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In the past year, I’ve worked with job seekers, HR teams, and tech leaders, navigating everything from résumé optimization to the ethics of AI in hiring. And I’ve seen a clear pattern emerge: Candidates are using AI more than ever, and sometimes in ways that backfire. The tools are smarter. The competition is fiercer. Used well, AI can be your most powerful copilot. Used poorly, it can quietly disqualify you before a human ever sees your name. Here are five of the most common AI-related job search mistakes I see, along with one bonus pitfall you may not realize you’re making. Mistake 1: Relying on AI to Write Your Entire Résumé or Cover Letter AI résumé and cover letter generators promise to help you create professional documents quickly. But these tools often generate generic content based on keywords, which can make your application blend in with the rest. Yes, with a single ChatGPT prompt, you can have a résumé draft in 30 seconds. But if you stop there, you’re hurting your chances. Remember: AI-generated résumés read like they were written by a robot, because they were. Why it’s a problem: AI can help you with structure and grammar, but it cannot capture the nuances of your personal brand or unique career story. Worse yet, you also risk having a nearly identical résumé as another applicant because you are all asking for the same keywords/skills. Solution: Use AI to improve rather than replace your writing process—for example, to check for grammar errors, suggest keywords, or guide you to quantify your impact further. But make sure to personalize the content with specific examples from your own career. Your résumé should reflect your unique journey, not just a collection of skills and accomplishments with AI-generated words in between. Mistake 2: Using AI to Apply for Jobs on Your Behalf Without Customizing Your Application AI tools like job application bots can now apply for thousands of jobs on your behalf, filling out applications and submitting résumés for you. While this may save you time, it can also lead to oversaturation and missed opportunities. Why it’s a problem: These AI tools are good at mass applications but are not great at tailoring your application to each job and company. Customization is key when it comes to standing out in this crowded job market. An AI application will often lack the personalized touch that hiring managers value, and it won’t allow you to highlight specific aspects of your experience that align with the company’s culture and needs. Solution: Use AI to help identify relevant job openings, but take the time to customize your applications. Craft a personalized cover letter and tweak your résumé to reflect the most relevant skills and experiences for each job. Even a few tailored adjustments can make a huge difference in catching a hiring manager’s eye. Mistake 3: Letting AI or Deepfakes Do the Interview for You Yes, we’ve entered that chapter. Some candidates are now using AI tools to generate real-time answers during live chat interviews and in extreme cases, deploying deepfakes to complete asynchronous video screenings. Even if you make it through the first round or get hired, consider this: What will you do on the job? Why it’s a problem: AI-driven interviews and deepfakes can make it easier for candidates to present themselves in an overly polished or dishonest way. While you might pass the screening, the real challenge comes once you’re on the job. Most companies now prohibit pasting confidential or company-specific info into public AI tools like ChatGPT. So even if you’re AI-savvy, the tools you used to land the role may not be available on the job. If you oversell your capabilities or rely on tools you won’t have access to later, you risk being fired or flagged early in onboarding. Solution: While it might be tempting to rely on AI to enhance your interview performance, remember that authenticity is now paramount. Use AI to prep, not perform. Practice interview questions, refine your examples, and improve how you tell your story using AI, but never fake it. The risk isn’t just not getting the job. It’s losing your reputation. Mistake 4: Overinflating Your Experience with AI Polish AI tools can help you highlight your accomplishments and frame your experiences more effectively, but there’s a danger in overinflating your role or contributions. While it’s tempting to use AI to embellish your résumé or cover letter, it’s important to remember that overstatement will be quickly exposed, not only in interviews, but also through informal back-channel checks. Why it’s a problem: Hiring managers often reach out to former colleagues, managers, or industry connections to gather informal insights about candidates. Even if they’re not conducting formal reference checks, these casual conversations can reveal discrepancies between your résumé and the reality of your work experience. If your claims don’t match the reality of how you were perceived in previous roles, it could harm your credibility and disqualify you immediately. Solution: Focus on being authentic and accurate when detailing your experience. Use AI to help articulate or reframe your achievements but ensure that everything you list is something you can back up with real examples. Honesty and transparency go a long way in establishing trust with hiring managers. Mistake 5: Underestimating the Power (and Liability) of Your Digital Presence AI tools may help you land interviews, but they can also scan your LinkedIn profile or social media accounts as part of the screening process. It’s not enough to just have a résumé. Your online presence is increasingly scrutinized by employers. Why it’s a problem: If your LinkedIn profile doesn’t match your résumé, at minimum, it can confuse hiring managers. AI won’t just look at your résumé. Now it’s scanning your digital presence on all platforms. If you have once posted something negative about your potential employer as a customer, it can be flagged and prevent you from landing an interview. Solution: Ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up to date, fully aligned with your résumé, and clearly highlights your relevant skills and accomplishments. Create a compelling headline and summary that clearly state what you do and what you’re looking for. Share posts that demonstrate your expertise and thought leadership. Clean up any social media posts that might paint an inaccurate or outdated picture of the current “you.” Remember, your LinkedIn is an extension of your résumé and should reflect your personal brand authentically. Bonus Mistake: Ignoring the Human Side of the Job Search Here’s the reality: Many jobs aren’t filled through cold applications. Some jobs are never even listed on job boards. They’re filled through referrals and networking. AI can’t replace genuine relationship building, and it shouldn’t. You should use AI to help you research target companies, suggest outreach messages on LinkedIn, or prep for networking calls and coffee chats. Then, go out there and attend events. On LinkedIn, you can comment thoughtfully on industry conversations and start building relationships with those who might someday become the hiring manager of your dream job. Remember, networking is expanding who you know and having a strong personal brand online expands who knows you. Both will enhance your chance of getting hired in this market. Final Thoughts: Stay Human and Stay Authentic My advice as an AI expert? Embrace AI as a tool to enhance your job search but always maintain authenticity and integrity. Let it help you shine brighter, not become a distorted version of yourself. Your skills, experience, and passion are what will ultimately land you the right job. Don’t let AI derail that by turning you into someone you’re not. View the full article

Party receives £100,000 from donors ahead of voting across England on May 1View the full article

