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Businesses are increasingly recognizing that earning customer loyalty is not just a nice-to-have but a vital component of their strategy for sustainable growth. Recognizing the importance, impact, and nuances of customer retention and loyalty in today’s business landscape is a must. The customer retention statistics in this article will highlight important metrics you need to know to grow your business. By exploring these insights and customer retention lessons, businesses can better understand the dynamics of customer engagement and craft strategies that not only attract new customers but also keep them coming back. What is Customer Retention? Customer retention refers to a company’s ability to turn customers into repeat buyers and prevent them from switching to competitors. It’s a testament to a business’s customer service, product quality, and overall value proposition. High customer retention rates often indicate a loyal customer base and are crucial for business sustainability and profitability. This section underscores the importance of customer retention for businesses of all sizes, emphasizing its role in driving revenue and fostering long-term success. The Business Impact of High Customer Retention High customer retention rates have a profound impact on businesses. This section will discuss the various benefits, including increased revenue, higher lifetime customer value, and cost efficiency in marketing. It will be supported by relevant statistics, such as businesses with high retention rates experiencing a significant percentage increase in profitability compared to those with lower retention. Cost Savings: Customer churn costs U.S. providers a staggering $168 billion per year. U.S. companies could save over $35 billion per year by focusing on keeping their existing customers happy. Acquiring new customers costs 6 times more than retaining current ones. Repeat Customer Behavior: Repeat customers spend 67% more than new customers. Businesses have a 60% to 70% chance of selling to an existing customer, whereas for a new prospect, it’s only 5% to 20%. Some 52% of customers intentionally choose to buy from their favorite brand. Impact on Profits: 84% of companies that work to improve customer experience notice an uplift in revenue. Customer retention is vital for the 61% of small businesses that say over half their revenue comes from repeat customers. Small e-commerce businesses derive 35% of their revenue from the top 5% of their loyal, repeat customers. The Cost of Low Customer Retention 72% of customers switch to a competitor after just one bad experience with a brand. Businesses lose over $75 billion annually due to lost customers resulting from poor customer service. It costs 6 to 7 times more to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones. Getting a new customer is 5 times more expensive than retaining an existing one. A company’s top 10% of most loyal customers spend three times more per purchase than the other 90% of customers. The top 1% of customers spend five times more than the remaining 99%. 60% of U.S. customers choose to do more business with a company after a positive customer service experience. In the apparel industry, repeat customers tend to spend an average of 67% more during the 31-36 months following their initial purchase than they do in the first six months. The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. The media and professional service industries have the highest worldwide retention rate at 84% each, while the hospitality, travel, and restaurant industry has the lowest rate at 55%, followed by retail at 63%. Understanding Customer Retention Through Statistics In many industries, the top five market players maintain an impressive average customer retention rate of 94%. Acquiring new customers is five times more expensive than retaining existing ones. A mere 5% increase in customer retention can boost company revenue by 25-95%. Customer Service Impact: 89% of companies recognize that excellent customer service is critical for retention. Existing customers present a 60-70% chance of making a purchase, while new prospects have only a 5-20% chance. Brand Loyalty and Small Businesses Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more on products and services than new customers. The majority of customers (approximately 54.7%) remain loyal to 1 to 5 brands. Loyal customers make purchases 90% more often than new customers. Acquiring new customers is 5 times more expensive than retaining existing ones. 71% of customers are unlikely to buy from a business that loses their trust. The Influence of Digital Trends on Customer Retention A 5% increase in customer retention results in a 25-95% increase in revenue. Loyal customers tend to spend 67% more on products and services than new customers. 90% of consumers will recommend a brand after engaging with it on social media. 44% of businesses use mobile apps and email marketing as key tactics for customer retention. The Business Benefits of Loyal Customers 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. Loyal customers tend to spend 31% more than new customers. The probability of selling to an existing customer is up to 13 times greater than selling to a new customer. 80% of future profits will come from just a fifth of loyal customers. The Risks of Neglecting Customer Loyalty 74% of loyal customers will switch brands if they are not satisfied. A single bad experience can lead to 80% of customers switching brands. 61% of retail companies cite retention as their biggest challenge. Acquiring new customers is six to seven times more expensive than retaining existing ones. 73% of customers will stop doing business with a brand after three or fewer bad customer service experiences. Delving into The Latest Customer Loyalty Statistics Consumers spend 67% more if they are part of a company’s loyalty program. Highly engaged customers make a purchase 90% more often. Loyal customers become valuable brand advocates, recommending your brand to others. Customer Loyalty in the Context of Small Businesses 82% of companies agree that retention is cheaper than acquisition. 75% of consumers say they favor companies that offer rewards. 56% of customers stay loyal to brands that “get them.” 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. 58% of companies pursue personalization strategies for customer retention. The Role of Technology in Driving Brand Loyalty Technology significantly influences brand loyalty, influencing consumer behavior and fostering lasting connections. Mobile apps, social media, and loyalty program software are key factors in fostering loyalty. Gen Z values personalization and engagement through mobile apps, while social media presence fosters trust and repeat purchases. Companies allocate significant marketing budgets to loyalty program management and CRM. Understanding Customer Loyalty Programs Almost three-quarters of consumers feel loyalty towards a particular brand or company. Over 55% of consumers are loyal to a brand because they love the product. A third of consumers say it takes three purchases to create brand loyalty. Loyalty Programs and Their Influence on Customer Behavior 65% of a company’s business comes from existing customers. Retained customers not only spend more but also become valuable brand advocates, generating referrals for your business. Companies that enjoy strong brand loyalty see 2.5 times faster revenue growth than their competitors in the industry. Loyalty Programs in Small Businesses 80% of Americans are loyal to at least one brand. 75% of global consumers would switch brands for a loyalty program with better rewards. Allocating a portion of the marketing budget to loyalty program management and CRM can significantly impact customer retention. The Rise of Digital Loyalty Programs to Encourage New Customers Digital loyalty programs have gained significant popularity in recent years, utilizing technology to boost customer engagement and loyalty. In the US, there are currently 3.8 billion loyalty program memberships, with the average American enrolled in 17 different programs. Despite this, 81% of consumers feel that loyalty programs affect their purchasing decisions, yet 72% only engage with 50% or fewer of their memberships. Key challenges include personalization, differentiation, and concerns about privacy. A striking 90% of consumers agree that loyalty programs require enhancements, and 91% perceive many programs as similar. To effectively retain members, brands must innovate and keep their programs engaging, incorporating loyalty amplifiers such as trivia, sweepstakes, and instant wins. In return for incentives, 66% of consumers are willing to provide more personal information to tailor their loyalty program experience. Customer Retention Rate by Industry 18% of businesses prioritize customer retention over customer acquisition. 44% of companies focus more on customer acquisition, while the remaining 38% balance both equally. Customers spend 43% more at brands they are loyal to. 65% of retail business comes from loyal customers, who spend 67% more on average purchases than new customers. Average Customer Retention Rates Across Industries The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. A 5% increase in customer retention can lead to a 25-95% increase in company profitability. Customers who are loyal to your brand not only generate more repeat business but are also 50% more inclined to try a new product from you. 82% of companies agree that retention is cheaper than acquisition. It costs six to seven times more to acquire new customers than to retain existing ones. Average Customer Loyalty Levels Across Industries Surprisingly,44% of businesses fail to measure their customer retention rate. Average retention rates vary significantly across industries: Insurance: 84% Banking: 75% Retail: 63% Hospitality: 55% Fintech: 37% SaaS: 35% Media: 25% Edtech: 4%1. The Influence of Industry Characteristics on Customer Retention and Loyalty 90% of consumers will recommend a brand after engaging with it on social media. 70.7% of global companies believe that ease of resolution enhances customer satisfaction The Future of Customer Retention and Loyalty Emerging Trends in Customer Retention The evolving landscape of customer retention strategies prominently features the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to foster a more personalized and efficient customer experience. Below are key emerging trends in this domain: AI-Driven Personalization at Scale: Around 90% of businesses are now leveraging AI to personalize customer interactions. This approach is not just limited to product recommendations but extends to personalized content, communication, and user experiences. By analyzing customer data, AI can tailor interactions to match individual preferences, thereby significantly enhancing customer engagement and loyalty. Increased Investment in AI Technologies: Reflecting the value derived from AI-driven personalization, approximately 69% of business leaders are amplifying their investment in AI technologies. This increased funding is directed towards advanced analytics, machine learning models, and AI systems that can better understand and predict customer behavior, enabling more targeted and meaningful interactions. AI-Enhanced Customer Service: The integration of AI in customer service operations is transforming the support landscape. AI-driven tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, are automating routine customer service tasks. This automation not only speeds up resolution times but also ensures that human customer service representatives can dedicate more time and resources to addressing complex and high-value customer issues. This shift significantly contributes to overall customer satisfaction and retention, as customers receive timely solutions and feel valued when their more complex concerns are addressed with a personal touch. Data-Driven Insights for Proactive Engagement: AI technologies enable businesses to analyze vast amounts of customer data in real time, providing insights that can be used for proactive customer engagement. By predicting customer needs and behaviors, businesses can reach out proactively with personalized offers, support, and content, further cementing customer relationships and loyalty. Enhancing Customer Journey with AI: AI is improving every touchpoint in the customer journey, from discovery and purchase to post-purchase support. This technology facilitates seamless and frictionless experiences that are customized to each individual’s journey, promoting repeat engagement and building brand loyalty. Emotional AI for Deeper Connections: Emerging AI technologies are also capable of recognizing and responding to human emotions. Emotional AI, or affective computing, is being explored to create deeper, more empathetic connections with customers. This could revolutionize customer service and marketing by allowing businesses to respond to not just the explicit but also the emotional needs of their customers. Privacy-Centric Personalization: As AI-driven personalization becomes more pervasive, there’s a growing emphasis on balancing personalization with privacy. Customers are becoming more conscious of their data privacy, and businesses are responding by developing AI solutions that deliver personalized experiences while also respecting and protecting customer data. These trends emphasize the dynamic relationship between AI technology and customer retention strategies. As AI advances, it provides businesses with innovative methods to engage, understand, and retain customers in a fiercely competitive market. FeatureAI-Driven PersonalizationIncreased Investment in AIAI-Enhanced Customer ServiceData-Driven InsightsEnhancing Customer JourneyEmotional AIPrivacy-Centric Personalization ObjectiveEnhance engagement and loyaltySupport and expand AI capabilitiesImprove efficiency and satisfactionEnable proactive customer engagementStreamline and personalize the customer journeyCreate deeper customer connectionsBalance personalization with privacy Key ApproachTailoring experiences to individual preferencesAllocating more resources to AI technologyAutomating routine tasks for efficiencyLeveraging real-time data for insightsApplying AI across all touchpointsRecognizing and responding to emotionsDeveloping AI that respects data privacy Business ImpactIncreased customer satisfaction and loyaltyEnhanced AI-driven customer experiencesElevated customer service qualityImproved customer engagement and retentionImproved customer satisfaction and retentionStrengthened emotional brand loyaltyEnhanced trust and loyalty Technology UseMachine learning, predictive analyticsAdvanced analytics, machine learning modelsChatbots, virtual assistantsBig data analytics, predictive modelsAI across discovery, purchase, supportAffective computing, emotion recognitionPrivacy-preserving AI techniques Customer ExperienceHighly personalized and relevantMore sophisticated and targeted interactionsFaster resolutions, personalized attention for complex issuesAnticipated needs, personalized outreachCohesive and customized experienceEmpathetic and emotionally aware interactionsPersonalized yet discreet ChallengesManaging data complexity, avoiding intrusivenessEnsuring ROI, managing AI complexitiesBalancing automation with human touchMaintaining data accuracy and relevanceIntegrating AI seamlesslyEnsuring accuracy, avoiding misinterpretationAligning personalization with privacy regulations Future Directions for Customer Loyalty Gamification is gaining popularity as it engages users and fosters loyalty. Social media loyalty schemes are being used to create loyalty ecosystems, promoting social interactions and referrals. Virtual Reality (VR) experiences are also being explored to immerse customers in brand narratives and enhance emotional connections. These strategies are expected to drive loyalty and increase brand engagement. The Future of Loyalty Programs Wearable tech, blockchain-based loyalty tokens, and AI-powered personalization are transforming the loyalty management market. Wearables track user behavior, enabling personalized rewards and seamless loyalty interactions. Blockchain allows secure, transparent, and cross-industry loyalty point exchanges, while AI analyzes vast data sets for tailored offers and recommendations. https://youtube.com/watch?v=Y6IBkNNkfJg%3Fsi%3DfryTIKczmrS99HjT FAQs: Customer Retention Statistics What is the probability of customer retention? The average customer retention rate across all industries is approximately 75.5%. What is the Number 1 driver of customer loyalty? The primary factor contributing to customer loyalty is outstanding customer service, a fact acknowledged by 89% of companies. What percentage of consumers favor a brand if there is a loyalty program? Approximately 75% of consumers favor companies that offer rewards, indicating a strong preference for brands with loyalty programs. What are the benefits of customer retention for a small business? Customer retention for a small business leads to increased revenue, higher lifetime customer value, cost efficiency in marketing, and a loyal customer base that is more likely to make repeat purchases. While initiatives like advertising and events draw new customers, retention strategies are often less expensive and can lead to ongoing revenue. How Can a Small Business Encourage Customer Loyalty? A small business can encourage customer loyalty by offering personalized experiences, high-quality customer service, rewards programs, and consistently exceeding customer expectations. How does brand loyalty affect a business’s bottom line? Brand loyalty significantly increases a business’s bottom line by driving repeat purchases, enhancing customer lifetime value, and reducing costs associated with customer acquisition. How effective are loyalty programs in improving brand loyalty? Loyalty programs are highly effective in improving brand loyalty, with engaged customers making purchases 90% more often and spending 67% more than new customers. What role does technology play in enhancing customer retention and loyalty? Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing customer retention and loyalty by enabling personalized experiences, engaging customers through social media, and facilitating seamless interactions through mobile apps and loyalty program software. How can a small business improve its customer retention rates? A small business can improve its customer retention rates by focusing on customer satisfaction, implementing a customer feedback loop, providing exceptional service, and creating a loyalty program that rewards repeat business. What is the #1 driver of customer loyalty? The #1 driver of customer loyalty is excellent customer service, with a significant majority of companies acknowledging its critical importance for retention. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Vital Customer Retention Statistics" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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What do the latest video marketing statistics tell you about growing your small business? The answers will surprise you. 92% of marketers say that videos are an important part of their marketing strategies, and 88% of them accept that videos offer them a positive return on investment (ROI). If you want to use video content as a marketing tool, we have collected key video marketing statistics below to help you make informed decisions. The Rise of Video Marketing So why video marketing? Firstly, videos are more engaging and easier to digest than text documents. So people prefer watching a quick video over reading text. Plus, you can easily share videos on social media, helping you reach a broader audience to boost visibility and improve sales. Consequently, small businesses are increasingly adopting videos as a marketing tool to grow. The following stats prove the point. Video Marketing Statistics: A General Overview Video marketing is on the rise. According to Wyzowl research, 91% of small businesses are expected to use video as a marketing tool. Videos can be a game-changer for small businesses. They capture attention and explain products or services quickly. Videos are also shareable, helping to spread your brand message. Plus, they can boost website traffic, extend visitors’ time on your site, and drive sales. It’s a versatile tool for any marketing strategy. According to a survey, 78% of respondents see more website traffic, and 83% of respondents find that the average time on their websites has increased after using videos. The Power of Video Marketing Using videos can boost small businesses’ visibility and sales. The following stats from Renderforest prove the point. 83% of respondents generated new leads with videos. 44% of users generated sales using videos Moreover, 93% of brands get new customers due to a video posted on social media. For small businesses, video marketing can effectively drive both visibility and sales. Understanding Your Audience: Key Video Marketing Stats Understanding your audience allows you to customize your video content to align with their needs and interests. This approach enhances engagement, improves conversion rates, and makes your marketing efforts more focused and effective. Check the following video marketing statistics to learn how people consume video content. Video Consumption Habits According to HubSpot research: People watch, on average, 17 hours of online video content weekly. 66% of people have watched videos to learn more about a product or a brand. Around 33% of people watch videos to relax and unwind. 36% of people like videos of 1-3 minutes, and 27% of viewers like videos of 4-6 minutes. According to the Wyzowl research, 96% of users have viewed an explainer video to learn about a product/service. What’s more, 89% of people say that watching a video has convinced them to purchase a product/service. Yes, your audience wants you to create more videos. The Wyzowl research reports that 91% of people want to view more online brand videos. So, if you’re a small business, focus on video marketing to engage your audience and boost sales. Keep videos short and to the point to maximize your video marketing success. Demographics and Video Marketing In a recent global consumer survey, respondents reported viewing an average of 19 hours of online video content weekly. Currently, more than 40% of U.S. users said they watch online videos daily. Among users aged 18 to 34, the daily viewing rate was 53%. Due mainly to smartphones and mobile devices, over 75% of U.S. adults watch up to two hours of short-form digital videos daily. 69% of U.S. consumers prioritize authenticity and relatability over high-quality video and audio in marketing videos. Online video consumption is at an all-time high, particularly among young adults. They frequently use smartphones and have a preference for short videos. Interestingly, most viewers value genuine and relatable content over high-quality production. You should tap into this trend by creating authentic video content to engage your audience. Video Marketing Platforms Picking the right platform for video marketing is crucial. It ensures you reach your target audience effectively. The right platform can maximize engagement, ROI, and sales. The following are critical stats on video marketing platforms. Social Media Video Marketing Statistics According to the Wyzowl research, 51% of people are likelier to share a video with their friends/followers than any other type of content. Incorporating online videos in your social media posts can boost the reach of your posts. What social media platforms do marketers utilize to distribute videos? According to Wyzowl research, 86% of marketers share videos on Facebook, 79% on LinkedIn, and 54% on X (formerly Twitter). Here are other video channels marketers use, as found in the Wyzowl research: Instagram (79%) Webinar (60%) TikTok (35%) Snapchat (13%) Social Media PlatformPercentage of Marketers Sharing Videos Facebook86% LinkedIn79% Instagram79% X (formerly Twitter)54% Webinar60% TikTok35% Snapchat13% When it comes to using live video content, only 36% of marketers have employed ‘live’ video content, such as live streams on social media platforms. What is the most effective social media marketing channel for reaching your audience with online video content? According to the Wyzowl research, 69% of marketers find LinkedIn the most effective channel for video marketing. And Facebook has been rated by 59% of marketers as the most effective channel for video marketing. 49% of marketers found webinars the most effective channel for video marketing, 27% of them rated TikTok as the most effective platform, and only 24% found X the most effective channel for video marketing. Every platform offers unique advantages. The best option for you will depend on your target audience and your goals. YouTube Video Marketing Stats The Wyzowl research finds that 90% of marketers use YouTube in their video marketing. And 78% of marketers rate YouTube as the most effective video marketing channel. YouTube is a massive platform with a broad audience reach. Ignoring it means missing out on a key channel that can drive engagement, brand awareness, and sales for your video marketing efforts. Video Marketers’ Strategies and Challenges Knowing statistics on the types of video content successful marketers create and the challenges they face can help you make informed decisions. You can identify what works and avoid common pitfalls, optimizing your strategy for better results. Tactics Used by Successful Video Marketers What type of video content do successful video marketers produce? According to Wyzowl research, 71% of marketers create social media videos. And 70% of marketers make explainer videos. The following are other types of videos companies create, as found in the Wyzowl research: Presentation videos (50%) Testimonial videos (46%) Video ads (46%) Teaser videos (42%) Sales videos (40%) Type of Video ContentPercentage of Marketers Creating Videos Social Media Videos71% Explainer Videos70% Presentation Videos50% Testimonial Videos46% Video Ads46% Teaser Videos42% Sales Videos40% Here are some crucial findings from a Biteable survey to improve the success of your videos: 81% of marketers state music makes their videos perform better. 66% of marketers find that a voiceover makes their videos more effective when it comes to performance. Including captions can enhance the effectiveness of your video marketing. According to a Biteable survey, 64% of marketers believe that captions contribute to better performance for their videos. For small business owners, these insights can guide the type of video content to produce and what elements to include for better performance. Video Marketing Strategy Challenges and Solutions According to a HubSpot report, 39% of video marketers accept that a lack of time is the biggest challenge when it comes to creating marketing videos. And 33% of marketers find developing an effective video strategy challenging. If you’re pressed for time, consider outsourcing video creation. You can hire freelancers or a small agency to do the work. Another option is to use video templates that speed up the process. To create a successful video marketing strategy, you should: Identify your target audience and set clear goals Decide on the type of videos you’ll make, such as explainer videos or product showcases Create a content calendar outlining when to post each video Allocate budget and resources Track performance through metrics like views and engagement to refine your strategy Why do marketers stop producing videos? The answer is a lack of content ideas. In fact, 29% of marketers, according to the same HubSpot report, report that lack of content ideas prevents them from creating video content for their brands. If you’re struggling to come up with ideas for your online video content, here are some tips to help you get started: How-to guides that explain how to use your product or service effectively Customer testimonials that feature satisfied customers sharing their experiences Behind-the-scenes videos that offer a glimpse into your business operations Product unboxing videos that showcase what customers get when they buy from you Seasonal promotions that highlight special deals or holiday sales Q&A Session videos that include common questions or misconceptions about your business. Also, you can create video content to share your expertise on trends or challenges in your industry. Such video content will position you as a thought leader. Video Marketing ROI Understanding video marketing ROI statistics helps you allocate resources wisely. It shows what strategies yield the best returns, enabling smarter investment choices for your small business. Measuring Video Marketing Success According to the Wyzowl research, 96% of marketers say video marketing increases user understanding of their products/services. And 95% of marketers find that video marketing increases brand awareness. Here are some additional findings from the Wyzowl research on how video marketing impacts key marketing metrics: 91% of marketers discover that video marketing boosts traffic. 53% of marketers accept that video marketing helps them reduce support queries. So, for small businesses, integrating video marketing can offer multiple benefits, from brand recognition to sales growth. How do marketers measure the success of their video content? Here are key metrics, according to the Wyzowl research, marketers keep tabs on to assess video marketing’s success: Videos views (63%) Audience engagement (61%) Leads/clicks (56%) Brand awareness (43%) Retention (42%) These metrics can help you understand performance and refine your video marketing strategy, including elements like video SEO or adding effective calls to action. Video Marketing’s Impact on Revenue Yes, video marketing works. According to HubSpot research, 25% of marketers believe that video is a media format that offers the highest ROI. Here are two stats from the Wyzowl research to prove that video marketing can help small businesses increase sales: 90% say that video marketing helps them generate leads. 87% of marketers state that video marketing helps them increase sales. Considering these benefits, video marketing is the right strategy for small businesses looking to improve their performance. The Future of Video Marketing The future of video marketing looks promising, with a rising focus on short-form content and interactive features. Advances in AI and AR will make videos more engaging. As the consumption of video content increases, its importance in sales and lead generation will continue to expand. This is a dynamic area that you cannot afford to overlook. Emerging Video Marketing Trends Live video consumption is growing. According to a survey done by TikTok, 60% of TikTok users showed interest in branded or sponsored live content. Now, 40% of marketers use shoppable video ads. In the future, more brands will use shoppable videos. This is because interactive videos perform better than linear videos. Also, more and more marketers are using AI in their videos. The market for AI in video production is set to grow at a 22.37% CAGR, increasing significantly from its current value to reach $1.49 billion in the near future. Around half (54%) of people accept that YouTube is important for helping them buy products/services. So, more businesses will share videos on YouTube. Video Marketing Predictions and Outlook Video marketing is rising due to increased online engagement and evolving tech. It’s a key tool for businesses to attract and retain customers. So, you can expect more businesses to create video content in the future. The global digital video content market is currently valued at $171.5 billion. IMARC Group predicts it will grow to $355.2 billion in the future, with a 12.5% CAGR during the upcoming years. https://youtube.com/watch?v=FtW2n1xEGYA%3Fsi%3Dg_5HJexpvf3dgh7T FAQs: Video Marketing Statistics What Are the Most Important Video Marketing Statistics for Small Businesses to Know? Key stats for small businesses include: Average weekly video consumption is high. Short videos are preferred. Video can drive sales effectively. Additionally, most consumers find authenticity in videos important, and social media videos are great for acquiring new customers. These insights can guide your video marketing strategy. How big is the video marketing market? The digital video advertising market has a value of $53.2 billion. Experts predict it will grow to $712.6 billion, with a 29.6% CAGR over the coming years. How many businesses use video marketing? According to the Wyzowl research, 91% of businesses use video marketing. Small businesses use video marketing to boost engagement and sales. Videos capture attention better than text and can explain complex ideas simply. They’re also shareable, extending brand reach. How Can I Measure the Success of My Video Marketing Efforts? To measure the success of video marketing, track key metrics like view count, watch time, and click-through rate. You should also monitor engagement levels through likes, shares, and comments. And use analytics tools to assess lead generation and conversion rates. These metrics can offer insights into your video’s effectiveness. What Platforms Should I Prioritize for My Video Marketing Strategy? Choose platforms based on your target audience. YouTube is a must for a broad reach. For B2B, LinkedIn works well. Instagram and TikTok are great for a younger audience. Facebook is versatile and suitable for both B2C and B2B. Align platform choice with your business goals for maximum impact. What Are the Most Effective Video Formats for Engaging My Target Audience? According to HubSpot, video content showing your products/services (demos, teasers, etc.), trendy content (cultural moments, news stories), funny content, and interactive content (polls, games, augmented reality, etc.) are the most effective video formats to offer the biggest ROI. How Can I Stay Informed About the Latest Video Marketing Trends and Statistics? To stay updated on video marketing trends, subscribe to reputable marketing blogs and follow industry hashtags on social media. Attend webinars for real-time insights and read new research reports. Networking with peers can also offer valuable information. You should keep an eye on multiple sources to stay informed. There are also agencies and marketing franchises you can partner with to handle video marketing for you. Image: Depositphotos This article, "Eye-Opening Video Marketing Statistics Every Business Owner Should Know" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. It’s five answers to five questions. Here we go… 1. Am I being a grouch about this touchy-feely group activity? I work at a school. As the closing activity for today’s professional development session, Fergus (an administrator) split us into three groups, then asked two-thirds of us to stay seated with our eyes closed while the other third stood and moved around the room. Fergus read a series of prompts and invited those who were standing to “connect with” (that is, tap or pat on the shoulder) someone the prompt applied to (“connect with someone you admire,” “connect with someone whose work you’d like to learn more about,” etc.). Fergus read about 10 of these and then had a different third of the group stand and repeat the exercise, for a total of three rounds of affectionate shoulder-grasping. In the moment, I found this admittedly touchy-feely activity affirming; it’s nice to get patted on the shoulder after a prompt like “connect with someone who makes this school a better place.” That said: isn’t it a bit dicey to ask a large group of people to sit with their eyes closed while others move around them and touch them? I can imagine someone feeling uncomfortable about that for any number of reasons. (For one: I don’t think this would apply to my group, but what if my ex / person-with-unrequited-crush were in that workplace and I didn’t particularly want them touching me? Eek.) There wasn’t really a way to opt out of the activity without being quite obvious about it. Am I right that this is borderline inappropriate, and what should I have done in the moment? Yeah, it’s not a great workplace activity. In any large group of people, there’s a decent chance that some of them won’t be comfortable with physical touching (for all sorts of possible reasons) and a non-zero chance that someone might actually be upset by it. (Imagine someone whose harasser is in the room and they have to sit there with their eyes closed wondering who’s touching them … or people with particular types of trauma history.) Will most people be fine with it? Probably. But not everyone will be, and there are all sorts of ways to achieve the same aims of this exercise without making people touch each other / be touched. It’s just so easy to avoid. Updated to add: I apparently published this without addressing your question about what you could do in the moment! One option was to say when the activity was explained, “I think a lot of people might be uncomfortable being touched with their eyes closed. Is there a different exercise we could substitute?” It can be really hard to find the right words in the moment though (and it sounds like you felt positively about it at first anyway), and it’s always okay to give similar feedback to the organizer afterwards. 2. Have job search gimmicks become less popular? I’ve noticed that nothing has been added to the topic “gimmicks won’t get you a job” for a few years now. It seems like it was never a massive topic, which makes sense as it’s pretty niche. But it had at least one a year until 2014 with only four posted since, the newest of which is from 2022. Do you think it’s a flavor of bananapants that’s become less common? Have we all been robbed of our gumption? Or are the purveyors of scented resumes and fruit baskets still out there, lurking, waiting until we let our guard down? Interesting. I do think gimmick-based job-search advice is less common than it used to be; there was a while where it was everywhere. I suspect some of the change is due to generational change; those gimmicks tended to be (although weren’t always) the province of people who had entered the work world at an earlier point in history (where maybe things like showing up in a lobby and refusing to leave until you got an interview were looked on more kindly). I think there’s more to it than that, though, and maybe the overall shift in work culture has left people more cynical about the job search process and thus less likely to bother with gimmicky stunts. People almost expect to be ghosted or ignored by employers … which in theory could make them more likely to try to “stand out” through gimmicks, but I think it instead has manifested in more exhaustion and less inclination to invest a ton in any one job opening. Less gimmicky advice is a good thing, but everyone being so drained is not. (None of this is to say that gimmicks have disappeared. They definitely haven’t.) 3. Former coworker insists her job is harder now than when I was doing it I have a lovely ex-colleague who has recently moved to a promoted post in health care, similar to the post that I recently retired from. We meet up for a coffee and chat from time to time, and some of our conversations (but not all, I’m glad to say) turn to work topics. I don’t mind this at all because I generally enjoyed my job even though it could be very stressful, and I like hearing her anecdotes. However, whenever I mention any of my experiences, she always says, “It’s much worse now!” One example she gave, when I mentioned a patient who was very huffy with me, was that patients now shout at managers. Well, guess what? They always did! It’s just that this particular patient was huffy rather than shouty! I do appreciate that I’m no longer in the workplace and my friend is still dealing with difficult situations every day, but it’s kind of annoying to me that she always assumes that I had it easier than her. I really didn’t! I realize that this is not the most important of issues, but could you please suggest a nice way that I could say, “I support you but please stop telling me that the job was easier for me”? I don’t want to come across as defensive or spoil our time together, but it’s really irritating! One way to approach it is to be genuinely open to the idea that things are worse now! Who knows, maybe they are — but even if they aren’t, being curious about why she’s experiencing it that way might make it less frustrating. So for example, when she says patients now shout at managers when you were describing someone who was merely huffy, you could say, “I always found some patients shouted too, although this one didn’t. But it sounds like you think it’s increased — what changes have you been seeing?” And then if she describes absolutely nothing new, there’s no reason you can’t be straightforward about that and say, “Ugh, yes, that sounds like what I encountered all the time too. It’s really frustrating. How do you deal with it?” (Note that shift at the end from debating who had it worse to how she personally handles it.) But if that doesn’t solve it, I think you’re better off letting it go at that point. It’s annoying to feel like she’s trying to one-up you, but the path of least resistance is to shrug it off. If it’s really getting to you, though, you could name that: “You often say that the job was easier for me, but based on what you’ve described I don’t think it was. Either way, though, I’ll admit it grates to keep hearing that. I support you and I don’t want to compete over who had it worse!” If that doesn’t work, at that point you might simply need to stop talking about work! 4. Can I ignore my classmate’s LinkedIn request? I have a former graduate school classmate with whom I used to be close friends. Among my reasons for ending our friendship was their hyper-competitive streak. They have sent me a LinkedIn invitation, which I find completely inappropriate given the boundaries I had previously expressed to them. I know their reason for doing this is (a) because they are doing well and want to gloat or (b) they are doing poorly and need to compare their Ws & Ls with mine. I struggle allowing them access into my life, as it took quite some effort to extricate myself in the first place. On the other hand, I know LinkedIn etiquette suggests I should accept; as former classmates, we have many mutual connections. I would like for it to not look conspicuous that we are not connected. Graduate school is weird that way; it is an opportunity to build rich, deeply personal connections, but it’s inherently a professional network. Are my reasons good enough to ignore their invitation? Or is the professional course of action to just accept the invitation, assume strictly professional networking intentions, and move on? Ignore their invitation and don’t give it another thought. You don’t need to connect with anyone who you don’t feel like connecting with, and most people are unlikely to notice whether you accepted their request or not, especially if they’re sending requests to a bunch of people around the same time (which is common when leaving grad school). Plus, lots of people’s LinkedIn inboxes are such a mess or they check the site so infrequently that it’s really easy for requests to get lost or overlooked. It’s not a big deal! 5. How to explain an internal job search when I’ve struggled with my most recent role About a year ago, I changed roles within my company as part of a push for “internal mobility.” I wasn’t opposed to trying something new, but it wasn’t really presented as an option. It has been an ongoing challenge trying to get up to speed and there has been some friction with my new manager. I’m really not happy with the role, and one of the main drivers is that, frankly, I don’t think I’m very good at it. I can’t seem to grasp the fundamental concepts that underlie the function. I am well into my career, so I’m familiar with the learning curve that comes with a new job and a constant refrain of imposter syndrome. This is … not that. I really just don’t understand. I spend my days feeling like an idiot and a failure. My therapist assures me I’m not. (Yes, this job made me seek therapy) I am obviously trying to move on and have applied for another open role within my same company. I know that my short tenure at this current position is going to be a question, so how do I diplomatically say that I’m leaving because I’m just not that good? No one so far seems to accept my answer that it is not the right fit, and I’m not sure how to elaborate with out going into why I’m bad at this job, but don’t worry I’ll be great at yours and you should hire me. I suspect they’re not accepting “not the right fit” because it doesn’t tell them enough. They want to know why it’s not the right fit, so they can figure out if you’re likely to run into the same issues with the job they’re hiring for. (Which is in your interests too!) So ideally you’d say something like, “I’ve always excelled at X and Y but have found in this new role that Z doesn’t come naturally to me” (where Z is something you’re struggling with that won’t be part of the next job). Alternately, you could make it about your preferences rather than your skills: “I’ve realized I really miss having X be a part of my daily work and want to get back to it.” (Obviously that only works if X is in fact part of the new job, but there are lots of ways to adapt that basic formulation.) View the full article

