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Keep people first, purpose clear, and culture intact. MOVE Like This With Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk For CPA Trendlines Go PRO for members-only access to more Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk. View the full article

Successfully managing construction projects requires careful planning, organization and execution. From securing funding to creating detailed construction plans, each step influences timelines, budgets and overall project success. Following a structured approach helps teams anticipate challenges, allocate resources efficiently and achieve project goals while maintaining quality and safety standards. Whether you’re managing a small renovation or a large-scale development, these strategies provide clarity, reduce risks and improve communication among stakeholders. By understanding each phase of the project, you can make informed decisions, keep projects on schedule and minimize delays, ensuring a smoother construction process from start to finish. Managing Construction Projects: Step-by-Step Guide In this guide, we break down essential steps for managing construction projects, providing actionable advice for planning, funding and execution. Each stage includes best practices for organizing resources, managing timelines and maintaining quality. Project managers can follow these steps to ensure their projects are well-structured, financially sound and completed on time. 1. Secure Funding Securing funding is the first critical step in managing construction projects. Without adequate financing, even the most well-planned projects can stall or fail. Start by evaluating your financial needs, projected expenses and potential funding sources. Understanding your options early allows for better planning and risk management. Effective funding strategies ensure that materials, labor and permits can be secured on time. Additionally, having a clear financial plan builds confidence with stakeholders and investors. When managing construction projects, securing reliable funding reduces delays and provides flexibility for unexpected costs, ultimately supporting a smoother construction process and helping your team meet deadlines while maintaining quality standards. Construction Loan Construction loans are short-term financing options designed specifically for construction projects. They typically cover materials, labor and other project-related costs. Borrowers repay the loan in stages as the project progresses, making it easier to manage cash flow. Construction loans are ideal for developers or property owners who need temporary funding to start and complete a construction project efficiently. Bank Financing Banks provide traditional loans or lines of credit for construction projects. These loans often require detailed financial documentation and a solid repayment plan. Bank financing is reliable for projects with predictable cash flow and can offer competitive interest rates. It’s a common choice for contractors seeking stable funding for managing construction projects. Private Investors Private investors can provide flexible funding for construction projects. They often invest in exchange for equity, profit sharing or interest payments. Partnering with private investors allows project managers to secure additional capital without relying solely on bank loans. This option is useful for innovative or high-potential projects that require early-stage financing. Public Funding & Grants Government programs and grants can supplement project funding. Public funding may include tax incentives, low-interest loans or direct grants. These funds are often competitive and require compliance with specific regulations. Utilizing public funding can reduce financial risk and support projects that align with community development or environmental goals. Owner Equity Owner equity involves using personal or company funds to finance a construction project. This approach reduces reliance on external lenders and may lower overall project costs. Owner equity demonstrates commitment to stakeholders and provides flexibility in managing construction projects, particularly for smaller-scale developments or self-funded initiatives. /wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Construction-Schedule-Template.png Get your free Construction Schedule Template Use this free Construction Schedule Template to manage your projects better. Get the Template 2. Create a Construction Plan Creating a comprehensive construction plan is essential for managing construction projects efficiently. The plan should outline the project scope, timeline, budget and resource allocation. Start by identifying key milestones, deliverables and potential risks. Include detailed schedules for labor, materials and equipment to avoid delays. A construction plan also serves as a communication tool for stakeholders, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. Incorporating contingency measures and quality control procedures helps prevent unexpected issues. By having a structured plan, project managers can track progress, adjust strategies and maintain project alignment, ultimately improving efficiency, reducing costs and ensuring timely project completion. Project management software is essential for creating a construction plan. It allows project managers to map out the full scope of a project, assign tasks, schedule timelines and allocate resources efficiently. By providing a centralized platform, these tools make it easier to track milestones, monitor progress and adjust plans as needed. Visualization features like calendars, task boards and Gantt-style timelines help teams understand dependencies and critical paths, reducing the risk of delays. Additionally, integrated collaboration tools enable real-time updates, document sharing and communication, which keeps everyone aligned and ensures that the construction plan is executed smoothly from start to finish. ProjectManager stands out as one of the best tools for creating construction plans due to its rich, detail-oriented features. Its Gantt chart functionality allows project managers to visualize complex schedules, set task dependencies and identify the critical path, ensuring deadlines are met. Beyond Gantt charts, our software offers resource management, time tracking, AI-powered reporting and timesheet capabilities, providing an overview of labor, costs and project progress. This combination of advanced planning and real-time monitoring makes it particularly effective for managing construction projects, helping teams maintain efficiency, control budgets and deliver high-quality results on time. Get started with ProjectManager today for free /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/construction-gantt-resources-costs-150-CTA-BUTTON-1.jpgLearn more Construction Schedule A construction schedule outlines all tasks, milestones and deadlines for the project. It helps coordinate labor, materials and equipment while ensuring each phase is completed on time. A detailed schedule provides visibility into dependencies and allows project managers to adjust timelines proactively. When managing construction projects, a clear schedule is essential for staying on track and minimizing delays. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Construction-Schedule-Template-Construction-Gantt-chart-Template-600x207.webp Construction Budget The construction budget details all project costs, including labor, materials, equipment and contingencies. Accurate budgeting helps avoid overspending and ensures resources are allocated efficiently. By monitoring expenses closely, project managers can identify cost overruns early and make informed adjustments. A well-maintained budget is critical for managing construction projects within financial constraints. /wp-content/uploads/2024/02/construction-budget-for-excel-screenshot-600x160.png Construction Scope of Work The scope of work defines the tasks, deliverables and objectives of the project. It sets clear expectations for all stakeholders and helps prevent misunderstandings or scope creep. A detailed scope ensures that every aspect of the construction project is planned and accounted for, making execution smoother and more predictable. /wp-content/uploads/2025/05/construction-scope-of-work-600x289.png Risk Management Plan A risk management plan identifies potential issues that could impact the project and outlines strategies to mitigate them. It includes contingency plans for delays, cost overruns or safety incidents. Proactively managing risks ensures that construction projects remain on schedule, within budget and safe for workers and stakeholders. /wp-content/uploads/2023/09/risk-management-plan-template-for-word-screenshot-600x564.jpg Change Management Plan The change management plan establishes procedures for handling modifications to the project scope, schedule or budget. It ensures that changes are documented, approved and communicated to all stakeholders. Effective change management minimizes disruptions and maintains project alignment, which is essential for successfully managing construction projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Change-Management-Plan-Template-600x610.png Resource Management Plan A resource management plan tracks labor, equipment and materials to ensure they are used efficiently. It helps avoid overallocation, underutilization or shortages. By clearly defining roles and responsibilities, project managers can optimize team performance, improve productivity and maintain a smooth workflow throughout the construction project. /wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Resource-Plan-Screenshot-600x213.jpg 3. Obtain Permits and Approvals Obtaining permits and approvals is a critical step in managing construction projects. These legal authorizations ensure that the project complies with local building codes, zoning regulations, environmental requirements and safety standards. Early permit acquisition prevents costly delays and penalties. Project managers must coordinate with government agencies, submit detailed applications and provide supporting documents. Keeping track of all approvals ensures construction proceeds smoothly and meets regulatory obligations. Proper planning for permits also allows time for inspections and revisions. By addressing these requirements proactively, teams can avoid project interruptions and maintain progress according to schedule. Obtaining all necessary permits is essential for a compliant and successful construction project. Building Permit A building permit is required to ensure the construction complies with local building codes. It authorizes structural work and inspections. Securing this permit is essential to avoid legal penalties and project delays. Building permits confirm that construction meets safety and quality standards for managing construction projects efficiently. Zoning Permit Zoning permits confirm that the construction project aligns with local land-use regulations. They prevent building in restricted areas or violating community standards. Obtaining this permit ensures compliance with municipal requirements, helping project managers avoid fines or delays and maintain proper workflow while managing construction projects. Environmental Permit Environmental permits regulate construction activities that may impact the surrounding environment. They cover waste management, emissions, water use and habitat protection. Securing these permits ensures that construction projects comply with environmental laws, reduce ecological risks and maintain a sustainable approach to development. Safety Permit Safety permits verify that the construction project meets occupational health and safety standards. They are critical for protecting workers, visitors and the public. Obtaining safety permits ensures compliance with regulations, reduces accident risks and supports a safe working environment throughout the construction project. Related: 20 Free Excel Construction Templates 4. Prepare the Construction Site Preparing the construction site is a vital step in managing construction projects. Site preparation involves clearing the land, setting up temporary structures and ensuring access for equipment and workers. Proper preparation helps prevent delays, reduces safety hazards and provides an organized workspace. Project managers must plan for fencing, site offices, worker facilities, access roads, parking and material storage. Thorough site preparation enables smooth operations, efficient logistics and a controlled work environment. Addressing all site requirements before construction begins ensures that the project progresses according to schedule, minimizes disruptions and maintains quality standards for all phases of construction. Fencing Fencing secures the construction site, protecting workers, equipment and materials. It helps prevent unauthorized access and reduces theft or vandalism. Proper fencing ensures a safe and controlled environment, which is critical for managing construction projects efficiently and maintaining compliance with safety regulations. Site Office A site office serves as the central hub for project management on the construction site. It provides space for meetings, planning, documentation and communication. Having a dedicated site office improves coordination, ensures quick decision-making and supports efficient management of construction projects. Worker Facilities Worker facilities include rest areas, sanitation, changing rooms and break spaces. Providing adequate facilities ensures employee comfort, health and productivity. Properly equipped worker facilities support labor efficiency, reduce accidents and contribute to overall success when managing construction projects. Access Roads & Parking Access roads and parking ensure smooth transportation of workers, materials and equipment. Properly designed routes reduce congestion, delays and safety hazards. Organized access improves logistics, facilitates timely deliveries and supports efficient workflow for managing construction projects. Material Storage & Equipment Staging Material storage and equipment staging areas keep supplies organized and accessible. Proper planning prevents damage, loss or delays in construction activities. Organized storage and staging help project managers streamline operations, maintain schedules and manage construction projects effectively. /wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2025-construction-ebook-banner-ad.jpg 5. Manage Procurement and Logistics Activities Managing procurement and logistics is a key part of managing construction projects. It involves selecting reliable suppliers, negotiating contracts and ensuring the timely delivery of materials and equipment. Proper logistics planning reduces delays, avoids resource shortages and maintains project flow. Project managers must coordinate shipments, track orders and monitor storage. Efficient procurement and logistics planning also helps control costs, prevent waste and ensure that construction activities proceed according to schedule. By establishing clear processes for sourcing, purchasing and delivery, teams can minimize disruptions and maintain productivity. Supplier Selection Supplier selection involves evaluating potential vendors based on quality, reliability, price and delivery schedules. Choosing the right suppliers ensures timely access to materials and reduces risks of delays or defects. Effective selection supports smooth progress when managing construction projects. Supplier and Subcontractor Contract Negotiation Negotiating contracts with suppliers and subcontractors establishes clear expectations on scope, cost, deadlines and responsibilities. Well-structured contracts protect project interests, reduce disputes and improve collaboration. This is critical for managing construction projects efficiently. Material Purchasing Material purchasing ensures the right quantity and quality of construction supplies are available when needed. Proper purchasing prevents project delays, reduces waste and maintains budget control. Accurate procurement supports the timely execution of construction projects. Equipment Rentals Equipment rentals provide access to specialized machinery without long-term ownership costs. Proper planning ensures availability, reduces idle time and supports project efficiency. Managing rentals effectively helps maintain schedules and budgets in construction projects. Related: 20 Best Construction Scheduling Software of 2025 (Free & Paid) 6. Track Progress and Control Costs Tracking progress and controlling costs is essential for the successful management of construction projects. Regular monitoring ensures tasks are completed on time and within budget. Project managers use tools such as progress reports, status updates and budget tracking to identify deviations early and implement corrective actions. Cost control strategies help prevent overruns, optimize resource use and improve profitability. Monitoring progress also supports communication with stakeholders and allows teams to adjust schedules, labor allocation and procurement plans as needed. By maintaining a consistent focus on progress and cost, project managers can ensure construction projects are completed efficiently, meet quality standards and deliver value while minimizing financial risk. Progress Reports Progress reports track task completion, milestones and project performance. They provide insight into schedule adherence and help project managers identify potential delays. Accurate reporting supports effective management of construction projects. Status Reports Status reports provide current updates on work completed, issues encountered and next steps. These reports keep stakeholders informed and enable timely decision-making. Regular status updates are crucial for managing construction projects effectively. /wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Status-Report-Screenshot-600x319.jpg Budget Tracking Budget tracking monitors expenditures against the planned budget. It helps identify cost overruns, ensures financial accountability and supports informed decision-making. Proper tracking is essential for controlling expenses in construction projects. Related: 13 Budget Templates for Business & Project Budgeting 7. Perform Inspections and Quality Assurance Inspections and quality assurance ensure that construction projects meet design specifications, regulatory requirements and safety standards. Regular site inspections identify issues early, reducing rework and maintaining compliance. Project managers monitor adherence to building codes and enforce quality standards. Implementing quality assurance processes improves project outcomes, enhances client satisfaction and minimizes risks. By systematically reviewing work at each phase, teams can detect deviations, correct errors and maintain high standards. Quality assurance also supports documentation for regulatory compliance and facilitates smooth project handover. Integrating inspections into project workflows ensures that construction projects are delivered safely, efficiently and to the expected quality levels. Related: Project Handover Template Site Inspections Site inspections assess construction progress, verify compliance with plans and identify potential issues. Regular inspections help prevent delays, reduce safety risks and ensure quality work. They are essential for managing construction projects effectively. Building Code Compliance Ensuring building code compliance guarantees that construction meets legal and safety requirements. Adhering to codes reduces the risk of fines or rework. Compliance is a key aspect of managing construction projects responsibly. Quality Standards Quality standards define the expectations for materials, workmanship and overall construction. Enforcing these standards ensures durability, safety and client satisfaction. Maintaining quality is crucial when managing construction projects. Related: Construction Quality Control: Essential Tips for Managing Quality 8. Complete Final Handover The final handover phase is critical in managing construction projects. It involves verifying that the project is complete, operational and meets all contractual obligations. Project managers conduct site walkthroughs, provide operations manuals and deliver warranty documents to clients. This stage ensures that the client can take possession confidently and that all systems function properly. Proper handover reduces post-construction issues and supports client satisfaction. Documentation and training provided during handover facilitate smooth operations and maintenance. Completing the handover thoroughly confirms that the project is finished according to specifications, regulations and quality standards. This final step solidifies the success of the construction project and strengthens stakeholder trust. Site Walkthrough A site walkthrough verifies that all construction work is complete and meets specifications. It identifies any final corrections before client handover. Walkthroughs ensure quality and readiness in managing construction projects. Operations Manuals Operations manuals guide the use, maintenance and troubleshooting of building systems. They ensure the client can operate the facility efficiently. Manuals are essential for a successful construction project handover. Warranty Documents Warranty documents outline coverage for materials, equipment and workmanship. They protect clients against defects and ensure accountability. Providing these documents supports long-term success when managing construction projects. 9. Close the Project Closing a construction project involves finalizing all activities, documenting lessons learned and completing financial and contractual obligations. Project managers verify that work is complete, payments are settled and all documentation is archived. Closing procedures ensure accountability, support audits and provide valuable insights for future projects. Evaluating successes and challenges allows teams to improve processes, refine planning and enhance efficiency. Proper project closure confirms that deliverables meet specifications and stakeholder expectations. By completing this phase diligently, construction projects conclude smoothly, with satisfied clients, controlled costs and documented best practices that inform the management of future construction projects. Contract Closeout Contract closeout confirms that all contractual obligations with suppliers, subcontractors and stakeholders are fulfilled. It includes final payments, releases and documentation. Proper closeout ensures accountability and smooth project completion. Final Accounts Final accounts summarize project expenses, payments and remaining balances. They provide financial clarity, confirm budget adherence and help prevent disputes. Accurate accounts are crucial when managing construction projects. Lessons Learned Documenting lessons learned captures successes, challenges and insights from the project. This knowledge improves future planning, enhances team performance and supports continuous improvement. Lessons learned are invaluable for managing construction projects efficiently. /wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Lessons-Learned-Screenshot-600x199.jpg Free Templates for Managing Construction Projects Using templates can simplify managing construction projects by providing ready-made structures for planning, tracking and reporting. Templates help save time, reduce errors and ensure consistency across all project documentation. They are especially useful for new project managers or teams handling multiple projects simultaneously, as they provide clear guidance and organization for essential tasks. Construction Scope of Work Template This template outlines all project tasks, deliverables and responsibilities. It ensures everyone understands their roles and prevents scope creep. Using a scope of work template helps project managers clearly define objectives, timelines and expectations for managing construction projects efficiently. Construction Budget Template A construction budget template tracks expenses, labor, materials and contingencies. It helps maintain financial control and ensures that costs stay within plan. By using this template, project managers can easily monitor spending and make informed decisions while managing construction projects. Construction Daily Report Template This template records daily construction activities, progress, issues and resource usage. Daily reports provide transparency, facilitate communication and help identify problems early. Using a daily report template supports efficient workflow and effective management of construction projects. Managing Construction Projects With ProjectManager ProjectManager is a powerful tool for managing construction projects, offering multiple project views that make planning and execution more efficient. From Gantt charts and dashboards to kanban boards and lists, these views allow teams to see tasks in the format that works best for them. The list view is particularly useful for monitoring daily activities, task assignments and progress at a glance, helping project managers stay organized and in control throughout the construction process. Learn more about how our software can help you manage construction projects by watching this brief video below. Optimize Resource Management With Feature-Rich Tools ProjectManager makes managing construction projects easier by providing powerful tools for resource management. The workload chart visualizes team capacity and identifies overallocated or underutilized resources. The team page allows managers to assign tasks, track availability and monitor productivity in real time. These features help project managers allocate labor, equipment and materials efficiently, reducing delays, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring the project stays on schedule while maximizing team performance. /wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Team-Light-2554x1372-1.png Track Progress, Generate Reports and Manage Timesheets Effectively Tracking progress, generating reports and managing timesheets are all streamlined in ProjectManager. Detailed dashboards offer real-time insights into project status, while built-in reporting tools powered by AI enable the creation of customizable charts and summaries for stakeholders. Timesheets allow accurate labor tracking and cost monitoring. These features provide project managers with the data they need to control budgets, evaluate performance, and make informed decisions, thereby enhancing overall efficiency in managing construction projects. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Team-summary-better-data-light-mode-home-screen-dashboard.png Related Construction Project Management Content There’s more to managing construction projects than outlined above. For readers who are interested in learning more, check out the links below. They define different types of construction projects, methods and techniques, among other things. 10 Types of Construction Projects with Examples 18 Construction Methods and Techniques Construction Contingency: A Quick Guide Critical Path Method (CPM) in Construction: A Quick Guide 8 Free Construction Forms for Excel and Word 14 Types of Construction Contracts: Pros, Cons & Best Practices ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams, whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay up to date with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Managing Construction Projects: Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. Google local results without the call button...View the full article

