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Coming across a light website in dark mode feel like shining a light bulb directly into your eyes. Noir is an extension for Safari that automatically adds a dark mode to websites that are otherwise bright. Modern operating systems, including Apple devices, offer some kind of system wide dark mode that puts light text on dark backgrounds instead of the more-traditional black-on-white. Basically all applications respect the system wide setting at this point, but many websites do not. Noir helps by modifying websites you browse so that they offer light text on a dark background, effectively forcing them to support dark mode. I've been testing it for a few days and it works really well, even on web applications like Google Docs. Noir is tied to your system settings by default. This means it only applies dark mode to websites when your device is set to dark mode, which is ideal if you switch between the the two regularly, or if your device automatically switches to dark mode. To get started, you need to purchase and install the application—it costs $2.99 for iOS and $3.99 for Mac (it's a one-time purchase—there's no subscription). The application guides you through opening the settings in Safari and enabling the extension on all websites, which is necessary in order for it to function. After that, when dark mode is enabled, you'll get dark versions of all websites you visit. For the most part, you can just stop thinking about the application at this point—it will just do its thing in the background. If you want to configure things a little, or if a particular website isn't working well with the change, you can click the Noir icon to change the settings. You can decide whether to disable the extension for the current site. You can also choose a custom theme for the current site. There are four themes offered—Black, the darkest of the four; Dark, the default; Gray, a lighter option with less contract; and Sepia, the lightest theme offered. Credit: Justin Pot It's nice to have a few options, particularly if the default doesn't look great on a particular site. And you can change a few system-wide options by opening the application itself. You can choose any of the four themes as the default, which is nice if you end up preferring one of them. Credit: Justin Pot There's also support for keyboard shortcuts, if you're using a Mac, allowing you to enable and disable the dark theme for the website you're looking at right now or even toggle between themes. It's a simple application, granted, but it delivers on what it promises. It's easily worth a few bucks if you're a dedicated dark mode user who can't stand bright websites. View the full article

Despite a strong start to the year, traffic at U.S. quick service restaurants (QSR), which has been steadily declining month by month, was down 1.7% year-over-year compared to last April, signaling growing consumer caution or shifts in dining behaviors, according to Revenue Management Solutions (RMS), a company that analyzes data and provides insights about the restaurant industry. At the same time, RMS found on average, fast food prices increased in April by +2.0% year-over-year, steady with inflation trends. In case you’re not familiar with restaurant industry lingo, a quick service restaurant (QSR) describes establishments that prioritize speed and convenience, sometimes used interchangeably with the term “fast food”—which brings to mind McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King, but also includes a wider variety of restaurant chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Chipotle, Domino’s, and Boston Market. Many fast food and fast casual chains are seeing slower growth and declining sales fueled by high prices, inflation, and fears that President The President’s tariffs will cause a recession, which have prompted fewer Americans to eat out. For example, for the first quarter of 2025, Chipotle not only missed revenue estimates but said same-store sales dropped for the first time since 2020. And McDonald’s, which reported earnings on May 1, said sales dropped in the beginning of the year, marking its second consecutive quarter of declines. The chain’s same-store sales dropped 3.6% in the U.S.— the worst drop since 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to CNN. RMS’s Q1 consumer survey also found 40% of American diners said they’re spending less of their disposable income on restaurants, with 1 in 4 U.S. consumers reporting instead that they’re shopping at grocery stores, citing better value. As Fast Company previously reported, rising menu prices in 2024 at McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, KFC, and other fast food chains caused a consumer backlash as price-conscious customers decided the food wasn’t worth the cost. This lead to sales declines and the closure of some underperforming chain locations, including for Wendy’s and Shake Shack. A closer look at RMS’s April numbers, which compare fast food performance trends YOY (April 2025 to April 2024), shows that while average prices increase 2.0% YOY, net sales also increased 0.5% YOY, with the average check price rising 2.1% YOY. Broken down by meal time, the numbers show breakfast traffic decreased the most by some -9.1% YOY, and lunch was down 3.1% compared to April of 2024, but customers for dinner were up 1.2% YOY, highlighting that Americans were still going out for dinner. View the full article

April was a mixed bag for title companies, executives said on earnings calls, but some are expecting a stronger market the rest of the year. View the full article

Secret meeting in IMF basement paved way for tariff deal seen on both sides as a victoryView the full article

Google has released a detailed Q&A for advertisers to clarify how its new AI Max tool works, addressing key questions around performance, control, and automation in search advertising. With the rollout of AI Max, a suite of ad tools powered by generative AI and search intelligence, the company is pitching it as the future of automated, performance-driven search advertising. What it does AI Max uses Google AI to: Match your ads with more relevant searches – even ones you aren’t bidding on. Customize ad copy dynamically based on user intent. Send users to your most relevant landing pages automatically. Questions asked by advertisers, answered by Google Who should use AI Max? Advertisers running Search campaigns and haven’t switched fully to Performance Max. Should you turn on all three functionalities? Not necessarily, but best performance is promised with all three toggles turned on. How does A/B testing work with AI Max? You can compare campaigns with and without AI Max features using drafts and experiments. How does AI Max prevent wasted spend? AI Max uses real-time signals to expand to traffic expected to perform based on your goals. What impacts the creation of AI-generated assets? AI Max pulls from your existing ads, website content, and landing pages. Will AI Max replace keyword targeting? Not entirely. Instead of replacing keywords, it expands and complements them. What is keywordless technology? It’s Google’s way of using context and intent, rather than explicit keywords, to match your ads to relevant queries. Why we care. Google has attempted to clarify what control and visibility you retain when using Google’s most advanced automation tools. These answers address key concerns like wasted spend, creative control, and keyword relevance, helping you make informed decisions about adopting AI Max for better performance without sacrificing brand safety. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. Most of Beats by Dr. Dre's lineup of headphones and earbuds are on sale right now. The brand has been slow to release new products since the acquisition by Apple back in 2014, but the good news is that even its newest product (the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2) are included in the sale. At the moment, you can get the Beats Studio Pro, Beats Solo 4, Beats Studio Buds, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, and the Beats Studio Buds+ for up to 51% off. Most of these options are at or matching their lowest prices ever, according to price-tracking tools. Beats Studio Pros are 51% off Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones - Personalized Spatial Audio, USB-C Lossless Audio. $169.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $349.99 Save $180.04 Get Deal Get Deal $169.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $349.99 Save $180.04 You can get the Beats Studio Pro for $169.95 (originally $349.99) after a $180 discount. This is the second-lowest price it has ever been, according to price-checking tools. The Studio Pros have been around since the summer of 2023 and are the brand's most high-end headphones, offering active noise canceling (ANC), spatial audio with head tracking, hands-free Siri access, one-touch pairing on iOS and Android devices, and a transparency mode. You can also get the Kim Kardashian version (the only difference is the color) for the same price. You can read more about them from PCMag's review. Beats Fit Pros are $30 off Beats Fit Pro Sweat Resistant Earphones, Compatible with Apple & Android, Class 1 Bluetooth®, Built-in Microphone. $169.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.95 Save $30.00 Get Deal Get Deal $169.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.95 Save $30.00 The Beats Fit Pro can be a great alternative for Apple users who don't like Airpods since they have Apple's H1 Headphone Chip and have one-touch pairing with iOS devices. Right now, they're on sale for $169.95 (originally $199.95)—not the best discount, historically speaking, but better than nothing. Android users can also take advantage of some features that many Apple users enjoy (as long as you download the Beats app), like the ear fit test, listening mode controls, and firmware updates. You just won't have support for Spatial Audio with head tracking, hands-free Siri, Find My compatibility, audio sharing, and automatic switching between paired sound sources, according to PCMag. Beats Studio Buds are 47% off Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Compatible with Apple & Android, Built-in Microphone, IPX4. $99.95 at Amazon $149.95 Save $50.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.95 at Amazon $149.95 Save $50.00 Beats Studio Buds are on sale for $99.95 (originally $149.95), the second-lowest price they have been. Like the Fit Pros, the Studio Buds have ANC, Spatial Audio on certain Apple Music tracks, and one-touch pairing for both iOS and Android devices. You can read more about them in PCMag's review. Beats Studio Buds + are $40 off Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Enhanced Apple & Android Compatibility, Built-in Microphone. $99.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $169.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $169.95 Save $70.00 The Beats Studio Buds + are very similar to the Beats Studio Buds, but there are some differences. The Studio Buds + have an extra small ear tip size, an extra hour of battery life (total of nine hours), 12 more hours from the charging case (total of 36 hours), and perhaps more importantly, they have better ANC and better features for Android users, which you can read more about on PCMag's review. You can get them for $99.95 (originally $169.95), matching the lowest price they have ever been, according to price-tracking tools. Beats Solo 4 are 50% off Beats Solo 4 Wireless Bluetooth On-Ear Headphones, Apple & Android Compatible, Up to 50 Hours of Battery Life. $99.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal Get Deal $99.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $199.95 Save $100.00 The Beats Solo 4 are the latest headphones from Beats; they came out last summer and are 50% off. You can get them for $99.99 (originally $199.95), the lowest price they have ever been, according to price-tracking tools. They have the ability to talk to Siri without using your hands and have personalized spatial audio to your ear shape, giving you "3D audio" that follows the movement of your iPhone (as long as that media supports spatial audio), as well as 50 hours of run time. You can read more about them in PCMag's review. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are $50 off Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Noise Cancelling, Heart Rate Monitor, IPX4, Up to 45H Battery & Charging Case, Apple & Android. $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.99 Save $50.04 Get Deal Get Deal $199.95 at Amazon /images/amazon-prime.svg $249.99 Save $50.04 The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the newest earbuds from Beats, and the second generation of the original Powerbeats Pro. Although they're only $20 apart in price, don't let that fool you. This new iteration offers a lot more in quality than the original ones, which you can read more about in Senior Health Editor Beth Skwarecki's review. While your attention might go to its new heart-rate monitoring feature, it's actually a flop. However, they're still great workout earbuds with better flexible and durable ear hooks, ANC, audio quality, battery, case, and the newer H2 chip which you also see in the AirPods Pro 2. View the full article

