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Picture the scene. You’ve advertised a job on LinkedIn and received applications from around Europe. The perfect candidate lives in one of the world’s top tech cities—Paris, Berlin, or Amsterdam, for instance. Your company is based somewhere in Europe, so hiring them should be easy, right? Unfortunately, no. Despite their geographical proximity, countries in Europe still vary significantly in their hiring rules and regulations, making it hard to compliantly pay cross-border workers. Let’s take a closer look at the problem. So close, yet so far There’s naturally a certain amount of friction in terms of labor law compatibility between European states inside and outside of the European Union (EU). But even within the umbrella of the EU, countries have their own labor, tax, and social security rules that can turn simple payroll procedures into a nightmare. That’s because EU labor law is issued via directives that allow member states discretion in how they implement rulings. For businesses, this makes an EU-wide hiring strategy impossible, instead requiring individual approaches to each and every country a company might want to hire in—up to and including incorporation. This isn’t something that can be done as an afterthought. Misclassifying a worker, for instance by employing someone as a contractor rather than an employee, may lead to penalties and legal trouble. The state of cross-border hiring in Europe Despite the difficulties, businesses continue to hire across borders for the simple reason that talent is getting harder to find locally. One report found that 54% of European employers expect labour shortages to worsen over the next five years. And a patchwork of talent availability means skills and the businesses that need them are rarely in the same place—forcing businesses to look elsewhere. But hiring across borders isn’t getting easier. While the demand for specialized ​​​​talent has increased by 112% over the last three years, the complexity of hiring talent has also increased—particularly in the EU, with incoming requirements like the pay transparency directive. The movement of workers between countries is also a minefield. Under EU rules, employees can only be subject to one country’s social security requirements at a time (to avoid double contributions). Some countries have cross-border agreements but employee tax exposure can be hard to fully comprehend, even for the experts. Here’s what that looks like in practice A London startup wants to hire its first engineer in Berlin. Expanding into a new European talent market means a costly and months-long process of establishing a business entity—all to justify a headcount of one. How about a Dutch company trying to support an employee relocating to Spain? The employer wants to be supportive, but there are clear tax residency and other legal implications such as pay transparency that have to be explored. The difficulty of navigating these all-too-common issues is putting a roadblock on progress and forcing businesses to compromise on quality by hiring in their own backyards. The problem with payroll Despite most companies having employees in more than one country, the means of paying them continue to lag behind. Payroll (often the largest expense for a company at around 50-60% of spending) has historically been seen as a back-office burden. Payroll is an essential cost of business, but because of all the challenges we’ve discussed, it’s expensive, complex, and generally fails to add strategic value. When you’re running payroll across borders, the complexity only goes up. Indeed, 85% of global executives say compliance requirements have become more complex in the last three years. In short, it’s all risk and no reward. The right software can help In response to the expanding global workforce, more workforce management companies are developing software designed to help companies hire and pay European workers without the burden of navigating complex administrative requirements. My company, Multiplier, offers one of these solutions. As a centralized platform for payroll operations, our payroll solution enables companies to pay employees in countries where they don’t have a legal entity, fully compliant with local tax and social security rules. This would allow the London startup discussed earlier to hire its first engineer in Berlin without the delay and expense of incorporation in Germany. And if things don’t work out, the startup won’t have to go through the rigmarole of shutting down an entity in Berlin afterwards. Similarly, the Dutch company with a marketer who relocated to Spain doesn’t have to worry about the tax residency implications and potential penalties. They can seamlessly support their employees without disrupting their existing payroll compliance efforts. Unlocking European talent Paying people across borders is a problem unlikely to be solved politically. In an increasingly multipolar world, there’s little prospect of the increased regulatory alignment necessary to enable seamless international payments. In the meantime, payroll solutions will help remove the friction required to pay cross-border workers, helping companies to accelerate their growth and recruit the best European talent—instead of settling for the best available talent locally. Sagar Khatri is CEO and cofounder of Multiplier. View the full article

The President's remarks — made in a joking tone — come amid increased pressure on the administration from voters to lower the cost of living.

The economy added an unexpectedly robust 119,000 jobs in September, though unemployment edged up to 4.4%. The report, delayed by the federal government shutdown, continues a trend of sluggish job growth in recent months. View the full article

Home secretary says ‘brightest and best’ will be fast-tracked while others will have to wait up to 30 yearsView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. I've reviewed a ton of high-tech smart glasses for Lifehacker, and this early Black Friday deal on the RayNeo Air 3s Pro display glasses is excellent. They are on sale for $249 on Amazon (originally $299) until Dec. 1. RayNeo Air 3s $269.00 at Amazon Get Deal Get Deal $269.00 at Amazon If you're not familiar, these smart glasses basically put a high-definition display in your pocket, projecting the equivalent of a 201-inch TV in front of your face—so if someone on your list is tech-inclined and you want to blast 'em with a pure "whoa" present, here you go. They'll even fit in a stocking. There are other glasses that do the same thing, but the Ray Neo Air 3 Pro hit a nice sweet spot between inexpensive and good quality. Check out my review if you want to read about these glasses in more depth, but the bottom line is: if you want to make every flight you'll ever take better or stream videos and games in private, these glasses will do the trick. 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) — $279.99 (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) Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus 1080p Security Camera (White) — $99.99 (List Price $179.99) Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus — $24.99 (List Price $49.99) NEW Bose Quiet Comfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $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) — $349.99 (List Price $399.00) Deals are selected by our commerce team View the full article

