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We may earn a commission from links on this page. Resistance bands are portable, convenient, and definitely have their uses. It’s no wonder they’re popular—but why are "booty bands" the focus of so many butt-centered workouts? Let me explain what's going on here, and where these bands can actually help your workout routine. What exactly are booty bands? A "booty band" is a nickname for a type of resistance band that is a short loop, usually a few inches wide, and either made of rubber or a thick elasticized fabric. (The fabric ones are more comfortable to use.) The length makes them perfect for exercises that call for a band around your legs. This includes a lot of hip exercises that, yes, can build up your butt muscles. I have a fabric set similar to this one. I don't really do "booty" workouts, but I find this type of band useful for the hip warmups that I sometimes do before squats or Olympic lifts. When I was rehabbing a knee injury I remember a lot of this type of exercise at my physical therapy appointments. So they're definitely useful for more than just booty-building. By the way, there is a company called Booty Bands, but the term “booty bands” has also been applied to the general category of resistance bands that can go around your knees or thighs. There is no shortage of workouts that incorporate the use of these bands into squats and kickbacks and glute bridges, all while promising you major booty gains. As with many popular workouts, though, the promises are overblown. Resistance bands come with general pros and consBefore we delve into booty-focused bands in particular, it’s worth taking a look at the pros and cons of all resistance bands. I compared them with dumbbells here, and as you may recall, the takeaways included: Resistance bands can provide more total “weight” than small dumbbells. Resistance bands wear out over time. Resistance bands change in how challenging they are depending on how much you stretch them. If your home gym items need to be small and cheap, you can get a lot further with resistance bands than with dumbbells. That's because it's easy to find upper-body exercises you can do with smaller dumbbells, but you have to go a good bit heavier to find challenging lower-body workouts. Your main options are resistance band exercises, and single-leg bodyweight exercises (without a resistance band) like lunges and split squats. Easy exercises don’t do you any favorsIf you are trying to build a butt, you’re trying to build muscle. And the most efficient way to build muscle is to lift heavy—not a million reps of light work (although that can work, if you are very patient). So how do you know if you’re working hard or “heavy” enough? As I’ve mentioned before, you want to be doing smallish numbers of reps (12 or less, most of the time) that are hard enough that the last few reps feel truly challenging. If you’ve been using the same band or weight for a while, try a more challenging one from time to time to find out if you’re stronger than you think. If you are, it’s time to move up. I mention this here because the banded portion of a “booty” workout is usually fairly easy and light. If you’re doing banded exercises and they fit my definition of heavy and they feel genuinely challenging to you, then they may well be doing what they promise. Stick with the bands for now. But bands may not be enough for your whole workout. For many of us, actual heavy weights will be necessary to give your butt (or any body part) an appropriate workout. Champion deadlifters need a lot of strength in their butt, but you won’t see powerlifters eschewing the barbell to focus on banded YouTube workouts, you know? They will often use bands in addition to the barbell, though. Bands are great for warmups and accessoriesPut all of this together, and it’s clear that bands make the most sense as a side dish to your workout—or an appetizer, or a dessert. To build muscle, the main course should still probably be a heavier workout with weights, if you can swing that. If not, you need to make sure your banded exercises are heavy enough. If you bring your bands to the gym, you can do banded kickbacks as part of your warmup, or as a high-rep finisher after leg day. You can use them for “activation” exercises, which is more or less a newfangled word for warmup. And then you can move on to your squats, deadlifts, weighted lunges, or hip thrusts. Which brings me to another point about using booty bands at the gym: if you’re doing squats with a band around your knees, the squats are doing the real work, with the band offering—to continue our food metaphor—perhaps a small garnish. View the full article

Even before this year’s Spotify Wrapped dropped, I had a hunch what mine would reveal. Lo and behold, one of my most-listened-to songs was an obscure 2004 track titled “Rusty Chevrolet” by the Irish band Shanneyganock. I heard it first thanks to my son, whose friend had been singing it on the swings at school. My son found it utterly hilarious, and it’s been playing in our house nonstop ever since. Like parents all over the world, I rue how my son’s musical tastes have hijacked my listening history. But I’m also tickled to learn that our household is probably one of the few even listening to it. Spotify Wrapped is an annual campaign by the popular streaming music platform. Since 2015, the streaming service has been repackaging user data–specifically, the listening history of Spotify’s users over the past year–into attractive, personalized slideshows featuring, among other data points, your top five songs, your total listening time, and even your “listening personality.” (Are you a “Replayer,” a “Maverick” or a “Vampire”?) As a consumer behavior researcher, I’ve thought about why these lists get so much attention each year. I suspect that the success of Spotify Wrapped may have a lot to do with how the flashy, shareable graphics are connected to a couple of fundamental–and somewhat contradictory–human needs. Individuality and belonging In 1991, social psychologist Marilynn Brewer introduced what she coined “optimal distinctiveness theory.” She argued that most people are torn between two human needs. On the one hand, there’s the need for “validation and similarity to others.” On the other hand, people want to express their “uniqueness and individuation.” Thus, most of us are constantly striving for a balance between feeling connected to others while also maintaining a sense of our own distinct individuality. At Thanksgiving, for example, your need for connection is likely more than satisfied. In that moment, you’re surrounded by family and friends who share a lot in common with you. In fact, it can feel so fulfilled that you may start craving the opposite: a way to assert your individuality. Maybe you choose to wear something that really reflects your personality, or you tell stories about interesting experiences you’ve had in the past year. In contrast, you may feel relatively isolated when you move to a new town and feel a stronger need for connection. You may wear the styles and brands you see your neighbors and co-workers wearing, pop into popular cafes and restaurants, or invite people over to your home in an effort to make new friends. Have it your way When people buy things, they often make choices as a way to satisfy their needs for connection and individuality. Brands recognize this and usually try to entice consumers with at least one of these two elements. It’s partly why Coca-Cola started releasing bottles featuring popular names on the labels as part of its “Share a Coke” campaign. The soft drink remains the same, but grabbing a Coke with your name on it can cultivate a sense of connection with everyone else who has it. And it’s why Apple offers custom, personalized engravings for products such as its AirPods and iPads. Spotify Wrapped works because it nails the balance between competing needs: the desire to belong and the desire to stand out. Seeing the overlap between your lists and those of your friends fosters a sense of connection, and seeing the differences is a signal of your (or your kids’!) unique musical taste. It gives me a way to say, “Sure, I’ve been listening to ‘Soda Pop’ nonstop like everyone else. But I’m probably the only one playing ‘Rusty Chevrolet’ on repeat.” The Wrapped campaign is also smart marketing. Spotify turns listeners’ unique, personal listening data into striking visuals that are tailor-made for posting to social media accounts. It’s no wonder, then, that the Wrapped feature has led to impressive engagement: On TikTok, the hashtag #SpotifyWrapped garnered 73.7 billion views in 2023. The annual campaign has earned numerous honors, including a Cannes Lion and several Webby Awards, otherwise known as the “Oscars of the Internet.” It’s been so successful that it’s inspired a wave of copycats: Apple Music, Reddit, Uber, and Duolingo now release similarly personalized “year-in-reviews.” None, however, has managed to achieve the same level of cultural impact as Spotify Wrapped. So what’s on your list? And will you brag, hide or laugh at what it says about you? Ishani Banerji is a clinical assistant professor of marketing at Clemson University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. View the full article

In an age where productivity often collides with the chaos of daily commuting, a new tool from Android aims to transform travel into an opportunity for efficiency. With the recent introduction of Gemini, small business owners can now harness the power of technology to make the most of their drive time, turning what was once unproductive time on the road into actionable tasks. Gemini integrates seamlessly with Gmail and promises to help users manage emails while on the go. This development could prove particularly beneficial for small business owners who often juggle numerous responsibilities. Instead of arriving at the office with a backlog of unread messages, entrepreneurs can now stay informed about pressing issues as they navigate the roads. Picture this scenario: you’re on your way to a meeting, and you recall that you booked a hotel for the night but can’t quite remember the address. With Gemini, you can simply ask your device, “Can you check my email for the hotel address and navigate me there?” This kind of functionality alleviates the stress of trying to remember or find information while on the move, making the morning commute less about scrambling and more about organized efficiency. Moreover, the tool goes beyond just finding the basics in email. It assists users in staying on top of their inboxes by summarizing unread emails, allowing small business owners to prioritize their attention. This proactive approach to email management can help busy entrepreneurs tackle the most crucial tasks of the day right from their car. The expanded capabilities of Gemini don’t stop at email. Small business owners can also manage their calendars and to-do lists through Google Calendar, Google Tasks, and Google Keep, among other applications. Whether responding to a meeting invitation or jotting down a spontaneous idea, Gemini supports users in maintaining momentum without sacrificing safety. For many small business owners, multitasking is second nature. The conversational engagement facilitated by Gemini’s features makes it easier to manage various tasks seamlessly. Capturing important notes while en route or coordinating schedules can enhance productivity, transforming commuting into a valuable part of the workday. However, as with any new technology, there are potential challenges that small business owners should consider. One significant challenge is the distraction that can arise even from hands-free features. Although Gemini aims to optimize driving time, it is crucial that users remain aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety over multitasking. The line between driving and productivity can blur, especially when engaging with digital tools while on the road. Moreover, as Gemini expands its support to third-party applications, business owners may face uncertainties regarding compatibility and feature functionality. Ensuring that all essential tools integrate well with Gemini may require some trial and error, which could be a time-consuming endeavor for those already managing the demands of a growing business. In this context, communication and training become essential. Owners should be prepared to invest time into learning how to use Gemini effectively, as well as training potential employees or team members on its functionalities. This could enhance overall team efficiency but represents an initial pinch-point in terms of time and resources. The onset of AI tools like Gemini heralds a new chapter in business productivity. With the opportunity to combine commutes with essential tasks, small business owners can make better use of their time. The promise of accessibility and organization is enticing, encouraging entrepreneurs to rethink how they approach their daily routines. For more details on this development, you can refer to the original post here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Gemini Transforms Commutes: Access Gmail and Stay Productive While Driving" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

In an age where productivity often collides with the chaos of daily commuting, a new tool from Android aims to transform travel into an opportunity for efficiency. With the recent introduction of Gemini, small business owners can now harness the power of technology to make the most of their drive time, turning what was once unproductive time on the road into actionable tasks. Gemini integrates seamlessly with Gmail and promises to help users manage emails while on the go. This development could prove particularly beneficial for small business owners who often juggle numerous responsibilities. Instead of arriving at the office with a backlog of unread messages, entrepreneurs can now stay informed about pressing issues as they navigate the roads. Picture this scenario: you’re on your way to a meeting, and you recall that you booked a hotel for the night but can’t quite remember the address. With Gemini, you can simply ask your device, “Can you check my email for the hotel address and navigate me there?” This kind of functionality alleviates the stress of trying to remember or find information while on the move, making the morning commute less about scrambling and more about organized efficiency. Moreover, the tool goes beyond just finding the basics in email. It assists users in staying on top of their inboxes by summarizing unread emails, allowing small business owners to prioritize their attention. This proactive approach to email management can help busy entrepreneurs tackle the most crucial tasks of the day right from their car. The expanded capabilities of Gemini don’t stop at email. Small business owners can also manage their calendars and to-do lists through Google Calendar, Google Tasks, and Google Keep, among other applications. Whether responding to a meeting invitation or jotting down a spontaneous idea, Gemini supports users in maintaining momentum without sacrificing safety. For many small business owners, multitasking is second nature. The conversational engagement facilitated by Gemini’s features makes it easier to manage various tasks seamlessly. Capturing important notes while en route or coordinating schedules can enhance productivity, transforming commuting into a valuable part of the workday. However, as with any new technology, there are potential challenges that small business owners should consider. One significant challenge is the distraction that can arise even from hands-free features. Although Gemini aims to optimize driving time, it is crucial that users remain aware of their surroundings and prioritize safety over multitasking. The line between driving and productivity can blur, especially when engaging with digital tools while on the road. Moreover, as Gemini expands its support to third-party applications, business owners may face uncertainties regarding compatibility and feature functionality. Ensuring that all essential tools integrate well with Gemini may require some trial and error, which could be a time-consuming endeavor for those already managing the demands of a growing business. In this context, communication and training become essential. Owners should be prepared to invest time into learning how to use Gemini effectively, as well as training potential employees or team members on its functionalities. This could enhance overall team efficiency but represents an initial pinch-point in terms of time and resources. The onset of AI tools like Gemini heralds a new chapter in business productivity. With the opportunity to combine commutes with essential tasks, small business owners can make better use of their time. The promise of accessibility and organization is enticing, encouraging entrepreneurs to rethink how they approach their daily routines. For more details on this development, you can refer to the original post here. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Gemini Transforms Commutes: Access Gmail and Stay Productive While Driving" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