Sponsored Post Key Takeaways APIs are essential tools for digital transformation, connecting disparate systems and enhancing efficiency within organizations.Leveraging APIs can streamline workflows, automate processes, and enable better data integration, ultimately improving customer experiences.Using both Open and Internal APIs can foster innovation, collaboration, and operational efficiency in small businesses.Despite challenges such as security and cultural resistance, a strategic approach to API implementation can greatly benefit business growth.APIs are integral in adapting to emerging technologies, allowing businesses to automate tasks and refine their offerings to meet customer demands.Embracing API-driven strategies positions small businesses to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing digital landscape. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, APIs are the unsung heroes driving transformation across industries. They act as bridges, connecting disparate systems and enabling seamless data flow. As businesses strive to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, understanding the role of APIs in digital transformation becomes crucial. You might be wondering how these tools can revolutionize your organization. By leveraging APIs, you can unlock new opportunities for innovation, improve collaboration, and accelerate your digital initiatives. This article dives into the significance of APIs in the context of digital transformation and explores how they can empower your business to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Understanding API and Digital Transformation APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a crucial role in your small business’s digital transformation efforts. These interfaces allow different software systems to connect, enabling seamless data exchange and improving overall efficiency. For small businesses, this connection is vital in streamlining processes, reducing redundancy, and enhancing customer experiences. Utilizing APIs can foster innovation within your business model. With APIs, you can integrate new technologies that support product development and enhance your services. For instance, syncing your inventory management system with an e-commerce platform can automate tasks, saving time and minimizing errors. You gain a competitive edge by implementing such integrations, which simplifies customer acquisition through improved service delivery. APIs also enhance collaboration. By connecting to third-party services, you can access valuable resources and tools that support marketing initiatives, like social media or email campaigns. This access opens avenues for branding and targeting your audience more effectively, driving growth strategies. Moreover, APIs empower you to adapt quickly to market changes. When you utilize cloud-based APIs, you can scale your operations without significant upfront investments. This flexibility supports your cash flow management and allows you to focus more on your core business rather than operational challenges. Understanding the importance of APIs in your digital transformation can set the foundation for leveraging emerging technologies, improving customer service, and fostering meaningful partnerships. Embracing such technological advancements ensures your small business remains competitive and responsive in an ever-evolving marketplace. The Role of APIs in Digital Transformation APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) significantly contribute to digital transformation, particularly for small businesses. They facilitate seamless interactions between various software systems, enhancing efficiency and customer experiences. Enhancing Business Efficiency Automation of Processes: APIs automate repetitive tasks by linking different software applications. This automation reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and accelerates processes, which leads to substantial cost savings. Automating inventory updates in your e-commerce platform exemplifies this efficiency. Streamlining Workflows: APIs integrate cloud and on-premises systems, allowing for end-to-end workflow automation. You can manage data flow easily, enabling quicker decision-making. This streamlined approach enhances operational quality, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and business growth. Scalability: APIs empower you to scale operations effectively. By adding new services and applications without disrupting existing systems, scalability becomes achievable. This flexibility supports your business model as it adapts to changing market demands. Facilitating Data Integration APIs simplify data integration across various platforms, enhancing collaboration and data accessibility. You can connect your software tools and third-party services effortlessly, consolidating customer information, financial data, and marketing statistics. This integration promotes a cohesive strategy for customer acquisition, allowing for better-targeted email marketing and content marketing efforts. The ability to access centralized data positions your small business to make informed decisions and respond quickly to market needs. Types of APIs in Digital Transformation In the realm of digital transformation, understanding the types of APIs is essential for small businesses to enhance operations and drive growth. APIs serve as the backbone for innovation, enabling seamless communication between different systems. Open APIs Open APIs, or public APIs, provide external developers and businesses access to your services and data. These APIs foster collaboration and innovation by enabling integrations with third-party applications. For small businesses, utilizing Open APIs can simplify operations. For example, you can connect your e-commerce platform with social media apps to enhance customer acquisition strategies. Many social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, leverage Open APIs to facilitate interactions between their services and external applications. Monetization opportunities also exist; you can create subscription models or charge per API call to generate additional revenue streams. Internal APIs Internal APIs, or private APIs, allow your internal systems to communicate efficiently. These APIs streamline workflows within your business. By integrating various software tools, you can automate repetitive tasks and improve overall productivity. For instance, linking your inventory management system with your accounting software helps maintain accurate financial records and reduces human error. Internal APIs enhance operational efficiency while empowering employees to focus on higher-value tasks, aligning with your business goals and growth strategy. They provide a framework for innovation within your organization, allowing you to develop customized solutions that meet your specific needs. Utilizing both Open and Internal APIs can position your small business for success in today’s digital landscape, enhancing collaboration and fostering innovation while improving customer service. Challenges in Implementing APIs Implementing APIs can present various challenges that affect both technical and organizational aspects of your small business. Understanding these challenges helps you navigate the integration process more effectively. Technical Challenges Security and privacy are primary concerns when using APIs in your business operations. With rising cyber threats, you must implement security measures such as authentication, authorization, and encryption. For example, using OAuth for secure authorization and SSL certificates for data encryption protects sensitive customer information during transactions. Complexity also arises from integrating multiple systems through APIs. Navigating diverse data formats, ensuring compatibility, and maintaining consistent communication between applications can be daunting. Organizations that use various applications for sales, marketing, and customer service may struggle with standardizing data. Investing in proper training and resources can mitigate these technical hurdles. Organizational Challenges Cultural resistance within your team can hinder API implementation. If employees perceive APIs as disrupting their established workflows, they may resist adopting new processes. To counter this, foster a culture of innovation and emphasize the benefits of API integration, such as improved efficiency and better customer service. Resource allocation poses another challenge. You must balance time and budget constraints when adopting APIs. The solution often involves strategic planning to prioritize your API projects based on their potential to support your growth strategy. Collaborating with stakeholders from different departments can also ensure alignment with business goals, fostering a smoother transition to API usage. Future Trends in API and Digital Transformation APIs play a crucial role in the future of digital transformation, particularly for small businesses. They enable connections that foster innovation and enhance customer experiences. Emerging Technologies APIs integrate with emerging technologies, significantly transforming how you operate. AI-infused APIs automate tasks such as analyzing images, converting speech to text, and generating personalized recommendations. Leveraging these capabilities positions your business to boost efficiency and optimize customer service. For instance, utilizing sentiment analysis tools can help you understand customer feedback and adapt your marketing strategies accordingly. Impact on Business Models The impact of APIs on business models is profound. Treating APIs as products enables you to map user journeys, offering frictionless experiences that lead to higher customer acquisition rates. Startups and small businesses can tap into analytics-driven iteration processes to refine their offerings continuously. This strategized approach can enhance your growth strategy and solidify your market presence. Through effective API use, your business can streamline operations, reduce costs, and foster collaborations with external service providers, leading to innovative product development that aligns with customer demands. Conclusion APIs are more than just technical tools; they’re essential drivers of your digital transformation journey. By embracing APIs, you can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences while fostering innovation and collaboration. This integration not only positions your business for growth but also equips you to respond swiftly to market changes. As you navigate the complexities of API implementation, remember that overcoming challenges like security and organizational resistance is key. Cultivating a culture of innovation will help you fully realize the potential of APIs. Ultimately, leveraging these powerful connectors will empower your business to thrive in today’s interconnected landscape, ensuring you stay competitive and responsive to customer needs. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of APIs in digital transformation for small businesses? APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, serve as connectors between systems, enabling seamless data flow and enhancing efficiency. They streamline processes, automate tasks, and promote innovation, ultimately supporting small businesses in adapting to changing market needs. How do APIs enhance customer experiences? APIs facilitate better integration of services and systems, allowing businesses to deliver timely and personalized experiences to customers. By connecting various platforms, businesses can access and consolidate customer data, leading to improved service delivery and satisfaction. What types of APIs are important for small businesses? Small businesses should focus on two types of APIs: Open APIs, which connect external developers to services, promoting collaboration, and Internal APIs, which streamline internal workflows. Both types enhance processes and can significantly improve customer acquisition and operational efficiency. What challenges do small businesses face when implementing APIs? Small businesses often encounter challenges like security concerns, integration complexities, and cultural resistance. Ensuring data protection through authentication and encryption is vital, and fostering a culture of innovation can help overcome internal resistance to API adoption. How can APIs support automation in small business operations? APIs can automate repetitive tasks by linking different software applications, minimizing errors and accelerating processes. This automation leads to cost savings and allows businesses to focus on more strategic activities, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. What future trends in API usage should small businesses consider? Future trends include the integration of APIs with emerging technologies like AI. Treating APIs as products will enhance customer experiences, and utilizing analytics can help small businesses refine their offerings, fostering growth and collaboration that aligns with customer demands. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking Business Success: The Power of API and Digital Transformation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Sponsored Post Key Takeaways APIs are essential tools for digital transformation, connecting disparate systems and enhancing efficiency within organizations.Leveraging APIs can streamline workflows, automate processes, and enable better data integration, ultimately improving customer experiences.Using both Open and Internal APIs can foster innovation, collaboration, and operational efficiency in small businesses.Despite challenges such as security and cultural resistance, a strategic approach to API implementation can greatly benefit business growth.APIs are integral in adapting to emerging technologies, allowing businesses to automate tasks and refine their offerings to meet customer demands.Embracing API-driven strategies positions small businesses to thrive in a competitive and rapidly changing digital landscape. In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, APIs are the unsung heroes driving transformation across industries. They act as bridges, connecting disparate systems and enabling seamless data flow. As businesses strive to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations, understanding the role of APIs in digital transformation becomes crucial. You might be wondering how these tools can revolutionize your organization. By leveraging APIs, you can unlock new opportunities for innovation, improve collaboration, and accelerate your digital initiatives. This article dives into the significance of APIs in the context of digital transformation and explores how they can empower your business to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Understanding API and Digital Transformation APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) play a crucial role in your small business’s digital transformation efforts. These interfaces allow different software systems to connect, enabling seamless data exchange and improving overall efficiency. For small businesses, this connection is vital in streamlining processes, reducing redundancy, and enhancing customer experiences. Utilizing APIs can foster innovation within your business model. With APIs, you can integrate new technologies that support product development and enhance your services. For instance, syncing your inventory management system with an e-commerce platform can automate tasks, saving time and minimizing errors. You gain a competitive edge by implementing such integrations, which simplifies customer acquisition through improved service delivery. APIs also enhance collaboration. By connecting to third-party services, you can access valuable resources and tools that support marketing initiatives, like social media or email campaigns. This access opens avenues for branding and targeting your audience more effectively, driving growth strategies. Moreover, APIs empower you to adapt quickly to market changes. When you utilize cloud-based APIs, you can scale your operations without significant upfront investments. This flexibility supports your cash flow management and allows you to focus more on your core business rather than operational challenges. Understanding the importance of APIs in your digital transformation can set the foundation for leveraging emerging technologies, improving customer service, and fostering meaningful partnerships. Embracing such technological advancements ensures your small business remains competitive and responsive in an ever-evolving marketplace. The Role of APIs in Digital Transformation APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) significantly contribute to digital transformation, particularly for small businesses. They facilitate seamless interactions between various software systems, enhancing efficiency and customer experiences. Enhancing Business Efficiency Automation of Processes: APIs automate repetitive tasks by linking different software applications. This automation reduces manual intervention, minimizes errors, and accelerates processes, which leads to substantial cost savings. Automating inventory updates in your e-commerce platform exemplifies this efficiency. Streamlining Workflows: APIs integrate cloud and on-premises systems, allowing for end-to-end workflow automation. You can manage data flow easily, enabling quicker decision-making. This streamlined approach enhances operational quality, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and business growth. Scalability: APIs empower you to scale operations effectively. By adding new services and applications without disrupting existing systems, scalability becomes achievable. This flexibility supports your business model as it adapts to changing market demands. Facilitating Data Integration APIs simplify data integration across various platforms, enhancing collaboration and data accessibility. You can connect your software tools and third-party services effortlessly, consolidating customer information, financial data, and marketing statistics. This integration promotes a cohesive strategy for customer acquisition, allowing for better-targeted email marketing and content marketing efforts. The ability to access centralized data positions your small business to make informed decisions and respond quickly to market needs. Types of APIs in Digital Transformation In the realm of digital transformation, understanding the types of APIs is essential for small businesses to enhance operations and drive growth. APIs serve as the backbone for innovation, enabling seamless communication between different systems. Open APIs Open APIs, or public APIs, provide external developers and businesses access to your services and data. These APIs foster collaboration and innovation by enabling integrations with third-party applications. For small businesses, utilizing Open APIs can simplify operations. For example, you can connect your e-commerce platform with social media apps to enhance customer acquisition strategies. Many social media platforms, like Twitter and Facebook, leverage Open APIs to facilitate interactions between their services and external applications. Monetization opportunities also exist; you can create subscription models or charge per API call to generate additional revenue streams. Internal APIs Internal APIs, or private APIs, allow your internal systems to communicate efficiently. These APIs streamline workflows within your business. By integrating various software tools, you can automate repetitive tasks and improve overall productivity. For instance, linking your inventory management system with your accounting software helps maintain accurate