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In 2025, my LinkedIn feed became flooded with SEO thought leaders scrambling to define and stake their claim on the future of consumer search: generative engine optimization (GEO). Yet, most industry experts face a stark reality – few truly understand how to influence brand visibility in AI-driven search platforms and large language models (LLMs), let alone explain what this shift means for search marketing or how brands can capitalize on it. This article unpacks the rise of GEO, debunks common myths, and outlines what businesses must do to adapt before they fall behind. AI search and LLMs: A new era of information discovery AI-driven search platforms, like Google’s AI Overviews and Microsoft Bing’s AI-powered results, are redefining how users find information, moving from traditional keyword-based ranking to dynamic, AI-generated answers. Meanwhile, LLMs, such as ChatGPT and Gemini, power these systems by synthesizing vast amounts of data to provide conversational, non-deterministic responses. Ultimately, brands that adapt to how AI retrieves, interprets, and generates information could increase their long-term visibility, while those that don’t risk losing a critical new traffic source. To better understand how these changes are impacting users, I set out to explore the growing friction in organic search and the misconceptions surrounding GEO. Increasing user friction threatens the value of SERPs for consumers In October, Fractl (disclosure: I co-founded the agency) studied AI adoption in consumer search. We found that nearly half (48%) of respondents had used ChatGPT or a similar tool within the past week. As of January, ChatGPT is the 8th most visited website in the world, attracting 4.79 billion visits per month. Anyone who isn’t studying how to drive brand visibility in AI platforms is already too far behind to be spearheading your marketing efforts and hedging your brand’s future traffic sources. A few weeks ago, when nearly every Google query forced me to complete a tedious CAPTCHA, I felt like I was witnessing the beginning stages of Google Search’s slow collapse. Surely, a novice searcher would be even more frustrated than me by the growing friction and declining SERP quality, which would further accelerate the shift to newer, more valuable search platforms. I ran off to our own survey platform to run a quick pulse survey of 1,000 Americans, seeking to understand “What frustrates users most about Google’s search experience?” What I found was that the average consumer felt many of the same frustrations I felt every day as a search marketer: Google’s search experience frustrates users primarily due to excessive ads cluttering results (66.4%), making it harder to find valuable, organic content. Many also dislike inaccurate or misleading AI-generated summaries (44.7%), which can lead to misinformation. Irrelevant search results (38.8%) further add to the dissatisfaction, reducing efficiency. Privacy concerns, such as data tracking (35.9%) and frequent CAPTCHA interruptions (27.6%), also contribute to a less-than-ideal user experience, disrupting seamless browsing. The open-ended responses were the most entertaining (and something I plan to expand upon during my SMX Advanced session this summer in Boston). Dig deeper. Survey: 54% of people look through more search results vs. 5 years ago For today’s entertainment value – it’s not just our industry that has been sharing these frustrations over Google’s volatile SERPs, as the open-ended responses alluded to many of the same concerns we’ve all lamented over: Content quality issues “Lately all the search results are always from Reddit.” “Lack of relevant results in general – often, I will search for something and it will give me results for the opposite of what I searched for.” “Filtering certain links.” “It will provide out-of-date information.” “Multiple results with the same information.” AI-related frustrations “Please remove the AI-generated answers.” “The AI in general – usually I am on Google to go on other webpages.” “No toggle to remove AI search, search parameters seem to get ignored.” “Inability to opt out of AI summaries.” CAPTCHA complaints “Captcha services that refuse to accept answers, particularly the ones that load new images in over five-second delays.” “CAPTCHAs that are largely nonsensical/hard to understand what is wanted from the user.” Monetization and bias concerns “That search results are influenced by money paid to Google.” “Pushing Google apps, like always trying to open Google Maps.” “Sponsored websites.” “The censorship of conservative viewpoints and people.” While I’m not alone in my CAPTCHA frustrations, many users (36.8%) rarely encounter CAPTCHAs (1-2 times per week), while 32.5% never experience them. However, 22.1% reported occasional disruptions (3-5 times per week), and a smaller group (6.8%) faced them frequently (6+ times per week), with 1.8% dealing with daily interruptions. (Hello, fellow digital marketers!) But here’s the kicker: despite these interruptions, Google still holds its ground as the dominant search engine for 82.6% of respondents. That said, friction does lead to shifts. Around 11.4% of users are exploring privacy-first alternatives like DuckDuckGo and Brave, while 3.8% are venturing into AI-powered search tools like ChatGPT and Claude. This signals an emerging shift in consumer behavior driven by usability pain points that other search products are solving for. With increasing search quality concerns nudging users toward different search experiences, it’s only a matter of time before these small behavioral shifts compound into more significant market trends. Google still dominates consumer search – and likely will for the next few years. However, the rise of alternative search engines, AI-driven discovery tools, and direct interactions with LLMs means diversification should be on your radar if you work in marketing. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. How to drive brand visibility with generative engine optimization: Myths vs. facts Generative AI is changing how people search, but brands are still approaching it with an outdated SEO playbook. It’s time to debunk the biggest misconceptions about GEO and outline what actually works to increase brand visibility in AI-generated responses. To deepen our understanding of the current industry beliefs around AI rankings, my co-founder, Kristin Tynski, and I analyzed the past six months of mentions of “ChatGPT+Rankings” and “AI+Rankings” on LinkedIn. We found 403 unique LinkedIn posts that provided a view of how AI is discussed in professional circles, which we further analyzed through multi-label classification, sentiment analysis, temporal trend mapping, and advanced topic modeling. By leveraging a Latent Dirichlet allocation analysis for topic modeling, we were able to quickly distill the topics of interest for those who are on the bleeding edge of AI in marketing. Majority of conversations focusing on four key themes: AI in business strategy: Focus on workflow automation, decision support, and predictive analytics. Digital marketing and SEO: Emphasis on content automation, ranking strategies, and data-driven marketing. Customer engagement and chatbots: Exploration of AI’s role in customer service and the balance between automation and human interaction. AI ethics and misinformation: Discussion of bias, transparency, and responsible AI deployment. Most LinkedIn posts spanned multiple topic clusters, reinforcing that professionals view AI as an integrated force influencing various business functions. Frequent keyword pairings included: “AI and automation.” “Content optimization and predictive analytics.” “Chatbot and customer engagement.” This indicates a view of AI as a comprehensive tool for operational and strategic improvement. Compared to past data, current discussions showed a trend toward more positive sentiment and a heightened focus on ethical considerations. Above all else, the highest-engagement posts commonly articulated the view that “AI is a partner, not a replacement,” emphasizing the need for human oversight. After years of testing AI workflows and developing proprietary tools, we’ve seen firsthand how AI’s efficiency, combined with human strategy, drives brand growth and maximizes marketing ROI. Yet, many brand leaders still don’t understand how AI engines work. Skepticism is rising as everyone scrambles to establish thought leadership in a space they barely grasp. In an industry long plagued by snake oil salesmen, separating fact from fiction has never been more critical for marketers who want to stay on the bleeding edge of innovation and the future of search. Myth 1: AI search works like Google’s live web indexing Reality: LLMs primarily rely on pre-trained datasets, but some models can retrieve real-time information through internet-connected sources and RAG. Understanding the difference in AI models is key to understanding how to potentially influence your brand’s visibility in these up-and-coming answer engines. Seer Interactive put together a helpful chart to help drive this industry education: Simply put, while Google’s search index is continuously refreshed, most LLMs rely on historical snapshots of the web and are not updated in real time. Unless explicitly retrained, they may miss new articles, trends, or emerging discussions. While Tynski believes this will change before the end of the year, frequent retraining remains prohibitively expensive, meaning most models still operate on static data that can be months – or even years – old: GPT 4o: Last training update was December 2023. Claude 3.5 Sonnet: Trained on data up until April 2024. As a result, real-time events and newly published content may not always appear in AI-generated responses unless the model has direct access to live data sources. Key takeaways for adapting your brand strategy for LLM visibility In cases where AI-driven search platforms leverage real-time search integrations (e.g., ChatGPT’s “Search the web”), it’s valuable for brands to leverage proactive and reactive PR strategies to maintain frequent and fresh mentions that will be integrated into real-time data queries against authoritative news sources. Because LLMs don’t have fixed rankings and AI responses vary based on query phrasing, context, and model updates, businesses should use tracking tools to monitor their brand visibility across major AI models for a wide range of relevant queries. Dig deeper: Decoding LLMs: How to be visible in generative AI search results Myth 2: Links are the key to ranking in AI responses Reality: LLMs prioritize brand mentions, contextual relevance, and entity associations. For decades, SEO revolved around link building. Earning backlinks from high-authority sites was the golden ticket to building domain authority, trust signals, and rankings. But LLMs don’t “rank” content the same way Google does. They don’t crawl and index live web pages. They generate responses based on pre-trained data, considering word frequency, contextual relevance, and surrounding content. However, context matters as much as the mention itself. LLMs aggregate references from multiple sources and generate responses non-deterministically. As such, the visibility of a brand or idea depends on how often and in what context it appears across reputable training data. Some AI-powered search engines, like Perplexity, use retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) – pulling from live search results to refine AI-generated responses. While this means traditional rankings still influence LLM-driven search, being part of a trusted corpus matters more than individual rankings. Ultimately, appearing in trusted, widely referenced sources – especially those with a strong likelihood of being part of an LLM’s training data – significantly increases your brand’s chances of being mentioned in AI-generated answers. This should be a big win for digital PR teams who constantly tout the benefits of a text mention for clients who become enraged when a journalist covers their brand name without providing a link. Tips for maximizing brand visibility in AI search with mentions and context Build your brand’s topical authority across entities by developing brand thought leaders and expert commentary to position your brand as a valuable source within high-context discussions across publishers and Q&A forums. Develop industry analyses and research-backed content that build brand authority and increase credible mentions, ensuring AI models reference and retrieve your content in responses. Leverage digital PR to secure brand mentions in high-authority publications, increasing your brand’s share of voice in LLM training data, including the diverse and credible publications outlined above. Dig deeper: How to monitor brand visibility across AI search channels Myth 3: It’s impossible to know which sources LLMs use for training data Reality: Research and monitoring tools can inform likely training sources and brand visibility. Although AI companies don’t disclose their full training datasets, there are ways to research and approximate where LLMs pull data from. For example, you can query ChatGPT for a list of publishers OpenAI has partnered with for its training data. While this response won’t be immediately exhaustive, it can provide clues about high-priority domains your digital PR team might want to prioritize for brand mentions depending on your vertical and brand expertise: Associated Press (AP): In July 2023, OpenAI and AP signed a deal allowing the AI company to license AP’s content archive going back to 1985 for training purposes. News Corp: In May 2024, OpenAI entered into an agreement with News Corp to integrate news content from The Wall Street Journal, New York Post, The Times, and The Sunday Times into its AI platform. The Atlantic and Vox Media: In May 2024, OpenAI signed deals with The Atlantic and Vox Media to share content, aiming to enhance the accuracy of AI models like ChatGPT by incorporating reliable news sources. Condé Nast: In August 2024, Condé Nast, publisher of titles such as The New Yorker, Vogue, and Vanity Fair, entered a multi-year deal with OpenAI, allowing the AI company to use content from its properties in ChatGPT and other products. Axel Springer: In December 2023, Axel Springer, owner of publications like Politico and Business Insider, partnered with OpenAI to have its content summarized within ChatGPT, including paywalled articles, with links and attribution. Future: In December 2024, OpenAI partnered with Future, bringing content from over 200 media brands, including Marie Claire, PC Gamer, and TechRadar, to ChatGPT. Hearst: In October 2024, OpenAI announced a partnership with Hearst, integrating content from its magazines and newspapers, such as the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, ELLE, and Runner’s World, into ChatGPT. GEDI: In September 2024, OpenAI partnered with GEDI, an Italian media group, to provide ChatGPT users access to high-quality Italian-language journalism. TIME: In June 2024, OpenAI entered a multi-year partnership with TIME, granting access to 101 years of archival content to enhance its products and display in response to user inquiries. Le Monde and Prisa Media: In March 2024, OpenAI signed contracts with Le Monde and Prisa Media to bring French and Spanish news content to its AI models. Reddit: In May 2024, Reddit and OpenAI announced a partnership to integrate Reddit’s content into OpenAI products, including ChatGPT, providing real-time, structured content to enhance AI tools. Axios: In January 2025, OpenAI announced a content partnership with Axios, expanding its work with the news industry. Beyond querying LLMs directly, there are tools that analyze which publishers and articles influence LLM training. Understanding how your brand appears in these datasets is crucial, as it affects AI-generated content, search visibility, and overall brand perception. Ways to track sources for LLM training data Use tools to monitor how your brand appears in Common Crawl data to understand how your content and brand mentions influence LLM training, AI-generated responses, and brand visibility. Use platforms like SparkToro and BuzzSumo to help identify which sites influence your audience and likely have a high influence in your industry from which AI models may be drawing data​. Pioneering strategies in the age of agentic workflows In 2025, SEO is about building the kind of brand trust and semantic authority that LLM-based ranking systems value, in the same way we have always suspected of Google. If you’re driving AI adoption within your organization, understanding the pitfalls of AI and developing trends in this emerging search frontier will help ensure your career for years to come. Position AI as an enhancement, not a replacement: AI should augment workflows, streamline processes, and improve decision-making – but human expertise remains essential for trust and strategic oversight. Proactively address AI ethics and misinformation: Brands should establish clear AI ethics guidelines, ensure transparency in AI-generated content, and prioritize credibility to build long-term audience trust. Leverage AI chatbots with human oversight: AI-powered engagement tools enhance customer interactions but require monitoring and fine-tuning to maintain accuracy and user experience. Drive brand credibility and visibility in LLMs: Consistently publishing high-quality content and securing brand mentions in trusted sources strengthens your brand’s entity recognition, contextual relevance, and authority – ultimately increasing visibility in AI-generated responses. Track your brand’s presence in AI models: Use monitoring tools to analyze how AI platforms reference your brand in key search queries. Optimize your content strategy by assessing your visibility against competitors for common FAQs relevant to your target audience. Companies that embrace this evolving search landscape will be the ones dominating brand visibility in the future of AI-driven search over the next 12-36 months. Brands that hesitate may find themselves losing valuable traffic to competitors who were early adopters in the age of AI. View the full article

