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Just as one wouldn’t drive a car without a dashboard as it provides valuable information on the vehicle’s speed, gas level and so on, no construction project manager should try to deliver construction projects without a construction project dashboard. A construction dashboard is one of the pillars of construction project management. Project management and program management both recommend using a construction project management dashboard and we’ll explain why. In the following blog, we break down what construction project managers should include in their construction management dashboard and even offer a free downloadable construction dashboard template to help get started. What Is a Construction Project Dashboard? A construction dashboard is a digital tool or interface that visually displays key data and metrics related to a construction project in real time. It helps project managers, contractors and stakeholders track the project’s progress, manage resources and make informed decisions. The goal of a construction project dashboard is to provide a quick, easily digestible overview that allows teams to identify potential issues early, optimize performance and keep the project on track. While there are construction project dashboards for Excel, which we’ll get to in a moment, they’re not as efficient as ones that are part of a larger project management software. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that has real-time construction project dashboards that give a high-level overview of a project, program or portfolio of projects. Unlike other software products that make users build their dashboards, ours is up and ready to use instantly, with easy-to-read graphs and charts that show key performance indicators (KPIs) such as project health, budget, workload and more. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Light-mode-portfolio-dashboard-CTA.pngProjectManager has real-time project and portfolio dashboards to better monitor projects. Learn more What Should Be Included in a Construction Project Dashboard? A construction project management dashboard typically includes several key sections to provide a comprehensive overview of the project’s status. Here is a list of some of the most important metrics to look for when using a dashboard. Project Progress Overview This gives a snapshot of how the project is progressing relative to the original plan. It can include the percentage of work completed compared to the total project, key project milestones and whether they’ve been reached, an overview of the current status of critical tasks and a summary of current activity happening on-site, such as inspections, installations, etc. Project Cost Overview This section focuses on the financial aspects of the project. It includes a comparison between the initial budget and the actual costs incurred so far, a more granular view of costs, projected future costs and potential overages or savings and how money is flowing through the project and whether there are any concerns around cash flow management. Project Timeline Overview In this area of the construction project dashboard, insights into the scheduling and timeline of construction projects are provided. These can include a Gantt chart, which is a visual timeline showing the overall project and key activities. The critical path can also be illustrated, which identifies tasks essential to the overall project’s completion and whether they’re on schedule. There’s also deadline tracking, showing if milestones and deadlines are being met or at risk of delay, and highlighting any delays and their impact on the overall schedule. Workload Analysis Overview Here is where resources are assessed, managed and allocated. It gives insights into how workers are distributed across the project, including labor allocation to see any potential labor shortages or surpluses. Resource utilization monitors the use of equipment and materials to ensure that they’re being effectively deployed. Workload balance is observed to ensure that tasks are appropriately divided and that no part of the project is over- or under-resourced. Productivity metrics track worker efficiency and productivity, potentially comparing it to industry standards or past projects. Construction Project Dashboard Template for Excel The best way to understand a construction dashboard is to use one. While project management software has better dashboards that update in real time, those who aren’t ready to upgrade can download this free construction dashboard template for Excel. /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Construction-Dashboard-Template.png While not as robust as dashboard software, this free template gives users a chance to get a status report on construction projects. There are three charts, one providing an overview of the construction schedule, another the budget, comparing spent against project costs and a project timeline. Benefits of Using a Construction Project Dashboard Using a construction dashboard offers a variety of benefits that can significantly improve how a project is managed and executed. Here are some key advantages. Real-time insights when using software Improved decision-making by highlighting critical metrics and potential issues Better communication by sharing dashboards with stakeholders, teams, clients, contractors and subcontractors Enhanced project control by effectively allocating resources, managing timelines and keeping the project within budget Increased accountability through a transparent overview of who’s responsible for what and their performance metrics Risk identification and mitigation so project managers can take proactive steps to reduce and remove risks, which avoids the likelihood of costly setbacks Streamlined reporting saves time and effort by allowing stakeholders to access up-to-date reports at any time Cost savings by preventing cost overruns by managing resources more effectively. Improved team collaboration by sharing the same data and eliminating the need for multiple status updates Enhanced client satisfaction through sharing project progress improves trust /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Construction-dashboard-template-featured-image.jpg Get your free Construction Dashboard Template Use this free Construction Dashboard Template for Excel to manage your projects better. Download Excel File How to Make a Construction Project Dashboard With ProjectManager We’ve been discussing how project management software is superior to using construction dashboard templates. While we offer a free template to try it and see how it works, we’ve not provided a way to use dashboard software. For anyone interested in giving real-time dashboards a try, simply take a free 30-day trial of ProjectManager, no credit card required, and follow these steps. 1. Open the Gantt Chart View Once in the software, users can create a project, including its budget. There are then multiple project views to choose from, such as kanban boards, task lists and a calendar view. Choose the Gantt chart. This is where the project schedule is created. /wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Gantt-chart-in-project-management-construction-project.png 2. List Tasks and Enter their Planned Due Dates In the Gantt chart, which is divided between a spreadsheet on the left and a timeline on the right, start to add all the project tasks. Users can add these tasks directly into the Gantt chart or import an existing task list from an Excel spreadsheet, CSV or Microsoft Project file. Once the tasks are listed, add the planned due dates for each. 3. Assign Tasks to Team Members Next, onboard the team. At this point, the project manager can add their availability, such as PTO, vacation and global holidays, including skill sets, which makes it easier to know who can do what and when. The project manager can also establish the hourly pay rate for each team member. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/assign-people-resource-allocation-light-mode-gantt-chart-workload-assignments.png 4. Estimate the Cost of Each Task This is done by adding the labor costs to any nonhuman resources needed for each task. By doing this, project managers will not only be able to compare planned costs against actual costs but more accurately estimate the budget for the project. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-estimated-cost.webp 5. Enter the Actual Start and End Dates of Tasks Now, again on the Gantt chart, add the actual start date for each task listed. Also, add the end dates for those tasks. This information will be used by the construction project dashboard to calculate costs as the project is being executed. /wp-content/uploads/2024/10/how-to-make-a-gantt-chart-tasks-start-and-end-dates.webp 6. Enter the Actual Cost of Tasks As team members update their status, enter the actual cost of the project. This will allow the software to calculate the variance in the budget and help capture cost overruns quickly, which allows project managers to reallocate resources as needed to get back on track. 7. Monitor Your Project With ProjectManager’s Real-Time Construction Dashboard Once a baseline is set on the Gantt chart, it will capture the schedule, budget and resource plans and be able to automatically compare that plan against what’s currently happening in the project. Users can then toggle over to the real-time construction dashboard where the data is displayed in easy-to-read graphs and charts that show time, cost, workload and more. /wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Dashboard-light-mode.jpg Why Use ProjectManager to Make a Construction Project Dashboard? Using ProjectManager’s dashboard is certainly better than a construction project dashboard template, but it also beats most dashboard software on the market. It’s robust and user-friendly with a comprehensive overview, real-time data and customizable views. This intuitive and visual construction project dashboard also integrates with time and resource tracking, task management and multiple project views. This helps forecast and analyze data. It’s mobile-friendly with an Android and iOS app and integrates with other tools, such as Microsoft Office, Google Drive and others. Balance Team Workload and Monitor Performance Monitoring progress and performance is important but, when an issue arises, project managers need the tools to adjust the project. One of those many tools in our software is the resource management features. Once teams have been assigned their tasks, project managers can get an overview of resource allocation by looking at the color-coded workload page. This makes it clear to see who’s overallocated or underutilized. The team’s workload can then be balanced from the chart to keep everyone working at capacity without risking burnout. There’s also a team page for a daily or weekly summary of team activities, which can be filtered by priority, progress and more to monitor performance. /wp-content/uploads/2024/04/assign-people-resource-allocation-light-mode-gantt-chart-workload-assignments.png Control Labor Costs with Online Timesheets Another tool that can monitor labor costs and help to keep projects on budget is our timesheets. These secure timesheets can automatically log hours onto the Gantt chart, task lists and kanban boards. It’s easy to add hours worked to a timesheet, the team members need only select their tasks and use the built-in project time management tools. Project managers can track the hours team members are spending on their tasks and how much it’s costing. They receive a notification when timesheets are read, and only those authorized can open and approve the timesheets. /wp-content/uploads/2024/05/timesheet-lightmode-good-version-lots-of-tasks.pngRelated Construction Project Management Content A construction project dashboard is an important tool in construction project management, but it’s only a small part of the larger whole. For those curious about learning more about construction documentation, scheduling software, Gantt charts and more, click on the links below to read our recent posts on these topics. 32 Construction Documents (Templates Included) Free Excel Construction Templates Best Construction Scheduling Software Construction Cost Management Why Use a Gantt Chart in Construction Project Management ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. The post Why Use a Construction Project Dashboard? (Template Included) appeared first on ProjectManager. View the full article

More social platforms are increasingly axing third-party fact checking as a control against misinformation in favor of user-generated notes on existing content. Last month, Mark Zuckerberg announced plans to cut fact-checking programs on Meta platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and Threads—and replace them with Community Notes, which add corrections and context to posts that are "confusing or potentially misleading." A similar feature launched on Twitter in January 2021 as the Birdwatch program, which was rebranded as Community Notes and expanded after Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022. Community Notes exist in lieu of the ability to report misleading content on X. Musk has both praised the feature as "awesome" and said he is "working to fix" it. X users can still apply to contribute their own notes. YouTube has also tested a community notes feature that allows users to add context to videos on the platform. Those who meet eligibility criteria can sign up for the program's waitlist in the YouTube mobile app (under Profile > Settings > General > Help inform viewers). When Community Notes are submitted on Meta's platforms by approved contributors, other approved contributors have to agree that the context is helpful before the note is actually published on a post (though the threshold for what constitutes a "helpful" note isn't clear). According to Meta's FAQ, Community Notes will be phased in and visible to users across its apps "over the next few months." How to sign up to write Meta Community NotesAs of this writing, Meta has a waitlist for users to be notified once the Community Notes beta launches. You can join the waitlist via Facebook, Instagram, or Threads. Only U.S.-based users are eligible, and you must be over 18, have an account that is older than 6 months and in good standing, and have either a verified phone number or two-factor authentication set up on your account. View the full article

During Apple’s annual meeting today, shareholders struck down a proposal that had targeted many of the tech giant’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a move that indicates a continued commitment to DEI even as other major employers pull back on their own efforts. The proposal, which was put forward by a conservative think tank called the National Center for Public Policy Research, suggested that Apple could face “litigation, reputational and financial risks” due to its DEI programs. The group also claimed that Apple could face legal claims from at least 50,000 employees (though it’s not clear where that number came from). Apple’s board had previously urged shareholders to reject the proposal, positing that it was an overreach and “inappropriately attempts to restrict” the company’s business operations. (The National Center for Public Policy Research has already targeted diversity programs at Costco with a similar measure, which was also rejected.) Apple also noted that its DEI programs and company culture were key to its success as a business. “At Apple, we believe that how we conduct ourselves is as critical to Apple’s success as making the best products in the world,” the board said in a proxy filing in January. “We seek to conduct business ethically, honestly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and our Business Conduct and Compliance policies are foundational to how we do business. And we strive to create a culture of belonging where everyone can do their best work.” During Apple’s annual meeting, a leader at the think tank noted that the company could face legal challenges from the Trump administration over its DEI efforts. (He also added that “The vibe shift is clear: DEI is out and merit is in.”) For the time being, however, Apple CEO Tim Cook has remained on good terms with Trump, even announcing a whooping $500 billion investment in manufacturing and job creation stateside. Still, Apple’s stance on DEI is notable in this moment, as the Trump administration has set its sights on dismantling diversity efforts across both the federal government and private sector companies. Over the last few months, a number of major employers have made changes to their DEI commitments, including some of Apple’s peers in the tech industry. Amazon has softened some of its public-facing language on diversity and claimed to be “winding down outdated programs and materials” by the end of 2024, while Google has nixed its representation goals for hiring and is currently reviewing many of its DEI initiatives. Meta, too, has cut representation goals but also went a step further and eliminated the team that focused on DEI efforts at the company. Some of these shifts are more minor or even semantic in nature, and DEI experts have noted that many companies are making calculated changes to mitigate potential legal risks while continuing to invest in diversity work. But even so, Apple appears to stand apart from other tech giants for its continued commitment to DEI—at least for now. View the full article

Webpages are significantly harmed when excluded from Google’s AI Overviews, but benefit when included in AI Overviews. That’s according to a new study by Terakeet, a company that focuses on brand management for global brands. AI Overviews benefits. Webpages featured in Google’s AI Overviews benefit from increased traffic, regardless of their original ranking. Of note: Top-ranked (transactional queries): Webpages included in AI Overview had 3.2x as many clicks as pages that were excluded. Lower-ranked (informational queries): Webpages appearing in AI Overviews had 2x as many clicks compared to webpages that appeared on a SERP with no AI Overviews. Lower-ranked (transactional queries): Webpages included in AI Overviews had 3.6x as many clicks versus results without AI Overviews. Top-ranked (transactional queries): Webpages with a presence in AI Overviews had 3.2x as many clicks compared to webpages excluded by AI Overviews. Informational vs. transactional queries. Webpages benefit, regardless of intent, according to the study. Also: Informational: AI Overviews diverted traffic from webpages in Positions 1-2 but increased traffic for webpages appearing in Positions 3-10. Transactional: Webpages included in AI Overviews get more traffic, regardless of position on Page 1 of Google. Why we care. The presence of Google AI Overviews changes how searchers behave and can shift traffic away from pages that once traditionally dominated organic results. If you’ve relied on visibility from appearing in top Google SERP positions in recent years, you should no longer assume traffic will follow. What they’re saying. The report’s author, Adi Srikanth, senior data scientist at Terakeet, said: “…We can say that generally speaking, being excluded from an [AI Overviews] has measurable and significant harms for a webpage. Conversely, being included in an [AI Overview] has clear benefits for webpages. And overall, the presence of [AI Overviews] dramatically changes web traffic across webpages.” Impact on traffic. We recently got some fresh insights on the traffic impact of AI Overviews from a pair of earnings calls from NerdWallet and Ziff Davis. NerdWallet CEO Tim Chen: “We’re seeing these features do a really good job of answering simple educational questions, and that’s affecting traffic to some of our non-commercial pages.” (Link) Ziff Davis CEO Vivek Shah: “AI Overviews results are present in just 12% of our top queries. … Our analysis of year over year click through rates, specifically comparing queries with similar positions that now include AI Overviews, shows no material aggregate impact on performance. … In our analysis of queries where AI Overviews are present or and then are present today but were not present in the past and our search rank remained unchanged, the overall click through rate is also relatively unchanged. (Link) The report. Exploring the Impact of AIOs on Web Traffic View the full article

