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Embracing empathy helped build a healthier, more profitable firm with a smaller, stronger team. The Disruptors With Liz Farr Go PRO for members-only access to more Liz Farr. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today...View the full article

You might think of Walmart as America’s quintessential big box store—the place you can get everything from Hanes T-shirts to large screen TVs to cleats for your kid’s soccer uniform. But Walmart isn’t defying shaky consumer confidence because of the breadth of its offerings, which impressively stretches to 120,000 products at most stores. Customers aren’t flocking into stores to buy made-in-America T-shirts, as I wrote about in May, thanks to a novel partnership with American Giant. Or because it is adding more high-end products (at lower prices than you’d find anywhere else), as I covered in October in this profile of its chief merchant Latriece Watkins. Nor is this about breakthrough new products exclusive to Walmart such as Glen Powell’s Smash Kitchen line of condiments, which hit $10 million in revenue in just six months. (I wrote about how Powell and his cofounders pulled off that feat, revealing their growth numbers for the first time, and how products like theirs fit within Walmart’s overall strategy.) You’re getting warmer, though. If you want to understand why Walmart is beating the odds, this where you should look: the grocery aisles. Walmart has gone from a general merchandise store that also sells groceries to America’s grocery store that also happens to sell everything else you could imagine. The Arkansas-based retailer, which generated $648.1 billion in revenue last year (60% of which came from food), accounts for more than a fifth of all grocery dollars in the country. Since 2019, Walmart has been in the top position when it comes to grocery market share, with Kroger coming in at a distant second at less than 10%. Walmart’s grocery business has been key to its financial success at a time when many other retailers are struggling. Last week, Walmart posted strong quarterly results, with U.S. sales increasing by 4.5%. It has seen an increase in spending per visit, and gains among families with household incomes higher than $100,000 and $200,000. As a result, Walmart has raised its sales and profit guidance, suggesting that it expects to have a stellar holiday shopping season. In contrast, Target posted a drop in sales, and lowered its full-year profit guidance. Grocery store as Trojan horse Walmart’s grocery business has been a Trojan horse. Customers come to the store to stock up their fridge and pantry on low-priced food items, then pick up socks and video games while they’re at it. From the time of Walmart’s founding in 1962, the company’s strategy has been to leverage its enormous buying power to compel brands to sell their products at very low prices. “For most suppliers, Walmart is their biggest customer,” Rachel Slade, author of Making it in America, told me earlier this year. “It’s almost impossible for them to say no to Walmart’s terms.” Walmart’s prices are generally between 10% and 25% lower than competitors. As a result, it has put many smaller retailers and mom-and-moms shops out of business. This, in turn, increases it market share. Today, its 4,605 stores are within 10 miles of 90% of the population. But over the past five years, as the economy has gotten more volatile and inflation has spiked, Walmart’s low grocery prices have begun to appeal to higher income Americans, who feel the need to tighten their belts. The company is doing this in several clever ways. Last year, it launched Bettergoods, its first new in-house food brand in two decades, that is is perfectly calibrated to the tastes of the higher-income consumer. It has all the markers of a premium brand, with sleek, vibrant branding, but it is also designed to appeal to food preferences of wealthier consumers, including from organic milk to plant-based mozzarella to single origin coffee. Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester, says that she’s been impressed with the quality of food in her local Walmart’s grocery section in New Jersey. Products are neatly organized and fresh produce is high quality and inviting. “The quality is just as good as Whole Foods,” says Kodali. This has come in stark contrast to Target, where groceries make up 23% of the products in store. Over the few years, consumers have complained about Target’s grocery and bakery sections being out of stock, messy shelves, and misplaced inventory. Kodali says she’s seen expired food on Target shelves, which is “the worst thing you can do as a retailer.” E-comm as an entry The challenge for Walmart is that many of its higher-income consumers aren’t used to visiting Walmart’s stores, and might be bashful about shopping at what is perceived as a budget retailer. But for more than a decade, Walmart has been beefing up its e-commerce capabilities. When it comes to groceries, it is now significantly ahead of its biggest competitors, capturing 31.6% of grocery e-commerce sales in 2025, ahead of Amazon (22.6%) and Kroger (8.6%). Customers can order groceries online and get them as fast as two hours. And Walmart has a subscription program called Walmart+ that offers free deliver with no order minimum, and is designed to compete directly with Amazon Prime. But just as with low-income consumers, Walmart wants to encourage these higher income shoppers to buy more than food. As I reported in the latest issue of the magazine, Walmart’s chief merchant, Latriece Watkins, has been on a mission to bring in more premium brands into the store, like Sonos speakers, De’Longhi coffee makers, and LaRoche-Posay skincare. The strategy appears to be working. The latest financial report shows that the average amount consumers are spending per transaction has gone up by 2% from a year ago. Can Walmart keep this growth streak up? That’s an open question. During the Great Recession of 2008, affluent consumers flocked to Walmart in an effort to stretch their dollars. But when financial pressures eased, the Walmart acknowledges that many of these newfound customers eventually went back to competitors. This time, however, Walmart appears to have a longer-term strategy to keep wealthier consumers coming back, from creating products that cater to their tastes to keeping them locked in with the Walmart+ subscription program. We’ll have to see if these shoppers stick around when the economy gets better. View the full article

As shopping becomes more visually driven, imagery plays a central role in how people evaluate products. Images and videos can unfurl complex stories in an instant, making them powerful tools for communication. In ecommerce, they function as decision tools. Generative search systems extract objects, embedded text, composition, and style to infer use cases and brand fit, then LLMs surface the assets that best answer a shopper’s question. Each visual becomes structured data that removes a purchase objection, increasing discoverability in multimodal search contexts where customers take a photo or upload a screenshot to ask about it. Visual search is a shopping behavior Shoppers use visual search to make decisions: snapping a photo, scanning a label, or comparing products to answer “Will this work for me?” in seconds. For online stores, that means every photo must answer that task: in‑hand scale shots, on‑body size cues, real‑light color, micro‑demos, and side‑by‑sides that make trade‑offs obvious without reading a word. Multimodal search is reshaping user behaviors Visual search adoption is accelerating. Google Lens now handles 20 billion visual queries per month, driven heavily by younger users in the 18-24 cohort. These evolving behaviors map to specific intent categories.​ General context Multimodal search aligns with intuitive information-finding. Users no longer rely on text-only fields. They combine images, spoken queries, and context to direct requests.​​ Quick capture and identify By snapping a photo and asking for identification (e.g., “What plant is this?” or querying an error screen), users instantly solve recognition and troubleshooting tasks, speeding up resolution and product authentication.​ Visual comparison Showing a product and requesting “find a dupe” or asking about “room style” eliminates complex textual descriptions and enables rapid cross-category shopping and fit checking. This shortens discovery time and supports quicker alternative product searches.​ Information processing Presenting ingredient lists (“make recipe”), manuals, or foreign text triggers on-the-fly data conversion. Systems extract, translate, and operationalize information, eliminating the need for manual reentry or searching elsewhere for instructions.​ Modification search Displaying a product and asking for variations (“like this but in blue”) enables precise attribute searching, such as finding parts or compatible accessories, without needing to hunt down model or part numbers.​ These user behaviors highlight the shift away from purely language-based navigation. Multimodal AI now enables instant identification, decision support, and creative exploration, reducing friction across both ecommerce and information journeys. You can view a comprehensive table of multimodal visual search types here. Dig deeper: How multimodal discovery is redefining SEO in the AI era Prioritize content and quality for purchase decisions Your product images must highlight the specific details customers look for, such as pockets, patterns, or special stitching. This goes further, because certain abstract ideas are conveyed more authentically through visuals. To answer “Can a 40-year-old woman wear Doc Martens?” you should show, not tell, that they belong. Original images are essential because they reflect high effort, uniqueness, and skill, making the content more engaging and credible. Making products machine-readable for image vision To make products machine-readable, every visual element must be clearly interpreted by AI systems. This starts with how images and packaging are designed. Products and packaging as landing pages Ecommerce packaging must be engineered like a digital asset to thrive in the era of multimodal AI search. When AI or search engines can’t read the packaging, the product becomes invisible at the moment of highest consumer intent. Design for OCR-friendliness and authenticity Both Google Lens and leading LLMs use optical character recognition (OCR) to extract, interpret, and index data from physical goods. To support this, text and visuals on packaging must be easy for OCR to convert into data. Prioritize high-contrast color schemes. Black text on white backgrounds is the gold standard. Critical details (e.g., ingredients, instructions, warnings) should be presented in clean, sans-serif fonts (e.g., Helvetica, Arial, Lato, Open Sans) and set against solid backgrounds, free from distracting patterns. This means treating physical product labeling like a landing page, as Cetaphil does. Source: AdAge Avoid common failure points such as: Low contrast. Decorative or script fonts. Busy patterns. Curved or creased surfaces. Glossy materials that reflect light and break up text. Here’s an example: Document where OCR fails and analyze why. Run a grayscale test to confirm that text remains distinguishable without color. For every product, include a QR code that links directly to a web page with structured, machine-readable information in HTML. High-resolution, multi-angle product images work best, especially for items that require authenticity verification. Authentic photos, where accuracy and credibility are essential, consistently outperform artificial or AI-generated images. Dig deeper: How to make ecommerce product pages work in an AI-first world Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Managing your brand’s visual knowledge graph AI does not isolate your product. It scans every adjacent object in an image to build a contextual database. Props, backgrounds, and other elements help AI infer price point, lifestyle relevance, and target customers. Each object placed alongside a product sends a signal – luxury cues, sport gear, utilitarian tools – all recalibrating the brand’s digital persona for machines. A distinctive logo within each visual scene ensures rapid recognition, making products easier to identify in visual and multimodal AI search “in the wild.” Tight control of these adjacency signals is now part of brand architecture. Deliberate curation ensures AI models correctly map a brand’s value, context, and ideal customer, increasing the likelihood of appearing in relevant, high-value conversational queries. Run a co-occurrence audit for brand context Establish a workflow that assesses, corrects, and operationalizes brand context for multimodal AI search. Run this audit in AI Mode, ChatGPT search, ChatGPT, and another LLM model of your choice. Gather the top five lifestyle or product photos and input them into a multimodal LLM, such as Gemini, or an object detection API, like the Google Vision API. Use the prompt: “List every single object you can identify in this image. Based on these objects, describe the person who owns them.” This generates a machine-produced inventory and persona analysis. Identify narrative disconnects, such as a budget product mispositioned as a luxury or an aspirational item, undermined by mismatched background cues. From these results, develop explicit guidelines that include props, context elements, and on-brand and off-brand objects for marketing, photography, and creative teams. Enforce these standards to ensure every asset analyzed by AI – and subsequently ranked or recommended – consistently reinforces product context, brand value, and the desired customer profile. This alignment ensures consistent machine perception with strategic goals and strengthens presence in next-generation search and recommendation environments. Brand control across the four visual layers The brand control quadrant provides a practical framework for managing brand visibility through the lens of machine interpretation. It covers four layers, some owned by the brand and others influenced by it. Known brand This includes owned visuals, such as official logos, branded imagery, and design guides, which brands assume are controlled and understood by both human audiences and AI. Image strategy Curate a visual knowledge graph. List and assess adjacent objects in brand-connected images. Build and reinforce an “Object Bible” to reduce narrative drift and ensure lifestyle signals consistently support the intended brand persona and value. Latent brand These are images and contexts AI captures “in the wild,” including: User photos. Social sightings. Street-style shots. These third-party visuals can generate unintended inferences about price, persona, or positioning. An extreme example is Helly Hansen, whose “HH” logo was co-opted by far-right and neo-Nazi groups, creating unintended associations through user-posted images. Shadow brand This quadrant consists of outdated brand assets and materials presumed private that can be indexed and learned by LLMs if made public, even unintentionally. Audit all public and semi-public digital archives for outdated or conflicting imagery. Remove or update diagrams, screenshots, or historic visuals. Funnel only current, strategy-aligned visual data to guide AI inferences and search representations. AI-narrated brand AI builds composite narratives about a brand by synthesizing visual and emotional cues from all layers. This outcome can include competitor contamination or tone mismatches. Image strategy Test the image’s meaning and emotional tone using tools like Google Cloud Vision to confirm that its inherent aesthetics and mood align with the intended product messaging. When mismatches appear, correct them at the asset level to recalibrate the narrative. Factoring for sentiment: Aligning visual tone and emotional context Images do more than provide information. They command attention and evoke emotion in split seconds, shaping perceptions and influencing behavior. In AI-driven multimodal search, this emotional resonance becomes a direct, machine-readable signal. Emotional context is interpreted and sentiment scored. The affective quality of each image is evaluated by LLMs, which synthesize sentiment, tone, and contextual nuance alongside textual descriptions to match content to user emotion and intent. To capitalize on this, brands must intentionally design and rigorously audit the emotional tone of their imagery. Tools like Microsoft Azure Computer Vision or Google Cloud Vision’s API allow teams to: Score images for emotional cues at scale. Assess facial expressions and assign probabilities to emotions, enabling precise calibration of imagery to intended product feelings such as “calm” for a yoga mat line, “joy” for a party dress, or “confidence” for business shoes. Align emotional content with marketing goals. Ensure that imagery sets the right expectations and appeals to the target audience. Start by identifying the baseline emotion in your brand imagery, then actively test for consistency using AI tools. Ensuring your brand narrative matches AI perception Prioritize authentic, high-quality product images, ensure every asset is machine-readable, and rigorously curate visual context and sentiment. Treat packaging and on-site visuals as digital landing pages. Run regular audits for object adjacency, emotional tone, and technical discoverability. AI systems will shape your brand narrative whether you guide them or not, so make sure every visual aligns with the story you intend to tell. View the full article

