ResidentialBusiness

Prime minister acknowledges besieged strip is approaching starvation after announcing plans to allow limited entry of aidView the full article

At Ahrefs, our machine learning team has built an AI content detector (codenamed bot_or_not). We’re about to release the AI content detector for Ahrefs customers to use, so we decided to put it through its paces with a question we’ve…Read more ›View the full article

A month ago, Google said it would soon redirect its ccTLD, country specific domains, for Google Search to its Google.com domain. So Google.de, as an example, would be redirected to Google.com. Well, that process seems to have kicked off on Friday, May 16th for some users.View the full article

Google has a bug with Google Ads where for campaigns running on New Customer Acquisition they are not able to spend the set budget. This bug was confirmed with Google and has been an issue for advertisers since May 15th.View the full article

From defence to fishing access, the major changes agreed in trade talksView the full article

Google AI Mode seems like it got a lot faster over the past day or so. Instead of going through the steps of saying thinking about this, searching for results, organizing results, it just now saying kicking off searches and then looking at sites and then quickly shows the AI Mode response.View the full article

With zero-click results and AI Overviews dominating the SERP, SEO pros must adapt. This article breaks down key shifts in behavior, metrics, and strategy. The post From Search To Discovery: Why SEO Must Evolve Beyond The SERP appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Hello and welcome to Modern CEO! I’m Stephanie Mehta, CEO and chief content officer of Mansueto Ventures. Each week this newsletter explores inclusive approaches to leadership drawn from conversations with executives and entrepreneurs, and from the pages of Inc. and Fast Company. If you received this newsletter from a friend, you can sign up to get it yourself every Monday morning. For years, famed restaurateur Danny Meyer has wanted to reinvent the way diners pay their bills. He’s dreamed of a world in which patrons can pay for their meals and simply walk out of an eatery without asking and waiting for the check. Meyer’s vision for frictionless payments found its way to Frank Bisignano, who served as CEO of Fiserv, the financial services technology provider, until becoming commissioner of the Social Security Administration earlier this year. By 2020, the two executives hatched an idea for a checkless solution that would enable diners to settle their restaurant tabs without taking out a credit card or phone. It then fell to Krystle Mobayeni, a senior vice president and head of restaurants at Fiserv, and Kelly Macpherson, chief technology officer of Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), to build the software and systems that would bring their bosses’ idea to life. The result is a system called Checkless Payments, which the companies announced last week at the National Restaurant Association Show. It isn’t unusual for the top executive at a company to be the driver of innovation, especially at entrepreneurial or founder-led organizations. Nearly half the respondents to a 2024 Fast Company survey of its Most Innovative Companies honorees said their CEO was in charge of innovation, and 60% said their top innovation executive reported directly to the CEO. INNOVATOR IN CHIEF Since founding Manhattan’s Union Square Café in 1985, Meyer has been a force in the hospitality industry. He was an early adopter of online reservations and has served on OpenTable’s advisory board. USHG, where Meyer is executive chairman, has expanded beyond restaurants to include Hospitality Quotient, a consulting and professional development arm. In 2017, he launched Enlightened Hospitality Investments, a private equity fund that backs businesses that share his values around taking care of employees and customers. “I’ve made a career out of driving some people crazy, but in a nice way,” Meyer says. “If [an innovation] was easy, it would’ve been done already.” With Checkless Payments, Meyer challenged the USHG and Fiserv teams to develop a solution that was elegant enough for fine-dining establishments. He didn’t want patrons to have to take out their phones to scan a QR code to pay; nor was it practical to set up sensors or other hardware that are part of checkout-free experiences at Amazon Go stores and other retailers. And he didn’t want a “walled garden” that would require customers to use only one kind of credit card or mobile operating system. He also wanted a system that could eventually be extended to other aspects of hospitality, enabling dinners to, say, alert the coat check room or valet that they are getting ready to leave the restaurant, letting them retrieve their belongings or car without waiting. Checkless transactions can benefit not just diners but restaurants, too. Meyer notes that the cumulative time servers and diners spend could instead be used to “turn” tables—restaurant-speak for setting, seating, serving, and clearing a table. And Fiserv’s Mobayeni says restaurants can use the checkless enrollment process for deeper customer engagement. “They can let guests know there’s a featured menu item or they have a special wine,” she says. She envisions a day when diners might use the platform to place their first drink order in advance, which also helps the restaurant operate more efficiently. IT’S NOT “DINE AND DASH” USHG’s Macpherson admits that diners may need some coaching on the new system, which was piloted at Manhatta, the group’s fine-dining restaurant in New York’s financial district. “Even when I was using it there was this stigma of ‘dining and dashing,’” she says. Servers, too, will have to adopt a new etiquette. Says Meyer: “If I’m a guest, here’s what I’d want my server to say at some point: ‘I know you’re part of the [Checkless Payments] program, and I hope I’m going to have a chance to thank you and say goodbye, but you’re welcome to leave any time you want.’” USHG will begin rolling out the program at additional restaurants this summer. Fiserv, which last year reported revenue of more than $20 billion, will then make Checkless Payments available to customers of its new Clover Hospitality point-of-sale system for upscale restaurants. I asked Macpherson what it is like to work for an executive chairman who is also an innovator with a reputation for high quality. “It’s inspirational and exciting,” she says. “Danny is a beacon in the industry, pushing us and challenging us to think bigger. I like thinking big, too. How can we do what people might say is the impossible?” ARE YOU AN INNOVATOR IN CHIEF? Are you a CEO or executive chairman who leads innovation at your organization? Do your employees find your status as “innovator in chief” inspiring, or do you drive people crazy—in a nice way? Send your thoughts to me at stephaniemehta@mansueto.com. Read more: Innovation starts at the top Can startups solve our thorniest challenges? Meet Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies of 2025 Mindset shifts to be a more innovative leader View the full article

Deciding which movies warrant a trip to the theater isn’t always easy. Lately, though, trailers seem to be making the choice even harder, and not for the reasons one might think. The problem—if you could call it one—is an abundance of marketing riches across the entire cinematic spectrum. The trailer for A24’s new necromancy horror Bring Her Back is as dynamic as the one for Marvel’s retro romp, The Fantastic Four, not to mention DC’s new Superman reboot, Liam Neeson’s revival of The Naked Gun, and pretty much every other tentpole this year. Either the best summer movie season in decades is about to sweep through theaters or (more likely) trailers have simply gotten crazy good now, and it’s breaking our brains. Even the trailers themselves seem to be aware that movie marketing is firing on all cylinders lately. The one for A24’s just-released Friendship ends with Tim Robinson, creator of cringetastic meme factory I Think You Should Leave, saying direct-to-camera, “There’s a new Marvel out that’s supposed to be nuts.” It’s a nod to his film’s status as counterprogramming for the Marvel blockbuster, Thunderbolts, which also arrived this month. After the Friendship trailer debuted in February, though, Marvel dropped a Thunderbolts trailer touting its cast’s connections to past A24 movies—like a metatextual slap-fight between Goliath and Indie Goliath. Both sides win. The Friendship trailer quickly conveys how the unique tone of Robinson’s show will translate to film, while Thunderbolts’ trailers present it as an off-beat, low stakes side-quest in the Marvel world. How could anyone who’s even a little interested in either resist? Traditionally, trailers have followed a familiar cadence: Give the audience a hook, follow it up with some table-setting, and end on an escalation. But these days, trailers feel more like a self-contained mini-movie than part of a pattern. Some trailers, like those for Superman and Final Destination: Bloodlines, spend a full minute anchored by a single tense scene that lures viewers in; others, like those for the latest Mission: Impossible and Conjuring movies, dangle visuals from previous entries in clever ways, centering franchise lore to remind audiences what they loved about the characters and worlds in the first place. So how are trailer editors deciding which path to take? And how do they keep things from feeling stale? According to Erika Anaya, creative director at leading entertainment marketing agency Trailer Park, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to charting a trailer’s trajectory. “It’s different for every single movie, regardless of genre or studio,” she says. “I would even say for something like a Marvel [film], you would think, ‘Oh, they pretty much have it down now,’ but it changes for every single one.” The promotional push for a major movie generally includes a teaser trailer and two official trailers. (These days movies also often feature an assortment of online-only bonus clips.) The composition of these packages used to be more codified, though. A teaser was once strictly an enticing, elusive introduction—more TikTok-length than YouTube. A classic example is the teaser for The Shining, which showed nothing but a nightmarish deluge of blood pouring out from a hotel elevator. While those kinds of teasers still exist—the new Naked Gun offers one extended gag—teasers can now be more comprehensive than trailers. The “teaser” for Thunderbolts lasted nearly three and a half minutes, giving viewers a lot to chew in for a first taste. “It used to be very common for the first piece out of the gate to be an amuse-bouche teaser, followed by a second trailer that leaned more heavily into story,” Anaya says. “But that’s not really a standard practice anymore.” Whatever their length or style, movie trailers sound better now, too. Or at least fresher. The era of slowed-down cover songs, starting with 2010’s The Social Network trailer and its haunting choral cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” finally seems to have tapered off. Now, studios are more likely to score a trailer with a bizarro version of a classic rock song that features new instrumentation alongside the classic vocal stems. This summer’s entries include a lithe EDM update of Madonna’s “Material Girl” for A24’s The Materialists, a dreamy twist on Queen’s “Under Pressure” in Thunderbolts, and an enhanced take on “Happy Together” by The Turtles for Neon’s horror flick Together. The infamous “braaam” noise popularized by the Inception trailer is also on the wane. An audio shorthand for epicness, the oft-used trailer sound appears to have fallen out of fashion somewhere between 2021’s Dune and last year’s Dune 2. (“I think a lot of trailer editors—and viewers—got tired of that particular sound effect,” Anaya adds.) What might distinguish this season’s trailers most, though, is an intuitive command of how much to reveal and how much to hold back. While giving a flavor of a movie’s vibe can be just as important to a trailer as communicating the plot or flaunting some money-shot stunts, jokes, smooches, or death-traps, the amounts in each recipe are always in flux. The trailer for 2006’s cerebral drama, Little Children, starring Kate Winslet, is a tonal masterpiece that barely informs viewers what the film is actually about or what happens in it. A24 essentially cornered the market on this style of trailer in the 2010’s, with vibey, vague pieces like those for The Witch and Hereditary, and the studio’s trailer for Bring Her Back this summer takes a similar tact. Viewers will leave knowing only that the titular “Back” means “back from the dead”—and feeling supremely creeped out. So, how do studios decide how much to give away in a trailer? According to Anaya, big-budget films often go through multiple rounds of audience testing for their trailers—and the more the creators lean on that research, the more they tend to reveal. Ironically, the same viewers who later complain in YouTube comments about “spoiler-filled” trailers may be the ones asking for more upfront during test screenings. But lately, the trend seems to be swinging the other way. “A few years ago, it was more common to add more story, but I think there is a sense that we wanna leave something more, particularly for theatrical, for people to go and buy a ticket,” Anaya says. “So maybe that more old-school way of packing a trailer with too much information is starting to look like, ‘Is there a better way to do this?’ Can we intrigue them with less narrative, but enough to come through?” Neon’s trailer for the upcoming Together, for instance, is a triumph of the delicate balance between vibes, plot, and money shots. It gives viewers just enough string to put together that stars Alison Brie and Dave Franco are a troubled couple thrust into a gnarly body-horror situation, without quite spelling out what that situation is, let alone what started it or how far it will go. Rather than a standout, though, this is starting to feel like the standard. This summer’s trailers seem to be finding the precise middle between the magic of mystery and the dopamine rush of Too Much—and it’s getting confusing. Every trailer seems to pitch its product with a beautiful line drive right down the plate, but the movies themselves can’t all be home runs. Will some of the moody, plot-light trailers ultimately translate to plodding, plot-free films? Will any of those that confidently reveal some of their best moments turn out to have held back nothing for the actual film? Judging by the solid start to the summer box office, these trailers are successfully making people flee their homes to find out. View the full article

