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If you’re looking to establish a corporation, comprehension of how to get Articles of Incorporation is crucial. This process involves several steps, including meeting your state’s filing requirements and selecting a unique business name. You’ll need to gather specific information about your corporation, like its purpose and registered agent. By following these guidelines, you can guarantee a smooth filing process. But, what happens after you submit your application? Key Takeaways Determine your state of incorporation and review specific filing requirements and fees for Articles of Incorporation. Choose a unique business name that includes a corporate suffix and complies with state regulations. Gather necessary information like the corporation’s purpose, registered agent, address, and number of authorized shares. Complete and submit the Articles of Incorporation form along with the required filing fees to the appropriate state office. After filing, obtain an EIN from the IRS and conduct an organizational meeting to ratify bylaws and appoint directors. Understanding Articles of Incorporation Comprehending Articles of Incorporation is crucial for anyone looking to establish a corporation. These formal documents, filed with the Secretary of State, establish your corporation as a separate legal entity from its shareholders. They typically include important information like the corporation’s name, purpose, registered agent, and board structure. By filing these incorporation papers in New York, you gain legal recognition, which boosts credibility with investors and regulatory bodies. The requirements may vary by state; for instance, you might need to list authorized shares and the corporation’s purpose. If you’re wondering where can I get articles of incorporation, you can often find them on your state’s Secretary of State website or through legal service providers. Benefits of Incorporating Your Business Incorporating your business offers significant advantages that can improve its overall success. You gain legal protection, which separates your personal assets from corporate debts, as well as boosting your credibility with customers and investors. Furthermore, incorporation opens doors to funding opportunities, allowing you to raise capital more effectively and secure your business’s future. Legal Protection for Owners When you decide to incorporate your business, one of the primary advantages is the legal protection it offers to owners. By forming a corporation, you gain limited liability protection, meaning your personal assets are shielded from business debts and legal liabilities. This protection is vital for safeguarding your finances. Furthermore, incorporating allows for perpetual existence, ensuring your business can operate independently of changes in ownership. As you consider incorporating, you might wonder, “how do I get a copy of my business license?” Obtaining this document is necessary for compliance and boosts your business’s legitimacy. Finally, corporations can raise capital more easily, opening doors for growth that unincorporated entities may not access. Enhanced Credibility and Trust Establishing your business as a corporation greatly boosts its credibility and trustworthiness. By incorporating, your business gains legal recognition, making it a separate entity from its owners. This status allows your corporation to enter contracts, sue or be sued, and own property, which reassures investors, customers, and partners about its legitimacy. Furthermore, incorporating provides access to various tax benefits and legal rights, enhancing your appeal in the market. The structured governance outlined in your articles of incorporation encourages clarity in management and operations, promoting trust and transparency. In addition, incorporation protects owners from personal liability for business debts, further reassuring stakeholders that their interests are safeguarded. Ultimately, this strengthens your business relationships and enhances your reputation. Access to Funding Opportunities Securing funding can be much easier for incorporated businesses compared to their unincorporated counterparts. When you incorporate, you improve your credibility with investors and customers, making it simpler to attract funding opportunities. Many venture capitalists and angel investors prefer working with formal business structures like corporations. In addition, as a corporation, you can issue stocks, allowing you to raise capital by selling shares—something sole proprietorships and partnerships can’t do. Lenders likewise favor incorporated entities, viewing them as lower risk because of limited liability protections for owners and shareholders. Furthermore, incorporating can make you eligible for government grants and funding programs tailored for registered businesses, further increasing your access to financial resources. Choosing the Right Business Structure Choosing the right business structure is vital as it directly impacts your liability, tax obligations, and governance requirements. You can choose from several options, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. Corporations provide limited liability protection, safeguarding your personal assets, whereas LLCs offer flexible management and favorable tax treatment. Each structure has unique filing requirements; for instance, corporations must file Articles of Incorporation, whereas LLCs submit Articles of Organization. Tax implications also differ markedly; C Corporations face double taxation, whereas S Corporations and LLCs allow income to pass through to owners, avoiding this issue. Comprehending these differences is fundamental, especially if you plan to attract investors or secure funding for growth. Selecting a Unique Business Name Once you’ve selected your business structure, the next step involves picking a unique business name that stands out and complies with state regulations. Start by conducting a name availability check through the Texas Secretary of State’s online database to guarantee your chosen name isn’t already in use. Remember, your business name must include a corporate suffix, like “Inc.” or “LLC,” depending on your structure. It’s wise to choose a name that reflects your business’s nature, aiding branding efforts. Avoid restricted words such as “bank” or “insurance” except you have the necessary approvals, as these require special licensing. Finally, consider reserving your selected name temporarily to secure it as you finalize your Articles of Incorporation. Gathering Required Information To gather the required information for your Articles of Incorporation, start by confirming your unique business name and ensuring it meets state regulations. Next, designate a registered agent, who’ll handle legal documents for your corporation, and make sure you have their details ready. Finally, prepare to provide any additional information your state might require, including the physical address and the names of initial directors or members. Business Name Selection Selecting the right business name is vital, as it not just represents your brand but must furthermore comply with state regulations. Here are key points to reflect on: Uniqueness: Choose a name that’s not already in use. Check your state’s business name database to verify your selected name is available. Legal Designation: Include a legal designation in your business name, such as “Corporation,” “Inc.,” or “LLC,” based on your chosen structure. Restricted Words: Verify that your name doesn’t include restricted words that may require special approval, like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust.” Moreover, reflect on the availability of a matching domain name for online presence and prepare your business’s physical address for the Articles of Incorporation. Registered Agent Details After choosing a suitable business name, gathering the necessary details for your registered agent becomes the next step in the incorporation process. Your registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your business is incorporated, serving as the official point of contact for legal documents and government notices. This agent can be an individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state, but it can’t be your corporation itself. Make certain you have the agent’s full legal name and address ready, as this information must be accurately included in your Articles of Incorporation. Selecting a reliable registered agent is essential, as missing important documents can lead to legal complications or penalties. Completing the Articles of Incorporation Form Completing the Articles of Incorporation form is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, and it’s important to approach this task methodically. Start by visiting your state’s Secretary of State website to access the form and review specific filing guidelines. You’ll need to gather necessary information: The corporation’s name and verify it complies with state regulations and isn’t already in use. The purpose of your corporation, which should be clearly defined. The registered agent’s contact details and the number of authorized shares. Fill out the form carefully, providing all required details, and double-check for accuracy to avoid delays. Finally, submit the completed form along with the appropriate filing fee to the Secretary of State’s office. Filing the Articles With the Secretary of State Once you’ve completed your Articles of Incorporation, it’s time to file them with the Secretary of State. You’ll need to gather all required documentation, including the necessary forms and your filing fee, which varies depending on the type of corporation you’re establishing. Comprehending the submission process and ensuring everything is in order will help you avoid delays in getting your corporation officially recognized. Required Documentation Checklist To successfully file the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, you’ll need to gather several key pieces of documentation. Start by ensuring you have the following: Essential Business Information: This includes the legal name, purpose, and registered agent details for your corporation. Name Availability Check: Conduct a search in the Secretary of State’s database to confirm your business name is unique and complies with state requirements. Completed Articles of Incorporation Form: Fill out the form as directed, including necessary components like the number of shares and director information, along with the appropriate filing fees, which range from $25 for nonprofits to $300 for profit corporations. With this checklist, you’ll be prepared to file your Articles of Incorporation accurately. Submission Process Overview Filing your Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your business, as it formally registers your corporation with the state. To start, visit the Secretary of State’s website to find the appropriate forms and guidelines customized to your business structure. Make sure you have all necessary information ready, including your business name, purpose, registered agent, and details on authorized shares if applicable. The filing fee typically costs $300 for profit or professional corporations, whereas nonprofit corporations require a $25 fee. After completing the forms, submit them along with the filing fee either by mail or online, if available. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, with expedited options for an additional fee of $10-$50. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) When starting a business, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an important step, especially since it’s required for tax identification and various operational purposes. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, by mail, or by fax, with the online method being the fastest and usually providing immediate results. The application process requires basic information about your business, such as: Legal structure (e.g., corporation, partnership) Business name and address Social Security Number of the principal officer There’s no cost to apply for an EIN, making it a free but vital step if you plan to hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership. Once obtained, you’ll use the EIN for various business functions. Understanding Filing Fees and Payment Options After securing your Employer Identification Number (EIN), the next step involves comprehending the filing fees and payment options associated with incorporating your business. In Texas, the filing fee for a profit or professional corporation is $300, whereas it’s only $25 for a nonprofit corporation. If you need expedited processing, expect additional costs ranging from $10 to $50, depending on how quickly you need the service. Payment options typically include checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards, depending on your submission method. Always check the Texas Secretary of State’s website for the most current fee structure, as fees can vary based on specific requirements. Post-Filing Steps and Compliance Once you’ve filed your Articles of Incorporation, it’s crucial to take several important steps to confirm your new corporation complies with legal requirements. Here are three key actions: Obtain an EIN: Apply for a Federal Tax Identification Number through the IRS. You’ll need this for tax purposes and to open a business bank account. Conduct an Organizational Meeting: Hold a meeting with incorporators to ratify bylaws, appoint directors, and issue stock certificates. Be sure to document minutes for legal compliance. Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Regularly file periodic reports with the state, hold annual meetings, and keep accurate records of corporate activities to avoid penalties and confirm your corporation remains in good standing. Common Mistakes to Avoid While starting a corporation can be an exciting venture, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could derail your efforts. First, check the availability of your business name before filing; name conflicts can lead to rejection. Make sure to include all required details, such as the registered agent’s information and your business purpose, to prevent delays or denial. Specify the correct type of corporation, like C Corporation or S Corporation, to avoid unintended tax issues. Don’t overlook state-specific requirements, which can vary greatly and lead to incomplete filings. Finally, include the number of authorized shares; neglecting this can create problems with governance and ownership recognition. Resources for Additional Assistance When starting your expedition to incorporate a business, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. Here are some key resources to take into account: Texas Secretary of State’s Website: Check this site for guidelines and downloadable forms needed for filing Articles of Incorporation. SOSDirect Platform: Utilize this platform for easy access to various business forms and filing options. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Call (800) 252-1381 for help regarding franchise tax accounts and certificates of account status. Moreover, explore online resources for templates and instructions to guarantee compliance with state requirements. Consulting with legal professionals or document preparation services can likewise help you navigate the intricacies of business formation, ensuring accurate filings. Maintaining Your Corporation’s Good Standing Maintaining your corporation’s good standing is crucial for ensuring its longevity and legal compliance. To achieve this in Texas, you must file annual reports and pay franchise taxes on time with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Regularly check your corporation’s status using the online Certificate Verification service from the Texas Secretary of State to confirm compliance. Accurate minutes of annual meetings and corporate actions should be recorded, as these demonstrate adherence to governance protocols. Moreover, maintain a registered agent and a registered office in Texas, as this is legally required for receiving official documents. Finally, stay updated on changes in state regulations or filing requirements that could impact your corporation’s compliance status. Frequently Asked Questions How to Get Access to Articles of Incorporation? To access Articles of Incorporation, start by visiting the Texas Secretary of State‘s website. You’ll use their online services to request documents. Be ready to provide the corporation’s legal name, formation date, and possibly the registered agent’s name and physical address. There might be a small fee for obtaining copies. If you need assistance, you can call the Secretary of State’s office at (800) 252-1381 for help with your request. Can I Create My Own Articles of Incorporation? Yes, you can create your own Articles of Incorporation by following your state’s guidelines. You’ll need to include crucial details like your business name, purpose, registered agent, and share information if applicable. Before finalizing, check if your chosen name is available. Although self-filing is possible, consulting a legal professional could help navigate intricacies and guarantee accuracy. Be aware that filing fees vary by state, typically ranging from $25 to $300. How Fast Can You Get Articles of Incorporation? You can typically get Articles of Incorporation in Texas within 3-5 business days, but if you need them faster, expedited services can cut this down to just 1 business day for an extra fee. Make sure your documents are accurate and complete, as errors can cause delays. Submitting online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website usually speeds up the process, and you can check your filing status there for updates. Who Prepares Articles of Incorporation? You can prepare Articles of Incorporation yourself, hire an attorney, or use a document preparation service, depending on your expertise. First, gather crucial information like your business name, registered agent, and purpose. Many states offer specific forms and guidelines on their Secretary of State’s website, which can streamline the process. Although you can do it alone, seeking professional assistance often guarantees compliance with state laws and helps avoid common mistakes. Conclusion Incorporating your business is an essential step that provides legal protection and can improve credibility. By comprehending the process, from selecting a unique name to filing the Articles of Incorporation, you can guarantee compliance with state regulations. Remember to keep thorough records and stay informed about your ongoing obligations to maintain good standing. Following these steps will help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation, allowing you to focus on growing your business effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Get Articles of Incorporation – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to establish a corporation, comprehension of how to get Articles of Incorporation is crucial. This process involves several steps, including meeting your state’s filing requirements and selecting a unique business name. You’ll need to gather specific information about your corporation, like its purpose and registered agent. By following these guidelines, you can guarantee a smooth filing process. But, what happens after you submit your application? Key Takeaways Determine your state of incorporation and review specific filing requirements and fees for Articles of Incorporation. Choose a unique business name that includes a corporate suffix and complies with state regulations. Gather necessary information like the corporation’s purpose, registered agent, address, and number of authorized shares. Complete and submit the Articles of Incorporation form along with the required filing fees to the appropriate state office. After filing, obtain an EIN from the IRS and conduct an organizational meeting to ratify bylaws and appoint directors. Understanding Articles of Incorporation Comprehending Articles of Incorporation is crucial for anyone looking to establish a corporation. These formal documents, filed with the Secretary of State, establish your corporation as a separate legal entity from its shareholders. They typically include important information like the corporation’s name, purpose, registered agent, and board structure. By filing these incorporation papers in New York, you gain legal recognition, which boosts credibility with investors and regulatory bodies. The requirements may vary by state; for instance, you might need to list authorized shares and the corporation’s purpose. If you’re wondering where can I get articles of incorporation, you can often find them on your state’s Secretary of State website or through legal service providers. Benefits of Incorporating Your Business Incorporating your business offers significant advantages that can improve its overall success. You gain legal protection, which separates your personal assets from corporate debts, as well as boosting your credibility with customers and investors. Furthermore, incorporation opens doors to funding opportunities, allowing you to raise capital more effectively and secure your business’s future. Legal Protection for Owners When you decide to incorporate your business, one of the primary advantages is the legal protection it offers to owners. By forming a corporation, you gain limited liability protection, meaning your personal assets are shielded from business debts and legal liabilities. This protection is vital for safeguarding your finances. Furthermore, incorporating allows for perpetual existence, ensuring your business can operate independently of changes in ownership. As you consider incorporating, you might wonder, “how do I get a copy of my business license?” Obtaining this document is necessary for compliance and boosts your business’s legitimacy. Finally, corporations can raise capital more easily, opening doors for growth that unincorporated entities may not access. Enhanced Credibility and Trust Establishing your business as a corporation greatly boosts its credibility and trustworthiness. By incorporating, your business gains legal recognition, making it a separate entity from its owners. This status allows your corporation to enter contracts, sue or be sued, and own property, which reassures investors, customers, and partners about its legitimacy. Furthermore, incorporating provides access to various tax benefits and legal rights, enhancing your appeal in the market. The structured governance outlined in your articles of incorporation encourages clarity in management and operations, promoting trust and transparency. In addition, incorporation protects owners from personal liability for business debts, further reassuring stakeholders that their interests are safeguarded. Ultimately, this strengthens your business relationships and enhances your reputation. Access to Funding Opportunities Securing funding can be much easier for incorporated businesses compared to their unincorporated counterparts. When you incorporate, you improve your credibility with investors and customers, making it simpler to attract funding opportunities. Many venture capitalists and angel investors prefer working with formal business structures like corporations. In addition, as a corporation, you can issue stocks, allowing you to raise capital by selling shares—something sole proprietorships and partnerships can’t do. Lenders likewise favor incorporated entities, viewing them as lower risk because of limited liability protections for owners and shareholders. Furthermore, incorporating can make you eligible for government grants and funding programs tailored for registered businesses, further increasing your access to financial resources. Choosing the Right Business Structure Choosing the right business structure is vital as it directly impacts your liability, tax obligations, and governance requirements. You can choose from several options, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations. Corporations provide limited liability protection, safeguarding your personal assets, whereas LLCs offer flexible management and favorable tax treatment. Each structure has unique filing requirements; for instance, corporations must file Articles of Incorporation, whereas LLCs submit Articles of Organization. Tax implications also differ markedly; C Corporations face double taxation, whereas S Corporations and LLCs allow income to pass through to owners, avoiding this issue. Comprehending these differences is fundamental, especially if you plan to attract investors or secure funding for growth. Selecting a Unique Business Name Once you’ve selected your business structure, the next step involves picking a unique business name that stands out and complies with state regulations. Start by conducting a name availability check through the Texas Secretary of State’s online database to guarantee your chosen name isn’t already in use. Remember, your business name must include a corporate suffix, like “Inc.” or “LLC,” depending on your structure. It’s wise to choose a name that reflects your business’s nature, aiding branding efforts. Avoid restricted words such as “bank” or “insurance” except you have the necessary approvals, as these require special licensing. Finally, consider reserving your selected name temporarily to secure it as you finalize your Articles of Incorporation. Gathering Required Information To gather the required information for your Articles of Incorporation, start by confirming your unique business name and ensuring it meets state regulations. Next, designate a registered agent, who’ll handle legal documents for your corporation, and make sure you have their details ready. Finally, prepare to provide any additional information your state might require, including the physical address and the names of initial directors or members. Business Name Selection Selecting the right business name is vital, as it not just represents your brand but must furthermore comply with state regulations. Here are key points to reflect on: Uniqueness: Choose a name that’s not already in use. Check your state’s business name database to verify your selected name is available. Legal Designation: Include a legal designation in your business name, such as “Corporation,” “Inc.,” or “LLC,” based on your chosen structure. Restricted Words: Verify that your name doesn’t include restricted words that may require special approval, like “bank,” “insurance,” or “trust.” Moreover, reflect on the availability of a matching domain name for online presence and prepare your business’s physical address for the Articles of Incorporation. Registered Agent Details After choosing a suitable business name, gathering the necessary details for your registered agent becomes the next step in the incorporation process. Your registered agent must have a physical address in the state where your business is incorporated, serving as the official point of contact for legal documents and government notices. This agent can be an individual or a business entity authorized to operate in the state, but it can’t be your corporation itself. Make certain you have the agent’s full legal name and address ready, as this information must be accurately included in your Articles of Incorporation. Selecting a reliable registered agent is essential, as missing important documents can lead to legal complications or penalties. Completing the Articles of Incorporation Form Completing the Articles of Incorporation form is a crucial step in establishing your corporation, and it’s important to approach this task methodically. Start by visiting your state’s Secretary of State website to access the form and review specific filing guidelines. You’ll need to gather necessary information: The corporation’s name and verify it complies with state regulations and isn’t already in use. The purpose of your corporation, which should be clearly defined. The registered agent’s contact details and the number of authorized shares. Fill out the form carefully, providing all required details, and double-check for accuracy to avoid delays. Finally, submit the completed form along with the appropriate filing fee to the Secretary of State’s office. Filing the Articles With the Secretary of State Once you’ve completed your Articles of Incorporation, it’s time to file them with the Secretary of State. You’ll need to gather all required documentation, including the necessary forms and your filing fee, which varies depending on the type of corporation you’re establishing. Comprehending the submission process and ensuring everything is in order will help you avoid delays in getting your corporation officially recognized. Required Documentation Checklist To successfully file the Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State, you’ll need to gather several key pieces of documentation. Start by ensuring you have the following: Essential Business Information: This includes the legal name, purpose, and registered agent details for your corporation. Name Availability Check: Conduct a search in the Secretary of State’s database to confirm your business name is unique and complies with state requirements. Completed Articles of Incorporation Form: Fill out the form as directed, including necessary components like the number of shares and director information, along with the appropriate filing fees, which range from $25 for nonprofits to $300 for profit corporations. With this checklist, you’ll be prepared to file your Articles of Incorporation accurately. Submission Process Overview Filing your Articles of Incorporation is a crucial step in establishing your business, as it formally registers your corporation with the state. To start, visit the Secretary of State’s website to find the appropriate forms and guidelines customized to your business structure. Make sure you have all necessary information ready, including your business name, purpose, registered agent, and details on authorized shares if applicable. The filing fee typically costs $300 for profit or professional corporations, whereas nonprofit corporations require a $25 fee. After completing the forms, submit them along with the filing fee either by mail or online, if available. Processing usually takes 3-5 business days, with expedited options for an additional fee of $10-$50. Obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) When starting a business, obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) is an important step, especially since it’s required for tax identification and various operational purposes. You can apply for an EIN online through the IRS website, by mail, or by fax, with the online method being the fastest and usually providing immediate results. The application process requires basic information about your business, such as: Legal structure (e.g., corporation, partnership) Business name and address Social Security Number of the principal officer There’s no cost to apply for an EIN, making it a free but vital step if you plan to hire employees or operate as a corporation or partnership. Once obtained, you’ll use the EIN for various business functions. Understanding Filing Fees and Payment Options After securing your Employer Identification Number (EIN), the next step involves comprehending the filing fees and payment options associated with incorporating your business. In Texas, the filing fee for a profit or professional corporation is $300, whereas it’s only $25 for a nonprofit corporation. If you need expedited processing, expect additional costs ranging from $10 to $50, depending on how quickly you need the service. Payment options typically include checks, money orders, or credit/debit cards, depending on your submission method. Always check the Texas Secretary of State’s website for the most current fee structure, as fees can vary based on specific requirements. Post-Filing Steps and Compliance Once you’ve filed your Articles of Incorporation, it’s crucial to take several important steps to confirm your new corporation complies with legal requirements. Here are three key actions: Obtain an EIN: Apply for a Federal Tax Identification Number through the IRS. You’ll need this for tax purposes and to open a business bank account. Conduct an Organizational Meeting: Hold a meeting with incorporators to ratify bylaws, appoint directors, and issue stock certificates. Be sure to document minutes for legal compliance. Maintain Ongoing Compliance: Regularly file periodic reports with the state, hold annual meetings, and keep accurate records of corporate activities to avoid penalties and confirm your corporation remains in good standing. Common Mistakes to Avoid While starting a corporation can be an exciting venture, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that could derail your efforts. First, check the availability of your business name before filing; name conflicts can lead to rejection. Make sure to include all required details, such as the registered agent’s information and your business purpose, to prevent delays or denial. Specify the correct type of corporation, like C Corporation or S Corporation, to avoid unintended tax issues. Don’t overlook state-specific requirements, which can vary greatly and lead to incomplete filings. Finally, include the number of authorized shares; neglecting this can create problems with governance and ownership recognition. Resources for Additional Assistance When starting your expedition to incorporate a business, having access to the right resources can make all the difference. Here are some key resources to take into account: Texas Secretary of State’s Website: Check this site for guidelines and downloadable forms needed for filing Articles of Incorporation. SOSDirect Platform: Utilize this platform for easy access to various business forms and filing options. Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: Call (800) 252-1381 for help regarding franchise tax accounts and certificates of account status. Moreover, explore online resources for templates and instructions to guarantee compliance with state requirements. Consulting with legal professionals or document preparation services can likewise help you navigate the intricacies of business formation, ensuring accurate filings. Maintaining Your Corporation’s Good Standing Maintaining your corporation’s good standing is crucial for ensuring its longevity and legal compliance. To achieve this in Texas, you must file annual reports and pay franchise taxes on time with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Regularly check your corporation’s status using the online Certificate Verification service from the Texas Secretary of State to confirm compliance. Accurate minutes of annual meetings and corporate actions should be recorded, as these demonstrate adherence to governance protocols. Moreover, maintain a registered agent and a registered office in Texas, as this is legally required for receiving official documents. Finally, stay updated on changes in state regulations or filing requirements that could impact your corporation’s compliance status. Frequently Asked Questions How to Get Access to Articles of Incorporation? To access Articles of Incorporation, start by visiting the Texas Secretary of State‘s website. You’ll use their online services to request documents. Be ready to provide the corporation’s legal name, formation date, and possibly the registered agent’s name and physical address. There might be a small fee for obtaining copies. If you need assistance, you can call the Secretary of State’s office at (800) 252-1381 for help with your request. Can I Create My Own Articles of Incorporation? Yes, you can create your own Articles of Incorporation by following your state’s guidelines. You’ll need to include crucial details like your business name, purpose, registered agent, and share information if applicable. Before finalizing, check if your chosen name is available. Although self-filing is possible, consulting a legal professional could help navigate intricacies and guarantee accuracy. Be aware that filing fees vary by state, typically ranging from $25 to $300. How Fast Can You Get Articles of Incorporation? You can typically get Articles of Incorporation in Texas within 3-5 business days, but if you need them faster, expedited services can cut this down to just 1 business day for an extra fee. Make sure your documents are accurate and complete, as errors can cause delays. Submitting online through the Texas Secretary of State’s website usually speeds up the process, and you can check your filing status there for updates. Who Prepares Articles of Incorporation? You can prepare Articles of Incorporation yourself, hire an attorney, or use a document preparation service, depending on your expertise. First, gather crucial information like your business name, registered agent, and purpose. Many states offer specific forms and guidelines on their Secretary of State’s website, which can streamline the process. Although you can do it alone, seeking professional assistance often guarantees compliance with state laws and helps avoid common mistakes. Conclusion Incorporating your business is an essential step that provides legal protection and can improve credibility. By comprehending the process, from selecting a unique name to filing the Articles of Incorporation, you can guarantee compliance with state regulations. Remember to keep thorough records and stay informed about your ongoing obligations to maintain good standing. Following these steps will help you establish a solid foundation for your corporation, allowing you to focus on growing your business effectively. Image via Google Gemini This article, "How to Get Articles of Incorporation – A Step-by-Step Guide" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

