. Choosing The Best Wedding Website Builder When it comes to selecting the ideal wedding website builder, various platforms offer unique features and functionalities. Let’s explore different options to find the perfect fit for your needs. Creating a Custom Wedding Website on WordPress Creating a custom wedding website design on WordPress offers numerous advantages. With its vast selection of themes and plugins, couples can easily find designs that suit their style and enhance functionality. WordPress provides flexibility, customization options, and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for crafting a personalized and stunning wedding website. Other Great Platforms to Create a Stunning Wedding Website Several platforms other than WordPress offer intuitive tools and features to bring your vision to life. Wix provides a user-friendly interface and extensive design options but may have limited customization for some. Squarespace boasts elegant templates and excellent customer support, yet it may require a learning curve for beginners. Zola offers wedding-specific features and seamless registry integration but lacks advanced customization. Joy provides RSVP management and social media integration yet may have fewer design options. Selecting the ideal wedding website builder ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. PlatformProsCons WordPress- Extensive customization options - Wide variety of themes and plugins - User-friendly interface- Requires more technical knowledge than other platforms - Maintenance and updates need to be done manually Wix- User-friendly interface - Wide range of design options- Limited customization options compared to WordPress - The free version comes with ads Squarespace- Elegant, professional design templates - Excellent customer support- Can be more expensive than other platforms - Steeper learning curve for beginners Zola- Wedding-specific features - Seamless registry integration- Less customization options - Limited template designs Joy- Excellent RSVP management - Integration with social media- Fewer design options - Some features may require upgrade to premium version Inspiring Wedding Website Templates Ideal for sophisticated couples, the classic wedding invite template features a blush and white color scheme with botanical elements. Affordable and responsive, the Marriage template offers a comprehensive wedding website with multiple pages, a photo gallery, a blog, RSVP, and CMS for updates. The free Napa template offers stunning floral illustrations in pink, purple, white, and green. With a sleek cursive font and clean sans serif, it’s perfect for a romantic outdoor wedding. Tips for Creating the Perfect Wedding Website A wedding website is a wonderful tool for couples to share all the essential information with their guests in an engaging and visually appealing way. Here are some detailed tips for creating a fantastic wedding website: Design: Choose a Reflective Theme: Your website should reflect your style. Consider incorporating these elements into your website design if your wedding has a specific theme or color scheme. Clear Navigation: Make sure your website has a user-friendly interface. Information should be easy to locate and navigate through, with clearly labeled sections or pages for different types of content (e.g., details about the event, RSVP, gift registry, etc.). Mobile-Friendly: With many people accessing websites on their mobile devices, ensure your website is mobile-friendly and works well on various screen sizes. Visuals: Incorporate a variety of visual elements to keep it engaging. This could include engagement photos, venue images, or a countdown to the wedding day. Content: Essential Details: Include all necessary information such as the date, time, venue of the wedding, and details about any other related events like a rehearsal dinner or a day after brunch. Directions or a map of the venue can also be helpful. Your Story: Share the story of your relationship and engagement. This gives a personal touch and makes guests feel more connected to you as a couple. RSVP Online: Having an online RSVP system can simplify the process for both you and your guests. It can also make tracking responses and managing your guest list easier. FAQs: Consider any questions your guests may have about the wedding and provide answers in an FAQ section. This could include dress code, parking details, children’s policy, etc. Functionality: Accommodation Suggestions: If you have guests coming from out of town, provide information about local hotels or accommodation options, including any group rates you may have arranged. Gift Registry: Simplify the process for guests to locate and purchase gifts by including links to your online registries. It’s a good idea to offer a range of price points to suit all budgets. Wedding Day Schedule: Outline the sequence of events on the wedding day so guests know what to expect. This can include timings for the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, and any after-party. Contact Information: Provide a way for guests to contact you or your wedding planner if they have any questions. This could be an email address or a contact form on the website. Finally, remember to update your website regularly as your plans evolve and more details are finalized. This will keep your guests informed at all times. FAQs: Wedding Website Examples What do you write on a Wedding website? On your wedding website, like on the wedding website examples we shared, you’ll want to write about your love story, share engagement photos, provide event details, introduce the wedding party, and include RSVP options for guests. How do I come up with a Wedding URL? To create a wedding website URL, combine your name or initials with a relevant word or phrase, and include “wedding” or “love” to craft a personalized and memorable web address. What should be on the home page of a Wedding website? The home page of a wedding website should include an inviting welcome message, a stunning photo, key event details, and straightforward navigation to other sections such as RSVP, accommodations, and gift registry. Is Wix a good Wedding website? Wix is a popular and user-friendly website builder that offers wedding-specific templates, customizable designs, and features like RSVP forms, guest lists, and photo galleries, making it a great option for creating a wedding website. How do you choose the best Wedding website template? When choosing a wedding website template, take into account the design aesthetics, layout options, responsiveness on various devices, customization capabilities, and compatibility with important wedding features such as RSVPs and guest lists. Can I create a Wedding website for free? Yes, you can create a wedding website for free using platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or The Knot. These platforms offer free templates and basic features, allowing you to easily build a beautiful and functional wedding website. What are the benefits of having a Wedding website? Having a wedding website provides a centralized platform to share event details, directions, and accommodations with guests. It allows for easy RSVP management and gift registry integration and provides a space to showcase your love story and engagement photos. A wedding website is also beneficial for small businesses in the wedding industry. For example, creating a comprehensive website is an essential part of learning how to become a wedding planner or creating a wedding venue business plan. You may need to learn how to copyright a website and advertise your offerings if you’re creating a site for business purposes. Our small business advertising guide may help. Where can I find a Wedding website example that matches my Wedding theme? You can find wedding website examples that match your theme by searching for templates on platforms like Wix, Squarespace, or The Knot. Browse through their extensive collections to find designs that align with your wedding theme. This article, "Wedding Website Examples" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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