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Most SEOs are against bidding on branded terms because it is believed that buying paid ads cannibalizes organic traffic and it can also impact attribution for conversions and revenue. Paid advertisers believe there is an uplift in overall traffic. Who…Read more ›View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Should conjoined twins receive one salary or two? I recently read this article. The summary is that Abby and Brittany are conjoined twins who are fifth grade teachers. They only draw one salary between the two of them because they occupy one position in their school district. I can’t help but feel like this is a little unfair. I understand that they can only physically occupy one classroom at a time but they are two people with two minds who, presumably, both put work into lesson plans, etc. As an avid reader of your website, I am very curious to hear what your take on this situation is. It’s true that the school district is benefiting from the position being filled by two people with two different perspectives and potentially two separate sets of strengths. It’s also true that they’re in a single teacher’s role, meaning that the school district would need to use a second teacher’s salary without that putting a teacher in a second classroom. And realistically, if hiring them meant paying two salaries to fill one position, it would significantly limit their job options because a lot of employers simply wouldn’t hire them. I do think you’d have a potential legal problem if the half-salary they’re each earning is less than minimum wage … but otherwise my take is that the whole system we’ve set up for work isn’t cut out to handle conjoined twins! 2. An acquaintance won’t stop contacting me about a job he was rejected for An acquaintance of mine applied to work at my organization. He got partway through the process and realized through a mutual friend that I work there, so reached out asking if my area was hiring. We are, so I passed his resume along to my manager, as he seemed like a good fit in terms of skills and experience. This landed him an interview. My manager said something was “off” in the interview and he didn’t seem like the right hire, and asked me if I was strongly recommending him. I said no, he’s just an acquaintance. We used to volunteer at the same place for a time a few years ago, but I have never worked with him professionally, nor is he a close friend. So, she informed him we would not be moving forward. That was two months ago. Since that time, he has contacted both me and my manager repeatedly to “follow up,” including emailing my personal email to ask for advice about how to be reconsidered. My manager told him we were no longer filling the position but he still persists, each time explaining how and why he would make a great addition to the team. After responding politely the first time, I am now ignoring his email. However, we do have mutual friends and I am worried we may run into each other, and in fact I likely will see him at an upcoming event. Do I continue to ghost him? I’m not the hiring manager but he got a very clear “we aren’t moving forward” after the interview. I don’t think he realizes these continued attempts to change my manager’s mind are giving a bad impression. You’re not obligated to coach this guy, but since you’re likely to run into him, you could respond to his next email with, “I’m sorry this didn’t work out, but that really is the final answer and you should not keep contacting Jane about it — it’s coming across as too pushy and has no chance of changing the decision.” I might add, “Continuing to contact her will be harmful, not helpful.” If he keeps it up even after that, feel free to go back to ignoring him. 3. How to interpret new daily meetings with my boss I have a fully remote sales job and have been a top performer for the last couple years, though admittedly I have been flagging lately. About a month ago, my boss started scheduling DAILY 30-minute 1-on-1s with me, in addition to our weekly hour. I’m trying to figure out why, and how to respond. The way he framed it, I’m working with some challenging customers right now and could use the extra support, and this will give us a chance to discuss in detail. This kind of makes sense, but I don’t feel like I really uniquely need support compared to others on the team. Two other interpretations were: either this is a warning shot that I’m underperforming (though I’m still otherwise being praised and assigned important work) or he’s concerned that I’m considering quitting (there’s been some drama lately and I don’t think I’ll stay forever, but I’m fine for now). Each interpretation suggests a different approach — if it’s really for my benefit, I should just honestly pick his brain and end early if I don’t need help. If it’s a warning, I need to use the time to show commitment to the work. And if he’s trying to read me, I guess I shouldn’t share any doubts? Since I don’t know why we’re doing this, I try to cover my bases and project a lot of confidence and enthusiasm and progress and frankly, it’s exhausting. Does one of these sound more plausible than the others? What would you do? Any of those is plausible. Do you have the kind of relationship where you can just ask him? Personally, with a boss I had good rapport with, I’d just say, “Can I ask — are we having extra daily meetings because you’re worried about how I’m approaching these clients? Or is there anything else in my work that’s making you concerned?” And depending on how that went, I might say, “If you think it’s helpful to meet daily, I’ll of course do that, but on my end, it works well to keep our weekly hour and just touch base ad hoc if anything comes up that we need to discuss before that.” But otherwise, since you say you haven’t been performing at your usual level and there’s room to get back there, the smartest avenue is to do that. If that’s his concern, you’ll be covering it. However, that’s not about projecting extra confidence and enthusiasm; it’s about the actual work you’re doing; projecting enthusiasm alone is unlikely to take care of it. (And unless something happens that convinces you that definitely not what’s behind the new meetings, it’s safest to assume it could be, and proceed accordingly.) 4. Should cost of living adjustments be prorated based on your start date? Is it normal for cost of living adjustments to be prorated based on employment start date? I work for a nonprofit with employees working remotely across the country (I am one of these). I started working here in July 2024, which was the beginning of the org’s fiscal year. This past fall, the org held town hall meetings to share messaging about the upcoming year: COLA’s would be lower this year, no merit raises, and they revamped how bonuses are done, so no more individual bonuses but rather a team bonus situation. I’m new, so I don’t know how things used to be done and I tried not to worry too much. And of course none of us works at a nonprofit to get rich — I’m biding my time being underpaid just to try to get my federal student loans forgiven. The COLA emails start coming out in early January. My adjustment is 0.58% and includes a note saying, “This COLA acknowledges the 2024 percentage and exceeds the 2025 projected rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and is intended to help alleviate the impact this may have on you and your family.” I did the math. That’s only $300 more per year, or $12 per pay cycle. I wrote back and asked if there were perhaps an accounting error, and was told that employees who started after October 1, 2023 do not receive the full 2.5% but rather a prorated amount commensurate with their start date. They said the reason for that is that employees hired in that time period “have a salary amount that takes the current CPI into account, whether by the amount offered or the minimum range amount they are brought in at. By providing a prorated amount for the following year, we are balancing out the total amount for COLA between the two calendar years.” Is this normal? Is this fair? My expenses for the upcoming year are going up way beyond half a percent! There are many things about nonprofit life that make me cry, and the pay is the biggest one of them. It’s not unusual for cost-of-living adjustments to be prorated in that way. The thinking is what they shared: that the salary you came in at already reflected the cost of living at that time, whereas people who have been with the organization longer had their salaries set under different cost-of-living calculations. Whether or not that’s true is a different question, and would depend on whether the salary band for the job you were hired into had changed in the previous year. But it’s pretty common for them to figure that you accepted the salary as a fair one only six months ago. 5. Federal employee grappling with private sector resume I’m a federal employee. If you’ve been watching the news this week, there’s a lot going on in the background that’s making life for federal employees very hard right now. Aside from the obvious, they are making several lists of categories of employees, likely trying to figure out how to get rid of as many of us as possible in big sweeps of layoffs and firings at once. (We’ve been told these lists are being provided with names to the White House.) This has pushed me to try to find a private-sector job for the first time in more than 25 years. I know I need to completely overhaul my resume from a federal format where listing your duties is primary to a corporate one where accomplishments are king. What I’m not sure of is my current position, which I started about 4-5 months ago. I’ve done two big things that will eventually make a difference and have numbers behind them, but they’re not there yet. I know you’ve advised folks in the past to leave these shorter stays off resumes, but I’m concerned about it not looking like I’ve had a job since the summer. How would you advise me to handle this? If this weren’t my current position, I’d just leave it off, but I’m stumped here. Leave your current position on your resume. People will understand why you’re looking right now. And for the two big things you’ve done that don’t have numbers behind them yet, you can still list those! Not all accomplishments can be measured quantitatively, and that’s okay. Just describe as best as you can what you’ve done and what the impact is / why it matters. View the full article

New data from Chadix highlights the growing impact of AI shopping assistants on consumer emotions, revealing that 70% of respondents feel emotionally manipulated by these tools. The study, which surveyed 3,500 U.S. consumers, underscores the emotional triggers driving purchasing decisions, particularly among younger generations. The study found that emotions such as excitement, guilt, and FOMO (fear of missing out) were top factors influencing AI-recommended purchases. According to the findings: 70% of consumers reported emotions driving their AI-recommended purchases. Top emotional triggers include excitement (70%), FOMO (65%), and guilt (55%). 60% admitted to making frequent impulse purchases based on AI suggestions. “Emotional commerce is reshaping the shopping experience,” said Danny Veiga, founder and AI technology strategist at Chadix. “AI shopping assistants have unlocked new ways to engage consumers, but this survey highlights the fine line between personalization and manipulation. Retailers need to tread carefully to maintain trust.” The influence of AI shopping assistants varies significantly across generational lines: Gen Z (18-28): 65% reported making guilt-driven purchases. Millennials (29-44): 35% were primarily driven by excitement. Gen X (45-60): 35% showed steady susceptibility to guilt-based purchases. Baby Boomers (61+): 35% remained skeptical of AI’s emotional influence. The findings also raise ethical concerns about emotional commerce. AI shopping assistants’ ability to personalize recommendations risks crossing boundaries into manipulation, warns Veiga. “AI shopping assistants have an incredible ability to personalize the shopping journey, but there’s a risk of crossing ethical boundaries,” Veiga said. “Retailers should focus on fostering positive emotions like excitement and curiosity rather than exploiting vulnerabilities like guilt and FOMO. When done ethically, emotional commerce can enhance customer trust and loyalty.” Transparency and consumer education emerged as key strategies for addressing these concerns. Veiga emphasized that authenticity and clear communication about AI systems are critical to maintaining consumer trust. Actionable Insights for Retailers To navigate the complexities of emotional commerce, Chadix recommends that retailers: Prioritize Transparency: Be clear about how AI generates recommendations. Leverage Positive Emotions: Focus on excitement and curiosity over guilt or fear. Educate Consumers: Help users understand AI-driven personalization to foster a sense of control. Test Ethical Limits: Regularly audit AI algorithms to prevent manipulative practices. Incorporate Feedback Loops: Allow customers to share input on their AI experiences to improve functionality. “The findings paint a clear picture—AI isn’t just changing how we shop, it’s changing how we feel while shopping,” Veiga added. “With 70% of consumers admitting to emotional influence by AI, we’re seeing a shift from ‘add to cart’ to ‘appeal to heart.’ The real challenge for retailers in 2025 isn’t about making smarter recommendations—it’s about making more responsible ones.” The study was conducted from January 6-20, 2025, with a sample of 3,500 U.S. consumers stratified across age groups. The survey has a margin of error of ±1.7% at a 95% confidence level. Image: Envato This article, "70% of Consumers Report Emotional Influence by AI Shopping Assistants, Study Reveals" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Don't overlook the SEO aspect of your WordPress theme. Find out why an SEO-friendly theme is important and explore the best options for better rankings. The post How to Choose the Best WordPress Theme for SEO appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google updates Search Quality Rater Guidelines, addressing AI content and new spam types. The post Google Updates Search Quality Rater Guidelines: What To Know appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Learn eight practical strategies to optimize your website for voice search, including conversational keywords, local and technical SEO. The post Voice Search SEO: 9 Practical Tips For Businesses appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

From a business perspective, funding the IRS is an excellent investment. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

From a business perspective, funding the IRS is an excellent investment. By CPA Trendlines Research Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 promises huge performance increases but proximity of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands presents a formidable challenge. The post Qorvo: Wi-Fi 7’s best features may not work at all without ‘high Q’ BAW filters appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 promises huge performance increases but proximity of the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands presents a formidable challenge. The post Qorvo: Wi-Fi 7’s best features may not work at all without ‘high Q’ BAW filters appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