Search performance is shifting across industries as AI systems increasingly answer first and link later, changing how brands earn visibility and attribution. You now have to think beyond rankings and focus on how your brand is interpreted and cited inside AI-generated results. Answer engine optimization (AEO) has moved from emerging concept to required practice. Structure, clarity, and credibility now function as core visibility signals that help large language models interpret, summarize, and confidently present content. The implications are universal, but not uniform. In retail, AEO reshapes product discovery. In healthcare, it tests accuracy and compliance. In publishing, it challenges monetization itself. Each sector faces different trade-offs between visibility, control, and trust. Below, we’ll explore how leading industries are adapting to answer-driven search – and what it takes to stay discoverable when AI owns the first impression. Ecommerce and retail: Structured data is the new shelf space For ecommerce brands, AEO is changing how consumers find and compare products. Generative search results can now display complete product rundowns – pricing, specs, and reviews – without a single site visit. That means less organic traffic and fewer brand impressions, even when your product is the best in the category. The most adaptive retailers are investing in product-level schema, feed optimization, and conversational copy that matches how shoppers actually phrase questions (“best carry-on bag under $200,” “eco-friendly coffee maker for small kitchens”). Structured data now functions like digital shelf space. It’s what ensures your product information appears accurately when an AI engine builds its summary. The most forward-thinking brands are experimenting with AI shopping assistants and voice commerce, too, positioning themselves inside the next generation of purchasing journeys. Example: Google Cloud and Albertsons launched a Conversational Commerce Agent in September 2025, using Vertex AI to power a shopping assistant that helps customers find and plan purchases through conversational search. Dig deeper: Tracking AI search citations: Who’s winning across 11 industries Healthcare: Accuracy as a visibility signal It’s possible that no sector faces more scrutiny from AI-driven search than healthcare. When generative systems surface medical summaries, what’s on the line is accuracy, compliance, and patient trust. Health organizations are responding with verified data partnerships, expert-reviewed content, and structured medical markup that clarifies expertise and source credibility. Citations and credentials now act as core visibility signals for AI-driven search. When executed well, AEO helps healthcare organizations maintain accuracy while expanding patient education through conversational AI and symptom-based guidance. The challenge is maintaining that balance between innovation and liability – ensuring AI-accessible content is both discoverable and defensible. Example: A major hospital system launched a physician-reviewed FAQ hub with schema markup in April 2025, helping its content appear in AI Overviews through structured data and verified credentials. Finance and banking: E-E-A-T in action Finance was already governed by E-E-A-T, but AEO raises the bar. AI-generated responses now summarize topics such as refinancing, budgeting, and investing without users needing to visit a calculator or comparison tool. Leading institutions are refining content to be data-backed, author-attributed, and highly contextual, ensuring that their expertise carries through even when AI summarizes it. Conversational search queries (“how to lower my credit card APR,” “is a fixed-rate mortgage better right now”) are informing not just blog content but also interactive tools and advisory flows. Some banks and fintech platforms are even building their own AI assistants – embedding advisory experiences within their ecosystems so they remain part of the answer path, not just the citation list. Example: Bank of America launched its AskGPS generative AI assistant for business clients in September 2025, turning product guides and FAQs into a conversational tool that delivers instant, contextual answers. Travel and hospitality: Competing with the AI itinerary Generative AI has turned trip planning into an automated conversation. Search engines can now produce entire itineraries – hotels, restaurants, and routes – in one summary, dramatically reducing organic clicks for traditional travel publishers and booking sites. To adapt, travel brands are focusing on local-intent optimization (“best boutique hotels in Asheville”) and schema for reviews, events, and attractions that ensure AI can identify and accurately cite them. Some are integrating with voice assistants or creating their own AI trip planners, reclaiming visibility by powering the experience instead of feeding it. In this sector, brand storytelling and structured data go hand in hand. The more precisely you define your place in a destination, the better chance you have of being included in the generated itinerary. Example: Agoda introduced an AI-powered Vacation Planner for Indian travelers in June 2025, using Google’s Gemini and Imagen to generate personalized itineraries in seconds. Dig deeper: AI Overview citations: Why they don’t drive clicks and what to do Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Education and edtech: Building content that resists summarization In education, AEO exposes a clear risk: if an AI can explain a concept instantly, learners may never visit your site. The response is to create interactive, proprietary, or adaptive learning experiences that can’t be flattened into a paragraph. Structured learning outcomes, conversational Q&A modules, and instructor-verified insights help content stand out within AI ecosystems. Edtech leaders are also turning AEO into opportunity – integrating AI tutoring tools and micro-learning partnerships that make their expertise part of the generative loop. Here, the goal isn’t to fight the answer engine but to feed it with better, branded instruction. Example: Cengage expanded its Student Assistant generative-AI tool in April 2025, integrating assisted learning across more than 100 MindTap courses, allowing students to interact, apply, and explore concepts rather than passively consume them. Media and publishing: From clicks to citations For media and publishing, AEO is existential. When AI systems summarize reporting or analysis, they reduce referral traffic, blur attribution, and undercut ad models built on page views. Publishers are experimenting with content-licensing deals with AI providers and doubling down on formats that resist paraphrase: Investigative reporting. Original data. Distinctive commentary. These are the types of content AI models depend on but can’t easily replicate. In an answer-driven ecosystem, visibility now depends on being cited as the source behind the answer. Thought leadership, brand voice, and first-party data have become just as critical to visibility as backlinks once were. Example: The New York Times signed a multi-year licensing deal with Amazon in May 2025, granting use of its content in Amazon’s AI products and underscoring publishing’s shift toward citation-based visibility. Dig deeper: AI search relies on brand-controlled sources, not Reddit: Report Cross-industry takeaways Across every category, three patterns emerge: Integration beats isolation. The most visible brands are building direct partnerships or technical integrations with AI ecosystems rather than hoping to be cited by them. Structure signals trust. Schema markup, transparent sourcing, and expert authorship help AI distinguish credible content from filler. Conversational clarity wins. Writing in natural language that mirrors how users phrase questions improves both SEO and AEO performance. Highly regulated sectors, such as finance and healthcare, face tighter compliance constraints, while retail and travel enjoy faster innovation cycles. But the north star remains the same: clarity, credibility, and structure define success in an answer-driven world. The next phase: SEO meets AEO AEO builds on SEO’s foundation, extending optimization into how content is processed and presented by AI. And with that extension, search is moving from relevance to confidence – rewarding content that large language models can summarize accurately and cite with certainty. That shift requires a blend of technical precision and editorial design. Schema, sourcing, readability, and tone now work together to determine whether your brand appears as the answer or disappears behind it. The next evolution of search will favor those who think like both strategists and engineers, shaping information that’s optimized not just to rank but to resonate inside AI systems. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. View the full article

Microsoft is the latest tech giant to announce its new return-to-work (RTO) mandate. The first phase of the mandate is set to start in February 2026, requiring Seattle-area employees living within a 50 miles radius of a Microsoft office will need to be in office at least three days a week. Over the next year, the company expects the same from the rest of its U.S. and international employees. Microsoft was one of the last big companies to offer their workforce flexibility. Competitors like Google, Meta, Amazon, Zoom, and AT&T have all announced their own unique policies requiring workers to be in the office. These are all innovative, technology-led companies. Yet their RTO mandates and hybrid work policies are all supremely outdated. Instead of honestly considering what the future of work means for employees and how it can benefit companies, many leaders are scared that if employees are allowed to work from anywhere, they will lose a bit of control over their workforce. Real leaders are embracing the future. At Gather, we recognize that flexibility is the key to accessing higher tier talent, bigger clients, and ultimately better business outcomes. Change of mindset Once upon a time, CEOs were huge fans of working from home. Many notable business leaders are on record stating the benefits of working from home from a business, personal, and even a societal level. Mark Zuckerberg famously said, “I’ve found that working remotely has given me more space for long-term thinking and helped me spend more time with my family, which has made me happier and more productive at work.” Why the sudden shift? These RTO mandates aren’t to “build culture” or “increase productivity” or any of the other canned responses. Instead, many companies are locked into long-term leases on office spaces in cities all across the country. For decades, a 10-year lease for office space was the norm for large corporations. It kept rent costs stable and allowed companies to set up roots in major hubs across the nation. When companies signed these leases, it was a smart move. Then came the pandemic. People were forced to work from home. Large office spaces weren’t just unnecessary; they became a hazard for employee safety. All work shifted to remote work, and the results spoke for themselves. A study from the U.S. Career Institute found that companies can save up to $10,600 per employee who works remotely and remote work can have a positive impact on an employee’s mental and physical health. Countering many productivity claims, the study also found that 79% of managers feel their team is more productive when working remotely. RTO does more harm than good Fast forward a few years post-pandemic, and these long-term leases still exist. Despite all the benefits seen from remote work, companies are desperate to justify their massive spends on office space. So, employees are coerced to get their butts back in seats with rigid mandates bolstered by claims of “productivity.” These mandates have already demonstrated a negative impact on employees and businesses alike. There is little evidence that RTO mandates improve a company’s financial performance, according to an MIT Sloan Management Review article. RTO mandates disrupt employee’s established positive work routines, leading to higher attrition, especially among high-performing employees and those with caregiving responsibilities—another strike against corporate America and its record with women in the workforce. What’s more, RTO mandates often function as thinly veiled layoffs, further increasing attrition and the exodus of top talent while decreasing trust. A recent study from Workways found that 71% of HR leaders report eroded trust post-RTO announcements and 80% of companies lost talent because of the mandates. Even if returning to the office actually increased productivity, to make the terms of returning so inflexible disregards the way people work. Even when these mandates are classified as “hybrid” and only require a few days in the office, companies are missing the point. To be truly productive requires flexibility and agility. A new definition of hybrid In 2025, defining hybrid work must go well beyond the outdated discussion of where work is being done. Hybrid must be multifaceted. Companies need to approach hybrid work by considering which projects and teams come together for collaborative roles and which need the privacy and focus of working independently—and recognizing that those parameters can change depending on project demands. It is a balance of people, places, tools, and culture. To be clear, I’m not anti-office. There is a time and a place for bolstering corporate culture and collaboration. However, the decision should not be made by executives in an ivory tower but by team leaders based on the needs of their teams. RTO mandates will continue to make headlines for the rest of this year and any time a major company announces its new policy. But, as these long-term leases diminish, let’s see how many mandates remain. The debate is not and has never been about the RTO mandates themselves. The real debate is on the future of work and what that looks and feels like for leaders. The pandemic made it clear: Companies are perfectly capable of adapting to the wants and needs of the workforce when forced to do so. The real future of work isn’t about office space, water cooler talk, or butts in seats. It is rooted in trust, respect, and readiness to embrace change. The leaders that follow this path will set their companies up for success, winning the battle for talent and performance. Justin Tobin is founder and president of Gather. View the full article