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” This timeless insight from renowned 20th-century Austrian-America management consultant Peter Drucker is especially relevant for startup leaders who aim to build something that stands the test of time. In today’s digital economy, global expansion has never been easier—yet many tech founders are still focused on an initial geographical market. While starting with that thinking may seem practical, failing to embed a global mindset from the get-go can limit long-term potential. The reality is, startups that delay international thinking face tougher roadblocks later—scaling infrastructure, product-market fit, cultural nuances, and competition become bigger hurdles than necessary. The best startups anticipate these challenges early, positioning for global impact before opening a second office. I’ve seen this firsthand—setting out to empower the world with your company’s tools shouldn’t just be a tagline; it should shape every product decision, hire, and expansion effort. For founders unsure where to start, here’s what I’ve learned about building global-first from day one. Establishing a clear vision A strong vision serves as a guiding light through the thousands of decisions a company must make. Startups that scale successfully have a clear and ambitious purpose that informs their strategy from day one. For example, at Canva, we’ve aimed to make our product accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world. And while this seemed massively aspirational at our founding, it’s helped us avoid complacency, and feels more realistic as you focus on hitting incremental milestones. In the early days, you won’t be able to build a solution for every conceivable challenge. Focusing on your most obvious core audience, or, finding a niche that isn’t too restrictive—tools for real estate, e-commerce, marketing, etc.—can ensure the foundation to support future expansion. Balancing ambition with practicality isn’t just a challenge—it’s a necessity. Those who master it pave the way for sustainable, scalable global success. Solve a problem that transcends borders Startups often face resource constraints, making it tempting to prioritize short-term gains over long-term scalability. However, founders must resist the urge to build products solely for their initial market. Instead, they should develop solutions with modularity and adaptability in mind. I believe in focusing on solving a fundamental problem—simplifying graphic design was our strategic focus—while ensuring that a platform can evolve for different industries, languages, and cultures. As your startup grows, maintaining flexibility becomes even more important. More than 10 years in, my company is still adapting to changing markets, shifting consumer expectations, and emerging trends. Balance focus and flexibility If you are an American startup founder, remember that 95.7% of the world’s population lives outside of the U.S., and many of them may fall into your target customer demographic. Therefore, the ability to refine strategies based on global opportunities is a crucial trait of long-term success. This goes far beyond just translating the interface. It involves integrating local payment methods, content, templates, SEO strategies, and much more. At Canva we refer to a helpful metaphor of cupcakes and icing. The cupcake is our core offering of design and workplace software. The icing is the way we build on top to suit different countries, languages, and industries. The most important thing is that the cupcake is made in a way that it can expand and serve all of these different needs. The power of passion and storytelling A founder’s passion is contagious. When a team believes in the company’s mission, they’ll go the extra mile to execute it. But passion alone isn’t enough—it must be communicated effectively and proven in actions. Founders should meaningfully lift the hood on their own motivations as often as is appropriate, whether it’s the inspiration behind the product, the obstacles overcome, or the impact their product has had on customers worldwide. I know from experience that this can be extremely successful in uniting a workforce around a shared mission. This becomes even more critical as a company scales across borders and languages. Consistently telling and refining your story ensures alignment and momentum, especially as new markets open up. A globally resonant narrative makes it easier to expand into different regions while maintaining a strong brand identity—and it starts at the top! Integrating emerging technologies Startups that embrace new technologies early gain a competitive edge. Staying ahead means keeping a pulse on industry shifts, making judgement calls as to whether a new technology aligns with your goals, and taking calculated risks. It also means building to adapt, and minimizing reliance on any single model or partner. Find ways to be “pluggable” with other tools and technologies so you can evolve your tech stack without starting from scratch. In Q3 2024, AI startups accounted for 31% of global venture funding, signaling an industry-wide shift toward automation and intelligent systems. AI is offering an unprecedented opportunity to grow efficiently, without adding costs. Companies that delay integrating these advancements risk falling behind. Regardless of a startup’s stage, a forward-thinking approach to technology is key to long-term success. Building internationally and for decades to come The most successful startups aren’t those that expand internationally just because they need to continue to grow sales; they’re the ones that embed a global mindset into their culture, strategy, and vision from the get-go. Founders must recognize that the world is their market, not just their home country. From my native Australia to America and everywhere in between, each market might benefit from a product in different ways. Wise founders will commit to exploring and embracing those differences by building adaptable products, crafting a resonant brand story, hiring teams with diverse perspectives, and leveraging technology to stay ahead. In the end, the startups that think globally from the beginning are the ones that don’t just react to the future—they create it, just as Drucker envisioned. View the full article