Are you human? A new game wants you to prove it. I’m Not a Robot is a fun spin on the popular CAPTCHA game synonymous with using the internet. Except it’s not just one game, but 48 increasingly absurd puzzles designed to help you prove you have a soul—and the patience to parallel park a Waymo using your arrow keys. The game begins as you’d expect. Level 1 asks you to check a box to prove you’re not a robot. Level 3 prompts you to decipher text wiggling on the screen. But the more you progress, the whackier it all becomes. Level 11 asks you to find Waldo on a crowded beach. Level 17 wants you to use your mouse to draw a circle that is 94% accurate (it’s not as easy as it sounds.) Level 25 lets you play day trader at the stock market, and you must make a minimum of $2,500 by buying and selling stock based on a chart that dips and spikes live on your screen. Since the game launched in September, it has been played by more than 2.5 million people. The game’s designer, Neal Agarwal, estimates it would take a whole two hours to complete all 48 levels: “That’s how hard it is,” he says. “I think less than 1% have completed it.” A brief history of CAPTCHA CAPTCHA, which stands for Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart, was first developed in the late 1990s as a way to prevent automated bots from abusing online services. One of the first companies to implement it was the web search engine AltaVista, which used distorted text images that humans could read but computers could not, to stop automated URL submissions to its search engine. Hundreds of thousands of sites have adopted CAPTCHA over the years, including PayPal, Yahoo, and Google, which acquired the technology in 2009. Google then renamed the interface reCAPTCHA and started to show users scanned text from books and newspapers that computers couldn’t recognize, which turned into a digitizing platform as well. Agarwal, who keeps a list of more than 1,600 ideas for game designs, has wanted to design a CAPTCHA game for years, but it was the recent AI boom that really drove the idea home. “All these new AIs are coming out, and they are doing more and more things that traditionally only humans could do,” he says. “So how do you design a test that can only be solved by humans?” According to a report from 2024, the number of bots has now surpassed the number of humans on the internet, accounting for more than half of global internet traffic. These bots flood social media with coordinated disinformation campaigns, manipulate online polls and product reviews, scalp concert tickets within seconds of release, and enable sophisticated fraud schemes that cost businesses billions annually. They also affect the efficacy of CAPTCHA games, which have grown from distorted text that humans had to decipher to increasingly elaborate image puzzles. Who is the internet for? Agarwal has a knack for games that double as social commentary. His Password Game became a viral phenomenon in 2023, testing, as the site puts, “your password strength, your patience, and your will to live.” The Stimulation Clicker simulates the modern internet’s chaotic environment, bombarding players with overwhelming notifications, breaking news feeds, and various distractions that fragment attention. The Printing Money game made stark income inequality visible by turning hourly rates for various occupations, like a teacher and Fortune 500 CEO, into printing presses that stream dollar bills across the page as they’re earned. I’m Not a Robot is extremely fun to play, but it also highlights, as Agarwal puts it, “the absurdity of how the internet was created for humans and now it’s half robots. Half the people we chat with aren’t even real, and it’s only going to get even more crazy.” Earning your humanity To make his point, Agarwal designed puzzles for I’m Not a Robot that require an increasing amount of brainpower to solve. One level asks you to break up with your AI girlfriend. Another is a full-on chess game. Another requires you to convince an AI that you’re human. The last level is a Dance Dance Revolution game you play with arrow keys. Agarwal says it’s proven very hard for people to solve. I myself am currently stuck on Level 24, which asks you to calculate the value of mathematical functions and sort them from lowest to highest. Considering the presence of logarithms, x’s, and a sigma, it has proven too head-cracking for my writerly brain, but for those who make it through to the end, Agarwal promises a certificate of humanity, and a surprise appearance by CAPTCHA founder Luis von Ahn, who went onto cofound Duolingo. And yes, I could run the math equations through ChatGPT—or, god forbid, dig up my high school scientific calculator to advance to Level 25—but that would probably defeat the purpose of proving I’m human. View the full article