Google announced new branded queries filters are rolling out gradually within Google Search Console reporting. You can filter your performance reports by branded or non-branded queries and Google can show you the percentage of branded versus non-branded traffic driven to your site from Google Search. This was first introduced at the Google Search Central event in Tel Aviv today, so this news leaked from there first. What are branded queries. Google defined what it considers a branded query. Google wrote: A branded query is a query that includes your brand name (for example, Google), variations or misspellings of the brand name (for example, Gogle), and brand-related products or services: (for example, Gmail). Differentiating between traffic from people who are already familiar with your brand and people who aren’t is not always straightforward. Focusing on branded queries and non-branded queries separately can help you better understand traffic patterns. Branded queries typically lead to higher-ranking pages from your site and result in higher click-through rates, whereas non-branded queries offer organic growth, as they show how new users find your content without any initial intent to go to your site. Where to find the filter. You can find the filter for branded verus non branded queries under the search filter for queries in the performance report. You can apply this filter across all search types including web, image, video, and news. When applied, you will be able to see metrics—such as impressions, clicks, average position, and CTR—limited specifically to the selected group of branded or non-branded queries. Here is a screenshot: Insights report. Plus, Google added a report to show you your branded versus non-branded queries in the Insights report. Google said this, “shows the breakdown of total clicks for branded versus non-branded traffic, helping you measure brand recognition and compare the volume of traffic from people already familiar with your brand to the volume of traffic from those who didn’t explicitly intend to visit your site.” Here is a screenshot: Gradual rollout. You might not see this option yet, Google is slowly rolling it out. Google said, “The branded queries filter will be rolling out gradually over the coming weeks. If you cannot see this option in your reports, it might be due to one of the following reasons: This is only available for sites with a sufficient volume of queries and impressions for our signals. This is only available for top level properties (and not for URL path properties such as https://example.com/path or subdomain properties such as developers.google.com). Why we care. This gives you a new way to see how well your site is performing within Google Search. You can now get a quick breakdown of branded vs non-branded exposure within Google Search. View the full article

