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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Like it or not, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. “But the holiday is made up!” you cry. “All holidays are made up,” I reply. “You need to get your partner a gift." No matter how badly you want to stick it to the Hallmark industrial complex, and no matter how much your loved one assures you they “really don’t want gifts,” the fact of the matter is that we’ve all been conditioned to feel the need to meet a bare minimum for romantic gift-giving every Feb. 14. And no, you’re not going to successfully overcome a lifetime of Valentine’s propaganda by deciding to stiff your partner on the gift front. Hallmark will never know about your act of resistance—but your loved one sure will. So, should you get roses? What do the different colors represent again? Are lilies equally romantic, or will they be a faux pas? Even if you do opt for a dozen red roses, you still need another gift on top of them—ideally, something way more thoughtful and way less cliché. To make your life harder, every gift list on the internet seems to think that all women are dangerously addicted to rosé, and that all men quite literally live in the woods. That’s why I’ve broken down the most important elements of romantic gift-giving—so you can successfully figure out the perfect gesture within the next several days. Here’s why you should scrap Valentine’s Day flowers in favor of these ideas that are more creative, cost-effective, and meaningful. Capture a memory Show your love with a drive down memory lane. Framing can be expensive, but unlike flowers, it symbolizes permanence. When we’re used to having all our photos inside our phones, taking the time to print out your photos and buy some frames is a thoughtful way to show how much your memories mean to you. Other ideas in this memories category: A personalized journal, a scrapbook of love letters, or even an iMovie montage set to your favorite songs. Find a way to say “treat yourself”Self care is always appreciated, especially if you’re able to splurge on something your valentine would never get for themselves. The secret here is to combine individual items for a curated “treat yourself” package. A candle on its own is fine. A candle with a bath bomb, slippers, and a bottle of wine? Now you’ve created a DIY day of decadence. Here’s the most heteronormative thing I’ll write today: The girls don't need anymore lotion. She knows what kind of lotion she likes, and she has enough already. Promise an experienceIf you’re investing in a shared experience later on, try to find a physical representation of it to wrap right now. Try a new game for game night, a couple’s bucket list, or printed out surprise concert tickets. Show that you’ve been listeningRemember that your Valentine’s gift doesn’t need to be romance themed. Personalization is the most important thing here. Do they have a favorite hot sauce that you can only get at a local restaurant? Do they need new merch for their favorite sports team? Have they needed new earphones for months now? This assumes that you have, indeed, been paying attention to your special someone for some time now. Otherwise, wring every word they say from now until Feb. 14 for gift ideas. Cook a fancy meal (alone or together)My tip here is to turn the home cooking into a date night. You could make a show of gifting all the individual ingredients, or you could print out a personal menu to elevate the at-home fine dining experience. Even if you’re not a master chef, cooking a meal together hits basically every love language: Quality time. Put on some music while you cook together. Acts of service. You’re literally nourishing them. Receiving gifts. A plate of spaghetti is always a gift. Physical touch: Brush hands while stirring marinara sauce. Words of affirmation: “You’re such a good cook!” “No, you!” “Let’s stay together forever.” See? Subscribe to a monthly giftSubscription-box services make fantastic ongoing gifts. There are a ton of different subscription boxes out there that deliver curated items like books, coffee, healthy snacks, or even exotic meats and alcohol. You pay for a recurring shipment for a set period—like three, six or 12 months—in which they'll receive items tailored to the recipient's unique tastes. Consider a flower subscription service for the eco-conscious, an Atlas coffee club subscription for the caffeine addict, or perhaps a snazzy Japanese snack box. Personalize Valentine’s classicsInstead of flowers, what about succulents? Or any other plant that can become a more permanent, less cliché fixture in their home? (Maybe not any other plant. Although I think a ficus can be mighty romantic.) Instead of confining yourself to overpriced Valentine’s chocolates, why not get treats that are actually your valentine’s favorites? Maybe that means one of those giant tins of flavored popcorn, or personally arranging a bouquet of beef jerky. Then again, if you really aren’t sure what to get, most people will be happy to see that heart-shaped box. At the end of the day, it really is the thought the counts. If your thoughts are about how much you care about this person, then that sentiment should shine through whatever gift you land on. And if that gift happens to be flowers, I won’t stop you. View the full article

Indonesian authorities have ordered the halting of development of a tourism project affiliated with U.S. President Donald Trump over water management and environmental issues, officials said Friday. The 3,000-hectare (11.6-square-mile) project is the brainchild of Trump’s Indonesian business partner, billionaire and politician Hary Tanoesoedibjo, who attended Trump’s inauguration in Washington last month. His association with Trump began in 2014 when his group company, MNC, was looking for an operator for sprawling “six star” resorts, one to be built on the tourist island of Bali and the other near Jakarta. In exchange for a cut of the revenue, the Trump Organization would manage hotels, golf courses and country clubs that would cost about $700 million for MNC to build. The projects form the core of larger developments that the company plans. In a January 2017 interview with The Associated Press, Tanoesoedibjo, better known as Tanoe, said that developing the whole 3,000 hectares of Lido City would take more than a decade and cost up to $3 billion, of which the Trump properties would cost more than $300 million. The company has been promoting the project for years. In 2023, then Indonesian President Joko Widodo gave it special economic zone status, providing MNC Land with tax breaks and leniency on permits. A sprawling “Trump Community” has been built since 2014 in this pocket of Indonesia’s most densely populated island, with a new toll road leading to it, located in Gunung Gede Pangrango, about 60 kilometers (37 miles) south of the capital, Jakarta, and is home to a new Trump golf course, which started offering membership last year. Though a private development, Lido City suits the Indonesian government’s ambitions to create more tourist destinations that it hopes will be as popular as Bali. It’s part of broader plans, including a huge theme park, that have alarmed conservationists who fear development will overwhelm habitats for some of the archipelago’s most threatened species. The Environment Ministry said in a statement that mismanagement of rainwater at the resort had caused sedimentation in Lido Lake, making it shallower and halving the size of the body of water to 12 hectares (30 acres). “The mismatch between environmental plans and physical implementation is a serious concern in efforts to preserve natural resources,” said Ardyanto Nugroho, the ministry’s director of environmental complaints, monitoring and law enforcement. He said that his team was still waiting for laboratory test results to determine further steps in the environmental law enforcement process. “We committed to preserving the environment and will take firm action against violations that impact the ecosystem and surrounding communities,” Nugroho said. Local media reports showed a board with a sign that the project was under “supervision” installed on one side of Lido Lake. Gunung Gede Pangrango is one of the last virgin tropical forests in Java, where only 2% of original forest remains. It nurtures a dazzling variety of flora and fauna: more than 2,000 species of ferns, mosses and flowering plants, and 250 species of birds. Endangered species include the Javan slow loris — the world’s only venomous primate — the Javan leaf monkey, the Javan leopard, whose total population numbers less than 250, and the Javan hawk-eagle and Javan silvery gibbon. The park has a rehabilitation center for silvery gibbons that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. The gibbons, known for practicing lifelong monogamy and their distinctively small, intense faces, number fewer than 4,000 in the wild. PT MNC Land President Director Budi Rustanto denied that his company’s project had caused the sedimentation in Lido Lake, saying it also came from other projects, offices, housing and buildings in the surrounding area, including a government office compound and existing community settlements. He said that his property firm had followed the criteria and prerequisites related to the environmental impact analysis, known as AMDAL. “Since 2013, we have always tried to overcome the problem of shallowing of the lake, this is because 50% of the lake area is in our development area,” Rustanto told Kompas news outlet, adding that a number of efforts will continue to be made to overcome the problem of shallowing of the lake, including dredging plans. Environmentalists welcomed the government’s move as a sign that it was serious in addressing the failure of project management to consider the environmental impact near the land designated as a Special Economic Zone. Executive Chair of Konservasi Indonesia, Meizani Irmadhiany, said the Lido area is one of the most important watersheds of the Cimandiri river and part of the landscape of Gunung Gede Pangrango National Park, not only for the people of West Java but also for the residents of Jakarta. “The slope contours serve as a significant water catchment area, and the area planned for the project is located on critical land,” Irmadhiany said. “It is time for the business sector to prioritize environmental principles which have direct impacts on the environment and communities, as well as business itself in the long run, before and during development.” —Niniek Karmini, Associated Press View the full article

E.l.f. Beauty (NYSE: ELF) saw its stock plunge in extended trading on Thursday after the company cut its full-year guidance. As of premarket trading on Friday morning, shares were down more than 25% to $66.15, lows not seen since 2023. The stock has fallen significantly from its 2024 high of $221.83. The cosmetics brand posted strong Q3 revenue results, surpassing analyst expectations with a 31.1% year-over-year increase to $355.3 million. Despite stronger-than-expected holiday sales, profits came in below estimates. Key financial results E.l.f. Beauty adjusted its full-year revenue forecast to $1.31 billion, slightly below previous estimates, and revised its earnings per share and EBITDA guidance downward as well. Here are other key takeaways, per consensus estimates cited by CNBC: Full fiscal year guidance: Sales between $1.3 billion and $1.31 billion (below estimates of $1.34 billion). Previous guidance was $1.32 billion to $1.34 billion. Earnings per share: 74 cents adjusted versus expected EPS of 75 cents. Revenue: $355 million, compared to $330 million (up 31% from $271 million a year earlier). Net income: $17.3 million, or 30 cents per share (compared to $26.9 million, or 46 cents per share, a year earlier), What’s driving the stock price decline? Investors are likely concerned about the lower forecast. The company cited the Los Angeles wildfires and speculation about the future of TikTok as factors for a muted start to 2025. “First, the category continued to decline in January,” CEO Tarang Amin said on E.l.f. Beauty’s earnings call. “We believe this decline is reflective of consumers stocking up in a highly promotional December, and lower social conversation around beauty.” He continued: “Consumer mindshare is focused elsewhere, including wildfires in L.A. and uncertainty around the TikTok platform.” E.l.f. executives suggested the company was less concerned about President Trump’s tariff increases on Chinese-made goods, which account for most of its production, pointing to a proven strategy from 2019. “As a reminder, tariff heights will not impact our current fiscal year results. We plan to address our response to the incremental tariffs in our fiscal 2026 outlook in May,” CFO Mandy Fields said on the earnings call. “We believe we have a successful playbook to leverage from 2019 when tariffs move to the 25% level. This included supplier concessions, cost savings and select price increases.” CEO emphasizes the positive Despite the revised outlook, Amin said he remains optimistic: “We believe we are still in the early innings of unlocking the whitespace we see across digital, color cosmetics, skin care, and international,” he said. View the full article

Unemployment rate edges down to 4%View the full article

Learn how to thrive in the content overload era with ethical content marketing practices. Build trust, stand out, and engage your audience with quality content. The post Building Trust In The AI Era: Content Marketing Ethics And Transparency appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