Smashing Pumpkins' legendary frontman Bill Corgan and confrontational comedian Bill Burr look alike—both have shaved heads, stubbly beards, blue eyes, and similar facial structures. They look so much alike they could be brothers; so much alike that a lot of people think they are brothers. While it's possible, these people are probably wrong. Why people think Bill Corgan and Bill Burr are brothersThe rumor started with Corgan's appearance on Howie Mandel's podcast back in January. On the show, Corgan recounts the following conversation that he said happened a decade prior: My stepmother said to me, "Do you know who Bill Burr is?" Now at that point, I had never heard of Bill Burr … She said, "Well, he's this comedian…" And I think I even somehow called up a picture on the phone, and I kind of noticed right away, "Gee, he really looks like my father." Bill Burr looks more like my father than Bill Burr looks like me or I look like Bill Burr. So I said to my mother, "Why are you asking me this?"... She goes, "I think he might be one of your father's illegitimate children. Bill Burr might be one of the children that your father sired in his days being a traveling musician… My father did once tell me that I had a half-brother named Bill, who was born around the same time as me." A lot of people look like other people, so that doesn't mean much, and a single piece of family lore is anything but conclusive, but this evidence was apparently enough for Mandel to try to get to the bottom of it, in probably the worst way possible. Corgan and Burr: Worst. Family. Reunion. Ever.In a more recent episode of Howie Mandel Does Stuff, Mandel hosted Bill Burr and surprised the comedian with a special appearance from Corgan so the pair could compare notes on their fathers. Despite Mandel's assurance that he was "doing it out of love," the ambush did not go well. "You're an asshole," Burr tells Mandel. "He's just doing this for the fucking ratings," Burr adds. Corgan says he was told Burr was aware he was appearing on the show, but it seems Burr had no idea. Mandel eventually leaves the pair alone to talk things out. It's an uncomfortable, creepy conversation. Burr says his dad had multiple families. Corgan says his dad told him he was a musician where Burr's dad told him he was a dentist. Corgan points out that Bill Burr can't sing, and Billy Corgan isn't funny, so maybe they aren't related. It doesn't really reach any conclusion. Ultimately, the familial status of Corgan and Burr is inconclusiveThe bottom line is there isn't any solid reason to think that Bill and Billy have the same father. "They look alike" and "my mom said something once" isn't enough evidence to believe this rumor (even if Burr and Corgan believe it). Unless the results of a DNA test are made public, I'd file this under "probably not true." It's extremely unlikely for any person to become famous—there are a lot of singers and comedians out there—and it seems astronomically unlikely that two people would become famous at a Burr/Corgan level, but in two distinct fields. These aren't nepo babies we're talking about. The unique combination of talent, drive, personality, and luck that adds up to a career like either of these men is almost never seen. Two half-brothers developing all that independently is possible, but it would be a hell of a coincidence. The on-air results of the impromptu "family reunion" are inconclusive. Burr refers to "our dad" often on the podcast, and overall seems to accept the premise that they have the same father, but maybe he's playing along with the bit Mandel set up. Burr is a comedian so he knows how to run with a premise. He appeared on Mandel's show to promote an upcoming project, and seems to have succeeded wildly. I don't have any evidence one way or the other, and my gut says this is genuine, but I wouldn't exactly be surprised if this all turned out to be an elaborate set-up designed to get people talking and boost the careers of all three men; it wouldn't be the first time. Speaking of— Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are probably not brothers eitherMatthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson look alike too. Unlike Corgan and Burr, the actors are pals, but there's a rumor that they're brothers too. Just as Corgan's mother brought up the possibility that he was related to Burr, McConaughey's mom brought up a possible family relationship with Harrelson. “We're all sitting around in Greece one night talking and my mom out of nowhere in a little pause goes, ‘Oh, I knew your dad, Woody...,’ ” McConaughey said in an interview. “And we all went, ‘What was the ellipsis about?' ...And she goes, ‘Just saying, we might have frequented the same place out in West Texas one time when he was on furlough.' ” The pair have mentioned doing DNA tests in the past, but, so far, haven't released any results. Again, I don't know if it was a publicity stunt for a movie, but I wouldn't be surprised. View the full article

There is some chatter in the SEO community that Google Image Search may be down ranking, lowering the rankings, of AI-generated images, in favor of non-AI-generated images within the Google Image search results.View the full article

Google is making more changes to the Google Publisher Center, in March Google News will fully transition to automatically generated publication pages in March.View the full article

Microsoft has updated Bing Webmaster Tools to make selecting the date ranges a lot easier in the performance reports. Now the date selectors are very quick to select, and not deeper inside a menu option.View the full article

I’m not sure who first compared ChatGPT to Cliff Clavin, the garrulous mailman/barfly from TV’s Cheers. It’s so an apt comparison that many people probably came up with it independently. Cliff did know a lot of stuff—after all, he was a Jeopardy almost-winner. Yet he was also a blowhard who didn’t seem to realize when he was speaking outside the bounds of his expertise. If you were paying attention, you knew that his seeming level of confidence was unrelated to the value of what he had to say. Even as AI companies have managed to reduce their chatbots’ tendency to hallucinate, a certain degree of Clavin-ism has remained endemic to the category. But I’ve been playing with a new ChatGPT feature called “deep research,” which OpenAI announced last week. Instead of just being glib and eager to please, it weaves together facts and analysis into results with real substance. It’s not perfect, but it ranks with Google’s NotebookLM among the most impressive AI research tools I’ve tried. I don’t believe I’ve encountered a single hallucination in the tens of thousands of words it’s generated in response to my queries thus far. At the moment, taking advantage of deep research requires deep pockets: The feature is debuting as part of ChatGPT Pro, which costs $200 a month. (I treated myself to a one-off upgrade for February to try it out—fingers crossed that Fast Company reimburses me.) If further testing goes as expected, OpenAI says, it will come to the $20/month ChatGPT Plus in a month or so. Once it does, I expect to use it frequently. OpenAI’s blog post about deep research offers background on how it works, accompanied by charts showing its performance in various AI benchmarks. In use, what it feels like is a new kind of chatbot that actually does its homework. Far less dependent on a hermetically sealed LLM than most, it comes up with answers to questions in something closer to the way a human research assistant would, by consulting sources around the web in real time and synthesizing them into a cohesive whole. It’s a much more fleshed out, immediately useful example of agentic AI than Operator, another recently introduced ChatGPT feature that’s able to trawl the web on its users’ behalf. By human standards, deep research does its work swiftly, but it’s hardly instantaneous: OpenAI says to expect the process to take 5 to 30 minutes per query. As it chugs away, it usually displays a running list of notes. For example, following a request I made involving fast-food history, it noted “Searched for McDonald’s number of locations in the 1960s.” Once in a while, these snippets are mystifying non sequiturs: At one point, it told me “If necessary, I will escalate to HR for guidance.” Overall however, they make the feat of generating AI text feel less like a magic trick and more like a computational process we mere mortals might comprehend—a welcome change from AI’s often opaque nature. I threw a bunch of projects at deep research, such as writing a competitive analysis of the market for image editing software, explaining how mechanical watches work, comparing instant-photography technologies from Polaroid and Kodak, and chronicling attempts to suppress free speech in the U.S. from 1900 to 1950. In every instance, it came back with detailed responses full of well-chosen facts and crisp analysis, on a different plane of readability and quality than standard AI bot fare. It also provided Wikipedia-like citations for its work, a boon for full disclosure and an aid to further reading on a subject. Impressive though deep research is, certain types of requests revealed its weak spots. As with most generative AI bots, it has a relentlessly positive attitude that gets in the way of anything requiring critical appraisal: I tried to get it to be more blunt by asking about the most forgettable pop culture pap imaginable, and it always insisted everything was a cult favorite. And while OpenAI touts the feature as being able to provide “hyper-personalized recommendations on purchases that typically require careful research,” the more I knew about a product area, the less impressed I was by its advice. Its suggestions of cameras for street photography, for example, were muddled by some prices that were way, way off. And when I asked it about tablets capable of replacing a laptop, it waxed enthusiastic about the 2022 iPad Pros—apparently unaware that Apple replaced them last year. ChatGPT’s deep research feature really does go deeper than the average chatbot—and it cites its sources clearly. Thanks to the feature’s running notes and citations, some of its other current limitations are obvious. For instance, it often tried to read sources that might have been valuable—such as Consumer Reports—and gave up because they were paywalled. It also doesn’t seem to perform what I would consider truly dazzling feats of online derring-do, such as fishing material out of obscure PDFs salted away in the Internet Archive’s many nooks and crannies. OpenAI’s blog-post announcement mentions expansion plans that encompass “specialized data sources” and “subscription-based . . . resources,” implying that deep research could get meaningfully better without requiring foundational advances in its AI. Oh, and one other thing: It kept asking me if I’d like its answers to include charts and diagrams. I always said yes, but it never provided any. It would be nice if it eventually got this option it mistakenly believes it already has. In 1984, the famously demanding technologist and visionary Alan Kay deemed the original Macintosh to be the first personal computer good enough to be worth criticizing. Even with its current rough edges, deep research might be the first general-purpose AI-enhanced research tool to clear that bar—both a breakthrough right now and, with any luck, a preview of even better things to come. You’ve been reading Plugged In, Fast Company’s weekly tech newsletter from me, global technology editor Harry McCracken. If a friend or colleague forwarded this edition to you—or if you’re reading it on FastCompany.com—you can check out previous issues and sign up to get it yourself every Wednesday morning. I love hearing from you: Ping me at hmccracken@fastcompany.com with your feedback and ideas for future newsletters. I’m also on Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads. More top tech stories from Fast Company OpenAI shouldn’t accept Elon Musk’s $97 billion bid to buy it The eye-popping bid is too cheap to be taken seriously. But with Musk near the Trump White House, what happens next is anyone’s guess. Read More → What exactly is the point of the AI Action Summit? As representatives convene in Paris this week to discuss the future of AI, tech companies are moving beyond discussion and taking decisive action. Read More → How Apple could work with DeepSeek to pull ahead in the AI race DeepSeek made American tech giants seem vulnerable, but it could be a boon to Apple. Here’s why. Read More → This website combines Wikipedia and TikTok to fight doomscrolling WikiTok users can swipe through an endless stream of Wikipedia article stubs, discovering random facts and interesting information along the way. Read More → Roblox joins $27 million industry nonprofit to support online safety The gaming platform says it’s part of its ongoing work to promote safety for kids and others users. Read More → Meta’s AI randomly tried to throw a weird party for me—that I never asked for After I made a quip on Facebook about a Super Bowl ad, Meta’s AI curiously created a party invitation for me—and Puppy Monkey Baby. Read More → View the full article