Snapchat has announced new initiatives to support its global community of over 375,000 augmented reality (AR) creators and developers. The updates include a new monetization feature called Challenge Tags, as well as educational pricing and a student discount for Spectacles, Snap’s AR-enabled smart glasses. The most significant update is the launch of Challenge Tags, a feature designed to reward AR developers for their creativity. Developers can now win cash prizes by submitting Lenses using active Challenge Tags. Entries are evaluated on originality, technical excellence, and alignment with the given theme. Snapchat has partnered with Lenslist, an AR marketing platform, to facilitate global participation from developers in over 100 countries. Whether developers are new to Snap AR or seasoned creators, the process is straightforward: Register for the challenge. Use Snap’s AR authoring tool, Lens Studio, to build a Lens. Apply the relevant Challenge Tag during the publishing process. Challenges will be announced monthly, each featuring a unique theme and prize pool. The inaugural Challenge Tag theme is humor, offering a $10,000 prize pool. Winners will be announced on February 14, with prizes allocated as follows: First place: $2,500 Second place: $1,500 Third place: $1,000 Twenty honorable mentions: $250 each The challenge is open through January 31, giving developers a chance to showcase their skills and win recognition for their creative work. This article, "Snapchat Expands Opportunities for AR Creators with Challenge Tags and Discounts" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

