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Google recently rolled out “read more” links in Google search results, which appear at the end of the snippet’s description. When you click on the read more link, you are anchored down to a specific portion of the web page that you clicked on. Not all search result snippets include these read more links, but many do. What it looks like. Here is a screenshot of this in action, but you can probably replicate it for most of your queries now: Google was testing this, or variations of this, back in July and now it seems to have been rolled out. Why we care. These read more links do add an additional eye-catching link to the search result snippets. Hopefully, this leads to encouraging more clicks to websites and no less. More clicks to websites is a good thing, so hopefully this feature will last. View the full article

Learn how to find broken links and fix them with redirects, link updates, or removals to strengthen SEO. View the full article

In a move set to transform online shopping for small businesses, Google has unveiled an innovative virtual try-on tool that eliminates some of the common pain points experienced by shoppers. Gone are the days of awkward dressing room selfies and bad lighting; now, U.S. shoppers can upload a simple selfie to virtually try on clothing from billions of product listings. This new feature is powered by the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, dubbed “Nano Banana,” which can generate a full-body digital version of users. For small business owners, this capability offers an exciting array of benefits, making it easier to connect customers with products in a more personal and engaging way. By simply uploading their selfie at g.co/shop/tryon, users can select their clothing size, and Google’s advanced technology will create several studio-quality images. Shoppers can then choose their preferred image to serve as their default try-on avatar. “Now if you don’t have a full body photo of yourself, you can use a selfie,” Google announced in their press release. This development opens up a wealth of opportunities for small businesses in the fashion and retail sectors. Having an intuitive and visually appealing shopping experience can significantly enhance customer engagement. Local businesses can benefit from this tool by showcasing their products in a more relatable manner—potentially increasing customer satisfaction and boosting conversion rates. Moreover, the use of a full-body photo isn’t mandatory. Google’s tool allows users to explore clothing options on models of various body types, enhancing inclusivity and enabling customers to visualize how garments will look on them. However, there are challenges that small business owners should keep in mind while exploring this technology. Implementing new tools often comes with a learning curve, and businesses will need to invest time and resources into understanding how to effectively incorporate this virtual try-on feature into their existing platforms. They may need to adapt their marketing strategies to highlight this new capability and encourage user participation. The necessity for proper digital marketing also cannot be overlooked. Simply adding a virtual try-on option is not enough; businesses will need to inform their customers about how to use it effectively. This will likely involve social media campaigns, email newsletters, and possibly even virtual demonstrations. There is also the question of data privacy. As users upload personal images, customers may have concerns regarding how their data is stored and used. Small business owners will need to ensure transparency and assure their customers that their data will be handled securely. As retail continues to evolve towards more digital, user-centered approaches, tools like Google’s virtual try-on feature provide small business owners with essential resources to better engage their customers. Adopting this technology not only boosts the shopping experience but also positions businesses as forward-thinking players in a competitive market. With Google’s tool, small businesses can make strides in enhancing customer interaction, showcasing their products in an imaginative way, and navigating the complexities of modern retailing. Time will tell how deeply this innovation will impact small businesses, but it is clear that embracing such technology could lead to significant advantages in customer engagement and sales. For more details, visit Google’s official announcement. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Gemini Launches Selfie-Powered Virtual Try-On for Shoppers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In a move set to transform online shopping for small businesses, Google has unveiled an innovative virtual try-on tool that eliminates some of the common pain points experienced by shoppers. Gone are the days of awkward dressing room selfies and bad lighting; now, U.S. shoppers can upload a simple selfie to virtually try on clothing from billions of product listings. This new feature is powered by the Gemini 2.5 Flash Image model, dubbed “Nano Banana,” which can generate a full-body digital version of users. For small business owners, this capability offers an exciting array of benefits, making it easier to connect customers with products in a more personal and engaging way. By simply uploading their selfie at g.co/shop/tryon, users can select their clothing size, and Google’s advanced technology will create several studio-quality images. Shoppers can then choose their preferred image to serve as their default try-on avatar. “Now if you don’t have a full body photo of yourself, you can use a selfie,” Google announced in their press release. This development opens up a wealth of opportunities for small businesses in the fashion and retail sectors. Having an intuitive and visually appealing shopping experience can significantly enhance customer engagement. Local businesses can benefit from this tool by showcasing their products in a more relatable manner—potentially increasing customer satisfaction and boosting conversion rates. Moreover, the use of a full-body photo isn’t mandatory. Google’s tool allows users to explore clothing options on models of various body types, enhancing inclusivity and enabling customers to visualize how garments will look on them. However, there are challenges that small business owners should keep in mind while exploring this technology. Implementing new tools often comes with a learning curve, and businesses will need to invest time and resources into understanding how to effectively incorporate this virtual try-on feature into their existing platforms. They may need to adapt their marketing strategies to highlight this new capability and encourage user participation. The necessity for proper digital marketing also cannot be overlooked. Simply adding a virtual try-on option is not enough; businesses will need to inform their customers about how to use it effectively. This will likely involve social media campaigns, email newsletters, and possibly even virtual demonstrations. There is also the question of data privacy. As users upload personal images, customers may have concerns regarding how their data is stored and used. Small business owners will need to ensure transparency and assure their customers that their data will be handled securely. As retail continues to evolve towards more digital, user-centered approaches, tools like Google’s virtual try-on feature provide small business owners with essential resources to better engage their customers. Adopting this technology not only boosts the shopping experience but also positions businesses as forward-thinking players in a competitive market. With Google’s tool, small businesses can make strides in enhancing customer interaction, showcasing their products in an imaginative way, and navigating the complexities of modern retailing. Time will tell how deeply this innovation will impact small businesses, but it is clear that embracing such technology could lead to significant advantages in customer engagement and sales. For more details, visit Google’s official announcement. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Gemini Launches Selfie-Powered Virtual Try-On for Shoppers" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Data bolsters expectations that Bank of England will cut interest rates on ThursdayView the full article

Google has expanded Product Studio inside Merchant Center, rolling out three new creative features that go beyond its original image generation tool. What’s new. In addition to image generation, Product Studio now lets merchants animate static product images into short videos using suggested text prompts, a move aimed squarely at short-form ads and social-style creative. Google has also added one-click background removal to help isolate products and create cleaner, more consistent Shopping visuals. The third update increases image resolution, allowing advertisers to upscale older or lower-quality assets to meet modern visual standards. Why we care. Product imagery plays a major role in Shopping performance, but creating and refreshing assets is often slow and resource-heavy. These updates give merchants more ways to produce high-quality visuals quickly — without leaving Merchant Center or relying on design teams. The big picture. Google continues to embed AI-powered creative tools directly into commerce workflows. By housing animation, editing, and enhancement inside Merchant Center, Google is lowering the barrier to frequent creative testing — a key lever for Shopping and Performance Max campaigns. What to watch. These tools could significantly speed up asset iteration for advertisers with limited creative resources, especially as Google pushes more video-forward and visually rich ad formats across Search, Shopping, and YouTube. First seen. This update was spotted by Senior PPC Specialist – Vojtěch Audy View the full article

CMA considers whether to ask court to ban pair after firm was fined for NHS drug pricingView the full article

How to create price packages. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