Key Takeaways Unique Southern Flavors: Southern burger chains stand out due to their incorporation of local flavors and fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, creating memorable dining experiences. Signature Recipes: Each chain boasts its own specialty items, with popular toppings like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw that reflect Southern culinary traditions. Focus on Quality: Many Southern burger joints prioritize quality in their ingredients, often preparing meals from scratch, which fosters customer loyalty and supports community businesses. Diverse Offerings: Chains like Whataburger, Cook Out, and Krystal provide a variety of menu items, from large burgers and BBQ options to sliders and customizable trays, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Community Connection: Southern burger chains are often family-run or independently owned, contributing to their local communities and embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality. Regional Specialties: Different states feature unique offerings, showcasing local flavors—like North Carolina’s BBQ at Cook Out or Texas’s hearty burgers at Whataburger—enhancing each chain’s appeal. When it comes to burgers, the South has a unique flavor that sets its chains apart. From juicy patties to mouthwatering toppings, Southern burger joints have perfected the art of creating unforgettable meals that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these chains offer a taste of Southern hospitality that keeps you coming back for more. In this article, you’ll explore some of the most beloved Southern burger chains that are making waves across the nation. You’ll discover what makes each one special, from their signature recipes to their commitment to quality ingredients. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and learn why these burger spots are a must-try on your next culinary adventure. Overview of Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region. These establishments emphasize local flavors, often incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their menus. Many of these small businesses thrive on community support, offering a welcoming environment where customers feel at home. You’ll find that each chain has its own signature recipes, often featuring unique sauces, seasonings, and toppings. Popular offerings include burgers topped with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw. These elements showcase the essence of Southern cooking while delivering satisfying flavor experiences. Small business owners often focus on quality, from the selection of meat to the freshness of produce. Many Southern burger chains proudly prepare their food from scratch, ensuring customers enjoy delicious meals made with care. This dedication to quality also fosters customer loyalty, as patrons recognize the value of supporting local enterprises. When exploring Southern burger chains, you engage with family-run restaurants and independently owned eateries that contribute to the character and identity of their communities. These chains not only satisfy burger cravings but also embody the spirit of Southern hospitality, making them must-visit destinations for both locals and visitors. Popular Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains offer a unique dining experience and showcase the culinary traditions of the region. These establishments provide not just delicious menus but also reflect the commitment of small business owners to quality and local ingredients. Chain 1: History and Menu Highlights Whataburger, founded in the 1950s in Texas, has become an iconic name in the Southern burger scene. Known for its large burgers that require two hands to hold, it offers memorable items like the “Whataburger” and “Justaburger.” In addition to burgers, Whataburger features a variety of sides and breakfast items, appealing to a wide range of customers. Chain 2: Unique Selling Points Cook Out, based in North Carolina, stands out with its diverse menu featuring burgers, BBQ, and a plethora of sides. The chain’s unique trays allow customers to mix and match various sides, including hushpuppies and quesadillas, creating a customized meal. With over 40 flavors of milkshakes, Cook Out ensures there’s something for everyone. Chain 3: Customer Favorites Krystal is renowned for its small, square-shaped burgers, commonly referred to as “sliders.” With a simple menu and affordable prices, Krystal appeals to those seeking a quick, satisfying meal. Often compared to White Castle, Krystal maintains a distinct Southern presence that resonates with customers looking for comfort food and value. Comparison of Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains offer distinct tastes and quality, appealing to customers who appreciate regional flavors and the dedication of small businesses. Taste and Quality Zaxby’s stands out for its hand-breaded chicken and specialty sauces, offering burgers with a Southern twist. Cook Out prioritizes fresh ingredients, serving classic Southern-style burgers. Whataburger gains attention for its large, Texas-sized flavor profiles. Hardee’s features larger burgers with various toppings, providing substantial options. Freddy’s excels with steamed burgers that deliver a classic American taste. Each chain reflects the culinary heritage of the South, highlighting the quality and uniqueness expected from small businesses. Price Range Zaxby’s prices burgers around $8-$12, emphasizing quality. Cook Out keeps prices under $4, appealing to budget-conscious customers. Whataburger and Hardee’s offer burgers typically costing between $6-$8, providing value for the size. Freddy’s burgers range from $5-$7, balancing quality and affordability. These varied price points cater to a broad audience, showcasing how small businesses adapt to meet diverse consumer preferences. Regional Variations Southern burger chains showcase distinct regional specialties that reflect the flavors and culture of their locations. Understanding these variations can help small businesses enhance their offerings and connect with local tastes. Specialties by State North Carolina: Cook Out stands out with its North Carolina-style BBQ options. This chain incorporates local BBQ flavors into its menu, appealing to burger lovers who crave authentic Southern cuisine. Texas: Whataburger thrives on its Texas roots, offering large burgers that resonate with local preferences. The chain’s menu embodies the bold, hearty flavors favored by Texans, making it a staple in the region. Georgia: Zaxby’s, while focusing on chicken, also includes burger options. This chain delivers a blend of regional tastes, appealing to customers who enjoy both chicken and burger choices. Influence of Southern Cuisine Southern cuisine plays a crucial role in shaping burger chains, infusing local flavors into their menus. Expect to find unique items like fried green tomatoes or pimento cheese as common toppings. Small businesses adapt to regional ingredients—like sweet tea or biscuits—to complement their offerings. This local approach not only enhances the menu but also builds community connection and loyalty, reinforcing the significance of supporting local businesses. Conclusion Southern burger chains offer more than just a meal; they provide a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Each bite reflects the dedication to quality and the unique flavors that define Southern cooking. Whether you’re craving a classic Whataburger or the customizable options at Cook Out, these establishments embody the spirit of Southern hospitality. By choosing to support these local businesses, you’re not only enjoying delicious food but also contributing to the community. So the next time you’re in the South, make sure to stop by one of these burger joints and indulge in the flavors that make this region truly special. Your taste buds will thank you. Frequently Asked Questions What are Southern burger chains known for? Southern burger chains are known for their unique flavors, culinary heritage, and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature toppings often include fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw, reflecting the rich traditions of Southern cooking. Which are some popular Southern burger chains? Popular Southern burger chains include Whataburger, known for its Texas-sized burgers; Cook Out, famous for customizable meal trays; and Krystal, which specializes in small, square-shaped sliders. Each offers a unique menu appealing to diverse tastes. How do Southern burger chains support local communities? These chains often prioritize local ingredients and operate as family-run businesses, creating jobs and fostering customer loyalty. By embracing regional flavors and traditions, they strengthen community ties and promote local enterprise. What are the price ranges of burgers at Southern chains? Prices vary across chains: Zaxby’s burgers are around $8-$12, Cook Out keeps burgers under $4, and Whataburger and Hardee’s range from $6-$8. Freddy’s burgers typically cost between $5-$7, making them affordable options for quality meals. How do Southern burger chains differ from each other? Southern burger chains differ in their menu offerings and flavor profiles. For example, Whataburger emphasizes bold Texas flavors, while Cook Out focuses on fresh ingredients. Zaxby’s blends chicken and burger options, catering to regional tastes and preferences. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Best Southern Burger Chains You Need to Try Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Unique Southern Flavors: Southern burger chains stand out due to their incorporation of local flavors and fresh, regionally sourced ingredients, creating memorable dining experiences. Signature Recipes: Each chain boasts its own specialty items, with popular toppings like fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw that reflect Southern culinary traditions. Focus on Quality: Many Southern burger joints prioritize quality in their ingredients, often preparing meals from scratch, which fosters customer loyalty and supports community businesses. Diverse Offerings: Chains like Whataburger, Cook Out, and Krystal provide a variety of menu items, from large burgers and BBQ options to sliders and customizable trays, catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Community Connection: Southern burger chains are often family-run or independently owned, contributing to their local communities and embodying the spirit of Southern hospitality. Regional Specialties: Different states feature unique offerings, showcasing local flavors—like North Carolina’s BBQ at Cook Out or Texas’s hearty burgers at Whataburger—enhancing each chain’s appeal. When it comes to burgers, the South has a unique flavor that sets its chains apart. From juicy patties to mouthwatering toppings, Southern burger joints have perfected the art of creating unforgettable meals that reflect the region’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these chains offer a taste of Southern hospitality that keeps you coming back for more. In this article, you’ll explore some of the most beloved Southern burger chains that are making waves across the nation. You’ll discover what makes each one special, from their signature recipes to their commitment to quality ingredients. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and learn why these burger spots are a must-try on your next culinary adventure. Overview of Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains reflect the rich culinary traditions of the region. These establishments emphasize local flavors, often incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into their menus. Many of these small businesses thrive on community support, offering a welcoming environment where customers feel at home. You’ll find that each chain has its own signature recipes, often featuring unique sauces, seasonings, and toppings. Popular offerings include burgers topped with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw. These elements showcase the essence of Southern cooking while delivering satisfying flavor experiences. Small business owners often focus on quality, from the selection of meat to the freshness of produce. Many Southern burger chains proudly prepare their food from scratch, ensuring customers enjoy delicious meals made with care. This dedication to quality also fosters customer loyalty, as patrons recognize the value of supporting local enterprises. When exploring Southern burger chains, you engage with family-run restaurants and independently owned eateries that contribute to the character and identity of their communities. These chains not only satisfy burger cravings but also embody the spirit of Southern hospitality, making them must-visit destinations for both locals and visitors. Popular Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains offer a unique dining experience and showcase the culinary traditions of the region. These establishments provide not just delicious menus but also reflect the commitment of small business owners to quality and local ingredients. Chain 1: History and Menu Highlights Whataburger, founded in the 1950s in Texas, has become an iconic name in the Southern burger scene. Known for its large burgers that require two hands to hold, it offers memorable items like the “Whataburger” and “Justaburger.” In addition to burgers, Whataburger features a variety of sides and breakfast items, appealing to a wide range of customers. Chain 2: Unique Selling Points Cook Out, based in North Carolina, stands out with its diverse menu featuring burgers, BBQ, and a plethora of sides. The chain’s unique trays allow customers to mix and match various sides, including hushpuppies and quesadillas, creating a customized meal. With over 40 flavors of milkshakes, Cook Out ensures there’s something for everyone. Chain 3: Customer Favorites Krystal is renowned for its small, square-shaped burgers, commonly referred to as “sliders.” With a simple menu and affordable prices, Krystal appeals to those seeking a quick, satisfying meal. Often compared to White Castle, Krystal maintains a distinct Southern presence that resonates with customers looking for comfort food and value. Comparison of Southern Burger Chains Southern burger chains offer distinct tastes and quality, appealing to customers who appreciate regional flavors and the dedication of small businesses. Taste and Quality Zaxby’s stands out for its hand-breaded chicken and specialty sauces, offering burgers with a Southern twist. Cook Out prioritizes fresh ingredients, serving classic Southern-style burgers. Whataburger gains attention for its large, Texas-sized flavor profiles. Hardee’s features larger burgers with various toppings, providing substantial options. Freddy’s excels with steamed burgers that deliver a classic American taste. Each chain reflects the culinary heritage of the South, highlighting the quality and uniqueness expected from small businesses. Price Range Zaxby’s prices burgers around $8-$12, emphasizing quality. Cook Out keeps prices under $4, appealing to budget-conscious customers. Whataburger and Hardee’s offer burgers typically costing between $6-$8, providing value for the size. Freddy’s burgers range from $5-$7, balancing quality and affordability. These varied price points cater to a broad audience, showcasing how small businesses adapt to meet diverse consumer preferences. Regional Variations Southern burger chains showcase distinct regional specialties that reflect the flavors and culture of their locations. Understanding these variations can help small businesses enhance their offerings and connect with local tastes. Specialties by State North Carolina: Cook Out stands out with its North Carolina-style BBQ options. This chain incorporates local BBQ flavors into its menu, appealing to burger lovers who crave authentic Southern cuisine. Texas: Whataburger thrives on its Texas roots, offering large burgers that resonate with local preferences. The chain’s menu embodies the bold, hearty flavors favored by Texans, making it a staple in the region. Georgia: Zaxby’s, while focusing on chicken, also includes burger options. This chain delivers a blend of regional tastes, appealing to customers who enjoy both chicken and burger choices. Influence of Southern Cuisine Southern cuisine plays a crucial role in shaping burger chains, infusing local flavors into their menus. Expect to find unique items like fried green tomatoes or pimento cheese as common toppings. Small businesses adapt to regional ingredients—like sweet tea or biscuits—to complement their offerings. This local approach not only enhances the menu but also builds community connection and loyalty, reinforcing the significance of supporting local businesses. Conclusion Southern burger chains offer more than just a meal; they provide a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage. Each bite reflects the dedication to quality and the unique flavors that define Southern cooking. Whether you’re craving a classic Whataburger or the customizable options at Cook Out, these establishments embody the spirit of Southern hospitality. By choosing to support these local businesses, you’re not only enjoying delicious food but also contributing to the community. So the next time you’re in the South, make sure to stop by one of these burger joints and indulge in the flavors that make this region truly special. Your taste buds will thank you. Frequently Asked Questions What are Southern burger chains known for? Southern burger chains are known for their unique flavors, culinary heritage, and use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Signature toppings often include fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, and spicy coleslaw, reflecting the rich traditions of Southern cooking. Which are some popular Southern burger chains? Popular Southern burger chains include Whataburger, known for its Texas-sized burgers; Cook Out, famous for customizable meal trays; and Krystal, which specializes in small, square-shaped sliders. Each offers a unique menu appealing to diverse tastes. How do Southern burger chains support local communities? These chains often prioritize local ingredients and operate as family-run businesses, creating jobs and fostering customer loyalty. By embracing regional flavors and traditions, they strengthen community ties and promote local enterprise. What are the price ranges of burgers at Southern chains? Prices vary across chains: Zaxby’s burgers are around $8-$12, Cook Out keeps burgers under $4, and Whataburger and Hardee’s range from $6-$8. Freddy’s burgers typically cost between $5-$7, making them affordable options for quality meals. How do Southern burger chains differ from each other? Southern burger chains differ in their menu offerings and flavor profiles. For example, Whataburger emphasizes bold Texas flavors, while Cook Out focuses on fresh ingredients. Zaxby’s blends chicken and burger options, catering to regional tastes and preferences. Image Via Envato This article, "Discover the Best Southern Burger Chains You Need to Try Today" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) have just answered a question that’s probably occurred to Lego fans for decades: What if I could instantly turn any idea into a Lego set? In a paper titled “Generating Physically Stable and Buildable LEGO Designs from Text,” published last week, six coauthors lay out an invention they’re calling “LegoGPT.” This generative AI model can take a text-based prompt, like “an acoustic guitar with an hourglass shape,” and determine all of the necessary Lego pieces needed to build that structure and how to assemble them. The LegoGPT demo and code is publicly available through the study, meaning that Lego hobbyists are free to try it out at home. Although outputs are currently limited to around 20 categories (including basic items like chairs, guitars, boats, trains, and cars), the researchers are working to expand the model’s capabilities into more complicated categories. Ultimately, they think a LegoGPT-type tool might serve as the basis for a variety of real-world tasks in architecture and product design. How LegoGPT predicts its next blockLegoGPT is a fine-tuned version of Meta’s LLaMA-3.2-Instruct-1B language learning model, which you can think of as an open source ChatGPT. To teach the model how to make Lego structures, researchers trained it using a database of 47,000 Lego structures and 28,000 unique 3D shapes, each with their own descriptive captions. Based on that vast swath of designs, LegoGPT is able to predict how to build a hypothetical object using only a text prompt. To do that, LegoGPT uses something called an autoregressive model, which is common among the most popular generative AI platforms. “ChatGPT and Llama are autoregressive models because, given the string of words that they’ve already outputted, they want to predict the next word,” explains Ava Pun, one of the study’s coauthors and a PhD student at CMU. “So if you ask, ‘What is the weather,’ and it predicts ‘The weather today is,’ then it will try to predict the next word: sunny, rainy, and so on. With Lego GPT, instead of predicting the next word, it wants to predict the next brick.” Once LegoGPT has created a 3D model it thinks will work, the LLM needs a way to make sure that the structure will actually be stable. According to Pun, that proved tricky, considering that existing simulators aren’t trained to understand the physics of a Lego brick. So, the CMU team built their own physics algorithm for LegoGPT to check its work. “We developed a customized physics reasoning algorithm that accounts for all the physical forces that the bricks experience: for example, the downward force due to gravity, friction forces, and contact forces from the other bricks that they’re touching,” Pun says. “The algorithm constructs a force model for the structure and then evaluates the forces over the entire structure. If these physical forces sum to zero, that means the structure will not move around.” LegoGPT automatically uses this algorithm to ensure that it’s found a viable solution. If any of the block it’s chosen is causing the model to turn out wobbly, the model will continue iterating until it lands on a new version that passes the test. A future real-world applicationSo far, researchers have used LegoGPT to create a range of structures, including vintage cars, steamships, and an electric guitar. Currently, the model only works on a 20x20x20 voxel grid, though Pun says the team is already planning on adding more brick types to the model’s database and expanding the grid resolution. For Lego fans who want to play around at home, the study’s demo, available through a public portal, can turn simple prompts into a buildable 3D Lego model and a list of necessary parts. Because LegoGPT isn’t made to be Lego-builder-facing, it doesn’t produce step-by-step instructions, meaning the main challenge will be figuring out how to arrange the component parts in the right order. Pun says her team used Lego brick assembly to test AI’s 3D-building capabilities because of the blocks’ accessibility. Eventually, though, they believe this concept could be applied to real-world scenarios, like helping architects draft buildings or designing custom furniture from a predefined set of parts. “Today’s generative AIs can’t offer that—you can generate a cool image or video of a chair, but the model doesn’t know how these things can be made in the real world,” Pun says. “We wanted to address this challenge by integrating physical laws and assembly constraints into generative models and creating objects that function in reality.” View the full article