Shares of many companies that source at least some of their goods from China are surging on Monday as U.S. and Chinese officials announced that they had reached a deal to roll back most of their recent tariffs and called a 90-day truce in their trade war to allow for more talks on resolving their trade disputes. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the U.S. agreed to drop its 145% tariff rate on Chinese goods by 115 percentage points to 30%, while China agreed to lower its rate on U.S. goods by the same amount to 10%. There’s still big challenges remaining in the negotiations between China and the United States, but the mood nevertheless was ebullient across Wall Street on Monday, and gains were widespread. Here’s a look at some of the sectors impacted by the U.S.-China tariff announcement. Footwear and athletic gear Many of these companies have some of their production in China and elsewhere in Asia. About 97% of the clothes and shoes purchased in the U.S. are imported, predominantly from Asia, the American Apparel & Footwear Association said last month, citing its most recent data. Nike, up 6.7% Foot Locker, up 10.1% Dick’s Sporting Goods, up 11.4% Under Armour, up 6.9% Apparel companies Similar to footwear companies, many clothing companies make at least some of their items in China and other parts of Asia. In March companies like Abercrombie & Fitch began to caution about their full-year sales potential as American shoppers began to pull back on their spending. Lululemon Athletica, up 7.7% Gap, up 7.7% Ralph Lauren, up 5.2% Abercrombie & Fitch, up 5.8% Retail Retailers that sell a variety of goods are feeling some market relief because the announced trade deal means these companies won’t have to pass on high costs caused by tariffs to their own customers. Before the agreement was announced, many consumers were fearful of the potential additional costs. Amazon even came out and said that it was not planning to display added tariff costs next to product prices on its site. And Target cautioned in March that there would be “meaningful pressure” on its profits to start the year because of tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China and other costs. Best Buy, up 5.7% Amazon, up 7.2% Target, up 2.9% Travel companies Shares of travel companies are climbing on hopes that lower tariffs will encourage more customers to fly and feel comfortable enough to spend on trips. Prior to the U.S.-China tariff announcement, major U.S. airlines were reducing their flight schedules and revising or withdrawing their profit outlooks for the year due to less domestic travel demand as sentiment about the national and global economies soured. Carnival, up 8.3% Norwegian Cruise Line, up 6.6% Royal Caribbean Cruises, up 3.4% American Airlines Group, up 5.4% Delta Air Lines, up 6% —Michelle Chapman, AP business writer View the full article

Clickstream data opens up a world of possibilities when it comes to understanding and outpacing your competitors. In this article, we explore what Clickstream data is, how Semrush uses it, and what insights it can offer to help you improve your marketing strategy. View the full article

Artificial intelligence search start-up backed by Accel in $500mn roundView the full article

Thousands of passengers affected as several train lines were delayed or suspended on Monday afternoonView the full article

President Donald The President on Monday signed a sweeping executive order setting a 30-day deadline for drugmakers to electively lower the cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. or face new limits down the road over what the government will pay. The order calls on the health department, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to broker new price tags for drugs over the next month. If deals are not reached, Kennedy will be tasked with developing a new rule that ties the price the U.S. pays for medications to lower prices paid by other countries. “We’re going to equalize,” The President said during a Monday morning press conference. “We’re all going to pay the same. We’re going to pay what Europe pays.” It’s unclear what — if any — impact the Republican president’s executive order will have on millions of Americans who have private health insurance. The federal government has the most power to shape the price it pays for drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid. The President’s promised new — but uncertain — savings on drug prices, just hours after the Republican-led House released its new plan to trim $880 billion from Medicaid. Taxpayers spend hundreds of billions of dollars on prescription drugs, injectables, transfusions and other medications every year through Medicare, which covers nearly 70 million older Americans. Medicaid, which provides nearly-free health care for almost 80 million poor and disabled people in the U.S. also spends tens of billions of dollars each year for drugs. Top US drugmakers say The President’s order is bad for patients The nation’s pharmaceutical lobby, which represents the top U.S. drugmakers, immediately pushed back against The President’s order, calling it a “bad deal” for American patients. Drugmakers have long argued that any threats to their profits could impact the research they do to develop new drugs. “Importing foreign prices from socialist countries would be a bad deal for American patients and workers,” Stephen J. Ubl, the president and CEO of PhRMA, said in a statement. “It would mean less treatments and cures and would jeopardize the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America.” The President’s so-called “most favored nation” approach to Medicare drug pricing has been controversial since he first tried to implement it during his first term. He signed a similar executive order in the final weeks of his presidency, which called for the U.S. to only pay a lower price that other countries pay for some drugs — such as injectables or cancer drugs given through infusions — administered in a doctor’s office. That narrow executive order faced hurdles, with a court order that blocked the rule from going into effect under President Joe Biden’s administration. The pharmaceutical industry argued that The President’s 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the “upper hand” in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S. The President says other countries are to blame The President repeatedly defended pharmaceutical companies, instead blaming other countries for the high price Americans pay for drugs, during a wide-ranging speech at the White House on Monday. The president was flanked by Kennedy, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Food and Drug Administration commissioner Dr. Marty Makary and National Institutes of Health director Jay Bhattacharya. He did, however, threaten the companies with federal investigations into their practices and opening up the U.S. drug market to bring in more imported medications from other countries. “The pharmaceutical companies make most of their profits from America,” The President said. “That’s not a good thing.” The President played up the announcement over the weekend, boasting in one post that his plan could save “TRILLIONS OF DOLLARS.” But on Monday, the White House offered no specifics for how much money the administration anticipates it could save. The health department’s top leaders will be meeting with drug company executives over the next 30 days to offer new prices on drugs that are based off what other countries pay, Oz said on Monday. Americans are unlikely to see immediate savings Americans are unlikely to see relief on rising drug costs quickly because of the order, said Rachel Sachs, a health law expert at Washington University. “It really does seem the plan is to ask manufacturers to voluntarily lower their prices to some point, which is not known,” Sachs said. “If they do not lower their prices to the desired point, HHS shall take other actions with a very long timeline, some of which could potentially, years in the future, lower drug prices.” The health department has the most authority to change the prices of drugs covered by Medicare and Medicaid because it can set regulations. Even still, the agency’s power to do so is limited. Congress just approved in 2022 a new law that allows Medicare to negotiate the price it pays for a handful of prescription drugs starting in 2026. Before the law, Medicare paid what the drug companies charged. Drug companies unsuccessfully sued over the implementation of the law. The price that millions of Americans covered by private insurance pay for drugs is even harder for the agency to manipulate. The U.S. routinely outspends other nations on drug prices, compared with other large and wealthy countries, a problem that has long drawn the ire of both major political parties, but a lasting fix has never cleared Congress. The President came into his first term accusing pharmaceutical companies of “getting away with murder” and complaining that other countries whose governments set drug prices were taking advantage of Americans. The President says he’ll ‘do the right thing’ Ahead of the announcement, The President puffed up his rhetoric toward the industry again on social media, writing that the “Pharmaceutical/Drug Companies would say, for years, that it was Research and Development Costs, and that all of these costs were, and would be, for no reason whatsoever, borne by the ‘suckers’ of America, ALONE.” Referring to drug companies’ powerful lobbying efforts, he said that campaign contributions “can do wonders, but not with me, and not with the Republican Party.” “We are going to do the right thing,” he wrote. Several pharmaceutical companies gained ground in the stock market on Monday morning. Merck, a company that made $64.2 billion last year with the help of its cancer treatment Keytruda, jumped 3.9%. Pharma giant Pfizer, which notched $63.6 billion in revenue in 2024, rose 2.5% while Gilead Sciences rose 5.8%. —Amanda Seitz and Seung Min Kim, Associated Press Associated Press writers Will Weissert in Washington and Damian Troise in New York contributed to this report. View the full article