Tesla’s stock plunged more than 8% on Tuesday, marking another setback for the electric vehicle giant as it struggles to maintain momentum in 2025. The company’s stock hit its lowest level since November, driven by disappointing sales in Europe and growing concerns over CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political moves. Tesla shares (Nasdaq:TSLA) are now down roughly 25% just this year, making it the weakest performer among the “Magnificent 7” stocks, according to Investopedia. The company’s valuation also dipped below $1 trillion for the first time in three months, as reported by MarketWatch. Why Tesla shares are down this week A key factor in Tesla’s stock slump is a sharp decline in European sales. The company’s vehicle sales plummeted 45% across Europe last month, even as overall electric vehicle demand surged, according to the Wall Street Journal. Tesla’s monthly sales in Germany, for instance, fell 60% year-over-year to 1,277 vehicles, per data from Germany’s Motor Transport Authority. Meanwhile, competitors such as Volkswagen, Renault, and SAIC Motor saw increased sales, capitalizing on growing EV interest in countries including Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands. Musk’s vocal political involvement in Germany’s recent election also may have contributed to Tesla’s waning. His support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (Afd) party sparked backlash, potentially alienating customers in a key market. Additionally, Tesla’s Model Y is currently undergoing a refresh, leading some buyers to delay purchases while waiting for the updated model, according to WSJ. Beyond sales figures, Tesla faces growing concerns about its reputation. Some critics have argued that Musk’s leadership outside of Tesla, particularly his role in running the Trump administration’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), is damaging the company’s image. On February 15, protestors gathered at Tesla stores and charging stations in cities across the United States to condemn Musk’s cuts to essential services and mass layoffs related to his work with DOGE. Despite Tesla’s recent challenges, Europe’s broader EV market remains strong, with overall electric vehicle sales rising 37.3% last month. Germany, the U.K., and the Netherlands are seeing the biggest gains in sales, according to Yahoo Finance. What’s clear is that Tesla investors are increasingly anxious this week as competitors continue to chip away at its dominance in the industry. View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Garmin is introducing a feature to many of its watches that Apple Watch users have been able to enjoy for a while. That’s a device passcode, so you can lock your data when your watch isn’t on your wrist. The feature will be rolling out to Fenix, Forerunner, Venu, and Vivoactive users, or you can get it right now with the beta program. Garmin Vivoactive 5 GPS Smartwatch With AMOLED Display (Black) $239.99 at Best Buy $299.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal Get Deal $239.99 at Best Buy $299.99 Save $60.00 How the Garmin device passcode worksIn the old setup—what you have right now if you aren’t on the beta program—devices that have a “wallet” feature will ask you to set up a passcode to use the wallet. Then, when you tap your watch to use Garmin Pay at a store checkout, you’ll have to enter a four-digit code. The new update adds the ability to lock your entire watch, not just the wallet. Here’s how to turn it on: Enroll in the beta program (more about that below) Go into your Settings menu Select System Under Passcode, you’ll have the option for “On” or “Wallet only.” Select “On” if you want to have to enter the passcode each time you put your watch on. What you can and can’t do with a Garmin passcodeWith the passcode enabled, you’ll have to punch in your code when you put your watch on, but otherwise things will work as usual—for you. For someone who doesn’t know the code, they can pick up the watch and look at it, but most things beyond the watch face will be locked behind the passcode. To a stranger who doesn’t know the code, here’s what is still available: The watch face is visible as usual The light button works to turn the watch face or light on and off If an activity was running when you took the watch off, it will remain running You can still answer a phone call The flashlight and emergency assistance shortcuts still work And here is what is not: The glances (data you reach by scrolling down from the watch face) are locked The settings menu is locked The activity menu is locked, so you can’t start a new activity The shortcuts menu (hold the top left button on a Forerunner) only contains five options: power off, lock device, turn the touchscreen on or off, flashlight, and emergency assistance. Everything else that might be on that menu, like your wallet, timers, find my phone, etc.—all are missing. Which Garmin watches are getting the device passcode feature?Garmin says that the following watches are getting the device passcode feature, so long as you are enrolled in the beta, you have the latest beta software installed, and you have the most recent version of the Garmin Connect app: Enduro 3 Fenix 8 (AMOLED or Solar) and Fenix E Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965, and their variations (including S and Music) Venu 3 and 3S Vivoactive 5 How to enable the beta to get the passcode featureIf you like getting new Garmin features, I’d recommend signing up for the beta. I haven’t found things to be buggy, although that’s always a risk with any beta program. Garmin’s instructions for enrolling in the beta program are here. Basically, you’ll use your Garmin Connect app to select your device, then tap Join Beta Software Program, and agree to the terms. Within an hour, you should be able to install the latest software. To check for an update at any time, go into the Settings menu on your device, then System, Software Updates, and Check for Updates. View the full article

The United States Digital Service (USDS), the storied group of Silicon Valley types brought together by Obama to bring government services into the 21st century, will likely never be the same after the arrival of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). If, that is, it survives at all. USDS employees began resigning from the organization after Trump won the election in November. USDS deputy administrator Ted Carstensen resigned in the first week of February, after several unsuccessful attempts to get face time with the DOGE workers. Just a few days after those resignations, 50 of the 150 or so USDS employees lost their jobs in DOGE’s first major round of layoffs. Wired reported last week that DOGE personnel operated separately from the remaining USDS employees. ‘I didn’t expect it to be dismantled’ Confusingly, there are two main “DOGE” groups now active in the government. The original group consists of less than 30 people, many of them under 25 years old, and operates out of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. Then, at 736 Jackson Place are the offices of USDS, whose name was changed from the U.S. Digital Service to the “U.S. DOGE Service” via an executive order on January 20. White House lawyers likely did this to confer upon DOGE, which had previously been classed as an “advisory group,” the U.S. Digital Service’s greater level of access to sensitive government data and its limited accountability to Congress. The new USDS, which heretofore was part of the General Services Administration, has now been moved into the executive branch. The USDS layoffs targeted product managers and web designers, while leaving most engineers in place, says one recently departed USDS employee who spoke on condition of anonymity. Anne Marshall, the former USDS director of engineering and data science, resigned February 17 in protest of DOGE’s reorganization plans. “Unfortunately, with the changes made by DOGE, it is no longer possible for me to support this team,” Marshall wrote in a LinkedIn post. She added that the termination of so many product managers and designers reflects a misunderstanding of—or an indifference to—the nature of the office’s work. On Tuesday, a group of 21 additional USDS employees published a public letter to White House Chief-of-Staff Susie Wiles announcing their resignations, citing concerns over political interference. “On January 21st, we were subjected to 15-minute interviews by individuals wearing White House visitor badges,” the letter reads. “Several of these interviewers refused to identify themselves, asked questions about political loyalty, attempted to pit colleagues against each other, and demonstrated limited technical ability. This process created significant security risks and was designed to intimidate government employees.” According to the recently departed USDS employee’s estimates, that would mean about 40 workers remain in the unit. DOGE is working from Musk’s “question everything” playbook, says the ex-USDS employee: tearing everything down to the extreme bare minimum system, then adding back on only the parts that are necessary. If something breaks, DOGE can hire back those people to fix it. “I didn’t expect it to be dismantled and turned into a puppet like a Horsehair worm taking over the mind of a praying mantis so quickly,” says the ex-USDS worker. ‘They can just fire them’ Another ex-USDS employee says that when they read the E.O. establishing DOGE, they thought USDS might be allowed to continue its government efficiency work. After all, the E.O.’s definition of the “new” USDS included the phrase “modernizing Federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity,” which closely resembles the original USDS mission. But the U.S. DOGE Service has a very different definition of “efficiency” than the old USDS, which applied a modern software product development approach to making government services like dispensing passports or processing VA benefits claims work faster and more efficiently. For DOGE “efficiency” seems to mean firing federal employees and cancelling scheduled Congressionally-approved contract payments for things Musk and/or Trump don’t approve of. (Neither DOGE nor USDS immediately responded to Fast Company’s request for comment.) The first ex-USDS employee says many of the remaining USDS staffers are staying on because they believe strongly in the office’s original mission of making the government work better for people, and they want to continue doing that work. But the projects that reflect that spirit may dwindle as specific departments or programs at client agencies get cut. For example, USDS had been working with the Office of Transformation within the Social Security Administration to modernize a number of public websites (such as the “MySSA” self-service site) as well as the SSA’s phone support and IVR systems. On Monday, the whole project was abruptly cancelled. Still, it’s possible that DOGE could forcibly alter a culture within the government that habitually resists change.The government has been slow to modernize inefficient systems due to both a lack of funding and a risk-averse bureaucracy. Change agents like USDS have often encountered career agency officials who deny them timely access to the government systems and data when that access is needed to make real improvements. In the past, some agency officials have felt threatened by USDS personnel, whom they saw as overconfident whiz kids who believed they could quickly grasp the agency’s work and fix major systems problems. In at least that respect, DOGE’s frosty reception within the agencies isn’t so unique—but Musk’s crew has more tools to deal with it. “I envy [DOGE] the blank check they’ve been given, and the ability to bulldoze through dumb obstacles,” says former USDS administrator Mikey Dickerson. “If they meet these people who are just barriers and who won’t say yes and they won’t say no, they can just fire them.” Dickerson says he would have picked different projects to work on if he were leading DOGE. In theory, he notes, DOGE personnel could use their authority to accomplish meaningful work, but he sees no evidence that they are doing so. Still, DOGE’s long-term effects might be better than its short-term results, Dickerson suggests. “This can be positive in the long term in the way that a wildfire in Yosemite goes through and clears out all the old brush so that new things can grow,” he says. View the full article

Health secretary reveals that tighter Whitehall control will form part of government’s ‘plan for change’View the full article

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a fantastic security measure, but not all 2FA is created equal. SMS-based 2FA is by far the least secure authentication option, and yet, far too many companies use this method as default. Hackers know this, which is why they target users' 2FA codes to commit fraud and steal access to Google accounts. All that said, any 2FA is better than no 2FA, so it's worth tolerating SMS-based authentication if it's the only 2FA option offered. Now, however, the winds are changing: Google is the latest company looking to switch from SMS codes to an alternative method. As reported by Forbes, the company is planning to shift from SMS codes to QR codes. This is a good thing, even if it changes how you sign into your Google Account. SMS 2FA isn't secure enoughIt's surprisingly easy to get hold of an SMS code. If someone steals your smartphone, for example, they'll be able to access all of the SMS codes it receives. But scammers don't need physical access to intercept your SMS codes. In fact, they can do this while sitting in another part of the globe. Scammers can trick carriers into taking over your phone's SIM card. From here, they can disable your SIM card, and transfer all the services over to their own, so they can remotely access all SMS codes sent to your number. If your bank account is protected by SMS-based 2FA, for instance, they'll receive the code on their own device, authenticate themselves, and break into your account. Some scammers are even engaging in a practice know as traffic pumping, where they fool organizations into sending a large number of SMS messages to numbers the scammers own. They make a profit from those messages, while the rest of us deal with a deluge of spam. By moving away from SMS-based 2FA, Google hopes to limit this scam. Instead of relying on SMS-based authentication, I've recommended using a dedicated authenticator app, or the password-less Passkeys system that Google itself is pushing quite a bit. When using an authenticator app, the code generates every 30 seconds on a secure service that is controlled by you, not by carriers. Authenticator apps themselves require biometric authentication, and can be password protected as well, which adds an extra layer of security. You can use a physical key for maximum authentication security, but a properly setup authenticator app will be plenty secure. If you're game to ditch passwords altogether, passkeys are even more secure. Passkeys are cryptographically generated keys for each login, and they are unique to the device or passwords app. A passkey generated for Google, on your Mac, never leaves the device. Even if someone gets their hands on the key file, it can't be hacked as it's encrypted. Google is shifting default 2FA to QR codesPasskeys are the future, but in the meantime, Google is shifting to QR codes as the default verification method for phone numbers. When users log in on a new device, they'll be prompted with a QR code that they can scan using their smartphone to authenticate. Using a QR code for verification stops phishing attacks, as there's no code to share. And because the QR code scanning is happening in person, between two devices in proximity, there are no carrier codes involved, or online servers. There's no timeline for this yet, as all that Google has said is to "look for more from us on this in the near future." As the feature rolls out, I'll detail those steps here. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: Am I shooting myself in the foot by engaging politically in a public way on social media? And how should I weigh the pros and cons? Will a future employer even check for my social media, and if so, what will they think? Can I just temporarily disable my social media during the job search, and will that be sufficient? I am currently in a full-time graduate program (middle career going back to school) and expect to be applying for jobs when I finish in about three years. The types of jobs I would apply for are mainly in academia (meaning I would also probably apply for government grants to fund my research at such a job). If that doesn’t pan out, I would look at government research posts or independent research roles like think-tanks. And if those don’t pan out, I would likely go into an industry role. I am very concerned about the actions of the current administration, and I occasionally post my thoughts on social media. I use a respectful tone, but people who like the direction of the current administration would and do express disagreement with my views. I try to respond thoughtfully to any comments, or if I cannot think of a reasonably kind way to respond, I don’t reply. For example, I have posted reputable articles describing the way NIH funding is being cut and expressed that I think this is harmful to the future of critical health research. For another example, I posted that I think people can disagree on the right steps for responding to the war between Russia and Ukraine, but I will not be tricked into forgetting the facts of how it started, and I included a 2022 news article from a mainstream right-leaning news source that states Russia initiated an invasion of Ukraine. Philosophically, I think that people who show cowardice when the stakes are fairly low are unlikely to suddenly become brave when the stakes matter more, so in that regard, I don’t want to kowtow to this administration or make decisions in fear, especially because being a student is probably the most freedom I’ll ever have to express my views. If things were to become truly authoritarian, I would like to be the kind of person who would stand up for what is right, even if there were consequences, and I think this is a small way of taking a stand now. Also, to be clear, social media is not the only thing I do — I also call my legislators with some regularity, and I am involved in my community. I guess I don’t want to be known for staying silent towards injustice, but I also don’t want to be needlessly reckless with my career fighting windmills. What do you think? To answer your first questions: Yes, you should assume future employers may check your social media. Yes, some of them may have opinions about your posts and it’s possible you won’t be hired because of some of the opinions you’ve expressed there. (That is very much a thing that is happening at this particular moment for the types of jobs you’re interested in.) It will probably be enough to lock down your social media during a job search, but that’s not guaranteed; posts get forwarded, reposted, and saved in places you might not account for. (And at any point Elon could spontaneously decide to make all Twitter data fully public, etc. etc.) If you want a fully risk-free approach to social media’s intersection with your future job searches, the most cautious approach is not to post about politics. On the other hand, if you see social media as essentially a town square, that’s asking you to opt out of public dialogue in a way that you might not be comfortable with. I tend to think that there are many more effective ways to stand up for what’s right than posting on social media (and it’s good that you’re already doing some of those) and that not talking about politics on social media doesn’t mean you’re staying silent in the face of injustice — as long as you’re not staying silent in other parts of life — but it also depends on what kind of platform you have and who you’re engaging with. Everyone has to sort through that calculation for themselves and decide what feels right to them. To help you do that calculation: the risk is not nothing and there are ways to mitigate it ahead of a job search if you want to (like removing past postings and locking down your socials), but those mitigation measures aren’t 100% reliable. View the full article

