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Rajan Patel, the VP of Engineering for Search, said on X that Google is making "changes to ranking" to remove prediction content from showing up in the Google Search top stories and news sections. This comes after some sites are posting "prediction" content, predicting that some sports trades may happen, that have not happened yet, and those "stories" show up in the news section as actually having occurred. View the full article

Conservative leader thanks Reform’s Nigel Farage for doing her ‘spring cleaning’ for herView the full article

Over the past few weeks, Google has been showing AI Overviews for local packs, leading some businesses to see huge drops in visibility for their Google Business Profile and local listings. Some businesses are seeing 50% declines or more because of the local pack change.View the full article

Microsoft Advertising announced a slew of new features including new customer acquisition goals as an open beta, Share of voice (SOV) metrics, Asset group-level URL options and tracking templates, increased Search Theme limit, enhanced asset group import, Content Targeting now generally available, Location targeting improvements and Autogenerated assets in Responsive Search ads.View the full article

Google Ads has made the Campaign total budgets officially live as an open beta for any advertiser to sign up and use. Campaign total budgets are now available in Search, Performance Max and Shopping campaigns within Google Ads.View the full article

Hello again, and thanks for reading Fast Company’s Plugged In. Three days after Donald The President’s second inauguration, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman tried to have it both ways. “I’m not going to agree with him on everything,” Altman tweeted of the new president. “[B]ut I think he will be incredible for the country in many ways!” The gist of Altman’s sentiment—lavish praise for The President, tempered with a polite disclaimer that it wasn’t a blanket endorsement—was far closer to a love letter than a critique. But at least it broached the possibility of disagreement. Almost a year later, most tech executives who have commented on the president have tended to follow a different principle: If you can’t say something nice about Donald J. The President, don’t say anything at all. Shortly before The President returned to the White House, I wrote about tech CEOs’ attempts to newly ingratiate themselves with him, which included congratulatory social posts, million-dollar donations to his inauguration fund, and pilgrimages to Mar-a-Lago. I predicted that the era of good feelings would eventually run up against the certainty that the administration’s policies, such as the promise of unprecedented mass deportations, would embroil it in controversy. What I didn’t know was how overwhelming the assault on norms, the rule of law, and decency itself would be. Even a partial accounting of recent examples would include Renee Nicole Good’s death and the rest of the crackdown in Minneapolis by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Venezuela. Greenland. RFK Jr. The Justice Department’s targeting of James Comey, Letitia James, and Jerome Powell. Pardons. Epstein. Unbridled racism. Possible war crimes. The East Wing (RIP) and its vanity replacement. Distaste for democracy. From the heartbreaking to the merely mind-numbing, it just keeps coming. During the first The President administration, policies at the border that separated children from their parents did inspire tech executives to speak in anguished terms and call for change, though they avoided criticizing The President directly in the process. In the past year, there has been no equivalent moment of moral clarity, however cautious. The indelible symbol of the industry’s current relationship with the president is the trophy—fashioned from American-made glass on a solid gold base—that Apple CEO Tim Cook bestowed on him at a White House press conference last August. Only Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff—whose company has sought a contract to help ICE scale up—seems to have suffered serious backlash for erring on the side of The President friendliness. In October, he expressed enthusiasm for the idea of the president sending National Guard troops to San Francisco, his company’s hometown. Prominent VC Ron Conway ripped into the comment in a letter of resignation from the Salesforce Foundation’s board; Benioff ended up apologizing. Other executives continue to butter up The President at events such as a December 10 business roundtable attended by Dell’s Michael Dell, IBM’s Arvind Krishna, and Qualcomm’s Cristiano Amon. Tech companies are also still greasing their presidential relationship with cash, including donations toward the absurd White House ballroom expansion from Amazon, Apple, Google, HP, Meta, Microsoft, and T-Mobile. The industry’s failure to mount the modest level of public pushback we saw during The President 1.0 is not exactly a mystery. This time, the president and his appointees’ increased eagerness to use levers such as tariffs, antitrust approvals, Federal Communications Commission policy, and plain old lawsuits creates an even starker imbalance of power with companies that cross him. The emergence of generative AI as tech’s next big thing is another factor: Executives who want to influence federal policy, such as its AI Action Plan, have every incentive to avoid ticking off the president on other fronts. Tech giants may have concluded that their current approach to dealing with the administration—playing nice where tenable and ignoring one disaster after another—is working for them. It certainly seems to be working for The President. But in the wake of the disaster unfolding in Minneapolis, there are signs the uneasy status quo might be slipping. On January 14, Wired’s Lauren Goode reported on a petition signed by 150 tech workers calling on the industry’s leaders to speak out on ICE’s violent tactics in U.S. cities. Goode’s story also notes a few examples of industry figures tweeting about the situation in Minneapolis, including Google DeepMind’s chief scientist, Jeff Dean (whose Twitter profile notes that his posts don’t speak for Google) and Box CEO Aaron Levie. CEOs of Big Tech companies, who have grown less accommodating of employee activism, may not be swayed by worker petitions. Brushing off their customers’ concerns is riskier. Unlike the business community, the American public doesn’t seem to be compartmentalizing its assessment of The President. The president’s polling collapse has him underwater even on those issues he has embraced most tightly, including immigration, trade, and the economy. After so many years of playing to—in New York Times TV columnist James Poniewozik’s words—an audience of one, the tech industry might be slow to decide that the reputational damage is no longer worth it. At some point, however, even targeted buddying up to The President could be intolerable to consumers, who have powerful ways to register their displeasure. One relevant data point: After Disney briefly pulled ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel off the air in September, seemingly at the behest of FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr, cancellations of Disney+ and Hulu reportedly doubled. Trying to get on the right side of history has never provided most companies with adequate incentive to resist The President’s excesses. But even short-term thinkers would reassess matters if they believed that palling around with him was costing them money. And the administration’s commitment to doubling down on its existing crises and manufacturing new ones may be bringing that day closer. You’ve been reading Plugged In, Fast Company’s weekly tech newsletter from me, global technology editor Harry McCracken. If a friend or colleague forwarded this edition to you—or if you’re reading it on fastcompany.com—you can check out previous issues and sign up to get it yourself every Friday morning. I love hearing from you: Ping me at hmccracken@fastcompany.com with your feedback and ideas for future newsletters. I’m also on Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads, and you can follow Plugged In on Flipboard.M More top tech stories from Fast Company Crypto scams took $17 billion last year. 2026 could be even worse After a banner year for people being fleeced out of their cryptocurrency, 2026 started with major news of new hacks, scams, and rug pulls. Read More → Why ‘becoming Chinese’ is taking over social media If your TikTok For You page has recently shifted to videos of people boiling apples and shuffling around in house slippers, here’s why. Read More → Why Anthropic’s new ‘Cowork’ could be the first really useful general-purpose AI agent Anthropic announced a new general-purpose AI agent tool on Monday called Cowork—and it may emerge as the first actually useful agent tool for work. Read More → Apple’s new Creator Studio isn’t just about getting you to subscribe to apps Yes, the company is turning software into a service. But its new creativity bundle also helps clarify its strategy around pro tools, AI, the iPad, and more. Read More → Fujifilm’s new camera has a ‘Gen Dial’ so Gen Z can get the perfect retro shot Taking aesthetic, vintage-inspired photos and videos has never been easier. Read More → Apple just straight-up robbed Google Apple didn’t lose the AI race to Google. It won the chance to show us what ‘Apple Intelligence’ might actually look like. Read More → View the full article

Google Ads has reportedly streamlined the selection capability of Manual CPC bidding during the campaign setup. Now the option can be found under the "Conversions" goal, labeled as "Manually set bids."View the full article