A reader writes: I am so uncomfortable getting praised or receiving good feedback that it makes me want to crawl out of my skin. For context, I started my job less than half a year ago, and the issue (which I have had all my life) became more prominent about two months ago. I was reviewing an important project for a coworker, noticed a lot of issues, fixed said issues, and sent it to the team lead. I didn’t think anything of it — my task was to make sure the project did not have issues, I spotted issues, and I fixed them. I then got an email from the team lead thanking me profusely for spotting the issues and correcting them, even though they were not all in the portion I was supposed to review, and for doing such a thorough job. Since then, the same team lead has assigned me to important reviews and tasks over said coworker (who has worked there much longer) and repeatedly thanks me for always being helpful, precise, and accurate. My boss also thanks me for “busting my butt” on other projects and promoted me to a position that more accurately reflected the work I was doing without me saying anything — I just came in one day and he told me I was being promoted (no new responsibilities, just a higher title and salary). On one hand, I’m grateful that my work is recognized and appreciated, feel incredibly lucky to have such an amazing boss, and understand that they are just trying to make sure that I feel appreciated and stay with the company. On the other, I feel like I am just doing my job, so why are they thanking me so much? I’m not doing anything special with any of these projects, just completing them to the best of my ability … which is my job. I don’t know if I feel this way because I am neurodivergent (my brain works like a computer, which is part of what makes me good at my job) or if this is a normal way to feel. I would appreciate any advice on how to accept praise and positive feedback without wanting to run for the hills, because I absolutely love my job and have no plans of leaving anytime soon. (I am in therapy and on medication and try to reframe the praise as just their way of showing appreciation; I also know if I never received any praise it would lower my morale and recognize the irony.) It might not seem like a big deal to you but it could still be a big deal to them! It sounds like you’re doing a better job than the person who they were sending some of the work to previously. That makes their lives and their jobs easier, so they appreciate it, and they’re telling you they appreciate it. It sounds like you’re taking praise as being either insincere or naive — like if they were being honest or paying enough attention, they’d know that you’re just doing your job and it’s not anything special. But there are lots of ways for people to approach doing their jobs, and some of those ways make other people’s lives easier and some don’t. You sound like you’re in the former category, which means you’re someone they appreciate working with. They’re letting you know that because that’s a natural response when you appreciate someone, and because they want to make sure you know they value you. I suspect neurodivergence could indeed be playing a role here: you’re seeing a strictly logical equation of “work is assigned, I do those assignments for pay, and the transaction is completed.” They’re seeing it a very different way — like “I give Jane work and I can always trust that it will be done accurately and on time, without me having to follow up on it, which is such a relief because it sure isn’t like that with everyone,” or “When I give Jane work, she’s a pleasure to deal with, which makes her a bright spot in my day when I’m otherwise dealing with bureacuracy and upset customers,” or “I love that when I give Jane work, she doesn’t just do the assignment by rote but looks at the bigger picture and makes suggestions I didn’t even think of to improve it,” and on and on. In many ways, communicating those sentiments to you is part of what a “completed transaction” looks like to them — because it’s significant on their end, even if it feels like “just doing my job” to you. It might get more intuitive if you think about people you’ve worked with before who never went beyond the basics or just weren’t very pleasant to deal with. Don’t you appreciate people who aren’t that? Your coworkers clearly do, and so they’re telling you. It’s also interesting that you recognize that you wouldn’t like it if you never received praise! Your colleagues know, as you do, that that demoralizes good people over time, and so they’re doing their part to prevent that from happening. Last: any chance you grew up in a household where you weren’t praised very often? That can wire you to feel like praise is something that’s only warranted for extreme actions, which can make praise for non-extreme actions feel insincere, patronizing, silly, or even manipulative — even though it’s not. If that’s the case, seeing that connection clearly can help you start to rewire how you experience praise as an adult (and if you end up managing people at some point, it would be especially important actively work on recalibrating that). The post receiving praise at work makes my skin crawl appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Your Target Audience: Identifying and defining your ideal clients allows you to tailor marketing strategies to meet their specific legal needs effectively. Build a Professional Online Presence: A user-friendly, mobile-optimized website is essential for attracting clients. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. Leverage Digital Marketing Techniques: Employ SEO and content marketing to enhance visibility and authority. Regularly share valuable content through blogs and social media to engage prospects. Engage in Networking and Community Involvement: Building relationships with local businesses and participating in community events can increase your practice’s visibility and reputation. Utilize Traditional Marketing Methods: Print advertising and hosting educational workshops can effectively reach potential clients and establish credibility within your community. Measure and Adapt Marketing Efforts: Regularly analyze performance metrics and client feedback to refine your marketing strategies, ensuring ongoing effectiveness and client retention. In today’s competitive legal landscape, effectively marketing your law practice is crucial for attracting clients and standing out from the crowd. With countless firms vying for attention, knowing how to showcase your expertise can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just starting, the right marketing strategies can elevate your practice and build lasting relationships. From leveraging digital platforms to networking in your community, there are numerous ways to connect with potential clients. Understanding your target audience and tailoring your approach can lead to more meaningful interactions. In this article, you’ll discover proven techniques to enhance your law practice’s visibility and reputation, ensuring you not only reach but resonate with those who need your services. Understanding Your Target Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective law practice marketing. It allows you to tailor your strategies to meet the specific needs of potential clients, enhancing client acquisition. Defining Your Ideal Client Defining your ideal client involves identifying characteristics that align with your legal services. Consider factors such as demographics, legal needs, and behaviors. Create a client profile that outlines age, location, income level, and any relevant legal issues. This targeted approach enhances your marketing strategy, ensuring your messaging resonates with those most likely to seek your services. Researching Client Needs and Preferences Researching client needs and preferences requires a proactive stance. Use tools like surveys and client feedback to gather insights. Analyze patterns in client inquiries and preferences to refine your services and communication methods. Understanding what potential clients value, such as responsive customer service and quick resolution times, can directly influence your business operations and improve client retention. Engage with clients on digital platforms, fostering conversations that enhance your insight into their motivations and expectations. Collaborate with your team for effective data analysis, ensuring everyone understands client needs. This focus bolsters your law practice’s capacity to meet demands efficiently and effectively. Building an Online Presence Your law practice’s online presence significantly influences its growth and client acquisition. Focusing on essential digital strategies enhances visibility and connects you with potential clients. Creating a Professional Website A professional website forms the cornerstone of your law firm’s digital footprint. Ensure it is user-friendly, modern, and easy to navigate. Mobile optimization is crucial, as over 50% of web traffic originates from mobile devices. Prioritize fast load times; slow websites lead to high abandonment rates. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine rankings. Include essential features such as quick contact options and clear service details to establish credibility and trustworthiness. A well-designed website not only attracts clients but also reflects your business strategy and commitment to quality service. Leveraging Social Media Platforms Social media platforms serve as effective marketing channels for your law practice. Use them to enhance brand management and engage with potential clients. Regularly post content relevant to your legal services, showcasing your expertise. Respond to customer feedback promptly, as this builds trust and improves customer retention. Use strategic planning to determine which platforms align best with your target audience. Social media offers tools that can help streamline communication and foster community relations, critical components in business development. Implementing Digital Marketing Strategies Digital marketing strategies play a vital role in promoting a law practice, enabling you to enhance visibility and attract new clients. Focus on the following key areas to maximize your marketing efforts. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO improves your law firm’s visibility on search engines. Target keywords related to your services and location, as clients often search online for legal assistance. Optimize your website: Ensure that your site includes relevant keywords, especially in headings and meta tags. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify effective keywords. Improve local SEO: For better local search visibility, claim your Google My Business listing. Keep your Name, Address, Phone (NAP) data consistent across platforms. Enhance user experience: A fast-loading, mobile-friendly website retains visitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve loading times. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing establishes authority and builds trust with potential clients. Use high-quality content to address client needs effectively. Create valuable blog posts: Write articles on relevant legal topics that answer common questions or concerns. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and boosts SEO. Utilize social media: Share blog posts and updates on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to reach broader audiences. Regular interactions can foster relationships and improve customer retention. Incorporate client testimonials: Display testimonials and case studies on your website. Positive feedback enhances credibility and encourages potential clients to reach out for assistance. Implementing these digital marketing strategies can significantly contribute to the growth of your law practice, streamlining operations and improving client acquisition through effective communication and engagement. Networking and Community Involvement Networking and community involvement serve as essential components to market your law practice effectively. Engaging with local businesses and participating in community events boosts your visibility, fosters relationships, and enhances your practice’s reputation. Building Relationships with Local Businesses Building relationships with local businesses can significantly elevate your marketing strategy. Establish mutually beneficial partnerships through direct communication and collaboration. Engage with small businesses by offering legal workshops that address common legal issues they face. Share valuable insights on topics like compliance, employee management, or business contracts, which can enhance your credibility and position you as a trusted advisor. Referring clients to local businesses and seeking their referrals in return creates a symbiotic relationship that supports community growth. Participating in Community Events Participating in community events strengthens your law firm’s connection to the community and highlights your commitment to local issues. Attend or sponsor local events such as fairs, workshops, or charities, where you can showcase your legal expertise and engage with potential clients. Provide free consultations or legal advice at these events to attract attention and demonstrate your dedication to service. Aligning your participation with relevant topics, like small business support or financial planning, helps establish you as a community leader and builds trust with local residents. Prioritize consistent involvement to ensure long-term visibility and customer retention in your marketing efforts. Utilizing Traditional Marketing Methods Traditional marketing methods play a crucial role in promoting your law practice. These strategies foster personal connections, establish credibility, and effectively reach potential clients in your community. Print Advertising Strategies Print advertising remains a valuable tool in your marketing strategy. Law firms can place ads in local newspapers, legal magazines, and community newsletters to engage a broad audience. Rick Hovde of Hovde Dassow + Deets successfully utilizes print advertising to keep potential and current clients informed about services and successes. Consider using direct mail campaigns with informative brochures and newsletters, as these can effectively promote client loyalty and engage new clients. Hosting Educational Workshops and Seminars Hosting educational workshops and seminars enhances your visibility and establishes you as a knowledgeable authority in your field. By providing useful information, you engage potential clients and address their needs. Design seminars around common legal issues relevant to your community, offering insight that demonstrates your expertise. Leverage partnerships with local organizations to broaden your reach and enhance credibility. By delivering valuable content, you aid decision-making for potential clients and strengthen trust in your practice. Measuring Marketing Effectiveness Effective marketing for your law practice hinges on measuring its success. Regularly analyzing performance metrics ensures you’re on track with your marketing strategy. Analyzing Website Traffic and Engagement You track website traffic using tools like Google Analytics to assess visitor behavior. Focus on key metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and average session duration. High bounce rates may signal a need for website improvements, while increased session duration indicates engaging content. You can also examine referral sources to identify which marketing channels drive the most traffic. This data helps refine your marketing campaigns and improves customer acquisition. Adjusting Strategies Based on Feedback You prioritize customer