IT IS ALWAYS a challenge to change the way you think. And success can make it that much harder. In Seduced by Success, Robert Herbold observes that “whether you are talking about individuals, small groups, or large organizations, success generates the risk of falling prey to the mindset of becoming proud, to being very comfortable with your current practices, and to losing your sense of urgency.” Instead of building on your successes, you become complacent, repeating what you have always done. The “legacy of success is too often failure.” As Peter Drucker wrote, “Success always makes obsolete the very behavior that achieved it. It always creates new realities. It always creates, above all, its own and different problems. Only the fairy tale ends, ‘They lived happily ever after.’” Here are nine traps that we face to help us put our past success into perspective and become “trapped in the exhilaration of the present.” Trap #1: Neglect: Sticking with Yesterday’s Business Model Things change. What you did yesterday does not guarantee success tomorrow. Every component of your business plan needs to be objectively examined for potential vulnerabilities. “It’s very important that your people understand that part of their job is to spot vulnerabilities and to make a lot of noise in bringing them to people’s attention so that you can take action.” At the same time, focus on what is working well. “What we should be doing is broadening the impact of what is working and adding new but related capabilities. What is important is to develop a culture that constantly asks the questions: ‘Where do we go from here with what is working? How do we broaden and deepen the impact of what is working?’” Trap #2: Pride: Allowing Your Products to Become Outdated Success can cause you to believe that you don’t have to do all of the dirty work that is required to stay ahead. You need to always be growing and improving over and over again to keep up with the demands of the marketplace and an ever-changing world. This slow, painful slide into irrelevance happens to successful products when their management succumbs to those three basic human tendencies: loss of urgency, a proud and protective attitude, and an entitlement mentality. Thoroughly focus on the next big thing. Pride often makes it difficult to think realistically about what is really happening in people’s minds and in the marketplace. Herbold cautions that the measure of success that you are currently using regarding your product or service may no longer be relevant in a changing world. Going forward, you may need to evaluate things differently. Trap #3: Boredom: Clinging to Your Once-Successful Branding After It Becomes Stale and Dull Keeping your brand fresh and contemporary is hard work. Once you become successful and think you have it all figured out, it is natural to sit back and reap the rewards. Know what your brand stands for and relentlessly reassess how it is carried out in all of the details of its execution. “You will want to protect the elements of your brand that you know have made you successful in the past. On the other hand, you’ve got to be objective about what the marketplace is saying and adjust accordingly.” Trap #4: Complexity: Ignoring Your Business Processes as They Become Cumbersome and Complicated Successful organizations often reward themselves by adding more and more people but allowing processes to become complex and fragmented. “They then reorganize into smaller groups to get as much clarity of responsibility as possible, but this often leads to unproductive fragmentation of processes that should be carried out organization-wide.” Processes can take on a life of their own. It is good to rotate people through assignments so they are less defensive about changes to processes they were once wedded to. Trap #5: Bloat: Rationalizing Your Loss of Speed and Agility Success usually means adding more and more people, which can create fragmentation and slow down decision-making. The bloat that success brings makes it very hard to react quickly to change. Complexity, duplication of functions, and bureaucracy set in. It is wise to use fresh talent to expand your perspective when moving into new areas or revamping what you have been doing. Use top talent and get out of their way. “One lesson I learned,” writes Herbold, “from both P&G and Microsoft, is that once you get great people on board and have them fired up, the worst thing you can do is to encumber them with bureaucratic committees, task forces, clearance processes, and other busywork that simply gums up the work.” Real leadership is the key to speed and agility. “It is important to cut your losses and move on when things aren’t working. That requires real leadership.” Trap #6: Mediocrity: Condoning Poor Performance and Letting Your Star Employees Languish Success can keep us from doing the hard things that brought us success in the first place. Many successful organizations treat people well, but they also treat them all the same. “While many companies take pride in this approach, the problem is that the superstars don’t get stretched, and the poor performers don’t get confronted.” Sometimes, it can be best to bring in fresh talent. “Fresh talent is especially effective when business practices have become routine and when the organization is falling behind the competition. Nothing uncovers opportunities quite like a new set of eyes.” Trap #7: Lethargy: Getting Lulled into A Culture of Comfort, Casualness, and Confidence There is a tendency for both individuals and organizations to become complacent, believing that they have all the answers, and to become casual about the things they should be urgent about. We can become defensive about any second thoughts about what we have always done, becoming arrogant and close-minded. When an organization has been working well for a while, it is not uncommon to see the leadership begin to nurture a retirement-home culture. “Its characteristics are slow, consensus-oriented decision making, comfort, ambiguity, casualness, confidence, and lack of aggressive behavior in general.” Clogged arteries. Organizations need to have an outward focus. It’s easy to get complacent when your focus is internal—especially internal comfort and satisfaction. Trap #8: Timidity: Not Confronting Wars, Infighting., and Obstructionists With success often comes the fragmentation into fiefdoms. “These entrenched division managements fight off any attempts to initiate significant change that might disrupt their fundamental comfort.” When all else fails, reorganize to dismantle the fiefdoms and get people back to basics. Trap #9: Confusion: Unwittingly Providing Schizophrenic Communications Clear communication is critical for the continued success of an organization. The words and deeds need to align, and when they don’t, confusion sets in. “Always give the employees a description of the current status of things, the desired outcome, and clear expectations of what should take place in the future.” Avoiding the 9 Traps of Success The key to avoiding the nine traps of success is having the humility to ask questions—a questioning attitude. Success breeds a culture of lack of urgency, satisfaction, excessive pride, a protective attitude toward the way things have been done in the past. Success also encourages an entitlement mentality that assumes that since you’ve done well in the past, that will always be the case. The humbling part of business is that just as soon as you have achieved some degree of success, the word gets out. Your competitors are observing you, and they are hungry and anxious. They are plotting aggressively to move ahead of where you are. That means you are actually in a foot race. But these human tendencies cause you to ignore all that and sit back and enjoy the comfort of finally arriving. So, remember two things. First, be as aggressive as you were when you were on your way up. Second, develop a culture that always asks questions, probing for new and better ways to do things. * * * Follow us on Instagram and X for additional leadership and personal development ideas. * * * View the full article

Google has been taking its crusade against adblockers to a whole new level lately, and users are speculating that unskippable multi-hour ads are its latest weapon. Over the past week, Redditors have been sharing screenshots showing that they’ve been served ads with runtimes as long as three hours, with no skip button in sight—and that's to watch videos that are much shorter than the ads themselves. Android Authority was the first to report on the phenomenon, linking to threads from users Lin1ex and Standard-Slip6572, who complained about the feature-length interruptions, complete with images of their screens with the ads in full view. The publication also pointed to commenters who made further claims, saying they were served 10-hour or even 90-hour ads, although these more extreme accusations lacked photo evidence. If that all sounds a little unbelievable to you, you have good instincts. In one of the linked photos above, you might see a small pop-up, separate from YouTube’s UI, that says “Skipping ads…” This pop-up led Android Authority to question whether it’s only users running ad blockers who are getting this kind of treatment, a question author Aamir Siddiqui reached out to YouTube for confirmation on. While the company didn't exactly admit to any specific punitive behavior for users employing adblockers, its answer did seem to hint at what’s going on, if you read between the lines. “...the use of ad blockers violate YouTube’s Terms of Service,” Google’s statement reads. “We’ve launched a global effort to urge viewers with ad blockers enabled to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad free experience.” By YouTube’s own admission, unskippable ads are supposed to be limited to 15-seconds (or up to 60 seconds on YouTube TV), so whether on purpose or not, something is definitely messing up here, assuming the Redditors’ claims are true. While I myself have gotten hour-long ads before, a skip button has always appeared for them. I reached out to YouTube myself for further clarification, and the company sent me a response that reads much like the one given to Android Authority, but with new lines denying that YouTube serves long, unskippable ads in the first place. "YouTube does not serve minutes-long, non-skippable ads," I was told. The company also said "Viewers with ad blockers may experience a suboptimal viewing experience, as some ad blockers distort the YouTube playback experience." This, again, does not necessarily outright blame ad blockers for the specific issue at hand or admit to any purposeful tweaking behind the scenes, although it does leave the possibility for "distorted" playback open (whatever that means). it's worth noting that, despite this denial, the move does line up with the company’s recent behavior. Previously, the company has injected ads straight into videos so that ad blockers can’t detect them, as well as used pop-ups to block users with ad blockers from watching videos at all. Google Chrome as a whole has also started disabling certain ad-blockers, thanks to a controversial change to the API extension developers use. If you notice an unskippable multi-hour ad on YouTube, try disabling your ad blocker to see if that fixes the problem. If it does, you might then want to try watching the video again in incognito mode to see if the issue is linked to your account—this should help you diagnose what’s going on so you can more easily know what to do next. Update 1/27/25 at 6:15 PM ET: Added response from YouTube. View the full article