There’s a new entrant in the scam hall of fame. The Chengdu Snow Village—a newly opened destination in the suburban Chengdu, Sichuan province—advertised a picturesque snow landscape for guests to enjoy during the Lunar New Year celebrations last month. Photos of the event resembled scenes from a Christmas card, featuring thick layers of snow blanketing log cabin roofs. However, unseasonably warm weather meant the main feature was a no-show. Rather than canceling the events, organizers got creative. White sheets were stapled to cabin roofs, white sand and large cotton wool sheets were scattered across the grounds, and soapy foam drifted through the air in a feeble attempt to create a winter wonderland. Photos posted online by disappointed visitors showed the reality: sad wisps of cotton scattered across a greenish-brown field, clinging to the branches of bushes. China’s tourism industry is really outdoing itself with its creativity! Welcome to ‘Snow Village’ in Chengdu- where snow is made of cotton balls, the ground is white sand, and the fake waterfalls flow… with imagination.1/2 @MM81792127@GundamNorthrop@SolomonYue pic.twitter.com/2fZr2ORrLl — Ava Olivia (@AvaOlivia27) February 18, 2025 The fake wonderland quickly went viral for all the wrong reasons, prompting the Chengdu Culture and Tourism Bureau to launch an investigation into the project. The village later apologized and offered refunds to guests, according to Reuters. “In order to create a ‘snowy’ atmosphere, the tourist village purchased cotton for the snow . . . but it did not achieve the expected effect, leaving a very bad impression on tourists who came to visit,” the village shared on its official WeChat account. “Following the precedents of previous years, we typically have snow in winter. So we set up this spot for a photo shoot in advance to wait for the snow to come,” a Snow Village staff member told the state-run paper Global Times. “However, this year, the weather didn’t cooperate, and it didn’t snow.” The Chengdu Snow Village has removed all images of the attraction from its social media pages, and the venue has since closed down. This isn’t the first time a tourist attraction in China has been caught misleading visitors. Last year, hidden artificial pipes were discovered at the Yuntai Mountain Waterfall in Henan province, used to boost the waterfall’s flow and maintain its spectacular appearance during the dry season. Just a few weeks ago, an amusement park in Zibo City, Shandong province went viral after internet users realized that its zebras weren’t actually zebras, but donkeys painted with black and white stripes. A+ for creativity, everyone. View the full article

Kyiv hopes agreement on jointly exploring resources will improve relations with Trump administrationView the full article

Microsoft is testing a new way to make sharing files a lot easier. In a beta version of Windows 11, the company has released a temporary shelf that appears when you drag files to the top of the screen. You can use this to drop files directly to the apps you use the most, such as Outlook or WhatsApp. Additionally, the company is also testing an improved version of Windows Search on CoPilot+ PCs to help you find photos in the cloud, and two new layouts for the Start menu. All of these features are a part of the Windows Insider program, but they're available in different channels of this program. Here are some details about each new feature and how you can try it if you want to get it ahead of the release to the general public. The drag tray to make sharing easierPerhaps the most exciting among the new updates, the drag tray is a way to make sharing simpler on Windows 11. When you drag a file to the top of the screen, a hidden drag tray reveals itself and you'll see a few apps listed there. You can drag the file into any app to share it quickly. There's also a More button to send it to apps not listed in the tray. If you drag a file to the More button, it'll open the Windows share menu to help you send it to other apps. While sharing has been fairly easy on computers for a long time, this drag tray is great for dumping files into apps that you use frequently. New views for the Start menu Credit: Microsoft The Start menu is the hub for everything you want to launch on your PC and it's now getting two additional views—name grid and category. The name grid lists all apps in an alphabetical order and groups them by alphabet, whereas the category view looks a lot like app folders on your smartphone. The category view groups apps by type and creates multiple folders to let you see more apps in one go. Both these views are available in the All page of the start menu if you're a part of the correct Windows Insider beta. An improved Windows Search Credit: Microsoft For Copilot+ PCs, Microsoft is testing a version of Windows Search that lets you find photos stored on the cloud. You can type a search term and the results will try to find the photo based on your description, even if the photo is named IMG0012.JPG. At the moment this is supported for personal OneDrive accounts, as long as you're signed in and connected to the internet. This feature is not supported for work or school OneDrive accounts. Microsoft says third-party cloud storage providers will be able to add support for this search feature, which is great if you don't use OneDrive. How to try these new Windows featuresTo try these new features, you need to sign up for the Windows Insider program and ensure that you have the right hardware and are on the correct beta version. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as jumping to the beta version and looking for the feature, but this is what you can do for now. On your Windows 11 PC, go to the Microsoft website and click the Register button to sign up for Windows Insider. Then, go to Settings > Windows Update > Windows Insider Program on your PC and follow the on-screen prompts to join the program. Be aware that this program involves installing beta software on your PC, which can lead to issues such as data loss, crashing software, or even a PC stuck at the boot screen. Ensure that you've backed up your Windows PC before you attempt to join the Windows Insider Program. Once you're on the beta, you can try the drag tray feature and the new Start menu views by selecting the beta channel and updating to Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 22635.4950 (KB5052078). This isn't available to those who are receiving beta updates based on Windows 11's 24H2 build as of now, but it's expected to be on that channel soon. If you decided not to update to this cycle and opted to receive beta updates on the previous beta channel, then you'll be able to try those two features right away. As for the enhanced search, it's available to those who have a Copilot+ PC running Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26120.3291 (KB5052080). Microsoft currently labels this as an optional update and will change it to a recommended one later this year. Even if you're on the right update channel, you may have to wait a while to get the enhanced Windows Search working as Microsoft is rolling it out gradually. This update channel also includes improvements to Windows Recall, the controversial feature that records everything you do on your PC, and adds a new Trim tool to let you edit screen recordings using the Snipping Tool in Windows 11. View the full article

UK pressure on Apple for data access could leave the majority less safeView the full article