At issue is the CFPB's weekly publication of Average Prime Offer Rate tables, a key benchmark enabling the smooth operation of the $13 trillion residential mortgage market. View the full article

The U.S. stock market is drifting near its record levels on Wednesday following mixed reactions to profit reports from Macy’s, Marvell Technologies, and other companies. The S&P 500 rose 0.2% and pulled within 0.7% of its all-time high set in late October. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 174 points, or 0.6%, as of 11:50 a.m. Eastern time, and the Nasdaq composite was virtually unchanged. Marvell rose 4.1% after the supplier of semiconductor products delivered a stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected. CEO Matt Murphy credited strong demand for its data center products, while also announcing a $3.25 billion purchase of Celestial AI to bolster its artificial-intelligence infrastructure business. American Eagle Outfitters was another winner and rallied 16.1% after the retailer reported a better profit than expected. Its CEO, Jay Schottenstein, said it also saw a strong start to the holiday shopping season with an acceleration in demand across its brands during the Thanksgiving weekend. Outside of earnings reports, Capricor Therapeutics surged 352% after the biotech company reported encouraging results for its potential therapy for people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. On the losing end of Wall Street were relatively few companies, including one out of every three stocks in the S&P 500 index. But among them were some of the market’s most influential stocks, which kept indexes in check. Microsoft fell 2% and was the heaviest weight on the S&P 500. Nvidia slipped just 0.4%, but because it’s the most valuable stock on Wall Street, it was another one of the heaviest weights dragging on the index. Macy’s fell 1% despite reporting a profit for the latest quarter that was much better than the loss that analysts were expecting. Its stock may be feeling the pressure of high expectations after it came into the day with a rally of 34.1% for the year so far, more than double the S&P 500’s rise. CrowdStrike slipped 0.5% despite topping analysts’ expectations for profit. It too came into the day with a big gain for the year so far, raising the stakes, at 51%. In the bond market, Treasury yields eased after a report suggested U.S. employers outside of the government may have cut more jobs in November than they added. The data from ADP was much weaker than economists expected, but it has not had a perfect track record predicting what the more comprehensive jobs report from the U.S. government will say each month. Wednesday’s data may be discouraging for people looking for jobs, but it also keeps alive expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut its main interest rate next week. If the Fed does, that would be the third such cut this year in hopes of bolstering the slowing job market. A report later in the morning on activity for U.S. services business was more encouraging. It said growth was stronger last month than expected for businesses in the retail, finance, insurance, and other industries. Perhaps just as important was that the Institute for Supply Management’s survey also said prices were increasing at their slowest rate since April. That could help the Fed because fears of high inflation are the main argument against cutting interest rates. The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.07% from 4.09% late Tuesday. Easing bond yields can boost prices for all kinds of investments, and bitcoin climbed again to top $92,000 following its scary downward run in recent weeks. It briefly plunged below $81,000 last month. In stock markets abroad, indexes were close to flat in Europe following a mixed finish in Asia. Japan’s Nikkei 225 jumped 1.1% on gains for technology stocks like Tokyo Electron, which jumped 4.7%. SoftBank Group Corp. leaped 6.4% following reports that its founder, Masayoshi Son, regretted having to sell shares in computer chipmaker Nvidia to help pay for other investments. Chinese indexes sank following the release of data showing weaker factory activity. Stocks fell 1.3% in Hong Kong and 0.5% in Shanghai. –Stan Choe, AP business writer AP Business Writers Matt Ott and Elaine Kurtenbach contributed. View the full article

It’s “where are you now?” month at Ask a Manager, and all December I’m running updates from people who had their letters here answered in the past. There will be more posts than usual this week, so keep checking back throughout the day. Remember the letter-writer wondering if they could ask their coworkers to tell them to shut up when they were talking too much? Here’s the update. I was the person who wrote in a moment of desperation trying to figure out how to stop myself from endlessly talking with/at coworkers and posed the idea of having a button made to tell people to tell me to hush (you know it was bad times when that sounded like a good idea). Warning for context to anyone who goes back and reads the original post, my original letter was written on a really bad day during one of our peak busy times so I was writing from a more desperate / stressed / frustrated / burned out place and ended up asking the wrong thing (asked how to make a very poorly thought solution work rather than asking for better ideas). The actual update. I appreciated the comments on both sides, especially those who got at what I was really needing over what I asked and gave not insane ideas/suggestions. It was nice to feel the support and be reminded that ADHD is indeed a disability, not shameful personal failings (as long as you are honestly putting in effort to do better). But it was also good to see more critical perspectives as a reminder that disability/struggles do not reduce your personal responsibility to manage yourself and perceptions are still a thing. One of the biggest ideas from the comments that has helped was breaking down and getting the smart watch I had been avoiding. I got a super cheap $20 one without all the bells and whistles and thus none of the extra distractions I was worried about. It has hourly movement reminders and I set “Whatcha dooin’ “alarms to go off every half hour during the workdays so I do not have to fiddle with setting timers, unexpected conversations, or misjudging how long a conversation will need to be. The alarm also has the option for up to three five-minute snoozes so I can start wrapping up or set up the back up timer. So far, it really seems to be working well and also helps pull me back when I need to move on from other things. Added bonus: if I am at my desk when it goes off, I drink some water so have been well hydrated. I also have been doing a variation of the water bottle idea by trying to carry my eInk tablet or something I have to carry, but is not satisfying to fiddle with if I know I am going to talk to someone. I can use it to jot something down or check existing notes, but I get annoyed not being able to use my hands so it reminds me to move on or, if things are heading to something bigger, cutting things off and suggesting a meeting with the relevant people. If it is near lunch or the end of day, I have also taken to using my cats as a politer exit. I got a new kitten so try to not be out too long since he is relegated to a single room by himself until he clears an infection and his sister learns to not orange cat smack at the gate when he looks at her or tries to bring her toys. Realize a conversation is running too long, but otherwise would feel too rude to end? “Sorry, Adrikins will be starting to get fussy if I do not get home soon and I do not want to torture my neighbor.” Are things magically perfect now and I never talk too much? Absolutely not, but catching myself two of five times is still better than it was so I will take it because clearly, I cannot keep anything concise lol. The post update: can I ask my coworkers to tell me to shut up when I’m talking too much? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has once again expanded its warning on certain brands of imported cookware, this time adding nine additional products that may leach significant levels of lead into food. That list of cookware has grown significantly since the FDA issued its original alert, which was updated twice, after tests found certain brass and aluminum cookware (known as Hindalium/Hindolium or Indalium/Indolium) could be leaching lead into food when used for cooking or food storage, making it unsafe to eat. The FDA investigation remains ongoing, and the agency said it will be adding additional products to the list as needed. Here’s what you need to know. Is lead dangerous to health? Yes. Lead is toxic for humans, and even low levels can cause serious health problems. Children, women of childbearing age, and those who are breastfeeding could be at higher risk after eating food from cookware that leaches lead. Babies and kids are more susceptible to lead toxicity due to their smaller size, metabolism, and rapidly developing bodies, according to the FDA. Which cookware is listed in the FDA’s expanded warning? As Fast Company previously reported, the FDA’s original recall warning on August 13 was issued for Saraswati Strips Pvt. Ltd., an Indian aluminum cookware company that sells Tiger White brand cookware. In September, three additional products were added to the list, including Silver Horse cookware distributed by Patel Brothers, and JK Vallabhdas products distributed by the Indian supermarket chain Indiaco. Since then, the FDA has added nine additional products to the list. Those product details are as follows: Brand and product name: Sonex Aluminum, Pot, an ISO 9001:2000 5 certified company Retailer: Alanwar Food Corp. (Balady Foods) 7128 5th Ave Brooklyn, NY Manufacturer: Sonex Cookware 60-61 / A, Small Ind. Estate #2 Gujranwala, Pakistan Recall status: Recall initiated on 11/18/25. Brand and product name: IKM Aluminum Saucepan (7023672411878 Aluminum Pan 2 Size Pouted Wooden Handle 9”) Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave Fremont, CA Manufacturer: SM Foods, New Delhi, India Recall status: Distributor agreed to recall on 11/19/25. Brand and product name: Brass Tope Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave Fremont, CA Manufacturer: Kraftwares (India) Ltd. Mumbai, India Recall status: Distributor agreed to recall on 11/19/25. Brand and product name: Aluminum Kadai Size 5 – A cook brand Retailer: India Metro Hypermarket, 5130 Mowry Ave Fremont, CA Manufacturer: Kraftwares (India) Ltd. Mumbai, India Recall status: Distributor agreed to recall on 11/19/25. Brand and product name: IKM 4-Quart Pital Brass Pot (7023672414398 Brass Hammered Handi No 3) Retailer: INDIA CASH AND CARRY, 39175 Farwell Dr Fremont, CA Manufacturer: JSM Foods, New Delhi, India Recall status: Distributor agreed to recall on 11/19/25. Brand and product name: Silver Horse Aluminum Coldero 28 Retailer: Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, 8767 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, MD Manufacturer: Recall status: FDA notified retail location of sample results. Brand and product name: Silver Horse Aluminum Coldero 28 (765542732177 Aluminium Degda 20) Retailer: Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, 8767 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, MD Manufacturer: Recall status: FDA notified retail location of sample results. Brand and product name: Silver Horse Aluminum Degda 24 Retailer: Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, 8767 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, MD Manufacturer: Recall status: FDA notified retail location of sample results. Brand and product name: Chef Milk Pan 24 cm (Milk Pan 24 cm MF 0732131905632) Retailer: Punjab Supermarket & Halal Meats, 8767 Philadelphia Road Rosedale, MD Manufacturer: Shata Traders, 10227 Avenue D, Brooklyn, NY 11236 Recall status: Distributor agreed to recall on 11/19/25. FDA recommendations According to the FDA, consumers should check their homes for the cookware and throw it away. Do not donate or refurbish it. Consumers who are concerned they may have been exposed to lead or elevated levels of lead should contact their healthcare provider. Retailers and distributors are encouraged to consult with the FDA regarding the safety and regulatory status of any products used in contact with food that they market or distribute. Additional questions can be sent to the FDA via email at premarkt@fda.hhs.gov. View the full article

Technology secretary Liz Kendall tells MPs she is ‘especially worried’ about potential risks to childrenView the full article