Thinking about getting a new iPhone? You certainly have options: Apple's latest generation of smartphones, the iPhone 16 series, offers four different models, each with their own plusses and minuses. If you're not set on having the latest and greatest, you could consider last year's iPhone 15, or even 2022's iPhone 14. They're all great. However, there's one iPhone that stands out from the rest: the iPhone SE. Unlike every other iPhone Apple currently sells, this one has a Home button. In fact, the phone looks nearly identical to the iPhone 8 Apple released back in 2017, which itself borrows the design from 2014's iPhone 6. That means it has a smaller, lower quality display than many might be used to these days, a single camera that isn't as capable as newer iPhones, and poor battery life for its size. In short, the current SE is a bit of a black sheep, and is probably not the iPhone I'd recommend you buy in 2024—even if it only costs $429. That price is the main selling point of the SE brand, especially when this particular model launched back in 2022. Apple takes the design from the last generation (in this case, the iPhone 8 style), packs a modern chip inside, and slashes the MSRP. In effect, you get an iPhone that can keep up with the performance of the flagship Apple phones, but at half the cost, if not more. Sure, the cameras aren't as good, and the device looks a bit dated, but again, you get a lot of iPhone for the price. To be frank, if you're eyeing a mid-range device at a good price, I wouldn't recommend buying an iPhone at all right now. But if you can wait until spring, Apple might just have exactly what you're looking for in a brand-new SE (which, according to rumors, might even have a different name). 2025 could be the year of the SEAs reported by MacRumors, analysts have confirmed Apple is working on a fourth-generation iPhone SE. The only "confirmed" spec from this report is an Apple-made 5G modem. If true, it would be the first iPhone with a non-Qualcomm 5G modem, but it's not clear whether that would mean any performance gains or other positive changes for customers. Analysts say the SE is set to launch at the end of Q1 2025, which might track with a rumored March announcement. Apple unveiled the SE 3 in March 2022, so it'd be consistent. According to the rumors, we'll see an iPhone SE 4 (or whatever it releases as) with some decent specs. MacRumors says the new SE could have a 6.1-inch OLED display with Face ID, an upgraded A-series chip (though it's not certain which chip Apple would use), USB-C, a 48 MP rear camera, 8GB of RAM, and this new 5G modem. That extra RAM would allow the SE 4 to run Apple Intelligence, which is obviously important to Apple, but perhaps not to anyone who has already turned it off. If those features come to pass, this would be quite the upgrade over the current iPhone SE. The SE 3 is rocking a 4.7-inch 750p LCD, a much smaller and lower resolution display than what's rumored. It also uses the A15 Bionic chip, which is still powerful enough in 2024 (it's the same chip used in the iPhone 14), has a Lightning port, a 12 MP rear camera, 4GB of RAM, and, of course, a Qualcomm 5G modem. The SE always borrows from the previous generation of iPhone, and right now, that's likely the iPhone 14. Based on these rumors, the new SE would have some edge over the iPhone 14: The 14 has 12 MP rear cameras, 6GB of RAM, a Lightning port, and doesn't support Apple Intelligence, all of which the rumored SE improves upon. And while the 14's A15 Bionic chip is plenty powerful for iOS 18, the SE 4 will undoubtedly come with a newer A-series chip. The A15 was the newest iPhone chip at the time when the SE 3 came out: If Apple continues the trend, the SE 4 could get the iPhone 16's A18 chip. Even the 15 Pro's A17 chip would be quite the upgrade. There's also a potential name change in store for the iPhone SE 4, as noted leaker Majin Bu (don't you have Saiyans to fight?) has said Apple is considering naming it the iPhone 16E, pushing it as a budget version of its most recent model rather than a separate line altogether. Bu's report follows a similar statement from popular Chinese account Fixed Focus Digital. What would a new iPhone SE look like?Aside from the internals, leakers have also now gotten their hands on supposed dummy units of the iPhone SE 4. As expected, these look a lot like the iPhone 14, but with two noticeable changes. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The biggest changes here, at least according to a video from also coming from Majin Bu, are the swap to a USB-C port and the move to a single camera lens. The former is necessary for the phone to be sold in the EU and constitutes a modest upgrade over the 14, while the latter is likely a cost-cutting measure, but could still be considered an upgrade if the single lens is more powerful than the prior dual lenses, as rumored. Notably, while the move to a single camera lens is a change from the iPhone 14, the current iPhone SE also only uses a single camera lens, and it does provide for a less noticeable camera bump. Over the old SE, the Home button is also now gone, and noticeably, a notch is here in place of the Dynamic Island Apple made standard on all new iPhones starting with the iPhone 15. That's not wholly a surprise, given the base iPhone 14 had a notch too, but anyone who was hoping Apple would leave notches entirely in the past after the iPhone 15 announcement will likely need to wait for the SE 5 (or whatever it's called) to see that wish come true. Bu isn't the first leaker to come forward with an iPhone SE 4 dummy, although their post is certainly clearer than prior looks, especially regarding the notch. Will Apple keep the price low?Of course, the value of a rumored SE all hinges on the price. Ideally, Apple would keep the same $429 price point for the SE 4—which, itself, was a hike from the $399 starting price for past SE models. These rumors point to a excellent all-around iPhone that omits certain modern or "Pro" features like a Camera button, Action button, zoom lens, titanium build, 120Hz ProMotion display, Always-On display, Dynamic Island, and a brightness maximum of 2,000 nits. Hopefully, scrapping these features most users don't want or need can motivate Apple to price the SE accordingly. As of this writing, rumors don't suggest what Apple will do, one way or another. At the end of the day, most people looking to buy an iPhone want something that can handle iMessage and FaceTime, run their favorite apps, and take great photos and videos. The SE traditionally handles these tasks without issue, so if the fourth-generation iPhone SE does indeed deliver on these rumors, and is priced appropriately, it might be the best iPhone for most of us. View the full article

Rabbit has introduced a new lineup of tailored logo design packages aimed at businesses of all sizes. The company combines creativity and strategy to help brands develop distinctive visual identities that resonate with their audiences. Rabbit’s origins trace back to founder Srdjan Stojicic’s early success as a freelancer on Fiverr, an online platform connecting businesses with creative professionals. Over more than a decade on Fiverr, Stojicic earned recognition as a top-rated designer, amassing over 3,000 five-star reviews and generating $750,000 in earnings. His work with clients across diverse industries provided the foundation for Rabbit’s approach to logo design. “Fiverr gave me the opportunity to turn my vision into reality,” Stojicic said. “It allowed me to connect with clients across the globe and understand the unique needs of businesses in diverse industries. That experience became the foundation for Rabbit.” Through his time on Fiverr, Stojicic refined his ability to craft logos that capture the unique essence of a brand, skills that now form the backbone of Rabbit’s design philosophy. Rabbit’s launch represents a significant milestone for Stojicic, who aims to bring a more focused and strategic approach to logo design. The company’s new service offerings include three tailored packages designed to meet the needs of startups, growing businesses, and established brands. “Our goal is simple: to transform ideas into iconic logos that resonate,” Stojicic explained. “Whether sleek and modern or timelessly classic, we strive to create designs that tell the story of each business.” Rabbit’s offerings aim to bridge creativity and precision, ensuring that every client receives a logo that not only reflects their brand identity but also helps them stand out in competitive markets. Stojicic credits his experience on Fiverr for providing the tools and confidence to launch Rabbit. “Fiverr taught me invaluable lessons about business and gave me the confidence to dream bigger,” he said. “It connected me to incredible clients and provided the springboard for Rabbit’s growth.” Image: Rabbit This article, "Rabbit Launches New Logo Design Services" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Handheld gaming consoles are no longer dominated by Nintendo; PC games entered the handheld industry market with competition from Valve and ASUS. Valve’s Steam Deck was the best budget option available until ASUS released the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 in 2023, which is the budget version of the more powerful ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme. During Best Buy's 48-hour Flash Sale, you can actually get the more premium ASUS ROG Ally Extreme for cheaper than the basic Rog Ally. It's currently $449.99 (originally $649.99), currently the lowest price I have seen over the last few months, according to price tracking tools. ASUS ROG Ally 7" Extreme $449.99 at Best Buy $649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Get Deal $449.99 at Best Buy $649.99 Save $200.00 SEE -2 MORE The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 is a great option for PC gamers who are used to the Windows system and want to play their games on a portable system. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 Extreme is cheaper than most budget gaming laptops, although its processing power and graphics are limited. You can see whether the budget or Extreme version or the Z1 is better for you here. Don’t expect to play every AAA smoothly without having some kind of problem. For most big AAA games, you will need a full-sized desktop or gaming laptop to run without hiccups. While you can play some on the ASUS ROG Ally Z1, you will have to accept playing with lower frames per second to make them run (our readers claim to be able to play AAA games at 60FPS without issues). If you’re not familiar with the Windows 11 operating system, this can be tricky to do. The ASUS ROG Ally Z1 brings you 512GB of memory with a micro SD memory card slot if you want to expand it, an AMD Ryzen Z1 processor, 16GB RAM, and a seven-inch touchscreen LED with a maximum video resolution of 1080p. The rechargeable battery will give you about eight and a half hours of battery time. You can read the full PCMag review of the ASUS ROG Ally Z1 here. While the ASUS ROG Ally is not objectively better or worse than the Steam Deck, at its current price, the Ally Z1 can be a better option than the Steam Deck for most people. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Housing is getting smaller and more expensive—which means many of us are putting our mental energy into making our existing homes work for us even if they’re bursting their seams with stuff. From storage unit strategies to time-honored ideas like making sure every stick of furniture comes with bonus storage capabilities, we’re all trying to cram two houses’ worth of stuff into one house. If your house appears to be at full capacity and you just don’t have any more room for shelves, cabinets, or anything else, you have one move left: Start literally carving storage out of the bones of your house. There are hidden voids everywhere, and with a little elbow grease and surprisingly little skill you can fill those hollows with your stuff. Here are a few easy ways to carve storage out of your home. Interior wallsNo matter what kind of house you live in, or what size it is, you have walls. And the interior, non-load-bearing walls in your house are probably framed with 2x4 studs and clad in drywall. If you remove the drywall, it will look something like this: Credit: sockagphoto/Shutterstock Those hollows can be pretty easily transformed into shallow shelf space. Framing 2x4s are actually about 3.5 inches deep (for reasons), which is actually just deep enough for paperback books or any small items (e.g., spice bottles, bathroom supplies). Here are the basics for carving storage out of your walls: Use a stud finder that also detects wiring and plumbing, like this one. You want a section of wall free from clutter that also doesn’t threaten to electrocute you or flood your house if you slip with the drill. Use the stud finder to map out where your studs are—they should be either 16 or 24 inches apart, but you can run into weird exceptions, especially in older homes or homes where a DIY maniac did a lot of their own work. Decide how tall you want your storage area to be, and use a utility knife or multitool to cut out the drywall. Paint the exposed back of the other side of the wall, or cover it with wallpaper or whatever else you want. Take a 1x4 and cut two one-inch pieces for each shelf you’re going to add. Screw these into the studs on either side of your opening at the heights you want your shelves to be. Use a level, for goodness’ sake, to make sure your shelves will be level. Alternatively, you could drill pin holes for shelf supports so you have adjustable shelving; pin holes are typically 1/4 inch in size, but you should pick your shelving and check the diameter of the supports before you commit. Cut 1x4s or 2x4s to size to act as your shelves and set in place. Trim the opening with more 1x4 (or whatever you want, if you’ve got some woodworking skills), fill holes, caulk, and paint. Voila! Viable storage set into the wall. You can add one or more of these storage options anywhere in the house, and if you don’t need them any more you can just remove the trim, drywall over the opening, and forget it was ever there. StaircasesThe stairs in your house represent a lot of wasted space. If they’re open, meaning you can already access the space under them, you have a few simple options for turning that space into usable storage, including sloped shelf brackets (and/or sloped clothing rod holders) attached to the underside of the stairs, some appropriately sized stock cabinets, or simply stacking up some storage cubes in a neat geometric pattern. If the stairs are closed (meaning the empty space below is covered by drywall), you can get more ambitious and create built-in storage under there. This could be as simple as replicating the in-wall storage described above—cutting out some drywall between studs to gain access to the void under the stairs, then adding a small door for access—or getting fancy with a set of pull-out shelves (this might be a project worth hiring a carpenter for). As long as you don’t mess with the support structure of the stairs there’s no reason you can use that void underneath. Toe-kicksThe “toe-kick” is that part at the bottom of your kitchen and bathroom cabinets that are set back so you can stand super close to the counters. There’s usually nothing but empty space behind them so they are an ideal spot to carve out some extra storage for your house. You can buy kitchen cabinets with toe-kick drawers already included, but if don't have those, you can add toe-kick storage to existing cabinetry—but it requires custom-built drawers. You can find folks to make them for you on Etsy, or hire a local carpenter to build them for you. Then it’s just a matter of removing the existing toe-kick cover, installing the drawer slides, and then inserting the drawer itself. Keep in mind that these drawers will be very shallow—you’re not getting pots and pans in there. But they will enable you to get a lot of smaller stuff off your counters and out of your other drawers and cabinets, opening up plenty of extra space. FloorsLike walls, your floor is a system of joists spaced 16 or 24 inches apart, and you can cut a section out of your floor between joists, build in some storage, then re-attach the floor section with a hinge and a handle to create storage under the floor. This is a surprisingly simple project, though you’ll have to get comfortable with cutting up your floor: Figure out where your joists are, and measure out how large you want your storage to be. Make sure pipes and wiring aren’t going to get in the way. Mark a section of the floor that’s about a half-inch wider. This will create a “lip” of joist that the section will rest on when closed. Cut out your floor and subfloor, being careful not to cut into the joists themselves. Build a simple plywood box and insert it into the space you’ve created, attached to the joists. Turn your section of floor into a trap door. Fill up your new storage box and drop the door into place. If you take care with your build, it will be nearly invisible. View the full article