Google Posts now supports scheduling and multi-location publishing within Google Business Profiles. This should make it easier for you to manage your Google Posts for your business(es) and client(s). Scheduling. When you add a new Google Post within Google Business Profiles, there is a new option to “schedule this post.” You can then select a date and time for when you want the post to be scheduled. Lisa Landsman from Google said on LinkedIn, “plan your entire week or month in advance! You can now schedule your Google Posts to go live automatically at the perfect time.” Multi-location publishing. Also, if you manage multiple locations for a business and you want to quickly copy those Google Posts to some or all of those locations, you can now. Lisa Landsman explained, “Easily create a single post and apply it instantly to multiple business locations in one click..” What it looks like. Here is a GIF of this in action: Why we care. Businesses are busy and you don’t always have time to drop what you are doing to create a Google Post about a new event or message. But now, when you have time, you can pre-schedule these Google Posts at your convenience. Also, you can quickly copy them to other locations you manage. As Google’s Lisa Landsman wrote, “We know the upcoming holiday season is a crucial, and hectic, time for your business. It’s also your biggest opportunity to get your events, offers, and updates in front of potential customers who are actively searching.” View the full article

Proposed changes unlikely to apply for trials of serious offences such as rape and murderView the full article

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors' picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. With Black Friday fast approaching, I'm here to tell you Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is cheaper than ever—now just $299.99 on Amazon (almost a third off the original price of $429.99). That's a lot of laptop in return for relatively little outlay, and there won't be many better value deals on offer this week. Acer Chromebook Plus 515 $299.99 $429.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Get Deal $299.99 $429.99 Save $130.00 I've recently written about the reasons why I often prefer picking up my Chromebook rather than firing up my Windows 11 or macOS computers: These ChromeOS machines are lightweight, fast, bloat-free, and always online. Everything you do on them is instantly saved to the cloud, making it easy to sync your work across computers. Sure, you can of course install Google Chrome on a Microsoft or Apple laptop and then get ChromeOS plus all the extras—but a lot of the time, I don't really need those extras. All I want is a fast window on the web, without background programs or software updates or any other distractions getting in the way. This 15.6-inch Acer laptop meets the Chromebook Plus standard for a superior ChromeOS experience, and you even get a year of Google AI Pro (normally $20 a month) included for free. If you weren't aware, Chromebooks can also run Android apps, which means there's even more you can do with this portable computer. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. November is the ideal time to prepare your home for colder weather and to get ready to spend more time indoors. Not only can you save yourself from more expensive heating bills with thoughtful weatherproofing, but you can also be more confident in the event of winter storms or simply more comfortable when you choose to stay indoors. Keeping your house warm, cozy, and safe for the winter is made easier by addressing potential problems early through simple checks and chores now. Here are all the home maintenance tasks you should do in November. 1) Add vent covers to your vents and crawlspacesWhen the weather gets colder, wild animals seek a good place to shelter for the winter. If you have uncovered vents or crawl spaces, they can prove to be an inviting spot for creatures. To keep them out, see that you have vent covers in place and that crawl spaces or any other exterior nooks and crannies are sealed up or covered with a sturdy metal mesh. If you don't have vent covers installed, consider adding them. This method will help defend against squirrels, raccoons, rats, mice, birds, and bats. 2) Change the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide alarmsIf you have non-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, change the batteries once a year—even before they begin making the annoying low-battery beep, if you're up for it. While you're at it, check your various hazard detection systems to ensure they work properly. Since people spend more time indoors during the colder months, there is an elevated risk of fire from the use of heaters, candles, and cooking. Additionally, keeping windows closed and sealed can increase the risk of carbon monoxide accumulation inside. Giving your detectors a once-over can help reduce your risk. 3) Install weatherproofing to doors and windowsIf you live in an older home or have windows or doors that aren’t well-insulated, November is a good time to weatherproof problem areas. Begin by inspecting the weatherstripping around doors and windows, checking for leaks, broken, or worn stripping. If you find any gaps, use replacement weather stripping to seal them. If you have bigger leaks around windows or doors, or older windows that let in too much air, you can also use a weatherization kit to temporarily seal off leaky openings with heat-shrinking plastic wrap. This basic weatherproofing will keep you warmer and help save money on utility bills. 4) Organize your winter weather suppliesIf you live in an area that can get a lot of snow and ice in the winter, stock up on ice melt, shovels, and roof rakes. Take a look at your snow removal tools and make sure they’re in good shape before it’s time to use them, as replacing equipment before a storm can save you a lot of headache later. It's also a good time to stash your ice scraper, snow brush, and snow chains in your car's trunk. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall and ice, consider keeping a scraper and de-icer in your garage or utility room, so you can access them if your vehicle becomes frozen over. 5) Clean ovens, toasters, and other crumb-catching appliancesKitchen fires can be caused by ovens, toasters, and other cooking appliances that have crumbs and other burnt food deposits. Since people tend to stay home and use their ovens more during colder months—not to mention entertain more during the holiday season—ovens and toasters can get a more intense workout this time of year. Checking that your appliances are clean and hazard-free in November can save you from a disaster down the road, not to mention that you'll be happier with cleaner appliances and less work during spring cleaning season. 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 sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. If you have a gamer on your list, make this the year that you don't get them Lee Carvalla's Putting Challenge when they want Bonestorm. The list of Black Friday discounted items below contains everything from full systems to high-end monitors to novelty gifts that'll get a quick laugh—in other words, something for every kind of gamer. Meta Quest 3SIf the gamer in your life is virtual-reality-curious, Meta's Quest 3S headset is the best entry-level VR headset. It might not be the top of Meta's line of VR headsets, but it does everything its bigger brother the Meta Quest 3 does—at a much lower price. Check out my comparison for an in-depth look. The Meta Quest 3S is $249, down from $299. Huqjot retro gaming consoleIt's a golden age for fans of old school games—emulators have gotten so compact and so inexpensive that you can play almost any old game you can think of with just a memory stick plugged into your TV. There are a lot of emulators choose from, but this classic gaming stick comes pre-packaged with over 20,000 games and 23 emulators plus two controllers for less than $50. Retro Gaming Console Pro $39.99 at Amazon $79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Get Deal $39.99 at Amazon $79.99 Save $40.00 PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (Slim)It pains me to say this as a longtime Xbox user, but PlayStation has won this generation for serious console gamers. This sleek, slim version of the console is all digital, so there's no disc drive to worry about. It plays the entire catalog of PS5 games, and it comes with a controller. Plus, the Black Friday price is $399, as cheap as it has ever sold for. If you'd rather have a drive, the PS5 Slim disc version is on sale for $449. PlayStation DualSense wireless controllerIf you do gift a PS5, don't forget the extra controller. This DualSense encourages couch co-op and competitive gaming. It charges through a USB-C port, features haptics, and has a built-in mic, so it's everything you need to get Player 2 up and running fast on a PlayStation system. Sony - PlayStation 5 - DualSense Wireless Controller - Midnight Black $54.99 at Amazon $74.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Get Deal $54.99 at Amazon $74.99 Save $20.00 Ice Breaker Xbox wireless controllerXboxers need a second controller, too.This first-party wireless controller works great and looks slick. It works for both Xbox and PC and includes a "share" button so you can instantly disseminate screenshots and videos. At $49, this Black Friday price is as low as the Ice Breaker has ever been priced. Xbox Wireless Controller Ice Breaker Special Edition $49.00 at Amazon $79.99 Save $30.99 Get Deal Get Deal $49.00 at Amazon $79.99 Save $30.99 Logitech G502 X Plus gaming mouseWhen you're serious about PC gaming, you need a serious gaming mouse like the Logitech G502 X Plus. This wireless mouse has programmable LED lighting, a dual-mode scroll wheel, and a Hero 25K gaming sensor that's precise down to the sub-micron. They're on Black Friday sale for $128.49, down from $179.99. KontrolFreek performance thumbsticksPC gamers aren't the only people who need more precise input. These simple accessories snap on to the thumbsticks of your console controller and give you a little more grip and a little more height, and thus a little better control. They're less than $15 for Black Friday. KontrolFreek FPS Freek Galaxy White for Xbox One and Xbox Series X Controller | Performance Thumbsticks | 1 High-Rise, 1 Mid-Rise | White $13.59 at Amazon $16.99 Save $3.40 Get Deal Get Deal $13.59 at Amazon $16.99 Save $3.40 Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide WQHD This Sceptre PC monitor curves around you for better immersion. It packs 5 million pixels into its 34" frame, features 3440 x 1440, and the 21:9 aspect ratio provides you with 30% more screen space versus a conventional monitor. At $187.97, it's 30% off the list price. Sceptre 34-Inch Curved Ultrawide WQHD Monitor $187.97 at Amazon $269.97 Save $82.00 Get Deal Get Deal $187.97 at Amazon $269.97 Save $82.00 Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder PedalsIf your giftee is really into flight sims, a set of Logitech flight rudder pedals will take their gaming into the stratosphere (so to speak). Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, this controller has adjustable tension to give the feel of every kind of aircraft, from ultralights to passenger jets. It's $129.99 for Black Friday. Logitech G Pro Flight Rudder Pedals $129.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $129.99 at Amazon $179.99 Save $50.00 Bose QuietComfort HeadphonesThese noise-cancelling Bluetooth headphones from Bose have an onboard mic, USB-C charging, and play for 24 hours on a charge. They sound excellent too, whether you use them for listening to music or making sure you can hear someone sneaking up on you in Battlefield 6. The discount is substantial, too: $199 down from $349. Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones $199.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal Get Deal $199.00 at Amazon $349.00 Save $150.00 Duracell BatteriesEveryone needs batteries, but gamers really need batteries. This bundle combines 28 AA and 28 AAA batteries in one package. These aren't the cheap batteries, either; they're Duracells, so they're reliable and long-lasting. They're 18% off for Black Friday. Crucial X10 Pro 2TB Portable SSDCrucial's X10 Pro is a two-terabyte SSD drive that connects to just about everything—Windows, Mac, iPad, Chromebooks, Android, Linux, PS4, PS5, and Xbox—via USB-C and USB-A. It stores all kinds of data, and retrieves it fast too: up to 2,100MB/s read and 2,000MB/s write speeds. Plus, it's IP55 water and dust resistance and drop resistant up to 7.5 ft. It's currently $149.99, almost 50% off. Snactiv Pro Finger ChopsticksUnwrapping a pair of Snactiv Pros will definitely make your gamer smile. They're finger chopsticks that attach to your knuckles so you can eat snacks without hitting pause or getting Cheeto dust all over your controller, which is either ridiculous or useful, depending on your point-of-view. In other words, a perfect for a Christmas gift. Snactiv Pros Finger Chopsticks $14.99 at Amazon $17.99 Save $3.00 Get Deal Get Deal $14.99 at Amazon $17.99 Save $3.00 Online gift cardsYou might think there's something impersonal about buying gift cards for Christmas, but trust me, this is what gamers actually want—as long as you know what ecosystem they're in. You can set how much money to put on these cards and choose between digital delivery or a physical card. Steam card XBox card PlayStation card Nintendo card JSAUX controller charger for Nintendo Switch 2If there's a Nintendo gamer in your life, this JSAUX charger will power-up their controllers and look good doing it. It charges up to four controllers at once, and features LED lights that tell you how much gas is in the tank. It's $12.99, down from $15.99. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday? Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it? In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday? Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