This week's Ask a PPC digs into how learning periods influence auction dynamics, conversion modeling, and the predictability of performance shifts. The post Ask A PPC: What Are Learning Periods In Digital Marketing? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Planning is a key part of staying productive, but it has to be done right. To succeed, you need to understand why previous attempts at planning didn’t pan out. Conducting a personal after-action review is one way to assess your work and determine how to be more efficient, but to truly understand what went wrong and prepare for the future, you need to dig deep. Try the “Five Whys” technique to get to the bottom of things. What is the “Five Whys” technique?You should know, first of all, that this is yet another productivity protocol that springs from Japan’s famed factory system, like the 5S and 3M techniques. With this one, once you identify a problem, you’re going to ask, “Why?” five times, which will ultimately reveal the true root cause of the issue—and what you need to focus on fixing. How to use “Five Whys” for problem solvingSome variations of the technique call on you to assemble a team for brainstorming before doing this, but if you’re assessing a personal issue, that part isn't necessary. Your “team” can be the people posting on forums about the problem, for instance, or a group chat with your friends. If the issue is a household one, chat with your family. This doesn’t have to be super formal, but if the problem is one related to work and you do have coworkers involved, bring them into the discussion. In some cases, there may be no team at all—but that doesn't mean you can't use the Five Whys. Whether you’re consulting a team or not, the real work begins when you define the problem. State it clearly and concisely. Ideally, write it down. Let's say the problem is you didn’t get the dining room clean in time for dinner, so everyone had to eat at the counter. Simplify that to, “I didn’t clean the dining room on time.” Next, ask, “Why?” Write down the answer—maybe it's “I had to take a phone call from work.” Ask, “Why?” Write down the answer and ask again. Then again, again, and again, until you’ve asked five times. So, your paper might look like this: I didn’t get the dining room clean > I had to take a phone call from work > I didn’t finish the reports my boss wanted > I didn’t have the data I needed from the sales department > The sales department was not aware of my deadline. When you’re finished digging into the problem, you can see how the answer to the last “Why?” caused a domino effect that led to the original issue. Fixing these more granular problems will ultimately help prevent bigger ones. So, in this case, write down, “I will communicate deadlines and needs with other departments at work early on when working on a project.” The next time you have a project to do, when you’re planning out your to-dos around it, be sure to include, “Communicate with the sales department about the deadline for the data.” There are plenty of productivity and scheduling apps that call on you to break your larger tasks down into smaller ones, like ABCDE or turning your responsibilities into "bites," and it's likely that the solution to your fifth Why will be something small enough to easily slot into one of those. Make sure you prioritize whatever that small step is, however. Use an approach like the MIT technique to prioritize your to-dos around their impact on your life. In this case, letting the sales team know about your deadline is a small task with a big impact, as it could have cleared the way for you to clean the dining room and enjoy a nice meal with your family. Bear in mind that root causes aren’t always evident after five rounds of “Why?” For instance, maybe it’s not your job to communicate your deadline to the sales department. Maybe the person who was supposed to do that messed up or the people on that team didn’t check their emails. In that case, overhauling your protocols at work might be the answer. The “Five Whys” aren’t concrete; they’re a way to change your thinking around problems so you can easily identify their root causes and address those. Once you get in the habit of asking why and working backward, you’ll be able to do this quickly and alter your future plans more efficiently. View the full article

