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Small business owners are always on the lookout for tools that can elevate their operations, and Google’s latest innovation, Nano Banana Pro, promises to deliver just that. With the ability to transform ideas into stunning visuals, this new platform leverages the advanced capabilities of Gemini 3, offering small businesses an opportunity to stand out in a competitive landscape. At its core, Nano Banana Pro is designed to help users create precise and contextually relevant visuals. Whether you’re aiming to design a prototype, convert data into infographics, or turn handwritten notes into diagrams, this technology can enhance your creativity while saving valuable time. One of the standout features of Nano Banana Pro is its ability to generate visuals that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also rich in context. This means small business owners can produce educational content that accurately reflects the information they wish to share. “Nano Banana Pro doesn’t just create beautiful images; it also helps you create more helpful content,” a Google representative shared. This capability is particularly useful for businesses looking to educate their audience, as it allows for the creation of informative infographics that can bolster marketing campaigns or educational initiatives. Small business owners often find themselves juggling multiple roles, and the ability to quickly visualize complex ideas can be a game-changer. For example, suppose you run a restaurant and want to illustrate a new menu concept or show customers the sourcing process for your ingredients. With myriads of options at your disposal, Nano Banana Pro simplifies the visual storytelling process. It can help you generate quick snapshots, turning a simple idea into an engaging digital presentation that can be shared on social media or featured in your physical location. Moreover, Nano Banana Pro can harness real-time information from Google Search. This feature enables business owners to create visuals based on current data—be it local weather forecasts for an outdoor event or stats surrounding a particular sports team relevant to a promotional campaign. Such insights can be integrated seamlessly, allowing businesses not only to inform but also to engage with customers more dynamically. However, while the benefits are apparent, small business owners should also consider the potential challenges. Navigating new technology often involves a learning curve. Those less familiar with digital design might initially feel overwhelmed. It’s important for businesses to invest time in exploring how to best utilize Nano Banana Pro, ensuring that the tool enhances, rather than complicates, their workflow. Additionally, while the custom visuals can boost a brand’s online presence, smaller businesses may want to think about the investment in time needed to harness these advanced features effectively. As the business landscape continues to shift towards digital-first strategies, ensuring that your team is well-equipped to utilize such innovations will be essential. In the competitive world of small business, standing out visually can be a significant advantage. As Google asserts, the advanced reasoning capabilities of Gemini 3 improve the accuracy of content generation in Nano Banana Pro, making it not just a design tool but also an essential resource for developing comprehensive, context-rich content. Small business owners can take pride in expressing their ideas visually, a task that can now be streamlined through the innovative features of Nano Banana Pro. As they explore this tool, they can look forward to creating an engaging narrative that resonates with their customers, building a strong visual identity that reflects their unique brand. For more details, you can check out the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Gemini Unveils Nano Banana Pro: Revolutionizing Visual Idea Creation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small business owners are always on the lookout for tools that can elevate their operations, and Google’s latest innovation, Nano Banana Pro, promises to deliver just that. With the ability to transform ideas into stunning visuals, this new platform leverages the advanced capabilities of Gemini 3, offering small businesses an opportunity to stand out in a competitive landscape. At its core, Nano Banana Pro is designed to help users create precise and contextually relevant visuals. Whether you’re aiming to design a prototype, convert data into infographics, or turn handwritten notes into diagrams, this technology can enhance your creativity while saving valuable time. One of the standout features of Nano Banana Pro is its ability to generate visuals that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also rich in context. This means small business owners can produce educational content that accurately reflects the information they wish to share. “Nano Banana Pro doesn’t just create beautiful images; it also helps you create more helpful content,” a Google representative shared. This capability is particularly useful for businesses looking to educate their audience, as it allows for the creation of informative infographics that can bolster marketing campaigns or educational initiatives. Small business owners often find themselves juggling multiple roles, and the ability to quickly visualize complex ideas can be a game-changer. For example, suppose you run a restaurant and want to illustrate a new menu concept or show customers the sourcing process for your ingredients. With myriads of options at your disposal, Nano Banana Pro simplifies the visual storytelling process. It can help you generate quick snapshots, turning a simple idea into an engaging digital presentation that can be shared on social media or featured in your physical location. Moreover, Nano Banana Pro can harness real-time information from Google Search. This feature enables business owners to create visuals based on current data—be it local weather forecasts for an outdoor event or stats surrounding a particular sports team relevant to a promotional campaign. Such insights can be integrated seamlessly, allowing businesses not only to inform but also to engage with customers more dynamically. However, while the benefits are apparent, small business owners should also consider the potential challenges. Navigating new technology often involves a learning curve. Those less familiar with digital design might initially feel overwhelmed. It’s important for businesses to invest time in exploring how to best utilize Nano Banana Pro, ensuring that the tool enhances, rather than complicates, their workflow. Additionally, while the custom visuals can boost a brand’s online presence, smaller businesses may want to think about the investment in time needed to harness these advanced features effectively. As the business landscape continues to shift towards digital-first strategies, ensuring that your team is well-equipped to utilize such innovations will be essential. In the competitive world of small business, standing out visually can be a significant advantage. As Google asserts, the advanced reasoning capabilities of Gemini 3 improve the accuracy of content generation in Nano Banana Pro, making it not just a design tool but also an essential resource for developing comprehensive, context-rich content. Small business owners can take pride in expressing their ideas visually, a task that can now be streamlined through the innovative features of Nano Banana Pro. As they explore this tool, they can look forward to creating an engaging narrative that resonates with their customers, building a strong visual identity that reflects their unique brand. For more details, you can check out the original announcement here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Google Gemini Unveils Nano Banana Pro: Revolutionizing Visual Idea Creation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Shopping assistant chatbots were a novelty a year ago. Now, they’re everywhere. After rolling out AI-powered assistants, online retailers and tech companies have been adding more artificial intelligence features to make online shopping easier and more convenient. The latest crop of AI-powered shopping services and tools made their debut in recent weeks, just in time to kick off the holiday shopping season that begins with Black Friday. Here’s a rundown of existing and newly released AI services that can help with your search for the perfect gift in the run-up to Christmas: Retail chatbots Amazon led the way by rolling out its Rufus chatbot in 2024. Other ecommerce websites followed with their own AI assistants to enhance the online shopping experience. Walmart’s Sparky chatbot is available on the retail giant’s app and can synthesize reviews or offer product recommendations based on occasions, such as Christmas. Target recently unveiled a gift finder chatbot on its app, but it’s only available for the holiday season. Ralph Lauren partnered with Microsoft on the “Ask Ralph” chatbot to provide style recommendations. The aim of deploying chatbots is to make it easier for people to find what they’re looking for. Instead of entering search terms and keywords, you can type or use voice dictation for a conversational back-and-forth. The results, in my experience, can be mixed. I tried Rufus recently to find a replacement aftermarket stainless steel pot for my rice cooker, as well as a protective trivet for my kitchen sink faucet. In both cases, the results weren’t quite right and didn’t seem to capture the wide range of products available. Sometimes the results were completely unsuitable. I ended up doing a more painstaking search of product listings’ pictures and specifications to find the right items. The problem, I suspect, is partly because I was looking for generic products. Searches for name-brand products may produce better results. AI-powered buying advice Perhaps you don’t want to limit yourself to a single retailer’s website in your Christmas shopping search. Or you’re not sure where exactly to find that perfect gift. Tech platforms have rolled out AI-powered shopping tools that can cast a wider net by searching multiple sites. OpenAI added a new “shopping research” feature to ChatGPT last week that can provide personalized buying advice for products that are heavy on detailed specs, like electronics or appliances. The feature will activate if you ask ChatGPT a shopping-related question or manually turn it on in the chat window. OpenAI says it can go beyond simple questions, such as checking a price or feature that regular ChatGPT can easily answer. Google users can get a similar experience when they use its search engine in AI Mode, which recently got a big update for shopping searches. The company says users can describe what they’re looking for as if talking to a friend and get an “intelligently organized response” based on 50 billion product listings, with pictures alongside prices, reviews and inventory info. Google added similar shopping features to its Gemini AI chatbot app for U.S. users last month. Meanwhile, Perplexity unveiled its own shopping assistant feature last week that can tailor recommendations based on previous searches. I asked all three to find a soft cotton flannel shirt. Both ChatGPT and Perplexity asked me for specific requirements, such as budget and must-have features. ChatGPT’s response was the most detailed, with options from six brands including its top pick, and included pictures, prices and point-form summaries for each shirt. It also compiled the results into a comparison table. Results from Google, which didn’t ask follow up questions after my initial request, felt the most general. Perplexity’s results fell in between. Try it on virtually So, you think you’ve found a stylish cardigan for your spouse. But you’re not sure about the silhouette or vibe. Generative AI “try on” tools let users see what a piece of clothing might look like on the wearer. Existing virtual dressing room tools have relied on complex 3D rendering, real photoshoots and augmented reality. Often, shoppers were limited to picking a model that best fit their body type to see how clothes fit. Google is now tapping AI to allow shoppers to virtually try on garments and shoes using pictures of themselves in simple poses. Among the exceptions: accessories like hats or jewelry, bathing suits and lingerie. To use this feature, which is available through Google’s shopping desktop search and mobile app in Australia, Japan Canada and the U.S., just tap the “Try it on” button on a product’s photo and then add a full-length photo of yourself. You can then save the image of yourself with the tested item or share it. The original photo is also saved to your account so you don’t need to keep uploading fresh images. If you’re shopping for a gift for someone, Google says you can upload their photo, but only if you have their permission. AI agents buy it for you Now that you’ve figured out what exactly to get for those special people on your Christmas gift list, it’s time to buy. But if you want to outsource some of the legwork involved, there are “agentic AI” tools that can help. Amazon users can use an “AI agent” to buy a product on their behalf if the price falls to a desired level. Google has launched its own “agentic checkout” feature, which can automatically buy a product you’re keeping an eye on with its price-tracking feature. Google’s feature has rolled out to a small group of retailers, including Wayfair, Chewy and Quince we well as some Shopify merchants. Both companies say they’ll always confirm with you before the AI agent makes the purchase. Amazon is taking it a step further by allowing shoppers to buy items that aren’t in stock directly from other brands’ websites. If you see a product on the Amazon Shopping app with a “Buy For Me” button, you can buy it through the usual Amazon checkout page but the AI agent will then carry out the transaction on the other brand’s website with your encrypted payment details. The feature was in test mode but is being rolled out more widely. AI calls for availability Prefer to buy in person? It’s a good idea to make sure a bricks-and-mortar shop has the product you want before heading over. Google has launched an AI service that will call local stores to ask. It’s only available in the U.S. for toys, electronics and health and beauty products. When doing a Google search for the product you want, add “near me” to the end of your search query. Then, if you see “Let Google Call” when scrolling through the results, you can tap the “Get started” button. Answer some questions about what you’re shopping for, whether you want updates by email or text. Google will then contact stores near your location to ask if the item is in stock. The bot works swiftly but results might be limited. When an AP reporter in New Jersey asked Google to call around about a specific Acer monitor, the agent returned quickly with a reply from a local computer repair shop that sold refurbished monitors. It appeared to ignore nearby big-box outlets selling electronics. According to Google’s text update, the local repair shop didn’t have the monitor, but did have a similar-sized one — sans the other bells and whistles — for a lower price. Is there a tech topic that you think needs explaining? Write to us at onetechtip@ap.org with your suggestions for future editions of One Tech Tip. —Kelvin Chan and Anne D’Innocenzio, AP Business Writers View the full article

A CPA credential amplifies your ability to question systems and push for fairness. Accounting ARC With Arpan Grewal Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