UK Supreme Court on Wednesday quashed extradition of Joseph El-Khouri, curbing the reach of US prosecutorsView the full article

Google has posted a notice in the Google Ads console reminding advertisers about the upcoming brand guidelines changes that are now slotted for March 2025. This change was communicated numerous times and the deadline has been pushed off here and there.View the full article

In this post, we’ll explore 15 different franchise financing options for small business owners. So whether you’re looking for a traditional loan or something more creative, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you. Let’s get started! What Is Franchising? Franchising allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses with the support of a larger, more established company. Franchises offer brand recognition and a proven business model, which can be helpful for new business owners as they get started. Franchise business owners should have a business plan to guide them as they grow their businesses. READ MORE: See our Franchise Guide How Much Can Financing a Franchise Cost? Franchising offers an excellent opportunity to become your own boss and attain independence. However, it is crucial to comprehend the startup costs associated with it before making any commitments. Typically, the initial investment for most franchises falls between $75,000 and $500,000. The franchise fee will vary based on the specific franchise opportunity. Overall, the costs associated with owning a franchise can differ depending on the brand, the size of the business, and its location. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to fully grasp all the expenses involved before embarking on your franchise journey. Should You Get Financial Assistance Paying for Your Franchise Business? Franchise loans are available from many different lenders, and they can be a great way to finance your franchise business. Here are five things to consider to help determine your financing needs: How much money do you need to borrow? If you need equipment financing to buy expensive items like ovens and coolers, a business loan may be your best bet. What are the terms of the loan? Be sure to understand the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. What is the duration for repaying the loan? Understanding this will assist you in figuring out the amount of monthly payments you can manage. What is your credit score? Your credit score will affect the interest rate you qualify for, so it’s important to know what it is before you apply for a loan. What is the interest rate on the loan? The interest rate will affect your monthly payments, so be sure to compare rates from different lenders before choosing one. What Personal Assets Play a Role in Franchise Financing? When you seek a business loan to finance your franchise, the lender will probably require a personal guarantee. This indicates that you will be personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the lender may request collateral, which refers to an asset that can be used to back the loan. Savings and Investment Portfolios If you have money saved up in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. Your investment portfolio or savings account can also be used to make a down payment on a franchise loan. Severance Package If you’re leaving your current job to start a franchise, you may be able to use your severance package as collateral for a loan. This can help you get the financing you need to get your business off the ground. Home Equity If you have equity in your home, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. Using your home equity as collateral can help you secure a lower interest rate and possible tax benefits such as the interest being tax-deductible. Retirement Funds If you have money saved in a retirement account, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. You’ll likely be able to borrow a larger amount than you would without retirement funds as collateral, and the loan may have a lower interest rate. Choosing the Best Franchise Financing Options: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right financing options for your franchise, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure your small business’s success. We understand that every entrepreneur’s needs are unique, so we’ve developed a comprehensive set of criteria to guide you through this essential decision-making process. Each criterion will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important, allowing you to prioritize according to your specific circumstances. Interest Rates (5/5): The interest rate on your franchise financing significantly impacts your overall costs. Lower interest rates can save you substantial money in the long run, making this a top priority. Loan Term (4/5): Consider the length of the loan term. Longer terms may come with lower monthly payments but potentially higher total interest costs. Loan Amount (4/5): Assess whether the financing option provides the necessary capital to meet your franchise’s specific needs. Adequate funding is crucial for a successful start. Repayment Flexibility (4/5): Evaluate whether the financing allows for flexibility in making repayments. Options like interest-only payments during the initial phase can ease financial strain. Credit Requirements (4/5): Understand the credit score and financial history necessary to qualify for the financing option. Your creditworthiness can affect your eligibility and interest rates. Collateral Requirements (3/5): Determine whether the financing requires collateral. Collateral may include personal assets or business assets, impacting your risk exposure. Origination Fees (3/5): Be aware of any initial fees related to the financing. Elevated origination fees can raise the total expense of borrowing. Approval Speed (3/5): Take into account how urgently you require funds and the usual approval timeline associated with the financing option. Quick approval can be vital for franchise financing in time-sensitive situations. Lender Reputation (5/5): Research the reputation of the lending institution. A reputable lender is more likely to provide transparent terms and excellent customer service. Prepayment Penalties (2/5): Determine whether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can help you avoid unexpected costs. Additional Services (2/5): Some lenders offer value-added services, such as business coaching or networking opportunities. Consider whether these extras align with your needs. Customer Reviews (4/5): Seek out reviews and testimonials from other franchisees who have used the same financing option. Real experiences can provide valuable insights. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (1-5) Interest RatesThe rate at which you'll be borrowing funds. Lower rates can save you money in the long run.5 Loan TermThe length of the loan agreement. Longer terms may have lower monthly payments but higher overall costs.4 Loan AmountThe total funding available to meet your franchise's specific needs.4 Repayment FlexibilityFlexibility in making repayments, including options like interest-only payments during the initial phase.4 Credit RequirementsThe minimum credit score and financial history needed to qualify for the financing.4 Collateral RequirementsWhether the financing requires collateral, which can include personal or business assets.3 Origination FeesUpfront fees associated with the financing, which can impact the overall cost of borrowing.3 Approval SpeedThe typical approval timeline for the financing option, which can be crucial for time-sensitive opportunities.3 Lender ReputationThe reputation of the lending institution, as reputable lenders offer transparent terms and good customer service.5 Prepayment PenaltiesWhether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can avoid unexpected costs.2 Available Franchise Loan Options Business loans are available through a variety of financial institutions. Let’s take a look at some of your financing options: SBA Loans The Small Business Administration offers various SBA loans to help small businesses get started. The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular option, and it offers loans up to $5 million. Other SBA loan programs include the 504 loan program, which offers loans up to $5 million for equipment and real estate, and the microloan program, which offers loans up to $50,000. Franchisor Financing Many franchisors offer financing to help franchisees get started. Franchisor financing can be in the form of loans, lines of credit, or royalty-based financing. If you’re considering franchisor financing, be sure to compare the terms and rates from different lenders before choosing one. Commercial Bank Loan Commercial banks provide various loan options for small businesses, such as business loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. While loans from commercial banks generally feature lower interest rates compared to other loan types, qualifying for these loans can often be more challenging. Retirement Funds If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, you can use Rollover As Business Startups (ROBS). With ROBS, you can roll over the funds from your retirement account into a new business without paying taxes or penalties. This can be a good option if you have a large amount of money saved in a retirement account. Personal Savings If you have money saved in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it to finance your franchise. Using your savings can help you avoid taking on debt, but it will also tie up your assets in the business. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding is a way to raise money by soliciting donations from a large group of people. With crowdfunding, you can set up a profile on a website and solicit donations from friends, family, and strangers. Crowdfunding can be a good option if you don’t have access to traditional forms of financing. Term Loans A term loan is a type of business loan that offers a fixed amount of money for a set period of time. Term loans are typically repaid in monthly installments, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding equipment purchases or expanding your business. Small Business Credit Card A small business credit card can be a good option for financing your franchise. Small business credit cards typically have low interest rates and offer rewards, such as cashback or points, that can be used to offset the cost of your franchise. Equipment Financing If you need to purchase equipment for your franchise, you may be able to finance it through an equipment loan or lease. Equipment financing can be a good option if you don’t have the cash to purchase the equipment outright. Business Lines of Credit A business line of credit is a type of revolving credit that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding inventory or covering unexpected expenses. Business lines of credit typically have lower interest rates than other types of financing, such as credit cards. Credit Union Loans Credit unions provide a variety of loan products similar to those available at commercial banks. Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned, which often allows them to offer lower interest rates and reduced fees. Home Equity Loan & HELOCs If you own a home, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built up to finance your franchise. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are two common types of home equity financing. Home equity loans offer a fixed amount of money for a set period of time, while HELOCs offer a line of credit that can be used as needed. Severance Package If you’ve been laid off from your job, you may be able to use your severance package to finance your franchise. Severance packages typically include a lump sum of cash that can be used for a variety of purposes. Start a Partnership If you can’t afford the costs to open a franchise on your own, consider starting a partnership. With a partnership, you can pool your resources with another person or business to finance your franchise. Family & Friends If you have family or friends who are willing to invest in your franchise, you may be able to use their money to finance your business. However, you should be aware that taking money from friends or family can put a strain on your relationships. How Do You Qualify for Franchise Financing? When trying to get a business loan to meet your franchise financing needs, there are a few things that lenders will look at to determine if you qualify. Here are five things that may be considered: Personal credit score: Your score and personal credit history will be one of the first things a lender looks at when considering you for a loan. It’s important to know what your credit score is before you apply for a loan so you can be prepared. Business credit score: In addition to your personal credit score, the lender will also look at your business credit score. This is a score that’s based on the financial history of your business. Personal guarantee: A personal guarantee indicates that you are personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Lenders may request a personal guarantee when evaluating your application for a loan. Collateral: collateral is an asset that can be used to secure the loan. The lender may ask for collateral in the form of a savings account, investment portfolio, or home equity. Ability to repay: The lender will also consider your ability to repay the loan. They’ll look at things like your income, debts, credit history, and other factors to determine if you can afford the loan payments. Can You Buy a Franchise with No Money? No matter how you slice it, you’re going to need some money to finance a franchise. Franchises typically cost at least tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have any money or the ability to borrow some, then buying a franchise will not be an option for you. Can You Get SBA Loan Financing for a Franchise? The SBA provides loan programs that business owners can utilize to finance a franchise. However, not every franchise will meet the eligibility criteria. The SBA has established specific guidelines that a franchise must adhere to in order to qualify for financing. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Top Funding Options for Aspiring Franchise Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In this post, we’ll explore 15 different franchise financing options for small business owners. So whether you’re looking for a traditional loan or something more creative, there’s sure to be an option that’s perfect for you. Let’s get started! What Is Franchising? Franchising allows entrepreneurs to own and operate their own businesses with the support of a larger, more established company. Franchises offer brand recognition and a proven business model, which can be helpful for new business owners as they get started. Franchise business owners should have a business plan to guide them as they grow their businesses. READ MORE: See our Franchise Guide How Much Can Financing a Franchise Cost? Franchising offers an excellent opportunity to become your own boss and attain independence. However, it is crucial to comprehend the startup costs associated with it before making any commitments. Typically, the initial investment for most franchises falls between $75,000 and $500,000. The franchise fee will vary based on the specific franchise opportunity. Overall, the costs associated with owning a franchise can differ depending on the brand, the size of the business, and its location. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct thorough research to fully grasp all the expenses involved before embarking on your franchise journey. Should You Get Financial Assistance Paying for Your Franchise Business? Franchise loans are available from many different lenders, and they can be a great way to finance your franchise business. Here are five things to consider to help determine your financing needs: How much money do you need to borrow? If you need equipment financing to buy expensive items like ovens and coolers, a business loan may be your best bet. What are the terms of the loan? Be sure to understand the interest rate, repayment schedule, and any fees associated with the loan. What is the duration for repaying the loan? Understanding this will assist you in figuring out the amount of monthly payments you can manage. What is your credit score? Your credit score will affect the interest rate you qualify for, so it’s important to know what it is before you apply for a loan. What is the interest rate on the loan? The interest rate will affect your monthly payments, so be sure to compare rates from different lenders before choosing one. What Personal Assets Play a Role in Franchise Financing? When you seek a business loan to finance your franchise, the lender will probably require a personal guarantee. This indicates that you will be personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Additionally, the lender may request collateral, which refers to an asset that can be used to back the loan. Savings and Investment Portfolios If you have money saved up in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. Your investment portfolio or savings account can also be used to make a down payment on a franchise loan. Severance Package If you’re leaving your current job to start a franchise, you may be able to use your severance package as collateral for a loan. This can help you get the financing you need to get your business off the ground. Home Equity If you have equity in your home, you may be able to use it as collateral for a loan. Using your home equity as collateral can help you secure a lower interest rate and possible tax benefits such as the interest being tax-deductible. Retirement Funds If you have money saved in a retirement account, you may be able to use it as collateral for a business loan. You’ll likely be able to borrow a larger amount than you would without retirement funds as collateral, and the loan may have a lower interest rate. Choosing the Best Franchise Financing Options: Our Methodology When it comes to selecting the right financing options for your franchise, it’s crucial to consider various factors to ensure your small business’s success. We understand that every entrepreneur’s needs are unique, so we’ve developed a comprehensive set of criteria to guide you through this essential decision-making process. Each criterion will be rated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important, allowing you to prioritize according to your specific circumstances. Interest Rates (5/5): The interest rate on your franchise financing significantly impacts your overall costs. Lower interest rates can save you substantial money in the long run, making this a top priority. Loan Term (4/5): Consider the length of the loan term. Longer terms may come with lower monthly payments but potentially higher total interest costs. Loan Amount (4/5): Assess whether the financing option provides the necessary capital to meet your franchise’s specific needs. Adequate funding is crucial for a successful start. Repayment Flexibility (4/5): Evaluate whether the financing allows for flexibility in making repayments. Options like interest-only payments during the initial phase can ease financial strain. Credit Requirements (4/5): Understand the credit score and financial history necessary to qualify for the financing option. Your creditworthiness can affect your eligibility and interest rates. Collateral Requirements (3/5): Determine whether the financing requires collateral. Collateral may include personal assets or business assets, impacting your risk exposure. Origination Fees (3/5): Be aware of any initial fees related to the financing. Elevated origination fees can raise the total expense of borrowing. Approval Speed (3/5): Take into account how urgently you require funds and the usual approval timeline associated with the financing option. Quick approval can be vital for franchise financing in time-sensitive situations. Lender Reputation (5/5): Research the reputation of the lending institution. A reputable lender is more likely to provide transparent terms and excellent customer service. Prepayment Penalties (2/5): Determine whether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can help you avoid unexpected costs. Additional Services (2/5): Some lenders offer value-added services, such as business coaching or networking opportunities. Consider whether these extras align with your needs. Customer Reviews (4/5): Seek out reviews and testimonials from other franchisees who have used the same financing option. Real experiences can provide valuable insights. CriteriaDescriptionImportance (1-5) Interest RatesThe rate at which you'll be borrowing funds. Lower rates can save you money in the long run.5 Loan TermThe length of the loan agreement. Longer terms may have lower monthly payments but higher overall costs.4 Loan AmountThe total funding available to meet your franchise's specific needs.4 Repayment FlexibilityFlexibility in making repayments, including options like interest-only payments during the initial phase.4 Credit RequirementsThe minimum credit score and financial history needed to qualify for the financing.4 Collateral RequirementsWhether the financing requires collateral, which can include personal or business assets.3 Origination FeesUpfront fees associated with the financing, which can impact the overall cost of borrowing.3 Approval SpeedThe typical approval timeline for the financing option, which can be crucial for time-sensitive opportunities.3 Lender ReputationThe reputation of the lending institution, as reputable lenders offer transparent terms and good customer service.5 Prepayment PenaltiesWhether there are penalties for paying off the loan early. Understanding prepayment terms can avoid unexpected costs.2 Available Franchise Loan Options Business loans are available through a variety of financial institutions. Let’s take a look at some of your financing options: SBA Loans The Small Business Administration offers various SBA loans to help small businesses get started. The SBA 7(a) loan program is the most popular option, and it offers loans up to $5 million. Other SBA loan programs include the 504 loan program, which offers loans up to $5 million for equipment and real estate, and the microloan program, which offers loans up to $50,000. Franchisor Financing Many franchisors offer financing to help franchisees get started. Franchisor financing can be in the form of loans, lines of credit, or royalty-based financing. If you’re considering franchisor financing, be sure to compare the terms and rates from different lenders before choosing one. Commercial Bank Loan Commercial banks provide various loan options for small businesses, such as business loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing. While loans from commercial banks generally feature lower interest rates compared to other loan types, qualifying for these loans can often be more challenging. Retirement Funds If you have a 401(k) or 403(b) retirement account, you can use Rollover As Business Startups (ROBS). With ROBS, you can roll over the funds from your retirement account into a new business without paying taxes or penalties. This can be a good option if you have a large amount of money saved in a retirement account. Personal Savings If you have money saved in a savings account or investment portfolio, you may be able to use it to finance your franchise. Using your savings can help you avoid taking on debt, but it will also tie up your assets in the business. Crowdfunding Crowdfunding is a way to raise money by soliciting donations from a large group of people. With crowdfunding, you can set up a profile on a website and solicit donations from friends, family, and strangers. Crowdfunding can be a good option if you don’t have access to traditional forms of financing. Term Loans A term loan is a type of business loan that offers a fixed amount of money for a set period of time. Term loans are typically repaid in monthly installments, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding equipment purchases or expanding your business. Small Business Credit Card A small business credit card can be a good option for financing your franchise. Small business credit cards typically have low interest rates and offer rewards, such as cashback or points, that can be used to offset the cost of your franchise. Equipment Financing If you need to purchase equipment for your franchise, you may be able to finance it through an equipment loan or lease. Equipment financing can be a good option if you don’t have the cash to purchase the equipment outright. Business Lines of Credit A business line of credit is a type of revolving credit that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as funding inventory or covering unexpected expenses. Business lines of credit typically have lower interest rates than other types of financing, such as credit cards. Credit Union Loans Credit unions provide a variety of loan products similar to those available at commercial banks. Unlike banks, credit unions are member-owned, which often allows them to offer lower interest rates and reduced fees. Home Equity Loan & HELOCs If you own a home, you may be able to use the equity you’ve built up to finance your franchise. Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are two common types of home equity financing. Home equity loans offer a fixed amount of money for a set period of time, while HELOCs offer a line of credit that can be used as needed. Severance Package If you’ve been laid off from your job, you may be able to use your severance package to finance your franchise. Severance packages typically include a lump sum of cash that can be used for a variety of purposes. Start a Partnership If you can’t afford the costs to open a franchise on your own, consider starting a partnership. With a partnership, you can pool your resources with another person or business to finance your franchise. Family & Friends If you have family or friends who are willing to invest in your franchise, you may be able to use their money to finance your business. However, you should be aware that taking money from friends or family can put a strain on your relationships. How Do You Qualify for Franchise Financing? When trying to get a business loan to meet your franchise financing needs, there are a few things that lenders will look at to determine if you qualify. Here are five things that may be considered: Personal credit score: Your score and personal credit history will be one of the first things a lender looks at when considering you for a loan. It’s important to know what your credit score is before you apply for a loan so you can be prepared. Business credit score: In addition to your personal credit score, the lender will also look at your business credit score. This is a score that’s based on the financial history of your business. Personal guarantee: A personal guarantee indicates that you are personally accountable for repaying the loan if your business cannot fulfill this obligation. Lenders may request a personal guarantee when evaluating your application for a loan. Collateral: collateral is an asset that can be used to secure the loan. The lender may ask for collateral in the form of a savings account, investment portfolio, or home equity. Ability to repay: The lender will also consider your ability to repay the loan. They’ll look at things like your income, debts, credit history, and other factors to determine if you can afford the loan payments. Can You Buy a Franchise with No Money? No matter how you slice it, you’re going to need some money to finance a franchise. Franchises typically cost at least tens of thousands of dollars. If you don’t have any money or the ability to borrow some, then buying a franchise will not be an option for you. Can You Get SBA Loan Financing for a Franchise? The SBA provides loan programs that business owners can utilize to finance a franchise. However, not every franchise will meet the eligibility criteria. The SBA has established specific guidelines that a franchise must adhere to in order to qualify for financing. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Top Funding Options for Aspiring Franchise Owners" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google is testing adding filters to the latest post carousel. These filters can show recent posts, video posts, posts from Instagram, or Facebook. View the full article

