ResidentialBusiness

Google's Year in Search shows AI tools led trending queries globally. Gemini ranked first worldwide, with DeepSeek appearing in both US and global lists. The post Google Year In Search 2025: Gemini, DeepSeek Top Trending Lists appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Google today released its 2025 Year in Search list, but don’t mistake it for a ranking of the “top searches” or the “most searched” terms. This year’s recap focused on trending queries – the topics that grew the fastest compared with 2024. That shift reveals a lot about where Google Search is heading, and how it’s been evolving for years. Why we care. Google chose to spotlight fast-rising, emerging queries. Freshness has long mattered in search, but the 2025 top trending queries list underscores an accelerating shift: the biggest AI search and SEO opportunities will come from new, developing topics – not evergreen informational ones. Your strongest wins may hinge on queries no SEO tool or LLM visibility platform can surface yet. What people searched. Here are the top 10 trending Google Search queries of 2025 in the U.S.: Charlie Kirk KPop Demon Hunters Labubu iPhone 17 One Big Beautiful Bill Act Zohran Mamdani DeepSeek Government shutdown FIFA Club World Cup Tariffs Globally, these were the top 10 trending Google Search queries of 2025: Gemini India vs England Charlie Kirk Club World Cup India vs Australia DeepSeek Asia Cup Iran iPhone 17 Pakistan and India Global and U.S. trends. Here are some of the top trending queries by category, both globally and in the U.S. If a category lists only one name, it ranked the same in both regions. News: Charlie Kirk assassination / One Big Beautiful Bill Act Passings: Charlie Kirk Actors: Mikey Madison / Pedro Pascal People: d4vd / Zohran Mamdani Athletes: Terence Crawford / Shedeur Sanders Games: Arc Raiders / Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Lyrics: Dtmf – Bad Bunny / Wood – Taylor Swift Movies: Anora / KPop Demon Hunters Sports teams: Paris Saint-Germain F.C. / Seattle Mariners TV shows: Monster: The Ed Gein Story / The Hunting Wives Hum to search: Golden – HUNTR/X Podcasts: The Charlie Kirk Show / New Heights Google Maps – Bookstores: Livraria Lello, Porto District, Portugal / Powell’s City of Books Google Maps – Transit station: Kyoto Station, Kyoto, Japan / Grand Central Terminal More U.S. trends. Google also shared a few additional U.S.-only trending queries from 2025: Trends: AI action figure Viral dishes: Hot honey cottage cheese sweet potato beef bowl Travel itinerary: Boston Why do kids say: 67 Bottom line. You want to win on emerging queries before they peak. Spot new trends early and publish before a topic peaks to capture visibility while competition is low. Evergreen content still matters, but the breakout wins come from what’s new – not what’s already known. View the full article

It’s a tale as old as the modern workplace: In the 1960s, women entered the workforce en masse, ready to compete with their male counterparts for promotions, pay, and opportunity—only to find the system wasn’t built for them. Today, women comprise almost half of the U.S. labor force. The playing field looks different now, but the fight for equal access hasn’t gone away. It just moved into subtler territory. Companies make quiet calculations about who’s worth “investing in,” says Corinne Low, gender economist and associate business professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. Women often face career penalties in anticipation of motherhood as employers presume they’re more likely to take leave or step back. Once in their 40s, “past” childbearing, this bias fades. But not before it’s done damage. The cost of inaction is huge: 4 out of 10 mothers in the first five years after childbirth resign. In 2025, around 400,000 mothers with young children resigned from the U.S. workforce—the sharpest decline in more than 40 years. Mothers face a training penalty that hinders their career advancement On average, data shows women working full-time only earn 83% of a man’s median annual salary. Mothers face even worse odds—their pay is often reduced by 3% for every child they have. A new study from the University of Connecticut finds that, one to three years after childbirth, women are 17% to 22% less likely to receive on-the-job training opportunities, such as seminars, workshops, and development programs, compared with a 3% to 8% decline for men who became fathers. The result is a hidden skills and promotion gap that may explain nearly a third of the motherhood wage penalty. When women have children, they’re viewed as less committed or competent, research shows—a bias that leads employers to assume mothers are too busy, distracted, or disinterested to participate in training opportunities. This is called “benevolent prescriptive stereotyping,” and it doesn’t do mothers any favors, says Joan C. Williams, distinguished professor of law emerita and founding director of the Equality Action Center at UC Law San Francisco. As Williams points out: “If you don’t get work, you eventually either get laid off because you’re not progressing, or you leave because you’re disgusted that you don’t get good work. Or you just stall out.” If a mother turns down an opportunity for training or advancement, it’s important to circle back—not to assume it’s a permanent no, says Williams. She also recommends employers keep track of who receives opportunities in their workplace—and who doesn’t. Supporting mothers isn’t a charity case Another opportunity mothers are often left out of is informal networking, like happy hours, dinners, or travel, says Kate Westlund Tovsen, founder of Society of Working Moms, a supportive community for and by working mothers. Even if a mother can’t attend, “It’s nice to be invited,” Tovsen adds, who suggests teams try daytime coffee hours as a caregiver-friendly option. Mothers are forced to be proactive, as many companies lack frameworks to support leave or reintegration, Williams cautions. She advises scheduling meetings with superiors before and after taking family leave to make a plan. And though being a new mother is a relatively short blip on a woman’s career, companies often make “permanent decisions in terms of who they’re investing in based on this kind of temporary period when women are most squeezed,” says Low. Supporting mothers is not a charity case, she argues, but a competitive edge that lets them retain talent long term. “Caregiver strategies and investments, including benefits and return-to-work programs, deliver measurable business returns,” states Jess Ringgenberg, professional certified coach and CEO of Elxir, an advisory firm focusing on caregivers in the workplace. “Companies see three to six times ROI through higher retention, productivity, and lower absenteeism” with such programs, Ringgenberg says. Replacing a mid-level caregiver comes with backfill, training, and ramp-up expenses that can reach $200,000, says Ringgenberg, or totaling twice the employee’s annual salary. But some companies are already working hard to help mothers succeed—and it’s paying off. Small and large companies finding solutions Frontier Co-op, an Iowa-based wholesaler of natural and organic products with around 580 employees, created the Breaking Down Barriers to Employment initiative, which includes an on-site childcare center, subsidized to $120 per week per child. Their childcare program enables parents to participate in training programs and developmental opportunities that might otherwise be missed, explains Megan Schulte, vice president of human resources. She says 100% of new parents returned to work after their parental leave. While Frontier Co-op eases the logistical strains of childcare, Brigade Events, a woman-owned and operated event strategy and management company in Dallas with 10 full-time employees, tackles rebuilding confidence and access for women who stepped out. The company views its mentorship and project-based work model as a form of retraining, recognizing women’s existing expertise, rather than resetting them to zero. Senior employees work on a hybrid schedule—three days from home, two in-office—to preserve collaboration while creating space for caregiving. Brigade doesn’t bat an eye at blocked calendars for a child’s doctor appointment or school event. “Our whole culture is giving grace to each other,” says April Zorsky, partner and chief creative officer. One of their policies is that mothers returning from their 16-week maternity leave take a “transition month” working at 50% capacity. This can mean working from home, setting their own schedules, and easing back in without penalty. “As moms, we feel it’s crucial to have flexibility,” says Zorksy. Larger companies can learn to be more flexible and collaborative, too, says Marissa Andrade, a veteran HR executive and former chief people officer at Chipotle. She recalls when one of her field managers chose to take a six-month maternity leave during a period of company-wide turnaround. Before she left, she requested an interim hire from the Mom Project, a digital platform that helps companies to hire skilled mothers, to support her leave. It went so smoothly that the field manager was able to reenter without missing a beat. Andrada recommends establishing employee–business resource groups. At Chipotle, one employee-created group, “The Hustle” (Humans United to Support the Ladies Experience), formed a maternity program to keep employees in the loop while on leave, and reoriented them on compliance and training updates on their return. “Don’t overlook the power of your employees as your consumer,” says Andrada. When companies invite access for mothers—to training, to support, to opportunities that just don’t reacclimate them to their roles, but get them to thrive in them—everyone wins. Mothers aren’t just reentering the workforce with confidence. Employers are retaining their talent, too. View the full article

In today’s job market, many employees are feeling the pressure. Layoffs continue to make headlines, hiring pipelines have slowed, budgets have tightened, and job seekers are facing fierce competition. For those already employed, this environment raises a tricky question: What’s reasonable to ask for at work right now—and what isn’t? There’s always the standard wish list: promotions, raises, more flexibility, and better benefits. But in a strained economy, some of these asks may be harder to land—and for many employees, even harder to ask for. Zety, a career platform designed to make job searching easier with expert-backed tools and advice, found in its latest Pay on Pause Report three in five workers are willing to forgo or accept smaller raises this year due to fears of layoffs and job instability, and 66% avoided asking for a raise altogether, citing economic pressures and uncertainty. In a job market this unpredictable, where many employees are job hugging out of fear—one question remains: should employees hold off on asking, or should conversations still be happening? There’s fear in asking According to career expert Jasmine Escalera, many employees are hesitant to ask for anything right now. The thought process is: “I should just be grateful to have a job,” or, “I don’t want to ask for more and rock the boat, especially if AI is coming in,” she explains. Maybe even, “I don’t want to disrupt what I already have, because I don’t want to then be out in that job market and not even know when’s the next time I’m potentially going to get a position,” Escalera says. In today’s job market, employees are often hesitant to speak up, hoping staying quiet will help them maintain their positions—especially since certain requests, like pay raises, are harder to secure. Pay increases and promotions may be harder to secure It is true. Certain requests are more difficult in today’s job market, Escalera explains, and pay raises are one of them. “If layoffs and budget cuts are happening, one of the first things that are going to go is pay increases,” she says. This also includes bonuses, or any other type of financial component. “Anything that goes into the budget could potentially go wrong, which is not good for individuals who are in positions where they need to be upskilling. Or they need to be learning more