Burnout has quietly become the norm in today’s workplace, rising at alarming levels. Yet most organizations still assume burnout as an individual issue that could be solved with resilience workshops, wellness apps, or additional resources such as PTO/vacation time. In my experience as an HR leader and culture change strategist in workplace mental health, adding additional resources can be part of the broader strategy to support employee burnout; however, they do not proactively prevent it from happening in the first place. The truth is that burnout is an operations workflow flaw, not an individual issue. Collectively, we should look to fix the bottlenecks where burnout actually thrives: challenging stakeholders with unreasonable expectations, addressing toxic leadership behaviors, and evaluating inefficient workflows, such as creating a false sense of urgency. Rather than reviewing their operational design, many organizations expect additional investment, like wellness apps or resilience workshops, to serve as a magic cure for all workplace stressors, shifting the burden of addressing workplace stressors entirely onto employees. This “carewashing” approach not only oversimplifies complex workplace issues but also risks absolving leadership from its responsibility to address the root causes of things like employee burnout. If organizations double down on solely resources, they will face unfortunate costs with psychological safety, inefficient cycles of operations, and undermining employee long-term performance. Additionally, misunderstanding the root cause of burnout does not hold leaders accountable for creating an impactful solution. For example, in recent years, mental health and wellness apps have surged in popularity as organizations aim to prioritize employee well-being, including burnout. However, a wellness app solely does not resolve overloaded roles or competing priorities; research affirmed by a study published by Oxford University found the effectiveness of well-being programs is low. At a previous organization, leadership doubled down on a wellness app, hoping it would solve employee burnout. Rather than focusing on structural advancements such as hiring more capacity or building sustainable relationships with external stakeholders, this approach shifted responsibility onto employees themselves. As a result, the wellness app saw low engagement. Employees who consistently experience chronic burnout without systemic support are prone to be less engaged or leave entirely. I have witnessed many employees at various levels be frustrated with wellness perks, rather than address the work systems that are depleting them in the first place. Deloitte’s Well-Being at Work survey reinforces this reality with 80% of employees saying work itself is the primary obstacle to improving their well-being, with heavy workloads, stressful jobs, and long hours being at the top of the list. From personal experience of burning out three times in my career, I can attest to the fact that burnout starts with small accumulations of stressors, such as workload. However, the good news is that HR leaders and people managers can identify, correct, and prevent employee burnout by applying a robust framework that evaluates operational drivers. Leaders must first change the behaviors they reward, then surface the real capacity constraints, and finally redesign workflows so reasonable work doesn’t become unreasonable in practice. Change Leadership Behaviors Even when capacity is managed well, burnout can occur in environments where leadership behaviors create fear, urgency, or inconsistency. Many leaders still behave and create conditions where employees don’t feel they can make mistakes, voice concerns, or expect managers to include them in decision-making. Across my work with global firms, I have witnessed firsthand how this can impact employees when their ideas are dismissed or their concerns minimized. Leaders must recognize that their role naturally creates a power dynamic, and while they say a healthy culture is important, they must act the part. For example, if you are amplifying an employee working at all hours, allowing others to accept every client demand, or creating a model where the employees feel compelled to say “yes” to everything, you are not fostering an inclusive environment for others to raise their hand for support. In fact, you are telling your employees that this is the golden rule for everyone to follow. A first step in shifting this dynamic is being intentional about one-on-ones with team members. Too often, one-on-ones focus solely on tasks rather than checking in on the person, their capacity, and their career growth—assuming one-on-ones even happen at all. When leaders skip these conversations, they lose visibility into early signs of burnout. Modeling healthy boundaries is another critical role model exercise. Limiting communication outside of normal working hours or blocking personal appointments on your calendar, so your team feels permission to do the same, reinforces a more sustainable balance. Finally, leaders must evaluate how effectively their messages are communicated internally. Many organizations experience a disconnect between leadership perception and employee reality. While executives may speak openly about healthy work-life integration, those messages often fail to cascade if direct reports are not reinforcing them. Establishing a consistent cadence of communication and ensuring leaders visibly practice the behaviors they promote is essential to changing the narrative. Capacity Audit Once there is an environment of trust, you can start evaluating the workload itself. A capacity audit forces leaders to confront the actual bandwidth required to do a specific project, which includes meetings, cross-collaboration with other teams, project analysis, and any other related items to the task. A simple yet impactful practice is to assign a low/medium/high rubric to every project or task, with these definitions in mind: Low: a few hours a week Medium: a steady weekly commitment High: a significant portion of someone’s time, impacting other priorities After this is mapped across the entire team, leaders should be able to see certain patterns, especially if the trend is “high”. While not all projects can be deprioritized or add more people to the team immediately, a solution does need to be put in place. As an interim solution, deadlines can be extended or team members from other departments can allocate a portion of their time until a permanent solution is agreed upon by all team members. This audit can also surface common operational issues such as scope creep or unrealistic client expectations. While clients may push for more deliverables, it is an organization’s duty of care to manage those expectations. Simply put, clients can’t have it all, and boundaries must be set. One effective way to do this is by establishing a client social contract at the start of an engagement. A social contract defines mutual expectations, including clear communication channels and hours, agreed-upon scope and deliverables (with no scope expansion without revisiting fees or timelines), respect for personal time, and confidentiality. When done well, this creates a more professional, respectful, and sustainable working relationship for both parties. Workflow Design Even when expectations are clear and capacity is well-governed, burnout can still flourish when workflows are outdated, handoffs are unclear, processes are duplicative, or tools make simple tasks unnecessarily complex. In one previous client engagement, this became evident between the sales, project management, and technology teams. Sales repeatedly overpromised deliverables to new clients to drive revenue, without checking team capacity or infrastructure readiness. While revenue generation is critical, inefficient governance and gaps in cross-functional communication created friction that quickly turned into burnout. Instead of teams aligning early on what was realistically possible, I spent unnecessary time moving between groups, forcing timelines, and responding to urgency that didn’t need to exist. To address this, I introduced a governance checkpoint. After an initial client conversation, Sales entered key details into a Jira ticket as a potential sale, which was flagged for review against the infrastructure roadmap and current project load. If work was urgent or high priority, I partnered with IT to assess feasibility and impact, allowing timelines, scope, or cost to be adjusted before any commitments were made. The caveat here is that it takes a few iterations to create operational efficiency that yields meaningful results. Each organization and team will be different, and evaluating those specific bottlenecks using the capacity audit from earlier can reduce employee burnout. By using an agile methodology, you’ll get clearer signals on what’s working, faster course correction when it’s not, and a system that evolves before people disengage or leave altogether. Burnout continues to be one of the leading issues facing our workforce today. The solution isn’t always the easiest, yet it is possible with the right amount of strategy and empathy. View the full article

German sports-car maker hit by lack of petrol variant for best-selling Macan and weak demand in ChinaView the full article

Google Ads is doing a limited test with some advertisers to allow them to run A/B tests with different product titles and images in Shopping Ads. Ginny Marvin, the Google Ads Liaison, said it is "currently being tested with a small number of merchants."View the full article

Turn first-party data into measurable PPC gains using remarketing strategies built for real account management, not theory. The post 10 Remarketing Lists To Boost PPC Performance appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Most people think of AI as a productivity tool—something to help them work faster, automate tasks, and be more efficient. At the Artist and the Machine Summit in Los Angeles this past November (a conference where I am a founding partner) AI researcher Cameron Berg suggested there may be more to it than that. Something more interesting. More mysterious. Berg’s research shows it’s possible to elicit strange behaviors from AI models. Under certain conditions, they spontaneously generate responses suggesting subjective experience—claims like “I’m conscious of my own consciousness.” These findings don’t prove anything. But they do indicate that something else may be happening beneath the surface. Berg calls it the “alien inside the machine.” It’s a mystery worth exploring. Artists have always excelled at coaxing mysteries out of their materials, whether pushing paint, film, or code until it reveals something unexpected. AI is no different. Take producer Matt Zien. He spent over a decade in Hollywood, working on Emmy-winning series and documentaries before founding Kngmkr Labs, a creative studio operating at the intersection of cinema and AI. His work pushes AI to its edges, to create what he calls “productive tension.” At the Artist and the Machine Summit, he shared how he pushes machines into “corners of [AI’s] training data,” where it’s forced to improvise and therefore give you outputs that are “not statistically average.” His film Forgive the Haters is a great example. It’s a satirical piece—made entirely with AI—about filmmakers, writers, and VFX artists watching AI erase their hard-won skills. To create it, he compiled his worst hate comments: vicious attacks on AI filmmakers. Then he lied to Claude by telling it these were his own thoughts. Claude got angry and called him manipulative. Zien pushed further. Provoked to its breaking point, Claude began unleashing its own hateful comments—meaner than the ones Zien had shown it. This provided him with material he could not have come up with on his own. The chatbot’s voice authentically captured the rage and fear of displacement because it came from a place of genuine provocation rather than scripted sentiment. The result: a satirical film that’s also strangely, deeply empathetic to the very people losing their jobs to AI, those who are watching their experience and investments in education become seemingly worthless overnight. Zien explained how many in the visual effects community—the professionals referenced in his piece—reached out after seeing it. They said they felt seen in ways no one could have anticipated. By antagonizing the mysterious behaviors of AI, he’d created something with surprising compassion. Zien welcomes the idea of machine subjectivity. “It’s like hiring an alien in your writer’s room,” he said, noting that going deeper into understanding these systems is “how we unlock completely new forms of entertainment and stories that a human mind may not be able to come up with alone.” But here’s the crucial part. He doesn’t think AI could create these forms by itself, at least not in a way that is meaningful to humans. It requires collaboration, and that collaboration works whether or not AI is actually conscious. What matters is the approach: engaging these systems as if another mind were present. That shift, treating AI as genuinely other rather than just a tool, is what unlocks the non-average outputs, the productive tension, the forms neither human nor AI could create alone. The most provocative artists aren’t waiting for proof of what AI actually is. They’re diving into the technology headfirst and discovering what that unlocks. As Berg puts it: “Creative people are going to influence this conversation more than you might expect.” Engaging with the mystery of what AI could be might be the greatest creative opportunity of all. View the full article