Survey reveals trends in local reviews: trust in word-of-mouth, growing focus on recent feedback, and the importance of owner responses in shaping customer trust. The post Surprising Review Stats To Feed Your Local Strategy [Study] appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Welcome to Pressing Questions, Fast Company’s work-life advice column. Every week, deputy editor Kathleen Davis, host of The New Way We Work podcast, will answer the biggest and most pressing workplace questions. Q: How can I get over decision paralysis? A: I feel this one. I think we all do. By most estimates, the average person makes around 35,000 decisions per day. Most of those are small choices like what to wear, what to have for lunch, what to post on social media. Hopefully you’re not paralyzed by those choices. But you also shouldn’t discount them completely. If you spend too much time mulling over the less consequential parts of life, you can end up with decision fatigue. Decision fatigue leaves your brain too tired to make the choices that really matter. It’s why some of the most successful people either automate or outsource those thousands of little choices (and why former President Obama always wore the same types of suits). After you cut down on the mental load of those thousands of small choices, you will hopefully have a bit more space to think about life’s big decisions: Should you leave your job? Should you get divorced? Should you have a child? Where should you go on vacation? Narrow your options That last example might not seem as high stakes, but it serves as a good example of one of the things that makes people feel stuck in decision-making: too many choices. When your options are unlimited, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and want to give up. Here it might help to narrow it down by thinking about what time of year you are traveling, what type of trip you want, your budget, who is traveling with you, if you want to fly or drive, etc. Hone down those smaller choices and you’ll be left with far fewer options. Ask for impartial advice In the vacation example, you probably want to get the input of the other people you are travelling with. With other decisions that impact others in your life, like job change or moving, factoring in the needs and opinions of those impacted is certainly important. But, after you have that information, if the final choice is yours, you can still feel stuck. That’s when it might be good to ask someone who doesn’t have a stake in the outcome. Trying to decide on the best all inclusive resort for a spring break trip? Post the question in your local parenting group. Trying to decide which couch would look best in your living room? Post the pictures side by side and let people vote. Trying to decide if you should change careers? Talk to a friend who knows you well. Ask yourself the right questions I love a good pro/con list, and it’s a staple of decision-making. The problem is it weighs everything equally. When deciding to move, for example, the pro of having a bigger yard isn’t really comparable to the con of adding an hour to your commute or leaving your kid’s beloved school. That’s why asking yourself questions that probe a little deeper can help you arrive at a better decision. Try questions like: Does this take you closer to your goals? How do you think you’ll feel about this decision in five years? Is this something that you think you “should” do vs. something that you actually want to do? Check your gut (and your whole body) Another good piece of advice when it comes to decision-making? Pretend that you’ve made your choice and sit with it for a few hours or overnight (the classic “sleep on it” approach). If you imagine you’ve already told your boss that you quit and you feel lighter, it’s a pretty good indication of what you should do. When a decision is important, you can feel it physically. Leadership consultant Diana Chapman says the best decisions are accompanied by a “whole-body ‘yes‘”: When you’ve made the best decision you feel it in your whole body—head, heart, and gut. Still can’t decide? Here’s some more advice: 3 simple ways to become less anxious and more decisive Try these neuroscience-backed tactics to train your brain to make better decisions Your ultimate decision-making guide to help you make better choices faster 5 ways to prevent decision fatigue from ruining your productivity View the full article

After decades of fielding questions about travel points, loyalty programs, and rewards credit cards, you’d think that Brian Kelly—the founder of The Points Guy—would tire of the subject. Instead, he’s more energized than ever, a passion he channeled into his new book, How to Win at Travel. In 300-plus pages, Kelly delivers more than just strategies for maximizing credit cards and points. He’s created a travel bible of sorts, one that makes planning and logistics as rewarding as the trip itself. Brian Kelly [Photo: Brandon Launerts/courtesy Simon & Schuster] It’s a book built for every kind of traveler, from those working towards their first bucket-list trip to people trying to stretch points for a family of five. “Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book,” Kelly says. Here, he tackles some of the peskiest travel dilemmas: what to do when your flight goes sideways, when to cash in your points, how to stay on the right side of locals, and more. In your book, you note that we’re in the “platinum age” of travel, a departure from what people considered the Golden Age of travel. What do you mean by that? People are wistful for aviation in the 1960s, a time when people dressed up to fly. They were served meals on china with silver cutlery—we’ve all seen the pictures. But the truth is travel at that time was less convenient overall, and inaccessible except for the very rich. And everyone was smoking! Today, travel is safer, much less expensive, and we have tons of options. On top of that we have this points ecosystem, open to everyday people, that can unlock elite travel status. In your book, you write, “Loyalty is less about travel and more about personal finance and harnessing the power of your spending.” Can you explain? Points and travel can be an entry point into better finances, by paying your cards every month, bringing up your credit score, and so on. You’re starting with a reward that’s positive reinforcement for being smart about your financial health. What are three of your top tips for redeeming points and miles today? The first is to use technology to your advantage. The company Point.Me searches for flights based on your points across 33 loyalty programs on more than 150 airlines. [Brian Kelly is an investor in Point.Me.] Also, let the deals determine where you go. Even if you’re not flexible on your dates, you don’t have to travel where everyone else is going. In fact, it’s often better not to. Third, don’t hoard your points. They become less valuable over time. When you rack up these huge balances, you’re just losing money to inflation. When it comes to booking award travel with an airline, you know a lot of next-level tricks. Can you tell us about zone-based and distance-based airline rewards, and how you can use them to your advantage? These are the two types of rewards airlines use. For distance-based rewards, the math is pretty simple. The longer distance you fly, the more miles you pay, though distances are grouped together, so you can maximize these rewards when the price doesn’t exactly correlate to the distance of the flight. Zone-based rewards often have something that I call sweet spots. Turkish Airlines, for example, includes Hawaii in the same zone as the Continental U.S. So even though it’s much farther to, say, fly New York to Honolulu, so you can often fly there for the same number of miles as you would traveling a much shorter distance, like New York to Boston. What are “awards holds,” and when do you use them? Awards tickets can come and go in an instant, and it’s frustrating when you miss a deal. Some airlines, like Air France, American, and Lufthansa, allow you to hold your ticket for a certain number of days. It costs anywhere from $0 to $35. This permits you to make your other travel reservations and get your life in order before you book. In the past, we’ve seen credit cards offer travelers big points bonuses, which help you along the path to free travel. Are there ways to anticipate great offerings? In general, the industry is moving toward more personalized offers. So don’t ignore snail mail and promotional emails from credit card companies. Some might think it’s tedious to go through all that mail. I think of it as a treasure hunt. You also advise people to sign up for memberships to organizations that have travel benefits. What are some that people might not know about? AARP memberships, which start at $15 a year, offer great travel deals, and most people don’t know that you don’t need to be over 55 to join. I also love the American Bar Association, from $129 a year. It’s also open to a wider range of professions—like paralegals, law students, policymakers—than you might think, and the membership means steep discounts on loads of luxury hotels. When it comes to booking travel, you don’t love online travel agencies, like Expedia or Priceline, which are known as OTAs. Why not? How should travelers use them? OTAs revolutionized the travel industry 20 years ago, and I still use them to compare travel deals before I book. But when you book with an OTA, you are their customer. They own you. They don’t even pass your email along to airlines or hotels. So when things go wrong, you’ve inflicted a world of pain on yourself because you can’t go to the hotel or airline for help. You’ve agreed to the OTA’s terms, and often their customer service is lacking, if it exists at all. What are your top tips for what you call “turning off the friction of travel”? Book through the right travel channel—directly or with a travel agent that has deep relationships with the hotels you’re staying in and the destination you’re visiting. Also make sure your contacts are up to date, so your airline or hotel can contact you easily if something goes wrong. If you fly with certain airlines often, read their contract of carriage. Having a basic understanding of your rights can go a long way when you’re working with an agent in person or over the phone. What kinds of information can you find in the contract of carriage? There’s the flat tire rule—a grace period if you’re delayed or late for a flight—and airlines will book you free of charge on the next available flight. It’s also good to know which partner airlines are available to you, so you can search options from those airlines before speaking with a gate agent about rebooking. I always pull up specific flights and have all of the information ready before speaking with an agent. As of October of last year, the Department of Transportation also finally required airlines to automatically refund passengers if their flights are canceled. They’re still not required to compensate you, though. European and Canadian airlines are. For that reason, it’s worth flying on a European or Canadian airline when flying from the U.S. When flying back into the U.S., our airlines are beholden to European rules so compensation is on the table. Any advice for avoiding long lines at the airport? Definitely get Global Entry. Many rewards credit cards offer it as a travel perk, and now kids under 18 can get it for free. Clear can also be worth it, but not always. It depends on the airports you frequent. And if your flight plans go sideways, consider calling the foreign-language customer service line while waiting to speak to a gate agent. It’s the same service but often has a much shorter wait time. View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. When economic analysts talk about a cyclical change, they’re talking about short-term fluctuations driven by the business cycle. When those same analysts talk about a secular change, they’re talking about long-term, structural shifts in the economy. Sometimes a trend can be a little of both. One example: First-time homebuyers keep getting older. In 1991, the median age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. was 28 years old. In 2024, it was 38 years old. In other words, the median first-time U.S. homebuyer in 2024 (age 38) has been out of high school for 20 years but is also only 24 years away from the earliest age at which they could receive Social Security benefits (age 62). Some of that increase is driven by how strained housing affordability has gotten over the past three years. And some of that increase is driven by secular changes, which are happening across the developed world, as younger generations are delaying life events compared to previous generations—attending school longer, marrying later, buying homes later, and having children later. It isn’t just first-time homebuyers. Repeat homebuyers are getting older, too. In 1991, the median age of repeat homebuyers in the U.S. was 42 years old. In 2024, it was 61 years old. While delayed life events and fewer homebuyers in their twenties and thirties are driving up the median age of repeat buyers, there are other factors. Part of the reason repeat buyers are older stems from the fact that the overall U.S. population is skewing older as the giant baby boomer generation ages and birth rates decline. Another factor is that older U.S. homeowners with substantial equity or even a paid-off primary residence are a little less sensitive to the recent mortgage rate shock. If they need to buy, some have taken the plunge over the past couple of years, avoiding 6% and 7% mortgage rates by simply paying all cash. View the full article

Currency jumps nearly 3% against US dollar on growing hopes of end to Ukraine warView the full article