How to create price packages. By Jody Padar Radical Pricing – By The Radical CPA Go PRO for members-only access to more Jody Padar. View the full article

There are fewer and fewer hardware differences between iPhones and Androids as the years go on, but back in the day, that was far from the case. At one point, many major Android devices came with dedicated LEDs that would shine whenever you received a notification. It was a passive way to know whether you had something on your phone to attend to, without having to actually wake up the display and risk getting unnecessarily sucked into your device. iPhones have never had this specific feature, but Apple included a workaround for anyone interested in a similar experience. For years, you've been able to dive into Accessibility settings to turn your iPhone's LED flash into a notification light. Any time you received a text, app notification, or call, your camera flash would go off, ensuring you didn't miss an important update. This can be helpful both those who are hard of hearing, and who wouldn't be able to rely on audible alerts, or anyone who keeps their phone on silent, but would like a visual cue that they have a new notification. For the first time in years, Apple is updating its flash alerts feature. With iOS 26.2, which the company released on Friday, you now have the option to have your iPhone's display itself flash for new alerts. You can choose to make the display the only light that flashes, or to use the feature in tandem with the LED flash, which I think makes the most sense for people who like this option. That way, it won't matter whether your iPhone is face up or face down: You'll always see a light flash for new alerts one way or another. Display flash doesn't work like you might expect, especially if you've used LED flashes before. I thought my iPhone would flash a bright light on and off again a few times, mimicking how LED flash alerts works. Instead, when you get a new notification, the screen instantly increases the brightness for a few seconds, before lowering it again. It works—you're bound to notice your display jump in brightness if it isn't already maxed out—but it doesn't quite grab your attention as well as the LED flash. How to set up Flash for Alerts on iPhoneTo start, open the Settings app on your iPhone, then head to Accessibility. Scroll down to Hearing, then choose Audio & Visual. Scroll to the bottom of this page, then tap Flash for Alerts. If you're running an older version of iOS, you'll only have the option to enable "LED Flash." However, those running iOS 26.2 and newer will also see an option for "Screen." Choose that option if you want the display to flash for new alerts, or "Both" to have both lights enabled. You'll also find two choices that affect when these flash alerts go off, no matter which of the above options you pick. First, you can choose whether your iPhone will use flash alerts while locked. If you disable this option, you'll only see these light alerts when your iPhone is unlocked. Second, you can choose whether to use flash alerts in Silent Mode. I'd keep that setting enabled, since it seems most useful when your iPhone has no other way to alert you to new notifications. It's also important to note that using an Apple Watch can complicate this feature a bit, at least in my experience. While giving this option a test, I had trouble getting alerts to come through on my locked phone without first going to my watch. If you have an Apple Watch, and its notifications mirror your iPhone's, you'll get the most out of this feature when your iPhone is unlocked. View the full article

Remember we’re in a service business. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

Remember we’re in a service business. By August Aquila MAX: Maximize Productivity, Profitability and Client Retention Go PRO for members-only access to more August J. Aquila. View the full article

Valuations rest on the incorrect assumption that frontier model creators have built massive, durable moatsView the full article

Strengthen your processes and your deterrence. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

Strengthen your processes and your deterrence. By Ed Mendlowitz 77 Ways to Wow! Go PRO for members-only access to more Edward Mendlowitz. View the full article

A private equity firm owned by President Donald The President’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is no longer backing Paramount’s hostile acquisition bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, the firm confirmed Tuesday. Days after Warner agreed to be bought by Netflix in early December, Paramount launched a rival bid that seeks to bypass Warner’s management and appeal directly to its shareholders with more money. Paramount is offering $30 per Warner share to Netflix’s $27.75. Warner, one of the “big five” Hollywood studios, owns Warner Bros. Pictures, HBO, the DC Comics universe and the Harry Potter franchise. Experts say its acquisition could supercharge the winning company and reshape the streaming wars, either by catapulting Netflix further ahead of top competitors or by cementing a new power player in Paramount. Paramount, which is significantly smaller than Netflix, said its decision to circumvent Warner’s top managers came after they “never engaged meaningfully” with several earlier offers by the company. Paramount made the details of its new offer public and gave Warner shareholders an option to tender their shares — selling them directly at a set price — in support of its bid. The company is offering to buy Warner’s entire portfolio, including cable networks like CNN that Netflix excluded from its bid. In its appeal to shareholders, Paramount argued its offer may be more likely to pass regulatory scrutiny from the The President administration. The president has said the Warner and Netflix deal “could be a problem” due to the size of the combined market share. Kushner’s decision to pull his firm’s financial backing takes away a possible Paramount advantage to win over The President. The amount Kushner’s Affinity Partners was contributing to the offer was not disclosed in Paramount’s latest SEC filings. “With two strong competitors vying to secure the future of this unique American asset, Affinity has decided no longer to pursue the opportunity,” the firm said in a statement. “The dynamics of the investment have changed significantly since we initially became involved in October. We continue to believe there is a strong strategic rationale for Paramount’s offer.” Paramount’s bid is still backed by wealth funds run by three governments in the Persian Gulf, widely reported as Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Paramount, which owns which owns CBS, MTV and the streaming service Paramount+, is newly headed by David Ellison, the son of a major The President donor. But The President has recently criticized the Ellisons for his treatment by CBS News’ “60 Minutes.” “If they are friends, I’d hate to see my enemies!” The President said Tuesday on Truth Social. Warner is reviewing Paramount’s offer and is expected to tell shareholders soon whether it’s a better deal than selling to Netflix. —Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press View the full article

Want to know how much you spent on Uber Eats this past year? If the answer is no, bad luck. Just days after Saturday Night Live dropped a satirical skit about an “Uber Eats wrapped,” Uber brought the feature to life with a year-end recap. Around this time each year, platforms from Spotify to YouTube start rolling out personalized recaps, breaking down how users spent their time over the past 12 months. The next logical step? A full accounting of every Uber trip taken and every guilt-ridden Uber Eats order placed this year. On Monday, the company launched its new year-in-review feature called “YOUBER,” which compiles users’ activity across both Uber and Uber Eats. The recap shows where you went, how often you splurged on Uber Comfort, and just how frequently you returned to the same takeout spot. If you rank in the top 1% of a restaurant’s customers, YOUBER will let you know, whether or not that realization fills you with pride or shame. In the SNL sketch, one character learns he’s eaten more chicken nuggets than 99% of users worldwide. Another is assigned an “Uber Eats age”—a riff on Spotify’s “listening age”—only to be told his is “Dead.” “Better than mine,” his wife replies. “52 and fat.” The parody recap also shows users the compromising and unflattering ways they appeared to the delivery driver while grabbing their food from their doorway. Finally, the app shows personalized messages from customers’ most frequented restaurants, and calculates the total spent on deliveries—in this case, $24,000. Uber’s real version is slightly less brutal. The YOUBER feature—currently available only in the U.S.—can be accessed via a banner in the app and presents users with a card of their stats. That includes total rides, top order, most-used ride type, Uber rating, and one of 14 assigned “Uber Personality Profiles,” such as “Do-Gooder” for Uber Electric loyalists, “Rise & Shiner” for early-morning riders, or “Delivery Darling” for users who “live for deliveries of all kinds.” Of course, all shareable on social media if you’re brave enough. Alongside individual recaps, Uber also shared global highlights from its 2025 data. The longest ride of the year stretched nearly 700 miles from Austin, Texas, to Pensacola, Florida, taking around 11 hours. Meanwhile, Uber Eats’ largest order of the year was a Chinese food delivery containing more than 180 items. View the full article