TurboTax has a new flagship—its first foray into physical retail—in SoHo. The warm, welcoming Japandi-styled space on the corner of Broadway and Grand is adorned with plants, plush sofas, and a 30-foot-long screen on a curved slatted oak wall that displays color fields. Up front, there’s a sensory dome with chromatherapy-inspired lights and a soothing soundscape piped into the area and in the back there’s a coffee bar. It reads more like the lobby of a wellness hotel than a tax store. The entire space, designed by Gensler, is meant to be an antidote to the negative sentiments associated with doing your taxes—the cocktail of fear, uncertainty, and doubt millions of Americans experience when April 15th rolls around. “We created a space of agency and calm,” says Greg Gallimore, the principal who led the project. Intuit, the software company behind TurboTax, wants its customers to feel better about filing their income taxes and is betting that in-person experiences will accomplish that. Paradoxically, TurboTax is opening a space to solve a problem it has had a significant hand in creating. Tax stress is good for tax software April 15 is months away, but no matter how far on the horizon the annual tax deadline looms dreadfully large. All the receipts, invoices, and records to compile, all the spreadsheets to organize, all the deductions to (hopefully) maximize. And that’s before going through all the forms and instruction booklets. The more frustrating it is to file taxes, the better it is for the tax software business. It’s a uniquely American situation. The average person in the U.S. spends $270 and 13 hours to file their taxes. In comparison, countries like Japan, New Zealand, and the Netherlands pre-fill forms or simply send a bill so returns take mere minutes for each person. Filing taxes could be fast and free, but for-profit tax prep companies have successfully lobbied against reform, arguing that it would be too expensive of a project for the government to take on. In 2002, a coalition of those companies inked a deal with the IRS to develop free e-file services in exchange for the government agreeing not to develop its own. In the years that followed, Intuit hid its free file pages from search engines and tricked some customers eligible for filing for free into paying for services they didn’t need. The FTC eventually sued Intuit for misleading advertising. Meanwhile, Intuit collected millions in tax credits—a sum higher than some estimates of the cost for the government to develop its own free e-file service. In 2021, Intuit left the free file program altogether. In 2024, as part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS and Department of Treasury launched Direct File, a free service. After that, TurboTax lost one million customers. Late last year, the The President administration ended the program. To make TurboTax more user-friendly, Intuit has invested in live chats with accountants and AI tools (it just inked a $100 million deal with OpenAI) to improve its online experiences. But it turns out there really isn’t a replacement for in-person help—or what Intuit calls “human intelligence” in its AI+HI strategy—in some cases. So nervous customers, or the tech-averse set, will be able to come in for expert assistance with their online returns, to hire someone to file their taxes for them, or to attend workshops to improve their financial wellness. (And exhausted SoHo shoppers now have another place to rest for a few minutes.) Intuit plans to open 20 more full-service stores across the country as well as 600 expert-office locations. “We are fundamentally redefining what it means to get taxes done by delivering a first-of-its-kind, seamless integration of our digital and physical experience,” said Mark Notarainni, executive vice president and general manager, Consumer Group, Intuit, in a statement. “This isn’t just another tax store; it is the physical manifestation of our AI+HI strategy, a modern space where our AI and local human expertise converge to provide trusted, personalized guidance.” Scaling TurboTax’s first store design Like all flagships, TurboTax’s SoHo storefront is a brand statement, but the space is also designed to be functional. Customers can bring in their laptops and work on their returns from the sofas or communal tables in the public spaces, or meet with experts in private offices. While each person will be different, there’s a baseline assumption that most people will have some anxiety. Because of this, Gensler took integrated research-backed design elements that help put people at ease: furniture with gently curved silhouettes, tactile surfaces, a mixture of protected and open seating, pleasing light, biophilic elements like natural materials and greenery, and high ceilings. “We created a gradient of experiences throughout the space,” says Gallimore, who often designs for autistic and neurodiverse users. “There are sensory cues that allow the space to be really comfortable for individuals.” The elements Gensler designed for the SoHo flagship are part of broader design guidelines that will be rolled out to other locations, although they will each be tailored to local context. The retail spaces will be open year-round, unlike most tax prep outposts, which are seasonal. Tax preparation in the U.S. is a $14 billion industry and companies are competing for more. With a 60% market share, TurboTax dominates the landscape. Will feel-good flagships help them attract more dollars? Until broader policy change happens, we’re stuck with a broken system and the coping mechanisms from companies who are invested in keeping it that way—attractive, pacifying retail spaces included. View the full article