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday he would push a new requirement that the Federal Reserve‘s regional bank presidents live in their districts for at least three years before taking office, a move that could give the White House more power over the independent agency. In comments at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit, Bessent said that “there is a disconnect with the framing of the Federal Reserve” and added that, “unless someone has lived in their district for three years, we’re going to veto them.” Bessent has stepped up his criticism of the Fed’s 12 regional bank presidents in recent weeks after several of them made clear in a series of speeches that they opposed cutting the Fed’s key rate at its next meeting in December. President Donald The President has sharply criticized the Fed for not lowering its short-term interest rate more quickly. When the Fed reduces its rate it can over time lower borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. The prospect of the administration “vetoing” regional bank presidents would represent another effort by the administration to exert more control over the Fed, an institution that has traditionally been independent from day-to-day politics. The Federal Reserve seeks to keep prices in check and support hiring by setting a short-term interest rate that influences borrowing costs across the economy. It has a complicated structure that includes a seven-member board of governors based in Washington as well as 12 regional banks that cover specific districts across the United States. The seven governors and the president of the New York Fed vote on every interest-rate decision, while four of the remaining 11 presidents vote on a rotating basis. But all the presidents participate in meetings of the Fed’s interest-rate setting committee. Bessent argued last month in an interview on CNBC that the reason for the regional Fed banks was to bring the perspective of their districts to the Fed’s interest rate decisions and “break the New York hold” on the setting of interest rates. But now, he said last month, “three, maybe four” of the Fed presidents were appointed from outside their districts, with some living in New York. “I’m not sure that’s the way the Federal Reserve was designed,” he said in the interview. —Christopher Rugaber, AP economics writer View the full article

When managing your social media strategies, utilizing a Google Sheets content calendar can greatly improve your efficiency. With options like HootSuite’s and HubSpot’s templates, you can streamline planning as you customize for your specific needs. These tools not just help you organize posts but also track performance metrics, making it easier to adapt your approach. Explore how these templates can transform your content management, ensuring timely delivery and effective collaboration across your platforms. Key Takeaways HootSuite’s template offers customizable Google Sheets for efficient social media planning with evergreen content libraries and multiple views. HubSpot’s calendar provides organized planning with tabs for daily posts and performance metrics, aligning social media with marketing goals. Content Cal automates calendar creation for a year, defining content types for enhanced audience engagement and accountability. Smartsheet’s template allows detailed daily management across platforms, tracking vital data like social copy and images for improved collaboration. Social Media Examiner’s user-friendly layout supports high-volume content management, ensuring timely delivery and effective organization across multiple platforms. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar is an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their social media planning across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This customizable Google Sheets content calendar template allows you to organize your posts efficiently. It features an evergreen content library tab, making it easy to access and repurpose timeless content. With both monthly and weekly views, you can plan around holidays and events as you manage detailed scheduling. You’ll find the template convenient since you can download it for immediate use, helping your team start organizing their social media strategies right away. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar provides a thorough posting strategy that helps you manage content across multiple platforms effectively. With organized content planning through dedicated tabs for daily posts and monthly campaigns, you can streamline your social media efforts throughout the year. This template not just includes vital fields for post details but additionally supports alignment with your broader marketing goals, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your content. Comprehensive Posting Strategy When you’re looking to streamline your social media efforts, an extensive posting strategy can make all the difference. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar, available as a google sheets calendar template, provides a thorough approach to managing your content across various platforms. With dedicated tabs for daily postings and monthly campaigns, you can effectively plan and organize your content. Each section is customized for specific platforms, making content creation and distribution more efficient. This template likewise allows for easy tracking of deadlines, author assignments, and performance metrics, enhancing your overall marketing effectiveness. By utilizing this organized tool, you’ll guarantee your content reaches the right audience, on time, and with maximum impact. Organized Content Planning Organized content planning is a vital aspect of successful social media management, and HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar serves as an effective tool for achieving this. This extensive spreadsheet organizes your content across multiple platforms, making it easier to strategize and execute your campaigns. The calendar includes dedicated sections for daily posting and monthly campaigns, allowing you to schedule content in a structured manner. With tabs for each social platform, this google sheets calendar template 2025 tailors planning to the unique requirements of each channel. You can efficiently track deadlines and publishing schedules, enhancing accountability and ensuring timely delivery. Plus, its downloadable format allows for quick access and easy customization to fit your team’s specific needs and preferences. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar With Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar, you can automate your calendar creation process, making it easier to plan up to 12 months of content. This tool aligns your social media strategies with broader marketing goals, ensuring all your content supports your main objectives. Moreover, it helps you define various content types, streamlining the organization of your media for better audience engagement. Automated Calendar Creation Process Creating a content calendar can often feel overwhelming, but Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar simplifies this process through automation. It allows you to quickly set up a thorough calendar that spans 12 months. By entering your content types and categories, you guarantee clarity in your social media strategy, making it easier to visualize your campaigns. This google sheets calendar template 2025 streamlines planning, reducing the chances of last-minute scrambles. Moreover, Content Cal requires you to draft and post actual content, which promotes accountability and organized execution. With its automated features, you can efficiently schedule your content, aligning it with your broader marketing goals without the hassle of manual input. Aligning Marketing Goals Effective marketing hinges on aligning your content strategy with your overall business objectives, and Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar plays a pivotal role in this process. By utilizing this tool, you can automate your calendar creation based on specific inputs, ensuring your content aligns with your marketing goals. The google sheets calendar template 2025 is designed to integrate social media strategies seamlessly, allowing for a cohesive approach to all content creation. You can define various content types clearly, enhancing your publishing process. This calendar not only facilitates drafting and posting but likewise helps you track content effectiveness against your objectives. With this structured framework, you can make data-driven adjustments, keeping your marketing efforts organized and on schedule. Streamlined Content Definition When you utilize Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar, you gain a potent tool that streamlines the definition of your content types, enhancing your planning process. This google sheets calendar template automates the creation of a thorough 12-month content plan based on your input, making it easier to align social media strategies with your overall marketing goals. You can easily define various content types, which helps in organizing your approach to categorization effectively. Furthermore, the calendar encourages you to draft and post actual content, promoting accountability and timely execution. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template serves as a robust tool for planning and managing your content across various social platforms. It offers a detailed daily breakdown for up to five social media outlets, with an option for “Other” platforms. You can schedule up to six daily posts per platform, optimizing your posting strategy efficiently. The template allows you to fill in vital fields like social copy, images, links, and engagement data, enabling you to track performance and interactions effectively. Designed for easy download, it integrates smoothly into your existing workflows. Additionally, Smartsheet’s format improves collaboration among team members, ensuring seamless updates and content management, making it an excellent choice for your google sheets calendar template 2025. Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a day-by-day overview that’s perfect for managing content across various platforms. With its user-friendly layout, you can efficiently schedule and post high volumes of content, making it ideal for teams. This template likewise provides detailed fields for tracking titles, publish dates, and notes, ensuring you stay organized and timely in your social media efforts. Day-by-Day Overview Utilizing a day-by-day overview can greatly boost your content planning process, especially with the Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template. This user-friendly google sheets calendar template 2025 is perfect for teams managing high volumes of content. Here’s how it can improve your strategy: Organized Planning: Dedicated sections for various social media platforms help streamline your posting schedule. Deadline Tracking: Keep track of important deadlines to guarantee timely, relevant content. Content Prompts: Use built-in prompts to inspire engaging posts that align with marketing goals. Quick Setup: Downloadable for immediate use, it allows you to start planning your social media content strategy efficiently. With this template, you’ll be better equipped to manage your content effectively. Multiplatform Posting Efficiency When managing content across multiple platforms, efficiency becomes crucial for maintaining a consistent brand presence. Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a day-by-day multiplatform view, perfect for teams that post frequently. Designed in Google Sheets, this calendar template is free, allowing for easy collaboration among team members in real-time. Its straightforward layout helps you manage and schedule content effectively, enhancing posting consistency and organization. Important fields for content type, platform, posting date, and status enable thorough tracking and planning. Small Business Trends Social Media Calendar Template For small businesses aiming to improve their online presence, the Small Business Trends Social Media Calendar Template serves as a valuable resource in organizing and executing a content strategy. This template, compatible with a google sheets calendar, provides you with efficient planning tools that can be customized to suit your needs. Here are some key features: Multiple Formats: Available in PDF, Excel, and Word, ensuring easy access. Platform Sections: Dedicated areas for each social media channel streamline planning. Daily Action Roadmap: Offers unique content ideas customized to your audience. Quick Download: Allows for immediate implementation, enhancing your social media presence without extensive setup. Using this template can greatly boost your content organization efforts. Backlinko’s Content Calendar Template Backlinko’s Content Calendar Template offers a structured approach to managing your content strategy, making it an ideal choice for marketers and content creators. Available as both an Excel spreadsheet and a Google Sheets calendar template 2025, this tool provides flexibility based on your preferred platform. It features a standard month-and-year calendar view, simplifying the scheduling of content publication dates. Furthermore, the template includes a detailed content list and a workflow tab, allowing you to manage the entire content creation process from ideation to publication. You can easily track deadlines and status updates for each piece of content, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks during production. Downloadable for immediate use, it’s user-friendly and perfect for streamlining your content planning efforts. CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template provides a thorough solution for organizing your marketing efforts in one centralized platform. This template is ideal for teams looking to streamline their content planning. Here are some key features: Centralized View: Keep all marketing activities visible in one place. Visual Layout: Easily identify content gaps and prioritize tasks. Integration Options: Connect with various tools to improve collaboration. Quick Setup: Download the template for immediate implementation. Using a google sheets calendar template 2025, you can effectively manage your marketing campaigns, ensuring that both individuals and teams contribute efficiently. This template supports collaborative input, making it easier to create well-rounded content strategies. SocialBee’s Social Media Calendar Template After organizing your marketing efforts with CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template, it’s time to focus on your social media strategy. SocialBee’s Social Media Calendar Template is an excellent choice for managing your social content efficiently. This downloadable template offers weekly content calendars for each month, ensuring you stay organized throughout the year. It features prebuilt sections for seven popular social platforms, simplifying the organization of posts across different channels. You can easily fill out fields for hashtags, due dates, and visual elements links, enhancing your content strategy. With this google sheets weekly planner template, you can maintain a consistent posting schedule as you optimize your social media presence, making it a valuable tool for any marketer looking to boost their strategy. Asana’s Social Media Calendar If you’re seeking an effective way to streamline your social media management, Asana’s Social Media Calendar could be exactly what you need. This collaborative project management tool offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that helps you visualize and organize your social media posts efficiently. Here are some key features to evaluate: Custom fields for platform assignment, allowing easy categorization. Task assignment capabilities, promoting accountability among team members. A free option for individuals or small teams, making it budget-friendly. Integration with other tools, enhancing your overall social media strategy. While a google sheets weekly planner is useful, Asana’s Social Media Calendar provides a more dynamic approach to managing your content across various platforms. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make a Content Calendar in Google Sheets? To make a content calendar in Google Sheets, open a new document and create columns for the date, content title, platform, responsible person, and status. Use functions like TEXT to automatically generate days of the week. Expand rows for larger content boxes, centering text for visibility. Customize with color codes for different content types, and track deadlines by labeling the status column with terms like “planning” or “ready to publish” for clear workflow management. Is There a Calendar Template for Google Sheets? Yes, there are several calendar templates available for Google Sheets. These templates cater to various needs, including content planning and scheduling. You can find options like Hootsuite’s customizable Social Media Content Calendar or the Small Business Trends template, which supports multiple platforms. Backlinko likewise offers a straightforward content calendar layout. Most templates are easily downloadable, allowing you to implement them quickly into your workflow for improved organization and efficiency. How to Use Google Calendar for Content Creation? To use Google Calendar for content creation, start by scheduling your posts with specific dates and times. Set reminders for deadlines to keep your workflow on track. Create multiple calendars to separate content types, enhancing organization. Utilize color-coding to identify categories quickly, such as blogs or social media posts. Share your calendar with team members for real-time collaboration, and integrate it with Google Docs and Sheets for easy access to drafts and performance metrics. How to Make a Perfect Content Calendar? To make a perfect content calendar, start by defining key components like date, content title, platform, responsible person, and status. Use color-coding for easy identification of content types and platforms. Set specific deadlines for each phase of development, ensuring timely publication. Regularly analyze performance metrics to refine future strategies based on audience engagement. Finally, collaborate with your team by sharing the calendar in real-time for efficient updates and contributions. Conclusion In summary, using a Google Sheets content calendar can greatly improve your social media strategy. Each of the ten templates mentioned offers unique features customized to different needs, whether you’re a small business or part of a larger team. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your planning process, track performance, and guarantee timely content delivery. Adopting one of these templates can lead to more efficient collaboration and eventually enhance your social media presence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Best Google Sheets Content Calendar Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