Gasoline prices in the U.S. increased by three cents this week, with the national average reaching $3.13 per gallon, according to AAA. The modest rise comes despite lower oil costs, declining gasoline demand, and growing domestic gasoline stocks. AAA spokesperson Andrew Gross attributed the price increase to winter-related disruptions. “The culprit for the pop in prices is likely old man Winter,” Gross said. “It’s a little harder to distribute gasoline in bad weather, and refineries don’t operate well in freezing temperatures either.” According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand fell significantly from 8.32 million barrels per day (b/d) to 8.08 million b/d. Meanwhile, domestic gasoline stocks increased from 243.6 million barrels to 245.9 million barrels. Despite the rise in inventory, gasoline production saw a decline, averaging 9.2 million b/d last week. Compared to a month ago, today’s national average price is nine cents higher. It is also five cents higher than the same time last year. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices fell by 39 cents to settle at $75.44 per barrel on Wednesday. Crude oil inventories dropped by 1 million barrels, leaving total U.S. stockpiles at 411.7 million barrels, which is approximately 6% below the five-year average for this time of year, according to the EIA. The highest gasoline prices in the nation were reported in Hawaii ($4.54), California ($4.44), and Washington ($3.93). Meanwhile, Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.71), and Texas ($2.74) had the lowest averages. Top 10 Most Expensive Gasoline Markets Hawaii: $4.54 California: $4.44 Washington: $3.93 Nevada: $3.66 Oregon: $3.54 Pennsylvania: $3.38 Maryland: $3.35 Alaska: $3.32 Illinois: $3.29 Washington, D.C.: $3.28 Top 10 Least Expensive Gasoline Markets Mississippi: $2.68 Oklahoma: $2.71 Texas: $2.74 Louisiana: $2.76 Arkansas: $2.77 Tennessee: $2.78 Kentucky: $2.78 Alabama: $2.81 Kansas: $2.81 Missouri: $2.83 While gasoline prices edged higher, the national average cost for public EV charging held steady at 34 cents per kilowatt hour. States like Kansas (22 cents), Nebraska (25 cents), and Missouri (25 cents) offered the least expensive public charging options. Hawaii (53 cents) remained the priciest state for EV charging. Top 10 Least Expensive States for Public Charging (Per Kilowatt Hour) Kansas: 22 cents Nebraska: 25 cents Missouri: 25 cents Maryland: 26 cents Delaware: 27 cents Texas: 28 cents Utah: 29 cents Michigan: 29 cents North Dakota: 30 cents Iowa: 31 cents Top 10 Most Expensive States for Public Charging (Per Kilowatt Hour) Hawaii: 53 cents Montana: 45 cents West Virginia: 45 cents Idaho: 42 cents Tennessee: 42 cents Arkansas: 42 cents New Hampshire: 42 cents Kentucky: 41 cents South Carolina: 41 cents Alaska: 41 cents Despite easing oil costs and lackluster gasoline demand, winter weather challenges may continue to impact refinery operations and distribution networks, keeping gas prices steady or slightly elevated in the coming weeks. This article, "Gas Prices Inch Up Despite Lower Demand and Rising Stocks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Three ways an integrated model helps attract talent. By Michael Maksymiw, CPA CGMA MSA The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

Three ways an integrated model helps attract talent. By Michael Maksymiw, CPA CGMA MSA The Holistic Guide to Wealth Management Go PRO for members-only access to more Rory Henry. View the full article

When it comes to workplace tech, few tools spark as much debate as time tracking software. For some, they’re the ultimate productivity booster—a way to identify inefficiencies and make smarter business decisions. For others, they’re a fast track to micromanagement and a Big Brother-style work environment. Why such strong reactions? The reason is that time tracking […] The post Big Brother or best friend? Addressing common concerns about time tracking appeared first on RescueTime Blog. View the full article

Starting a poultry farm business can be a profitable venture for motivated poultry farmers. Establishing a poultry company demands thorough planning, research, and a strong grasp of the industry. With adequate preparation, you will be on the path to success. Let’s get started! Poultry Farming in The US Poultry farming is a significant contributor to the US economy, with a poultry industry market size of $57.8 billion. The industry caters to different scales, from small-scale backyard chicken keepers to large commercial farms. Backyard chicken keeping is becoming increasingly popular as a hobby, while commercial farms operate on a larger scale, producing meat and eggs for local and international markets. Types of Chicken Farms Chicken farms can vary in type, with the three most common types being broiler farms, egg farms, and farms that raise chickens for both meat and egg production. Here are some details about each type: Broiler Chickens Broiler farms aim to raise chickens for meat, using specialized feed and lighting for optimal weight and meat quality. Proper ventilation, temperature, humidity, cleaning, and disinfecting are crucial for management. Egg Production Egg farms produce eggs for consumption and house chickens in barns or free-range settings. Proper nutrition, lighting, and nesting boxes are essential for egg-laying. Farmers must manage the flock year-round for consistent egg quality and quantity while following local regulations. Raising Chickens for Both Meat Production and Egg Production Dual-purpose chicken farms raise chickens for eggs and chicken meat, requiring specialized management. Facilities must accommodate both processes, and chickens must have dual-purpose genetics. Feeds like corn and soybean meal and management practices must balance for optimal production. Begin by Planning the Chicken Farm Business Proper planning is crucial when launching any business, including poultry companies. This section highlights important factors to consider for establishing a successful chicken farming business. It is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan to navigate through the various stages of starting and running a poultry farm. Planning involves setting clear goals, developing strategies to achieve them, and creating a roadmap that includes financial projections, market research, and legal considerations. This section outlines key considerations for planning a successful chicken farm business. Create a Poultry Farming Business Plan Outline a clear roadmap of the chicken farm business, including the goals, strategies, and financial projections. A business plan is a crucial document that helps in organizing and directing the business. It should include detailed information about the business, including the type of poultry farming, the target market, marketing and sales strategies, and financial projections. The business plan will not only be a guide for the business operations but also a crucial document for seeking funding or loans. Research the Market Gather information about the local market demand, competition, and consumer behavior to make informed decisions. Market research is a vital component of planning as it helps in understanding the target audience, their preferences, and the existing competition. It entails collecting data on the demand for poultry products, identifying possible competitors, and examining consumer behavior. This information will help in making informed decisions about the type of poultry farming, pricing strategies, and marketing approaches. Form a Legal Entity and Register Your Poultry Farming Business Select an appropriate legal entity, register the business with the government, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits. a legal entity is a crucial step in starting a poultry farming business as it helps in defining the structure of the business, the level of liability of the owners, and the way the business will be operated. It involves choosing between different legal structures such as sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC). Once the legal entity is formed, the business needs to be registered with the government and obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate legally. Name and Brand Your Poultry Farming Business Choose a memorable and unique name, and create a brand identity that represents the business values and mission. The name and brand of the poultry farm are essential for creating a lasting impression on customers and differentiating the business from competitors. The name should be easy to remember, unique, and reflect the nature of the business. The brand identity includes the logo, color scheme, and overall aesthetic that represents the business. It is important to create a strong brand identity that communicates the business values, mission, and quality of the products. Open a Business Bank Account Separate personal and business finances by opening a business bank account to manage transactions and monitor cash flow. Decide on A Marketing Strategy Develop a marketing plan to reach potential customers through advertising, promotions, and other strategies that fit the business goals and budget. Here are some popular marketing strategies: Leverage Online Marketing: Utilize digital platforms like a business website, social media channels, and online marketplaces to reach a wider audience. Online marketing is cost-effective and allows you to engage directly with customers, receive feedback, and build a community around your brand. Participate in Local Farmers’ Markets and Fairs: Establish a presence in local farmers’ markets and agricultural fairs. These events are great opportunities to showcase your products, connect with customers, and build a loyal customer base in your community. Collaborate with Local Businesses: Form partnerships with nearby businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores. Providing them with a consistent supply of fresh poultry products can create new sales opportunities and expand your market presence. A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Chicken Farming Starting a chicken farming business can be a rewarding and profitable venture. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started: Decide on The Niche: Broiler Chickens or Egg Production The poultry industry is vast, and deciding on a niche is crucial for the success of the poultry farming business. Determine whether you want to raise broiler chickens for meat production or hens to lay eggs. Each niche has its own set of challenges, requirements, and market demand. Here are five reasons why it is important to decide on a niche: Market Demand: Recognizing the market demand for broilers or eggs is essential for effective production planning. This demand can fluctuate due to factors such as geographical location, cultural preferences, and economic conditions. Resource Requirements: Raising broiler chickens requires different resources compared to egg production. For example, broiler chickens require more space and feed, whereas laying hens require nesting boxes and a different nutritional diet. Profitability: The profitability of broiler chickens and egg production may vary based on several factors, such as market prices, cost of feed, and labor costs. It is important to analyze the profitability of each niche before making a decision. Experience and Expertise: Having experience and expertise in a particular niche helps in managing the poultry farm more efficiently and effectively. It is important to consider your own experience and knowledge before deciding on a niche. Supply Chain: The supply chain for broiler chickens and eggs may differ. For example, broiler chickens may require processing before they can be sold, whereas eggs can be sold directly to consumers or retailers. It is important to consider the supply chain requirements of each niche. Check What Permits May be Needed to Raise Chickens in Your Area Contact your local government or agricultural agency to find out what permits and regulations are required to raise chickens in your area. Join the National Chicken Council if Raising Chickens for Meat Production If you intend to raise chickens for meat production, think about becoming a member of the National Chicken Council to keep informed about industry standards and regulations. Learn Everything You Can About The Poultry Farm Business Research and familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of poultry farming, which encompass breeding, hatching, and caring for chickens. Obtain or Build a Chicken Coop and Poultry Farming Equipment Invest in or construct a sturdy chicken coop and necessary equipment such as feeders, waterers, and incubators. Research Poultry Feed Learn about different types of poultry feed and their nutritional values to ensure your chickens receive a balanced diet. Determine Marketing and Sales Strategies Develop a plan for marketing and selling your chicken products, including where and how you will sell them. Establish a Biosecurity Plan Protect your chickens from disease by creating and implementing a biosecurity plan that includes measures such as sanitizing equipment and limiting visitors. Hire Experienced Staff or Learn Basic Animal Care Hire experienced staff or learn the basics of animal care to ensure your chickens receive proper care and attention. Manage Finances and Keep Detailed Records Monitor your expenses, sales, and profits, and keep detailed records to help you make informed business decisions. How Much Do Poultry Farmers Make? Poultry farming is a lucrative business, with farmers making up to $100,000 annually, depending on the size of the farm and type of poultry. Factors such as breed, feed costs, poultry housing and marketing will affect profit margins directly. Are There Any Downsides to Chicken Farming? While chicken farming can be a profitable and rewarding business, there are potential downsides to consider. Here are a few: Labor-Intensive Work Chicken farming can be physically demanding, with daily chores such as cleaning coops, feeding and watering chickens, and collecting eggs. Health Risks and Biosecurity Concerns Raising chickens can expose farmers to health risks such as avian influenza, and maintaining biosecurity to prevent disease spread can be challenging. Market Volatility and Uncertainty Chicken farming profits can be influenced by market conditions such as fluctuations in chicken feed prices and demand for chicken products, making it a volatile and unpredictable industry. The Bottom Line Starting a chicken farming business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can get started in the poultry farming industry. Consider using a farm app to manage your operations and look into deer farming as another potential opportunity for diversification. How to Start Chicken Farming Summary StepDescription Planning the BusinessEssential for starting a poultry farm, involves setting goals, strategies, and creating a roadmap with financial projections, market research, and legal considerations. Create a Business PlanOutline goals, strategies, and financial projections. Necessary for organizing, directing, and seeking funding or loans. Research the MarketGather local market demand, competition, and consumer behavior information to inform decisions on poultry farming type, pricing, and marketing. Form a Legal Entity and RegisterSelect a legal entity, register with the government, and obtain necessary licenses and permits. Involves choosing between legal structures like sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC. Name and Brand Your BusinessChoose a unique name and create a brand identity, including logo, color scheme, and overall aesthetic, that represents business values, mission, and product quality. Open a Business Bank AccountOpen a business bank account to manage transactions and monitor cash flow, separating personal and business finances. Decide on a Marketing StrategyDevelop a marketing plan with advertising, promotions, and other strategies that fit the business goals and budget. Decide on The NicheDetermine whether to raise broiler chickens for meat or hens for eggs. Analyze market demand, resource requirements, profitability, experience and expertise, and supply chain requirements before deciding. Check Permits NeededContact local agencies to determine required permits and regulations for raising chickens. Join the National Chicken CouncilJoin the National Chicken Council for updates on industry standards and regulations if raising chickens for meat. Learn About The BusinessResearch and educate yourself on poultry farming basics, including breeding, hatching, and caring for chickens. Obtain or Build Coop and EquipmentConstruct a sturdy chicken coop and invest in necessary equipment like feeders, waterers, and incubators. Research Poultry FeedLearn about poultry feed types and their nutritional values to ensure a balanced chicken diet. Determine Marketing and Sales StrategiesDevelop a plan for marketing and selling chicken products, including sales locations and methods. Establish a Biosecurity PlanCreate and implement a biosecurity plan to protect chickens from disease, including sanitizing equipment and limiting visitors. Hire Staff or Learn Basic Animal CareHire experienced staff or learn basic animal care to ensure proper chicken care and attention. Manage Finances and Keep RecordsMonitor expenses, sales, profits, and keep detailed records for informed business decisions. Chicken Farm FAQs How Many Chickens Are Needed for A Profitable Poultry Farm? A minimum of 500-1000 chickens is typically required to generate a reasonable income with your own poultry business, but ultimately, it’s up to the individual farmer to decide how many chickens are necessary to start a poultry farm. Is Chicken Farming Profitable? Chicken farming can be a profitable business if managed well. Researching the steps on how to start a farm and learning how to make money farming can increase the chances of success. How Many Chickens Do You Need to Start a Farm? Having the right number of birds is essential. The typical rule of thumb suggests 6-8 hens per person, depending on what you want to produce. How Long Does it Take for Chickens to Grow? Broiler chickens can reach market weight in 6-8 weeks, while laying hens can start producing farm-fresh eggs around 5 months old. Knowing how to start an egg farm can help you manage your flock’s growth and production. Is Chicken Farming Humane? The chicken business can be humane when birds are given ample space in their chicken house, access to sunlight, and proper care to keep chickens healthy. However, in commercial settings, overcrowding and other practices can lead to poor welfare conditions. What is The Best Type of Chicken Coop? A suitable coop should protect chickens from predators, provide adequate ventilation and space, and be easy to clean and maintain. Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to Start Chicken Farming" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Who am I besides just a guy who loves to travel? What do I do when I’m not on the road? What are my interests? Do I have hobbies? Since I’m more than just a writer and travel fanatic, I wanted to share a bit about who I am and what I do when I’m not on the road (indulge me for one article). While I do post a lot of my day-to-day life on Instagram, here is a little bit about me and my life! 1. I hate flying. I love airports, lounges, and elite status, but the act of flying makes me sick. I don’t like heights and any turbulence makes me think the plane is about to crash. I’m not a good flier and I take Xanax to calm me on most flights. (Ironic considering how often I fly!) 2. I never traveled independently until I went to Costa Rica at age 23. My travel experiences up until then were a series of road trips with my parents and a drunken weekend in Montréal when I was 19. (I also never went west of the Mississippi until I was 25.) 3. I decided to travel long-term after meeting five backpackers in a shared taxi while on vacation in Thailand. I was so amazed at what they were doing that the next day I decided to quit my job and make long-term travel my goal. They were two Australians, a Canadian, and a Belgian couple. They changed the course of my life and have no idea. 4. When I was younger, I wanted to be an archaeologist because of the Indiana Jones movies. I eventually went to school to be a high school history teacher and taught for one year, but then the economy tanked and no one was hiring history teachers so I got a job doing administrative work at a hospital in Boston before I started traveling. 5. I’ve had three really bad incidents on the road. On my very first trip by myself, I got terrible food poisoning. I was hospitalized for three days and put on a morphine drip. Second, I popped an eardrum in Thailand. And, third, I got stabbed in Colombia, which is definitely the worst thing that has ever happened to me! 6. I am a good cook. I don’t cook much on the road because I hate how hostel kitchens aren’t fully stocked and everyone crowds them at the same time, but once in a while, I like to cook a massive meal for my fellow travelers. However, when I’m home, I cook a lot and even host dinner parties for my friends. Some signature dishes include shrimp scampi, this delicious tomato/basil/olive salad, stir fry, and baked salmon. 7. I used to be a vegetarian. After reading Fast Food Nation, I decided to give up meat and was a vegetarian for four years. It wasn’t eating meat I was against, but rather industrial farming and the chemicals/antibiotics in the meat that I didn’t like. I gave up vegetarianism when I started to travel. 8. I think it’s rude to turn down food in other cultures. If you go to a village in Mongolia and you are given food, it’s insulting to refuse. “Sorry, your traditional and heartfelt cooking doesn’t go with my dietary needs.” It’s culturally insensitive. But that’s a rant for another post. 9. I’m a huge fan of soul, Motown, blues, and jazz. 10. If I could ever pick what time period I could live in, I’d pick 1920s Prohibition America. I think that would be an exciting time to live in. But maybe I’ve just read The Great Gatsby too much. 11. Speaking of Gatsby, I learned to swing dance so I could throw myself a Gatsby-themed birthday party. I did it for three years in a row. They were epic birthday parties. 12. After travel, politics is my second love. I live and breathe politics, and it is the only news I keep up with while traveling. I am always ready to discuss and debate the world any time of the day and with anyone, no matter how well I know them. (However, in the last few years, I’ve turned off listening to the political news every day because it was causing me a lot of anxiety and not a good use of my mental energy!) 13. People always ask will I be nomadic forever. My answer: I don’t know. Forever is a long time. I travel less now than I used to and I think I’ll continue to take fewer trips but I still travel a lot when compared to the average person. For now, I’m enjoying the ride and see no reason to hang up my backpack just yet. 14. I’m a Japanophile. I love everything about the culture: the food, the history, the etiquette, the landscape, the architecture — all of it. I would eat sushi every day if I could. 15. I’m an unabashed Taylor Swift fan. She has a song for every emotion and, when you listen to her non-pop hits and really get into her catalog, you see just how talented of a songwriter she is. Listen to The Last Great American Dynasty. She wrote an entire narrative arc in three minutes. That’s seriously good writing. I went to the Eras Tour multiple times. I love her. 16. I’m also a huge fan of Sia. Incredible songstress and writer. 17. I don’t drink coffee. It tastes like shit to me. And I don’t want to put added sugar or milk (or soy milk) in my cup of joe. Drinks should be able to stand on their own! Nothing is going to change my opinion on this. I’ve tried for years to acquire a taste for it. It’s just not going to happen. 18. I drink tea. Lots of it. Especially green tea. That’s my drink of choice! I’m a big fan of the brand Rishi. 19. My alcoholic drink of choice is an old fashioned. A few years ago, a few friends turned me onto whiskey and I’ve been obsessed since. I judge a bar by the quality of the old fashioneds they serve. 20. One day, I’d like to learn how to garden. I want to grow my own food. I love cooking and think it’s a logical step. 21. I used to be a semi-professional poker player. I funded a lot of my original trip with poker winnings and lived in Amsterdam for a few months playing “professionally” at the casino in the city. 22. When I was younger, I worked for the Sierra Club in Massachusetts. I created a PowerPoint that we took to different community organizations to show that, by being energy efficient, they could save money and the environment at once. 23. When I was in high school, I played a lot of Magic: The Gathering and won my state’s championship (my friend came in second). We won a trip to NYC to play in the national tournament there. I lost in the first round. 24. I don’t eat sweets. Maybe once a year I’ll have a cookie or brownie but, for the most part, I don’t do desserts or sweets as I don’t like all the sugar. 25. When I’m working, I’ll often play one song on repeat over and over again. It helps me focus because it ends up just being white noise. As I write this post, I’ve been listening to Sweet Annie by Zac Brown Band on repeat for the last two hours. 26. I don’t have a favorite color. I have two: blue and green. 27. I was one of the spokesmen for Asiana Airlines. I did a commercial for them that aired for two years on TV. They dubbed out my voice though. It always sounds so weird when I watch it. 28. I love movies. I probably watch two or three a week, either in the theater or at home on Netflix. My friends and I have group chats dedicated to movies. 29. My favorite liquor? Scotch, specifically peaty Scotch from Islay. (My favorite brand is Ardbeg.) 30. I want to learn how to shoot a gun. Not because I’m a gun nut — I strongly dislike them, want really strict gun control, and am a regular donor to Everytown for Gun Safety — but because I am one of those crazy “preppers.” I think the world is pretty much f*cked, and I’d like to know how to shoot a gun to (a) protect myself in case civilization ends and (b) hunt (another thing I want to learn how to do) for food when that happens or (c) the zombies come. Having a Plan B never hurt anyone, right? To that end, I’d also like to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow. I think that would be really fun — and useful. 31. I spend an hour a day reading. I’m a big fan of biographies and travel, history, and business books. I think reading and educating yourself is one of the most important things you can do in your life, and I cannot understand people who don’t read books. In your typical year, I’ll read around 50–70 books. You can find a list of all my favorites here. 32. I’m a morning person. I tend to wake up around 7am and do my best work before lunchtime. On a good day, I’ll get up at 6am. 33. I’ve gotten way more into the gym in the last year. I go to the gym six days a week and do pilates one day a week. Going to the gym often has a positive knock-on effect too: once you start going to the gym, you end up eating better and drinking less because you don’t want to ruin your workouts. I’ve gotten into a lot better shape the last few months and I plan to continue that this year. *** So there you have it! Some more interesting facts about me. Well, things I think are interesting at least. How to Travel the World on $75 a DayMy New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.” Click here to learn more and start reading it today! Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for everyone) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post What I Do When I Don’t Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Facebook advertising has become a cornerstone of digital marketing for businesses worldwide. Its evolution over the years has transformed it into a powerful tool for reaching diverse audiences. As consumer behaviors and digital landscapes have shifted, so has the Facebook advertising strategy used by businesses, adapting to new trends and technological advancements. The effectiveness of Facebook advertising lies in its ability to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, making it a valuable asset for businesses seeking to enhance their online presence. Understanding Facebook Advertising Facebook advertising is a dynamic component of digital marketing that allows businesses to reach a targeted audience through the social media platform. Its significance in the current digital marketing landscape is unparalleled, offering access to a vast user base with diverse demographics. Facebook advertising stands out for its detailed targeting options, varied ad formats, and measurable results, making it an essential tool for businesses aiming to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or boost sales. https://youtube.com/watch?v=8I9jbS4_GxE%3Fsi%3Dw_jhMKsjfIANMDRR The Basics of Facebook Ad Strategy As part of your small business advertising guide, developing a Facebook ad strategy that aligns with your overall marketing goals is essential. Understanding your audience, crafting compelling ad designs, and effectively managing your budget are key components of a successful Facebook ad campaign. Navigating the Facebook Ad Platform Utilizing the Meta Business Suite, you can effectively navigate the Facebook Ad Platform. This suite offers comprehensive tools and insights to create, manage, and track your ad campaigns on Facebook, aligning with your business’s digital marketing goals. Once you have a Facebook page, navigating the Facebook Ad Manager can be straightforward by taking the following step-by-step approach: Set Up an Account: Begin by creating a Facebook Business Page, followed by setting up an Ad Manager account linked to your page. Understand the Dashboard: Familiarize yourself with the Ad Manager dashboard, where you can create, manage, and track your ad campaigns. Create a Campaign: Select the “Create” button to start a new campaign. Choose your marketing objective based on your business goals. Define Your Audience: Use the targeting options to define your audience based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and more. Design Your Ad: Choose your ad format and design your ad. Ensure it aligns with your brand and messaging strategy. Set Your Budget: Decide on your budget and schedule. You can opt for a daily or lifetime budget and schedule your ad for specific times. Monitor and Adjust: After your ad goes live, keep an eye on its performance. Utilize the insights gained to make necessary adjustments for optimization. How to Set Up Facebook Ads The setup process of Facebook ads is a key component in leveraging more monetization options offered by the platform. By defining ad objectives and selecting the right target audience, you can capitalize on the various ways to make money on Facebook, including the utilization of Facebook reels. Setting up Facebook ads involves a series of strategic steps, starting from defining the ad objectives to pinpointing the target audience. The process begins with choosing an ad objective that aligns with your business goals, whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving traffic, or boosting conversions. Next, selecting the target audience is crucial; this involves identifying demographics, interests, and behaviors that best describe your potential customers. The setup process is intuitive yet requires thoughtful consideration to ensure your ads reach the right people with the right message. Choose the Right Ad Format Different Facebook ad formats cater to various campaign goals, and selecting the right one is crucial for campaign success. Consider some common formats: Carousel: Showcases multiple images or videos in a single ad, ideal for highlighting different products or telling a brand story. Video: Captures attention with dynamic content, perfect for storytelling or demonstrating products in action. Image: Uses a single powerful image to convey your message, great for simplicity and clear calls to action. Instant Experience: Offers a full-screen experience suitable for immersive storytelling and showcasing multiple products. Slideshow: Combines images in a video format, a good alternative to video ads, especially for limited bandwidth environments. Each format has its unique advantages and can be chosen based on the specific objectives and creative assets of your campaign. Craft Compelling Ad Copy and Creatives Creating engaging ad copy and eye-catching visuals is essential for a successful Facebook ad. Remember these five tips to enhance your ad creatives: Emphasize a Clear Message: Make sure that your ad copy is brief and effectively conveys the main idea. Use High-Quality Images: Choose images that are visually appealing and relevant to your brand and message. Incorporate a Strong Call-to-Action: Clearly direct your audience on what to do next, whether it’s to shop, learn more, or sign up. Align with Brand Identity: Keep your visuals and language consistent with your brand for better recognition and trust. Test and Optimize: Experiment with different copy and creative variations to see what resonates best with your audience. Facebook Ad Strategies: Maximizing Your Campaigns Incorporating the latest marketing best practices into your Facebook ad strategies is crucial for achieving your campaign goals. Whether aiming to increase brand awareness or drive sales, these practices can help you refine your approach for maximum impact. Each business has unique objectives, and aligning your ad strategy with these goals ensures that your efforts are both effective and efficient. Whether the aim is to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, generate leads, or boost sales, the strategy should be carefully crafted to address these specific needs. The key to a successful Facebook ad campaign lies in understanding the nuances of different strategies and how they can be leveraged to meet your business objectives. For instance, a