It is tax season again and many people will be looking to find out how to file taxes and for the right places to go to ensure it is done correctly. We will be looking at eight of the best tax preparation services to help you with your taxes. What are Tax Preparation Services? Tax preparation service companies are a place to go for help with filing your tax return. A tax professional can help with tax forms, calculate your adjusted gross income, and let you know what deductions and credits you are eligible for, making your experience quicker and much less confusing. Choosing the Best Tax Preparation Services: Our Methodology Choosing the right tax preparation service is crucial for small business owners and entrepreneurs, as it can significantly impact their financial health and compliance. Here’s our methodology for assessing tax preparation services, using a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important: Accuracy and Compliance (5/5): Track record of accurate and compliant filings Knowledge of current tax laws and regulations Guarantees or assurances against filing errors Cost and Value (4/5): Transparent pricing without hidden fees Competitive rates for the level of service provided Value for money considering the services offered Range of Services (4/5): Comprehensive service offerings (e.g., federal, state, local, and international taxes) Additional services like tax planning and financial advice Specialization in relevant industries or tax situations Ease of Use and Accessibility (4/5): User-friendly interface for digital services Availability of in-person assistance where necessary Accessibility for people with disabilities Security and Privacy (5/5): Robust measures to protect sensitive financial data Compliance with privacy regulations and best practices Clear and trustworthy privacy policies Customer Support (4/5): Availability and responsiveness of customer support Quality and helpfulness of tax professionals Support options (phone, email, live chat, in-person) Technology and Tools (3/5): Utilization of up-to-date software and technology Availability of tools for easy document upload and management Integration capabilities with accounting software Reputation and Reliability (4/5): Positive reviews and testimonials from clients History of reliability and trustworthiness in the industry Professional accreditations and certifications Turnaround Time (3/5): Efficiency in completing and filing tax returns Timely updates and communication throughout the process Ability to handle urgent or last-minute filings Educational Resources (3/5): Provision of resources to help clients understand their taxes Availability of workshops, webinars, or informational content Guidance on tax-saving strategies and financial planning By meticulously evaluating each tax preparation service against these criteria, we aim to provide small business owners with reliable and effective options that can handle their tax needs with precision and care. Where is the Best Place to Get Your Taxes Done? Whether you want to do your own taxes or would like to get the help of tax professionals there are some really great options to choose from. At the top of our list is H&R Block with great prices, easy-to-use online services, and a plethora of locations that easily make it the best overall. Jackson Hewitt’s services are the easiest to use and offer lots of tools to make filing a breeze. If you like to do your taxes online from the comfort of your own home then Turbo Tax Live is a fantastic option to get your taxes done right. Small Business Deals Last but not least is Ey TaxChat, an online tax preparation service that is especially good for the self-employed tax filer. We will learn more about these options and a few others in the following sections. The 8 Best Tax Preparation Services We have put together a list of the 8 Best Tax Preparation Services and online tax software that deliver thorough support for filing your taxes. These services offer dependable assistance from knowledgeable tax professionals who will help both small business owners and individuals ensure that their returns are accurate and incorporate all available deductions and credits. H&R Block– Best Overall Heading our list for best overall tax service is H&R Block. H&R Block was started in 1955 by two brothers and has grown to over 12,000 locations worldwide. It has multiple services to choose from, the best tax software, and competitive prices that will take care of all your individual or business income tax preparation needs. H&R Block Pros Affordable pricing starting under $100 Maximum refund guarantee Thousands of locations to provide accessible services Various tax services are available Offers free tax advice to filers using online services Offers a free file option for simple tax returns H&R Block Cons A certified public accountant may not be available to help you More complex filings come with higher prices H&R Block Pricing H&R Block offers transparent pricing. A tax professional will walk you through all the forms you will need, provide free tax advice, and advise you of any fees so that you know how much you will be spending before you even begin. Fee TypeAmount Base Fee$89 State Return Fee (per state)$70 Additional FormsPrices vary based on requirements Jackson Hewitt– Ease of use Jackson Hewitt is a tax preparation service that is known for being one of the easiest services to use. This reputable service was started in 1982 and now has over 6,000 locations across the US. They offer a variety of different tax filing and preparation services for both individuals and businesses. Jackson Hewitt Pros Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating Various options, such as dropping off your paperwork or uploading it online Walk-in preparations available Thousands of Jackson Hewitt office locations, including some located inside Walmart Early Refund Advance Loan available Jackson Hewitt Cons Does not offer a free filing option Not all tax professionals are CPAs Jackson Hewitt Pricing Jackson Hewitt’s pricing is not clear and easy to find on their website. Fee TypeAmount/Description Online Filing (State and Federal combined)$25 In-person Professional AssistancePrices vary (case-by-case basis) Turbo Tax Live– Overall Best Online Experience Turbo Tax Live is a leading tax preparation service that provides a simple and convenient online filing experience. Launched in 1993 by Intuit, it has consistently been rated as the best online tax service and is recognized as one of the top tax software options for small business owners. Turbo Tax Live Pros Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A- rating Allows you to file your taxes online or using a mobile app for an easy and accessible experience In-depth question and answer guidance available 24/7 with real accountants Instant refund estimates Turbo Tax Live Cons If you are self-employed and are filing with one or more states, it can become pricy. Turbo Tax Live is probably not the best tax software for small business filers. You are unable to go into a physical location and speak with someone in person EY TaxChat-Best for Self-Employed EY TaxChat is a top tax preparation service that is completed via your computer or phone and is the best for freelance income filers and small business owners. It was launched in 1986 by Ernst and Young and has a great reputation for high-quality tax services. EY TaxChat Pros Ability to speak with a tax preparer who will be able to help you understand the meaning of standard deduction, explain things on your state tax websites that are not so clear, or help to file your side business taxes. Easily send documents using your computer or electronic devices Get paired with a professional who will be able to help you with your specific tax needs EY TaxChat Cons It can be pricier than other competitors No option to speak with someone face-to-face EY TaxChat Pricing Pricing for EY TaxChat begins at $199 and will vary depending on each individual’s needs. Cash App Taxes Cash App Taxes is a top tax preparation service that offers a fast and easy way to get your taxes done. This app was originally Credit Karma and Cash App bought out the tax service that is now Cash App Taxes. It is a fast and easy way to get your taxes filed online. Cash App Taxes Pros File online via your mobile device A free base price and state tax filing fee Get your refund two days earlier by having your refund deposited directly into your Cash App account Offers a guarantee to get you the maximum refund possible Cash App Taxes Cons Not all states are able to file through Cash App Taxes This is not the best choice for those who have more complex tax needs Cash App Taxes Pricing Cash App Taxes are always free, no matter what your situation. TaxSlayer TaxSlayer originated in Agusta, Georgia, in 1965 as Rhodes-Murphy & Co. It started as a tax preparation service and has changed a couple of times over the years and is now an affordable software for the average everyday tax filer. TaxSlayer Pros Free federal tax filing for all active duty military with no restrictions Affordable filing options for your individual needs Simply Free is a 100% free option for filers with simple tax situations. With this option, federal tax filing is free, as well as the first state filing. TaxSlayer Cons No early refund loan services It is not good for individuals who want free tax services with high-income TaxSlayer Pricing TaxSlayer offers four tiers of pricing for different tax needs. Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Simply Free$0$0Most simple tax returns Premium$32.95$39.95Tax filers with more complex situations Liberty Tax Liberty Tax is a tax preparation service that was founded in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1997 and serves individuals and small businesses. In the US and Canada, there are over 2,500 branches, and they have received several accolades over the years for their exemplary service. Liberty Tax Pros App available for remote filing Do your own taxes online and utilize the virtual customer support team Brick-and-mortar locations available for more personal filing experience LibertyTax Cons No free filing option for simple tax returns Does not offer 24-hour support Liberty Tax Pricing Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Basic$45.95$36.95Itemized deductions without complexity Deluxe$65.95$36.95Itemized deductions plus income from self-employed business Premium$85.95$36.95More complex tax situations TaxAct In 1998, TaxAct was founded and has helped many individuals and businesses file their own taxes digitally, regardless of their tax situation. This online software is also equipped with many tools to make filing easy for any tax filer. TaxAct Pros Downloadable app to file taxes via mobile devices Free advice available from a live tax expert Access to free tools that make filing your taxes easier TaxAct Cons No physical location Possibility of technical problems occurring with the software TaxAct Pricing Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Free File$0$39.99Simple federal returns Deluxe$49.99$59.99Federal loans or claiming children; most popular choice Premier$69.99$59.99Filers with investments Self-Employed$99.99$59.99Reporting personal and business income; most comprehensive package Tax Software Tax software designed for small businesses streamlines the often intricate process of preparing and filing income tax returns. Here’s a deeper look into the world of tax software: Types of Tax Software: Form-Based Software: This type primarily focuses on providing digital versions of tax forms. Users input their data directly into these forms, which often replicate the appearance and structure of the paper counterparts. Interview-Based Software: Instead of directly filling out forms, users answer a series of questions. Based on these answers, the software determines which forms to use and automatically populates them. Key Features: E-filing Services: Allows users to electronically submit their tax returns, ensuring quicker processing times and receipt confirmations. Document Storage: Stores important tax-related documents, like W-2s or 1099s, in a digital format, which can be beneficial for record-keeping and future reference. Credit and Deduction Suggestions: The software analyzes user data to recommend tax credits and deductions that the taxpayer may be eligible for, ensuring they get the maximum refund possible. Audit Protection: Certain software includes features designed to reduce the likelihood of an audit or to provide assistance if an audit does take place. Multi-state Filing: For businesses that operate in multiple states, some software provides a seamless option for filing in different states. Benefits for Small Businesses: Cost-Effective: Using tax software can be significantly cheaper than hiring a tax professional, especially for businesses with straightforward finances. Time-Saving: Automated calculations and form population reduce the time spent on manual data entry. Accuracy: The risk of errors is minimized as the software automatically performs calculations and checks for common mistakes. Year-Round Access: Most platforms provide year-round access, enabling businesses to enter data, monitor expenses, and modify financial strategies as necessary. Considerations: Complexity: While software can handle a variety of tax situations, businesses with particularly intricate finances might still benefit from consulting a tax professional. Updates: As tax laws and regulations change, it’s essential to ensure that the software is regularly updated to remain compliant. Maximizing Tax Benefits: Tips for Small Businesses In the intricate landscape of small business taxation, unlocking the full potential of tax benefits can significantly bolster financial health and growth. Navigating this realm requires a blend of strategic planning and astute awareness of the tax advantages available. Here are some essential tips for small businesses aiming to maximize their tax benefits: Stay Informed on Tax Deductions: Regularly updating your knowledge about the ever-evolving tax deductions is critical. This includes understanding deductions related to home office expenses, business travel, and equipment purchases. Leveraging these deductions can substantially lower your taxable income. Consider Retirement Plans: Investing in retirement plans like SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k)s not only secures future financial stability but also offers immediate tax benefits. Contributions to these plans are typically tax-deductible, reducing your current taxable income. Utilize Tax Credits: Tax credits are a powerful tool as they directly reduce your tax bill. Credits may be available for certain business activities like hiring new employees, implementing environmentally friendly practices, or research and development efforts. Staying informed about these opportunities can lead to significant savings. Employ Effective Accounting Strategies: Accurate and efficient accounting practices lay the foundation for maximizing tax benefits. This includes meticulous record-keeping, which simplifies the process of claiming deductions and credits and ensures compliance with tax laws. Seek Professional Advice: The complexity of tax laws often necessitates professional guidance. Collaborating with a knowledgeable tax advisor can unveil hidden tax-saving opportunities tailored to your specific business scenario. Leverage Tax Software: For businesses handling taxes internally, utilizing advanced tax software can simplify the process and ensure accuracy. These tools often come equipped with features that highlight potential deductions and credits. Plan for Tax Payments: Effective tax planning involves setting aside funds for tax payments throughout the year. This proactive approach prevents cash flow issues and potential penalties associated with late or insufficient tax payments. Understand Industry-Specific Benefits: Different industries often have unique tax incentives. Understanding and leveraging these industry-specific benefits can lead to considerable tax savings. https://youtube.com/watch?v=71vwVX67KNM%3Fsi%3D8n9_BwlKmvjdLCWl FAQ Is it Worth Going to a Tax Preparer? Tax season can be quite a headache, and many people wonder if it’s worth going to a tax preparer for help. The answer is yes! It may cost more money to hire someone for professional tax assistance, but the time and effort saved in the long run can be well worth it. A tax preparer typically has extensive knowledge of the tax code and tax deductions, such as self-employed taxes, which they can use to maximize their return or minimize what they owe if they are facing an audit. Tax preparers also have access to the latest software updates that make tax filing quicker and easier, meaning less stress for you during this busy time. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with managing your finances during tax season, a professional tax preparer could be just the thing to help make things simpler. Who Should Use a Tax Preparation Service? Any small business owner or self-employed individual who needs help filing their taxes should consider using a tax preparation service. These services can help with everything from calculating and claiming tax deductions to filing your taxes on time. They also offer expert advice and guidance that can help you minimize your tax liability and maximize your refund. Here’s a more detailed overview to help you decide whether a tax preparation service is right for you: Small Business Owners: Manage complex financial transactions. Need to navigate various tax laws specific to businesses. Can benefit from identifying potential deductions related to business expenses. Self-Employed Individuals: Handle fluctuating income levels. Need to consider self-employment taxes. Can take advantage of specific deductions like home office or business mileage. Individuals Needing Assistance with Calculations: Want assurance in accurate tax computations? Require help with calculating deductions and credits. Seek to avoid potential errors that can lead to penalties. Those Seeking Timely Filing: Want to ensure taxes are filed before the deadline. Seek help in organizing and managing necessary tax documents. Wish to avoid late-filing penalties. Taxpayers Wanting Expert Advice: Aim to understand the nuances of tax laws. Seek guidance on minimizing tax liability. Want to maximize potential refunds? Individuals with Complex Financial Situations: Have multiple sources of income, including investments or rental properties. Have undergone major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Need to navigate inheritance or estate taxes. What is the best free tax software? If you are looking for free tax help and free filing for simple tax returns, then H&R Block’s free version is the best choice for you. You will not only be able to file your taxes quickly and easily online but will have access to online tax help and it is all completely free. Which online tax service gives the biggest refund? Turbo Tax and H&R Block come pretty close when it comes to which online service gives the biggest tax refund. This is mostly because they are both used by a lot of small business owners who can claim many different deductions on their taxes. Often, they will be owed money due to overpayment of taxes as well, which also pads their expected refund. Finally, both services provide a maximum refund guarantee for their services. How much does it cost to have someone else prepare your taxes? The cost of having someone else prepare your taxes can vary from $100 and up. Usually, it starts with how they price their services and whether they charge a flat rate or charge for individual items. Additionally, factors including your location, the complexity of your taxes, and software costs will also influence how much you will pay. More complex tax situations come with a higher price tag. How Is a Tax Preparation Service Different From Tax Preparation Software? While tax preparation software can help you prepare your taxes, it does not offer the same level of expertise and guidance that a professional tax preparation service can. Tax services are staffed by tax professionals who are experienced in dealing with all aspects of tax filing and have the knowledge and resources to help you get the most out of your return. Tax services typically offer additional services like document storage and e-filing that are not available with tax preparation software. The decision to use a tax preparation service or software comes down to your needs and preferences as a taxpayer. How long does it take for a tax preparer to do your taxes? The time it takes for a tax preparer to complete your taxes will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your return and the efficiency of the tax preparation service. A professional tax preparer may be able to complete and file your taxes in as little as a few hours, or it may take several days or weeks, depending on your needs and situation. Truly, the best way to find out how long it will take for a tax preparer to do your taxes is to consult with a tax professional directly. Should I hire a tax preparation service or use tax prep software to do it myself? There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether you should use a tax preparation service or software. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your personal situation, budget, and preferences. Some factors to consider when deciding between a tax prep service and software include the level of expertise and support you need, the complexity of your taxes, and the cost. In the end, it all depends on your individual needs. How much can a small business make before paying taxes in the US? According to the IRS, small businesses in the US are generally obligated to pay taxes on any income exceeding $400. Additionally, various factors like expenses, deductions, and credits can influence your tax liabilities and ultimately affect the total amount of taxes you owe. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Tax Preparation Services" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