When managing your social media strategies, utilizing a Google Sheets content calendar can greatly improve your efficiency. With options like HootSuite’s and HubSpot’s templates, you can streamline planning as you customize for your specific needs. These tools not just help you organize posts but also track performance metrics, making it easier to adapt your approach. Explore how these templates can transform your content management, ensuring timely delivery and effective collaboration across your platforms. Key Takeaways HootSuite’s template offers customizable Google Sheets for efficient social media planning with evergreen content libraries and multiple views. HubSpot’s calendar provides organized planning with tabs for daily posts and performance metrics, aligning social media with marketing goals. Content Cal automates calendar creation for a year, defining content types for enhanced audience engagement and accountability. Smartsheet’s template allows detailed daily management across platforms, tracking vital data like social copy and images for improved collaboration. Social Media Examiner’s user-friendly layout supports high-volume content management, ensuring timely delivery and effective organization across multiple platforms. HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar HootSuite’s Social Media Content Calendar is an essential tool for anyone looking to streamline their social media planning across multiple platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and TikTok. This customizable Google Sheets content calendar template allows you to organize your posts efficiently. It features an evergreen content library tab, making it easy to access and repurpose timeless content. With both monthly and weekly views, you can plan around holidays and events as you manage detailed scheduling. You’ll find the template convenient since you can download it for immediate use, helping your team start organizing their social media strategies right away. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar provides a thorough posting strategy that helps you manage content across multiple platforms effectively. With organized content planning through dedicated tabs for daily posts and monthly campaigns, you can streamline your social media efforts throughout the year. This template not just includes vital fields for post details but additionally supports alignment with your broader marketing goals, enhancing the overall effectiveness of your content. Comprehensive Posting Strategy When you’re looking to streamline your social media efforts, an extensive posting strategy can make all the difference. HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar, available as a google sheets calendar template, provides a thorough approach to managing your content across various platforms. With dedicated tabs for daily postings and monthly campaigns, you can effectively plan and organize your content. Each section is customized for specific platforms, making content creation and distribution more efficient. This template likewise allows for easy tracking of deadlines, author assignments, and performance metrics, enhancing your overall marketing effectiveness. By utilizing this organized tool, you’ll guarantee your content reaches the right audience, on time, and with maximum impact. Organized Content Planning Organized content planning is a vital aspect of successful social media management, and HubSpot’s Social Media Content Calendar serves as an effective tool for achieving this. This extensive spreadsheet organizes your content across multiple platforms, making it easier to strategize and execute your campaigns. The calendar includes dedicated sections for daily posting and monthly campaigns, allowing you to schedule content in a structured manner. With tabs for each social platform, this google sheets calendar template 2025 tailors planning to the unique requirements of each channel. You can efficiently track deadlines and publishing schedules, enhancing accountability and ensuring timely delivery. Plus, its downloadable format allows for quick access and easy customization to fit your team’s specific needs and preferences. Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar With Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar, you can automate your calendar creation process, making it easier to plan up to 12 months of content. This tool aligns your social media strategies with broader marketing goals, ensuring all your content supports your main objectives. Moreover, it helps you define various content types, streamlining the organization of your media for better audience engagement. Automated Calendar Creation Process Creating a content calendar can often feel overwhelming, but Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar simplifies this process through automation. It allows you to quickly set up a thorough calendar that spans 12 months. By entering your content types and categories, you guarantee clarity in your social media strategy, making it easier to visualize your campaigns. This google sheets calendar template 2025 streamlines planning, reducing the chances of last-minute scrambles. Moreover, Content Cal requires you to draft and post actual content, which promotes accountability and organized execution. With its automated features, you can efficiently schedule your content, aligning it with your broader marketing goals without the hassle of manual input. Aligning Marketing Goals Effective marketing hinges on aligning your content strategy with your overall business objectives, and Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar plays a pivotal role in this process. By utilizing this tool, you can automate your calendar creation based on specific inputs, ensuring your content aligns with your marketing goals. The google sheets calendar template 2025 is designed to integrate social media strategies seamlessly, allowing for a cohesive approach to all content creation. You can define various content types clearly, enhancing your publishing process. This calendar not only facilitates drafting and posting but likewise helps you track content effectiveness against your objectives. With this structured framework, you can make data-driven adjustments, keeping your marketing efforts organized and on schedule. Streamlined Content Definition When you utilize Content Cal’s Customized Content Calendar, you gain a potent tool that streamlines the definition of your content types, enhancing your planning process. This google sheets calendar template automates the creation of a thorough 12-month content plan based on your input, making it easier to align social media strategies with your overall marketing goals. You can easily define various content types, which helps in organizing your approach to categorization effectively. Furthermore, the calendar encourages you to draft and post actual content, promoting accountability and timely execution. Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template Smartsheet’s Social Media Content Calendar Template serves as a robust tool for planning and managing your content across various social platforms. It offers a detailed daily breakdown for up to five social media outlets, with an option for “Other” platforms. You can schedule up to six daily posts per platform, optimizing your posting strategy efficiently. The template allows you to fill in vital fields like social copy, images, links, and engagement data, enabling you to track performance and interactions effectively. Designed for easy download, it integrates smoothly into your existing workflows. Additionally, Smartsheet’s format improves collaboration among team members, ensuring seamless updates and content management, making it an excellent choice for your google sheets calendar template 2025. Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a day-by-day overview that’s perfect for managing content across various platforms. With its user-friendly layout, you can efficiently schedule and post high volumes of content, making it ideal for teams. This template likewise provides detailed fields for tracking titles, publish dates, and notes, ensuring you stay organized and timely in your social media efforts. Day-by-Day Overview Utilizing a day-by-day overview can greatly boost your content planning process, especially with the Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template. This user-friendly google sheets calendar template 2025 is perfect for teams managing high volumes of content. Here’s how it can improve your strategy: Organized Planning: Dedicated sections for various social media platforms help streamline your posting schedule. Deadline Tracking: Keep track of important deadlines to guarantee timely, relevant content. Content Prompts: Use built-in prompts to inspire engaging posts that align with marketing goals. Quick Setup: Downloadable for immediate use, it allows you to start planning your social media content strategy efficiently. With this template, you’ll be better equipped to manage your content effectively. Multiplatform Posting Efficiency When managing content across multiple platforms, efficiency becomes crucial for maintaining a consistent brand presence. Social Media Examiner’s Social Media Calendar Template offers a day-by-day multiplatform view, perfect for teams that post frequently. Designed in Google Sheets, this calendar template is free, allowing for easy collaboration among team members in real-time. Its straightforward layout helps you manage and schedule content effectively, enhancing posting consistency and organization. Important fields for content type, platform, posting date, and status enable thorough tracking and planning. Small Business Trends Social Media Calendar Template For small businesses aiming to improve their online presence, the Small Business Trends Social Media Calendar Template serves as a valuable resource in organizing and executing a content strategy. This template, compatible with a google sheets calendar, provides you with efficient planning tools that can be customized to suit your needs. Here are some key features: Multiple Formats: Available in PDF, Excel, and Word, ensuring easy access. Platform Sections: Dedicated areas for each social media channel streamline planning. Daily Action Roadmap: Offers unique content ideas customized to your audience. Quick Download: Allows for immediate implementation, enhancing your social media presence without extensive setup. Using this template can greatly boost your content organization efforts. Backlinko’s Content Calendar Template Backlinko’s Content Calendar Template offers a structured approach to managing your content strategy, making it an ideal choice for marketers and content creators. Available as both an Excel spreadsheet and a Google Sheets calendar template 2025, this tool provides flexibility based on your preferred platform. It features a standard month-and-year calendar view, simplifying the scheduling of content publication dates. Furthermore, the template includes a detailed content list and a workflow tab, allowing you to manage the entire content creation process from ideation to publication. You can easily track deadlines and status updates for each piece of content, ensuring nothing falls through the cracks during production. Downloadable for immediate use, it’s user-friendly and perfect for streamlining your content planning efforts. CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template provides a thorough solution for organizing your marketing efforts in one centralized platform. This template is ideal for teams looking to streamline their content planning. Here are some key features: Centralized View: Keep all marketing activities visible in one place. Visual Layout: Easily identify content gaps and prioritize tasks. Integration Options: Connect with various tools to improve collaboration. Quick Setup: Download the template for immediate implementation. Using a google sheets calendar template 2025, you can effectively manage your marketing campaigns, ensuring that both individuals and teams contribute efficiently. This template supports collaborative input, making it easier to create well-rounded content strategies. SocialBee’s Social Media Calendar Template After organizing your marketing efforts with CoSchedule’s Marketing Calendar Template, it’s time to focus on your social media strategy. SocialBee’s Social Media Calendar Template is an excellent choice for managing your social content efficiently. This downloadable template offers weekly content calendars for each month, ensuring you stay organized throughout the year. It features prebuilt sections for seven popular social platforms, simplifying the organization of posts across different channels. You can easily fill out fields for hashtags, due dates, and visual elements links, enhancing your content strategy. With this google sheets weekly planner template, you can maintain a consistent posting schedule as you optimize your social media presence, making it a valuable tool for any marketer looking to boost their strategy. Asana’s Social Media Calendar If you’re seeking an effective way to streamline your social media management, Asana’s Social Media Calendar could be exactly what you need. This collaborative project management tool offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface that helps you visualize and organize your social media posts efficiently. Here are some key features to evaluate: Custom fields for platform assignment, allowing easy categorization. Task assignment capabilities, promoting accountability among team members. A free option for individuals or small teams, making it budget-friendly. Integration with other tools, enhancing your overall social media strategy. While a google sheets weekly planner is useful, Asana’s Social Media Calendar provides a more dynamic approach to managing your content across various platforms. Frequently Asked Questions How to Make a Content Calendar in Google Sheets? To make a content calendar in Google Sheets, open a new document and create columns for the date, content title, platform, responsible person, and status. Use functions like TEXT to automatically generate days of the week. Expand rows for larger content boxes, centering text for visibility. Customize with color codes for different content types, and track deadlines by labeling the status column with terms like “planning” or “ready to publish” for clear workflow management. Is There a Calendar Template for Google Sheets? Yes, there are several calendar templates available for Google Sheets. These templates cater to various needs, including content planning and scheduling. You can find options like Hootsuite’s customizable Social Media Content Calendar or the Small Business Trends template, which supports multiple platforms. Backlinko likewise offers a straightforward content calendar layout. Most templates are easily downloadable, allowing you to implement them quickly into your workflow for improved organization and efficiency. How to Use Google Calendar for Content Creation? To use Google Calendar for content creation, start by scheduling your posts with specific dates and times. Set reminders for deadlines to keep your workflow on track. Create multiple calendars to separate content types, enhancing organization. Utilize color-coding to identify categories quickly, such as blogs or social media posts. Share your calendar with team members for real-time collaboration, and integrate it with Google Docs and Sheets for easy access to drafts and performance metrics. How to Make a Perfect Content Calendar? To make a perfect content calendar, start by defining key components like date, content title, platform, responsible person, and status. Use color-coding for easy identification of content types and platforms. Set specific deadlines for each phase of development, ensuring timely publication. Regularly analyze performance metrics to refine future strategies based on audience engagement. Finally, collaborate with your team by sharing the calendar in real-time for efficient updates and contributions. Conclusion In summary, using a Google Sheets content calendar can greatly improve your social media strategy. Each of the ten templates mentioned offers unique features customized to different needs, whether you’re a small business or part of a larger team. By leveraging these tools, you can streamline your planning process, track performance, and guarantee timely content delivery. Adopting one of these templates can lead to more efficient collaboration and eventually enhance your social media presence. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Best Google Sheets Content Calendar Templates" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

