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Only 6.4% of features drive 80% of user engagement. The other 93.6% represent misallocated effort, features that seemed important during prioritization but turned out not to matter. This isn’t a prioritization framework problem. Most teams have frameworks. They run RICE scoring, debate impact estimates, and leave planning sessions with clear priority orders. Three weeks later, engineering is working on something that wasn’t even in the top ten, and nobody remembers why. Prioritization frameworks solve the wrong problem. The hard part isn’t deciding what’s most important. The hard part is making those decisions persist through the chaos of execution. Priorities live in a spreadsheet or PM tool. Engineering’s work lives in Jira. The two systems don’t talk to each other, so priorities drift the moment the meeting ends. This guide covers the major prioritization frameworks and how to use them, but more importantly, it addresses why prioritization decisions don’t stick and what to do about it. Why feature prioritization frameworks exist Product teams face constant pressure from multiple directions. Sales has customer requests. Support has escalations. Executives have strategic initiatives. Engineering has technical debt. Everyone has good reasons for their priorities, but resources are finite. You can’t build everything, so you need a way to decide what to build first. Frameworks provide a common language for these decisions. Instead of arguing about which customer is more important or whose opinion carries more weight, you evaluate features against consistent criteria. Reach, impact, confidence, effort. Must-have, should-have, could-have, won’t-have. The framework doesn’t make decisions for you, but it makes the basis for decisions visible and comparable. The value of frameworks isn’t precision. Your impact estimates are guesses. Your reach numbers are approximations. The value is consistency: applying the same logic to every decision so that when priorities change, everyone understands why. The major feature prioritization frameworks RICE prioritization framework RICE stands for Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort. It produces a numeric score that allows direct comparison between features. Reach: How many users will this affect in a given time period? Be specific about the timeframe and the definition of “affected.” Reach of 1,000 users per quarter is different from 1,000 users per year. Impact: How much will this affect each user? Most teams use a scale: 3 for massive impact, 2 for high, 1 for medium, 0.5 for low, 0.25 for minimal. The scale is arbitrary; what matters is consistent application. Confidence: How sure are you about your reach and impact estimates? 100% means you have solid data. 80% means you’re fairly confident. 50% means you’re guessing. Confidence discounts speculative projects without eliminating them. Effort: How much work will this take? Measure in person-months, story points, or whatever unit your team uses. Effort goes in the denominator, so higher effort means lower score. The formula: (Reach × Impact × Confidence) ÷ Effort = RICE Score A feature with a Reach of 1,000 users, Impact of 2, Confidence of 80%, and Effort of 2 person-months scores: (1000 × 2 × 0.8) ÷ 2 = 800. RICE works well for teams with reasonable data about user behavior. It’s less useful early in a product’s life when reach estimates are speculative. MoSCoW prioritization framework MoSCoW categorizes features into four buckets: Must-have, Should-have, Could-have, and Won’t-have. It’s simpler than RICE and works well for release planning. Must-have: Features that are non-negotiable for this release. Without them, the release doesn’t ship. Be strict here; if everything is a must-have, nothing is. Should-have: Important features that aren’t critical. You want them in the release but can live without them if time runs short. Could-have: Nice-to-haves. Include them if there’s extra capacity. Cut them first when scope needs to shrink. Won’t-have: Features explicitly out of scope for this release. Listing them prevents scope creep and manages stakeholder expectations. MoSCoW forces binary decisions rather than relative ranking. It’s particularly useful for fixed-deadline releases where you need to know what can be cut. ICE prioritization framework ICE is a simplified version of RICE using Impact, Confidence, and Ease. It’s faster to apply because it skips reach estimation. Impact: How much will this improve the metric you care about? Score on a scale of one to ten. Confidence: How sure are you about the impact estimate? Score on a scale of one to ten. Ease: How easy is this to implement? Score on a scale of one to ten, where ten is easiest. The formula: Impact × Confidence × Ease = ICE Score ICE works well for growth experiments and rapid iteration. The lack of reach estimation makes it faster but less precise than RICE. Kano model The Kano model categorizes features by customer satisfaction dynamics rather than business value. Basic needs: Features customers expect. They don’t increase satisfaction when present but decrease it significantly when absent. Think login functionality or basic search. Performance needs: Features where satisfaction scales with performance. Faster load times, more storage, better accuracy. More is better. Delighters: Features customers don’t expect but love when they get them. These differentiate your product but can become basic needs over time. Kano is useful for product strategy and positioning but less useful for sprint-level prioritization. It helps you understand what kind of feature you’re building, which informs how you prioritize it alongside other frameworks. Value vs. effort matrix The simplest framework: plot features on a two-by-two matrix with value on one axis and effort on the other. High value, low effort: Do these first. Quick wins that deliver real impact. High value, high effort: Big bets. Plan carefully and execute with adequate resources. Low value, low effort: Fill-ins. Do these when you have spare capacity. Low value, high effort: Avoid these. The effort isn’t justified by the return. The matrix works for quick prioritization when you don’t need numeric precision. It’s particularly useful for roadmap discussions with stakeholders who aren’t familiar with more complex frameworks. Choosing a feature prioritization framework No framework is universally best. Choose based on your context: Use RICE when you have data about user behavior and need defensible numeric rankings. It’s good for comparing many features and explaining decisions to stakeholders. Use MoSCoW when you’re planning a release with a fixed deadline. It forces clear decisions about what’s in and what’s out. Use ICE when you’re running experiments and need to prioritize quickly. The tradeoff is less precision for more speed. Use Kano when you’re thinking strategically about product direction rather than sprint-level priorities. Use Value vs. Effort when you need quick alignment with stakeholders who don’t want to dig into formulas. Many teams use multiple frameworks for different purposes. RICE for quarterly planning, MoSCoW for release scoping, Value vs. Effort for stakeholder discussions. Why feature priorities don’t stick You can apply the best framework in the world and still watch priorities drift within weeks. The problem usually isn’t the framework. It’s the disconnect between where priorities are set and where work happens. The tool gap Prioritization typically happens in PM tools, spreadsheets, or meeting rooms. Work execution happens in Jira or similar development tools. These systems don’t automatically share information, so priorities exist in two places that quickly diverge. You rank features one through ten in your PM tool. Engineering sees tickets in Jira ordered by when they were created or by whoever yelled loudest in the last standup. The RICE scores from your prioritization session aren’t visible where work gets selected. The connection between prioritization and execution is you, manually keeping both systems aligned. This works when priorities are stable and the backlog is small. It breaks down when priorities shift frequently or the backlog grows beyond what you can manage manually. The communication gap Even when priorities are clear in your head, they may not be clear to everyone else. Engineering knows which ticket they should work on next, but they don’t know why it’s the priority. When tradeoffs come up during implementation, they make decisions without the context that would help them choose correctly. Priority communication isn’t just about the ranking. It’s about the rationale. Why is this feature more important than that one? What would change our prioritization? When team members understand the reasoning, they can make better decisions independently. The update gap Priorities change. Customer needs shift, market conditions evolve, dependencies resolve or emerge. A prioritization decision from six weeks ago may not reflect current reality. Many teams prioritize intensively at the beginning of a quarter and then let priorities drift until the next planning cycle. By mid-quarter, the prioritization is stale, but there’s no process for updating it. Teams either follow outdated priorities or make ad hoc decisions that bypass the framework entirely. Making feature prioritization stick The solution isn’t a better framework. It’s a system that connects prioritization to execution and keeps them aligned over time. Connect prioritization to development tools Your priority rankings should be visible where work gets selected. This might mean adding priority scores to Jira tickets, syncing status between your PM tool and Jira, or using a tool that manages both. The goal is eliminating the manual translation between systems. When you change a priority in your PM tool, the corresponding Jira ticket should reflect the change automatically. When a ticket’s status changes in Jira, your PM tool should update. Two-way sync between PM tools and development tools keeps priorities consistent without manual updates. Communicate the rationale Don’t just share the priority ranking. Share why. Create a brief summary for each prioritization decision that explains the logic. “Feature X is priority one because of high reach (affects 80% of users), high impact (addresses the top support request), and relatively low effort (estimated at two weeks).” This summary should be visible in both your PM tool and Jira. When an engineer picks up the ticket, they should understand why it matters, not just that it matters. Establish an update cadence Priorities need regular review. Weekly is too frequent for strategic priorities but appropriate for tactical ones. Monthly works for most teams doing quarterly planning. During priority reviews: Check if the original assumptions still hold Incorporate new information (customer feedback, market changes, dependency updates) Adjust rankings based on what you’ve learned Communicate changes to stakeholders Keep a changelog. When priorities shift, document why. This prevents the “I thought we agreed X was priority one” conversations and builds trust in the prioritization process. Make priorities visible Display current priorities where everyone can see them. This might be a dashboard, a shared document, or a dedicated view in your PM tool. When priorities are visible, drift becomes obvious. When they’re hidden in a spreadsheet, drift goes unnoticed until something ships out of order. Visibility also creates accountability. When stakeholders can see the current priority order, they’re more likely to follow proper channels for reprioritization requests rather than making side deals with individual team members. Putting feature prioritization frameworks to work A good prioritization framework gives you a defensible way to rank features. A good prioritization system makes those rankings stick through execution. The framework is the starting point; the system is what makes it work. Choose a framework that fits your context. Connect prioritization to where work happens. Communicate the reasoning behind decisions. Update priorities regularly. Make the current state visible. When all the pieces work together, prioritization becomes a strategic advantage rather than an academic exercise. If you’re ready to connect your product priorities to your engineering workflow, see how Unito helps product and engineering teams stay aligned. Need to align on priorities? Meet with Unito product experts to see how the right integration can transform the way you work. Talk with sales View the full article