To effectively boost your business, it’s essential to understand various sales strategies that can improve your approach. Each method, from inbound marketing to consultative selling, offers unique benefits customized to different customer needs. By diversifying your tactics, you can optimize your resource allocation and enhance conversion rates. Yet, with so many options available, which strategies should you prioritize for maximum impact? Let’s explore ten effective sales strategies that can propel your growth. Key Takeaways Inbound Sales Strategies: Focus on attracting customers through valuable content and engaging social media interactions to boost brand awareness and loyalty. Outbound Sales Strategies: Utilize proactive outreach methods like cold calling and targeted email campaigns to connect with potential leads directly. Consultative Selling: Build long-term relationships by understanding client needs and providing personalized solutions that address their specific pain points. Value-Based Selling: Prioritize solving customer problems with tailored pitches, enhancing conversion rates by focusing on the value provided. Account-Based Selling: Target high-value accounts with customized marketing efforts to improve relationships and increase overall sales effectiveness. Understanding Sales Strategies When you consider how to effectively sell your products or services, grasping sales strategies is fundamental for your business’s success. You need to recognize the different types of sales strategies that can drive your efforts. Broadly, these strategies fall into inbound and outbound categories; inbound focuses on attracting customers through engaging content, whereas outbound relies on direct outreach methods like cold calls and emails. Comprehending customer personas is likewise crucial, as it helps tailor your approach based on specific demographics and buying behaviors. The Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-structured sales strategy is crucial for any business aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. It provides a long-term roadmap that aligns your sales goals with organizational objectives. By implementing a strategic sales approach, you improve team performance, clarify roles, and enhance targeting and conversion rates. This clarity allows you to focus on high-potential leads, optimizing resource allocation. Moreover, a defined sales strategy helps you differentiate yourself from competitors by identifying your unique value propositions and ideal customer segments. Salesforce with a solid sales strategy can proactively adapt to market changes, ensuring future growth. Benefits of Sales Strategy Key Elements Aligns goals with objectives Clear roles and responsibilities Improves team performance Unique value propositions Optimizes resource allocation Ongoing assessment and refinement Differentiates from competitors Focus on high-potential leads Inbound Sales Strategies Inbound sales strategies are all about attracting potential customers by offering valuable content that meets their needs. By utilizing content marketing techniques and engaging on social media, you can effectively guide prospects through their buying path and improve their overall experience. This approach not merely boosts brand awareness but likewise cultivates trust and long-term relationships, making it a vital aspect of your sales strategy. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing techniques play a crucial role in attracting potential customers by delivering valuable and relevant information that meets their needs. By creating engaging content—like blogs, videos, and infographics—you can establish your business as a thought leader in your industry. This approach not only builds trust but furthermore improves brand awareness and customer loyalty. In addition, businesses that prioritize these techniques experience six times higher conversion rates compared to those that don’t. Utilizing SEO within your content marketing boosts visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic. Significantly, inbound marketing strategies can be 62% less costly than traditional outbound methods as well as generating three times as many leads, making content marketing a smart choice among different kinds of sales approaches. Social Media Engagement How can social media engagement transform your sales strategy? By leveraging social media, you can notably boost brand awareness, as 83% of marketers agree it improves visibility. Engaging customers through different sales categories can lead to effective lead generation, with 65% of marketers noting its success. When you actively respond to comments and messages, you improve customer satisfaction—51% of consumers appreciate quick replies. Furthermore, utilizing targeted ads can improve your conversion rates, achieving a 2.00% click-through rate compared to a mere 0.10% for general ads. Sharing valuable content nurtures trust, influencing 61% of decision-makers in their purchasing choices. Embracing these 10 types of sales strategies through social media can effectively raise your business performance. Outbound Sales Strategies Outbound sales strategies represent an essential approach in modern business practices, involving proactive outreach methods like cold calling, email campaigns, and telemarketing to generate leads. This approach often relies on purchasing contact lists and directly reaching out to potential clients, which can lead to lower response rates compared to inbound strategies. In 2023, a study revealed that 60% of salespeople fell short of quotas, highlighting the challenges in effectively executing outbound tactics. To succeed, you need a clear comprehension of your target audience and a compelling sales pitch that engages prospects. Incorporating automated tools for lead generation and follow-up can improve efficiency, allowing your sales team to focus on high-value prospects and enhance overall results. Value-Based Selling Even though many sales strategies focus on features and pricing, value-based selling shifts the emphasis to grasping and solving customer pain points. This approach prioritizes insight into what your customer truly needs, allowing you to present specific benefits and solutions that your product or service offers. To succeed, you must engage in thorough research and active listening, tailoring your pitches to each client’s unique challenges. This method can lead to higher conversion rates, with studies showing a 10-20% increase in sales performance for businesses that adopt it. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, you improve customer loyalty through personalized attention, resulting in repeat business and referrals. In the end, value-based selling cultivates deeper relationships that are beneficial for both parties. Consultative Selling In consultative selling, you focus on comprehending client needs to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties. By acting as an advisor, you engage in active listening and ask questions that uncover specific challenges your clients face. This approach not merely improves customer satisfaction but additionally nurtures loyalty, making clients more willing to invest in customized solutions. Understanding Client Needs Grasping client needs through consultative selling is vital for building strong relationships and achieving sales success. This method emphasizes comprehending your clients’ specific challenges, allowing you to become a trusted advisor rather than merely a seller. By asking insightful questions and practicing active listening, you can identify pain points and tailor solutions effectively. Research shows that 61% of buyers prefer working with salespeople who invest time in grasping their problems. This collaborative approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also opens doors for upselling opportunities, as clients feel valued and acknowledged. Organizations that invest in ongoing training for consultative selling techniques experience a 25% improvement in sales performance, highlighting the method’s effectiveness in boosting business outcomes. Building Long-term Relationships Building long-term relationships with clients is essential for sustained business success, and consultative selling plays a significant role in this process. This approach positions you as an advisor who actively listens to your clients, grasping their unique needs. By asking open-ended questions, you can uncover their pain points and challenges, allowing you to offer customized solutions that nurture trust and loyalty. Companies using consultative selling often see a 25% increase in customer retention because of these improved relationships. Furthermore, focusing on providing value rather than simply pushing products leads to higher satisfaction rates. In fact, 70% of customers prefer personalized solutions, and adopting consultative techniques can yield a 50% higher conversion rate compared to traditional sales methods. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is a powerful consultative sales technique that can transform your approach to engaging with customers. This method emphasizes asking four types of questions: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By gathering background information through Situation questions, you can identify the customer’s specific issues with Problem questions. Implication questions then allow you to highlight the consequences of those issues, whereas Need-payoff questions explore the benefits of potential solutions. Research shows that employing SPIN Selling can markedly boost your closing rates, especially in complex sales environments where comprehending customer challenges is essential. Sales professionals trained in this technique report improved customer engagement and a more structured approach, resulting in stronger client relationships and increased sales success. Solution Selling In solution selling, you focus on comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges, which allows you to offer customized recommendations. By actively listening and asking the right questions, you can build stronger, long-term relationships with your clients. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but additionally positions you as a trusted advisor, leading to increased loyalty and potentially higher sales productivity. Understanding Prospect Needs How can comprehension of your prospects’ needs transform your sales approach? By focusing on their specific problems and challenges, you can tailor your offerings to provide real solutions. This requires in-depth research into their pain points and active listening during conversations. When you ask insightful questions, you can uncover underlying issues that prospects mightn’t initially express. Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor rather than a traditional seller boosts your credibility and nurtures long-term relationships. Companies embracing this solution selling approach have reported higher customer satisfaction rates, with 70% of buyers preferring consultative interactions. Grasping prospects’ needs ultimately leads to increased loyalty and satisfaction, ensuring your sales strategy is effective and aligned with what your customers truly want. Tailored Recommendations Comprehending your prospects’ needs sets the stage for delivering personalized recommendations that resonate with their specific challenges. Solution Selling focuses on identifying these unique problems, allowing you to suggest customized products or services that provide the most value. Engaging in deep conversations with potential customers helps you uncover their pain points, leading to more effective solutions. By prioritizing their needs over merely pushing products, you improve customer satisfaction and drive better outcomes. Research shows that sales teams using Solution Selling techniques can achieve conversion rates 30% to 50% higher than traditional methods. To implement this approach successfully, extensive training for sales personnel is essential, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to craft value-driven pitches that truly meet customer demands. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is critical for sustained business success, especially when employing Solution Selling techniques. By truly comprehending your customers’ needs and challenges, you can recommend customized solutions that build trust and loyalty. This collaborative approach not merely deepens your comprehension of their pain points but also improves customer satisfaction. Benefits of Solution Selling Impact on Business Cultivates trust and loyalty 60% increase in customer retention Encourages ongoing communication Leads to additional sales opportunities Focuses on customer needs 70% of consumers prefer understanding salespeople Promotes referrals Satisfied customers recommend your business Challenger Selling Even though traditional sales methods often focus on building relationships and grasp of customer needs, Challenger Selling takes a different approach by positioning the salesperson as a knowledgeable expert who can provide unique insights. This strategy emphasizes teaching potential customers new perspectives, challenging their current thinking. By deeply comprehending the customer’s business and needs, you can tailor your approach and present solutions that align with their goals. Research shows that Challenger Sales representatives outperform their peers by up to 2.5 times in complex sales situations. This methodology involves three key components: teaching the customer, customizing your message, and controlling the conversation to guide decisions. Rigorous training and market knowledge are crucial for successfully implementing Challenger Selling strategies. Account-Based Selling When targeting high-value accounts in B2B sales, Account-Based Selling (ABS) stands out as a strategic approach that tailors marketing efforts to meet the unique needs of each client. This method involves thorough research on prospective clients, focusing on their business challenges and decision-making processes. Collaboration between sales and marketing teams is essential, allowing for personalized content and outreach strategies that resonate with key stakeholders. Companies utilizing ABS often experience higher conversion rates; 86% of marketers report improved client relationships. By prioritizing high-value accounts, businesses can greatly increase revenue potential, with ABS strategies yielding 10-20% higher win rates compared to traditional methods. Benefits of ABS Impact on Business Personalized marketing Improved client relationships Improved conversion rates Increased revenue potential Higher engagement Better alignment with clients Collaborative strategies Effective resource allocation Focus on high-value accounts Greater competitive advantage Frequently Asked Questions What Are Different Types of Sales Strategies? There are several types of sales strategies you can consider. Inbound sales attract customers through valuable content and engagement, whereas outbound sales involve active outreach like cold calling. Value-based selling focuses on addressing customer pain points, and consultative selling builds long-term relationships by tailoring solutions to client needs. Finally, account-based selling targets high-value customers with personalized marketing efforts. Each strategy serves different purposes and can improve your overall sales effectiveness. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 Rule in sales helps you structure your pitch effectively. You spend three minutes preparing your key points, three minutes delivering your pitch, and three minutes engaging your customer with questions and feedback. This approach promotes concise communication, ensuring you respect the customer’s time as you remain focused. What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on a value-based selling approach. Identify customer pain points and tailor your solutions accordingly. Consider implementing Account-Based Selling to target high-value clients, enhancing conversion rates. Utilize social proof, like testimonials, as 79% of consumers trust online reviews. Offering a free trial can additionally boost conversions, as nearly half of sales professionals find success with this tactic. Regularly analyze feedback and sales data to refine your strategies continuously. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? The 5 W’s in sales are fundamental for comprehending your target market. First, Who identifies your ideal customers, helping you craft buyer personas. Next, “What” defines your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. “When” focuses on the timing of your sales efforts, ensuring they align with customer needs. “Where” determines the best channels for outreach, and “Why” uncovers the motivations behind purchases, guiding your sales messaging effectively. Conclusion In summary, implementing a variety of sales strategies can greatly improve your business’s success. By comprehending and applying methods such as inbound marketing, outbound sales, and value-based selling, you can effectively reach and retain customers. Advanced techniques like Challenger Selling and Account-Based Selling allow for customized approaches to high-value clients. Exploring your tactics not just optimizes resources but also boosts conversion rates, leading to sustainable growth. Adapting your strategy to fit your unique business needs is essential for long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Different Types of Sales Strategies to Boost Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

To effectively boost your business, it’s essential to understand various sales strategies that can improve your approach. Each method, from inbound marketing to consultative selling, offers unique benefits customized to different customer needs. By diversifying your tactics, you can optimize your resource allocation and enhance conversion rates. Yet, with so many options available, which strategies should you prioritize for maximum impact? Let’s explore ten effective sales strategies that can propel your growth. Key Takeaways Inbound Sales Strategies: Focus on attracting customers through valuable content and engaging social media interactions to boost brand awareness and loyalty. Outbound Sales Strategies: Utilize proactive outreach methods like cold calling and targeted email campaigns to connect with potential leads directly. Consultative Selling: Build long-term relationships by understanding client needs and providing personalized solutions that address their specific pain points. Value-Based Selling: Prioritize solving customer problems with tailored pitches, enhancing conversion rates by focusing on the value provided. Account-Based Selling: Target high-value accounts with customized marketing efforts to improve relationships and increase overall sales effectiveness. Understanding Sales Strategies When you consider how to effectively sell your products or services, grasping sales strategies is fundamental for your business’s success. You need to recognize the different types of sales strategies that can drive your efforts. Broadly, these strategies fall into inbound and outbound categories; inbound focuses on attracting customers through engaging content, whereas outbound relies on direct outreach methods like cold calls and emails. Comprehending customer personas is likewise crucial, as it helps tailor your approach based on specific demographics and buying behaviors. The Importance of a Sales Strategy A well-structured sales strategy is crucial for any business aiming to thrive in a competitive environment. It provides a long-term roadmap that aligns your sales goals with organizational objectives. By implementing a strategic sales approach, you improve team performance, clarify roles, and enhance targeting and conversion rates. This clarity allows you to focus on high-potential leads, optimizing resource allocation. Moreover, a defined sales strategy helps you differentiate yourself from competitors by identifying your unique value propositions and ideal customer segments. Salesforce with a solid sales strategy can proactively adapt to market changes, ensuring future growth. Benefits of Sales Strategy Key Elements Aligns goals with objectives Clear roles and responsibilities Improves team performance Unique value propositions Optimizes resource allocation Ongoing assessment and refinement Differentiates from competitors Focus on high-potential leads Inbound Sales Strategies Inbound sales strategies are all about attracting potential customers by offering valuable content that meets their needs. By utilizing content marketing techniques and engaging on social media, you can effectively guide prospects through their buying path and improve their overall experience. This approach not merely boosts brand awareness but likewise cultivates trust and long-term relationships, making it a vital aspect of your sales strategy. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing techniques play a crucial role in attracting potential customers by delivering valuable and relevant information that meets their needs. By creating engaging content—like blogs, videos, and infographics—you can establish your business as a thought leader in your industry. This approach not only builds trust but furthermore improves brand awareness and customer loyalty. In addition, businesses that prioritize these techniques experience six times higher conversion rates compared to those that don’t. Utilizing SEO within your content marketing boosts visibility on search engines, driving organic traffic. Significantly, inbound marketing strategies can be 62% less costly than traditional outbound methods as well as generating three times as many leads, making content marketing a smart choice among different kinds of sales approaches. Social Media Engagement How can social media engagement transform your sales strategy? By leveraging social media, you can notably boost brand awareness, as 83% of marketers agree it improves visibility. Engaging customers through different sales categories can lead to effective lead generation, with 65% of marketers noting its success. When you actively respond to comments and messages, you improve customer satisfaction—51% of consumers appreciate quick replies. Furthermore, utilizing targeted ads can improve your conversion rates, achieving a 2.00% click-through rate compared to a mere 0.10% for general ads. Sharing valuable content nurtures trust, influencing 61% of decision-makers in their purchasing choices. Embracing these 10 types of sales strategies through social media can effectively raise your business performance. Outbound Sales Strategies Outbound sales strategies represent an essential approach in modern business practices, involving proactive outreach methods like cold calling, email campaigns, and telemarketing to generate leads. This approach often relies on purchasing contact lists and directly reaching out to potential clients, which can lead to lower response rates compared to inbound strategies. In 2023, a study revealed that 60% of salespeople fell short of quotas, highlighting the challenges in effectively executing outbound tactics. To succeed, you need a clear comprehension of your target audience and a compelling sales pitch that engages prospects. Incorporating automated tools for lead generation and follow-up can improve efficiency, allowing your sales team to focus on high-value prospects and enhance overall results. Value-Based Selling Even though many sales strategies focus on features and pricing, value-based selling shifts the emphasis to grasping and solving customer pain points. This approach prioritizes insight into what your customer truly needs, allowing you to present specific benefits and solutions that your product or service offers. To succeed, you must engage in thorough research and active listening, tailoring your pitches to each client’s unique challenges. This method can lead to higher conversion rates, with studies showing a 10-20% increase in sales performance for businesses that adopt it. By positioning yourself as a trusted advisor, you improve customer loyalty through personalized attention, resulting in repeat business and referrals. In the end, value-based selling cultivates deeper relationships that are beneficial for both parties. Consultative Selling In consultative selling, you focus on comprehending client needs to build long-term relationships that benefit both parties. By acting as an advisor, you engage in active listening and ask questions that uncover specific challenges your clients face. This approach not merely improves customer satisfaction but additionally nurtures loyalty, making clients more willing to invest in customized solutions. Understanding Client Needs Grasping client needs through consultative selling is vital for building strong relationships and achieving sales success. This method emphasizes comprehending your clients’ specific challenges, allowing you to become a trusted advisor rather than merely a seller. By asking insightful questions and practicing active listening, you can identify pain points and tailor solutions effectively. Research shows that 61% of buyers prefer working with salespeople who invest time in grasping their problems. This collaborative approach not only improves customer satisfaction but also opens doors for upselling opportunities, as clients feel valued and acknowledged. Organizations that invest in ongoing training for consultative selling techniques experience a 25% improvement in sales performance, highlighting the method’s effectiveness in boosting business outcomes. Building Long-term Relationships Building long-term relationships with clients is essential for sustained business success, and consultative selling plays a significant role in this process. This approach positions you as an advisor who actively listens to your clients, grasping their unique needs. By asking open-ended questions, you can uncover their pain points and challenges, allowing you to offer customized solutions that nurture trust and loyalty. Companies using consultative selling often see a 25% increase in customer retention because of these improved relationships. Furthermore, focusing on providing value rather than simply pushing products leads to higher satisfaction rates. In fact, 70% of customers prefer personalized solutions, and adopting consultative techniques can yield a 50% higher conversion rate compared to traditional sales methods. SPIN Selling SPIN Selling is a powerful consultative sales technique that can transform your approach to engaging with customers. This method emphasizes asking four types of questions: Situation, Problem, Implication, and Need-payoff. By gathering background information through Situation questions, you can identify the customer’s specific issues with Problem questions. Implication questions then allow you to highlight the consequences of those issues, whereas Need-payoff questions explore the benefits of potential solutions. Research shows that employing SPIN Selling can markedly boost your closing rates, especially in complex sales environments where comprehending customer challenges is essential. Sales professionals trained in this technique report improved customer engagement and a more structured approach, resulting in stronger client relationships and increased sales success. Solution Selling In solution selling, you focus on comprehending your prospects’ specific needs and challenges, which allows you to offer customized recommendations. By actively listening and asking the right questions, you can build stronger, long-term relationships with your clients. This approach not only improves customer satisfaction but additionally positions you as a trusted advisor, leading to increased loyalty and potentially higher sales productivity. Understanding Prospect Needs How can comprehension of your prospects’ needs transform your sales approach? By focusing on their specific problems and challenges, you can tailor your offerings to provide real solutions. This requires in-depth research into their pain points and active listening during conversations. When you ask insightful questions, you can uncover underlying issues that prospects mightn’t initially express. Positioning yourself as a trusted advisor rather than a traditional seller boosts your credibility and nurtures long-term relationships. Companies embracing this solution selling approach have reported higher customer satisfaction rates, with 70% of buyers preferring consultative interactions. Grasping prospects’ needs ultimately leads to increased loyalty and satisfaction, ensuring your sales strategy is effective and aligned with what your customers truly want. Tailored Recommendations Comprehending your prospects’ needs sets the stage for delivering personalized recommendations that resonate with their specific challenges. Solution Selling focuses on identifying these unique problems, allowing you to suggest customized products or services that provide the most value. Engaging in deep conversations with potential customers helps you uncover their pain points, leading to more effective solutions. By prioritizing their needs over merely pushing products, you improve customer satisfaction and drive better outcomes. Research shows that sales teams using Solution Selling techniques can achieve conversion rates 30% to 50% higher than traditional methods. To implement this approach successfully, extensive training for sales personnel is essential, enhancing their problem-solving skills and ability to craft value-driven pitches that truly meet customer demands. Building Long-Term Relationships Building long-term relationships with customers is critical for sustained business success, especially when employing Solution Selling techniques. By truly comprehending your customers’ needs and challenges, you can recommend customized solutions that build trust and loyalty. This collaborative approach not merely deepens your