Selling items online and in person can be a great source of income and a way to get more life out of used items. There are many types of items to flip, so there is plenty to choose from. To help you start flipping, we’ll look at some of the best things to flip for this article. What is Flipping? Flipping is a straightforward concept wherein you purchase items and resell them straight away rather than holding on to them. Some items may need to be repaired or have some maintenance involved before they can be flipped. But the general idea when it comes to flipping items is to purchase things at a low price and sell them for a profit. Identifying the Best Items to Flip for Profit: Our Methodology When it comes to flipping items for profit, selecting the right products is key. In guiding our readers towards selecting items that can yield a good return on investment when flipped, we use the following criteria. Each one is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 is the lowest. Purchase Price vs. Potential Resale Value Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Items with a low purchase price relative to their potential resale value are ideal for flipping. Market Demand Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: High-demand items are more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. Ease of Restoration or Improvement Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that require minimal effort and cost to restore or improve are preferable, as they reduce time and investment for the flipper. Storage and Transportation Costs Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that are easy and inexpensive to store and transport reduce overhead costs. Sales Venue Suitability Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that are easy to sell through common venues like online marketplaces, thrift stores, or flea markets are ideal. Seasonality and Trends Importance Scale: 6/10 Rationale: Understanding seasonality and current trends can assist in choosing items that are more likely to sell well during specific times of the year. Niche Popularity Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items within popular niches or with a dedicated following can often command higher prices. Authenticity and Legal Considerations Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Ensuring the authenticity of items, especially branded goods, and adhering to legal resale requirements is critical. Time to Sell Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that typically sell faster are preferable for quick turnover and cash flow. Knowledge and Expertise Required Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Flipping items that demand less specialized knowledge or expertise can make the process more accessible to a broader audience. By applying these criteria, we aim to guide our readers toward selecting items to flip that not only offer a high potential for profit but also align with their resources, skills, and market trends. The Best Items to Flip Many items can be flipped, so if you want to flip for profit, you’re in luck. Selecting the right things to flip can often be challenging, but it will largely depend on your local market, broader trends you can capitalize on, and how much of a profit you can gain from flipping the item. Let’s look at some of the best things to flip for profit. Power Tools They are in high demand due to their utility in DIY projects and home repairs. Their durability means they retain value well. Outdoor Furniture Seasonal demand peaks in warmer months, offering profitable resale opportunities, especially for high-quality, durable pieces. Wood and Vintage Furniture These items have timeless appeal and can often be restored to increase their value. Vintage pieces, in particular, can fetch high prices due to their uniqueness and historical value. Vintage and Designer Clothing These items are sought after for their unique styles and quality construction. Vintage and designer pieces can become more valuable over time, appealing to collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Wedding Dresses High initial value and limited use make this ideal for resale. Many seek budget-friendly options for weddings, creating a steady market. Exercise Equipment Growing health consciousness drives demand for home gym equipment. Quality items retain value and are sought after in the secondhand market. Old Books and Textbooks Rare books or textbooks in current curricula have a dedicated market. Collectors and students alike seek out these items, often at premium prices. They are easy to sell online, at markets, or even to used bookstores. Old Board Games Nostalgia and the resurgence of board gaming culture make these items popular. Rare or vintage games can be particularly valuable. Electronics and Games High demand and rapid innovation in technology create opportunities for profitable resale, especially for items in good condition or with a cult following. Baby Items Babies quickly outgrow their items, creating a constant supply and demand. High-quality, gently used items are particularly sought after by budget-conscious parents. Hockey Equipment Sporting goods, especially for popular sports like hockey, have a strong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. Toys and Vintage Toys Nostalgic appeal and collectibility can significantly increase the profitability of these items, particularly if they are rare or in excellent condition. Shoes and Sneakers High demand, especially for designer or limited-edition sneakers, combined with a culture of collecting, can lead to significant profits. Trading Cards Niche markets and collectors value rare or limited-edition cards, making them potentially lucrative resale items. There are many stores that will buy these from you, or you can easily sell them online. Vintage Cars Classic cars often appreciate value, especially if they are rare or have been well-maintained or restored. Houses Real estate can be a highly profitable investment, especially if purchased at a low price and sold after renovation or market appreciation. Household Appliances Good-condition appliances are always in demand, as they are essential in every home and can be expensive to purchase new. Lego Sets Discontinued or rare sets can be highly collectible and increase in value, appealing to both children and adult collectors. They’re easy to sell online and at markets that are popular with collectors. Scrap Metal While not glamorous, scrap metal can be profitable due to consistent demand in the manufacturing and recycling industries. Websites and Domain Names Digital real estate can be highly valuable, especially if the site or domain has high traffic, a niche market, or a memorable name. Bicycles Cycling’s popularity and the high cost of new bikes create a strong market for secondhand bicycles, especially high-quality or unique models. Musical Instruments and Equipment High-quality instruments retain value and are in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. Cameras Photography enthusiasts and professionals are always on the lookout for good quality equipment, making cameras a profitable flip. Picture Frames Unique or high-quality frames are always in demand for home decor and art display, offering opportunities for profitable resale. These are easy to transport, ship, and sell in various venues. Photography Gear As with cameras, photography gear such as lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment holds value well and is sought after in the secondhand market. This is a popular niche where collectors and professional photographers will often pay a premium for quality items. Luxury Handbags Their high initial value and brand recognition make them appealing for resale, especially when they’re well-maintained or rare, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and collectors. Stocks and Options The financial market offers a high potential for profit through strategic buying and selling, appealing to those with good market knowledge and risk management skills. Houses Real estate investment can yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing, appealing to entrepreneurs with knowledge of property management and real estate markets. Raw Land This represents a blank canvas with various profitable possibilities, from development to resale after appreciation, appealing to long-term investors. VCRs and VHS Tapes Nostalgia and the scarcity of working units contribute to the collectibility of these items, attracting both enthusiasts and individuals seeking unique or vintage media. Clearance Items Purchasing items at clearance prices and selling them at market value can yield significant profit margins, particularly for products that are in high demand or seasonal. Artwork Unique pieces can be appreciated in value, especially from sought-after artists or limited editions, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. Home Decor Trendy or unique home decor items can be resold at a premium, appealing to individuals interested in interior design and decoration. Records and Record Players Vinyl records have experienced a revival in popularity, making them highly sought after and profitable, particularly rare or vintage editions, which are among the best items to flip. Collectibles Items like figurines, comics, or themed merchandise can appreciate in value and have a dedicated collector market, offering profitable flipping opportunities. Board Games Classic and niche board games are in demand, with rare or out-of-print editions fetching high prices among enthusiasts. Antiques Their historical value and uniqueness make antiques highly sought after, with potential for high profit, especially with rare or well-preserved items. Rare or Retro T-Shirts Nostalgia and uniqueness drive demand, with certain prints or vintage band tees being highly collectible and profitable. These are easy to store and ship, and they can be sold online or in-person with ease. Concert T-Shirts Limited edition or vintage concert tees can be highly sought after by fans and collectors, often fetching high resale prices. Concert Tickets Buying and reselling tickets for popular events can be profitable, especially for sold-out shows or in-demand performances. Sports Memorabilia Items like signed jerseys, cards, or game-used equipment have a dedicated collector base and can appreciate in value, particularly rare or historical pieces. Upcycled Items There is an expanding market for innovative, eco-friendly products such as upcycled glass, jewelry, and furniture, which attract environmentally conscious consumers. #Item to FlipReason for Being Ideal to Flip 1Power ToolsHigh demand for DIY projects and home repairs; durable and retain value well. 2Outdoor FurnitureSeasonal demand peaks in warmer months; profitable for high-quality, durable pieces. 3Wood and Vintage FurnitureTimeless appeal; can be restored to increase value; vintage pieces fetch high prices. 4Vintage and Designer ClothingSought after for unique styles and quality; can become more valuable over time. 5Wedding DressesHigh initial value and limited use; steady market for budget-friendly options. 6Exercise EquipmentGrowing health consciousness; quality items retain value in the secondhand market. 7Old Books and TextbooksDedicated market for rare books or current textbooks; collectors and students seek these. 8Old Board GamesNostalgia and resurgence of board gaming culture; rare/vintage games valuable. 9Electronics and GamesHigh demand and rapid innovation; profitable for items in good condition or with cult following. 10Baby ItemsConstant supply and demand due to quick outgrowing; high-quality items sought after. 11Hockey EquipmentStrong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. 12Toys and Vintage ToysNostalgic value and collectibility; rare or well-conditioned items highly profitable. 13Shoes and SneakersHigh demand for designer or limited-edition; culture of collecting. 14Trading CardsNiche markets value rare or limited-edition cards; lucrative resale potential. 15Vintage CarsAppreciate in value, especially if rare or well-maintained/restored. 16HousesHighly profitable investment; potential returns through renovation or market appreciation. 17Household AppliancesAlways in demand; essential in every home and expensive when new. 18Lego SetsDiscontinued or rare sets highly collectible; appealing to children and adult collectors. 19Scrap MetalProfitable due to consistent demand in manufacturing and recycling industries. 20Websites and Domain NamesValuable digital real estate; high traffic, niche market, or memorable name. 21BicyclesStrong market due to cycling popularity and high cost of new bikes. 22Musical Instruments and EquipmentRetain value and in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. 23CamerasPhotography enthusiasts and professionals seek good quality equipment. 24Picture FramesIn demand for home decor and art display; unique or high-quality frames. 25Photography GearHolds value well and sought after in the secondhand market. 26Luxury HandbagsHigh initial value and brand recognition; appeal to fashion enthusiasts and collectors. 27Stocks and OptionsHigh potential for profit through strategic buying and selling. 28Houses (Real Estate)Yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing. 29Raw LandBlank canvas with various profitable possibilities; appealing to long-term investors. 30VCRs and VHS TapesNostalgia and rarity of functioning units make these items collectible. 31Clearance ItemsHigh margins by reselling clearance items at market value. 32ArtworkUnique pieces can appreciate in value; appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. 33Home DecorTrendy or unique items can be resold at a premium. 34Records and Record PlayersVinyl resurgence in popularity; rare or vintage editions highly collectible. 35CollectiblesCan appreciate in value; dedicated collector market. 36Board GamesIn demand, rare or out-of-print editions fetch high prices. 37AntiquesHistorical value and uniqueness make them highly sought after. 38Rare or Retro T-ShirtsNostalgia and uniqueness drive demand; highly collectible and profitable. 39Concert T-ShirtsLimited edition or vintage highly sought after by fans and collectors. 40Concert TicketsProfitable for popular events, especially sold-out shows or in-demand performances. 41Sports MemorabiliaSigned jerseys, cards, game-used equipment appreciate in value. 42Upcycled ItemsGrowing market for eco-friendly, creatively upcycled products. Where to Flip: Flip Items Online and Sell Items locally There are many ways to build a profitable reselling business; you can sell online and in person. Some of the best places to find items for flipping include the following: Finding Items to Flip You can find items to flip in the following places: Garage Sales If you can find a local garage sale or are willing to drive out further to find good sales, you can find great items to flip for profit. Yard Sales Like garage sales, going to a yard sale is another option to find cheap items you can purchase for just a few dollars to flip for extra cash. Thrift Stores Thrift stores and consignment stores are filled with hidden gems and cheap items that can make all the difference for flipping. Check your nearest thrift store for apparel, good-quality shoes, costume jewelry, and more. Estate Sales Many hidden gems have been discovered in estate sales, including vintage items and unique items such as upcycled art and upcycled jewelry. Facebook Marketplace You can find items and resell items on the Facebook Marketplace. It’s easy to make money selling items in high demand without incurring massive shipping costs since you can meet locally to deliver the items. Auctions Auctions are another way to find items to flip, but you must be careful about how much you spend. When bidding for items, think about the regular retail price and whether you could compete with that based on the amount it is being bid for. Flea Markets You can easily become a flea market flipper and make all your money by searching for items at flea markets in your spare time House Clearance sales Many people undertake spring cleaning or house cleaning efforts, and you can go to these sales to find cheap items that you can sell high on online platforms and locally. Your own home If you’d like to start your flipping business and make serious cash but are not sure where to start – start with your own home! You can find items you no longer use, such as baby gear or baby stuff that children have outgrown video games, and other items, and sell them for a decent profit. Selling Items to Flip Once you find items you’d like to flip, plenty of flipping websites are available for you to sell on. Many platforms such as Poshmark, Mercari, and Vinted generate free shipping label options so you can ship items domestically to customers, making it easy to turn flipping from a fun hobby to something more. These platforms have a large user base looking for a good deal and looking to save money by purchasing secondhand items. Facebook Marketplace ThredUp Amazon eBay OfferUp Etsy Craigslist Mercari Poshmark Varagesale Vinted Your own online store Flipping to Make Extra Money There are many ways to flip items to make money. You can find things in secondhand stores, thrift shops, and online platforms such as Etsy, Mercari, and more. Additionally, you can make extra money by finding items to flip in local places such as garage and yard sales, estate sales, and other events where people sell secondhand items at a low cost. Final Thoughts: What is The Most Profitable Item to Flip? The world of flipping items for profit offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to generate income and extend the life of used goods. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, there are numerous items and niches to explore, and your success ultimately depends on your local market, your knowledge, and your ability to identify profitable opportunities. Flipping, at its core, is a simple and effective concept: acquire items at a low cost and resell them for a profit. While some items may require repairs or maintenance before they are ready for resale, the key is to maximize your profit margin through smart buying and selling strategies. The list of 42 best items to flip presented in this article offers a diverse range of options, catering to various interests and expertise. From power tools to vintage clothing and wedding dresses to electronics, there’s something for everyone. The key to success lies in finding the items that align with your knowledge, passion, and market demand. When it comes to sourcing items for flipping, there are numerous avenues to explore. Garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, online marketplaces, auctions, flea markets, and even your own home can serve as treasure troves of items waiting to be flipped. The choice of where to find your inventory depends on your location, preferences, and the type of items you intend to flip. Once you’ve acquired your items, you can sell them through various channels, both online and locally. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay offer access to a broad online audience, while local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community-based apps can connect you with nearby buyers. The key is to leverage these platforms to reach potential customers effectively. While the profitability of flipping varies depending on factors like the item’s condition, rarity, and demand, some specialized items tend to yield higher profits. Tech gadgets, exercise equipment, vintage clothing, and designer fashion items are among the most lucrative options. These items often command higher prices, and with some minor repairs or refurbishments, you can significantly increase their resale value. In the realm of flipping, innovation, and creativity can be your allies. Consider upcycling items, such as furniture, glass, jewelry, and even artwork, to breathe new life into old pieces and make them more appealing to buyers. These unique creations can not only fetch higher prices but also showcase your craftsmanship and attract a dedicated customer base. In conclusion, flipping items for profit is a dynamic and rewarding venture that offers a sustainable source of income. Whether you’re a part-time flipper looking to earn extra cash or a full-time entrepreneur seeking a thriving business, the world of flipping has something to offer. Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends, continually expand your knowledge, and, most importantly, embrace your passion for turning forgotten items into valuable assets. With the right strategy and a keen eye for opportunity, you can flip your way to success and financial prosperity. FAQs What is the Easiest Thing to Flip? Power tools are an easy item to item to flip as they are always in demand, and not many people tend to have these tools in their homes. Rather than purchasing new power tools, they can buy them secondhand, which is why flipping them is easier. What Flipping Items Make the Most Money? Another option if you’re looking to start an upcycling business is to flip vintage clothing and high-end designer fashion items. The secondhand apparel market is steadily growing, and clothing items are easy to find and resell. Wedding dresses are another option if you’re looking to make a full-time income by flipping clothing. Many brides are looking for beautiful wedding dresses at deep discounts, so you can make a nice profit by flipping and selling wedding dresses. What Can I Resell Quickly? To make money online by reselling an item quickly, you can sell used books and textbooks to students and others via reselling platforms. You can find books online, in library sales, and in secondhand stores that you can resell quickly. What is the Best to Resell? The best item to resell is old furniture. For spring and summer, consider flipping items such as wicker chairs, patio tables, and other types of furniture perfect for backyards and gardens. Many people are looking for good-quality wood furniture and beautiful vintage furniture to add to their homes, so upcycled furniture is an option for flipping items. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hidden Gems: Top Items to Flip for a Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Selling items online and in person can be a great source of income and a way to get more life out of used items. There are many types of items to flip, so there is plenty to choose from. To help you start flipping, we’ll look at some of the best things to flip for this article. What is Flipping? Flipping is a straightforward concept wherein you purchase items and resell them straight away rather than holding on to them. Some items may need to be repaired or have some maintenance involved before they can be flipped. But the general idea when it comes to flipping items is to purchase things at a low price and sell them for a profit. Identifying the Best Items to Flip for Profit: Our Methodology When it comes to flipping items for profit, selecting the right products is key. In guiding our readers towards selecting items that can yield a good return on investment when flipped, we use the following criteria. Each one is rated on a scale from 1 to 10, where 10 indicates the highest level of importance and 1 is the lowest. Purchase Price vs. Potential Resale Value Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Items with a low purchase price relative to their potential resale value are ideal for flipping. Market Demand Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: High-demand items are more likely to sell quickly and for a higher price. Ease of Restoration or Improvement Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that require minimal effort and cost to restore or improve are preferable, as they reduce time and investment for the flipper. Storage and Transportation Costs Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that are easy and inexpensive to store and transport reduce overhead costs. Sales Venue Suitability Importance Scale: 8/10 Rationale: Items that are easy to sell through common venues like online marketplaces, thrift stores, or flea markets are ideal. Seasonality and Trends Importance Scale: 6/10 Rationale: Understanding seasonality and current trends can assist in choosing items that are more likely to sell well during specific times of the year. Niche Popularity Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items within popular niches or with a dedicated following can often command higher prices. Authenticity and Legal Considerations Importance Scale: 9/10 Rationale: Ensuring the authenticity of items, especially branded goods, and adhering to legal resale requirements is critical. Time to Sell Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Items that typically sell faster are preferable for quick turnover and cash flow. Knowledge and Expertise Required Importance Scale: 7/10 Rationale: Flipping items that demand less specialized knowledge or expertise can make the process more accessible to a broader audience. By applying these criteria, we aim to guide our readers toward selecting items to flip that not only offer a high potential for profit but also align with their resources, skills, and market trends. The Best Items to Flip Many items can be flipped, so if you want to flip for profit, you’re in luck. Selecting the right things to flip can often be challenging, but it will largely depend on your local market, broader trends you can capitalize on, and how much of a profit you can gain from flipping the item. Let’s look at some of the best things to flip for profit. Power Tools They are in high demand due to their utility in DIY projects and home repairs. Their durability means they retain value well. Outdoor Furniture Seasonal demand peaks in warmer months, offering profitable resale opportunities, especially for high-quality, durable pieces. Wood and Vintage Furniture These items have timeless appeal and can often be restored to increase their value. Vintage pieces, in particular, can fetch high prices due to their uniqueness and historical value. Vintage and Designer Clothing These items are sought after for their unique styles and quality construction. Vintage and designer pieces can become more valuable over time, appealing to collectors and fashion enthusiasts. Wedding Dresses High initial value and limited use make this ideal for resale. Many seek budget-friendly options for weddings, creating a steady market. Exercise Equipment Growing health consciousness drives demand for home gym equipment. Quality items retain value and are sought after in the secondhand market. Old Books and Textbooks Rare books or textbooks in current curricula have a dedicated market. Collectors and students alike seek out these items, often at premium prices. They are easy to sell online, at markets, or even to used bookstores. Old Board Games Nostalgia and the resurgence of board gaming culture make these items popular. Rare or vintage games can be particularly valuable. Electronics and Games High demand and rapid innovation in technology create opportunities for profitable resale, especially for items in good condition or with a cult following. Baby Items Babies quickly outgrow their items, creating a constant supply and demand. High-quality, gently used items are particularly sought after by budget-conscious parents. Hockey Equipment Sporting goods, especially for popular sports like hockey, have a strong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. Toys and Vintage Toys Nostalgic appeal and collectibility can significantly increase the profitability of these items, particularly if they are rare or in excellent condition. Shoes and Sneakers High demand, especially for designer or limited-edition sneakers, combined with a culture of collecting, can lead to significant profits. Trading Cards Niche markets and collectors value rare or limited-edition cards, making them potentially lucrative resale items. There are many stores that will buy these from you, or you can easily sell them online. Vintage Cars Classic cars often appreciate value, especially if they are rare or have been well-maintained or restored. Houses Real estate can be a highly profitable investment, especially if purchased at a low price and sold after renovation or market appreciation. Household Appliances Good-condition appliances are always in demand, as they are essential in every home and can be expensive to purchase new. Lego Sets Discontinued or rare sets can be highly collectible and increase in value, appealing to both children and adult collectors. They’re easy to sell online and at markets that are popular with collectors. Scrap Metal While not glamorous, scrap metal can be profitable due to consistent demand in the manufacturing and recycling industries. Websites and Domain Names Digital real estate can be highly valuable, especially if the site or domain has high traffic, a niche market, or a memorable name. Bicycles Cycling’s popularity and the high cost of new bikes create a strong market for secondhand bicycles, especially high-quality or unique models. Musical Instruments and Equipment High-quality instruments retain value and are in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. Cameras Photography enthusiasts and professionals are always on the lookout for good quality equipment, making cameras a profitable flip. Picture Frames Unique or high-quality frames are always in demand for home decor and art display, offering opportunities for profitable resale. These are easy to transport, ship, and sell in various venues. Photography Gear As with cameras, photography gear such as lenses, tripods, and lighting equipment holds value well and is sought after in the secondhand market. This is a popular niche where collectors and professional photographers will often pay a premium for quality items. Luxury Handbags Their high initial value and brand recognition make them appealing for resale, especially when they’re well-maintained or rare, appealing to both fashion enthusiasts and collectors. Stocks and Options The financial market offers a high potential for profit through strategic buying and selling, appealing to those with good market knowledge and risk management skills. Houses Real estate investment can yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing, appealing to entrepreneurs with knowledge of property management and real estate markets. Raw Land This represents a blank canvas with various profitable possibilities, from development to resale after appreciation, appealing to long-term investors. VCRs and VHS Tapes Nostalgia and the scarcity of working units contribute to the collectibility of these items, attracting both enthusiasts and individuals seeking unique or vintage media. Clearance Items Purchasing items at clearance prices and selling them at market value can yield significant profit margins, particularly for products that are in high demand or seasonal. Artwork Unique pieces can be appreciated in value, especially from sought-after artists or limited editions, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. Home Decor Trendy or unique home decor items can be resold at a premium, appealing to individuals interested in interior design and decoration. Records and Record Players Vinyl records have experienced a revival in popularity, making them highly sought after and profitable, particularly rare or vintage editions, which are among the best items to flip. Collectibles Items like figurines, comics, or themed merchandise can appreciate in value and have a dedicated collector market, offering profitable flipping opportunities. Board Games Classic and niche board games are in demand, with rare or out-of-print editions fetching high prices among enthusiasts. Antiques Their historical value and uniqueness make antiques highly sought after, with potential for high profit, especially with rare or well-preserved items. Rare or Retro T-Shirts Nostalgia and uniqueness drive demand, with certain prints or vintage band tees being highly collectible and profitable. These are easy to store and ship, and they can be sold online or in-person with ease. Concert T-Shirts Limited edition or vintage concert tees can be highly sought after by fans and collectors, often fetching high resale prices. Concert Tickets Buying and reselling tickets for popular events can be profitable, especially for sold-out shows or in-demand performances. Sports Memorabilia Items like signed jerseys, cards, or game-used equipment have a dedicated collector base and can appreciate in value, particularly rare or historical pieces. Upcycled Items There is an expanding market for innovative, eco-friendly products such as upcycled glass, jewelry, and furniture, which attract environmentally conscious consumers. #Item to FlipReason for Being Ideal to Flip 1Power ToolsHigh demand for DIY projects and home repairs; durable and retain value well. 2Outdoor FurnitureSeasonal demand peaks in warmer months; profitable for high-quality, durable pieces. 3Wood and Vintage FurnitureTimeless appeal; can be restored to increase value; vintage pieces fetch high prices. 4Vintage and Designer ClothingSought after for unique styles and quality; can become more valuable over time. 5Wedding DressesHigh initial value and limited use; steady market for budget-friendly options. 6Exercise EquipmentGrowing health consciousness; quality items retain value in the secondhand market. 7Old Books and TextbooksDedicated market for rare books or current textbooks; collectors and students seek these. 8Old Board GamesNostalgia and resurgence of board gaming culture; rare/vintage games valuable. 9Electronics and GamesHigh demand and rapid innovation; profitable for items in good condition or with cult following. 10Baby ItemsConstant supply and demand due to quick outgrowing; high-quality items sought after. 11Hockey EquipmentStrong resale market due to high new retail prices and seasonal demand. 12Toys and Vintage ToysNostalgic value and collectibility; rare or well-conditioned items highly profitable. 13Shoes and SneakersHigh demand for designer or limited-edition; culture of collecting. 14Trading CardsNiche markets value rare or limited-edition cards; lucrative resale potential. 15Vintage CarsAppreciate in value, especially if rare or well-maintained/restored. 16HousesHighly profitable investment; potential returns through renovation or market appreciation. 17Household AppliancesAlways in demand; essential in every home and expensive when new. 18Lego SetsDiscontinued or rare sets highly collectible; appealing to children and adult collectors. 19Scrap MetalProfitable due to consistent demand in manufacturing and recycling industries. 20Websites and Domain NamesValuable digital real estate; high traffic, niche market, or memorable name. 21BicyclesStrong market due to cycling popularity and high cost of new bikes. 22Musical Instruments and EquipmentRetain value and in demand by both beginners and experienced musicians. 23CamerasPhotography enthusiasts and professionals seek good quality equipment. 24Picture FramesIn demand for home decor and art display; unique or high-quality frames. 25Photography GearHolds value well and sought after in the secondhand market. 26Luxury HandbagsHigh initial value and brand recognition; appeal to fashion enthusiasts and collectors. 27Stocks and OptionsHigh potential for profit through strategic buying and selling. 28Houses (Real Estate)Yield significant returns through strategic renovations and market timing. 29Raw LandBlank canvas with various profitable possibilities; appealing to long-term investors. 30VCRs and VHS TapesNostalgia and rarity of functioning units make these items collectible. 31Clearance ItemsHigh margins by reselling clearance items at market value. 32ArtworkUnique pieces can appreciate in value; appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts. 33Home DecorTrendy or unique items can be resold at a premium. 34Records and Record PlayersVinyl resurgence in popularity; rare or vintage editions highly collectible. 35CollectiblesCan appreciate in value; dedicated collector market. 36Board GamesIn demand, rare or out-of-print editions fetch high prices. 37AntiquesHistorical value and uniqueness make them highly sought after. 38Rare or Retro T-ShirtsNostalgia and uniqueness drive demand; highly collectible and profitable. 39Concert T-ShirtsLimited edition or vintage highly sought after by fans and collectors. 40Concert TicketsProfitable for popular events, especially sold-out shows or in-demand performances. 41Sports MemorabiliaSigned jerseys, cards, game-used equipment appreciate in value. 42Upcycled ItemsGrowing market for eco-friendly, creatively upcycled products. Where to Flip: Flip Items Online and Sell Items locally There are many ways to build a profitable reselling business; you can sell online and in person. Some of the best places to find items for flipping include the following: Finding Items to Flip You can find items to flip in the following places: Garage Sales If you can find a local garage sale or are willing to drive out further to find good sales, you can find great items to flip for profit. Yard Sales Like garage sales, going to a yard sale is another option to find cheap items you can purchase for just a few dollars to flip for extra cash. Thrift Stores Thrift stores and consignment stores are filled with hidden gems and cheap items that can make all the difference for flipping. Check your nearest thrift store for apparel, good-quality shoes, costume jewelry, and more. Estate Sales Many hidden gems have been discovered in estate sales, including vintage items and unique items such as upcycled art and upcycled jewelry. Facebook Marketplace You can find items and resell items on the Facebook Marketplace. It’s easy to make money selling items in high demand without incurring massive shipping costs since you can meet locally to deliver the items. Auctions Auctions are another way to find items to flip, but you must be careful about how much you spend. When bidding for items, think about the regular retail price and whether you could compete with that based on the amount it is being bid for. Flea Markets You can easily become a flea market flipper and make all your money by searching for items at flea markets in your spare time House Clearance sales Many people undertake spring cleaning or house cleaning efforts, and you can go to these sales to find cheap items that you can sell high on online platforms and locally. Your own home If you’d like to start your flipping business and make serious cash but are not sure where to start – start with your own home! You can find items you no longer use, such as baby gear or baby stuff that children have outgrown video games, and other items, and sell them for a decent profit. Selling Items to Flip Once you find items you’d like to flip, plenty of flipping websites are available for you to sell on. Many platforms such as Poshmark, Mercari, and Vinted generate free shipping label options so you can ship items domestically to customers, making it easy to turn flipping from a fun hobby to something more. These platforms have a large user base looking for a good deal and looking to save money by purchasing secondhand items. Facebook Marketplace ThredUp Amazon eBay OfferUp Etsy Craigslist Mercari Poshmark Varagesale Vinted Your own online store Flipping to Make Extra Money There are many ways to flip items to make money. You can find things in secondhand stores, thrift shops, and online platforms such as Etsy, Mercari, and more. Additionally, you can make extra money by finding items to flip in local places such as garage and yard sales, estate sales, and other events where people sell secondhand items at a low cost. Final Thoughts: What is The Most Profitable Item to Flip? The world of flipping items for profit offers a wealth of opportunities for those looking to generate income and extend the life of used goods. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, there are numerous items and niches to explore, and your success ultimately depends on your local market, your knowledge, and your ability to identify profitable opportunities. Flipping, at its core, is a simple and effective concept: acquire items at a low cost and resell them for a profit. While some items may require repairs or maintenance before they are ready for resale, the key is to maximize your profit margin through smart buying and selling strategies. The list of 42 best items to flip presented in this article offers a diverse range of options, catering to various interests and expertise. From power tools to vintage clothing and wedding dresses to electronics, there’s something for everyone. The key to success lies in finding the items that align with your knowledge, passion, and market demand. When it comes to sourcing items for flipping, there are numerous avenues to explore. Garage sales, yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, online marketplaces, auctions, flea markets, and even your own home can serve as treasure troves of items waiting to be flipped. The choice of where to find your inventory depends on your location, preferences, and the type of items you intend to flip. Once you’ve acquired your items, you can sell them through various channels, both online and locally. Platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Etsy, and eBay offer access to a broad online audience, while local options like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and community-based apps can connect you with nearby buyers. The key is to leverage these platforms to reach potential customers effectively. While the profitability of flipping varies depending on factors like the item’s condition, rarity, and demand, some specialized items tend to yield higher profits. Tech gadgets, exercise equipment, vintage clothing, and designer fashion items are among the most lucrative options. These items often command higher prices, and with some minor repairs or refurbishments, you can significantly increase their resale value. In the realm of flipping, innovation, and creativity can be your allies. Consider upcycling items, such as furniture, glass, jewelry, and even artwork, to breathe new life into old pieces and make them more appealing to buyers. These unique creations can not only fetch higher prices but also showcase your craftsmanship and attract a dedicated customer base. In conclusion, flipping items for profit is a dynamic and rewarding venture that offers a sustainable source of income. Whether you’re a part-time flipper looking to earn extra cash or a full-time entrepreneur seeking a thriving business, the world of flipping has something to offer. Keep your finger on the pulse of market trends, continually expand your knowledge, and, most importantly, embrace your passion for turning forgotten items into valuable assets. With the right strategy and a keen eye for opportunity, you can flip your way to success and financial prosperity. FAQs What is the Easiest Thing to Flip? Power tools are an easy item to item to flip as they are always in demand, and not many people tend to have these tools in their homes. Rather than purchasing new power tools, they can buy them secondhand, which is why flipping them is easier. What Flipping Items Make the Most Money? Another option if you’re looking to start an upcycling business is to flip vintage clothing and high-end designer fashion items. The secondhand apparel market is steadily growing, and clothing items are easy to find and resell. Wedding dresses are another option if you’re looking to make a full-time income by flipping clothing. Many brides are looking for beautiful wedding dresses at deep discounts, so you can make a nice profit by flipping and selling wedding dresses. What Can I Resell Quickly? To make money online by reselling an item quickly, you can sell used books and textbooks to students and others via reselling platforms. You can find books online, in library sales, and in secondhand stores that you can resell quickly. What is the Best to Resell? The best item to resell is old furniture. For spring and summer, consider flipping items such as wicker chairs, patio tables, and other types of furniture perfect for backyards and gardens. Many people are looking for good-quality wood furniture and beautiful vintage furniture to add to their homes, so upcycled furniture is an option for flipping items. Image: Envato Elements This article, "Hidden Gems: Top Items to Flip for a Profit" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