Like storytelling, cooking skills are often passed down from family. You mosey into the kitchen as a kid and watch your parents cut, stir, cook, and bake a few times a day, and that’s how you do it yourself later in life. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with the knife techniques you grew up with, there’s a chance you’re missing out on a few foundational skills. Learning the difference between similar cuts (and when to use each) can help you make progress toward cooking goals that have been hard to reach, like duplicating recipes you’ve seen on the internet. Or maybe you want to work in the food industry—most of the intricate, professional cuts you see in restaurants all begin with one of these basic methods. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann SliceAfter absorbing the importance of keeping your knives sharp and tucking your fingertips out of the way, the first cut you need to learn to the basic slice. The slice is a single straight, vertical cut, from the top down to the cutting board (which is sitting safely and securely on your countertop). To properly slice, you don’t usually thrust down with force, but instead smoothly run the knife through the ingredient with consistent speed and pressure. This versatile cut can be made wide for a crusty slice of bread, medium for your burger’s tomato, or paper thin for apple chips. Before slicing (or trying any of the following cuts): If your fruit or veggie doesn’t have a flat side, it’s common practice to slice a small chip off one of the sides so you can sit the produce firmly on the cutting board without worrying about it rolling away. Then, slice at will. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Plank Slicing leads to planking. This knife cut involves making a long, lengthwise slice. The plank cut is aesthetically pleasing and I love it, no more so than when grilling. The ideal shape for your planked veggies is thinner than it is long—rectangular, and reminiscent of a plank of wood (go figure). You can cut perfect planks of carrots after you evenly cut off the rounded bits. The plank can involve a fair amount of waste if you want perfect edges, but you can do rustic planks too. (Who doesn’t love a reclaimed-wood coffee table?) For grilling and roasting, slice zucchini, eggplant, cauliflower, and other hearty vegetables lengthwise into thick, even planks. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Rough Chop“Chop” can be a non-specific word for cutting, but definitionally, it’s close to the dice (outlined below). I differentiate the rough chop because, in my experience, it’s one of the most used cuts in home cooking. The goal is to get medium to small pieces that are about the same size, but uniformity is not an imperative. This cut doesn’t promise precision or pretty presentation, but it’s still safe and useful. To rough chop herbs, vegetables, fruits, or nuts, break down big ingredients into smaller pieces first. Keep one hand on the handle and the other either holding the vegetable or on the spine of the knife to add leverage with your fingers out of harm’s way, and start chopping. Again, no need to be perfect—just send the blade down at your own pace. Afterward, chop through the ingredients again in the other direction; that might mean turning your knife, the food, or the cutting board 90 degrees to get the right angle. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann DiceThe dice is more of a precision cut than a rough chop. The goal is to create neat cubes of food. You can dice in a variety of sizes—usually large, medium, and small. (Once you go finer than a small dic, the cuts get new names.) To dice fruits and vegetables neatly, slice off the irregularities and rounded sides. Cut into planks. Stack the planks and cut them lengthwise once or twice, depending on the size of the dice. Keeping the pieces stacked, spin the item and cut widthwise to achieve perfect cubes. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann MinceA mince can be precise or rough, but the results of both are tiny. Precise mincing is like an extra-small dice; you’re making very small cubes. It usually involves a fine blade so you can make cuts that are close together. Make a series of close parallel cuts, equally sized, along all three axes like a dice, but with the cuts closer together. If you were to mince a carrot, you’d cut it into planks, turn it and cut it into long strips, then turn the strips and cut across them at a 90° angle and cut straight down to make petite cubes. A rough mince is done with a fine blade or even a cleaver, depending on what you’re cutting. Frequently, rough mincing is done with herbs, garlic, seeds, and nuts—things that are small to begin—with so shaping them into precise cubes is a big ask. But it can be fun, like over-doing a rough chop on purpose. Mice without precision using a sharp chef’s knife, which has has a curved blade that helps you create a rocking motion. Gather the ingredient into a heap and, using your fingers or the top of the palm on your non-dominant hand, put pressure on the end of the blade to anchor it to the cutting board. Angle your fingers up to keep them safe, and press on the spine of the knife, with knife’s heel angled upward and the ingredients underneath, waiting to be mowed down. Your dominant hand holds the handle of the knife. Rock the heel of the knife down along the curve of the blade, and up again, keeping the tip-end of the knife planted so it never loses contact with the cutting board. This creates something like a one-sided see-saw. As you rock the blade through the ingredients, pivot slightly to change the angle and make increasingly smaller cuts. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann Roll cutI saved my favorite cut for last. The roll cut is not exactly precise, but it’s not “rough” either. Also referred to as an oblique cut, it’s ideal for long, round vegetables that roll, like carrots, zucchini, and potatoes. The roll cut creates a morsel of food that has multiple sides, none parallel. Usually with a slice, chop, dice or mince, at least two of the edges, or cuts, are parallel or close to it; not so with the roll cut. Besides the pleasing aesthetic, cutting a vegetable like this allows you to make similarly sized pieces even if the vegetable has a small and a large end. It creates a little more surface area, allowing the veg to cook quickly and evenly, and the different angles keep pieces from stacking or sticking together in the pan. To roll cut a carrot, sit the entire carrot facing East-West on a cutting board. If you normally would hold your knife at a 90 degree angle to the carrot, North-South, now you’ll angle it 45 degrees inward, Northwest to Southeast. Your knife will stay like this, making the same 45 degree cut; he carrot is what rolls. Make the first cut and roll the carrot a quarter or a third of a turn. Cut. Roll the carrot again, and repeat. At the thin end make the cuts farther apart and toward the thick end make the cuts closer together, so the sections are similarly-sized. Once you get familiar with this cut, you can adjust the angle of the knife and the spacing of each cut to change the shape. Your pieces will have charming oblique cuts facing different directions. View the full article

Microsoft Ads will soon roll out four major updates to Performance Max, significantly expanding your ability to target, measure, and optimize your campaigns. These updates will give advertisers more granular control over their automated campaigns while introducing LinkedIn’s professional targeting data — a unique advantage over competing platforms. What’s new. Here are the four new features: LinkedIn integration. Advertisers in six major markets (U.S., Canada, UK, Australia, France, and Germany) will be able to tap into LinkedIn’s professional targeting data, including company, industry, and job function signals. Reporting gets granular. Advertisers will be able to analyze performance by audience segments and track individual asset performance, providing clearer insights into what’s working. Smart conversion tracking. New conversion value rules will let advertisers adjust values in real-time based on business-specific factors like location and device usage, making automated bidding more precise. New customer focus. You will be able to enable specific targeting of new customers, with options to either increase bids for new customers or focus exclusively on acquiring them. Why we care. Should these long awaited changes fully roll out, it should give you more precise control over automated campaigns while providing better measurement tools and access to professional audience data. For B2B marketers especially, the LinkedIn targeting integration across represents a significant competitive advantage with these new sophisticated audience targeting opportunities. What’s next. These features are in pilot, suggesting Microsoft is gathering feedback before a broader rollout. Bottom line. Microsoft is positioning Performance Max as a more sophisticated alternative to competing automated ad platforms by leveraging its unique access to LinkedIn’s professional network data. View the full article

YouTube is testing a new advertising offering that lets brands own its most prominent ad space — the Masthead — by the hour, marking a significant shift in how marketers can capture attention. This new Cost-Per-Hour (CPH) Masthead gives advertisers 100% share of voice across all YouTube devices during crucial timeframes, potentially transforming how brands approach major launches and cultural moments, according to a slide obtained by Search Engine Land. The big picture. The CPH Masthead complements YouTube’s existing CPM (cost per thousand impressions) Masthead offering, providing advertisers more flexibility in how they dominate YouTube’s prime advertising real estate. How it works. Advertisers can purchase specific hours leading up to, during, or after their priority moments, guaranteeing complete ownership of eligible Masthead impressions across desktop, mobile, connected TV, and tablet devices. Preview of a Masthead ad Why we care. YouTube’s new Cost-Per-Hour Masthead offering represents a significant shift in premium advertising control, giving brands guaranteed 100% share of voice across all YouTube platforms during specific hours. This offering would give you maximum visibility during your most critical marketing moments, with the added flexibility to combine these hourly takeovers with regular CPM campaigns for comprehensive coverage. Between the lines. This move signals YouTube’s recognition that advertisers need more precise timing control for major brand moments, rather than just broad reach. By the numbers. While YouTube hasn’t disclosed specific pricing, the flat cost-per-hour pricing model offers predictable budgeting for marketers — a departure from traditional impression-based pricing. Target use cases: Major product launches Time-sensitive announcements Holiday campaigns Livestream event promotion Cultural moment marketing How to get it. Advertisers are advised to reach out to their representative to learn more about CPH Masthead buys. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. When you're scrolling TikTok for cleaning inspiration or looking to beef up your product arsenal, it can be overwhelming to see how many products there are out there—and how much they all cost. You don't need to spend a small fortune to keep a clean house, though. There are some excellent budget-friendly products on the market that work wonders all over your home and should be your new cleaning staples. The best cleaning solutions for the priceI've mentioned this before, but if you want true bang for your buck in the cleaning space, you should consider swapping your standard cleaning solution for those that have double the concentration. I've had great results with the upgraded Pine Sol and Fabuloso, finding that they clean more surfaces with less fluid than their standard predecessors and that aren't much more expensive, if at all: Broadly speaking, the 56-ounce bottle of 2x-concentrated Fabuloso is $5.49, and 48 ounces of the regular stuff will run you $4.59 while the price of 80 ounces of double-concentrated Pine Sol is between $15 and $20, depending on various discounts, with 96 ounces of regular Pine Sol coming in at $15. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson I don't mind paying slightly more for a product that is going to do a better job, but the nice thing about these is that you can wait around for sales and almost always find a good deal somewhere, whether it's Target, Amazon, or Walmart, making them about the same price as the standard bottles. My holy grail vacuum is not very pricyI love my Bissell CrossWave OmniForce, a dual mop-and-vacuum combo, and while it routinely goes on sale for shopping holidays, it's still hundreds of dollars, so it's not ideal for someone looking to clean on a budget. You can stay within the Bissell family and still get a powerful machine, however. In fact, my favorite vacuum of all time is the humble Bissell Featherweight Stick. Bissell Featherweight Stick Lightweight Bagless Vacuum $32.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Shop Now Shop Now $32.98 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg Depending on various sales and where you get it, it's usually around $30. I am devoted to mine because even though it's so small, its suction is mighty. I use it for spot cleaning because it's perfect for zeroing in on messes. You can also remove the stick and use it as a handheld vacuum, which makes it more versatile. There is a flat attachment that turns it into a standard vacuum, too, so it's perfect for use on carpets, hard floors, specific messes, and more, all over the house. Don't spend too much on mopping, eitherGreat, so the floor is vacuumed for cheap, but what about mopped? I love my Swiffer WetJet because it's small and easy to use. I live in a small apartment where storing a full-sized mop would be laughably annoying, so the slim WetJet with its built-in cleaning solution dispenser has always been ideal for me. The problem is, though, that you always have to buy new pads for it—or so I thought. Instead of repurchasing the disposable Swiffer pads every few weeks, you can actually invest just once in a reusable microfiber head that attached to your WetJet. And I say "invest" lightly here, since it's just $6.99 for two. Comparably, 24 branded WetJet pads are $13.77 and the Amazon Basics version is $7.54 for 30. That's not terrible, but still not as economical as picking up the reusable pads. Sponges shouldn't be expensiveIf you're looking to CleanTok influencers for advice on sponges, you'll inevitably hear that the Scrub Daddy is the best sponge you can get. At $13.99 for three, they come out to be less than $5 per sponge and while that's a decent deal and they do last a long time, I recommend something else: Silicone scrubbers. You can get three for $7.99 (or even less if you check out your local dollar store) and they last for, in my experience, years. Designate one for dishes, one for bathroom messes, and one for kitchen messes—or one for whatever specific issues crop up in your home—and you'll have them for ages. The little tendrils really get at messes, soap suds up great in them, and they're easy to handle, especially since they don't start to fall apart like regular sponges. I also love that you can just rinse them and hang them to dry and they never start to stink because no dampness or old crud gets stuck inside them. Geloo Silicone Sponges, 3 Pack $7.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $9.99 Save $2.00 Shop Now Shop Now $7.99 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $9.99 Save $2.00 Speaking of sponges, I am a devout forever-fan of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Ultra Foamy, which is already just $2.49 for one. I recommend keeping at least one Ultra Foamy around to deal with tough messes like stuck-on adhesive, but for extra budget-friendly cleaning power, you can get a bulk pack of generic-brand melamine sponges. Magic Erasers are just melamine sponges with a fancy name, so for standard messes, feel free to grab a 20-pack of plain ones for $11.99, which makes them just 60 cents per sponge. Heavy-duty scrubbing action for cheapFinally, you'll notice that telescopic electric scrubbers are all the rage on CleanTok, which isn't too bad, since they are generally around $40 on Amazon (though they can cost more). It's true that outsourcing your manual labor to a machine makes cleaning easier and more efficient, but you can do it even more cheaply if you already own a drill. For $17.95, you can get 23 brush head attachments for your drill, which can tackle grout, upholstery, tiles, small crevices, and more. All that's missing here is the long telescopic head, but to save over half your money might just be worth it. Holikme 23-Pack Drill Brush Attachment St $17.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.00 Save $6.05 Shop Now Shop Now $17.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $24.00 Save $6.05 View the full article