Today, investors are waking up to red on their screens as many tech and AI stocks are dropping in premarket trading. But why are shares in these companies falling? Much of it has to do with the cloud infrastructure company Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) and its latest quarterly earnings results. Here’s what you need to know. Oracle’s Q2 2026 results send ORCL plunging Yesterday, Oracle reported financial results for its second quarter of fiscal 2026. To say investors were disappointed in the results is an understatement, given how poorly ORCL shares are performing in premarket trading this morning. As of the time of this writing, ORCL shares are down over 12% as investors unpack its results: Non-GAAP Earnings per Share: $2.26 Total Revenue: $16.1 billion On the surface, the numbers look good. Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were up 54% and total revenue was up 14%. However, as noted by CNBC, while Oracle’s non-GAAP EPS beat LSEG analyst expectations of $1.64, analysts were expecting higher total revenue figures: $16.21 billion versus the $16.1 billion Oracle delivered. That discrepancy caused the stock to tumble, even after the company announced new agreements with major AI investors, Nvidia, and Meta. As noted by Investopedia, although these agreements have helped boost Oracle’s remaining performance obligations to $523 billion, they have also raised investor concerns about circular spending in the AI industry. Circular spending refers to when companies invest in each other, effectively passing money back and forth. Circular spending is also one of the biggest reasons why many fear we could be in an AI bubble waiting to pop. Chip stocks fall after Oracle’s earnings results These AI bubble fears seem to have been renewed today after Oracle’s financial results. As of the time of this writing, major chip companies operating in the AI space are seeing stock price declines, including: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMD): down 1.2% Arm Holdings plc (Nasdaq: ARM): down 1.2% Broadcom Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGO): down 1.3% Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC): down 1% Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU): down 1.1% NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): down 1.3% QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM): down 0.9% Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM): down 1.4% Big Tech shares are also falling after Oracle’s earnings Oracle’s disappointing earnings and renewed fears of an AI bubble also seem to be impacting the stock prices of many of tech’s most prominent players this morning, albeit to a lesser extent: Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG): down 0.5% Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN): down 0.7% Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL): up 0.1% Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META): down 0.9% Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT): down 0.6% Nvidia Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): down 1.3% As for Oracle itself, the company’s stock price is currently down over 12% to $196.25 per share. This decline follows a strong year for Oracle. As of yesterday’s close, the stock is up 33% so far in 2025, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s rise of 22.68%. Over the past 12 months, ORCL shares have climbed 25%. View the full article