Trade is wrongly blamed for the relative decline of the USView the full article

Social media marketing has become a necessity in most businesses' toolkits today. And B2B companies are no different. If you’re saying, “But we sell to other businesses, not individuals, why do we need to practice social media marketing?” remember there’s still a human behind every B2B purchase, too. Numbers tell the same story: 75 percent of B2B buyers use social media to make buying decisions60 percent of B2B marketers say social media is the most effective channel for driving revenueThat said, there are key differences between how you formulate a B2B social media strategy and a B2C social media strategy. This article will highlight those and help you create a solid social media strategy for your B2B company. B2B social media marketing vs. B2C social media marketing: How should your strategy differ?B2B social media marketing isn’t the same game at a different level; it’s a different league altogether. Here’s why: B2B social media marketing is more complex. B2B social media is less straightforward by the very nature of its products. While B2C products are usually not technical, B2B social media requires an in-depth understanding of complex topics and features.On the flip side, this complexity is also what keeps things interesting — ensuring your social media marketing efforts are always fresh. In B2C, social media marketing can start to blend after you reach a certain threshold of success.B2B social media marketing has a much longer sales cycle. Almost all B2B purchases require either multiple decision-makers or an extensive evaluation by an individual. This is because the average order value of a B2B purchase exceeds B2C averages (sometimes by a mile and more).Consumers can purchase mascara on a whim, but they won’t casually drop hundreds of dollars for a yearly subscription to a B2B tool.B2B social media marketing creates a wider impact. A B2B purchase is rarely for just one person; a whole team uses the tool. This means that while B2B social media marketing is hard(er) work and a long game, the impact is also wider.B2B social media marketing attribution is tougher. Since sales cycles can run astronomically long in B2B purchases, it’s difficult to attribute direct purchases via social media marketing in B2B. For example, a company might’ve discovered your B2B product via social media, but closing them might’ve taken one year — making it nearly impossible to attribute this sale in your social media performance reports. In B2C, attribution is usually more straightforward.Despite all the differences, B2B social media marketing has a lot more in common with traditional social media strategies. Regardless of the business type: Both B2C and B2B social media marketing need to keep buyers front and center. Don’t use social media channels as a megaphone to talk about you, you, you. Instead, use social posts to help and entertain your potential buyers. Your goal is to alleviate their pain points via relevant content — regardless of company type.Both B2C and B2B social media marketing need an in-depth understanding of their target audience. You can’t create impactful social media content if you don’t know your potential buyers’ pain points and how you can help them.Both B2C and B2B social media marketing require interaction as much as posting. Social media isn’t a one-way street. You need to engage by responding to comments, direct messages (DMs), and having meaningful conversations with your buyers. You can’t build a solid social media community and foster genuine connections if you post and ghost.Both B2C and B2B social media marketing need social listening. You need to know what your buyers are thinking, which trends they are following, and what industry news is affecting them & how. Social listening is about keeping a pulse on what’s going on in your target audience’s life. It’s non-negotiable if you want to succeed with your social media strategy.Now that you know the shared qualities and the core differences between B2C vs. B2B social media marketing, let’s address the elephant in the room: B2B social media content is boring. How do you cast a boring-repellent on your B2B social media marketingBefore we get into how you can use a Hogwarts spell to transform boring B2B content into interesting, it’s important to note both “boring content” and “high-quality content” are subjective terms. What you think is boring might not actually be boring for your target audience. Just swap your social media feed with a friend’s and you’ll see their For You page is drastically different from yours. It might be uninteresting to you, but it’s keeping them hooked. So don’t sweat creating complex and technical content if you’re confident your audience will love it. Still, most B2B social media companies have a snooze-worthy social media presence. It largely comes down to three issues: 1. Not having a thorough understanding of your target audienceYou need to know what your target audience thinks & worries about, who influences their purchases, and what they use social media for. This is easier to do in the B2B industry because you have sales reps and customer success departments who know your potential customers’ pain points very well. Ask for their help — B2B social media marketing (and any marketing, for that matter) is cross-functional. Cognism’s overall digital marketing strategy does this exceptionally well. They often create educational LinkedIn content and relatable memes that prove how well they understand their potential customers. 2. Not entrenching yourself in the subcultures of your target social media platformsB2B social media marketing isn’t about being on many social media platforms. It’s about being at the right ones (more on that in the next section). And more importantly, it’s about understanding the specific sub-culture of your chosen social platform. For example, TikTok is all about participating in trends, showing your face, letting loose, and honing in on authenticity. You don’t need to create your content in a suit; it needs to be casual. But LinkedIn is drastically different. Here, you can share product tips and be much more company-focused than you can be on TikTok. Twitter (now X) always has its own trends specific to industry news or location. You can only ace all of this once you’ve spent a lot of time and energy not only creating social media content, but using these platforms to understand how your potential customers use it. Tl;dv is a great example because they regularly create TikTok content that hits just right with their target audience. You can tell they know and understand how TikTok works — the pacing, the content ideas, and the quick transitions, all match the TikTok vibe. Plus, they know their audience’s pain points (and how to make fun of them). When I asked Ian Evans (part of the organic social media team at tl;dv) about he finds such relatable content ideas, he explained the comments are the goldmine: “Even if our video is only a basic joke, it can often prompt people to share their experiences or stories in the comment section. We can get new ideas but also learn what our audience finds funny/not funny.” 3. Not knowing your B2B product from top to tailYou can know your target audience and how to use different social media platforms. But it’s all for nothing if you don’t know the product you’re selling.You need to know which features fulfill what desires, why your customers choose you over your competitors, what’s on your product roadmap & why, and how your existing customers use your product. All this info will help you create social media content that will truly resonate with your target audience. TallyForms does this best — regularly highlighting and promoting their new features & templates using social content. Customer feedback matters, even the not-so-good ones. 🫣 Our new complaint form template helps you: 📝 Categorize issues clearly ⚡️ Set priority levels 📎 Collect supporting docs ✨ Track desired resolutions Free template here: https://t.co/g9uSnZLt97 pic.twitter.com/YoijwRBszp — Tally (@TallyForms) December 10, 2024 What happens when you check all the boxes above? You create B2B social content that’s truly engaging, relatable, and fun. Trust me, your potential customers can smell it when you: a) don’t know them well, b) don’t know the social media platform, and c) don’t know your own product. This is why they scroll away instead of stopping to listen to what you have to say. And the best part is if you’ve aced product, customer, and social media platform knowledge, content ideas will overflow. How to create a B2B social media strategy in 6 steps There are many, many ways to create a social media strategy. But it all follows roughly the same big steps. You can shift the orders of some of these steps (for example, you can determine your social media goals before you narrow down your social media channels), but the rough path stays similar. Step 1: Narrow down your social media goalsWhy do you want to be on social media platforms? What do you want to achieve with a social media presence? How does social media marketing help you meet your overall business goals? The first and the most crucial part of creating a social media strategy is knowing exactly what you desire to accomplish using social media channels. It’s tempting to just start creating social media posts, but random posting will just get you random results. And worst of all: you won’t be able to prove the impact of your efforts if you don’t set concrete social media goals. These goals should also have a tangible KPI attached to them so you know how to measure their impact. For instance, if you want to generate leads using your social media marketing strategy, maybe you assess the impact by calculating how many website visitors came via your unique link or how many potential leads filled “social media” as their source of brand knowledge. The next question: What social media goals should you set as a B2B company? Since B2B purchases involve a long sales cycle and thorough purchasing decisions, it’s best to have more realistic goals like increasing brand awareness or sourcing top talent. You can also use your social media page to grow other areas of your marketing strategy — like getting people to sign up to your newsletter or potential leads to register for your webinar. For example, BetterUp often promotes its live webinars using LinkedIn. Now, can you set multiple social media goals? Yes, but always set priorities for your goals so you don’t get distracted from what’s truly important. Ian Evans at tl;dv strives for both awareness and goals. He explains how to strike that balance: “We strive for both conversations and awareness, but it’s a balance. When the views are up, it’s easier to aim for conversions because we’ve got more eyeballs. When the views have been in a slump, we can go back to our roots and post the more enjoyable/shareable content, even if it’s got a weaker CTA.” In the beginning, though, tl;dv was also partial toward brand awareness as a social media goal. Remember that different social channels can have a different content strategy, too. For example, maybe you’re using LinkedIn to source talent and TikTok for lead generation. To accomplish this, you’ll need to create different social media posts for different social media channels (employee advocacy program on LinkedIn, customer success stories on TikTok). Lastly, don’t forget that your social media goals can (and should!) evolve as your business priorities change. Keep shifting with them as your company moves forward. This doesn’t mean you switch your social strategy every quarter, but you take a more holistic approach to move your social media marketing plans in tandem with your business growth. Step 2: Determine which social media platforms you should be onShould you be on all social media sites? There are some advantages to being present everywhere and being an early adopter of new social platforms but quantity doesn’t mean quality. It’s better to ace one platform at a time before adding another. Why? All social platforms have their own vibe, subculture, etc. You can’t dive deep into all social platforms simultaneously without burning outYou can repurpose existing content for new social platforms as you add them graduallyNow, what is the right social media channel for your B2B business? Prioritize the social channels your potential buyers use to learn more about products like yours. For example, Dock often posts about its features on LinkedIn with a “little things you’ll love content series” since most of its customer base (sales teams) are present on the platform and are open to new tool recommendations. That last part is crucial because your audience might be active on Instagram, but they might not want B2B businesses on their feed. They aren’t in the buying or consideration mindset while using this social media channel. Yes, you can eventually start creating Instagram content as a B2B business, too, but it’s ideally last on your list. Add it after you’ve already aced the social channels where your audience is open to discovering B2B products. A study by Content Marketing Institute found LinkedIn delivers the best value for B2B marketers. Another research confirmed this finding and added X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube (in that order) are the other channels of choice in the B2B space. I’d advise not to rely on external research alone to determine the right social media channel to prioritize, though. Ask your existing customers what social platforms influence their purchasing decisions the most. While you’re at it, also ask them what kind of content they find the most relevant, helpful, and engaging from B2B companies. Your existing customers are the source of the most accurate information about your specific B2B social media marketing. Why? Because your leads also behave like them. Step 3: Decide your content pillarsContent pillars are the foundation of your marketing strategy. They are the key themes or topics you want to focus on and become known for in your B2B social media efforts. Think of content pillars as the first thing you want your audience to think of when they hear your company’s name. For example, when someone says beehiiv, I instantly think of email marketing, brand sponsorships, and newsletters. This is because they’ve consistently published content around these topics — enough for it to become sticky in my mind. You should have broadly three to five content pillars, and any social posts you create should fit into one of these buckets as much as possible. Now, how do you find your content pillars? The first source is always customer research. What do your buyers care about? What kind of content do they want to see? Which content influences them the most? Apart from speaking to your customers, you can also use tools like SparkToro to see where your audience’s interests lie.The second source is competitive analysis. What are your competitors posting about? Is educational content getting more engagement than entertaining content? What questions or feedback is your shared audience leaving in the comments section? Competitor research can provide valuable insights into what your content pillars can be.Lastly, experiment and find out! Use your social media performance metrics to determine what kind of posts get the most engagement, questions, DMs, and website visits. Double down on them. It might take a while to find your footing, but it’s going to be rock solid once you get there.⚡Pro-tip: While you’re experimenting with various content topics/pillars, also experiment with content formats. Maybe your LinkedIn page loves carousels but video content takes off on X. Content creation is just as much about the different formats as it is about the topics.Remember that your content pillars must be broad enough to have various sub-topics. This ensures you never run out of content ideas and (almost) always have something fresh to say. For example, one of your content pillars can be customer stories. Under this, you can create content around customer testimonials, repurpose case studies to show social proof, and showcase how other companies use your features. These are various umbrellas of their own under a single content pillar. 💡Learn more: How To Create Content Pillars For Social MediaStep 4: Create a content calendarA content calendar is the place where you fit all the execution pieces into the puzzle. Once you’ve narrowed down your overall marketing strategy, social channels, and content pillars, the next thing to do is the actual work: content creation. I’d advise creating content in advance for the week or month (more lovingly called content batching) and scheduling them using a social media management tool like Buffer. Using Buffer, you can schedule your posts in advance and not worry about doing it manually. Not just this: You can also store your content ideas as they come to you. Those shower breakthroughs should always have a place on the shelf, right? Pro-tip: While creating a content calendar, leave some space to create trending content. Trends are often fleeting, so they can rarely be planned in advance with a content calendar. This also applies to reacting to industry news that’s time-sensitive. Another pro-tip: And don’t forget to create content for the predictable days in your audience’s life. For example, if you sell accounting software, you can always have a tax reminder post whenever the tax is due in your audience’s location. For example, Air created many holiday-centric social content that would be relatable for their target buyers. 💡Pssst…wondering how often you should post on each social media platform? Check our social media benchmarks guide.Step 5: Analyze your social media insightsMonitoring your social media performance can help you get an even deeper insight into what’s resonating with your potential customers. For example, a certain topic always tends to increase your social media followers — proving it strikes the right chord with your target audience. If you use Buffer, you get these social media insights at your fingertips in a few clicks. You can know the best content format for a social media platform, best day & time to post, and create beautiful, branded reports. Your social media efforts need to shift shape using these analytics. If you consistently see a type of post or content pillar underperforming, for instance, it’s time to cut it loose. These analytics should help you nurture relationships with your audience even further. Mark it in your calendars to run a fine-toothed comb on your social media analytics and gather concrete insights. Step 6: Amplify your social media contentYou can reach a wider audience via your B2B social media marketing strategy if you add the following things into the mix: Social media adsInfluencer partnershipsUser-generated contentAn example I love is Modash’s frequent partnerships with Sophie Miller of Pretty Little Marketer to promote their software. This collaboration gives Modash a chance to build brand awareness not just via their own organic content, but also by using other trusted voices in the same industry. These are people your decision makers trust and seek advice from. Find subject matter experts and thought leaders trusted in your industry and form influencer collaborations with them. User-generated content is when customers and/or brand advocates proactively share how they’re using your B2B tool. Reshare it on your own social media account: It’s the best form of social proof. You can also encourage your customers to do this by offering rewards for sharing their honest reviews on social media. 💡Learn more: A Straightforward Approach to User Generated Content that ConnectsWhen it comes to social media advertising, remember two things: Experiment with social media ads on the channel that has given you the best performance to increase your chances of a positive return on investment (ROI) Introduce paid advertising when you have to run a specific social media campaign for a business change like a new feature launch or introduce a rebrandAll these methods are paid ways to grow your social media efforts. Add them when you’ve exhausted your organic marketing strategy and need to add fire to the fuel. B2B social media marketing is never “done”Building a B2B social media marketing strategy isn’t a one-and-done task, it’s a recurring one. Today, you might be able to practice content creation on one platform and choose to create thought leadership LinkedIn articles. Tomorrow, as your competence develops, resources expand, and business goals move forward, your social strategy can evolve to include TikTok trends. You will constantly iterate and improve upon your social strategy: maybe you introduce new target audiences and need to create content that caters to them. Or perhaps your decision makers’ priorities change and your content creation on social media needs to adapt to it. Set a reminder to evaluate your strategy once a quarter. Reflect on what’s going right, what can improve, and what has changed. View the full article