Figure complicates Fed decision on rates next monthView the full article

Creating an impactful business plan presentation requires careful consideration of several key elements. You need to start with a thorough review of your plan, ensuring clarity in your mission and vision. Engaging your audience is essential, so telling a compelling story can make your points resonate. Moreover, using high-quality visuals helps convey complex information effectively. Comprehending your audience and anticipating their questions will further improve your delivery. Let’s explore these strategies in detail to strengthen your presentation skills. Key Takeaways Begin with a strong mission and vision to establish the purpose of your business plan. Utilize compelling storytelling and real-life examples to illustrate the problem and solution. Incorporate high-quality visuals like charts and graphs to enhance understanding and retention. Engage your audience with eye contact, varied vocal tones, and encourage interaction through questions. Anticipate potential questions and prepare detailed responses to demonstrate knowledge and confidence. Start With a Review of Your Business Plan When you start your business plan presentation, it’s essential to begin with a clear review of your business plan, as this sets the foundation for your audience’s comprehension. Start by summarizing your mission and vision, articulating your core purpose. Next, outline key components like your target market, competitive environment, and unique selling propositions that set you apart. Highlight important financial projections, such as expected revenue growth and timelines for profitability, to illustrate your financial viability. Address customer pain points, explaining how your business model offers effective solutions. Finally, conclude with a brief overview of your marketing and sales strategies, showcasing how they’ll drive your company’s success. Utilize business presentation templates and a company profile PPT to improve clarity and engagement. Tell a Story Telling a story during your business plan presentation can greatly improve your audience’s comprehension and interest in your proposal. Start by crafting a compelling narrative that clearly illustrates the problem your business aims to solve. Make sure it resonates with your audience’s experiences. Consider using real-life examples or testimonials to highlight customer pain points and demonstrate the impact of your solution. Organize your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, guiding your audience through an experience that culminates in the value of your business proposition. Incorporate effective business presentation themes and a structured company profile presentation to keep your audience engaged. Finally, conclude with a strong call to action that motivates them to support or invest in your business. Use Visuals Using visuals in your business plan presentation is essential for effectively communicating your ideas and engaging your audience. High-quality images, infographics, and charts can make complex information more digestible. For instance, visuals can boost retention of key metrics by up to 65%. To maintain a professional appearance, use a consistent color scheme and font style throughout your business presentation PowerPoint template. Limit text to key points since audiences retain only about 10% of written information. Visual aids, like product demos or videos, showcase your offerings and clarify your product’s value proposition. Visual Elements Benefits Tips High-Quality Images Boost comprehension Use relevant, clear images Charts and Graphs Improve retention Keep them simple Product Demos/Videos Engage audience Highlight key features Use Large, Easy to Read Font A clear and legible font is crucial in any business plan presentation, as it helps guarantee that your audience can easily read and understand the information you’re sharing. Aim for a font size of at least 24 points for body text and 36 points or larger for headings, ensuring readability across different screen sizes. Stick to one or two font styles, preferably a sans-serif font, to maintain a professional look in your business presentation layout. High-contrast color combinations, like dark text on a light background, improve visibility and reduce eye strain. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can distract from your message. Utilizing free business PowerPoint templates can help you apply these principles effectively during time-saving moments. Research Who You’re Presenting To Researching who you’re presenting to is essential for crafting a presentation that resonates with your audience. Comprehending their demographics, interests, and professional backgrounds will help tailor your business presentation effectively. Knowing the funding history and investment preferences of potential investors allows you to customize your ask appropriately. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with the competitive environment relevant to your audience demonstrates your awareness of industry trends. Audience Aspect Importance Strategy Demographics Increases engagement Tailor content to interests Professional Background Aligns proposal with expertise Address specific concerns Funding Preferences Customizes financial ask Justify projections Cultural Context Influences perception Adapt marketing strategies Using a company PowerPoint template free can similarly improve your presentation’s professionalism. Anticipate Questions When preparing for your business plan presentation, anticipate the questions your audience might ask. Common inquiries often focus on financial projections, market analysis, and the competitive environment, so it’s essential to prepare detailed responses. Common Audience Inquiries How well can you anticipate questions from your audience during a business plan presentation? Being prepared for common inquiries can set you apart. Expect questions about your business model, revenue generation, and long-term profitability. Investors typically want to know the size and characteristics of your target market, in addition to how your offering stands out in a competitive environment. They’ll likely ask about your financial projections, including sales growth and funding needs. Furthermore, be ready to discuss your team’s experience in executing the business plan effectively. Common Questions Your Prepared Responses How will you generate revenue? Outline your revenue streams. What’s your market size? Provide market research data. Who’s on your team? Highlight team qualifications. Prepare Detailed Responses Anticipating questions during your business plan presentation is fundamental for demonstrating your preparedness and expertise. Think about potential inquiries related to financial projections, market analysis, and competitive positioning. Prepare detailed responses for these common questions, like your rationale behind revenue forecasts or customer acquisition costs. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your business plan to answer confidently, reinforcing your credibility. Consider creating a FAQ slide using business powerpoint templates or free business ppt templates to proactively address anticipated questions, which encourages further discussion on complex topics. Finally, practice delivering concise, data-backed answers to maintain clarity and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation. This preparation will improve your overall impact and effectiveness. Practice Your Delivery Practicing your delivery is crucial for a successful business presentation, as it not just helps you become more familiar with your material but likewise allows you to refine your overall performance. Rehearse multiple times to achieve a natural flow and identify improvement areas. Aim for a 10-20 slide company presentation, guaranteeing you stay within the allotted timeframe. Practice in front of a test audience to gain constructive feedback. Familiarize yourself with shifts between slides for smooth progression, and limit reliance on notes to boost confidence and engagement. Practice Tip Description Rehearse Multiple Times Guarantees familiarity and identifies weak areas. Time Your Delivery Keeps you within the allotted presentation time. Test Audience Feedback Provides insights on clarity and style. Frequently Asked Questions How to Structure a Business Plan Presentation? To structure a business plan presentation, start with a title slide that features your business name and logo. Follow this with slides that cover the Problem, Solution, Market, Business Model, Competition, Team, and Financial Projections. Keep your content concise and clear across 10-12 slides to maintain engagement. Use visuals like graphs and charts to improve comprehension. Finally, conclude with a strong call to action, specifying what you want from the audience. What Are the 7 Parts of a Business Plan? The seven parts of a business plan include the Executive Summary, which outlines your business goals, and the Market Analysis, detailing your target audience and competition. Next, the Business Model explains how you’ll generate revenue, whereas the Marketing and Sales Strategy describes customer acquisition methods. Financial Projections provide income statements and forecasts. The Operations Plan outlines daily processes, and the Team section highlights key members’ skills. Finally, the Appendix supports your plan with additional documents. What Are the Tips for Creating a Successful Business Presentation Slide? To create a successful business presentation slide, start with a clear structure of 10-12 slides to keep your audience engaged. Use visuals and infographics to improve comprehension, as they can greatly boost retention. Limit text to bullet points, keeping it concise with no more than six lines per slide. Choose contrasting colors for better visibility, and practice your delivery to guarantee clarity and confidence during your presentation. Which Is the Correct Advice for Presenting a Detailed Business Plan? When presenting a detailed business plan, focus on clarity and engagement. Start with a strong introduction, outlining your business idea and its relevance. Clearly define the problem you’re addressing, followed by your proposed solution. Include financial projections with key metrics to showcase viability. Limit your slides to 10-12 for conciseness, and conclude with a clear call to action, detailing the funding needed and its intended use for growth. Conclusion In summary, delivering an impactful business plan presentation requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. By reviewing your plan, telling a compelling story, utilizing visuals, and comprehending your audience, you can effectively communicate your vision. Anticipating questions and practicing your delivery further improves your presentation’s clarity and confidence. Remember, engaging your audience through eye contact and varied vocal tones can make a significant difference. Following up with handouts and thank-you emails helps maintain engagement and cultivates lasting connections. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Tips for an Impactful Business Plan Presentation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Creating an impactful business plan presentation requires careful consideration of several key elements. You need to start with a thorough review of your plan, ensuring clarity in your mission and vision. Engaging your audience is essential, so telling a compelling story can make your points resonate. Moreover, using high-quality visuals helps convey complex information effectively. Comprehending your audience and anticipating their questions will further improve your delivery. Let’s explore these strategies in detail to strengthen your presentation skills. Key Takeaways Begin with a strong mission and vision to establish the purpose of your business plan. Utilize compelling storytelling and real-life examples to illustrate the problem and solution. Incorporate high-quality visuals like charts and graphs to enhance understanding and retention. Engage your audience with eye contact, varied vocal tones, and encourage interaction through questions. Anticipate potential questions and prepare detailed responses to demonstrate knowledge and confidence. Start With a Review of Your Business Plan When you start your business plan presentation, it’s essential to begin with a clear review of your business plan, as this sets the foundation for your audience’s comprehension. Start by summarizing your mission and vision, articulating your core purpose. Next, outline key components like your target market, competitive environment, and unique selling propositions that set you apart. Highlight important financial projections, such as expected revenue growth and timelines for profitability, to illustrate your financial viability. Address customer pain points, explaining how your business model offers effective solutions. Finally, conclude with a brief overview of your marketing and sales strategies, showcasing how they’ll drive your company’s success. Utilize business presentation templates and a company profile PPT to improve clarity and engagement. Tell a Story Telling a story during your business plan presentation can greatly improve your audience’s comprehension and interest in your proposal. Start by crafting a compelling narrative that clearly illustrates the problem your business aims to solve. Make sure it resonates with your audience’s experiences. Consider using real-life examples or testimonials to highlight customer pain points and demonstrate the impact of your solution. Organize your story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, guiding your audience through an experience that culminates in the value of your business proposition. Incorporate effective business presentation themes and a structured company profile presentation to keep your audience engaged. Finally, conclude with a strong call to action that motivates them to support or invest in your business. Use Visuals Using visuals in your business plan presentation is essential for effectively communicating your ideas and engaging your audience. High-quality images, infographics, and charts can make complex information more digestible. For instance, visuals can boost retention of key metrics by up to 65%. To maintain a professional appearance, use a consistent color scheme and font style throughout your business presentation PowerPoint template. Limit text to key points since audiences retain only about 10% of written information. Visual aids, like product demos or videos, showcase your offerings and clarify your product’s value proposition. Visual Elements Benefits Tips High-Quality Images Boost comprehension Use relevant, clear images Charts and Graphs Improve retention Keep them simple Product Demos/Videos Engage audience Highlight key features Use Large, Easy to Read Font A clear and legible font is crucial in any business plan presentation, as it helps guarantee that your audience can easily read and understand the information you’re sharing. Aim for a font size of at least 24 points for body text and 36 points or larger for headings, ensuring readability across different screen sizes. Stick to one or two font styles, preferably a sans-serif font, to maintain a professional look in your business presentation layout. High-contrast color combinations, like dark text on a light background, improve visibility and reduce eye strain. Avoid overly decorative fonts that can distract from your message. Utilizing free business PowerPoint templates can help you apply these principles effectively during time-saving moments. Research Who You’re Presenting To Researching who you’re presenting to is essential for crafting a presentation that resonates with your audience. Comprehending their demographics, interests, and professional backgrounds will help tailor your business presentation effectively. Knowing the funding history and investment preferences of potential investors allows you to customize your ask appropriately. Furthermore, familiarizing yourself with the competitive environment relevant to your audience demonstrates your awareness of industry trends. Audience Aspect Importance Strategy Demographics Increases engagement Tailor content to interests Professional Background Aligns proposal with expertise Address specific concerns Funding Preferences Customizes financial ask Justify projections Cultural Context Influences perception Adapt marketing strategies Using a company PowerPoint template free can similarly improve your presentation’s professionalism. Anticipate Questions When preparing for your business plan presentation, anticipate the questions your audience might ask. Common inquiries often focus on financial projections, market analysis, and the competitive environment, so it’s essential to prepare detailed responses. Common Audience Inquiries How well can you anticipate questions from your audience during a business plan presentation? Being prepared for common inquiries can set you apart. Expect questions about your business model, revenue generation, and long-term profitability. Investors typically want to know the size and characteristics of your target market, in addition to how your offering stands out in a competitive environment. They’ll likely ask about your financial projections, including sales growth and funding needs. Furthermore, be ready to discuss your team’s experience in executing the business plan effectively. Common Questions Your Prepared Responses How will you generate revenue? Outline your revenue streams. What’s your market size? Provide market research data. Who’s on your team? Highlight team qualifications. Prepare Detailed Responses Anticipating questions during your business plan presentation is fundamental for demonstrating your preparedness and expertise. Think about potential inquiries related to financial projections, market analysis, and competitive positioning. Prepare detailed responses for these common questions, like your rationale behind revenue forecasts or customer acquisition costs. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of your business plan to answer confidently, reinforcing your credibility. Consider creating a FAQ slide using business powerpoint templates or free business ppt templates to proactively address anticipated questions, which encourages further discussion on complex topics. Finally, practice delivering concise, data-backed answers to maintain clarity and keep your audience engaged throughout the presentation. This preparation will improve your overall impact and effectiveness. Practice Your Delivery Practicing your delivery is crucial for a successful business presentation, as it not just helps you become more familiar with your material but likewise allows you to refine your overall performance. Rehearse multiple times to achieve a natural flow and identify improvement areas. Aim for a 10-20 slide company presentation, guaranteeing you stay within the allotted timeframe. Practice in front of a test audience to gain constructive feedback. Familiarize yourself with shifts between slides for smooth progression, and limit reliance on notes to boost confidence and engagement. Practice Tip Description Rehearse Multiple Times Guarantees familiarity and identifies weak areas. Time Your Delivery Keeps you within the allotted presentation time. Test Audience Feedback Provides insights on clarity and style. Frequently Asked Questions How to Structure a Business Plan Presentation? To structure a business plan presentation, start with a title slide that features your business name and logo. Follow this with slides that cover the Problem, Solution, Market, Business Model, Competition, Team, and Financial Projections. Keep your content concise and clear across 10-12 slides to maintain engagement. Use visuals like graphs and charts to improve comprehension. Finally, conclude with a strong call to action, specifying what you want from the audience. What Are the 7 Parts of a Business Plan? The seven parts of a business plan include the Executive Summary, which outlines your business goals, and the Market Analysis, detailing your target audience and competition. Next, the Business Model explains how you’ll generate revenue, whereas the Marketing and Sales Strategy describes customer acquisition methods. Financial Projections provide income statements and forecasts. The Operations Plan outlines daily processes, and the Team section highlights key members’ skills. Finally, the Appendix supports your plan with additional documents. What Are the Tips for Creating a Successful Business Presentation Slide? To create a successful business presentation slide, start with a clear structure of 10-12 slides to keep your audience engaged. Use visuals and infographics to improve comprehension, as they can greatly boost retention. Limit text to bullet points, keeping it concise with no more than six lines per slide. Choose contrasting colors for better visibility, and practice your delivery to guarantee clarity and confidence during your presentation. Which Is the Correct Advice for Presenting a Detailed Business Plan? When presenting a detailed business plan, focus on clarity and engagement. Start with a strong introduction, outlining your business idea and its relevance. Clearly define the problem you’re addressing, followed by your proposed solution. Include financial projections with key metrics to showcase viability. Limit your slides to 10-12 for conciseness, and conclude with a clear call to action, detailing the funding needed and its intended use for growth. Conclusion In summary, delivering an impactful business plan presentation requires careful preparation and a strategic approach. By reviewing your plan, telling a compelling story, utilizing visuals, and comprehending your audience, you can effectively communicate your vision. Anticipating questions and practicing your delivery further improves your presentation’s clarity and confidence. Remember, engaging your audience through eye contact and varied vocal tones can make a significant difference. Following up with handouts and thank-you emails helps maintain engagement and cultivates lasting connections. Image via Google Gemini This article, "7 Tips for an Impactful Business Plan Presentation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Dan Taylor reframes SEO success around qualified demand, market influence, and measurable contribution to revenue. The post Repositioning What SEO Success Looks Like appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