Today, investors are waking up to red on their screens as many tech and AI stocks are dropping in premarket trading. But why are shares in these companies falling? Much of it has to do with the cloud infrastructure company Oracle (NYSE: ORCL) and its latest quarterly earnings results. Here’s what you need to know. Oracle’s Q2 2026 results send ORCL plunging Yesterday, Oracle reported financial results for its second quarter of fiscal 2026. To say investors were disappointed in the results is an understatement, given how poorly ORCL shares are performing in premarket trading this morning. As of the time of this writing, ORCL shares are down over 12% as investors unpack its results: Non-GAAP Earnings per Share: $2.26 Total Revenue: $16.1 billion On the surface, the numbers look good. Non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) were up 54% and total revenue was up 14%. However, as noted by CNBC, while Oracle’s non-GAAP EPS beat LSEG analyst expectations of $1.64, analysts were expecting higher total revenue figures: $16.21 billion versus the $16.1 billion Oracle delivered. That discrepancy caused the stock to tumble, even after the company announced new agreements with major AI investors, Nvidia and Meta. As noted by Investopedia, although these agreements have helped boost Oracle’s remaining performance obligations to $523 billion, they have also raised investor concerns about circular spending in the AI industry. Circular spending refers to when companies invest in each other, effectively passing money back and forth. Circular spending is also one of the biggest reasons why many fear we could be in an AI bubble waiting to pop. Chip stocks fall after Oracle’s earnings results These AI bubble fears seem to have been renewed today after Oracle’s financial results. As of the time of this writing, major chip companies operating in the AI space are seeing stock price declines, including: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMD): down 1.2% Arm Holdings plc (Nasdaq: ARM): down 1.2% Broadcom Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGO): down 1.3% Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC): down 1% Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU): down 1.1% NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): down 1.3% QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM): down 0.9% Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM): down 1.4% Big Tech shares are also falling after Nvidia’s earnings Oracle’s disappointing earnings and renewed fears of an AI bubble also seem to be impacting the stock prices of many of tech’s most prominent players this morning, albeit to a lesser extent: Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG): down 0.5% Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN): down 0.7% Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL): up 0.1% Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META): down 0.9% Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT): down 0.6% Nvidia Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): down 1.3% As for Oracle itself, the company’s stock price is currently down over 12% to $196.25 per share. This decline follows a strong year for Oracle. As of yesterday’s close, the stock is up 33% so far in 2025, outperforming the Nasdaq Composite’s rise of 22.68%. Over the past 12 months, ORCL shares have climbed 25%. View the full article

Leaders of Germany, France and UK hold ‘detailed’ call with Donald The President about latest draft of peace plan View the full article

There’s a lot of enthusiasm over what is increasingly seen as the next big frontier in computingView the full article

Lenders concerned they could be at significant risk of potential lawsuits from MoscowView the full article

The changing climate is increasing insurance rates for residents and cities and lowering property values in areas that face more frequent and intense disasters. View the full article