A CPA credential amplifies your ability to question systems and push for fairness. Accounting ARC With Arpan Grewal Center for Accounting Transformation Go PRO for members-only access to more Center for Accounting Transformation. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. We’ve all experienced gift panic—that sinking feeling when you realize you need a present in an hour and you just don’t have one to give. Whether you spent all year chasing the “perfect” gift or simply procrastinated, your time is nearly up. But don’t panic. The clock may have run out, but your options haven’t. Before you resort to re-gifting something from the back of a closet, here’s how to pull off a last-minute gift that is effortless but feels elevated and worthy of the person you’re giving it to. Sometimes the gift is in the deliveryWith the right presentation, even the most last-minute gift can read as thoughtful. Any performer will tell you that the difference between a good show and a bad one comes down to commitment and confidence. The same is true for last-minute gifts: If you act like your gift is thoughtful and intentional, they’ll think it is. The biggest mistake people make is apologizing as they hand over a present—nothing ruins a vibe faster than, “Sorry this is so last-minute.” So give with confidence. And focus on presentation. A handwritten note that contains a shared memory or personal joke can elevate a present. Use simple but personal wrapping; kraft paper and twine, or a reusable gift bag that looks like you planned ahead. Add a small flourish, like a sprig of rosemary or a fancy bow. Small touches can make it seem like you’ve carefully prepared. What you don’t want are obvious panic gifts that scream, “I grabbed this on the way here.” The goal is effortless, not frantic. Here are some suggestions. Instant purchase digital giftsDigital gifts are your friends. You can order something in minutes that arrives instantly online, and with a little thought, will still read as personal and intentional. The trick is choosing a present that speaks to the recipient’s tastes, hobbies, or quirks, and pairing it with a small note to show you remember what they love. From eBooks to streaming subscriptions, these gifts hit the sweet spot of thoughtful and last-minute. Here are some suggestion: Kindle unlimited subscriptionIf you have a reader on your list, they want books, and a Kindle Unlimited subscription lets them read anything they like. It can be ordered instantly and lets users access millions of titles, including audiobooks, for six months or a year, even if they don’t have a Kindle reader. Include a note that says something like, "I know how much you love discovering new stories. Now you can explore as many as you like—just make sure you tell me what you find!” Boom! Mission accomplished. Gift cards that aren't impersonalWhen time is running out, gift cards are your secret weapon. They arrive instantly online, don’t require shipping, and with the right presentation, they can feel surprisingly thoughtful. The key is to pick a card that fits the recipient’s interests and add a personal note. The more specific you are, the better. If your giftee is into Italian food, get them an Eataly gift card. If they're a PC gamer, get them a Steam card. If they're into education, a membership to Skillshare is perfect. There's a gift card out there for just about any interest, and all you have to do it google it and email it. Making generic gift cards seem thoughtfulGeneric gift cards can be a last-minute lifesaver that can still seem a little personal if you give them the right way. Pick a theme or design: Many online cards, like Amazon, Etsy, or Starbucks, let you choose designs. The right visual makes the card feel more intentional. Include a warm, personal message: Even one line can make a digital card feel thoughtful—something like, “I couldn’t pick just one thing for you. Hope this helps you treat yourself!” Send strategically: Deliver the card by email or text, but consider printing the email or screenshotting it in a small envelope so it feels like a “real” gift. Subscription boxes with instant confirmation emailsSign someone up for a subscription service, write a note explaining you want to keep giving them presents all year, and you're golden. Here are some suggestions: SnackCrate: This service sends a different snack from around the world every month. SpiceClub: For the culinary adventurer on your list. A subscription to RawSpiceBar’s Spice Club delivers a curated selection of spices every month. Mocktail variety box: Booze-free fancy drinks delivered once a month? Sign me up. Thera Box: If you know someone in need of some self-care, this once-a-month box is packed with wellness and relaxation items. Loot Crate: If your giftee is geeky, consider this monthly surprise box of pop culture treasures. Send a message from a celebrityCameo is a platform where celebrities, influencers, musicians, and performers create personalized video messages for fans. If someone on your list is a fan of someone on Cameo, you can set up a session, and give a card with a mysterious note like "Keep an eye out for a special message." They'll be delighted when Kenny G. sends them a video. Experiential giftsI have enough crap in my house, so I love getting experiences instead of things. The challenge with experience gifts is usually timing: Many require reservations or coordination, but there are plenty of options that let your giftee schedule the time, making them perfect last-minute gifts. Museum membership cards: Many institutions sell digital gift memberships that the recipient can activate whenever they like. Movie tickets: Your local multiplex probably has a gift certificate you can buy online. Local attraction passes: Some city attractions offer gift cards or “anytime admission” tickets that don’t expire immediately. Pair these with a note explaining why you chose the experience, or, if you have that kind of relationship, something like, "I want to take you to the Museum of Modern Art" or whatever. Just make sure you follow through and actually go. Really last-minute, on-the-way-to-the-party gifts Sometimes, there’s literally no time to order, wrap, or even think about a gift. If you’re scrambling out the door and need something now, you might be able to fake your way through, even if you're stopping at the liquor store on the way to the Christmas party. Easy on-the-way optionsFlowers or a small potted plant: Give a seasonal bouquet or a small indoor plant. Add a handwritten note, even a single line, and it might come off as thoughtful. Gourmet chocolates or candy: Specialty chocolates from a local shop or grocery store display can feel luxe with a little ribbon or bag. Wine, craft beer, or non-alcoholic beverage: A bottle with a clean label or interesting packaging immediately elevates your gift. Ask the clerk at the liquor store to help you find something unique. Lottery tickets: Who wouldn't appreciate a bunch of scratch-off lottery tickets? When all else fails, give cashHard cash is the most impersonal gift of all, but the only one you know will be used. This gift really depends on the person getting it, so be aware of whether they're likely to think "Just what I wanted!" or "Wait, I'm not poor." If you give cash, make sure it's crisp bills in a nice card, with a personalized note. View the full article

Jeff Bezos last month went public with his new AI firm, which is currently being called Project Prometheus. The effort had been in development for a while, but is still relatively secretive. There’s no website and only a sparse LinkedIn page describing itself as “AI for the physical economy.” The $6.2-billion startup may be facing lots of competition from other AI companies, including giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. At the same time, it may also have to contend with another mysterious and more modest effort that happens to have already filed a trademark application for an AI company with the exact same name. On November 17 — the same day the New York Times ran a story revealing the new Bezos’ AI effort — an attorney named Patrick Wallen filed an application for a trademark for “Project Prometheus,” according to the US Patent and Trademark Office website. The address is listed as a residential home in California. It’s the only application that seems to be tied to Wallen, and references a “website” featuring software that “uses artificial intelligence to evaluate, score and benchmark individual performance for purposes of personnel selection, employment assessment, professional development, skills competitions and education.” Wallen tells Fast Company in an email that he hasn’t heard from the Bezos Project Prometheus and that he’s working at a lawyer scoring platform that uses AI, also called Project Prometheus. Fast Company was unable to identify records related to that company, though there was an LLC registered by a different person in California several years ago. Wallen says he’s been developing the site on Figma, shared a minimum viable product on Figma, and was recently accepted to an incubator. “I had an original name for my company that didn’t score well. Feedback provided indicated I needed a change. On the day of the Bezos announcements, I scoured the internet to verify the legal reality of these news publications. I looked for the Delaware filing through the Secretary of State. Nothing,” Wallen says. “I did the same in Nevada. Nothing. I looked for a foreign qualification filing in California. Nothing. I looked for a trademark filing in TEAS. Nothing. A linkedin company page? Nothing. Form D EDGAR filings with the SEC. Nope.” “Since their press publication interfered with my marketing strategy, I filed my trademark,” he adds. “I now own the name and it is the name of a real business that -ironically- is designed to demonstrate the skills of a lawyer.” Wallen’s application did not come from the Bezos Project Prometheus, a spokesperson confirms. His application has yet to be reviewed, according to the USPTO website. The Bezos AI project — which is being co-led by Vik Bajaj, an adjunct Stanford professor, physicist, and chemist who’d previously helped Alphabet-owned platform Verily — is focused on AI and the physical sciences –and not legal AI – according to the New York Times. The company has already hired about 100 people and purchased another startup called General Agents. These days, many companies have a penchant for choosing titles alluding to science fiction or mythology. The names Anduril and Palantir both come from Lord of the Rings. Other examples include Oracle and Nike, which references the eponymous ancient Greek goddess of victory; Prometheus is the name of an ancient Greek titan. The term Project Prometheus has been used previously by DARPA, NASA, and, in the world of the television show Smallville, by Superman’s arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. Still, trademark fights can get nasty, particularly for valuable Silicon Valley companies. A device company called iyO sued Open for using “io” in its branding and Elon Musk’s xAI is still facing trademark troubles over the name of its chatbot Grok, which has prompted pushback from similarly-named companies. A company called Meta.io also sued Facebook after the social media company renamed itself as part of its metaverse pivot. “With all due respect to Mr. Bezos, he has every resource in the world at his disposal,” Wallen adds. “His lack of preparation is not a reason for me to alter my plans. On second thought, perhaps he should consider hiring more diligent legal counsel.” View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google Search rankings are volatile again and heating up. Plus...View the full article

Candles and lights are typically a festive part of the holiday season but, this year, Yankee Candle has little reason to celebrate. Its parent company, Newell Brands, has announced that it will lay off over 900 employees worldwide—about 10% of its professional and clerical workforce. Layoffs in the U.S. will mostly occur this month, while international employees—like those from countries with greater worker protections—will see layoffs take place through 2026, “subject to local law and consultation requirements.” Newell Brands also owns Oster, Rubbermaid, Elmers, and Sharpie, among others. Some Yankee Candle stores will shutter by January 2026 Newell Brands is also closing approximately 20 Yankee Candle stores across the U.S. and Canada. According to Newell Brands, these stores make up about 1% of Yankee Candle’s brand sales. The locations are likely to close in January 2026. Fast Company has reached out to Newell Brands for a list of all impacted stores and will update this post if we hear back. Newell Brands predicts the layoffs and store closures will save $110 million to $130 million in annual pretax costs. “We’ve made meaningful progress executing our strategy and strengthening Newell Brands, but there is more work to do,” president and CEO of Newell Brands Chris Peterson said in a statement. “This productivity plan is about taking the next, disciplined step to enhance efficiency, sharpen our strategic focus, and deliver stronger, more consistent performance.” It’s far from the only large company that has trimmed its brick-and-mortar footprint in recent months. Claire’s, Foot Locker, and Petco are among the retail chains that have announced store closures in the latter half of 2025. Shares of Newell Brands (Nasdaq: NWL) have declined significantly this year. As of Wednesday’s market close, the stock is down more than 62% year to date. View the full article

Learn how to break down the project management process into five phases: Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring & Control, and Closure. The post 5 Phases of Project Life Cycle and Why They Matter in 2025 appeared first on project-management.com. View the full article

China’s favouring of small and cheap models such as DeepSeek could prove to be the better betView the full article

Charlie Nunn says system of tokenised deposits has potential to spark change as dramatic as invention of smartphoneView the full article