brand looking to increase awareness might focus on broad targeting and high-impact visuals, while a business aiming for conversions might use more precise targeting and strong calls to action. It’s also important to consider the customer journey; different strategies may be required at different stages, from initial discovery to final purchase. Moreover, the effectiveness of Facebook ad campaigns is not just about reaching the right audience; it’s also about delivering the right message in a way that resonates with them. Doing so requires a deep understanding of your target audience’s preferences and behaviors on the platform. By aligning your Facebook advertising strategy with your business goals and audience insights, you can develop campaigns that effectively reach, engage, and convert your target audience, thereby maximizing the return on your advertising investment. Innovative Facebook Advertising Strategies In the dynamic world of digital marketing, Facebook stands as a powerful platform for advertising. With its vast user base and advanced targeting capabilities, Facebook offers a plethora of strategies for businesses to engage with their audience, build brand awareness, and drive conversions. Facebook Advertising Ideas and TipsWhat is it?Benefits to Campaign Leverage user-generated contentUse content created by customers or followers in ads.Builds trust and engagement, adds authenticity. Utilize video ads for higher engagementIncorporate video content in Facebook ads.Captures attention quickly, enhances message delivery. Retarget for increased conversionsTarget ads to users who have previously interacted with your brand.Re-engages interested customers, increases likelihood of conversions. Share interactive polls and quizzesInclude polls and quizzes in your ads.Boosts engagement, gathers valuable customer insights. Engage in influencer collaborationsPartner with influencers to promote your brand.Extends reach, adds credibility to campaigns. Hold seasonal and holiday campaignsCreate ads that align with seasonal events and holidays.Captures the mood of the audience, increases relevance. Employ localized ad targetingTarget ads based on geographic location.Reaches local audience effectively, drives foot traffic. Promote exclusive discounts and offersUse special offers and discounts in ads.Creates urgency, incentivizes purchases. Host contests and giveawaysRun contests and giveaways on Facebook.Drives engagement, enhances brand awareness. Publish customer testimonials and success storiesFeature customer stories in ads.Builds trust and credibility, resonates with potential customers. Cross-promote with complementary brandsPartner with non-competitive brands for joint campaigns.Reaches wider audience, introduces brand to new customers. Use Facebook Live for real-time engagementUtilize Facebook Live as part of your ad strategy.Creates immediacy, encourages interaction. Optimize for mobile usersEnsure ads are optimized for mobile devices.Enhances effectiveness on mobile platforms, reaches a larger audience. Utilize Facebook groups for targeted advertisingLeverage Facebook groups for focused ad strategies.Allows for more personalized and relevant ads. Implement chatbots for interactive customer serviceUse chatbots for automated responses and product recommendations.Enhances customer service, provides personalized interaction. Create custom audiences for precision targetingUse data to create targeted audiences for ads.Increases ad relevance, improves campaign effectiveness. Integrate email marketing with Facebook adsCombine email marketing efforts with Facebook advertising.Ensures consistent messaging, amplifies marketing impact. Leverage Facebook Insights for data-driven decisionsAnalyze ad performance using Facebook Insights.Informs strategy adjustments, maximizes ROI. Engage through storytelling and brand narrativesUse storytelling in ad campaigns.Creates engaging, memorable ads, strengthens brand connection. Experiment with augmented reality adsIncorporate AR experiences in ads.Offers interactive experiences, stands out in the ad space. Leverage User-Generated Content Using content created by customers or followers is a powerful way to build trust and engagement. User-generated content not only adds authenticity to your brand but also encourages more interaction from your audience. Featuring customer reviews, photos, or videos in your ads can create a sense of community and credibility, making your brand more relatable and trustworthy. Utilize Video Ads for Higher Engagement Video content has a significant impact on audience engagement. Effective use of video ads on Facebook can capture attention quickly and convey your message in an engaging and memorable way. Whether it’s a short, snappy clip or a longer, story-driven video, incorporating this medium into your Facebook advertising strategy can significantly boost engagement and interest. Retarget for Increased Conversions Retargeting on Facebook allows you to re-engage customers who have shown interest in your product or service. By targeting ads to users who have visited your website or interacted with your brand, you can increase the likelihood of conversions. This strategy is effective in reminding potential customers of what they viewed and nudging them closer to making a purchase. Share Interactive Polls and Quizzes Interactive content like polls and quizzes can significantly boost engagement on Facebook. These tools not only engage users but also provide valuable insights into customer preferences and behaviors. By incorporating interactive elements into your ads, you can create a more dynamic and engaging experience for your audience. Engage in Influencer Collaborations Partnering with influencers can extend the reach and authenticity of your Facebook campaigns. Influencers with a strong following can introduce your brand to a broader audience and lend credibility to your products or services. Selecting the right influencer whose audience aligns with your target market is key to the success of this strategy. Hold Seasonal and Holiday Campaigns Tapping into seasonal trends and holidays can make your advertising timely and relevant. Creating campaigns that align with holidays or seasonal events can capture the mood of your audience and increase the relevance of your ads. This approach can lead to higher engagement and a stronger connection with your audience. Employ Localized Ad Targeting Localized ad targeting allows you to reach Facebook users in specific geographic locations. This strategy is particularly effective for businesses with a physical presence, such as retail stores or restaurants. By targeting ads to a local audience, you can drive foot traffic and build a community around your brand. Promote Exclusive Discounts and Offers Using exclusive offers and discounts in your Facebook ads can incentivize purchases. Limited-time offers or special discounts create a sense of urgency and can encourage users to act quickly. This strategy not only drives sales but also enhances the perceived value of your products or services. Host Contests and Giveaways Running contests and giveaways is a great way to drive engagement and increase brand awareness. These campaigns can encourage user participation and sharing, expanding your reach on the platform. Contests can also be a fun way to interact with your audience and build a stronger community around your brand. Publish Customer Testimonials and Success Stories Customer testimonials and success stories can build trust and credibility for your brand. Featuring real stories and experiences in your ads can resonate with potential customers, showcasing the value and impact of your products or services. This approach adds a human element to your advertising, making your brand more relatable. Cross-promote with Complementary Brands Partnering with non-competitive, complementary brands can create mutual benefits. This approach allows you to expand your audience and present your brand to new potential customers. Additionally, cross-promotion can result in creative and innovative campaigns that utilize the strengths of both brands. Use Facebook Live for Real-Time Engagement Facebook Live offers a unique opportunity for real-time engagement with your audience. Live broadcasts can create a sense of immediacy and exclusivity, encouraging more interaction and participation from viewers. This tool can be used for product launches, Q&A sessions, or behind-the-scenes glimpses, adding a dynamic element to your advertising strategy. Optimize for Mobile Users With the majority of Facebook users accessing the platform via mobile devices, optimizing your ads for mobile is essential. Ensuring that your ads are visually appealing and function well on smaller screens can greatly enhance their effectiveness. Mobile optimization includes considering the format, design, and loading times of your ads. Utilize Facebook Groups for Targeted Advertising Facebook groups offer a platform for more focused advertising strategies. By engaging with groups that align with your target audience, you can create more personalized and relevant ads. This approach allows for deeper connections with niche communities and can lead to higher engagement rates. Implement Chatbots for Interactive Customer Service Chatbots on Facebook can enhance customer service and engagement. These automated tools can provide instant responses to customer inquiries, improving the user experience. Chatbots can also be used for product recommendations, increasing the chances of conversions through personalized interactions. Create Custom Audiences for Precision Targeting Creating custom audiences allows for the precision targeting of specific groups of Facebook users. This strategy involves using data such as customer lists, website visitors, or app users to create targeted ads. Custom audiences can lead to higher relevance and effectiveness of your campaigns. Integrate Email Marketing with Facebook Ads Combining email marketing efforts with Facebook advertising can create cohesive and effective campaigns. By targeting your email subscribers on Facebook, you can reinforce your message and increase the chances of engagement. This integrated approach ensures a consistent brand experience across different channels. Crafting Effective Facebook Ad Copy Writing persuasive and impactful ad copy for Facebook ads is a critical component of any successful advertising campaign. The copy should not only capture attention but also resonate with the target audience, compelling them to take action. Aligning the ad copy with the overall marketing strategy is essential to maintain consistency in messaging and branding. Effective Facebook ad copy should be clear, concise, and focused on the value proposition, highlighting what sets your product or service apart. It also should include a strong call-to-action, guiding users on what steps to take next. Employ Facebook Pixel for Targeting and Conversion Tracking Facebook Pixel is a powerful tool for tracking user interactions on your website and improving the targeting of your advertising campaigns. By embedding the Pixel code on your website, you can track conversions, optimize ads based on collected data, and build targeted audiences for future ads. This tool is essential for analyzing user interactions with your website following ad clicks. It enables more accurate and effective ad targeting, as well as a clearer understanding of the return on your advertising investment. Utilize Facebook’s Audience Insights Tool for Enhanced Targeting Facebook’s Audience Insights tool is essential for understanding your target audience in depth. The tool provides detailed information about your audience’s demographics, interests, behaviors, and more. By utilizing this data, you can customize your ad campaigns to align more closely with the preferences and needs of your target audience. Improved targeting results in more relevant and effective ads, which boosts the chances of engagement and conversions. Creating a Compelling Facebook Business Page Having an optimized Facebook Business Page is foundational for successful Facebook marketing. Your business page serves as the face of your brand on the platform, and it should be compelling and informative. An optimized page includes a clear and engaging description of your business, high-quality images, and up-to-date contact information. Regularly updating your page with relevant content and engaging with your audience can also enhance its effectiveness as a marketing tool. Set Up and Manage Your Facebook Ad Account Setting up an ad account on Facebook is a straightforward process, but managing it efficiently requires organization and strategic planning. Start by creating your ad account through the Facebook Business Manager. Organize your campaigns and ad sets logically, and regularly review your account’s performance. Efficient management of your Facebook ad account includes monitoring ad spend, adjusting budgets, and optimizing campaigns based on performance data. Integrate Facebook Marketing Strategy with Advertising Campaigns Integrating your Facebook marketing strategy with your advertising campaigns is crucial for maximum effectiveness. Your overall marketing strategy should guide the direction of your Facebook ads, ensuring that all marketing efforts are cohesive and aligned. The integration involves aligning your messaging, targeting, and creative approach across all marketing channels. A unified strategy enhances brand consistency and amplifies the impact of your marketing efforts on Facebook and beyond. Continued Learning Consider enrolling in a social media marketing course to enhance your skills and understanding of Facebook advertising. Continual learning is key to staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing and maximizing your social media ROI. https://youtube.com/watch?v=TazmIfzofkk%3Fsi%3DGStX1vx-dknBbVAc FAQs: Facebook Advertising Strategy What is the Average Cost of Facebook Advertising? The average cost of Facebook advertising varies widely based on factors like industry, target audience, ad quality, and competition. Generally, businesses might spend anywhere from a few cents to several dollars per click. The cost-per-click model is commonly used, and prices can fluctuate based on ad relevance and bidding strategies. It’s important to note that effective budget management and targeting can significantly influence the cost-effectiveness of Facebook ads. How Can the Success of a Facebook Ad Campaign Be Measured? The success of a Facebook ad campaign can be measured using various metrics, including click-through rate, conversion rate, return on ad spend, and overall engagement. Tracking these metrics through Facebook’s Ad Manager provides insights into how well the ads resonate with the target audience and meet the campaign objectives. Measuring the increase in website traffic, sales or leads directly attributed to the ads likewise can also indicate campaign success. Can Small Businesses Benefit from Facebook Advertising? Absolutely, small businesses can significantly benefit from Facebook advertising. It offers a cost-effective way to reach a targeted audience, increase brand awareness and drive sales. The platform’s advanced targeting options allow small businesses to tailor their ads to specific demographics, interests, and behaviors, ensuring that their marketing budget is used efficiently. Plus, Facebook’s analytics tools help small businesses track the performance of their ads and make data-driven decisions. How Often Should a Facebook Ads Strategy Be Updated? A Facebook ads strategy should be reviewed and updated regularly, ideally every few months or in response to significant changes in market trends, consumer behavior, or business goals. Regular updates ensure that the strategy remains relevant and effective. It’s also important to continuously test and optimize ad elements like copy, imagery, and targeting to adapt to the audience’s evolving preferences and maximize the return on investment. What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in Facebook Advertising? Common mistakes in Facebook advertising include inadequate audience targeting, unclear ad messaging, neglecting mobile optimization, and not testing different ad elements. Overlooking the importance of a clear call-to-action can also reduce ad effectiveness. Likewise, failing to analyze ad performance data can lead to missed opportunities for optimization. Avoiding these mistakes is crucial for creating effective campaigns that resonate with the target audience and achieve desired business