feedback to enhance marketing effectiveness. Collect input through surveys and interactions, focusing on areas such as service satisfaction and legal needs. Analyze this feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement. Adjusting your marketing strategy based on client input can bolster customer retention and demonstrate your commitment to service excellence. Incorporating changes based on direct responses fosters trust and builds long-term relationships with clients. Conclusion Effective marketing is crucial for your law practice’s success. By leveraging both digital and traditional strategies you can significantly enhance your visibility and client engagement. Understanding your target audience and tailoring your approach ensures you meet their specific needs. Incorporating community involvement and networking can build trust and credibility. Remember to measure your marketing efforts regularly to refine your strategies and improve client retention. By implementing these proven techniques you’ll not only attract new clients but also establish a strong reputation in your community. Embrace these strategies and watch your law practice thrive. Frequently Asked Questions Why is effective marketing important for law practices? Effective marketing helps law practices stand out in a competitive environment, showcasing attorneys’ expertise to attract potential clients and build credibility in the community. What digital strategies can law firms use for marketing? Law firms can utilize a professional website optimized for SEO, engage on social media platforms, produce valuable content, and use Google My Business to increase visibility and attract clients. How can understanding the target audience improve marketing efforts? By identifying the demographics and needs of the ideal client, law practices can tailor their marketing strategies, fostering meaningful interactions and enhancing client retention. What role does community networking play in law marketing? Community networking involves building relationships with local businesses and participating in events, which increases credibility and trust, fostering mutual referrals and long-term client relationships. How can law firms measure the effectiveness of their marketing? Law firms can analyze performance metrics like website traffic, engagement rates, and customer feedback. Tools like Google Analytics can help track these indicators for continuous improvement. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Strategies on How to Market a Law Practice Effectively" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Key Takeaways Understand Your Target Audience: Identifying and defining your ideal clients allows you to tailor marketing strategies to meet their specific legal needs effectively. Build a Professional Online Presence: A user-friendly, mobile-optimized website is essential for attracting clients. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine visibility. Leverage Digital Marketing Techniques: Employ SEO and content marketing to enhance visibility and authority. Regularly share valuable content through blogs and social media to engage prospects. Engage in Networking and Community Involvement: Building relationships with local businesses and participating in community events can increase your practice’s visibility and reputation. Utilize Traditional Marketing Methods: Print advertising and hosting educational workshops can effectively reach potential clients and establish credibility within your community. Measure and Adapt Marketing Efforts: Regularly analyze performance metrics and client feedback to refine your marketing strategies, ensuring ongoing effectiveness and client retention. In today’s competitive legal landscape, effectively marketing your law practice is crucial for attracting clients and standing out from the crowd. With countless firms vying for attention, knowing how to showcase your expertise can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned attorney or just starting, the right marketing strategies can elevate your practice and build lasting relationships. From leveraging digital platforms to networking in your community, there are numerous ways to connect with potential clients. Understanding your target audience and tailoring your approach can lead to more meaningful interactions. In this article, you’ll discover proven techniques to enhance your law practice’s visibility and reputation, ensuring you not only reach but resonate with those who need your services. Understanding Your Target Audience Understanding your target audience is crucial for effective law practice marketing. It allows you to tailor your strategies to meet the specific needs of potential clients, enhancing client acquisition. Defining Your Ideal Client Defining your ideal client involves identifying characteristics that align with your legal services. Consider factors such as demographics, legal needs, and behaviors. Create a client profile that outlines age, location, income level, and any relevant legal issues. This targeted approach enhances your marketing strategy, ensuring your messaging resonates with those most likely to seek your services. Researching Client Needs and Preferences Researching client needs and preferences requires a proactive stance. Use tools like surveys and client feedback to gather insights. Analyze patterns in client inquiries and preferences to refine your services and communication methods. Understanding what potential clients value, such as responsive customer service and quick resolution times, can directly influence your business operations and improve client retention. Engage with clients on digital platforms, fostering conversations that enhance your insight into their motivations and expectations. Collaborate with your team for effective data analysis, ensuring everyone understands client needs. This focus bolsters your law practice’s capacity to meet demands efficiently and effectively. Building an Online Presence Your law practice’s online presence significantly influences its growth and client acquisition. Focusing on essential digital strategies enhances visibility and connects you with potential clients. Creating a Professional Website A professional website forms the cornerstone of your law firm’s digital footprint. Ensure it is user-friendly, modern, and easy to navigate. Mobile optimization is crucial, as over 50% of web traffic originates from mobile devices. Prioritize fast load times; slow websites lead to high abandonment rates. Optimize your content with relevant keywords to improve search engine rankings. Include essential features such as quick contact options and clear service details to establish credibility and trustworthiness. A well-designed website not only attracts clients but also reflects your business strategy and commitment to quality service. Leveraging Social Media Platforms Social media platforms serve as effective marketing channels for your law practice. Use them to enhance brand management and engage with potential clients. Regularly post content relevant to your legal services, showcasing your expertise. Respond to customer feedback promptly, as this builds trust and improves customer retention. Use strategic planning to determine which platforms align best with your target audience. Social media offers tools that can help streamline communication and foster community relations, critical components in business development. Implementing Digital Marketing Strategies Digital marketing strategies play a vital role in promoting a law practice, enabling you to enhance visibility and attract new clients. Focus on the following key areas to maximize your marketing efforts. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) SEO improves your law firm’s visibility on search engines. Target keywords related to your services and location, as clients often search online for legal assistance. Optimize your website: Ensure that your site includes relevant keywords, especially in headings and meta tags. Use tools like Google Keyword Planner to identify effective keywords. Improve local SEO: For better local search visibility, claim your Google My Business listing. Keep your Name, Address, Phone (NAP) data consistent across platforms. Enhance user experience: A fast-loading, mobile-friendly website retains visitors. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to test and improve loading times. Content Marketing Techniques Content marketing establishes authority and builds trust with potential clients. Use high-quality content to address client needs effectively. Create valuable blog posts: Write articles on relevant legal topics that answer common questions or concerns. Regular posting keeps your audience engaged and boosts SEO. Utilize social media: Share blog posts and updates on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to reach broader audiences. Regular interactions can foster relationships and improve customer retention. Incorporate client testimonials: Display testimonials and case studies on your website. Positive feedback enhances credibility and encourages potential clients to reach out for assistance. Implementing these digital marketing strategies can significantly contribute to the growth of your law practice, streamlining operations and improving client acquisition through effective communication and engagement. Networking and Community Involvement Networking and community involvement serve as essential components to market your law practice effectively. Engaging with local businesses and participating in community events boosts your visibility, fosters relationships, and enhances your practice’s reputation. Building Relationships with Local Businesses Building relationships with local businesses can significantly elevate your marketing strategy. Establish mutually beneficial partnerships through direct communication and collaboration. Engage with small businesses by offering legal workshops that address common legal issues they face. Share valuable insights on topics like compliance, employee management, or business contracts, which can enhance your credibility and position you as a trusted advisor. Referring clients to local businesses and seeking their referrals in return creates a symbiotic relationship that supports community growth. Participating in Community Events Participating in community events strengthens your law firm’s connection to the community and highlights your commitment to local issues. Attend or sponsor local events such as fairs, workshops, or charities, where you can showcase your legal expertise and engage with potential clients. Provide free consultations or legal advice at these events to attract attention and demonstrate your dedication to service. Aligning your participation with relevant topics, like small business support or financial planning, helps establish you as a community leader and builds trust with local residents. Prioritize consistent involvement to ensure long-term visibility and customer retention in your marketing efforts. Utilizing Traditional Marketing Methods Traditional marketing methods play a crucial role in promoting your law practice. These strategies foster personal connections, establish credibility, and effectively reach potential clients in your community. Print Advertising Strategies Print advertising remains a valuable tool in your marketing strategy. Law firms can place ads in local newspapers, legal magazines, and community newsletters to engage a broad audience. Rick Hovde of Hovde Dassow + Deets successfully utilizes print advertising to keep potential and current clients informed about services and successes. Consider using direct mail campaigns with informative brochures and newsletters, as these can effectively promote client loyalty and engage new clients. Hosting Educational Workshops and Seminars Hosting educational workshops and seminars enhances your visibility and establishes you as a knowledgeable authority in your field. By providing useful information, you engage potential clients and address their needs. Design seminars around common legal issues relevant to your community, offering insight that demonstrates your expertise. Leverage partnerships with local organizations to broaden your reach and enhance credibility. By delivering valuable content, you aid decision-making for potential clients and strengthen trust in your practice. Measuring Marketing Effectiveness Effective marketing for your law practice hinges on measuring its success. Regularly analyzing performance metrics ensures you’re on track with your marketing strategy. Analyzing Website Traffic and Engagement You track website traffic using tools like Google Analytics to assess visitor behavior. Focus on key metrics such as page views, bounce rates, and average session duration. High bounce rates may signal a need for website improvements, while increased session duration indicates engaging content. You can also examine referral sources to identify which marketing channels drive the most traffic. This data helps refine your marketing campaigns and improves customer acquisition. Adjusting Strategies Based on Feedback You prioritize customer feedback to enhance marketing effectiveness. Collect input through surveys and interactions, focusing on areas such as service satisfaction and legal needs. Analyze this feedback to identify trends and areas for improvement. Adjusting your marketing strategy based on client input can bolster customer retention and demonstrate your commitment to service excellence. Incorporating changes based on direct responses fosters trust and builds long-term relationships with clients. Conclusion Effective marketing is crucial for your law practice’s success. By leveraging both digital and traditional strategies you can significantly enhance your visibility and client engagement. Understanding your target audience and tailoring your approach ensures you meet their specific needs. Incorporating community involvement and networking can build trust and credibility. Remember to measure your marketing efforts regularly to refine your strategies and improve client retention. By implementing these proven techniques you’ll not only attract new clients but also establish a strong reputation in your community. Embrace these strategies and watch your law practice thrive. Frequently Asked Questions Why is effective marketing important for law practices? Effective marketing helps law practices stand out in a competitive environment, showcasing attorneys’ expertise to attract potential clients and build credibility in the community. What digital strategies can law firms use for marketing? Law firms can utilize a professional website optimized for SEO, engage on social media platforms, produce valuable content, and use Google My Business to increase visibility and attract clients. How can understanding the target audience improve marketing efforts? By identifying the demographics and needs of the ideal client, law practices can tailor their marketing strategies, fostering meaningful interactions and enhancing client retention. What role does community networking play in law marketing? Community networking involves building relationships with local businesses and participating in events, which increases credibility and trust, fostering mutual referrals and long-term client relationships. How can law firms measure the effectiveness of their marketing? Law firms can analyze performance metrics like website traffic, engagement rates, and customer feedback. Tools like Google Analytics can help track these indicators for continuous improvement. Image Via Envato This article, "Essential Strategies on How to Market a Law Practice Effectively" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