There are benefits to training in heart rate zone 2, and you’ve probably heard all about them. But what happens when your heart rate spikes into zone 3, whether when you're on a run or doing cardio at the gym? Surprise: You don’t lose the benefits of zone 2 training. Zone 3 is arguably just as good for you, or maybe even better. Remember, the reason people are excited about zone 2 training is that it helps you build your aerobic base and burn calories without incurring much fatigue. Guess what zone 3 training also does? Yep, it helps you build your aerobic base, burn even more calories, and usually only incur a tiny bit more fatigue than zone 2. So why aren’t we all doing more zone 3 cardio? Zone 2 is overratedThere are reasons to run (or do any cardio) at lower intensities, and reasons to use higher intensities. Easy cardio is having a moment right now, so everybody is talking about doing more zone 2. Before heart-rate monitors were widespread, you had to judge what was “easy” by yourself, or by comparing your speed of running to what you knew you could do in a race. Non-athletes had the “talk test": If you could hold a conversation while jogging, you knew you were at an easy, steady pace. But when everybody has a watch that tells them their heart rate, suddenly we’re looking at specific numbers, and our watches color code the numbers so you know when you’re in zone 2 versus zone 3. Your heart ticks up a beat? You’re out of your zone. Straight to workout jail! But the reality is, your body isn’t getting a drastically different workout at 153 beats per minute than it was at 152. There probably isn’t even much difference between, say, 145 and 155, as long as they’re both within that conversational-ish effort level. Workout zones aren’t realThe most popular heart-rate zone systems use zones that are divided up for convenient measuring. They don't have any precise relationship to what's going on in your body. Your body does have some true dividing lines when it comes to exercise intensity (like the point at which you can't speak comfortably anymore, or the point at which lactate accumulates faster than you can clear it), but these don't correspond exactly to the typical five-zone system. The five-zone system, as a refresher, is based on where your heart rate falls as a percentage of your maximum heart rate. There will be specific percentages defined as the boundaries of each zone, and the five zones are usually described something like this: zone 1: rest or minimal effort zone 2: easy breezy conversational pace zone 3: ??? zone 4: pretty hard zone 5: maximal effort It's a cute idea, and many people find this system helpful, but these zones are not based on any scientific findings that prove we get such-and-such benefits at 60-70% of max heart rate, and such-and-such different benefits at 71-80%. If you aren’t convinced, just look at how different gadgets and apps define the zones differently: Your “zone 2” might be 60-70% on Apple Watch, but 65%-75% on a Peloton. At, say, 73%, the Apple Watch would say you're in zone 3 but the Peloton would say you're in zone 2. Who is right? Neither, really. Research on the benefits of exercise doesn’t use heart rate zones, or at least not of this type. They may measure intensity in a few different ways, including whether you are above or below your ventilatory threshold (basically, whether or not you can talk while exercising) or your lactate threshold (measured through blood chemistry, but basically the highest effort you can sustain for a long time). Sometimes they’ll measure METs, which relate to how much energy you use to do work, or they'll put everything in terms of oxygen consumption (this is where the term VO2max comes from). Occasionally these studies will send participants home with heart rate-based guidelines, but those tend to be drawn from their personal scientific measurements, rather than the cookie-cutter zones you get from an app or from watching a video on youtube. Conversational pace includes zone 2 and most of zone 3So let’s take a closer look at that idea of the “talk test” or “conversational pace.” The guideline to keep your easy cardio at a chatty pace does come from a scientific concept: the ventilatory threshold. Imagine you start out at a walk, and every minute or so you increase your speed a bit. As you work harder, you’ll hit a point where your breath becomes a little ragged, and your sentences choppy. If you were conversing with a friend, you'd be grunting out a few words at a time, rather than casually telling a story. That point is your ventilatory threshold, or VT (sometimes called VT1). When athletes or coaches talk about easy pace or easy efforts, they usually want you below your VT. The way people talk about zone 2, you’d think that the VT occurs at the top of zone 2. But nope—conversational pace is closer to 80%, which is the top of zone 3. For example, here’s a study on recreational runners that found VT1 to be, on average, at 78% of the runners’ max heart rate. And they tested the runners’ max heart rate, rather than using a formula based on age. (Never trust the default formulas.) So if you’re trying to train at an easy pace, or if you’re using the 80/20 rule to keep 80% of your runs easy, you can do those easy runs or cardio sessions in zones 2 and 3, not just zone 3. Zone 3 is still aerobic and still easyNow that I've explained why the zone 2/zone 3 distinction is arbitrary, you see why it makes more sense to look at zones 2 and 3 (or even zones 1 through 3) as a continuum. At the lower end, you’ll be running or pedaling slower, burning fewer calories, and feeling like you’re barely doing any work. (Hello, cozy cardio!) At the higher end (or the top of zone 3), you’re still getting a lot of aerobic work done, still benefiting your mitochondria and your capillaries and everything else, but you’re doing it in less time. If you’re interested in calorie burn per hour, zone 3 is more efficient. Cyclists sometimes call training in this range the “sweet spot.” It gives you some of the advantages of harder training without making you too fatigued. For runners, zone 3 may include some of your tempo runs, some of your race-pace runs, and some of your faster “easy” runs. So what’s the point of zone 2, if you can get all of its benefits in zone 3? That depends on your big picture: If you’re doing a lot of training, you’ll probably want some of it to be in zone 2, if only to save some energy while you’re getting more miles on your feet. But if you only run, say, three times a week, it’s unlikely that those couple of runs will wear you down much even if you do them all in zone 3. You shouldn’t read too much into your heart rate anywayThis brings me back to my grudge against heart-rate monitors. (It’s a grudge borne of love; I track my own heart rate when I run and find it useful in many ways.) Your heart rate doesn’t only track with your training effort; it also responds to a lot of other factors. For example, it responds to summer heat, showing you higher numbers in hot weather. It can also show higher numbers if you’re more fatigued, or at the end of a run compared to the beginning, and it may show higher numbers if you’re a bit dehydrated. When you run a race, you may find that your heart rate is higher than expected at the start, just because you’re a bit nervous. Some medications can alter your heart rate as well—beta blockers, for example, notoriously lower your heart rate. And then there’s the question of whether your fitness tracker's zones are set correctly (even knowing that, yes, their boundaries are made up). If you’ve never run an all-out race or series of hill sprints, your watch may have never seen your maximum heart rate. So if it says that your max must be 184 because you are 36 years old, it’s just grabbing numbers from a formula. That makes as much sense as buying shoes based on the average shoe size for a 5’6” woman, rather than actually measuring your feet (or trying on the shoes). If you go out for an easy run and find that your heart rate was in “zone 5” the whole time, I guarantee you that isn’t your zone 5. So if your heart rate creeps into zone 3 on a “zone 2” training run, that may or may not be accurate. But even if it is, if you can still breathe and speak more or less normally, you’re getting plenty of benefits from your zone 3 cardio. Is zone 2 or 3 better for fat loss? Both are good! If you can only do cardio a few times a week, and don't mind working hard, zone 3 is a great place to be. It's less fatiguing than HIIT, but packs more of a punch than zone 2. But if you have more time, you may want to work toward the 50 to 60 minutes of exercise per day that researchers have found works the best at helping people lose weight and keep it off. (Here's one interesting study where this level of exercise worked even without dietary changes.) This is a lot of exercise! To get that amount of work in, most people would not be comfortable doing it all as zone 3 training—but zone 2 is a lot more doable. The more exercise you do, the more you'll need to include easier work, like zone 2, to give yourself a break from the harder days. So if you're doing a ton of exercise, at least some of it should be zone 2, and some can be zone 3 or higher if you like. If you're only exercising a few days a week, zone 3 is probably better. What is the best heart rate zone for cardio? Every zone has a benefit, so if you're trying to increase your cardio fitness, you should spend time in all of them. Zone 1 is good for warmups, cooldowns, and the recovery periods between intervals. Zone 2 is good for long sustained efforts. It's usually OK to do zone 2 in place of a rest day. Zone 3 helps you adapt to harder work than zone 3. It burns more fat but incurs a little bit more fatigue than zone 2, as we've discussed. It's also the zone where you'll practice race pace if you're training for a race like a half marathon. Zone 4 helps you to work close to your lactate threshold, which improves your endurance when you're working hard. This is an important zone for athletes, but it's usually only done one or a few times per week, not for every workout. Zone 5 is a very hard zone, and is great for HIIT workouts (with zone 1 work, like walking, to recover in between those hard intervals). In general, you'll want to spend more time in the lower zones, and sprinkle in the higher zones for variety. In the 80/20 style of running, 80% of your workout time should be spent in zone 2 and low zone 3; everything from high zone 3 on up should only make up 20% of your workout time each week. This isn't the only way to structure your training, but it's a popular one that helps runners get a good balance of work in all the zones. Is zone 3 a "gray zone" with no benefits? Not at all! It got this reputation from all the coaches and writers who were trying to convince people that training medium-hard shouldn't make up all their training time. Instead, they should do some sessions easier (zone 2), and some harder (zone 4 for threshold and zone 5 for shorter and harder intervals). The idea of emphasizing the highest and lowest zones is sometimes called "polarized training." But this advice somehow turned into a myth about people needing to avoid zone 3, which was never true. 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This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: For the past 18 months, the person in my office who holds the same job title as me has had serious attendance and communication problems. I’m not talking a few times a month. I’m talking it’s a miracle if he makes it in most of five days in a week. He’ll be in four times over two weeks. I’ve created a spreadsheet to keep track, this is not exaggerating. Our job description is very specific that in office attendance is absolutely required of us at least three days a week. Our job title has the word “on-site” in it. I prefer to work in the office five days a week because home is a distraction-filled wasteland for me, and I wouldn’t have issues if he was coming in three times a week regularly. He isn’t, though. I was hired because it was too much work for him by himself, and I’m in the office by myself all the time. He will sometimes inform me he isn’t coming in, but he just as often won’t and just doesn’t show up. He will often say he’ll be in later, only to change his mind and just not come in at all. I’ll get an apology lunch (if he bothers to show up) or text (if he doesn’t) the next day. The problem is that I’ve done what I’m supposed to! I checked in with him first and made sure everything is okay. I asked what I could do to help him directly. When that didn’t work, in November of 2023 (and no, that’s not a typo), I first spoke with our supervisor on this. He is in a different part of the country so doesn’t have eyes on it directly. And I’ve brought it up regularly with this supervisor (in one-on-ones) ever since. There have been discussions between boss and coworker. My coworker shows up for a week, maybe seven days, and then starts to fall off again. He knows what he’s doing is wrong because he keeps apologizing! There have always been excuses. Sometimes, it’s a funeral for a family member (which I can’t begrudge, though his family must be massive), but most of the time it’s a tummy ache or lack of sleep. While I would want leniency in those situations, the fact that my 2024 spreadsheet has 90 entries in it means he didn’t show up a third of the year. What makes this harder is when he’s in, we work great together! We have very similar approaches to our job and can knock out all kinds of work extremely quickly. But I’m alone most of the time. And I’m afraid to take time off because I’ve come back with stuff I’d asked him to address while I was out completely ignored. Our supervisor has suggested a meeting with the three of us, but what is this conversation going to do that the individual ones have not? Going up another tier feels like throwing two people under the bus. My boss’s boss is further removed, and finding time to discuss with him is next to impossible. But I’m being taken advantage of! I don’t know what to do. This is easily the best job I’ve had outside of this and I’m so upset that I’m here. How on earth do I proceed? There are two issues here: (1) it’s aggravating that your coworker is flagrantly ignoring expectations he keeps agreeing to follow, and (2) you’re afraid to take time off because he won’t do the things he’s supposed to do during that time. #1 is really between your coworker and your manager; it’s aggravating but it’s also not yours to address (and you really should stop tracking his in-office days in that spreadsheet because it’s not your job to do that and that’s just going to keep you more mired in the aggravation). But #2 is very much your business, and so are any other ways that his not being there and his lack of communication affect your work. That’s where you need to focus. From now on when you raise it with your boss, keep your focus 100% on how this impacts your work. Your boss clearly doesn’t care as much as you do about the rest of it, so take the parts that are causing concrete problems for you and dump those in her lap. For example: “I haven’t been using PTO because in the past when I’ve come back, Cecil hasn’t covered the things he’s agreed to cover and it has resulted in ___. But I do need to take time off. Can you help me with this?” That might mean that you need to be okay with things falling through the cracks while you’re gone — and alerting your boss to those things when you return, and not cleaning them up yourself (or if that’s unrealistic, telling your boss other priorities will need to wait so you can clean up the mess Fergus made). But also, it’s been over a year since you started raising this problem, and it’s time to accept your boss doesn’t care as much about it as you do. You’re approaching it as if she will start managing Fergus better if only you can convince her that she needs to … but for whatever reason, she doesn’t share your take on the situation. Maybe that’s because she’s a bad manager (likely), or maybe it’s because there are things going on behind the scenes that you don’t know about, or who knows what. Regardless, you’re going to be a lot happier if you accept that this is how things are and that you’re not in a position to change them, and shift your focus solely to pieces that directly affect you and let the rest go … most especially the spreadsheet. View the full article

OpenAI has launched Operator, an AI-powered agent capable of using its own browser to perform a variety of tasks for users. Operator, available as a research preview to Pro users in the United States, represents a step forward in AI’s ability to handle repetitive and time-consuming browser tasks independently. Operator leverages a new model, Computer-Using Agent (CUA), which combines GPT-4o’s vision capabilities with advanced reasoning through reinforcement learning. This allows the agent to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs) such as buttons, menus, and text fields—essentially mimicking how a human interacts with a browser. Tasks Operator can perform include filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes. By navigating websites and performing actions like typing, clicking, and scrolling, Operator broadens the utility of AI in everyday activities and business workflows. “Operator is one of our first agents, which are AIs capable of doing work for you independently—you give it a task and it will execute it,” OpenAI stated in its release. The tool’s introduction is intended to save time for users while opening up new opportunities for businesses to enhance engagement and efficiency. Operator is designed to “see” through screenshots and “interact” using the actions of a mouse and keyboard. If it encounters challenges or makes errors, it can self-correct using its reasoning capabilities or hand control back to the user. This collaborative approach ensures users remain in control throughout the process. The system excels at repetitive tasks but is still in development. Early feedback will be used to address limitations, such as challenges with complex interfaces like slideshow creation or calendar management. Operator includes multiple safeguards to prioritize user safety and privacy: Takeover Mode: The agent asks users to take control when entering sensitive information, such as login credentials or payment details, ensuring Operator does not collect this data. User Confirmations: Operator requires user approval before finalizing significant actions like submitting orders or sending emails. Task Limitations: The system is trained to decline sensitive tasks, such as high-stakes decisions or banking transactions. OpenAI has also integrated robust privacy measures, including options to delete browsing data, opt out of data training, and monitor Operator’s actions through a dedicated “monitor model” that flags suspicious behavior. Operator is already collaborating with companies like DoorDash, Instacart, and Priceline to streamline tasks and improve customer experiences. OpenAI is also exploring public sector applications, partnering with organizations like the City of Stockton to enhance accessibility for enrolling in city services. What’s Next for Operator OpenAI plans to expand Operator to Plus, Team, and Enterprise users in the future, integrating its capabilities directly into ChatGPT. Additionally, the company intends to expose the CUA model powering Operator in its API, allowing developers to create their own computer-using agents. Image: OpenAI This article, "OpenAI Introduces Operator: An AI Agent for Automated Browser-Based Tasks" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10+ is now $834.19 (down from $1,119.99—its lowest price ever, according to price trackers like Keepa. SAMSUNG Galaxy Tab S10+ $834.19 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,119.99 Save $285.80 Get Deal Get Deal $834.19 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $1,119.99 Save $285.80 Available in platinum silver, it’s designed to handle wear and tear with an armor aluminum frame that Samsung claims is 10% more resistant to scuffs. And, unlike Apple’s iPads, the Tab S10+ is IP68-rated, making it dustproof and waterproof. Even the included S Pen (which offers a smooth, pressure-sensitive writing experience), shares the same level of ruggedness. With its 12.4-inch AMOLED display, 2,800 x 1,752-pixel resolution, 16:10 aspect ratio, 120Hz refresh rate, 650 nits of peak brightness, and anti-reflective coating that helps keep glare to a minimum (though direct sunlight can still pose a challenge), the Tab S10+ is built for immersive viewing. Performance-wise, the MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chip and 12GB of RAM power through tasks with ease, whether you’re tackling demanding games, juggling multiple apps, or just browsing and shopping online. You also get plenty of storage with 512GB, plus microSD support for up to an additional 1.5TB. The Tab S10+ runs on Android 14 with Samsung’s One UI, offering powerful multitasking features like DeX for a desktop-like interface (you can also connect it to an external display via USB-C or wirelessly) and app grouping. Plus, Galaxy AI brings some creative and practical tools to the table, from photo enhancements and website summaries to note organization and the fun Sketch to Image feature (just doodle on the tablet, and Galaxy AI transforms it into a more polished creation). That said, many Galaxy AI features rely on an active data connection (and more advanced tools need cloud support), so you’ll need to be online for most of them to work, according to this PCMag review. The 10,090mAh battery on the Tab S10+ offers just over 8 hours of use per charge and supports 45W fast charging, though you’ll need to supply your own charger. As for the cameras, they’re functional but not exceptional—photos are detailed but tend to be oversaturated, and 4K video is capped at 30fps. For top-tier video performance, the iPad Pro ($899, down from $999), with its ability to record 4K at 60fps in ProRes, makes for a better alternative. View the full article