outcomes. Image: Envato Elements, Depositphotos This article, "Facebook Advertising Strategy Ideas" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Are you looking to make money on Google? There are several different ways to do that, including AdSense and placing an app in the Google Play Store, to name just a few. Google Blogger is another option. It’s a mobile app that allows you to post and view what you write. This blog is going to walk you through how to make money on Google using Google’s various monetization tools. The Basics: Understanding Google’s Monetization Tools The search engine has a couple of key monetization tools. Google Ads was previously known as Google AdWords. It allows small businesses to manage and create their own pay-per-click campaigns. This is paid advertising. The other major tool is Google AdSense, which enables content creators, bloggers, and website owners to earn money by displaying targeted ads from Google. Read on to find out more about each. Google Adsense: Pay-per-click Advertising This tool uses what’s called contextual targeting. That matches up ads with the content that’s on any specific webpage. It leads to higher click-through rates because it helps users to find relevant advertising. The Google AdSense Program: Monetizing Your Website Website owners can use Google AdSense by applying for an account. Google will take a look at the content to make sure it meets its criteria. They will be looking for compliance with Google’s terms of service as well as original content. Once approved, a publisher gets access to the platform and starts creating different ads. These can include video ads, display ads, and text ads. They are generated by JavaScript code and HTML that are provided by AdSense. AdSense displays the relevant ads that boost click-through rates. Advertisers bid to have their ads displayed. Publishers earn money through the cost per click when visitors click on ads. There’s also the cost per impression based on the number of views any ad gets. How to Open a Google Adsense Account Here’s how a small business can open an Adsense Account. Check your content to make sure it’s good, and your website adheres to Google Adsense policies. Go to the website and click the sign up now button. Small businesses can use Google Account credentials. You need to check a few boxes and add your website’s URL Next, you’ll need to add some personal information and accept AdSense policies. Then, you can verify your ownership by adding a small piece of code to your website. Choose a payment method and start setting up ads by selecting colors, sizes, and formats. Then, you can add the code to your pages. AdSense Custom Search Ads: A Unique Opportunity These Custom Search Ads are provided by Google AdSense. This tool displays targeted ads for searches. The ads get generated by the search query. That makes them more likely to be relevant. Website owners earn money through clicks. Website owners can tailor results to align with their branding. This tool stands out because Google Ads offers a wider audience. Adsense enables website owners to generate income by showcasing ads within their content rather than solely in search results, which is crucial for understanding how to make money on Google. The Google Display Network: Expanding Your Reach This is a collection of digital platforms that includes apps and websites. The Google Display Network has millions of websites in it, and estimates say it reaches over 90% of Internet users across the globe. Small businesses that use it can focus their ads on a target audience or specific industry. You can even use remarketing/retargeting campaigns. Feature/AspectAdSense Custom Search AdsGoogle Display Network PurposeDisplays targeted ads for searches on websites.Displays visual ads on various websites and apps. Relevance of AdsGenerated by the search query, increasing relevance.Based on targeting criteria, might include interests, demographics, etc. ReachSpecific to the website where the search is conducted.Over 90% of Internet users globally across millions of websites and apps. CustomizationWebsite owners can customize results to match branding.Advertisers can design different ad formats and sizes. Revenue Model for PublishersWebsite owners earn money through clicks on the ads.Website owners earn money through clicks and sometimes impressions. TargetingBased on search queries entered by users.Multiple targeting options, including remarketing/retargeting, interests, location, etc. Best forWebsites with a custom search function and wanting to monetize search results.Businesses looking to expand their reach and brand awareness across the web. How to Make Money on Google Maps Small businesses can make money on Google Maps, too. You can use Google My Business which is a free tool to get started. Then, use Google Posts to share events, promotions, and updates. Try to generate reviews to drum up business. The Google Local Guides Program The Google Local Guides program offers another opportunity for businesses to thrive. This initiative allows Local Guides to upload photos of your business and share information about special events and promotions. Using Ads on Google Maps to Earn Money Online This is another excellent way to make money online. Small businesses can showcase location-based ads to nearby users. That drives foot traffic. They can also promote events and specific deals on Google Maps. How to Make Money on Google Ads There are a few other strategies to help you make money online with Google Ads. Create excellent copy that includes keywords and a clear call to action. Choosing the Right Keywords for Google Ads Longtail keywords that precisely represent your products and services can be beneficial. Utilize keyword research tools to examine competition levels and search volumes. Writing Effective Copy for Your Google Adsense Ads Writing effective copy that enhances conversions and click-through rates is essential. Ensure that the ad copy aligns with the content on your landing page. Additionally, it should be both engaging and straightforward. Measuring Success with Google Ads Analytics Google Ads Analytics helps small businesses and advertisers get information about the performance of their ads and campaign strategies. It provides numbers on good metrics like keyword performance and other benchmarks like cost per conversion. Other Ways to Make Money on Google There are other ways to make money on Google, like the following. Create Your Own Website Having a website isn’t just a digital storefront; it represents your brand, your voice, and your business. A website with engaging, relevant, and consistent content can attract many potential customers. By integrating Google AdSense, website owners can display ads that are pertinent to their audience’s interests. Every time a visitor clicks on an ad, you earn revenue. Over time, as traffic grows, so does the earning potential. Earning from Surveys with Google Opinion Rewards Google Opinion Rewards is a simple way for users to earn credits by participating in short surveys. For businesses, it’s a tool to gather invaluable feedback from real users. By creating surveys, businesses can gain insights into consumer behavior, preferences, and opinions. It’s a win-win where participants get rewarded, and businesses get the data they need to improve their offerings. Selling on the Google Play store The Google Play Store isn’t just a platform; it’s a vast marketplace with millions of users looking for the next best app. To make the most of this, it’s essential to optimize your app listings. Use the right keywords to improve searchability and write engaging descriptions to entice users. High-quality screenshots and user reviews can also boost credibility, leading to more downloads and increased revenue. Monetizing Video Ads Video advertising is a powerful medium, given its ability to captivate and engage audiences. If you’re promoting or selling something through video, the Call To Action (CTA) overlay on YouTube can be a game-changer. This overlay allows you to share more information, redirect viewers to a purchase page, or promote another related video, enhancing viewer interaction and conversion rates. Use Google Cloud Marketplace Google Cloud Marketplace offers many software solutions, from development tools to virtual machines. By selling your goods and services here, you tap into a global audience seeking top-tier cloud solutions, amplifying your potential for sales and partnerships. Google Play Books Author Program In the digital age, establishing thought leadership can set you apart. By writing and publishing original e-books on Google Play Books, you share knowledge and position yourself as an expert in your domain. It can increase trust, brand visibility, and potential business opportunities. Google Play Music and YouTube Music Subscription Musicians and artists can benefit from these platforms by reaching global audiences. Every play can generate royalties. Besides income, it also provides a chance for artists to gain recognition and grow their fan base. Google Workspace Reseller Program Google Workspace offers a suite of productivity tools that many businesses find indispensable. As a reseller, you have the opportunity to bundle these services, offer additional support, or integrate them into your solutions, providing value to other businesses while generating a profit. Google Podcasts The popularity of podcasts has grown significantly in recent years. With Google Podcasts, creators have the opportunity to connect with a broad audience, engage in discussions on topics they are passionate about, and monetize their content through advertisements, sponsorships, or listener support. Google Cloud Platform Consulting The wave of digital transformation has prompted numerous businesses to seek expertise in cloud solutions. If you have a strong understanding of the Google Cloud Platform, providing consulting services can be highly profitable. By advising enterprises on best practices and assisting small businesses with their cloud migration, your knowledge can have a significant impact—and result in considerable income. FAQs: How to Make Money on Google How much money can you realistically make using Google’s platforms? You can make different amounts depending on the tools you use. However, the range is from several hundred to a few thousand dollars every month. You can also explore other ways to make money on your phone and online to supplement this income. Check out our guides for how to make money watching ads, how to make money on Pinterest, how to make money on PayPal, and how to make money on Pinterest to get started. There are even passive income options that can help those interested in learning how to make money on maternity leave or while traveling. Can I make money on Google Maps without a physical store? Yes, sell digital products like consulting services and photography. You can sell most services that can be delivered remotely. How can having my own ads increase my AdSense earnings? Build content that specifically focuses on your target market. AdSense can help you make more money that way. How do advertisers pay for ad impressions on web pages through the AdSense program? They utilize a bidding system known as Cost Per Mille (CPM), where specific amounts are bid for every 1,000 ad impressions. How does the visibility of my site on search engines affect my ability to make money online with Google? More visibility equals more traffic and more clicks on AdSense ads. Use effective search engine optimization tools. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Make Money on Google" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Are you looking for box truck business ideas? The trucking industry is competitive, but these businesses are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the growing trend of online shopping. And these trucks are among the most demanded commercial vehicle types. With a little creativity and imagination, you can come up with a variety of ways to make your business stand out from the competition in this competitive industry. What is a Box Truck Business? These small businesses use a truck with a large, square-shaped box on the back to transport goods. This type of truck is often used for delivering large items or multiple items at once. The box on the back of the truck protects the goods from bad weather and keeps them from being damaged during transit. This is a great option for those who want to start their own small businesses but don’t have a lot of money to invest. These businesses can be started with a relatively small investment and can grow quickly. With the right marketing, this can become a very successful business. Why You Should Start a Box Truck Business Starting a box truck business can be a game-changer for aspiring entrepreneurs. The versatility of box trucks makes them a valuable asset in various industries, and the demand for their services is consistently high. Here are five compelling reasons to consider this venture: Low Startup Costs: Unlike many businesses that require a significant initial investment, starting a box truck business can be relatively affordable. Whether you already own a truck or decide to lease one, the operational costs can be manageable, allowing for a quicker return on investment. Versatility and Diversity: A box truck can be utilized for numerous purposes, from moving services to advertising or even starting a mobile salon. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to pivot their business model based on market demands. High Demand: With the increasing need for delivery services, moving assistance, and more, the demand for box truck services remains high. This ensures consistent opportunities to generate revenue. Opportunity for Expansion: Starting with one box truck doesn’t mean you’re limited to one. As the business grows, there’s potential to expand the fleet, diversify services, or even franchise the business model. Be Your Own Boss: Running a box truck business provides the freedom of self-employment. Entrepreneurs can set their own schedules, make strategic decisions, and reap the direct benefits of their hard work. Our Methodology for Deciding On the Best Box Truck Business Ideas for Small Business Owners In our effort to guide entrepreneurs toward profitable and sustainable box truck business ventures, we apply specific criteria to evaluate the viability of each idea. Each criterion is rated on a scale from 1 to 5, where 1 indicates the least importance and 5 the highest importance in our review process: Market Demand and Local Needs Importance: 5 We assess the demand in the local market for the services a box truck can provide. High demand in areas such as delivery, moving, or specialized transportation indicates a stronger business opportunity. Initial Investment and Operational Costs Importance: 4 The costs associated with acquiring a box truck, maintenance, insurance, and fuel are considered. Business ideas that require a lower initial investment and have manageable ongoing costs are preferred. Flexibility and Scalability Importance: 4 We evaluate the flexibility of the business idea in terms of the ability to adapt to different clients and scalability for future growth. Revenue Potential Importance: 5 The potential for generating steady income and profit margins is a critical aspect. We look for business ideas that offer sustainable and growing revenue streams. Regulatory Compliance and Licensing Importance: 4 Ensuring compliance with local and national transportation regulations, as well as the need for specific licenses, is vital for the legal operation of the business. Competitive Landscape Importance: 3 Understanding the level of competition in the area and the business idea’s ability to stand out or offer something unique is important for long-term success. Experience and Skill Requirements Importance: 3 We evaluate the skill level or experience necessary for effectively operating the business. Ideas that can be pursued by a broader spectrum of entrepreneurs, including those with limited experience, receive higher ratings. Environmental Impact and Sustainability Importance: 2 Given the growing awareness of environmental issues, we also consider the ecological footprint of the business and opportunities for sustainable practices. By applying these criteria, our aim is to guide entrepreneurs toward box truck business ideas that are not only profitable but also feasible, sustainable, and well-suited to their local market conditions and capabilities. Box Truck Ideas That Earn Money If