If there’s one thing everyone knows about the impact of the tariffs, it’s that no one knows anything. Confusion is the general theme as tariff rates go up and down depending on the day, and trade deals get announced that, well, don’t actually remove any tariffs. So don’t feel bad if you have no idea how to plan for what’s coming. The one thing everyone agrees on is that we’re going to experience higher prices and shortages no matter what happens, because the last shipments of products that weren’t subject to the new tariffs have already arrived in the U.S. From this point forward, most of the stuff you want or need will be affected. This might make you feel like it’s 2020 again and it's time to start hoarding and stockpiling, but it’s not that simple: There are some items that you maybe should hoard a little to insure yourself against price increases and shortages, but some items aren’t going to pay off if you load up on them. Here’s what you should—and shouldn’t—think about stockpiling. What to buy more of now There’s a difference between panic-buying and trying to inoculate yourself from the impact of tariffs, and that difference comes down to being thoughtful. Your first step in a tariff stockpile plan is to focus on things you buy regularly or know you’re going to need in the near future. A few key items to consider include: Toys. Chinese factories manufacture about 80% of the toys sold in the U.S., so if you have kids and want to have toys for birthdays, holidays, and other events, you might do some pre-planning and stock up on those items ASAP. Prescriptions and OTC meds. Many prescription drugs already rely on a fragile and pretty narrow global supply chain, so trade disruptions will very likely make a long list of pharmaceuticals both harder to find and more expensive. If you rely on prescriptions, find out how large a supply you can get (you can often get at least a 90-day supply) and lay that in. This also applies to common over-the-counter medications and first-aid supplies, so these are a good idea to stockpile as well. This goes for your pets’ prescriptions as well, as they’re often manufactured in the same facilities and using the same suppliers. One caveat: Keep expiration dates in mind. Having expired acetaminophen in your cabinets isn’t exactly a win. Pet food. Speaking of your pets, it might not be a bad idea to stockpile their food. Pet food is going to get more expensive both because many use imported ingredients in their formulas and because the tariffs on imported aluminum will wallop the cost of canning it all. Food staples. If you’re worried about grocery prices during the tariff storm (and you probably should be), laying in a supply of staple foods that last a long time in storage is a good idea. Things like rice, canned goods, and beans can be stored for a long time, locking in current prices and protecting you from shortages. If you can preserve or can stuff like fruits or tomatoes, these can be added to your list. And if you eat a lot of tilapia (most of which we import from China), laying in a supply of frozen fillets will help keep your seafood night in action. Coffee and chocolate. As many have noted, the only place in the U.S. that is even capable of producing coffee is Hawaii, which produces less than 1% of the coffee we drink. So creating an emergency supply of coffee for yourself will come in handy when getting a cup of coffee requires a credit check. Similarly, domestic chocolate production isn’t exactly huge, so if you have a sweet tooth it’s a good idea to buy some bars now. Batteries. Much of the raw materials that go into most kinds of batteries are currently imported, and China is a huge supplier in that market. Expect batteries—even the disposable kind you buy at the supermarket—to get both pricier and harder to find. They last for a long time, so stockpiling them makes sense. Underwear. You might not know that the U.S. imports a huge portion of our underwear from places like Vietnam, bringing in $2.21 billion worth of women's underwear alone last year. If you’re due for a refresh in that department, it would be a good idea to go underwear shopping right now. Toothpaste, soap, and detergent. If you intend to not violate all the norms of acceptable grooming, you’re going to be spending a lot more for this stuff in the near future. The good news is that toothpaste can last for years in the tube, and soap and detergent have an infinite shelf life in practical terms, so buying in bulk now can protect you from price increases for years to come. Glasses and contact lenses. If you think you’re going to need new glasses soon, or you need a regular supply of disposable contact lenses, now would be a good time to get those new frames or stockpile your contacts. China is the largest supplier of frames and the plastics used in making eyewear lenses, so the tariffs—even if reduced after trade negotiations—will raise those prices. Spices. The U.S. currently imports almost all the spices you use in your recipes, because most spices require a tropical or sub-tropical climate to thrive. Everything from vanilla to oregano will be subject to import tariffs, so stocking up is a good idea. Don't bother hoarding these itemsBecause the tariffs are so comprehensive, you can stock up on a lot of things without too much risk as long as you’re cognizant of spoilage and how much you actually use a particular product. But there are a few things that don’t make sense to hoard: Toilet paper. If you’re haunted by pandemic memories of scrounging around for toilet paper, relax: Those shortages were mainly caused by the sudden shift from office bathrooms to home bathrooms, combined with panic-buying. Most of our toilet paper is made domestically, though most brands do import some wood pulp to make it, so you might notice some price increases. But you probably won’t see shortages. Clothing. Unless you typically buy several years’ worth of clothing at a time, stocking up on pants and jackets doesn’t make sense despite the near-certainty of price increases. If you’re already planning to replace/refresh some of your wardrobe, it’s a good idea to go shopping sooner rather than later, but buying extra clothes in bulk won’t pay off. Electronics. Similarly, prices will go up on almost anything with a power cord, but you probably don’t need to stock up on gadgets. The money you might save will be offset by the fact that those gadgets will likely be out of date and possibly obsolete by the time you need to replace your current stuff. View the full article