One of the major things we talk about with large language models (LLMs) is content creation at scale, and it’s easy for that to become a crutch. We’re all time poor and looking for ways to make our lives easier – so what if you could use tools like Claude and ChatGPT to frame your processes in a way that humanizes your website work and eases your day, rather than taking the creativity out of it? This article tackles how to: Analyze customer feedback and questions at scale. Automate getting detailed and unique information from subject matter experts. Analyze competitors. These are all tasks we could do manually, and sometimes still might, but they’re large-scale, data-based efforts that lend themselves well to at least some level of automation. And having this information will help ground you in the customer, or in the market, rather than creating your own echo chamber. Analyzing customer feedback at scale One of the fantastic features of LLMs is their ability to: Process data at scale. Find patterns. Uncover trends that might otherwise take a human hours, days, or weeks. Unless you’re at a global enterprise, it’s unlikely you’d have a data team with that capability, so the next best thing is an LLM. And for this particular opportunity, we’re looking at customer feedback – because who wants to read through 10,000 NPS surveys or free text feedback forms? Not me. Probably not you, either. You could upload the raw data directly into the project knowledge and have your LLM of choice analyze the information within its own interface. However, my preference is to upload all the raw data into BigQuery (or similar if you have another platform you prefer) and then work with your LLM to write relevant SQL queries to slice and analyze your raw data. I do this for two reasons: It gives me a peek behind the curtain, offering me the opportunity to learn a bit of the base language (here, SQL) by osmosis. It’s another barrier or failsafe for hallucinations. When raw data is uploaded directly into an LLM and analysis questions are asked directly into the interface, I tend to trust the analysis less. It’s much more likely it could just be making stuff up. When you have the raw data separated out and are working with the LLM to create queries to interrogate the data, it’s more likely to end up real and true with insights that will help your business rather than lead you on a wild goose chase. Practically, unless you’re dealing with terrifyingly large datasets, BigQuery is free (though to set up a project, you might need to add a credit card). And no need to fear SQL either when you’re pair programming with an LLM – it will be able to give you the full query function. My workflow in this tends to be: Use SQL function from LLM. Debug and check data. Input results from SQL query into LLM. Generate visualizations either in an LLM or with SQL query. Rinse and repeat. Dig deeper: 7 focus areas as AI transforms search and the customer journey in 2026 Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Automating subject matter expert interviews It seems to be a common trait among subject matter experts that they’re time poor. They really don’t want to spend an hour talking with the marketing person about a new feature they’ve already discussed with the manufacturer for the last eight months. And who could blame them? They’ve probably talked it to death. And yet we still need that information, as marketing folk, to strategize how we present that feature on the website and give customers helpful detail that isn’t on the spec sheet. So how do we get ahold of our experts? Create a custom GPT that acts as an interviewer. Fair warning, to get the most out of this process, you’ll want a unique version for each launch, product, or service you’re working on. It may not need to be as granular as per the article, but it may end up being that specific. To do this, you’ll need at least a ChatGPT Plus subscription. Instructions will depend on your industry and the personality of your subject matter experts or sales team. They should include: Role and tone: How the “interviewer” should come across. Context: What you’re trying to learn and why. Interview structure: How to open, topics, how to probe more deeply. Pacing: Single question, wait for response, expanding questions. Closing: how to wrap and what to deliver at the end. Once we do that, we’ll want to test it ourselves and pretend to be an SME. Then we refine the instructions from there. This way, you’ll be able to reach your SMEs in the five minutes they have between calls. And you can use an LLM to extrapolate the major points, or even an article draft, from their answers. Dig deeper: SEO personas for AI search: How to go beyond static profiles Analyzing competitors for strategic insights This one may be a bit sneaky and may require a bit of gray thinking. But there are a few things you can do with competitive data at scale that can help you understand the competitive landscape and your gaps within it, like: If you were able to gather your competitors’ reviews, you could see themes such as benefits, values, common complaints, and weaknesses. If you were able to gather their website copy, you could identify their positioning, implied audience, and any claims they may be making, as well as the industries they might be targeting, extrapolated through case studies. With their website copy and support from Wayback Machine, you’d be able to identify with an LLM how their messaging has shifted over time. Job postings could tell you what their strategic priorities are or where they may be looking to test. Once we have their positioning, we’d be able to compare us and them. Where are we saying the same thing, and where are we differentiating? If you were able to gather their social interactions and engagement, we might be able to understand, again at scale, where they’re able to answer customer needs and where they might be falling down. What questions aren’t they able to answer? Dig deeper: How to use competitive audits for AI SERP optimization Scaling research without losing the human thread Pair programming with an LLM to ground yourself in your customer with large data sets can be an endless opportunity to get actionable, specific information relatively quickly. These three opportunities are solid places to start, but they’re by no means the end. To extrapolate further, think about other data sources you own or have access to, like: Sales call transcripts. Google Search Console query data. On-site search. Heatmapping from user journey tools. While it may be tempting to include Google Analytics or other analytics data in this, err on the side of caution and stick with qualitative or specifically customer-led data rather than quantitative data. Happy hunting! View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Many years ago, I saw a tweet go around that said something like, "You have the same amount of hours in a day as Beyoncé." On the one hand, that was annoying, because while it’s true, I don’t have the same amount of resources. Still, yes, everyone has the same amount of hours in a day—point made. But as it turns out, what may be more important thing to understand is that we all have the same amount of hours in a week. That’s the basis for the "168 method," so named for the number of hours in a week. This productivity technique calls on you to expand your thinking around how much time you really have to get everything done, and act accordingly. What is the 168 method? This idea comes from Laura Vanderkam, author of 168 Hours: You Have More Time Than You Think. (Straightforward!) This is one of the few productivity books I recommend, because its premise is actually novel and actionable. The guiding point of the book is that when you think of your time in longer spans, like a week, you realize you have plenty of it and can get things done pretty easily. When you consider an average day, by comparison, you may come to the conclusion you don’t have enough time to do everything you need to do, so you’ll either make excuses or sacrifices, neither of which are helpful in getting it all taken care of. When you start thinking about your time on a bigger scale, you can stop letting the daily grind wear you down and breathe a little easier with the knowledge that you actually have a bunch of hours to work with. You can make a longer-term plan, expanding your timelines ever so slightly without giving yourself too much time to take on a given project (which is also a bad thing that can derail productivity). How to use the 168 method to get more doneYour first task here is to start tracking your time, and I mean militantly. You can use a time tracking software, calendar or scheduling software, a planner, or a regular old spreadsheet, but you have to be diligent and you have to be honest. For at least a week, mark down everything you did and the time it took you to do it, for the full 24 hours of each of the seven days. That includes sleeping, loafing, working, showering, commuting—everything. Be detailed, too. Don’t just mark down “working” from 9 a.m, to 5 p.m. List out the tasks you worked on and for how long, the breaks you took and what you did, and any extra work you did outside of those hours. At the end of the week (or two or three weeks, if you’re feeling particularly serious), assess the data by conducting an objective after-action review. Did you need to spend two hours answering emails on Tuesday, or could it have been done in half an hour? What were the distractions that dragged that out? Did you spend as much time on a hobby as you wanted to? If not, when could it have fit in? Maybe Thursday night, when you were scrolling social media? And how did that scrolling make you feel? Was it a necessary moment of unwinding, or would you have felt more accomplished if you’d headed to the gym? (Don't be too quick to write off your downtime, though, as breaks are also integral to productivity.) Your answers to these questions will be subjective. There’s nothing inherently wrong with chilling out and doing nothing, or sleeping in, or even dragging your feet on a task. But by laying out a clear, visual schedule showing everything you did (and didn’t do), you can see exactly where, within that 168 hours, you could have done something else. You can then use this data to better plan your future to-do lists and activities. If you know you have some extra time on Wednesday nights, maybe that’s when you should practice the piano or clean the kitchen. If you know you’re taking more time than you need to on compiling inventories at work, cut that down and use the extra minutes for another task. The value in this method isn’t in shaming yourself about how you allocate your time, but in broadening your understanding of that time into a full week, where you almost certainly will find you have unaccounted-for hours that can be put toward the things you didn’t think you had time to do. I’m not saying you’ll emerge from this journey on the same level as Beyoncé, but you’ll be on a better level than you were before, which is a start. View the full article

Google announced it has updated the links in AI Mode to encourage searchers to click more. Google also introduced contextual introductions to embedded links in AI Mode responses.View the full article