to complement AI, or even potentially just for specific career growth opportunities,” she says. Promotions also face limitations. As Escalera explains, “Promotions typically come with raises and professional development [or] upskilling opportunities—those are going to be things that potentially go away. Still, it doesn’t mean employees should shy away from asking, or from putting their requests on their managers radar. Open the conversation A company may not be able to provide pay raises or promotions during a downturn, but that doesn’t mean the conversation can’t happen. “Even if your company comes out and says, ‘we don’t have the financial capacity to give pay raises right now’, or ‘we don’t have the financial capacity to give bonuses right now’—that does not mean you do not have the conversation,” Escalera says. The key is approaching the discussion thoughtfully, focusing on your contributions and the value you bring. You might say, “I understand that the organization is in financial hardship, or may not be giving bonuses or pay raises at this moment, but I really want to open up the conversation around my work’” Escalera suggests. Carolyn Troyan, CEO of Leadership360, an HR consulting and leadership coaching firm, agrees it’s important to be thoughtful with your approach. “It’s doing it in an emotionally intelligent way,” she says. “After half your team has been laid off, demanding a raise is probably not such a good idea.” But after the dust has settled and the company is back on steady footing, it’s reasonable to bring it up—or even during your next performance review, if the timing feels right. When having that conversation, acknowledge the environment and what the team has been through—but don’t let that stop you from discussing your growth with your manager. “Just because a company is struggling doesn’t mean you don’t have a career plan,” Troyan says. To your manager, you might say, “Here’s what I want to do over the next two to three years, I’d love to kind of talk about that with you. What opportunities do you see available, even in this environment, for me to learn some of these new skills?” Commonly, you’re going to hear one of two responses, Troyan explains: “We really love you, but we can’t do it right now,” which comes up a lot. Or, you may receive feedback highlighting what you need to work on to reach a promotion or raise in the future. Either way, you’re still having the conversation. Support and flexibility Even if a company can’t provide a promotion or raise due to financial hardship, there are other things to ask for. One of the biggest asks right now is support—support that isn’t monetary, Escalera says, pointing to the same report: Mental health support tops the list. “What that really shows is that individuals are incredibly burnt out and stressed out,” she said. As a result, we’re seeing more requests for mental health days and other forms of support. If a company isn’t meeting requests for pay, flexibility, or other forms of support, it may be a signal for employees to reassess their options. Even in uncertain times, understanding your value, approaching conversations thoughtfully, and asking for the support you need are all things you don’t have to shy away from. View the full article

Companies are increasingly using AI to conduct job interviews, and, according to experts in the field, the technology is leading to some impressive results. However, giving candidates the choice between an AI interviewer or a human can create bias that makes landing a job tougher for some people, according to a new report. AI is now a common part of the job application process. According to the World Economic Forum, around 88% of employers use some form of AI for initial candidate screening such as filtering or ranking job applications. But AI is also being used to conduct interviews. Currently, around 21% of U.S. companies use the technology for initial interviews. AI interviewers can give companies an edge when during the hiring process. One study found that candidates who were interviewed by an AI were more likely to land a job than candidates who were sourced by humans screening résumés: 54% of candidates interviewed by AI got the job, compared to about 29% of candidates sourced by a traditional résumé screening. Still, there is a lot to learn about how utilizing AI interviews impacts both people and firms. Brian Jabarian, a researcher at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business with doctorates in economics and philosophy, recently examined what happens to candidates when they are offered a choice between an AI interviewer and a human interviewer, which he detailed in his paper, Choice as Signal: Designing AI Adoption in Labor Market Screening. The research, which has not been peer reviewed, finds giving candidates a choice between a human and AI interview could also create a new hurdle for low-ability candidates—applicants whose skills are below the firm’s hiring threshold. Jabarian tells Fast Company that different applicants will automatically be drawn to either AI interviewers or human interviewers based on their strengths. For example, “applicants with strong language skills prefer human interviewers to highlight their English proficiency,” he says. “In contrast, applicants with strong analytical skills choose the AI interviewer to showcase their quantitative strengths.” But the choice isn’t neutral, like a candidate may expect it to be. “An applicant’s decision to be interviewed by a human or an AI agent can reveal private information about their strengths, weaknesses, or expectations for relative performance,” Jabarian writes in his paper, also pointing out that employees with high abilities benefit because companies can identify them more easily “using both the signal and the selection decision, increasing their probability of being hired.” However, it also means firms are able to more easily identify low-ability workers. Jabarian writes: “Consequently, low-skilled workers succeed less often in obtaining a job and therefore experience a welfare loss.” Essentially, by interpreting both the choice itself as well as the information from the interview, an employer’s precision increases, which doesn’t serve lower-ability candidates. Jabarian says if firms had no insight into the candidate’s choice, then all workers would have the advantage of choosing which interviewer best shows their skill set, but companies would lose out on the advantages of using AI interviewers. While on the surface giving job candidates choices about how they are interviewed seems like a solid idea, Jabarian says that in practice, it’s not quite so simple. “Before this new paper, I was really rooting for giving this choice to people because I was confused about why everyone was assuming it was just okay to impose a new technology on people in a high-stakes environment when they maybe didn’t want it,” he explains. However, now he believes it’s clear that the choice alone hurts the weakest candidates, and therefore it shouldn’t be one that is routinely offered but rather “on a case-by-case basis.” Jabarian says he expects AI interviewing to increase, particularly because it’s good for firms. Still, that doesn’t mean humans as interviewers are a thing of the past or irrelevant. AI interviewers and humans have different strengths: Human recruiters can improvise and are able to vary their interviews, while AI creates a consistent experience and is excellent at garnering information from candidates. That means adopting hybrid techniques—where humans and AI run interviews with opposing purposes—might really be the smartest and fairest way to hire. View the full article

And the prospects for a Hassett-led FedView the full article

Learn how to track visibility with Google AIO using easy-to-follow steps for improved online presence and site performance. The post Google AI Overviews: How To Measure Impressions & Track Visibility appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Two leaders stress need for multilateralism amid rising trade tensionsView the full article

I’m on vacation. Here are some past letters that I’m making new again, rather than leaving them to wilt in the archives. 1. My boss told me to write the same sentence 500 times as punishment for a mistake I’m a currently an office manager, and I recently messed up and did not submit some health insurance forms that were required and cost my boss $1,000. I have been here for four years and never made a mistake, but for some reason my boss wants me to write 500 sentences stating, “I will not screw up another insurance case.” Is this even something she can do? She can, but it would be really, really weird — and overstepping and degrading — to require an adult to do that. (I think it’s also really weird and degrading to require a kid to do that, but at least there’s some cultural context for that being A Thing that some parents and teachers used to do.) Any chance she’s not being serious and was instead just making a bad joke about wanting you to understand the seriousness of the mistake? If she’s serious, it’s ridiculous — condescending, insulting, and really poorly thought out. She also shouldn’t ground you, wash your mouth out with soap, or send you to your room for a time-out. I’d take a broader look at how she treats you in general. It’s hard for me to imagine someone who thinks this is reasonable treating you respectfully in other ways. – 2015 2. Our intern wants us all to give a coworker a “World’s Greatest Dad” mug A birthday came up for a person in the department named Bob. He is the oldest in the department and has been with the company for over 20 years. He is loved by many and is seen as a welcoming person to the department. He has a particularly jovial relationship with one of the interns I supervise, and they jokingly refer to each other as “dad and son.” The intern showed me the birthday gift he bought for Bob and it was a “World’s Greatest Dad” mug. He said he wanted the entire department to write loving messages to Bob that would go into the mug and be presented to Bob at a later date. I recognize the intern bought the mug with his own money, but I feel uncomfortable promoting the “Bob is the department Dad” mentality to the entire department. I do not know why exactly, but I do not think it sends the right message. (Also, we already celebrate Bob’s birthday with a happy birthday banner signed by people in the department) I have no doubt that many in the department will love the intern’s initiative, so I have been thinking about letting it go. However, I am curious if it is more appropriate to redirect the intern to make his gift a personal one for Bob and leave the rest of the department out of it. Yeah, the “dad” thing is a pretty weird and problematic message to promote as any kind of official department gift. It’s asking people to buy into a label for the relationship that probably won’t resonate with some/most of them, and it’s age-focused in a way you don’t want any even quasi-formal gifts at work to be. If Bob and the intern want to jokingly refer to each other as dad and son, that’s their own (odd) thing, not everyone else’s. I’d say this to your intern: “That’s your private joke with Bob, so the mug should be your own gift to him. Ultimately, though, these are professional relationships, warm and friendly as they may be, and I don’t want to promote the ‘dad’ thing more broadly.” Frankly, that’s not a bad message for your intern to hear anyway. (This episode of the AAM podcast takes on a different version of this — an admin who positions herself as everyone’s mom and literally calls them “my kids.” Not everyone is thrilled.) – 2018 3. My husband says he can’t call the daycare run by my employer We’re enrolling our children at the daycare that is run by the hospital where I work. We had a question about the kids’ physicals for the enrollment, and I suggested that my husband call the daycare since he had some free time. He said that he didn’t want to do that because the daycare is a benefit provided by my employer, and it would be comparable to me trying to set up health insurance through his employer. He went on to say that they would wonder why I wasn’t the one calling and that it could get back to my manager and reflect poorly