financial records and reduces human error. Internal APIs enhance operational efficiency while empowering employees to focus on higher-value tasks, aligning with your business goals and growth strategy. They provide a framework for innovation within your organization, allowing you to develop customized solutions that meet your specific needs. Utilizing both Open and Internal APIs can position your small business for success in today’s digital landscape, enhancing collaboration and fostering innovation while improving customer service. Challenges in Implementing APIs Implementing APIs can present various challenges that affect both technical and organizational aspects of your small business. Understanding these challenges helps you navigate the integration process more effectively. Technical Challenges Security and privacy are primary concerns when using APIs in your business operations. With rising cyber threats, you must implement security measures such as authentication, authorization, and encryption. For example, using OAuth for secure authorization and SSL certificates for data encryption protects sensitive customer information during transactions. Complexity also arises from integrating multiple systems through APIs. Navigating diverse data formats, ensuring compatibility, and maintaining consistent communication between applications can be daunting. Organizations that use various applications for sales, marketing, and customer service may struggle with standardizing data. Investing in proper training and resources can mitigate these technical hurdles. Organizational Challenges Cultural resistance within your team can hinder API implementation. If employees perceive APIs as disrupting their established workflows, they may resist adopting new processes. To counter this, foster a culture of innovation and emphasize the benefits of API integration, such as improved efficiency and better customer service. Resource allocation poses another challenge. You must balance time and budget constraints when adopting APIs. The solution often involves strategic planning to prioritize your API projects based on their potential to support your growth strategy. Collaborating with stakeholders from different departments can also ensure alignment with business goals, fostering a smoother transition to API usage. Future Trends in API and Digital Transformation APIs play a crucial role in the future of digital transformation, particularly for small businesses. They enable connections that foster innovation and enhance customer experiences. Emerging Technologies APIs integrate with emerging technologies, significantly transforming how you operate. AI-infused APIs automate tasks such as analyzing images, converting speech to text, and generating personalized recommendations. Leveraging these capabilities positions your business to boost efficiency and optimize customer service. For instance, utilizing sentiment analysis tools can help you understand customer feedback and adapt your marketing strategies accordingly. Impact on Business Models The impact of APIs on business models is profound. Treating APIs as products enables you to map user journeys, offering frictionless experiences that lead to higher customer acquisition rates. Startups and small businesses can tap into analytics-driven iteration processes to refine their offerings continuously. This strategized approach can enhance your growth strategy and solidify your market presence. Through effective API use, your business can streamline operations, reduce costs, and foster collaborations with external service providers, leading to innovative product development that aligns with customer demands. Conclusion APIs are more than just technical tools; they’re essential drivers of your digital transformation journey. By embracing APIs, you can streamline operations and enhance customer experiences while fostering innovation and collaboration. This integration not only positions your business for growth but also equips you to respond swiftly to market changes. As you navigate the complexities of API implementation, remember that overcoming challenges like security and organizational resistance is key. Cultivating a culture of innovation will help you fully realize the potential of APIs. Ultimately, leveraging these powerful connectors will empower your business to thrive in today’s interconnected landscape, ensuring you stay competitive and responsive to customer needs. Frequently Asked Questions What is the role of APIs in digital transformation for small businesses? APIs, or Application Programming Interfaces, serve as connectors between systems, enabling seamless data flow and enhancing efficiency. They streamline processes, automate tasks, and promote innovation, ultimately supporting small businesses in adapting to changing market needs. How do APIs enhance customer experiences? APIs facilitate better integration of services and systems, allowing businesses to deliver timely and personalized experiences to customers. By connecting various platforms, businesses can access and consolidate customer data, leading to improved service delivery and satisfaction. What types of APIs are important for small businesses? Small businesses should focus on two types of APIs: Open APIs, which connect external developers to services, promoting collaboration, and Internal APIs, which streamline internal workflows. Both types enhance processes and can significantly improve customer acquisition and operational efficiency. What challenges do small businesses face when implementing APIs? Small businesses often encounter challenges like security concerns, integration complexities, and cultural resistance. Ensuring data protection through authentication and encryption is vital, and fostering a culture of innovation can help overcome internal resistance to API adoption. How can APIs support automation in small business operations? APIs can automate repetitive tasks by linking different software applications, minimizing errors and accelerating processes. This automation leads to cost savings and allows businesses to focus on more strategic activities, thereby enhancing overall operational efficiency. What future trends in API usage should small businesses consider? Future trends include the integration of APIs with emerging technologies like AI. Treating APIs as products will enhance customer experiences, and utilizing analytics can help small businesses refine their offerings, fostering growth and collaboration that aligns with customer demands. Image Via Envato This article, "Unlocking Business Success: The Power of API and Digital Transformation" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. You may have considered making your own videos until you actually tried to edit one and ended up staring at timelines and layers, wondering where to even start. Adobe Premiere Elements 2025 is built to simplify that chaos, and right now StackSocial is offering a 3-year license on sale for $99.99. That’s a one-time payment, not a subscription, which already feels like a win. You get AI-powered editing, mobile and web companion apps (still in beta), and access to Adobe Stock templates for titles. It’s aimed at hobbyists, content creators, and anyone who wants their vacation videos to look like a highlight reel. This version's workflow has been simplified a lot. The timeline is cleaner, the performance is snappier—especially on Macs with Apple’s M3 chips—and tools like color correction and grading presets are built-in. You can stylize titles, fix up the lighting, and string together polished transitions without digging through a maze of menus. It also helps that Adobe throws in some templates and effects to nudge beginners in the right direction. That said, if you’re planning to edit in 4K or juggle a bunch of large media files, you’ll want a more powerful system (think 32GB RAM, SSD, and decent GPU). It runs on Windows 10/11 and macOS 13/14, but if you’re still holding on to Windows 8.1 or anything older, this won’t install. Additionally, this deal is only for new users, and you’ll need to redeem the code within 30 days. You can only use it on one device, so no jumping between your desktop and laptop. And while the mobile and web versions sound handy, they’re still in beta and only available in a few languages. But if you want to go from random clips to something with titles, effects, and maybe even background music, without hiring an editor or learning Premiere Pro, this version of Elements makes a lot of sense. And for $100, it gives you three years to play around, learn the basics, and maybe even discover you enjoy editing. View the full article

Defence secretary alleged to have shared details of Yemen military strike in group that included family membersView the full article