comprehension of their pain points but also improves customer satisfaction. Benefits of Solution Selling Impact on Business Cultivates trust and loyalty 60% increase in customer retention Encourages ongoing communication Leads to additional sales opportunities Focuses on customer needs 70% of consumers prefer understanding salespeople Promotes referrals Satisfied customers recommend your business Challenger Selling Even though traditional sales methods often focus on building relationships and grasp of customer needs, Challenger Selling takes a different approach by positioning the salesperson as a knowledgeable expert who can provide unique insights. This strategy emphasizes teaching potential customers new perspectives, challenging their current thinking. By deeply comprehending the customer’s business and needs, you can tailor your approach and present solutions that align with their goals. Research shows that Challenger Sales representatives outperform their peers by up to 2.5 times in complex sales situations. This methodology involves three key components: teaching the customer, customizing your message, and controlling the conversation to guide decisions. Rigorous training and market knowledge are crucial for successfully implementing Challenger Selling strategies. Account-Based Selling When targeting high-value accounts in B2B sales, Account-Based Selling (ABS) stands out as a strategic approach that tailors marketing efforts to meet the unique needs of each client. This method involves thorough research on prospective clients, focusing on their business challenges and decision-making processes. Collaboration between sales and marketing teams is essential, allowing for personalized content and outreach strategies that resonate with key stakeholders. Companies utilizing ABS often experience higher conversion rates; 86% of marketers report improved client relationships. By prioritizing high-value accounts, businesses can greatly increase revenue potential, with ABS strategies yielding 10-20% higher win rates compared to traditional methods. Benefits of ABS Impact on Business Personalized marketing Improved client relationships Improved conversion rates Increased revenue potential Higher engagement Better alignment with clients Collaborative strategies Effective resource allocation Focus on high-value accounts Greater competitive advantage Frequently Asked Questions What Are Different Types of Sales Strategies? There are several types of sales strategies you can consider. Inbound sales attract customers through valuable content and engagement, whereas outbound sales involve active outreach like cold calling. Value-based selling focuses on addressing customer pain points, and consultative selling builds long-term relationships by tailoring solutions to client needs. Finally, account-based selling targets high-value customers with personalized marketing efforts. Each strategy serves different purposes and can improve your overall sales effectiveness. What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Sales? The 3-3-3 Rule in sales helps you structure your pitch effectively. You spend three minutes preparing your key points, three minutes delivering your pitch, and three minutes engaging your customer with questions and feedback. This approach promotes concise communication, ensuring you respect the customer’s time as you remain focused. What Is the Best Strategy to Increase Sales? To increase sales effectively, focus on a value-based selling approach. Identify customer pain points and tailor your solutions accordingly. Consider implementing Account-Based Selling to target high-value clients, enhancing conversion rates. Utilize social proof, like testimonials, as 79% of consumers trust online reviews. Offering a free trial can additionally boost conversions, as nearly half of sales professionals find success with this tactic. Regularly analyze feedback and sales data to refine your strategies continuously. What Are the 5 W’s in Sales? The 5 W’s in sales are fundamental for comprehending your target market. First, Who identifies your ideal customers, helping you craft buyer personas. Next, “What” defines your product or service, highlighting its unique benefits. “When” focuses on the timing of your sales efforts, ensuring they align with customer needs. “Where” determines the best channels for outreach, and “Why” uncovers the motivations behind purchases, guiding your sales messaging effectively. Conclusion In summary, implementing a variety of sales strategies can greatly improve your business’s success. By comprehending and applying methods such as inbound marketing, outbound sales, and value-based selling, you can effectively reach and retain customers. Advanced techniques like Challenger Selling and Account-Based Selling allow for customized approaches to high-value clients. Exploring your tactics not just optimizes resources but also boosts conversion rates, leading to sustainable growth. Adapting your strategy to fit your unique business needs is essential for long-term success. Image via Google Gemini This article, "10 Different Types of Sales Strategies to Boost Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A copy of the first Superman issue, unearthed by three brothers cleaning out their late mother’s attic, netted $9.12 million this month at a Texas auction house which says it is the most expensive comic book ever sold. The brothers discovered the comic book in a cardboard box beneath layers of brittle newspapers, dust and cobwebs in their deceased mother’s San Francisco home last year, alongside a handful of other rare comics that she and her sibling had collected on the cusp of World War II. She had told her children she had a valuable comic book collection hidden away, but they had never seen it until they put her house up for sale and decided to comb through her belongings for heirlooms, said Lon Allen, vice president of comics at Heritage Auctions. The brothers uncovered the box of comics and sent a message to the auction company, leading Allen to fly out to San Francisco earlier this year to inspect their copy of “Superman No. 1” and show it to other experts for appraisal. “It was just in an attic, sitting in a box, could have easily been thrown away, could’ve easily been destroyed in a thousand different ways,” Allen said. “A lot of people got excited because it’s just every factor in collecting that you could possibly want all rolled into one.” The “Superman No. 1” comic, released in 1939 by Detective Comics Inc., is one of a small number of copies known to be in existence and is in excellent condition. The Man of Steel was the first superhero to enter pop culture, helping boost the copy’s value among collectors, alongside its improbable backstory, Allen said. The previous record for the world’s most expensive comic book had been set last year, when an “Action Comics No. 1” — which first introduced Superman to the world as part of an anthology — sold for $6 million. In 2022, another Superman No. 1 sold for $5.3 million. A small, in-house advertisement in the comic book helped experts identify it as originating from the first edition of 500,000 Superman No. 1 copies ever printed. Allen estimates there are fewer than 500 in existence today. The copy was not given any special protection, but the cool Northern California climate helped preserve it, leaving it with a firm spine, vibrant colors and crisp corners, according to a statement from Dallas-based Heritage Auctions. The copy was rated a 9.0 out of 10 by comics grading company CGC, meaning it had only the slightest signs of wear and aging. The three brothers, in their 50s and 60s, did not wish to be identified due to the windfall involved nor did the buyer of the comic book, according to the auction house. “This isn’t simply a story about old paper and ink,” one brother said in a statement released by the auction house. “This was never just about a collectible. This is a testament to memory, family and the unexpected ways the past finds its way back to us.” Brook is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. —Jack Brook, Associated Press/Report for America View the full article

Chancellor expected to continue with support package for households, including easing of electricity costsView 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 sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. The Dyson Airstrait Straightener is down to $399.99 for Black Friday, its lowest price yet, according to price trackers. Normally $549.99, this $150 discount makes the premium hair tool a little more accessible, especially if you’ve been waiting for a deal to try it. Dyson Airstrait Straightener (Ceramic Pink/Rose Gold) $549.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $549.00 at Amazon What sets the Airstrait apart is its unique approach to styling—there are no hot plates, here. Instead, it uses precisely controlled airflow to straighten damp or dry hair without relying on direct heat. This helps minimize heat damage while still delivering a sleek finish, which could be a big deal if you regularly style your hair and want to keep it healthy long-term. Unlike traditional flat irons, the Airstrait is designed to dry and straighten your hair in one step. For people with thick or frizzy hair, that’s a big time saver. You clamp it closed like a regular straightener, but what’s happening inside is more like a mini hair dryer. You get two modes (wet and dry) and several airflow and heat settings depending on your hair type and needs. And because it doesn’t clamp your hair between burning hot plates, it’s gentler over time. The cord is also salon-length, which makes it easier to maneuver around your head without yanking or twisting. Still, this isn’t a budget buy, even with the discount. It's also bulkier and heavier than a typical flat iron, and it’s not the best choice for precise styles such as curls or flips. It also takes some getting used to. But for those who want a fast and efficient way to go from damp to done with less damage, the Airstrait holds up. If you already use a blow dryer and brush daily, this could replace both. And with this being the lowest price tracked so far, it’s a good time to grab it. How long do Black Friday deals really last? Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Apple do Black Friday? Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals? Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. I love the ritual (and taste) of pour-over coffee, but it's not always feasible to brew two cups for the two adults in my household on busy mornings. Add in guests, and someone has to spend a significant chunk of time grinding beans, boiling water, overseeing the brewing process, cleaning the filter, rinse and repeat. I bought the Moccamaster KBGV Select coffee maker two years ago for Black Friday, and it has changed my mornings since. It takes a minute or so to grind beans and add water to the machine, and then you've got an excellent pot of coffee in 4–6 minutes with just the press of a button—all without sacrificing the complexity and flavor obtained through manual brewing methods. The machine replicates the bloom of a pour-over and brews at a speed that allows for "optimized coffee extraction." Moccamaster 53944 KBGV Select 10-Cup Coffee Maker, Candy Apple Red, 40 ounce, 1.25l $260.63 at Amazon $389.00 Save $128.37 Get Deal Get Deal $260.63 at Amazon $389.00 Save $128.37 The Moccamaster makes up to 40 ounces of coffee at once, keeps it warm, and automatically shuts off after 100 minutes. You can choose a half or full carafe, and the machine will adjust the brewing speed and hot plate temperature accordingly. Plus, it looks great on the kitchen counter. The only downside I found is that the carafe is pretty fragile—we ended up replacing ours with this sturdier version, also on sale for Black Friday. The Moccamaster is pricey, making Black Friday an ideal time to buy. Note that the deal is slightly different depending on the color you choose: As of this writing, Black, Red, Brushed Gold, Butter Yellow, Matte Silver, Midnight Blue, Pistachio, Off-White, Orange, Sandstone, Stone Grey, Turquoise, and Pink are 33% off. Apricot is 31% off, and Yellow Pepper, Matte Black, and Polished Silver are 35% off. (It's not quite the lowest price we've ever seen, according to price-tracking tools, but it's close.) Several other colors are listed at full price as of this piece—of course, it's always possible that availability will change throughout the deal period from what's covered here. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. What stores have the best sales on Black Friday?Nowadays, both large retailers and small businesses compete for Black Friday shoppers, so you can expect practically every store to run sales through Monday, December 1, 2025. The “best” sales depend on your needs, but in general, the biggest discounts tend to come from larger retailers who can afford lower prices: think places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot. You can find all the best sales from major retailers on our live blog. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Government’s decision on controversial policy will again highlight complexity of Britain’s welfare systemView the full article