you’re a box truck owner operator or have a box truck lease and you’re looking to be your own boss as a business owner or an independent contractor, then you’re going to love this list. If you already know How to Make Money with a Pickup Truck, then you’ll love some of the options listed below. Box Truck Owner Operator for Hauling Junk A Box truck independent contractor will never have a shortage of customers who need their junk hauled away. Just think of all the people who need their old furniture removed before they move to a new house. Or the businesses that need to get rid of outdated equipment. And let’s not forget about all the folks who finally decide it’s time to clean out their garage or storage unit. There’s always someone who needs junk hauled away, which means there’s always money to be made for box truck owners. This can also be a flexible business opportunity that’s easy to grow over time. And it requires little skills and experience to get started. Provide Local Moving Services If you’re looking for a business idea that’ll let you help your community while also making a profit, then consider starting a moving service. The moving business doesn’t only provide moving services as a great way to help people relocate, but it’s also an excellent opportunity for box truck drivers to make some extra cash on the side. You can even scale over time by adding additional services or expanding your service area. Advertise with Your Box Truck It’s no secret that businesses need to advertise in order to get their name out there and attract customers. However, many box truck business owners may not know that selling advertising on their trucks is a great way to generate additional income. This requires little upfront investment and almost no skills and experience to get started. Cater and Deliver Food, Furnish Events Starting a truck business that caters and delivers food and furnishes events can be a great way to earn extra income. Catering businesses can be very profitable, especially if you are able to get regular clients. Furnishing events can also be a great way to make money, as there is always a need for event furniture rental businesses. Partner with Reliable Logistics Companies By forming a partnership, the box truck business can provide transportation for goods to and from reliable logistics companies and, in turn, receive a commission for each delivery. This is a great way to generate additional income, and it also helps to build relationships with other businesses in the community. This can improve profit potential and limit startup costs since you won’t need to market to multiple customers or potential clients. Deliver to Local Stores One way that a box truck business can make money is by delivering to local stores. Local businesses often need products delivered quickly and efficiently, and your business can provide this service. By providing delivery services to local stores, a box truck business can establish strong relationships with these businesses and become their preferred delivery service. If there is a high demand for specific products in your region, you might even consider specializing in a certain type of store or delivery service. Be an On-Demand Courier On-demand couriers are businesses that provide same-day delivery services for their customers. This is a great service to offer for businesses that need items delivered quickly, and it’s also a great way to make money on the side. To become an on-demand courier, you’ll need to have a vehicle that can transport the items you’re delivering, and you’ll need to be able to navigate your way around town. You’ll also need to be customer service-oriented, as you’ll be dealing with customers who are expecting their items to be delivered in a timely manner. Offer Package Delivery Services If you’re looking for a way to make money with your box truck, then consider offering package delivery services. With this type of service, you’ll be responsible for delivering packages to businesses and homes in your area. There’s significant market demand for this service. To begin, you should compile a list of businesses and residents who might be interested in your services. After you have identified potential customers, you can start promoting your delivery services to them. To make sure that your package delivery business is successful, it’s important to provide excellent customer service. This means being on time with your deliveries, being polite and friendly to customers, and providing a tracking number for each package that you deliver. If offering a package delivery service sounds right up your alley, then you should learn How to Start an Amazon DSP Business. Provide Storage Services If you have a large box truck, then you could start a business that provides storage services. This could be a great option for people who are moving and need somewhere to store their belongings. You could also provide storage units for businesses that are looking to declutter their office space. Having flexible payment options can help owner-operators increase business. Mobile Hair Salon You could start a mobile hair salon using a box truck by purchasing or leasing a truck that has been outfitted with all of the necessary equipment. This would include items such as sinks, countertops, mirrors, and storage cabinets. You would also need to stock the truck with supplies such as shampoo, conditioner, towels, and hair dryers. Rent Box Trucks Owner-operators who rent out their trucks can effectively launch a business. These trucks can serve multiple functions, including moving furniture or delivering goods. Additionally, you can rent them to other businesses that require trucks for their operations. There are a few things you need to do in order to get started, such as obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance. Once you have those things squared away, you can start marketing your business to potential customers. Start a Food Truck Using a box truck is a great way to get started with a food truck business. You’ll need a truck that’s large enough to hold all your equipment and supplies but not too large that it’s difficult to maneuver. You’ll also need to outfit your truck with the appropriate cooking equipment. You could specialize in a certain type of food, such as Mexican or Chinese, or you could offer a variety of dishes. There’s plenty of market demand for various food trucks, and this business model improves profit potential by targeting in-demand events and cutting down startup costs. Box Truck Business Ideas Summary Type of ServiceWhat You Could be DoingDescription Hauling ServicesBox Truck Owner Operator for Hauling JunkAssist customers in removing unwanted items such as old furniture or outdated equipment. Useful during relocations or cleaning out spaces. Moving ServicesProvide Local Moving ServicesAid people during relocations by transporting their belongings. AdvertisingAdvertise with Your Box TruckGenerate additional income by selling advertising space on the truck. Event ServicesCater and Deliver Food, Furnish EventsCater food and furnish events for various functions, which can be a profitable venture. Partnership & LogisticsPartner with Reliable Logistics CompaniesPartner with logistics companies to transport goods, generating income and fostering business relationships. Store DeliveryDeliver to Local StoresProvide quick and efficient product deliveries for local stores, becoming their primary delivery service. Courier ServicesBe an On-Demand CourierOffer same-day delivery services for businesses and individuals, requiring timely transportation and excellent customer service. Package DeliveryOffer Package Delivery ServicesDeliver packages to homes and businesses in the local area, focusing on timely deliveries and good customer service. StorageProvide Storage ServicesOffer storage solutions for individuals and businesses. Especially useful for those in transition or decluttering. Beauty & Personal CareMobile Hair SalonConvert the box truck into a mobile hair salon equipped with all necessary tools and equipment. Truck RentalRent Box TrucksRent out box trucks to individuals or businesses for various purposes, from moving to deliveries. Food ServicesStart a Food TruckTransform the box truck into a food truck business, specializing in specific cuisines or offering a diverse menu. Is it Worth Starting a Box Truck Business? A box truck business is one of the best Small Business Ideas for Beginners since it’s a relatively easy business to start and doesn’t require a lot of capital. There is a lot of variation in the average annual pay for a box truck owner-operator. Some people make less than others with their own box truck business, but it’s clear that there are opportunities out on those streets. If this sounds like a good opportunity to you, then maybe it’s time to set up a limited liability company or sole proprietorship, get a box truck lease, and get a healthy cash flow going. What do You Need to Make Money with Box Trucks? A commercial driver’s license is a requirement for anyone who wants to operate a box truck for commercial purposes. Obtaining a CDL requires passing a written test, as well as a skills test that demonstrates your ability to safely operate the vehicle. There are different classes of CDLs, depending on the weight and type of vehicle you will be driving. For example, a Class A CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. Having a fleet of trucks is the key to making money with them. You can either purchase your own truck or get a box truck and lease it from a trucking company. How Much Does it Cost to Start a Box Truck Business? Owning your own truck can be a very lucrative business with a stable income, but it does require money upfront to get started. The cost of purchasing a box truck varies based on its size, options, and where you’re located in the world. For example, the price of a Class 3 truck starts at about $30k, with Class 4 trucks costing between $35k and $50k. As for Class 5 trucks, they usually run about $40k to $75k. The most expensive trucks are Class 6, which costs right around $50k to $100k. The average annual income for individuals in the US who own and operate a successful box truck business ranges from $93,000 to $186,000. This indicates significant earning potential, which can vary based on your location and the specific box truck services you provide. How do You Get a Box Truck Business Started? Starting your own business is always a challenge, and starting a box truck business is no different. There are several things you need to do in order to get your business off the ground, and having a fleet of trucks can give you an advantage over your competition. You need to create a business plan, obtain the proper permits and licenses, find a good location for your business, and adhere to strict regulations. And make sure your legal papers are in order to avoid any unnecessary headaches down the road. Conclusion Embarking on a box truck business venture can be a transformative step for aspiring entrepreneurs. The versatility, low startup costs, and consistent demand make it an attractive choice for those looking to be their own boss and generate a stable income. Whether you already own a box truck or are considering a box truck lease, there are various profitable avenues to explore within this industry. The 12 box truck business ideas presented in this article offer a diverse range of opportunities, catering to various interests and expertise. From hauling junk and providing local moving services to advertising on your truck and offering catering and event furnishing, the possibilities are vast. The key to success lies in identifying a niche that aligns with your skills and local market demand. A box truck business not only provides financial opportunities but also offers the freedom of self-employment. Entrepreneurs can set their schedules, make strategic decisions, and directly reap the rewards of their hard work. However, it’s essential to adhere to all legal requirements, obtain the necessary permits and licenses, and maintain the integrity of your business. Starting a box truck business may require some initial investment, but with dedication and a well-executed business plan, it’s possible to achieve a profitable return on investment. Owning and operating a successful box truck business can lead to a stable and rewarding career, with the potential for substantial earnings based on your location and the services you provide. To get started with your box truck business, you’ll need to follow a series of steps, including obtaining the required commercial driver’s license (CDL), securing permits and licenses, selecting the appropriate truck size and type, and creating a comprehensive business plan. Additionally, having a fleet of trucks can give you a competitive advantage and expand your business’s potential. Ultimately, the secret to succeeding in the box truck business lies in a blend of industry expertise, perseverance, and a strong focus on customer needs. By delivering valuable services and consistently addressing your clients’ requirements, you can establish a flourishing box truck business that offers both financial security and the rewarding experience of being your own boss. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Box Truck Business Ideas" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has voiced strong support for the reintroduction of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act, legislation designed to make the 20% Small Business Deduction permanent. The measure, reintroduced by Sen. Steve Daines (R-MT) and Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), aims to prevent a substantial tax increase on over 30 million small businesses scheduled to take effect at the end of this year. “If Congress fails to act, more than 30 million small businesses will face a massive tax hike at the end of this year,” said Brad Close, NFIB President. “The 20% Small Business Deduction allows nine out of 10 Main Street job creators to compete, grow their business, hire new employees, raise wages, and give back to their communities. NFIB is grateful for Sen. Daines and Rep. Smucker for their consistent leadership to stop the small business tax hike and urges Congress to pass the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make the Small Business Deduction permanent.” Created as part of the 2017 tax law, the 20% Small Business Deduction was introduced to provide tax relief to small businesses, leveling the playing field with larger corporations. Without congressional action, the deduction will expire at the end of 2025, significantly increasing the tax burden on small business owners nationwide. An economic impact analysis conducted by Ernst & Young (EY) highlights the potential benefits of making the deduction permanent. The report estimates that extending the deduction would: Create 1.2 million new jobs annually during the first decade, and 2.4 million jobs annually in subsequent years. Boost the small business sector’s contribution to GDP by $750 billion over the first ten years and by $150 billion annually thereafter. NFIB’s endorsement of the Main Street Tax Certainty Act underscores the critical importance of the legislation for small businesses. The organization is urging Congress to act swiftly to pass the bill and secure permanent tax relief for millions of Main Street entrepreneurs. The proposed legislation represents a significant opportunity to ensure continued economic growth and stability in the small business sector, which serves as a backbone of the American economy. This article, "Small Businesses Back Reintroduction of Main Street Tax Certainty Act" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Wondering how to file taxes effectively? If so, you’re likely considering the best approach to tackle the process. Just like the saying goes, “The longest journey starts with a single step.” So, let’s take the first step with this essential guide for how to file taxes. The First Step: Gather Filing Information from the Previous Year Whether you’re going to file your own taxes 0r use tax preparation services, your first step before you prepare and file a tax return is to make life easier and gather all the pertinent filing information from the past year. That may include: A W2 form A 1099, or multiple 1099s, and documentation of expenses. A basic thing to know as a side business taxes guide is that you’ll get a 1099 from all who paid you $600 or more during the year. For self-employed people (who run a business and don’t receive 1099s), you’ll need