Disney’s 1951 animated film Alice in Wonderland taught audiences that “you can learn a lot of things from the flowers.” But the movie never mentioned the full moon named after those springtime sensations. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, a celestial phenomenon called the “Flower Moon” occurs today, and despite being “micro,” it is still a sight to behold. Let’s take a deeper look into what all these names mean, and when you can see this “full flower micromoon.” Why is the May full moon tonight called the ‘Flower Moon’? The Old Farmer’s Almanac shares popular names given to each month’s full moons. Many of these monikers are based in Native American tradition. May is most commonly referred to as the “Flower Moon,” thanks to the Algonquin people. The name comes from the fact that many flowers begin to bloom in May, thanks in part to all the April showers. Eighteenth century American explorer Jonathan Carver used a similar name in his 1798 publication, Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America. He dubbed the orb “Month of Flowers,” after living among the Dakota people. American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau references this name in his writings as well. Other tribes’ monikers celebrated other spring seasonal delights. The Cree preferred “Budding Moon” and “Leaf Budding Moon,” while the Oglala used “Moon of the Shedding Ponies.” Similarly, the Dakota and Lakota people also utilized the name “Planting Moon.” The Flower Moon tonight is also a micromoon The Flower Moon is also the third and final micromoon of 2025. A micromoon occurs when the moon becomes full during apogee, which is a fancy NASA word describing the moon at its farthest point away from Earth. May’s full moon will be smaller and dimmer as a result, but it’s still an impressive satellite (just like humans, the orb can’t always give 100%!). When is the best time to see the full Flower Moon tonight? While May’s moon reaches peak illumination today at 12:56 p.m. ET, it will appear full for a couple of nights. This gives you enough time to bask in its glory, and maybe even accept a proposal of marriage. Ancient folklore states that love is intensified during this time, because as the moon regulates the tides, it may also impact the water in human bodies. In a similar vein, if you need an excuse not to do laundry, clothes washed during this period are said not to last long. Looking up and ahead After you go for love (or the longevity of your clothes) with this flower micromoon, the rest of 2025 still has plenty in store. Coming attractions include three back-to-back supermoons beginning in October, to finish the year out strong. But before we get there, next month’s “Strawberry Moon” celebrates the time when the sweet fruit is ripe and ready to pick. Stay tuned for more to come on these nighttime displays. View the full article