I spend most days in rooms where four generations argue about the same spreadsheet. Boomers, Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z staff the same executive teams, often guided by directors from a fifth—the Silent Generation. Four different eras, four different mental operating systems, one quarterly earnings call. When leaders tell me, “We’ve got a generation problem,” what they usually have is a self-awareness problem. A widely cited review of so-called generational differences at work found that many popular stereotypes don’t hold up very well when you look at actual data on values and attitudes. At the same time, more recent research shows that age-mixed teams can outperform when leaders handle the friction with care. So, the data tell us two things at once: People from different birth years are less alien than we’ve been told, and they can be a strength or a liability depending on how leaders show up. After three decades recruiting and coaching leaders, I’ve learned a simple rule: What you can see, you can shape. What you can’t see quietly shapes you. How our eras built our habits I’m a boomer. I grew up on a steady diet of “show up early, stay late, say ‘yes, sir.’” That wiring served me well in my time at the White House and later in boardrooms. It also produced a habit that took me years to spot: the urge to please. In hard conversations, I’d soften the edges. Add extra words. Smooth things over. Younger colleagues didn’t experience that as kindness. They experienced it as dodging. They wanted clarity, not choreography. Psychologist Jean Twenge, in her book Generations, shows how each cohort’s habits grew out of the era that raised them: boom-time expansion, layoffs and divorce, student debt and purpose-driven careers, social media and permanent comparison. None of that is virtue or vice. It’s conditioning. Trouble comes when we treat our conditioning as the gold standard and everyone else’s as a flaw. The most freeing move I’ve made as a leader was saying to myself, “My boomer urge to be agreeable is watering down the truth.” Once I named it, I could do something about it. A good first question for any leader is small and uncomfortable: What do people my age regularly praise me for that might secretly be wearing my team out? When senior leaders look in the mirror This isn’t just a mid-career problem. Senior leaders wrestle with it too. Elon Musk, a Gen Xer, has spoken openly about his “pathologically optimistic” timelines. That belief that nearly anything is solvable with enough grit, iteration, and contrarian thinking—is one of the hallmark traits of the Generation X worldview. For Elon, is has helped drive rockets, electric cars, and ambitious AI projects, and it has also pushed employees into impossible deadlines when reality didn’t cooperate. A classic boomer, Jamie Dimon, notes that his vigilance on risk is a strength, and he knows it can land as sharp or impatient in the room. Warren Buffett has explained in shareholder letters that his strong loyalty to managers sometimes kept him from moving fast enough to replace them when performance lagged. These leaders didn’t erase their blind spots. They acknowledged them, adjusted, and built teams that were allowed to tell the truth back to them and accelerated performance and massive shareholder value creation. The same move is available to the rest of us. Caricatures versus real people Generational caricatures are easier than real work. Boomers as workaholics. Gen X as cynical. Millennials as needy. Gen Z as fragile. They make for good jokes; they make for bad leadership. A study of multigenerational teams found that most friction comes from mismatched assumptions about communication, career speed, and feedback, not from wildly different values. That lines up with what I see in succession conversations: People want to grow, feel useful, and be treated fairly, regardless of their birth year. They simply learned different ways to signal those desires. You don’t need a grand theory to lead through that. You need a few habits that make your own lens visible to you and to others. 5 small moves to shrink the ‘generation gap’ Here’s a list I often give to CEOs who are tired of the generational blame game: Run a “shadow meeting” review once a month. After a key meeting, ask one person who’s at least 15 years older or younger than you: “Walk me through how that meeting felt to you—what landed, what didn’t?” Listen without defending. Add a two-question feedback round every quarter. Ask your direct reports: “What’s one thing I should keep doing? What’s one thing I should adjust?” No surveys. Just live conversation. Pair up for reverse mentoring. Invite a younger colleague to teach you one digital habit or collaboration tool they rely on. In return, offer one story about a time you failed and recovered. Research on reverse mentoring points to gains on both sides—skills and understanding grow together. Narrate your intent. In tense moments, say aloud what you’re trying to do: “I’m pushing hard here because I’m worried about risk,” or “I’m being quiet here because I want to hear others first.” You’ll be surprised how much misreading that removes. Pick one generational habit to bend. A Silent-era or boomer leader might deliberately leave the office on time twice a week and invite a younger colleague to walk out with them. A Millennial or Gen Z leader might choose one meeting a day where the laptop stays shut and the phone stays face-down. None of that requires a task force. It does require an honest look in the mirror. The real bridge across generations When leaders learn to notice their own blind spots and talk openly about them, something changes in the room. Silent-era steadiness calms Gen Z anxiety. boomer grit reinforces Millennial desire for purpose. Gen X realism ties these temperaments together. The bridge is not another app, policy, or slogan about generations. The bridge is a leader willing to see themselves clearly and invite others to do the same. View the full article

Google announced that Preferred Sources is now rolling out globally, after launching just in the US and India in August, following its beta period in June. Plus, Google announced Spotlighting subscriptions are coming to Gemini, AI Mode, and AI Overviews.View the full article

In June, Google moved Offerwall out of its AdSense beta, making it available to all. Now, if you are using Offerwall, Google will opt you into Offerwall optimization.View the full article

Labour will need a different leader if it pursues a policy of rejoining the EU customs union or single marketView the full article

Trial results mark boost to US pharmaceutical company’s booming obesity businessView the full article

Microsoft is testing out the new Google Ads sponsored results label, ad grouping and hide button with its own Bing Search results ads. Microsoft Advertising search ads in Bing are testing grouping multiple search ads under one "Sponsored results" label, and then at the bottom, there is a "Hide" and then "Show" button.View the full article

Cheaper generics will be allowed on to market a year earlier to curb costsView the full article

Google has officially expanded the Web Guide to the "All" tab. Originally when it launched as a Search Labs beta, it was under the "Web" tab but as we saw, Google began expanding it to the "All" tab.View the full article

Instacart’s artificial intelligence-enabled pricing may be increasing the cost of your groceries by as much as $1,200 a year, according to a new study published on Monday. Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pickup service that allows customers to order groceries from local stores by using its technology platform, via app or its website, and then fulfills those orders through a personal shopper. The investigation from Consumer Reports and Groundwork Collaborative, a progressive policy group, found that some identical products were priced differently from one customer to the next—sometimes by as much as 23%. One company executive reportedly called the tactic “smart rounding” in an email between Instacart and Costco that Consumer Reports says was inadvertently sent to the magazine by Costco. The findings are based on data from 200 volunteers who checked prices on 20 items, in four cities, and found a difference in about 75% of those items in some of the biggest grocery and big-box retailers, including Costco, Kroger, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market, Albertsons, and Target. (Prices for the same products varied from as little as 7 cents to $2.56 per item.) Instacart, which previously disclosed its pricing experiments in corporate marketing and investor materials, said its shoppers are not aware that they’re involved in an experiment, but said the resulting price differences are small and “negligible.” “These tests are not dynamic pricing—prices never change in real time, including in response to supply and demand,” an Instagram spokesperson told Fast Company. “The tests are never based on personal or behavioral characteristics—they are completely randomized.” Instacart said the stores control the prices, and they work closely with them to align online and in-store pricing, wherever possible. “Each retailer’s pricing policy is displayed on their Instacart storefront, so customers always know when prices may differ from in-store and can easily compare prices across retailers before checkout,” the spokesperson added. “Just as retailers have long tested prices in their physical stores to better understand consumer preferences, a subset of only 10 retail partners—ones that already apply markups—do the same online via Instacart. These limited, short-term, and randomized tests help retail partners learn what matters most to consumers and how to keep essential items affordable.” As a result, a customer may see slightly lower prices on family staples such as milk or bread, and slightly higher prices on less price-sensitive products like craft beverages or specialty snacks, Instacart said. View the full article