The proposed $85 billion merger of Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads has lost the support of two unions that represent more than half their workers over concerns it will jeopardize safety and jobs, raise shipping rates and consumer prices, and cause significant disruptions. The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division are among the most prominent critics of the deal to create the nation’s first transcontinental railroad. When they officially announce their decision Wednesday, they will join the American Chemistry Council, an assortment of agricultural groups, and competing railroad BNSF in raising concerns the merger would hurt competition. The deal has the support of the nation’s largest rail union, which represents conductors and hundreds of individual shippers, and President Donald The President has said the deal sounds good to him. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board will weigh the opinions of all stakeholders to determine whether the merger is in the public interest once the railroads file their formal application, which is expected later this week. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena has argued that creating a railroad that stretches from coast to coast would be good for the economy because without the need for a hand-off between railroads in the middle of the country rail shipments would move faster, meaning it could better compete against trucking. But after months of meetings with Vena and other executives, the presidents of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division unions—both affiliated with the Teamsters—said they have serious doubts about the potential benefits, and warned the promises Vena made to preserve jobs aren’t detailed enough to be reliable. The unions say there’s nothing to keep the companies from transferring jobs hundreds of miles away or to prevent the sale of some UP lines to short-line railroads that pay less. Union Pacific said in a statement that “every employee with a union job at the time of the merger will continue to have one. We’ve formalized this jobs-for-life agreement with five unions.” Vena has acknowledged that the number of employees at the combined railroad could still shrink through attrition, if workers leave on their own. Rail unions worry about safety and shippers “This proposed monopoly will end up costing businesses more and those costs will be passed on to consumers,” Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen National President Mark Wallace said. “We believe this transcontinental railroad will make shipping by rail less attractive as the merged carrier passes off rail lines that serve small towns, factories and farms to short line railroads while running miles-long slow-moving trains on the main line. For rail customers it will be a choice between ’Hell or the highway.’ ” The unions say they are worried that safety could deteriorate after a merger, because Union Pacific hasn’t made the same improvements Norfolk Southern has in the two and a half years since the disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. Vena and Norfolk Southern CEO Mark George have said they are optimistic the merger will be approved because they believe it will be good for the country, their customers and rail workers. Shareholders of both railroads overwhelmingly support it. Deal faces stringent review The Surface Transportation Board will review the deal under a tough new standard it adopted in 2001 after a series of disastrous rail mergers in the 1990s that led to shipment delays of weeks or even months. These untested rules require any merger of the six largest railroads to be in the public interest and show that it will enhance competition. When the Surface Transportation Board approved the first major rail merger in more than two decades two years ago, it used a less stringent standard allowing Canadian Pacific’s $31 billion acquisition of Kansas City Southern. Transportation expert and DePaul University Professor Joe Schwieterman said many people have questioned the Union Pacific merger because of its scope and the likelihood that it could trigger another merger, resulting in only two American railroads. Everyone will examine the merger application closely, Schwieterman said. Currently, Norfolk Southern and CSX serve the eastern U.S. while Union Pacific and BNSF serve the west, and the two major Canadian rails compete where they can with their tracks crossing Canada and extending into the United States and Mexico. A merged Union Pacific would likely control more than 40% of the nation’s freight. “This merger is like nothing we’ve seen before. It’s creating a railroad of such enormous scope that it’s somewhat of a paradigm shift,” Schwieterman said. Competitors question the benefits BNSF’s Chief of Staff Zak Andersen said his railroad, which is owned by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, is convinced this merger would be bad for competition and lead to higher rates and fewer options for shippers. “No customer is asking for this. This is strictly a Wall Street play for shareholders,” Andersen said. Earlier this fall, Buffett and CPKC’s CEO both said they weren’t interested in any kind of rail merger right now. Instead, they believe the railroads should continue to find ways to cooperate to deliver shipments more quickly, which can be done without all the complications of a merger. Still, CSX decided to replace its CEO this fall with an executive who has a background leading companies through major mergers. —Josh Funk, AP transportation writer View the full article

Google today began rolling out Gemini 3 Flash as the default model powering AI Mode in Search worldwide. The upgrade brings faster performance and stronger reasoning to AI-generated search responses, Google said. Why we care. With AI Mode, Google continues to transition toward an AI-first search approach. More queries could be answered directly in AI Mode, reducing reliance on traditional organic listings. Improved reasoning allows AI Mode to handle comparison and planning tasks, multi-intent searches, and research-style queries. What’s changing. Gemini 3 Flash now powers AI Mode in Search globally. It replaces earlier Flash-class models previously used in AI Mode. AI Mode responses now use Gemini 3-level reasoning with lower latency. What AI Mode does. According to Google, AI Mode: Breaks complex queries into multiple parts. Pulls real-time information and links from across the web. Presents answers in structured, visually organized formats. Handles multi-step tasks (e.g., trip planning, learning complex topics). What Google is saying. In a blog post, Tulsee Doshi, senior director, product management, wrote: Building on the reasoning capabilities of Gemini 3 Pro, AI Mode with Gemini 3 Flash is more powerful at parsing the nuances of your question. It considers each aspect of your query to serve thoughtful, comprehensive responses that are visually digestible — pulling real-time local information and helpful links from across the web. The result effectively combines research with immediate action: you get an intelligently organized breakdown alongside specific recommendations — at the speed of Search. This shines when tackling complex goals with multiple considerations like trying to plan a last-minute trip or learning complex educational concepts quickly. Google’s announcement. Gemini 3 Flash: frontier intelligence built for speed View the full article