documents about your revenue and expenses. When Can You Start Filing Taxes for the Year? It’s tax season again. If you were filing online, you may have already begun. You can kick off your tax preparation required by the IRS by entering all the necessary information. If you’ve changed your address or filing status, updating that information is a quick and efficient first step to streamline the process. The IRS has established January 20 as the official start date for filing federal tax returns. Taxpayers must ensure their returns are submitted by the due date of April 15, as set by the IRS. Do you anticipate a refund? The quicker you file, the sooner that refund will arrive. Decide How to File Your Federal Income Tax Return Filing IRS federal taxes can be simple or complicated. You may be able to file for free online. Which type is your tax return? That’s the first step in the decision process. If you only have a w2, for example, you should be able to prepare and file taxes on your own. Even if you have more than one job and multiple W2s, federal and state taxes have already been deducted. Local taxes may also have been deducted, or you may have to file them separately. You’ll use the standard deduction, which is $14,600 if your filing status is single. You can learn how to file taxes using IRS free file. Or you can use basic tax preparation software to electronically prepare your federal income tax return. If you are self-employed and wondering how to file self-employment taxes, tax filing gets a bit more complicated. You can still file taxes on your own, but you’ll appreciate the guidance of either a professional preparer or the best tax software as you prepare your federal return. Here are a few tips from ClearValue Tax about how to safely and easily maximize your tax refund: The Best Options for Filing Tax Returns Solo? Software? Tax preparer? Free file? Here is more detailed information about the best options for filing tax returns: Tax Software Tax preparation software can make it easier to file your federal tax return. Additionally, the information you gather for your federal return can also be utilized for filing your state and local tax returns. As you use tax return software to do your own tax return, you’ll be prompted to add information that may garner tax breaks. You may find tax deductions that you didn’t know you had (see below). Take a look at TurboTax/Intuit, H & R Block, TaxAct and TaxSlayer as tax filing software for the self-employed. Hire a Tax Preparer Hiring a tax professional is an excellent choice, particularly if you are new to handling your own taxes due to a recent business venture. A tax expert provides assistance with tax preparation and can offer advice on strategies to help you save money in the future. IRS Forms Online All the forms required for federal tax filing can be accessed through the IRS. For state and local taxes, you will need different forms. You can download and print these forms to use as worksheets before utilizing IRS Free File, or you can fill them out directly using the IRS fillable forms. Free File You can file an IRS-free file federal tax return. Well, the IRS free file option part is free – of course, you may still need to pay what you owe on your tax return! You can pay what you owe using a credit card, linking to your bank account or setting up a payment plan (if you can’t immediately pay all you owe.) You can receive a refund by linking to your bank account. The IRS option includes free file fillable forms you can populate online. Many still print the IRS free file forms and use them as worksheets before hitting that Send button. For more information about filing a free federal tax return, check out Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov). Here’s a table that lists the best options for filing your tax returns, along with their pros and cons. OptionDescriptionProsCons SoloFiling taxes on your own without assistance.- Complete control over your filing process.- May miss out on potential tax breaks or deductions. Tax SoftwareUtilizing tax preparation software to file federal taxes, with potential options for state and local taxes.- Streamlined process with prompts for tax breaks.- Some software may have associated costs. Tax PreparerHiring a tax professional for guided tax preparation and potential future money-saving suggestions.- Expert guidance and assistance.- Can be more expensive compared to other options. IRS Forms OnlineAccessing all necessary federal tax forms directly from the IRS for manual filling or as worksheets.- Free option for those comfortable with manual filling.- Requires more effort and calculations compared to software. Free FileUsing the IRS free file option for filing federal taxes; may need to pay owed taxes or set up payment plans.- Free option for federal tax filing.- Additional costs if you owe taxes or opt for refund options that involve linked accounts. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best approach depends on your comfort level with tax filing, the complexity of your tax situation, and budget considerations. Consider the features and benefits of each option to find the one that suits your needs and ensures a smooth and accurate tax filing experience. Determine What Tax Bracket You Fall Into There are 7 tax brackets that determine your tax rate. The tax rate ranges from 10% to 37%. The tax rate for income tax brackets is affected by two main conditions: your income and your filing status. For example, your tax rate may be based on your income, but that is adjusted based on your filing status – single, married, etc. Your taxable income is calculated using the total of your earned and investment income and then adjusting that figure based on deductions. Read more about deductions below. Get Your Tax Documents Together Trust us – it’s important to gather all your tax documents before you begin. You might already have everything you require, such as your QuickBooks files or similar software. Alternatively, your documents may be stored in a less formal place, like the Big Drawer. Either way, let’s get started: Tax Deductions The total amount of your tax deductions will influence your choice between itemizing on your income tax return and opting for the standard deduction. The standard deduction varies by filing status, so you’ll need to calculate your total deductions to determine which option you qualify for. Do you have significant tax deductions that may help you qualify for tax breaks and get a refund? Do you have receipts to prove them? You may be eligible for a tax break and earn a refund. Let’s take a look at the following possible tax deductions you may be eligible for: State and Local Income Taxes: The money you’ve paid on your state and local income tax burden can be deducted from your federal income tax return. Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes: The money you’ve paid for these taxes can also be deducted as you file your federal taxes. Home Mortgage Interest: Depending on your mortgage rate, the amount of interest you pay may be significant. Gifts to Charity: Charitable donations can also be deducted. You’ll need receipts, plus documentation that proves the entity that receives your gift is a charitable organization. Medical and Dental Expenses: This includes the cost of premiums you’ve paid. If you’re on the Healthcare.gov insurance (and receive a discounted policy), this doesn’t include the total premium amount for the policy, but it does include the portion of the premium that you pay. Other medical and dental expenses may be covered, but only if the cost exceeds 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income. Student Loan Interest: The amount of interest you’ve paid on a student loan may also be deducted, even if you’re no longer a full-time student. How to Pay Your Taxes Now that you know how to file taxes online, you can also ensure that your taxes are paid on time. The best way to do that is to pay as you file – you’ll be hit with interest charges for past-due amounts on your account. If you don’t owe and are getting a refund, you can set up a direct deposit to a bank account when you e-file or ask to be sent a paper check to get your money. Bank Account When you file a tax return, you can pay from a checking or savings account. Card You can pay with a personal or business credit card. Payment Plan Taxpayers can set up scheduled payments. You can set up the process for free online, using the IRS free file website. Tax Filing Extensions for the Upcoming Tax Filing Season If you require additional time, you can file for an extension at no cost. It is important to submit your extension request by the tax due date. Filing for an extension only requires minimal information. You will need to provide estimates and utilize IRS Form 4868, which is available for free download and use. How to File an Amended Tax Return Taxpayers can make mistakes when they file taxes. You may have left out a deduction, for example. Or if you’re self-employed, you may get a 1099 late and want to add that to your return. You’ll need to file an Amended Tax Return using IRS form 1040X. How to File Back Taxes If you find yourself in a situation where you owe back taxes, it’s essential to take the appropriate steps to address the issue. If you don’t, you can be looking at lots of accrued interest or even penalties. The best course of action is to work directly with the IRS to resolve the outstanding tax debt. To begin the process, you’ll need to set up an account using irs.gov, which allows you to access the necessary tools and resources for managing your back taxes. Setting up an account with the IRS is a straightforward process, typically done online through their official website. Once you have your account established, you can explore the available payment options to determine the best plan for your financial situation. The IRS offers various payment plans, allowing you to spread out the payments over a period that suits your budget. https://youtube.com/watch?v=_FPNGW7m9zs%3Fsi%3DCfUWQ6cqOXwJmyCa Image: Envato Elements This article, "How to File Taxes for For Your Small Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A robot isn't going to cook you breakfast - but GenAI 'agents' may soon be able to interact with you in a meaningful way. The post New report: Vantiva shares home networking predictions including GenAI use cases appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

A robot isn't going to cook you breakfast - but GenAI 'agents' may soon be able to interact with you in a meaningful way. The post New report: Vantiva shares home networking predictions including GenAI use cases appeared first on Wi-Fi NOW Global. View the full article

ORGANIZATIONS are better managed than ever before. They have been optimized for safety, security, stability, and control. But what we need going forward is dynamic and, yes, inefficient. What is needed now is some deliberate chaos. In The Illusion of Innovation, author Elliott Parker believes that the focus on capital efficiency makes companies less capable of making big innovation bets that progress society because those bets have an uncertain payoff. The problem is that managing for predictability negates learning and progress. They are optimized for the wrong outcomes—predictability, not learning. The result is the illusion of innovation and progress while sacrificing resiliency. Over the long run, resilience beats efficiency and is, therefore, a more productive objective for scaled organizations. Innovation can (and should) be directed at both efficiency and resilience. Still, the pendulum often swings too far to efficiency, which produces organizations that are extraordinarily fragile and subject to shocks. The challenge is that our scaled organizations are optimized for the preservation of what already exists, not for building the new. Inefficiency creates learning. Corporations waste money and time on innovation efforts that destroy value. Efficient and scaled organizations may make fewer mistakes but have fewer insights. To correct this, they try to “repurpose their existing operating system—designed for efficient, scaled execution—to do something it was never designed to do: operate with a degree of inefficiency to create learning. Clayton Christensen wrote, “The worst place to develop a new business model is from within your existing business model.” There are circumstances when an organization should look externally to create innovation. “Scaled companies are organized to execute. If an opportunity presents an execution challenge—when you know what to do and just need to do it—pursue it internally. Scaled companies are not organized to learn, so if an opportunity presents a learning challenge—when there’s a high degree of ambiguity about how to proceed—the opportunity is more likely to be successful if pursued outside the corporation.” Executing on a learning challenge only reinforces and perpetuates what you are already doing, creating the illusion of innovation. What about the admonition for organizations to act like a startup? The answer is not to act like a startup but to learn to collaborate with outside experts and startups. Many corporate executives are tempted to look at startup successes and instruct their teams to act more like a startup. For most corporations, this would be a terrible mistake—despite the many well-known successes, most startups fail. Corporate strength lies in coordination, not nimbleness, and in efficiency of execution, not speed. An organization that is resilient requires a certain degree of inefficiency, randomness, serendipity, and exploration. “Fragility, on the other hand, results from too much focus on efficiency and is often the output of a top-down, hierarchical organizational structure over time.” But all of this exploration and experimentation is a process with constraints. It is essential to link strategy and constraints. Innovation is unlikely to succeed if the strategic bounds are not established and agreed upon. An organization’s leaders must determine where the organization will play and how it will win. All good strategies are controversial because they represent real choices. Yes, innovators should seek novelty, but within the constraints of the organization’s available resources and stated strategy. The most valuable experiments are those that are likely to create findings that lead to experiments, that generate findings that challenge the status quo—within strategic constraints. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. * * * View the full article