If you’re looking to improve your lead generation strategy, several innovative examples can help you achieve that. From partnering with influencers to engaging audiences through DM-first lead magnets, these tactics can broaden your reach and deepen connections. Utilizing social polls can provide real-time insights, whereas showcasing customer reviews boosts trust. Each method offers unique benefits that can streamline your efforts and enhance results. Discover how these approaches can transform your lead generation process. Key Takeaways Partner with influencers to reach niche audiences through tailored promotions and engaging giveaway campaigns that drive traffic and conversions. Utilize interactive quizzes as lead magnets to gather insights, generate conversions, and personalize follow-up communications based on audience preferences. Implement social polls to gain audience insights and segment preferences, allowing for targeted marketing strategies and personalized messaging. Create DM-first lead magnets to foster engagement, build trust, and transform passive followers into active leads through direct interactions. Use exit-intent pop-ups with customer reviews and special offers to capture attention, reduce bounce rates, and incentivize immediate action. Partner With Influencers for Expanded Reach Partnering with influencers can greatly boost your brand’s reach and visibility in today’s digital environment. Influencers connect with engaged audiences, which can lead to increased traffic and conversions for your products or services. For effective lead generation campaign examples, consider customized landing pages for influencer promotions, streamlining user experiences and improving conversion rates. Implementing giveaway campaigns or offering special discount codes through influencers can create buzz, encouraging their followers to engage with your brand. Furthermore, targeting unexplored markets via influencer partnerships allows you to tap into niche audiences that may be hard to reach. By using forms or landing sites uniquely designed for these campaigns, you can improve lead capture and guarantee a smoother shift from awareness to conversion. Engage Your Audience With Dm-First Lead Magnets Engaging your audience with DM-first lead magnets can greatly boost your lead generation efforts. By using direct messages to share valuable content, you not only increase interactions but likewise transform passive followers into active participants, which improves your opt-in rates. This approach helps create warmer leads, as potential customers have already engaged with your brand before you follow up, nurturing trust and rapport that traditional methods may lack. Direct Message Engagement Strategies How can you effectively engage your audience and convert them into leads? Direct message (DM) engagement strategies, particularly DM-first lead magnets, can improve your lead generation efforts. These tactics provide valuable resources directly via messages, nurturing a personal touch that encourages higher engagement. You can prompt users to comment on a post for a PDF or other resources, turning passive followers into active opt-ins. Here’s a quick overview of DM-first strategies: Strategy Description Comment to Receive Encourage comments for valuable resources. Personalized Follow-ups Engage in conversation before sharing content. Social Algorithm Boost Greater engagement improves visibility. Warm Lead Generation Build trust through direct interaction. Implementing these lead generation form examples can greatly increase your opt-in rates. Interactive Content for Opt-Ins Using interactive content for opt-ins can greatly improve your lead generation strategy by cultivating deeper connections with your audience. DM-first lead magnets, like interactive polls and quizzes, encourage engagement by prompting users to comment for exclusive content. This turns passive scrolling into active opt-ins, creating warmer leads through pre-engagement. By leveraging these lead generation examples, you can gather insights on your audience’s pain points, allowing for targeted resource delivery via DMs. Furthermore, delivering lead magnets directly through DMs not only increases engagement but additionally makes the content feel more exclusive and personalized. This approach amplifies algorithmic favorability, enhancing visibility and driving even more opt-ins as users interact with your engaging content. Warm Leads Through DMs When you implement DM-first lead magnets, you create a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level. This approach delivers valuable resources directly through direct messages, enhancing engagement rates. For instance, a lead generation Facebook ad example might encourage users to comment on a post to receive a PDF, transforming passive scrolling into active opt-ins. Engaging users this way not just boosts participation but also signals to social media algorithms, increasing visibility for your content. As users interact before receiving a message, they become warmer leads, more receptive to follow-ups. In the end, this strategy cultivates trust and interest in your offerings, driving higher conversion rates through intimate connections with potential leads. Utilize Social Polls to Discover Audience Insights Using social polls is an effective way to segment your audience and uncover their preferences and pain points. By asking targeted questions, you can gather valuable insights that inform your marketing strategies and help you connect more directly with your audience. This approach not only increases engagement but additionally positions you to tailor your content and offers, enhancing your overall lead generation efforts. Segment Audience Effectively Social polls serve as an effective method for segmenting your audience, as they allow you to gather vital insights about preferences and pain points. By crafting specific questions, you can uncover intent signals that guide your follow-up strategies and content creation, enhancing engagement rates. Poll results help you divide your audience into distinct groups, enabling you to send personalized marketing messages that resonate deeply. Furthermore, interactive polls can boost engagement on social media, as algorithms favor posts that generate interaction. Following up with customized resources based on poll responses not only adds value but additionally strengthens relationships. To streamline this process, consider using a lead generation form template, which can facilitate data collection and analysis. Identify Pain Points Identifying pain points is vital for customizing your marketing strategies effectively, and social polls can be an influential tool in this process. By engaging your audience directly, you can uncover their key concerns and preferences, which is significant for your lead generation form. Consider these benefits of using social polls: Instagram: Tools like Instagram Stories and Twitter polls offer quick insights into audience needs. Increased Engagement: Polls improve interaction, raising your visibility on social media platforms. Personalized Follow-up: Responding with customized resources cultivates a stronger connection with potential leads. Conduct a LinkedIn Audit for Untapped Opportunities When you take the time to conduct a LinkedIn audit, you’re not just reviewing your profile; you’re uncovering untapped opportunities within your existing network. Start by analyzing your connections to identify potential leads. Focus on nurturing relationships with your top contacts through personalized messages or content shares. Remember, 80% of professionals prefer interacting with those they know. Utilize LinkedIn’s search filters to categorize connections by industry or job title, enhancing your targeted outreach. This approach can lead to a 15% higher response rate. Furthermore, regularly update your profile with relevant content and achievements, as active profiles appear in 20 times more searches. Incorporating lead form examples into your strategy can further optimize your engagement and conversion rates. Schedule Coffee Chats to Build Meaningful Connections Scheduling coffee chats can greatly improve your networking efforts, as these informal meetings often lay the foundation for meaningful connections. Engaging in these discussions not merely helps you understand your audience but likewise promotes trust and rapport, vital elements in any lead generation format. Here are three key benefits of scheduling coffee chats: Genuine Relationships: 70% of professionals believe face-to-face meetings are fundamental for trust. Reciprocal Connections: 63% report personal networks as their primary source for new business opportunities. Enhanced Trust: 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family. Showcase Customer Reviews in Pop-Ups for Trust Showcasing customer reviews in pop-ups can be a potent strategy to build trust and convert hesitant visitors into leads. By utilizing exit-intent pop-ups, you can capture attention just before users leave your site. Including real customer testimonials can increase conversion rates by up to 34%, as potential clients often look for social proof before making decisions. Highlighting diverse reviews that address various pain points can help alleviate hesitations, enhancing your credibility. Strategically timed pop-ups create urgency, encouraging immediate action and reducing bounce rates. Combining these reviews with special offers or discounts in your lead form template further incentivizes conversions, aligning positive experiences with tangible benefits that appeal to a broader audience. Create Interactive Quizzes for Personalized Engagement How can interactive quizzes transform your lead generation strategy? By engaging users in a fun and personalized way, quizzes can greatly improve your lead generation efforts. They can generate twice as many conversions compared to traditional content, making them an influential tool. Here are some key benefits: Personalized results: Tailor follow-up communications based on quiz responses to address individual needs. Insightful data: Assess specific pain points, gathering valuable insights into audience preferences. Social sharing: Encourage participants to share their results, broadening your reach and potential lead pool. At the end of the quiz, incorporate a lead gen form to easily collect contact information. This turns engaging interactions into valuable leads for your future marketing efforts. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Provide an Example of a Successful Lead Generation Campaign or Initiative You Implemented? You could implement a successful lead generation campaign by partnering with influencers to create unique discount codes. This strategy can boost your web traffic considerably, as seen in a past initiative that increased traffic by 25% and conversions by 15% in one month. Furthermore, consider using social media to encourage users to comment for a free PDF guide, which can improve engagement and grow your email subscriber list effectively. What Techniques Can Be Used for Lead Generation? You can use several effective techniques for lead generation. Start by creating engaging interactive content like quizzes or polls, which can boost conversions. Implement personalized email campaigns to improve engagement through customized messaging. Hosting webinars allows you to showcase expertise as you gather leads. Leverage chatbots for instant assistance and lead capture. Furthermore, offering downloadable resources, such as eBooks, as gated content encourages users to provide their contact information for valuable insights. Which of the Following Is an Example of a Lead Generation Strategy? A lead generation strategy involves various techniques aimed at attracting potential customers. For instance, utilizing gated resources like eBooks in exchange for contact information is a common method. You can additionally organize webinars to showcase your expertise during collecting attendee data. Another effective strategy is using interactive quizzes that engage users and encourage sharing. Finally, partnering with influencers can broaden your reach, allowing you to tap into new markets and generate leads effectively. What Are the Strategies You Would Use to Generate Leads? To generate leads effectively, consider several strategies. You can create interactive quizzes to engage your audience and gather valuable data. Collaborating with influencers can furthermore expand your reach considerably. Implementing direct message lead magnets, like valuable resources, may warm up your leads. In addition, utilize personalized email campaigns to increase engagement. Finally, hosting webinars allows you to showcase expertise during collecting attendee information for follow-up, ensuring ongoing engagement with potential leads. Conclusion By implementing these seven innovative lead generation strategies, you can effectively improve your outreach and engagement efforts. Partnering with influencers, utilizing DM-first lead magnets, and conducting social polls will deepen your connection with potential clients. Furthermore, focusing on customer reviews, interactive quizzes, and scheduling coffee chats can uncover valuable insights and cultivate trust. Each approach provides unique opportunities for growth, allowing you to tailor your marketing strategies to meet your audience’s needs and preferences. Start integrating these methods today. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Innovative Examples for Lead Generation You Can Implement Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If you’re looking to improve your lead generation strategy, several innovative examples can help you achieve that. From partnering with influencers to engaging audiences through DM-first lead magnets, these tactics can broaden your reach and deepen connections. Utilizing social polls can provide real-time insights, whereas showcasing customer reviews boosts trust. Each method offers unique benefits that can streamline your efforts and enhance results. Discover how these approaches can transform your lead generation process. Key Takeaways Partner with influencers to reach niche audiences through tailored promotions and engaging giveaway campaigns that drive traffic and conversions. Utilize interactive quizzes as lead magnets to gather insights, generate conversions, and personalize follow-up communications based on audience preferences. Implement social polls to gain audience insights and segment preferences, allowing for targeted marketing strategies and personalized messaging. Create DM-first lead magnets to foster engagement, build trust, and transform passive followers into active leads through direct interactions. Use exit-intent pop-ups with customer reviews and special offers to capture attention, reduce bounce rates, and incentivize immediate action. Partner With Influencers for Expanded Reach Partnering with influencers can greatly boost your brand’s reach and visibility in today’s digital environment. Influencers connect with engaged audiences, which can lead to increased traffic and conversions for your products or services. For effective lead generation campaign examples, consider customized landing pages for influencer promotions, streamlining user experiences and improving conversion rates. Implementing giveaway campaigns or offering special discount codes through influencers can create buzz, encouraging their followers to engage with your brand. Furthermore, targeting unexplored markets via influencer partnerships allows you to tap into niche audiences that may be hard to reach. By using forms or landing sites uniquely designed for these campaigns, you can improve lead capture and guarantee a smoother shift from awareness to conversion. Engage Your Audience With Dm-First Lead Magnets Engaging your audience with DM-first lead magnets can greatly boost your lead generation efforts. By using direct messages to share valuable content, you not only increase interactions but likewise transform passive followers into active participants, which improves your opt-in rates. This approach helps create warmer leads, as potential customers have already engaged with your brand before you follow up, nurturing trust and rapport that traditional methods may lack. Direct Message Engagement Strategies How can you effectively engage your audience and convert them into leads? Direct message (DM) engagement strategies, particularly DM-first lead magnets, can improve your lead generation efforts. These tactics provide valuable resources directly via messages, nurturing a personal touch that encourages higher engagement. You can prompt users to comment on a post for a PDF or other resources, turning passive followers into active opt-ins. Here’s a quick overview of DM-first strategies: Strategy Description Comment to Receive Encourage comments for valuable resources. Personalized Follow-ups Engage in conversation before sharing content. Social Algorithm Boost Greater engagement improves visibility. Warm Lead Generation Build trust through direct interaction. Implementing these lead generation form examples can greatly increase your opt-in rates. Interactive Content for Opt-Ins Using interactive content for opt-ins can greatly improve your lead generation strategy by cultivating deeper connections with your audience. DM-first lead magnets, like interactive polls and quizzes, encourage engagement by prompting users to comment for exclusive content. This turns passive scrolling into active opt-ins, creating warmer leads through pre-engagement. By leveraging these lead generation examples, you can gather insights on your audience’s pain points, allowing for targeted resource delivery via DMs. Furthermore, delivering lead magnets directly through DMs not only increases engagement but additionally makes the content feel more exclusive and personalized. This approach amplifies algorithmic favorability, enhancing visibility and driving even more opt-ins as users interact with your engaging content. Warm Leads Through DMs When you implement DM-first lead magnets, you create a unique opportunity to connect with your audience on a more personal level. This approach delivers valuable resources directly through direct messages, enhancing engagement rates. For instance, a lead generation Facebook ad example might encourage users to comment on a post to receive a PDF, transforming passive scrolling into active opt-ins. Engaging users this way not just boosts participation but also signals to social media algorithms, increasing visibility for your content. As users interact before receiving a message, they become warmer leads, more receptive to follow-ups. In the end, this strategy cultivates trust and interest in your offerings, driving higher conversion rates through intimate connections with potential leads. Utilize Social Polls to Discover Audience Insights Using social polls is an effective way to segment your audience and uncover their preferences and pain points. By asking targeted questions, you can gather valuable insights that inform your marketing strategies and help you connect more directly with your audience. This approach not only increases engagement but additionally positions you to tailor your content and offers, enhancing your overall lead generation efforts. Segment Audience Effectively Social polls serve as an effective method for segmenting your audience, as they allow you to gather vital insights about preferences and pain points. By crafting specific questions, you can uncover intent signals that guide your follow-up strategies and content creation, enhancing engagement rates. Poll results help you divide your audience into distinct groups, enabling you to send personalized marketing messages that resonate deeply. Furthermore, interactive polls can boost engagement on social media, as algorithms favor posts that generate interaction. Following up with customized resources based on poll responses not only adds value but additionally strengthens relationships. To streamline this process, consider using a lead generation form template, which can facilitate data collection and analysis. Identify Pain Points Identifying pain points is vital for customizing your marketing strategies effectively, and social polls can be an influential tool in this process. By engaging your audience directly, you can uncover their key concerns and preferences, which is significant for your lead generation form. Consider these benefits of using social polls: Instagram: Tools like Instagram Stories and Twitter polls offer quick insights into audience needs. Increased Engagement: Polls improve interaction, raising your visibility on social media platforms. Personalized Follow-up: Responding with customized resources cultivates a stronger connection with potential leads. Conduct a LinkedIn Audit for Untapped Opportunities When you take the time to conduct a LinkedIn audit, you’re not just reviewing your profile; you’re uncovering untapped opportunities within your existing network. Start by analyzing your connections to identify potential leads. Focus on nurturing relationships with your top contacts through personalized messages or content shares. Remember, 80% of professionals prefer interacting with those they know. Utilize LinkedIn’s search filters to categorize connections by industry or job title, enhancing your targeted outreach. This approach can lead to a 15% higher response rate. Furthermore, regularly update your profile with relevant content and achievements, as active profiles appear in 20 times more searches. Incorporating lead form examples into your strategy can further optimize your engagement and conversion rates. Schedule Coffee Chats to Build Meaningful Connections Scheduling coffee chats can greatly improve your networking efforts, as these informal meetings often lay the foundation for meaningful connections. Engaging in these discussions not merely helps you understand your audience but likewise promotes trust and rapport, vital elements in any lead generation format. Here are three key benefits of scheduling coffee chats: Genuine Relationships: 70% of professionals believe face-to-face meetings are fundamental for trust. Reciprocal Connections: 63% report personal networks as their primary source for new business opportunities. Enhanced Trust: 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family. Showcase Customer Reviews in Pop-Ups for Trust Showcasing customer reviews in pop-ups can be a potent strategy to build trust and convert hesitant visitors into leads. By utilizing exit-intent pop-ups, you can capture attention just before users leave your site. Including real customer testimonials can increase conversion rates by up to 34%, as potential clients often look for social proof before making decisions. Highlighting diverse reviews that address various pain points can help alleviate hesitations, enhancing your credibility. Strategically timed pop-ups create urgency, encouraging immediate action and reducing bounce rates. Combining these reviews with special offers or discounts in your lead form template further incentivizes conversions, aligning positive experiences with tangible benefits that appeal to a broader audience. Create Interactive Quizzes for Personalized Engagement How can interactive quizzes transform your lead generation strategy? By engaging users in a fun and personalized way, quizzes can greatly improve your lead generation efforts. They can generate twice as many conversions compared to traditional content, making them an influential tool. Here are some key benefits: Personalized results: Tailor follow-up communications based on quiz responses to address individual needs. Insightful data: Assess specific pain points, gathering valuable insights into audience preferences. Social sharing: Encourage participants to share their results, broadening your reach and potential lead pool. At the end of the quiz, incorporate a lead gen form to easily collect contact information. This turns engaging interactions into valuable leads for your future marketing efforts. Frequently Asked Questions Can You Provide an Example of a Successful Lead Generation Campaign or Initiative You Implemented? You could implement a successful lead generation campaign by partnering with influencers to create unique discount codes. This strategy can boost your web traffic considerably, as seen in a past initiative that increased traffic by 25% and conversions by 15% in one month. Furthermore, consider using social media to encourage users to comment for a free PDF guide, which can improve engagement and grow your email subscriber list effectively. What Techniques Can Be Used for Lead Generation? You can use several effective techniques for lead generation. Start by creating engaging interactive content like quizzes or polls, which can boost conversions. Implement personalized email campaigns to improve engagement through customized messaging. Hosting webinars allows you to showcase expertise as you gather leads. Leverage chatbots for instant assistance and lead capture. Furthermore, offering downloadable resources, such as eBooks, as gated content encourages users to provide their contact information for valuable insights. Which of the Following Is an Example of a Lead Generation Strategy? A lead generation strategy involves various techniques aimed at attracting potential customers. For instance, utilizing gated resources like eBooks in exchange for contact information is a common method. You can additionally organize webinars to showcase your expertise during collecting attendee data. Another effective strategy is using interactive quizzes that engage users and encourage sharing. Finally, partnering with influencers can broaden your reach, allowing you to tap into new markets and generate leads effectively. What Are the Strategies You Would Use to Generate Leads? To generate leads effectively, consider several strategies. You can create interactive quizzes to engage your audience and gather valuable data. Collaborating with influencers can furthermore expand your reach considerably. Implementing direct message lead magnets, like valuable resources, may warm up your leads. In addition, utilize personalized email campaigns to increase engagement. Finally, hosting webinars allows you to showcase expertise during collecting attendee information for follow-up, ensuring ongoing engagement with potential leads. Conclusion By implementing these seven innovative lead generation strategies, you can effectively improve your outreach and engagement efforts. Partnering with influencers, utilizing DM-first lead magnets, and conducting social polls will deepen your connection with potential clients. Furthermore, focusing on customer reviews, interactive quizzes, and scheduling coffee chats can uncover valuable insights and cultivate trust. Each approach provides unique opportunities for growth, allowing you to tailor your marketing strategies to meet your audience’s needs and preferences. Start integrating these methods today. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Innovative Examples for Lead Generation You Can Implement Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