Defining a product line involves grouping related products under a single brand to meet specific customer needs. These products often share similar features, functions, or target audiences. For example, a skincare company might have a line of moisturizers that vary by skin type or texture. Comprehending what constitutes a product line is essential for effective marketing strategies and customer engagement. Let’s explore how these lines function and their impact on business success. Key Takeaways A product line consists of closely related products marketed under a single brand, targeting specific customer markets. Products within a line share similar functions or target demographics but vary in attributes like size, color, and performance. The depth of a product line indicates the number of variations available, enhancing customer choice and market segmentation. Product line extensions leverage established brand recognition to boost sales and cater to diverse customer needs. Companies use market research and analysis to define product lines, optimizing their offerings based on consumer behavior and trends. What Is a Product Line? A product line is fundamentally a collection of closely related products that a company markets under a single brand. Product lines are a part of a product strategy designed to target specific customer markets with similar functionality and characteristics. For instance, a Coca-Cola brand might offer various flavors, whereas an Nike shoe company may provide different styles. The relationship between a product line and product mix is crucial, as a product line refers to a specific category within the broader product mix. Companies manage their product lines by making strategic decisions about expansion, modification, or discontinuation based on market trends. A well-defined product line improves brand recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, ensuring you find options that meet your preferences. Characteristics of Product Lines Product lines possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other categories within a company’s product mix. Comprehending these traits helps you effectively manage your offerings. Key characteristics include: A collection of related products marketed under a single brand. Shared functions or target demographics among products. Variations in attributes like size, color, model, capacity, and performance. The depth of the product line, indicating the number of variations available. Strategic pricing that aligns with other products in the line to attract various market segments. These elements work together to improve customer loyalty and guarantee brand recognition, while simultaneously providing a range of options to meet different consumer preferences. Balancing these characteristics is essential for maintaining a strong product line. How Product Lines Work Comprehending how product lines work is key to effective marketing and management. You’ll find that product lines consist of related items that share similar features, allowing for better brand cohesion and customer loyalty. Product Line Characteristics In the domain of marketing, a well-defined product line plays a fundamental role in meeting consumer needs and preferences. A product line groups related products under one brand, targeting similar demographics and sharing attributes like functionality and quality. Key characteristics of product lines include: Differentiation: Varieties in price, size, model, and performance cater to diverse consumer preferences. Filling Gaps: Companies add variations to existing lines, addressing customer demand and enhancing satisfaction. Data Analysis: Effective management involves analyzing sales data and market trends to optimize the product mix. Extensions: Introducing new flavors or models leverages brand recognition, reducing risk. Loyalty Building: Product line extensions nurture customer loyalty as they broaden market reach. Understanding these characteristics can help you navigate marketing strategies effectively. Product Line Management Managing a product line effectively requires a sharp awareness of market dynamics and consumer preferences. As a product line manager, you’ll oversee a collection of related products, ensuring they align with overall company objectives. You’ll analyze market trends and consumer behavior to make informed decisions about product expansions, modifications, or removals. It’s crucial to assess each product’s contribution margin to determine its viability and overall impact on profitability. By maintaining consistent branding across all offerings, you’ll improve brand loyalty and customer retention. Offering a diverse range of products that meet consumer needs can eventually lead to increased sales and a stronger market presence. This strategic approach to product line management is fundamental for long-term success. The Importance of Product Line Extensions When you consider product line extensions, you’re tapping into the strength of brand recognition, which can considerably lower the risks involved in launching new products. These extensions allow you to cater to diverse customer needs, in the end broadening your market share and attracting a wider audience. Brand Recognition Benefits Product line extensions greatly benefit from established brand recognition, as they create a sense of trust and familiarity among consumers. This recognition simplifies the process of launching new products and helps reduce marketing costs. Here are some key benefits: Consumers are more likely to trust products from familiar brands. Loyalty from existing customers can drive sales, with up to 30% of new product sales coming from them. Brand extensions can boost new product introduction success rates by 20%. They fulfill diverse customer needs, enhancing overall satisfaction. Familiarity often leads to increased customer retention, as consumers feel comfortable exploring new offerings under a trusted brand. Leveraging brand recognition is crucial for maximizing product line extension success. Market Share Expansion Increasing market share through product line extensions is a strategic approach that can greatly benefit your business. By introducing new products that meet existing customer needs, you leverage brand recognition to attract new consumers. When customers trust your brand, they’re more likely to try your new offerings, boosting their loyalty. Adding variations or complementary products not only reduces market risk but also satisfies diverse customer preferences, giving you a competitive edge. Studies show that successful product line extensions can lead to a 25% increase in overall sales, as they expand consumer options and strengthen brand presence. Ultimately, an effective product line extension strategy improves market share and profitability by tapping into underserved market segments aligned with your brand promise. Examples of Product Lines Defining product lines is essential for businesses aiming to meet diverse consumer needs, and various companies showcase this concept effectively through their offerings. Here are some notable examples: Procter & Gamble (P&G): Offers product lines in baby care, feminine care, and oral care. Nestlé: Features brands like Milo, Kit Kat, and Nan, providing a variety of food and beverage options. Coca-Cola: Boasts over 500 brands, each serving as a unique product line for different markets. Microsoft: Develops high-end product lines such as Microsoft Office, Energy BI, Xbox, and Windows Operating Systems. Nike: Creates specialized product lines for sports, including footwear, clothing, and equipment customized for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. These examples illustrate how product lines cater to specific consumer preferences. Product Line vs. Product Mix Though comprehending the differences between a product line and a product mix might seem straightforward, grasping these concepts is crucial for effective business strategy. A product line refers to a specific group of related products offered by your company, whereas a product mix encompasses all product lines and individual products you sell. The width of your product mix indicates how many distinct product lines you have, and the length refers to the total number of products within those lines. Furthermore, product line depth measures the variety within a specific line, while consistency assesses how closely related your product lines are. Strategies for Creating a Product Line Creating a successful product line requires a strategic approach that begins with comprehension of your target audience. To effectively develop your product line, consider these key strategies: Define your target user and conduct thorough market research to understand their needs. Develop a go-to-market strategy to detail how you’ll introduce your products to the market. Validate your product ideas through testing and gather feedback to ascertain they meet customer expectations. Plan pre-launch activities, including marketing campaigns that generate excitement and awareness. Continuously monitor performance post-launch, gathering insights to inform future developments and potential line extensions. Frequently Asked Questions How to Define a Product Line? To define a product line, start by identifying a group of related products that share common characteristics but differ in variations like