It is tax season again and many people will be looking to find out how to file taxes and for the right places to go to ensure it is done correctly. We will be looking at eight of the best tax preparation services to help you with your taxes. What are Tax Preparation Services? Tax preparation service companies are a place to go for help with filing your tax return. A tax professional can help with tax forms, calculate your adjusted gross income, and let you know what deductions and credits you are eligible for, making your experience quicker and much less confusing. Choosing the Best Tax Preparation Services: Our Methodology Choosing the right tax preparation service is crucial for small business owners and entrepreneurs, as it can significantly impact their financial health and compliance. Here’s our methodology for assessing tax preparation services, using a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the most important: Accuracy and Compliance (5/5): Track record of accurate and compliant filings Knowledge of current tax laws and regulations Guarantees or assurances against filing errors Cost and Value (4/5): Transparent pricing without hidden fees Competitive rates for the level of service provided Value for money considering the services offered Range of Services (4/5): Comprehensive service offerings (e.g., federal, state, local, and international taxes) Additional services like tax planning and financial advice Specialization in relevant industries or tax situations Ease of Use and Accessibility (4/5): User-friendly interface for digital services Availability of in-person assistance where necessary Accessibility for people with disabilities Security and Privacy (5/5): Robust measures to protect sensitive financial data Compliance with privacy regulations and best practices Clear and trustworthy privacy policies Customer Support (4/5): Availability and responsiveness of customer support Quality and helpfulness of tax professionals Support options (phone, email, live chat, in-person) Technology and Tools (3/5): Utilization of up-to-date software and technology Availability of tools for easy document upload and management Integration capabilities with accounting software Reputation and Reliability (4/5): Positive reviews and testimonials from clients History of reliability and trustworthiness in the industry Professional accreditations and certifications Turnaround Time (3/5): Efficiency in completing and filing tax returns Timely updates and communication throughout the process Ability to handle urgent or last-minute filings Educational Resources (3/5): Provision of resources to help clients understand their taxes Availability of workshops, webinars, or informational content Guidance on tax-saving strategies and financial planning By meticulously evaluating each tax preparation service against these criteria, we aim to provide small business owners with reliable and effective options that can handle their tax needs with precision and care. Where is the Best Place to Get Your Taxes Done? Whether you want to do your own taxes or would like to get the help of tax professionals there are some really great options to choose from. At the top of our list is H&R Block with great prices, easy-to-use online services, and a plethora of locations that easily make it the best overall. Jackson Hewitt’s services are the easiest to use and offer lots of tools to make filing a breeze. If you like to do your taxes online from the comfort of your own home then Turbo Tax Live is a fantastic option to get your taxes done right. Small Business Deals Last but not least is Ey TaxChat, an online tax preparation service that is especially good for the self-employed tax filer. We will learn more about these options and a few others in the following sections. The 8 Best Tax Preparation Services We have put together a list of the 8 Best Tax Preparation Services and online tax software that deliver thorough support for filing your taxes. These services offer dependable assistance from knowledgeable tax professionals who will help both small business owners and individuals ensure that their returns are accurate and incorporate all available deductions and credits. H&R Block– Best Overall Heading our list for best overall tax service is H&R Block. H&R Block was started in 1955 by two brothers and has grown to over 12,000 locations worldwide. It has multiple services to choose from, the best tax software, and competitive prices that will take care of all your individual or business income tax preparation needs. H&R Block Pros Affordable pricing starting under $100 Maximum refund guarantee Thousands of locations to provide accessible services Various tax services are available Offers free tax advice to filers using online services Offers a free file option for simple tax returns H&R Block Cons A certified public accountant may not be available to help you More complex filings come with higher prices H&R Block Pricing H&R Block offers transparent pricing. A tax professional will walk you through all the forms you will need, provide free tax advice, and advise you of any fees so that you know how much you will be spending before you even begin. Fee TypeAmount Base Fee$89 State Return Fee (per state)$70 Additional FormsPrices vary based on requirements Jackson Hewitt– Ease of use Jackson Hewitt is a tax preparation service that is known for being one of the easiest services to use. This reputable service was started in 1982 and now has over 6,000 locations across the US. They offer a variety of different tax filing and preparation services for both individuals and businesses. Jackson Hewitt Pros Better Business Bureau accredited with an A+ rating Various options, such as dropping off your paperwork or uploading it online Walk-in preparations available Thousands of Jackson Hewitt office locations, including some located inside Walmart Early Refund Advance Loan available Jackson Hewitt Cons Does not offer a free filing option Not all tax professionals are CPAs Jackson Hewitt Pricing Jackson Hewitt’s pricing is not clear and easy to find on their website. Fee TypeAmount/Description Online Filing (State and Federal combined)$25 In-person Professional AssistancePrices vary (case-by-case basis) Turbo Tax Live– Overall Best Online Experience Turbo Tax Live is a leading tax preparation service that provides a simple and convenient online filing experience. Launched in 1993 by Intuit, it has consistently been rated as the best online tax service and is recognized as one of the top tax software options for small business owners. Turbo Tax Live Pros Accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A- rating Allows you to file your taxes online or using a mobile app for an easy and accessible experience In-depth question and answer guidance available 24/7 with real accountants Instant refund estimates Turbo Tax Live Cons If you are self-employed and are filing with one or more states, it can become pricy. Turbo Tax Live is probably not the best tax software for small business filers. You are unable to go into a physical location and speak with someone in person EY TaxChat-Best for Self-Employed EY TaxChat is a top tax preparation service that is completed via your computer or phone and is the best for freelance income filers and small business owners. It was launched in 1986 by Ernst and Young and has a great reputation for high-quality tax services. EY TaxChat Pros Ability to speak with a tax preparer who will be able to help you understand the meaning of standard deduction, explain things on your state tax websites that are not so clear, or help to file your side business taxes. Easily send documents using your computer or electronic devices Get paired with a professional who will be able to help you with your specific tax needs EY TaxChat Cons It can be pricier than other competitors No option to speak with someone face-to-face EY TaxChat Pricing Pricing for EY TaxChat begins at $199 and will vary depending on each individual’s needs. Cash App Taxes Cash App Taxes is a top tax preparation service that offers a fast and easy way to get your taxes done. This app was originally Credit Karma and Cash App bought out the tax service that is now Cash App Taxes. It is a fast and easy way to get your taxes filed online. Cash App Taxes Pros File online via your mobile device A free base price and state tax filing fee Get your refund two days earlier by having your refund deposited directly into your Cash App account Offers a guarantee to get you the maximum refund possible Cash App Taxes Cons Not all states are able to file through Cash App Taxes This is not the best choice for those who have more complex tax needs Cash App Taxes Pricing Cash App Taxes are always free, no matter what your situation. TaxSlayer TaxSlayer originated in Agusta, Georgia, in 1965 as Rhodes-Murphy & Co. It started as a tax preparation service and has changed a couple of times over the years and is now an affordable software for the average everyday tax filer. TaxSlayer Pros Free federal tax filing for all active duty military with no restrictions Affordable filing options for your individual needs Simply Free is a 100% free option for filers with simple tax situations. With this option, federal tax filing is free, as well as the first state filing. TaxSlayer Cons No early refund loan services It is not good for individuals who want free tax services with high-income TaxSlayer Pricing TaxSlayer offers four tiers of pricing for different tax needs. Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Simply Free$0$0Most simple tax returns Premium$32.95$39.95Tax filers with more complex situations Liberty Tax Liberty Tax is a tax preparation service that was founded in Virginia Beach, Virginia, in 1997 and serves individuals and small businesses. In the US and Canada, there are over 2,500 branches, and they have received several accolades over the years for their exemplary service. Liberty Tax Pros App available for remote filing Do your own taxes online and utilize the virtual customer support team Brick-and-mortar locations available for more personal filing experience LibertyTax Cons No free filing option for simple tax returns Does not offer 24-hour support Liberty Tax Pricing Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Basic$45.95$36.95Itemized deductions without complexity Deluxe$65.95$36.95Itemized deductions plus income from self-employed business Premium$85.95$36.95More complex tax situations TaxAct In 1998, TaxAct was founded and has helped many individuals and businesses file their own taxes digitally, regardless of their tax situation. This online software is also equipped with many tools to make filing easy for any tax filer. TaxAct Pros Downloadable app to file taxes via mobile devices Free advice available from a live tax expert Access to free tools that make filing your taxes easier TaxAct Cons No physical location Possibility of technical problems occurring with the software TaxAct Pricing Pricing TierFederal FeeState FeeDescription/Best For Free File$0$39.99Simple federal returns Deluxe$49.99$59.99Federal loans or claiming children; most popular choice Premier$69.99$59.99Filers with investments Self-Employed$99.99$59.99Reporting personal and business income; most comprehensive package Tax Software Tax software designed for small businesses streamlines the often intricate process of preparing and filing income tax returns. Here’s a deeper look into the world of tax software: Types of Tax Software: Form-Based Software: This type primarily focuses on providing digital versions of tax forms. Users input their data directly into these forms, which often replicate the appearance and structure of the paper counterparts. Interview-Based Software: Instead of directly filling out forms, users answer a series of questions. Based on these answers, the software determines which forms to use and automatically populates them. Key Features: E-filing Services: Allows users to electronically submit their tax returns, ensuring quicker processing times and receipt confirmations. Document Storage: Stores important tax-related documents, like W-2s or 1099s, in a digital format, which can be beneficial for record-keeping and future reference. Credit and Deduction Suggestions: The software analyzes user data to recommend tax credits and deductions that the taxpayer may be eligible for, ensuring they get the maximum refund possible. Audit Protection: Certain software includes features designed to reduce the likelihood of an audit or to provide assistance if an audit does take place. Multi-state Filing: For businesses that operate in multiple states, some software provides a seamless option for filing in different states. Benefits for Small Businesses: Cost-Effective: Using tax software can be significantly cheaper than hiring a tax professional, especially for businesses with straightforward finances. Time-Saving: Automated calculations and form population reduce the time spent on manual data entry. Accuracy: The risk of errors is minimized as the software automatically performs calculations and checks for common mistakes. Year-Round Access: Most platforms provide year-round access, enabling businesses to enter data, monitor expenses, and modify financial strategies as necessary. Considerations: Complexity: While software can handle a variety of tax situations, businesses with particularly intricate finances might still benefit from consulting a tax professional. Updates: As tax laws and regulations change, it’s essential to ensure that the software is regularly updated to remain compliant. Maximizing Tax Benefits: Tips for Small Businesses In the intricate landscape of small business taxation, unlocking the full potential of tax benefits can significantly bolster financial health and growth. Navigating this realm requires a blend of strategic planning and astute awareness of the tax advantages available. Here are some essential tips for small businesses aiming to maximize their tax benefits: Stay Informed on Tax Deductions: Regularly updating your knowledge about the ever-evolving tax deductions is critical. This includes understanding deductions related to home office expenses, business travel, and equipment purchases. Leveraging these deductions can substantially lower your taxable income. Consider Retirement Plans: Investing in retirement plans like SEP IRAs or Solo 401(k)s not only secures future financial stability but also offers immediate tax benefits. Contributions to these plans are typically tax-deductible, reducing your current taxable income. Utilize Tax Credits: Tax credits are a powerful tool as they directly reduce your tax bill. Credits may be available for certain business activities like hiring new employees, implementing environmentally friendly practices, or research and development efforts. Staying informed about these opportunities can lead to significant savings. Employ Effective Accounting Strategies: Accurate and efficient accounting practices lay the foundation for maximizing tax benefits. This includes meticulous record-keeping, which simplifies the process of claiming deductions and credits and ensures compliance with tax laws. Seek Professional Advice: The complexity of tax laws often necessitates professional guidance. Collaborating with a knowledgeable tax advisor can unveil hidden tax-saving opportunities tailored to your specific business scenario. Leverage Tax Software: For businesses handling taxes internally, utilizing advanced tax software can simplify the process and ensure accuracy. These tools often come equipped with features that highlight potential deductions and credits. Plan for Tax Payments: Effective tax planning involves setting aside funds for tax payments throughout the year. This proactive approach prevents cash flow issues and potential penalties associated with late or insufficient tax payments. Understand Industry-Specific Benefits: Different industries often have unique tax incentives. Understanding and leveraging these industry-specific benefits can lead to considerable tax savings. https://youtube.com/watch?v=71vwVX67KNM%3Fsi%3D8n9_BwlKmvjdLCWl FAQ Is it Worth Going to a Tax Preparer? Tax season can be quite a headache, and many people wonder if it’s worth going to a tax preparer for help. The answer is yes! It may cost more money to hire someone for professional tax assistance, but the time and effort saved in the long run can be well worth it. A tax preparer typically has extensive knowledge of the tax code and tax deductions, such as self-employed taxes, which they can use to maximize their return or minimize what they owe if they are facing an audit. Tax preparers also have access to the latest software updates that make tax filing quicker and easier, meaning less stress for you during this busy time. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed with managing your finances during tax season, a professional tax preparer could be just the thing to help make things simpler. Who Should Use a Tax Preparation Service? Any small business owner or self-employed individual who needs help filing their taxes should consider using a tax preparation service. These services can help with everything from calculating and claiming tax deductions to filing your taxes on time. They also offer expert advice and guidance that can help you minimize your tax liability and maximize your refund. Here’s a more detailed overview to help you decide whether a tax preparation service is right for you: Small Business Owners: Manage complex financial transactions. Need to navigate various tax laws specific to businesses. Can benefit from identifying potential deductions related to business expenses. Self-Employed Individuals: Handle fluctuating income levels. Need to consider self-employment taxes. Can take advantage of specific deductions like home office or business mileage. Individuals Needing Assistance with Calculations: Want assurance in accurate tax computations? Require help with calculating deductions and credits. Seek to avoid potential errors that can lead to penalties. Those Seeking Timely Filing: Want to ensure taxes are filed before the deadline. Seek help in organizing and managing necessary tax documents. Wish to avoid late-filing penalties. Taxpayers Wanting Expert Advice: Aim to understand the nuances of tax laws. Seek guidance on minimizing tax liability. Want to maximize potential refunds? Individuals with Complex Financial Situations: Have multiple sources of income, including investments or rental properties. Have undergone major life changes like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Need to navigate inheritance or estate taxes. What is the best free tax software? If you are looking for free tax help and free filing for simple tax returns, then H&R Block’s free version is the best choice for you. You will not only be able to file your taxes quickly and easily online but will have access to online tax help and it is all completely free. Which online tax service gives the biggest refund? Turbo Tax and H&R Block come pretty close when it comes to which online service gives the biggest tax refund. This is mostly because they are both used by a lot of small business owners who can claim many different deductions on their taxes. Often, they will be owed money due to overpayment of taxes as well, which also pads their expected refund. Finally, both services provide a maximum refund guarantee for their services. How much does it cost to have someone else prepare your taxes? The cost of having someone else prepare your taxes can vary from $100 and up. Usually, it starts with how they price their services and whether they charge a flat rate or charge for individual items. Additionally, factors including your location, the complexity of your taxes, and software costs will also influence how much you will pay. More complex tax situations come with a higher price tag. How Is a Tax Preparation Service Different From Tax Preparation Software? While tax preparation software can help you prepare your taxes, it does not offer the same level of expertise and guidance that a professional tax preparation service can. Tax services are staffed by tax professionals who are experienced in dealing with all aspects of tax filing and have the knowledge and resources to help you get the most out of your return. Tax services typically offer additional services like document storage and e-filing that are not available with tax preparation software. The decision to use a tax preparation service or software comes down to your needs and preferences as a taxpayer. How long does it take for a tax preparer to do your taxes? The time it takes for a tax preparer to complete your taxes will depend on a number of factors, including the complexity of your return and the efficiency of the tax preparation service. A professional tax preparer may be able to complete and file your taxes in as little as a few hours, or it may take several days or weeks, depending on your needs and situation. Truly, the best way to find out how long it will take for a tax preparer to do your taxes is to consult with a tax professional directly. Should I hire a tax preparation service or use tax prep software to do it myself? There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether you should use a tax preparation service or software. Both options offer benefits and drawbacks, and the right choice will depend on your personal situation, budget, and preferences. Some factors to consider when deciding between a tax prep service and software include the level of expertise and support you need, the complexity of your taxes, and the cost. In the end, it all depends on your individual needs. How much can a small business make before paying taxes in the US? According to the IRS, small businesses in the US are generally obligated to pay taxes on any income exceeding $400. Additionally, various factors like expenses, deductions, and credits can influence your tax liabilities and ultimately affect the total amount of taxes you owe. Image: Envato Elements This article, "The Best Tax Preparation Services" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Pinterest shares (NYSE: PINS) are skyrocketing in premarket trading this morning after the company announced Q4 results for its fiscal 2024 yesterday. PINS stock is currently up over 22% to above $41 per share as of the time of this writing. It hasn’t seen that price point seen since last July. Here’s what you need to know about Pinterest’s latest results and its surging stock. Pinterest’s revenue and growing user base shine in Q4 Almost any way you look at it, Pinterest had a great Q4, with two metrics really seeming to have made investors happy: Revenue: $1.15 billion Global Monthly Active Users (MAUs): 553 million For its fourth quarter, Pinterest generated revenue of $1.15 billion. Not only did that exceed analyst estimates of $1.14 billion for the quarter (per CNBC), but it’s the first time that Pinterest has generated over $1 billion in revenue in a single quarter. It also represents a growth of 18% versus the quarter a year earlier. Pinterest’s first billion-dollar quarter also helped lift the company’s total revenue for its entire fiscal 2024. The company reported that it brought in total revenue of $3.6 billion during its 2024 financial year—growth of 19% over fiscal 2023. But it wasn’t just revenue that has pleased investors. Pinterest also saw its global monthly active user base (MAU) grow by double digits in the quarter. The company ended Q4 2024 with 553 million monthly active users. That’s 11% more than the quarter a year earlier and an all-time high for the social media company. Pinterest, like other smaller social media networks, has faced ad pressures in recent years as advertisers wrestle with where to spend their money—with most opting to do so on Meta’s and Google’s platforms where engagement and user bases are larger. But not only has Pinterest’s Q4 results suggested the company is growing its ad revenues, its user base growth also bodes well for the company in attracting more advertisers in the future. Announcing the company’s Q4 results, Pinterest CEO Bill Ready said, “2024 was a banner year for Pinterest, capped off by a milestone Q4—achieving the company’s first billion-dollar revenue quarter and a record 553 million monthly active users, as we continue to drive profitable growth and free cash flow.” Looking ahead to 2025 Pinterest is currently in its first quarter of fiscal 2025. On yesterday’s earnings call, the company offered revenue guidance for the period, saying it expects revenue to come in between $837 million and $852 million, a year-over-year growth of between 13% and 15%. As MarketWatch noted, that is above the FactSet consensus, which was only $836 million. As of yesterday’s close, before its Q4 results boost, PINS shares ended the day at $33.59. That equates to a year-to-date return of nearly 16%. However, over the past year, the stock price has fallen over 18%. Today’s premarket boost, if it holds up once the markets open, can help erase much of those losses. “Our strategy is paying off. People are coming to Pinterest more often, the platform has never been more actionable, and our lower funnel focus is driving results for users and advertisers,” Ready said. “Looking ahead, I’m confident that our focus on being a positive platform is a competitive advantage in driving long-term success for the business and value for our advertisers and users.” View the full article