Consumers are increasingly using AI tools — not Google — as their first source of information. This is driven by frustration with traditional search and rising expectations that AI will play a much larger role this year, according to a new report from Eight Oh Two, an SEO and PPC marketing agency. Why we care. AI isn’t replacing search, but it’s reshaping where search begins, how people discover brands, and which options they consider. A hybrid journey is emerging: AI delivers the first answer, and traditional search confirms it. Brands now need consistency across both or risk losing credibility when users cross-check. As more consumers turn to AI, visibility, trust, and clarity will matter more than ever. AI as the starting point. More than one-third of consumers (37%) said they begin their searches with AI tools rather than traditional search engines, according to the study. Instead of scanning ads and blue links, users want one clear answer they can act on right away. Respondents consistently described AI as: Faster. Clearer. Less cluttered. Traditional search fatigue is real. AI wins when people want speed, simplicity, and relief from noise. Consumers are turning to AI to escape what traditional search has become. Their top search frustrations? Clicking through too many links (40%) Too many ads and sponsored results (37%) Difficulty getting a straight answer (33%) Repetitive or low-quality information (28%) AI answers are gaining trust. Six in ten respondents (60%) said AI delivers better, clearer answers than traditional search, while only 6% said it performs worse. At the same time, trust remains an issue: 80% feel confident AI provides unbiased information. 85% still double-check AI answers elsewhere. Traditional search engines remain the preferred option for: Product reviews and pricing. News and recent events. Images and videos. Health and medical information. AI is reshaping brand discovery. When people ask AI for recommendations, they get a short, curated list, often with explanations that highlight some brands and exclude others entirely. Nearly half of consumers (47%) said AI influences which brands they trust. First impressions are increasingly formed inside AI-generated summaries. If a brand isn’t easy for AI to understand, summarize, or differentiate, it may never be considered. AI now influences purchase decisions. AI’s role now extends well beyond casual queries, according to the survey: 47% of consumers have used AI to help make a purchase decision. 57% have used it to find the best prices. 54% have used it to compare products. 48% have used it for AI-generated review summaries. Younger consumers lead adoption, but usage spans categories — from everyday items to tech, travel, and financial services. That said, most purchases still happen on major retailer or brand websites, not directly inside AI tools. Expectations for 2026: more AI, fewer searches. AI is becoming the default interface for information, and consumers expect its role to grow quickly this year: 63% expect to use AI more. 59% believe AI will become their main way of finding information. Nearly half expect AI to handle full tasks end to end. At the same time, users want AI to improve in: Fact-checking and citations. Accuracy and transparency. Personalization and context. About the survey. Eight Oh Two surveyed 500 consumers who actively use AI tools, with data collected in November. The survey used multiple-choice, rating-scale, and open-ended questions to examine AI usage, search behavior, trust, brand discovery, and purchase decisions, offering a forward-looking view of how search is evolving this year and beyond. The report. 2026 AI and Search Behavior Study (registration required) View the full article

It's CES week, when the tech world gathers in Las Vegas to check out the latest gadgets, prototypes, and innovations that will shape the future. Lifehacker's tech team is on the ground at the convention, tracking down big stories and cool gear. What is CES?Billing itself as "The Most Powerful Tech Event in the World," CES (short for "Consumer Electronics Show") is the Consumer Technology Association's trade convention. It began in 1967 as a small showcase for televisions and radios, but over the decades CES has become a gathering of the tribes for tech culture. Everyone is there, from huge companies like Samsung and Sony, to scores of journalists, to scrappy startups with big dreams. From innovative AI tools to electric vehicles, laptops, e-readers, and robotic dogs, CES is where tech companies show off their wares, journalists dig up the next big story, and tech insiders network and sneak a look into the future. Where and when is CES 2026?CES is held in Las Vegas from Jan. 6-9. The Las Vegas Convention Center hosts the main show floor, but there are CES-related events at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Mandalay Bay, The Sphere, and other locations across Las Vegas. The biggest stories of CES 2026 so farAlong with the expected innovations in televisions and laptops, CES 2026 is crammed with artificial intelligence, robots, and mobility devices, and health-focused wearables. Here are some of the biggest announcements at CES 2026 so far. At its keynote, NVIDIA unveiled Alpamayo, "the world's first thinking, reasoning autonomous vehicle AI." This could be serious competition for Tesla. HP showed off a new mini desktop computer, The Eliteboard G1a. You just plug the keyboard into any monitor and go to town. Only time will tell if this is a gimmick or a new form factor. Hyundai and Boston Dynamics showed off humanoid robot Atlas. But Hyundai didn't show off any new electric vehicles, suggesting a cautious outlook for the near future. Broadcom showed off Wi-Fi 8 routers and chips, providing a practical look into the future. CES 2026 Event ScheduleBelow is a guide to some of the major events at CES 2026. Sunday, January 4: Media Day 1 at Mandalay Bay Monday, January 5: Media Day 2 at Mandalay Bay. C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Tuesday, January 6: Show Floor Press Conferences, Exhibits: 10 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Wednesday, January 7: Show Floor Press Conferences, Exhibits: 9 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Thursday, January 8: Exhibits: 9 AM-6 PM, C-Space: 9 AM - 5 PM Friday, January 9: Exhibits: 9 AM-4 PM Can't-miss keynotes and conferences at CES 2026Sunday, January 4 CES Unveiled Las Vegas – The Official Media Event of CES 2026 with innovative product previews – 4:00-7:00 PM Monday, January 5 AMD Chair and CEO Dr. Lisa Su, 6:30 PM, The Venetian Tuesday, January 6 Siemens President and CEO Dr. Roland Busch, 8:30 AM, The Venetian Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang, 5:00 PM, Sphere Wednesday, January 7 Caterpillar CEO Joe Creed, 9:00 AM, The Venetian Can you attend CES 2026?CES is a trade-only event, so it's not open to the general public, but if you're affiliated with the tech industry in some way, you can register at CES's official site. If you're not a tech insider, you can check out the official CES livestream and read Lifehacker's CES 2026 live blog. View the full article

Build “clear, consistent, data-driven workflows.” CPE Webinar: “Advisory Revenue Strategies: Navigating the New FICA Tip Credit Landscape.” With Jody Padar. Jan. 16, Noon ET. 1 CPE. $49.50. Register | Learn more Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Build “clear, consistent, data-driven workflows.” CPE Webinar: “Advisory Revenue Strategies: Navigating the New FICA Tip Credit Landscape.” With Jody Padar. Jan. 16, Noon ET. 1 CPE. $49.50. Register | Learn more Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

Warner Bros. again rejected Paramount’s latest takeover bid and told shareholders Wednesday to stick with a rival offer from Netflix. Warner’s leadership has repeatedly rebuffed Skydance-owned Paramount’s overtures—and urged shareholders just weeks ago to back its the sale of its streaming and studio business to Netflix for $72 billion. Paramount, meanwhile, has sweetened its $77.9 billion offer for the entire company and gone straight to shareholders with a hostile bid. Warner Bros. Discovery said Wednesday that its board determined Paramount’s offer is not in the best interests of the company or its shareholders. It again recommended shareholders support the Netflix deal. Late last month Paramount announced an “irrevocable personal guarantee” from Oracle founder Larry Ellison—who is the father of Paramount CEO David Ellison—to back $40.4 billion in equity financing for the company’s offer. Paramount also increased its promised payout to shareholders to $5.8 billion if the deal is blocked by regulators, matching what Netflix already put on the table. The battle for Warner and the value of each offer grows complicated because Netflix and Paramount want different things. Netflix’s proposed acquisition includes only Warner’s studio and streaming business, including its legacy TV and movie production arms and platforms like HBO Max. But Paramount wants the entire company—which, beyond studio and streaming, includes networks like CNN and Discovery. If Netflix is successful, Warner’s news and cable operations would be spun off into their own company, under a previously-announced separation. A merger with either company will attract tremendous antitrust scrutiny. Due to its size and potential impact, it will almost certainly trigger a review by the U.S. Justice Department, which could sue to block the transaction or request changes. Other countries and regulators overseas may also challenge the merger. —Associated Press View the full article