A pair of studies find that 73% of marketing teams use generative AI, and consumers largely accept AI in advertising. The post 73% Of Marketers Use Generative AI, Consumer Acceptance Up appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Processing fees. Service fees. Hidden fees. It feels like most companies and services these days have found countless ways to sneakily squeeze money out of me. Even when it’s only a few dollars here and there, it’s the principle of the thing: Why am I being charged in the first place? What can I do to circumvent these fees and save my hard-earned money? Here are some of the most common fees that have been infuriating me lately, and what you can do to avoid paying them. Concert “service” feesIf you’ve tried to buy a concert ticket in recent history, you’ve been slapped with a shocking string of processing, commission, or transaction fees. From secondary sellers like StubHub and Vivid Seats, to primary sellers like Ticketmaster, AXS, and SeatGeek, these fees are built into the modern business model of ticketing live events. Of course, that doesn’t mean we have to sit back and take it. Ticketmaster in particular has been hit with multiple class-action lawsuits for the company’s lack of transparency. How to avoid them: First, check out discount and no-fee ticket sites like TickPick or Goldstar.com. Unfortunately, there’s only one guaranteed way to avoid concert service fees: Contact the box office to look into about buying your tickets in person. Sure, it’s old school (and might prove tricky for in-demand shows), but it’s a surefire way to avoid the “convenience” fee that comes with online transactions. Airbnb feesNext to the cost of concert tickets, Airbnb has gained notoriety for its bullshit fees. I've found the growing consensus is that Airbnb simply isn’t worth its exorbitant service fees. I'll never forget a few years back, there was a viral tweet with a screenshot of a $99/night listing that ended up totaling $413.95 for two nights after fees and taxes were added at checkout. How to avoid them: After you find a listing on Airbnb, try searching for the property description on other sites for offerings that don’t come with Airbnb’s fees. You can also reach out to the host directly and see if they would be interested in conducting business outside of Airbnb in order to avoid fees. For instance, you could arrange to book the property for just one night through Airbnb, and pay for additional nights in person. There’s certainly some risk involved here, but considering how much of a cut Airbnb takes from hosts, you might be able to strike a win-win deal. Seat selection and airline feesOf all the bullshit airline fees these days, “seat selection” might be the shadiest. Paying an additional $20 for my seat? Isn’t that what the ticket is paying for in the first place? During the booking process, it’s not always clear that the seat selection fee is completely avoidable. How to avoid them: When the option pops up to select a seat on your flight, simply skip past this screen. The skip button may be hidden, but it’s there. The airline will automatically assign you a seat for no extra charge. If where you sit is still a concern for you, you can request specific seats if you politely ask the gate agent when you arrive at the airport. For more information, here’s our guide to avoiding seat selection fees. ATM feesWhen you need cash fast, ATM fees are tough to avoid. It’s utter crap to be charged three dollars to access my own money, but, alas, the big banks don’t seem to be listening to my ramblings. How to avoid them: Ideally you can find an ATM owned by the bank you use so it doesn’t cost you to withdraw your money. Otherwise, consider moving your money to a bank that refunds these fees. Another tactic is to take steps to have fee-free cash on hand by using the cash back option when you grocery shop. Personally, I always take out a ten or a twenty on top of my groceries, and I rarely have to resort to finding an ATM when I need cash. Car dealership feesIf there’s someone you can trust to be honest and no-bullshit, it’s a car salesman, right? From advertising fees, delivery fees, undercoating fees—it’s easy to get lost in all the additional charges that get tacked on at a car dealership. How to avoid them: When you buy a new car, you’ll be able to see a factory invoice. Any charges listed there are, unfortunately, legitimate. However, if the dealership charges you a fee that doesn’t appear on the factory invoice, you can avoid paying it. Getting rid of these fees is often as simple as asking the dealer to strike them. Somehow, questioning their legitimacy seems to make them all but disappear. Gym initiation feesWhen you join a new gym, your first bill might come with an “initiation fee.” This sucks, and you should try to get out of it. How to avoid them: Similar to our tip with the car dealership, you should simply ask the gym to waive the fee. Bonus points if you express doubts about your membership, or even make it a condition of signing up for a yearly membership. The gym wants to keep you as a customer, so they’ll be more likely to waive one fee in order to hold on to you. Credit reportsMake a habit of checking your free credit score from sites like Credit Karma or Experian. What you shouldn’t make a habit of is paying a fee for a credit report literally ever, since this likely means you’re falling for a scam. How to avoid them: Head to AnnualCreditReport.com and check your credit health for free. Some banks and credit card companies also offer free credit reports as part of having an account with them. Overdraft fees“Overdraft protection” sounds like a positive thing to stop you from taking out more money than you have in your account. However, when the bank offers overdraft protection, they charge quite the fee for it. You accidentally overdrawing your account by a few cents could turn into an outrageous $50 charge. How to avoid them: An alternative to your bank’s overdraft protection is to link your savings account to your checking account. This way, any overdrafts get pulled from your own funds. If this isn’t possible at your bank, at least set up low-balance alerts so you avoid overdrafts altogether. Bank statement feesA paper bank statement can come with a wild $2 or $3 monthly fee. Those dollars add up, and for no reason other than, what, receiving mail? How to avoid them: Go paperless. It’s as simple as checking a box in your account settings. Good for the environment, and good for your wallet. Online shipping feesAs much as I'd like to support in-person brick and mortar stores, sometimes Amazon one-day shipping is the only option I have. And with shipping costs these days, I know I'm guilty of buying more products just to qualify for free shipping—the classic "spend to save" trap. How to avoid them: Always consolidate orders to avoid multiple shipping charges. Compare shipping rates across multiple retailers before purchasing, and sign up for free shipping programs like Amazon Prime or Walmart+. Plus, you can go for good old-fashioned store pickup options when available. View the full article