With over 900 million users worldwide, LinkedIn often feels like the ultimate goldmine for professional networking and career growth. But figuring out the right blend of authentic expertise, personal flair, and audience engagement can feel more daunting than it’s worth. Yes, it’s crucial to know how to boost engagement, but it’s just as important to understand which kinds of posts can hurt your reputation and sabotage your efforts to be seen as an expert. Here are three types of posts you’re better off avoiding. Algorithm-chasing posts LinkedIn’s algorithm is constantly changing, influencing the likes, views, and social interactions your posts receive from potential clients, employers, and your network. Unlike platforms like Instagram and TikTok—which thrive on trendy, high-engagement content—LinkedIn actually pushes back on posts that seem to be gaming the system. Instead, the best way to stand out is to focus on credibility, expertise, and meaningful conversations within your industry, all while keeping your clients’ needs in mind. When you chase a moving algorithm, you risk posting controversial or “hot take” content that aims for quick reactions rather than thoughtful engagement. To avoid the trap of chasing engagement, create a checklist of relevant and engaging topics you gather from client and colleague conversations. This allows you a check and balance to make sure you remain relevant and professional-brand appropriate in any content you share. In fact, many senior leaders use LinkedIn to post and build engagement around their businesses and brands. Staying consistent with your professional identity and goals is a much better use of the exposure and investment in LinkedIn than hoping that big engagement numbers will drive others to be curious about what you stand for and what your work is all about. Wondering how to create engagement without constantly chasing the algorithm’s latest quirks? The simple answer is to stay authentic to yourself and your clients. Focus on meaningful, conversation-sparking content that resonates with the people you want to reach. That way, you’ll naturally attract the right audience—those who are genuinely interested in you and what you do. The AI-wrote-me post In a world intrigued by the capabilities of AI tools, the impulse to allow AI to draft your LinkedIn content is appealing— especially in the face of competing interests for your time and focus. Yet, that simple choice can often lead to more complications than it is worth. With much of LinkedIn’s content being posted by individual professionals, rather than company profiles, the content is reflective of your unique expertise. When posting on LinkedIn, the individuals engaging on the platform want to get to know other professionals and build relationships that can lead to client work, collaborations, and referrals. Behind each of these goals is the desire to connect with other humans who can relate to clients and build trusting work relationships. And nothing hurts this trust than inauthentic content or turning your cheek to the judgment calls needed to ensure your content remains appropriate and consistent with not only your voice, but that of your company. While ever-evolving AI tools might help generate ideas, the start of a post, or content outlines, individual involvement in drafting and creating the proper viewpoints for sharing on the platform cannot be outsourced to the smart-tools. AI lacks the judgment needed to understand how content lands with users and to predict the engagement and conversations that might develop from content on a social media platform. When posting without this vision and understanding of the topic, the comments on any particular post might veer from where you were hoping to drive engagement. This change in the discussion may diminish your goals and influence how others view your expertise and whether it is content that you’re wanting to be known for when trying to build a professional relationship. What do you do if AI can’t be your ghostwriter? Ask AI for a list of sub-topics from your initial post idea, ask for assistance in writing a complicated sentence, or talk to a colleague or client for their input, because they do have the judgment missing from AI’s capabilities. The kitchen sink post Ever seen a post that tries to cram in everything but the kitchen sink? Usually, it’s a rant against some “enemy” of the moment—maybe big corporations, certain work styles, or generational quirks—and it’s stuffed with random, not-so-relevant points. The problem with this “throw it all in” approach is that big, bold statements lacking facts or expert insight can easily backfire. You might not see it right away, but that harsh commentary could cost you a client or lead to getting passed over for a dream job. So, what should you post instead? Pick one angle on a hot topic—say, work-life balance—and share a thoughtful perspective that sparks genuine conversation. Instead of demanding rigid “us vs. them” boundaries, talk about practical ways to create a healthier work environment. Remember, the real goal on LinkedIn isn’t to rack up millions of views; it’s to build an engaged community that values your unique voice and insights. That’s what counts in the long run. View the full article

A year ago, a small California-based EV charging startup was quickly expanding to other states. The company, called GreenWealth Energy, had multimillion-dollar projects planned in places like Colorado and Texas. Then came the election, and everything changed. Donald Trump attacked EVs throughout his campaign, despite the fact that electric cars can save consumers money and automakers have invested more than $300 billion in EV and battery manufacturing in the United States. Now the new administration is already making it a priority to fight anything EV-related. In January, when the president issued an executive order that paused spending from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, he specifically called out the funding that Congress allocated to build a national network of EV chargers. Ariel Fan [Photo: GreenWealth Energy] The majority of the $7.5 billion for charging stations has already been committed to states and cities. Legally, it’s theirs; the president doesn’t have the authority to take away the money. But because states and local governments have long planning processes, most of the new charging stations still haven’t been built. The federal programs work through reimbursement, so states don’t have the money in hand—and with funds now frozen, the uncertainty about the future means that some projects are on indefinite hold, including those that the startup was planning outside of California. “Basically, we can assume those projects are dead in the water, or being scaled down so significantly that we wouldn’t be able to participate,” says GreenWealth founder and CEO Ariel Fan. For the company, that means adapting quickly. The team is leaning into its work in California, where the state is still planning for all new car sales to be zero-emission vehicles within a decade. (The Trump administration is suing to revoke California’s right to set strict air pollution goals, though experts expect that the state will prevail.) The state has some separate funding sources for EV chargers, including through an offset program that gets money from oil companies. Utilities also offer rebates and are investing in chargers for their own fleets; in one project, GreenWealth is planning to help build 1,500 charging stations for SoCalGas’s fleet of electric vehicles. In another new project, the startup will operate and maintain chargers for the city fleet of EVs in Santa Monica. “We’ve actually seen an uptick in the last couple of months because California [is] doubling down on their policy,” says Fan. “There’s no indication that this is going to change as a result of what’s happening federally. With all of our signed contracts in California, we aren’t directly impacted by any of the federal rollbacks of funds.” [Photo: GreenWealth Energy] The need for more chargers is clear in California, where around 25% of new car sales last year were zero-emission vehicles. (Colorado, which also has strong incentives, has a similar rate of EV sales.) California Governor Gavin Newsom has said that the state will provide tax credits if the Trump administration gets rid of the federal program, helping boost EV sales more. The state’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Program requires manufacturers to ramp up the percentage of clean car sales each year. To meet demand as more people drive electric, nearly 10 times as many charging stations will be needed in the state by 2030. Public chargers are especially in demand at apartment buildings, one of the places where GreenWealth focuses its work. Still, Fan says it feels like the company is on “California island,” as she watches governments pause projects in other states. As the startup’s short-term pipeline of projects has changed, she’s had to lay off some of her staff of 20, reduce pay and hours for others, and delay hiring for some planned positions. To compound the challenges, the company’s headquarters in Pasadena is a mile from where the Eaton Fire burned; some team members lost their homes, and work slowed to a standstill in January. The disaster is temporarily affecting new projects. Multifamily building owners are focusing on housing for displaced people rather than EV infrastructure. Permitting is delayed. New charger projects may not ramp up again for three to six months. (At that point, the company will hire more staff.) Fan has also had to work harder to secure financing at a time when lenders are spooked by the uncertainty in the market. It helps, Fan says, that the startup is scrappy and quick to adapt. She launched the business in 2017 as a 25-year-old, focused first on connecting building owners with incentives to improve efficiency with LED lighting, and then on providing sustainability consulting. She later saw an opportunity in EV charging, and pivoted in 2019, working through dozens of leads for new charging station projects each month. She believes that the company is resilient. “Our industry needs hope right now, and people really feel that it’s life or death for their companies,” she says. “One thing that I would want to convey with this story is that we’ve been nimble enough to survive.” It’s not clear yet how the shift in federal policy will affect the growth of EV chargers as a whole. So far, at least five states have paused their participation in the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program (one part of the federal funding) according to Paren, a company that tracks EV charging infrastructure. Others are likely to announce similar pauses. “It’s really nerve-racking if you’re at a state DOT and you have bills to pay, and you might not get paid for 90 days,” says Loren McDonald, chief analyst at Paren. “So a lot of states are pausing their programs.” But some larger companies may still move forward with projects that had been approved by states and were underway. Lawsuits could unlock the funding that was already committed to states. “The chance that they will be able to claw back this money is very, very small,” says Gil Tal, director of the Electric Vehicle Research Center at the University of California, Davis. “And we will see chargers built on the ground in the next two years that are still part of the federal money.” View the full article