To improve customer loyalty, you need effective retention strategies. Start by creating a strong onboarding experience, which sets the tone for long-term engagement. Personalizing interactions can make customers feel valued, as well as a well-structured loyalty program keeps them invested. Furthermore, regularly asking for feedback helps address pain points. These foundational strategies are just the beginning. Curious about how to effectively implement these and other techniques? Key Takeaways Implement strong onboarding experiences to enhance customer satisfaction and retention, achieving a 90% task completion rate when tailored. Offer personalized interactions and recommendations based on customer data to increase loyalty and satisfaction, as 71% expect customization. Create engaging content and loyalty programs that encourage repeat purchases, boosting retention by 70% through tiered rewards and referral incentives. Regularly solicit customer feedback to identify pain points and improve services, strengthening emotional connections and loyalty among 84% of consumers. Provide flexible return policies and transparent procedures to build trust, as 67% prefer retailers with hassle-free return options. Create a Strong Onboarding Experience Creating a strong onboarding experience is essential for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and retention from the outset. A smooth onboarding process greatly reduces buyer regret; studies show that 70% of customers who enjoy this experience are likely to recommend your product. To improve client retention, focus on transparency and efficiency, as hidden costs or slow implementation can lead to early cancellations. Effective onboarding sets a positive tone for the customer relationship, contributing to a 60% increase in retention rates. Tailoring the onboarding experience to customer needs can improve satisfaction, achieving a 90% completion rate for onboarding tasks. Regular check-ins during this phase help address potential issues early, with companies using this strategy seeing a 30% reduction in churn within the first year. These customer retention strategies not only promote loyalty but also guarantee that customers feel valued and understood, eventually leading to long-term business success. Personalize Customer Interactions Customizing customer interactions is crucial for building stronger relationships and improving retention. By offering customized recommendations based on past purchases, you can guarantee that customers feel understood and valued. Furthermore, personalized communication, such as addressing customers by name and acknowledging their preferences, improves their overall experience and nurtures loyalty. Tailored Recommendations Even though many consumers expect personalized interactions from brands, delivering customized recommendations can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. By utilizing Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, you can analyze past behaviors to provide customized suggestions that resonate with individual preferences. This approach not only improves account retention but also aligns with effective customer service and retention strategies. Research shows that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized experiences, and when they’re not met, 76% express frustration. Incorporating AI tools can further refine these recommendations, ensuring you meet customer needs at scale. Moreover, implementing loyalty programs that reward personalized interactions increases the likelihood of repeat purchases, strengthening your relationship with customers and ultimately driving long-term business success. Personalized Communication Effective personalized communication can greatly improve customer interactions and build loyalty. By addressing customers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences, you can markedly improve their experience. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, whereas 76% feel frustrated when these are lacking. Utilizing CRM systems helps you create relevant recommendations based on individual behaviors, which is vital for how to improve customer retention. In addition, AI tools can facilitate one-to-one personalized experiences, making customers feel valued. Implementing such strategies not only strengthens your customer service but likewise drives loyalty, with loyalty program members being 84% more likely to make repeat purchases. Implement a Customer Loyalty Program A customer loyalty program is a strategic initiative designed to encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their continued business. Implementing such a program can increase customer retention by 5% to 25%, which directly boosts profits by 25% to 95%. To improve satisfaction, consider offering personalized rewards customized to customer preferences. A well-structured loyalty program often includes tiered rewards, motivating customers to reach higher spending levels, cultivating exclusivity. Feature Benefits Examples Personalized Rewards Increases repeat purchases Customized discounts Tiered Levels Encourages higher spending Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers Regular Updates Keeps program relevant Seasonal promotions Customer Feedback Improves program based on preferences Surveys to gather insights Frequently Ask for Feedback How often do you think about the importance of customer feedback in shaping your business? Regularly seeking customer input through surveys and direct communication can help you identify pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately improving satisfaction and retention rates. Actively listening to your customers allows you to uncover valuable insights that inform product development and service improvements, driving loyalty in the process. Closing the feedback loop by implementing changes based on customer suggestions demonstrates that you value their opinions, cultivating trust and encouraging continued engagement. Utilizing various channels, like social media and in-product prompts, can increase participation rates and offer diverse perspectives on the customer experience. Significantly, companies that effectively engage with customer feedback create stronger emotional connections; 84% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that prioritize their input. Provide Exceptional Customer Service To provide exceptional customer service, you must focus on training your staff effectively, ensuring they’ve the skills to handle inquiries and resolve issues quickly. Offering multiple support channels, such as phone, chat, and email, allows customers to reach you in the way that suits them best. Furthermore, a clear resolution process can improve customer satisfaction, making it easier for you to address complaints and follow up to confirm that customers are satisfied with the outcomes. Staff Training Importance Exceptional customer service relies heavily on effective staff training, which is vital for enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates. When you invest in training, your staff develops important skills for handling inquiries, ultimately leading to a 70% increase in customer loyalty. Regular sessions empower employees to provide immediate assistance, as 83% of consumers expect quick responses. By equipping your team with tools like CRM systems, you can greatly improve response times; 47% of customers anticipate issue resolution in just one interaction. Additionally, companies that prioritize training see a 24% boost in customer retention. Continuous education on product knowledge and engagement strategies can further enhance customer advocacy by 10%, ensuring your team meets customer needs effectively and builds lasting relationships. Multiple Support Channels Offering multiple support channels is a key strategy in providing exceptional customer service. By offering options like phone, email, live chat, and social media, you allow customers to choose their preferred communication method, which can lead to higher satisfaction rates. Research shows that 64% of customers expect real-time assistance, regardless of the channel they use. Businesses that adopt omnichannel support can retain an average of 89% of their customers, highlighting its effectiveness. In addition, 90% of consumers expect consistent interactions across all channels, and meeting this expectation boosts customer loyalty. Implementing self-service options, such as FAQs and chatbots, can also reduce support costs by up to 30% during the process of providing immediate assistance that customers value. Quick Issue Resolution When customers encounter issues, resolving those concerns quickly can greatly impact their loyalty to your brand. Timely support is vital; studies show that 70% of customers remain loyal when their concerns are addressed swiftly. To improve your customer service, consider these strategies: Automate first-touch replies to acknowledge receipt of inquiries, setting clear expectations for response times. Train support staff effectively to handle inquiries efficiently, as positive experiences can turn customers into brand advocates. Communicate proactively during resolution processes, keeping customers informed on progress to build trust and patience. Simplifying return processes likewise plays an important role; a frustrating return experience can lead to a 92% likelihood of customers not making a future purchase. Utilize Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media effectively is vital for enhancing customer loyalty and engagement in today’s digital environment. Engaging with customers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can greatly boost brand loyalty; in fact, 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand that responds to their inquiries. Encouraging user-generated content through campaigns can also nurture a community around your brand, with engagement levels increasing by up to 28%. Regularly sharing valuable content, such as tips related to your products, keeps customers informed and can lead to a 67% increase in retention. Furthermore, personalized communication on social media is important, as 76% of consumers express frustration when they don’t receive customized interactions. Hosting exclusive events or promotions can further drive engagement, with 44% of consumers more likely to engage with brands offering special access. Offer Flexible Return Policies Offering flexible return policies can greatly improve the shopping experience for your customers, providing them with assurance through hassle-free returns. Clear communication about return procedures not only builds trust but similarly sets your Clear apart in a competitive market. Assurance Through Hassle-Free Returns A hassle-free return policy can greatly improve customer trust and loyalty, as many consumers prioritize ease of returns when shopping. Offering flexible return options not just boosts customer satisfaction but additionally boosts your brand’s reputation. Here are some key points to reflect on: Increased Trust: 67% of consumers are more likely to shop with retailers that offer flexible return policies. Higher Retention: Customers who enjoy a smooth return process are 80% more likely to make future purchases. Willingness to Pay More: 63% of consumers would pay a premium for products with easy return options. Enhance Trust With Clarity When you provide a clear and flexible return policy, you not just improve customer trust but also influence purchasing decisions notably. Studies show that 67% of consumers consider a hassle-free return process essential when deciding to buy. In fact, 92% are more inclined to make repeat purchases if the return process is straightforward. Transparent guidelines alleviate anxiety, as 77% of shoppers factor in return policies before completing their purchases. Furthermore, with 86% of customers likely to remain loyal to brands that prioritize easy returns, generous policies can greatly lower churn rates. In the end, businesses offering flexible return options can boost customer satisfaction ratings by up to 50%, nurturing long-term loyalty and advocacy. Competitive Edge in Market Flexible return policies provide a significant competitive edge in the market, as they directly influence consumer purchasing decisions. When you offer hassle-free returns, you improve customer trust and satisfaction, making them more likely to buy again. Consider these key points: 92% of consumers would repurchase if returns are easy. 67% of online shoppers check return policies before buying. Retailers with flexible policies see 30% higher customer retention rates. Build a Strong Customer Community Building a strong customer community can greatly improve brand loyalty and retention, as it encourages a sense of belonging among consumers. With 41% of people expecting increased involvement in online communities by 2024, nurturing such spaces is crucial. Engaged customers in these communities feel part of something larger than mere transactions, improving emotional connections and driving retention rates. Platforms like LEGO’s IDEAS allow fans to influence product designs, which boosts loyalty as well as cultivates customer advocacy. By creating customized communities that reflect your audience’s needs, you encourage participation and deepen relationships. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides valuable insights through the voice of the customer feedback. In the end, a thriving customer community serves as an influential tool for continuous improvement and long-term loyalty, positioning your brand favorably in a competitive market. Create Engaging Content How can you create content that truly resonates with your customers? Engaging content is crucial for cultivating brand loyalty. By producing value-driven material, you not only keep customers informed but additionally encourage repeat purchases. Here are three effective strategies to reflect on: Incorporate storytelling: Use narratives that reflect your brand’s values, helping customers connect on a personal level. Utilize user-generated content: Feature customer stories or reviews to improve relatability and build a sense of community, as 41% of consumers desire more involvement in online communities. Personalize your content: Tailor your messages based on customer preferences and past behaviors, which can lead to a 71% increase in satisfaction. Reward Customer Loyalty Rewarding customer loyalty is a strategic approach that can greatly improve your business’s profitability and customer retention. Implementing loyalty programs can increase repeat purchases by 70%, as customers feel valued for their ongoing support. Consider tiered programs; customers in premium tiers spend an average of 20% more than those in basic tiers, incentivizing higher spending. Personalizing rewards based on individual preferences can further boost engagement by 50%, making customers more likely to respond positively to customized offers. In addition, referral incentives, like discounts for both referrers and new customers, can improve customer acquisition rates by 25%, rewarding loyal patrons while attracting new ones. Keeping your rewards updated and including surprise perks can further raise customer satisfaction, with 84% of loyalty program members expressing increased engagement with brands that offer unexpected benefits. Consequently, these strategies effectively strengthen customer loyalty and contribute to long-term business success. Frequently Asked Questions How to Increase Customer Loyalty and Retention? To increase customer loyalty and retention, focus on personalized experiences and consistent communication. Regularly ask for feedback to understand customer preferences and make improvements. Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases, encouraging customers to return. Simplifying return policies can likewise build trust. Guarantee exceptional customer service by training staff to address inquiries effectively and swiftly. Finally, engage customers through social media and create content that adds value, reinforcing their connection to your brand. What Are the 4 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 4 C’s of customer loyalty are Consistency, Communication, Convenience, and Community. Consistency guarantees customers receive the same quality experience every time, building trust. Communication involves regular, personalized engagement, enhancing customer connection. Convenience focuses on seamless interactions, such as easy navigation and accessible support. Finally, Community nurtures a sense of belonging among customers, encouraging engagement with the brand and each other, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy over time. What Are the 4 Pillars of Retention? The four pillars of retention are personalization, proactive support, engagement, and community building. Personalization tailors experiences to individual preferences, enhancing customer connection. Proactive support anticipates needs, addressing issues before they arise, which boosts satisfaction. Engagement involves creating loyalty programs and exclusive offers that promote a sense of belonging. Finally, community building encourages customers to share experiences, strengthening bonds with the brand. Together, these pillars create a robust strategy for maintaining customer loyalty. What Are the 3 R’s of Customer Loyalty? The 3 R’s of customer loyalty are Retention, Referral, and Revenue. Retention focuses on keeping existing customers engaged, ensuring they continue to choose your brand. Referral encourages satisfied customers to recommend your business to others, effectively bringing in new clientele. Revenue emphasizes maximizing the lifetime value of customers through repeat purchases. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven customer retention strategies, you can greatly boost loyalty among your customer base. A strong onboarding experience, personalized interactions, and exceptional customer service create a foundation for lasting relationships. Furthermore, engaging loyalty programs, flexible return policies, and active community building further improve customer satisfaction. Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring your business continuously meets customer needs. By focusing on these strategies, you’ll cultivate trust and encourage long-term loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Customer Retention Strategies to Boost Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To improve customer loyalty, you need effective retention strategies. Start by creating a strong onboarding experience, which sets the tone for long-term engagement. Personalizing interactions can make customers feel valued, as well as a well-structured loyalty program keeps them invested. Furthermore, regularly asking for feedback helps address pain points. These foundational strategies are just the beginning. Curious about how to effectively implement these and other techniques? Key Takeaways Implement strong onboarding experiences to enhance customer satisfaction and retention, achieving a 90% task completion rate when tailored. Offer personalized interactions and recommendations based on customer data to increase loyalty and satisfaction, as 71% expect customization. Create engaging content and loyalty programs that encourage repeat purchases, boosting retention by 70% through tiered rewards and referral incentives. Regularly solicit customer feedback to identify pain points and improve services, strengthening emotional connections and loyalty among 84% of consumers. Provide flexible return policies and transparent procedures to build trust, as 67% prefer retailers with hassle-free return options. Create a Strong Onboarding Experience Creating a strong onboarding experience is essential for guaranteeing customer satisfaction and retention from the outset. A smooth onboarding process greatly reduces buyer regret; studies show that 70% of customers who enjoy this experience are likely to recommend your product. To improve client retention, focus on transparency and efficiency, as hidden costs or slow implementation can lead to early cancellations. Effective onboarding sets a positive tone for the customer relationship, contributing to a 60% increase in retention rates. Tailoring the onboarding experience to customer needs can improve satisfaction, achieving a 90% completion rate for onboarding tasks. Regular check-ins during this phase help address potential issues early, with companies using this strategy seeing a 30% reduction in churn within the first year. These customer retention strategies not only promote loyalty but also guarantee that customers feel valued and understood, eventually leading to long-term business success. Personalize Customer Interactions Customizing customer interactions is crucial for building stronger relationships and improving retention. By offering customized recommendations based on past purchases, you can guarantee that customers feel understood and valued. Furthermore, personalized communication, such as addressing customers by name and acknowledging their preferences, improves their overall experience and nurtures loyalty. Tailored Recommendations Even though many consumers expect personalized interactions from brands, delivering customized recommendations can greatly improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. By utilizing Salesforce Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, you can analyze past behaviors to provide customized suggestions that resonate with individual preferences. This approach not only improves account retention but also aligns with effective customer service and retention strategies. Research shows that 71% of consumers anticipate personalized experiences, and when they’re not met, 76% express frustration. Incorporating AI tools can further refine these recommendations, ensuring you meet customer needs at scale. Moreover, implementing loyalty programs that reward personalized interactions increases the likelihood of repeat purchases, strengthening your relationship with customers and ultimately driving long-term business success. Personalized Communication Effective personalized communication can greatly improve customer interactions and build loyalty. By addressing customers by name and tailoring content based on their preferences, you can markedly improve their experience. Research shows that 71% of consumers expect personalized interactions, whereas 76% feel frustrated when these are lacking. Utilizing CRM systems helps you create relevant recommendations based on individual behaviors, which is vital for how to improve customer retention. In addition, AI tools can facilitate one-to-one personalized experiences, making customers feel valued. Implementing such strategies not only strengthens your customer service but likewise drives loyalty, with loyalty program members being 84% more likely to make repeat purchases. Implement a Customer Loyalty Program A customer loyalty program is a strategic initiative designed to encourage repeat purchases by rewarding customers for their continued business. Implementing such a program can increase customer retention by 5% to 25%, which directly boosts profits by 25% to 95%. To improve satisfaction, consider offering personalized rewards customized to customer preferences. A well-structured loyalty program often includes tiered rewards, motivating customers to reach higher spending levels, cultivating exclusivity. Feature Benefits Examples Personalized Rewards Increases repeat purchases Customized discounts Tiered Levels Encourages higher spending Bronze, Silver, Gold tiers Regular Updates Keeps program relevant Seasonal promotions Customer Feedback Improves program based on preferences Surveys to gather insights Frequently Ask for Feedback How often do you think about the importance of customer feedback in shaping your business? Regularly seeking customer input through surveys and direct communication can help you identify pain points and areas for improvement, ultimately improving satisfaction and retention rates. Actively listening to your customers allows you to uncover valuable insights that inform product development and service improvements, driving loyalty in the process. Closing the feedback loop by implementing changes based on customer suggestions demonstrates that you value their opinions, cultivating trust and encouraging continued engagement. Utilizing various channels, like social media and in-product prompts, can increase participation rates and offer diverse perspectives on the customer experience. Significantly, companies that effectively engage with customer feedback create stronger emotional connections; 84% of consumers feel more loyal to brands that prioritize their input. Provide Exceptional Customer Service To provide exceptional customer service, you must focus on training your staff effectively, ensuring they’ve the skills to handle inquiries and resolve issues quickly. Offering multiple support channels, such as phone, chat, and email, allows customers to reach you in the way that suits them best. Furthermore, a clear resolution process can improve customer satisfaction, making it easier for you to address complaints and follow up to confirm that customers are satisfied with the outcomes. Staff Training Importance Exceptional customer service relies heavily on effective staff training, which is vital for enhancing customer satisfaction and retention rates. When you invest in training, your staff develops important skills for handling inquiries, ultimately leading to a 70% increase in customer loyalty. Regular sessions empower employees to provide immediate assistance, as 83% of consumers expect quick responses. By equipping your team with tools like CRM systems, you can greatly improve response times; 47% of customers anticipate issue resolution in just one interaction. Additionally, companies that prioritize training see a 24% boost in customer retention. Continuous education on product knowledge and engagement strategies can further enhance customer advocacy by 10%, ensuring your team meets customer needs effectively and builds lasting relationships. Multiple Support Channels Offering multiple support channels is a key strategy in providing exceptional customer service. By offering options like phone, email, live chat, and social media, you allow customers to choose their preferred communication method, which can lead to higher satisfaction rates. Research shows that 64% of customers expect real-time assistance, regardless of the channel they use. Businesses that adopt omnichannel support can retain an average of 89% of their customers, highlighting its effectiveness. In addition, 90% of consumers expect consistent interactions across all channels, and meeting this expectation boosts customer loyalty. Implementing self-service options, such as FAQs and chatbots, can also reduce support costs by up to 30% during the process of providing immediate assistance that customers value. Quick Issue Resolution When customers encounter issues, resolving those concerns quickly can greatly impact their loyalty to your brand. Timely support is vital; studies show that 70% of customers remain loyal when their concerns are addressed swiftly. To improve your customer service, consider these strategies: Automate first-touch replies to acknowledge receipt of inquiries, setting clear expectations for response times. Train support staff effectively to handle inquiries efficiently, as positive experiences can turn customers into brand advocates. Communicate proactively during resolution processes, keeping customers informed on progress to build trust and patience. Simplifying return processes likewise plays an important role; a frustrating return