Running a competitive landscape analysis can help you develop a strategy for outsmarting the competition and capturing more of the market. In this guide, we’ll explore how competitive analysis works, offer 5 competitive analysis frameworks, and show you how to gather data you need to understand the lay of the land. View the full article

You know that putting money aside is a good idea, but putting it all in the same place can make your budgeting more complicated than it needs to be. It sounds counterintuitive, but when all your savings sit in one account, it's difficult to track progress toward different goals. You might see a healthy balance, but you can't easily see how much is truly available for discretionary spending versus what's socked away for long-term goals. Rather than keeping all your money in one place, here's how you can make the most of your money by separating your savings into goals-based accounts. Think of multiple savings accounts as foldersLike the old-school cash-stuffing where you take your money and put it into an envelope marked for a specific purpose, this approach works the same—except it’s digital and automated by your online bank. As an example, you could have savings accounts for different categories, like this: Emergency fund: Around six months of essential expenses in a high-yield savings account with easy access. This is your financial safety net. Taxes fund: Especially for self-employed individuals, setting aside tax payments in a dedicated account prevents painful scrambling when tax deadlines arrive. Short-term savings: Vacation funds, holiday shopping, annual insurance premiums, or home maintenance—these predictable expenses deserve dedicated accounts. Major purchase funds: Saving for a down payment, vehicle, or other significant expenses? Separate accounts help you track progress and stay motivated. The idea here is that by seeing all your saving goals separately, they’ll be easier to track. If you have just one savings account, on the other hand, you’ll only see an amorphous blob of total savings when you see it on your bank’s website, forcing you to track targeted savings somewhere else, like in a spreadsheet. Automate progress toward your goalsThe other advantage to separate accounts is that it’s much easier to manage different goals at the same time using automated payments from your checking account. For example, you might put away $250 a month for six months to save for a vacation, while concurrently saving $100 a month for two years to pay for a new computer. With dedicated accounts, you can instantly see exactly how much you've saved toward specific goals. This clarity helps you make more informed decisions about your money. Plus, you'll find it's harder to "borrow" from funds explicitly set aside for important purposes. When your emergency fund has its own account labeled "Emergency Only," you'll think twice before dipping into it for non-emergencies. Avoid monthly fees when setting up multiple savings accountsUnfortunately, the savings accounts from brick-and-mortar banks almost always have monthly fees (usually $5-20) or high minimum balances. That’s why you should stick to online banks, which typically don’t charge monthly fees, have low minimum opening balances, and offer some of the highest annual percentage yields in the market. After you choose a bank that offers free accounts with competitive interest rates, stay on top of your progress. Make sure you use descriptive account names that reflect your specific goals, and then set up automatic transfers timed with your paydays. The bottom lineWhile divvying up your funds and opening new accounts may require some work upfront, once they're all open, having multiple savings accounts is a low lift. Savings accounts typically don't generate hard credit inquiries, so your credit score shouldn't be affected. As far as tax implications, interest earned is taxable regardless of how many accounts you have. And when tax season comes along, most banks provide a consolidated 1099-INT for all your accounts. And on the day-to-day, banking apps make managing multiple accounts simple—you should be able to nickname accounts and view them all on one dashboard. Begin with your most pressing savings needs. This is probably your emergency fund and your highest-priority near-term goal. As these habits become established, gradually add more accounts as needed. Remember, the goal isn't to create unnecessary complexity, but to build a system that makes saving money as intuitive as possible for you. View the full article

Users who arrive on websites from LLMs are generally less likely to engage than those from traditional organic search. That’s according to a new study published today by Dan Taylor of SALT.agency. This new data seems to challenge claims by Google and Microsoft Bing that citations from AI search results result in higher-quality clicks. Why we care. It’s good to know that SEO remains a valuable channel. But it’s not good to know that search engines seem to be making fallacious statements to the entire community, all to support their “AI is the best thing ever” narrative. By the numbers. In most sectors, organic traffic outperforms LLM referrals in driving engagement. This was based on a metric called Key Event Conversion Rate (KECVR) — the percentage of sessions that trigger key GA4 events: Organic: KECVR was higher in sectors like Consumer Ecommerce (24.12% vs. 17.14%) and Travel (28.97% vs. 24.25%). LLMs: only outperformed in a few verticals: Health (13.24% vs. 12.88%), Careers (22.31% vs. 16.58%), and Catalog websites (2.34% vs. 2.13%). LLM traffic is rising. LLM referral traffic increased since March 2024. ChatGPT is leading the way, followed by Perplexity. Between the lines: LLM traffic appears most useful for early-stage research or informational queries, not high-intent transactional behavior. For example: B2B Ecommerce showed 0% LLM conversions compared to 2.68% for organic search. SaaS was the most balanced: 6.69% (LLM) vs. 6.71% (organic), suggesting LLMs may have support potential in complex sectors. About the data. Nearly 672,000 LLM referral sessions across 40 website sectors were analyzed alongside more than 188 million organic search sessions from January to March, using Google Analytics data. The study. Do users really show higher intent when they click through from an LLM to a website? View the full article

Want more housing market stories from Lance Lambert’s ResiClub in your inbox? Subscribe to the ResiClub newsletter. In 2005, the median U.S. homeowner lived and owned their primary home for 6.5 years. In 2024, the median U.S. homeowner lived and owned their primary home for 11.8 years. That’s according to Redfin’s latest analysis. That means the typical U.S. home today has been owned by the same person for nearly twice as long as in 2005—resulting in less turnover in the housing market. That affects the entire ecosystem. For some millennials and Gen Xers, it could mean staying longer in their starter homes as they struggle to find a move-up property in their desired location. And for first-time buyers, especially Gen Z, the lack of turnover means fewer entry-level homes coming up for sale. After climbing every year between 2005 and 2020, U.S. homeowner tenure has come down a bit due to the increase in home sales during the pandemic housing boom. However, given spiked mortgage rates and low existing home sales, tenure rates could start going higher again. “Moving forward, we expect homeowner tenure to stay flat or increase slightly for the foreseeable future,” wrote Redfin researchers. “Existing-home sales hit a 15-year low last year, with many homeowners locked in by low mortgage rates, and while sales should pick up a bit this year, it’ll be more of a trickle than a flood.” Why did U.S. homeowner tenure increase so much between 2005 and 2020? Redfin says, in part, it’s because so many baby boomers choose to “age in place.” “Older Americans are hanging onto their homes because they’re financially incentivized to do so. Most (54%) baby boomers who own homes own them free and clear, with no outstanding mortgage. For that group, the median monthly cost of owning a home–which includes insurance and property taxes, among other things—is just over $600 (similar to the monthly cost for other generations with no outstanding mortgage, but other generations are far less likely to own homes free and clear),” wrote Redfin researchers. In addition to “aging in place,” the Redfin report also cites state-level tax policies that encourage homeowners not to move as part of the reason for increased homeowner tenures. Most notably, Proposition 13 in California limits property tax increases for homeowners, thus encouraging them not to sell. There’s also the fact that older Americans have higher homeownership rates, and over the past few decades, the composition of the U.S. population has shifted older as the giant baby boomer generation has aged and birth rates have declined. That has put upward pressure on homeowner tenure. What has this meant for homebuyers and the industry? The increase in average homeowner tenure over the two past decades has subdued turnover, limiting the purchasing opportunities for certain properties and holding back existing home sales. View the full article