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Whenever we have a free afternoon, my nine-year-old and I visit our favorite bookshop. By now, we have a routine. Ella makes a beeline to the graphic novels. Her favorite books—such as Smile, Roller Girl, and The New Girl—are part of a new genre of graphic novels that has emerged over the past decade-and-a-half specifically targeted at eight-12-year-olds. The books’ illustrations are colorful and fun, but the stories tackle serious issues: Mending broken relationships; confronting social anxiety; dealing with siblings and parents. Unlike prose, which takes her days to read, Ella will binge these graphic novels in less than an hour. But she’ll come back again and again to the ones she loves, as if they’re guidebooks for navigating life’s tricky situations. Still, at this pace, we need a constant stream of them. Fortunately for her, we’re in a golden age of graphic novels. Publishers are now churning out thousands of new titles every year for readers of all ages, from the youngest readers to adults. Graphic novelists are pushing the boundaries of the art form, telling a wide range of stories in varied illustration styles. And more people than ever are reading these books. Since 2019, sales of graphic novels in the U.S. have doubled to 35 million books a year, a number behind only general fiction and romance. [Cover Images: Little Brown Ink, First Second/Macmillan] Graphic novels—a term interchangeably used with comic books—are particularly popular among young children still building their literacy skills. Surveys show that in recent years, graphic novels have increased in popularity by 69% among elementary school children. Several publishers now have specific children’s imprints devoted to graphic novels, including Macmillan’s First Second and Hachette’s Little, Brown Ink. My husband and I have observed Ella’s love of graphic novels with curiosity and, if we’re honest, a little skepticism. We’re not alone. More than half of school librarians report that parents and teachers oppose the genre and don’t think it’s a legitimate form of literature. This hesitation makes sense. Most millennial parents didn’t grow up with graphic novels and they now have questions about how these books will shape their child’s lifelong relationship to reading. Will kids ever make the leap to more traditional prose? And ultimately, does it matter? A Los Angeles city councilman holding horror and crime comics, purchased ca. 1954 [Photo: Los Angeles Daily News/Wiki Commons] How Comics got a bad name Comics first emerged in the early 1900s, when newspapers published humorous serialized comic strips. (Think: Peanuts, Beetle Bailey.) In the 1940s, the comics industry exploded, as creators told stories across many genres including horror, crime, and perhaps most famously, superheroes. By the ’50s, Superman comics were selling at a rate of 1.5 million copies a month. Then came a backlash. Comics of this era were often written for adults, depicting violence, drugs, and sex. In 1954, the psychologist Fredric Wertham wrote the book, Seduction of the Innocent: The Influence of Comic Books on Today’s Youth, which asserted that comics had a negative impact on children, pushing “deviant” sexual practices on them. (His examples now seem far-fetched and prudish, including the bondage subtext of Wonder Woman’s lasso, and homosexual undertones of Batman and Robin’s relationship.) [Image: Comics Code Authority] The U.S. government began to worry about how comics were influencing American youth. At a Senate hearing in 1954 about comics’s deleterious impact on society, mainstream publishers agreed to censor themselves, self-imposing a restrictive “Comics Code,” which ensured that all comics would be safe for children to read. Meanwhile, creators of comics with more adult themes went underground, selling their work on the black market. “Comics as an art form regressed,” says Eva Volin, supervising children’s librarian at the Alameda Free Library in California. “Many comics publishers went out of business.” By the time I was growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, comics as a genre had largely petered out. The series that remained were formulaic and tame—like Dilbert or Garfield—rather than the rich, exciting stories from previous decades. There was still a community of superhero fans reading DC and Marvel comics, but they didn’t have the same kind of widespread appeal. “The attacks on comics had a chilling effect that persisted for decades,” Volin says. “Some people continue to see comics as something base and potentially harmful.” But in the midst of this dearth, small communities of comics-lovers persisted, says Robin Brenner, head of reference and programming at the Woburn Public Library outside Boston. Some scratched the itch by turning to Manga, a comics style from Japan that spanned a wide range of genres and ages. By the early 2000s, Japanese publishers were translating and exporting these books around the world. There was also a new subculture bubbling online around webcomics, where creators published serialized stories on the internet that dropped once a week. American publishers took note. “[Publishers] suddenly realized there could be an enormous market for comics that told different kinds of stories, for different audiences,” says Brenner. [Cover Images: Little Brown Ink, First Second/Macmillan] The New Genre of Tween Graphic Novels Tori Sharp, a 30-year-old graphic novelist, has always loved comics. “I found that so much voice could come through the artwork,” Sharp says. “There’s something that feels like you are a step closer to the creator than you can get with prose. It feels so intimate.” Tori Sharp [Image: Sabreen Lakhani/courtesy Little, Brown Ink] Throughout her childhood, though, she struggled to find books in the genre. Even a decade ago, when she was in art school at SCAD, the library had only a handful of well-known titles, such as Maus and Persepolis. But as she was training to be an artist, the plate tectonics in the children’s graphic novel market was shifting. One breakthrough moment happened in 2010 when Scholastic published Raina Telgemeier’s book Smile, a graphic novel about a sixth grader who injures her two front teeth and must wear embarrassing headgear. The relatable story, with its colorful illustrations, was an instant hit among early readers and middle schoolers. It sold tens of thousands of copies the year it was released, and a decade later it was selling hundreds of thousands of copies annually. Telgemeier went on to create many other bestsellers, including a graphic novel version of The Baby-Sitters Club. [Image: Scholastic] Andrea Colvin, the editorial director of graphic publishing at Little, Brown Ink, says that Telgemeier ushered in a new genre of comics targeted at tweens. Soon, all children’s publishers were eager to acquire books by talented graphic novelists focused on the topics that middle-grade readers cared about. “It was such an exciting moment,” says Colvin. “There was this new medium for children to process stories.” In her role at Little, Brown Ink, Colvin brought Sharp on to create graphic novels for middle-grade readers. For Sharp, this was an opportunity to create the kinds of books she had craved as a child. Her first graphic novel, published in 2021, is a memoir that explains how Sharp dealt with her parents’ divorce by living in her imagination. “I had thought about writing the story as fiction, with a little dragon whose parents got divorced,” she says. “But I felt that telling a story that kids would know was true could be really helpful if they were dealing with this particular issue.” Many parents are turned off by the fact that kids go through graphic novels quickly, taking it as sign that these books aren’t as substantial as prose. But Sharp doesn’t see it that way. “One of the most beautiful things about graphic novels is how quick they are to read,” she says. “It allows kids to cycle through different stories, find one they connect with, and spend a lot of time with that particular story. Kids often read books with characters a few years older than they are, dealing with issues they’re curious about.” Today, graphic novels are often the first books that elementary-school students will seek out for themselves and read on their own. And this is likely to shape a child’s lifelong relationship to reading. “This is a formative period in a child’s life,” says Namrata Tripathi, founder and publisher of Kokila, a children’s book imprint at Penguin Young Readers. “Their experiences with reading in these years will shape how they feel about literature as adults.” [Cover Images: Little Brown Ink, First Second/Macmillan] Graphic Novels and Parents’ Angst When publishers first started making graphic novels for young children in the 2010s, there was a lot of opposition. This resistance persists. According to the School Library Journal’s most recent survey, 55% of librarians said teachers opposed them because they were not “real books,” while 48% said parents felt this way. Their concern comes at a time when there’s been a steep decline in children’s reading. Scholastic has found that as children go from elementary to high school, there’s a dramatic decline in their reading enjoyment (from 70% to 46%) as well as in reading frequency (46% to 15%). Scholastic says that one reason for this is that children are increasingly spending time on screens, particularly in their tween and teen years. To many parents and educators, it’s unclear whether graphic novels are making the problem better or worse. With their bold illustrations and shorter word counts, the genre seems tailored to kids immersed in the deeply visual, high-velocity world of TV and video games. But these caregivers worry that kids will never make the transition to reading prose, that they’ll end up in college without having read an entire book. But new data suggests that graphic novels actually do help cultivate lifelong readers of prose. A 2023 survey from the National Literacy Trust found that children who read graphic novels in their free time were twice as likely to enjoy reading more overall and rated themselves good readers as compared to those that did not read graphic novels. To Tripathi, this makes sense. “As parents, we can feel a certain pressure to make reading very metrics-oriented, wanting them to read books of a certain length or with a certain number of words,” she says. “We forget that the kid who is going to stay a reader is one who loves reading, who associates it with a kind of pleasure, joy, curiosity, and fulfillment.” [Cover Image: First Second/Macmillan] Publishers have had to fight to show the world that graphic novels are a legitimate form of literature. The graphic novel imprint First Second, for instance, has been instrumental in this effort. Macmillan launched it in 2006, when graphic novels had only a small, niche audience. But from the start, it focused on acquiring books for children that pushed the boundaries of art and storytelling; many of its books have received prestigious awards. One of the first books it ever published, American Born Chinese, was a finalist for the National Book award. “I can’t stress enough how important the destigmatization process was,” says Jon Yaged, CEO of Macmillan. “Nobody can deny the literary merit of graphic novels anymore.” With parents so fixated on making sure our kids are hitting literacy milestones, many haven’t noticed that children are developing an entirely new form of literacy that we don’t have. Many adults find graphic novels foreign and intimidating because it takes time to learn how to read them. “Kids are now fluent in a kind of visual literacy that their parents don’t even recognize as a skillset,” says Tripathi. “They have a nuanced understanding of symbols. They’re able to understand what is happening in the blank spaces between the panels.” As I see Ella’s well-worn piles of graphic novels around the house, I think about how my daughter has access to an entire universe of storytelling that I didn’t have. And as the graphic-novel industry keeps growing, publishers are now working to create books for adults who grew up loving the format. The First Second team is now launching an entirely new imprint called 23rd Street Books that is devoted to adults. Ella will benefit from this explosion of literature in graphic novel form. “We used to be the lone kooks in the wilderness,” says Calista Brill, editorial director at First Second, who will serve the same role at 23rd Street. “But comics aren’t niche anymore. For people like me, who love comics, a new world is opening up. Phenomenal creators are creating books that touch on every topic you can imagine, and the possibilities are endless.” View the full article