The other day, my 15-year-old daughter and her friend were smelling candles in the local grocery store just two blocks from our home. I frequently send my daughter, and my younger son, 10, to grab a few items there when I’m busy—especially in the summer when no one gripes about the walk. But on this particular day, an employee approached the girls and asked them to leave the store immediately. “Why?” they responded in unison, taken aback. The answer: Because they didn’t have a parent or guardian with them. Annoyed, but not entirely shocked, I popped by and spoke to a manager (in the least Karen-like fashion I could muster). I was told that the grocery store does not have a no kids or teens policy, and that the employee had been mistaken. I was relieved, yet at the same time, I wouldn’t have been stunned to learn about a newly implemented policy banning teens. My rules-following first born has grown used to being kicked out of businesses. In the past year, she’s been asked to leave a department store, our local mall, and other chains, not for loitering, being loud, or misbehaving in any way, but simply because she wasn’t with an adult. She’s not alone—it’s happening to teens everywhere. Research on just how many malls and shopping centers across the U.S. have banned teens is lacking, but according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, per the Los Angeles Times, at least 105 out of the 1,222 U.S. malls have policies that ban or restrict teens during certain hours. The nowhere-to-go generation The mall was once a staple of teenhood. Yet, our local Maryland mall bans teens past 4 p.m. And it’s seemingly common in other parts of the country. New Jersey’s oldest mall, Westfield Garden State Plaza, implemented a similar policy in 2023, as did a Pittsburgh mall and Del Amo Fashion Center in Los Angeles, the largest in the Western U.S. Sometimes, even the movies are a no-go. According to AMC, the largest movie theater chain in the country, kids under 17 may need to show up with an adult, even to see a kid-friendly movie. At our local AMC, teenagers need a parent or guardian present after 5 p.m. But the page advises, “For some theatres, adult supervision is required all day.” And a quick Google search brings up tons of conversations about stores and other businesses banning teens—even some grocery stores. Katie Dongorra, a Baltimore-area mom who works in finance, says her teen daughter has had similar negative, even jarring, experiences. She told Fast Company that her teen was also harassed and kicked out of a grocery store by a police officer who asked her age, then told her he’d be monitoring her transaction. “It’s been two years and I’m still mad about it,” Dongorra said. Businesses seem to be banning teens over claims of disruptions to other customers. For example, the L.A. mall banned teens after a brawl broke out. And a Pennsylvania Chick-fil-A that restricts diners under 16 without a guardian said that it was over noise, “unsafe behaviors,” and mistreatment of the location’s employees. However, while teenagers have always brought a, perhaps, noisier, more dynamic presence to the establishments they frequent, crime, including violent crime, has been falling among teens in recent years. According to a September 2024 report from the Council on Criminal Justice (CCJ), all incidents involving youths have notably dropped. “Juvenile offending (total incidents) was about 14% lower, and the total number of juveniles involved was around 18% lower, in 2022 than in 2016, the beginning of the study period,” the report explains. If teen crime isn’t radically rising, then the increasing practice of banning teens in public places is at best curious and at worst intolerant. And it may not even have the impact that businesses are hoping for. Where to spend it? Recent data on shoplifting supports the idea that bans aren’t practical or helpful for business, at least when it comes to keeping out shoplifters. That’s because shoplifting isn’t isolated to teens. In fact, most shoplifters are adults. A 2024 LendingTree survey found that 90% of recent shoplifting was motivated by inflation—not rebellious teen attitudes. According to the data, the groups most likely to shoplift are those with young children in the home (27%) and millennials ages 28 to 43 (26%). Banning kids from stores might not curb shoplifting, but it will certainly curb the ability of kids to spend money in those stores. Instead, they’ll just spend their earnings online. Jennifer Seitz, a financial education instructor and director of education at Greenlight, the debit card for kids that helps them learn to track and manage funds, tells Fast Company that kids are spending more than ever. “Teens have significant spending power, so businesses that exclude or ban them may be leaving significant money on the table,” she explains. While Seitz says kids are still spending plenty in malls and shopping centers, most of the money they are spending is now happening from home. “Spending habits have increasingly shifted online, with a rise in online shopping and food delivery platforms that offer convenience, variety, and on-demand access,” Seitz says. Of course, much of modern shopping happens from our phones, but when it comes to teenagers who, at one point, craved being out and about, the shift feels alarming. Yet, with kids being banned from so many establishments, the spending-from-home trend makes sense. Bad business or not, kicking out perfectly well-behaved teens leaves parents feeling like they have nowhere to drop their older children off anymore to hang out. It also may be bad for kids. Joe Sugarman, a dad and writer, tells Fast Company that his 15-year-old, now 16, was kicked out of one Maryland mall, and warned at another. “We try to get these kids off their phones and out of their bedrooms and teach them some independence, but they have nowhere to go,” he explained. He recalled that even the state fair has the same policy, quipping, “What teen wants their old dad hanging out with them as they flirt with boys and hope for their first kiss on the top of the Ferris wheel?” Sugarman says policies like these make it practically impossible for parents to plan and schedule their own lives around their teens’ hangouts, especially when they’re expected to be nearby. Only the lonely As inconvenient all this might be for modern parents, there are more serious consequences for teens, experts say. A 2023 commentary in The Journal of Pediatrics by Peter Gray, a research professor of psychology at Boston College, pointed to the loss of “independent activities,” like shopping or hitting up a movie sans parents, as a culprit for the well-documented decline in children’s mental health in recent years. Gray tells Fast Company that we shouldn’t pretend this trend doesn’t negatively impact kids and their understanding of their place in the world. “If we want kids to grow up with a sense of agency, with the confidence required to engage the real world around them, we must grant them, as they grow, ever increasing freedom to explore public spaces independently of adult control,” he says. Jessi Gold, MD, MS, author and chief wellness officer of the University of Tennessee System’s Psychiatry Department, who works with teens and young adults, agrees. Gold worries about how the trend impacts those on the cusp of adulthood. “Loneliness is a rampant problem in our society, and community building, especially offline, is lacking in younger generations,” Gold tells Fast Company. “We know loneliness contributes significantly to the mental health crisis . . . we need to be encouraging spaces where teens can safely have fun with friends, not prohibiting them.” Gold also explains that the teen years are a huge time for growth and discovering one’s identity and learning social skills, so in-person time with friends is massively important. “As a psychiatrist who sees college students, I worry that if we stop allowing high schoolers the ability to socialize with their friends alone and in non-school or online spaces, that they would struggle making friends and forming a community more than they already have post-COVID on campus,” Gold says. Who actually gets banned? There is also the glaring issue of how businesses enforce bans across different races. Sugarman believes that teen bans are more common in racially diverse areas, and recalls a friend who lives in a mostly white area of Massachusetts being “gobsmacked” when he explained that such policies exist in his state. He’s not alone in worrying about the racial dynamics that may come with sweeping age restrictions. Meg St-Esprit, a journalist and Pittsburgh mom, who has kids of different races, tells Fast Company that she’s seen racial profiling firsthand. “Our nice mall has this policy and it is absolutely not evenly enforced,” she shared. “My two boys walking together, one white, one black, ahead of me. Guess which one got asked where his adult was?” Of course, it’s up to businesses to equally enforce the policies they create. But as for the policies themselves, it’s legal for establishments to create and modify their guidelines, including restricting younger clientele. As long as they aren’t restricting customers based on federally protected categories such as race, religion, national origin or disability, they’re in the clear. That doesn’t mean those policies are kind, or fair, and it doesn’t mean they are good for teens. Any adult who remembers the first freedoms of going to the grocery store, the mall, or the movies alone knows how formative those experiences were. I used to roam the mall for hours with groups of friends—Hot Topic, Spencer’s Gifts, and a since-shuttered Silver Diner on the bottom level where I ate my body weight in cheese fries. I had my first dates at movie theaters and at Chinese food restaurants. Being out in the world, spending my own money, was, in part, where I learned to be self-sufficient, and also social. Sure, there are parking lots and fields to hang out in. But if we widely ban teens from businesses, we ban them from so many necessary lessons, like how to talk to a salesperson or not spend all your money in one place. Instead, they’re learning that they aren’t to be trusted. We are essentially forcing them to stay home, and then—poof—expecting them to know how to navigate the world as fully functional adults. If we don’t get rid of the leashes while they’re young and supposed to be learning how to be part of society, we shouldn’t be surprised by how radically society as a whole changes once they’re grown. View the full article

Yep, we are seeing more Google search ranking volatility mid-week. I posted the monthly Google webmaster report for February. Google Ads has a new quality update that accounts for user navigation experience...View the full article

In digital marketing, a common belief is that everything can be measured – clicks, conversions, and ROI. Many advertisers assume that brand awareness is unnecessary and that performance marketing alone is enough to drive sales. After all, brand awareness campaigns don’t always generate immediate traffic or conversions visible in analytics. Their effects unfold over time, making them harder to measure than performance-driven campaigns. However, this overlooks a critical factor: brand strength acts as a multiplier for performance marketing effectiveness. A well-known brand increases ad click-through rates (CTR), lowers cost-per-click (CPC), improves conversion rates, and ultimately boosts profitability. This article explores: How a recognizable brand enhances performance marketing results. Why brand awareness allows businesses to sell more at higher margins. How multiple marketing levers work together to drive business growth. Why neglecting brand investment can limit long-term success. By the end, you’ll see why strong branding isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a key driver of marketing efficiency and profitability. Higher brand awareness means a higher CTR Users are more likely to click on ads from well-known brands that evoke positive associations. This idea is widely discussed in marketing, though reliable studies directly proving it are scarce. However, several observations support this claim. For example, remarketing campaigns using search ads often show higher CTRs for returning users. While it’s difficult to isolate brand awareness as the sole factor – since market competition and other variables also play a role – user behavior analysis provides indirect evidence. A reliable randomized controlled trial (RCT) in this context would be nearly impossible to conduct. Even if some users click on ads without much thought (e.g., on social media), many base their decisions on the ad content and the destination URL. For search ads, a significant portion of users consider the displayed destination URL. I conducted a small survey (142 respondents, not representative) and found that 86% of users pay attention to the website URL before clicking on a Google search result. This suggests that well-known brands tend to achieve higher CTRs in paid search. Higher CTR means lower CPC In the Google Ads ecosystem, advertisers don’t pay a fixed rate for clicks. Instead, Google’s auction system considers Quality Score, where a higher score results in a lower CPC. Since CTR is a key factor in Quality Score, ads with higher click-through rates typically benefit from lower CPCs. Why does this happen? From Google’s perspective, revenue remains the same whether 1,000 impressions generate 200 clicks at $1 each or 100 clicks at $2 each – both total $200. Therefore, an ad with double the CTR can achieve half the CPC. While CTR is crucial, other Quality Score factors – such as landing page experience – also play a role, further favoring strong brands. Dig deeper: How to make your Google Ads brand campaigns more efficient Higher brand awareness means a higher conversion rate Numerous studies confirm that brand awareness positively impacts conversion rates. A well-known brand reduces consumer hesitation by reinforcing trust in product quality and the seller’s reliability. Strong brands attract loyal customers, enjoy a good reputation (including among experts), and create desirability – significantly increasing the likelihood of purchase compared to unrecognized alternatives. Stronger brands achieve higher margins Unlike lesser-known competitors, strong brands aren’t forced into price competition. Customers trust their quality and reputation, making them willing to pay more. This allows branded products to be sold at higher prices, increasing profit margins per unit. Higher prices also accelerate margin growth. For example, if a product costs $100 with a $20 margin, raising the price by 10% (to $110) increases the margin to $30 – a 50% increase in earnings per unit sold. Higher CTR means greater sales With a higher CTR, the same campaign delivers more traffic. This leads to increased conversions and higher overall margins – driven by greater conversion values and a larger customer base. Better CPC and CTR, conversion, and margin mean higher ROAS/POAS Lower CPC, higher conversion rates, and increased conversion values all improve campaign profitability. While each factor contributes individually, their combined effect is multiplicative rather than additive, significantly boosting overall efficiency. For example, if CTR and conversion rates double and product margins increase by 50%, profit per sale grows sixfold (2 x 2 x 1.5 = 6). If ad spend remains unchanged, the higher CTR (and the corresponding increase in clicks) is balanced by a proportional CPC reduction, resulting in a sixfold increase in (profit on ad spend) POAS. Dig deeper: Branded keywords: How Google Ads drives up CPCs Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Leverage effect: Higher profits through operational leverage As sales increase, EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) and operational profits typically grow at an even higher rate. This happens because fixed costs remain constant regardless of sales volume, making them less significant as revenue rises. For example, consider a store with $30,000 in monthly sales and fixed costs of $20,000, resulting in a $10,000 profit. If sales double to $60,000, the fixed costs remain unchanged at $20,000, leaving a profit of $40,000. In this case, a twofold increase in sales leads to a fourfold increase in operational profit – an effect known as operational leverage. Larger-scale advertising and even greater profits As return on ad spend (ROAS) and profitability improve, companies can invest more in advertising – such as increasing PPC bids or expanding to new platforms. Higher profits enable them to afford impressions and clicks at previously unprofitable prices, shifting the point of optimal profit and neutral marginal revenue to higher levels. This advantage allows stronger brands to pay higher CPCs while remaining profitable, further expanding their market presence and pushing less reputable competitors’ ads to lower positions. As a result, they achieve even greater sales volume, margins, and profits. How does this translate to numbers? A strong brand enhances performance marketing efficiency, enabling more aggressive media buying and driving significant revenue and profit growth. But how significant? Let’s analyze potential changes using sample data. For a stronger brand, we assume: CTR doubles. Conversion rates double. Unit prices increase from $800 to $1,000, raising the margin per transaction from $200 to $400 (a twofold increase). Fixed costs remain $80,000 (10% of revenue for the “no-name” company). The table below compares company revenue across three scenarios: Without a brand (column 2). With a strong brand (column 3). With a strong brand plus expanded advertising (column 4). In this example, branding led to a fortyfold increase in revenue and a 316-fold increase in profit – largely driven by increased advertising investment. However, as shown in the last column of the table, a company without a brand would incur operational losses if it attempted to scale performance marketing in the same way. In contrast, a strong brand can afford aggressive marketing, pay significantly more for traffic, and still grow its profits. The figures in the table were chosen for clarity. Still, even smaller differences in efficiency between branded and non-branded products demonstrate how brand awareness: Amplifies revenue. Transforms a barely profitable or loss-making company into a highly profitable business. If you’d like to test how different values affect the outcome, you can explore the simulation in this Google spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13EQMW2eKGthIEmgoxXdCG7qyNGqMyzk7qLatmbVOLV0/edit?usp=sharing (Create a copy to modify values.) A well-known brand generates direct traffic The previous calculations don’t yet account for another key advantage of a strong brand – substantial direct traffic. Brand awareness drives users to visit a website directly, either by typing its address into their browser or clicking on branded search results, whether organic or paid. These visits typically convert at higher rates than traffic from marketing campaigns, as they come from users with strong intent. As a result, direct traffic can generate significant revenue with little to no additional investment. In the earlier example, assuming a 30% increase in sales from direct traffic, revenue would rise to $41.6 million and profit to $10.16 million – compared to just $20,000 for a company without a strong brand. Investing in brand marketing pays off The simulations clearly show that as a brand gains recognition and trust, a multiple-leverage effect emerges. Higher CTRs, improved conversion rates, the ability to raise prices, and more aggressive advertising all drive profitability – further boosted by direct traffic from loyal customers. A well-known brand also provides additional advantages, such as spontaneous media interest, easier press placements, and stronger negotiating power with suppliers and in the job market. Brand growth comes with challenges, such as combating counterfeits and managing reputation risks – issues that lesser-known companies rarely face. While the simulation assumes fixed costs remain unchanged, significant expansion would inevitably lead to higher expenses. However, these added costs are far outweighed by the benefits. Investing in brand awareness: Delivers measurable returns. Improves the efficiency of performance marketing. Unlocks growth opportunities unavailable to weaker brands. That said, building a brand is more than just running ads (display, video, TV, outdoor, etc.). It requires a cohesive, strategic approach rooted in audience insights, strong messaging, and creative execution. Simply showing a “big logo” everywhere won’t build a brand – no matter how many times people see it. DIg deeper: Why over-bidding on your brand could be hurting your bottom line View the full article