As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, it’s important to have the right tools and solutions to keep up with demand. Farm equipment suppliers offer a full line of options, from tractors to tillage equipment and even tractor attachments for snow removal. In this guide, we will cover how to select the most suitable agricultural equipment for your farming requirements and examine the qualities to seek in a dependable company. Tips for Selecting the Right Farm Equipment Supplier In this section, we’ll provide tips for selecting the right supplier, including assessing the supplier’s reputation and expertise, examining the supplier’s product range and availability, and evaluating the supplier’s customer support and after-sales services. Assessing the Supplier’s Reputation and Expertise To ensure you work with a reputable and experienced supplier, consider checking online reviews, seeking recommendations from other farmers, and evaluating their industry experience. Look for suppliers with a proven track record of providing quality products and services and those knowledgeable about the latest industry trends and innovations. Examining the Supplier’s Product Range and Availability Choosing a supplier that has a wide variety of products and a dependable inventory is crucial. Seek out farm equipment suppliers that provide various equipment options tailored to your specific requirements and that can quickly and effectively source equipment as needed. Verify that the supplier’s inventory is current and that they are capable of delivering equipment in a timely manner. Evaluating the Supplier’s Customer Support and After-Sales Services A farm equipment supplier with excellent customer support and after-sales services is invaluable. Look for suppliers who provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services, training, and technical support. Also, ensure the supplier offers warranties and guarantees on their products to provide peace of mind. Training and Educational Resources Farm equipment suppliers often offer valuable training and educational resources to ensure farmers can use their equipment safely and efficiently. Common types of training and education are: Online Tutorials: Many suppliers offer online video tutorials or guides that provide step-by-step instructions on operating and maintaining equipment. In-Person Workshops: Some suppliers may offer hands-on training sessions, allowing farmers to gain practical experience under expert guidance. Operator Manuals: Comprehensive operator manuals are invaluable resources for understanding the intricacies of farm equipment. Understanding Farm Equipment Suppliers and Their Role in the Agricultural Industry Farm equipment suppliers play a crucial role in the agricultural industry, providing farmers with the tools and machinery necessary to cultivate crops and raise livestock efficiently. In this section, we will examine the various types of farm equipment suppliers and the services they offer and highlight some of the leading online suppliers that are accessible to farmers today. Be sure to check out this video about purchasing farm equipment at an auction by Brian’s Farming after reading: The Different Types of Farm Equipment Suppliers Farm equipment suppliers come in various forms, including local dealerships, online retailers, and manufacturers. Local dealers offer a personal touch and provide farmers with access to specialized knowledge and support. Online retailers offer convenience and a wide range of products at competitive prices. On the other hand, manufacturers offer a direct source of equipment and machinery, eliminating the need for intermediaries. Examples of each type include John Deere dealerships, Tractor Supply Company, and AGCO Corporation. Services Offered by Farm Equipment Suppliers Farm equipment suppliers offer various services, including sales, rentals, maintenance, and support. Sales services include providing farmers with equipment and machinery tailored to their specific needs, with financing options available. Rental services offer a cost-effective option for farmers who require equipment for short-term use. Maintenance services include routine upkeep and repair work, ensuring equipment stays in top condition. Support services include access to technical expertise and guidance on equipment usage. Top Online Farm Equipment Suppliers As e-commerce continues to thrive, farmers have more options than ever when seeking reliable online farm equipment suppliers. Here’s a closer look at some of the most prominent players in this domain: FarmTek: Specialization: Renowned for its comprehensive range of agricultural products. Products: Greenhouse kits, livestock equipment, and more. Features: Offers customer loyalty programs and expert guidance for product selection. Agri Supply: Specialization: Your go-to source for tractor essentials. Products: A wide variety of tractor parts and implements, from plows to cultivators. Features: Frequent promotions and a guarantee on the majority of their products. Northern Tool: Specialization: A one-stop-shop catering to diverse agricultural needs. Products: Welding equipment, generators, water pumps, and more. Features: Extended warranty options, free shipping on select items, and same-day pickup for certain products. Selecting the appropriate online supplier requires considering their product selection, customer service quality, and pricing. The leading suppliers have built their reputation by providing high-quality products, attentive service, and additional features that improve your shopping experience. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Agricultural Equipment Choosing the appropriate agricultural equipment is crucial for the success of any farming operation. Whether you are an experienced agriculture professional or a beginner learning how to start a farm, finding the right supplier for your needs can significantly impact your outcomes. This section will outline important factors to keep in mind when selecting farm equipment. Evaluating Your Farm Equipment Needs To choose the right agricultural equipment, small businesses must evaluate their specific needs, including farm size, crops, and desired productivity. For example, a dairy farm will likely have different needs than a business specializing in flower farming. Many farmers also require items for general property maintenance, like painting equipment or landscaping tools. Consider factors such as the type of crops being grown, the operation’s size, and the land’s terrain. Also, consider whether you need new or used equipment and specialized equipment for specific tasks. Researching and Comparing Farm Machinery Brands Researching and comparing various farm machinery brands is crucial to ensure you purchase quality products that meet your needs. Look for brands with a reputation for producing durable and reliable equipment and that offer comprehensive warranties and customer support. Also, consider aspects such as compatibility with existing equipment, ease of use, and availability of replacement parts. Budgeting and Financing Options for Farm Equipment Setting a budget for farm equipment purchases is essential for small businesses. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and repair costs, and factor in any tax incentives or rebates that may be available. Additionally, explore financing options such as loans and leases and consider the impact of financing on your cash flow. Here’s a table with the key factors you can reference at a glance: CriteriaDescription Evaluating Your Needs- Farm size, Types of crops, Desired productivity, General property maintenance needs Type of Operation- Dairy farming, Flower farming, Crop farming, Livestock farming New vs. Used Equipment- Cost, Durability, Warranty Specialized Equipment- Crop-specific tools, Terrain-specific machinery Researching Brands- Brand reputation, Durability, Customer support, Warranty Compatibility- Integration with existing equipment, Ease of replacement parts Ease of Use- User-friendly interfaces, Training availability Budgeting & Total Cost of Ownership- Purchase price, Maintenance & repair costs, Tax incentives or rebates Financing Options- Loans vs. Leases, Interest rates, Impact on cash flow The Importance of Warranty and Return Policies When purchasing farm equipment, understanding and evaluating warranty and return policies is crucial. These policies not only offer protection against defects and malfunctions but also provide peace of mind. Warranty Considerations: Length of Warranty: Choose equipment that comes with a significant warranty period. A longer warranty typically reflects the manufacturer’s trust in the quality of their product. Coverage Details: Understand what the warranty covers. Does it include parts and labor, or are there exclusions? Service and Repairs: Consider how warranty repairs are handled. Is there a local service center, or will you have to transport the equipment? Navigating Return Policies: Return Period: Check the timeframe within which you can return the equipment if it doesn’t meet your expectations. Condition of Returns: Understand the condition the equipment must be in to qualify for a return. Some suppliers might only accept returns of unused equipment in its original packaging. Restocking Fees: Be aware of any restocking fees that you might incur when returning an item. Exploring Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Equipment Options Sustainable and eco-friendly equipment options are becoming increasingly important in modern agriculture. Examples of eco-friendly equipment options include: Energy-Efficient Machinery: Equipment that consumes less fuel and reduces emissions. Solar-Powered Tools: Utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, for various farm operations. Water Conservation Systems: Innovative irrigation systems that minimize water usage. Benefits of Sustainable Equipment: Environmental Impact: Reduced carbon footprint and lower environmental impact. Cost Savings: Long-term savings through efficient use of resources. Regulatory Compliance: Meeting environmental regulations and standards. Frequently Asked Questions about Farm Equipment Suppliers What are the most popular farm equipment brands? Several popular brands dominate the agricultural machinery market, including John Deere, Case IH, New Holland, and Kubota. These brands offer a range of equipment options for various farm operations, including tractors, combines, and tillage equipment. Is it better to buy or rent farm equipment? The decision to buy or rent farm equipment depends on several factors, including the frequency, duration, and cost of ownership versus rental fees. Renting may be more cost-effective for short-term or occasional use, while buying may be more economical for long-term or frequent use. You can also explore equipment finance options to pay over time. How can I find a farm equipment supplier near me? Several resources can help you find a farm equipment supplier near you, including online search and directories, industry associations, and manufacturer websites. You can also ask for recommendations from other farmers in your area or attend agricultural trade shows and exhibitions to connect with suppliers. Your favorite farm app may even offer features to help you source supplies. What should I do if I encounter problems with my farm equipment? If you encounter problems with your farm equipment, you should stop using the equipment immediately and seek professional assistance. Contact your equipment supplier or a qualified mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue before you continue using the equipment. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections can help prevent problems from arising. What types of farm equipment require special licenses or certifications? Several types of farm equipment require special licenses or certifications, including large commercial vehicles, certain pesticide applicators, and equipment for handling hazardous materials. It’s essential to understand your area’s licensing and certification requirements to ensure compliance and safety. Choosing the right farm equipment is crucial for productivity and profitability in agriculture. Factors such as cost, quality, and ease of use should be considered. Use this ultimate guide to make informed decisions, maximize yields, and achieve success. The right equipment can make all the difference. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Farm Equipment Suppliers: A Guide to Choosing Agricultural Equipment" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

YouTube reveals how AI, viewer satisfaction, context, and multilingual tools are reshaping its recommendation system for 2025. The post How YouTube’s Recommendation System Works In 2025 appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