experience can lead to a 92% likelihood of customers not making a future purchase. Utilize Social Media Effectively Utilizing social media effectively is vital for enhancing customer loyalty and engagement in today’s digital environment. Engaging with customers on platforms like Facebook and Instagram can greatly boost brand loyalty; in fact, 71% of consumers are more likely to recommend a brand that responds to their inquiries. Encouraging user-generated content through campaigns can also nurture a community around your brand, with engagement levels increasing by up to 28%. Regularly sharing valuable content, such as tips related to your products, keeps customers informed and can lead to a 67% increase in retention. Furthermore, personalized communication on social media is important, as 76% of consumers express frustration when they don’t receive customized interactions. Hosting exclusive events or promotions can further drive engagement, with 44% of consumers more likely to engage with brands offering special access. Offer Flexible Return Policies Offering flexible return policies can greatly improve the shopping experience for your customers, providing them with assurance through hassle-free returns. Clear communication about return procedures not only builds trust but similarly sets your Clear apart in a competitive market. Assurance Through Hassle-Free Returns A hassle-free return policy can greatly improve customer trust and loyalty, as many consumers prioritize ease of returns when shopping. Offering flexible return options not just boosts customer satisfaction but additionally boosts your brand’s reputation. Here are some key points to reflect on: Increased Trust: 67% of consumers are more likely to shop with retailers that offer flexible return policies. Higher Retention: Customers who enjoy a smooth return process are 80% more likely to make future purchases. Willingness to Pay More: 63% of consumers would pay a premium for products with easy return options. Enhance Trust With Clarity When you provide a clear and flexible return policy, you not just improve customer trust but also influence purchasing decisions notably. Studies show that 67% of consumers consider a hassle-free return process essential when deciding to buy. In fact, 92% are more inclined to make repeat purchases if the return process is straightforward. Transparent guidelines alleviate anxiety, as 77% of shoppers factor in return policies before completing their purchases. Furthermore, with 86% of customers likely to remain loyal to brands that prioritize easy returns, generous policies can greatly lower churn rates. In the end, businesses offering flexible return options can boost customer satisfaction ratings by up to 50%, nurturing long-term loyalty and advocacy. Competitive Edge in Market Flexible return policies provide a significant competitive edge in the market, as they directly influence consumer purchasing decisions. When you offer hassle-free returns, you improve customer trust and satisfaction, making them more likely to buy again. Consider these key points: 92% of consumers would repurchase if returns are easy. 67% of online shoppers check return policies before buying. Retailers with flexible policies see 30% higher customer retention rates. Build a Strong Customer Community Building a strong customer community can greatly improve brand loyalty and retention, as it encourages a sense of belonging among consumers. With 41% of people expecting increased involvement in online communities by 2024, nurturing such spaces is crucial. Engaged customers in these communities feel part of something larger than mere transactions, improving emotional connections and driving retention rates. Platforms like LEGO’s IDEAS allow fans to influence product designs, which boosts loyalty as well as cultivates customer advocacy. By creating customized communities that reflect your audience’s needs, you encourage participation and deepen relationships. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also provides valuable insights through the voice of the customer feedback. In the end, a thriving customer community serves as an influential tool for continuous improvement and long-term loyalty, positioning your brand favorably in a competitive market. Create Engaging Content How can you create content that truly resonates with your customers? Engaging content is crucial for cultivating brand loyalty. By producing value-driven material, you not only keep customers informed but additionally encourage repeat purchases. Here are three effective strategies to reflect on: Incorporate storytelling: Use narratives that reflect your brand’s values, helping customers connect on a personal level. Utilize user-generated content: Feature customer stories or reviews to improve relatability and build a sense of community, as 41% of consumers desire more involvement in online communities. Personalize your content: Tailor your messages based on customer preferences and past behaviors, which can lead to a 71% increase in satisfaction. Reward Customer Loyalty Rewarding customer loyalty is a strategic approach that can greatly improve your business’s profitability and customer retention. Implementing loyalty programs can increase repeat purchases by 70%, as customers feel valued for their ongoing support. Consider tiered programs; customers in premium tiers spend an average of 20% more than those in basic tiers, incentivizing higher spending. Personalizing rewards based on individual preferences can further boost engagement by 50%, making customers more likely to respond positively to customized offers. In addition, referral incentives, like discounts for both referrers and new customers, can improve customer acquisition rates by 25%, rewarding loyal patrons while attracting new ones. Keeping your rewards updated and including surprise perks can further raise customer satisfaction, with 84% of loyalty program members expressing increased engagement with brands that offer unexpected benefits. Consequently, these strategies effectively strengthen customer loyalty and contribute to long-term business success. Frequently Asked Questions How to Increase Customer Loyalty and Retention? To increase customer loyalty and retention, focus on personalized experiences and consistent communication. Regularly ask for feedback to understand customer preferences and make improvements. Implement a loyalty program that rewards repeat purchases, encouraging customers to return. Simplifying return policies can likewise build trust. Guarantee exceptional customer service by training staff to address inquiries effectively and swiftly. Finally, engage customers through social media and create content that adds value, reinforcing their connection to your brand. What Are the 4 C’s of Customer Loyalty? The 4 C’s of customer loyalty are Consistency, Communication, Convenience, and Community. Consistency guarantees customers receive the same quality experience every time, building trust. Communication involves regular, personalized engagement, enhancing customer connection. Convenience focuses on seamless interactions, such as easy navigation and accessible support. Finally, Community nurtures a sense of belonging among customers, encouraging engagement with the brand and each other, which can lead to increased loyalty and advocacy over time. What Are the 4 Pillars of Retention? The four pillars of retention are personalization, proactive support, engagement, and community building. Personalization tailors experiences to individual preferences, enhancing customer connection. Proactive support anticipates needs, addressing issues before they arise, which boosts satisfaction. Engagement involves creating loyalty programs and exclusive offers that promote a sense of belonging. Finally, community building encourages customers to share experiences, strengthening bonds with the brand. Together, these pillars create a robust strategy for maintaining customer loyalty. What Are the 3 R’s of Customer Loyalty? The 3 R’s of customer loyalty are Retention, Referral, and Revenue. Retention focuses on keeping existing customers engaged, ensuring they continue to choose your brand. Referral encourages satisfied customers to recommend your business to others, effectively bringing in new clientele. Revenue emphasizes maximizing the lifetime value of customers through repeat purchases. Conclusion By implementing these ten proven customer retention strategies, you can greatly boost loyalty among your customer base. A strong onboarding experience, personalized interactions, and exceptional customer service create a foundation for lasting relationships. Furthermore, engaging loyalty programs, flexible return policies, and active community building further improve customer satisfaction. Regular feedback helps identify areas for improvement, ensuring your business continuously meets customer needs. By focusing on these strategies, you’ll cultivate trust and encourage long-term loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Proven Customer Retention Strategies to Boost Loyalty" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The stock prices of RAM and NAND manufacturers surged yesterday, with Micron Technology (Nasdaq: MU) up 10%, Sandisk Corporation (Nasdaq: SNDK) up 27%, Western Digital Corporation (Nasdaq: WDC) up 16%, and Seagate Technology Holdings (Nasdaq: STX) up 14%. The driving factor behind this recent stock surge is a shortage of RAM, or random-access memory. The shortage expected to last throughout 2026, and it could mean that you’ll pay much more for personal computers and smartphones this year. Here’s what you need to know about the RAM shortage of 2026. Why is there a RAM shortage in 2026? The RAM shortage in 2026 can essentially be blamed on one thing: artificial intelligence. Major tech giants like Google and Amazon, as well as other so-called hyperscalers, are rushing to build as many AI data centers as possible. These data centers are packed with servers, and those servers run all the powerful AI services that are quickly becoming ubiquitous. Data center servers are made of various components—storage, CPUs, GPUs, and, critically, RAM—that are needed for them to be able to carry out their AI tasks. RAM is the short-term storage that digital devices use to quickly perform tasks. RAM, also colloquially known as memory chips, holds onto data for the short term. It differs from other forms of computer storage, like NAND chips, which are the flash storage used in SSDs, that are designed to hold data for the long term. The more RAM your smartphone or computer has, the faster it runs and the more quickly it carries out tasks. Manufacturers are racing to keep up with AI demand The problem now, which is driving the RAM shortage, is that RAM manufacturers have limited production capacity, so they must decide which types of RAM to produce. The servers used in AI data centers use a more advanced type of RAM than the RAM found in smartphones and personal computers—and right now, that RAM is in high demand from tech giants in need of data centers. Big Tech companies are willing to pay a premium to get their hands on as much RAM as possible for their AI data centers, which means RAM manufacturers are prioritizing the production of the RAM that AI companies require over the RAM that consumer electronics companies acquire. This prioritization is leading to a shortage of the traditional RAM that is used in laptops and smartphones. The shortage could mean pricier smartphones in 2026 A shortage of any component often drives up its price, meaning consumer tech companies are now paying more for the traditional RAM that their devices require. In a TrendForce analysis published on Monday, the market intelligence firm reported that conventional DRAM contract prices—the kind of RAM used in consumer electronics—have increased between 55% and 60% quarter over quarter. This price increase is due to the RAM shortage, and will likely mean that you’ll pay more for a new smartphone or laptop this year. Smartphone and computer manufacturers will typically not choose to absorb the costs of pricier components, instead passing them on to consumers to avoid a negative impact on their bottom lines. As for how much more consumers can expect to pay for their devices this year, the Financial Times reported this week that prices could rise by up to 20%. However, some industry analysts are expecting personal device price rises of less than 20%, notes the FT. That’s because consumer device companies could conceivably find ways to cut costs elsewhere, which they may be keen to do to avoid sinking sales of their devices during a period when most consumers already feel cash-strapped. RAM maker stock prices soar Given that the price of RAM chips is rising and demand from deep-pocketed Big Tech companies shows no signs of abating, it’s little surprise that the stock prices of memory makers are on an upward trajectory as of late. Yesterday, the share prices of four of the largest DRAM and NAND flash memory makers surged on the Nasdaq, with Micron, Seagate, Western Digital, and SanDisk all up by double digits. That sharp rise in memory maker stocks came after Monday’s report from TrendForce as well as after comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. At CES 2026 this week, Huang said that the memory storage market was a “completely unserved market today” and one that “will likely be the largest storage market in the world, basically holding the working memory of the world’s AIs,” according to Business Insider. Thanks primarily to this market demand, DRAM and NAND memory makers have seen their stock prices surge over the past six months. As of yesterday’s close, Micron’s stock price was up more than 44% in the past six months, Seagate’s was up 121%, Western Digital’s was up 231%, and Sandisk’s was up a staggering 653%. View the full article