One of the world’s biggest AI startups might be eyeing a massive IPO. According to a new report in the Financial Times, Anthropic has tapped the Palo Alto-based law firm Wilson Sonsini to help the company go public as soon as early next year. The law firm has a deep well of experience shepherding major tech IPOs and has worked with Google, LinkedIn, Lyft, and Square on their public offerings. In the lead-up to a potential IPO, the Financial Times reports that the company is drumming up a private round of funding that would peg its value at over $300 billion. According to the report, the company is also discussing its plans with large investment banks, but those talks are in their early stages. Anthropic might be trying to outmaneuver its rival OpenAI, which is reportedly considering an IPO in the second half of 2026, by going public first and could be valued at as much as a once-unthinkable $1 trillion. OpenAI recently pivoted away from its roots as a nonprofit to restructure itself as a public benefit corporation in a move that set the stage for a potential future IPO. Though the for-profit part of OpenAI will continue to operate under a nonprofit parent company, the change ushers in a new era for the business of AI – one likely to be more focused on juicing revenue, attracting investment and pleasing shareholders. Anthropic sets itself apart Anthropic, which was founded by a group of OpenAI executives who split off in 2021, is backed by billions in investment from Amazon and Google. Unlike its prominent Microsoft-backed rival, Anthropic focuses on business applications for its AI tools rather than racing to capture a broad swath of the consumer market with generative AI multimedia. “We are interested in our consumer users to the degree they are doing work, solving problems in their life,” Anthropic design chief Joel Lewenstein told Fast Company in an October interview. “Because we’re not interested in passive consumption and image generation and video generation, we just sort of have ruled those out from a mission perspective.” The company is known for a more conservative approach to AI development that takes the technology’s many risks and safety concerns into account – an approach that could benefit its long term trajectory. “Our interests are in making things that are beneficial while minimizing the risks of those same products because everything has a double-edged sword,” Lewenstein told Fast Company. “We see… helping people grow and expand and create and solve problems as being the right risk-reward tradeoff.” View the full article

As the ‘fourth wave’ of coffee begins taking shape, companies that are embracing modern—and increasingly, automated—coffee making are working to balance their tech with the craft of brewing. Terra Kaffe is one of them. The company, known for its pricy, hyper-modern automatic espresso machine TK-02—revealed its first brand expansion with the August launch of Demi, a miniature version of its flagship product. Now, it’s launching a slate of accessories to complement its machines and move the brand out of startup mode and help establish itself as a serious competitor in the world of coffee gadgets. The accessories, which will be rolling out into early 2026, include a countertop milk frother with a matcha setting, a line of double-walled conical glassware, tumblers for taking your coffee on the go, a quick-brewing cold brew maker, an ice cube tray, and a drip coffee pot—all of which are meticulously designed in its signature modern style to integrate seamlessly into the entire Terra Kaffe ecosystem. The accessories give existing Terra Kaffe owners a way to enhance their experience with the machine, while providing newcomers a wider entrypoint into the brand. “We’ve evolved into the next stage in this company’s life cycle. Now we’re a true lifestyle brand offering a myriad of options to serve all coffee lovers,” Terra Kaffe founder and CEO Sahand Dilmaghani says. “Every product has a foundation of a seamlessness in the experience, elevating the way you go about your morning ritual.” Creating an Ecosystem When Terra Kaffe released Demi, the compact machine delivered on size for those with minimal counter space, as well as cost, coming in at $795, less than half the price of the TK-02. But the machine’s smaller profile requires a trade-off—not being able to produce a milk-based drink (the TK-02 can produce lattes, cappuccinos and flat whites). That’s why the company saw an opportunity for its standalone Aero milk frother. The stainless steel Aero enables users to do one thing better than even the TK-02: make matcha. Its spinning technology whisks the matcha if you pour in the powder and place it under the machine’s spout for hot water. A built-in setting automatically stops whisking at the ideal time. (If you’re old-school, you can still whisk your matcha with a bamboo whisk, then add milk from the Aero, which has a built-in temperature setting for the beverage.) “Everything is complementary,” Dilmaghani says. “We’re creating things to constantly improve the whole experience and tie a bow around it.’ With the new accessories line, the company was also able to broaden the scope of its machines beyond making single-serve drinks—and do it in style. For Terra Kaffe users serving a crowd, it added a Drip Coffee Carafe, and while the Demi can brew a pot out of the box, the company is pushing a new setting that will enable the TK-02 to do so as part of the machine’s first major software update. While the TK-02 has an option that creates coffee optimized for iced coffee, it does not have an option to dispense the coffee cold, creating an opportunity for the Ripple ice tray, which makes four ice pucks that fit into the new line of tumblers. In early 2026, Terra Kaffe will roll out a way to make cold coffee quickly with a cold brew maker that it says will cut the roughly 18- to 24-hour process into minutes, and could be a way into the Terra Kaffe ecosystem for people who prefer cold drinks. The product uses a rotating force to rotate water through the coffee bed quicker. “There’s no pressure associated with it, so it’s the same brewing methodology,” Dilmaghani explains. “But the technology we’re building actually accelerates the cold brew extraction process.” Form and function A child of two architects, Dilmaghani says he places design on an equal pedestal as functionality, and time spent living in Berlin brought German design inspiration to his work. He channelled all of those inspirations for his coffee brand. “Terra Kaffe’s brand identity and design language have a consistent throughline of geometric modernity, pulling from Bauhausian design principles,” he says. “Every single millimeter of the products are intentionally designed. The dials, the proportion to the base, how you engage with it—those are the details people subconsciously enjoy even if they don’t consciously acknowledge.” With its name that means “earth” and its water droplet logo, Terra Kaffe is working to evoke nature with its products as it expands. The TK-01 is only available in black and white, while the Demi is sold in brownish Dune, Slate grey, Forest green, and Cloud blue earth tones. The ice trays are also available in Dune and Cloud, its Aeris tumblers—available in three sizes—range from grey Smoke to amber Mairgold and burnt orange Sienna “Minimalism doesn’t mean plain,” Dilmaghani says. “Everything that you engage with stems from a place of evoking a certain feeling. That’s why, for us, everything goes back to precision, modernity and warmth.” Despite releasing nearly two dozen products of different sizes and colors just this year, Terra Kaffe has more significant plans in the next year and beyond to mark its rising dominance in the home coffee tech space. “We make sure that every touchpoint you engage with is inviting,” Dilmaghani says. “The expansion of the peripheral products continues that thread.” View the full article