By CPA Trendlines Research Job candidates need more than technical skills. The wrong hire can ruin client relationships, poison an office culture and lead to loss of time and money. MORE Listicles here Exclusively for PRO Members. Log in here … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

By CPA Trendlines Research Job candidates need more than technical skills. The wrong hire can ruin client relationships, poison an office culture and lead to loss of time and money. MORE Listicles here Exclusively for PRO Members. Log in here … Continued Go PRO for members-only access to more CPA Trendlines Research. View the full article

Joel Mokyr, Philippe Aghion, and Peter Howitt won the Nobel memorial prize in economics Monday for their research into the impact of innovation on economic growth and how new technologies replace older ones, a key economic concept known as “creative destruction.” The winners represent contrasting but complementary approaches to economics. Mokyr is an economic historian who delved into long-term trends using historical sources, while Howitt and Aghion relied on mathematics to explain how creative destruction works. Dutch-born Mokyr, 79, is from Northwestern University; Aghion, 69, from the Collège de France and the London School of Economics; and Canadian-born Howitt, 79, from Brown University. Mokyr was still trying to get his morning coffee when he was reached on the phone by an AP reporter, and said he was shocked to win the prize. “People always say this, but in this case I am being truthful—I had no clue that anything like this was going to happen,” he said. His students had asked him about the possibility he would win the Nobel, he said. “I told them that I was more likely to be elected Pope than to win the Nobel Prize in economics—and I am Jewish, by the way.” Mokyr will turn 80 next summer but said he has no plans to retire. “This is the type of job that I dreamed about my entire life,” he said. Like fellow laureate Mokyr, Aghion also expressed surprise at the honor. “I can’t find the words to express what I feel,” he said by phone to the press conference in Stockholm. He said he would invest his prize money in his research laboratory. Asked about current trade wars and protectionism in the world, Aghion said that: “I am not welcoming the protectionist way in the US. That is not good for … world growth and innovation.” The winners were credited with better explaining and quantifying “creative destruction,” a key concept in economics that refers to the process in which beneficial new innovations replace—and thus destroy—older technologies and businesses. The concept is usually associated with economist Joseph Schumpeter, who outlined it in his 1942 book “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy.” The Nobel committee said Mokyr “demonstrated that if innovations are to succeed one another in a self-generating process, we not only need to know that something works, but we also need to have scientific explanations for why.” Mokyr has long been known as an optimist about the positive effects of technological innovation. In an interview with the AP in 2015, he cited the music streaming service Spotify as an example of an “absolutely astonishing” innovation that economists had difficulty measuring. Mokyr noted he once owned more than 1,000 CDs and, before that, “I spent a large amount of my graduate student budget on vinyl records.” But now he could access a huge music library for a small monthly fee. Aghion and Howitt studied the mechanisms behind sustained growth, including in a 1992 article in which they constructed a mathematical model for creative destruction. Aghion helped shape French President Emmanuel Macron’s economic program during his 2017 election campaign. More recently, Aghion co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Commission, which in 2024 submitted a report to Macron outlining 25 recommendations to position France as a leading force in the field of AI. “The laureates’ work shows that economic growth cannot be taken for granted. We must uphold the mechanisms that underlie creative destruction, so that we do not fall back into stagnation,” said John Hassler, chair of the committee for the prize in economic sciences. One half of the 11 million Swedish kronor (nearly $1.2 million) prize goes to Mokyr and the other half is shared by Aghion and Howitt. Winners also receive an 18-carat gold medal and a diploma. The economics prize is formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. The central bank established it in 1968 as a memorial to Nobel, the 19th-century Swedish businessman and chemist who invented dynamite and established the five Nobel Prizes. Since then, it has been awarded 57 times to a total of 99 laureates. Only three of the winners have been women. Nobel purists stress that the economics prize is technically not a Nobel Prize, but it is always presented together with the others on Dec. 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death in 1896. Nobel honors were announced last week in medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and peace. Corder reported from The Hague, Netherlands. David McHugh in Frankfurt, Germany, and Chris Rugaber in Washington contributed to this report. —Kostya Manenkov and Mike Corder, Associated Press View the full article