size or color. Analyze customer needs and preferences through market research to guarantee your products meet specific demands. Consider how these products align with your brand identity. For example, if you sell athletic shoes, your product line may include running, basketball, and casual styles, each customized for different consumers. Which Statement Best Defines a Product Line? A product line best defines a group of related products marketed under a single brand name. These products share similar characteristics, such as functionality and price range, which helps target specific customer demographics. For example, a skincare brand might offer a product line that includes cleansers, moisturizers, and serums customized for oily skin. This approach streamlines marketing efforts, improves brand recognition, and allows companies to manage consumer preferences effectively within that category. What Is an Example of a Product Line Company? An example of a product line company is Procter & Gamble (P&G). They offer various product lines, including baby care, feminine care, and oral care. Each line features a specific range of products designed to meet different consumer needs. For instance, within their baby care line, you’ll find diapers, wipes, and lotions. This strategy allows P&G to cater to distinct market segments, enhancing their reach and customer satisfaction effectively. What Is an Example of a Product Line Structure? A clear example of a product line structure is Apple’s iPhone range. Within this line, you’ll find several models, such as the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Each model offers different features, sizes, and prices, catering to various consumer preferences. This segmentation allows Apple to target distinct demographics effectively, enhancing brand loyalty and recognition as well as providing customers with customized options that meet their needs and expectations. Conclusion Defining a product line is vital for effectively targeting customer needs and preferences. By grouping related products under one brand, companies can improve market reach and build customer loyalty. Comprehending the characteristics and mechanics of product lines allows businesses to create effective extensions that meet diverse market demands. In the end, a well-defined product line contributes to clearer branding and improved sales performance, making it a significant aspect of any successful marketing strategy. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Define a Product Line and What It Refers To" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Defining a product line involves grouping related products under a single brand to meet specific customer needs. These products often share similar features, functions, or target audiences. For example, a skincare company might have a line of moisturizers that vary by skin type or texture. Comprehending what constitutes a product line is essential for effective marketing strategies and customer engagement. Let’s explore how these lines function and their impact on business success. Key Takeaways A product line consists of closely related products marketed under a single brand, targeting specific customer markets. Products within a line share similar functions or target demographics but vary in attributes like size, color, and performance. The depth of a product line indicates the number of variations available, enhancing customer choice and market segmentation. Product line extensions leverage established brand recognition to boost sales and cater to diverse customer needs. Companies use market research and analysis to define product lines, optimizing their offerings based on consumer behavior and trends. What Is a Product Line? A product line is fundamentally a collection of closely related products that a company markets under a single brand. Product lines are a part of a product strategy designed to target specific customer markets with similar functionality and characteristics. For instance, a Coca-Cola brand might offer various flavors, whereas an Nike shoe company may provide different styles. The relationship between a product line and product mix is crucial, as a product line refers to a specific category within the broader product mix. Companies manage their product lines by making strategic decisions about expansion, modification, or discontinuation based on market trends. A well-defined product line improves brand recognition and nurtures customer loyalty, ensuring you find options that meet your preferences. Characteristics of Product Lines Product lines possess distinct characteristics that differentiate them from other categories within a company’s product mix. Comprehending these traits helps you effectively manage your offerings. Key characteristics include: A collection of related products marketed under a single brand. Shared functions or target demographics among products. Variations in attributes like size, color, model, capacity, and performance. The depth of the product line, indicating the number of variations available. Strategic pricing that aligns with other products in the line to attract various market segments. These elements work together to improve customer loyalty and guarantee brand recognition, while simultaneously providing a range of options to meet different consumer preferences. Balancing these characteristics is essential for maintaining a strong product line. How Product Lines Work Comprehending how product lines work is key to effective marketing and management. You’ll find that product lines consist of related items that share similar features, allowing for better brand cohesion and customer loyalty. Product Line Characteristics In the domain of marketing, a well-defined product line plays a fundamental role in meeting consumer needs and preferences. A product line groups related products under one brand, targeting similar demographics and sharing attributes like functionality and quality. Key characteristics of product lines include: Differentiation: Varieties in price, size, model, and performance cater to diverse consumer preferences. Filling Gaps: Companies add variations to existing lines, addressing customer demand and enhancing satisfaction. Data Analysis: Effective management involves analyzing sales data and market trends to optimize the product mix. Extensions: Introducing new flavors or models leverages brand recognition, reducing risk. Loyalty Building: Product line extensions nurture customer loyalty as they broaden market reach. Understanding these characteristics can help you navigate marketing strategies effectively. Product Line Management Managing a product line effectively requires a sharp awareness of market dynamics and consumer preferences. As a product line manager, you’ll oversee a collection of related products, ensuring they align with overall company objectives. You’ll analyze market trends and consumer behavior to make informed decisions about product expansions, modifications, or removals. It’s crucial to assess each product’s contribution margin to determine its viability and overall impact on profitability. By maintaining consistent branding across all offerings, you’ll improve brand loyalty and customer retention. Offering a diverse range of products that meet consumer needs can eventually lead to increased sales and a stronger market presence. This strategic approach to product line management is fundamental for long-term success. The Importance of Product Line Extensions When you consider product line extensions, you’re tapping into the strength of brand recognition, which can considerably lower the risks involved in launching new products. These extensions allow you to cater to diverse customer needs, in the end broadening your market share and attracting a wider audience. Brand Recognition Benefits Product line extensions greatly benefit from established brand recognition, as they create a sense of trust and familiarity among consumers. This recognition simplifies the process of launching new products and helps reduce marketing costs. Here are some key benefits: Consumers are more likely to trust products from familiar brands. Loyalty from existing customers can drive sales, with up to 30% of new product sales coming from them. Brand extensions can boost new product introduction success rates by 20%. They fulfill diverse customer needs, enhancing overall satisfaction. Familiarity often leads to increased customer retention, as consumers feel comfortable exploring new offerings under a trusted brand. Leveraging brand recognition is crucial for maximizing product line extension success. Market Share Expansion Increasing market share through product line extensions is a strategic approach that can greatly benefit your business. By introducing new products that meet existing customer needs, you leverage brand recognition to attract new consumers. When customers trust your brand, they’re more likely to try your new offerings, boosting their loyalty. Adding variations or complementary products not only reduces market risk but also satisfies diverse customer preferences, giving you a competitive edge. Studies show that successful product line extensions can lead to a 25% increase in overall sales, as they expand consumer options and strengthen brand presence. Ultimately, an effective product line extension strategy improves