Pop quiz: Which two Super Bowl ads were created by Artists Equity Advertising, the commercial creative arm of Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s studio Artists Equity? Hint: It was the two starring… Ben Affleck and Matt Damon. The big game ads for both Stella Artois and Dunkin were excellent vehicles for both actors. But they’re also the rare occurrence of major advertising investment—which goes well beyond the $8 million just for Super Bowl airtime—going to a boutique creative shop run by Hollywood A-listers. However, this is not a story about Super Bowl ads. It’s about Artists Equity’s approach to capitalizing on the increasingly aligned interests of Hollywood and brand marketers—and how the company just may have the strategy and talent to capitalize on it. Since Affleck and Damon founded Artists Equity in 2022, the studio has been steadily churning out film and TV work. Releases include Air, the unauthorized story of how Nike landed Michael Jordan; the Cillian Murphy drama Small Things Like These; Doug Liman’s The Instigators with Apple Films; William Goldenberg’s Unstoppable on Prime Video; and Jennifer Lopez’ Kiss of the Spider Woman. It’s also behind the upcoming Affleck-starring action sequel The Accountant 2. But since Affleck’s first spin as a Dunkin spokesperson in 2023—anchored by a Super Bowl spot in which when he takes over a Boston-area drive-thru—Artists Equity has been building its advertising team with a few different goals in mind. The first is to provide an added revenue stream and creative outlet for the company. Second, give both brands and talent the best experience and results with advertising that also entertains. It’s far from the only creative shop with those ambitions. But Affleck is confident that Artists Equity Advertising can carve out its own corner of the commercial world, and has a plan on how to do it. A significant part of that plan is bringing to the ad world the company’s filmmaking prowess and the creator-focused approach it takes with its studio projects. Affleck tells Fast Company that his early commercial experiences as a brand spokesperson felt overly transactional. Like a hired gun, brought in to smile and wave, with no creative input or involvement. As a result, the work was unsatisfying to him, and ultimately not as good for the brands as it could have been. “My argument to brands is that there’s a reason why you want to associate this person with the product you’re selling, and the reason is the cultural footprint this person has created,” Affleck says. “And to me, the obvious take is asking them to come in and be part of the creative process, which means sharing the strategy goals, creative goals, and brand goals.” [Image: courtesy Artists Equity Advertising] Glazed ambition The notion of brands involving celebrities or artists in the creative process sounds rather obvious. And it is becoming more common – see Bud Light’s work with comedian Shane Gillis. But it’s still more the exception than the rule. Artists Equity’s advertising business was largely born out of Affleck’s experience with Dunkin. Back in 2022, as a lifelong fan of the brand, Affleck was talking to the company about starring in a Super Bowl ad. At the time, Dunkin had a traditional ad agency working on the spot. But Affleck had an idea. What if he just showed up at a random Massachusetts Dunkin and worked the drive-thru? IT would not only make for a fun spot, but also generate a ton of earned media. The brand was hesitant, but Affleck persisted. “The agency was much smaller at the time, and in order to prove it to them, I said we’d shoot the commercial that they originally wanted, but then asked them to let us try to improve that, and also do the commercial that I think would work,” he says. The result was a Top 5 Super Bowl ad in 2023 on USA Today’s Ad Meter, as well as an 837% increase in social conversations after the Super Bowl, more than any other brand, according to media intelligence firm Meltwater. Dunkin’ CMO Jill McVicar Nelson says the Artists Equity model allows the company to tap into top talent across creative, production, design, and more, allowing them to deliver beautiful, high-impact work at incredible speed. “Because they oversee both creative and production, they move swiftly to finalize assets while maximizing content creation,” she says. “This means we get a wealth of high-quality assets across all channels, with an exceptional eye for production and design in everything they do.” The Super Bowl work continued this year and last, with the DunKings. The line of merch the brand created in 2024—in particular the track suits—sold out in less than 30 minutes. It’s also led to creating a steady stream of work for the brand, including the recent Sabrina Carpenter spot for her Brown Sugar Shakin’ Espresso. And a merch collab this month with Juicy Couture that sold out in five minutes. “Artists Equity Advertising has their finger on the pulse of culture, and while many may make that claim, they actually walk the walk,” says Nelson. “They don’t just anticipate what consumers will care about; their team is really connected to pop culture through their work across the studio. They bring this unique ability to extend a brand’s presence beyond traditional paid media, and together, we’ve created multi-faceted campaigns that go beyond ads—whether it’s a seven-minute short film, buzzy merchandise, custom songs, compelling social content, and more.” [Image: courtesy Artists Equity Advertising] A-listers behind the scenes Affleck and Damon are obviously the most visible talent in the company’s biggest ads, but Artists Equity Advertising now accounts for nearly a third of the company’s 75-person headcount—a testament to the smart creative hires the company has made in the past two years. Executive creative director Brandon Piece, was the company’s first advertising hire in 2023. Pierce’s creative pedigree spans legendary shops Wieden+Kennedy, 72andSunny, and Droga5, and before joining Artists Equity Advertising, helped build Hulu’s in-house marketing creative studio. That experience led him to creating Your Attention Please with Craig Robinson, and Amy Schumer’s writers room on season five of Inside Amy Schumer. “Ben is a multi hyphenate creative, obviously on the film side,” says Pierce. “And I like to call myself a multi-hyphenate creative that has found a way to successfully transition from traditional advertising to longer-form storytelling, stuff that feels like entertainment, even if it’s for a brand.” Eight months ago, the company brought in Josh Jeffries as president of advertising. Jeffries’ resume is similarly full of agency experience, including time at Deutsch LA, Anomaly, and 72andSunny. Jeffries—who’s charged with scaling the magic Artists Equity Advertising has been able to conjure over the past few Super Bowls—says the company is being very deliberate in not chasing growth for its own sake, and instead focusing on slowly branching out. “We’re highly selective of who we want to partner with,” Jeffries says, adding the company likely won’t take on more than two more clients beyond Stella and Dunkin in 2025. The agency is working to strike the balance between the work Affleck and Damon do and don’t appear in. After seeing the Dunkin work last year, AB InBev got in touch about its Stella Artois brand, with a goal to help shift its image in the U.S. as an upscale beer to more of a quality everyday indulgence. Enter Dave Beckham. David Beckham was already a brand spokesperson, and Damon had worked with AB InBev in the past, so it was a natural fit for a separated-at-birth concept. The Super Bowl spot is the start of a year-long campaign created by the agency, and most of the work was shot at the same time. “We want to be cognizant of not having the expectation that Ben and Matt are featured in everything that we do,” says Jeffries. “It’s a healthy way to start, obviously, because it works quite well. There has to be an authentic connection to the brand and the talent themselves.” In addition to the Carpenter spot, this past year included Dunkin ads with Kristen Wiig and Will Arnett. The latter was part of the…ahem… Dunkin Cinematic Universe, with Arnett hiring “Dunkinterns” and gettign creeped out by an Affleck robot. Super Bowl post-game In an industry dominated by public holding company behemoths, it’s the rare advertising shop that isn’t pushing to grow as fast and as much as possible. But the strategy for Artists Equity Advertising is about quality over quantity. Not least, Pierce says, because it has a reputation to protect. Pierce says it’s about keeping the spirit of being a creatively-driven company. “Whether it’s a film, a documentary, a commercial, or a billboard, we try to keep that thread through everything that we do here,” he says “Because ultimately everything we put out in the world has Artists Equity attached to it, so it better be at the level of everything else that we’ve established.” It’s easy to see what having a film studio as a sibling within the business can do for the advertising side in terms of creative pedigree and access to top tier talent pool. But Affleck says the ad side brings plenty to the film business. Data research, analytics, social media measurement, have all become a part of the overall business. “The difficulty around obtaining capital in order to produce something is the principal hurdle,” says Affleck. “We’ve gotten much deeper into this side of the business because I see all of it as a means by which artists can demonstrate either the value that they’re bringing, or, more effectively exploit the value that they have.” Advertising and marketing is an industry obsessed with efficiency and efficacy. Those who trade in brand entertainment aim to bridge the gap between art and commerce in a way that delights audiences and helps lift the brand. Much easier said than done. Within this dynamic, Artists Equity Advertising is a bit rare find. Big stars taking big swings for big brands, but also being in the room from the start to collaborate on strategy and creative. Over the last two years, the shop’s growing team has just begun to show how that strategy can pay off for brands and creative partners who embrace the approach. Affleck is excited about the results so far, and the potential in further bridging Hollywood and brandland. “This is a world where the lines are just increasingly blurred,” says Affleck. “I’m interested in how that evolution is taking place, and being part of it.” View the full article

Weeks ago, my partner suggested I develop a recipe for doughnuts made in the air fryer. I tried to explain to him how deep fried doughnuts are always better than baked ones, adding, “unless you wanna throw some Entenmann’s in there.” I laughed, and then shook my head, because I had sealed my own fate. Once it occurred to me, I absolutely needed to test the idea. I bought a variety pack of Entenmann’s doughnuts (including chocolate glazed, powdery crumb nubbins, and classic glazed). I fearfully placed one of each into the basket of my air fryer and pressed Start. I experienced a range of emotions during the next seven minutes, pinging from worry, to hope, to, finally, disbelief: Yes, I’m happy to report that air-fried cheap doughnuts are absolutely sensational. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann The process changes the doughnuts appearance, especially the glazed ones. The sugar coating partially melts, exposing the crumb texture of the doughnut beneath. Everything else is uphill from there: Each air fried doughnut was a textural delight—their dry, homogeneous, bread-y consistency transformed into a crunchy exterior with a chewy, caramelized crust. The interior crumb changed too: Instead of a dense, cake-y texture, the crumb opens up a bit (presumably from expanding in the heat) and has an airy feel. The flavor is also improved. All of the existing elements you enjoy in packaged doughnuts are concentrated and enhanced. Normally these doughnuts are one-note sweets, but after air frying, you’ll notice how buttery they are, taste notes of vanilla, and even detect hints of salt. Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann It makes logical sense—the heat melts and caramelizes some of the sugars, moisture evaporates, and the doughnut’s surface browns a bit due to the Maillard reaction, creating new, complex flavors. But some flavors, I can’t explain. Why does an air-fried chocolate glazed doughnut taste completely like Fruity Pebbles? You must air fry a chocolate glazed, if only to experience this unexpected transformation. How to air fry cheap doughnutsI wouldn’t air fry specialty bakery doughnuts that cost $5 a pop, because that’s silly. Focus on improving the factory-made doughnuts. To air fry your own cheap doughnuts at home, simply pop the treats into an air fryer set to 350°F on the “air fry” setting for five to seven minutes. Make sure you air fry them on the included metal grate, as some of the sugars from the glaze will drip off and you don't want them to get too moist. When they’re done heating, use metal tongs or a fish spatula to remove them from the grate and place them to cool on a wire rack for about five minutes. Feel free to give them a light sprinkle of flaky salt. They’ll feel really soft and breakable at first, but after cooling, the sugars will recrystallize and the doughnuts will be crispy...and incredible. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. A reader writes: I own a business and recently I’ve had an issue with one of my employees. She will go all day without eating (because of what looks like poor planning) and then get very irritable with everyone and complains about being hungry. I’ll offer to order her something or offer her the granola bars we have in the break room, but she brushes me off. I think she thinks I’m being an annoying mom type but really I just don’t want to deal with her hangry attitude because it affects the entire office when she gets like that. Any tips? I answer this question — and three others — 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. Other questions I’m answering there today include: Asking back an employee but not his spouse Internships and equity Writing notes on your hand at work View the full article