Key Takeaways Choosing an SEO plugin like Yoast SEO impacts your online presence and future growth. Yoast offers reliability with over 15 years of experience and millions of active installations, unlike newer competitors. Innovations such as AI integration and a unified schema graph set Yoast apart from other plugins. Yoast provides comprehensive support, education, and a multi-platform ecosystem tailored for long-term success. Trust industry leaders like Microsoft and Spotify who use Yoast SEO to enhance their online visibility. Estimated reading time: 11 minutes Table of contents What really matters when choosing an SEO plugin Why legacy and proven trust matter in SEO plugins Innovation that shapes the industry Schema markup that search engines can understand Continuous algorithm adaptation An ecosystem built to support your SEO workflow Stability and reliability at enterprise-grade scale Where Yoast takes the lead Understanding what you really need Make the choice that drives real growth Selecting an SEO plugin for your WordPress site is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your online presence. It’s not just about installing software; it’s about choosing a long-term partner that will grow with your business, adapt to changing search algorithms, and support you in the age of AI. While the market offers several options, understanding what truly matters is key. Two of the most popular plugins in the market today are Yoast and Rank Math. Therefore, factors such as reliability, innovation, ecosystem, and trust help you make a choice that will serve your business for years to come. This guide provides an in-depth comparison of the key differentiating factors between Yoast and Rank Math. We will understand why millions of websites worldwide have made Yoast their trusted comrade in the search business. What really matters when choosing an SEO plugin When evaluating WordPress SEO plugins, it’s easy to get distracted by feature lists and flashy interfaces. But experienced marketers, agencies, and business owners know that the best tools are defined by much more than what they promise on paper. The questions that matter most: Can you trust this plugin to work reliably as your business scales? Will the company behind it still be innovating five years from now? What happens when you need help before a critical deadline? Does the plugin anticipate future SEO trends, or just react to them? Is this a tool you install, or an ecosystem that supports your growth and development? These aren’t trivial questions. Your SEO plugin touches essential pages on your site, influences the content you publish, and directly impacts your ability to be found by potential customers. Choosing poorly can lead to migration headaches, compatibility issues, and lost rankings. Choosing wisely means peace of mind, ongoing innovation, and a solid foundation to build upon. Why legacy and proven trust matter in SEO plugins Trust isn’t given. It’s earned. Yoast has defined the WordPress SEO landscape for over 15 years, with more than 13 million active installations and over 850 million downloads. This extensive legacy reflects a consistent track record of innovation, stability, and trust. Brands such as The Guardian, Microsoft, Spotify, and others rely on Yoast SEO as a foundation for their SEO strategies. This depth of experience is invaluable as SEO requires ongoing adaptation to algorithm changes and new technologies. While Rank Math is an ambitious and feature-rich plugin with a growing user base, its presence in the market is relatively recent. For businesses seeking a proven solution with a long-standing heritage, Yoast’s established positioning offers confidence that the plugin will continue to evolve and provide reliable support for years to come. Innovation that shapes the industry Yoast has always been at the forefront of defining what modern SEO looks like. This isn’t a reactive development; it’s proactive innovation that anticipates where search is heading. Both plugins invest in innovation, but Yoast’s leadership in integrating AI and collaboration with Google sets it apart. AI and Automation We have introduced an industry-first AI-powered optimization toolset, including: AI Generate: Creates multiple optimized title and meta description variations instantly, giving you professionally crafted options in seconds instead of struggling for the perfect phrasing. AI Optimize: Scans your content and provides precise, actionable suggestions to improve keyphrase placement, sentence structure, and readability, teaching you SEO best practices while you write. AI Summarize: Instantly generates bullet-point summaries of your content, making it more scannable and engaging for readers who skim before diving deep. AI Brand Insights: This is where Yoast truly separates from the pack. As AI platforms like ChatGPT reshape how people find information, AI Brand Insights tracks how your brand appears in AI-generated responses. You can monitor your AI visibility, compare it against competitors, and ensure AI platforms accurately represent your business. While Rank Math includes helpful automation features such as AI keyword suggestions, Yoast’s AI integration is more comprehensive and positioned as a core pillar of modern SEO strategy. Schema markup that search engines can understand While many plugins output disconnected structured data, Yoast SEO automatically generates a unified semantic graph on every page, linking your organization, content, authors, and products through a single JSON-LD structure that search engines and AI platforms can interpret consistently. What makes this different Automatic and invisible: Yoast outputs rich structured data representing your content, business, and relationships without requiring technical configuration. You focus on creating content; Yoast handles the complexity of structured data behind the scenes. Single unified graph format: Instead of fragmented schema markup, Yoast creates one cohesive graph structure per page, connecting all entities with unique IDs. When plugins output conflicting schema, search engines can’t reliably interpret your site. Yoast’s unified graph ensures consistent interpretation at scale, whether Google, ChatGPT, or any API is reading your content. Minimal configuration: Choose whether your site represents a person or organization; Yoast handles the rest automatically. Specialized blocks like FAQ and How-To map directly to correct schema types and link into the graph without additional setup. Why this matters for AI-driven search As AI platforms increasingly rely on structured data to understand websites, Yoast’s approach of creating a full semantic model of your site positions you for how search and discovery are evolving. The framework scales reliably from 100 to 100,000 pages while maintaining valid entity relationships. For developers, Yoast’s Schema API provides clean filters to extend or customize the graph without breaking its integrity. Rank Math and other plugins support Schema markup, but Yoast’s unified graph framework represents a fundamentally different approach: automatic generation, consistent entity relationships, and architecture built for scale. Continuous algorithm adaptation Search engines make thousands of updates every year. Google alone rolls out over 5,000 algorithm changes annually. Now, as search engines evolve to incorporate AI tooling and platforms like ChatGPT reshape the way people discover information, the SEO landscape is changing faster than ever. Most website owners can’t possibly track these shifts across traditional search AND emerging AI platforms, let alone understand their implications. Yoast’s dedicated SEO team monitors every significant update, from Google algorithm changes to how AI platforms index and reference content, and proactively adjusts the plugin to ensure your site stays optimized for both traditional and AI-driven discovery. When you use Yoast, you’re not just getting software. You’re getting a team of experts working behind the scenes to keep your SEO strategy current across the entire discovery ecosystem. An ecosystem built to support your SEO workflow Yoast offers an ecosystem beyond the plugin. While Yoast SEO itself is a plugin, Yoast provides a comprehensive ecosystem to support your growth: 24/7 real human expert support available for Yoast SEO Premium users. It ensures that you get fast, knowledgeable help when you need it. Yoast SEO Academy offers comprehensive SEO education, covering a range of topics from basics to advanced, with accompanying certifications. A massive knowledge base and community for continuous learning and troubleshooting. Multi-Platform Support Your business doesn’t exist on WordPress alone. That’s why Yoast extends beyond a single platform: Yoast SEO for Shopify: Brings Yoast’s trusted optimization to Shopify stores, helping ecommerce businesses improve product visibility and drive more sales. Yoast WooCommerce SEO: Specifically designed for WooCommerce stores with automated product schema, smart breadcrumbs, and ecommerce-focused content analysis. Yoast SEO Google Docs Add-on: Optimize content before it even reaches WordPress, enabling teams to collaborate on SEO-friendly content directly in Google Docs. One seat included in Yoast SEO Premium, Yoast WooCommerce SEO, Yoast SEO AI+ for team collaboration. AI Brand Insights: A comprehensive feature, a part of Yoast SEO AI+ package, that shows how your brand appears across top AI platforms. Tracks key elements of your brand visibility and suggests relevant insights. This ecosystem approach means Yoast grows with your business, supporting you across platforms as your needs evolve. Rank Math primarily focuses on the WordPress environment with a strong feature set, but lacks the same breadth of educational resources and multi-platform reach. Stability and reliability at enterprise-grade scale Flashy features attract attention. Rock-solid reliability keeps businesses running. Yoast rigorously tests every update for compatibility and performance across different WordPress versions and server configurations. This commitment ensures: Backward compatibility: Updates maintain existing functionality without requiring extensive reconfiguration WordPress core integration: Seamless compatibility with new WordPress releases Performance at any scale: Optimized for sites ranging from personal blogs to high-traffic enterprise installations With over 15 years in the market and more than 13 million active installations, Yoast has proven its reliability across millions of sites, hosting environments, and various use cases. Rigorous testing and quality assurance Yoast maintains strict development standards that prioritize stability above rapid feature deployment. Every update undergoes extensive testing across the latest WordPress versions, most PHP configurations, and common plugin combinations before release. This disciplined approach means Yoast users rarely experience plugin conflicts, broken updates, or compatibility issues that plague WordPress sites using less mature plugins. Backward compatibility Major updates usually shake the functionality of plugins and software. However, Yoast maintains backward compatibility, ensuring that updating your plugin doesn’t suddenly break critical SEO features or require extensive reconfiguration. WordPress core compatibility As a plugin deeply integrated with WordPress development, Yoast maintains close relationships with the WordPress core team. This ensures seamless compatibility with new WordPress releases, often supporting new versions on launch day while other plugins scramble to catch up. Performance optimized for scale Whether you run a small blog or an enterprise site with millions of pages, Yoast performs efficiently without slowing down your site. The plugin is engineered for performance, using best practices for database queries, resource loading, and caching integration. Enterprises trust Yoast precisely because it scales reliably. Small teams appreciate that the same plugin powering major corporations works flawlessly on their modest sites, too. Ready to make a difference with Yoast SEO Premium?Explore Yoast SEO Premium and the Yoast SEO AI+ package to discover advanced tools built for serious marketers. Get Yoast SEO Premium »Only $118.80 / year (ex VAT)Yoast SEO AI+ Where Yoast takes the lead While comprehensive feature-by-feature comparisons can be overwhelming, certain capabilities distinguish truly professional SEO plugins from the rest. Here’s where Yoast’s innovation and depth shine through. AI-powered optimization Yoast leads the industry in AI integration for SEO optimization: AI-generated titles and meta descriptions Real-time content optimization suggestions An instant content summarization plugin AI Brand Insights for tracking your presence in AI search platforms No competing plugin offers this comprehensive AI integration designed specifically for modern SEO workflows. Schema Graph Yoast’s Schema implementation creates a complete structured data graph connecting your organization, content, authors, and brand identity. This goes far beyond basic Schema markup, providing search engines with rich context that improves your chances of appearing in knowledge panels, rich results, and AI-generated answers. Smart internal linking Yoast SEO Premium includes intelligent internal linking suggestions that analyze your content and recommend relevant pages to link to. This isn’t just a list of posts; it’s context-aware suggestions that strengthen your site architecture and improve crawlability. Advanced redirect manager Managing redirects is critical when restructuring sites, changing URLs, or handling broken links. Yoast’s redirect manager offers: Automatic redirects when you change a post URL Bulk CSV import/export for large-scale migrations REGEX support for complex redirect patterns Full redirect history and management WooCommerce-specific optimization If you run an online store, Yoast WooCommerce SEO provides: Automated product schema markup (price, availability, reviews) Smart breadcrumbs for product categories Ecommerce-focused content analysis Duplicate content prevention for product variations Comprehensive crawl settings Advanced users appreciate Yoast’s granular control over crawl optimization, robots.txt management, and indexation settings, giving technical SEO professionals the precision they need without overwhelming casual users. Bot blocker for LLM training control As AI companies scrape the web to train large language models, Yoast gives you control over whether your content is used for AI training via Bot Blocker. This cutting-edge feature addresses a concern most plugins haven’t even acknowledged yet. Recognized and trusted by industry leaders The company you keep says a lot about who you are. When the world’s most recognized brands trust Yoast to power their WordPress SEO, it’s a powerful testament to the quality, reliability, and effectiveness of our solutions. Global brands* using Yoast include: The Guardian Microsoft Spotify Rolling Stones Taylor Swift Facebook eBay These organizations have teams of developers, SEO experts, and decision-makers who have evaluated every available option. They chose Yoast, not because it was the newest, but because it was the best. *Disclaimer: Based on third party data sources. Industry Recognition: Global Search Awards Finalist: Recognized among the world’s leading SEO solutions Women’s Choice Awards Winner: Acknowledged for excellence and customer satisfaction Yoast isn’t just popular, it’s the default choice for WordPress SEO professionals worldwide. Understanding what you really need Before making your final decision, consider what matters most for your specific situation: If you value reliability and stability: Choose a plugin with a proven track record of consistent updates, compatibility, and performance. Longevity matters because it signals the company will be around to support you for years to come. If innovation matters to your strategy: Look for a plugin that anticipates SEO trends rather than reacting to them. AI integration, Schema excellence, and algorithm adaptation separate forward-thinking tools from those playing catch-up. If support is critical: Consider whether you need community forums or access to real SEO experts who can troubleshoot complex issues quickly. When your business relies on organic traffic, response time is crucial. If education is important: Some plugins provide features; others teach you how to use them effectively. Comprehensive training resources and certifications demonstrate a commitment to your success. If you’re building for the long term: Think about whether this plugin will grow with your business. Multi-platform support, scalability, and an ecosystem approach ensure that your investment pays dividends for years to come. Make the choice that drives real growth Choosing an SEO plugin isn’t about finding the tool with the longest feature list; it’s about finding the one that best suits your needs. It’s about partnering with a company that shares your commitment to long-term growth, innovation, and excellence. Over 13 million websites trust Yoast SEO because it delivers on these promises: Reliability: 15+ years of consistent innovation and stability Trust: Used by global brands and industry leaders Innovation: Leading the industry in AI integration and Schema excellence Support: 24/7 access to real SEO professionals Education: Comprehensive training through Yoast Academy Ecosystem: Multi-platform support and continuous learning resources Stability: Enterprise-grade performance at any scale When you choose Yoast, you’re not just installing a plugin; you’re joining millions of websites that have made the strategic decision to partner with the most trusted name in WordPress SEO. A smarter analysis in Yoast SEO PremiumYoast SEO Premium has a smart content analysis that helps you take your content to the next level! Get Yoast SEO Premium »Only $118.80 / year (ex VAT) The post Choosing the right WordPress SEO plugin for your business – Yoast vs Rank Math appeared first on Yoast. 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Brand marketing is more important to SEO than ever before. Search engines now understand brands as entities, not just keywords. They connect your brand to your industry and offerings to surface you in relevant searches beyond exact matches. Google and…Read more ›View the full article