market share and profitability by tapping into underserved market segments aligned with your brand promise. Examples of Product Lines Defining product lines is essential for businesses aiming to meet diverse consumer needs, and various companies showcase this concept effectively through their offerings. Here are some notable examples: Procter & Gamble (P&G): Offers product lines in baby care, feminine care, and oral care. Nestlé: Features brands like Milo, Kit Kat, and Nan, providing a variety of food and beverage options. Coca-Cola: Boasts over 500 brands, each serving as a unique product line for different markets. Microsoft: Develops high-end product lines such as Microsoft Office, Energy BI, Xbox, and Windows Operating Systems. Nike: Creates specialized product lines for sports, including footwear, clothing, and equipment customized for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. These examples illustrate how product lines cater to specific consumer preferences. Product Line vs. Product Mix Though comprehending the differences between a product line and a product mix might seem straightforward, grasping these concepts is crucial for effective business strategy. A product line refers to a specific group of related products offered by your company, whereas a product mix encompasses all product lines and individual products you sell. The width of your product mix indicates how many distinct product lines you have, and the length refers to the total number of products within those lines. Furthermore, product line depth measures the variety within a specific line, while consistency assesses how closely related your product lines are. Strategies for Creating a Product Line Creating a successful product line requires a strategic approach that begins with comprehension of your target audience. To effectively develop your product line, consider these key strategies: Define your target user and conduct thorough market research to understand their needs. Develop a go-to-market strategy to detail how you’ll introduce your products to the market. Validate your product ideas through testing and gather feedback to ascertain they meet customer expectations. Plan pre-launch activities, including marketing campaigns that generate excitement and awareness. Continuously monitor performance post-launch, gathering insights to inform future developments and potential line extensions. Frequently Asked Questions How to Define a Product Line? To define a product line, start by identifying a group of related products that share common characteristics but differ in variations like size or color. Analyze customer needs and preferences through market research to guarantee your products meet specific demands. Consider how these products align with your brand identity. For example, if you sell athletic shoes, your product line may include running, basketball, and casual styles, each customized for different consumers. Which Statement Best Defines a Product Line? A product line best defines a group of related products marketed under a single brand name. These products share similar characteristics, such as functionality and price range, which helps target specific customer demographics. For example, a skincare brand might offer a product line that includes cleansers, moisturizers, and serums customized for oily skin. This approach streamlines marketing efforts, improves brand recognition, and allows companies to manage consumer preferences effectively within that category. What Is an Example of a Product Line Company? An example of a product line company is Procter & Gamble (P&G). They offer various product lines, including baby care, feminine care, and oral care. Each line features a specific range of products designed to meet different consumer needs. For instance, within their baby care line, you’ll find diapers, wipes, and lotions. This strategy allows P&G to cater to distinct market segments, enhancing their reach and customer satisfaction effectively. What Is an Example of a Product Line Structure? A clear example of a product line structure is Apple’s iPhone range. Within this line, you’ll find several models, such as the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Each model offers different features, sizes, and prices, catering to various consumer preferences. This segmentation allows Apple to target distinct demographics effectively, enhancing brand loyalty and recognition as well as providing customers with customized options that meet their needs and expectations. Conclusion Defining a product line is vital for effectively targeting customer needs and preferences. By grouping related products under one brand, companies can improve market reach and build customer loyalty. Comprehending the characteristics and mechanics of product lines allows businesses to create effective extensions that meet diverse market demands. In the end, a well-defined product line contributes to clearer branding and improved sales performance, making it a significant aspect of any successful marketing strategy. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Define a Product Line and What It Refers To" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Google Search’s Danny Sullivan and John Mueller pushed back – yet again – on the idea that brands need a separate AI SEO strategy, during the latest Search Off the Record episode. Sullivan’s take is simple: the acronyms keep multiplying (GEO, AEO, etc.), but the advice stays unchanged: Write for humans, not for ranking systems, whether those systems are traditional search or LLM-powered experiences. Why we care. As AI search grows, a lot of publishers and SEOs are feeling pressured to try something new. Google’s take: chasing AI tricks can actually hurt and distract you from making content people actually like. Google says the north star hasn’t moved. Sullivan said Google’s goal is to reward content created for people – not content written for search algorithms and not content written for LLMs. If you are already doing that, he says, you are “ahead” as formats shift. If you optimize narrowly for a specific AI system, you risk permanent catch-up as those systems evolve. Modern CMS platforms handle much of the old “make your site crawlable” work by default, Mueller added. Original, authentic, multimodal. Sullivan argued that AI features accelerate a reality publishers have faced for years: commodity content is easy to replace. His examples: Pages that padded a simple fact like “What time is the Super Bowl?” into a long post eventually lost to direct answers and data feeds. Sites built on predictable, repeatable answers (e.g., word game solutions) are exposed when the ecosystem supplies that information directly. What Google wants creators to do: Prioritize original value. Bring perspective, expertise, reporting, firsthand experience, or a voice that only you can provide. Lean into authenticity. Not “manufactured authentic,” but work grounded in real experience. Go multimodal. Sullivan joked that he hates the term, but the point stands. Mix text with images and video, because users search across formats and often prefer video for how-to answers. Structured data still matters. They also reiterated that structured data is helpful, not decisive. Sullivan said it is not “structured data and you win AI.” It supports how systems understand and present content, just as it already does across Search features. Focus on quality clicks. Google is seeing that traffic from AI formats can arrive more engaged, such as spending more time on-site. His hypothesis is that AI results create better contextual awareness. Users click when they are more confident that the result matches their intent. Google’s advice: define and track outcomes that matter to your business, not just raw traffic. Focus on quality clicks and quality conversions over volume (and be clear on what a conversion actually is). About query fan-out. They explained why “I rank in blue links but not in AI Overviews” is a flawed comparison: AI features may run multiple related searches behind the scenes. Mueller described it as doing “a whole bunch of searches for you” and then synthesizing the results. That means visibility in AI results may not map one-to-one with the exact query a user typed. Clients still want “the new thing.” Sullivan acknowledged the real-world problem. Clients still demand “AI optimization” as a separate service. He suggested reframing is to present the “same old stuff” as the durable, long-term strategy. Position “AI SEO” as monitoring and adapting, not rebuilding everything into a second content system. What to do now, according to Google. Based from the conversation, Google’s “SEO checklist” looks something like this: Create human-first, satisfying content. Offer original reporting, unique expertise, firsthand experience, and a strong voice. Add images or video when they genuinely improve understanding. Use structured data where appropriate. Optimize for engagement and conversions, not just clicks. The podcast. Thoughts on SEO & SEO for AI, part 1 Dig deeper: Google says doing optimization for AI search is ‘the same’ as doing SEO for traditional search Google VP: SEO and AI search optimization have ‘a lot of overlap’ Google’s Danny Sullivan: ‘Good SEO is good GEO’ Google says normal SEO works for ranking in AI Overviews and LLMS.txt won’t be used View the full article