The longest government shutdown on record cost Delta Air Lines an estimated $200 million, CEO Ed Bastian said Wednesday in the first disclosure by a U.S. airline regarding the shutdown’s financial impact. Bastian told investors that refunds “grew significantly” while bookings slowed amid the uncertainty in air travel caused by the 43-day shutdown, contributing to Delta’s loss of about 25 cents per share. The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, led to long delays at major airports and historic flight cancellations at 40 of the country’s busiest airports as more unpaid air traffic controllers missed work, citing additional stress and the need to take on side jobs. As the shutdown dragged into a second month, the Federal Aviation Administration issued an emergency order requiring commercial airlines to cancel up to 6% of their domestic flights — a decision that Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described as necessary to guarantee safe air travel. “When you’ve got the secretary of transportation telling people we don’t have controllers, questioning the safety at some level of travel, which has never before happened,” Bastian said, it led to more customers holding off on booking their holiday travel. More than 10,000 flights were cut between Nov. 7, when the FAA’s order took effect, and when the restrictions were fully lifted on Nov. 16, less than two weeks before Thanksgiving, the busiest travel period in the U.S. Despite the disruption to air travel, Bastian said Wednesday he believes the shutdown’s impacts are in the rearview. He said Delta had a busy Thanksgiving week and that bookings through the end of the year, especially around Christmas and New Year’s Day, were “really strong.” “I think we’re through it and it was transitory,” Bastian said of the shutdown. “We’re looking forward to a strong December, a strong close to the year.” Airports impacted by the flight restrictions during the shutdown included large hubs in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Atlanta. The flight cuts started at 4% and later grew to 6% before the FAA rolled the restrictions back to 3%, citing continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing after the shutdown ended Nov. 12. Controllers were among the federal employees who had to continue working without pay throughout the shutdown, missing two full paychecks. President Donald The President took to social media during the shutdown to pressure controllers to “get back to work, NOW!!!” He called for a $10,000 bonus for those who stayed on the job and suggested docking pay for those who haven’t. A week after the shutdown ended, the FAA announced only 776 controllers and technicians with perfect attendance during the shutdown would receive bonuses, leaving out nearly 20,000 other workers. On Wednesday, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, ranking member of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation, sent a letter to Duffy demanding that he also award bonuses to the remaining FAA workers. “It is wrong to financially penalize these Federal employees for responsibly managing life events beyond their control while working without pay,” she said. Duffy didn’t immediately respond Wednesday to the letter, but when asked about the bonuses last week at a news conference ahead of the Thanksgiving travel period, Duffy said that both he and the head of the FAA recognize “some of the difficult circumstances our controllers were going through” during the shutdown. But Duffy said a cutoff on the bonuses was necessary. “If you got 100% on your test, you get the sticker that’s a scratch-and-sniff sticker,” Duffy said, adding that all the controllers and technicians who were forced to work unpaid would receive full backpay. Associated Press writer Josh Funk contributed to this report. —Rio Yamat, AP Airlines and Travel Writer View the full article