You know it's important to prioritize your to-do list, and may have tried various methods to do so, from the Eisenhower Matrix (to determine how timely and urgent each task is), to the Pareto principle (to decide how to allocate your time to maximize your results). The problem is that determining what's actually a priority can be an abstract problem. Some people work best when dealing with cold, hard numbers—and there's a way to take a more quantitative approach to prioritizing your to-dos. Why prioritize your to-do list?The Pareto principle, mentioned above, suggests that 80% of your results will come from 20% of your work, so you have to be picky about what you focus on. Plus, there’s only so much you can do in a day, so the best to-do list for you may be a narrow one—say, with room for one major activity, three medium-sized ones, and five little ones (known as a 1-3-5 list). If you try to do too much, your productivity can take a hit. (That’s Illich’s Law, baby.) To avoid doing too much or working on the wrong things, you need a strategy, and to form a strategy, you need to do some planning. The Eisenhower matrix can be useful as you figure out which tasks have looming deadlines, but it’s a subjective tool. Assigning numbers to your tasks can make it all feel more data-driven. How to turn your to-do list into dataI encountered this tip in a blog post from consultant and strategist Daniel Coulton Shaw, who breaks down how to number your tasks so they align with the Pareto principle. First, write down everything you need to get done in the foreseeable future, as you would in the early stages of making a 1-3-5 list. Next, assign each task two numbers, both of which will be between 1 and 10. The first number is for the effort required, and the second is for the project's impact. For example, answering all your emails may get a 3 for effort, but could yield results in the 7 territory. Finishing a report on a meeting could be a 6 in effort, but a 2 in results. Picking up meds at the pharmacy could be a 2 in effort, or a 7, depending how hard it is to get there, but a 4 in results, or even a 10, depending on how important the prescription is. This part is subjective too, to a degree, but even thinking about your tasks in terms of “effort” and “results” will help you grasp their seriousness—and we’re not done yet. Next, divide each task's “results” number by its “effort” number. So, if answering emails is a 7 on the results scale and a 3 in effort, you’re looking at a 2.33 overall score. Once all your tasks have been assigned a score, you can rank them in ascending order and aim to tackle them in that order, unless something extra timely comes along. By doing this, you’ll knock out the tasks that are important but low effort—which should be that 20% of work that comprises 80% of your results. What to keep in mindSomething that is a 6 in effort and 2 in results might not make it high up on your list, but could become more urgent as time goes on. Don't forget to think about timeliness when you're plotting. If you have a test in four weeks, obviously the effort and results are going to be high and you're going to want to study, but give yourself the wiggle room of remembering you do have a whole month, so other less pressing tasks might need to come first. Cleaning your room might be high effort and low results when it's just a little disorganized, but letting it go for too long will make it more effort and force it to yield more results, which will waste time when you should be doing other things no the list. So, yes, the data is important, but there are other human elements you should take into account. Finally, don't forget breaks. When you see everything in such a structured, urgent-looking way, it might cause you to jump right in in a flurry. That's great and will help you better align with the Yerkes-Dodson law, which dictates you need a bit of stress to be most productive, but it can lead to burnout. Write breaks down on that initial list and assign them a high value in terms of results—because taking breaks will yield results. Failing to do so can set you back, rendering the whole exercise useless. View the full article

In recent conversations with customers and peers, I’m not hearing “Which AI model or tool should we pick?” I’m hearing “How do we operationalize AI across our critical workflows?” People are starting to understand real digital transformation doesn’t come from a bolt-on solution. It happens when we treat AI as a foundational force and an engine for lasting change. The shift toward an AI-powered workplace requires leaders to enable organizational intelligence across the enterprise. WHAT IS ORGANIZATIONAL INTELLIGENCE? At Wrike, we define organizational intelligence as the seamless integration of human insight and AI capabilities to drive measurable outcomes at increased speed and scale. It’s the difference between patchwork AI adoption and true collaboration between humans and machines. Done right, organizational intelligence blends human creativity, judgment, context, and intent with AI’s strength in driving automation, data synthesis, and pattern recognition. When all of that is present at the same time, AI stops being a feature and evolves into a core part of how a business learns. Unlocking organizational intelligence goes beyond a change in mindset, although that’s key, too. R “Ray” Wang, CEO of Constellation Research, who I sat down with recently, said everyone is avoiding doing the “hard part” right now—the data strategy. But how we handle and manage data is equally critical to getting AI transformation right, alongside culture adjustments, and our enthusiasm toward the technology. Organizations require a robust foundation for data. This includes designing, structuring, and connecting information so AI can interpret not just isolated facts, but the full business context and meaning behind them. WHY AI ALONE ISN’T THE ANSWER While business leaders race to bring on AI tools, adoption has often outpaced ROI. McKinsey reports that while a vast majority of companies plan to increase AI investments (92%), only about 1% of leaders say their organizations have reached true AI maturity, where AI is fully integrated and yielding substantial outcomes. Many popular AI solutions solve isolated problems, automating individual tasks without addressing deeper needs for team alignment, context, and strategy. Instead of outcome-driven decision-making, organizations end up with more fragmentation. Disconnected automations, inconsistent data, and siloed workflows compound inefficiencies. Recent Wrike research found that 41% of knowledge workers said their companies lost critical information in the past year due to scattered systems and siloed knowledge across platforms. That’s not a technology failure. It’s an organizational one and a leadership oversight that can limit company growth. 3 PRINCIPLES TO ACHIEVE ORGANIZATIONAL INTELLIGENCE Think of the project manager juggling four different collaboration platforms, each with partial information. AI introduced in that environment won’t spark clarity. It will multiply the noise. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to move our organizations beyond tool adoption and toward systemic intelligence: connecting people, processes, and platforms into a unified whole. That requires rewiring the way we work and rethinking how we manage data, context, and collaboration. Three principles stand out to me: 1. Build foundation over features Chasing the newest AI tool can be tempting, but fragmented adoption creates the illusion of scale without delivering true capability. Prioritize a unified foundation where AI can plug in, learn, and operate effectively by clearly documenting and standardizing workflows, improving data hygiene, and consolidating the supporting platforms to drive visibility and ownership. The question to ask isn’t “What tool are we adopting?” but “What system are we building?” 2. Make context your competitive edge AI can’t read between the lines if there are no lines to read between. Too often, critical knowledge lives in meeting notes, hallway conversations, or in the minds of employees. Without this context, AI produces generic outputs that lack trust and relevance. Leaders must operationalize context, as well as embed decision rationales, project outcomes, and other institutional knowledge into workflows. This may come in the form of structured fields for project outcomes, standardized post-mortems, or AI agents trained on your organization’s language and workflows. In a market where business advantage often depends on nuance such as customer preferences, regulatory shifts, and competitive signals, context may be the single sharpest edge we as leaders can champion. 3. Reframe ai as a multiplier, not a shortcut AI should accelerate human creativity, critical thinking, and connection, not bypass them. This requires leaders to redefine roles: What must humans own, and where can AI extend their reach? Trust and governance are also non-negotiable. Teams will only adopt AI if they know security and ethics are protected. Leaders who ignore these responsibilities risk stalling adoption before it even begins. THE FUTURE BELONGS TO THE CONNECTED Moving forward, organizations that thrive won’t be defined by the size of their AI stack. They’ll be known for how intelligently they connect teams, workflows, and outcomes so the enterprise learns and improves with every project. Companies that link people, processes, and platforms into a single intelligent system will adapt faster, innovate more effectively, and build resilience in a rapidly changing environment. Leaders who prioritize organizational intelligence now are setting the stage for these long-term advantages. Your true differentiator isn’t AI alone. It’s connection, context, and the combined capacity of humans and machines to learn together within a shared system of record for work. Tom Scott is the CEO at Wrike. View the full article