Moments after Daniris Espinal walked into her new apartment in Brooklyn, she prayed. In ensuing nights, she would awaken and touch the walls for reassurance—finding in them a relief that turned to tears over her morning coffee. Those walls were possible through a federal program that pays rent for some 60,000 families and individuals fleeing homelessness or domestic violence. Espinal was fleeing both. But the program, Emergency Housing Vouchers, is running out of money—and quickly. Funding is expected to be used up by the end of next year, according to a letter from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and obtained by The Associated Press. That would leave tens of thousands across the country scrambling to pay their rent. It would be among the largest one-time losses of rental assistance in the U.S., analysts say, and the ensuing evictions could churn these people—after several years of rebuilding their lives—back onto the street or back into abusive relationships. “To have it stop would completely upend all the progress that they’ve made,” said Sonya Acosta, policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, which researches housing assistance. “And then you multiply that by 59,000 households,” she said. The program, launched in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden as part of the pandemic-era American Rescue Plan Act, was allocated $5 billion to help pull people out of homelessness, domestic violence and human trafficking. People from San Francisco to Dallas to Tallahassee, Florida, were enrolled—among them children, seniors and veterans—with the expectation that funding would last until the end of the decade. But with the ballooning cost of rent, that $5 billion will end far faster. Last month, HUD sent letters to groups dispersing the money, advising them to “manage your EHV program with the expectation that no additional funding from HUD will be forthcoming.” The program’s future rests with Congress, which could decide to add money as it crafts the federal budget. But it’s a relatively expensive prospect at a time when Republicans, who control Congress, are dead set on cutting federal spending to afford tax cuts. Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, who championed the program four years ago, is pushing for another $8 billion infusion. But the organizations lobbying Republican and Democratic lawmakers to reup the funding told the AP they aren’t optimistic. Four GOP lawmakers who oversee the budget negotiations did not respond to AP requests for comment. “We’ve been told it’s very much going to be an uphill fight,” said Kim Johnson, the public policy manager at the National Low Income Housing Coalition. Espinal and her two daughters, aged 4 and 19, are living on one of those vouchers in a three-bedroom apartment with an over $3,000 monthly rent—an amount extremely difficult to cover without the voucher. Four years ago, Espinal fought her way out of a marriage where her husband controlled her decisions, from seeing her family and friends to leaving the apartment to go shopping. When she spoke up, her husband said she was wrong, or in the wrong or crazy. Isolated and in the haze of postpartum depression, she didn’t know what to believe. “Every day, little by little, I started to feel not like myself,” she said. “It felt like my mind wasn’t mine.” When notices arrived in March 2021 seeking about $12,000 in back rent, it was a shock. Espinal had quit her job at her husband’s urging and he had promised to cover family expenses. Police reports documenting her husband’s bursts of anger were enough for a judge to give her custody of their daughter in 2022, Espinal said. But her future was precarious: She was alone, owed thousands of dollars in back rent and had no income to pay it or support her newborn and teenage daughters. Financial aid to prevent evictions during the pandemic kept Espinal afloat, paying her back rent and keeping the family out of shelters. But it had an expiration date. Around that time, the Emergency Housing Vouchers program was rolled out, targeting people in Espinal’s situation. A “leading cause of family homelessness is domestic violence” in New York City, said Gina Cappuccitti, director of housing access and stability services at New Destiny Housing, a nonprofit that has connected 700 domestic violence survivors to the voucher program. Espinal was one of those 700, and moved into her Brooklyn apartment in 2023. The relief went beyond finding a secure place to live, she said. “I gained my worth, my sense of peace, and I was able to rebuild my identity.” Now, she said, she’s putting aside money in case of the worst. Because, “that’s my fear, losing control of everything that I’ve worked so hard for.” —Jesse Bedayn Associated Press/Report for America View the full article

Before I first went traveling in 2006, I had these expectations in my head based on nothing but my imagination and popular culture. My trip was going to be a nonstop adventure filled with colorful and exciting people. Crazy things were going to happen to me. I’d make friends everywhere. I’d be talking to strangers on buses. Locals would invite me out for drinks. I’d be sipping a latte, strike up a conversation with my beautiful waitress, and then the next thing I’d know, we’d be at a wine bar, staring into each other’s eyes while she taught me French. It was going to be just like those articles I’d read or travel movies I saw. One adventurous scene after the next. Then I went overseas. There I was in the hostel, on the road, seeing amazing attractions in historic cities. I could do whatever I wanted, when I wanted. I was finally marching to the beat of my own drum. At first, it was exciting, as I set my daily schedule and did things by myself. I was so busy those first couple of days that I had forgotten I was alone. And that was fine — until it wasn’t. As the days wore on and my tongue forgot what speech sounded like, that excitement dissipated. I began to crave human interaction and companionship. Suddenly, I was alone — and in the bad way. Aloneness had turned to loneliness. Where were the locals who were supposed to show me around? The cool travelers I’d spend nights out with? Once I ran out of things to do, I could no longer hide my aloneness. Sure, I could move on to another city, hoping that the magic would happen there, that it was the destination’s fault and not me. But it was me. Life doesn’t just happen to you — you have to make it happen. And I wasn’t. I began to realize the only reason I was alone was because of fear. As an introvert, it isn’t natural for me to just walk up to strangers and talk to them. That was especially true way back in 2006, when I first started traveling. (Heck, it takes me a lot to overcome that today.) But that fear was keeping me from living the dreams I had in my head. If I wanted those dreams to happen, I was going to have to make them happen. A lot of people wonder if traveling alone means they will always be alone. How will they make friends? Is it hard? It’s a valid concern and, for us to whom socializing doesn’t come naturally, it’s a challenge. But let me tell you: it’s a lot easier than you think. There are a lot of people traveling solo. People just like you. People looking for an adventure. People who crave interactions with others. And that other is you. I overcame being alone when people in my hostel in Prague started talking to me. They were the first ones to reach out, luckily. They broke the barrier I was too afraid to break myself, sitting there, waiting for “something to happen.” But, after they broke the ice, I realized that it was actually easier and less scary than I thought. Those travelers were like me and looking for a friend. Things rarely happen unless you make them happen. You need to go out and talk to strangers yourself. It took the introvert in me a while to learn that truth, but once I did, I had no trouble meeting people. After those travelers said hello and showed me how easy it was, I realized I was making a mountain out of a molehill. There was nothing to be scared of. I just had to say hi. Because we all start off in the same boat: in a foreign country without any friends, not speaking the language, and looking for people to spend time with. Once you realize that, you also realize how simple and easy it is to make friends…because everyone is just like you. That’s the big secret. There’s nothing more to overcome being alone than to get over yourself and say “hi.” The key is to start small and break out of your shell. Talk to the person in your dorm room. Say hello. Ask them about themselves. Trust me, they will respond. They’ll ask you about you, your home, your travel plans, and more. From there, just do the same to other travelers you see. Look for a group leaving for the bar and ask, “Can I join you?” Walk over to that pool table in the hostel and ask, “Who’s next?” People will say yes. Conversation will begin. Friendships will blossom. And thanks to the sharing economy, there are lots more ways to meet people beyond meeting them at hostels, For example, I’m sure you have one thing you are passionate about, right? Well, people around the world have that same passion. Use a website like Meetup.com to find local groups that form around that passion. Maybe it’s swing dancing, maybe it’s pickleball or Dungeons & Dragons. Whatever it is, I’m sure there are locals who do it too. Finding local groups with a shared interest is a great way to break the ice because you already have something to talk about, something that creates an instant connection. Moreover, you can try the website Couchsurfing. It’s not only a place to find accommodation; it also has tons of