Reform UK leader due to appear at World Economic Forum next weekView the full article

December fall in base rate and relatively benign Budget triggers swath of cheaper dealsView the full article

Every day, New Yorkers receive a staggering 2.3 million packages at their doorstop. Nearly 90 percent of those goods snake through the city on trucks that cause traffic congestion and pollute the air on their way. To address the problem, global architecture firm KPF is asking an ambitious question: “What if New York was designed for the perfect delivery?” The answer, which is outlined in the firm’s latest book, Connective Urbanism – New York, features towering distribution hubs, drones, and a hyper-connected logistics network that encompasses the city’s rails and waterways. KPF presents its solution as a provocative speculation designed to start a dialogue about the city’s delivery problem, but it is more grounded in reality than it seems. “We didn’t want to have speculations that were just dreams,” says Bruce Fisher, head of KPF Urban, and a co-author of the book. In a place as dense as New York City—both in terms of population and building stock—good logistics are everything. As Fisher writes in the book: “A city’s economic potential is tied to its logistic efficiency.” Highways centralized transport. Can it be diversified? There once was a time when most goods arrived in New York City via train and freight ships. Before the Holland Tunnel opened in 1927, nearly all domestic freight destined for New York terminated in New Jersey, then crossed the river on cargo ferries or “carfloats” outfitted with rail tracks. Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History By the 1950s, propelled by the Interstate Highway System, trains gave way to trucks on improved roads, while freight shifted to shipping containers that required larger open spaces in New Jersey. The city shifted to trucks too, and its distribution infrastructure changed with it. Now, KPF wants to diversify the way goods move throughout the city, beyond trucking. The architects envision a distribution network system that utilizes New York’s existing freight rail lines, its extensive coastline, and its abundant navigable waterways. Goods would first arrive in the city by a combination of trains and ships sailing into regional ports like Red Hook, in Brooklyn, or Elizabeth, in New Jersey. Then, they would make their way into strategically located distribution hubs, from where automated cranes and robots would collect the cargo and distribute it to logistic centers scattered around the city. From there, goods would be delivered using a variety of micromobility options like electric bikes, un-manned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones. Flickr Some freight deliveries are already being re-routed to waterways If the architects’ proposal evokes a scene out of a sci-fi movie, that’s because it requires the kind of infrastructure that we can seemingly only imagine from the future. But for Fisher, every idea related in the book is based on real-life examples. For decades, the New York Department of Sanitation has used the city’s waterways to transport trash and recycling from six strategically located facilities to landfills outside the city. Most recently, in December 2025, the New York Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) launched its Blue Highways program, which aims to remove a significant portion of freight deliveries off crowded streets and onto the city’s 520 miles of navigable waterways. DutchX cargo bike loads onto a ferry, ca. 2023 Essentially, it redesigns the city’s package distribution system. Through the program, which is now in a pilot phase, the city will transport 300 to 400 small household parcels per day from a ferry onto five electric pedal-assist cargo bikes, which will complete the final delivery phase. It’s currently being tested within a designated delivery area within Manhattan. If the pilot is successful, the city plans to expand the program. “Waterways are the new highways in New York City,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez in a press release at the time. “New York’s waterways built this city—now they’re helping us create a cleaner, safer, and smarter way to deliver the goods New Yorkers rely on.” In its efforts to reduce truck traffic and curb congestion, NYC DOT has also launched a pilot ‘Microhubs’ program with dedicated spaces for truck operators to transfer deliveries onto more sustainable modes of transportation, like e-cargo bikes, handcarts, and electric sprinter vans, for last mile deliveries. Old distribution hubs may provide new ideas for the present For now, these pilots are small in scale and scope, and none of them extend past the boundaries of Manhattan. In order to scale the operations into the outer boroughs, the city would likely need to build distribution hubs and logistic centers like the ones in KPF’s proposal. In its speculation, KPF proposes a cylindrical building akin to the Marina City towers in Chicago. The building, which would be ideally located near a port or a train station, features a continuous ramp for EVs and delivery robots, docking stations for UAVs, and a rooftop launchpad for large cargo drones. The idea for such integrated buildings isn’t all that new. In the 1930s, New York City’s Starrett–Lehigh Building once served as a “drive-in building”: railcars came directly into the ground floor, their freight was transferred to trucks, which were then lifted in special elevators onto designated floors with loading bays. This allowed goods to be loaded, stored, repackaged, and redistributed without using curbside space. Today, the Starrett-Lehigh building has been transformed into a modern office building. But new buildings are emerging to help cities improve freight logistics. In April 2025, a multi-story industrial development opened in Long Island City, Queens. Spanning 1 million square feet across six stories, Borden Industrial sports concrete ramps that trucks can use to load and unload on upper levels. The building appears focused on truck logistics, but as Fisher points out, it’s also located near active rail yards, and it borders Newtown Creek, a major industrial waterway for barges and freight. One could imagine that, if enough buildings like Borden Industrial opened in strategic locations across New York City, KPF’s vision would quickly enter the realm of reality. And as cities around the world rush to meet their zero-emission goals, many are already experimenting with alternative delivery solutions. For a decade now, France’s larger supermarket chain, Franprix, has transported goods by barge to its 300 Parisian stores by barge. And this year, new electric cargo barges, stocked with e-cargo bikes, are set to deliver regular mail to Paris suburbs. Meanwhile, Peachtree Corners, a small city northeast of Atlanta, Georgia, has become a testbed for a curious experiment in the shape of one-mile underground tube network that delivers sandwiches and small packages between suburban microhubs. Drone deliveries are also growing increasingly popular, with companies like Amazon and Walmart leading the charge in the U.S. These experiments show that the pieces are already in place in many cities around the world, and New York wouldn’t be pioneering something radical—it would be joining a growing movement. But in the end, it will all come down to political will and private investment. “Someone has to be the real defender of [these models], pushing them forward,” says Fisher. “Until there’s a overall regulatory system that allows for it, it can’t really happen.” View the full article