When I finally decided to visit Peru, I knew one thing: I wanted to hike with the company that Mark Adams, my friend and fellow travel writer, used for his book Turn Right at Machu Picchu. The stories he shared about his treks and what he learned on them convinced me that those were the people I wanted to show me around the Sacred Valley, so I might have my own pretend Indiana Jones moment: me, the wilderness, and my local guide. So I emailed Amazonas Explorer, which focuses on private tours as well as off-the beaten path hikes in the Sacred Valley, to see if it would be possible to book something. While a private tour was more expensive than a regular group trip, I liked the idea of going at my own pace and having my own guide. Plus, when the owner, Paul, said a few people from the Amazonas office would be joining, it made me feel like I would be hiking with locals rather than just on some tourist-focused group outing. I wasn’t going to do the full Inca Trail, as I didn’t have enough time, didn’t feel fit enough, and absolutely hate camping. Instead, I opted for the famed KM104 hike, which starts at the marker by that name (104km from Cusco, an exit point on the train line from Ollantaytambo to Machu Picchu) and takes you through the Sacred Valley and a few Incan sites before linking up with the main Inca Trail that leads into Machu Picchu.* “We’ll be there to pick you up at your hotel in Cusco at 4:30am, so we can catch the train,” wrote Paul over email. A 4:30am pickup meant a 3:30am wake-up, and there was absolutely no way I wanted to do that. “Can we go later?” I asked. “It’s just me after all.” “Nope, we have to get the 6:45am train from Ollantaytambo, which is two hours from Cusco. And we can’t be late. We’ve got a strict timetable. Sorry!” But there was an option B! Rather than wake up in the middle of the night, I decided to head to Ollantaytambo the day before so I could sleep in until just before the train….because while Indiana Jones might be able to find artifacts on little sleep, I can’t. Once a major Incan city, Ollantaytambo is located on the Urubamba River against high mountains, on which extensive ruins offer beautiful views of the valley. Seeing them seemed like a better option than waking up early. So I arrived in the midafternoon to explore the ruins, pack my day bags, and relax before the hike. (Tip: Don’t go when I did! Arrive early to avoid the afternoon crowds coming from Cusco. And bring a lot of sunscreen as there is no shade! The ruins are really beautiful though and give you a taste of what is to come.) That evening, I unwound at El Albergue, a boutique hotel located right next to the train station. There was no more convenient place to stay — you literally walk out the door onto the train! I loaded up on carbs from food that came straight from the garden, packed my bags, and went to bed early in the comfiest bed I had all trip. After waking up at the more reasonable hour of 5:45am, I met my guide, Efrain, and we boarded the train toward Machu Picchu so we could get off at KM104 and link up with the two others from the Amazonas office who were joining us.** As the train snaked through the valley, the staff served us coca tea to help with the altitude. It’s a traditional indigenous remedy for altitude sickness in the region (it’s also the plant from which cocaine is derived). Not only does it really work but it has a very earthy, herbal taste that I had grown to love. As I sipped my tea, Efrain and I went over the logistics of the next two days together while we got to know each other. A native to the area, he’d been a guide for over twenty years. Funny and really knowledgeable about the region’s flora, fauna, and Incan history, he used to lead a lot of group tours but now mostly does private ones with Amazonas. When we got off the train, we met up with Katy and Lourdes, our hiking companions. Katy had hiked this route many times, having been a guide before, but it was Lourdes’s first time, and she was as nervous about being physically able to do it as I was. We bonded about it in my broken Spanish. After checking in with the ticket control, we started our 12km (7.5-mile) hike up to Machu Picchu. The first leg followed the Urubamba River, which snakes through the entirety of the Sacred Valley, eventually flowing around Machu Picchu and north before combining with a few other rivers. Decades ago, its powerful waters were diverted near the ancient city to create a hydroelectric power plant that provides most of the electricity to the region. The sun beat down on us as we hiked up the exposed side of the mountain, the only sounds our conversation and the river below. The climb was a continual path upward, punctuated by even steeper ascents and stairs, with various Incan trails and ruins along the way. Between the sun and altitude, it was a lot harder than I thought. Though I work out and consider myself in shape, I found myself resting a lot, so I was glad we could hike at my pace. The route was also filled with tour groups with whom we would trade passing each other, as everyone stopped for breaks at various points. “Anyone who wants to do the hike into Machu Picchu but doesn’t want to do the full trek has to hike this path,” Efrain explained. “So these tour groups will be with us the entire way?” I asked as I watched one pass us on one of our breaks. “Yup! And likely tomorrow if they are visiting the ruins too!” As we got closer to the cloud forest (a moist rainforest with a constant layer of clouds or mist) and the ruins that would mark our halfway point, the trail began to narrow as it cut across the side of the mountain and the gentle earth to our side gave way to sheer drops. “By the way,” I said as I noticed this, “I hate heights and sheer drops. Will the trail widen soon?” “You’ll be fine,” he assured me. “Hmmm, that’s a non-answer,” I replied. As we made our way, I hugged the mountain, trying not to look to the side, grateful we were once again going at my own pace. Slowly we made our way farther and farther up the narrow, winding trail. In the blink of an eye, the arid and exposed trail was instead shaded by trees as the air cooled, and the sound of waterfalls began to be heard. Efrain pointed out native orchids as we ascended higher (we were always going up, up, up!) to the Incan site of Wiñay Wayna. Not much is known about it except that it was an experimental agricultural location. Soil samples have shown remnants of fruits and plants not native to the region and that don’t grow at this altitude, so it could be assumed that this was an area of agricultural experimentation (the Incas did a lot of that). The temples and houses in the upper part all had stunning balconies that provided great views of the valley that I am sure anyone would kill for today. I thought about how, centuries ago, some Inca, after a hard day of work, stared at the same view, and I wondered if he enjoyed it as much as I did. Likely, since love of nature transcends time and culture. From there, it was a quick lunch before we continued on to Machu Picchu. As the clouds rolled in, I picked up the pace, wondering if the weather might clear. Along the way, Efrain pointed out all the orchid species, but my focus was on getting to the infamous Sun Gate before the clouds obscured my view. The Sun Gate is the main entrance that overlooks Machu Picchu. It was believed that the steps were a control gate for those who entered and exited the city, likely protected by the Incan military. And because of its location on a ridge on the southeast, the rising sun passes through the gate each year on the summer solstice (hence the name). “We might need to sacrifice to the gods,” joked Katy as she noticed my nervousness. “Maybe that will help!” Efrain, turning to Lourdes, said, “It might need to be you, since we can’t sacrifice Matt!” causing us to all laugh. “Okay, well, I’m gonna run, as I can’t miss this. You’ve all seen it before,” I shouted to him as I ran the final part of the trail to the Sun Gate. I got there just in time to behold Machu Picchu before the clouds rolled in. It was a magical view. There it was, the goal of a lifetime, a sight I had dreamed about for so long! It was as wondrous as I thought it would be. And even though the clouds hid the mountains and some of the structures, there was still an ethereal feeling. Efrain and the others eventually arrived as well. We made friends with a family from California as we all waited for glimpses of Machu Picchu through the clouds, setting up our cameras for those fleeting seconds before the mist hid it again. Though I could have stayed longer, Efrain told us it was time to keep going, so we continued down the trail to the ruins, where I got a close-up view of Machu Picchu through the clouds from a viewpoint overlooking the city. “Tomorrow, we’ll explore those areas,” Efrain said, pointing to areas around the historic site. “But right now it’s time to check into the hotel.” Early the next day, Efrain and I headed back to the ancient site itself, Katy and Lourdes having returned to Cusco. (These days, in order to control the crowds, there are now three routes to choose from, but each requires a separate ticket. We took the one that included the most buildings.) Machu Picchu, known as “the Lost City of the Incas,” is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It was constructed around 1450 CE during the reign of Emperor Pachacuti as his royal estate and served multiple purposes, including religious, agricultural, and administrative functions. It was built here because the Incas could mine the stone locally, so they didn’t have to move any building materials across the mountains. It was inhabited for 50 years and still under construction when it was finally abandoned due to the Spanish conquest of the area. Machu Picchu remained largely unknown until its rediscovery in 1911 by American historian Hiram Bingham III, who was searching for the famed “Lost City of the Incas,” supposedly their last hideout and filled with gold (though that is actually believed to be Vilcabamba). Efrain gave me such a detailed history that it felt like I had a professor with me. He pointed out how the Incas used various building techniques to ensure there was sufficient drainage from all the rain, and expounded on theories about which buildings were used for what. He also gave me the lowdown on modern politics, revealing that there’s still a lot of the historic area that has not been excavated or restored yet, due to funding issues and corruption. I was lost in his descriptions and awed about just how innovative Inca engineering was. They had mastered the mountains and did it with style and beauty too. I would love to have seen Machu Picchu at its peak. What a sight it must have been! After a half-day exploring (and wishing I had more time to do the other routes), it was time to take the train back to Ollantaytambo and Cusco. I had finally seen one of the most iconic sites in the history of humanity. It really felt surreal to have been there. And the hike, though hard, was also incredible. As I closed my eyes to rest on the way back, I was thrilled I finally got to see something I’ve been wanting to see ever since I was a kid. About the Tour Company Amazonas Explorer mostly runs private tours, but it does have some larger group offerings. So whether you’re with a group or just want to go alone, check out the company. (It is featured in the book Turn Right at Machu Picchu, which is why I chose it.) It also runs trips to other ruins in the region and will take you places most tourists don’t go. * Note 1: Really, everything is an Inca trail. The Incas made over 40,000 km of roads, so you can consider any of those an “Inca trail.” However, for the purposes of this post, when I refer to the Inca Trail, it’s the popular multiday hike that leads into Machu Picchu that everyone talks about. ** Note 2: Efrain was Mark’s guide in the book too. Book Your Trip to Peru: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels. If you’re looking for hostels in nearby Cusco, here is a list of my favorites. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: Safety Wing (best for everyone) Insure My Trip (for those over 70) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too. Want More Information on Peru? Be sure to visit my robust destination guide on Peru for even more planning tips! The post Hiking in the Footsteps of the Incas appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

WhatsApp appears to finally be getting its iPhone app up to speed with its Android companion in a major way: allowing you to use multiple accounts on one device. The "new" feature, which has been available on Android since 2023, was spotted by WABetaInfo in the iPhone app’s most recent TestFlight beta program. If (but more likely once) multi-account switching eventually carries through to a public release, users will be able to manage and sign into multiple WhatsApp accounts within a single instance of the WhatsApp app, eliminating the need to keep multiple devices on hand to manage each of their WhatsApp accounts. This will be especially handy for small businesses. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The catch is that each account must still have its own phone number, so you’ll either need a phone with multiple SIM cards or some other way of acquiring an additional phone number—but newer iPhones can generally store up to eight eSIMs and use two phone numbers, so that shouldn't be a problem. Additionally, it’s worth noting that WhatsApp does currently offer a WhatsApp Business app in addition to its standard app, so iPhone users can technically already maintain two accounts on one device—one for each app—but the change will still offer users greater flexibility. According to WABetaInfo, there are two ways to get multiple WhatsApp accounts on one device. You can simply set up your new account as a standalone primary account, or you can use a QR code to link it to your existing account as a “companion.” The site clarifies that elements like “notifications, chats, and backups will remain distinct for each account,” so it appears that the method you sign up with has more to do with ease of getting situated than how you’ll actually use the app. While WhatsApp’s TestFlight beta program is open to the public, it is not currently accepting new members, so excited iPhone users will have to wait for a final release to get their hands on multi-account switching. Unfortunately, WABetaInfo doesn’t have any updates as to when the feature might go live, but if you’ve been planning on getting a secondary device just for Whatsapp, it might be smart to hold off for now. View the full article

Big news! I am releasing a new book! It’s a massively updated version of my NYT bestselling travel guide, How to Travel the World on $50 a Day. Except this new edition is called How to Travel the World on $75 a Day. Why the new edition? Well, because of inflation…and the changed way we travel post-COVID. The last edition of my book came out in 2017 and, since then, a lot has changed. COVID forever changed the travel industry. A lot of companies/hotels/hostels closed during the pandemic while old methods of saving money became obsolete and new methods came into being. Destinations around the world have changed too. For example, when I wrote the book’s last edition, there was barely any train travel in Southeast Asia. Now Laos has a train line connecting all its major cities, Cambodia is reviving its train system, and Thailand is expanding theirs. And, since 2017, prices have gone up a lot. Not only because of natural inflation but because of the post-COVID inflation boom. It’s not as cheap to travel as it was back in 2017! Since travel has changed so much, I wanted my book to reflect the current conditions we travelers face when it comes to planning a trip, saving money, and navigating regions around the world. How to be a smart budget traveler is different than it was in 2017 and I want to arm you with all the tools needed to be one. In fact, so much is different, that I ended up writing over 80% of this book! In my mind, it’s not a simple “update” — it’s essentially a new book! (So, if you bought this before, you can buy this new edition without worrying that it’s a lot of the same material!) In this new version, you’ll find: A new section on collecting and redeeming points and miles. A completely updated resource section filled with companies and accommodations I love. More information on overtourism and how to be a responsible traveler. Completely revised and updated and expanded destination sections that include new prices, ways to save, and tips on where to eat, accommodation, transportation, and activities. New trips and tricks on how to save money before you go. New ways to save money on accommodation, including ways to get free accommodation. New ways to save money on transportation (with new information on transportation passes). And that’s just on top of the normal price and information updates that you would expect from new update! This book really puts everything you need to know about saving money and getting off the tourist travel in one place. This book isn’t just for long-term travelers either. It’s for anyone who wants to save money, get off the beaten path, and travel smarter — no matter how long your trip is. Because how you save money on flights or what gear to get or how to save money in London doesn’t change based on how long your trip is! The book comes out on March 25th, 2025 and is currently available for pre-sale at the following places: Amazon Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble And, as part of this announcement, I am offering limited-time pre-sale offers where, if you buy a copy of the book, you get a few added bonuses. If you purchase the book before the end of the month, you’ll get the following: If you buy one copy of the book, you’ll get my forever gratitude and an ebook of your choice from my collection of online guides. If you buy three copies of the book, you’ll get all 6 of my digital guides. If you buy ten copies of the book, you get all the above PLUS a 30 minute trip planning call with me and a signed copy of my memoir, Ten Years a Nomad. If you want to buy more than ten copies of the book, reach out to me and we’ll work out a bespoke package — anywhere from coming me to your city for lunch to speaking to your event to giving you a free flight! To claim your bonus, all you need to do is email me a copy of your receipt to matt@nomadicmatt.com and I will send it to you. So if you’re interested in the book, please, please please pre-order the book and don’t wait until publication day! Pre-orders determine the print run of the book and how many copies bookstores will pick up. The stronger the pre-sale orders, the more likely they are to stock the book so please order the book in advance! It would mean a lot! The book is available in the U.S. and Canada or as a digital copy globally. (Or you could order from Amazon US and get it shipped to wherever you are in the world.) Here are the links to order the book again: Amazon Bookshop.org Barnes & Noble If you have any questions, email me! – Matt Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for everyone) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post Announcement: I’m Releasing a New Book! appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Your Mac collects a lot of usage data to improve macOS and Apple's own apps. Quite a bit of that data is collected by default, and it's good to be aware of it. Apple is quite good at declaring how and why it collects data, and almost always, this information is easy to find and understand. The company also encrypts a lot of the data that it collects, which means that Apple cannot read it. Having said that, I think all kinds of data collection should be opt-in, and not enabled by default. Here's how to review data collection settings on your Mac and use third-party tools to ensure that your computer isn't phoning home any more than is necessary. And since we're on the subject of privacy, also consider opting out tracking by data brokers and stopping Apple from collecting data on your iPhone. Use a third-party firewall Credit: Little Snitch Although Apple offers its own firewall, it's not helpful if you want to monitor Apple's own data collection. Third-party firewalls work quite well on macOS, which is far less restrictive than iOS is here. You can use apps such as Little Snitch ($63), Radio Silence ($9), or even the free LuLu to keep an eye on apps and services that phone home. With a good firewall app, you'll be able to block outgoing connections (even Apple's own) and reduce tracking. Sometimes, it is important for your Mac to phone home, because that's how you get automatic software updates, but there are plenty of times when it's not needed at all. You can use your firewall app to monitor all these connections and block unnecessary ones. Turn off Apple IntelligenceApple Intelligence has a few redeeming features, but I find that it slows down my M1 MacBook Air a bit, and since it also requires you to send your data to Apple's servers, I prefer to turn it off. Yes, Apple Intelligence does encrypt data, but it still doesn't perform all actions on-device. If you're uncomfortable with your Mac using Apple's cloud services for AI features, you can turn off Apple Intelligence by clicking the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen and going to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri. Reduce Siri's data collectionAs the Siri spying settlement confirms, you should be wary of Apple's data collection using its voice assistant. Apple is now quite transparent about how your data is processed for Siri, and you can go to System Settings > Apple Intelligence & Siri to check what the company has to say for yourself. Click the About Siri, Dictation & Privacy button and you'll see that Apple does store and process your Siri transcripts. This is another form of data collection, which you can avoid by disabling Siri and dictation. On the Siri settings page on your Mac, click Delete Siri & Dictation History and then click Delete to remove stored data. Then, turn off Siri. Finally, go to System Settings > Keyboard and turn off Dictation to complete the process. Disable Apple analyticsWhen you use your Mac, Apple collects a fair bit of data to track app crashes, macOS bugs, and usage to decide which new features to work on next. This data is usually anonymized before being shared with Apple or third-party developers, but you can still review it and decide if you want to share it at all. Just go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Analytics & Improvements on your Mac and go through all the options. I've disabled everything on this page. Check Apple's location access Credit: Pranay Parab As a rule of thumb, I deny location access to practically every app on my Mac. Even so, I was surprised to see location access enabled for the computer's system apps. You can verify which of your apps have location access by going to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and clicking the Details button next to System Services. Go through the entire list and disable location access for services that don't need it. You should leave it enabled for essential services such as Find My, but it's okay to disable location access for Mac Analytics and a few others. You can also click the Details button next to Significant Locations to see the location information Apple has collected on your frequent hangouts, and optionally delete it and revoke access to future data collection. Note that this information is encrypted and cannot be read by Apple. The company says it uses the info to show useful details in Photos, Maps, Calendar, and other system apps. Reduce personalized advertisingOver the past few years, Apple has been pushing its own ads quite a bit. The situation is far less dire on the Mac than it is on your iPhone, but it still is annoying to see ads in the Mac App Store. You can't block these entirely, but you can go to System Settings > Privacy & Security > Apple Advertising and disable Personalized Ads. iCloud alternatives on the MacTo complete your review of Apple's data collection on the Mac, you're going to have to scrutinize iCloud, too. iOS is restrictive enough that no service is as good as iCloud for syncing and backing up your data. However, macOS is far more accommodating, and you don't really need to use iCloud as much as you do on iOS. Some system apps such as Apple Notes, Messages, Calendar, and Reminders rely on iCloud for syncing, but otherwise you can look for alternative services to back up your Mac. Note that using cloud storage services exposes you to data collection by default. You just have to decide if you want Apple to collect your data or opt for another company. Some people prefer to keep their data spread out across different services while others don't mind having it all in one place. The good news is that you can use dedicated online backup services such as Backblaze ($99/year) on the Mac, which isn't possible on the iPhone. You can also easily create offline backups using Time Machine or third-party apps such as Carbon Copy Cloner ($40). This means that you can easily reduce your reliance on iCloud on a Mac. View the full article