Yesterday, after the stock market’s closing bell, Nvidia Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA) reported its Q3 2026 financials. Investors were eagerly anticipating the results, as the company is widely seen as a bellwether for the broader artificial intelligence market. Nvidia’s Q3 results were all the more anticipated as fears over an AI bubble have grown in recent months. But those fears seem to be put to bed, at least temporarily. Nvidia didn’t just meet expectations. It beat them. As a result, Nvidia’s stock price is jumping in premarket trading today—and it’s helping lift the stock prices of most other chipmakers and Big Tech giants. Here’s what you need to know. Nvidia’s Q3 results lift NVDA’s stock price Yesterday, Nvidia reported Q3 results that beat expectations. This includes revenue of $57.01 billion and an adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.30. As noted by CNBC, LSEG analysts had expected Nvidia to post $54.92 billion in revenue and an adjusted EPS of $1.25. But it wasn’t just these all-important beats that investors are celebrating. Nvidia also said it expects revenue in its current Q4 to reach around $65 billion. Analysts had been expecting around $62 billion. Further, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang started off the company’s financial call addressing fears about an AI bubble head-on. “There’s been a lot of talk about an AI bubble,” Huang said. “But from our vantage point, we’re seeing something very different.” He went on to detail three broad technological transitions, which he says are driving the AI industry. As a result of the good news, Nvidia shares are jumping in premarket trading this morning, as of the time of this writing. Currently, NVDA shares are up nearly 5% to almost $196 per share. Yesterday, NVDA shares closed up 2.85% to 186.52. But over the past five-day period, NVDA shares had sunk 3.76% as fears of an AI bubble grew. However, based on Nvidia’s stock price this morning, the company’s quarterly results and forecast have allayed investors’ fears. And Nvidia’s stock price isn’t the only one that is rising. Chipmaking stocks jump after Nvidia’s earnings beat Nvidia is a sort of bellwether for chipmaker stocks. If Nvidia is doing well or, more importantly, forecasting growth, many investors believe that growth potential could favorably affect other chipmaker stocks and the stock prices of the companies that those chipmakers rely on. And today, it appears Nvidia is indeed having a “rising tide lifts all boats” effect on broader chip stocks. As of this writing, major chipmakers and chip-adjacent companies are seeing their stock prices rise in pre-market, including: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMD): up 4.3% Arm Holdings plc (Nasdaq: ARM): up 3.3% Broadcom Inc. (Nasdaq: AVGO):up 2.8% Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC): up 1.8% Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq: MU):up 2.3% NVIDIA Corporation (Nasdaq: NVDA): up 6% QUALCOMM Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM):up 0.8% Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited (NYSE: TSM):up 2.5% Big Tech shares are also rising after Nvidia’s earnings It’s not just chip stocks that are getting a lift after Nvidia’s earnings. As Nvidia is grouped in with the Magnificent Seven, its positive earnings often help lift the share prices of other tech giants, many of whom are deeply invested in the AI space. As of the time of this writing, those other tech giants are also seeing green in premarket trading, including: Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG):up 1.9% Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN): up 1.6% Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL):up 0.4% Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META): up 1.2% Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq: MSFT): up 1% Tesla, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA): up 1.9% Of course, while investors are cheering Nvidia’s earnings beat this morning, plenty of industry watchers still have fears that an AI bubble could be upon us. For now, Wall Street appears happy to put those fears on the back burner—at least until Nvidia’s fourth-quarter earnings approach in another three months. View the full article

Rachel Reeves expected to prolong ‘stealth’ tax policy first introduced under previous Conservative governmentView the full article