As summer nears and states like Texas are already facing extreme heat, tariffs are about to make cooling your home a lot more expensive—and experts don’t expect prices to come down any time soon. The U.S. heating and cooling industry is highly dependent on overseas manufacturers, both for fully assembled units like air conditioners, heat pumps, and HVACs, and for the component parts used to build them. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the U.S. imported more than $15 billion in AC units last year, mainly from Mexico and China. But according to Aydin Mehr, general manager of the HVAC contractor UniColorado, overseas manufacturers essentially halted production on new units when President The President announced his tariff plans back in early April, leaving U.S. distributors with an extremely limited supply of heating and cooling appliances. Last week, the The President administration paused its 145% tariff on China and replaced it with a 30% tariff in the meantime. Now, contractors are reeling from the whiplash of an uncertain manufacturing outlook and dealing with higher expenses across the board. Mehr says consumers can expect to face both delays and substantially higher prices on AC units and heat pumps this summer. The news comes as a record-breaking heatwave has already hit Texas and some parts of the Southwest, leaving the rest of the nation gearing up for a summer of extreme heat. Why is my AC getting more expensive? From a supply chain perspective, Mehr says, there are a few reasons why the heating and cooling industry has been hit particularly hard by the The President tariffs. First, he says, around 60% to 70% of completed AC, HVAC, and heat pumps are imported to the U.S. Second, while there are a few manufacturers that do assemble AC units in the U.S., Mehr explains those plants still overwhelmingly rely on component parts shipped from China. And third, he describes the industry as “very similar to car manufacturers,” because instead of stockpiling units, distributors anticipate demand based on the season and build their inventories around that. In the case of an unexpected situation like new tariffs, there are no “warehouses full of appliances” that can be ready to ship. “When the 145% [tariffs on China] first hit in April, manufacturers stopped producing and distributors stopped importing,” Mehr says. “No one was importing anything from China. No one was really trying to bypass it. Everyone just stopped to see what would happen. So because of that, there’s less units.” Tariffs on Chinese imports may have dropped, but the 30% tariff still represents a major markup in an industry that relies heavily on Chinese goods, on top of the fact that distributors are working with a majorly diminished supply. Today, Mehr says, essentially all of the components that go into building an AC unit are more expensive, including steel, sheet metal, and refrigerant. He predicts that, in order to avoid excessive sticker shock, American distributors will slowly increase their prices to offset higher expenses, so that, by the hotter summer months, “the full weight of the tariffs will be borne by the end customer.” “My expectation is that prices between now and the end of September will increase at least 10% to 15% at a minimum, on everything,” Mehr says. “So, if a repair costs 300 bucks today, it will probably cost 320 by then.” In addition to increased prices on both cooling appliances and associated repairs, Mehr says, there will likely be fewer options for customers to choose from. “Maybe you could pick from five things today, but probably in a month and a half, you can pick from two or three,” Mehr says. He adds that it’s possible the situation might improve by the late summer, when demand dies down, but in the meantime, most distributors don’t have much stock to offer. “It’s not a great situation, because the industry isn’t really made to have tariffs announced on Twitter: One day on, one day off, one day 145%, the next day 30%—it’s not really built to overcome that at all.” Bad news for a hot summer This isn’t the first time that the heating and cooling industry has been impacted by tariffs. Back in 2019, President The President imposed a 10% to 25% tariff on Chinese imports, which had a similar ripple effect across the supply chain—a situation that was only exacerbated by the pandemic. Since then, though, prices have only continued to rise rather than returning to pre-2019 levels. Mehr expects the hikes brought on by this most recent round of tariffs to become the new normal for distributors. “If someone has had an upgrade or major repair in mind, they should act on it soon, because even if tariffs are eased, all of these existing price increases are not going away,” Mehr says. “Being in this industry, I have never seen prices of anything go back down. When manufacturers raise it, it rises forever.” The price jumps come as climate change continues to drive extreme summer temperatures. Last summer, people around the world experienced 41 extra days of dangerous heat due to climate change, a trend that was both dangerous and expensive, given the mounting electricity bills needed to stay cool. And now, Texas is already experiencing a heat wave that has seen temperatures rise above 100 degrees in mid-May, causing electricity use to surge to a new May record of over 78,000 megawatts, according to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. Per a recent study from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, residential electricity costs are forecast to average $784 this summer, up 6.2% since last year. Paired with rising appliance costs and maintenance fees, that means AC could become prohibitively expensive for many Americans. And this isn’t just uncomfortable: It can be deadly. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S., killing more people than hurricanes, floods, and tornados. It can also exacerbate health conditions, impact people’s sleep, and contribute to cognitive issues. View the full article