What is WordPress? WordPress powers businesses all over the world. It is one of the most popular website building platforms, and it allows you to create a website or blog from scratch or improve an existing website. There are many notable brands, celebrities and companies that use it too. This article discusses what WordPress is and how it can benefit your business. By the end of this post, you should definitely know the answer to the question, “What is WordPress?” What is a WordPress Website? If you ever did an internet search for “What is WordPress?” you’d likely find out more than 1 in 4 websites use the website platform to power their own website (by the way, the term ‘WordPress’ is searched for nearly 3 million times a month!). That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t really answer the question, “What is WordPress?” right? Simply put, WordPress is a content management system (CMS) developed by WordPress experts Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. The duo designed it as a tool to make it easy for people without any coding experience to create a website or blog from scratch. It is a free, open-source software system licensed under GPLv2 (or later), meaning any user can use, modify, or contribute to its codebase. In addition, WordPress’s open-source software system has end-to-end encryption that can be used on your own web server or by a hosting company. Its functionality and ease of use have resulted in a large community of WordPress users and WordPress developers who have created and utilized themes, plugins, and other tools to quickly and easily build anything from huge online stores to a simple blog. 10 Useful WordPress Statistics If you need further help convincing yourselves or others that WordPress is the best CMS system for your business, be sure to check out the following WordPress statistics: It is currently the most popular content management system on the web. People visit WordPress more than the social media giant Twitter, which has a whopping 156 million unique visitors a month. With a WordPress theme-builder like seedprod, even users who aren’t very technically skilled can easily create a custom WordPress theme from scratch. Over 400 million people visit a WordPress website each month. 661 WordPress sites and nearly 300 new WooCommerce stores appear on average each day. There are over 59,000 free plugins available in the WordPress plugin directory. Over 187 countries have at least one active WordPress installation. The WordPress.org website receives over two billion page views per month. The WordPress app has been downloaded over two million times. Out of 1.3 billion websites on the web, more than 455 million sites use WordPress to power their own website. What is WordPress used for? The question closely following “What is WordPress?” is probably “Why do I need to use a WordPress website for my business, anyway, and is WordPress good for small business websites?” Firstly, when you install WordPress and set everything up, you’ll find that it can be used for developing anything from a small business site to an eCommerce storefront and blog. In fact, some of the most popular websites in the world are powered by WordPress, including Samsung, Forbes, The Guardian, and the New York Times. Additionally, small business sites like ours also use WordPress. Secondly, WordPress offers a wide range of versatile features, and new unique functionalities are being introduced regularly. However, versatility is not the sole reason for WordPress’s popularity; it also includes several features that make it an excellent platform for businesses. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with the king of content management systems: Create website content such as custom pages and posts. Easily integrate it with social media platforms. Help your site rank higher in search engine results through SEO capabilities. Track your website’s traffic and performance with analytics tools. Design a website or blog from scratch. Improve an existing website by adding WordPress functionality. Develop membership sites, chatrooms, directories, wikis, galleries, and online courses. Support all media types, such as audio, video, images, and information-related data. How does WordPress Work? Now that you know a little more about what WordPress is let’s take a look at how it works. The working process of WordPress software is a comprehensive procedure that works by combining some core files, a database, files that you add or install, and a dashboard to let you manage the whole thing. There are also many components, such as themes, plugins, and widgets, that work together to give your website the look and functionality you desire. WordPress core Installing core files is the first procedure in WordPress you will do. When you install WordPress (the WordPress core), you get access to two websites: the WordPress dashboard and your website. The WordPress dashboard is where you manage your website—add posts and pages, change settings, install plugins and themes, etc. The database This place is where all your data and website files are stored. If you are using manual WordPress, you need to install the database. If you are using an auto-installer, it will automatically do the installation process. Extra files Extra files are in the forms of plugins, themes and uploads for WordPress, and they help to make your website or blog look unique by allowing you to customize aspects. WordPress dashboard or admin screen To create a website or blog with WordPress, you first need to install it on a web server. You can do this yourself by downloading the software and installing it on your own web server, or you can have a hosting company do it for you. Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to the WordPress dashboard and start creating content. You can add posts and pages, change settings, install plugins and themes, etc. Publishing When you’re ready to launch your website or blog, you simply need to publish it by clicking on the “Publish” button in the WordPress dashboard. After that, your website will be live and accessible to the world. You can also use the WordPress dashboard to track your website’s traffic and performance and see how your visitors are accessing your content. Customization, themes, and plugins Themes control the appearance of your site; plugins add features, and widgets put all the pieces together. When you install WordPress, it comes with a core set of themes and plugins that provide the basic structure for your website. You can then install additional themes and plugins from the WordPress.org plugin directory or other sources to add features like a blog, contact form, social media integration, and more. You can also customize your site’s appearance by editing the CSS code for your theme or using child themes to make changes without affecting the original code. And if you need help with any of this, there are plenty of WordPress tutorials and support forums to help you out. Summary ComponentDescription WordPress CoreInitial files you install. Grants access to the WordPress dashboard (for site management) and your actual website. DatabaseStorage for all website data and files. Manual WordPress requires manual installation, while auto-installs handle this automatically. Extra Files (Plugins, Themes)Customization tools to give a unique look to the site. They can be plugins, themes, or uploads. WordPress DashboardOnce WordPress is installed on a server, you can manage content through the dashboard by adding posts/pages, changing settings, and more. PublishingLaunch your website/blog by clicking the "Publish" button in the dashboard. This action makes your site live to the world. Customization, Themes, PluginsThemes dictate the site's look; plugins add features; widgets integrate various elements. WordPress comes with a basic structure, but additional features can be added from various sources. WordPress.org Vs. WordPress.com There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress that you install on your own web server, while WordPress.com is a hosted version where all the hosting and maintenance is taken care of for you. Why You Should Consider WordPress for Your Business WordPress.com allows you to set up your blog for free, but it has several disadvantages. For instance, you can only create a site under a subdomain, and you can’t remove the ads. Here are a few other ways the two stack up against one another. Ease of Use WordPress.org is a little more difficult to use than WordPress.com, as you need to install it on your own web server and manage all the aspects of your website yourself. With WordPress.com, everything is taken care of for you, and getting started is fairly straightforward. WordPress themes WordPress themes make your website look brilliant, and WordPress.org has full WordPress theme support where you can use custom commercial themes and all the other free themes. The .org version of WordPress also lets you use premium WordPress themes to customize, modify or do pretty much anything you like with your website. WordPress.com doesn’t let you customize themes and only has limited theme support where you are limited to the WordPress themes that exist in their repository. WordPress plugins You will likely need WordPress plugins, and the WordPress.org plugin repository is enormous and has a plugin for just about anything you can imagine. In addition, you can find all types of WordPress plugins—from social media to security plugins. Unfortunately, the WordPress.com plugin library offers only around 100 free WordPress plugins, which may not sufficiently meet your requirements. Domain name Your domain name, or your website’s URL, is what takes your visitors to your website. With WordPress.org, you have full control over your domain name and can use any domain you want. WordPress.com limits you to the .wordpress.com subdomain unless you upgrade to a paid plan that gives you a custom domain name. Web hosting account The cost of hosting for your WordPress website is included in the price when you install WordPress.org on your web server. However, WordPress.org does charge a monthly fee for web hosting, which starts at an estimated $46-$100/yr. WordPress.com is free for up to 3GB of storage space, but you have to deal with their ads splashed across your pages. That might not be a big deal for a personal blog, but it might be a deal-breaker for a small business trying to establish its brand. eCommerce With WordPress.org, you can install any eCommerce plugin you want and create an eCommerce site, giving you a full-blown online store. On the other hand, with WordPress.com, you are limited to the basic Shopify eCommerce platform that has some restrictions on what you can sell. Monetization You can monetize your website with WordPress.org by adding ads, selling products, or accepting donations. Meanwhile, you cannot monetize your site on WordPress.com without upgrading to a paid plan that gives you more features. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) This feature is essential since it helps your business site reach the top Google rank in search results. WordPress.org comes with all the SEO features you need to optimize your website for search engines. With free WordPress.com, you don’t have much control over your website SEO since you can’t install the required plugins. Business plan users can install 3rd-party SEO plugins for about $300/yr. Help and support from the WordPress community WordPress.org has a support community with millions of users who are happy to help you out with any issue you might have. You can also get WordPress assistance through the help and support feature. The WordPress Help Team has helped many entrepreneurs build their business websites and do other tasks. That being said, the .com version of WordPress has much less support and is not as active in the support forums. Free software WordPress.com is free and has many features available if you are looking for an easy way to get started. If you want to use WordPress for your small business, the .org version is probably the best option and will cost anywhere from $46 to $100/year. Of course, it isn’t free, but you get more features and control of your WordPress websites. Google Analytics integration Google Analytics is a valuable tool for boosting your website traffic and converting visitors into leads. With WordPress.org, you have access to robust Google Analytics tracking integrated into the platform, allowing you to monitor your website’s performance and understand the origins of your visitors. However, this feature is not available on WordPress.com. Website security There are different types of website security in WordPress, such as backdoors, pharma hacks, malicious redirects, denial of service, and many more. WordPress.org gives you the ability to install a good security plugin and harden the security of your WordPress site with only a few clicks. WordPress.com doesn’t give you this feature. WordPress site customization WordPress.org WordPress.org is the preferred option for users looking to create a more personalized digital presence. This platform offers significant flexibility, enabling extensive changes to both website design and functionality. One of the highlights of WordPress.org is its flexibility to allow direct CSS edits, which means webmasters can tweak the visual appearance down to the smallest detail. Additionally, for those wanting a more sustainable and advanced customization without affecting the primary theme, creating child themes is a beneficial option. A child theme inherits the features and appearance of its parent theme but allows for modifications without affecting the original theme, making it an invaluable tool for developers and designers. WordPress.com: In contrast, WordPress.com is more restrictive when it comes to customization. Users are limited to basic theme alterations, which means direct modifications to CSS or the creation of child themes are off the table. While it’s simpler and more user-friendly, especially for beginners, those with a distinct vision for their website might find it limiting. This platform is perfect for those who appreciate ready-made templates and wish to avoid the complexities of detailed design changes. Mobile-Friendly features Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com are mobile-friendly, meaning they can be used on a PC, tablet or mobile phone. However, WordPress.org has more features that make it easier for your website to look good on mobile devices and screen sizes. Speed WordPress.org is faster than WordPress.com because you are in control of all the aspects of your website and can optimize it for speed. So…which version of WordPress should you choose? If you want more control over your WordPress website and don’t mind managing the technical aspects yourself, then WordPress.org is the better option. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with a blog or don’t need all the features that WordPress.org offers, then WordPress.com is a good choice. Also importantly, if you’re looking for a business-grade WordPress site, it’s probably going to be best to go with WordPress.org rather than WordPress.com. Business Growth with WordPress: Capabilities and Strategies WordPress is not just a platform for creating websites; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem that can significantly enhance business growth and online presence. Here are some new sections that can add value to the article “What is WordPress?” and how it can benefit businesses further: WordPress for E-commerce Expansion WordPress, coupled with WooCommerce, offers a robust solution for businesses looking to enter or expand in the e-commerce space. WooCommerce is a powerful WordPress plugin that transforms a website into a fully functional online store. With features like product listings, a shopping cart, checkout processes, and secure payment gateways, WordPress combined with WooCommerce offers users a smooth shopping experience. Leveraging WordPress for SEO One of the key strengths of WordPress is its SEO-friendly nature. With plugins like Yoast SEO, businesses can easily optimize their content for search engines right from the WordPress dashboard. This includes editing meta tags, generating sitemaps, and ensuring content readability — all essential factors for improving search engine rankings and attracting more organic traffic. WordPress and Mobile Optimization With the increasing prevalence of mobile internet usage, having a mobile-optimized website is crucial. WordPress themes are responsive by default, meaning they automatically adjust to the screen size of various devices, ensuring your site looks great and functions well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This responsiveness not only enhances user experience but also contributes positively to SEO. WordPress Customization and Flexibility WordPress offers unparalleled customization through thousands of themes and plugins, allowing businesses to tailor their sites to their exact needs and branding. From custom contact forms and appointment booking systems to integrated social media feeds and customer testimonials, the possibilities with WordPress are virtually limitless. This flexibility enables businesses to evolve their websites as they grow, without the need for a complete overhaul. WordPress Community and Support The vast WordPress community is one of its greatest assets. From forums and blogs to WordCamps and meetups, the community offers extensive support, resources, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for advice on theme customization, plugin recommendations, or troubleshooting technical issues, there’s always someone willing to help. WordPress for Content Marketing Content reigns supreme in the realm of digital marketing, and WordPress stands out as the premier platform for managing that content. With its user-friendly editor, Gutenberg, creating and formatting content becomes effortless, empowering businesses to execute a strong content marketing strategy. With features like scheduling posts, categorizing content, and tagging for SEO, WordPress makes it simple to manage a dynamic content calendar. WordPress Security Measures While WordPress is a secure platform, the vast array of themes and plugins can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly managed. However, WordPress continuously updates its software to patch security flaws, and there are numerous security plugins available to safeguard your site further. Regular updates, secure hosting, and best practices in password management can ensure your WordPress site remains safe from threats. Integrating WordPress with Marketing Tools WordPress seamlessly integrates with a plethora of marketing tools and platforms, from email marketing services like Mailchimp to CRM systems like Salesforce. This integration capability enables businesses to streamline their marketing efforts, automate workflows, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns directly from their WordPress dashboard. How to Start Using WordPress Installing WordPress for your blog or any business is an easy task. Compared to other website builders, the installation of WordPress is user-friendly and can be done faster. The following illustrates the steps for installing WordPress: Step 1: Download and open the WordPress software Step 2: Establish a WordPress database on your web application and a MySQL user with full access and modification capabilities. Step 3: Locate and change wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php, then modify the document to include your database information. Step 4: Upload the WordPress files to your web server’s preferred location Step 5: Access the URL in a web browser to run the WordPress installation script. This should have been the location in which the WordPress files were published. If you are using WordPress.com, you can install almost any WordPress plugin and launch a custom domain for your business site. Step 6: At this step, you can use WordPress. Here, you begin hosting your site, and if you are the WordPress editor, you can start publishing things like WordPress posts and WordPress pages. Step 7: WordPress currently comes with three themes. The current default theme is Twenty Twenty-One, and that’s the first theme you see after logging into your website platform. You can change this to any other theme by going to Appearance > Themes or downloading a new one from the WordPress.org Theme Directory WordPress Tips The following tips and ideas can help you create a WordPress website: Always make sure to decrease your image size to speed up your website. Don’t forget to insert title tags and ALT texts. There will be some posts that you don’t want ads to appear between them. Therefore, you’ll need to hide ads for individual posts. Always edit your permalinks. Add a footer widget to your blog site or business site. Don’t forget to use an SEO plugin. WordPress offers a powerful, flexible, and scalable solution for businesses looking to establish or enhance their online presence. Its ease of use, coupled with extensive customization options and a supportive community, makes it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging WordPress’s capabilities, businesses can create engaging, SEO-friendly, and secure websites that drive growth and success in the digital age. Is WordPress Good for Beginners? Yes, it’s surprisingly easy to use for such a powerful website builder. And although there is a little bit of work to installing and publishing your WordPress website, it is about as simple as using Microsoft Word once you get everything going. In brief, whether you are a beginner or an expert, it’s user-friendly right from the start to use WordPress. What are the Disadvantages of WordPress? One of the major disadvantages of WordPress is that more plugins are required for additional features. Also, WordPress websites can go down for no apparent reason and in a way that is difficult to troubleshoot. If you don’t manage your website correctly, it can also tend to be slow and full of spam. Ultimately, the codebase lacks the intuitiveness that some developers expect, making it more challenging to work with WordPress compared to other frameworks. If these challenges are significant for you, consider exploring the best WordPress alternatives to help you launch your site. What Type of Website is WordPress Good For? The following are the types of websites where WordPress is good to use: A blog E-commerce websites Business website Portfolio website Online Community Multilingual websites Frequently asked questions: Is WordPress a web server? Yes, and it’s a web server that handles the majority of high-traffic sites and runs the show. That’s why it’s the webserver of choice for many high-end hosting providers and leading WordPress companies. Can I install WordPress on my personal computer? Yes, you can install WordPress on a PC. What language is WordPress written in? WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) software written in the PHP language associated with a MySQL or MariaDB database. Are multilingual sites allowed in WordPress? Yes, multilingual sites are allowed in WordPress. For example, the popular blogging tool is multilingual, meaning it can be used in different languages. It is also available in 196 languages. Image: Depositphotos This article, "What is WordPress?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