“It’s just another cut in the death by a thousand cuts.” That’s how New Orleans restaurateur Neal Bodenheimer views the looming threat of potential tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods. Bodenheimer is the managing partner of CureCo, which runs three restaurants in New Orleans and one in Washington, D.C. He’s most concerned, though, about VALS, his neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Tequila and mezcal are on his mind, yes; but he also worries about skyrocketing costs of other essentials, from straws to avocados to transportation costs. Bodenheimer is already balancing “razor-thin margins,” along with supply chain disruptions and changing consumer preferences. It all adds up to a lot of uncertainty in an already-fraught industry. And he’s not alone. Spirits producers and importers are keeping a watchful eye on the news and scrambling to plan for a future of uncertainty. This week, President Trump announced a 30-day pause on his proposed tariffs for Canada and Mexico, but what will happen beyond that date is unclear. Impacts of tariffs on businesses and customers “When you already have slim margins in restaurants and bars, you tap away little by little at the margin, until there’s nothing left,” says Bodenheimer. He’s been through this wringer before, when President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on some European wines in October 2019. Back then, his restaurants and bars adjusted their menus to avoid tariffed goods. Some of his distributors warehoused extra wine, which Bodenheimer says did keep prices down for a few months. “In the end,” though, says Bodenheimer, “restaurants are flow-through businesses. We’re going to have to pay more for the products, and we’re going to charge more” to the consumer. Another pain point from the 2019 tariffs was fuel surcharges, which Bodenheimer expects to see return. “We’ve seen many fuel surcharges that happen when costs go up and the surcharges never come off,” he says. With Canadian products making up 60% of America’s crude oil imports, even a 10% tariff would likely inch transportation costs upward. He also expects greater transportation distances if he’s required to source items from outside of Mexico. Sourcing “local,” in Bodenheimer’s case, means shipping produce further than he had before. “It certainly seems like it would make things a little less green,” he says. “I’m closer to Mexico than I am to California.” Stockpiling in anticipation of tariffs Also struggling to anticipate the tariffs: spirits producers. The skyrocketing popularity of tequila and mezcal might grind to a halt with the imposition of 25% tariffs, industry insiders warn. As the chief commercial officer for Mezcal Amarás, Mexico’s second-largest mezcal producer, Holden Ching and his team have been in full production mode since late September. “We do suspect that tariffs will happen at some point this year, which is why we got inventory into the U.S. a bit earlier” than usual, Ching says. Beginning in October 2024, Mezcal Amarás harvested significantly more than its usual amount of agave, then distilling and bottling at a rapid pace. “We really wanted to ramp that up with the ability to ship it into the U.S. prior to any change in hands from a political standpoint,” says Ching. “Instead of one month of inventory over the course of four weeks, we shipped six months of inventory” by the end of 2024. Ching estimates that Mezcal Amarás’s distributing partner, Suntory Global Spirits, is sitting on about 6 months’ worth of supply in its U.S. warehouses. That, he hopes, will keep prices stable and help retailers cushion the blow with gradual price increases rather than hiking retail costs by 25% immediately. Still, he expects that by the end of the year, if Mexican goods are tariffed at 25%, that cost increase will pass directly to the consumer. “We definitely don’t want to be the first ones that have to make that move,” but it’s likely inevitable, says Ching. That is in part due to the complex three-tier system of alcohol distribution in the U.S. Producers such as distillers and wineries sell to distributors, who then sell to retailers, either on-premise restaurants and bars or off-premise locations including supermarkets and liquor stores. “With the three-tier system in the U.S., there’s fairly fixed structures for pricing,” says Ching. “Everybody works on a margin-based system, and so that margin generally doesn’t change from a percentage standpoint. So any front-end cost just filters its way all the way through” to the consumer. Trading mezcal for bourbon Ching and Bodenheimer both expect to see changes at the retail and restaurant level as Mexican and Canadian spirits come at a higher premium. Ching is especially worried about the fact that a greater proportion of mezcal’s sales take place in bars and restaurants, as compared to other spirits. “Where you see most other categories at about a 70%-off premise/30%-on premise split,” he says, “mezcal is a little bit closer to 50-50.” This makes its sales more subject to the whims of beverage directors who might decide, faced with a steep increase in costs, to feature different spirits. “Instead of featuring a mezcal,” he says, restaurant and bar operators might choose to “either feature a tequila that’s cheaper, or they feature another category for the time being.” Bodenheimer agrees this is likely to be the case, at least in the short term. “If we’re looking at our margins, and our margins are harder to make on agave spirits or Canadian whiskey, we’re going to use them less,” he says. He hopes this might be a boon for the bourbon and American wine and vodka industries. “I think you already see vodka producers are trying really hard to get market share back,” he says, citing the immense popularity of the espresso martini in recent years. Still, he says, it’s anyone’s guess as to what the next year holds for the drinks business. “It’s so hard to game out what the future looks like,” he says. “If you were an entrepreneur, would you bet your future that these conditions are going to be the same in four years?” Tariffs on exports too Looming over all of this is the potential for another massive tariff increase. A 2021 tariff halt from the European Union on American whiskey is slated to snap back into place on March 31, 2025, unless further action is taken. If that happens, American whiskey will suffer a devastating 50% tariff on exports to the EU; currently, the EU is the largest export market for American spirits, accounting for 40% of all American spirits exports. It would take a staggering amount of Old Fashioneds and Manhattans on American bar menus to make up the loss of European consumers. Unless lasting agreements are reached, both Bodenheimer and Ching expect the American consumer to take the brunt of price increases. “In the end,” says Bodenheimer, “you’re still going to pay more. You may kick the can down the road for a few months, but at some point you need to be prepared for higher prices.” View the full article

John Mueller from Google wrote on Bluesky, "and let's be honest, people can tell when author bios are used purely as an SEO tactic. It's kinda awkward, not reassuring." This was in response to a post from Nikki Pilkington who said "Stop treating author bios as an SEO tactic and start treating them as what they are '" a tool for building trust with your actual human readers."View the full article

Google Ads has a new feature in the keyword planner tool that will auto-organize new keywords into ad groups for you. This feature will take your new keywords and auto-organize them into keyword ideas in ad groups. View the full article

Google has updated its Google Business Profiles reinstatement emails to now include the case number on the first appeal email. Plus, Google added five proof upload boxes to upload more evidence for Google to review.View the full article

In December, we reported that Google was experimenting with something they call AI Mode. Well, now, we have more details and even screenshots of AI Mode in Google Search.View the full article

Growing cherry tomato seeds can be a lucrative venture when managed properly. Cherry tomato plants yield substantial amounts of fruit annually and are available in various types, including black cherry tomatoes, sungold cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and more. Cherry tomatoes are extremely popular. Their compact size enables them to be packed with flavor, and with their many varieties, they can add a beautiful pop of color to salads and other dishes. Not to mention their health benefits. Cherry tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene – even more than their larger counterparts. They are also lower in calories and carbohydrates. Cherry tomato plants need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow well. A location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and is protected from wind is ideal. They also require rich, well-draining soil. This may be why many people grow cherry tomatoes in greenhouses. Regardless of where you plan to grow them, your cherry tomato plants can yield lots of delicious fruit as long as they are properly cared for. There are many different varieties of cherry tomatoes, as previously mentioned, and some may yield greater profits than others. It is essential to conduct research to identify which varieties are favored in your market. The demand for cherry tomatoes has been increasing, so if you’ve been considering growing them, it’s an excellent opportunity to begin. Provided you have a suitable growing environment, you can start making a profit with cherry tomatoes. For more profitable crop ideas, check out our article Most Profitable Crops For Small Farms. Cherry Tomato Seeds to Grow and Sell for Big Profits With so many varieties, finding the right cherry tomato seeds can be challenging and confusing. We’ve tried to take some of the guesswork out of the picture for you by compiling a list of some of the best cherry tomato seed options we found online. We have both heirloom and hybrid seeds on our list and as many varieties as we could find. Check out our seed options and get started growing cherry tomatoes! Supersweet 100 Hybrid Cherry Tomato Seeds Supersweet 100 tomatoes are a favorite among tomato lovers. They are uniformly shaped and grow in long clusters. These hybrid seeds are non-GMO and come in packs of 10, 100, and 1000. Supersweet 100 Hybrid Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Organic Rainbow Mix Cherry Tomato Seeds These heirloom rainbow cherry tomato seeds produce different colored cherry tomatoes, typically including red, yellow, orange, green, white, and black. The seeds are available in both small and large quantities, with about 10,000 seeds per oz. Organic Rainbow Mix Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Black Cherry Tomato Seeds Available in 1/4 oz., 1 oz., and 4 oz. packs, these black cherry tomato seeds are heirloom, organic, and non-GMO. They grow on a large vine and make great snacks. Black Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Hybrid Sungold Cherry Tomato Seeds Sungold cherry tomatoes are sweet to eat and beautiful to look at, thanks to their striking orange color. These hybrid, high-germination seeds produce clusters of 1″ golden cherry tomatoes. Choose from packs of 10, 100, 1000 or 5000. Hybrid Sungold Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Porter Heirloom Cherry Tomato Seeds You will receive 12 seeds in each pack of Porter cherry tomato seeds. Originating in Texas, Porter tomatoes are known for their high yield and delicious flavor. Porter Heirloom Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on Etsy Organic Yellow Pear Cherry Tomato Seeds These uniquely-shaped, vibrant yellow tomatoes are perfect for enhancing the color of salads. You can select from four different pack sizes. Organic Yellow Pear Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on Trueleafmarket Sugary Hybrid Tomato Seeds These grape-shaped tomatoes are some of the sweetest available! You can purchase packs of 10, 100, or 1000 of these non-GMO cherry tomato seeds. Sugary Hybrid Tomato Seeds Buy on Trueleafmarket YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Great Breakroom Snacks for Your Business Bulk K-Cups and Coffee Pods for Your Office Packing Peanuts for Your Business Shipping Needs Best Shipping Tape Choices Image: etsy, trueleafmarket This article, "Cherry Tomato Seeds to Grow and Sell for Big Profits" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Growing cherry tomato seeds can be a lucrative venture when managed properly. Cherry tomato plants yield substantial amounts of fruit annually and are available in various types, including black cherry tomatoes, sungold cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, and more. Cherry tomatoes are extremely popular. Their compact size enables them to be packed with flavor, and with their many varieties, they can add a beautiful pop of color to salads and other dishes. Not to mention their health benefits. Cherry tomatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene – even more than their larger counterparts. They are also lower in calories and carbohydrates. Cherry tomato plants need plenty of sunlight and warm temperatures to grow well. A location that gets at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day and is protected from wind is ideal. They also require rich, well-draining soil. This may be why many people grow cherry tomatoes in greenhouses. Regardless of where you plan to grow them, your cherry tomato plants can yield lots of delicious fruit as long as they are properly cared for. There are many different varieties of cherry tomatoes, as previously mentioned, and some may yield greater profits than others. It is essential to conduct research to identify which varieties are favored in your market. The demand for cherry tomatoes has been increasing, so if you’ve been considering growing them, it’s an excellent opportunity to begin. Provided you have a suitable growing environment, you can start making a profit with cherry tomatoes. For more profitable crop ideas, check out our article Most Profitable Crops For Small Farms. Cherry Tomato Seeds to Grow and Sell for Big Profits With so many varieties, finding the right cherry tomato seeds can be challenging and confusing. We’ve tried to take some of the guesswork out of the picture for you by compiling a list of some of the best cherry tomato seed options we found online. We have both heirloom and hybrid seeds on our list and as many varieties as we could find. Check out our seed options and get started growing cherry tomatoes! Supersweet 100 Hybrid Cherry Tomato Seeds Supersweet 100 tomatoes are a favorite among tomato lovers. They are uniformly shaped and grow in long clusters. These hybrid seeds are non-GMO and come in packs of 10, 100, and 1000. Supersweet 100 Hybrid Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Organic Rainbow Mix Cherry Tomato Seeds These heirloom rainbow cherry tomato seeds produce different colored cherry tomatoes, typically including red, yellow, orange, green, white, and black. The seeds are available in both small and large quantities, with about 10,000 seeds per oz. Organic Rainbow Mix Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Black Cherry Tomato Seeds Available in 1/4 oz., 1 oz., and 4 oz. packs, these black cherry tomato seeds are heirloom, organic, and non-GMO. They grow on a large vine and make great snacks. Black Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Hybrid Sungold Cherry Tomato Seeds Sungold cherry tomatoes are sweet to eat and beautiful to look at, thanks to their striking orange color. These hybrid, high-germination seeds produce clusters of 1″ golden cherry tomatoes. Choose from packs of 10, 100, 1000 or 5000. Hybrid Sungold Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on TrueLeaf Market Porter Heirloom Cherry Tomato Seeds You will receive 12 seeds in each pack of Porter cherry tomato seeds. Originating in Texas, Porter tomatoes are known for their high yield and delicious flavor. Porter Heirloom Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on Etsy Organic Yellow Pear Cherry Tomato Seeds These uniquely-shaped, vibrant yellow tomatoes are perfect for enhancing the color of salads. You can select from four different pack sizes. Organic Yellow Pear Cherry Tomato Seeds Buy on Trueleafmarket Sugary Hybrid Tomato Seeds These grape-shaped tomatoes are some of the sweetest available! You can purchase packs of 10, 100, or 1000 of these non-GMO cherry tomato seeds. Sugary Hybrid Tomato Seeds Buy on Trueleafmarket YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Great Breakroom Snacks for Your Business Bulk K-Cups and Coffee Pods for Your Office Packing Peanuts for Your Business Shipping Needs Best Shipping Tape Choices Image: etsy, trueleafmarket This article, "Cherry Tomato Seeds to Grow and Sell for Big Profits" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I am seeing a ton of complaints in the Google Business Profiles forums about reviews going missing. A lot of people are saying the review counts have dropped from one number to a lower number. View the full article