As a millennial, I’m not ashamed to be a Facebook fan, and it turns out that I’m not alone. About 69% of my generational cohort is still active on the platform. Although only 37% of Gen Z are active users, Facebook still boasts a solid presence among older generations, with 6.6% of users aged 65 and up. In total, approximately 3.07 billion people log on to the little blue app every month. Facebook’s size alone makes it hard to ignore. But it’s not just about numbers. With its mix of generations, built-in community features, and powerful tools for targeting and content, Facebook is still a key player for brands and creators. Thanks to new updates in AI, video, and even e-commerce, it keeps evolving with the times, which means there are still plenty of opportunities if you know how to tap into them. All this considered, it’s no surprise that creators and marketers want to know: How do I get more followers on Facebook? The good news: You don’t need viral hacks or a massive ad budget to grow your Facebook following — just consistent, strategic habits and the right tools. That’s exactly what we’ll work through in this guide: 10 practical tips for creators and marketers on how to grow Facebook followers (without ads) in 2025. Jump to a section: Jump to a section: 1. Set up your Facebook Page or professional mode 2. Share authentic content that starts conversations 3. Keep showing up 4. Explore images and video 5. Have fun with Facebook features 6. Post at the best time 7. Keep your audience engaged and coming back for more 8. Follow Facebook rules and guidelines 9. Partner with other creators and brands 10. Keep a close eye on the numbers Growing on Facebook is a marathon, not a sprint Facebook growth FAQ More Facebook resources 💡Growing your followers across multiple social media accounts? Here’s how to get your first 1,000 followers across other social media platforms.1. Set up your Facebook Page or professional mode A new padel court just opened in my area. Next thing, I see a ‘People you may know profile’ for the business. It’s an easy mistake to make, but this is a crucial first step: If you want to get more Facebook followers, don’t make a personal profile for your business — you need to create a Facebook Page. If you have a personal profile, Facebook users will only be able to add you as a friend, and they won’t see a ‘follow’ button. To get more followers on Facebook, you have two options: Create a Facebook Page for your business, organization, or brand. Switch to professional mode. Here’s how: Which option is best? In most cases, I’d recommend a Facebook Page, which gives you access to more advanced tools like Facebook Ads Manager. Once you’ve set up your Facebook Page or profile, be sure to complete every field available so that your followers and potential followers know you’re legit. Here’s a quick checklist of the basics: Featured posts to draw attention to important or top content.Phone number and business hours (if applicable).Action button (you can choose from options like ‘Book now,’ ‘Sign up,’ or ‘View Shop.’).Link to your website.Page category that helps Facebook show your page to the right audience.Bio or About section that contains keywords about your business, brand, or niche.High-quality profile photo and cover photo.💡Want to set your Facebook presence up for success? Here’s your cheat sheet of recommended Facebook image sizes. 2. Share authentic content that starts conversationsWith so many creators and brands active on Facebook, the bar for quality content is high, but don’t let that intimidate you. Facebook is pretty clear about what works well in the newsfeed. According to Meta, “The goal of Facebook is to connect people to content that’s meaningful or informative to them. We are not focused on picking which issues the world should read about, but we are in the business of connecting people with content they find most meaningful. Publishers should ideally focus on what they do best — making content that is interesting to their audience.” In other words, the content that grows your Facebook follower base is: the content that matters to your audience,and the stuff that you know a lot about, presented in a way that your audience wants to consume it. Here’s how to do that: Understand your audience: Take the time to learn what they care about, what questions they have, and what kind of content they engage with most.Create high-quality, original content: Share your perspective, your expertise, and your story. Originality builds credibility and helps you stand out.Encourage interaction: Ask thoughtful questions, invite feedback, or spark conversations in the comments.Incorporate eye-catching images or video: Visuals stop the scroll. Use photos, graphics, or short videos to bring your message to life.Build trust through accurate, well-sourced information: Whether you're sharing stats, tips, or breaking news, double-check your facts and cite your sources when needed.Post consistently, but not excessively: Find a rhythm that works for you and your audience. Quality always beats quantity.Test and tweak: Try different post formats, topics, and times of day. Then check your analytics and adjust based on what’s working.In a nutshell: You don’t need to go viral to grow — just focus on creating content that’s useful, true to your voice, and designed with your audience in mind. 💡Learn more about how content is ranked on the newsfeed: Here’s everything we know about how the Facebook algorithm works and how to get your content in front of as many eyes as possible.3. Keep showing up Want more Facebook followers? You’re going to need to show up on their feeds and continue providing value. I don’t know about you, but when I look at a business page on Facebook and see that it hasn’t been updated in months (or even years), I start to question whether they’re still in business. It goes without saying that all social networks benefit from users actively creating valuable content there, and they reward people for doing so. Whether you’re looking to grow on Instagram, build a personal brand on LinkedIn, or increase your following on TikTok, consistency might be the closest thing you have to a magic bullet for growing your audience. How often should you post? That depends on your target audience. Finding the sweet spot for your audience and growth will take time and experimentation, but my best advice is to post as often as you're able to keep up with — whether that’s daily or once a week. The reality is that creating content takes work, and the last thing you want to do is burn out before you start to see results. 3 top tips to help you stay consistent and get more Facebook followers If you're trying to build an audience on Facebook, you don’t have to be online 24/7. These three simple tips can help you stay on track and keep your content flowing, even on your busiest days: 1. Create a social media content calendar One of the easiest ways to stay consistent is by planning ahead. That’s where a content calendar comes in. Instead of scrambling for ideas at the last minute, you can map out your posts in advance and always have something ready to go. A good calendar helps you spot gaps, stay balanced with your content themes, and avoid that “what should I post today?” feeling. Here’s a guide to building your calendar from scratch (and yes, there’s a handy template included). Pro tip: Buffers’ Ideas dashboard helps you create, import, and organize your content so you can access everything at a glance and stay on top of your content planning. 2. Repurpose your best content Not every post needs to start from scratch. Take content that performed well on other platforms (or even earlier posts on Facebook) and give it new life. Turn a blog post into a quote graphic, or break a video into bite-sized clips. Your audience isn’t seeing everything you post, so repurposing is a smart way to stretch your efforts and reach more people. Pro tip: Use Buffer’s AI assistant to do your content repurposing for you. In just a few clicks, you can turn a single post into multiple formats and styles tailored to each social media platform. 3. Use Buffer to stay on schedule Using Buffer has honestly been a game-changer for me. Being able to batch content and schedule it in advance means I’m not stuck posting in real time. Features like scheduling, streaks, and posting goals help keep me on track (and motivated), especially during busy weeks when social media would otherwise fall off the radar. ⚡We’re building Buffer to be the most flexible social media management tool on the block. Save your ideas, organize them, get help from our AI assistant, and schedule your content in one single dashboard. Here’s how. →4. Explore images and photos After analyzing millions of social media posts sent through Buffer, we discovered that images are the best-performing content on Facebook when it comes to engagement. Posts with a photo or image attached tend to get more Facebook likes, comments, and shares than any other type of content. Posts with photos tend to get 34.7% more engagement than text-based posts and 43.8% more engagement than video posts. This engagement tells the Facebook algorithm that the post is valuable, making it more likely to appear in other news feeds. And if your post is showing up in more newsfeeds, that means you may attract the attention of more Facebook followers. That said, Facebook Reels shouldn't be skipped, if you're comfortable creating video, as they can help new followers find you. Like Instagram’s Reels feed and TikTok’s For You page, the reels feed (right next to the Home button in the app) consists almost entirely of recommended content based on what the user likes and engages with. I clicked on the reels button on Facebook and was served this Saturday Night Live sketch, even though I don’t follow Peacock TV (yet). I enjoy comedy, and I have a baby. Coincidence? I think not. Need help and inspiration to create video and other content? Check out these best-practice resources (from creators themselves) 💡Want to find out more about different types of social media content and what will work best for your brand? Check out our comprehensive guide. Bonus: it also has 30+ ideas for your next post. 5. Have fun with Facebook featuresSure, video and reels get a lot of attention, but Facebook is packed with features that can help you show off your brand’s personality and reach new people. I also find that experimenting with different features makes content creation feel less like a chore and more like a conversation. The more fun you’re having with it, the more that energy comes through, and hopefully, more Facebook followers will find you. Here are some ideas to get started: Stories are a great place to get real. They’re temporary, low-pressure, and a great way to stay top-of-mind without overthinking it. Story ideas: Behind-the-scenes momentsQuick updatesUser-generated contentA glimpse of your workspaceBonus: You can schedule your stories with Buffer. Facebook Live is your go-to for instant connection. It’s interactive, unfiltered, and perfect for building trust. Host a Q&AWalk your followers through a how-toBring them along for a day in the lifeShare how your product is made or shippedBonus: Facebook often boosts Lives in the algorithm, so you're getting a chance to reach more potential followers organically. If you host any events, virtual or IRL, you’d be remiss not to promote them with a Facebook Event — these will often be recommended to non-followers interested in similar events and are a brilliant way to reach new people. Whether you’re planning a webinar, a product launch, or your monthly “just because” community hangout, Facebook Events make it super easy for people to discover what you’re up to Bonus: Facebook even recommends events to people outside your follower list based on their interests. Free promotion? Yes, please. And don’t forget the little things: Add a GIFUse fun backgroundsExperiment with post formatsToss in a hashtag or two (strategically, of course)Facebook gives you a ton of tools, so treat them like a buffet. The more engaging and eye-catching your posts are, the more likely they are to attract new followers organically. Pro tip: Trying out different tools and seeing what your audience responds to will help you figure out what form of content your audience finds the most engaging. 6. Post at the best time According to Buffer’s analysis of millions of social media posts, the best time to post on Facebook is… drumroll: 🥁 5 a.m. on Monday. We pinpointed other hotspot times on Tuesday at 5 a.m. and Thursday at 7 a.m., which rank in second and third place in our best time to post list, respectively. Note that this doesn't necessarily mean 5 a.m. is when people are seeing your Facebook posts. It's likely the content needs time to percolate on the news feed, and your fans and followers will find it there when they log on to the platform at a more reasonable hour. So, as a rule of thumb, early morning on weekdays is usually the best time to post on Facebook for engagement. That said, the best time to post on Facebook (or any social media platform, for that matter) always depends on your audience. In my own Facebook Group, for example, I’m reaching people across different time zones, so I need to hit a sweet spot that works for cross-continental working hours. 7. Keep your audience engaged and coming back for moreNo matter the platform, engagement is one of the best routes to social media success. But you can’t expect your audience to keep commenting if you’re posting and ghosting. Replying to comments and messages is, at this point, table stakes. Whether you’re an influencer, creator, or brand, fostering meaningful connections with your Facebook followers will help you build relationships and grow your audience. Here are some quick tips for engagement 2.0: Reply to comments like a human, not a robot.Get to know your most engaged followers through their interactions.Build trust by answering their questions and considering their suggestions.Show followers that you value their engagement by sharing user-generated content (UGC).If they share something about your product or service, amplify it by sharing it yourself (with their permission). If they tag you in a post of their own, repost it. For creators, here are three quick tips for more engagement from Rylee Jenkins: Pro tip: You can see all of your comments, stay on top of important interactions, and turn your audience into loyal followers with Buffer’s engagement dashboard. 💡Stop shouting into the void. Here are nine ways to boost your social media engagement and grow a loyal follower base. 8. Follow Facebook rules and guidelinesOK, rules aren’t exactly the most exciting part of growing your Facebook presence. But ignoring them can tank your reach (or worse, get your account restricted), so it’s worth giving Facebook’s Community Standards a quick read. Most of the rules are common sense — no violence, hate speech, nudity, or anything that makes the internet a less kind place. A few extra red flags to keep in mind: Fake news or misleading claims: Sharing unverified or false info, even unintentionally, can hurt your credibility and visibility.Clickbait: That “You won’t BELIEVE what happened next 😱” energy? Facebook sees right through it.Engagement bait: Posts that beg for likes, comments, or shares can be penalized by the algorithm.And even if the algorithm doesn’t catch it, Facebook users can (and do) report posts that feel spammy or off. I’ve done this multiple times, especially as an admin of my group. No “Earn $10K every minute working from home” posts welcome, thank you. Bottom line: Keep things honest, thoughtful, and aligned with Facebook’s guidelines. (I’m willing to bet that if you’re reading this post, you’re the kind of person who will do this anyway.) 9. Partner with other creators and brands Teaming up with another creator or brand is one of the most effective (and fun) ways to reach new people on Facebook. Look for someone whose Facebook audience complements yours, then get creative with how you collaborate. For example, lifestyle creators Alix Earle and Monet McMichael frequently film content together: But you don’t both need millions of followers to create an effective collab. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Run a joint giveaway or contest: Pick a prize both audiences will love and ask folks to follow both accounts to enter.Cross-post each other’s content: Share a relevant post from your partner, and have them do the same. Create a reel together: Hop on a trend, do a mini interview, or share tips.Host a joint Facebook Live: Think co-branded Q&A, workshop, or casual chat. Swap guest posts or feature each other in stories: Shout each other out in your content, whether it’s a story takeover or a guest quote in your next caption.Co-create a mini campaign: Team up for a themed week or month of Facebook posts on a shared topic. Add custom hashtags to tie everything together.No matter the format, the goal is the same: bring value to both audiences and help each other grow. The best collabs feel like a win-win — because they are. 10. Keep a close eye on the numbersIf you want to know what’s helping you gain new Facebook followers (and what’s not), keeping tabs on your metrics is a non-negotiable in 2025. Start with Facebook Insights, which gives you a breakdown of how your posts, Facebook Page, and audience are performing. You’ll find Facebook Insights right in your Facebook dashboard. Head to Meta Business SuiteClick on Facebook InsightsBoom: reach, engagement, audience demographics, and more at your fingertips:Source: FacebookTo take things a step further — and make your life a whole lot easier — you’ll want to try Buffer’s Facebook analytics: It’s all-in-one: View your Facebook performance AND schedule content, crosspost across platforms, and even get AI help writing your captions from one (very tidy) tab.You can filter and compare with ease: Want to see how your Facebook content stacks up against your Instagram or LinkedIn posts? Need to sort by campaign, post type, or timeframe? You can do all that (and more) in Buffer’s dashboard.In my opinion, it’s way easier to use than Meta’s native tools: Buffer is clean, intuitive, and built for busy creators and marketers.You can analyze campaigns separately: Running a giveaway or product launch? Buffer lets you group Facebook posts into campaigns and measure their results on their own.Buffer gives you the must-haves like: ImpressionsReachLink clicksFollower growthIt also helps you quickly answer the questions that actually move the needle: What type of content is getting the most engagement?When’s the best time for me to post on Facebook?How often should I be posting to keep my momentum?What are my audience’s demographics?How do my organic posts compare to paid ones?Try it for $0 today. 💡Want to take a deep dive into the numbers? Here are the 7 best social media monitoring tools in 2025.Growing on Facebook is a marathon, not a sprintThere’s no magic formula for building a massive Facebook following overnight — but with a little creativity, consistency, and a focus on what your audience values most, growth will come. Keep testing new ideas, stay curious about what’s working (and why), and don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow at times. Every post is a step forward. Tools like Buffer can make the journey a whole lot smoother by helping you plan your content, repurpose high-performing posts, and track what resonates. With the right system in place, growing your Facebook following becomes a lot more manageable, and even fun. You’ve got this. Facebook Growth FAQHow to get more organic followers on a Facebook business Page Wondering how to grow a Facebook Page in 2025? Start by fully setting up your page with a complete bio, high-quality visuals, contact info, and a strong call-to-action. Then post consistently, engage with your audience, and use features like reels, stories, and lives to boost reach. Cross-promote your Facebook Page on other platforms and partner with creators or brands to tap into new audiences. How to get more followers on Facebook in professional mode Optimize your profile with a clear niche, strong bio, and engaging content. Use reels and lives to show up in newsfeeds, engage with comments to build trust, and post consistently using a content calendar. Bonus tip: repurpose content from other platforms to keep your feed fresh with less effort. How do I grow Facebook followers without ads?Organic growth on Facebook starts with valuable, consistent content. Focus on what your audience cares about, post regularly, participate actively, and spark real conversations in comments and DMs. Use Facebook features to increase visibility, and don’t sleep on collaborations with creators or other brands. How to get organic followers on Facebook Create content that’s helpful, entertaining, inspiring, and tailored to your ideal follower. Post consistently (a social media calendar helps), respond to comments, and make the most of features like reels and stories. Share behind-the-scenes content, celebrate milestones, and repurpose what works. More Facebook resourcesFacebook Ad Specs + Image Sizes — Fully Updated for 2025How to Run Facebook Ads: Beginner's Guide to Advertising on FacebookBest Time to Post on Facebook: We Analyzed 1 Million PostsMeta Ad Library 101: 7 Ways to Use the Facebook Ad Library to Improve Your AdsThe Ideal Facebook Cover Photo Size and How To Make Yours Stand Out (+ 11 Ideas and Examples)How to Schedule Facebook Posts in 3 Easy Ways (+ Save Hours Every Week)Inside the Facebook Algorithm in 2025: All the Updates You Need to KnowView the full article