Journalists have been using the inverted pyramid writing style for ages. Using it, you put your most important information upfront. Don’t hedge. Don’t bury your key point halfway down the third paragraph. And don’t hold back; tell the complete story in the first paragraph. Even online, this writing style holds up pretty well for some types of articles. It even comes in handy now that web content is increasingly used to answer every type of question a searcher might have. Find out how! Table of contents What is the inverted pyramid? The power of paragraphs The pyramid, SEO, and AI Answering questions Summaries vs. the pyramid How to write with the inverted pyramid in mind Try the inverted pyramid Key takeaways The inverted pyramid writing style places crucial information at the beginning to engage readers quickly and effectively. Writers should structure articles with core sentences that introduce key concepts to aid comprehension and improve scanning. This style enhances SEO by making content clearer and easier to understand for both human readers and search engines. While effective for many types of articles, the inverted pyramid may not suit creative writing forms like poetry or complex fiction. To implement the inverted pyramid, identify key points, structure your content, and revise for clarity and focus. What is the inverted pyramid? Most readers don’t have the time or desire to carefully read an article, so journalists put the critical pieces of a story in the first paragraph to inform and draw in a reader. This paragraph is the meat and potatoes of a story, so to speak. This way, every reader can read the first paragraph, or the lead, and get a complete notion of what the story is about. It gives away the traditional W’s instantly: who, what, when, where, why, and, of course, how. The introductory paragraph is followed by paragraphs that contain important details. After that, follows general information and whatever background the writers deem supportive of the narrative. This has several advantages: It supports all readers, even those who skim It improves comprehension; everything you need to understand the article is in that first paragraph You need less time to get to the point It gives writers a full paragraph to draw readers in Done well, it encourages readers to scroll and read the rest of the article It gives writers full control over the structure It makes it easier to edit articles An example Here’s an example of such an intro. We wrote an article about writing meta descriptions in Yoast SEO that answers exactly that question in an easy-to-understand way. We show what it is and why it’s important immediately, while also triggering people to read the rest of the article. Here’s the intro: “A strong meta description boosts CTR and signals relevance to search engines. This post shows how to craft descriptions that work, with practical tips and ready-to-use templates. You’ll learn the traits of good meta descriptions, common mistakes, and how Yoast SEO can help you get it right. Using these templates and guidelines can boost CTR, align reader expectations, and improve optimization for both users and Google.” The inverted pyramid is just one of many techniques for presenting and structuring content. Like us, you can use it to write powerful news articles, press releases, product pages, blog posts, or explanatory articles. This style of writing, however, is not suited for every piece of content. Maybe you write poetry, or long essays with a complete story arc, or just a piece of complex fiction. Critics are quick to add that the inverted pyramid style cripples their creativity. But, even then, you can learn from the techniques of the inverted pyramid that help you to draw a reader in and figure out a good way to structure a story. And, as we all know, a solid structure is key to getting people and search engines to understand your content. We wrote about that in our article on setting up a clear text structure. The power of paragraphs Well-written paragraphs are incredibly powerful. These paragraphs can stand on their own. I always try to write in a modular way. That’s because I’m regularly moving paragraphs around if I think they fit better somewhere else in the article. It makes editing and changing the structure of a story so much easier. Good writers give every paragraph a stand-out first sentence; these are known as core sentences. These sentences raise one question or concept per paragraph. So, someone who scans the article by reading the first sentence of every paragraph will get the gist of it and can choose to read the rest of the paragraph or not. Of course, the rest of the paragraph is spent answering or supporting that question or concept. The pyramid, SEO, and AI Front-loading the main point helps SEO perform in an AI era. Lead with the core result to give readers a fast, clear understanding and to signal relevance to search algorithms. Focusing on that idea makes snippets more likely and improves relevance while making the rest of the piece easier to scan, summarize, and reuse across channels. In practice, the inverted pyramid anchors the article in intent, guiding humans and machines toward the same destination: the core answer. Answering questions Something else is going on: a lot of content out there is written specifically to answer questions based on user intent. Today, Google answers a lot of questions and answers right away in the search results. That’s why it makes a lot of sense to structure your questions and answers in such a way that is easy to digest for both readers and search engines. This also supports the inverted pyramid theory. So, if you want to answer a specific question, do that right beneath that question. Don’t obfuscate it. Keep it upfront. You can answer supporting questions or give a more elaborate answer further down the text. If you have data supporting your answer, please present it. Summaries vs. the pyramid Front-loading the main point highlights the core idea clearly to both readers and search engines. The inverted pyramid delivers that headline idea first, then adds context and support. A summary condenses the piece into its essential takeaways, handy for meta descriptions, snippets, or quick recaps. Yoast AI Summarize can generate tight summaries from your content, giving you ready-to-use openings and meta descriptions that align with the pyramid and improve SEO performance. How to write with the inverted pyramid in mind The inverted pyramid forces you to think about your story: what is it, and which parts are key to understanding everything? Even if you don’t follow the structure to the letter, focusing on the essential parts of your story and deleting the fluff is always a good thing. In his seminal work The Elements of Style, William Strunk famously wrote: “Vigorous writing is concise. A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail and treat his subjects only in outline, but that he make every word tell.” In short, writing works like this: Map it out: What are the most important points you want to make? Filter: Which points are supportive, but not key? Connect: How does everything fit together? Structure: Use sub-headers to build an easy-to-understand structure for your article Write: Start every paragraph with your core sentence and support/prove/disprove/etc in the coming sentences Revise: Are the paragraphs in the correct order? Maybe you should move some around to enhance readability or understanding? Edit: I.e., killing your darlings. Do you edit your own work, or can someone do it for you? Publish: Add the article to WordPress and hit that Publish button Need more writing tips? Here are 10 tips for writing an awesome and SEO-friendly blog post. Try the inverted pyramid Like we said, not every type of content will benefit from the inverted pyramid. But the inverted pyramid has surely made its mark over the past century or more. Even now, as we mostly write content for the web, this type of thinking about a story or article makes us focus on the most important parts, and how we tell about those parts. It forces you to separate facts from fiction and fluff from real nuggets of content gold. So, try it out, and your next article might turn out to be the best yet. Read more: SEO copywriting: the ultimate guide » The post First things first: writing content with the inverted pyramid style appeared first on Yoast. View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source. Young people are always finding new ways to blur the lines between irony and sincerity, the public and the private, and every thing else: TikTokers are using a caveman schtick to tell sad romantic stories; a Twitch streamer broadcast the birth of her daughter to her adoring chat; and young people are meeting a deadly serious political moment with colorful animal costumes. There's also a new cartoon, for some reason, from Nintendo, and the rise of slopcore. The Portland Frog and ChickenThe young people in Portland are changing the idea of what "protesting" means. In the days since the President declared Portland a "war zone" and a "never-ending disaster," more and more young people have been showing up to protests dressed in colorful costumes. Frog guy was first. You can see him here, bravely facing down a cadre of heavily armed men: before being pepper-sprayed for his trouble. And then there's the chicken guy, whose presence in front of an ICE facility provided important context to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem's recent rooftop photo opportunity. “Our reality is beyond satire at this point,” Chicken Guy (aka Jack Dickinson) told The Atlantic. “So meeting it with absurdity...I guess that’s the idea.” Frog and Chicken seem to have inspired others to meet ICE and the National Guard with absurdity (and colorful costumes), which might be the sign of a growing movement. Protestors have been using ridiculousness to make their point since protests began, but the instant, worldwide dissemination of videos from Portland's "front line" is fairly new. Images of heavily armed and armored law enforcement officers staring down Portland weirdos in unicorn and panda costumes makes a more compelling point than would clashes with radicals in ski masks—you don't have to think very hard to know which side you're on. And there's something so Portland about the whole thing. Twitch streamer Fandy livestreams her child's birthAustin based Twitch streamer Fandy is known as much for letting her 300,000 followers in on her personal life as she is for playing Overwatch, but the 30-year-old influencer cranked it up to 11 last week when she livestreamed her daughter's birth. Fandy started streaming as soon as she went into labor, with 30,000 or so concurrent visitors on Twitch alone watching her deliver another human into the world. She even joked around with her chat in between breathing and contractions, and Twitch CEO Dan Clancy stopped by to offer congratulations. After a routine eight-hour labor, Fandy showed her child off to the world. Her fans seem mostly happy to be included but some are questioning whether a live birth is in keeping with the streaming platform's terms and conditions, and more importantly, if it was fair to the child who didn't ask to be born and definitely didn't ask to be livestreamed. On the other hand, Fandy’s stream takes parasocial relationships to a new level, her fans seemed happy to be included, and who wouldn't want to have 30,000 godparents? Why are so many TikTokers talking like cavewomen?It's becoming cool on TikTok for young women to talk like cavewomen. Over videos labeled "POV: We're Cavewomen and I'm Telling You About My Ex," folks are spilling their guts about past relationships, while replacing "I" with me and generally leaving out articles. The trend seems to have started when @em.brdly posted this video about she (sic) disastrous introduction to polyamory: Others followed, detailing they bad experiences with young men: But talk like caveman old! She make video talk like cavewoman "Karen" 2024: He talk caveman 1991: Like me say, more things change, more stay same. What is "slopcore"?Slopcore is the slang term for the countless 100s of millions of cheesy-looking, unsettling, AI-generated images, videos, and songs that have hit the internet since AI was given to the masses a couple of years ago. It also describes the uncanny, dreamy, slightly menacing vibe of all that slop. I did a deeper dive here, if you want to get further into the slop with me. Viral video of the week: Nintendo teases...somethingOn Oct. 7, Nintendo posted this video on X with the caption "Close to You": This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. and no one knows why. There are no credits; there's no logo. It's just a baby chasing a pacifier. But because it's Nintendo's baby, the video has been streamed over 16 million times on X alone, and everyone seems to have a guess. Some theories: It's a teaser for a new Pikmin game. It's teasing a new Earthbound game. It's teasing a new Chibi-Robo game. It's teasing a new Elebits game (even though Elebits was from Konami) "Nintendo Baby" is being introduced as a character in Smash Brothers. Its the first look at a new Nintendo intellectual property involving babies and pacifiers. It's a short meant to show off what Nintendo has been doing with its new animation studio. Nintendo wants to show its fanbase an experience that they will never have. The point is there's no way to know and it could be anything. (But it's Pikmin, because Nintendo has released a Pikmin game for every console since the GameCube.) View the full article

This is a programming note that Tuesday and Wednesday are Simchat Torah and I will be offline the next two days. I will be offline on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 14th and October 15th.View the full article

Looking to turn an AI tool into a competitive SEO advantage? These expert-level prompts show where leaders can save time and sharpen strategy. The post 28 Expert-Level Prompt Examples & Templates For SEO appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

US and Chinese officials will also hold talks this week about escalation in trade tensionsView the full article