Teams that manage machinery or tools often struggle to keep track of what’s been serviced, what needs attention and which assets are falling behind on routine care. An equipment maintenance log brings clarity to that chaos by giving everyone a single place to reference past work and upcoming needs. It becomes a practical companion for anyone responsible for keeping equipment in steady rotation. /wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Equipment-Maintenance-Log-Template.png Get your free Equipment Maintenance Log Template Use this free Equipment Maintenance Log Template for Word to manage your projects better. Download Word File What Is an Equipment Maintenance Log? An equipment maintenance log is a structured record used to track the upkeep of machinery, tools and other operational assets. It captures essential information such as service dates, completed work, parts replaced, technician notes and any issues found during inspections. Keeping these details together helps teams understand an asset’s history and identify patterns that may signal upcoming maintenance needs. By documenting each activity as it happens, organizations maintain a clear reference that supports safer operations, reduces costly breakdowns and extends equipment lifespan. It’s much easier to keep track of equipment maintenance using project management software. ProjectManager has various project views, including the project list, to help keep track of equipment maintenance. It provides a simple, structured table where teams can enter equipment IDs, maintenance tasks, due dates, assigned technicians, status and more. The kanban board is great for tracking equipment maintenance in daily operations, while the Gantt chart can closely track overlapping tasks, recurrence, scheduled maintenance and more. Get started for free by taking a 30-day trial, no credit card required. /wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Project-list-light-mode-CTA.pngLearn more Why Is It Important to Use an Equipment Maintenance Log? Organizations rely on maintenance logs because they support consistent, proactive asset management. When technicians document each inspection or repair, managers gain visibility into equipment performance and can schedule future maintenance before problems escalate. This level of planning reduces downtime, which directly improves productivity and operational continuity. Accurate records also help teams justify maintenance budgets, forecast replacement needs and ensure compliance with internal policies or industry regulations. For companies in manufacturing, construction, transportation and many other fields, an equipment maintenance log serves as a foundation for safer work, longer asset life and better overall resource utilization. Top Use Cases for an Equipment Maintenance Log This log is useful whenever equipment requires routine service, periodic inspections or repair documentation. It’s especially valuable for assets that impact safety, productivity or regulatory compliance. Manufacturing In manufacturing environments, an equipment maintenance log helps teams manage complex machinery that operates under continuous, high-intensity conditions. Production lines rely on precise calibration, so documenting adjustments, lubrication intervals and component wear is essential to prevent quality deviations. A detailed log also supports predictive maintenance programs by capturing trends tied to cycle counts, temperature exposure or vibration changes. Because many machines run in coordinated sequences, accurate records ensure each unit stays aligned with the technical requirements of the broader system. /wp-content/uploads/2025/09/banner-ad-manufacturing-ebook.jpg Construction Construction crews use equipment maintenance logs to track the condition of mobile assets that move from site to site and operate in shifting environmental conditions. Heavy machinery often faces dust, uneven terrain and variable loads, making documentation vital for identifying field-related wear that wouldn’t appear in controlled settings. Logging inspections for hydraulic systems, lift components or ground-engaging tools helps prevent on-site hazards and ensures machines remain certified for use. These records also support compliance during audits, especially when projects require strict adherence to safety codes. Related: 32 Construction Documents (Templates Included) Energy and Utilities In the energy and utilities sector, maintenance logs serve as evidence of regulatory compliance and operational safety. Many assets, such as transformers, turbines, meters and pressure systems, must be inspected at defined intervals, and the log provides a traceable history that aligns with industry standards. Outages can have a wide community impact, so documenting each test, calibration and repair helps utilities maintain grid reliability. Transportation and Logistics Transportation and logistics operations depend on equipment maintenance logs to monitor assets that accumulate wear through constant movement, mileage and loading cycles. Fleet managers use logs to document brake checks, tire replacements, engine diagnostics and regulatory inspections to ensure vehicles remain roadworthy. Warehousing teams track forklifts, conveyor systems and loading equipment to maintain safe handling conditions. Because delays can disrupt entire supply chains, these logs help organizations anticipate service needs, reduce the risk of breakdowns during transit and maintain compliance with transportation safety standards. Related: 18 Free Manufacturing Excel Templates What Should Be Included in an Equipment Maintenance Log? When putting together an equipment maintenance log, be sure to include the following information. Equipment Identification Details Before any maintenance work can be organized, technicians need a clear snapshot of what the asset is and where it belongs. This section gathers the essential identifiers that distinguish one piece of equipment from another, ensuring there’s never confusion about which item requires service. Details such as the model, serial number and asset tag are paired with location data so teams can quickly find the exact unit when service is due. Equipment name Model and serial number Asset ID/tag number Manufacturer Purchase date Location of equipment Maintenance Schedule Service timing becomes much easier to manage when it’s laid out in a structured schedule. Instead of guessing when a machine might need attention, teams can consult predefined intervals tied to usage hours, mileage or seasonal requirements. This section helps planners stay ahead of wear and tear by flagging the next maintenance date and clarifying the frequency of each asset’s service. Frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, annual, based on hours of use) Next scheduled maintenance date Service intervals (e.g., every 250 hours) /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Maintenance-Schedule-Example-600x265.pngMaintenance schedule example Usage Information Understanding how equipment is actually being operated allows maintenance teams to align service needs with real-world demands. Heavy use, extended shifts or frequent operator changes can influence maintenance timing and highlight potential issues. Recording hour-meter readings, mileage and operator names gives organizations a clearer picture of wear patterns and helps them trace how certain usage behaviors impact performance. Current hours of operation (for hour-metered assets) Mileage (for vehicles) Operator name(s) Related: 12 Best Production Scheduling Software for Manufacturing Projects in 2025 Completed Maintenance Activities As maintenance tasks are completed, this section builds a detailed record of the asset’s service history. Each entry explains what was done, which parts were replaced and whether any adjustments or calibrations were carried out. Including technician names and dates ensures accountability and provides a reliable reference for diagnosing recurring issues or validating warranty claims in the future. Description of the work done Parts replaced Lubrication steps Adjustments or calibrations performed Software/firmware updates (for digital equipment) Name of technician or mechanic Date maintenance was performed Condition Assessment Instead of waiting for a failure to occur, technicians can use this section to flag early warning signs. Assessing the equipment’s current condition helps determine whether minor issues are developing into larger concerns. By noting the overall status and recommending follow-up actions, teams gain direction on what repairs to prioritize and whether future refurbishment or replacement should be considered. Equipment status (good, fair, poor) Identified issues or defects Recommended corrective actions Cost Tracking Information Financial visibility is crucial when managing long-term equipment performance. This part of the log captures the labor hours invested, the cost of replacement parts and the total expense associated with each service event. Warranty status is recorded as well to prevent unnecessary spending. By reviewing this data, organizations can evaluate cost trends, make informed budgeting decisions and weigh the value of repairing versus replacing an asset. Labor hours and cost Parts cost Total maintenance cost Warranty coverage noted Equipment Maintenance Log Template This equipment maintenance log template gives teams a structured, easy-to-follow way to track every detail needed to keep assets running reliably. It includes dedicated sections for identification, service schedules, usage data, completed maintenance activities, condition assessments and cost tracking. Simply click on the image below to download the free template. /wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Equipment-Maintenance-Log-Template-600x409.png Equipment Maintenance Log Example Imagine a manufacturing plant preparing for its busiest season. Downtime is not an option, so the maintenance supervisor pulls together detailed records for every machine on the floor. To avoid unexpected failures, she reviews identification data, checks upcoming service intervals and verifies usage levels across operators. By organizing all this information into structured tables, the team can spot risks early, plan repairs around production schedules and keep every asset running safely and reliably. The following tables break down the essential data fields organizations should record to maintain accurate equipment histories, support preventive maintenance and improve operational reliability. By documenting identification details, schedules, usage, completed maintenance activities, condition assessments and costs, teams gain a complete, structured view of equipment performance and long-term maintenance needs. Equipment Identification Details Equipment name Model and serial number Asset ID/tag number Manufacturer Purchase date Location of equipment Hydraulic Press Model HP-200 / SN-88421 A-4478 IronTech Industrial 2022-03-15 Plant 2 – Fabrication Room Forklift Model FLX-500 / SN-77210 F-5521 LiftMaster Co. 2021-08-02 Warehouse – Loading Bay Air Compressor Model AC-90 / SN-55892 C-9912 PowerForce Tools 2020-11-19 Maintenance Shop Conveyor Motor Model CM-350 / SN-99341 M-3022 MegaMotion Systems 2023-05-12 Assembly Line 3 Welding Machine Model WM-140 / SN-66784 W-1189 FusionPro Equipment 2019-04-25 Plant 1 – Welding Area Maintenance Schedule Frequency (daily, weekly, monthly, annual, based on hours of use) Next scheduled maintenance date Service intervals (e.g., every 250 hours) Monthly 2025-02-15 Every 250 hours Weekly 2025-01-22 Every 50 hours Quarterly 2025-03-30 Every 500 hours Daily 2025-01-21 Every 8 hours Annual 2025-12-10 Every 2,000 hours Usage Information Current hours of operation (for hour-metered assets) Mileage (for vehicles) Operator name(s) 1,482 hours N/A Juan Rivera 2,910 hours 42,300 miles Sarah Thompson 530 hours N/A Luis Gómez 3,221 hours 88,100 miles Kevin Wright 724 hours N/A Ana Martínez Completed Maintenance Activities Description of the work done Parts replaced Lubrication steps Adjustments or calibrations performed Software/firmware updates (for digital equipment) Name of technician or mechanic Date maintenance was performed Replaced worn belt and cleaned internal components Drive belt Applied lithium grease to bearings Recalibrated pressure sensor Firmware updated to v2.4 M. Santos 2025-01-10 Cleaned air intake and replaced filter Air filter Lubricated piston chamber Adjusted RPM settings N/A C. Herrera 2024-12-05 Replaced hydraulic hose and topped off fluid Hydraulic hose Greased joints and brackets Reset pressure regulator N/A L. Chen 2025-01-02 Updated software and recalibrated display unit N/A N/A Screen calibration completed Firmware updated to v3.1 T. Walker 2025-01-18 Changed spark plugs and inspected ignition Spark plugs Oiled motor shaft Tuned ignition timing N/A P. Alvarez 2024-11-27 Condition Assessment Equipment status (good, fair, poor) Identified issues or defects Recommended corrective actions Fair Minor oil seepage near pump housing Replace seal during next service Good No issues detected Continue with routine maintenance Poor Overheating under heavy load Replace cooling fan assembly Fair Belt showing early wear Monitor and replace next cycle Poor Faulty pressure gauge reading Install new gauge immediately Cost Tracking Information Labor hours and cost Parts cost Total maintenance cost Warranty coverage noted 2.5 hours – $175 $60 $235 Yes – parts covered 1 hour – $70 $25 $95 No 3 hours – $210 $140 $350 Yes – partial coverage 0.5 hours – $35 $0 $35 No 4 hours – $280 $90 $370 Yes – labor excluded More Free Related Templates Equipment Inventory Template This free equipment inventory template for Excel helps organizations keep track of their equipment purchases, initial value, condition, among other important details. Maintenance Schedule Template Our free maintenance schedule template allows maintenance teams to coordinate their preventive and corrective maintenance activities. How ProjectManager Helps Manufacturing Companies Manufacturing teams around the world trust ProjectManager to help manage all aspects of their projects. From tracking equipment maintenance to coordinating resources and keeping everything organized across teams, our software is designed to improve project outcomes and ensure quality. Watch our brief video below to learn more about how our software supports manufacturing teams. Map Production Workflows on Various Project Views Production planning is one of the most integral parts of a manufacturing project. Tools like Gantt charts with in-depth timelines, tasks, dependencies and milestones make it easy to plan every phase of your manufacturing project. Leverage it to handle overlapping tasks and see the project’s critical path. /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Gantt-Manufacturing-Light-2554x1372-1-2048x1100-compressed.png Track Resources in Real Time Equipment maintenance is only one piece of the puzzle; manufacturing teams also need to keep track of team workload. Our built-in resource management tools, like workload charts, timesheets and the team page, ensure each production job has what it needs. Use these tools to avoid overcommitment and keep track of who is working on what. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/workload-page-resource-management-lightmode.png Related Content For those interested in reading more about our manufacturing content, explore the links below. How to Make a Maintenance Schedule (Example & Template Included) Total Productive Maintenance Essentials: 8 Things You Need to Know About TPM The Project Management eBook for Manufacturers 12 Tips to Increase and Improve Manufacturing Productivity Maintenance Planning in Manufacturing & Other Industries ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or out in the field. They can share files, comment on tasks and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Equipment Maintenance Log: How-to Guide, Example & Free Template appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Private-sector payrolls decreased by 32,000, according to ADP Research data released Wednesday. Payrolls have now fallen four times in the last six months. View the full article

Some market participants worried candidate for top central bank job will be swayed by The President on interest ratesView the full article

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes announced Tuesday that Arizona is the latest state to sue Temu and its parent company PDD Holdings Inc. over allegations that the Chinese online retailer is stealing customers’ data. Mayes said the app deceives customers about the quality of its low-cost products and collects what she described as a shocking amount of sensitive data without the consent of users, including GPS locations and a list of other apps on users’ phones. According to the lawsuit, prosecutors are concerned about Temu being subject to laws in China that require Chinese companies to hand over data requested by the government, and that its code is designed to evade security reviews. “It can detect everywhere you go, to a doctor’s office, to a public library, to a political event, to your friends’ houses,” Mayes said during a news conference. “So the scope of this invasion of privacy is enormous, and that’s why I consider it possibly the gravest violation of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act that we have ever seen in Arizona.” Arizona’s top prosecutor also said the state wants to protect businesses from being “ripped off” by the online retailer, alleging the company has copied the intellectual property of brands that include the Arizona Cardinals and Arizona State University. In a statement early Wednesday, Temu denied the allegations. “We help consumers and families access quality products at affordable prices,” the company said. “We work to keep costs down and maintain reliable supply so people can meet their needs without stretching their budgets.” Attorneys general in Kentucky, Nebraska, and Arkansas have filed similar lawsuits in recent years. There have been legislative efforts at the federal level to counter China’s influence, especially when it comes to technology and intellectual property. But Mayes suggested there should be greater intervention by the federal government to protect consumers. Mayes called the allegations against Temu more egregious than those that have been made against TikTok. Through a forensic review, investigators in Arizona found the app’s code has portions recognized by experts as malware or spyware and allows exfiltration of data from a user’s mobile device while concealing that the app is doing so. The review also found in the app “large swaths” of previously banned code from the platform’s precursor version. Mayes urged Arizonans to delete their Temu accounts, uninstall the app, and scan their devices for malware. —Sejal Govindarao, Associated Press View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Black Friday may have passed, but there are still some serious deals out there for gamers—especially PS5 owners. This PlayStation VR2 bundle with Horizon Call of the Mountain is currently $299 on Amazon, a 25% discount off the usual $399 and its lowest price ever according to price tracking tools. PlayStation VR2 Horizon Call of The Mountain™ Bundle $299.00 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal Get Deal $299.00 at Amazon $399.99 Save $100.99 The Sony PlayStation VR2 earned a PCMag Editor’s Choice Award upon its 2023 release for offering comprehensive upgrades from its predecessor, including better tracking tech, improved sound, and enhanced graphics. This model comes with the Horizon Call of the Mountain, an action-adventure game packed with immersive climbing, machine combat, and immersive world-building, allowing you to dive into the VR experience right out of the box. The headset features 2000×2040 resolution per eye, an OLED display, 4K HDR support, and a 120 Hz refresh rate. It has a 110-degree field of view and controls with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, as well as 3D audio and eye-tracking. If you have a PS5 and are curious about diving into the world of VR—and want to start with a popular game that will get you hooked right away—this PlayStation VR2 bundle is one of the best console-based options on the market right now, especially at $100 off. Our Best Editor-Vetted Tech Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $249.00 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $353.00 (List Price $353.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $278.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $399.99 (List Price $399.99) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $279.00 (List Price $429.00) Shark AI Ultra Matrix Clean Mapping Voice Control Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base — $249.99 (List Price $599.00) Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm, S/M Black Sport Band) — $329.00 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