Creating a stunning movie trailer requires a structured approach that anyone can follow. First, you’ll need to define the genre, characters, and atmosphere to set the tone. Then, selecting and arranging impactful clips is vital for showcasing the film’s core conflict. You’ll likewise want to incorporate music and sound effects that complement the visuals. Don’t forget to add dynamic texts and motion graphics for emphasis. To maximize exposure, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality is important. Want to explore each step in detail? Key Takeaways Establish the film’s genre and introduce key characters quickly to create emotional connections and set the tone. Select and arrange movie clips that showcase the central conflict, ensuring a dynamic three-act structure with quick cuts. Choose music and sound effects that complement the genre and emotional tone, syncing them with significant visual moments for impact. Add concise text and dynamic motion graphics to highlight essential elements like the film title and release date, ensuring visual cohesion. Export the trailer in high-quality formats and share it strategically on social media to maximize visibility and engagement. Step 1: Establish the Genre, Characters, and Atmosphere When creating a movie trailer, the first step is to establish the genre, characters, and atmosphere, as this foundation sets the stage for what the audience can expect. As a trailer maker, you’ll want to identify the film’s genre early on, whether it’s action, romance, or horror, to set the tone. Next, introduce key characters within the first 10-30 seconds; this helps establish emotional connections and gives viewers a reason to care about their adventures. Utilize visual storytelling techniques, such as distinct color palettes and lighting, to improve the film’s mood. Select memorable dialogue that showcases character personalities and relationships, and incorporate sound effects and music that resonate with the intended emotional response, creating an immersive experience. Step 2: Select and Arrange Movie Clips for Making a Trailer Selecting and arranging movie clips for your trailer is crucial, as it dictates how effectively you engage your audience. Start by choosing clips that highlight the film’s central conflict, pivotal moments, and character development. Organize these clips into a three-act structure, with an introduction, conflict, and a hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to create an energetic pace, keeping the trailer exciting. Avoid revealing major plot twists; instead, present snippets that intrigue viewers and leave them wanting more. To maintain cohesion, confirm that the tone and style of the selected clips align with the overall theme and emotional arc of the film. Consider using an ai trailer maker for efficient editing and arrangement. Step 3: Add Music and Sound Effects Adding music and sound effects is essential for establishing the right atmosphere in your movie trailer, as these elements greatly influence how viewers perceive the film. As a trailer creator, you should select music that aligns with your film’s genre and emotional tone to set the mood effectively. Use sound effects strategically to improve key moments, building tension without overwhelming the visuals. Implement audio balancing techniques like Audio Ducking to maintain clarity between dialogue, music, and sound effects throughout the trailer. Sync music cues with significant visual moments to create rhythmic pacing, improving viewer engagement. Finally, consider utilizing royalty-free music or original scores to avoid copyright issues while ensuring the audio fits the desired atmosphere of your trailer. Step 4: Add Texts and Motion Graphics Incorporating texts and motion graphics is crucial for effectively conveying fundamental information and generating excitement in your movie trailer. You should include important elements like the film title, release date, and catchy phrases, during ensuring the font style and colors align with the film’s theme. Limit text to concise phrases to avoid overwhelming viewers and improve impact. To add depth, consider the following table: Element Description Text Elements Film title, release date, phrases Font & Colors Match theme for visual cohesion Motion Graphics Dynamic changes for engagement Animation Effects Add energy to capture attention Using an ai movie trailer generator can streamline this process, making it easier to create stunning visuals. Step 5: Save and Share the Trailer Once you’ve finalized your movie trailer, the next crucial step is saving and sharing it effectively. To guarantee your trailer reaches a wide audience, follow these steps: Export in compatible formats: Save your trailer as MP4 or MOV for easy sharing across platforms. Use high-quality settings: Choose export settings that maintain the integrity of your audio and visuals. Share on social media: Post your trailer on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to maximize visibility. Engage with communities: Tag relevant film communities and influencers, using appropriate hashtags to attract potential viewers. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Amazing Movie Trailer? To make an amazing movie trailer, start with a clear storyboard and script that outlines your film’s narrative, focusing on key characters and conflict. Select impactful clips that highlight central themes without revealing major plot points. Choose music that fits the genre and elevates emotion, and use sound effects to build suspense. Incorporate dynamic text elements for the title and release date, and keep the trailer length between 1.5 to 2.5 minutes for maximum engagement. How to Make a Trailer Step by Step? To create a trailer step by step, start by outlining a storyboard with a clear three-act structure: introduction, conflict, and resolution. Next, choose clips that showcase key characters and conflicts while avoiding major spoilers. Select music that fits the film’s genre, synchronizing it with vital moments. Incorporate important text elements, such as the title and release date, using motion graphics. Finally, export the trailer in MP4 format for high-quality sharing across social media platforms. How to Make a Quick Trailer? To make a quick trailer, focus on crafting a concise 1 to 1.5-minute clip that highlights your film’s most enthralling scenes. Structure it in three acts: introduce characters, showcase the central conflict, and hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to keep the pace engaging. Pair your visuals with a high-energy, royalty-free music track that matches the tone, and include minimal, appealing text elements like the film title and release date. How to Make a Movie Trailer for School Project From Scratch? To create a movie trailer for your school project, start by brainstorming a clear concept that defines your film’s plot and characters. Next, gather and edit relevant clips, highlighting the introduction, conflict, and resolution. Select background music that matches the film’s mood as you adhere to copyright guidelines. Incorporate simple text elements like the title and release date, using appropriate fonts. Finally, utilize editing software to compile everything, ensuring a smooth flow within a 1.5 to 2.5-minute runtime. Conclusion Creating a stunning movie trailer involves a structured approach. By establishing the genre, characters, and atmosphere, you set the foundation for viewer engagement. Selecting impactful clips and arranging them effectively showcases the film’s conflict. Adding appropriate music and sound effects improves the emotional tone, as dynamic texts and motion graphics reinforce the theme. Finally, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality guarantees that it reaches a wider audience, maximizing its impact and visibility across social media platforms. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make a Stunning Movie Trailer in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating a stunning movie trailer requires a structured approach that anyone can follow. First, you’ll need to define the genre, characters, and atmosphere to set the tone. Then, selecting and arranging impactful clips is vital for showcasing the film’s core conflict. You’ll likewise want to incorporate music and sound effects that complement the visuals. Don’t forget to add dynamic texts and motion graphics for emphasis. To maximize exposure, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality is important. Want to explore each step in detail? Key Takeaways Establish the film’s genre and introduce key characters quickly to create emotional connections and set the tone. Select and arrange movie clips that showcase the central conflict, ensuring a dynamic three-act structure with quick cuts. Choose music and sound effects that complement the genre and emotional tone, syncing them with significant visual moments for impact. Add concise text and dynamic motion graphics to highlight essential elements like the film title and release date, ensuring visual cohesion. Export the trailer in high-quality formats and share it strategically on social media to maximize visibility and engagement. Step 1: Establish the Genre, Characters, and Atmosphere When creating a movie trailer, the first step is to establish the genre, characters, and atmosphere, as this foundation sets the stage for what the audience can expect. As a trailer maker, you’ll want to identify the film’s genre early on, whether it’s action, romance, or horror, to set the tone. Next, introduce key characters within the first 10-30 seconds; this helps establish emotional connections and gives viewers a reason to care about their adventures. Utilize visual storytelling techniques, such as distinct color palettes and lighting, to improve the film’s mood. Select memorable dialogue that showcases character personalities and relationships, and incorporate sound effects and music that resonate with the intended emotional response, creating an immersive experience. Step 2: Select and Arrange Movie Clips for Making a Trailer Selecting and arranging movie clips for your trailer is crucial, as it dictates how effectively you engage your audience. Start by choosing clips that highlight the film’s central conflict, pivotal moments, and character development. Organize these clips into a three-act structure, with an introduction, conflict, and a hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to create an energetic pace, keeping the trailer exciting. Avoid revealing major plot twists; instead, present snippets that intrigue viewers and leave them wanting more. To maintain cohesion, confirm that the tone and style of the selected clips align with the overall theme and emotional arc of the film. Consider using an ai trailer maker for efficient editing and arrangement. Step 3: Add Music and Sound Effects Adding music and sound effects is essential for establishing the right atmosphere in your movie trailer, as these elements greatly influence how viewers perceive the film. As a trailer creator, you should select music that aligns with your film’s genre and emotional tone to set the mood effectively. Use sound effects strategically to improve key moments, building tension without overwhelming the visuals. Implement audio balancing techniques like Audio Ducking to maintain clarity between dialogue, music, and sound effects throughout the trailer. Sync music cues with significant visual moments to create rhythmic pacing, improving viewer engagement. Finally, consider utilizing royalty-free music or original scores to avoid copyright issues while ensuring the audio fits the desired atmosphere of your trailer. Step 4: Add Texts and Motion Graphics Incorporating texts and motion graphics is crucial for effectively conveying fundamental information and generating excitement in your movie trailer. You should include important elements like the film title, release date, and catchy phrases, during ensuring the font style and colors align with the film’s theme. Limit text to concise phrases to avoid overwhelming viewers and improve impact. To add depth, consider the following table: Element Description Text Elements Film title, release date, phrases Font & Colors Match theme for visual cohesion Motion Graphics Dynamic changes for engagement Animation Effects Add energy to capture attention Using an ai movie trailer generator can streamline this process, making it easier to create stunning visuals. Step 5: Save and Share the Trailer Once you’ve finalized your movie trailer, the next crucial step is saving and sharing it effectively. To guarantee your trailer reaches a wide audience, follow these steps: Export in compatible formats: Save your trailer as MP4 or MOV for easy sharing across platforms. Use high-quality settings: Choose export settings that maintain the integrity of your audio and visuals. Share on social media: Post your trailer on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to maximize visibility. Engage with communities: Tag relevant film communities and influencers, using appropriate hashtags to attract potential viewers. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Amazing Movie Trailer? To make an amazing movie trailer, start with a clear storyboard and script that outlines your film’s narrative, focusing on key characters and conflict. Select impactful clips that highlight central themes without revealing major plot points. Choose music that fits the genre and elevates emotion, and use sound effects to build suspense. Incorporate dynamic text elements for the title and release date, and keep the trailer length between 1.5 to 2.5 minutes for maximum engagement. How to Make a Trailer Step by Step? To create a trailer step by step, start by outlining a storyboard with a clear three-act structure: introduction, conflict, and resolution. Next, choose clips that showcase key characters and conflicts while avoiding major spoilers. Select music that fits the film’s genre, synchronizing it with vital moments. Incorporate important text elements, such as the title and release date, using motion graphics. Finally, export the trailer in MP4 format for high-quality sharing across social media platforms. How to Make a Quick Trailer? To make a quick trailer, focus on crafting a concise 1 to 1.5-minute clip that highlights your film’s most enthralling scenes. Structure it in three acts: introduce characters, showcase the central conflict, and hint at the resolution. Use quick cuts and dynamic shifts to keep the pace engaging. Pair your visuals with a high-energy, royalty-free music track that matches the tone, and include minimal, appealing text elements like the film title and release date. How to Make a Movie Trailer for School Project From Scratch? To create a movie trailer for your school project, start by brainstorming a clear concept that defines your film’s plot and characters. Next, gather and edit relevant clips, highlighting the introduction, conflict, and resolution. Select background music that matches the film’s mood as you adhere to copyright guidelines. Incorporate simple text elements like the title and release date, using appropriate fonts. Finally, utilize editing software to compile everything, ensuring a smooth flow within a 1.5 to 2.5-minute runtime. Conclusion Creating a stunning movie trailer involves a structured approach. By establishing the genre, characters, and atmosphere, you set the foundation for viewer engagement. Selecting impactful clips and arranging them effectively showcases the film’s conflict. Adding appropriate music and sound effects improves the emotional tone, as dynamic texts and motion graphics reinforce the theme. Finally, saving and sharing the trailer in high quality guarantees that it reaches a wider audience, maximizing its impact and visibility across social media platforms. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Make a Stunning Movie Trailer in 5 Easy Steps" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