Inflation has risen in three of the last four months and is slightly higher than it was a year ago, when it helped sink then-Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. Yet you wouldn’t know it from listening to President Donald The President or even some of the inflation fighters at the Federal Reserve. The President told the United Nations General Assembly late last month: “Grocery prices are down, mortgage rates are down, and inflation has been defeated.” And at a high-profile speech in August, just before the Fed cut its key interest rate for the first time this year, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said: “Inflation, though still somewhat elevated, has come down a great deal from its post-pandemic highs. Upside risks to inflation have diminished.” Yet dismissing or even downplaying inflation while it is still above the Fed’s target of 2% poses big risks for the White House and the Federal Reserve. For the The President administration, it could find itself on the wrong side of a potent issue: Surveys show that many Americans still see high prices as a major burden on their finances. The Fed may be taking an even bigger gamble: It has cut its key interest rate on the assumption that the The President administration’s tariffs will only cause a temporary bump up in inflation. If that turns out to be wrong — if inflation gets worse or remains elevated for longer than expected — the Fed’s inflation-fighting credibility could take a hit. That credibility plays a crucial role in the Fed’s ability to keep prices stable. If Americans are confident that the central bank can keep inflation in check, they won’t take steps — such as demanding sharply higher pay when prices rise — that can launch an inflationary spiral. Companies often increase prices further to offset higher labor costs. But Karen Dynan, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said this week that with memories of pandemic-era inflation still fresh and tariffs pushing up the cost of imported goods, consumers and businesses could start to lose confidence that inflation will stay low. “If that proves to be the case, in hindsight it will be that the Fed cuts — and I do expect several more — are going to be seen as a mistake,” Dynan said. So far, the The President administration’s tariffs haven’t lifted inflation as much as as many economists expected earlier this year. And it remains far below its 9.1% peak three years ago. Still, consumer prices increased 2.9% in August from a year earlier, up from 2.6% at the same time last year and above the Fed’s 2% target. The government is scheduled to release the September inflation report on Wednesday, but the data will probably be delayed by the government shutdown. Tariffs have pushed up the cost of many imported items, including furniture, appliances, and toys. Overall, the cost of long-lasting manufactured goods rose nearly 2% in August from a year earlier. It was a modest gain, but comes after nearly three decades when the cost of such items mostly fell. The cost of some everyday goods are still rising more quickly than before the pandemic: Grocery prices moved up 2.7% in August from a year ago, the largest gain, outside the pandemic, since 2015. Coffee prices have soared nearly 21% in the past year, partly because The President has slapped 50% import taxes on Brazil, a leading coffee exporter, and also because climate change-induced droughts have cut into coffee bean harvests. Most Fed officials are still concerned that inflation is too high, according the minutes of its Sept. 16-17 meeting. Yet they still chose to cut their key interest rate, because they were more worried about the risk of worsening unemployment than about higher inflation. But the concern for some economists is that the ongoing rollout of tariffs and the fact that many companies are still implementing price hikes in response could result in more than just a temporary boost to inflation. “It is a big gamble after what we’ve been going through … to count on it being transitory,” said Jason Furman, an economist at Harvard University and a former top adviser to President Barack Obama. “Once upon a time, (3% inflation) would have been considered really high.” Just two weeks ago, The President slapped new tariffs on a range of products, including 100% on pharmaceuticals, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, and 25% on heavy trucks. On Friday, he threatened “a massive increase of tariffs” on imports from China in response to that country’s restrictions on rare earth exports. Some companies are still raising prices to offset the tariff costs. Duties on steel and aluminum imports have pushed up the cost of the cans used by Campbell Soups, leading the company’s CEO to say in September that it will implement “surgical pricing initiatives.” Chris Butler, CEO of National Tree Company, the nation’s largest artificial Christmas tree seller, says his company will raise prices by about 10% this holiday season on its trees, wreaths, and garlands to offset tariff costs. About 45% of its trees are made in China, with the rest from Southeast Asia, Mexico, and other countries. The cost of labor and real estate is too high to make them in the United States, he said. Butler also expects there will be a reduced supply of artificial trees and decorations this year, which could lift industry-wide prices further, because most production in China shut down when tariffs on that country hit 145% earlier this year. Production resumed after The President reduced the duties to 30% but at a slower pace. Butler has pushed his suppliers to absorb some of the cost of the tariffs, but they won’t pay all of it. “At the end of the day, we can’t absorb the entirety of it and our factories can’t absorb the entirety of it,” he said. “So we’ve had to pass along some of the increases to consumers.” Many Fed policymakers are aware of the risks. Jeffrey Schmid, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, who votes on interest rate decisions, said Monday that high inflation that results from a loss of confidence in the central bank is harder to fight than other price spikes, such as those that result from supply disruptions. “The Fed must maintain its credibility on inflation,” Schmid said. “History has shown that while all inflations are universally disliked, not all inflations are equally costly to fight.” Yet some Fed officials say that other trends are offsetting the impact of tariffs. Fed governor Stephen Miran, whom The President appointed just before the central bank’s September meeting, said Tuesday that a steady slowdown in rental costs should reduce underlying inflation in the coming months. And the sharp drop in immigration as a result of the administration’s clampdown will reduce demand, he said, cooling inflation pressures. “I’m more sanguine about the inflation outlook than a lot of other people are,” he said. —Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer View the full article

Are you spending hours on client reporting every month, only for your stakeholders to skim it, dismiss the numbers, or ignore your recommendations? When reports don’t drive action, you lose more than time. Budget approvals, strategic influence, and client trust are all compromised. Here are five ways to make sure your PPC report doesn’t just get read, but actually moves your audience to take action. 1. Start with your audience, not the data When building a report, it’s easy to get lost in the data – dozens of metrics, multiple platforms, endless ways to slice performance. The instinct is to ask, “What data can I show?” But that approach creates reports that highlight numbers instead of driving decisions. A better question is, “Who needs this, and what will they do with it?” What does your reader need to understand or act on? To borrow from the Jobs-to-Be-Done framework – what is this report being “hired” to do? What decisions are your stakeholders responsible for making? What questions do they expect answered? Which goals and KPIs do they need to monitor? Once you understand the job your report is meant to do, you can reverse-engineer what belongs in it. For example: A CMO focused on connecting ad spend to revenue and competitive position will want to see ROAS, market share, and year-over-year growth. An ecommerce manager focused on product mix will care more about category performance, inventory, and seasonal trends. Off-the-shelf templates and automated reports can’t answer those questions for you – only direct conversations with stakeholders can. You don’t need to wait for a new client kickoff to do this. Check in with your current stakeholders to confirm your reports still reflect what matters most to them. 2. Establish the source of truth If you manage platforms like Google Ads and Microsoft Ads, you’re likely reporting on engine numbers. But engine numbers aren’t always the “source of truth.” Sometimes they’re only directionally accurate. Other times, they barely correlate with actual performance. Here’s the risk when you don’t define that source upfront: you build and present a solid report, only to have it derailed by, “I don’t think these numbers are right.” A client questions whether Google Ads is inflating conversions, or a CFO insists revenue must come from the CRM. Suddenly, the discussion shifts from strategy to data defense. When stakeholders don’t trust the numbers, your report loses its power. You can’t drive action on data that no one believes. So before building a report, clarify the source of truth. A quick litmus test: if you said, “We generated $1 million in PPC revenue yesterday,” what system would leadership check to verify it? Whatever they name is your source of truth. You may never reconcile every dataset perfectly, but alignment matters most. Pull numbers from that trusted system where possible, call out known gaps – like offline conversions lagging in Google Ads or modeled data in GA4 – and always identify data sources clearly. When your reporting reflects the system leadership trusts, you avoid endless debates about accuracy and keep the focus on decisions that move the business forward. Dig deeper: How to deliver monthly PPC reports clients love 3. Build invisible CTAs into every section A strong landing page drives action with a clear call to action. Without one, visitors don’t know what to do next – and conversions drop. Reports work the same way, only without a button to click. That’s why I developed a framework I call “invisible CTAs.” An invisible CTA is the intended outcome for each section of your report – the “conversion” you want your audience to experience. It doesn’t appear in the report itself, but it guides how you build every chart, annotation, and insight. There are three types of invisible CTAs: Do: The next step they should take based on the data – fix a landing page, approve budget reallocation, or adjust strategy to defend against a competitor. Know: What happened and why, even when there’s no immediate action – a holiday promo drove a 15% spike that won’t sustain, Apple’s privacy updates reduced match rates, or a tracking glitch underreported conversions. Feel: The emotional response that drives urgency or confidence – concern that a competitor is outspending you, encouragement that a new strategy is working, or worry that rankings are slipping. Don’t shy away from negative emotions. When we hide problems to keep reports “positive,” stakeholders won’t commit the resources needed to fix them. Think of it this way: which battery icon motivates you to get off the couch and grab your charger? Not the full one. Before building any section, ask: What’s the one takeaway I want my audience to leave with? Then design everything – your charts, metrics, headlines, and comparisons – around that invisible CTA. When each section has a clear intent, your audience knows exactly what to do next, even without clicking a button. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. 4. Apply conversion principles to design and layout Most PPC reports are still designed like data dumps, not decision tools. Charts are crammed together, walls of numbers lack focus, and abbreviations or shorthand leave readers guessing. Your audience shouldn’t have to work to understand what the data means. As Steve Krug explains in “Don’t Make Me Think,” good design removes friction and makes meaning obvious. The same principle applies to reporting. Your reports should follow the same conversion optimization principles you’d use on a landing page: Hierarchy: Prioritize the key story. Bold the outcome. Move secondary data to callouts or appendices. White space: Clutter kills comprehension. Give major insights room to breathe in their own sections or pages. Contrast: Use color, weight, and position to highlight wins and risks. Annotations: Mark charts with context (seasonality, tracking glitches, site changes). Look at how these conversion principles transform the very basic “Account Performance” chart into completely different data stories: Every design choice should reduce friction, clarify meaning, and guide your audience toward the right conclusion. 5. Show results in context, not isolation We often hope the numbers will speak for themselves – but they don’t. “We drove $17,000 in revenue” means little unless your audience knows whether that’s above goal, below forecast, or right on target. Without context, stakeholders don’t know how to react. They can’t celebrate a win if they don’t know it’s a win, and they won’t prioritize fixes if they don’t see the urgency. Every metric in your PPC report needs a frame: Benchmarks: Was performance above or below target? Comparisons: How does it trend versus last month, last year, or competitors? Explanations: What caused the change – seasonality, tracking issues, or market shifts? For example, “$17,000 in revenue” becomes meaningful when you add context: $17,000 is 35% above the goal of $12,600. $17,000 is 11% higher than last October’s $15,300. $17,000 represents nearly 25% of all-channel revenue ($70,000). The more comparisons, percentages, and explanations you layer in, the easier it is for your audience to understand what’s really happening. Combine that context with conversion principles and invisible CTAs to create reporting that’s clear, credible, and built for action. Dig deeper: How to benchmark PPC competitors: The definitive guide From data dump to decision driver The purpose of PPC reporting is simple – to help your audience understand what happened and what to do next. If your reports don’t accomplish that, you’re not just wasting time. You’re leaving your readers without the clarity they need to act. When you design reports around your audience’s needs, anchor them to a trusted source of truth, build invisible CTAs, apply conversion principles, and show results in context, you turn reporting into a decision-making tool. Follow these steps, and your PPC report will stop being a monthly time-sink and start becoming a high-value asset that earns trust, drives action, and strengthens retention. View the full article