Black Friday sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors' picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. When I reviewed the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold last year, I called it "a big step forward for foldables"—but it was undeniably expensive. Thanks to a big Black Friday discount, it's now a lot cheaper: It's currently $540 off, which means you can now pick it up for $1,259.99 from Amazon. Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold $1,259.99 $1,799.00 Save $539.01 Get Deal Get Deal $1,259.99 $1,799.00 Save $539.01 That's still a lot of money for a smartphone of course, but this is a smartphone than turns into a tablet when you open it up. The main 8-inch display is perfect for watching videos, browsing the web, and putting two apps side by side (so you can browse through social media and chat to your friends at the same time). Just as importantly, it feels like a standard phone when it's closed shut—when all you need is a normal form factor, you're not really making any compromises in terms of size or usability. (It comes with a Google Tensor G4 chipset and 16GB of RAM.) I was seriously impressed with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold when I reviewed it, and while Google launched an updated version with the Pixel 10 series, there's not all that much difference between the 2024 and 2025 models. Given the significant reduction now offered by Amazon, I'd say it's a more appealing buy than ever. Does Amazon have Black Friday deals?Yes, Amazon has Black Friday sales, but prices aren’t always what they seem. Use a price tracker to make sure you’re getting the best deal, or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you. And if you have an Amazon Prime membership, make the most of it. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Are Cyber Monday deals better than Black Friday?Black Friday used to be bigger for major retailers and more expensive tech and appliances, while Cyber Monday was for cheaper tech and gave smaller businesses a chance to compete online. Nowadays, though, distinction is almost meaningless. Every major retailer will offer sales on both days, and the smart move is to know what you want, use price trackers or refer to guides like our live blog that use price trackers for you, and don’t stress over finding the perfect timing. 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 sales officially start Friday, November 28, and run through Cyber Monday, December 1, and Lifehacker is sharing the best sales based on product reviews, comparisons, and price-tracking tools before it's over. Follow our live blog to stay up-to-date on the best sales we find. Browse our editors’ picks for a curated list of our favorite sales on laptops, fitness tech, appliances, and more. Subscribe to our shopping newsletter, Add to Cart, for the best sales sent to your inbox. Sales are accurate at the time of publication, but prices and inventory are always subject to change. You can get the 2024 M3 MacBook Air available refurbished on StackSocial, starting at $829.99 for the 256GB SSD model and $909.99 for the 512GB version. At under three pounds and just 0.44 inches thick, this MacBook still feels like the lightweight, go-anywhere machine it's known to be, but with a much faster brain. The M3 chip brings an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, and Apple claims it’s up to 60% faster than the earlier M1 model. You’re not just getting a newer processor, you’re getting better multitasking, faster app launches, and smoother performance across the board, especially if you rely on browser tabs, video calls, and creative tools throughout the day. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display remains a standout. It’s bright, reaching up to 500 nits, and supports over a billion colors, which is evident in everything from text clarity to editing images or streaming shows. Battery life remains a key selling point, offering up to 18 hours of video playback or approximately 15 hours of web browsing. The updated Wi-Fi 6E helps with faster downloads, and there’s now support for two external displays—great for anyone who splits their work across multiple screens. The machine also includes two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, and a headphone jack. The 1080p webcam and three-mic array offer sharp video and clear audio for meetings, while the Magic Keyboard and Touch ID provide a reliable typing and login experience. This is a refurbished unit with a Grade A rating, which means you may find signs of wear, but nothing that affects performance. A 30-day parts and labor warranty is included for added peace of mind. It runs macOS Monterey or later and can be updated to macOS Tahoe 26. For users who want Apple’s latest chip in a smaller form factor and don’t want to shell out full price for something brand new, this deal makes a lot of sense. Eight GB RAM might feel limiting if you tend to run heavy creative software or work with large files all day, but for most users, this MacBook Air M3 hits the right balance of power, portability, and price. How long do Black Friday deals really last?Black Friday sales officially begin Friday, November 28, 2025, and run throughout “Cyber Week,” the five-day period that runs from Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, December 1, 2025. But Black Friday and Cyber Monday dates have expanded as retailers compete for customers. You can get the same Black Friday sales early, and we expect sales to wind down by December 3, 2025. Does Apple do Black Friday?Yes, Apple participates in Black Friday, though you may want to compare their sales with other retailers like Best Buy and Walmart. Apple is offering an exclusive $250 gift card for eligible purchases, but so far, the best Black Friday sale on an Apple product is the M4 MacBook on sale for cheaper than ever. Are Black Friday deals worth it?In short, yes, Black Friday still offers discounts that can be rare throughout the rest of the year. If there’s something you want to buy, or you’re shopping for gifts, it’s a good time to look for discounts on what you need, especially tech sales, home improvement supplies, and fitness tech. Of course, if you need to save money, the best way to save is to not buy anything. Our Best Editor-Vetted Early Black Friday Deals Right Now Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds — $219.99 (List Price $249.00) Apple iPad 11" 128GB A16 WiFi Tablet (Blue, 2025) — $274.00 (List Price $349.00) Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99) Sony WH-1000XM5 — $248.00 (List Price $399.99) Blink Outdoor 4 1080p Wireless Security Camera (5-Pack) — $159.99 (List Price $399.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $298.00 (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) — $349.00 (List Price $399.00) WD 6TB My Passport USB 3.0 Portable External Hard Drive — $134.99 (List Price $179.99) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Apple said on Monday it is cutting jobs across its sales teams to strengthen its customer engagement efforts, noting that only a small number of roles will be impacted by the layoffs. An Apple spokesperson told Reuters that the company is continuing to hire and the affected employees can apply for new roles. The impacted employees include account managers serving major businesses, schools and government agencies, according to Bloomberg News, which had reported the news earlier in the day. Staff who operate Apple’s briefing centers for institutional meetings and product demonstrations for prospective customers were also affected, Bloomberg said. One of the major targets of the layoffs was a government sales team working with agencies, including the U.S. Defense Department and Justice Department, per the report. The team had already been facing tough conditions after the 43-day government shutdown and cutbacks imposed by the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, Bloomberg added. In the past few weeks, companies including Verizon, Synopsys and IBM have announced job cuts. —Juby Babu and Stephen Nellis, Reuters View the full article

Only a week after experiencing a dreaded “death cross,” and subsequently seeing its value fall to less than $81,000, Bitcoin is showing some signs of recovering. On Monday, BTC’s price topped $89,000, and as of early Tuesday, are hovering around $87,500. To be clear, the slump is far from over—the coin saw its price top $124,000 just last month—and no one can predict what will happen next, but it’s a clear upswing in momentum. All told, when Bitcoin bottomed out at $81,000, it had fallen around 35% off its high. There were several reasons for the selloff, including outflows from large institutional investors and broader economic uncertainty, among other things. It was a wipeout of around $1 trillion in market value. Sentiment may be on the upswing As for this week, it’s anyone’s guess how much momentum the cryptocurrency will have, but investors appear to be felling a little better. The Crypto Fear and Greed Index from CoinMarketCap, a sentiment indicator for the crypto market, was at 15 on Tuesday. That’s still in the “extreme fear” portion of the spectrum, but it’s up from low pint of 10, where the index was on November 21. For context, the index hit a high point for 2025 back in May, tallying a 76 and putting it in the “greed” spectrum. At the time, BTC was trading for around $111,000. So there has been a wild swing in both momentum and sentiment within the past six months. And though Bitcoin has regained its footing a bit over the past week, the question is whether that momentum can be sustained and if values can start pushing back toward all-time highs. What’s next for crypto? Perhaps the next catalyzing moment for the crypto market will come after the Federal Reserve’s December meeting next month. The Fed will meet on December 9 and decide whether to cut interest rates further or hold steady—a decision that has been made more difficult by a lack of economic data (such as jobs reports) in recent months due to the government shutdown. The Fed and its chair, Jerome Powell, have been trying to balance concerns about persistent inflation and a weakening labor market—and doing so without data has it flying blind. Despite that, the odds of a rate cut appear to be the rise, and another cut could spur investors to put more money in stocks and the crypto markets. This story is developing… View the full article

AI assistants generate shifting realities for your brand, making consistency a probabilistic challenge across every new conversation timeline. The post The AI Consistency Paradox appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Scammers love to impersonate government and law enforcement officials, from the FBI to the U.S. Marshals Service to Medicare and other health insurance programs. There's a good reason for this: Most Americans use government services at some point, and many may be apt to trust, or at least engage with, someone claiming to be from a well-known agency. Plus, the threat of losing benefits or being targeted by legal action is especially compelling when it comes from a government representative, and victims may be more likely to comply with scammers' demands. It's no surprise, then, that schemes currently making the rounds involve Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits, according to warnings from the Social Security Administration and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Social Security account suspension scamSocial Security numbers are often part of identity theft, so it would be alarming to receive a notice that yours has been involved in criminal activity. Scammers are counting on this when impersonating the SSA's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and trying to trick you into actually giving up your SSN and other sensitive information. Here's how the scheme works: Fraudsters are sending emails with the subject line "Alert: Social Security Account Issues Detected" and including attachments on letterhead that looks like it comes from the OIG. The notice contains official-seeming information, such as a reference number and case ID, and states that your SSN will be suspended within 24 hours due to fraudulent activity on your account. The letter also says that criminal charges have been filed and even includes the statutes that have supposedly been violated. Recipients are instructed to call the number listed to "respond to these allegations," but the person on the other end is a scammer impersonating an SSA employee. They will try to exploit your fear and confusion to collect personal and financial information from you. VA benefits overpayment scamScammers are also contacting veterans and military family members who receive VA benefits, claiming that said benefits have been overpaid and pressuring targets to pay back the money owed. According to the VA's advisory, fraudsters are using fake VA letterhead and logos on notices sent by mail and email as well as spoofing real VA phone numbers. They are trying to convince beneficiaries to make payments immediately using methods like wire transfers, cryptocurrency, prepaid debit cards, and gift cards, and they may also request sensitive information your VA login or bank account credentials. While VA benefits could legitimately be overpaid, the VA won't contact you and demand money—especially via bitcoin and other unrecoverable methods. Nor should you ever have to pay an upfront fee for assistance with managing VA debts and claims (the VA does this for free). If you do actually owe money, you will be able to find more information on repayment through your official VA.gov account. Always verify through official VA channels, such as VA.gov and the VA’s Debt Management Center (800-827-0648). Never rely solely on unsolicited communication, and never give out your password, SSN, or financial information. Government agencies don't send threatening notices via email (or by any other means), so if you receive a scary letter out of the blue, don't act without investigating. Always contact the agency via the information found on its website—don't call or text any number provided in these notices. View the full article

Canonicalization has long been a core SEO practice, yet it’s still one of the easiest to overlook. At its simplest, canonicalization helps search engines identify the original source of content and prevents duplicate versions from competing with each other. Large sites rely on solid canonical structures to stay organized, and small sites benefit by avoiding duplicates that can dilute rankings and visibility. As we move into 2026, canonicalization is becoming even more important as generative engine optimization (GEO) rises alongside traditional SEO. With AI Overviews, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other generative systems shaping how content is selected, summarized, and attributed, these engines rely on clear signals that identify the “true” version of a page. Canonicalization tells them which URLs to trust, which versions to ingest, and which pages to surface as authoritative answers. This guide covers the essentials of canonical tags, practical implementation strategies, and advanced insights that support both SEO and GEO. What is canonicalization? Canonicalization is a technical SEO method that lets you specify the preferred version of a webpage when multiple URLs contain similar or duplicate content. Think of it as naming the original source or master copy. By using canonical tags, you tell search engines which URL to index and rank. This prevents confusion and keeps your site’s authority and ranking power focused on the right page. Key terms The following are key terms we will use throughout this article: Canonical tag: An HTML element <link rel=”canonical” href=”[URL]”> that specifies the preferred URL for a webpage. Self-referencing canonical: A canonical tag that points to the same URL as the page it’s on. Origin: The original source of the content. Target URL: The preferred URL specified in the canonical tag. Duplicate content: Content that appears on more than one URL, potentially causing issues with ranking. Why canonicalization matters for SEO and GEO Canonicalization plays a pivotal role in boosting a website’s overall SEO performance – and now plays an equally important role in GEO. As both traditional search engines and generative engines interpret content, consolidate sources, and choose which pages to surface, a clear canonical strategy helps them consistently identify the authoritative version of a page. Establishing a single source of truth At its core, canonicalization tells search engines exactly which URL you want treated as the primary version. This keeps duplicate or near-duplicate pages from competing and helps Google consolidate ranking signals where they belong. Generative search systems need that same clarity. These engines often ingest multiple versions of a page — parameterized URLs, paginated versions, older variants, cached copies, or syndicated content. Without a strong canonical signal, a generative engine may store or summarize the wrong version. Canonicalization provides every system with a single, clear, and consistent source to rely on. Supporting trust, accuracy, and freshness across search experiences Google’s emphasis on E-E-A-T continues to shape how content is evaluated in search results. These signals depend on clarity: Google needs to know which version of a page reflects your expertise, experience, and authority. Canonicalization protects that clarity. When multiple versions of the same content exist, ranking signals and