US mortgage rates fell last week to the lowest level since September 2024, a hopeful sign for the sluggish housing market to start the new year. View the full article

Chat platform Discord filed confidentially for an initial public offering in the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. The U.S. IPO market regained momentum in 2025 after nearly three years of sluggish activity, but hopes for a stronger rebound were tempered by tariff-driven volatility, a prolonged government shutdown and a late-year selloff in artificial intelligence stocks. Deliberations are ongoing and the company could decide not to proceed with a listing, the report said. A Discord spokesperson told Bloomberg “the company’s focus remains on delivering the best possible experience for users and building a strong, sustainable business.” Discord did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Discord, which was founded in 2015, offers voice, video and text chatting capabilities aimed at gamers and streamers. It had more than 200 million monthly active users, according to a December statement on its website. —Prakhar Srivastava and Nathan Gomes, Reuters View the full article

Move follows failure of previous bid to capture vessel as it headed to VenezuelaView the full article

Turn fragmented SERPs and AI summaries into an advantage by building a brand structure that search engines and users can trust. The post How Search Engines Tailor Results To Individual Users & How Brands Should Manage It appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

For years, OpenAI set the pace of the generative AI revolution with ChatGPT. Their partnership with Microsoft seemed unbeatable, coupling innovation and enterprise distribution. However, the lead they once held is now in the balance. Faced with evidence that Google’s Gemini has not only caught up but surpassed capabilities in critical areas, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman made a dramatic decision by declaring an internal “code red.” Doing so paused all non-essential initiatives to focus exclusively on ChatGPT’s quality. The most significant casualty of this shift was OpenAI’s plan to introduce advertising into ChatGPT. It’s important to note that OpenAI’s advertising plans are postponed, not canceled. Currently, OpenAI cannot effectively monetize its product while simultaneously losing users to a top competitor. Retaining a loyal user base by fixing fundamental issues with speed, reliability, and reasoning is the top priority, but that doesn’t mean ads are off the table down the road. To understand why ChatGPT’s ad plans were put on hold, but will be inevitable in the future, we need to examine how OpenAI fell behind, the steps they are taking to recover, and what this delay means for the future of AI advertising. The great stumble behind OpenAI and Microsoft did not necessarily slow down. Rather, Google’s massive infrastructural investments paid off, revealing weaknesses in the Microsoft-OpenAI alliance. The primary reason for the shift in performance lies in model architecture. Google’s Gemini 3 was built from the ground up as a “native multimodal” model. It does not process text, images, video, and code separately. It understands them as intertwined data. In contrast, ChatGPT combines separate, specialized models: GPT-4 for text. DALL-E for images. Whisper for audio. This Frankenstein approach, while initially groundbreaking, has over time become slower, clunkier, and less cohesive than Google’s unified approach. Google leveraged its advantage of owning its own technology, controlling all the components that comprise Gemini: The custom-designed tensor processing unit (TPU) chips that train the models efficiently. The data centers and the model itself. The end-user applications, like Android, Gmail, and Docs. This allows for a level of optimization and cost control that Microsoft and OpenAI struggle to match. The Microsoft-OpenAI partnership relies heavily on costly Nvidia GPU integrations, a factor in projected OpenAI losses that could reach $140 billion by 2029, according to Deutsche Bank Research. Ultimately, the absence of an ecosystem significantly contributed to the shift in ChatGPT’s user sentiment. Google seamlessly embedded Gemini into users’ daily workflows, making it feel like one unified assistant across their workspace. Whereas Microsoft’s Copilot has been criticized for feeling disjointed, as an add-on feature that can be inconsistent across Word, Excel, Teams, and Windows. Recent benchmarks from LMArena showed Gemini 3 outperforming ChatGPT in reasoning, coding, and speed, indicating that a cohesive, integrated machine was beginning to surpass the alliance between Microsoft and ChatGPT. Dig deeper: OpenAI discusses an ad-driven strategy centered on ChatGPT scale and media partnerships How ChatGPT and Gemini solve the same problem differently Here’s an example scenario comparing the processing behavior of both GPTs to illustrate the distinction. The goal: You need to stay in Times Square to be near your office, but you hate the noise. You need a “quiet” tech-forward hotel, a verified coworking space nearby (since hotel rooms in Times Square are notoriously small), and a top-rated ramen spot that doesn’t require a 2-hour wait. The ChatGPT approach ChatGPT will likely provide a list of popular, high-volume hotels and restaurants that appear frequently in travel blogs. Process: It searches for “Top rated hotels Times Square” and “Ramen near 42nd St.” Result: “I recommend the Marriott Marquis or The Knickerbocker. For ramen, Ichiran is highly rated and just a few blocks away. You can find their locations on a map.” The gap: It may not realize that Ichiran Times Square often has a 90-minute wait on Tuesday nights, or that the Marriott’s lobby is chaotic for someone trying to take a deep-work Zoom call. The Gemini approach Gemini uses Google Maps and Workspace integrations to find “niche” results that specifically solve for a business traveler’s needs. Process: It identifies hotels with “Quiet/Urban” room ratings, maps the walking distance to a professional WeWork, and checks real-time “Popular Times” data for restaurants. Result: “I’ve optimized your stay for Times Square. I recommend LUMA Hotel Times Square. Their ‘Urban Rooms’ are specifically designed to be soundproofed from the street noise. The integrated logic: Coworking: Since LUMA’s lobby is small, I’ve mapped a 4-minute walk to WeWork at 1460 Broadway. It has a roof terrace with views of the square where you can work with your dog (based on past search history for ‘Pet-Friendly’ offices). Restaurant strategy: Instead of the main Ichiran, I suggest Raku on 9th Ave. It’s a 10-minute walk away, much quieter, and currently has a 4.7-star rating with ‘low wait times’ on Tuesday evenings. Action taken: I’ve added the walking route from LUMA to WeWork to your Google Maps ‘Favorites’ and saved a draft of this itinerary to your Google Calendar.” In this scenario, Gemini is like a helpful teammate who doesn’t just talk, but actually gets things done. ChatGPT acts more like a smart book that tells you facts. On the other hand, Gemini: Connects in real-time to see live traffic. Checks your calendar so you aren’t late. Even helps you write emails or stories directly in your own documents. It can remember huge amounts of information and see what is happening right now, solving real-life problems instead of just answering questions. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. The ‘code red’ response The “code red” at OpenAI is an acknowledgment that new features and revenue experiments are meaningless if the foundation is crumbling, forcing them to pivot back to the basics. OpenAI released GPT-5.2 in December as part of a broader push to narrow Gemini’s lead in complex reasoning and coding tasks. The directive inside OpenAI is clear: Stop the hallucinations. Improve the speed. Make the model feel intuitive and personal again. They are moving away from a passive chatbot that simply “talks” and possesses agentic capabilities to a system that can reliably execute complex tasks on behalf of the user, an area where Google is currently leading. Microsoft faces an equal challenge on the product side. Their priority is to unify the Copilot experience so that it stops feeling like five separate AI tools and starts functioning as a cohesive system that understands user context across different applications. Microsoft must also solve its data silo problem. Google wins on personalization because it has access to users’ emails, calendars, and location data. Microsoft will likely need to leverage Office 365 data more effectively – and securely – to offer a similar personalized experience, beyond just reselling OpenAI’s models. Survival precedes monetization: The logic of the pause The decision to delay ads is a significant indication of the severity of OpenAI’s competitive crisis. Introducing paid ads can cause friction in a user’s experience. When a product, in this case ChatGPT, is the market leader, users will tolerate friction as the cost of access. However, now that ChatGPT is no longer the leader, users are being tempted by Gemini’s speed and better integration within the product’s free tier. As a result, introducing ads into ChatGPT would likely cause user churn. OpenAI realized that if they rolled out ads while their product quality was in the balance, they wouldn’t just fail to make money – they might permanently stifle their growth. As a result, retention must come before revenue. OpenAI needs to stabilize the loss of its user base by achieving equal or better performance over Gemini. Once trust is re-established and users feel that ChatGPT is their go-to again, can they afford to introduce advertising? Dig deeper: Sergey Brin: Google ‘messed up’ by underinvesting in AI Designing ads for conversational AI While the delay is significant, it is crucial to recognize that the pause is temporary. The financial strains facing OpenAI is what makes advertising inevitable in the future. To achieve profitability, it needs to generate hundreds of billions in revenue by the end of the decade. Subscriptions alone from users will likely not be enough; monetizing their free tier with ads will become a necessity. However, the “code red” and the pressure from Google will also likely change how those ads eventually appear. The delay buys OpenAI time to develop ad formats that are less intrusive and more trustworthy. This means that recent tests offering irrelevant app suggestions in the middle of conversations, is no longer going to work. Future ChatGPT ads will need to be integrated and contextually relevant to avoid driving users to Gemini. The goal will be to introduce ads natively without breaking the conversational flow of the product. Ultimately, the pause on ChatGPT ads is a stepping stone in its growth to contend in the competitive AI space. It is a necessary gamble for OpenAI to build a better “brain” fast enough to counter Google’s. The potential ad revenue is the prize waiting at the end, but OpenAI must hone in on product quality before they can claim it. View the full article