Headings structure your content for both readers and search engines. They help users scan a page, understand its content, and quickly locate the information they need. Search engines and AI systems use headings to interpret the topic and structure of your content. By using one clear H1, supported by well-written H2 and H3 headings, you can improve readability, accessibility, and SEO simultaneously. Table of contents What are headings? Why are headings important for SEO? Why are headings important for readers? How to use headings correctly How many H1 headings should you use? How to use H2 and H3 headings Common mistakes when using headings Headings and accessibility Headings in WordPress and Yoast SEO Using your keyphrase in the subheadings Yoast SEO can help you with the keyphrase in headings assessment Headings in themes Check your blog’s headings Final thoughts Key takeaways Headings structure content and boost readability for users and search engines, enhancing SEO simultaneously. Use one clear H1 for the main topic, with H2s for main sections and H3s for sub-sections, maintaining logical hierarchy. Headings improve accessibility for users with assistive technology by providing clear navigation and organization. Avoid common mistakes like skipping heading levels, using vague labels, or keyword stuffing to maintain clarity and trust. With Yoast SEO, optimize heading structure and keyword usage to enhance content quality and search rankings. What are headings? Headings are the titles and sub-titles used to structure your content. In HTML, headings range from H1 to H6. These tags inform browsers, search engines, and assistive technologies about the organization of your content. On a typical page, the H1 is used for the main topic. H2 headings divide the text into main sections. H3 headings divide those sections further. This hierarchy creates a logical outline of your page, similar to the table of contents of a book. Without headings, your content becomes difficult to scan. With clear headings, readers can immediately see what your page is about and which sections are relevant to them. Why are headings important for SEO? Headings help search engines understand what your content is about and how different topics on the page relate to each other. They provide structure, context, and signals about the importance of different sections. Your H1 usually tells search engines what the main topic of your page is. Your H2 and H3 headings support that topic by introducing related subtopics. When this structure is clear and logical, it becomes easier for search engines to interpret your content correctly. Headings also support semantic SEO. Rather than focusing on one keyword, search engines now assess topical relevance and context. Well-written headings naturally contain related terms and concepts that reinforce the overall topic of the page. This approach works best when combined with thorough keyword research and in-depth content. You can read more about this in our guides to keyword research and high-quality content. Headings also play a role in how content is interpreted by AI driven search systems. Clean structure makes it easier for these systems to extract accurate answers from your pages. Why are headings important for readers? Most visitors do not read every word of a page. They scan first. They look at the title, skim the subheadings, and only then decide which parts to read in detail. Headings support this natural reading behavior. Clear headings improve readability by breaking long texts into manageable sections. They help readers understand what each part of the article is about before they start reading it. This lowers the effort required to engage with your content and keeps people on the page longer. Readability is a key quality signal. If you want to go deeper into this topic, our readability guide explains how structure, sentence length, and headings work together to create content that is easy to read. How to use headings correctly Using headings correctly means following a logical hierarchy and writing them with the reader in mind. Each page should have one clear H1 that describes the main topic. This is usually your page title. Below that, use H2 headings for your main sections. If a section becomes lengthy or complex, use H3 headings to further divide it. Do not skip heading levels. An H3 should always follow an H2, not jump directly from an H1. This keeps the structure logical for both users and machines. Your headings should describe what the section is about. Avoid vague labels such as “Introduction” or “More information.” Instead, write headings that clearly explain what the reader will learn in that section. Did you get a red or an orange traffic light for subheading distribution in Yoast SEO? Learn how to distribute them better. Or did Yoast SEO give you feedback on how you use your keyphrase in subheadings? Learn how to improve that. How many H1 headings should you use? In most cases, you should use one H1 per page. The H1 defines the main topic of the page and helps both users and search engines understand what the page is about at a glance. Although modern HTML allows more than one H1, using multiple H1s often creates confusion about the primary focus of the page. For consistency and clarity, one H1 is still the best practice for most websites. Your H1 should be written naturally and should not be stuffed with keywords. It should read like a real headline written for humans. If you need help with this, Yoast SEO can balance clarity and optimization in headlines and titles. How to use H2 and H3 headings H2 headings divide your article into its main sections. Each H2 should cover one important aspect of your topic. When someone scans only your H2 headings, they should still be able to understand the overall structure and purpose of your article. H3 headings are used within an H2 section to break it down into smaller parts. They are useful when you explain steps, compare options, or cover several closely related points within one larger section. You should not use H3 headings unless they add clarity. Headings are meant to support the reader, not to decorate the page. Common mistakes when using headings A common mistake is using headings only for visual styling. Headings are not just larger or bolder text. They define the structure of your content in the HTML. Choosing a heading level solely based on its appearance can compromise the semantic structure of your page. Another frequent issue is skipping heading levels, such as jumping directly from H2 to H4. This disrupts the logical structure of the page and creates issues for screen readers and search engines. Repeating the same heading text in multiple places is also a problem. Each heading should be unique so that users and search engines can clearly distinguish between sections. Keyword stuffing is another mistake. Headings should sound natural. If they read like a list of search terms, they reduce trust and harm readability. Clear, descriptive language always works better. Headings and accessibility Headings are essential for accessibility. Screen readers utilize headings to assist users in navigating a page efficiently. With a proper heading structure, visually impaired users can easily navigate from section to section and understand how the content is organized without needing to listen to the entire page. A clear and logical heading hierarchy improves usability for everyone, not just for users of assistive technology. It is also strongly aligned with how search engines assess page quality. If accessibility is part of your broader optimization work, it should be considered alongside internal linking and overall site structure. Don’t forget that, in many cases, what’s good for accessibility is also good for SEO! Read more: Writing accessible content: 4 checks you can do with Yoast SEO and the block editor » Headings in WordPress and Yoast SEO Yoast SEO uses headings as part of both its SEO analysis and its readability analysis. One of the checks it performs is on your subheading distribution, which looks at how evenly your text is divided into sections with headings. If large blocks of text appear without any subheadings, Yoast will flag this and suggest you add subheadings to improve the readability of that part. Effective subheading distribution means readers regularly encounter clear signposts that help them navigate the page without feeling overwhelmed by long, uninterrupted paragraphs. See the video below to find out more about the subheading distribution check and the keyphrase in subheadings check in Yoast SEO: How to get a green traffic light for your subheading distribution What do you do if you get an orange or red traffic light in the Yoast SEO plugin for your subheading distribution? First of all, and this is quite obvious, don’t forget to use subheadings. You should try to create a subheading for every separate topic in your text. This could be for every paragraph or a couple discussing the same topic. We suggest that you include a heading above every long paragraph or group of paragraphs that form a thematic unit. The text following a subheading should be 250-350 words. An example heading structure Let’s say that we have a blog post about ballet shoes. We’ve chosen “ballet shoes” as our focus keyword and written an article about why we like ballet shoes. Without headings, there’s a risk that we might end up writing a long, rambling piece that is hard to understand. But if we structure things logically using headings, we make it easier to read and help focus our writing. Here’s what the structure of that post might look like: H1: Ballet shoes are awesome H2: Why we think ballet shoes are awesome H3: They don’t just come in pink! H3: You can use them for more than just dancing H3: They might be less expensive than you think H2: Where should you buy your ballet shoes? H3: The ten best ballet equipment websites H3: Our favorite local dancing shops See how we’ve created a logical structure, using H2 tags to plan sections and H3 tags to cover specific topics? We’ve done the same thing in the post you’re reading right now! This is an excellent example of how your headings should be structured in a medium-length article. You should use fewer (or more general, high-level) headings for a shorter article. If you want to go into more detail, nothing stops you from using H4 tags to create even ‘lower-level’ sections. Adding headings Knowing how to structure is all well and good, but how do you add headings? The best way to explain this is in two of the most popular CMSs: WordPress and Shopify! Note: The instructions below will walk you through how to add in-text subheadings. Don’t forget to add a post title at the top of the page, too! In Yoast SEO Premium, you’ll get a reminder to do so if the ‘Title’ field is empty. In addition, if you use Yoast SEO Premium, you get various other AI features, like Yoast AI Optimize, that help you do the hard work. How to add a heading in WordPress If you’re using WordPress, there are a couple of ways to do this: Via the editor The easiest way to add headings is through the editor. If you use the block editor, click the + button and select ‘Heading’. Then, you can select which heading (H2, H3, etc.) you want to add. If you’re still using the classic editor in WordPress, it’s easy, too. Ensure you’re on the visual tab of the editor and select ‘Heading 2’ or another heading from the dropdown menu. Using HTML It’s also possible to add headings using HTML. In the classic editor, you will need to make sure you’re on the text tab (or directly in the code) and use heading tags <h1>, <h2>, <h3>, etc., to specify each type of heading. End each heading with a closing tag like </h1>. Like this: You can switch between the visual editor or edit as HTML in the block editor. Click on the three vertical dots in the block toolbar to do that. Then, select the Edit as HTML option. Like this: How to add a heading in Shopify Adding headings in Shopify is similar to that in WordPress’s classic editor. If you’re in the content editor, you can select a piece of text and select the appropriate heading from the dropdown in the formatting menu item: If you prefer to work in HTML, you can select the code sign in the upper right corner of the editor and create headings in HTML as described in the instructions for WordPress above. Using your keyphrase in the subheadings Headings allow you to prominently use your focus keyword (or its synonyms) to clarify what the page is about. By adding your focus keyphrase to your subheadings, you stress its importance. Moreover, if you’re trying to rank for keywords, you must write about them. You’ll probably have difficulty ranking if none of your paragraphs address the main topic. Still, just like keyphrases, it’s important not to overdo it. Add your keyphrase where it makes sense and leave it out where it doesn’t. Yoast SEO can help you with the keyphrase in headings assessment After you insert your keyphrase in Yoast SEO, the keyphrase in subheadings assessment checks whether you’ve used it sufficiently. In Yoast SEO, you’ll get a green traffic light if you use the keywords in 30 to 75% of your subheadings. Please note that we’ll only review your H2 and H3 subheadings. If you have Yoast SEO Premium or if you’re using the Yoast SEO for Shopify app, you can even check your use of synonyms. How to add your keyphrase in your subheadings Whether you add your keyphrase to a subheading depends on the paragraph(s) it’s connected to. Every paragraph in your text should tell the reader something about the topic. In addition, your subheadings are nothing more than a very short outline of what you will say in one or more paragraphs. Therefore, adding your keyphrase to one or more subheadings should always be possible. If you’re still struggling to achieve this, ask yourself a couple of questions about the structure of your article. Does my text discuss the topic described in the keyphrase? If not, should I pick other keywords? Do my current subheadings accurately describe what I discuss below? What paragraphs are most closely connected to the topic and the keyphrase? What questions do these paragraphs answer concerning the topic and the keyphrase? Most of the time, you’ll find that answering these questions helps you add the keywords to one or more of your subheadings. If you can’t, you should probably reconsider question number one. If that doesn’t solve your problems, consider educating yourself on copywriting and text structure, to get a clearer view of how a good piece is structured. Your keyphrase should be central to the topic. Therefore, you should be able to add the keywords to several subheadings. Headings in themes Most themes will use headings as part of their HTML code, but some don’t follow best practices. Almost all themes will automatically use the name of your article in an H1 tag. This is helpful because you don’t need to repeat the post name inside your content. Unfortunately, some themes use tags incorrectly, in an illogical order (e.g., an H4, then an H2) or use tags messily in sidebars, headers, and footers. This can cause accessibility problems, as the order of your headings may not make sense. Users, search engines, and assistive technologies typically examine the entire page, not just your content area. If you have a custom theme, you may be able to resolve this issue by adjusting your HTML code. You may need to contact the developers if you’re using an off-the-shelf theme. Either way, you should verify that your headings are consistent across each template type on your website. Check your blog’s headings Using headings well is helpful for your users. It increases the chances of people reading your article, improves accessibility, and might even contribute to SEO. So add them to your copy, but make sure you use them correctly! The document overview is a handy button located in the upper left corner of the WordPress block editor’s content editing screen. This shows an outline of the page you’re editing. If you’ve structured your content well, it should look like this! If you’re using Shopify or the Classic Editor in WordPress, you can test your published article via the W3 Validator. Read more: WordPress SEO: the definitive guide to higher rankings for your WordPress site Final thoughts Headings are one of the simplest and most powerful tools you have for improving both readability and SEO. They guide your readers through your content and help search engines understand what each part of your page is about. Use one clear H1 to define your topic. Use H2s to structure your main ideas. Use H3s where they genuinely improve clarity. Write your headings for people first and let optimization support that goal. The post How to use headings on your site appeared first on Yoast. View the full article