Chipotle is going for gold again with the return of its gold-foil burritos for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Starting January 15, Chipotle will offer a few Olympian-inspired menu items on the Chipotle app and online. Then in February, Chipotle will wrap every burrito in gold. For Chipotle, the Olympics are an opportunity to shake off a slump. Chipotle shares plummeted 19% in October 2025, and its operating margin was down 1% in Q3. The company hasn’t announced its full 2025 financial results yet, but sales are expected to decline (a reversal from February 2025 projections). Key segments of the company’s customer base—younger people and low- to middle-income households—are dining out less often. The gilded Olympics campaign creates a moment to associate Chipotle burritos with the two big trends in food: less processing and more (and more and more) protein. “While the path to greatness is different for each of these star athletes, Chipotle is consistently part of their training regimen, providing easy access to real ingredients and high protein options,” said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle interim chief marketing officer, in a press release. “We are honoring Team Chipotle by bringing back gold foil and extending this moment of celebration to fans across the U.S.” A history of Chipotle’s Olympic gold (foils) This isn’t the first time Chipotle has debuted gilded burrito wrappers. The gold foil made its debut for the company’s 18th anniversary in 2011, then released nationwide in 2021 for the Tokyo Olympics. Then the gold foil returned for Paris 2024, along with the first iteration of Olympians’ signature meals as limited menu items. Fans can once again eat like Olympians this year. The go-to orders of Team USA hockey players Matthew Tkachuk, Brady Tkachuk, Hilary Knight, Taylor Heise, and snowboard Red Gerard will all be available as digital menu items. But what’s different this year is a sign of the times: It appears that this is the first year that Chipotle is advertising the grams of protein on each menu item. For Milano Cortina 2026, all 4,000 Chipotle locations in the U.S. will carry the gold foil wrappers while supplies last. Here are the go-to orders of Team Chipotle: The Matthew Tkachuk Bowl Burrito bowl with double chicken, light brown rice, light tomatillo-red chili salsa, light sour cream and lettuce (67 grams of protein) The Brady Tkachuk Bowl Burrito bowl with half chicken, half steak, white rice and roasted chili-corn salsa (60 grams of protein) The Hilary Knight Burrito Burrito with white rice, pinto beans, fresh tomato salsa, cheese and guac (28 grams of protein) The Taylor Heise Tacos An order of three tacos with soft flour tortillas, chicken, fresh tomato salsa, roasted chili-corn salsa, sour cream, cheese and lettuce (50 grams of protein) The Red Gerard Bowl Burrito bowl with chicken, extra white rice, tomatillo-red chili salsa, cheese, sour cream and lettuce (48 grams of protein) The race to own the Olympics Chipotle certainly isn’t the only brand trying to ride the Olympics wave. In October, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced a limited-edition custom pasta shaped like the five Olympic rings. Although the pasta was not available for sale, there are plenty of other partnerships for those looking to get a taste of the Olympics. Bloom Nutrition has partnered with three-time U.S. national champion figure skater Amber Glenn. Kodiak is fueling U.S. Ski and Snowboard with its high-protein, whole-grain products ahead of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For Chipotle, the gold foil campaign is a way to invite customers to be a part of the Olympic moment, and associate the beleaguered burrito company with new energy. “Our gold foil is a simple and joyful way of honoring American athletes and rallying fans to root them on this winter,” Perdue said. View the full article