Some GA4 users report seeing “Analytics Advisor,” a conversational AI interface in Google Analytics. The post Google Tests “Analytics Advisor” Inside GA4, According To Reports appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We’ve spent the better part of the past few years glued to our screens—clicking, swiping, streaming. Endless tabs, endless scrolls. And yet, despite all the infinite access, we’re still craving the one thing the web cannot render: real presence. That collective craving has rewritten the rules of marketing. Five years after COVID, brands are finding the antidote to Zoom fatigue by showing up in person again. Canva, the Australian graphic design platform, is moving quickly to meet this demand with the launch of the Canva World Tour, a global initiative spanning 40 cities across 30 countries and five continents, with the goal of training one million people in just a month. The tour features 250 workshops and community-led sessions, from campus pop-ups to hands-on tutorials and certification programs. With a massive online footprint—1 in 24 internet users worldwide—Canva boasts 240 million monthly active users across 190 countries and 100 languages, generating more than 370 designs every second. Amid a booming online presence, its move to live events is about taking the experience from “URL to IRL,” Jimmy Knowles, Canva’s global head of experiential, told Fast Company. It’s not the first time Canva has embraced face-to-face interactions. This year, Canva Create, the company’s annual event, had a tentpole moment with 105 speakers across six stages, drawing more than 4,300 attendees in person at California’s SoFi Stadium, with 6.6 million tuning in online. Knowles describes the events as a chance to be “unapologetically ourselves,” adding, “Tech brands are all straight lines and rounded boxes, as opposed to coloring outside the lines.” Experience the economy Canva’s headfirst dive into experiential marketing is perhaps no surprise. As reported by eMarketer, experiential marketing spending has surged past $128 billion, with activity signaling a resurgent comeback above pre-pandemic levels. According to the 2023 Trust Report from live events company Freeman, 77% of consumers say their trust in a brand increases following a live event interaction, and 64% retain positive impressions of brands they engage with in person. Building on insights like this, Canva designed its world tour to connect with people directly on their own terms. “This enables us to get super local and relevant to the communities we’re serving,” Knowles explains. Kristine Segrist, Canva’s global head of consumer marketing, adds, “Meeting them where they are makes the experience feel immediate and personal.” The tour took off at the Texas State Fair in Dallas and will culminate in Sydney, Australia, with a 4,000-person keynote and, according to Canva, a major product announcement. View the full article

Vice President JD Vance on Sunday said there will be deeper cuts to the federal workforce the longer the government shutdown goes on, adding to the uncertainty facing hundreds of thousands who are already furloughed without pay amid the stubborn stalemate in Congress. Vance warned that as the federal shutdown entered its 12th day, the new cuts would be “painful,” even as he said the The President administration worked to ensure that the military is paid this week and some services would be preserved for low-income Americans, including food assistance. Still, hundreds of thousands of government workers have been furloughed in recent days and, in a court filing on Friday, the Office of Management and Budget said well over 4,000 federal employees would soon be fired in conjunction with the shutdown. The effects of the shutdown also grew Sunday with the Smithsonian announcing its museums, research centers and the National Zoo are temporarily closed going forward for lack of funding. “The longer this goes on, the deeper the cuts are going to be,” Vance said on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures.” “To be clear, some of these cuts are going to be painful. This is not a situation that we relish. This is not something that we’re looking forward to, but the Democrats have dealt us a pretty difficult set of cards.” Labor unions have already filed a lawsuit to stop the aggressive move by President Donald The President’s budget office, which goes far beyond what usually happens in a government shutdown, further inflaming tensions between the Republicans who control Congress and the Democratic minority. The shutdown began on Oct. 1 after Democrats rejected a short-term funding fix and demanded that the bill include an extension of federal subsidies for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. The expiration of those subsidies at the end of the year will result in monthly cost increases for millions. The President and Republican leaders have said they are open to negotiations on the health subsidies, but insist the government must reopen first. For now, negotiations are virtually nonexistent. Dug in as ever, House leaders from both parties pointed fingers at each other in rival Sunday appearances on “Fox News Sunday.” “We have repeatedly made clear that we will sit down with anyone, anytime, anyplace,” said House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. “Republicans control the House, the Senate and the presidency. It’s unfortunate they’ve taken a my-way-or-the-highway approach.” House Speaker Mike Johnson blamed Democrats and said they “seem not to care” about the pain the shutdown is inflicting. “They’re trying their best to distract the American people from the simple fact that they’ve chosen a partisan fight so that they can prove to their Marxist rising base in the Democratic Party that they’re willing to fight The President and Republicans,” he said. Progressive activists, meanwhile, expressed new support for the Democratic Party’s position in the shutdown fight. Ezra Levin, co-founder of the leading progressive protest group Indivisible, said he is “feeling good about the strength of Dem position.” He pointed to fractures in the GOP, noting that Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly warned last week that health care insurance premiums would skyrocket for average Americans — including her own adult children — if nothing is done. “The President and GOP are rightfully taking the blame for the shutdown and for looming premium increases,” Levin said. “Their chickens are coming home to roost.” And yet the Republican administration and its congressional allies are showing no signs of caving to Democratic demands or backing away from threats to use the opportunity to pursue deeper cuts to the federal workforce. Thousands of employees at the departments of Education, Treasury, Homeland Security and Health and Human Services, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, are set to receive layoff notices, according to spokespeople for the agencies and union representatives for federal workers. “You hear a lot of Senate Democrats say, well, how can Donald The President possibly lay off all of these federal workers?” Vance said. “Well, the Democrats have given us a choice between giving low-income women their food benefits and paying our troops on the one hand, and, on the other hand, paying federal bureaucrats.” Democrats say the firings are illegal and unnecessary. “They do not have to do this,” said Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “They do not have to punish people that shouldn’t find themselves in this position.” —Steve Peoples, AP National Political Writer View the full article

Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news. The method of loci (or the loci technique) is a mnemonic memorization trick with a number of uses, from helping people with mild cognitive impairment learn and remember information, to getting someone ready to give a speech. But you can use it in almost any context, for anything you need to remember. Obviously, you're here because it's helpful when you're taking a test, but the ways you can apply it in that scenario are a little unique and you'll need to get the hang of something that seems silly at first. Here's what to do. What is the method of loci?If “loci” sounds like “location,” that’s because it’s what this method is all about: Location, location, location. To employ the technique, you use visualizations of specific spatial environments to help you recall information. It’s been around for centuries and is still in use today, as memory contest participants say it helps them recall everything from faces to digits. (Did you know there are memory contests?) Think of a location you know well, ideally one with a lot of defining features. Maybe it’s a street with a bunch of different shops, a room with a variety of surfaces and corners, or your childhood home. Any singular place works, but it's crucial it's one you know well and can truly visualize in your mind's eye. When you have to remember a ton of things, like items in a list or topics to hit in a speech, imagine yourself placing them, one by one, in one of those little loci. One topic can go in the corner, another on the desk, and another in the windowsill, for instance. When you want to retrieve or recall the information, imagine yourself walking through the area again, picking up what you need to remember from its proper place. Why does this work? Generally speaking, your brain remembers images better than it remembers words or numbers, so attaching the words or digits you need to remember to an image makes them easier to retrieve. How to use use the method of loci in real lifeOne way to tap into the power of this memory trick is “placing” your memory items around the room you’ll be in when you need to recall them. If you know you have to speak in front of a meeting in a certain conference room, or take a test in a particular classroom, use that imagined setting as the spot where you drop your listed items. Better yet, prepare in that space. If you're able to, sit in the classroom where you'll take your test as you prepare, maybe staying late after class or entering it when it's unoccupied at some point during the week. Imagine yourself placing the things you're studying, one by one, in locations around the room. You can even wander around and pantomime doing so if that seems helpful. Just make sure the loci you pick are permanent. Don't assign a key fact to, say, a cup of pens on the professor's desk, which may be removed from the room before your test date. Choose things like the radiator, a discolored ceiling tile, the podium, or a doorstop. If you can't study in the classroom itself, this trick does require you to plan ahead and be familiar with the room by memory alone, so choose even broader loci, like the door or the window. And don't forget that this can all be a mental game. Your locations can be anywhere you can remember well, like the break room at your job or your bedroom, as long as you can pull up that mental map in your mind at test time. Why it worksThis might seem frivolous, but it does work. It's part of a broader memory technique called association. With association, you can make up mnemonic phrases, sing a little song, or, yes, use the method of loci. The goal is associate your newfound knowledge with something else, so whenever you think of that other thing—in this case, a location—you'll automatically remember the nugget of information you associated with it. View the full article