content understanding can splinter, making it harder for Google to identify the version that represents your strongest work. Generative engines don’t use E-E-A-T as a formal framework. However, they depend on accurate, fresh, and consistent information. When outdated or duplicate versions of a page are ingested, it weakens the accuracy of your overall content footprint and reduces the likelihood that your preferred page will be retrieved or referenced in generative answers. Bringing order to complex site structures Large sites – especially enterprise ecommerce, multi-location brands, and multi-language ecosystems – naturally generate multiple URLs for similar content. Facets, filters, parameters, and templated pages can quickly create unintentional duplicates that confuse crawlers and generative engines. Canonicalization creates structure and predictability. It clarifies which URLs are primary, which are variations, and how they relate to each other. This makes it far easier for search and generative engines to accurately interpret your site, regardless of its size or complexity. How to implement a canonical tag To implement canonical tags, you’ll typically need to work with your website’s developer or technical team. Many content management systems (CMS) have built-in features for adding canonical tags, which often automatically self-reference. Still, some pages (e.g., product variants, paginated content) may require you to manually specify a target URL. If your CMS doesn’t have built-in canonical tag functionality or you need more advanced customization, you’ll need to work with a developer to add the canonical tag to the <head> section of the HTML code. The exact implementation will depend on your site’s platform and structure. Practical applications for canonicalization The basics: Always deploy self-referencing canonicals Even if you have a single, unique source of content, it’s still best practice to use self-referencing canonical tags. They give search engines a clear signal about which version of the page you prefer. This can help improve indexing efficiency, prevent confusion, and ensure your content appears correctly in search results. Technical nuances that lead to duplicate content Duplicate content issues aren’t always obvious. Subtle technical URL variations can create duplicate pages that negatively impact your site’s SEO. Here are common pitfalls to watch for and how canonical tags help prevent them: www vs. non-www versions Websites often have versions accessible on both www.example.com and example.com. The correct version should include a self-referencing canonical tag to indicate it as the preferred page. In contrast, the non-preferred version should use a canonical tag that references the target URL (e.g., www.example.com). HTTP vs. HTTPS On most modern sites, HTTP URLs redirect to HTTPS, so canonicalization usually isn’t an issue. However, sites transitioning to secure connections may temporarily have both HTTP and HTTPS versions available. A self-referencing canonical on the HTTPS version ensures search engines prioritize the secure page, while the HTTP version should reference the HTTPS URL. Trailing slashes URLs with and without trailing slashes (e.g., example.com/page vs. example.com/page/) can be viewed as separate pages. The correct variant should have a self-referencing canonical, and the non-preferred format should be the preferred version. Capitalization Many sites automatically redirect uppercase variants of URLs to lowercase (e.g., example.com/page vs. example.com/Page). If your site does not operate as such, the origin should always be the lowercase page. Implement a self-referencing canonical on the lowercase variant and point the capital case variant’s canonical at the origin’s target URL. URL parameters (e.g., Session IDs, UTMs) URLs with parameters such as session IDs can create duplicate content. To avoid diluting SEO value, the canonical tag should point to the clean version of the URL. Blog tags and categories Tag and category pages often contain overlapping content across different URLs. Self-referencing canonicals on main tag or category pages helps prevent them from competing with main articles, while any similar pages should point to the target URL. Cross-domain canonicalization This involves using canonical tags to link content on one domain to its equivalent on another domain. Here are common use cases for cross-domain canonicalization: Syndicated content: When you share content with other websites, using canonical tags that point back to the original source helps protect your authority and prevent duplicate content issues. Mirrored content: If you have mirrored content on multiple domains (e.g., a mobile-specific domain), you can use canonical tags to indicate the primary version and ensure that search engines prioritize the correct content. Content partnerships: When businesses collaborate on joint content efforts, such as co-authored articles or shared resources, cross-domain canonicalization can help coordinate the distribution of credit and prevent confusion for search engines. Pagination: To canonical or not? It’s time to throw a curveball at you. Let’s say you have a site that has hundreds of blog posts or thousands of products, and they are all hidden behind paginated category pages. Should each subsequent paginated page (i.e., 2, 3, 4, etc.) canonicalize the first? The short answer is no. However, the recommended implementation has changed. First: rel=prev/next is deprecated For years, SEOs relied on rel=”prev” and rel=”next” to signal paginated relationships. Google has officially stopped using those signals, and they play no role in crawling, indexing, or ranking today (though they aren’t harmful). Because of this shift, pagination best practices now need a different approach – and canonicalization plays a much larger role. Why you shouldn’t canonicalize paginated pages back to Page 1 While it may feel tempting to collapse the entire set behind Page 1 with a canonical tag, doing so effectively tells Google that all deeper pages are duplicates and should be ignored. This creates a major discoverability problem for any content or products only accessible through deeper pagination. If Page 2 or Page 10 contains unique products, articles, or links – and those pages are canonicalized back to Page 1 – those items may never be crawled or indexed. They simply fall off Google’s radar. Generative engines run into the same issue. If every paginated URL points back to Page 1, generative systems receive only a partial view of your content. They might miss major sections of your inventory or fail to surface long-tail articles that only appear deeper in the series. Modern pagination canonical best practices for 2026 Each paginated page should have its own self-referencing and should be indexable. Page 1 canonical → Page 1 Page 2 canonical → Page 2 Page 3 canonical → Page 3 This preserves the discoverability and indexability of products, articles, or listings that appear only on deeper pages. You should also maintain a clear linking path between the pages and ensure these links appear within the HTML. Google and generative engines will not be able to follow paginated links displaying via JavaScript. The complexities of ecommerce canonicalization Ecommerce sites are often complex, with product pages, category listings and dynamic URLs driven by parameters that create unique challenges for canonicalization. Properly handling these scenarios ensures a seamless user experience and optimal search engine indexing. When optimizing an ecommerce giant, you will likely encounter the following. Product variants When products have slight variations (e.g., different colors or sizes), each variant may generate a unique URL. Canonical tags should point to the main product page to consolidate ranking signals and avoid duplicate content issues. An exception applies if you want each product variant to rank individually. For instance: If you have a low SKU count and a product with three color variants, each with its own search volume, then each SKU should have a self-referencing canonical tag. However, if you have thousands of products and a single product has 10 color variants without significant search volume, it’s better to canonicalize each color variant to the main product page. Pagination on category listing pages Category listing pages often use pagination to display all products within a category. These paginated URLs should follow the same best practices outlined in the pagination section above. Because Google no longer uses rel=”prev” or rel=”next” as indexing signals, these attributes should not be part of your canonicalization strategy. Instead, each paginated category page should include a self-referencing canonical tag. This keeps deeper pages indexable and ensures products or articles that appear only on later pages remain fully discoverable by search and generative engines. Faceted navigation (or filters) on category listing pages Sites with filtering options for products (e.g., price, brand) can inadvertently create many parameterized URLs. This can quickly get out of hand when you suddenly have thousands of pages getting indexed. The implementation here will be unique to each site. That said, the general rule of thumb is to set the canonical tags to the base category. In some cases, you can use a custom structure where the first one or two filter combinations are self-canonicalized, while additional filter combinations either canonicalize to the main combinations or are tagged as noindex. Managing non-essential variations helps control indexing. Let’s take a real work example for a flooring company: https://example.com/category/wood?color=dark&?width=wide This URL has a self-referencing canonical, so we can target this page for the keyword “dark wide plank wood flooring.” https://example.com/category/wood?color=dark&?width=width&?type=engineered&?species=oak This URL is just too granular, so we can canonicalize this to the most relevant base category. Canonicalization in multi-language and multi-region sites For websites targeting multiple regions or languages, canonicalization and hreflang need to work together to prevent accidental duplication and ensure each audience sees the correct version of the page. Hreflang attributes tell search engines which version of a page is intended for each language or region, while canonical tags identify the primary version of that page within the same language or URL set (e.g., parameter variations, session IDs, or tracking URLs). In a properly implemented multilingual setup: Each language/region page should include a self-referencing canonical tag. All language/region versions should link to one another using hreflang annotations. For example, consider a website with English and Spanish versions. For the English version of the product page, you would implement the following: <link rel=”canonical” href=”https://example.com/product-page” /> <link rel=”alternate” href=”https://example.com/product-page” hreflang=”en” /> <link rel=”alternate” href=”https://example.com/es/producto-pagina” hreflang=”es” /> Tools and techniques for monitoring canonicalization Canonicalization is a powerful tool, but it can become a silent culprit if you don’t monitor it regularly. Work with enough websites and you’ll eventually run into “canonical ghosts” — unintended tag changes that lead to incorrect or missing canonicals. These issues often slip by unnoticed because they’re buried in the codebase and can appear after code updates, theme changes, or plugin conflicts. Regular monitoring is essential. By using a mix of tools and techniques, you can catch problems early and fix them before they hurt your search rankings. Google Search Console Google Search Console provides valuable insights into how Google indexes your site’s content. Specifically, the Pages report breaks this down to each page of your site. Here are some specific issues related to canonicalization that you can monitor in the GSC Pages report: Duplicate, Google chose different canonical than user: This indicates that Google has chosen a different canonical URL than the one you specified. This can negatively impact your website’s rankings and user experience and can indicate a larger canonical issue. Alternate page with proper canonical tag: This is usually informational. It means Google found duplicates and sees the canonical pointing correctly to the preferred version. It doesn’t require action unless the canonical target is wrong. Duplicate without user-selected canonical: This indicates that Google has identified duplicate pages but has not determined the preferred version. This can lead to confusion and may negatively impact your website’s rankings. Implementation of canonical tags can resolve these issues. Other indexing issues: Because canonicalization is crucial, any indexing issues found in the GSC Pages report can be traced back to improper canonicalization. Reviewing indexing issues in GSC to identify any red flags is important. Screaming Frog and other site auditing tools SEO auditing tools like Screaming Frog and Sitebulb can be used to crawl your website and identify SEO issues related to canonicalization. Here are some specific things to look for: Multiple canonical tags: A page should only have one canonical tag. Multiple canonical tags can confuse search engines and lead to indexing issues. Self-referencing canonical tags: Ensure that self-referencing canonical tags are used correctly to consolidate ranking signals. Canonical tags pointing to non-indexable pages: If a canonical tag points to a page that is blocked from indexing (e.g., due to a noindex directive), it can negatively impact the original page’s ranking potential. Incorrect canonical targets: Verify that canonical tags are pointing to the correct target URLs. Missing canonical tags: Identify pages that are missing canonical tags, especially for duplicate content. By regularly monitoring your website’s canonicalization status using these tools and techniques, you can identify and address issues promptly, ensuring that your content is indexed and ranked correctly by search engines. Canonicalization trends to watch in 2026 Search is changing faster than ever, and canonicalization is evolving with it. As Google reshapes traditional search and generative engines redefine how information is retrieved, canonicalization is now doing more than managing duplicates. In 2026, it’s becoming a foundational signal for both indexing and how your content appears in AI-generated answers. Here are three trends that matter most as canonicalization enters its next phase: Canonical signals are becoming more important as search gets noisier Google and generative engines now ingest massive volumes of URLs. Canonical tags help reduce that noise and give these systems a reliable reference point. In 2026, the clearer and more consistent your canonical declarations are, the more reliably both crawlers and generative engines can understand which version represents the authoritative source. Clean canonical signals reduce ambiguity, consolidate ranking equity, and help ensure the right version is surfaced and summarized across all search experiences. AI-powered canonicalization tools The tools SEOs rely on are evolving fast, with more AI being woven into everyday workflows. We aren’t yet at the point where crawlers “learn” your site’s preferred canonical patterns, but tools are getting much better at automatically spotting inconsistencies. As these tools continue integrating AI, we’re moving toward a future where they can recognize patterns, predict conflicts, and recommend fixes based on how a site behaves – not just rule-based checks. Edge-rendered HTML introduces new canonical risks A growing number of teams are now serving simplified, fully rendered HTML at the edge so generative engines can access content without needing to parse heavy JavaScript. It’s a smart move – LLM crawlers don’t wait for hydration, don’t execute scripts reliably, and often only ingest the raw HTML they’re given. This optimization comes with a catch: if your edge-rendered output doesn’t consistently preserve canonical tags, you can accidentally introduce new canonical conflicts. The solution is simple but critical: canonical tags must be served and identical across both the edge-rendered version and the full user-facing version of the page. Key canonicalization takeaways Canonicalization may seem like a small technical signal. However, as this guide shows, canonicalization has a major impact on SEO and GEO. From managing duplicate URLs to shaping how generative engines interpret and summarize your content, canonical tags keep your site clean, consistent, and trustworthy across every search experience. Master the fundamentals: Self-referencing canonicals remain a foundational best practice. They establish a clear preferred URL and prevent search engines – and generative systems – from guessing. Stay disciplined with URL hygiene: Parameters, trailing slashes, mixed casing, and other small inconsistencies can create unnecessary duplicates. Clean URL structures paired with clear canonicals eliminate ambiguity. Use nuance where the site requires it: Ecommerce variants, faceted navigation, multilingual content, and paginated category pages all demand situational canonical strategies. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Monitor early and often: Tools like Google Search Console, Screaming Frog, Sitebulb, and cloud crawlers help surface canonical conflicts before they become indexing issues – or before generative engines store the wrong version of a page. Be prepared for ongoing change: AI is reshaping how content is crawled, rendered, and interpreted. As more sites adopt edge rendering and as generative engines depend more heavily on raw HTML, maintaining stable, server-rendered canonical signals becomes even more important. Canonicalization may not be flashy, but it’s one of the quiet forces that holds a content ecosystem together. When your preferred URLs are unambiguous, and your structure is clean, you make it easy for humans and machines to understand your site – and ensure your most accurate, authoritative pages are the ones that get surfaced, summarized, and trusted. View the full article

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When you’re looking to improve customer loyalty, selecting the right vendor can make a significant difference. Clavaa offers quick setup and cashback rewards, whereas FiveStars focuses on automated customer engagement. TapMango’s customizable app and marketing tools are impressive, and Square provides seamless POS integration. If you’re an online retailer, Smile.io is user-friendly. Each vendor has unique features that can boost your business. Let’s explore these options further to find the best fit for your needs. Key Takeaways Clavaa Loyalty Program offers automatic rewards and cashback, enhancing customer engagement with minimal setup time for businesses. FiveStars Loyalty Platform provides a cloud-based solution with automated customer engagement and detailed insights on behavior and campaign performance. TapMango features a custom-branded app with flexible points systems and extensive marketing tools to drive customer retention. Square Loyalty integrates with POS systems, simplifying customer enrollment and rewards tracking through SMS updates for better engagement. Loyalzoo modernizes loyalty programs for small and medium businesses with smartphone-based tracking and customizable rewards tailored to customer behaviors. Clavaa Loyalty Program The Clavaa Loyalty Program is an innovative solution designed particularly for local retail businesses, offering a digital wallet that provides automatic rewards and cashback incentives. As a loyalty platform provider, Clavaa enables you to reward your customers with a 3% cashback, increasing to 5% for VIP tier members, all without payment-processing fees. The setup process is quick, taking only five minutes, and integrates seamlessly with your existing Point of Sale (PoS) systems, requiring minimal staff training. Clavaa tracks customer visit frequency and spending patterns, offering valuable insights into behavior. Furthermore, it encourages community building by providing personalized demos, helping you tailor your loyalty strategies effectively. This makes Clavaa a top choice among loyalty program vendors for local businesses. FiveStars Loyalty Platform Building on the capabilities of programs like Clavaa, the FiveStars Loyalty Platform offers a cloud-based solution intended to boost customer retention through effective engagement strategies. This platform merges loyalty with marketing, providing vital tools for businesses. Here are some key features: AutoPilot: An automated customer engagement system that sends timely promotions. Multi-channel rewards tracking: Use phone numbers, mobile apps, and payment systems for versatile customer engagement. Data insights: Gain detailed information on customer behavior and campaign performance for data-driven decisions. Automated messaging: Send promotions via text, email, and push notifications to improve customer retention. TapMango Loyalty Features TapMango offers a robust suite of loyalty features created to improve customer engagement and retention for businesses of all sizes. You can benefit from a custom-branded loyalty app for both iOS and Android, upgrading customer interactions through a personalized platform. With a flexible points system, customers earn points for purchases, reviews, and referrals, promoting engagement at multiple levels. The online ordering capabilities track rewards automatically, streamlining the redemption process. Moreover, TapMango includes a marketing suite with tools for SMS, email, and push notifications, ensuring effective communication for promotions. These extensive features are designed to boost customer retention and drive repeat purchases, providing a seamless experience overall. Feature Description Benefit Custom-branded App Personalized app for iOS and Android Upgrades customer engagement Flexible Points Earn points through purchases and referrals Incentivizes multiple interactions Online Ordering Built-in capabilities for tracking rewards Simplifies redemption process Marketing Suite Tools for SMS, email, and push notifications Effective communication Customer Retention Extensive features for loyalty programs Drives repeat purchases Square Loyalty Square Loyalty offers a streamlined approach to customer engagement that integrates effortlessly with existing point-of-sale (PoS) systems. With this program, you can enroll customers using just their phone numbers, eliminating the need for apps or physical cards. Here are some key features: Automatic Tracking: Loyalty rewards are tracked automatically, providing customers with SMS updates for improved engagement. One-Tap Redemption: Customers can redeem rewards easily at checkout, simplifying the process for staff and shoppers alike. Real-Time Analytics: Businesses can access real-time data to monitor the loyalty program’s impact on customer behavior. Focus on Retention: Square Loyalty aims to convert occasional customers into regulars, which can lead to increased repeat purchases. Smile.io Smile.io offers advanced loyalty program features that can greatly boost customer engagement for your online retail business. Its seamless integration with popular e-commerce platforms means you won’t need technical expertise to set up or manage your program effectively. Plus, the user-friendly dashboard allows you to track performance and optimize your strategies with ease, ensuring you get the most out of your loyalty initiatives. Advanced Loyalty Program Features When you’re looking to improve customer loyalty through effective programs, comprehending advanced features can make a significant difference in your strategy. Smile.io offers several key elements to boost your loyalty programs: Freemium Model: Start with a no-cost option, allowing you to utilize advanced features without upfront investment. Pre-built Campaigns: Access over 20 campaigns designed to simplify implementation, so you don’t need technical expertise. Customization Options: Tailor your loyalty program with branding and flexible rewards that resonate with your customer base. Engagement Features: Utilize referral incentives and tiered rewards to encourage repeat purchases and deepen customer relationships. These features can streamline your efforts and ultimately drive customer loyalty effectively. Seamless E-commerce Integration Integrating a loyalty program into your e-commerce platform can greatly improve customer retention and engagement. Smile.io is particularly designed for online retailers, offering seamless integration with major platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and BigCommerce. You can easily implement a points-based loyalty system, referral programs, and VIP tiers without needing extensive technical expertise. With over 20 pre-built campaigns, you can quickly launch promotions that drive customer retention and increase sales. Moreover, Smile.io provides robust analytics and reporting tools, allowing you to gain insights into customer behavior and optimize your loyalty strategies effectively. This user-friendly approach guarantees that managing your loyalty programs is straightforward, helping you focus on enhancing the overall customer experience. User-Friendly Dashboard Experience A user-friendly dashboard experience is crucial for businesses looking to manage their loyalty programs effectively. With Smile.io, you can leverage an intuitive interface that simplifies program management. Here are four key features that improve your experience: Seamless Integration: Easily connects with major e-commerce systems, making it accessible for all business sizes. Customizable Programs: Create and tailor loyalty options like points, referrals, and VIP tiers with minimal setup. Advanced Analytics: Gain insights into customer engagement through detailed reporting, allowing for strategic adjustments. Flexible Pricing: Start with basic features through a freemium model, and scale as your customer base grows. These features guarantee you can effectively implement and manage your loyalty strategies without extensive technical knowledge. Kangaroo Rewards Kangaroo Rewards stands out as an expansive loyalty platform designed particularly for small and medium businesses, offering features that improve customer engagement and retention. It provides custom-branded mobile apps, enhancing the overall customer experience. With automated marketing tools, you can effectively drive customer engagement and analyze the success of your loyalty initiatives through thorough analytics. The platform supports points accumulation, referral incentives, and tiered rewards, encouraging repeat purchases and nurturing customer loyalty. Its user-friendly interface simplifies loyalty program management, making it accessible even for those without extensive technical expertise. Loyalzoo Loyalzoo transforms customer loyalty programs by modernizing the traditional punch card system with a user-friendly, smartphone-based approach. This platform is particularly beneficial for small and medium businesses, offering an all-in-one loyalty solution without the need for physical cards. Key features include: Phone Number Identification: Automatically track visits and purchases, allowing customers to earn points effortlessly. Customizable Rewards: Tailor rewards based on points or visits, aligning with customer behaviors. Marketing Capabilities: Run monthly promotions and engage customers through targeted communications. Comprehensive Analytics: Measure program effectiveness easily with detailed insights. With these features, Loyalzoo improves the customer experience and simplifies loyalty management, making it a practical choice for your business. Frequently Asked Questions What Is the Most Successful Loyalty Program in the World? The most successful loyalty program in the world is Starbucks Rewards, with over 34.6 million active members as of Q1 2025. Members earn “Stars” for their purchases, which can be redeemed for various rewards. Furthermore, they enjoy personalized perks, including free refills and special birthday rewards. This program effectively encourages repeat business and improves customer engagement through a structured rewards system that directly ties benefits to spending habits and customer loyalty. What Are the 3 R’s of Customer Loyalty? The 3 R’s of customer loyalty are Recognition, Reward, and Relationship. Recognition involves identifying loyal customers and making them feel valued through personalized communication. Reward systems, like points or exclusive discounts, incentivize repeat purchases, enhancing retention. Finally, nurturing a strong Relationship through consistent engagement and customized interactions transforms casual shoppers into brand advocates, greatly increasing customer lifetime value. Together, these elements create a foundation for lasting loyalty and increased brand advocacy. What Type of Loyalty Program Might You Use in Your Business? You might consider implementing a tiered loyalty program, where customers earn rewards based on their spending levels. This encourages higher purchases as customers aspire to reach the next tier for better benefits. On the other hand, a points-based program could work well, allowing customers to accumulate points for discounts or rewards. Cashback programs likewise provide straightforward incentives by offering a percentage back on purchases, which can effectively promote repeat business and improve customer loyalty. What Brand Has the Highest Brand Loyalty? Amazon currently holds the highest brand loyalty, with over 200 million global members in its Prime program. This program offers exclusive benefits like fast shipping and access to various entertainment services, which greatly improve customer retention. Other brands, such as Starbucks and Sephora, likewise show strong loyalty through their rewards programs, but none match Amazon’s scale. Comprehending these examples can help you design effective strategies to encourage brand loyalty in your own business. Conclusion Choosing the right loyalty program vendor is essential for enhancing customer engagement and retention in your business. Each option, from Clavaa’s cashback rewards to TapMango’s customizable app, offers distinct advantages customized to different needs. Square’s seamless POS integration simplifies tracking, whereas Smile.io serves online retailers effectively. Evaluate your specific requirements and customer base, and consider how each vendor can align with your business goals to create a successful loyalty strategy that drives repeat transactions and nurtures customer loyalty. Image via Google Gemini This article, "Top 7 Loyalty Program Vendors to Consider for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article