on me. I thought this was crazy, and no one would think any more than that this is a dad with a question about his kids’ daycare. It wasn’t like he would be asking about payroll deduction or anything related to my job. Which one of us is right? You are. This would be like if your kids were insured through your husband’s work plan and you thought you couldn’t talk to their doctors or take them to medical appointments because the insurance was through his employer. This is a daycare. It would be really strange if they were only supposed to talk to one of the parents of the kids in their care. It’s 100% fine for him to contact them. If it somehow got back to your manager (which would be odd to begin with, because why would anyone take up your manager’s time reporting to her on the minutia of her employees’ daycare arrangement?), she would care precisely zero amount. Tell him to make the call. – 2018 4. My student employee lied on his resume and said he was a director I managed a student employee, Benjen, for about six months. Those were a tumultuous six months where we had a lot going on, absent directors, etc. I got a new job and Benjen, a part-time grad student, had to step into my old role more than he should have had to. I was happy to stay in contact with him and help him where I could after I left. Benjen was in way over his head and it wasn’t his fault. When he left a few months later, I was happy to help with his resume. He was a great employee! Well, after a few revisions he sent me his final resume … and he claimed he was the director of the department for the ENTIRE job duration. He was never even full-time, and I wasn’t even a director. That was two levels above me. I dropped the ball in responding to his last resume, which was months ago. I was so mad at his self-promotion that I just didn’t respond. Now I’ve been contacted by someone for a reference on him and it turns out I’m still angry and I’m not sure how to give a reference. HE WASN’T A DIRECTOR! Tell the truth. This is the whole point of references — as a way to verify the information candidates are self-reporting and to learn more about them. Talk to the reference checker and be very clear that he was a student employee, not a director. (And if you can only speak to the six months where you overlapped, be clear about what those dates were. If there’s any chance he was actually given the director title after you left — which sounds very unlikely — you want to be clear about that and careful to say that you’re only speaking to the time period you were there.) Frankly, it also makes sense to write back to Benjen now and say, “I’m wondering about the title you’ve listed. You were a part-time student employee while you worked with me, not a director. You definitely can’t send it out with this on it.” – 2018 The post boss told me to write the same sentence 500 times as punishment, student employee lied on his resume, and more appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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Your Guide to Tax Technology Meets Transformation Planning, Research, and the Rise of Intelligent Automation Artificial intelligence is moving beyond the testing phase. It’s now powering the everyday workflows of tax professionals. Tech providers are racing to integrate AI. And new … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Your Guide to Tax Technology Meets Transformation Planning, Research, and the Rise of Intelligent Automation Artificial intelligence is moving beyond the testing phase. It’s now powering the everyday workflows of tax professionals. Tech providers are racing to integrate AI. And new … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

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Creating animated videos can seem intimidating, but it’s a manageable process when broken down into clear steps. First, you’ll want to plan your video by outlining your core message and writing a compelling script. Next, storyboarding allows you to visualize each scene, followed by choosing animation software that fits your skill level. Each of these steps is essential for developing a cohesive final product, and grasping them will set you up for success in your animation project. What comes next is equally important. Key Takeaways Start with a clear script and storyboard to outline your animated video’s core message and visual flow. Choose appropriate animation software based on your skill level and project needs, such as Vyond for beginners or Adobe After Effects for advanced users. Design distinct characters and backgrounds that enhance storytelling and maintain visual coherence throughout the animation. Select a harmonious color palette and ensure audio elements are balanced, syncing voiceovers with animations for a polished final product. Test your animation with feedback from screenings, refining the script and visuals to better engage your target audience. How to Plan Your Animated Video When you plan your animated video, it’s vital to start with a clear outline or script, as this will help you define your core message and structure. Begin by developing storyboards to visually break down each scene, which aids in planning camera angles and shifts that keep viewers engaged. Next, create an animatic using your storyboards and placeholder audio to assess timing and pacing before full production. Draft your voiceover narration early to clarify complex topics and streamline editing. Finally, utilize feedback from test screenings to refine your storyboards and script, ensuring your animated video effectively communicates its message. This structured approach is fundamental when learning how to create animated videos, how to create animations for YouTube, or how to create a cartoon. Writing an Engaging Script When you’re writing an engaging script, it’s essential to know your audience and outline your key messages clearly. Comprehending who you’re speaking to helps you tailor your content effectively, ensuring it resonates with viewers. Know Your Audience How do you guarantee your animated video script resonates with your audience? First, you need to know your audience. Start with comprehending your audience’s demographics, interests, and preferences. This insight allows you to tailor your script effectively. Conducting surveys or researching audience behavior can help identify the topics and tones that will engage them. Use relatable language and examples to make your script accessible. Structuring your script with a clear beginning, middle, and end assures your audience can easily follow your message. Moreover, include a strong call to action at the end to encourage interaction. By utilizing an animated video service, you can learn how to create simple animation that reflects your audience’s values and needs. Outline Key Messages To create an engaging animated video script, it’s significant to outline your key messages effectively. Start by identifying your core message to align with your audience’s interests and the video’s purpose. Next, create a logical outline that organizes your points for clear progression. Here are four vital steps to take into account: Define the main takeaway for your viewers. Break down your core message into digestible sub-points. Write in a conversational tone, using simple language and relatable examples. Incorporate visual cues to guide animation decisions, indicating moments for specific visuals. Storyboarding Your Animation Storyboarding your animation is crucial for visualizing your narrative and ensuring that each scene flows smoothly. By breaking down your script into individual frames, you can clearly outline character positions, backgrounds, and actions, which helps with timing and pacing. This structured approach not just streamlines the production process but also serves as a valuable communication tool among team members, minimizing misunderstandings before you start animating. Importance of Storyboarding As you begin an animation project, having a well-structured storyboard is crucial for success. Storyboarding helps you break down your script into individual scenes, enhancing clarity and flow in your animated corporate video. It allows you to visualize key elements, ensuring your audience remains engaged. Here are four key benefits of storyboarding: Visualizes camera angles, character movements, and shifts. Aids in creating an animatic to assess timing and pacing. Serves as a communication tool among the production team. Saves time and resources by identifying potential issues early. Using animation software or Adobe Animate video animation programs effectively can streamline this process, aligning your creative vision and ensuring a smoother production experience. Visualizing Your Narrative Creating a storyboard serves as a fundamental step in visualizing your narrative for animation projects. This visual representation breaks down your script into individual scenes, clarifying the sequence of events and actions. Each panel should include key elements such as character positions, backgrounds, and important dialogue to guarantee a clear vision. You can improve storytelling by utilizing different shot types and camera angles. Regularly revisiting and refining your storyboard throughout the animation process will help address any inconsistencies. Scene Action Key Dialogue 1 Introduce character “Hi, I’m Alex!” 2 Character moves “Let’s go on an adventure!” 3 Conflict arises “What was that noise?” 4 Climax moment “We must face our fears!” 5 Resolution “We did it together!” This process is crucial for anyone looking to create an animated character or understand how to create cartoon animation, whether you’re working with an Animaker video creation company or on your own. Timing and Flow When planning your animation, grasping the timing and flow of your scenes is crucial for maintaining audience engagement. Effective storyboarding helps visualize the sequence of events, ensuring a structured approach. Consider these key elements: Key Frames: Illustrate major actions and changes to keep viewers invested. Camera Angles: Plan various perspectives to improve storytelling. Transitions: Smoothly connect scenes for a cohesive experience. Animatic: Combine storyboards with rough timing and audio to assess pacing before production. During storyboarding, pay attention to the timing of voiceovers and sound effects. This alignment enriches the narrative and addresses pacing issues early on, streamlining your editing process and resulting in a polished final animation. Choosing the Right Animation Software Choosing the right animation software can greatly impact your project’s success, especially since various options cater to different skill levels and animation styles. If you’re a beginner, user-friendly platforms like Vyond and Animaker might be your best animation software free choices. For advanced users, tools such as Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe After Effects offer more robust features. Consider the type of animation you want; for instance, Blender thrives in 3D animations, whereas Pencil2D is great for 2D projects. Assess specific features you need, like keyframe capabilities or vector tools. Additionally, check for free animation software options and trial periods before committing, ensuring compatibility with various file formats for easy sharing on platforms like YouTube. Designing Characters and Backgrounds When designing characters and backgrounds for your animated videos, start by defining your character’s personality and traits, as these elements guide their visual identity. You can use sketching software or traditional techniques to create various iterations, focusing on poses and expressions that best represent their characteristics. For backgrounds, consider the setting and select color palettes and styles that not just complement your characters but additionally improve the overall mood of the scene. Character Design Principles In character design, it’s essential to start by defining a character’s personality and role within the story, as these elements greatly influence their visual traits. To create compelling characters, consider these character design principles: Facial Expressions: Tailor expressions to reflect emotions aligned with the character’s