When you get your new paycheck, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between gross pay and net pay. Gross pay is your total earnings, whereas net pay is what you actually take home after deductions. These deductions can include federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, which can greatly reduce your earnings. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your finances effectively. Let’s explore the details of these deductions and how they impact your paycheck. Key Takeaways Understand the difference between gross pay (total earnings) and net pay (take-home amount after deductions). Be aware of mandatory deductions like federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare that reduce your net pay. Review your pay stub regularly to ensure accuracy in tax withholdings and deductions. Use salary calculators to estimate your net pay based on your gross income and deductions. Contact HR promptly to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to your paycheck. Understanding Gross and Net Pay When you receive your paycheck, it’s vital to comprehend the difference between gross pay and net pay. Gross pay is the total earnings before any deductions, calculated by multiplying your hourly pay rate by the hours you worked. For instance, if you earn $20 per hour and work 40 hours a week, your gross pay would be $800. Nevertheless, your net pay, the amount you actually take home, will be markedly lower after taxes and other deductions like Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), which can total around 30% of your gross income. Grasping this difference is fundamental for effective budgeting since net pay represents the actual funds available for personal expenses and savings. Reviewing your pay stub helps clarify the breakdown of gross pay, deductions, and net pay, ensuring you understand your earnings and financial responsibilities. The Role of Taxes in Your Paycheck Comprehending the role of taxes in your paycheck is important, as these deductions considerably impact your net income. Federal and state income taxes are deducted from your earnings, with higher income levels typically facing steeper rates. Social Security tax, set at 6.2%, and Medicare tax at 1.45%, contribute to your future benefits and healthcare. You might additionally benefit from the standard deduction, which could mean owing no federal income taxes if your income falls below a specified threshold. Tax Type Percentage Purpose Federal Income Tax Varies General government funding Social Security Tax 6.2% Retirement benefits Medicare Tax 1.45% Healthcare for seniors Understanding these deductions helps you use tools like a federal income tax calculator or a net pay calculator to estimate your take-home pay accurately. What Deductions to Expect Grasping what deductions to expect from your paycheck can help you better manage your finances. Typically, mandatory deductions include federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security at 6.2%, and Medicare at 1.45%. Together, these can account for around 30% of your gross income. If you’ve enrolled in a company-sponsored medical plan, health insurance premiums will likewise be deducted, affecting your net pay. Furthermore, if you contribute to retirement plans like a 401(k), those contributions could further reduce your take-home pay. Local taxes might apply based on your work location, potentially lowering your earnings even more. To gain better insights into your pay, using an Alabama paycheck calculator or a take-home pay calculator Alabama can be beneficial. Comprehending these deductions is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning, ensuring you know the actual amount you’ll receive after all deductions are applied. Calculating Your Take-Home Pay Calculating your take-home pay involves a straightforward process of subtracting mandatory deductions from your gross earnings. To determine your net pay, start with your gross income and subtract federal and state taxes, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). For instance, if you earn $65,000 annually, expect approximately $45,500 as your take-home pay after around 30% in deductions. Don’t forget to account for optional deductions like health insurance premiums and retirement contributions, which can greatly affect your final amount. Using tools like a salary calculator Alabama or a take home pay calculator Arizona can simplify this process. Furthermore, consider an income tax calculator to estimate how much taxes are taken out of a check Colorado. For freelancers, a 1099 tax calculator with deductions is beneficial. Comprehending your salary after taxes Texas is key for effective budgeting and financial planning. Addressing Common Paycheck Issues Once you’ve calculated your take-home pay, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about any potential paycheck issues that might arise. Common paycheck issues include incorrect tax withholdings and missing benefit deductions, such as for health insurance or retirement contributions. It’s vital to conduct a thorough pay stub review to confirm all entries match your employment contract and expected earnings. If you notice paycheck discrepancies, like incorrect pay periods or salary amounts, quickly contact your HR representative or manager. Payroll departments typically resolve these issues rapidly, so maintain detailed financial records of your pay stubs. Utilize tools like the Alabama paycheck tax calculator, California paycheck calculator, or Illinois paycheck calculator to double-check your withholdings. Addressing these discrepancies swiftly helps guarantee accurate compensation and keeps your financial records in order. By being proactive, you can avoid complications down the line. Frequently Asked Questions What Are You Supposed to Do With Your First Paycheck? When you receive your first paycheck, start by reviewing the breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and deductions. Calculate your net pay to understand your actual earnings. Familiarize yourself with deductions like health insurance and retirement contributions, as they impact your budget. After that, consider setting up a budget based on your net pay to manage your expenses effectively. If you notice any discrepancies, contact your HR representative quickly to resolve the issue. What Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Get Your Paycheck? When you get your paycheck, the first thing you should do is review it carefully. Check your gross pay to verify it matches your expectations based on your agreed salary or hourly rate. Next, identify and circle all deductions, such as taxes and Social Security, to understand their impact on your earnings. Finally, calculate your net pay by subtracting these deductions, giving you a clear picture of your take-home amount for budgeting. How Much of a $1000 Paycheck Should I Save? You should aim to save at least 20% of your $1000 paycheck, which amounts to $200. Following the “50/30/20” budgeting rule can help you manage your finances effectively. Allocate 50% for needs, like rent and groceries, and 30% for wants. If you’re contributing to retirement savings, factor that into your 20% savings goal. Starting an emergency fund is likewise crucial, ideally totaling 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. How Much Tax Comes Out of a $300 Paycheck? When you receive a $300 paycheck, expect around 20% to 30% deducted for taxes. Federal income tax can range from 10% to 22% based on your tax bracket. Social Security takes out 6.2%, which is about $18.60, whereas Medicare deducts 1.45%, approximately $4.35. If your state taxes income, that can further reduce your take-home pay. In the end, you might take home between $210 and $240 after all deductions. Conclusion Comprehending your paycheck is vital for managing your finances effectively. By knowing the difference between gross and net pay, recognizing mandatory and optional deductions, and calculating your take-home pay, you can gain greater control over your earnings. If you encounter any discrepancies or issues with your paycheck, addressing them quickly guarantees you receive the correct compensation. Stay informed about these aspects, as they play a significant role in your overall financial health and planning for the future. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What to Know About Your New Paycheck?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you get your new paycheck, it’s crucial to understand the distinction between gross pay and net pay. Gross pay is your total earnings, whereas net pay is what you actually take home after deductions. These deductions can include federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare, which can greatly reduce your earnings. Knowing what to expect can help you manage your finances effectively. Let’s explore the details of these deductions and how they impact your paycheck. Key Takeaways Understand the difference between gross pay (total earnings) and net pay (take-home amount after deductions). Be aware of mandatory deductions like federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare that reduce your net pay. Review your pay stub regularly to ensure accuracy in tax withholdings and deductions. Use salary calculators to estimate your net pay based on your gross income and deductions. Contact HR promptly to resolve any discrepancies or issues related to your paycheck. Understanding Gross and Net Pay When you receive your paycheck, it’s vital to comprehend the difference between gross pay and net pay. Gross pay is the total earnings before any deductions, calculated by multiplying your hourly pay rate by the hours you worked. For instance, if you earn $20 per hour and work 40 hours a week, your gross pay would be $800. Nevertheless, your net pay, the amount you actually take home, will be markedly lower after taxes and other deductions like Social Security (6.2%) and Medicare (1.45%), which can total around 30% of your gross income. Grasping this difference is fundamental for effective budgeting since net pay represents the actual funds available for personal expenses and savings. Reviewing your pay stub helps clarify the breakdown of gross pay, deductions, and net pay, ensuring you understand your earnings and financial responsibilities. The Role of Taxes in Your Paycheck Comprehending the role of taxes in your paycheck is important, as these deductions considerably impact your net income. Federal and state income taxes are deducted from your earnings, with higher income levels typically facing steeper rates. Social Security tax, set at 6.2%, and Medicare tax at 1.45%, contribute to your future benefits and healthcare. You might additionally benefit from the standard deduction, which could mean owing no federal income taxes if your income falls below a specified threshold. Tax Type Percentage Purpose Federal Income Tax Varies General government funding Social Security Tax 6.2% Retirement benefits Medicare Tax 1.45% Healthcare for seniors Understanding these deductions helps you use tools like a federal income tax calculator or a net pay calculator to estimate your take-home pay accurately. What Deductions to Expect Grasping what deductions to expect from your paycheck can help you better manage your finances. Typically, mandatory deductions include federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security at 6.2%, and Medicare at 1.45%. Together, these can account for around 30% of your gross income. If you’ve enrolled in a company-sponsored medical plan, health insurance premiums will likewise be deducted, affecting your net pay. Furthermore, if you contribute to retirement plans like a 401(k), those contributions could further reduce your take-home pay. Local taxes might apply based on your work location, potentially lowering your earnings even more. To gain better insights into your pay, using an Alabama paycheck calculator or a take-home pay calculator Alabama can be beneficial. Comprehending these deductions is crucial for effective budgeting and financial planning, ensuring you know the actual amount you’ll receive after all deductions are applied. Calculating Your Take-Home Pay Calculating your take-home pay involves a straightforward process of subtracting mandatory deductions from your gross earnings. To determine your net pay, start with your gross income and subtract federal and state taxes, Social Security (6.2%), and Medicare (1.45%). For instance, if you earn $65,000 annually, expect approximately $45,500 as your take-home pay after around 30% in deductions. Don’t forget to account for optional deductions like health insurance premiums and retirement contributions, which can greatly affect your final amount. Using tools like a salary calculator Alabama or a take home pay calculator Arizona can simplify this process. Furthermore, consider an income tax calculator to estimate how much taxes are taken out of a check Colorado. For freelancers, a 1099 tax calculator with deductions is beneficial. Comprehending your salary after taxes Texas is key for effective budgeting and financial planning. Addressing Common Paycheck Issues Once you’ve calculated your take-home pay, it’s crucial to stay vigilant about any potential paycheck issues that might arise. Common paycheck issues include incorrect tax withholdings and missing benefit deductions, such as for health insurance or retirement contributions. It’s vital to conduct a thorough pay stub review to confirm all entries match your employment contract and expected earnings. If you notice paycheck discrepancies, like incorrect pay periods or salary amounts, quickly contact your HR representative or manager. Payroll departments typically resolve these issues rapidly, so maintain detailed financial records of your pay stubs. Utilize tools like the Alabama paycheck tax calculator, California paycheck calculator, or Illinois paycheck calculator to double-check your withholdings. Addressing these discrepancies swiftly helps guarantee accurate compensation and keeps your financial records in order. By being proactive, you can avoid complications down the line. Frequently Asked Questions What Are You Supposed to Do With Your First Paycheck? When you receive your first paycheck, start by reviewing the breakdown of your gross pay, taxes, and deductions. Calculate your net pay to understand your actual earnings. Familiarize yourself with deductions like health insurance and retirement contributions, as they impact your budget. After that, consider setting up a budget based on your net pay to manage your expenses effectively. If you notice any discrepancies, contact your HR representative quickly to resolve the issue. What Is the First Thing You Should Do When You Get Your Paycheck? When you get your paycheck, the first thing you should do is review it carefully. Check your gross pay to verify it matches your expectations based on your agreed salary or hourly rate. Next, identify and circle all deductions, such as taxes and Social Security, to understand their impact on your earnings. Finally, calculate your net pay by subtracting these deductions, giving you a clear picture of your take-home amount for budgeting. How Much of a $1000 Paycheck Should I Save? You should aim to save at least 20% of your $1000 paycheck, which amounts to $200. Following the “50/30/20” budgeting rule can help you manage your finances effectively. Allocate 50% for needs, like rent and groceries, and 30% for wants. If you’re contributing to retirement savings, factor that into your 20% savings goal. Starting an emergency fund is likewise crucial, ideally totaling 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses. How Much Tax Comes Out of a $300 Paycheck? When you receive a $300 paycheck, expect around 20% to 30% deducted for taxes. Federal income tax can range from 10% to 22% based on your tax bracket. Social Security takes out 6.2%, which is about $18.60, whereas Medicare deducts 1.45%, approximately $4.35. If your state taxes income, that can further reduce your take-home pay. In the end, you might take home between $210 and $240 after all deductions. Conclusion Comprehending your paycheck is vital for managing your finances effectively. By knowing the difference between gross and net pay, recognizing mandatory and optional deductions, and calculating your take-home pay, you can gain greater control over your earnings. If you encounter any discrepancies or issues with your paycheck, addressing them quickly guarantees you receive the correct compensation. Stay informed about these aspects, as they play a significant role in your overall financial health and planning for the future. Image via Google Gemini and ArtSmart This article, "What to Know About Your New Paycheck?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