meet-ups you can attend to find other travelers and like-minded people. Additionally, there are lots of Facebook groups where you can find people to meet. I know, it sounds sketchy, but I’ve used them a bunch recently and they’ve been great. Some groups worth checking out are Girls Love Travel, Find a Travel Buddy, and Solo Trips and Travelers. I’ll be honest, at first, I found it hard to speak to others. Conversations stumbled from time to time. But you either sink or swim on the road. My options were to be alone (and risk potentially going home early) or to get over my fear, take the plunge, and talk to people. I choose the latter. And on the occasions I was sinking instead of swimming, other travelers came up to me and said hello. They made the first move so I didn’t have to. Why? Because they were looking to make friends too. Like me, they understood that if they didn’t do something, they too would have been alone. Travelers are a friendly bunch. They want to meet new people and make new friends. And one of those friends is you. For that reason, you are never alone on the road. There are people everywhere who will be constantly talking to you and inviting you out (especially if you’re staying in hostels). So no, traveling alone doesn’t mean you will be alone. Take it from this introvert: you’ll meet more people than you’ll know what to do with. (In fact, there will be points when you wished you had some personal “me” time.) Eventually, you’ll realize there was never a reason to worry in the first place. And you’ll never be alone again. How to Travel the World on $75 a DayMy New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.” Click here to learn more and start reading it today! Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for budget travelers) World Nomads (best for mid-range travelers) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip! Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post How to Overcome Being Alone When You Travel appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Let’s face it, lead generation can be a real pain. One month you’re drowning in prospects. The next you’re wondering if your website’s broken because nobody’s filling out your contact form. I’ve been there, and let me tell you – there’s a better way. Relying on unpredictable methods can stifle growth and leave your sales team twiddling their thumbs. The good news? Digital advertising, when strategically implemented, can be your key to unlocking a predictable and scalable lead generation system. This article will guide you through the essential steps to move beyond hoping for leads and start building a reliable process to drive a steady flow of qualified prospects to grow your business. Laying the foundation: knowing your audience Before you even think about creating an ad, you need to understand who you’re trying to reach, going beyond basic demographics. Conduct surveys, interview existing customers and analyze your data to paint a picture of your ideal target. Next, you want to develop an in-depth buyer persona to discover your audience’s patterns and pain points. At the end of this exercise you should be able to answer the following: What keeps your ideal customer awake at night? What are they afraid of and how can you help? What websites do they visit first thing in the morning? What industry publications do they read? The end goal is to walk away knowing what: Your prospects are facing. Possibly caused the situation. Their desired outcome looks like. The more you know, the more precisely you can target your ads. The numbers game: Setting clear, measurable goals “More leads” is not a goal, it’s a wish. To build a predictable system, define what a lead means for your business and set quantifiable targets: What’s your desired cost per lead (CPL)? How many leads do you need monthly to hit your revenue goals? Do you offer services that can supplement your main offering to increase profit? Align these lead generation goals with your overarching business objectives to ensure everyone is working towards the same outcome. Above all, make sure your goals are realistic and achievable. Set your goals monthly, not daily. Numbers tell stories. Patterns become evident when you’re viewing goals over a 30- to 60-day period. That doesn’t mean you should forget weekly patterns. For example, you may discover that your ads perform 40% better on Thursdays – information that can completely change your advertising strategy. Dig deeper: Google Ads for lead generation – A 6-step framework for success Finding your focus: Selecting the right platform Here’s a secret: you don’t need to be on every advertising platform. Start by focusing on two platforms that will actually work for your business. B2B: LinkedIn is your best friend. It’s a gold mine for targeting decision-makers – coupled with Microsoft Ads you can continue on the journey with your prospects. B2C: Meta and Instagram excel at reaching your audience based on their demographics, interest, and behaviors – ideal for brand building, nurturing, and reaching passive prospects. However, you don’t want to forget Google. Google Ads is your reliable old friend – perfect for capturing intent. People actively searching for solutions like yours are prime targets on Google Search. You can expand your reach to partner sites using the Display Network or through video on YouTube. You also don’t want to overlook niche platforms relevant to your industry or programmatic advertising to reach a broader, more sophisticated audience. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Speak their language: Crafting compelling ads and landing pages Your ads are the first impression a prospective client has of you. They need to be relevant to the user’s search query or social feed, clearly highlighting the benefits of your offer and drawing them in with a strong call to action. Compelling language and eye-catching images or videos should be designed with one goal – to resonate with your audience. A/B test different ad variations to see what works best. In the end, you want to tell a story that addresses real problems. Steer clear of corporate jargon or buzzwords that add fluff. Sticking to the facts always moves the needle forward. Your ad got clicked! But the journey isn’t over. Your landing page should seamlessly continue the conversation. Ensure the messaging aligns perfectly with your ad. Use clear and concise language, highlight your value propositions, and make it easy for visitors to become a lead using optimized forms. Lastly, build trust with testimonials and social proof. Most importantly, you want to ensure your mobile-friendly landing pages load quickly – a poor user experience will kill your conversion rates. Dig deeper: How to use Meta Ads for lead generation: A 9-step guide Making it predictable: Testing, tweak, and repeat This is where the magic happens. Once your ads are running and your landing pages are converting, you can start to predict how many leads you’ll get for every dollar spent. For example, if you are spending $1,000 in ad spend with a goal of getting 333 clicks and 67 leads, you might find the following scenario to be true: Your ads get a 2% CTR. Your landing page converts at 20%. Your cost per click is $3. Is it exact? No. But it’s predictable enough to plan your business. Nobody gets it right out of the gate. Success comes from constant testing. Just make sure you are testing one thing at a time. Change your headline, not your entire landing page. Adjust your targeting, not your whole campaign. Once you’ve found a system that works, it’s tempting to want to scale up. However, I recommend that you take it slow. After all, you don’t want to find you tripled your ad spend overnight only to watch your cost per lead skyrocket. Instead, increase your budget by 20% at a time and let the data guide you. A consistent flow for sustainable growth Building a predictable lead generation system with digital ads requires: A strategic approach. A deep understanding of your audience. A commitment to continuous monitoring and optimization. It’s not about overnight success. It’s about building a reliable engine that consistently delivers qualified leads to fuel your business growth. By following the steps in this article, you can finally move away from the uncertainty of traditional lead generation methods. Instead, embrace the power of data-driven digital advertising to build a system that delivers: A consistent flow of qualified prospects. Predictable, scalable business growth. Confidence in where your next lead is coming from. It’s not about chasing quick wins. It’s about building a reliable engine that fuels your business long-term. Stop guessing. Start growing. The power to generate leads consistently is within your reach. View the full article