Companies operating in the rare earths and mining spaces are seeing their share prices soar this morning as President Donald The President’s latest tariff feud with China enter its second week. Here’s what you need to know. What’s happened? Last week, President The President threatened new tariffs on China as high as 100% in retaliation for the country putting export controls on products that contain rare earth elements. “Rare earths” are a group of elements that actually aren’t rare, but are hard to find and expensive to mine. The elements also happen to be essential to many industries, including technology, automotive, and defense. Rare earths are critical to these industries because the elements are used in many of the most advanced electronic products made by companies in the above industries, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and missile systems. While the United States has its own rare earth deposits and extraction capabilities, China is one of the world’s largest producers of rare earth materials, and disruption in the Chinese rare earths supply chain could have negative knock-on effects in the production of electronic equipment that U.S. companies and the military rely on. Rare earth stocks soar again After already rising on Friday in the wake of The President’s tariff threat, the stock prices of rare earth companies and adjacent mining companies are up again in premarket trading today (Monday, October 13). Those stock price rises include the following companies, all of which are up in premarket trading on Monday morning as of the time of this writing. USA Rare Earth, Inc. (Nasdaq: USAR): up 22% Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE: UUUU): up 14% MP Materials Corp. (NYSE: MP): up 10% Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC): up 4.5% Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE: TMQ): up 9.7% Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX): up 3.8% Besides the ongoing threat of increased restrictions on foreign companies obtaining rare earths from China, another factor may also be contributing to the surge in share prices for rare earth companies and mining stocks today. The Financial Times has reported that the Pentagon is seeking to purchase as much as $1 billion in critical materials to stockpile, including cobalt and antimony. The Pentagon’s Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) would store the materials to give the U.S. a buffer in the event they become harder to obtain in the months ahead. Any increase in defense spending on those materials and other related materials is likely to benefit the companies that supply them or can help mine them. The President says “don’t worry” The President’s threat to impose a further 100% tariff on Chinese goods in retaliation for its rare earth export controls sent stock markets tumbling on Friday. In a move perhaps meant to alleviate investor fears, The President posted what could be taken as a calming message (in The Presidentian terms) on Tuesday. “Don’t worry about China, it will all be fine!” the president posted on his Truth Social social network. “Highly respected President Xi just had a bad moment. He doesn’t want Depression for his country, and neither do I. The U.S.A. wants to help China, not hurt it!!!” Although stock futures did rise early Monday following The President’s post, as of the time of this writing, there are no signs that China is rethinking its latest export controls on rare earths. Indeed, reduced rare earth exports seem to have been gaining momentum in the country for a while now. As Reuters reported, China’s rare earth exports plunged by 31% in September versus the month earlier. Is this a trend that will continue? No one knows for sure. But until China and America officially come to terms on rare earths, investors seem confident that America’s rare earth companies may benefit from the geopolitical drama—at least for now. View the full article

Charles Moore of Alvarez & Marsal to become ‘interim chief executive’ as well as chief restructuring officer View the full article

Small business owners looking to enhance their operational efficiency may want to pay attention to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence from IBM. The tech giant has unveiled new features in its Watsonx Orchestrate platform designed to optimize how AI agents function in various business workflows. This innovation promises to provide small businesses with the predictive reliability and control needed to navigate today’s complex operational landscapes. At the heart of this update are “agentic workflows,” which allow AI agents to execute tasks autonomously while adhering to essential structures. IBM asserts that when precision is paramount—think financial approvals, compliance checks, or customer service operations—the integration of structured workflows can dramatically improve task execution and reliability. The underpinning technology is designed to offer robust handling of data while maintaining the necessary compliance and accuracy every business must uphold. Key features of these agentic workflows make them particularly beneficial for small businesses. They include predefined toolchains that ensure processes are followed correctly and in the right sequence, conditional logic that helps manage decision-making processes, and data handling transparency that streamlines how information flows at every step. These attributes not only simplify automation but also make it easier for businesses to track and audit their operations, providing a unique blend of efficiency and accountability. “This structured approach makes AI agents more reliable and versatile in real-world applications,” said a spokesperson for IBM. The company emphasizes that these workflows can be tailored for various business scenarios, from managing financial transactions to routing customer inquiries—areas critical for small businesses aiming to deliver better service without overwhelming their resources. Furthermore, the integration of Langflow within Watsonx Orchestrate enables users to visually design and manage these workflows. This visual aspect demystifies the complexities often associated with automation, making it accessible for small business owners who may lack extensive technical expertise. With these tools, small businesses can harness the power of AI without needing an extensive IT infrastructure. However, there are also considerations for small business owners to keep in mind when adopting these advanced solutions. The implementation of AI-driven workflows necessitates a clear understanding of existing operational processes. Businesses might face challenges in establishing the right sequences and decision points critical for effective AI functioning. Additionally, while the initial investment in AI technology and training may seem daunting, the potential long-term savings and improved efficiency can offset these upfront costs. Small business leaders should also think about how data governance will be managed. As these workflows handle sensitive information, regulatory compliance and data privacy must be prioritized to avoid legal repercussions. Building a strong foundation in data management practices can offer greater assurance when deploying these new tools. IBM’s Watsonx Orchestrate is now more than a buzzword; it’s a practical tool aimed at increasing small businesses’ capacity to automate workflows while maintaining essential governance. As automation becomes an integral part of business strategy, understanding and adapting these new tools may enable entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their operations effectively. For those interested in exploring these new features and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios, the details are available on IBM’s announcement page. By leveraging AI technologies judiciously, small business owners can find a competitive edge in their industry, combining technological prowess with human insight to drive growth and operational excellence. This article, "IBM Unveils Watsonx Orchestrate for Reliable AI Workflows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Small business owners looking to enhance their operational efficiency may want to pay attention to the latest advancements in artificial intelligence from IBM. The tech giant has unveiled new features in its Watsonx Orchestrate platform designed to optimize how AI agents function in various business workflows. This innovation promises to provide small businesses with the predictive reliability and control needed to navigate today’s complex operational landscapes. At the heart of this update are “agentic workflows,” which allow AI agents to execute tasks autonomously while adhering to essential structures. IBM asserts that when precision is paramount—think financial approvals, compliance checks, or customer service operations—the integration of structured workflows can dramatically improve task execution and reliability. The underpinning technology is designed to offer robust handling of data while maintaining the necessary compliance and accuracy every business must uphold. Key features of these agentic workflows make them particularly beneficial for small businesses. They include predefined toolchains that ensure processes are followed correctly and in the right sequence, conditional logic that helps manage decision-making processes, and data handling transparency that streamlines how information flows at every step. These attributes not only simplify automation but also make it easier for businesses to track and audit their operations, providing a unique blend of efficiency and accountability. “This structured approach makes AI agents more reliable and versatile in real-world applications,” said a spokesperson for IBM. The company emphasizes that these workflows can be tailored for various business scenarios, from managing financial transactions to routing customer inquiries—areas critical for small businesses aiming to deliver better service without overwhelming their resources. Furthermore, the integration of Langflow within Watsonx Orchestrate enables users to visually design and manage these workflows. This visual aspect demystifies the complexities often associated with automation, making it accessible for small business owners who may lack extensive technical expertise. With these tools, small businesses can harness the power of AI without needing an extensive IT infrastructure. However, there are also considerations for small business owners to keep in mind when adopting these advanced solutions. The implementation of AI-driven workflows necessitates a clear understanding of existing operational processes. Businesses might face challenges in establishing the right sequences and decision points critical for effective AI functioning. Additionally, while the initial investment in AI technology and training may seem daunting, the potential long-term savings and improved efficiency can offset these upfront costs. Small business leaders should also think about how data governance will be managed. As these workflows handle sensitive information, regulatory compliance and data privacy must be prioritized to avoid legal repercussions. Building a strong foundation in data management practices can offer greater assurance when deploying these new tools. IBM’s Watsonx Orchestrate is now more than a buzzword; it’s a practical tool aimed at increasing small businesses’ capacity to automate workflows while maintaining essential governance. As automation becomes an integral part of business strategy, understanding and adapting these new tools may enable entrepreneurs to focus on scaling their operations effectively. For those interested in exploring these new features and how they can be applied in real-world scenarios, the details are available on IBM’s announcement page. By leveraging AI technologies judiciously, small business owners can find a competitive edge in their industry, combining technological prowess with human insight to drive growth and operational excellence. This article, "IBM Unveils Watsonx Orchestrate for Reliable AI Workflows" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Rupert Pearce’s appointment comes as government seeks to deliver pledge to drive growth through increased military spendingView the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. If you’re planning your next DIY project or looking into new tools for your set, it can be overwhelming to weigh all the options available for cordless tools. As batteries become smaller and lighter, a wider range of cordless power tools is available. Here are a few of my favorite cordless tools based on design, durability, usefulness, and battery life. The best all-around cordless tool M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi-Tool $249.00 at Home Depot Shop Now Shop Now $249.00 at Home Depot My favorite tool to use right now is the Milwaukee 18-volt oscillating multitool. This tool is light, weighing just 2.7 pounds without the battery, and easy to use. It can be used for cutting wood, tile, drywall, metal, PVC, and combination materials—as such, it's a game-changer for a home DIY tool set. It can also be used for sanding, buffing, and removing grout. Because of the impressive range of projects this tool can be used for and the excellent battery life—with a 4-amp-hour battery that, in my experience, outlasts the blade—this is my favorite cordless tool of 2025. Best new cordless tool ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless 16-Gauge Straight Finish Nailer $249.00 at Home Depot Shop Now Shop Now $249.00 at Home Depot The best new cordless tool this year is Ryobi’s 16-gauge finish nailer. Ryobi’s 18-volt battery set has expanded to include over 300 cordless tools that are compatible with their system, and the 16-gauge finish nailer is one the newest. This nailer is powerful enough for most woodworking applications, and it allows the user to drive more nails in less time than older models. It can drive 1,800 nails per charge and accepts 16-gauge finish nails up to 2 ½ inches long. This is the perfect tool for any DIY enthusiast who wants to try out woodworking projects like installing trim or stair treads. Best cordless drill and driverThe DeWalt 20-volt drill and driver set has an impressive battery life, allowing you to run a tool for several hours before needing to recharge, and they stand up to abuse. These tools are compatible with most standard drill bits, with the impact driver accepting ¼-inch hex bits and the drill accepting up to ½-inch drill bits. They are light and well-balanced, making them easier on your wrists and forearms over time. These are a good choice for projects like installing drywall or hanging shelving. Best cordless saw Makita XSR01Z 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless Rear Handle 7-1/4" Circular Saw, Tool Only $259.00 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $259.00 at Amazon The best cordless saw of 2025 is the Makita rear handle 7 ¼-inch circular saw. Cutting a starting line with the rear-handled saw is easier because it allows you to push the saw from a more advantageous angle and keep the weight of the tool balanced. In addition, a 7 ¼-inch blade has a wider cutting surface for more precise longer cuts. Makita 18-volt batteries have a good battery life, allowing you to make over 550 cross cuts with a 5-amp-hour battery on a single charge. A cordless circular saw is good for DIY projects using plywood, like making work tables, or for cross-cutting dimensional lumber for framing. Best under $50My favorite new cordless tool under $50 is the Ryobi glue gun, which comes with a 2-amp-hour battery and charger. This glue gun can accommodate a ½-inch glue stick, and can heat up in three minutes. Rapid charging and heating means you can ditch the cord and use your glue gun without dragging an extension cord around with you. Although this glue gun’s small, there's enough room to let you use two fingers on the trigger, cutting down on fatigue from squeezing over time. A glue gun is an essential tool to have around for DIY projects that might have upholstery or other cosmetic components. View the full article