Right now, we’re in a golden era of automation. It’s never been easier to lighten your workload by automating tasks and connecting different apps. In just a few clicks, you can integrate, automate, and optimize powerful workflows to help your business run more smoothly. And when it comes to this type of thing, Workato is a big name — but certainly not the only one. There are plenty of other integration solutions out there that can do similar things, and some might even be a better fit for your needs. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a bigger company, understanding these options can help you make the choice that’s best for you. Here are some of the best Workato competitors and how they stack up. Unito: Best overall Workato competitor Unito is a top choice for those seeking a deep, continuous level of integration and automation between the tools their teams depend on every day. It allows you to create real-time, two-way connections between the tools you use every day, eliminating the need for creating lots of different recipes. Even with its plethora of features, Unito is easy to use and ideal for non-technical users, empowering you to quickly and independently set up your workflows. And if you ever need a bit of help to get your integrations working just right, Unito’s customer support is one of the best in the business. Here’s a breakdown showing why Unito is one of the best Workato alternatives on the market: True 2-way sync: Workato is a robust automation platform, and with the right technical expertise, you can make it automate even complex workflows. But it can’t imitate Unito’s true 2-way sync, which creates two-way relationships between tools and work items, automatically updating everything as you work. Setting this up takes a fraction of the time in Unito than it would to simulate similar functionality in Workato and other Workato alternatives. Less maintenance: Most Workato alternatives require significant setup to work properly, especially if you’re trying to automate complex workflows. But the initial setup is only part of it. When these automations break, you’ll need to dive in to troubleshoot and get things working again. Because Unito’s flows are simpler to set up, you won’t have to continually maintain them. Automated field mappings: Unito’s field mappings automatically translate data between tools, so it always ends up in the right place. In many tools, setting up these mappings can take a significant amount of time. With Unito, not only are mappings much simpler to set up, but most of the time they’re set up for you automatically. Robust rules: Unito’s rules give users complete control over what work items get synced between tools, where these items end up, and what happens when they’re automatically created in each tool. These rules also allow you to choose between syncing historical data or only syncing new data. Deeper integrations: Many Workato alternatives only support a few fields and simple actions. Sure, you can put them together to support more complex actions, but that takes significant work. Unito’s simpler flows are also much deeper than your average Workato competitor. You get more from each integration for less work. Biggest advantages Unito has a simple, quick setup that stands apart from the vast majority of Workato alternatives. Most Unito users come from non-technical backgrounds and set up their first flow in 12 minutes or less. Unito’s integrations have the depth and capabilities of enterprise-grade integrations (including enterprise-grade security features) without the associated deployment times. Unito’s integration supports tools across your stack, from spreadsheets to project management tools. Whether you need to bring sales and development teams together or optimize your reporting, Unito has an integration for you. Biggest drawback With 40+ integrations, Unito doesn’t have as many as some other options on this list, including Workato itself. While that library is constantly growing, it means that you might not find the integration you need right away. Pricing Unito features transparent pricing on its website, so you can get an idea of exactly how much you would be paying each month before you spend time talking to a salesperson — which Workato does not. Additionally, Unito offers a free 14-day trial, allowing you to test the waters before committing. Customer rating G2: 4.5/5 Capterra: 4.5/5 Zapier: Best Workato competitor for simplicity Zapier is one of the most well-known Workato competitors, and for good reason. It’s prized for its straightforward interface and features, designed to be both easy to set up and easy to use. But while Zapier may be viewed as more simplistic than Workato, that doesn’t mean it’s any less of a strong contender for automating your processes. In fact, it boasts more integrations than many platforms on the market, meaning that you can create an impressive range of Zaps — Zapier’s equivalent to Workato’s “recipes” — across your favorite tools. Like Workato, Zapier also offers AI-driven features to supercharge your automation process. With Zapier, your ability to automate and integrate is near limitless. Biggest drawbacks Zapier is a bit behind Workato when it comes to data-related capabilities. For instance, Workato allows you to use data that existed before your automation goes live — which Zapier doesn’t. It can also move larger amounts of data than Zapier can. Pricing Zapier has a more affordable price tag than Workato, and even offers a “free forever” plan with its core features, single-step Zaps, and a limited number of tasks. The other plans start at a reasonable $19.99 per month, with the most expensive off-the-shelf plan ringing in at only $69 per month. Customer rating G2: 4.5/5 Capterra: 4.7/5 Jitterbit: Best enterprise-ready Workato competitor If you’re looking at creating complex integrations, then Jitterbit is a Workato competitor that you’ll want to keep an eye on. Its Harmony iPaaS platform is designed to automate business workflows across a number of different business-critical domains, including customer experience, HR management, IT service management, and more. Jitterbit provides users with a low-code, interface-driven platform for integrating, automating, and even creating new applications. For business users, this is a strong Workato alternative to keep in mind. Biggest drawbacks While Jitterbit does offer pre-built connectors for enterprise apps and a marketplace of pre-made recipes, they’re less robust than what you would get with Workato. Additionally, reviewers noted that the platform is more difficult to train on and slower to reach ROI than Workato. Pricing Enterprise-level software like Jitterbit tends to come with an enterprise-level price tag. While Jitterbit does not display its pricing on its website, reviews note that the starting price is $1,000 per month. However, you are able to request a trial of the software before committing to anything. Customer rating G2: 4.6 Capterra: 4.4/5 SnapLogic: Best Workato competitor for data integration SnapLogic is another Workato competitor designed for integrating data and automating workflows across enterprises. It distinguishes itself from other platforms by its robust data integration capabilities and exceptional data processing power. On SnapLogic’s website, they note that their platform often has 70x higher data throughput than Workato. SnapLogic offers over 700 recipes — called “Snaps” — that help to simplify the creation of both straightforward workflows and intricate business processes among diverse work teams. Additionally, akin to Workato, SnapLogic offers AI-powered features to simplify the integration and automation process. Biggest drawbacks Reviews note that SnapLogic is trickier to use than Workato, making it more difficult to implement and train on. So, if you’re looking for something to get your automations up and running quickly, SnapLogic might not be the best choice. It is also priced for larger organizations, which could be restrictive for growing businesses. Pricing SnapLogic does not readily display its pricing on its website, but it did release a blog article explaining its pricing strategy. That article notes that while certain Snaps are free of charge and considered part of their “core system,” you do have to pay for premium Snaps. These Snap Packs range from $15,000 to $45,000. SnapLogic also uses variable pricing for API processing, meaning that if you wish to exceed the 10,000 API calls offered in their base pricing, then additional processing will cost you $10,000. Customer rating G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.5/5 Make: Best Workato competitor for collaboration Make prides itself on providing value to businesses of all sizes, whether you’re a one-person show or a larger corporation. Instead of the traditional linear approach to workflows, Make has thoughtfully aligned its features to more intuitively match how events unfold in real life. The platform is built on the premise of cross-team, interdepartmental collaboration, empowering you to solve problems and streamline processes across your entire organization. Its drag-and-drop interface makes automation easy for less tech-savvy users, although further workflow customization options are available for those with more computer skills. Biggest drawbacks Overall, users note that Make does have more of a learning curve than Workato, ranking the latter higher for ease of use, setup, and maintenance. That being said, users also felt that Make meets the needs of their business better — meaning it might just be worth the extra time it takes to get the hang of things. Pricing Like Zapier, Make offers a free plan that allows you to carry out 1,000 operations per month—perfect for individuals to test out. Paid plans are also very reasonably priced, with team plans starting at only $29 a month for 10,000 operations. Customer rating G2: 4.7/5 Capterra: 4.8/5 Tray.io: Best Workato competitor for user experience Tray.io endeavours to bring a simplistic approach to automations that require sophisticated business logic. Its industry-leading UX design offers a low-code solution for businesses looking to automate processes without sacrificing scalability. In addition to an API-powered drag-and-drop editor, Tray.io‘s automation platform also offers step-by-step debugging and real-time analytics to ensure that you can solve problems quickly, independently, and at scale. Overall, it’s a great bet for larger companies that want to create harmony between their various cloud-based applications. Biggest Drawbacks While its interface is easy to use, setting up workflows in Tray.io can still be tricky for those who don’t have a deeper understanding of automation and the systems at play. Additionally, some have noted points of friction when attempting to collaborate across different accounts within the platform. Pricing Tray.io does not readily display its pricing on its website. However, certain sites indicate that the platform is priced for larger businesses, with plans ranging from $595 to $2,450 per month. To confirm which plan meets your needs and how much it will cost, you have to directly contact their sales team. That being said, you are able to carry out a free trial of Tray.io before needing to fork over any cash. Customer rating G2: 4.5 Capterra: 4.9/5 Boomi: Best Workato competitor for security Another enterprise-level solution for automating business operations, Boomi takes data integrity and security very seriously. Their platform empowers users to exercise data sovereignty through on-premises runtimes, meaning that you maintain more control of your data. They have a SecurityScorecard rating of “A” (compared to Workato’s “C”) and are also compliant with a number of different standards, including SOC1, SOC2, FedRAMP, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, IRAP, HIPAA, and PCI. Boomi provides intelligent integration and automation across tools while also giving you peace of mind about the security of your data. Biggest drawbacks Users have noted that Workato is easier to use than Boomi, with an interface that’s much simpler to navigate. Some struggle with the complexity of Boom’s scenarios, feeling that it takes longer to understand how different data and variables can be leveraged within an integration. Pricing Boomi offers a 30-day free trial to see if their solution is a good fit for your needs. Otherwise, their pricing isn’t displayed on their website. Some reviews suggest that pricing for their professional plans begins at $2,000 per month, but you should contact their sales team to verify. Customer rating G2: 4.4/5 Capterra: 4.4/5 Microsoft Power Automate: Best AI-powered Workato competitor Power Automate is an automation platform created by tech juggernaut Microsoft, featuring a low-code, drag-and-drop builder that allows users to automate their processes quickly and effectively. Power Automate boasts thousands of templates, hundreds of pre-built connectors, and AI-powered assistance. In fact, Power Automate’s AI Builder allows you to embed language models into your workflows to generate text, create summaries, and answer questions. Biggest drawbacks When working with a company as big as Microsoft, there’s often a higher chance of support requests falling through the cracks. Generally, users noted that Workato has better ongoing product support than Microsoft Power Automate, and better feature updates. They also found that Workato is easier to use and administer. Pricing Microsoft Power Automate is priced per user, so you have ongoing transparency regarding how much you’ll be paying. Depending on how many users you want to add to the platform, it could cost you significantly less—or more—than Workato. It starts at $15 per user each month, but there’s also an option to pay for an automation bot that can be used for unattended desktop automation (costing you $150 per bot each month). Microsoft Power Automate also has a free trial. Customer rating G2: 4.5/5 Capterra: 4.4/5 Outfunnel: Best Workato competitor for sales and marketing Outfunnel was built specifically to harmonize data and automate processes across sales and marketing platforms. It allows users to fully synchronize Salesforce, Airtable, Pipedrive, Copper, and HubSpot. Outfunnel also lets users connect their CRM to tools like Mailchimp, ActiveCampaign, Facebook Lead Ads, and more. It provides a centralized hub for your sales and marketing data, supporting email analytics, lead scoring, web tracking, and automated email drip campaigns. If you’re a sales or marketing team that wants to get more out of the tools you use every day, Outfunnel is a solid choice. Biggest drawbacks Being that Outfunnel is tailored to sales and marketing teams, it has fewer integration options than Workato, meaning it might not be a great fit if you don’t use platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot. However, the level of integration offered for the tools Outfunnel does support is very deep, making for a seamless experience. Pricing Outfunnel’s pricing begins at $29 per month for its basic plan, and $119 per month for its professional plan. Both plans have a limited number of active contacts, but you can pay an additional fee each month to add more to your subscription. It also offers a free trial so that you can determine whether the platform will be a good fit for your organization. Customer rating G2: 4.4/5 Capterra: 4.9/5 UiPath: Best RPA Workato alternative UiPath is one of the top RPA (robotic process automation) tools on the market right now. Unlike other integration platforms, RPA tools allow you to automate complex workflows by simulating human action with AI-powered agents. These agents can essentially do anything a human can, from clicking on specific buttons in a tool to transferring data between platforms. That means you won’t just be able to integrate tools with customizable APIs. As long as a software tool has an interface, it can be integrated with UiPath. Biggest drawbacks While UiPath’s RPA agents are great for integrating tools that don’t play well with other Workato alternatives, they can still be limited when pulling data from some tools. Additionally, if you’ve never used an RPA platform — but are used to other integration solutions — you might be facing a steep learning curve. Pricing UiPath offers three plans: The Free plan, which allows unlimited individual automations and supports pre-built integrations for the most popular platforms. The Pro plan, starting at $420 a month, unlocks advanced automation design tools and additional integrations. The Enterprise includes extra automations, more security, and additional features. You’ll need to get in touch with their sales team to get an exact price for this plan. Customer rating G2: 4.6/5 Capterra: 4.6/5 Kissflow: Best alternative for low-code integration capabilities Kissflow’s low-code platform allows users with a bit more technical skill to deploy custom integration processes to automate repetitive tasks. That can put it out of the reach of some teams, but as long as you have the technical skills — or budget — to implement Kissflow workflows, you’ll have a solid Workato alternative. Its visual workflow builder is another great feature for visualizing your work before you start automating anything. Biggest drawbacks Kissflow users have noted a few drawbacks beyond the technical expertise required to make it work: APIs for pre-built connectors can be limited. The notifications system could be more robust. Kissflow’s search functions don’t work as well as some other alternatives. Pricing Kissflow offers two pricing plans: The Basic plan supports simple use cases and 50 internal users for $1,500 a month. The Enterprise plan supports more complex uses cases as well as both internal and external users. You’ll have to get in touch with Kissflow’s sales team for an exact quote. Customer rating G2: 4.3/5 Capterra: 4.1/5 Final thoughts on Workato competitors While Workato stands as a formidable player in the automation and integration landscape, the diversity of its competitors speaks to the dynamic nature of this field. Each competitor, from Unito’s deep two-way syncing to Zapier’s user-friendly simplicity, brings unique strengths tailored to different business needs. Whether you’re a small business looking for straightforward automations or a large enterprise in need of complex workflow integration, you’re sure to find something that suits your unique situation. Ready to try the best Workato competitor? Book a meeting with our team to see what Unito's integrations can do for your workflows. Book a demo View the full article