Today’s consumers get pulled in a thousand different directions online: Scrolling YouTube Shorts. Tracking TikTok influencer content. Browsing Gmail promotions. Deciding whether the latest viral Facebook video is real or AI. And that’s all before lunch. Once, the path between intent and conversion was nearly a straight line. Now, in our new attention economy, constant advertising noise makes buying decisions much more complex. Most advertisers, however, have not adjusted to this new dynamic. They’re only focused on showing up when intent is obvious in search, missing entire audiences who never reach the search bar. Google’s Demand Gen campaigns help advertisers escape this trap by speeding discovery and shortening the sales funnel. Success isn’t complicated, but it requires mastering three elements: sharp creative, sophisticated audience strategies, and rigorous testing. The Demand Gen opportunity Demand Gen combines Google’s visual placements, including YouTube, Gmail, and Discover, with advanced audience targeting and creative optimization. It’s like social advertising built for Google’s network. These campaigns reach users who are passively browsing rather than actively searching, making them ideal for driving awareness. Consumer behavior has fundamentally shifted toward visual discovery while also requiring more touchpoints before making a buying decision. YouTube, a predominantly visual platform, is now the second-most-used social media platform, with 2.6 billion monthly users worldwide. Across nearly every digital channel, content consumption has become visual first, making the purchase funnel flatter, noisier, and more complicated. Unfortunately, many advertisers approach Demand Gen campaigns like search, expecting immediate conversions. That approach misses the point. Demand Gen isn’t a bottom-of-funnel activity. It’s about interrupting consumption, sparking interest, and building intent over time. Marketers who understand the mindset shift can create compounding performance that grows stronger with every impression. Here’s the search marketer’s playbook for getting Demand Gen campaigns right the first time. Element 1: Creative that commands attention Modern tools have democratized content creation to the point where advertisers no longer need to hire expensive agencies to create high-quality creative assets. This new dynamic matters because great visual content drives conversions. YouTube viewers are twice as likely to buy something they saw in a video and four times as likely to use the platform to find new products. Advertisers must get comfortable creating high-quality visual storytelling, or they won’t be speaking the language of consumers. The four-part framework for Demand Gen creative Developing effective creative assets doesn’t have to be a mystery. The best pieces follow a four-part framework: Grab attention immediately: Don’t assume people will pay attention to you. Earn their attention in the first three seconds to stop the scroll. Build brand recognition: Create a consistent visual identity across all placements to reinforce brand recall when consumers search later. Create emotional resonance: Help people think or feel something meaningful. Provide clear direction: Give viewers a clear next step. What should they do after watching? Testing creative approaches Testing is also an essential part of creative development. Try out different content types, like educational, product-focused, and testimonial content. Educational content might build awareness at the top of the funnel, while testimonials drive consideration mid-funnel and product-focused creative converts at the bottom. Test to find what works for your audience, and optimize the creative for each placement. What works on YouTube may not work on Gmail or Discover. Dig deeper: Google’s Demand Gen upgrade: Key changes and success strategies Element 2: An audience strategy that matches intent Creating an audience strategy goes hand in hand with creative development. Advertisers should not message every audience the same way, and some creative approaches will be more effective at different funnel stages. Before spending money, understand who your audience is and what action you want them to take. To do this, I always begin with the classic reporter’s questions: Who is your target audience? What are you trying to tell them? Where are they getting information? Why would they be interested in your message? Once you’ve defined your audiences, you can begin aligning your messages to their journey stages. Whatever message you send should push them to the next step rather than forcing a conversion. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Audience targeting recommendations Now that you’ve defined your audiences and developed the appropriate creative to message them, you can determine the best way to target them in your Demand Gen campaigns. The options here are nearly endless. Start by creating custom audiences because they offer the most control and specificity. Build them using keywords, URLs, or apps, and go after people who are likely to take the action you want. Lookalike audiences are back in Demand Gen campaigns, so you can target prospects similar to your current customers. You can also target affinity and in-market audiences, enabling you to message people with broad interests and those in the active consideration phase. Campaign structure best practices As you begin launching Demand Gen campaigns, here are a few best practices to follow: Start with both remarketing and prospecting as separate campaigns. They will need different goals, targeting options, and possibly different placements. Let campaigns run for at least 30 days before iterating or expanding. Consider running separate campaigns to target specific placements, like Gmail, Discover, or YouTube. Test shorts-only campaigns. The mobile-first, vertical format converts differently because users make on-the-spot decisions on mobile. Customers need to see consistent messaging and brand visuals across all placements. This consistency builds brand recall and reduces the touchpoints needed before purchase. Dig deeper: Google pushes Demand Gen deeper into performance marketing Element 3: Testing and optimization Now that your Demand Gen ads are up and running, it’s time to start testing and optimization. These campaigns contain numerous variables, making it essential to create a methodical strategy that tests a single variable at a time. Remember, this process isn’t about finding an answer. It’s about continuous optimization. What works today may need refining in three months. Establishing testing parameters Begin your testing by focusing on three different categories. Creative: This process tests which creative elements drive better responses. Think: content types (educational vs. testimonial), hooks or vertical vs. horizontal videos. Placement: Some creative approaches perform differently depending on where people see them. So try testing the same content on Gmail, Discover, and YouTube and track the results. Audience: Compare performance across different audiences, like custom vs. lookalike or remarketing vs. prospecting. As you continue testing, use performance trends to inform future creative, messaging, and placement decisions. When you see an approach consistently working, you can also begin scaling by increasing budgets in a particular placement or audience. Set realistic time horizons Early Demand Gen results won’t reflect long-term impact. Brand awareness needs time to take hold with users. Give campaigns 60 to 90 days to stabilize and begin compounding. Why Demand Gen campaigns fail Most advertisers don’t fail at Demand Gen execution. They fail because they measure it incorrectly and give up too early. This is the number one reason why advertisers avoid Demand Gen entirely. Here are three common mistakes marketers make and how to avoid them. Unrealistic expectations Too many advertisers enter Demand Gen campaigns expecting similar return on ad spend results to those of bottom-of-the-funnel search campaigns. Then, when these Demand Gen campaigns show seemingly disappointing ROI numbers, they abandon them entirely. The fix here is setting appropriate expectations from day one. Demand Gen is brand-building work that fills your sales funnel and delivers compounding results when it’s allowed to work as designed. Measurement myopia This mistake often accompanies unrealistic performance expectations. Relying only on last-click attribution severely undervalues your Demand Gen investment. These campaigns are likely contributing to growth in ways you may not be seeing. So instead of last-click-only, consider these alternatives: Use platform comparables: This new Google Ads metric uses a view-through methodology, much like social ads, and gives a broader picture of campaign performance. Observation mode: Add Demand Gen audiences to search campaigns and track if they drive more branded searches over time. Holistic brand metrics: Is the brand growing across all channels? If so, it’s an indication of increasing brand awareness. If you only look at last-click returns, you’re undervaluing your investment. Unrealistic timelines Don’t pause campaigns before 30 days if they’re not performing as expected, and don’t make dramatic changes too quickly. Commit to a 60- to 90-day evaluation window and build patience into stakeholder expectations. Master discovery to win the future Consumer attention is at its maximum, and the evolution of paid media is visual-first and discovery-driven. Brands that rely only on search will struggle to grow. Success in this new environment depends on three fundamentals: Compelling creative. Strategic audience targeting. Disciplined testing. Together, these elements create compounding performance that builds lasting brand awareness. The competitive advantage belongs to advertisers who master discovery now. Fortunately, getting started doesn’t require massive budgets. All it takes is a commitment to the fundamentals and patience with the results. Demand Gen campaigns are the key to becoming part of your target audience’s daily online life. View the full article