In a way, the Christmas season is more fun if you don’t celebrate it. There’s no pressure. You get to enjoy all the brightly colored lights your neighbors put up, but you don’t have to put up your own. You don’t have to do any duty-shopping. But Christmas Day itself leaves you in a mostly shuttered world that feels like there’s nothing to do. Fortunately, there are still quite a few options to make Dec. 25 a fun day off, regardless of your observances. Un-Christmas classics: Chinese restaurants and moviesYou can’t go wrong with some moo shu pork and a trip to the multiplex. Chinese restaurants and movie theaters traditionally stay open on Christmas day for those who don't celebrate, and they’re often crowded with fellow Christmas refugees. Check Google for the hours of your local Chinese restaurant and give them a call to make a reservation. If you’re more adventurous and you’re in a city large enough to have a Chinatown (or a whatever-town), just head straight there on Christmas and see what happens—that’s how the best days usually start. If Chinese food isn’t your thing, look at restaurants serving any non-European cuisine—Greek places, Japanese places, and Mediterranean places are usually open, as are plenty of Italian restaurants and steakhouses. Just make sure you check first. Lots of chain restaurants are open on Christmas Day, including Applebees, McDonald’s, Benihana, and more. You can even get Christmas breakfast at your local IHOP. But not every location of every outlet follows the same hours, so check first. As for movies, most chain multiplex theaters are open on Dec. 25, and theaters are usually pretty full. The movies attract both people who don't celebrate Christmas and people who celebrate the holiday but want to get away from their families for a couple hours, so make sure and reserve a seat beforehand. Consider hitting up an out-of-the-way spot or that theater with the table service and cushy recliners to make it feel like more of an occasion. Most people going to the movies on Christmas Day aren’t there for Christmas movies, so interesting “secular” movies are often slated for release on the 25th. This year, a ridiculous looking re-boot of Anaconda starring Jack Black will be released on Christmas, so you've got options. Less obvious options for Christmas day funChinese restaurants and movie theaters aren’t the only establishments open on Christmas. Here are some other options: Go skiing or snowboarding: Most mountains are open on Christmas and the lift lines are blissfully empty. There's no better way of celebrating a winter-based holiday than on a wide open mountain. Visit a skating rink: Speaking of winter sports, ice skating rinks are generally open on Christmas too. Pretend to be a tourist: Tourist attractions are often open on Christmas, especially in larger cities. This includes places like Madame Tussaud’s and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, as well as ziplines and Segway tours—so do that touristy thing you’ve never done before. Get a room: If you’ve got some spare cash and have nothing better to do, get a room at a hotel. Hotels don’t usually close on Christmas, and they typically offer plenty of amenities, so take advantage of the pool at the Holiday Inn or the spa at the Four Seasons, depending on your lifestyle. Hiking and biking: Hiking trails and parks are open on Christmas if you want to get outdoors. If you’re into biking, hit the trails or hit the streets: Traffic is minimal on Christmas, so it’s a great time to put in some serious roadwork. Volunteer: Not having anything to do on Christmas isn’t the biggest life problem, especially compared to people who have nowhere to go and nothing to eat. So use Christmas to help people and actually deliver on that whole “good will towards men” thing. Check your local Craigslist for volunteering opportunities. Use Christmas as a catch-up day: This is strictly for type-A people, but if everyone is out of town and no one is going to call you, why not spend the day catching up on neglected chores or personal projects? You can spend at least part of your day knocking a few things off your to-do list and the rest of the time relaxing. That way you’ll get a break and still feel accomplished. Just sleep all day: Type-B personalities like me see a day free of obligations and other people as a golden opportunity to do as little as is humanly possible, a day to fully commit to sloth. Spend time with friends and family at home: Not celebrating Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t spend the day with family and/or friends. Get together with your loved ones, play games, watch a movie, cook together, talk, or whatever else you all enjoy. You don’t have to go out to have fun, so don’t rule out staying in with people you care about. Shopping: This is at the bottom of the list because it’s iffy. Drug stores and convenience stores like 711 are usually open on the 25th. Grocery chains like Kroger’s and Trader Joe’s usually aren’t. Your local shopping mall or retail district might be open, but probably won't be, so check ahead. Make a list and check it twiceBecause so many places are closed on Christmas day, you should plan ahead (unless you like spontaneity and are OK with the possibility of disappointment) by: Making a list of the places you want to go. Calling nearby locations to confirm they’ll be open, as not every chain follows corporate holiday hour recommendations. Making reservations at any restaurant(s) you plan to visit. Putting together a basic timeline of the day, accounting for travel time, so you don’t lose any reservations, miss a movie, or arrive after the store closes. The most important advice here is to do something intentional on Christmas, even if it's sleeping in, so the day doesn't feel depressing or empty. So hit the slopes, suck down some dim sum, or keep your couch from floating away, but be sure you make Christmas your own. View the full article

When GenAI engines rank chunks instead of pages, your long-term visibility depends on how well you balance foundational SEO with new retrieval and trust signals. The post The New Structure Of AI Era SEO appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

As Americans grapple with $1.23 trillion in credit card balances, Klarna Group is introducing a new way to access premium rewards—one that doesn’t require a credit card at all. The Swedish fintech company launched its Premium ($19.99/month) and Max ($44.99/month) membership tiers in the United States on Thursday, expanding upon its existing Core and Plus offerings and mirroring successful rollouts in the UK and EU. The move positions Klarna squarely in the territory long dominated by high-end credit cards like the Amex Platinum and Chase Sapphire Reserve, but with none of the spending thresholds, APRs, or annual fees that usually define that segment. The timing is strategic: Americans, especially affluent Americans, are increasingly walking away from traditional credit cards and leaning into debit-first financial tools and buy now, pay later (BNPL) options. According to Klarna, 11.2% of U.S. adults cancelled a credit card in the past 12 months, and that jumps to 15.1% among people earning more than $100,000. Nearly one in three high-income consumers (30%) now use BNPL as one of their preferred payment methods. That shift was central to how Klarna designed these new tiers. “Affluent consumers are growing tired of the overspend-to-earn dynamics of traditional credit cards and the eye-watering annual fee that comes with them,” said David Sandström, chief marketing officer at Klarna. “They want premium benefits without carrying a balance, chasing categories, or navigating fine print.” Klarna’s new tiers, he adds, offer “transparent pricing, month-to-month subscriptions, immediate access to meaningful perks they will actually use, and no requirement to take on debt.” A Premium Ecosystem Without Credit Traditional premium rewards in the U.S. have been dictated by the major card networks and issuers. Klarna’s pitch is that the entire system can be rebuilt for consumers who don’t want debt in exchange for access. “The legacy premium card model assumes you’ll spend more to earn more,” Sandström said, adding, “We’re redefining premium by reinventing the economics, not replicating the incumbents’ playbook.” That means U.S. members can access benefits typically found behind $500+ ins annual fees, including travel protection, lounge access, cash back, and subscription bundles, without needing a credit line or hitting a spending minimum. With more than one million Core and Plus signups in the U.S. over the past two months alone, the appetite appears strong. Building a Global Rewards Network One standout feature is Klarna’s ability to convert earned cashback directly into points or miles across major loyalty programs. It’s the kind of benefit usually restricted to premium cardholders, but now available to debit-based and BNPL users. “We focused first on scale and consumer relevance,” Sandström said of Klarna’s partner strategy. “Airlines like United, British Airways, Air France–KLM, and Turkish Airlines and hotel groups like IHG, Accor, Radisson, and Wyndham serve the widest range of global travelers. They also integrate cleanly with cashback conversion, allowing members to unlock value immediately. We’ll continue expanding across regions and loyalty ecosystems to give consumers more choice and deeper travel utility.” This partner ecosystem, built on cash back rather than credit spend, further distinguishes Klarna’s model from the legacy rewards system. Making the Value Impossible to Miss Klarna claims Premium and Max unlock between $3,000 and $5,000 in annual perks, ranging from subscriptions (Vogue, GQ, Headspace, ClassPass, The New York Times, Care.com) to travel coverage and concierge-style offerings. But the company knows consumers are rightfully skeptical in a world filled with subscriptions and fine print. Sandström argues that Klarna deliberately built transparency into the product experience. “Members can track benefits unlocked, used, and saved directly in the app, ensuring the value is transparent, not theoretical,” he said. “Because perks activate instantly and deliver tangible savings, Premium and Max counter subscription fatigue: you use it once and feel the impact immediately.” Klarna Card: The Physical Anchor for a Digital-First Strategy The new tiers are available to any U.S. consumer, but Klarna expects the Klarna Card, its fast-growing debit product, to become a key touchpoint. “The Klarna Card is core to our U.S. and our global strategy,” Sandström said. “With over four million signups since July, it’s one of our fastest-growing products ever.” The Premium and Max tiers each offer a 16g metal card, continuing a trend among financial products that blur the lines between banking utility and lifestyle branding. Premium vs. Max: Two Paths Into Klarna’s New Rewards Ecosystem Klarna’s two new top-end tiers, Premium and Max, are designed to meet different levels of travel frequency, lifestyle needs, and appetite for perks, but both operate under the same promise: predictable pricing and immediate value. Premium, priced at $19.99 per month, is tailored for consumers who want meaningful upgrades to their everyday spending without committing to an expensive annual fee. Members receive more than $3,000 in yearly value, including access to a rotating catalog of premium subscriptions. Premium users also earn 1.5% cash back when they pay from their Klarna balance, and receive global travel protection for trips booked throughout the year. Max, at $44.99 per month, pushes the concept further and is clearly aimed at the frequent traveler who might otherwise carry an Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve. Klarna estimates that the plan delivers more than $5,000 in annual perks, anchored by unlimited airport lounge access through LoungeKey, which reaches more than 1,800 lounges worldwide. Max members earn 2% always-on cash back, gain access to elevated travel, rental cars, and cancel-for-any-reason protections, and unlock a broader suite of subscriptions, including the exclusive social and travel community ASmallWorld. The tier’s signature accessory is a rose-gold 16-gram metal card, designed to mirror the tactile satisfaction of high-end credit cards without tying the experience to a revolving line of credit. Together, Premium and Max create a rewards ecosystem that looks familiar, but operates on entirely different economics. Klarna’s approach reframes perks as something to subscribe to rather than earn, untangling them from spending thresholds and debt. The Future of Rewards—Without Credit Sandström believes that American consumers are ready for a shift and that the traditional system’s dependency on credit lines is nearing its expiration date. “In five years, credit-dependent rewards will feel outdated,” he said. “Consumers will expect transparent value without annual fees, debt traps, or points systems that only work for heavy spenders.” “Membership-style rewards will replace bloated card programs,” Sandström predicts. “Klarna intends to lead that shift.” View the full article