Construction project management certifications help professionals strengthen leadership skills, advance career goals and apply industry best practices across complex builds. While construction document management remains critical to project success, earning the right certification also builds planning, cost estimating and management expertise. This guide highlights the 27 best construction project management certifications worldwide for 2026. What Is a Construction Project Management Certification? A construction project management certification validates the skills and knowledge needed to plan, manage and deliver construction projects successfully. Earning a construction project manager certification demonstrates expertise in scheduling, cost control, risk management and industry best practices, helping professionals advance their careers and meet the demands of today’s construction industry. What Organizations Offer Construction Project Management Certifications? A mix of professional associations, industry groups and universities offers construction project management certifications. These organizations focus on different aspects of construction project management, from leadership and planning to cost control and safety. Choosing the right certification often depends on your experience level, career goals and whether you want a general project management credential or one tailored specifically to the construction industry. Construction project managers in all industries trust ProjectManager to help plan and execute their projects. From in-depth Gantt charts that can set a baseline and track all four types of dependencies to AI Project Insights that leverages leading AI technology, ProjectManager offers the tools construction teams need to manage every phase of their project. Get started for free with a 30-day trial, no credit card required. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Construction-Gantt-light-mode-task-info-general-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more United States Construction Project Management Certifications Several well-known professional organizations and institutions offer construction project management certifications in the United States. Through these credentials, construction project managers can build credibility, strengthen their skills and advance their careers across the construction industry. Project Management Institute (PMI): Global nonprofit organization setting the standard for project management certifications, including PMP and PMI-CP, widely used in construction to validate competency in planning, scheduling, risk management and delivery outcomes successfully. Construction Management Association of America (CMAA): Leading US association dedicated exclusively to construction management, offering the CCM credential to recognize professional experience, ethics and competence in managing complex construction projects from preconstruction through closeout phases effectively. American Institute of Constructors (AIC): Professional organization advancing constructor professionalism, administering AC and CPC certifications that emphasize applied construction management knowledge, estimating, scheduling, ethics and leadership across commercial, industrial and infrastructure construction environments nationwide recognition. Lean Construction Institute (LCI): Industry organization promoting lean construction principles, offering the Lean Construction Professional credential focused on collaboration, waste reduction, continuous improvement and production planning within construction project delivery systems worldwide adoption trends. AACE International: International professional association specializing in cost engineering, scheduling and controls, providing CCP and PSP certifications widely recognized for construction cost management, planning accuracy and schedule performance analysis globally respected standards. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): US federal agency responsible for workplace safety regulations, offering OSHA 30-Hour Construction training that validates knowledge of construction hazards, compliance requirements and safety management responsibilities on jobsites nationwide workforce protection. Related: 25 Free Excel Construction Templates United Kingdom Construction Project Management Certifications Construction project management certifications in the United Kingdom support professionals working across complex planning design construction environments. These credentials focus on industry best practices, safety, sustainability and advanced management skills that help construction project managers lead projects with confidence. Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB): Global professional body for construction management and leadership, awarding Chartered Construction Manager status to experienced professionals demonstrating competence, ethics and strategic capability across the built environment sectors, internationally recognized standards. Association for Project Management (APM): UK chartered organization for project management, providing PMQ, PPQ and ChPP certifications recognized across construction and infrastructure for validating advanced project leadership, governance and delivery capability nationally and internationally respected. AXELOS: UK-based accreditation body managing PRINCE2, a structured project management methodology frequently applied in construction and infrastructure to control stages, risks and governance throughout project lifecycles, globally adopted best-practice framework standards. Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS): International professional institution for surveying and construction, offering MRICS project management pathways that emphasize commercial management, procurement, risk control and professional standards across global construction markets and client advisory roles. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg Australia Construction Project Management Certifications Australia offers a strong range of construction project management certifications for professionals who want to build skills and advance their careers. Industry bodies and training organizations focus on practical project management, safety and construction best practices aligned with local standards. Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM): Australia’s peak project management body, certifying professionals through CPPD and CPPM credentials recognized across construction and infrastructure for leadership capability, governance knowledge and project delivery expertise nationwide industry alignment standards. Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF): National framework regulating Australian education and qualifications, including diploma and advanced diploma project management credentials commonly used in construction to demonstrate formal training and competency alignment across accredited institutions nationally. Related: 10 Free Construction Scheduling Templates for Excel, Word & Google Sheets Canada Construction Project Management Certifications Canada offers several construction project management certifications that support professionals working across commercial, residential and infrastructure projects. Industry best practices, leadership skills and technical expertise aligned with the construction industry’s standards and regulations are at the forefront of these credentials. Project Management Institute (PMI) – Canada Chapters: Canadian chapters of PMI administering globally recognized PMP certification, widely used in Canadian construction and infrastructure projects to validate standardized project management knowledge and professional competency across provinces nationwide consistently. Canadian Construction Association (CCA): National association representing Canada’s construction industry, administering Gold Seal certifications that validate management, supervisory and technical competence for construction professionals across commercial and infrastructure projects nationwide recognition, industry-driven standards programs. Provincial Engineering & Technology Associations (e.g., OACETT): Provincial engineering and technology associations certify technologists through CET pathways, supporting construction roles that combine technical expertise, applied project coordination and regulated professional practice within Canada across multiple provinces nationally. Canadian Institute of Management (CIM): Canadian professional management organization offering the Master Project Manager designation, applicable across industries, including construction, emphasizing leadership, strategic planning and applied management competencies for senior professionals nationwide recognition standards development. /wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Construction-Schedule-Template.png Get your free Construction Schedule Template Use this free Construction Schedule Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template New Zealand Construction Project Management Certifications In New Zealand, professionals can seek construction project management certifications that support managing diverse and growing construction projects. These credentials focus on planning, coordination and industry best practices to help project managers succeed. New Zealand Institute of Project Management (NZIPM): National professional body for project management, offering certifications aligned with PMI standards and widely used in New Zealand construction and infrastructure projects to validate professional project delivery capability. Engineering New Zealand: Professional body regulating engineering practice, offering Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and project leadership pathways commonly required for senior construction and infrastructure project management roles nationwide. Top 27 Construction Project Management Certifications The following list highlights the top construction project management certifications recognized worldwide. These credentials help construction professionals build project management expertise, validate industry best practices and advance careers across the construction industry. Project Management Professional (PMP) — US-based (PMI): The PMP certification validates advanced project management expertise across industries, including construction. Offered by PMI, it focuses on best practices, leadership, planning and execution for experienced construction project managers. Construction Professional in Built Environment Projects (PMI-CP) — US-based (PMI): PMI-CP targets construction professionals managing complex built environment projects. It emphasizes interface management, planning, design, construction and industry best practices specific to construction project management. Certified Construction Manager (CCM) — US-based (CMAA): The CCM certification recognizes experienced construction managers who demonstrate management expertise in cost, time, safety and quality across the construction project lifecycle. Associate Constructor (AC) — US-based (AIC): The AC certification supports early-career construction professionals by validating foundational knowledge in construction management, project controls and industry standards through a comprehensive exam. Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) — US-based (AIC): The CPC certification builds on the AC credential and confirms advanced construction management expertise including cost estimating, planning and leadership for senior construction professionals. Chartered Construction Manager (CCM Chartered) — UK-based (CIOB): CIOB’s Chartered Construction Manager credential recognizes leadership, professionalism and advanced management skills within the construction industry across planning, delivery and sustainability. Site Management Safety Training Scheme (SMSTS) — UK-based (CITB / CIOB ecosystem): SMSTS focuses on site safety, risk management and legal responsibilities, making it essential for construction managers overseeing working construction environments and compliance requirements. APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ) — UK-based (APM): The PMQ provides broad project management education covering planning, control and governance, making it suitable for construction project managers building foundational management expertise. APM Practitioner Qualification (PPQ) — UK-based (APM): PPQ assesses applied project management skills through real-world scenarios, helping construction professionals demonstrate advanced decision-making and leadership capabilities. PRINCE2 Practitioner — UK-based (AXELOS): PRINCE2 Practitioner certifies structured project management skills using a process-driven framework widely applied in construction projects across the UK and globally. Lean Construction Professional (LCP) — US-based (Lean Construction Institute): LCP certification focuses on lean principles that reduce waste, improve collaboration and optimize workflow across construction project management and delivery. Certified Cost Professional (CCP) — US-based (AACE International): CCP validates expertise in cost estimating, cost control and financial management, supporting construction project managers responsible for budgets and technology costs. Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP) — US-based (AACE International): PSP certification specializes in project scheduling, time management and delay analysis for construction professionals managing complex project timelines. MRICS – Project Management Pathway — UK-based (RICS): MRICS in project management recognizes global standards in construction management, cost control and professional ethics within the built environment. OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety — US-based (OSHA): OSHA 30-Hour training emphasizes construction site safety, compliance and risk reduction, supporting safer project delivery and regulatory awareness. Certified Practising Project Director (CPPD) — AIPM: CPPD targets senior construction leaders responsible for strategy, governance and portfolio oversight across large construction projects. Certified Practising Project Manager (CPPM) — AIPM: CPPM validates applied project management skills across planning, execution and control for professionals managing construction projects in Australia. Diploma of Project Management (BSB50820) — AQF: This diploma provides practical project management training focused on planning, scheduling and delivery within construction and related industries. Advanced Diploma of Project Management (BSB60720) — AQF: The advanced diploma builds leadership and governance skills for experienced construction professionals managing complex projects and teams. Chartered Project Professional (ChPP) — APM / AIPM: ChPP recognizes senior project management expertise, leadership and continued professional development across industries, including construction. Project Management Professional (PMP) — PMI Canada Chapters: PMP certification in Canada validates global project management standards applied to construction projects, leadership and performance improvement. Construction Management Certification (Gold Seal Certification – GSC) — CCA: Gold Seal Certification recognizes construction management expertise in supervision, safety and project delivery within the Canadian construction industry. Certified Engineering Technologist (CET) – Construction Pathway: CET certification supports construction professionals with applied technical knowledge in engineering systems, design coordination and project support. Professional Gold Seal Superintendent (GSS) — CCA: GSS certification validates advanced site leadership, coordination and safety management for construction superintendents. Master Project Manager (MPM) — Canadian Institute of Management (CIM): MPM focuses on advanced management expertise, leadership and strategic execution for experienced project managers, including construction professionals. Certified Project Manager (CPM) — New Zealand Institute of Project Management (NZIPM): CPM certification demonstrates applied project management capability aligned with international best practices and construction project delivery. Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) – Project Leadership Pathway — Engineering New Zealand: CPEng with a project leadership focus recognizes engineering professionals leading complex construction projects with accountability and technical authority. ProjectManager Is a Powerful Construction Document Management Software ProjectManager helps construction professionals prepare for certifications by letting them apply real-world project management skills. From Gantt charts and resource planning to document management and dashboards, users can practice industry best practices, track progress and gain hands-on experience aligned with PMP, PMI-CP, CCM and other construction project management certifications. Watch our brief video below for more information on how our software can support your construction project management career. Real-World Application of Best Practices Our platform helps users apply foundational concepts such as scheduling, risk management, resource allocation and document control—core areas emphasized in certification exams and industry standards. Building and managing timelines with dependencies mirrors what candidates learn in formal training for credentials like PMP and PMI‑CP, reinforcing planning, sequencing and critical path skills. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/critical-path-light-mode-gantt-construction-1.png Related Construction Project Management Content 8 Free Construction Forms for Excel and Word 14 Types of Construction Contracts: Pros, Cons & Best Practices How to Manage a Construction Project Step by Step 10 Types of Construction Projects with Examples The Construction Process Explained Step-by-Step ProjectManager is online construction project management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Construction document control has never been easier. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post 27 Best Construction Project Management Certifications Worldwide (2026) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Fernando Moreno has been on dialysis for about two years, enduring an “unbearable” wait for a new kidney to save his life. His limited world of social contacts has meant that his hopes have hinged on inching up the national waiting list for a transplant. That was until earlier this year, when the Philadelphia hospital where he receives treatment connected him with a promising pilot project that has paired him with “angel advocates” — Good Samaritan strangers scattered around the country who leverage their own social media contacts to share his story. So far, the Great Social Experiment, as it was named by its founder, Los Angeles filmmaker David Krissman, hasn’t found the Vineland, New Jersey, truck driver a living kidney donor. But there are encouraging early signs the angel advocate approach is working, and there’s no question it has given Moreno new optimism. “This process is great,” said Moreno, 50, whose own father died of kidney failure at 65. “I’m just hoping there will be somebody out there that’s willing to take a chance.” Moreno is part of a pilot program with 15 patients that began in May at three Pennsylvania hospitals. It’s testing whether motivated, volunteer strangers can help improve the chances of finding a life-saving match for a new kidney — particularly for people with limited social networks. “We know how this has always been done, and we’re trying to put that on steroids and really get them the help that they need,” Krissman said. “Most patients are too sick to do this on their own — many don’t have the skills to do it on their own.” Seeking a blueprint for the future The Gift of Life Donor Program, which serves as the organ procurement network for eastern Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware, is supporting the pilot program with a grant of more than $100,000 from its foundation. So far, two of the five patients in the program through Temple University Hospital have found kidney donors, and one is preparing for surgery, according to Ryan Ihlenfeldt, the hospital’s director of clinical transplant services. One of the five patients at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in Harrisburg has also undergone a transplant. The approach Krissman has developed is something new, said Richard Hasz Jr., Gift of Life’s chief executive, and may help identify the types of messages that attract and motivate potential live kidney donors. “This is the first of its kind that I’m aware of,” Hasz said. “That’s why, I think, the foundation was so interested in doing it — studying it and hopefully publishing it — so we can create that blueprint, if you will, for the future.” Gift of Life agreed to fund a broader test and helped Krissman identify five patients each at Temple, UPMC-Harrisburg and Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. Hasz said the pilot program’s approach combines social media outreach with Krissman’s storytelling talents and aggressive efforts to mobilize the patients’ own connections. “We know that patients who are waiting don’t always have the energy or the resources to do this themselves,” Hasz said. There have been other ways for patients to set up “microsites” where they can tell their stories and seek a donor match. But the pilot program currently underway in Pennsylvania aims to connect patients with a wide universe of potential donors and produce videos and other ways to spread their message. Potential to ‘snowball’ Krissman’s bout with an illness about two decades ago inspired him to tackle the sticky challenge of increasing live kidney donations. He was debilitated for more than a year before medication helped him recover, explaining, “It gave me my life back. And I never forgot what it’s like to be chronically sick.” After producing a podcast on kidney transplantation, Krissman recruited four patients through Facebook who were waiting for kidneys. He was able to help two of them. A second effort, a pilot program with three patients in North Carolina that ended last year, helped match all three with living donors. Becca Brown, director of transplant services at UPMC-Harrisburg, thinks it might be a game changer. “There’s potential for this to really snowball,” Brown said. “I’m anxious to see what happens and if we can roll it out to other patients.” Some 90,000 people in the United States are on a list for a kidney transplant, and most of the roughly 28,000 kidneys that were transplanted last year came from deceased donors. Living kidney donations are hard to come by — about 6,400 were transplanted last year. Thousands die each year waiting for an organ transplant in the United States. Living kidney donations can be a better match, reducing the risk of organ rejection. They allow for surgery to be planned for a time that is optimal for the donor, the recipient and the transplant team. And, the foundation says, living donor kidneys, on average, last longer than kidneys from deceased donors. The National Kidney Foundation says living donors must be at least 18 years old, although some transplant centers set the minimum age at 21. Potential donors get screened for health problems and can be ruled out if they have uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer, or if they are smokers. Many living donors make “directed donations” to specify who will get their kidney. Nondirected donations are made anonymously to a patient. A way to make a difference Francis Beaumier, a 38-year-old information technology worker from Green Bay, Wisconsin, came into contact with the angel advocate program after being a double living donor — a kidney and part of his liver. He sees the program as “a great little way for everyone to make a small difference.” Another angel advocate, Holly Armstrong, was also a living donor. She hopes her efforts will plant a seed. “Some people might just keep scrolling,” said Armstrong, who lives in Lake Wiley, South Carolina. “But there might be someone like me, where they stop scrolling and say, ‘This boy needs a kidney.'” A study released last year found that people who volunteer to donate a kidney are at a lower risk of death from the operation than doctors had previously thought. Tracking 30 years of living kidney donations, researchers found fewer than 1 in every 10,000 donors died within three months of the surgery. Newer and safer surgical techniques were credited for dropping the risk from 3 deaths per 10,000 living donors. Temple serves a large cohort of poorer patients who can have difficulty understanding health issues and who suffer from uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes, Ihlenfeldt, who works there, said. “What David’s trying to do is coalesce a network of support around these patients who are sharing the story for them,” Ihlenfeldt said. Rallying for Ahmad At a kickoff event in a Harrisburg meeting room for kidney patient Ahmad Collins, a couple dozen friends and family listened with rapt attention as Krissman went over the game plan, answering questions and describing the transplant process. Collins, a 50-year-old city government worker and former Penn State linebacker, has needed 10 hours a night of dialysis since a medical procedure left him with damaged kidneys late last year. His mind was on the strangers who might decide to pitch in. “They can be a superhero, so to speak,” Collins said. “They can have the opportunity to save somebody’s life, and not too many times in life do you have that opportunity.” —Mark Scolforo, Associated Press View the full article

The deal significantly grows United Wholesale Mortgage's servicing portfolio, and it will increase the float on its common stock, making it more investable. View the full article