The numbers suggest Rocket Mortgage's acquisition of Mr. Cooper won't add enough dollar volume to outpace its closest competitor but they also show the deal has other benefits. View the full article

Key Takeaways Cost Components: Building storage units involves various costs including land acquisition, construction materials, labor, site preparation, and utility installations, which all significantly impact the overall investment. Location Matters: The geographical location affects the cost of land and construction, with urban areas typically incurring higher expenses but potentially offering greater demand for storage units. Size and Design Impact Costs: The size and complexity of your storage facility influence pricing, with larger and more intricate designs resulting in increased construction and material costs. Permits and Legal Fees: Always budget for permits and legal fees, which can add thousands to your total costs and vary based on local regulations. Financing Options: Explore various financing methods, including traditional loans, private equity, crowdfunding, and partnerships, to effectively manage construction costs and ensure financial flexibility. Long-Term Planning: Accurate budgeting and understanding of factors influencing costs are essential for maximizing returns in the storage unit business, allowing for informed decision-making before construction begins. Thinking about diving into the storage unit business? Understanding the costs involved is crucial for making informed decisions. From land acquisition to construction materials and operational expenses, several factors play a role in determining your overall investment. Storage units can be a lucrative venture, but the initial outlay can vary significantly based on location, size, and design. Whether you’re considering a small facility or a large complex, knowing the financial landscape will help you plan effectively and maximize your returns. Let’s explore the key components that influence the cost of building storage units and what you need to consider before taking the plunge. Overview of Storage Unit Construction Costs Understanding storage unit construction costs is crucial for small business owners entering this industry. Costs typically vary based on multiple factors that influence the overall investment. Key Components of Costs Component Estimated Cost Range Land Acquisition $1 to $5 per square foot Site Preparation $1,000 to $20,000 Building Materials $10,000 to $100,000+ Labor Costs $30 to $50 per hour Utilities Installation $5,000 to $15,000 Factors Affecting Costs Location: Urban areas often present higher land prices but may lead to increased demand for storage units. Size: Larger facilities incur more construction costs but can house more units, potentially increasing revenue. Design: Complex designs can elevate expenses, while standard layouts may reduce costs. Zoning: Local zoning laws may dictate construction requirements and costs. Accessibility: Sites with better access may require less investment in road construction and utility setups. Budgeting for these expenses allows you to calculate return on investment accurately. Understanding these components enhances your plan, ensuring you approach storage unit construction with informed financial expectations. Factors Influencing Storage Unit Costs Understanding the factors influencing storage unit costs is crucial for small business owners. Each element significantly impacts your overall investment. Location and Land Costs Location plays a vital role in determining your construction expenses. Urban areas usually come with higher land prices and labor costs compared to rural locations. Local building regulations and zoning laws can also raise your costs, depending on the community’s requirements. Consider site accessibility and necessary improvements to the land; these factors can substantially affect your budget. Size and Design Considerations The size and design of your storage facility directly influence construction costs. Average estimates for traditional storage units range from $25 to $70 per square foot. Larger facilities typically incur higher overall costs. Complex designs or added features, such as security systems and climate control, push costs even higher. Climate-controlled units can cost between $50 and $100 per square foot, mainly due to HVAC systems and specialized insulation. Construction Materials and Labor The choice of construction materials significantly impacts your expenditures. Steel buildings are common because of their durability and reduced maintenance needs, often leading to lower long-term costs. However, initial costs vary based on material quality. Labor costs fluctuate based on your region and the complexity of the project. Additionally, the quality of finishes for walls, roofs, and doors further influences overall pricing. Every small business owner must evaluate these factors carefully when planning for a storage unit construction project. Doing so enables accurate budgeting and prepares you for a successful venture. Cost Breakdown for Building Storage Units Understanding the costs of building storage units is essential for small business owners. These expenses can vary significantly, impacting your overall budget and financial planning. Permits and Legal Fees Permits and legal fees can vary widely based on your location and local regulations. Typically, these costs are part of the overall construction budget but can add several thousand dollars to your total expenses. It’s crucial to research these costs early to avoid surprises during the development process. Site Preparation Costs Site preparation costs are significant in building storage units. For a facility housing 100 storage units, site development expenses can range from $59,500 to $112,000. Additional costs include: Concrete Roads: Approximately $50,000 Electrical Installation: About $15,000 Security Cameras: Ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on existing equipment. Careful planning of these expenses can enhance the effectiveness and appeal of your storage facility. Construction and Material Expenses Construction and material costs are major components of your overall investment. Construction Costs: For a single-story facility, expect to spend approximately $50 to $65 per square foot. For 100 units (assuming 10’x10′ units), the total construction cost ranges between $500,000 and $650,000. Material Costs: Budget around $85,000 to $140,000 for materials necessary for the same 100 units. Total Cost: Overall, building 100 storage units typically costs between $756,500 and $1,252,000. For larger facilities, total costs can range from $1.25 million to $3.5 million. These detailed breakdowns help small business owners like you optimize budgeting and investment strategies when entering the storage unit market. Financing Options for Storage Unit Construction Financing options play a crucial role in constructing storage units. Understanding these options can help you manage upfront costs effectively. Traditional Loans Traditional loans serve as reliable funding sources for construction projects. These loans offer fixed interest rates and predictable repayment terms. You can access these loans through banks or credit unions. Secure a loan based on your credit history and business plan, which usually includes projected revenues from the storage facility. Leverage this stability for long-term investments that can enhance your small business portfolio. Alternative Financing Methods Alternative financing methods can diversify your funding approach. Consider these options: Private Equity: Investors provide capital in exchange for a share of ownership. This option can offer substantial funding without immediate loan repayment pressures. Crowdfunding: Utilize online platforms to raise money from multiple contributors. This method enables you to connect with individuals interested in your project, making it a viable option for small businesses seeking initial investment. Partnerships: Collaborate with other investors to share costs and risks associated with building expenses, which can lead to greater financial flexibility. Mezzanine Financing: Combine debt and equity financing, creating a larger investment pool. This mixed approach helps you secure the necessary funds without significant upfront costs. These diverse financing options ensure you have the resources required to build your storage units while effectively managing the financial aspects of your small business venture. Conclusion Building storage units is a significant investment that requires careful planning and budgeting. By understanding the various costs involved and the factors that influence them, you can make informed decisions that maximize your potential returns. Consider the importance of location and design while keeping an eye on operational expenses. With the right financing options and a clear financial strategy, you can navigate the complexities of construction and set your storage unit business up for success. Taking these steps will help ensure that your investment pays off in the long run. Frequently Asked Questions What are the major costs of starting a storage unit business? Building a storage unit business involves several major costs, including land acquisition, construction materials, labor, permits, and utilities. Depending on the location and design, these costs can range significantly, making it important for investors to plan their budgets carefully. How do location and size affect storage unit costs? Location plays a vital role in determining costs; urban areas generally have higher land prices than rural locations. Similarly, the size of the facility directly impacts construction expenses, with larger units incurring higher overall costs due to increased materials and labor requirements. What are the average construction costs per square foot? For traditional storage units, average construction costs range from $25 to $70 per square foot. Climate-controlled options tend to be pricier, as they require additional materials and technology to maintain temperature and humidity levels. What financing options are available for building storage units? Investors have various financing options, including traditional loans, private equity, crowdfunding, partnerships, and mezzanine financing. Each option provides different benefits, making it crucial to consider multiple sources for funding. How can I maximize my return on investment in this business? To maximize returns, investors should conduct thorough market research and detailed budgeting. Understanding local demand, controlling construction costs, and strategically choosing facility design can significantly impact profitability in the storage unit business. Are there specific permits required for construction? Yes, obtaining the necessary permits is essential for construction. This may include zoning approvals and building permits, which can add to overall expenses. Checking local regulations beforehand helps in understanding the requirements and associated costs. Image Via Envato This article, "How Much Does It Cost to Build Storage Units? Essential Guide for Investors" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Cost Components: Building storage units involves various costs including land acquisition, construction materials, labor, site preparation, and utility installations, which all significantly impact the overall investment. Location Matters: The geographical location affects the cost of land and construction, with urban areas typically incurring higher expenses but potentially offering greater demand for storage units. Size and Design Impact Costs: The size and complexity of your storage facility influence pricing, with larger and more intricate designs resulting in increased construction and material costs. Permits and Legal Fees: Always budget for permits and legal fees, which can add thousands to your total costs and vary based on local regulations. Financing Options: Explore various financing methods, including traditional loans, private equity, crowdfunding, and partnerships, to effectively manage construction costs and ensure financial flexibility. Long-Term Planning: Accurate budgeting and understanding of factors influencing costs are essential for maximizing returns in the storage unit business, allowing for informed decision-making before construction begins. Thinking about diving into the storage unit business? Understanding the costs involved is crucial for making informed decisions. From land acquisition to construction materials and operational expenses, several factors play a role in determining your overall investment. Storage units can be a lucrative venture, but the initial outlay can vary significantly based on location, size, and design. Whether you’re considering a small facility or a large complex, knowing the financial landscape will help you plan effectively and maximize your returns. Let’s explore the key components that influence the cost of building storage units and what you need to consider before taking the plunge. Overview of Storage Unit Construction Costs Understanding storage unit construction costs is crucial for small business owners entering this industry. Costs typically vary based on multiple factors that influence the overall investment. Key Components of Costs Component Estimated Cost Range Land Acquisition $1 to $5 per square foot Site Preparation $1,000 to $20,000 Building Materials $10,000 to $100,000+ Labor Costs $30 to $50 per hour Utilities Installation $5,000 to $15,000 Factors Affecting Costs Location: Urban areas often present higher land prices but may lead to increased demand for storage units. Size: Larger facilities incur more construction costs but can house more units, potentially increasing revenue. Design: Complex designs can elevate expenses, while standard layouts may reduce costs. Zoning: Local zoning laws may dictate construction requirements and costs. Accessibility: Sites with better access may require less investment in road construction and utility setups. Budgeting for these expenses allows you to calculate return on investment accurately. Understanding these components enhances your plan, ensuring you approach storage unit construction with informed financial expectations. Factors Influencing Storage Unit Costs Understanding the factors influencing storage unit costs is crucial for small business owners. Each element significantly impacts your overall investment. Location and Land Costs Location plays a vital role in determining your construction expenses. Urban areas usually come with higher land prices and labor costs compared to rural locations. Local building regulations and zoning laws can also raise your costs, depending on the community’s requirements. Consider site accessibility and necessary improvements to the land; these factors can substantially affect your budget. Size and Design Considerations The size and design of your storage facility directly influence construction costs. Average estimates for traditional storage units range from $25 to $70 per square foot. Larger facilities typically incur higher overall costs. Complex designs or added features, such as security systems and climate control, push costs even higher. Climate-controlled units can cost between $50 and $100 per square foot, mainly due to HVAC systems and specialized insulation. Construction Materials and Labor The choice of construction materials significantly impacts your expenditures. Steel buildings are common because of their durability and reduced maintenance needs, often leading to lower long-term costs. However, initial costs vary based on material quality. Labor costs fluctuate based on your region and the complexity of the project. Additionally, the quality of finishes for walls, roofs, and doors further influences overall pricing. Every small business owner must evaluate these factors carefully when planning for a storage unit construction project. Doing so enables accurate budgeting and prepares you for a successful venture. Cost Breakdown for Building Storage Units Understanding the costs of building storage units is essential for small business owners. These expenses can vary significantly, impacting your overall budget and financial planning. Permits and Legal Fees Permits and legal fees can vary widely based on your location and local regulations. Typically, these costs are part of the overall construction budget but can add several thousand dollars to your total expenses. It’s crucial to research these costs early to avoid surprises during the development process. Site Preparation Costs Site preparation costs are significant in building storage units. For a facility housing 100 storage units, site development expenses can range from $59,500 to $112,000. Additional costs include: Concrete Roads: Approximately $50,000 Electrical Installation: About $15,000 Security Cameras: Ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on existing equipment. Careful planning of these expenses can enhance the effectiveness and appeal of your storage facility. Construction and Material Expenses Construction and material costs are major components of your overall investment. Construction Costs: For a single-story facility, expect to spend approximately $50 to $65 per square foot. For 100 units (assuming 10’x10′ units), the total construction cost ranges between $500,000 and $650,000. Material Costs: Budget around $85,000 to $140,000 for materials necessary for the same 100 units. Total Cost: Overall, building 100 storage units typically costs between $756,500 and $1,252,000. For larger facilities, total costs can range from $1.25 million to $3.5 million. These detailed breakdowns help small business owners like you optimize budgeting and investment strategies when entering the storage unit market. Financing Options for Storage Unit Construction Financing options play a crucial role in constructing storage units. Understanding these options can help you manage upfront costs effectively. Traditional Loans Traditional loans serve as reliable funding sources for construction projects. These loans offer fixed interest rates and predictable repayment terms. You can access these loans through banks or credit unions. Secure a loan based on your credit history and business plan, which usually includes projected revenues from the storage facility. Leverage this stability for long-term investments that can enhance your small business portfolio. Alternative Financing Methods Alternative financing methods can diversify your funding approach. Consider these options: Private Equity: Investors provide capital in exchange for a share of ownership. This option can offer substantial funding without immediate loan repayment pressures. Crowdfunding: Utilize online platforms to raise money from multiple contributors. This method enables you to connect with individuals interested in your project, making it a viable option for small businesses seeking initial investment. Partnerships: Collaborate with other investors to share costs and risks associated with building expenses, which can lead to greater financial flexibility. Mezzanine Financing: Combine debt and equity financing, creating a larger investment pool. This mixed approach helps you secure the necessary funds without significant upfront costs. These diverse financing options ensure you have the resources required to build your storage units while effectively managing the financial aspects of your small business venture. Conclusion Building storage units is a significant investment that requires careful planning and budgeting. By understanding the various costs involved and the factors that influence them, you can make informed decisions that maximize your potential returns. Consider the importance of location and design while keeping an eye on operational expenses. With the right financing options and a clear financial strategy, you can navigate the complexities of construction and set your storage unit business up for success. Taking these steps will help ensure that your investment pays off in the long run. Frequently Asked Questions What are the major costs of starting a storage unit business? Building a storage unit business involves several major costs, including land acquisition, construction materials, labor, permits, and utilities. Depending on the location and design, these costs can range significantly, making it important for investors to plan their budgets carefully. How do location and size affect storage unit costs? Location plays a vital role in determining costs; urban areas generally have higher land prices than rural locations. Similarly, the size of the facility directly impacts construction expenses, with larger units incurring higher overall costs due to increased materials and labor requirements. What are the average construction costs per square foot? For traditional storage units, average construction costs range from $25 to $70 per square foot. Climate-controlled options tend to be pricier, as they require additional materials and technology to maintain temperature and humidity levels. What financing options are available for building storage units? Investors have various financing options, including traditional loans, private equity, crowdfunding, partnerships, and mezzanine financing. Each option provides different benefits, making it crucial to consider multiple sources for funding. How can I maximize my return on investment in this business? To maximize returns, investors should conduct thorough market research and detailed budgeting. Understanding local demand, controlling construction costs, and strategically choosing facility design can significantly impact profitability in the storage unit business. Are there specific permits required for construction? Yes, obtaining the necessary permits is essential for construction. This may include zoning approvals and building permits, which can add to overall expenses. Checking local regulations beforehand helps in understanding the requirements and associated costs. Image Via Envato This article, "How Much Does It Cost to Build Storage Units? Essential Guide for Investors" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Lending to buyout firms and private credit groups is up 20% in a year to $1.2tnView the full article