2026 is around the corner – and the SEO space has never been this noisy. Every day brings something new. It’s easy to get stuck in panic mode, worrying you’re missing the next big thing, or to spend hours scrolling LinkedIn threads that lead nowhere. In both cases, you end up with nothing concrete – and with stakeholders still expecting clear impact. As we head into 2026, the real challenge is building a strategy with discipline – one that cuts through the noise and balances: Short-term wins that prove impact and build trust. Long-term bets that future-proof visibility. The boring but essential, business-as-usual (BAU) tasks that keep your foundations strong. Finding this balance isn’t easy, but it’s the only way to build a plan that works. Here’s how to master it – and keep your SEO strategy focused, grounded, and effective in 2026. Why short-term wins matter Short-term wins are critical because they: Prove progress. Earn trust. Buy time and budget for bigger bets. Keep people motivated. SEO has always been at least a six-month game, but it feels good when a positive trend shows up in your KPIs after just a few weeks. One challenge with short-term projects is that many people struggle to classify them correctly. My rule of thumb is simple: short-term wins are things you can deliver yourself, without depending on other teams. For example, if your CMS lets you insert code directly into pages, adding structured data markup to your most important pages fits that definition perfectly. There’s still debate about whether structured data affects AI tools like ChatGPT or Perplexity. Maybe it doesn’t. But it definitely matters for Google, which remains the Goliath of search, handling about 210 times more queries than ChatGPT. In our case, optimizing markup improved the average positions of some pages almost immediately. Another example of a short-term bet is optimizing your main pages using a query fan-out technique. If each page already targets a clear topic and keyword, you can “fan out” by collecting the related questions people ask around that topic. Use tools like AnswerThePublic, AlsoAsked, and Semrush – or your own Google Search Console data with a simple regex like (who|what|where|when|why|how). Shortlist the questions that fit the page and your personas. Turn them into FAQ sections. It’s a straightforward way to boost relevance fast. This approach also aligns with Kevin Indig’s concept of efficiency-first validations, based on insights from his recent usability study of AI Overviews. Many users simply want a quick fact or short answer. By adding FAQs, TL;DR blocks, and schema, you make it easier for AI systems (and Google) to surface your content for exactly those lookups. Still, short-term projects mainly help you cover the basics and earn quick wins. They rarely position you for the future. For lasting advantage, you need larger initiatives that take time, involve multiple teams, or require budget planning. And here’s where many SEOs struggle. They judge projects by complexity instead of dependencies. The case for long-term bets A project might look simple on paper, but if it depends on another team, it’s no longer short-term. Take JavaScript rendering issues, for example. As an SEO, you can spot them quickly in a Screaming Frog report, but unless the dev team adds them to the roadmap, nothing will move. And if that team has other priorities, your fix can sit for months. That’s why I follow this rule: if an optimization project depends on another team, it’s not short-term. Dependencies work that way. Your priorities aren’t always theirs. Long-term bets also include strategic plays that need significant planning and preparation. Think building a presence on Reddit, YouTube, or review sites – platforms that are becoming increasingly important for AI visibility. Breaking through takes months of consistent work, even with full organizational support. On Reddit, you need to earn karma before you can engage meaningfully. On YouTube, you need a scalable way to produce high-quality video content. Everyone is hyped about AI, but it’s not a magic wand. You can’t expect someone without experience to spin up a YouTube channel or build a Reddit presence just because they have an AI tool. These things only work when AI is in the hands of people with expertise – otherwise, you risk wasting time and money. Long-term projects drive results for searches centered on trust and comparison. As usability research shows, users often skim AI-generated answers but validate them with trusted brands or cross-check perspectives on Reddit, YouTube, and vendor sites. That’s why long-term bets like building brand authority, scaling video, and nurturing community presence matter. They won’t deliver quick wins, but over time, they put you where real purchase decisions happen. Another often-overlooked factor is timing. Long-term bets must fit into your company’s budget and hiring cycle. If you need a new role or an expensive tool, you can’t raise your hand midyear and expect fast approval. I learned that the hard way when I requested a new role in December, after the planning cycle closed in November, and got approval in June – six months lost purely because of timing. Long-term bets also carry another risk. When you focus too much on them, the basics can slip. A broken link or a title change on a key page can undo weeks of progress. If everyone is chasing shiny new things, it’s easy to forget the boring but essential work – like fixing broken links and adding alt text to new pages. Don’t skip the BAU basics Business-as-usual tasks won’t earn applause in the next all-hands meeting, but without them, everything else rests on shaky ground. The good news is these tasks are often easy to automate – and plenty of tools already exist to handle them. For example, we use SEOTesting to: Generate a weekly report of all new and modified pages. Review on-page optimization elements regularly and catch issues early. Keep us from being blindsided if someone changes the title of an important page without notice. It’s not glamorous work, but it keeps the site healthy. The motivation problem, though, is real. Nobody gets excited about link audits or on-page checks. As a manager, you need to keep your team engaged in these tasks. And if you’re working solo, you need to manage your own discipline. Ignoring BAU is like skipping the gym – you don’t notice the impact right away, but a year later, you’re wondering why nothing fits quite the same. That doesn’t mean your strategy should revolve only around maintenance. You also need space for experiments – a way to test ideas and uncover what could become tomorrow’s long-term bets. But how do you bring all these types of projects together without losing focus or sanity? Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. See terms. Putting it all together Building a sustainable SEO strategy isn’t about choosing between short-term wins, long-term bets, or BAU tasks. It’s about balancing all three. Short-term projects prove progress and build buy-in. Long-term bets secure your future. BAU keeps the foundation solid so you’re not building on shaky ground. A framework that works well is to split your time and focus: 60–70% on proven short-term tasks that deliver results now (e.g., content refreshes, FAQs, structured data). 20% on scaling and BAU – maintaining site health, reviewing new pages, fixing errors. This share grows after big releases or migrations. 10% on long-term bets that need planning, budget, and cross-team coordination (e.g., presence on Reddit, YouTube, review sites, large-scale technical fixes). 10% on learning – staying sharp on industry changes, but keeping it curated and focused. 10% on experiments – testing new ideas you can’t yet predict ROI for, but that could become tomorrow’s long-term bets. Experiments keep motivation high and ensure you’re not just maintaining but evolving. Don’t treat the math as exact – the mix will shift with your business cycle. After a migration or rebrand, BAU naturally dominates. During quieter periods, you can double down on experiments or long-term plays. The key is to keep sight of your north-star projects and adjust each sprint without losing track of the bigger goals. Finding balance also means knowing what belongs in each bucket. Not every project that looks quick will deliver fast results – and not every long-term bet needs to take a year. Here’s how to tell the difference. Dependencies: If you need other teams (dev, product, PR), it’s rarely short-term. Time to impact: If you can deliver independently and see results in weeks, it’s short-term. If it takes months or quarters to move the needle, it’s mid- or long-term. Experience level: If you or your team have done it before and know the playbook, it’s a safer short-term bet. If it’s new, complex, or untested, expect it to take longer. Business alignment: Tie SEO projects to company priorities. If your company is rebranding, migrating, or launching a marketplace, your SEO roadmap must align – otherwise, you’re optimizing in a vacuum. Once you know how to classify your projects, the next challenge is keeping them on track. Even the best-planned SEO initiatives can fall apart without structure, communication, and accountability – that’s where strong project management comes in. Set SMART goals to keep projects focused and measurable. Use the 5 Whys method before green-lighting tasks – often the real issue is a process gap, not a pile of broken redirects. Apply prioritization frameworks like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) or ICE scoring to rank competing initiatives. Keep visibility high with regular check-ins and clear scopes – project management in SEO is as much about communication as execution. In short, balance isn’t static. Your mix will shift with cycles, resources, and company goals. And that’s the point – every framework, formula, and prioritization method only works if you apply it with discipline. SEO strategy is a discipline test As 2026 approaches, building an SEO strategy is less about chasing the latest tool or tactic and more about discipline. Discipline to: Deliver short-term wins consistently. Stay the course on long-term bets, even when results take months. Maintain BAU basics when everyone else is distracted by shiny new things. Continue learning, experimenting, and distinguishing what’s truly worth testing from what’s just noise. The exact mix will shift with your company’s cycle, but the principle stays the same: Balance takes focus, patience, and rigor. In 2026, that discipline will separate the teams that just talk strategy from those that actually move the needle. View the full article