Competitive intelligence (CI) gives you the clarity to make the right moves for your business—whether that’s meeting customer needs, finding new opportunities, or outsmarting competitors. Marketing agency Thrive proves this perfectly. I spoke to Aaron Whittaker, the VP of Demand Gen and Marketing at Thrive, to understand how they use CI. His team gathered intel to solve a specific challenge. Prospects were choosing AI marketing solutions over traditional agencies. “We monitored our competitors’ customer reviews and social media mentions. Our takeaway was that clients often felt disconnected with AI-based marketing strategies. This insight led us to develop what we call “Transparent Strategy Sessions.” This is unique to us since we combine AI efficiency with human strategic oversight.” The team used these insights to create battlecards, increasing the win rate by 35%. In this article, I’ll explain the key components of a competitive intelligence framework. I’ll also break down four phases for conducting competitive intelligence research. Download our competitive intelligence research checklist to follow along. What Is Competitive Intelligence? Competitive intelligence is the process of turning raw competitor data into actionable insights. This helps your business make strategic decisions and stay ahead in the market. A competitive intelligence report helps you answer three critical questions: Where are your competitors heading? Why and how are they making these moves? How can you respond effectively to stay ahead? CI research works on two levels: tactical and strategic. Tactical intel focuses on improving your short-term strategy. This includes decisions related to new launches, marketing campaigns, and more. Strategic intel shapes your overall business strategy. It helps you understand your market better, so you can make smart choices about where to focus and how to stand out. Competitive Intelligence vs. Market Research Competitive intelligence and market research are both important methods of gathering data to make smarter business decisions. But they work in different ways and have unique goals. CI research tracks your competitors to find growth opportunities and predict market shifts. The goal? To strategically gain an advantage and stay ahead in a rapidly changing market. On the other hand, market research studies: Consumer behavior Market conditions Demand patterns Growth trends It analyzes the current market to discover gaps you can fulfill. These insights support tactical decisions in product development, marketing, and other goals. Here’s how competitive intelligence differs from market research: 3 Key Components of a Competitive Intelligence Framework A strong competitive intelligence framework boils down to three essentials: find the right data, analyze it effectively, and put it into action. Let’s discuss each component in detail. Data Collecting relevant, targeted data is the first step in CI research. Start with secondary sources to get a broader view of the competitive landscape. Check out competitor websites, help portals, and industry reports. I chatted with Stanislav Khilobochenko, the VP of Customer Services at Clario, about CI data sources. He explains how he uses platforms like G2 and Trustpilot to capture the voice of the customer: “Monitoring customer reviews highlighted how a competitor’s customers complained about hidden subscription fees. This insight led us to emphasize transparent pricing in our marketing campaigns. We saw an increase in our new customer acquisition rate.” Analysis Look closely at your data to extract meaningful insights and find growth opportunities. This can help you confidently choose the right next steps for your business. The real value is in analyzing multiple data sources in parallel. Think web research, customer feedback, and sales conversations. Each source provides a different perspective, and combining them creates a fuller picture. Here’s how the process might look if you own a project management platform: Goal: Help sales reps close more deals Analytical insight: Customer reviews reveal a need for niche integrations, while sales conversations highlight lost deals due to limited integrations Business decision: Plan your product roadmap to build more integrations So, your sellers can use this information to attract more customers. Information they wouldn’t be able to use without analyzing the right data. Activation Once you complete your analysis, share your findings with relevant stakeholders. You can choose different formats, such as battle cards, competitor profiles, and meetings. More on that later. The activation phase is all about using competitive intel to plan ahead. I wanted to understand this phase better, so I spoke to Federico Jorge, the founder of Stack Against. He creates search-optimized comparison pages for SaaS companies based on in-depth competitive intel. In one of his projects, he helped a client gather intel on a small competitor that was acquired by a large company. Overnight, this competitor went from being an ankle biter to a huge threat that started to go after his client’s share of the market. “One of the main assets we built was a battlecard to arm sales with new talk tracks whenever they went against this competitor in a new deal or a renewal project. The battlecard proved effective to position my client’s product in a more favorable light, after the acquisition. It also increased seller confidence by giving account executives an updated understanding of the competitor’s strengths and weaknesses.” How to Collect Competitive Intelligence in 4 Phases Fast-moving markets. Evolving customer preferences. Unexpected competitor moves. You need competitive intel to survive and thrive in the face of these challenges. Let’s cover a 4-phase framework for conducting competitive intelligence research based on experts’ advice. Phase 1: Goal Setting and Preparation In the first phase, you have to prepare the groundwork for your competitive intelligence research. This involves outlining why you need this intel and who you’re competing against. Define Why You Need Competitive Intelligence Without a defined purpose and scope, competitive intelligence data is just noise. Setting a clear “why” saves you from wasting time on irrelevant information. The result? You get insights directly aligned with your business goals to guide your decisions. So, start by outlining your core problem or growth opportunity. Do you want to: Enter a new market? Find key differentiators? Improve your brand positioning? Make product enhancements? Along with your goals, think of specific questions you want to answer with this data. Also define the key stakeholders who will use this intel. For example, let’s say you want to finalize a new pricing structure for your software product. Poor goal-setting: “We need to know how our competitors are pricing their products.” Good goal-setting: Goal: Build a well-informed pricing strategy Questions: How have our top three competitors priced their enterprise plans? What changes have they made to their plans in terms of price point and capabilities? Stakeholders: Product and sales leadership Map Your Competitive Landscape With your goals in place, you now need to identify: Direct competitors: Businesses offering the same products or services as you Indirect competitors: Businesses offering products or services that act as a substitute for yours Start with a simple Google search to find your direct competitors. Let’s say you run a local bakery. Search for keywords like “custom cakes near me,” “wedding cake shops,” or “best bakeries in [your city].” You’ll find direct competitors ranking well in organic search, like the ones visible here: Then, go a step further with a tool like Semrush’s Organic Research to find more competitors. Add your domain (or a competitor’s website) and hit “Search.” In the “Competitors” tab, you’ll find the Competitive Positioning Map. It highlights your biggest competitors based on traffic volume and number of keywords. Scroll down to see a more extensive list of organic competitors. You can analyze competitors with metrics like competition level, shared keywords, and organic traffic. Use this exercise to prepare and maintain an active list of your primary competitors. Expand this database with indirect competitors and create these tiers: Primary: Direct head-to-head competitors Secondary: Occasional overlap in market/customers Tertiary: Indirect competitors with substitute solutions Phase 2: Collect Data Systematically in Stages Once you have locked in your list of competitors, it’s time to collect data. Here are some of the most popular data sources you can use: But random data won’t cut it. I chatted with experts, and they recommend collecting data systematically in four stages. Stage 1: Analyze Online Presence Start with the easiest layer—your competitors’ online presence. You can use tools to see exactly what’s working for your competitors online, from their top pages to their content strategy. Edward White, Beehiiv’s Head of Growth, shared how he used Semrush to perform an SEO competitive analysis: “We undertook an initiative to analyze 3,000 articles from 9 competitor blogs. We aimed to reverse-engineer the SEO strategy within a competitive mature market. I used Semrush to dig deeper into these competitors and evaluate each blog.” 24 months later, Beehiiv’s website went from ~0 to 1 million clicks/year. To get started with your own similar analysis, go to Semrush’s Domain Overview and add one of your competitors’ websites. (I’ll use the furniture rental site Fernish as an example.) The Domain Overview report shows this site has an authority score of 31 and nearly 12K backlinks. The tool also reveals Fernish’s organic and paid traffic over the past two years. It also shows me that the majority of Fernish’s traffic comes from the U.S., followed by Indonesia and Canada. Lots of useful data, but we want to go deeper. The “Compare domains” tab provides a deeper analysis of Fernish’s top four competitors. I compared three competitors on their authority score, traffic, and backlinks. The report also showed the traffic share among the four brands, with Fernish getting 13% of the total traffic. Once you’ve identified your top competitors in organic search, go to the Organic Research tool to find more information about each competitor. I focused on this report for Inhabitr, one of Fernish’s top competitors. This report tells me the keywords where Inhabitr is ranking well and attracting organic traffic. It also categorizes these keywords by search intent to help me understand Inhabitr’s SEO strategy. I can see the top pages driving the most traffic to this site. This report also shows the type of keywords each page targets and how much traffic it gets. Looking at the SERP Features Trend report, I realized that Inhabitr’s content strategy focused mostly on local SEO. However, the brand now also seems to be leveraging image SEO to improve its organic search performance. These kinds of competitive insights can help you adapt your own strategies based on what’s working well for your rivals. Note: A free Semrush account gives you 10 searches in these tools per day. Or you can use this link to access a 14-day trial on a Semrush Pro subscription. Stage 2: Understand Market Context Learn how the market perceives your competitors with: Social listening tools: to monitor brand mentions and perform a social media competitor analysis Analyst reports: to understand how competitors fit into the broader competitive landscape Review platforms: to collect customer feedback and discover their challenges and unmet needs For public companies, annual reports provide valuable insights into operations and financials. Aaron Whittaker of Thrive Internet Marketing Agency shared an interesting insight to expand your research scope. He explained how his team went beyond visible metrics (like pricing and features) to gain an edge over competitors. “Our breakthrough came when we started mapping less obvious patterns. For example, we tracked a competitor’s job postings over six months. It revealed they were quietly building an AI team. This gave us early insight into their future direction.” Stage 3: Conduct Field Research Use hands-on research to find insights that aren’t available through external analysis. Sign up for trials, purchase products, and document the entire marketing funnel. Pay attention to your competitors’ sales process, customer support, and overall user experience. This is where you’ll find opportunities for differentiation. Stage 4: Gather Network Intelligence Collect data through a network of buyers, employees, and vendors. Check your win/loss reports or sales calls. They’ll show you the competitors you’re losing to. Interview these buyers to find out why they chose a competitor over you. Sam Niro, Senior Manager of Competitive Intelligence at Talkdesk, shares her best practice: “I review press release feeds, social media, and industry media outlets to keep up with bigger storylines. However, my “secret weapon” is buyer interviews. They show the customer’s unfiltered voice. Use them to validate your differentiators, pricing, and sales process.” Consider historical context throughout your data collection process. Pro tip: Look at your competitors’ performance when they were at the same stage as your company. If you’re a two-year-old company competing with a five-year-old brand, check their metrics from three years ago. This provides more relevant benchmarks for your growth trajectory than their current performance might suggest. Phase 3: Analyze Data and Extract Meaningful Insights Now, you’re ready to dig into the data and connect the dots to find actionable insights about your competitors. Data Organization Raw data alone doesn’t drive decisions—analysis does. You have to clean, organize, and validate data before extracting actionable insights. I asked Federico Jorge, the founder of Stack Against, to share his best advice for this phase of CI research. He emphasized the importance of keeping the bigger picture in mind during analysis: “It’s critical to see through individual intel to form a bigger idea that’s sustainable for your product in the long-term. Before acting on any piece of intel, evaluate how it fits into your broader market strategy and customer needs.” Data Analysis Let’s break down three methods to analyze data: Trends Analysis Analyze your competitors’ actions over time to find patterns in their behavior. Like product launches, pricing changes, positioning changes, and more. As trends emerge, you can predict your competitors’ next moves and adapt your strategy. It also allows you to spot gaps and undiscovered opportunities in the market. Picture this: You run a meal-delivery business. Trend analysis tells you: Two competitors added plant-based options in the last quarter Five of them started a weekend-only delivery service Many highlight “locally sourced” in their content These patterns indicate customers prefer plant-based options and care about food sourcing. There’s also a demand for weekend-only plans. You can use this information to add to or improve your own services. And reduce the risks of being left behind in the market. Strategic Group Analysis Use strategic group analysis to understand the competitive landscape at a macro level. In other words: don’t view each competitor in isolation. Instead, find the challenges and opportunities for each group. It reveals what makes each competing group successful or vulnerable. For example, the analysis below covers different types of competitors for the coffee brand, Starbucks. I analyzed each group’s varying tactics, strengths, and vulnerabilities. Group Competitors Key Tactics Strengths Vulnerabilities Premium Cafes Starbucks, Blue Bottle High-quality beans, customized drinks Brand recognition, customer loyalty High prices limit customer base Fast Food Coffee McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Convenient locations, low prices Speed, affordability Lower perceived quality Local Independent Cafes John’s Cafe, The Bean Lounge Community focus, unique atmosphere Personal service, local loyalty Limited resources for growth SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis adds more depth by examining a company’s: Strengths: What they do well Weaknesses: Where they struggle Opportunities: External factors they could use to grow Threats: External factors that could harm them Here are some questions to consider for applying this method (you can perform this on your own business/website and on your competitors): This approach gives you a complete picture of your competitors’ positions. Use these insights to make smart decisions for investing your resources. Here’s an example SWOT analysis of automotive brands: Brand Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Toyota Strong global presence; Leader in hybrid technology Dependent on global supply chains Increasing demand for EVs Intense competition in EV market Ford Strong brand recognition in America; Investments in autonomous vehicles Struggles with profitability internationally Growth in EV and autonomous vehicle sectors Competition from traditional and new auto manufacturers Volkswagen Strong focus on R&D; Significant global footprint Emissions scandal has damaged reputation Growth opportunities in new markets like Africa Regulatory challenges and fines The real value comes from connecting these analyses to action. This phase should tell you where competitors are today and where they’re heading. Phase 4: Activation and Implementation In the final phase, you have to convert insights into meaningful resources for all stakeholders. You also need to plan the way forward and decide the next steps to update this intel. Create Useful Deliverables Here are a few deliverables to create to share your CI findings with relevant stakeholders: Battle Cards Prepare visual one-pagers to emphasize areas where you outshine the competition. Add talking points to counter each competitor and help sellers confidently handle objections. Here’s a battle card template to follow: Centralized Hub Document all of your CI findings on platforms like Notion or Confluence. Categorize the resources by teams and make this hub searchable for easy access. Competitor profiles Create in-depth profiles analyzing a competitor from all aspects. Marketing and product teams can use them to plan their campaigns and plan the roadmap. Here’s an example of the beauty brand Glossier’s competitive profile: Implement a Distribution Plan Create a dedicated Slack channel to share real-time insights. It helps in quickly sending updates about competitor moves to plan ahead. Here are a few other ways to effectively distribute your research insights: Weekly messages with updates from social media and your competitors’ latest campaigns Monthly emails reviewing intel related to changes in pricing, features, and more Quarterly meetings with each department to discuss key intel and reassess key competitors You can also set up alerts about significant events, like acquisitions, leadership changes, and more. Monitor and Update Your Strategy Remember that markets and competitors constantly evolve. Don’t take a one-and-done approach to competitive intelligence research. Instead, you need workflows to regularly monitor and update your intel. Schedule regular check-ins with your sales, marketing, and customer success teams to get constant feedback about your competitors. Key Applications of Competitive Intelligence Ready to see competitive intelligence in action? Here’s how different teams can use competitive intelligence research. Sales Enablement Sales teams use CI to study competitors’ sales tactics and buying experience. 78% of CI pros translate these insights into battle cards. As a result, sellers can deliver a strong pitch, handle objections effectively, and present social proof. This intel also highlights key differentiators against every competitor. Product Development CI data helps product teams keep tabs on competitors’ new launches. It also collects customer feedback to map user expectations. These insights help teams prioritize new features to outpace the competition. You can also use this data to plan your product roadmap based on unmet customer needs. Aaron Whittaker (Thrive) shared a great example of using CI data for product development: “Competitive intelligence helped us spot a gap in the market. As competitors rushed to add AI features, we saw a demand for simpler, human-readable reports. This led us to develop streamlined dashboards that became a major selling point.” Market Positioning and Strategy Competitive intelligence research examines a competitor’s positioning, target audience, and overall marketing strategy. You can learn how competitors position and differentiate themselves in the market. Use this analysis to take a fresh approach in your messaging and resonate with your buyers. It also helps identify underserved markets that you should target. Pricing and Revenue Optimization Pricing intelligence data goes a long way in building your pricing strategy. Collect intel about competitors’ pricing models to optimize your pricing structure. Check this data against factors like perceived value and customer loyalty. Then, plan your pricing model to maximize revenue. Use Competitive Intelligence to Stay Ahead of the Curve Competitor intelligence turns data about your competitors into strategic decisions for business growth. As you build your CI research process, keep three principles in mind: Set clear goals before collecting data Focus on actionable insights rather than random data Share findings in relevant and easily accessible deliverables The real value of competitive intelligence comes from studying the right competitors. Before diving into research, do a thorough market analysis to find which brands impact your market. Use our full guide to learn how to conduct market analysis to build a strong foundation for your CI efforts. The post How to Build a Competitive Intelligence Strategy from Scratch appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