If you combine the NYSE and TBPN, do you get a BFD? Apparently. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is announcing that it has inked a partnership with the live video podcast TBPN, becoming the show’s exclusive exchange partner. The deal marks another feather in the cap for TBPN, which has become one of the most-talked-about financial and tech-focused media startups in only 11 months, and also marks a further cross-generational shift into new media by the NYSE, which itself is 233 years old. TBPN (“Technology Business Programming Network”) will continue to record and broadcast from its home base in Los Angeles. The show will now have access to the NYSE—similar to other financial networks that have permanent or semipermanent perches on the exchange floor, like CNBC, FintechTV, and others. While TBPN isn’t necessarily a news or journalistic show, it has become a platform that’s become must-see TV (or streaming) for those in and around the tech industry. Its hosts, Jordi Hays and John Coogan, are entrepreneurs in their own right, with Hays having founded crowdfunding VC startup Party Round (among other projects). Coogan is a cofounder of Soylent. Their entrepreneurial chops have helped attract an audience and high-profile guests. The shows also feature numerous interviews in each episode, including from high-profile Silicon Valley executives and leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg and Sam Altman, and others, such as entertainment stalwarts James Cameron and Casey Neistat. The partnership kicks off in earnest in late December, but the initial interest in a long-term courtship between the two materialized when Hays and Coogan, broadcast live from the NYSE’s Wall Street headquarters for design startup Figma’s IPO at the end of July. Hays and Coogan also had Lynn Martin, NYSE’s President, join the podcast that day, laying the ground for what was to come. “Hands down, that was probably the most memorable show this year,” Hays tells Fast Company. “I’m not sure how they discovered the show,” he says, but “they were incredible hosts, allowing us to come in and set up for what was certainly the most notable IPO of the year—to be there, in the exchange, for that was incredible. So, we kept talking, came back for the Klarna IPO, and it made a lot of sense for the NYSE to be our home base as a company when we’re in New York.” Martin agrees and says the exchange is likewise excited about what TBPN, and what Hays and Coogan, are building. “Over the past year, TBPN has covered some of the biggest tech IPOs of 2025 from the NYSE, including Figma and Klarna,” Martin said. “As TBPN’s exclusive exchange partner, we are thrilled to formalize our relationship and to provide the backdrop for their coverage of the next wave of tech-driven innovation. NYSE remains the world’s leading marketplace for tech-driven innovation, and this partnership underscores our commitment to providing the premier platform for companies that shape our future.” “We’ll level each other up” The partnership itself gives Hays, Coogan, and the rest of TBPN’s team, including President Dylan Abruscato, direct access to the NYSE space in all of its grandeur, the numerous events (including future IPOs), executives, analysts, and personalities who filter in and out, in addition to the exchange’s growing stable of media resources. Abruscato, who only joined TBPN in September, says that access to the NYSE can also add a sports-like element to the show. The Figma IPO show, Abruscato says, was one of his favorites as a viewer—it had a certain feel to it, “kind of like Draft Day, or the Combine,” he notes, referencing the two biggest off-season events held annually by the NFL. He hopes that TBPN can capture a similar energy when the show is broadcasting in New York. “I’m really excited about having a place in New York City at the forefront of finance where we can do the show,” he says. “We’re also really excited about leveraging our placement on behalf of our show and guests.” He also says that the partnership will help both the NYSE and TBPN. “We’ll level each other up.” “We are the next generation of content and programming, not just for tech, but for business news. The NYSE is going to bring us into the fold,” he continues, “and take what has initially been a very West Coast-based show, with a diehard Silicon Valley audience, and spread the word around NYC, which has traditionally been very finance-focused,” he says. “But we’ll keep focusing on our bread and butter: Business news, through a tech-lens.” While the NYSE is, at its core, an exchange, there’s another element to it that many people may not realize: The NYSE actively works to build up the companies listed on the exchange through various means. That, in a nutshell, is the driving force behind partnering with TBPN. The NYSE’s growing media muscle Earlier this year, the NYSE launched the NYSE Partnership Network to facilitate media and content operations. That includes helping amplify the companies listed on the exchange—around 2,500 of them—on or around milestones, events, and announcements. The Network works with traditional and new media partners, along with agencies and content creators or startups, such as TBPN, to provide strategic media support. The exchange is also evaluating new partnerships with publishers and content creators to help its listed companies tell stories and generate press. “The NYSE is best known for capital markets and innovation, but it’s also a storytelling powerhouse,” said Joe Benarroch, the head of Content, Media Partnerships and Distribution, at the NYSE. “We’ve anchored our partnerships strategy, so public and private companies have ample opportunity to tell their stories. We are glad to be the official exchange partner of TBPN, which is transforming the creator economy and unlocking a new era of narrative power.” With that in mind, Hays makes it clear that he and his cohost are not planning on becoming corporate cheerleaders. “You would assume that we’re sitting here all the time saying, ‘tech and business can do no wrong! Yay Capitalism!’” he says. Though both he and Coogan have their roots in the tech industry, they do have enough separation to be able to speak candidly about it—something that other podcasts or media offerings may not be able to do. “We both have young children. We’re not itching to get them iPads or on social media. We’re not oblivious about the tech industry—we believe that we’re trying to have honest conversations about a lot of this at a time when broader society has a lot of concerns about what the industry is doing,” he says. “We’re aware of that, and try to push the guests and content to have real conversations about the impact of the work being done in the industry.” Being able to have fun, be honest, and speak truth to power, when warranted, makes TBPN a potentially powerful addition to the NYSE’s media partner ranks. And it gives TBPN more established media firepower to pair with its small, independent media agility and authenticity. Hays says that he thinks, ultimately, it’ll be a boon for both his podcast and for the NYSE, opening each to new opportunities and audiences. “It’s a massive win-win for both of us.” View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Our grandparents could drop some treats in a sock and call it Christmas, secure in the knowledge that their children would be delighted by an orange. These days, though, everyone from your tech-obsessed granny to your cutting-edge teen, wants to be impressed. Luckily, there's a high-tech gadget out there for everyone. Stocking stuffer of the year: Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses (Gen 2)The 2025 line of Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses have a longer battery life than the first generation, as well as better AI and the ability to take longer videos. Those aren't massive improvements, but the original is so solid, it didn't need much done to make it better. Almost any tech lover would be happy with a pair of these in their stocking. I like my 1st-Gen Ray-Ban Meta glasses enough that I had prescription lenses put in them and I wear them daily. The ability to snap a photo, take a video, or start streaming to Instagram instantly takes the documentary-about-your-life aspect of social media to new levels, and the built-in AI and music player make this the stocking stuffer of the year. Check out my full review for more details. For the fitness-obsessed: Whoop Peak 5 It can be hard to buy a gift for a health-focused person. They usually don't want booze and they like putting in effort. But the Whoop Peak 5 fitness tracker will brighten the Christmas morning of the most diehard athlete. It's more versatile than a watch (you can wear it on your bicep and even in your underwear) and it monitors heart rate, respiratory rate, heart rate variability, skin temperature, blood oxygen levels, daily activity, and sleep—basically everything I don't worry about. Check out Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki's in-depth look at the Whoop Peak 5 for more details. WHOOP Peak – 12-Month Membership – 5.0 Health and Fitness Wearable – 24/7 Activity and Sleep Tracker with Heart Rate, HRV, Stress Monitor, Personalized Coaching, Healthspan – 14+ Days Battery Life $199.00 at Amazon $239.00 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $239.00 Save $40.00 For the adventurer: GoPro Hero 13You cannot go wrong with a GoPro. The company's easy-to-use, hard-to-break cameras are synonymous with "action photography" and compact enough to fit in a stocking. If there's a snowboarder, skateboarder, kayaker, or BMX racer on your list, this is a must. Even if your giftee isn't an adventurer, the GoPro Hero 13 supports additional lenses and filters that let users go beyond the "gnarly fish-eye, dude" photography and videography of past generations. Check out associate tech editor Michelle Ehrhardt's GoPro Hero 13 review for more details. For the tech-toy lover: DJI Mini 4K DroneSome people want tech products that make their lives easier in some way, but others want the pure joy that comes from impressively useless toys. If you're shopping for the latter this Christmas, I highly recommend a DJI Mini 4K drone: Few have a practical use for a little helicopter, but it's so flippin' cool. It takes off from the palm of your hand, flies in winds up to 38 kph (23.61 mph), and captures stabilized 4K video in all kinds of lighting conditions. You can even set it to follow you around automatically, like a little drone pal. DJI Mini 4K Drone $299.00 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $299.00 at Amazon For the gamer: R36Max Retro Handheld Game ConsoleLike the Switch 2, the R36Max retro handheld game console lets you take your gaming anywhere. But unlike the Switch 2, it comes with over 18,000 games pre-installed and ready to go, so you can play every title from classic consoles like the Atari 2600 or the PlayStation 1, as well as every arcade game anyone ever dropped a coin into, all for less than $100. Heck, I payed more than that in quarter just to beat Dragon's Lair. For the musician/producer: Yamaha SeqtrakI'm obsessed with the Yamaha Seqtrak. It crams a drum machine, sequencer, sampler, and synthesizer into a package small enough to put into a Christmas stocking, with room left over for a speaker. It's everything you need to produce a song by itself, and it integrates with your computer and other gear too. It's not even difficult to understand, nor is it super expensive at $300. Yamaha SEQTRAK Mobile Music Ideastation, Orange $299.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 at Amazon $349.99 Save $50.00 For the hacker: Flipper ZeroThe Flipper Zero is a must-have device for the hardcore, glasses-wearing, circuit-bender type of techie. Its ability to do evil deeds like hack ATMs is greatly exaggerated, but the Flipper is still a technological Swiss army knife that lets you read and manipulate the invisible waves around you, from radio waves, to RFID, NFC, Bluetooth, and wifi signals. It's educational, fascinating, and powerful; how you use that power is your business. For the scientist: Skybasic digital microscopeIf you're giving a gift to a would-be Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, this miniature, wireless microscope will rock their holiday. It's easy to set up, works with PCs, Android, or iOS devices, magnifies things up to 1000x, and takes 1080p pictures of your discoveries. A non-tech gift for you: Hochstadter's Slow & Low Rock and Rye Credit: Hochstadter's Whether you find Christmas stressful or celebratory, slipping a bottle of liquor into your own stocking is the kind of self-care I support. My suggestion: Hochstadter's Slow and Low. It's a no-effort drink that's classier (and boozier) than a supermarket White Claw, and it has a retro vibe and sweet taste that pairs perfectly with the holidays. View the full article

AI is changing how people discover and understand brands. It’s also reshaping how they search, with users turning to tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s AI Overviews for answers instead of clicking through pages. They interact with synthesized summaries, not traditional results. That shift forces marketers to rethink how visibility is built. SEO still matters, but it now extends beyond on-page content or rankings. Visibility depends on how often a brand is cited, referenced, and discussed across the digital ecosystem, and how those signals are interpreted by large language models. Enter the PESO model. Long used to balance paid, earned, shared, and owned media, PESO now plays a central role in generative search. It acts as a visibility engine, with each channel contributing trust signals and context cues that help AI decide whether a brand is included in a summary or overlooked. How PESO supports your brand’s AI search visibility Generative search visibility refers to your brand’s ability to appear in AI-generated responses across search-enabled platforms, including: Google’s AI Overviews. ChatGPT search. Claude. Other tools that blend search with summarization. These systems draw from billions of data points across the web – from news articles and blogs to LinkedIn posts, product documentation, forums, and customer reviews. When your brand is mentioned consistently in credible, recent, and well-structured content across these sources, it becomes more likely to surface in AI-generated summaries. Here’s where PESO matters. AI models don’t recognize your marketing silos. A single article isn’t enough, but when your brand is reinforced across multiple PESO channels, you increase the likelihood of appearing in generative results. Dig deeper: SEO beyond the website: Winning visibility in the AI era Rethinking the PESO model in an AI context Each PESO element contributes differently to generative search visibility. Paid media Paid media often goes unnoticed in AI summaries, but its impact is indirect and significant. Paid campaigns that drive traffic to well-structured and optimized content help build the authority and engagement signals AI systems recognize. Clear and informative sponsored thought leadership can also reinforce credibility. Earned media Up to 89% of AI citations come from earned media, according to MuckRack. While overall media mentions dropped 41% year over year, brand reach actually increased 10%, PAN’s 2025 Brand Experience Report found. (Disclosure: I am PAN’s head of AI innovation and SVP, integrated marketing.) This suggests that AI prioritizes context, not quantity. It doesn’t have to just be top-tier coverage. High-authority, in-depth stories from trade publications and niche media can be just as powerful as those from national outlets. Thought leadership and original research now perform like earned media. AI platforms surfaced research and academic-style content 26% of the time, based on findings from PAN’s C-Suite Signals study. And in queries from CMOs and CISOs, credible owned content, such as whitepapers, blog series, and analyst insights, was among the most cited sources. This means your thought leadership isn’t just fuel for awareness, it’s a ticket into the generative conversation. Substance outweighs virality: only 4% of citations came from social media or community platforms, reinforcing that what you say (and how you back it up) matters more than how often it’s shared. Shared media Engagement across platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit and Slack communities may not be directly cited in model outputs. However, they train algorithms on what’s trending, credible and meaningful to audiences. These informal signals build topical relevance, which informs how AI ranks and presents information. Owned media Your website is often where deep content lives, but only if it’s accessible to AI tools. Structured data, clear headers, schema markup, and question-answer formatting help ensure that content can be parsed and used. Articles that clearly respond to common search queries tend to surface more frequently in AI results. Dig deeper: Your website still matters in the age of AI Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Applying PESO to generative engine optimization Understand the questions your audience is asking To make PESO actionable for AI-driven search, start by understanding what your audience really wants to know. What questions are decision-makers typing into ChatGPT or Gemini? Map those queries to content topics across your media mix, not just for owned content, but also in press outreach, sponsored content, and social conversations. Reinforce core messages across channels Once you know the questions, focus on reinforcement. If an executive is quoted in an article on AI in healthcare, turn that quote into a short-form video or LinkedIn post. Repurpose the core insight in a blog or newsletter. The more often the same message appears credibly across sources, the stronger the signal to AI models that it’s trustworthy and worth referencing. For example, a cybersecurity firm promoting a new compliance solution could: Secure a thought leadership article in a top trade publication. Follow it with a podcast interview on the same topic. Amplify both on LinkedIn and through a newsletter sponsorship. Publish a technical blog that breaks down the key insights. Within weeks, the brand would likely surface in AI summaries for related searches. Dig deeper: SEO in the age of AI: Becoming the trusted answer Monitor how your content appears in AI You should also monitor where your content shows up. AI visibility benchmarking is still emerging, but even a manual review of AI-generated responses can provide useful insight. GA4 dashboards that track traffic from platforms like ChatGPT and Perplexity, or tools like Semrush’s AI features, can help you identify which pieces are working and why. Audit your content for trust signals Audit your content and channels for the signals AI uses to judge credibility. Check whether expert sources are quoted, whether authoritative publications link back to your content, and whether backlinks support your owned media. These cues shape how AI evaluates and presents your brand in generative results. PESO as a strategic lever for AI-first discovery PR and marketing teams have long treated SEO, brand awareness, and lead generation as separate workstreams. AI doesn’t recognize those boundaries. Generative search platforms prioritize consistency, relevance, authority, and clarity across paid, earned, shared, and owned content. As a result, PESO is more than a media model. Visibility once meant showing up on Page 1. Now, it depends on whether AI systems view your brand as authoritative enough to summarize it. This shift turns PESO into a playbook for generative visibility. Without consistent, trusted content across all four channels, brands risk being left out of the conversation entirely. PESO becomes a map for building discoverability, trust, and consistency across everything you publish. Marketers who adopt this approach not only increase visibility, but they also shape the narratives AI learns to associate with their brand. In a world where AI models decide what to surface and summarize, visibility strategies must evolve. Aligning PESO efforts with what generative systems value – recency, repetition, and relevance – helps brands appear where audiences now look first. PESO is no longer about balancing channels. It’s about training the models that shape perception and ensuring your brand influences how AI explains the world. View the full article