Falling victim to a scam is terrible, but being targeted a second time by fraudsters posing as law enforcement promising to help you recover is even worse. Scammers pretending to be from the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) have been reported more than 100 times between December 2023 and February 2025, according to an April 18 public service announcement. Impersonation scams aren't new—a widespread scheme in 2022 saw scammers posing as government and law enforcement officials, for example—but this latest one doubles up on people whose money has already been stolen. How the IC3 scam worksAs the FBI's notice describes, scammers may contact fraud victims by phone, email, social media, or forum posts posing as IC3 employees. They offer to help targets recover their lost money—or claim they've already recovered it—and ask for payment or personal information, at which point victims lose money and/or data to yet another bad actor. While there are a number of variations, in one example, scammers created female profiles on social networks, joined groups for financial fraud victims, and suggested members reach out via Telegram to "Jaime Quin," the "Chief Director" of IC3, who completed the scam. How to protect yourself from the IC3 scamIf you've been a victim of fraud or identity theft, you are a potential target for the IC3 scam, and you should stay vigilant and skeptical of anyone offering to help you get your money back. IC3 employees will never contact you via phone, email, social media, apps, or forums, and they will never ask for payment (or refer you to anyone who requires payment) to recover your money. If you are contacted by someone claiming to be law enforcement or a government official over the phone or online, do not share any sensitive information, and do not send money, gift cards, or cryptocurrency to someone you do not know. You can report fraud to the actual, legitimate IC3 at www.ic3.gov. View the full article

Time. There just never seems to be enough of it. It always seems to move too fast (and, every year, it seems to just move faster). Time is something people always tell me they don’t have enough of and is one of the main reasons why they don’t travel as much as they would like. (Money is also an issue, which I’ve talked about here.) While there are more digital nomads and remote workers now that COVID has changed the concept of the office, not everyone is able to work remotely these days. But, even if they don’t want to be nomadic, most people I know with office jobs (specifically Americans) want to travel more than they do. They just feel like they don’t have the time. They are wrong. Here’s why. Let’s say you work 50 weeks a year and get two weeks of vacation. (Not American? Then you probably get a lot more and that’s wonderful.) Counting your vacation time and every weekend brings the total number of days per year you can travel to 110 (104 weekend days plus the 10 days in your two-week vacation). That’s a lot of time to travel. Throw in three-day weekends and holidays, and we can add even more days to our total. It may not be all continuous, but you can do a lot with that much time. Let’s think about that for a second: 110+ days of free time per year. That’s close to four months of potential travel time per year! Four months! The world is your oyster with that much time. When looking at it this way, our busy schedule becomes a lot more open. What are you doing with that time? Everything is about priorities. Yes, there are certain obligations we have in our day-to-day lives that take up time but if you really want something, you find a way to make it happen. It’s like when I say I don’t have the time to go to the gym. I have plenty of time to go to the gym; I’m just spending that time elsewhere. Because the gym just isn’t a priority for me (though it probably should be). Moreover, most people associate “travel” with a long-term, big, expensive trip and thus discount all the short-term methods of travel. When people think “I want to travel” they envision a two-week vacation, a cruise, or some long, multi-month journey. It’s a big trip to a faraway land. That’s not really their fault. It’s just how the travel industry tells us we need to travel because long and big trips mean people will spend more money. We internalize that concept and never consider other options. And if you hear something enough, you believe it. I used to. It’s why Jessica is never going to Ireland and Bob will always be a hater. However, if COVID has taught us anything it’s that there are TONS of things to see and do close to home. Even when you don’t have months to travel, as we’ve seen, you still have 110 days of potential travel per year. If you make it a priority, you can certainly travel more. But what do you do? What kind of trips can you take on a smaller time scale that still have a big impact? Here are some trip ideas to help you plan to travel when you have limited time: 1. Take a weekend getaway Spend a weekend away somewhere. Two days isn’t a lot of time, but it’s still enough to explore a city, town, or camp in a national park close to you. I used to spend a lot of time in New York City. From there, weekends away would include trips to Atlantic City, Fire Island, the Hamptons, the Berkshires, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC — and those are just the ones a few hours away! Try to incorporate more weekend trips away. It can help break up your routine and keep your wanderlust in check until your next big trip. Even a couple of days somewhere are better than no days anywhere! 2. Go somewhere close Only have a week? Don’t travel halfway around the world, wasting tons of time getting to your destination. Go somewhere a short distance away. Living in Miami and Fiji is too far? Head to Central America! In Sydney and Los Angeles is too far? Go halfway and stop in Hawaii, visit New Zealand, or pop over to a Pacific island nation! In Europe? Well, 90% of the continent is a three-hour flight away so you’re set! Stay close and you’ll need less time to do what you want. Additionally, the best flight deals you can find are often for destinations close to you. So be flexible. Anywhere you haven’t been is a good place to visit. And, when you travel, less is always more. 3. Be a local tourist I don’t think people are tourists in their own city often enough. How often do you visit the museums, explore new areas in your town, or visit the major attractions of your city? I know New Yorkers who have never been to the Met, Bostonians who have never walked the Freedom Trail, and Amsterdammers who have never wandered through the red-light district. Take the weekend, move out of the house and into a cheap place to stay, and be a tourist. I love playing tourist in my own city because it helps you learn and understand where you come from. There’s so much around you that you probably don’t take advantage of when you’re busy leading your regular life that, when you stop and look for a second, you can find plenty of exciting activities to fill your time. After all, travel is about seeing and learning about new things – and that can take place right in your own backyard! Important: If you are going to do this, stay somewhere that’s not your house so it feels more like a vacation. Otherwise, it will be too tempting to wake up, run some errands, and then “run out of time.” For this to really work, you need to break your routine — and not staying in your house is important to do that. 4. Maximize your time Don’t try to see everything under the sun. You’ll run around too much. I field a lot of emails from people who want to see half of Europe in two weeks or want to conquer all of South America in a month. When you think that is how you have to travel and try to cram everything in, it’s easy to get burdened by your itinerary. You look at all those destinations, get overwhelmed, realize there is not enough time, give up, and hold off until you do “have” the time. I get that you don’t have a lot of vacation and want to see a lot, but don’t! Sticking to just one or two places suddenly opens up a lot of time and opportunity! You’ll never be able to see it all. Even with my open schedule, I still can’t see everything I want. I stopped trying long ago. In travel, less is more. Quality over quantity. **** You may not have months to travel, but that doesn’t mean you can’t travel at all. There are a plethora of ways to get out and travel the world on a budget without having to be a nomad like me. Telling yourself you don’t have time is just an excuse. You do have the time and you can learn the skills to travel better. The problem is you probably aren’t thinking of how to spend that time beyond the typical “two-week vacation.” So the next time you think “I don’t have the time,” think of all the places nearby you could explore. Yes, you’ll have errands to run and things that require your attention. But by using your time productively, prioritizing travel, and thinking outside the box, you’ll find you do have time to explore the world. Travel is about exploration, and that exploration can happen anywhere for any length of time. How to Travel the World on $75 a DayMy New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.” Click here to learn more and start reading it today! Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned. Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are: SafetyWing (best for budget travelers) World Nomads (best for mid-range travelers) InsureMyTrip (for those 70 and over) Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage) Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals. Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip! Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more. Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip. The post Cubicle Nation: You Have More Travel Time Than You Think appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site. View the full article