personality. Color Theory: Use warm colors for friendly characters and cool colors for aloof ones to evoke the desired emotional response. Silhouette and Shape: Employ distinctive shapes—round for friendly and angular for antagonistic—to visually convey character traits. Character Turnarounds: Develop a style guide that includes character turnarounds to guarantee consistency across animations. Background Creation Techniques Creating effective backgrounds is crucial for improving the storytelling and visual appeal of animated videos. Start by sketching character concepts to establish traits that resonate with your audience. Utilize animation software, like Adobe Illustrator, to create scalable designs. When designing backgrounds, make sure they complement the story’s theme, using styles that elevate the mood. Layered backgrounds are particularly useful; they allow for parallax scrolling effects, adding depth during animation. Consider whether you’re working in 2D or 3D, as this affects the complexity of your designs. Color Palette Selection Selecting a color palette is a fundamental step in designing characters and backgrounds for animated videos. A well-chosen palette improves visual cohesion and engages the audience. Here’s how to approach color palette selection: Choose 3-5 harmonious colors to create a balanced look that isn’t overwhelming. Apply color theory principles, using complementary or analogous colors to evoke emotions; for example, blue for calmness and red for excitement. Ensure contrast between characters and backgrounds so your characters stand out clearly. Utilize tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to generate palettes, ensuring consistency throughout your project. With these tips, you’ll improve your animation download and learn how to create an animation using free animation software easy enough for anyone. Techniques for Animation Animation techniques vary widely, each offering unique methods to bring visuals to life. 2D Animation Techniques focus on creating characters and settings in a flat space, often using software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. For a more immersive experience, you can explore 3D Animation Techniques, which utilize software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender to model characters in three-dimensional space, enhancing realism. Motion Graphics combines graphic design with animation, using tools like After Effects to craft dynamic visuals that improve storytelling. Furthermore, Rotoscoping allows you to trace over footage, frame by frame, to achieve realistic animations, often blending live-action with animated elements. Each technique serves distinct purposes, so choose based on your project’s needs. Adding Sound and Voiceovers Once you’ve established your animation through various techniques, adding sound and voiceovers becomes a crucial step in enhancing the final product. Follow these steps to effectively incorporate audio: Import your audio files into Premiere Pro and organize them in the Fundamental Sound panel for easy management. Use the audio track mixer to adjust volume levels, ensuring your voiceovers and sound effects are balanced and clear. Carefully sync your voiceover with the animated visuals by aligning audio clips on the timeline, using waveforms for precise timing. Incorporate sound effects strategically to engage viewers, making sure they complement your animation without overshadowing the voiceover narrative. Lastly, export your animated videos in the H.264 codec for peak quality and platform compatibility. Editing Your Animated Video Editing your animated video is a critical phase where you refine and improve your project to guarantee it resonates with your audience. Start by enhancing your cartoon video with sound effects, music tracks, and voiceovers using Premiere Pro’s Vital Sound panel. This allows for better audio quality control. To capture viewer attention, consider adding animated intros at the beginning. You can as well utilize animation presets and keyframe animation capabilities to create custom motion effects that align with your video’s style. Make sure to synchronize audio with animations for a polished look. This attention to detail is vital for effective editing, whether you’re using a whiteboard animation maker or learning how to animate a video from scratch. Exporting for Optimal Playback To guarantee your animated video plays back effectively across various platforms, you’ll need to evaluate several key factors during the export process. Here are four important steps for exporting for ideal playback: Codec: Use the H.264 codec for a balance between quality and file size. Resolution: Set your resolution to at least 1920×1080 pixels for Full HD clarity. Frame Rate: Choose 30 fps for standard videos or 60 fps for smoother motion, depending on your animation style. Bitrate: Target a bitrate of around 8 Mbps for 1080p videos to maintain quality without bloating file size. Always preview your exported video for audio-video synchronization issues to guarantee a polished presentation. This knowledge aids in perfecting how to make animations for YouTube with an ai animation generator from text. Sharing Your Animated Video on Social Media Sharing your animated video on social media can greatly boost its visibility and engagement, making it a crucial step in your promotional strategy. Start by choosing the right platforms; for example, use YouTube for long-form content, Instagram for short clips, and Facebook for a broader reach. Optimize your video format according to each platform’s specifications—vertical videos perform well on Instagram Stories and TikTok. Improve your post with engaging captions and relevant hashtags to enhance discoverability. Schedule your posts during peak engagement times based on analytics, as this can considerably increase views. Finally, monitor engagement metrics like views and shares to evaluate your animated video’s performance, which will inform future content strategies and help you refine how to make cartoon animation. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Animation Video Step by Step? To make an animation video step by step, start by defining your key message and target audience. Next, craft a compelling script that outlines your narrative. Once that’s done, create detailed storyboards to visualize each scene. Then, design characters and backgrounds that match your vision. After designing, use animation software to animate your scenes. Finally, polish your video with audio and effects before exporting it for sharing. This process guarantees clarity and engagement. How to Create a Custom Animation With Step by Step? To create a custom animation, start by brainstorming your concept and writing a detailed script. Next, develop a storyboard that outlines each scene, including actions and changes. Design characters and backgrounds using graphic software, ensuring they match your theme. Animate your designs with tools like Adobe After Effects, applying keyframes for movement and syncing with audio. Finally, review your work thoroughly, making adjustments before exporting in your chosen format. What Are the 4 Stages of Animation? The four stages of animation are conceptualization, design, animation, and post-production. In the conceptualization stage, you develop the core idea and script that guide your project. Next, during design, you create characters and backgrounds that visually represent your story. The animation stage brings these designs to life through techniques like 2D or 3D animation. Finally, post-production involves editing and adding elements like voiceovers and sound effects to refine the final product. What Program to Use to Make Animated Videos? To create animated videos, you have several superb programs to choose from. Vyond is user-friendly and offers templates perfect for business and educational content. If you’re a beginner, Animaker’s drag-and-drop features simplify the process. For advanced users, Blender provides robust 3D modeling tools. Professionals might prefer Toon Boom Harmony for its all-encompassing 2D capabilities. Finally, Adobe After Effects excels in motion graphics, allowing you to create visually striking animations with ease. Conclusion Creating animated videos requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined—planning, scripting, storyboarding, choosing software, designing visuals, adding audio, editing, and exporting—you guarantee a polished final product. Each phase contributes to a cohesive narrative that effectively communicates your message. With the right techniques and tools, you can engage your audience and improve their experience. Remember, sharing your animated video on social media can broaden its reach, so consider your distribution strategy as well. Image via Google Gemini This article, "A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Animated Videos" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating animated videos can seem intimidating, but it’s a manageable process when broken down into clear steps. First, you’ll want to plan your video by outlining your core message and writing a compelling script. Next, storyboarding allows you to visualize each scene, followed by choosing animation software that fits your skill level. Each of these steps is essential for developing a cohesive final product, and grasping them will set you up for success in your animation project. What comes next is equally important. Key Takeaways Start with a clear script and storyboard to outline your animated video’s core message and visual flow. Choose appropriate animation software based on your skill level and project needs, such as Vyond for beginners or Adobe After Effects for advanced users. Design distinct characters and backgrounds that enhance storytelling and maintain visual coherence throughout the animation. Select a harmonious color palette and ensure audio elements are balanced, syncing voiceovers with animations for a polished final product. Test your animation with feedback from screenings, refining the script and visuals to better engage your target audience. How to Plan Your Animated Video When you plan your animated video, it’s vital to start with a clear outline or script, as this will help you define your core message and structure. Begin by developing storyboards to visually break down each scene, which aids in planning camera angles and shifts that keep viewers engaged. Next, create an animatic using your storyboards and placeholder audio to assess timing and pacing before full production. Draft your voiceover narration early to clarify complex topics and streamline editing. Finally, utilize feedback from test screenings to refine your storyboards and script, ensuring your animated video effectively communicates its message. This structured approach is fundamental when learning how to create animated videos, how to create animations for YouTube, or how to create a cartoon. Writing an Engaging Script When you’re writing an engaging script, it’s essential to know your audience and outline your key messages clearly. Comprehending who you’re speaking to helps you tailor your content effectively, ensuring it resonates with viewers. Know Your Audience How do you guarantee your animated video script resonates with your audience? First, you need to know your audience. Start with comprehending your audience’s demographics, interests, and preferences. This insight allows you to tailor your script effectively. Conducting surveys or researching audience behavior can help identify the topics and tones that will engage them. Use relatable language and examples to make your script accessible. Structuring your script with a clear beginning, middle, and end assures your audience can easily follow your message. Moreover, include a strong call to action at the end to encourage interaction. By utilizing an animated video service, you can learn how to create simple animation that reflects your audience’s values and needs. Outline Key Messages To create an engaging animated video script, it’s significant to outline your key messages effectively. Start by identifying your core message to align with your audience’s interests and the video’s purpose. Next, create a logical outline that organizes