Fifty-two-year-old Dinam Bigny sank into debt and had to get a roommate this year, in part because of health insurance premiums that cost him nearly $900 per month. Next year, those monthly fees will rise by $200 — a significant enough increase that the program manager in Aldie, Virginia, has resigned himself to finding cheaper coverage. “I won’t be able to pay it, because I really drained out any savings that I have right now,” he said. “Emergency fund is still draining out — that’s the scary part.” Bigny is among the many Americans dependent on Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance plans who are already struggling with the high cost of health care, according to a new survey from the health care research nonprofit KFF. Most of the more than 1,300 enrollees surveyed in early November say they anticipate that their health costs will be impacted next year if Congress doesn’t extend expiring COVID-era tax credits that help more than 90% of enrollees pay for health insurance premiums, per KFF. The possibility of an extension looks increasingly unlikely. The enhanced premium tax credits set to expire at the end of this year have been at the center of recent tensions in Congress, with Democrats calling for a straight extension and several Republican lawmakers vehemently opposed to the idea. Their inability to agree on a path forward fueled a record 43-day government shutdown earlier this fall. President Donald The President and some Republicans in Congress have circulated proposals in recent weeks to offer a short-term extension or reform the Affordable Care Act, but no plan has emerged as a clear winner. Meanwhile, the window for Americans to shop for next year’s plans is well underway with less than a month to go until the subsidies expire. KFF’s poll reveals that marketplace enrollees — most of whom say they would be directly impacted by the subsidies expiring — overwhelmingly support an extension. The survey found this group is more likely to blame The President and Republicans in Congress than Democrats if the tax credits are left to expire. Enrollees already find it challenging to afford health expenses The expiration of the tax credits — which a separate KFF analysis found will more than double monthly payments for the average subsidized enrollee — comes as Americans are already overwhelmed by high health expenses, the poll shows. About 6 in 10 Affordable Care Act enrollees find it “somewhat” or “very” difficult to afford out-of-pocket costs for medical care, such as deductibles and copays. That exceeds the roughly half of enrollees who find it challenging to afford health insurance premiums. Most also say they could not afford a $300 per year increase in their health insurance costs without significantly disrupting their household finances. Cynthia Cox, a vice president of KFF who leads the organization’s ACA research, said the population of Americans on Affordable Care Act health insurance includes some high-earning entrepreneurs and small business owners, but the bulk of enrollees are lower-income and therefore vulnerable to even small increases in health costs. “These are often going to be people who are living paycheck to paycheck, who have volatile or unpredictable incomes as well,” she said. “Increases that many of them are facing are going to be some sort of financial hardship for them.” Most enrollees see cost increases on the horizon Slightly more than half of Affordable Care Act marketplace enrollees believe their health insurance costs will increase “a lot more than usual” next year, according to the poll. About another 4 in 10 anticipate increases that will be “a little more than usual” or “about the same as usual.” Larry Griffin, a 56-year-old investment banker and financial adviser in Paso Robles, California, already pays $920 a month for his gold-level health plan through the state’s insurance marketplace. He says that price will go up to about $1,400 a month next year — alongside jumps in copays and his annual out-of-pocket maximum. He’s concerned the increases will affect his ability to save money for his upcoming retirement, but with the recent amputation of his left leg below the knee, as well as other health issues, he said he can’t risk going off health insurance or downgrading his plan. Griffin is among the roughly three-quarters of marketplace enrollees who say health insurance is “very important” for their ability to access the health care they need. “I’m not going to say that I can’t manage it, I can, but it’s just another one of those things,” he said. “Here’s, you know, knock number 5,000 against me after all of the other things I’ve had to deal with.” Patricia Roberts, 52, a full-time caregiver for her daughter in Auburn, Alabama, expects her monthly health insurance premiums to rise from around $800 a month to $1,100 a month next year — costs she can manage. But her friends across the border in Georgia are staring down doubling monthly fees next year. “I don’t know how people are going to live, with it already being a struggle just to pay for food and all the other things,” Roberts said. Support for an extension stretches across political parties The poll shows allowing the enhanced tax credits to expire would be overwhelmingly unpopular with current marketplace enrollees. Support for continuing the tax credits extends across party lines. Nearly all Democrats and about 8 in 10 independents who are enrolled in marketplace plans say the credits should be extended, as do about 7 in 10 Republicans. Support is similarly high among Republicans and Republican-leaning independents who support the MAGA movement, and those who don’t. Yvette Laugier, 56, a Republican in Chicago, said while her income is too high to qualify her for the enhanced premium tax credits, she supports extending them temporarily with additional fraud protections to give lower-income enrollees more time to consider their options. Among those who think Congress should extend the credits, about 4 in 10 say The President would deserve “most of the blame” if they were allowed to expire and roughly one-third say that about Republicans in Congress. Democrats in Congress are much less likely to receive blame: only 23% of enrollees say they would deserve the bulk of responsibility. Bigny, in Virginia, said the blame should be split between both Democrats and Republicans. But he has hope they can come to a compromise and potentially a temporary extension in the coming weeks. “They should just sit and really look for what’s best for American people overall,” he said. Swenson reported from New York. —Ali Swenson, Linley Sanders and Amelia Thomson-Deveaux, Associated Press View the full article