Sometimes, it's not the tasks on your to-do list that overwhelm you, but simply the act of sorting them out and figuring out where to start. Before you can prioritize your responsibilities and setting out a schedule for getting everything done (using strategies like "eating the frog" or creating a 1-3-5 to-do list), you have to identify what those big tasks are and what capacity you have to take them on. If you are the type of person that finds it helpful to visualize these things, let me introduce you to a pair of strategies that both involve imagining tasks as rocks: The "pickle jar theory" and the "big rocks theory." What is the pickle jar theory?The pickle jar theory is an excellent mental exercise for anyone who thinks or processes things visually. It was conceptualized by Jeremy Wright in 2002, based on the idea that a pickle jar holds a finite amount of content. So, too, does your day. There is only so much you can do in a day, as there is only so much you can stuff into a pickle jar. When thinking of your day as a pickle jar, imagine it full of three things: Rocks, pebbles, and sand. These represent your daily responsibilities, but as you can see, they’re different sizes. You can fit more of the smaller stuff, like sand and pebbles, than you can rocks, but rocks can still take up half the jar. How does the pickle jar theory work?To use this kind of thinking, you need to categorize your day’s tasks. Start by writing them all down, then prioritizing them using the Eisenhower Matrix, which is useful for figuring out which tasks are urgent and important, urgent and not important, not urgent but important, and not urgent and not important. (Even better: This too is a visual system. You design a matrix and plot your tasks along the graph.) Then, assign each task to a rock, pebble, or sand, like this: Rocks are the big tasks that are important, necessary to get on right away, and/or will take up a major chunk of time. Studying for a test, finalizing a major project at work, or cleaning the house can be rock-sized tasks, for instance. Pebbles are the things that are important to do, but not immediately necessary or massively time-consuming. You can fit quite a few of them in the jar, depending on how many rocks you have in there. Sand represents the small things that you need to do to keep your day moving along or just want to do. It enters the jar last and fills up the gaps between the bigger items. Sand can be anything from answering emails, going to meetings, calling your mom, or relaxing. These aren’t necessarily urgent or time-consuming, but they’re still important to your work or mental wellbeing. Visualize yourself putting one to three rocks in the jar, three to five pebbles, and as much sand as can fit. Understanding that not every single thing you need to do can always fit in there, you can make decisions about which rocks, pebbles, and sand pieces to hold over for the next day’s jar. This works because it gives you a tangible example of your own capacity, but also reminds you that even when your day is full of “rocks” and “pebbles,” you still have room for “sand.” Don’t forget to let some of the sand be enjoyable, because breaks are integral to productivity. Don’t over-stuff your jar with rocks and pebbles to the point that you have no room for sand at all, and don’t forget that other people have their own jars that might not be as full. Consider delegating some “pebble” tasks to a teammate, whether it’s a coworker or your spouse, or eliminating the unnecessary tasks altogether. On your Eisenhower Matrix, these will be the ones that are neither urgent nor important. Finally, you can make a so-called "to-don't" list if you're having a hard time figuring out what not to put in the jar. These can be lists of things you can just ignore, or lists of things to delegate or delay; regardless, knowing what isn't crucial before you start planning will help you fit in what is. What is the big rocks theory?There is a simplified version of the idea above that can work for you, too, if you don't want to categorize your tasks into rocks, pebbles, and sand, but want something a little more streamlined. You might be familiar with the concept of "big rocks" if you've read Stephen Covey's popular book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Essentially, as with the pickle-jar mindset, you should think of your time, energy, and resources like a big container and the things you need to do as rocks or gravel. You can't fit very many big rocks in there, but you can fit a few and still have room for the smaller tasks. The big ones take away from the space—your resources and time—so you have to be intentional about how many you really try to fit in. Visualizing is important, but you still have to use that to make a plan and get things done. First, write down everything you need to do on one page, whether in a digital word processor or a physical notebook. Then, consider how much time, energy, and other resources each thing will take and mark it as either a rock or gravel. Unlike other task prioritization methods, like the Eisenhower matrix mentioned above, this can be pretty loose. Just put down your best guess about how much each task will drain you. (When you're short on time, opt for this big rocks approach over the pickle jar approach because of its relative simplicity.) Once you have everything designated as a rock or gravel, schedule the rocks first. Here's where you can use time boxing to clearly carve out dedicated time for each thing you have to do. Keep in mind that if you schedule and work on gravel activities—emails, phone calls, doing the dishes, whatever—without taking on the big rocks first, you'll never get around to the big rocks; the smaller tasks are usually pretty endless, so you need to prioritize the big ones. Go back to your visualization: If you put all the gravel into your vessel before the big rocks, you'd fill it up and leave no room, but if you put in the big rocks first, then add the gravel, the gravel will fall between the rocks and settle in where it can. Identifying the resource-heavy, demanding tasks and prioritizing those ahead of the more menial stuff will allow you to actually make time to tackle it so you can fit the rest in where you can. But be a little judicious with that scheduling: Don't load a full day of big rocks into your schedule. You'll burn yourself out. Instead, choose only one or two per day, then allocate the rest of your time to those maintenance tasks. As you get better at incorporating this method into your workflow, you won't really need to think about rocks and jars anymore (unless you want to). You can shift over to a method like a 1-3-5 list, which calls for the pre-planning and completion of one big task, three medium-sized ones, and five little ones each day. Just keep in mind that medium tasks can become big tasks if put off for too long, and that you might need to turn preparation work for larger tasks into one of your smaller tasks. View the full article

In a world where AI can churn out chart-toppers in seconds and ticketing algorithms treat fans like data points, we risk losing the soul of live music. But a quiet countermovement is making a comeback right in people’s living rooms, backyards and basements. Once the gritty domain of garage bands and DIY punks, house shows are becoming a structured, sustainable model for music communities embraced by a myriad of musical genres and accessible to all ages. House shows aren’t just an indie throwback. They serve as a blueprint for re-humanizing music and sustainable artist development, and cities should treat them as civic infrastructure. Today, fans crave authentic, offline experiences. In Huntsville, Alabama, we’re betting big on this grassroots phenomenon, not as nostalgia, but as a future-proof cultural strategy meant to empower emerging artists, foster authentic human connection and fill gaps that traditional venues can’t. THE HISTORY OF THE HOUSE SHOW Van Halen’s first gigs were at backyard keg parties in California. Hoobastank, Incubus and Linkin Park formed the alternative rock sound of the early 2000s in their parents’ garages. But what defines a house show? A house show is first and foremost grounded in a sense of community. Often, a local band or willing host offers up their home to community members for an intimate musical performance. Artists and hosts run the full show, from tickets and gear to promotion, gaining skills they’d never get in a traditional venue. In 2025, major acts like the All-American Rejects and Machine Gun Kelly are embracing the format. Beyond big-name acts, artists all over the world are curating experiences where audiences can witness the next big thing up close, all while creating connections across demographics. Families, young fans and seasoned music lovers can gather in intimate, inclusive spaces. Take Common Man, a Huntsville-based husband-wife duo who are now touring the U.S. but remain fiercely dedicated to their community. Now dubbed Common House, Common Man members, Meredith and Compton Johnson, transformed the basement of their home into a live music venue. The duo has not only used house shows to launch their own exposure but also to provide other touring musicians and artists in the community with a platform to perform and reach new audiences in an inclusive environment. Recently, they’ve taken their house show model global and performed at homes throughout Scotland. And they’re not alone—Huntsville’s house show scene also includes Boardman House, another grassroots venue making space for live music. THE CIVIC BET ON THE LIVING ROOM Cities shouldn’t just invest in amphitheaters. They should also invest in cultural infrastructure at the neighborhood level to create intimate, fan-focused environments where artists are in more control of their concert experiences and show revenues, in the venues where careers are born and communities are formed. When cities support smaller venues, they’re offering benefits traditional venues and platforms can’t. For example, we’re: Helping with business and/or LLC formation for liability protection. Advising on ticketing and professional sound and lighting. Guiding artists through compliance with sound ordinances and neighborhood approvals. Prioritizing artist pay and sustainability. Cities often prioritize large or mid-sized venues due to their significant economic impact. House shows fill a different and equally vital gap. They empower artists to control ticket prices and profit margins, bypassing bar-sales-driven venue models. They create peer networking opportunities and act as incubators for emerging talent, offering artists the chance to book, promote and manage shows on a small scale, thereby building skills that can scale to larger venues. Most importantly, house shows democratize music, embedding it in communities instead of keeping it behind ticketing paywalls. In short, they rebalance the live music economy. THE REAL-LIFE ANTIDOTE TO AI In an age where AI-generated bands with entire albums have millions of streams and AI-enhanced performances of deceased artists are gaining popularity, ethical questions are being raised about authenticity and creative displacement. House shows deliver what algorithms cannot: shared human connection, local community and unpredictable magic in the room. Huntsville frames house shows not as nostalgia, but as a future-proof strategy for live music ecosystems. House shows aren’t replacing arenas or amphitheaters; instead, they complement them, with a thriving layer of hyperlocal, artist-first experiences. House shows are a missing piece of the live music ecosystem, and Huntsville is proving that cities can invest in culture not just from the top down, but from the living room up. As AI reshapes how music is made and consumed and fans crave authentic, in-person experiences, these intimate gatherings remind us that the real reasons we gravitate towards music are innately human and communal. Matt Mandrella is the music officer for the city of Huntsville, Alabama. View the full article

I am seeing some signs of a Google search ranking update over the past day or so but the chatter is super limited right now. Many of the tools spike yesterday but like I said, the SEO community chatter was calm. I wonder if this volatility was related to maybe the Cloudflare outage or Gemini 3 rolling out.View the full article

A court document from the Department of Justice Google monopoly case shows Google internally discussed six different options for giving (or not giving) publishers control over AI usage. The options range from do nothing new to add options to opt out of just AI Overviews (formerly known as SGE).View the full article

Google announced some new features for Google Maps including a big one for reviews, where reviewers can now use nicknames instead of their real names when leaving reviews. Plus, Google added trending places to the explore tab and insider tips/know before you go to the results.View the full article

Only two months ago, Google officially rolled out the follow feature on Google Discover. Now, that feature is no longer active and Google has removed the documentation associated with it.View the full article

Google's Daniel Waisberg announced today at the Google Search Central event in Tel Aviv that Search Console will be gaining brand query filters. Plus, these filters will be AI-assisted, I am told.View the full article

Google is testing shading the background color behind the search ads, sponsored results, and the local pack in the Google Search results. I do like that Google is testing differentiating the organic/free listings with the search ads/sponsored listings.View the full article