The narrative in SEO right now is simple: Google’s AI Mode doesn’t send traffic. If it becomes the default Google Search experience, your website will starve for clicks. There’s one problem, though: the studies claiming “AI doesn’t send traffic” focus almost entirely on informational queries. Yes, if someone wants to know what a basal cell carcinoma looks like, AI will kill that click. But what happens when someone wants to find a dermatologist to check that mole? No one has shared a study like that yet. So we decided to fix that. We ran the first UX study focused specifically on transactional intent in AI mode. We watched 52 participants across the U.S. and Canada spend nearly 22 hours searching for high-involvement services. This is what we learned. 1. 69% of AI Mode users visited a website When users were tasked with transactional searches (finding a dentist, botox provider, or dermatologist), 69% of AI mode sessions resulted in a click to a website. In our study, only 27% of users felt “ready to make a decision” based solely on the AI summary (the remaining 4% ended up visiting traditional Google Search and social media profiles to make a decision). Users use AI Mode to create a consideration set, not to be told what they should do. 2. Being ranked #1 is no longer ‘winner-takes-all’ For 30 years, SEO has been a game where the No. 1 spot claimed most of the rewards. AI Mode changes the rules of engagement; in our study, 89% of participants clicked on more than one business. Users are not looking for a single recommendation; they are using AI to create a consideration set. On average, our participants checked 3.7 results per session, with 1 in 10 users checking only one business. This is a massive paradigm shift. You no longer need to bleed resources chasing a single top spot. You need to fight to be in the “consideration set” – the top three to five results. If you’re in that set, you have a fighting chance. Users will still click you, but they’ll likely also click your competitors. 3. 16% of users relied on above-the-fold content to decide We have been trained to assume that users don’t scroll. This is not the case with AI Mode users. 84% of our participants scrolled down to view the consideration set. Because users treat AI results as a curated list rather than a single answer, they’re willing to explore. They dig through the list to find the best fit, not just the first one. 4. Photos don’t matter much (but reviews are everything) Only 21% of users viewed photos attached to the Google Business Profile. Even for the Botox task, that number only rose to 24%. So, what actually drives the click? Social proof. 74% of users read reviews on the Google Business Profile before making a decision. In the AI interface, text carries more weight than images. Your flashy gallery is nice, but your reputation is what earns the click. The verdict: AI Mode won’t take all of your traffic Most importantly, AI Mode won’t take the most valuable traffic you have: traffic consisting of people who want to pay you. AI Mode will require a reframing of the goals of SEO: Old goal: Rank #1 or die. New goal: Appear in the top 5 (the consideration set) and win the click with superior social proof (reviews). If your business relies on “how-to” traffic, yes, you should be worried. However, if you’re a local business or service provider that benefits from local SEO, don’t panic. The study: 69% of Transactional Searches in AI Mode Drive Traffic View the full article

Reels continue to surge as a go-to format for entertainment, education, and discovery. But Meta’s message to advertisers is clear: success requires native creative — not repurposed assets. Think 9:16 framing, platform-first audio, and rapid storytelling built for swipes, not scrolls. Brand advertiser takeaways (per Meta’s data): Show your brand early: Branding and messaging in the first 5 seconds makes ads 1.7x more likely to rank in the top purchase-intent tier. Use dynamic branding: Multiple brand appearances across scenes = 1.8x lift in top-tier purchase intent. Combine speech + music: Using both doubles the likelihood (2.0x) of landing in the top 20% for brand interest. Say it visually and audibly: Dual-channel messaging boosts brand interest 1.8x. Keep it relatable: Everyday “slice of life” moments improve purchase intent 1.5x. Direct response advertiser takeaways: Product > everything: Showing the product more than once lifts purchase intent 2.7x. Brand lightly: Featuring branding — but under 25% of the ad duration — drives a massive 4.8x lift in purchase intent. Add context: USPs, features, and benefit-driven messaging boost purchase intent 5.3x. Always include a CTA: Visual or audio CTAs drive a 1.9x lift. Pair speech + music: Again, high impact: 2.1x more likely to rank in the top tier. Use native elements: Emojis help DR creatives rank 2.5x higher. Open with a hook: Audio-visual hooks increase purchase intent 1.5x. Why we care. Meta says Reels aren’t just dominant — they’re shaping the future of short-form storytelling, with over half of Instagram usage now spent on Reels and video time up more than 30% year over year. Meta’s research highlights that success on Reels requires native, platform-first creative: strong branding early, multiple product appearances, combined audio and speech, relatable moments, and clear CTAs all significantly boost results. The key takeaway is that ads designed specifically for Reels—not repurposed content—drive the strongest outcomes, making structured testing and iterative creative strategy essential for advertisers looking to capture attention and sales on Instagram. Meta’s bottom line. Reels are here to stay — and high-performing ads look, sound, and behave like Reels, not traditional video spots. The more natively integrated the creative, the better the results. What’s next. Meta urges advertisers to build a structured “test and learn” program — including incrementality measurement and A/B testing — to see which format, message, and creative elements move the needle for their products. The mandate: iterate fast, validate what works, and refine relentlessly. The takeaway. The brands winning on Reels aren’t just making short videos. They’re designing for the medium. Meta’s new data points the way — now it’s on advertisers to test, learn, and evolve their creative strategy to capture the full upside. View the full article

Better than expected activity adds to dollar weakness to send currency to highest level since OctoberView the full article

There will be more posts than usual this week, so keep checking back throughout the day. A reader writes: I have a newer employee who isn’t doing well. She has another job that I think she works at while on breaks, and I believe it’s causing distractions (and long lunch hours). She’s never actually told me about it but her cell phone voicemail is set for it. Do I bring up the other job when I am discussing her mediocre performance with her? I answer this question — and three others — over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. Other questions I’m answering there today include: How to respond to vague expressions of interest in our program Telling employees they can’t bring a plus-one to our holiday party The post is my new hire working a second job during our workday? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