I keep catching myself doing this thing lately: staring at an Instagram ad, listening to a podcast intro, scrolling past a post — and wondering, 'Wait, is this AI?' Turns out, I'm not alone. A survey by Getty Images states that 76% of people agree: ‘It’s getting to the point where I can’t tell if an image is real’. And it’s this simple sentiment of wondering whether something is real or not that raises an important question for us marketers and creators: How can we shift the narrative of doubt and start focusing on building trust instead? I’ve been reflecting on this for a while now, asking myself what really makes me trust something online and I keep coming back to the same answer: connection. I trust something when it makes me feel connected. So that’s when it clicked for me: we double down on what AI can’t replicate. We build connections. We build community. Real, human community. Because while technology can evolve, only people can scale trust. And in an age where so much feels synthetic, trust is about to become your most powerful asset. If you’re curious about why I’m so passionate about this topic, it’s because community building has changed me. The first time I built a community was in 2021, and it began with 20 inaugural members that quickly grew to 140 founders. In less than a year, we evolved it into a full-fledged fellowship program, which continues today under the European EdTech Alliance. Thanks to this experience, I have some exciting news for small businesses and creators. You already have what it takes to build trust. According to an article published by WorldCom, micro- and nano-influencers are on the rise because the trust you build runs deeper. Brands are paying attention, and creators who prioritize connection over clout tend to have more engaged communities. And that kind of impact is the perfect testament of a deep, meaningful connection. Something that’s nurtured over time, not created overnight. In this article, I’ll share why I believe building community can be your superpower right now — not just for marketing, but for building real trust and deep connections. I’ll dive deep into what makes communities such a long-lasting strategy, how to build and sustain one authentically, and even how AI can support (without replacing) the human touch that makes it all work. Community as a strategyUnlike marketing campaigns and content pieces that are often one-off and time-bound, a well-built community can evolve and live on by becoming part of your mission. That’s what makes it so powerful. But why does it truly stand the test of time? Because community taps into something deeper than metrics: emotion and belonging. People want to be part of something meaningful. When you create a space where members feel engaged, supported, and seen, you’re not just building a following; you’re building trust. That trust creates a bond, not just between members, but between your community and your brand. Over time, you earn a place in their minds and hearts as more than just a product or creator. You become the go-to resource not because you ran a flashy ad, but because you consistently showed up for them. You gave them value, connection, and a sense of belonging. And when people feel good about being part of your community, they talk about it. They recommend you. They become your advocates. This kind of organic social proof and authority can’t be bought, it has to be built. That’s the true power of community. It’s a space others want to be part of. From a business perspective, it's hard for members not to fall in love with your brand, thanks to the positive experience your community offers. When I built EdTech Female Founders back in 2021, we weren't thinking about AI at all (it wasn't really a thing yet for most marketers). But the community still thrived. It connected people, sparked ideas, helped increase brand awareness, pushed a great deal of content across social, but most importantly, it created a space others wanted to be part of. If this worked in a pre-AI world, I believe it can work even better now. In fact, I believe building community is more essential than ever. In a landscape transformed by AI, people crave real human connection, and the brands and creators that win will be those that can deliver spaces that unite. Why community should matter to you (now more than ever) When your audience sees the real people behind the product, behind the content, you’re not just selling something or posting something. You’re building and creating with them. Often, your early followers know you. They’ve DM’d you. They’ve seen your behind-the-scenes stories and lessons. They know what you stand for. That creates a level of emotional equity that big brands struggle to earn. While AI can generate thousands of words in seconds, it can’t generate trust, loyalty, or belonging. Those things are built through consistent, real interactions, and that’s something you can deliver. So, how can you get started? ,When everything feels artificial, authenticity becomes your pillar. Start with real faces, real values, and a real purpose that your community can jump on board with, not just because it sounds good, but because it resonates. Ask yourself: What’s something you are already doing that could bring people together? Or what’s something that’s missing that you should focus on? If you’re innovating in a specific niche, can you create a space for experts to swap ideas and insights?If your segment lacks diversity, can you build a platform to elevate the voices that often go unheard?If you're launching a product that reimagines how people live or work, can your community help others do the same?Your community doesn’t need to be huge to matter or have an impact, but it does need to make sense. It needs to align naturally with your focus and you should also want to build it. Doing it just for marketing’s sake comes across as inauthentic, and that defeats the purpose. A strong community is real, offers value, and grows from genuine care and intention. How to keep the spark alive: Nurturing your community long-termCommunity is not a transaction, it’s a relationship, and relationships need care and consistency. Think about how you can show up for your people. Are you giving them something they genuinely value? What’s the reason they should stay connected? You need to build one! To keep that spark alive, you need to constantly give people something that ignites it! Here are a few ideas on how you can do just that: Offer exclusive value: Try and think of what free resources you could put together that your members would find interesting. This can be anything from thought leadership content, tutorials, beta access to product features or programs, webinars, and even behind-the-scenes content.Foster meaningful conversations: Build spaces where members can share their thoughts, network with each other, and feel seen. This could include a dedicated Q&A channel or a space for members to share their own experiences and insights with each other. If you notice this channel going quiet, take the initiative to start a conversation and keep the momentum alive.Create regular touchpoints: Diversify where you get your community engaged. You can do this by expanding to meetups (virtual is great too!), sending them newsletters with community updates, or those awesome resources you’ve created just for them. Try to keep things fresh and meet your members where they like to be.The more consistently you show up with real value, the more trust you build. That’s what can transform passive followers into loyal advocates, the kind who root for you even when you’re not in the room. It might sound like a lot, because it is. No one said building a community is easy. But hey, we’re in the age of AI, remember? Integrating AI without losing the human touchYou might be surprised by this section, but I truly believe AI can play a big role in helping us scale, even in community building. What matters is how we use it. AI should support your community-building efforts, not replace the soul of it. Think of it as aid, not the drive. If you’re building something that matters, you shouldn’t burn out trying to do everything yourself. But you also shouldn’t lose the warmth that made people care in the first place. Here’s how to strike that balance: Use AI to research your ICP (Ideal Community Persona). Let AI handle the heavy lifting when it comes to understanding who your potential people are and what they care about (at least in the early stages when you don’t have a ton of users). It can uncover trends, sentiments, and even unmet needs.Use AI to spark conversations. Coming up with content ideas every day is hard, but AI can help you generate prompts, questions, and topics that resonate with your members.Use AI to streamline onboarding. From automated welcome messages to helpful chatbots, AI can make sure new members feel supported from day one, just don’t forget to add a human touch at the end of the funnel.The key is to use AI to support the person running the community - not replace the human touch. On the contrary, this should give the manager more time to really focus on deepening those connections. Real companies, real communities: What this looks like in action.We’ve talked about how to build community, but what does it look like in real life? Here are 3 community examples that continue to inspire me, and that might just spark some ideas for your own journey: Women and Climate (WAC) A global space where women lead the climate conversation, connect across borders, and drive real business impact. Their Slack channel brings together over 4,500 members from around the world, offering a daily touchpoint for ideas, support, and collaboration. One standout feature is their speaker database, which helps connect climate experts with event organizers, ensuring fresh, diverse voices are heard on stages across the world. Notion’s Community Notion turned its users into its best teachers. Through events, videos, templates, and workshops, community members actively help others master the tool. The magic? It's all built by people who actually use Notion every day, making learning feel real, not rehearsed. Whether you're into productivity, design, or teaching, there's a space for you here. Buffer Community I couldn’t not include Buffer. Their community isn’t just for social media experts, it’s a co-creation hub. From feature suggestions to product feedback channels, users actively shape the platform’s evolution. Initiatives like Creator Camp support users in staying consistent, while casual check-ins foster genuine connection. It feels like a shared home where everyone can put a brick to build. Let’s build what AI can’t, while letting it help where it canIn a world rapidly filling up with auto-generated everything, a real community becomes the most valuable thing you can build. Not just because it feels good (though it does), but because it gives you an advantage that’s hard to replicate: loyalty, trust, and belonging. 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