In traditional Ahrefs fashion, I wanted to do the largest data study ever done on AIOs to see what we could learn and share with the marketing community. For a twist on most studies, I’ve shown how they compare to…Read more ›View the full article

To Deb Cloutier, president and founder of the sustainability firm RE Tech Advisors, the news that the The President administration is planning to get rid of Energy Star simply didn’t make sense. The President’s claims that he wants to reduce Americans’ energy bills is “completely at odds with this move to scrap the program that certifies energy efficient appliances. And she sees no viable way for private companies or nonprofits to fill this gap. She would know what it takes: Cloutier is one of the original designers of the program. Energy Star officially launched in 1992, under President George H. Bush. Cloutier helped shape the program’s focus on building efficiency, and then worked as a consultant every year since its launch. In the past 30 years, Energy Star has “exceeded all expectations,” Cloutier says: It saves consumers more than $40 billion every year on their bills, and helps certified buildings use 35% less energy, which means lower operating costs. Energy Star is voluntary, not mandatory Energy Star was specifically intended to be a voluntary, nonregulatory way of getting businesses to adopt and understand energy efficiency. The program doesn’t force businesses or building owners to participate. And yet more than 16,000 companies and organizations do—from appliance manufacturers to school districts. “Dozens of voluntary programs exist today, but Energy Star was the seminal first program that proved that businesses working in concert with government in a collaborative fashion could learn from one another, and develop resources that would not be brought to market by the businesses on their own,” Cloutier says. It has been a model for other public-private partnerships since, some even directly taking Energy Star’s tools: Canada uses Energy Star’s buildings portfolio manager for how it rates and ranks its own buildings. Businesses don’t often want to be the first to adopt something new like energy efficiency metrics; it’s a risk, and not always clear how the market will respond. But Energy Star was able to convene industry leaders together so multiple businesses could adopt these standards at once. Then, it started recognizing the top 25% most efficient products, buildings, and manufacturers. “It really helped spark that competitive nature of businesses to try and set goals to have X percent of their portfolio that has energy Star certification,” Cloutier says. An impartial agency, and a recognizable symbol Because Energy Star is a government program, it provides an impartial scoring metric for efficiency, based on rigorous scientific research. Energy Star’s iconic blue label is also easily recognizable by consumers: According to the program, nearly 90% of American households recognize the symbol. Without one symbol from a trusted, third-party source, manufacturers or retailers may put their own efficiency labels on products, which would make for a confusing and crowded landscape for consumers. It also wouldn’t be clear if those labels are consistent in what they measure or reward, or who’s verifying those claims. And if a nonprofit were to take over Energy Star’s role, it’s unlikely that it could cover the same array of industries—retail, manufacturing, residential, schools, and state and local governments—that the federal government does. “It would be a tall order to find something that replicates the federal government’s impartiality and breadth,” Cloutier says. Energy Star simplifies the efficiency process The federal government is in a unique position to have the national energy data, the research from national laboratories, and the industry expertise that underpin Energy Star’s tools and standards. The program draws from other government agencies like the Energy Information Administration, and it incorporates state and local regulations around emissions caps and what information buildings must disclose around their energy consumption. “If you own and operate buildings in more than one state or multinational jurisdictions, it’s already a very complex compliant landscape,” Cloutier says. But Energy Star helps simplify the process through things like its portfolio manager software tool, which allows entities to enter their buildings’ energy consumption and receive a score between 1 and 100, and to track their improvement over time. The private sector not only would struggle to access all the national energy data and laboratory research crucial for Energy Star, it would also face challenges from businesses themselves. “I think most entities would be hesitant to give what they would consider to be confidential business information around energy usage to a third party,” Cloutier says. Private businesses likely couldn’t carry out Energy Star at a large scale either. Its portfolio manager is used by more than 280,000 properties. For a private business to fund such an expansive, far-reaching tool, it would likely have to charge for it, Cloutier says—which would burden American businesses, buildings, and families directly. As a government program, Energy Star is incredibly cost-effective: For every federal dollar invested, it delivers a return of $350. “When you look at the very small budget to run Energy Star, I would say it’s sort of the little engine that could in terms of its results,” she says. The program supports more than 750,000 U.S. jobs, and Americans purchase 300 million Energy Star-certified products a year, worth $100 billion in market value. Energy efficiency benefits everyone Energy Star has long had bipartisan support, and for good reason. Making products and buildings more efficient helps the entire country—not only by lowering people’s energy bills, but by putting less pressure on the national energy grid. That means less blackouts and brownouts, too. “The more we can help drive down the amount of energy used to live, work, and play in buildings, that helps produce more bandwidth on the grid,” Cloutier says. U.S. energy demand is only growing, especially with more data centers to support AI and cloud services, which will also likely raise energy prices for consumers. Without Energy Star, Americans might be more likely to choose the cheapest option at the appliance store, not realizing that doing so will actually increase their energy bills over time. It’s not easy, without a third-party label like Energy Star, to translate that trade-off in purchase price versus long-term savings. But by having the Energy Star product, consumers know that item inherently saves energy; Energy Star also details the annual energy use of a product—and how much that use compares to the federal standard. Consumers can even search for items like dishwashers and the Energy Star website will sort them by energy use. Losing Energy Star also means buildings might lag on efficiency, in part because the process to meet efficiency standards and implement energy-saving tools will be a more difficult undertaking. Building operators may then pass those increased utility costs on to residents, in the case of apartment buildings, or customers, in the case of hotels. Cloutier has seen numerous examples of how aligning with Energy Star standards has helped building operators save money; thousands of school districts, she says, have saved on operating costs that can then make more resources available for teachers. And Energy Star is authorized by Congress, which means it can’t legally be ended in this fiscal year. What happens after that isn’t clear, but Energy Star’s benefits are. During his first term, The President tried to end the program but faced strong opposition, and Energy Star survived. “I am highly encouraging our clients and peers in the industry,” Cloutier says, “. . . to defend the value of Energy Star again.” View the full article