AI chat is the number one source B2B buyers use to shortlist software. Not review sites. Not vendor websites. Not salespeople. AI chat. G2’s 2025 survey of 1,000+ decision makers found that 87% say AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini are changing how they research software. Half of SaaS buyers now start in AI chat instead of Google Search. They’re “one-shotting” their research with prompts like “Give me CRM solutions for a large gym that work on iPads.” What used to take hours of “Google —> right-click —> open new tab” is condensed to minutes. If your product doesn’t show up when buyers ask AI to recommend solutions in your category, you’re losing deals before they begin. This guide shows you exactly how to change that. I’ll walk you through: How AI visibility works for SaaS Why some brands dominate AI answers What you can do to make sure AI recommends you Side note: The data in this article comes from Semrush’s AI Visibility Index (August 2025), focusing on the Digital Tech and Software category. The 3 Types of AI Visibility for SaaS Brands There are three ways your brand can show up in AI search: Brand mentions Citations Recommendations Type 1: Brand Mentions Brand mentions mean your brand appears in the AI’s answer. It’s not always an endorsement. It’s simply the AI recognizing your brand as relevant to the topic. For example, I asked ChatGPT: “How can remote teams stay aligned on projects?” ChatGPT outlined a few tactics and listed several tools, naming specific brands as examples with no extra context about any of them. At this level, how AI talks about your brand is super important. AKA: brand sentiment. A positive tone builds early trust while a negative one sets bad expectations. Let me show you what I mean. I asked ChatGPT: “What do marketers on Reddit say about top reporting dashboards.” ChatGPT summarized Reddit’s discussions, listed a few tools, and included criticisms about some products. If I were evaluating dashboards, the negative details about AgencyAnalytics and Looker Studio would create a subtle bias that would follow me as I continued my research. That’s no bueno. So make sure sentiment around your mentions leans positive. How do you keep an eye on brand sentiment? Easy. Use Semrush AI Visibility Toolkit. Just go to “AI Visibility” > “Perception” and you’ll see key sentiment drivers surrounding your brand. The tool will show you Brand Strength Factors (positive influence on sentiment) and Areas for Improvement (negative sentiment factors). Type 2: Citations Citations are instances of AI using your content as a source. It’s a strong signal that the AI trusts your brand and is using your content to build its answer. In Google AI Mode, citations show up as clickable links on the right-hand side of the response. In ChatGPT, they appear as footnotes or small inline links. Citations come with two complications. First, they’re not as visible as brand mentions. The footnote-style links are easy to miss, which means you probably won’t get meaningful traffic from these citations. Second, citations don’t always create brand awareness. The AI can use your content, but not mention your brand. Semrush’s AI Visibility Index report calls this the “Zapier Paradox.” In the Google AI Mode dataset, Zapier was the most-cited domain in the entire software category. It appeared in around 21% of the analyzed prompts. Yet it ranked only #44 for brand mentions. That means the AI trusts Zapier’s content enough to use it constantly. But that trust hasn’t translated into more visibility for the brand itself. That doesn’t mean citations are useless. Far from it, since they’re still the only method of sending users directly from AI search to your website. But if you’re cited for an answer that recommends other brands (like Zapier often is), the citation isn’t super useful for your brand. That’s why you want the third type of AI visibility. Type 3: Product Recommendations Product recommendations are where the AI moves from “here are some options” to “here’s what you should choose.” To get recommended, your brand typically needs two things working in your favor: Positive sentiment Enough verified facts for the AI to feel confident putting your name forward For example, when I asked: “Which CRM is best for small businesses?” ChatGPT recommended six CRM platforms. Each one came with a breakdown of strengths. That’s the AI directly influencing my consideration set. And when the AI wraps up the answer with the top three CRMs, these three brands stay top of mind. As the reader, I’m thinking: “Alrighty. These are the tools I should probably compare.” That’s the power of SaaS product recommendations in AI search. The AI isn’t just helping me explore the category. It’s shaping the shortlist I walk away with. How AI Models Choose Which SaaS Brands to Surface When AI answers a query, it cross-checks sources. It compares what you say about your product with its training data. Along with what the rest of the internet says about you. If the details line up, you’ve got consensus and consistency: two forces that drive visibility in AI search. Consensus Consensus happens when many credible places describe your product in the same way. In practice, the AI is looking for alignment across sources like: Review sites (G2, Capterra, TrustRadius) Industry blogs and SaaS publishers Expert posts on LinkedIn or in public newsletters User communities like Reddit and Quora Your own website and documentation Basically: anywhere your product is being talked about in a credible context. Take Asana, for example. It routinely appears in AI answers about project management tools. And you can see why when you look at its footprint online. Across multiple places, you’ll find the same core description repeated from their website to Capterra to Reddit. All of these brand mentions alone help boost Asana’s potential visibility. But when they also all point to the same story, that’s consensus. This helps AI feel confident surfacing the brand repeatedly. Consistency Consistency means the details match everywhere they appear. When AI scans the web, it’s looking for verifiable facts. If those specifics line up, it trusts them. But, if those signals don’t match, the model becomes unsure. (Just like you would if five people gave you five different versions of the same “fact.”) For example, let’s say: Your pricing page says your Standard plan includes unlimited reports Your help center says Standard users get 50 reports a month Recent reviews say they hit limits after a week Now you’ve got three conflicting stories. When the AI sees that, it can’t tell which one is true. It might use the right one, or it might use the wrong one. Or it might not use any of them. That’s why data hygiene matters in AI search. The key facts about your brand should be consistent everywhere your brand is described. The Content That Dominates SaaS AI Search Not all content carries the same weight in SaaS AI search. Some formats show up repeatedly because they help models verify what’s true about a product. Review Platforms Review platforms are some of the most heavily cited sources in SaaS AI search. These sites, including G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius, give AI unfiltered, third-party proof about your product. The platforms help the model validate: Who you are What your product actually does How reliable it is How users feel about it In other words, this is where AI goes to separate your claims from real user experience. And the data shows how influential they are. According to Semrush’s AI Visibility Index, G2 is the 4th most-cited source for ChatGPT and 6th for Google AI Mode across the entire tech and SaaS category. That tells us that: Review platforms aren’t just buyer research hubs They’re part of an AI’s verification layer What people say about you in these places becomes part of the material the AI uses when describing your brand. Further reading: LLM Seeding: A New Strategy to Get Mentioned and Cited by LLMs Community & User-Generated Content (UGC) Community conversations are another major source LLMs lean on in SaaS AI search. They cite from places like: Reddit Quora Industry forum threads Product community boards Niche groups where users compare experiences For example, I asked ChatGPT: “Why do people switch from ActiveCampaign to Klaviyo?” ChatGPT cited two Reddit threads in its answer. That’s why your presence in these community spaces matters. Not in a “go spam Reddit” way. But in a “be part of the conversations that shape how people talk about your product” way. Because those public, unscripted conversations can become part of your brand’s source of truth inside LLMs. Further reading: Reddit Marketing in 3 Hours/Week: From 0 Karma to Real Cred Best-Of Listicles & Tool Roundups Best-of listicles and tool roundups give LLMs structured, pre-sorted information that they can easily digest. These articles hand the AI a ready-made map of a category, including: Who the key players are How the tools differ Which products consistently show up together The AI regularly pulls from a mix of major publishers, niche SaaS blogs, and established industry media. For example, when I asked for the top AI SEO tools, Google AI Mode’s citations included a bunch of best lists. Every roundup, comparison post, or “best tools for X” mention becomes one more anchor AI tools can grab when they’re trying to answer a question about your category. Pro tip: Don’t ignore your own media. AI models also use company-owned content as reference material. So create your own well-structured roundups and comparison pages in the niches where your product plays. For example, when I asked ChatGPT whether Omnisend or Mailchimp is better for ecommerce, one of the citations was Omnisend’s own blog post comparing the two tools. In other words: their own content helped shape the AI’s narrative. Documentation & Product Knowledge Bases AI also uses your product documentation to understand how your product works: what it does, who it’s for, and what its technical capabilities are. For example, when I asked Google AI Mode, “Is Semrush good for enterprise?” the model pulled from several Semrush-owned pages: The Enterprise landing page A press release on the enterprise platform A blog on “What Is Enterprise SEO” An enterprise client case study Together, those pages gave the model context to understand Semrush’s enterprise offering. One more thing: Make sure your content is well-structured, clear, and complete. If it’s vague or lacks key details, the AI might look elsewhere to fill the gaps. The Semrush study shows this clearly with pricing. When SaaS brands don’t publish transparent pricing, AI models fill the blanks using community speculation. This speculation is often tied to negative sentiment. So, how do you structure your content for better AI visibility? Use: Clear, explicit content using conversational language Clean formatting that makes details easy to extract Tables, charts, and Q&A blocks that package information neatly Headings that signal hierarchy Want the full breakdown? Our article on how to rank in AI search walks you through the full process. Video Content Text may fuel most AI answers, but video (especially YouTube) has become a meaningful signal, too. In fact, YouTube is the 10th most-cited source in Google AI Mode for SaaS-related prompts. This means AI isn’t just reading the web. It’s also learning from what people show and say on camera. For SaaS brands, that’s a real visibility lever. If your product appears in YouTube reviews, tutorials, comparisons, or walkthroughs, the AI can pull those details straight into its explanations. For example, when I asked Google AI Mode whether the paid version of HubSpot is worth it, one of the citations was a YouTube review. If you don’t have a YouTube presence yet, it’s worth planning for. Start by getting your product included in other creators’ reviews and tutorials. Then build out your own YouTube channel to control the narrative long-term. Don’t Let Competitors Own the AI Conversation Enter your domain to see whether AI is including your SaaS in category conversations. Check Visibility What This Shift Means for Your SaaS Brand If you’ve already put in the work on your SaaS SEO basics, you’re already in a good position. But AI search adds a new layer, and it requires a few more steps to stay visible. Make AI Visibility a Company-Wide Effort AI search visibility isn’t something marketing can brute-force on its own since consensus and consistency play such a major part. Multiple teams should keep their corners of the internet aligned in your brand story. This means: Marketing keeps claims factual and up to date Product Marketing ensures documentation, changelogs, and feature pages match what’s actually live Customer Success helps maintain accurate review-site profiles PR/Comms monitors media mentions so nothing drifts off-message To make that doable, create a simple internal “source of truth” every team can follow. This doesn’t need to be a 100-page brand bible. Start with: Exact product names, tier names, and feature labels The approved value props and phrasing you want repeated everywhere Performance claims or metrics that should stay consistent across your site, docs, and press Integration names and technical terms written the same way across all surfaces We do this at Semrush. And it makes a huge difference in making sure everyone is speaking the same language. Start With Your Website Your website is the part of your presence you fully control, so this is where to start making optimizations. Make sure your content is clear, crawlable, and structured so AI can easily parse it. Here’s where to focus first: Put all content in HTML: AI reads HTML far more reliably than JavaScript Use clear headings and hierarchy: They help both users and models navigate the page Add schema markup: It gives AI models a structured way to understand your data exactly the way you want (We don’t know how heavily AI tools lean on schema right now. But given it’s an SEO best practice, it’s still worth doing anyway.) Next, create content that covers the full customer journey. The more touchpoints you cover, the more chances you have to show up as users explore your category. Your goal isn’t just to appear when someone searches for your brand — it’s to appear whenever they search for anything related to your category. For example, Semrush publishes content for every stage: Top of Funnel (Awareness): Guides like “AI SEO Tips: How to Earn Citations & Mentions in AI Search” Mid-Funnel (Consideration): A full FAQ category answering the most common SEO questions people search before choosing a tool Bottom of Funnel (Decision): A fully crawlable knowledge base explaining product features, workflows, and how the platform actually works Expand Beyond Your Site Once your website is solid, the next step is to build credibility in the external sources AI cross-references. The same core facts — your features, use cases, pricing signals, customer proof — should show up consistently on sites like: G2, Capterra, TrustRadius (user validation) Niche media and publisher sites (authority) Partner blogs and integrations (ecosystem relevance) Community spaces like Reddit or LinkedIn (real-world use and sentiment) When all of these places tell the same story about what you do and who you’re for, you build consensus. And once that consensus forms, AI can surface and confidently recommend your brand. Getting your brand into all these places takes time. So, stack your efforts in layers: Lock down key review sites first Join conversations already happening in communities like Reddit Pitch niche SaaS sites, journalists, and publishers Track the Signals That Show You’re Gaining Ground It’s not as easy to track AI visibility right now as it is to track SEO visibility. But there are a few indicators that reveal whether you’re becoming part of the model’s go-to answers. These are worth checking monthly or quarterly: Share of voice: How often your brand appears in AI-generated results for your category Brand sentiment: The tone of the mentions Citation frequency: How often your domain is used as a source in AI answers Use Semrush’s AI Visibility Toolkit to track these metrics. Example of a Brand That’s Winning in AI Search (Slack) Slack ranks ninth overall in the Digital Technology/Software category for AI visibility. That visibility isn’t tied to one use case or category, as Slack shows up everywhere for various queries. From prompts about remote work to team communication and the best tools for small businesses. Here’s what they’re doing that you can steal: Slack Owns Their Category (Not Just Brand-Specific Prompts) Slack doesn’t only show up when someone searches for “Slack.” They show up for everything inside their category, in prompts about: Use cases: “team chat for remote work” Features: “tools with shared channels” Problems: “how to align remote teams” Price: “team communication tools” Showing up in these various category prompts builds early recognition. This then affects what happens next as the user goes deeper into their buying journey. For example, a user might start an AI conversation with: “Which is better, Slack or Teams?” Slack shows up in the citations because they’ve published content that answers that question. Now, let’s say the user sees a drawback in the AI’s answer. The user might follow up with: “What are Slack’s security concerns?” And Slack again shows up in the citations, this time through their own blog content. Slack is actively shaping the conversation. As the user moves from comparison to evaluation to decision, Slack’s content keeps appearing in the AI’s reasoning. In short: Slack gets to influence the story at every step of the buyer journey. Slack’s Messaging Is Clear One thing Slack absolutely nails is message consistency. Everywhere you look — their website, their docs, their review profiles, their blog — you get the same story about what Slack does and who it’s for. Go to their site and you’ll see pages laying out features, use cases, and integrations. All in plain, straightforward language. Even their blog posts break down new features in that same accessible tone. That clarity matters because it makes it incredibly easy for AI to learn what’s what. When your content follows a simple structure of “Here’s the feature, here’s what it does, here’s how it works,” the model can easily classify information. But Slack doesn’t just do this on their site. Jump over to their review profiles and you’ll find the exact same messaging — the same features, same categories, same positioning. That consistency is a big plus. When your messaging stays the same across every channel, you give the AI reliable information to work with. Slack Is Present Everywhere LLMs Go for Answers Slack has a footprint across every layer that large language models pull from. The community layer: Reddit threads, Quora discussions, and YouTube reviews: The expert layer: SaaS tutorials, niche SaaS blogs, and trusted industry publishers: The verification layer: G2, Capterra, and TrustRadius: This breadth matters because it helps LLMs find patterns. When Slack’s value prop, features, and positioning appear the same way across all three layers, the AI treats that agreement as “high-confidence” information. This gives the AI zero doubts about what Slack does and what it offers — and therefore what kinds of queries the AI should recommend Slack for. Help AI Find and Feature Your SaaS Brand For SaaS AI search, the game is simple: Show up everywhere the AI looks. For software companies, that means being intentional about what you publish, how you structure it, and where you show up across the web. You don’t just need to “write more content.” You need to create the right content, in the right places, in the right formats that AI models rely on. It’s a big shift, for sure. But you can make the whole thing far easier by following our search everywhere optimization guide. The post SaaS in AI Search: Who’s Ranking (+ How to Steal Their Spot) appeared first on Backlinko. View the full article

A recent test run by the Adalysis team reveals that Google’s new AI Max setting is reshaping how search terms are matched and reported — creating blind spots for advertisers who rely on precise keyword control. When AI Max isn’t the right fit. AI Max isn’t inherently bad, but advertisers should think twice if: Broad match historically underperforms in your account. Your top exact/phrase match keywords are already constrained by budget. You prefer not to use text customization or Final URL expansion — both built-in components of AI Max. If you only need broad match, you can add those keywords manually and keep full control. How AI Max interacts with your keywords. The Adalysis test shows that if your campaign doesn’t include a broad match version of a keyword, AI Max effectively acts as if it does — and Google assigns impressions, clicks, and cost to your existing keywords. This blurs match-type reporting and can give AI Max credit for traffic your exact and phrase match terms were already earning. The recommended fix: add broad match versions of your core keywords to restore clean reporting. The search-term reporting problem. When search terms were reviewed under AI Max, consistent issues were found: brand terms matching to non-brand queries, non-brand terms matching to competitors, and occasionally brand queries matching to competitor terms. Brand filters help but misspellings and variants still leak through, so strong negative keyword lists remain essential. AI Max isn’t always finding new searches. Often, AI Max isn’t discovering new queries — it’s simply taking credit for your existing ones. It can even override Google’s normal matching hierarchy, assigning impressions to AI Max instead of identical keywords in more relevant ad groups. That’s partly why its performance metrics look artificially strong. The mystery bucket. The team also found AI Max search terms that don’t map to any keyword in the account — unrelated to landing page content or past searches. This may tie to Google’s keywordless technology, but Google hasn’t confirmed. To get an accurate view of AI Max’s impact, Adalysis recommends de-duplicating search terms across match types to separate true incremental performance from reassigned results. Google’s priority order — in theory. Google says exact match should win when the search term is identical. In practice, the Adalysis test showed AI Max sometimes overriding this logic, forcing advertisers to add even misspellings and close variants as exact match to protect high-value queries. Why we care. This test shows that AI Max can quietly override match types, reassign performance, and blur reporting — making it hard to understand what’s actually driving results. If you can’t trust which keywords triggered which queries, you can’t optimize budgets, protect brand traffic, or measure true incremental performance. The bottom line. Adalysis’ testing confirms that while AI Max can help scale campaigns, its reporting structure can inflate perceived performance by reallocating impressions from exact and phrase match. If you’re using or testing AI Max, add broad match versions of all keywords, separate brand/non-brand/competitor traffic with strong negatives, keep adding your top queries as exact match, and monitor for duplicated or misrouted search terms. Even in the AI era, search-term management remains critical to ensuring your budget flows to the queries that actually perform. Dig Deeper. Interesting reads about AI Max: AI Max for Search: Everything you need to know How to tell if Google’s AI Max for search is actually working Testing AI Max in Google Ads: When to try it and when to wait AI Max in action: What early case studies and a new analysis script … Google doubles down on AI Max pitch to wary advertisers Google Ads begins rolling out AI Max for Search View the full article