There are a number of SEOs and site owners complaining that they saw a large drop in Google Search rankings yesterday, January 6, 2026. This unconfirmed Google update does not feel as widespread as some of the previous ones we reported on but I wanted to document this one as such, just in case some of you are impacted.View the full article

Google will update how it handles multi-channel products, products sold both online and locally in the store, to help with managing inventory. Google emailed merchants that this applies to and the changes go into effect this March.View the full article

Prime minister under pressure over pledges made as part of security guarantees to underpin proposed peace dealView the full article

Microsoft is testing a much larger "Ask Copilot" button on the Bing home page. Normally, Bing only has a small Copilot logo on the right of the search box but in this test, Bing writes it all out - "Ask Copilot" with the logo.View the full article

Google's Robby Stein confirmed (again) that Google is personalizing some of the AI experiences, including AI Overviews and AI Mode. He said this on the CNN, Terms of Service podcast with Clare Duffy.View the full article

Donald The President wants a Venezuelan oil reboot. But years of neglect have left corroded tanks, leaking pipelines and collapsing productionView the full article

Google is hiring a Chief of Staff on Search Intelligence, Strategy and Operations. This job is to "help architect the next era of Search with AI," Rajan Patel, the Vice President of Search Engineering of Google, posted on LinkedIn.View the full article

Board warns offer is risky, citing the high amount of debt financingView the full article

The rules of search have changed. Marketing funnels aren’t meant to stall. You pour hours into creating content, refining workflows, optimizing landing pages, and protecting brand consistency. How can all that effort, content, and creativity go to waste? But your funnel feels it. The uncomfortable truth is that even the strongest funnel can’t save you if a large portion of your audience never sees your work. SEO is flatlining. AI-generated summaries are pushing your branded content aside. The metrics start to tell a story you don’t want to hear, one that makes it look like you don’t even have a marketing team. Even if you keep pace with endless design iterations, fresh ideas, and new product releases, the odds of your audience seeing that work continue to shrink. The new reality Organic website traffic once acted like steady foot traffic to your business. People found you simply because you sat on the “main road” of search. That reality is gone. Gartner expects search engine traffic to drop 25%. But fewer searches don’t automatically mean fewer purchases. Google’s AI Overviews and AI Mode are reshaping how traffic reaches websites. As users ask more purposeful questions, AI increasingly answers them without sending people to the content, guides, and product pages your teams worked hard to build. For B2B SaaS companies, marketing platforms, and content-heavy businesses, this shift is no longer a small optimization issue. It’s a structural change. Roughly 60% of searches now end without a click, as AI-generated answers satisfy users directly on the results page, according to Bain. Google’s AI Overviews can push top-ranked links down by as much as 1,500 pixels. That’s roughly two full screen scrolls on desktop and three on mobile, sharply reducing click-through rates even for top-performing pages. When an AI Overview appears, sites that once ranked first can lose up to 79% of their traffic for that query, The Guardian found. Users are more likely to end their session after seeing a search page with an AI summary than after visiting one without it, according to Pew Research. Whether or not an AI summary appeared, most Google searches in the study still ended without a click. Users either stayed within Google or left entirely. Roughly two-thirds of all searches resulted in one of these outcomes. Replacing those lost sessions takes far more than boosted posts or small SEO tweaks. It demands a full acquisition engine across multiple channels, each replacing only a fraction of what search once delivered for free. To respond, businesses must build a diversified system that doesn’t depend on a single platform’s algorithm. That shift also forces a reevaluation of marketing spend, often at a much higher cost. Historically, paid digital channels like paid social, native ads, search, and display could recover about 40% to 45% of lost traffic. Owned media such as email, video, webinars, and guest content could deliver another 25% to 30% while compounding long-term value. The rest had to come from partnerships, marketplaces, events, outbound efforts, and emerging channels, each contributing incremental gains. This diversified approach exposes the real cost of traffic displacement. Recovering lost sessions at scale means running 20-plus channels at once, backed by more talent, better tools, and sustained investment as each program matures. Even conservatively, a Year 1 plan can require nearly $1.89 million in annual spend, stabilizing at roughly $225,000 per month. Leveraging the undervalued channel There’s one line item in your marketing plan that AI hasn’t touched: your owned audience. While every other channel carries a market-rate cost your competitors can match, your email list is exclusively yours. Email is the one channel where you control distribution, timing, and message. In a world of unpredictable platform algorithms, those owned contacts aren’t just valuable. They’re essential for survival. Still, many businesses make the mistake of assuming email scales linearly. It doesn’t. Sending more messages doesn’t guarantee more engagement or more sessions. Sustainable email growth demands a smarter, more disciplined approach. High-performing programs rely on: Segmentation grounded in real audience behavior. Optimized send frequency that protects engagement while expanding reach. Clear performance benchmarks that show whether results are improving or slipping. Tactical insights that pinpoint which actions actually drive lift. Many teams struggle because they’re missing one or more of these foundations. Without them, email turns into a guessing game. Done right, email becomes the base layer for scalable growth. The difference between programs that grow and those that stall is simple: Plateaued teams send more emails and hope for better results. Scaled teams use real-time benchmarks and tactical guidance to improve every send with intention and consistency. Harness the power of an email solution built for you Campaign Monitor offers a modern email infrastructure that treats email as the strategic asset it is. With AI-driven capabilities like Marketing Monitor, it goes beyond being an email platform. It becomes an in-app performance partner that removes guesswork and drives smarter decisions. For example, the newly introduced Marketing Monitor provides: Industry benchmark comparisons that show how your open, click-through, bounce, and unsubscribe rates compare across industries. Why this matters: When you’re scaling email from 2,000 to 7,500 sessions per month, you need to know whether an 18% open rate is strong or signals room to improve. Marketing Monitor shows exactly where you stand and where to focus. Goal-based recommendations that let you choose an objective — such as increasing engagement, reducing bounces, or improving clicks — and receive proven tactics to reach it. Why this matters: Marketing Monitor acts as an in-app strategic partner, highlighting what’s working, what isn’t, and which tactics to test next. Real-time results tracking that reveals how recent changes impact performance. Why this matters: When you adjust your email strategy, you need fast feedback. If you’re investing in expansion, iteration cycles must be measured in days, not quarters. The right email solution can be the difference between a 2% click rate and a 4% click rate — and tens of thousands of dollars in traffic you earn for free. The bottom line Losing 10,000 monthly sessions to AI-driven search shifts isn’t just a traffic hit. It’s a business model disruption that: Threatens your pipeline. Slows growth. Erodes long-term competitiveness. You have two choices: absorb the decline or build a diversified marketing strategy that isn’t controlled by an algorithm. Replacing lost sessions will likely require a shift in budget allocation, but the alternative costs far more. Companies that act now — by strengthening their owned audience, modernizing email programs, and broadening their channel mix — are the ones best positioned to stabilize and grow. Your email list, your content, your customer relationships, and your partnerships are assets you control. When you nurture them, they compound in value. In an AI-first world where third-party platforms decide what people see, owning your channels isn’t optional. It’s the foundation of resilience, growth, and long-term survival. “How to win against declining traffic: A flight path to rebuilding reach” breaks down what it really takes to replace 120,000 lost sessions. Get the complete flight plan. View the full article