In recent months, the New York City subway system has seen a string of shocking and deadly incidents of violence, including several passengers who have been shoved from the platform into the paths of moving trains. A recent report finds that misdemeanor and felony assaults within the subway system have tripled since 2009. For everyday riders and visitors alike, there is now a lurking fear that their next trip on the subway could be dangerous. Many, including the governor of New York, are seeking solutions, which range from adding more police presence to increasing surveillance to installing more lighting to combatting fare evasion. But there’s another approach that could go a long way to improving security and safety in the subway system. Through specific and targeted design interventions, the subway system itself could be retrofitted to reduce violent crime. This is one of the conclusions of What To Do (and Not To Do) About Subway Safety, a new set of policy recommendations from the urban policy journal Vital City. Based on input and research from criminologists, behavioral scientists, transit experts, and policy wonks, the recommendations include focusing on mental health and substance abuse among users of the system, increasing access to social workers, and using police forces more strategically. Claire Weisz, cofounder of the architecture and design studio WXY, contributed to the report with ideas for design interventions that could increase a sense of security and comfort for subway riders. These design ideas include improving sight lines within the system’s underground stations, increasing visibility between passengers, and reducing dead ends and other areas that can isolate people. Rather than calling for a wide scale and expensive investment in safety infrastructure like Japanese-style platform barriers, the design ideas proposed here are lower lift interventions. The standout design idea from Weisz and WXY is the addition of highly reflective surfaces throughout subway stations. Lining ceilings, walls, and even the areas right above the edge of the platform, these shiny surfaces passively increase visibility, spatial awareness, and navigation within the sometimes circuitous underground world of a subway station. “Mirrors or mirror-like surfaces, which could be stainless steel, in the right places can actually help people see around columns, see down hallways, see around corners, but also get a sense that I’m getting closer towards an exit, or I’m getting farther away, or here’s where a platform is,” Weisz says. “Right now, there isn’t kind of intuitive wayfinding.” Reflective surfaces can also increase a sense of security. Directly influenced by the violent shoving incidents that have been happening in recent months, the subway design interventions feature a curved reflective surface just overhead of the tracks, called a soffit. This gives people standing and waiting for trains the ability to catch glimpses of their surroundings without having to look behind their backs. “When you’re standing and waiting for the subway, you can see other people,” Weisz says. The soffit also visually tightens the station interior, making it feel more compact. “It closes down the space between the platform and the third rail on the tracks, so that you’re not as open to the whole track.” The idea behind these reflective surfaces comes from the world of hotel design, Weisz says. Hotel hallways and elevators are commonly outfitted with mirrors that let people see themselves but also, perhaps subconsciously, understand that they are also going to be seen by others in this public place. It’s a bit of social engineering informed by behavioral science that encourages more self-awareness and courteous behavior. The surfaces become like eyes on the platform. Adding these reflective surfaces could be a form of tactical design, improving conditions in subway stations without the need for a drastic and expensive redesign. But for a transit system with nearly 500 subway stations—and almost every one having a unique design—making widespread improvements will not be easy. “Everything’s expensive, but I do think a couple of pilots in stations that are complex would go a long way,” Weisz says. “My hope is some of these discussions are going to bring money forth from philanthropy or from academia to do a couple of pilots that really get monitored and recorded to find out if this is changing how people feel in these spaces as they move through the subway.” Weisz acknowledges that while the shoving attacks that have been reported in the subway system are rare, they’ve created outsized impacts on riders’ perceptions of safety within subway stations. To maintain the system’s essential role in the functioning of the city, she argues, those perceptions of safety must be improved. “Good design allows people to behave in a way that optimizes the use of public space in the system,” she says. View the full article

Google's AIO rewrites articles without adding unique analysis or insights, essentially meeting the definition of low-value content. The post Does Google’s AI Overviews Violate Its Own Spam Policies? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

We’ve been told that the future of work is all about freedom. Companies offer unlimited PTO, flexible hours, and asynchronous communication channels that we can access anytime. The promise is that fewer constraints will make us more empowered, more creative, and more connected. Sounds great in theory, but in practice, that kind of freedom without structure often leads to chaos. Without clear boundaries, work becomes a blur. Expectations go unspoken, resentment builds, and ultimately, trust erodes. And the very flexibility meant to liberate us begins to wear us down. The healthiest organizations aren’t boundaryless; they’re boundary-wise. Why Boundaries Matter More Than Ever In today’s workplace, where hybrid schedules, digital fatigue, and high emotional load are the norm, boundaries aren’t just a personal preference; they’re the cultural infrastructure. Consider this: 47% of employees say they feel burned out at work, and one of the top drivers is unclear or constantly shifting expectations. Meanwhile, 76% of remote workers report difficulty disconnecting from work. A workplace without boundaries doesn’t create engagement; it creates exhaustion. Boundaries aren’t about protecting hours but about safeguarding capacity in all its forms: the energy, focus, and attention we need to do meaningful work. Many people resist the idea of boundaries because they sound rigid or limiting. But boundaries don’t actually constrain our power—they clarify it. Boundaries reinforce trust by setting expectations, expressing what we truly value, and defining where we end and others begin. As workplace author Greg McKeown puts it: “Constraints don’t block progress, they shape it. A deadline forces a start. A boundary protects your attention.” We need to stop thinking of boundaries as barriers and start seeing them as containers—the structures that give freedom its form. Boundaries don’t prevent flow; instead, they create the conditions for it. A Moment When “Yes” Was the Problem I once worked with the leaders of an innovative climate tech company that was scaling fast. Responsiveness was a badge of honor, Slack was always on, meetings were rarely unscheduled and often urgent, and everything was an immediate “yes.” But beneath the surface, there was extreme fatigue, frustration, and blurred priorities. The culture looked high-performing on paper, but felt hollow in practice. In a facilitated session, one team member admitted, “I never know when I’m allowed to shut off. And I’m afraid that setting limits will make me look like I don’t care.” That moment shifted everything. What followed wasn’t a productivity fix—it was a shared reset. The team introduced core hours for collaboration, quiet blocks for focused work, and “Focus Fridays” without meetings or Slack messages. Within weeks, their energy felt reinvigorated. A sense of clarity returned, morale improved, and creativity reemerged. The team didn’t slow down; it just aligned itself using boundaries. When you stop trying to do everything, you make space for what matters most. How to Build Healthy Boundaries at Work Boundaries aren’t about shutting others out but about showing up with intention. Here’s a simple framework I use with leaders and teams: Be clear about your nonnegotiables. Before you can communicate boundaries to others, you need to define them for yourself. What lines can’t be crossed—whether that’s after-hours communication, personal ethics, or feedback norms? Clarity starts within, then becomes a shared agreement. Articulate your boundaries early. Don’t assume others know. Share them out loud, and revisit them when your context shifts. Setting boundaries isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s a leadership habit that evolves alongside your role and relationships. Leave room for a buffer. Not every line is absolute. Build a “pause zone” for conversation and recalibration—this could mean committing to a 30-minute delay before responding to nonurgent messages or setting up clear blocks in the week for focused work versus collaborative time. A pause zone creates space to respond with intention rather than react on autopilot. Align with your values. A boundary that protects your time but violates your purpose won’t hold. Make sure your boundaries serve your bigger “why.” The most sustainable boundaries are those that feel not only practical but deeply principled. Notice your signals. Resentment, anxiety, and exhaustion are often signs that a boundary has been breached or needs reinforcement. Your emotional patterns are data—listen to them before they become burnout. Communicate with care and clarity. Boundaries are an act of mutual respect, not a rejection. Consideration doesn’t require an apology. You can be both direct and generous—and that’s often when boundaries land best. Evaluate and evolve. What worked last year may not work now. Boundaries should shift with your life, your leadership, and your team. Revisit them regularly and treat them as a living part of how you work, not a fixed set of rules. Boundaries as a Cultural Practice Boundaries aren’t just personal; they’re also cultural. When leaders model them, teams follow. And when teams build them together, the results are measurable. Focus sharpens, collaboration becomes more intentional, burnout decreases, trust deepens, and innovation increases, not because people hustle harder, but because they’re working from a place of clarity and care. Boundaries don’t diminish connection. They deepen it—because they make it safe to be fully present. Start by asking yourself and your team these questions: Where in our work are we overextended, unclear, or always on? What’s one boundary you need to set, or revisit? Where is so-called “freedom” creating confusion or drift? In work cultures without boundaries, people don’t thrive. They scatter and self-protect, and eventually, they burn out. But when leaders and teams get clear on their edges—on what’s okay and what’s not—they build something far more powerful: trust, clarity, creative energy, and a deeper sense of shared purpose. Boundaries aren’t a sign of disconnection, but a practice of alignment. They don’t hold us back; they keep us together. View the full article

I don’t know about you, but I usually cringe when I get my weekly Screen Time Report. Did I really spend that much time online? Turns out, I’m pretty average. According to DataReportal’s 2025 Global Overview Report, adults worldwide clock in about six hours and 38 minutes on digital devices each day. While being average is comforting, I know I could benefit from more time unplugged. Yet, the thought of a full digital detox feels scary. “It’s very hard to completely disconnect yourself,” says Cristiano Winckler, director of digital marketing for Somebody Digital, a digital marketing agency. “But anything in excess is going to have negative consequences. The question is, how can we still be present online, but not in a way that is going to cause anxiety?” Worries about being offline are common, and Winckler analyzed the most common perceived career risks according to Google Trend search data. He found three of the biggest concerns—and why we shouldn’t stress over them so much. Being Inaccessible People who work remotely often fear that a digital detox may portray them as inaccessible or out of the loop, says Winckler. “For example, in our organization we have lots of different ways of communicating with each other,” he says. “We have emails, WhatsApp, and Slack. Some clients like to use Microsoft Teams. If you’re managing three to five clients, you have to communicate with them, plus your team members. People are afraid of being inaccessible.” Instead of being tethered to message apps all day, get ahead of other people’s expectations. For example, let your team members know when you’ll be offline or are doing focused work. Winckler adds that organizations should implement policies that help their employees feel more confident placing boundaries around their time. “You don’t have to be 100% available all the time,” he says. “People will feel more comfortable having conversations, and they will become more efficient in dealing with certain tasks than before.” Missing Networking Opportunities Social media, such as LinkedIn, can be a valuable networking tool, and another common worry is that a digital detox could cost opportunities if they don’t act quickly enough. But that’s not the case, says Winckler. “People need to understand they do not control how their posts are going to be presented,” he says. “I sometimes get comments from people on posts that I published several weeks ago because LinkedIn and other social media platforms don’t necessarily show that post to everybody on my network at the same time. They usually pace out the exposure.”’ Instead, Winckler recommends time-blocking an hour per week to go through your social media channels and interact and reply. “You can still keep that networking element, which is quite important, while still keeping a good balance,” he says. Lagging Industry Awareness In addition to networking opportunities, social media can serve as a real-time feed for industry trends and news. Implementing a digital detox may cause you to worry that you’ll fall behind on emerging practices and competitor updates. “If you completely disconnect yourself from important channels, you will definitely miss market trends,” says Winckler. “Everything happens superfast in the digital world, and I would not recommend that you disconnect completely.” Instead, utilize tools to curate content for you so you can spend less time staying current. For example, Winckler recommends using news alerts and filters. Or subscribe to channels and newsletters that package relevant information and events that happened last week in your field. “In the digital marketing world, for example, there are amazing channels on LinkedIn and other social media platforms that will summarize everything for you and will give you a snapshot of what you need to know,” he says. “You can consume what is relevant to you and spend more time on the topics that will have a direct impact on your career. It’s using technology in your favor.” Finding Balance You don’t need to go offline for long stretches of time to improve your relationship with the digital world. While it’s natural to be concerned about being inaccessible, missing network opportunities, and industry awareness, it’s also possible to create balance with boundaries, leveraging technology as a tool and not let it take over your life and habits, says Winckler. “That’s a true digital detox,” he says. “The benefits outweigh the concerns of not always being available by quite a margin. It can take time to establish, but you will see a positive impact. The goal is to be present online, but not in a way that is going to cause anxiety.” View the full article