Google added a new developer document and video explanation on how to use Google Analytics data and Google Search Console data together. One of the biggest confusions I see is when people try to compare the data between those two analytics tools - they measure different things in different ways.View the full article

The Super Bowl halftime show is a piece of Americana that draws more than 100 million viewers, making it the marquee musical performance of the year. The most-watched halftime show in history was Michael Jackson’s 1993 performance at Super Bowl XXVII, which drew 133.1 million viewers. Last year’s show featuring Usher and a cast of surprise guests drew 123.4 million. So when Kendrick Lamar—the 22-time Grammy Award winner, who last week took home five awards for his song “Not Like Us”—takes the stage for the Super Bowl LIX halftime show, there’s a chance it will register among the most-watched ever. And none of it would have been possible if not for a bold decision by Fox and its sketch comedy show, In Living Color, more than 30 years ago, which changed the Super Bowl halftime show forever. From marching bands to “Elvis Presto” For the first 20-plus Super Bowls, the halftime show was a bathroom break bridging the two halves of the game—a nonevent at best, and at its worst, cringeworthy. The first Super Bowl halftime show in 1967 featured the University of Arizona and Grambling State University marching bands, along with trumpeter Al Hirt. Marching bands were a mainstay throughout the ’70s and ’80s with themed events peppered in, including a Salute to the Caribbean (1979), a makeshift flash mob doing synchronized Jazzercise (1988), and a strange tribute to the Peanuts comic strip (1990). The halftime show may have reached peak cringe in 1989 when it brought us Elvis Presto—half Elvis impersonator, half magician—for a borderline-creepy display of bad music, worse dancing, and what was billed as the world’s largest card trick. Members of the University of Arizona marching band perform on the field during the halftime show at Super Bowl I (then called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game) between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, January 15, 1967. [Photo: Robert Riger/Getty Images] With this kind of track record, the Super Bowl routinely lost most of its audience during halftime, something the NFL had come to accept as normal. Fox’s audacious bet During a routine staff meeting in 1991, as legend has it, despite CBS owning the exclusive Super Bowl rights, Fox president Jamie Kellner saw an opportunity. He proposed an audacious idea: counterprogram against the Super Bowl halftime show, television’s most predictable dead zone. “Jamie started talking about how nobody watches the halftime,” Dan McDermott, then a Fox programming executive, said. “He said, ‘We should do a live episode of In Living Color. We’ll make a big deal out of it. We’ll convince America to turn the channel at halftime.'” For a network billing itself as the “Bad Boys of Television,” it was a perfectly on-brand act of disruption. In Living Color creator Keenen Ivory Wayans agreed. “I thought, This is genius,” he said. “The Super Bowl was the biggest thing in television. No one would dare take on the Super Bowl. We have to do that.” Fox’s plan was floated by a $2 million infusion from sponsor Frito-Lay, though the brand was nervous about potential live TV mishaps sparking controversy. To counter this, Fox agreed to air the show on a slight delay. It then launched an aggressive marketing campaign, flooding airwaves with promos and turning its studio into a star-studded party venue to host the “live” event. All that was left to do was see what the NFL had on deck for the Super Bowl XXVI halftime show to know what they were up against. How to steal 29 million viewers The NFL walked right into Fox’s trap. The 1992 halftime show theme was “Winter Magic,” featuring figure skaters Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill performing on tiny portable rinks while surrounded by dancers in snowflake costumes and a 30-foot inflatable snowman. It was yet another tone-deaf production that didn’t appeal to NFL fans in any way. Viewers tuned out en masse, flipping over to catch In Living Color’s “Super Halftime Party.” Nearly 29 million viewers—about 11% of the Super Bowl’s total audience—switched over to watch the Wayans brothers, Jim Carrey, and the rest of the iconic sketch comedy team perform Super Bowl-related skits, taking aim at football culture. [Screenshot: 20th Century Fox] In the bottom left corner of the broadcast, Fox posted a clock counting down to the second half, so viewers didn’t have to flip back over to CBS to check the game status. This kept viewers engaged throughout the show. The birth of the modern Super Bowl halftime show The NFL didn’t even acknowledge Fox’s viewership heist. It did, however, resolve to never let it happen again. In 1993, for Super Bowl XXVII, the league tapped Michael Jackson to perform at halftime. From there, they featured Prince, Madonna, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Coldplay, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Usher . . . and the list goes on. Today, the Super Bowl halftime show is one of the greatest spectacles in music—a badge of honor worn by the world’s greatest acts. So if you’re one of the 100 million-plus viewers looking forward to Kendrick Lamar performing at this year’s halftime show, you can thank Keenen Ivory Wayans, the Fox brass, and the team at In Living Color for pulling one over on the NFL. View the full article

Ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, online privacy groups Fight for the Future and the Algorithmic Justice League are reiterating a call for the NFL to put an end to the use of facial recognition in football stadiums, where the groups say the technology is used to authenticate employees, vendors, and authorized media. “That means that anyone who is going into a stadium to work on any football game has to go through a facial recognition system just in order to get to their job, which is a complete invasion of people’s privacy,” says Caitlin Seeley George, campaigns and managing director at Fight for the Future. The group has launched a petition demanding the NFL put an end to worker facial recognition. The technology isn’t specifically being used to target fans at the Super Bowl, which will be hosted at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, but Seeley George warns it’s possible that fans’ images may be captured unintentionally by camera systems. Other NFL stadiums have implemented programs to let people use facial recognition for ticketing and concessions purchases. The NFL didn’t respond to a request for comment from Fast Company. A risk with facial recognition, Seeley George says, is that biometric databases can be hacked, and the data within can be potentially used to impersonate people to other facial recognition systems, similar to how stolen passwords or credit card numbers can be used to access accounts or funds. But unlike passwords and account numbers, she says, it’s more or less impossible to change compromised credentials if they’re based on biometrics. “People aren’t going to be able to replace their face if the data from these systems is hacked or stolen, and we’ve seen that there’s no way that these databases can be secured to protect against that,” she says. Even voluntary use of facial recognition to buy food from vendors has the potential to do more harm than good, she says. The facial recognition policy has also faced pushback from the Las Vegas Police union, who didn’t want images of officers working at Raiders games entered into the system, citing privacy concerns. And groups including Fight for the Future have protested facial recognition deployments at other sports stadiums as well, including Citi Field, home to the New York Mets. “I think we will continue to organize events where fans can come out and rally against the use of this technology,” says Seeley George. Fight for the Future has also backed legislation to restrict facial recognition technology and encouraged people to opt out of it when possible, which she says might create economic incentives to limit its use. The technology has also been deployed by the parent company of Madison Square Garden and Radio City Music Hall in New York, where it was even reportedly used to deny entry to lawyers working for a law firm involved in a dispute against the company. Even when Super Bowl fans leave the Superdome this weekend, they may not be able to escape the use of facial recognition technology, Seeley George says. The New Orleans City Council in 2022 repealed an ordinance curbing police use of facial recognition, and Politico reported in 2023 that the system “has low effectiveness, is rarely associated with arrests and is disproportionately used on Black people.” City, state, and federal officials have heavily beefed up security in the city ahead of the Super Bowl, particularly in light of the deadly terrorist attack in the city on New Year’s, with measures in place reported to include overhead drones capturing real-time images of crowds. The AI company Dataminr will also reportedly be monitoring social media and public traffic cameras to detect signs of disturbances. View the full article