When you’re shopping online, finding the best promo codes can save you significant money. Websites like Swagbucks and RetailMeNot are great for aggregating various discounts, whereas Coupons.com focuses on grocery savings. Slick Deals and Hip2Save allow community engagement for sharing deals, and Savings.com sends personalized alerts to keep you informed. Each site offers unique features, making it important to understand which ones suit your needs best. Let’s explore these platforms further to maximize your savings. Key Takeaways Swagbucks aggregates the latest coupons and promo codes from various retailers, making it easy to find savings. RetailMeNot offers a vast collection of promo codes and cashback opportunities from numerous retailers, enhancing savings on purchases. Coupons.com provides an extensive database of grocery coupons, available for printing or digital use, catering to everyday shopping needs. Slick Deals features user-shared deals and promotions, fostering a community-driven platform for discovering the latest discounts. Hip2Save includes personalized alerts and cashback offers, ensuring users stay informed about exclusive deals tailored to their interests. Swagbucks Swagbucks serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to save money during shopping online, as it aggregates the latest coupons and promo codes from a wide range of retailers. You can easily find coupon codes that work for anything, from clothing to electronics, making your shopping experience more affordable. To discover promotional codes, simply navigate the user-friendly interface, which allows for quick searches customized to your needs. As a new member, you’ll likewise earn a $10 shopping bonus upon signing up, enhancing your savings right from the start. Plus, by accumulating points (SB) through purchases, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash, incentivizing smarter shopping habits and maximizing your savings. Coupons.com Coupons.com offers an extensive database of grocery coupons that can help you save considerably on your everyday purchases. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily browse or search for specific coupons by product categories or brands. Plus, you have the flexibility to print coupons or use digital versions through their mobile app, making it convenient whether you shop in-store or online. Extensive Coupon Database When you’re looking for an extensive coupon database, Coupons.com stands out by offering a vast array of grocery and everyday shopping discounts that are consistently updated. This platform serves as an effective tool for discount finders, allowing you to explore a wide variety of offers. You can link your store loyalty cards for automatic rebates, making the checkout process smoother. Plus, with both click-and-print coupons and digital options available through their mobile app, you can save whether you’re shopping online or in-store. Browsing the site is easy; simply browse by category or search for specific products. Don’t forget to sign up for email alerts to stay informed about new promo codes online and savings opportunities. User-Friendly Interface Maneuvering through a plethora of discounts can often feel overwhelming, but a user-friendly interface simplifies the process on Coupons.com. The website’s design allows you to easily navigate through a variety of free promo codes that work for everything, making your shopping experience smoother. You can link your store loyalty cards for automatic rebates, eliminating extra effort at checkout. Regular updates keep you informed about the latest deals, enhancing your savings opportunities. If you’re wondering how do you get a promo code, the search function lets you browse by categories or search for specific brands and products. Plus, signing up for email alerts guarantees you won’t miss new offers, keeping your savings game strong. Printable and Digital Options Finding ways to save money on everyday purchases is easier than ever with the variety of printable and digital coupon options available. Coupons.com stands out as a go-to resource, offering: A vast selection of printable and digital coupons for groceries, household items, and personal care products. The ability to link store loyalty cards, enabling automatic rebates without the hassle of physical coupons. Regular updates on new deals and discounts, ensuring you have access to the latest offers. If you’re wondering, “how do I get a discount code?” or want to share promo codes, Coupons.com simplifies the process and makes it user-friendly, allowing you to find and use discounts quickly at checkout. RetailMeNot RetailMeNot stands out as a leading resource for online shoppers seeking to maximize their savings with a vast array of promo codes from numerous retailers. You can easily search for discounts across various categories, from clothing to electronics. The site not only provides a thorough selection of promo codes but also features a cashback program, allowing you to earn money back on your purchases. To improve your shopping experience, you can utilize their browser plugin, Genie, which automatically detects and applies the best coupon codes at checkout, ensuring you never miss a deal. When you find a promo code number, simply submit promo code during checkout to enjoy your discounts seamlessly. Hip2Save Hip2Save stands out by highlighting daily deals that can help you save considerably on your favorite products. Daily Deals Highlights With regard to snagging the best online deals, Hip2Save stands out with its Daily Deals Highlights, showcasing a variety of limited-time offers across numerous retailers. You can easily find incredible discounts that cater to your shopping needs. Here are three reasons why you should check it out: Exclusive Alerts: Sign up to become an insider for personalized notifications on the latest deals. Cashback Offers: Enjoy additional savings on a wide range of products, enhancing your overall discounts. User-Friendly Interface: Navigate effortlessly through a well-organized platform, making it easy to find what you need. If you’re wondering how can I get promo code or discount voucher, Hip2Save is a reliable resource for your online shopping. Coupon Stacking Strategies Maximizing your savings during shopping online can often be achieved through effective coupon stacking strategies. Start by applying any store sales or promotions before you use a first order promo code. Next, submit discount codes from manufacturers, followed by any additional store-specific coupons. Websites like Hip2Save keep you updated on available coupons that can be stacked, ensuring you’re always in the loop about the best savings. Nevertheless, it’s essential to read the fine print, as some retailers impose restrictions on stacking or have specific conditions to meet. To further improve your savings, consider combining traditional coupons with cash-back offers from apps like Ibotta or Rakuten. This approach can greatly amplify your overall discounts on purchases. Brad’s Deals When you’re looking for effective ways to save money during shopping online, Brad’s Deals stands out as a valuable resource. This platform curates the best deals and coupons from your favorite stores, making it simple to save. Here are three key features you should know: Exclusive Offers: Access deals only available to Brad’s Deals readers, maximizing your savings potential. Easy Coupon Browsing: Explore a dedicated section for current promotions and discounts from multiple retailers. Personalized Alerts: Create shopping lists to receive notifications about deals on your preferred items, ensuring you never miss a sale. With Brad’s Deals, you can easily share coupon codes and discover the latest promo brand codes, making your online shopping experience more efficient and cost-effective. Savings.com Savings.com serves as an extensive hub for online shoppers seeking to maximize their savings. The site aggregates promo codes and discounts from thousands of brands, making it a thorough resource for finding offers and promotions. Its user-friendly interface lets you search by category or store, streamlining your shopping experience. You can access exclusive offers and cashback opportunities through partnerships with various retailers, which boosts your savings potential. Each coupon code shop provides detailed information about the promo codes, including expiration dates and usage restrictions, ensuring you’re well-informed before making a purchase. Additionally, Savings.com regularly updates its listings, so you always have access to the latest promotions and discounts available online, making it easier to save money effectively. Slick Deals Slickdeals is a unique platform that thrives on community engagement, where users actively share and discuss the best deals, coupons, and promo codes from a wide range of retailers. Here’s what makes Slickdeals stand out: Deal of the Day: Check out the highlighted bargains that change daily, based on user ratings and interactions. Custom Alerts: Set up notifications for specific products or categories, so you never miss out on savings. User Contributions: You can submit coupon codes and share discount codes, enriching the community’s resource pool. With a user-friendly interface, Slickdeals allows easy navigation through various categories, ensuring you find the latest discounts in electronics, fashion, and home goods effortlessly. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Promo Code Website? Determining the best promo code website depends on your shopping habits. For a wide range of discounts, RetailMeNot is a solid choice, as it combines promo codes with a cash back program. If you focus on groceries, Coupons.com shines by allowing you to link loyalty cards for automatic savings. Swagbucks offers both promo codes and cash back, enhancing your overall savings experience. Evaluate these options based on your preferences to find what suits you best. How to Find Promo Codes That Actually Work? To find promo codes that actually work, follow brands on social media and subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive offers. Use coupon aggregator websites like Swagbucks or RetailMeNot to access updated listings. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey, which automatically apply discounts at checkout. You can likewise search for specific codes by entering the retailer’s name along with “promo code” in your search engine, but always check expiration dates for validity. Where Can We Find a Promo Code? You can find promo codes through various channels. Start by checking popular coupon websites like Coupons.com and RetailMeNot, which compile discounts from numerous retailers. Following your favorite brands on social media or subscribing to their newsletters often reveals exclusive promo codes. Furthermore, consider using browser extensions like Capital One Shopping, which automatically applies available codes during checkout, making it easier to secure discounts without manual searching. Stay updated for the best deals. What Is the WAYDAY20 Promo Code? The WAYDAY20 promo code offers you a 20% discount on eligible purchases during Wayfair’s Way Day sales event. This event features significant markdowns on home goods and furniture, making it a prime opportunity for savings. To use the code, simply enter it at checkout on the Wayfair website. Nevertheless, be sure to check the terms and conditions, as some items may be excluded from the discount. Act quickly, as this offer is time-sensitive. Conclusion In summary, utilizing the right websites for promo codes can greatly improve your online shopping experience. Swagbucks, Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, Hip2Save, Brad’s Deals, Savings.com, and Slick Deals each offer unique features, from cashback options to community-driven deals. By exploring these platforms, you can find valuable discounts and save money on your purchases. Make it a habit to check these sites regularly; doing so will guarantee you never miss out on the best deals available online. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Websites for Finding Online Promo Codes" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When you’re shopping online, finding the best promo codes can save you significant money. Websites like Swagbucks and RetailMeNot are great for aggregating various discounts, whereas Coupons.com focuses on grocery savings. Slick Deals and Hip2Save allow community engagement for sharing deals, and Savings.com sends personalized alerts to keep you informed. Each site offers unique features, making it important to understand which ones suit your needs best. Let’s explore these platforms further to maximize your savings. Key Takeaways Swagbucks aggregates the latest coupons and promo codes from various retailers, making it easy to find savings. RetailMeNot offers a vast collection of promo codes and cashback opportunities from numerous retailers, enhancing savings on purchases. Coupons.com provides an extensive database of grocery coupons, available for printing or digital use, catering to everyday shopping needs. Slick Deals features user-shared deals and promotions, fostering a community-driven platform for discovering the latest discounts. Hip2Save includes personalized alerts and cashback offers, ensuring users stay informed about exclusive deals tailored to their interests. Swagbucks Swagbucks serves as a valuable resource for anyone looking to save money during shopping online, as it aggregates the latest coupons and promo codes from a wide range of retailers. You can easily find coupon codes that work for anything, from clothing to electronics, making your shopping experience more affordable. To discover promotional codes, simply navigate the user-friendly interface, which allows for quick searches customized to your needs. As a new member, you’ll likewise earn a $10 shopping bonus upon signing up, enhancing your savings right from the start. Plus, by accumulating points (SB) through purchases, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash, incentivizing smarter shopping habits and maximizing your savings. Coupons.com Coupons.com offers an extensive database of grocery coupons that can help you save considerably on your everyday purchases. With a user-friendly interface, you can easily browse or search for specific coupons by product categories or brands. Plus, you have the flexibility to print coupons or use digital versions through their mobile app, making it convenient whether you shop in-store or online. Extensive Coupon Database When you’re looking for an extensive coupon database, Coupons.com stands out by offering a vast array of grocery and everyday shopping discounts that are consistently updated. This platform serves as an effective tool for discount finders, allowing you to explore a wide variety of offers. You can link your store loyalty cards for automatic rebates, making the checkout process smoother. Plus, with both click-and-print coupons and digital options available through their mobile app, you can save whether you’re shopping online or in-store. Browsing the site is easy; simply browse by category or search for specific products. Don’t forget to sign up for email alerts to stay informed about new promo codes online and savings opportunities. User-Friendly Interface Maneuvering through a plethora of discounts can often feel overwhelming, but a user-friendly interface simplifies the process on Coupons.com. The website’s design allows you to easily navigate through a variety of free promo codes that work for everything, making your shopping experience smoother. You can link your store loyalty cards for automatic rebates, eliminating extra effort at checkout. Regular updates keep you informed about the latest deals, enhancing your savings opportunities. If you’re wondering how do you get a promo code, the search function lets you browse by categories or search for specific brands and products. Plus, signing up for email alerts guarantees you won’t miss new offers, keeping your savings game strong. Printable and Digital Options Finding ways to save money on everyday purchases is easier than ever with the variety of printable and digital coupon options available. Coupons.com stands out as a go-to resource, offering: A vast selection of printable and digital coupons for groceries, household items, and personal care products. The ability to link store loyalty cards, enabling automatic rebates without the hassle of physical coupons. Regular updates on new deals and discounts, ensuring you have access to the latest offers. If you’re wondering, “how do I get a discount code?” or want to share promo codes, Coupons.com simplifies the process and makes it user-friendly, allowing you to find and use discounts quickly at checkout. RetailMeNot RetailMeNot stands out as a leading resource for online shoppers seeking to maximize their savings with a vast array of promo codes from numerous retailers. You can easily search for discounts across various categories, from clothing to electronics. The site not only provides a thorough selection of promo codes but also features a cashback program, allowing you to earn money back on your purchases. To improve your shopping experience, you can utilize their browser plugin, Genie, which automatically detects and applies the best coupon codes at checkout, ensuring you never miss a deal. When you find a promo code number, simply submit promo code during checkout to enjoy your discounts seamlessly. Hip2Save Hip2Save stands out by highlighting daily deals that can help you save considerably on your favorite products. Daily Deals Highlights With regard to snagging the best online deals, Hip2Save stands out with its Daily Deals Highlights, showcasing a variety of limited-time offers across numerous retailers. You can easily find incredible discounts that cater to your shopping needs. Here are three reasons why you should check it out: Exclusive Alerts: Sign up to become an insider for personalized notifications on the latest deals. Cashback Offers: Enjoy additional savings on a wide range of products, enhancing your overall discounts. User-Friendly Interface: Navigate effortlessly through a well-organized platform, making it easy to find what you need. If you’re wondering how can I get promo code or discount voucher, Hip2Save is a reliable resource for your online shopping. Coupon Stacking Strategies Maximizing your savings during shopping online can often be achieved through effective coupon stacking strategies. Start by applying any store sales or promotions before you use a first order promo code. Next, submit discount codes from manufacturers, followed by any additional store-specific coupons. Websites like Hip2Save keep you updated on available coupons that can be stacked, ensuring you’re always in the loop about the best savings. Nevertheless, it’s essential to read the fine print, as some retailers impose restrictions on stacking or have specific conditions to meet. To further improve your savings, consider combining traditional coupons with cash-back offers from apps like Ibotta or Rakuten. This approach can greatly amplify your overall discounts on purchases. Brad’s Deals When you’re looking for effective ways to save money during shopping online, Brad’s Deals stands out as a valuable resource. This platform curates the best deals and coupons from your favorite stores, making it simple to save. Here are three key features you should know: Exclusive Offers: Access deals only available to Brad’s Deals readers, maximizing your savings potential. Easy Coupon Browsing: Explore a dedicated section for current promotions and discounts from multiple retailers. Personalized Alerts: Create shopping lists to receive notifications about deals on your preferred items, ensuring you never miss a sale. With Brad’s Deals, you can easily share coupon codes and discover the latest promo brand codes, making your online shopping experience more efficient and cost-effective. Savings.com Savings.com serves as an extensive hub for online shoppers seeking to maximize their savings. The site aggregates promo codes and discounts from thousands of brands, making it a thorough resource for finding offers and promotions. Its user-friendly interface lets you search by category or store, streamlining your shopping experience. You can access exclusive offers and cashback opportunities through partnerships with various retailers, which boosts your savings potential. Each coupon code shop provides detailed information about the promo codes, including expiration dates and usage restrictions, ensuring you’re well-informed before making a purchase. Additionally, Savings.com regularly updates its listings, so you always have access to the latest promotions and discounts available online, making it easier to save money effectively. Slick Deals Slickdeals is a unique platform that thrives on community engagement, where users actively share and discuss the best deals, coupons, and promo codes from a wide range of retailers. Here’s what makes Slickdeals stand out: Deal of the Day: Check out the highlighted bargains that change daily, based on user ratings and interactions. Custom Alerts: Set up notifications for specific products or categories, so you never miss out on savings. User Contributions: You can submit coupon codes and share discount codes, enriching the community’s resource pool. With a user-friendly interface, Slickdeals allows easy navigation through various categories, ensuring you find the latest discounts in electronics, fashion, and home goods effortlessly. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Best Promo Code Website? Determining the best promo code website depends on your shopping habits. For a wide range of discounts, RetailMeNot is a solid choice, as it combines promo codes with a cash back program. If you focus on groceries, Coupons.com shines by allowing you to link loyalty cards for automatic savings. Swagbucks offers both promo codes and cash back, enhancing your overall savings experience. Evaluate these options based on your preferences to find what suits you best. How to Find Promo Codes That Actually Work? To find promo codes that actually work, follow brands on social media and subscribe to their newsletters for exclusive offers. Use coupon aggregator websites like Swagbucks or RetailMeNot to access updated listings. Consider installing browser extensions like Honey, which automatically apply discounts at checkout. You can likewise search for specific codes by entering the retailer’s name along with “promo code” in your search engine, but always check expiration dates for validity. Where Can We Find a Promo Code? You can find promo codes through various channels. Start by checking popular coupon websites like Coupons.com and RetailMeNot, which compile discounts from numerous retailers. Following your favorite brands on social media or subscribing to their newsletters often reveals exclusive promo codes. Furthermore, consider using browser extensions like Capital One Shopping, which automatically applies available codes during checkout, making it easier to secure discounts without manual searching. Stay updated for the best deals. What Is the WAYDAY20 Promo Code? The WAYDAY20 promo code offers you a 20% discount on eligible purchases during Wayfair’s Way Day sales event. This event features significant markdowns on home goods and furniture, making it a prime opportunity for savings. To use the code, simply enter it at checkout on the Wayfair website. Nevertheless, be sure to check the terms and conditions, as some items may be excluded from the discount. Act quickly, as this offer is time-sensitive. Conclusion In summary, utilizing the right websites for promo codes can greatly improve your online shopping experience. Swagbucks, Coupons.com, RetailMeNot, Hip2Save, Brad’s Deals, Savings.com, and Slick Deals each offer unique features, from cashback options to community-driven deals. By exploring these platforms, you can find valuable discounts and save money on your purchases. Make it a habit to check these sites regularly; doing so will guarantee you never miss out on the best deals available online. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Websites for Finding Online Promo Codes" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

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