Most brands don’t realize how much traffic they lose each day to unauthorized bidding, affiliate violations, and ad hijacking. Industry data shows ad fraud reached an estimated $84 billion of global digital ad spend in 2023. If your branded CPCs keep rising or competitors keep appearing above you in searches for your own name, this PPC brand protection guide can help you understand why – and what to do next. What is brand protection in PPC? Brand protection is the practice of defending your brand from unauthorized use of your branded search terms in PPC and from deceptive or fraudulent ad placements. The goal: make sure people searching for your brand or product name land on your official pages – not a competitor’s, affiliate’s, or reseller’s. When done well, brand protection safeguards traffic while strengthening your brand image and customer loyalty. Without a brand protection strategy, you’ll face steep losses – higher CPCs, rising affiliate costs, and a drop in customer acquisition. Activities tied to PPC brand protection include: Monitoring who bids on your branded keywords. Spotting unusual spikes in CPCs or impression share. Identifying unauthorized trademark use in paid search. Detecting hidden, geo-targeted ads meant to avoid detection. Enforcing compliance rules for affiliates and partners. Core threats and risks The three main sources of threats are: Competitors: Targeting your branded searches is an easy way for them to tap into high-intent traffic and intercept your audience. Affiliates: If you miss dishonest tactics, you end up paying for leads you would have won on your own – driving up costs without adding customers. Fraudsters: Their increasingly opaque tactics can cause serious financial and reputational damage to your brand. If you don’t protect your brand in paid search, you’re likely to face these common risks: Brand bidding: Others bid on your branded queries to capture high-intent searches, drive up CPCs, and cut into your impression share. Over time, you’re forced to spend more to regain position, lowering your ROI. Ad hijacking: Competitors or fraudsters mimic your messaging, ad structure, or landing pages to make users think they’re clicking your official ad. Malicious redirects: Clicks on “brand-looking” ads lead to phishing, malware, or low-quality pages. Ad copy misalignment: Affiliates use unapproved messaging, outdated claims, or promotions you’re not running, which erodes trust and harms your brand image. Comparative or misleading ad copies: Copy that positions another product as a direct replacement for yours to divert conversions. These risks demand a dedicated PPC protection strategy. Left unchecked, they drive up acquisition costs and cause you to lose customers at the final decision stage. Why you need to protect your brand in today’s PPC landscape Failing to protect your brand in PPC erodes trust, skews attribution, and weakens your marketing over time. As a result, conversions drop, ROI slips, and your paid media becomes less effective. Key facts: Global ad fraud costs are projected to grow to $172 billion by 2028 (Statista) 69.7% of marketers reported problems with “spam or fake lead submissions” coming from their paid media campaigns (Lunio) Cross-industry anti-fraud initiatives saved U.S. advertisers $10.8 billion in 2023 (TAG) Essential components of a strong brand protection strategy PPC tactics for effective PPC protection When your campaigns are organized clearly and systematically, you can control risks more easily and respond faster to unauthorized activity. Key elements of a well-planned brand protection strategy include: Account structure: Keep your campaigns clearly segmented. Separate branded ads so you can spot anomalies in CPCs and impression share. Negative keyword strategy: Use targeted negatives—partner names, resellers, and irrelevant variations—to cut noise and prevent unwanted triggers around your brand. Rules for affiliates: Set clear policies to prevent most violations and make it easier to detect risks and enforce compliance. Monitoring and automation for PPC brand protection Manual monitoring can’t keep up with competitors and fraudsters who constantly rotate tactics. A strong brand protection strategy relies on automated monitoring to catch threats early and resolve them before they affect your budget, CPCs, or conversions. Core components of effective automation include: Monitoring systems: Continuously track and surface unauthorized bidders, affiliate violations, and unusual competitor activity. Real-time alerts: Get notified the moment issues appear so you can respond quickly. Key metrics to measure your brand protection strategy You can measure the effectiveness of your PPC brand protection efforts by tracking metrics that show the scale of violations and how efficiently you respond to them. Key metrics include: Violations count: How many unauthorized activities were detected across branded searches during a set timeframe. Enforcement rate: How effectively you acted on those violations. Cost savings: The budget you recovered by reducing CPC inflation and stopping commission leakage. Branded CTR recovery: How much your visibility and click-through rate improved after removing violators. Together, these metrics provide a clear view of how well your brand protection strategy is performing and where you may need to make improvements. Industry cases of effective PPC brand protection Automotive: Car.co.uk UAWC agency shared a use case involving a car company that was losing branded traffic in paid search. The source of the problem turned out to be competitors’ aggressive brand bidding tactics. To recover the losses, the brand had to employ UAWC to audit competitors, identify branded keyword conflicts, restructure ad campaigns, and closely monitor auction dynamics. As a result, branded impression share rose to 95%, protecting high-intent traffic and stabilizing CPCs. iGaming: Rhino Affiliates Rhino was grappling with affiliate fraud and unauthorized brand bidding on its flagship brand. With the help of Bluepear, they uncovered 105 violators. Using reports and screenshots as evidence, Rhino successfully disputed payments – ultimately saving €131,000 and restoring their branded search visibility. How Bluepear helps you protect your brand automatically Monitoring is the operational backbone of brand protection – that’s exactly where Bluepear delivers the most impact. After signing up: You create an account and fully customise it with the help of a built-in AI-assistant – it only takes 10 minutes. From there, you get instant access to automated brand monitoring. Bluepear reveals every violation, including: Brand bidding: Identifies advertisers targeting your branded keywords across markets and devices. Affiliate violations: Flags partners who break program rules by bidding on brand terms, using unapproved messaging, or redirecting traffic. Hidden ads: Detects ads that are visible only in specific regions or time periods – a common tactic used by violators to evade detection. Bluepear alerts you to every violation and backs each one with clear evidence and screenshots. This gives you airtight proof for fast escalation and cuts the time you spend disputing payments with affiliates and PPC platforms. Impact: After removing unauthorized bidders, you gain cleaner attribution, lower acquisition costs, and stronger efficiency across all paid channels. Final recommendations for scalable PPC protection Continuous monitoring: New violators can appear at any moment. Ongoing monitoring ensures you catch issues before they inflate CPCs or drain conversions. Strict affiliate rules: Well-defined rules reduce ambiguity and improve long-term compliance. Automation-first approach: Automation speeds detection, supports faster decisions, and scales protection across markets and campaigns. Consistent enforcement: Fast, repeatable enforcement maintains deterrence and keeps branded auctions clean. Most of the damage to your branded traffic happens out of sight – hidden ads, affiliate rule breaks, and impersonation fraud. Bluepear uncovers it all instantly, starting at just $169 a month after a free trial. See what’s been slipping through: Try Bluepear’s solution for brand protection and detect hidden brand bidding in minutes. View the full article

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