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is ripping apart the federal government at the seams. They’ve decimated the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), strong-armed their way into troves of sensitive personal data, and pushed federal employees as close to quitting as possible. The people running the show, it seems, are a group of 20-somethings. Because of their youth, these staffers have received an unexpected level of protection. Wired initially left their names out an initial report “because of their ages.” (These young employees are all above 18). When JD Vance defended a 25-year-old staffer who resigned over racist tweets, he called him a “kid.” But these aren’t kids, and they’re not worth protecting. We shouldn’t feel bad judging Musk’s far-too-young team. The ‘kids’ tearing down the government Back in January, Wired published a report on the nascent group’s operations. DOGE had effectively taken over the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), filling it with former X employees and Musk devotees. Two of these DOGE staffers were young, just 19 and 24, with résumés that consisted mostly of internship experiences. Wired declined to name the duo, citing their ages. The move was lambasted on X; why were these two men withheld from public scrutiny? Why is WIRED not naming government officials—who collect taxpayer dollars!—just because they’re 21 and and probably 18 years old? pic.twitter.com/paZtnZjIjv — Jarod Facundo (@dorajfacundo) January 29, 2025 Wired has since changed course, publishing the two staffers’ names (Akash Bobba and Edward Coristine) along with four others. The magazine’s reporting has spun out a whole new media cycle, with many online media sites scoffing at the young employees. The Daily Beast calls the six Musk’s “Goon Squad.” (People seem especially tickled by Coristine’s online nickname, “Big Balls.”) But that coverage has resulted to equal and opposite reaction. Tech heads have been coming out of the woodwork on X to tell defensive stories about the six. After the Democrats of the House Foreign Affairs Committee posted about “broligarchs” taking control of sensitive information, one X user responded by naming these Zoomers. Musk’s response: “You have committed a crime.” The respondent’s account has since been suspended U.S. attorney Ed Martin (who was present at the January 6 insurrection) penned a public letter to Musk, saying he would pursue legal action against anyone who “targeted” DOGE staffers publicly. Martin claimed that anyone whose actions may have “impacted” these employees’ work “may break numerous laws.” Even President Donald Trump himself came in to defend these staffers, saying that they were “smart people.” The general premise: These six staffers were unimpeachable because of their youth. Many called the naming of these six a “doxing.” The drama spun out even further after Marko Elez, yet another young staffer working under Musk, resigned after The Wall Street Journal inquired about Elez’s connection to a since-deleted account’s racist tweets. Among scores of posts, the account posted things like “Normalize Indian hate” and “You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity.” But then the MAGA-verse rallied to bring him back. Sure enough, JD Vance posted on X that he didn’t “think stupid social media activity should ruin a kid’s life.” (Mind you, Elez was 25. Are you still a “kid” if you can rent a car?) How do we hold these ‘boys’ accountable? The point of calling out these staffers’ ages—ostensibly, to demonstrate how little experience they have—has backfired. These “boys” are now being protected by the right, largely because of their ages. Any attempt to name them is “doxxing.” Anything they posted online is fair game, because they’re too young to know it’s wrong. But now they’re slashing through the government; if they can wield that level of power, they deserve the same level of judgment. Don’t let the smokescreen of childishness fool you: They do have power. Coristine just gained a new role in the State Department; now, 19-year-old “Big Balls” is a senior advisor. Luke Farritor, a 23-year-old also named in the Wired report, has full access to USAID systems. 25-year-old Gavin Kliger sent the email that put USAID workers on leave. These aren’t boys—they’re government officials. They deserve public scrutiny all the same. View the full article

When John Eng started studying the poisonous venom of the Gila monster in the early 1990s, it wasn’t immediately clear if the research would lead somewhere. But Eng, a physician and a researcher who was working at the Veterans Administration Medical Center at the time, wanted to build on previous research that showed that the venom of some animals could potentially control blood sugar in humans, helping treat diabetes. He discovered a compound in the venom that mimicked a human hormone and licensed it to a pharmaceutical company for drug development. After more R&D, the discovery eventually led to GLP-1 drugs including Ozempic, the blockbuster diabetes and weight-loss medicine. The drugs can have severe side effects, and aren’t perfect. But they could also save tens of thousands of lives in the U.S. It’s one of many examples of how obscure fundamental research, funded by the government, leads to pharmaceutical innovation. (In Eng’s case, the research was funded by the Department of Veterans Affairs, and some of the research he built on was funded by the National Institutes of Health.) And it illustrates how the cuts that the Trump administration is trying to make to NIH funding would slow down medical progress. “Fundamental research is kind of the pacesetter of technical progress,” says Pierre Azoulay, a professor at MIT Sloan School of Management who studies technological innovation. In a study, Azoulay found that 31% of NIH grants produce articles that are later cited by private-sector pharma patents. “We’re putting one dollar in and we get many, many, many more dollars out,” he says. “It’s just that we’re not getting it next year. We’re getting it over the next five, 10, 15, 20, 25 years. Things take a long time to percolate through the economy. But we are getting those benefits.” Last Friday, the NIH announced that it was slashing funding for “indirect” costs in research grants and capping it at 15%, down from 40% to 60% at most institutions. That money covers the infrastructure that makes research possible, from building labs, paying electric bills, and setting up IT infrastructure, to paying administrative staff. It’s so fundamental to how the system works that if the cuts stay in place, researchers say it would be catastrophic. “The horrified reaction of people in academia . . . isn’t hyperbole,” Azoulay says. “15% would really be like the sky falling down.” That’s not to say that the current system couldn’t be more efficient, he says. Some of the indirect costs now come from NIH’s own policy for grant recipients to fill out paperwork and comply with a long list of requirements. The whole system, which has been in place since World War II, is “in serious need of reform, maybe even radical reform,” he says. “But radical reform is not what happened a few days ago. It was like, shoot first and aim later.” In theory, pharmaceutical companies could do more basic research themselves. But they obviously have different incentives than researchers at a university or other independent labs. Drug companies might be less likely to pursue something like the Gila monster research. Fundamental research “is not tied to any particular product, necessarily,” says Azoulay. “It can be, in rare cases. But most often, it’s undertaken for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s usefulness, but sometimes just curiosity. You don’t know if or when or where it’s going to be useful. So the private sector is not going to do it.” If a drug company makes a discovery that could also benefit their competitors, they might be less likely to pursue it. Academics, on the other hand, want to share their discoveries as widely as possible. Having multiple sources of funding for R&D—some from the private sector, and some from philanthropy, but mostly support from the federal government for universities—has made the U.S. the leader in biomedical innovation. For decades, the basic system hasn’t really been politically controversial. Support for fundamental research has been “a bedrock principle of U.S. government policy,” Azoulay says. “I would say that up until last week I would have thought that’s a bipartisan point of agreement.” After 22 states filed a lawsuit, arguing that the cuts would stop clinical trials and cause immediate layoffs, a judge temporarily blocked the changes, with a hearing to come on February 21. Other lawsuits are pending. Legally, the Trump administration shouldn’t be able to make the cuts: Congress explicitly banned NIH from making changes to how indirect costs are determined without prior approval. The Trump administration is likely to keep fighting to reduce funding. Part of the motivation is, undoubtedly, to hurt universities. “This would be really bad for the institutions that do research, which I sometimes think is exactly the point,” says Azoulay. “They want to make Harvard cry.” But the long-term effect would be to dramatically slow down the pace of innovation in health in the U.S. That effect won’t show up immediately, but will eventually be significant. “It’s like if you have a contractor come into your house and start hacking away at walls without looking at the building plans,” Azoulay says. “The house doesn’t fall down immediately. But you’re taking a big chance and it might actually fall down later on.” View the full article

We’re excited to announce that, in addition to our recent Microsoft Teams peripheral certifications, Owl Labs is furthering our partnership with Microsoft by joining the Microsoft Device Ecosystem Platform (MDEP). View the full article