Last month, Google announced Veo 2, the company's latest AI video generation model. This model is currently capable of generating eight-second videos, as long as you pay for Gemini. If you pay for Google One AI Premium, you also have access to Whisk, an image generator that, via Veo 2, now lets you animate those images, too. (Free users are left out for now.) I wouldn't blame you if you assumed that whenever Google inevitably made Veo 2 free, Pixel users would get it first. After all, that's sort of Google's M.O.: Release new features first for the company's own smartphone line, before rolling them out to other devices and platforms. But with Veo 2, the company isn't doing that. The first smartphone users who will get to experience the video model for free aren't Pixel owners, but Honor owners—a phone you can't even buy in the United States. Veo 2 on Honor phonesAs reported by The Verge, anyone who buys an Honor 400 or 400 Pro will be able to access Veo 2 for free via the Gallery app—for the first two months, anyway. What's more, unlike Whisk, which only lets you animate images you generated with Whisk, Honor users will be able to use Veo 2 to animate pictures they took themselves. The Verge's Dominic Preston has access to a compatible Honor phone and shows off some examples of the feature in action. The highlight is an image Preston took of Grant Nicholas, musician for the band Feeder. The image shows Nicholas mid-lyric, strumming on his guitar. But after Veo 2 processes the image, it generates a short clip that, if you didn't know any better, you'd assume was a low-res clip of the singer playing the show. (The Verge says that the clips had to be converted to GIFs in order to include with the article, which does reduce the quality somewhat.) Preston was complimentary of the feature's abilities when presented with clear and simple subjects, like their pet cat. But Veo 2 struggled with more complicated images: For a photo of a vintage car, Veo 2 decided to rotate the car without turning the wheels, which looks quite odd. For a photo of a bunch of tomatoes, Veo 2 decided to animate a hand picking up some tomatoes, but the first time it comes into frame, the hand is translucent. Honor (or, perhaps Google) is limiting generations to 20 outputs per day. The Verge reports that Honor said Google will offer a subscription to the feature "eventually," but the company doesn't have specifics yet. Who is this for?But even if those limitations weren't present, I'm caught wondering who exactly is going to use this feature for any reason beyond a "party trick." Sure, new Honor users might enjoy playing around with the AI-generated videos on their favorite photos for a bit, but the results aren't necessarily useful. Who needs to regularly process their photos through a hit-or-miss video generator, especially if the feature will eventually require payment? It's a bit weird that Google is releasing this on a non-Pixel phone first, but, truth be told, I don't think Pixel users are missing out on much. View the full article

The U.S. federal disaster agency FEMA has sharply reduced training for state and local emergency managers ahead of the start of the hurricane season on June 1, according to current and former officials, memos seen by Reuters, and three sources familiar with the situation. The training cutbacks could leave storm-prone communities less prepared to handle the often devastating aftermath of hurricanes, the sources and some of the current and former officials warned. Leading forecasters predict a busier-than-average Atlantic hurricane season this year, with 17 named tropical storms, including nine hurricanes. If state directors and local emergency managers are not briefed on the federal government’s latest tools and resources, it will impact their ability to prepare for and warn communities of impending storms, said Deanne Criswell, who headed FEMA during President Joe Biden’s administration. Some 2,000 FEMA employees – or about a third of full-time staff – have been fired or accepted incentives to quit since President Donald The President took office in January and declared that the agency should be abolished and its functions handed over to the states. Last week, The President fired FEMA’s acting chief, Cameron Hamilton, a day after Hamilton told lawmakers that the agency should be preserved. Hamilton’s successor, David Richardson, told FEMA employees on Friday that he would “run right over” any staff opposed to his implementation of The President’s vision for a smaller agency. Online training FEMA’s National Hurricane Program and the National Hurricane Center typically conduct in-person workshops and presentations for state and local emergency officials each spring to help them prepare for hurricane season. These training sessions are used to share the latest data on hurricane modeling, build relationships between local, state and FEMA officials to improve coordination on disaster preparedness and relief, and review evacuation routes and other planning measures. Relationship building is critical for coordination in the event of a storm, according to three emergency managers and experts. Some planned hurricane training sessions and workshops have been moved online. FEMA, which is overseen by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, confirmed the training cutbacks in a statement to Reuters. “At the direction of President The President and Secretary Noem, we’re done offering duplicate trainings that promote waste, fraud and abuse and that are not a good use of American taxpayers,” the statement said. “The National Hurricane Program continues to deliver readiness trainings ahead of the 2025 Hurricane Season to emergency managers nationwide with virtual trainings.” Steve Still, the emergency manager for New Hanover County, a hurricane hotspot on North Carolina’s Atlantic Coast, said online training, while useful, was less effective than in-person events. “If there’s any practical applications or exercises, you need in-person training,” Still said. Despite the reduced training, emergency management officials in North Carolina and Louisiana – states regularly battered by hurricanes – told Reuters they have FEMA-certified trainers on staff who can lead in-person disaster training. “FEMA courses have continued as planned in the state without issue,” said Justin J. Graney, a spokesman for North Carolina Emergency Management. Travel restrictions Since February 5, FEMA staff have been barred from travel unrelated to disaster deployment and other limited purposes. Since early March, staff must have their speaking engagements and presentation materials approved by the Office of External Affairs and Office of Chief Counsel, according to two internal memos seen by Reuters. Few speaking requests have been approved, leading the National Hurricane Program to cancel some trainings for emergency managers in storm-prone areas or move them online, according to a source familiar with the situation. Organizers of April’s National Hurricane Conference in New Orleans canceled several FEMA-led sessions – including one aimed at helping emergency managers make evacuation decisions during hurricanes – after FEMA staff dropped out due to the travel restrictions, said John Wilson, chairman of the conference. Wilson said the director of the National Hurricane Center usually speaks at the conference about lessons learned from past hurricane season and shares forecasting model updates, but did not this year. “It was kind of bizarre to have a National Hurricane Conference without the National Hurricane Center director opening it up,” Wilson said. NHC Director Michael Brennan said in a statement that he did not attend the conference due to travel restrictions but noted that the center recently organized a virtual course with 500 participants. He said the NHC’s “dialogue with partners continues and remains unchanged.” Concerns Lynn Budd, president of the National Emergency Management Association, an organization of state emergency managers, and director of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, said states need more time and resources if they are expected to make up for cuts to FEMA staff and activities. “There is room to reduce the footprint of FEMA in their regular deployment activities, but there is also expertise provided by FEMA for state and local jurisdictions that the states simply don’t have at this time,” Budd said. NEMA would not comment specifically on the reduced trainings. The lack of training sessions at disaster preparedness conferences leaves state and local emergency managers more vulnerable to inaccurate or inadequate advice ahead of the storm season, said Bryan Koon, the former head of Florida’s Division of Emergency Management who now heads a disaster preparedness consultancy. “These conferences are really important, because lots of FEMA trainings are normally done at them,” Koon said. “That’s one of the critical things – new information is released to state and local emergency managers.” If local emergency managers are not trained in new forecasting models, for example, then there might be critical information the public won’t get ahead of a hurricane, Koon said. —Leah Douglas, Nathan Layne, Nichola Groom and Tim Reid, Reuters View the full article

A reader writes: I work for a small organization that prides ourselves on being very good with our benefits, including paid parental leave. We’ve never had a pregnant staffer, so all of our plans are in theory and not yet been tested in real life. We’ve been having issues lately with staff not adhering to our office hours of 9-5 and coming and going as they see fit, so I had to call a staff meeting last week to address it and let them know that we can no longer be as flexible as we once were because too many people were abusing the system. This has included a lot of “I don’t feel well so I’m going to sleep a bit longer and then work from home today once I feel better” when we do not allow work from home except in rare circumstances. I had to stop all of that and tell everyone we needed them in the office 9-5 every day. One of my staff has had several medical appointments lately, and eventually I put two and two together and realized she was likely pregnant. She had come to me last week to ask how she should handle her hours for a day where a quick appointment turned into three hours. Today she stopped by my office so I asked her to close the door so we had some privacy, and I said, “You do not have to confirm anything to me, but I want you to know that I think I’ve figured out your medical issue, and if I am correct, I just want you to know that we will be as flexible as needed during this time. Don’t worry about the crackdown on hours and work from home stuff that I told everyone last week. We want to make this as easy on you as possible.” My friend thinks I should have waited for her to tell me before saying anything, but I felt that it would be less stressful on her to know that I already know, so she didn’t have to spend the next few weeks hiding it and trying to figure out how to balance her work and her medical appointments, especially since she had already come to me with a question on it, though without telling me what the medical issue was. In the end, we’d be accommodating to whatever the medical issue was, but knowing that different issues require different accommodations, and this one especially needed flexibility in the areas we just announced a crackdown on, I thought it was better to get out ahead of it. What is the best way to have handled this? I answer this question over at Inc. today, where I’m revisiting letters that have been buried in the archives here from years ago (and sometimes updating/expanding my answers to them). You can read it here. The post should I have told my employee I figured out she was pregnant? appeared first on Ask a Manager. View the full article

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