your points for clear progression. Here are four vital steps to take into account: Define the main takeaway for your viewers. Break down your core message into digestible sub-points. Write in a conversational tone, using simple language and relatable examples. Incorporate visual cues to guide animation decisions, indicating moments for specific visuals. Storyboarding Your Animation Storyboarding your animation is crucial for visualizing your narrative and ensuring that each scene flows smoothly. By breaking down your script into individual frames, you can clearly outline character positions, backgrounds, and actions, which helps with timing and pacing. This structured approach not just streamlines the production process but also serves as a valuable communication tool among team members, minimizing misunderstandings before you start animating. Importance of Storyboarding As you begin an animation project, having a well-structured storyboard is crucial for success. Storyboarding helps you break down your script into individual scenes, enhancing clarity and flow in your animated corporate video. It allows you to visualize key elements, ensuring your audience remains engaged. Here are four key benefits of storyboarding: Visualizes camera angles, character movements, and shifts. Aids in creating an animatic to assess timing and pacing. Serves as a communication tool among the production team. Saves time and resources by identifying potential issues early. Using animation software or Adobe Animate video animation programs effectively can streamline this process, aligning your creative vision and ensuring a smoother production experience. Visualizing Your Narrative Creating a storyboard serves as a fundamental step in visualizing your narrative for animation projects. This visual representation breaks down your script into individual scenes, clarifying the sequence of events and actions. Each panel should include key elements such as character positions, backgrounds, and important dialogue to guarantee a clear vision. You can improve storytelling by utilizing different shot types and camera angles. Regularly revisiting and refining your storyboard throughout the animation process will help address any inconsistencies. Scene Action Key Dialogue 1 Introduce character “Hi, I’m Alex!” 2 Character moves “Let’s go on an adventure!” 3 Conflict arises “What was that noise?” 4 Climax moment “We must face our fears!” 5 Resolution “We did it together!” This process is crucial for anyone looking to create an animated character or understand how to create cartoon animation, whether you’re working with an Animaker video creation company or on your own. Timing and Flow When planning your animation, grasping the timing and flow of your scenes is crucial for maintaining audience engagement. Effective storyboarding helps visualize the sequence of events, ensuring a structured approach. Consider these key elements: Key Frames: Illustrate major actions and changes to keep viewers invested. Camera Angles: Plan various perspectives to improve storytelling. Transitions: Smoothly connect scenes for a cohesive experience. Animatic: Combine storyboards with rough timing and audio to assess pacing before production. During storyboarding, pay attention to the timing of voiceovers and sound effects. This alignment enriches the narrative and addresses pacing issues early on, streamlining your editing process and resulting in a polished final animation. Choosing the Right Animation Software Choosing the right animation software can greatly impact your project’s success, especially since various options cater to different skill levels and animation styles. If you’re a beginner, user-friendly platforms like Vyond and Animaker might be your best animation software free choices. For advanced users, tools such as Toon Boom Harmony and Adobe After Effects offer more robust features. Consider the type of animation you want; for instance, Blender thrives in 3D animations, whereas Pencil2D is great for 2D projects. Assess specific features you need, like keyframe capabilities or vector tools. Additionally, check for free animation software options and trial periods before committing, ensuring compatibility with various file formats for easy sharing on platforms like YouTube. Designing Characters and Backgrounds When designing characters and backgrounds for your animated videos, start by defining your character’s personality and traits, as these elements guide their visual identity. You can use sketching software or traditional techniques to create various iterations, focusing on poses and expressions that best represent their characteristics. For backgrounds, consider the setting and select color palettes and styles that not just complement your characters but additionally improve the overall mood of the scene. Character Design Principles In character design, it’s essential to start by defining a character’s personality and role within the story, as these elements greatly influence their visual traits. To create compelling characters, consider these character design principles: Facial Expressions: Tailor expressions to reflect emotions aligned with the character’s personality. Color Theory: Use warm colors for friendly characters and cool colors for aloof ones to evoke the desired emotional response. Silhouette and Shape: Employ distinctive shapes—round for friendly and angular for antagonistic—to visually convey character traits. Character Turnarounds: Develop a style guide that includes character turnarounds to guarantee consistency across animations. Background Creation Techniques Creating effective backgrounds is crucial for improving the storytelling and visual appeal of animated videos. Start by sketching character concepts to establish traits that resonate with your audience. Utilize animation software, like Adobe Illustrator, to create scalable designs. When designing backgrounds, make sure they complement the story’s theme, using styles that elevate the mood. Layered backgrounds are particularly useful; they allow for parallax scrolling effects, adding depth during animation. Consider whether you’re working in 2D or 3D, as this affects the complexity of your designs. Color Palette Selection Selecting a color palette is a fundamental step in designing characters and backgrounds for animated videos. A well-chosen palette improves visual cohesion and engages the audience. Here’s how to approach color palette selection: Choose 3-5 harmonious colors to create a balanced look that isn’t overwhelming. Apply color theory principles, using complementary or analogous colors to evoke emotions; for example, blue for calmness and red for excitement. Ensure contrast between characters and backgrounds so your characters stand out clearly. Utilize tools like Adobe Color or Coolors to generate palettes, ensuring consistency throughout your project. With these tips, you’ll improve your animation download and learn how to create an animation using free animation software easy enough for anyone. Techniques for Animation Animation techniques vary widely, each offering unique methods to bring visuals to life. 2D Animation Techniques focus on creating characters and settings in a flat space, often using software like Adobe Animate or Toon Boom Harmony. For a more immersive experience, you can explore 3D Animation Techniques, which utilize software such as Autodesk Maya or Blender to model characters in three-dimensional space, enhancing realism. Motion Graphics combines graphic design with animation, using tools like After Effects to craft dynamic visuals that improve storytelling. Furthermore, Rotoscoping allows you to trace over footage, frame by frame, to achieve realistic animations, often blending live-action with animated elements. Each technique serves distinct purposes, so choose based on your project’s needs. Adding Sound and Voiceovers Once you’ve established your animation through various techniques, adding sound and voiceovers becomes a crucial step in enhancing the final product. Follow these steps to effectively incorporate audio: Import your audio files into Premiere Pro and organize them in the Fundamental Sound panel for easy management. Use the audio track mixer to adjust volume levels, ensuring your voiceovers and sound effects are balanced and clear. Carefully sync your voiceover with the animated visuals by aligning audio clips on the timeline, using waveforms for precise timing. Incorporate sound effects strategically to engage viewers, making sure they complement your animation without overshadowing the voiceover narrative. Lastly, export your animated videos in the H.264 codec for peak quality and platform compatibility. Editing Your Animated Video Editing your animated video is a critical phase where you refine and improve your project to guarantee it resonates with your audience. Start by enhancing your cartoon video with sound effects, music tracks, and voiceovers using Premiere Pro’s Vital Sound panel. This allows for better audio quality control. To capture viewer attention, consider adding animated intros at the beginning. You can as well utilize animation presets and keyframe animation capabilities to create custom motion effects that align with your video’s style. Make sure to synchronize audio with animations for a polished look. This attention to detail is vital for effective editing, whether you’re using a whiteboard animation maker or learning how to animate a video from scratch. Exporting for Optimal Playback To guarantee your animated video plays back effectively across various platforms, you’ll need to evaluate several key factors during the export process. Here are four important steps for exporting for ideal playback: Codec: Use the H.264 codec for a balance between quality and file size. Resolution: Set your resolution to at least 1920×1080 pixels for Full HD clarity. Frame Rate: Choose 30 fps for standard videos or 60 fps for smoother motion, depending on your animation style. Bitrate: Target a bitrate of around 8 Mbps for 1080p videos to maintain quality without bloating file size. Always preview your exported video for audio-video synchronization issues to guarantee a polished presentation. This knowledge aids in perfecting how to make animations for YouTube with an ai animation generator from text. Sharing Your Animated Video on Social Media Sharing your animated video on social media can greatly boost its visibility and engagement, making it a crucial step in your promotional strategy. Start by choosing the right platforms; for example, use YouTube for long-form content, Instagram for short clips, and Facebook for a broader reach. Optimize your video format according to each platform’s specifications—vertical videos perform well on Instagram Stories and TikTok. Improve your post with engaging captions and relevant hashtags to enhance discoverability. Schedule your posts during peak engagement times based on analytics, as this can considerably increase views. Finally, monitor engagement metrics like views and shares to evaluate your animated video’s performance, which will inform future content strategies and help you refine how to make cartoon animation. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make an Animation Video Step by Step? To make an animation video step by step, start by defining your key message and target audience. Next, craft a compelling script that outlines your narrative. Once that’s done, create detailed storyboards to visualize each scene. Then, design characters and backgrounds that match your vision. After designing, use animation software to animate your scenes. Finally, polish your video with audio and effects before exporting it for sharing. This process guarantees clarity and engagement. How to Create a Custom Animation With Step by Step? To create a custom animation, start by brainstorming your concept and writing a detailed script. Next, develop a storyboard that outlines each scene, including actions and changes. Design characters and backgrounds using graphic software, ensuring they match your theme. Animate your designs with tools like Adobe After Effects, applying keyframes for movement and syncing with audio. Finally, review your work thoroughly, making adjustments before exporting in your chosen format. What Are the 4 Stages of Animation? The four stages of animation are conceptualization, design, animation, and post-production. In the conceptualization stage, you develop the core idea and script that guide your project. Next, during design, you create characters and backgrounds that visually represent your story. The animation stage brings these designs to life through techniques like 2D or 3D animation. Finally, post-production involves editing and adding elements like voiceovers and sound effects to refine the final product. What Program to Use to Make Animated Videos? To create animated videos, you have several superb programs to choose from. Vyond is user-friendly and offers templates perfect for business and educational content. If you’re a beginner, Animaker’s drag-and-drop features simplify the process. For advanced users, Blender provides robust 3D modeling tools. Professionals might prefer Toon Boom Harmony for its all-encompassing 2D capabilities. Finally, Adobe After Effects excels in motion graphics, allowing you to create visually striking animations with ease. Conclusion Creating animated videos requires careful planning and execution. By following the steps outlined—planning, scripting, storyboarding, choosing software, designing visuals, adding audio, editing, and exporting—you guarantee a polished final product. Each phase contributes to a cohesive narrative that effectively communicates your message. With the right techniques and tools, you can engage your audience and improve their experience. Remember, sharing your animated video on social media can broaden its reach, so consider your distribution strategy as well. Image via Google Gemini This article, "A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Animated Videos" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When planning your social media strategy, using content schedule templates can streamline the process considerably. These templates, like HootSuite’s editable calendar and HubSpot’s centralized tool, help you organize posts effectively. They facilitate collaboration among team members and provide insights through analytics. By employing these resources, you can guarantee your content meets strategic goals. But which templates best suit your needs, and how can they truly improve your planning? Key Takeaways Utilize HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar for organized scheduling across five platforms, enhancing planning and communication among team members. Implement HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar for a centralized location to plan, schedule, and track content effectively. Leverage Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template to monitor engagement data and optimize posts based on performance analytics. Explore ClickUp’s features for enhanced collaboration and task management, supporting strategic planning and prioritization of content. Use CoSchedule Template to visually organize content types, streamlining the content creation process and improving overall social media strategy effectiveness. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar When managing social media, having a well-organized content calendar can greatly improve your strategy. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar offers an editable monthly calendar that integrates five major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This enables you to strategize across multiple channels seamlessly. Available in a customizable Google Sheet format, it allows for immediate use and personal adjustments to fit your specific needs. The inclusion of an evergreen content library tab helps you store and repurpose timeless content efficiently. By encouraging thorough planning and organized scheduling of social media posts, this template prevents last-minute scrambles, ensuring you maintain a consistent online presence. You can download it for quick access to a structured content planning tool. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar serves as an effective solution for organizing and managing your social media efforts across various platforms. This all-encompassing tool allows you to plan, schedule, and track your content in one centralized location. Key features include: Editable calendar: Customize fields for post titles, links, snippets, and images. Dedicated sections: Keep content organized for each social platform, aligning with your overall marketing strategy. Free access: Ideal for individuals and small teams looking to improve social media management without financial strain. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar automates the calendar creation process, making it easier for you to plan content efficiently over a full year. By aligning your social media strategy with broader marketing goals, this tool guarantees that your content distribution remains cohesive and focused. You’ll additionally benefit from clear definitions of content categories and publication timelines, streamlining your overall content planning efforts. Automated Calendar Creation Automating your calendar creation can greatly streamline your content planning process, especially with tools like Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar. This monthly calendar template allows you to plan 12 months of content effortlessly, aligning your social media strategy with your broader marketing objectives. Define content types to simplify your posting process. Reduce planning time and improve overall efficiency. Adjust and modify the calendar to meet evolving needs. Aligning Marketing Goals Successful content planning hinges on the ability to align marketing goals with your overall strategy, and Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar makes this process markedly easier. This online calendar planner automates the calendar creation, allowing you to input your marketing objectives and receive a customized 12-month schedule. It helps you define various content types, ensuring that your posts remain engaging and relevant to your target audience. By streamlining the planning process, you can reduce the chances of last-minute scrambles, enhancing your team’s efficiency. Moreover, this tool encourages coordination among marketing teams, aligning all content efforts with your broader marketing goals. With Content Cal, you can confidently manage your content strategy and maintain cohesion across your campaigns. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a structured daily breakdown for planning your content across multiple platforms, including an “Other” section for any additional channels you might use. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can efficiently organize your scheduling and track engagement data, ensuring you’re aware of your social media performance. This template is available for immediate download, making it easy to improve collaboration within your team and streamline your content management process. Daily Content Breakdown A well-organized social media content calendar is vital for effective planning and execution. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a daily content breakdown to help you manage your posts efficiently. Supports five major platforms and additional channels Allows for up to six daily posts per platform Tracks performance metrics alongside content This content schedule template makes it easy to fill predefined slots for social copy, images, links, and engagement data. By streamlining your posting process, you’ll maintain consistent engagement with your audience. Plus, the template is downloadable for immediate use, ensuring your team can implement effective content strategies without delay. With this tool, you’ll improve your social media planning and boost your overall content management. Multi-Platform Support When managing social media content, having a template that supports multiple platforms can greatly improve your planning process. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template is designed for five major social platforms, plus an “Other” section for any additional channels. This flexibility guarantees thorough content planning. Feature Description Daily Breakdown Plan up to six posts per platform daily. Content Fields Organize social copy, images, and links. Collaboration Real-time updates for seamless teamwork. You can download this calendar planner online free, making it easy to avoid last-minute scrambles. With its detailed structure, you’ll improve your content organization and tracking, guaranteeing your social media strategy runs smoothly across all platforms. Engagement Data Tracking Tracking engagement data is a fundamental aspect of refining your social media strategy, as it provides insights into how your audience interacts with your content. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template facilitates this process with a typable monthly calendar that includes predefined slots for engagement metrics across five platforms. Input fields for social copy, images, and links Schedule up to six daily posts per platform Analyze how different content types resonate with your audience Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template For effective content planning, the Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a user-friendly solution designed in Google Sheets. This calendar 2025 template provides a day-by-day multiplatform view, making it ideal for teams that post high volumes of content. The straightforward layout simplifies the scheduling process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—creating engaging content. You can easily download the template for immediate use, customizing it to fit your specific needs. It includes detailed sections for tracking content across various social media platforms, ensuring organized and consistent posting. Moreover, the template facilitates collaboration among team members, enhancing communication and efficiency in the content creation process, ultimately resulting in more effective social media strategies. CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template serves as a strong tool for marketers looking to streamline their social media strategy effectively. With this template, you can easily make a calendar that improves your workflow and guarantees a cohesive marketing approach. Drag-and-drop interface for easy scheduling adjustments. Color-coding feature to visually organize content types. Analytics tools for tracking performance and optimizing posts. This centralized platform allows you to plan and schedule daily posts across various channels, making it simple to identify gaps and opportunities. Plus, the template supports team collaboration, letting you assign tasks and track progress. With CoSchedule’s template, you’ll cultivate effective communication and achieve a well-coordinated social media presence. ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar When you need an efficient way to manage your social media content, ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar can be a valuable asset. This project management tool helps you create a calendar to plan and organize your content by platform and status, streamlining the creation process. You can store ideas for future posts and prioritize them based on specific goals, improving your strategic planning. Feature Description Customizable Views Choose between calendar and list formats Integration Connects with other tools for workflow Accessibility Free plan available with limited features With ClickUp, you can improve collaboration among team members during content planning and execution, making your social media strategy more effective. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Choose the Right Content Schedule Template for My Needs? To choose the right content schedule template for your needs, start by identifying your goals and the type of content you’ll produce. Consider factors like frequency, platforms, and audience engagement. Look for templates that offer flexibility and clarity, allowing you to track deadlines and responsibilities easily. Evaluate the design and usability to guarantee it fits your workflow. Finally, test a few options to see which one improves your planning effectively. Can I Customize Existing Templates for My Specific Content Strategy? Yes, you can customize existing templates to fit your specific content strategy. Start by identifying your unique needs, such as content types, publishing frequency, and target audience. Adjust the template’s layout, sections, and timelines to align with your goals. Most templates allow you to add or remove elements, making them flexible. As you modify, make certain it remains user-friendly for your team, promoting efficiency in your content planning process. What Are the Key Components of an Effective Content Schedule? An effective content schedule includes several key components. First, clearly define your content goals, ensuring they align with your overall strategy. Next, establish a timeline that outlines when each piece will be created and published. Incorporate a mix of content types to keep your audience engaged, and assign responsibilities to team members. Finally, regularly review and adjust the schedule based on performance metrics to improve future content planning and execution. How Often Should I Update My Content Schedule? You should update your content schedule regularly to stay relevant and organized. A good rule of thumb is to review it at least once a month. This allows you to assess what’s working, identify gaps, and make necessary adjustments based on current trends or changes in your audience’s interests. If you’re in a fast-paced industry, consider weekly updates to guarantee your content remains timely and engaging. Regular reviews help you maintain consistency and effectiveness. Are There Free Options for Content Schedule Templates Available Online? Yes, there are several free options for content schedule templates available online. Websites like Google Docs, Canva, and Trello offer customizable templates that can fit various needs. You can find templates designed for social media, blog posts, or general content planning. Many of these resources allow you to edit and organize your schedule easily. Just search for “free content schedule templates,” and you’ll discover plenty of choices to improve your planning process. Conclusion Incorporating these seven crucial content schedule templates can greatly improve your social media planning. Each template—ranging from HootSuite’s editable calendar to ClickUp’s customizable option—offers unique features that streamline content management and boost team collaboration. By utilizing these tools, you can guarantee your social media content aligns with strategic objectives, fills gaps in your strategy, and leverages analytics for better performance. Adopting these templates will help you create a more effective and organized social media presence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Content Schedule Templates to Enhance Planning" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When planning your social media strategy, using content schedule templates can streamline the process considerably. These templates, like HootSuite’s editable calendar and HubSpot’s centralized tool, help you organize posts effectively. They facilitate collaboration among team members and provide insights through analytics. By employing these resources, you can guarantee your content meets strategic goals. But which templates best suit your needs, and how can they truly improve your planning? Key Takeaways Utilize HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar for organized scheduling across five platforms, enhancing planning and communication among team members. Implement HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar for a centralized location to plan, schedule, and track content effectively. Leverage Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template to monitor engagement data and optimize posts based on performance analytics. Explore ClickUp’s features for enhanced collaboration and task management, supporting strategic planning and prioritization of content. Use CoSchedule Template to visually organize content types, streamlining the content creation process and improving overall social media strategy effectiveness. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar When managing social media, having a well-organized content calendar can greatly improve your strategy. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar offers an editable monthly calendar that integrates five major platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This enables you to strategize across multiple channels seamlessly. Available in a customizable Google Sheet format, it allows for immediate use and personal adjustments to fit your specific needs. The inclusion of an evergreen content library tab helps you store and repurpose timeless content efficiently. By encouraging thorough planning and organized scheduling of social media posts, this template prevents last-minute scrambles, ensuring you maintain a consistent online presence. You can download it for quick access to a structured content planning tool. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar serves as an effective solution for organizing and managing your social media efforts across various platforms. This all-encompassing tool allows you to plan, schedule, and track your content in one centralized location. Key features include: Editable calendar: Customize fields for post titles, links, snippets, and images. Dedicated sections: Keep content organized for each social platform, aligning with your overall marketing strategy. Free access: Ideal for individuals and small teams looking to improve social media management without financial strain. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar automates the calendar creation process, making it easier for you to plan content efficiently over a full year. By aligning your social media strategy with broader marketing goals, this tool guarantees that your content distribution remains cohesive and focused. You’ll additionally benefit from clear definitions of content categories and publication timelines, streamlining your overall content planning efforts. Automated Calendar Creation Automating your calendar creation can greatly streamline your content planning process, especially with tools like Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar. This monthly calendar template allows you to plan 12 months of content effortlessly, aligning your social media strategy with your broader marketing objectives. Define content types to simplify your posting process. Reduce planning time and improve overall efficiency. Adjust and modify the calendar to meet evolving needs. Aligning Marketing Goals Successful content planning hinges on the ability to align marketing goals with your overall strategy, and Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar makes this process markedly easier. This online calendar planner automates the calendar creation, allowing you to input your marketing objectives and receive a customized 12-month schedule. It helps you define various content types, ensuring that your posts remain engaging and relevant to your target audience. By streamlining the planning process, you can reduce the chances of last-minute scrambles, enhancing your team’s efficiency. Moreover, this tool encourages coordination among marketing teams, aligning all content efforts with your broader marketing goals. With Content Cal, you can confidently manage your content strategy and maintain cohesion across your campaigns. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a structured daily breakdown for planning your content across multiple platforms, including an “Other” section for any additional channels you might use. With predefined slots for up to six daily posts per platform, you can efficiently organize your scheduling and track engagement data, ensuring you’re aware of your social media performance. This template is available for immediate download, making it easy to improve collaboration within your team and streamline your content management process. Daily Content Breakdown A well-organized social media content calendar is vital for effective planning and execution. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template provides a daily content breakdown to help you manage your posts efficiently. Supports five major platforms and additional channels Allows for up to six daily posts per platform Tracks performance metrics alongside content This content schedule template makes it easy to fill predefined slots for social copy, images, links, and engagement data. By streamlining your posting process, you’ll maintain consistent engagement with your audience. Plus, the template is downloadable for immediate use, ensuring your team can implement effective content strategies without delay. With this tool, you’ll improve your social media planning and boost your overall content management. Multi-Platform Support When managing social media content, having a template that supports multiple platforms can greatly improve your planning process. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template is designed for five major social platforms, plus an “Other” section for any additional channels. This flexibility guarantees thorough content planning. Feature Description Daily Breakdown Plan up to six posts per platform daily. Content Fields Organize social copy, images, and links. Collaboration Real-time updates for seamless teamwork. You can download this calendar planner online free, making it easy to avoid last-minute scrambles. With its detailed structure, you’ll improve your content organization and tracking, guaranteeing your social media strategy runs smoothly across all platforms. Engagement Data Tracking Tracking engagement data is a fundamental aspect of refining your social media strategy, as it provides insights into how your audience interacts with your content. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template facilitates this process with a typable monthly calendar that includes predefined slots for engagement metrics across five platforms. Input fields for social copy, images, and links Schedule up to six daily posts per platform Analyze how different content types resonate with your audience Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template For effective content planning, the Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a user-friendly solution designed in Google Sheets. This calendar 2025 template provides a day-by-day multiplatform view, making it ideal for teams that post high volumes of content. The straightforward layout simplifies the scheduling process, allowing you to focus on what matters most—creating engaging content. You can easily download the template for immediate use, customizing it to fit your specific needs. It includes detailed sections for tracking content across various social media platforms, ensuring organized and consistent posting. Moreover, the template facilitates collaboration among team members, enhancing communication and efficiency in the content creation process, ultimately resulting in more effective social media strategies. CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Social Media Content Calendar Template serves as a strong tool for marketers looking to streamline their social media strategy effectively. With this template, you can easily make a calendar that improves your workflow and guarantees a cohesive marketing approach. Drag-and-drop interface for easy scheduling adjustments. Color-coding feature to visually organize content types. Analytics tools for tracking performance and optimizing posts. This centralized platform allows you to plan and schedule daily posts across various channels, making it simple to identify gaps and opportunities. Plus, the template supports team collaboration, letting you assign tasks and track progress. With CoSchedule’s template, you’ll cultivate effective communication and achieve a well-coordinated social media presence. ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar When you need an efficient way to manage your social media content, ClickUp’s Social Media Content Calendar can be a valuable asset. This project management tool helps you create a calendar to plan and organize your content by platform and status, streamlining the creation process. You can store ideas for future posts and prioritize them based on specific goals, improving your strategic planning. Feature Description Customizable Views Choose between calendar and list formats Integration Connects with other tools for workflow Accessibility Free plan available with limited features With ClickUp, you can improve collaboration among team members during content planning and execution, making your social media strategy more effective. Frequently Asked Questions How Do I Choose the Right Content Schedule Template for My Needs? To choose the right content schedule template for your needs, start by identifying your goals and the type of content you’ll produce. Consider factors like frequency, platforms, and audience engagement. Look for templates that offer flexibility and clarity, allowing you to track deadlines and responsibilities easily. Evaluate the design and usability to guarantee it fits your workflow. Finally, test a few options to see which one improves your planning effectively. Can I Customize Existing Templates for My Specific Content Strategy? Yes, you can customize existing templates to fit your specific content strategy. Start by identifying your unique needs, such as content types, publishing frequency, and target audience. Adjust the template’s layout, sections, and timelines to align with your goals. Most templates allow you to add or remove elements, making them flexible. As you modify, make certain it remains user-friendly for your team, promoting efficiency in your content planning process. What Are the Key Components of an Effective Content Schedule? An effective content schedule includes several key components. First, clearly define your content goals, ensuring they align with your overall strategy. Next, establish a timeline that outlines when each piece will be created and published. Incorporate a mix of content types to keep your audience engaged, and assign responsibilities to team members. Finally, regularly review and adjust the schedule based on performance metrics to improve future content planning and execution. How Often Should I Update My Content Schedule? You should update your content schedule regularly to stay relevant and organized. A good rule of thumb is to review it at least once a month. This allows you to assess what’s working, identify gaps, and make necessary adjustments based on current trends or changes in your audience’s interests. If you’re in a fast-paced industry, consider weekly updates to guarantee your content remains timely and engaging. Regular reviews help you maintain consistency and effectiveness. Are There Free Options for Content Schedule Templates Available Online? Yes, there are several free options for content schedule templates available online. Websites like Google Docs, Canva, and Trello offer customizable templates that can fit various needs. You can find templates designed for social media, blog posts, or general content planning. Many of these resources allow you to edit and organize your schedule easily. Just search for “free content schedule templates,” and you’ll discover plenty of choices to improve your planning process. Conclusion Incorporating these seven crucial content schedule templates can greatly improve your social media planning. Each template—ranging from HootSuite’s editable calendar to ClickUp’s customizable option—offers unique features that streamline content management and boost team collaboration. By utilizing these tools, you can guarantee your social media content aligns with strategic objectives, fills gaps in your strategy, and leverages analytics for better performance. Adopting these templates will help you create a more effective and organized social media presence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Essential Content Schedule Templates to Enhance Planning" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Data makes for better decisions, more effective projects, and stronger alignment across your organization. With Smartsheet as the powerhouse for that data, you get visibility on valuable work, seamless collaboration, and deep reporting. But the data you need isn’t always in Smartsheet. That’s when you need a software integration. Smartsheet offers its own integrations through Smartsheet Bridge, allowing you to bridge the gap between this essential tool and other platforms. Unito’s Smartsheet integration, meanwhile, creates a two-way flow between Smartsheet and other tools, powering smoother collaboration across tools. Here’s your guide to picking the right option for your team. Smartsheet BridgeUnitoIntegration typeOne-way event-based workflowsTwo-way live data syncSetup complexityNo-code, but technical know-how neededNo-code, user-friendly setupSupported toolsThree pre-built connectors (ServiceNow, Google Translate, SharePoint) Developer platform for any tool with an API60+ connectors, like Jira, Azure DevOps, and ServiceNowCost of ownershipAdditional cost on top of your Smartsheet Enterprise subscriptionOne subscription price, low setup and maintenance costTime to deployComplex and slowShortCustomizationFlexible, but manual and technicalVisual, easy to configure, auto-mapping supportedScalabilityFlexible, depending on custom designEnterprise-ready, built for high-volume syncs What is Smartsheet Bridge? Smartsheet Bridge is a low-code option for teams needing to build automations that support even complex workflows both within Smartsheet and between Smartsheet and other tools. Its simple drag-and-drop interface means you don’t need advanced technical skills to set up basic automations. But if you do have technical resources, you can use HTTP calls, API calls, and Javascript to build your own automations with any tool that supports these methods. What is Unito? Unito is a no-code integration solution with some of the deepest two-way integrations for popular tools like Asana, Jira, ServiceNow, and Salesforce. These integrations build two-way relationships between rows in Smartsheet and work items in other tools, automatically updating fields, creating new work items, and archiving work items as you work. Say, for instance, that you’re tracking project deliverables in Asana but the projects themselves are managed in Smartsheet. Unito can pair Asana tasks for those deliverables with rows in Smartsheet, so anyone in Asana knows exactly when those deliverables will be completed, who’s working on them, and how they’re prioritized around other work. Unito vs. Smartsheet Bridge: How they compare Let’s break down the differences between Unito and Smartsheet Bridge in more detail. Integration type Smartsheet Bridge uses trigger-based “if this then that” logic, which can be triggered with either specific events or on a schedule. This structure can support a wide variety of activities, so no matter what business function you’re building workflows for, Smartsheet Bridge can automate those actions. Note, however, that these automations only work in one direction by default. That means data is pushed from an initial trigger to an action, and onward from there. You can link up enough automations to push data back to the tool or project involved in the initial trigger, but that can get complex quickly. Conversely, Unito sets up a two-way relationship between blocks of work (e.g., projects, spreadsheets, or workspaces) and the work items (e.g., tasks, rows, or records) in them. A single flow can connect two individual blocks of work and any number of work items in them, syncing data back and forth in real-time. No building chains of automations. Just one flow and you have a two-way sync, ready to go. Setup complexity You don’t need to learn how to code to set up Smartsheet Bridge’s automations, but you do need a certain level of technical knowledge to understand what’s happening behind the scenes. Otherwise, you run the risk of encountering issues like infinite loops and broken automations. Most Unito users don’t have a technical background, and they deploy their first Unito integration within a few days, if not less. Whether you have a small team or you’re an enterprise organization, you can deploy Unito integrations without any developers or third-party consultants. Supported tools Smartsheet Bridge offers three pre-built connectors: ServiceNow, Google Translate, and Sharepoint. While these connectors can support specific, critical workflows, they’re not enough to support your team’s work holistically. Bridge also allows you to build your own connectors with any tool that has an API—but that involves development work. Unito offers over 60 pre-built connectors for tools like Smartsheet, ServiceNow, Jira, and Asana, supporting workflows like ticket escalation, software development, project management, and record syncing. That means you can rely on a single platform for most—if not all—of your integration needs. Cost of ownership With Smartsheet Bridge, you’ll have to pay an additional cost on top of your Smartsheet subscription. You’ll also need to budget for technical resources for building custom connectors, whether you’re relying on your own developers or external consultants. With Unito, your total cost of ownership is summed up in a single subscription fee. No extra expenses for development and no hidden fees. Time to deploy Smartsheet Bridge can be a complex integration solution to deploy. Even if you’re using its pre-built connectors, you’re looking at a technical, lengthy process before your integrations are live. This isn’t a problem if you have the time and the resources, but it can make already problematic workflows get more complex. Unito’s integrations deploy in days, not weeks or months. And since you don’t need a technical background to deploy these integrations, anyone in your team can own that deployment. You’ll see the impacts of your Unito integration quickly, without disrupting the way your teams work. Customization Smartsheet Bridge is a deeply customizable integration solution. But that customization comes at a cost. Because making the changes you need is a deeply manual process, you need technical resources to do so. This isn’t the kind of integration where anyone on your team can make the changes they need on the fly. Unito’s integrations are both deeply customizable and easy to customize. Deep field mappings allow you to send data exactly where it needs to go, while rules allow you to fine-tune how much data gets through. With Unito’s visual interface, you can modify your integrations on the fly with no technical knowledge. Scalability No matter how effective your Smartsheet Bridge integrations are, they’re limited by the amount of custom development work you put into them. That means any time you need to add support for other connectors or extra functionality, you need to budget for that work. Your ability to scale Smartsheet Bridge integrations depends on how much of that work you can do. Unito is built with enterprise organizations and their integration needs in mind. A single Unito flow can sync hundreds of work items in real-time, scaling with you as you grow. When you should use Smartsheet Bridge Smartsheet Bridge works best for workflows that only need straightforward, trigger-based automations to work right. Processes with multiple approvals and clear dependencies are well-suited to Smartsheet Bridge, since data only needs to move in one direction. If you have the development resources to build and deploy custom connectors to cover your tool stack, then Smartsheet Bridge’s deep customization is a natural fit for your team. When you should use Unito Unito is the single best option for powering seamless collaboration across tools. It’s as close as you can get to working in two tools at the same time without actually needing to switch back and forth between them. Unito’s real-time, two-way sync keeps all your work updated in real-time, allowing organizations to collaborate across departments and even across time zones, no matter what tools they use. Whether it’s for managing projects, escalating tickets, or enhancing AI agents in your tools, Unito is the best choice. Ready to get more out of your tools? Meet with a Unito product expert to see what a Unito flow can do for your workflows. Talk with sales View the full article

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