What is WordPress? WordPress powers businesses all over the world. It is one of the most popular website building platforms, and it allows you to create a website or blog from scratch or improve an existing website. There are many notable brands, celebrities and companies that use it too. This article discusses what WordPress is and how it can benefit your business. By the end of this post, you should definitely know the answer to the question, “What is WordPress?” What is a WordPress Website? If you ever did an internet search for “What is WordPress?” you’d likely find out more than 1 in 4 websites use the website platform to power their own website (by the way, the term ‘WordPress’ is searched for nearly 3 million times a month!). That’s all well and good, but it doesn’t really answer the question, “What is WordPress?” right? Simply put, WordPress is a content management system (CMS) developed by WordPress experts Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little. The duo designed it as a tool to make it easy for people without any coding experience to create a website or blog from scratch. It is a free, open-source software system licensed under GPLv2 (or later), meaning any user can use, modify, or contribute to its codebase. In addition, WordPress’s open-source software system has end-to-end encryption that can be used on your own web server or by a hosting company. Its functionality and ease of use have resulted in a large community of WordPress users and WordPress developers who have created and utilized themes, plugins, and other tools to quickly and easily build anything from huge online stores to a simple blog. 10 Useful WordPress Statistics If you need further help convincing yourselves or others that WordPress is the best CMS system for your business, be sure to check out the following WordPress statistics: It is currently the most popular content management system on the web. People visit WordPress more than the social media giant Twitter, which has a whopping 156 million unique visitors a month. With a WordPress theme-builder like seedprod, even users who aren’t very technically skilled can easily create a custom WordPress theme from scratch. Over 400 million people visit a WordPress website each month. 661 WordPress sites and nearly 300 new WooCommerce stores appear on average each day. There are over 59,000 free plugins available in the WordPress plugin directory. Over 187 countries have at least one active WordPress installation. The WordPress.org website receives over two billion page views per month. The WordPress app has been downloaded over two million times. Out of 1.3 billion websites on the web, more than 455 million sites use WordPress to power their own website. What is WordPress used for? The question closely following “What is WordPress?” is probably “Why do I need to use a WordPress website for my business, anyway, and is WordPress good for small business websites?” Firstly, when you install WordPress and set everything up, you’ll find that it can be used for developing anything from a small business site to an eCommerce storefront and blog. In fact, some of the most popular websites in the world are powered by WordPress, including Samsung, Forbes, The Guardian, and the New York Times. Additionally, small business sites like ours also use WordPress. Secondly, WordPress offers a wide range of versatile features, and new unique functionalities are being introduced regularly. However, versatility is not the sole reason for WordPress’s popularity; it also includes several features that make it an excellent platform for businesses. Here are just a few examples of what you can do with the king of content management systems: Create website content such as custom pages and posts. Easily integrate it with social media platforms. Help your site rank higher in search engine results through SEO capabilities. Track your website’s traffic and performance with analytics tools. Design a website or blog from scratch. Improve an existing website by adding WordPress functionality. Develop membership sites, chatrooms, directories, wikis, galleries, and online courses. Support all media types, such as audio, video, images, and information-related data. How does WordPress Work? Now that you know a little more about what WordPress is let’s take a look at how it works. The working process of WordPress software is a comprehensive procedure that works by combining some core files, a database, files that you add or install, and a dashboard to let you manage the whole thing. There are also many components, such as themes, plugins, and widgets, that work together to give your website the look and functionality you desire. WordPress core Installing core files is the first procedure in WordPress you will do. When you install WordPress (the WordPress core), you get access to two websites: the WordPress dashboard and your website. The WordPress dashboard is where you manage your website—add posts and pages, change settings, install plugins and themes, etc. The database This place is where all your data and website files are stored. If you are using manual WordPress, you need to install the database. If you are using an auto-installer, it will automatically do the installation process. Extra files Extra files are in the forms of plugins, themes and uploads for WordPress, and they help to make your website or blog look unique by allowing you to customize aspects. WordPress dashboard or admin screen To create a website or blog with WordPress, you first need to install it on a web server. You can do this yourself by downloading the software and installing it on your own web server, or you can have a hosting company do it for you. Once WordPress is installed, you can log in to the WordPress dashboard and start creating content. You can add posts and pages, change settings, install plugins and themes, etc. Publishing When you’re ready to launch your website or blog, you simply need to publish it by clicking on the “Publish” button in the WordPress dashboard. After that, your website will be live and accessible to the world. You can also use the WordPress dashboard to track your website’s traffic and performance and see how your visitors are accessing your content. Customization, themes, and plugins Themes control the appearance of your site; plugins add features, and widgets put all the pieces together. When you install WordPress, it comes with a core set of themes and plugins that provide the basic structure for your website. You can then install additional themes and plugins from the WordPress.org plugin directory or other sources to add features like a blog, contact form, social media integration, and more. You can also customize your site’s appearance by editing the CSS code for your theme or using child themes to make changes without affecting the original code. And if you need help with any of this, there are plenty of WordPress tutorials and support forums to help you out. Summary ComponentDescription WordPress CoreInitial files you install. Grants access to the WordPress dashboard (for site management) and your actual website. DatabaseStorage for all website data and files. Manual WordPress requires manual installation, while auto-installs handle this automatically. Extra Files (Plugins, Themes)Customization tools to give a unique look to the site. They can be plugins, themes, or uploads. WordPress DashboardOnce WordPress is installed on a server, you can manage content through the dashboard by adding posts/pages, changing settings, and more. PublishingLaunch your website/blog by clicking the "Publish" button in the dashboard. This action makes your site live to the world. Customization, Themes, PluginsThemes dictate the site's look; plugins add features; widgets integrate various elements. WordPress comes with a basic structure, but additional features can be added from various sources. WordPress.org Vs. WordPress.com There are two versions of WordPress: WordPress.org and WordPress.com. WordPress.org is the self-hosted version of WordPress that you install on your own web server, while WordPress.com is a hosted version where all the hosting and maintenance is taken care of for you. Why You Should Consider WordPress for Your Business WordPress.com allows you to set up your blog for free, but it has several disadvantages. For instance, you can only create a site under a subdomain, and you can’t remove the ads. Here are a few other ways the two stack up against one another. Ease of Use WordPress.org is a little more difficult to use than WordPress.com, as you need to install it on your own web server and manage all the aspects of your website yourself. With WordPress.com, everything is taken care of for you, and getting started is fairly straightforward. WordPress themes WordPress themes make your website look brilliant, and WordPress.org has full WordPress theme support where you can use custom commercial themes and all the other free themes. The .org version of WordPress also lets you use premium WordPress themes to customize, modify or do pretty much anything you like with your website. WordPress.com doesn’t let you customize themes and only has limited theme support where you are limited to the WordPress themes that exist in their repository. WordPress plugins You will likely need WordPress plugins, and the WordPress.org plugin repository is enormous and has a plugin for just about anything you can imagine. In addition, you can find all types of WordPress plugins—from social media to security plugins. Unfortunately, the WordPress.com plugin library offers only around 100 free WordPress plugins, which may not sufficiently meet your requirements. Domain name Your domain name, or your website’s URL, is what takes your visitors to your website. With WordPress.org, you have full control over your domain name and can use any domain you want. WordPress.com limits you to the .wordpress.com subdomain unless you upgrade to a paid plan that gives you a custom domain name. Web hosting account The cost of hosting for your WordPress website is included in the price when you install WordPress.org on your web server. However, WordPress.org does charge a monthly fee for web hosting, which starts at an estimated $46-$100/yr. WordPress.com is free for up to 3GB of storage space, but you have to deal with their ads splashed across your pages. That might not be a big deal for a personal blog, but it might be a deal-breaker for a small business trying to establish its brand. eCommerce With WordPress.org, you can install any eCommerce plugin you want and create an eCommerce site, giving you a full-blown online store. On the other hand, with WordPress.com, you are limited to the basic Shopify eCommerce platform that has some restrictions on what you can sell. Monetization You can monetize your website with WordPress.org by adding ads, selling products, or accepting donations. Meanwhile, you cannot monetize your site on WordPress.com without upgrading to a paid plan that gives you more features. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) This feature is essential since it helps your business site reach the top Google rank in search results. WordPress.org comes with all the SEO features you need to optimize your website for search engines. With free WordPress.com, you don’t have much control over your website SEO since you can’t install the required plugins. Business plan users can install 3rd-party SEO plugins for about $300/yr. Help and support from the WordPress community WordPress.org has a support community with millions of users who are happy to help you out with any issue you might have. You can also get WordPress assistance through the help and support feature. The WordPress Help Team has helped many entrepreneurs build their business websites and do other tasks. That being said, the .com version of WordPress has much less support and is not as active in the support forums. Free software WordPress.com is free and has many features available if you are looking for an easy way to get started. If you want to use WordPress for your small business, the .org version is probably the best option and will cost anywhere from $46 to $100/year. Of course, it isn’t free, but you get more features and control of your WordPress websites. Google Analytics integration Google Analytics is a valuable tool for boosting your website traffic and converting visitors into leads. With WordPress.org, you have access to robust Google Analytics tracking integrated into the platform, allowing you to monitor your website’s performance and understand the origins of your visitors. However, this feature is not available on WordPress.com. Website security There are different types of website security in WordPress, such as backdoors, pharma hacks, malicious redirects, denial of service, and many more. WordPress.org gives you the ability to install a good security plugin and harden the security of your WordPress site with only a few clicks. WordPress.com doesn’t give you this feature. WordPress site customization WordPress.org WordPress.org is the preferred option for users looking to create a more personalized digital presence. This platform offers significant flexibility, enabling extensive changes to both website design and functionality. One of the highlights of WordPress.org is its flexibility to allow direct CSS edits, which means webmasters can tweak the visual appearance down to the smallest detail. Additionally, for those wanting a more sustainable and advanced customization without affecting the primary theme, creating child themes is a beneficial option. A child theme inherits the features and appearance of its parent theme but allows for modifications without affecting the original theme, making it an invaluable tool for developers and designers. WordPress.com: In contrast, WordPress.com is more restrictive when it comes to customization. Users are limited to basic theme alterations, which means direct modifications to CSS or the creation of child themes are off the table. While it’s simpler and more user-friendly, especially for beginners, those with a distinct vision for their website might find it limiting. This platform is perfect for those who appreciate ready-made templates and wish to avoid the complexities of detailed design changes. Mobile-Friendly features Both WordPress.org and WordPress.com are mobile-friendly, meaning they can be used on a PC, tablet or mobile phone. However, WordPress.org has more features that make it easier for your website to look good on mobile devices and screen sizes. Speed WordPress.org is faster than WordPress.com because you are in control of all the aspects of your website and can optimize it for speed. So…which version of WordPress should you choose? If you want more control over your WordPress website and don’t mind managing the technical aspects yourself, then WordPress.org is the better option. If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with a blog or don’t need all the features that WordPress.org offers, then WordPress.com is a good choice. Also importantly, if you’re looking for a business-grade WordPress site, it’s probably going to be best to go with WordPress.org rather than WordPress.com. Business Growth with WordPress: Capabilities and Strategies WordPress is not just a platform for creating websites; it’s a comprehensive ecosystem that can significantly enhance business growth and online presence. Here are some new sections that can add value to the article “What is WordPress?” and how it can benefit businesses further: WordPress for E-commerce Expansion WordPress, coupled with WooCommerce, offers a robust solution for businesses looking to enter or expand in the e-commerce space. WooCommerce is a powerful WordPress plugin that transforms a website into a fully functional online store. With features like product listings, a shopping cart, checkout processes, and secure payment gateways, WordPress combined with WooCommerce offers users a smooth shopping experience. Leveraging WordPress for SEO One of the key strengths of WordPress is its SEO-friendly nature. With plugins like Yoast SEO, businesses can easily optimize their content for search engines right from the WordPress dashboard. This includes editing meta tags, generating sitemaps, and ensuring content readability — all essential factors for improving search engine rankings and attracting more organic traffic. WordPress and Mobile Optimization With the increasing prevalence of mobile internet usage, having a mobile-optimized website is crucial. WordPress themes are responsive by default, meaning they automatically adjust to the screen size of various devices, ensuring your site looks great and functions well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This responsiveness not only enhances user experience but also contributes positively to SEO. WordPress Customization and Flexibility WordPress offers unparalleled customization through thousands of themes and plugins, allowing businesses to tailor their sites to their exact needs and branding. From custom contact forms and appointment booking systems to integrated social media feeds and customer testimonials, the possibilities with WordPress are virtually limitless. This flexibility enables businesses to evolve their websites as they grow, without the need for a complete overhaul. WordPress Community and Support The vast WordPress community is one of its greatest assets. From forums and blogs to WordCamps and meetups, the community offers extensive support, resources, and networking opportunities. Whether you’re looking for advice on theme customization, plugin recommendations, or troubleshooting technical issues, there’s always someone willing to help. WordPress for Content Marketing Content reigns supreme in the realm of digital marketing, and WordPress stands out as the premier platform for managing that content. With its user-friendly editor, Gutenberg, creating and formatting content becomes effortless, empowering businesses to execute a strong content marketing strategy. With features like scheduling posts, categorizing content, and tagging for SEO, WordPress makes it simple to manage a dynamic content calendar. WordPress Security Measures While WordPress is a secure platform, the vast array of themes and plugins can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly managed. However, WordPress continuously updates its software to patch security flaws, and there are numerous security plugins available to safeguard your site further. Regular updates, secure hosting, and best practices in password management can ensure your WordPress site remains safe from threats. Integrating WordPress with Marketing Tools WordPress seamlessly integrates with a plethora of marketing tools and platforms, from email marketing services like Mailchimp to CRM systems like Salesforce. This integration capability enables businesses to streamline their marketing efforts, automate workflows, and measure the effectiveness of their campaigns directly from their WordPress dashboard. How to Start Using WordPress Installing WordPress for your blog or any business is an easy task. Compared to other website builders, the installation of WordPress is user-friendly and can be done faster. The following illustrates the steps for installing WordPress: Step 1: Download and open the WordPress software Step 2: Establish a WordPress database on your web application and a MySQL user with full access and modification capabilities. Step 3: Locate and change wp-config-sample.php to wp-config.php, then modify the document to include your database information. Step 4: Upload the WordPress files to your web server’s preferred location Step 5: Access the URL in a web browser to run the WordPress installation script. This should have been the location in which the WordPress files were published. If you are using WordPress.com, you can install almost any WordPress plugin and launch a custom domain for your business site. Step 6: At this step, you can use WordPress. Here, you begin hosting your site, and if you are the WordPress editor, you can start publishing things like WordPress posts and WordPress pages. Step 7: WordPress currently comes with three themes. The current default theme is Twenty Twenty-One, and that’s the first theme you see after logging into your website platform. You can change this to any other theme by going to Appearance > Themes or downloading a new one from the WordPress.org Theme Directory WordPress Tips The following tips and ideas can help you create a WordPress website: Always make sure to decrease your image size to speed up your website. Don’t forget to insert title tags and ALT texts. There will be some posts that you don’t want ads to appear between them. Therefore, you’ll need to hide ads for individual posts. Always edit your permalinks. Add a footer widget to your blog site or business site. Don’t forget to use an SEO plugin. WordPress offers a powerful, flexible, and scalable solution for businesses looking to establish or enhance their online presence. Its ease of use, coupled with extensive customization options and a supportive community, makes it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. By leveraging WordPress’s capabilities, businesses can create engaging, SEO-friendly, and secure websites that drive growth and success in the digital age. Is WordPress Good for Beginners? Yes, it’s surprisingly easy to use for such a powerful website builder. And although there is a little bit of work to installing and publishing your WordPress website, it is about as simple as using Microsoft Word once you get everything going. In brief, whether you are a beginner or an expert, it’s user-friendly right from the start to use WordPress. What are the Disadvantages of WordPress? One of the major disadvantages of WordPress is that more plugins are required for additional features. Also, WordPress websites can go down for no apparent reason and in a way that is difficult to troubleshoot. If you don’t manage your website correctly, it can also tend to be slow and full of spam. Ultimately, the codebase lacks the intuitiveness that some developers expect, making it more challenging to work with WordPress compared to other frameworks. If these challenges are significant for you, consider exploring the best WordPress alternatives to help you launch your site. What Type of Website is WordPress Good For? The following are the types of websites where WordPress is good to use: A blog E-commerce websites Business website Portfolio website Online Community Multilingual websites Frequently asked questions: Is WordPress a web server? Yes, and it’s a web server that handles the majority of high-traffic sites and runs the show. That’s why it’s the webserver of choice for many high-end hosting providers and leading WordPress companies. Can I install WordPress on my personal computer? Yes, you can install WordPress on a PC. What language is WordPress written in? WordPress is an open-source content management system (CMS) software written in the PHP language associated with a MySQL or MariaDB database. Are multilingual sites allowed in WordPress? Yes, multilingual sites are allowed in WordPress. For example, the popular blogging tool is multilingual, meaning it can be used in different languages. It is also available in 196 languages. Image: Depositphotos This article, "What is WordPress?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Washington has decided to abandon both Ukraine and its postwar role in the worldView the full article

Sales of fully electric car sales In Europe were up 37.3% in January, industry data showed on Tuesday, although the sharp rise was not enough to compensate for a drop in petrol and diesel vehicles, leaving overall sales down by 2.1%. Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) showed that all-electric brand Tesla saw a 45.2% drop in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Area, while sales at its Chinese competitor SAIC Motor, which owns the MG brand, were up 36.8%. Why it’s important The EU executive will present auto sector plans on March 5, following talks with automakers, unions, and interest groups. EU carmakers, which are struggling to compete with Chinese rivals and bracing for U.S. tariffs, are urging the Commission to grant relief from potential fines resulting from CO2 car emission targets that came into effect in January. Some automakers have increased the prices of petrol engine models to encourage EV adoption, but the industry fears that customers will simply buy fewer cars. Electric transport groups, instead, claim that any push to weaken the targets will disrupt investments in EV infrastructure and hamper the bloc’s competitiveness. By the numbers January sales in the EU, Britain and EFTA fell slightly below 1 million cars sold, the lowest volume since August. Registrations at Volkswagen and Renault grew by 5.3% and 5.4% respectively, while they fell by 16% at Stellantis. In the EU, January sales fell by 2.6%, even as the registrations of battery electric (BEV) and hybrid electric (HEV) cars grew by 34% and 18.4% respectively. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) sales were instead down by 8.5%. Electrified vehicles—either BEV, HEV or PHEV—sold in the bloc accounted for 57.2% of passenger car registrations in January, up from 47.4% in the previous year. Among the largest EU markets, Spain sales increased by 5.3%, while in France, Italy, and Germany they dropped by 6.2%, 5.8%, and 2.8%. In Britain they were down 2.5%. Context While battling to bring down high costs in home markets and fighting competition from China, European carmakers are also preparing to face potential import tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has raised tariffs on aluminium and steel and threatened a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, as well as on all autos and semiconductors. —Alessandro Parodi, Reuters View the full article