Browser extensions can potentially see a lot of what you're up to on your computer—so you need to be careful when it comes to choosing which of these add-ons you install and allow to access your browser. While plenty of browser extensions out there are legit and genuinely useful, some of them aren't. Browser security analyst John Tuckner (via Ars Technica) recently posted about discovering dozens of suspect extensions that have overly broad permissions and seem to be mining browser data. These extensions are apparently being used by around six million users. Most of these extensions are unlisted in the Chrome Web Store, so users need to be directed to the exact URL to find them, and they're less visible to security scans and the wider web. They don't appear to offer much in the way of functionality, and are coded in a way that makes it difficult to ascertain their purpose. Even more worryingly, the developers of some of these extensions have been labeled as "Featured" by Google, which supposedly means they've met certain standards in terms of privacy and security. It's a reminder that even when an extension looks fine, you should still exercise plenty of caution. There's no foolproof, 100-percent-guaranteed way to spot dodgy browser extensions, but there are plenty of ways to assess their legitimacy, which I've outlined below. Keep up with the newsThere are plenty of good folk on the right side of the security and privacy fence, including John Tuckner. Stay up to date on the tech news headlines, and breaking stories across social media, and you should get a heads up about any major issues. Take the case of the Honey extension, for example, which was recently found to be deploying some shady tactics in terms of manipulating online prices. If you're checking the news, you'll know about discoveries like these. Read the reviewsReviews can be faked, and don't always provide a true indication of the quality of an extension, but they'll give you some pointers. Look for common complaints and concerns, especially those that have been posted recently. A lot of low ratings can be a big warning sign, especially if they're mentioning the extension being buggy or slow. You should also check to see if the developer has addressed any of the complaints, and given plausible explanations for them. Pay close attention to extension listings. Credit: Lifehacker Look at the developerSpeaking of developers, the details of the people behind these add-ons are always shown on the extension listings. See if there's clear evidence for what these individuals or teams do, and why they might have made an extension available for your browser. If an extension is made by a professional coder with an active social media presence and a genuine GitHub landing page, that's a good sign. If a developer link leads to a badly formatted webpage with little in the way of info, that's not so good. Check the permissionsLike the apps installed on your phone or laptop, browser extensions have permissions: You can see the permissions they're asking for on their listing pages, and after you've installed them, to check what they're trying to do. You have to make some judgment calls here in terms of what's reasonable and what isn't when it comes to permissions, but clearly an extension that snoozes inactive tabs (for example) doesn't need to read everything you're typing into your browser. You can always look up the extensions each browser has. Credit: Lifehacker Use security toolsSeveral security tools will help you spot bad extensions, such as John Tuckner's own Secure Annex: With a little help from AI, it scans through extensions looking for potential problems, though it's aimed at companies rather than individuals. For Chrome, try Chrome Extension Source Viewer (for checking code), and Under New Management (for checking who's behind an extension), plus Chrome's own Safety Check. There are plenty of other options out there, both for Chrome and for other browsers. Stay up to dateWeb browsers and operating systems are actually pretty good—though not infallible—when it comes to spotting security issues, including browser extensions that might be trying to steal data or direct you to suspicious parts of the internet. This depends on you keeping your software up to date, though: Hackers and scammers love outdated, unpatched code. Make sure you install pending updates for your browser and Windows or macOS as soon as you get notifications about them. View the full article

The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals well before the conclave to elect his successor begins. They involve the certification of death and public display of his body for the faithful to pay their respects, followed by the funeral and burial. Pope Francis, who died on Monday, revised various rites last year, simplifying the funeral rituals to emphasize his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican in keeping with his wishes. But the core elements remain, including the three key moments that must be observed between the death of a pope and his burial. The reforms are incorporated into the slim red volume “Ordo Exsequiarum Romani Pontificis,” Latin for “Rite of Burial for Roman Pontiffs.” Why were changes to the funeral rites necessary? While popes often tinker with the rules regulating the conclave that elects their successor, a revision of the papal funeral rites hadn’t been undertaken since 2000. The changes became necessary after Francis expressed his own wishes, and after Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI died on December 31, 2022. For Benedict, the Vatican had to work out the novelty of a funeral for the first retired pope in 600 years. A few months later, Francis revealed he was working with the Vatican’s master of liturgical ceremonies, Archbishop Diego Ravelli, to overhaul the entire book of rites to simplify them. In explaining the reforms, Ravelli said the changes aimed “to emphasize even more that the Roman Pontiff’s funeral is that of a pastor and disciple of Christ and not of a powerful man of this world.” The declaration of death The three main stations, or moments, occur first in his home, then in St. Peter’s Basilica, and then in the place of burial. The reform allows for the formal confirmation of death to occur in Francis’ personal chapel rather than his bedroom. It is unclear why, the change may be more practical than anything since Francis chose to live in a small suite in the Vatican’s Santa Marta hotel rather than the Apostolic Palace. He has a personal chapel at Santa Marta. Upon the pope’s death, the head of the Vatican health service examines the body, ascertains the cause of death and writes a report. The body is dressed in white. The body rests in the pope’s personal chapel for the ritual pronouncement of death, presided over by the camerlengo, the Vatican official who runs the Holy See administration between the death or resignation of one pope and the election of another. The camerlengo is American Cardinal Kevin Farrell, one of Francis’ most trusted aides. In a change from the past, the rite no longer requires the body to be placed in the traditional three coffins made of cypress, lead and oak. Now, the pope’s body is placed in a wooden coffin, with a zinc coffin inside. The pope is dressed in red liturgical vestments, his miter—the traditional headdress of bishops—and the pallium woolen stole, a kind of scarf. The Pasqual candle, a large, decorated candle used at Easter, is placed nearby. The camerlengo drafts the formal declaration of death, attaching the certificate that had been prepared by the health service chief. The master of liturgical celebrations, Ravelli, then decides when other faithful can pay their respects before the coffin is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing. Once in the basilica When the body is brought into the basilica, the Litany of Saints chant is sung. The camerlengo leads the procession. In another change, the pope’s body is no longer placed on an elevated bier. Rather, the simplified wooden coffin is placed facing the pews, with the Pasqual candle nearby. The sealing of the coffin The night before the funeral, the camerlengo presides over the closing and sealing of the coffin, in the presence of other senior cardinals. A white cloth is placed over the pope’s face. A bag containing coins minted during his papacy is placed in the coffin along with a one-page written account of his papacy—known in Italian as a “rogito,” a word indicating an official deed. It is read aloud by the master of liturgical ceremonies and then rolled up and slipped inside a cylindrical tube that is placed inside the coffin. Another copy is kept in the Vatican archives. The covers of both the zinc coffin and the wooden one bear a cross and the papal coat of arms. Francis’ coat of arms, which he kept from when he was bishop, features a shield and the monogram of his Jesuit order, with the words “Miserando atque eligendo,” Latin for “Having had mercy, he called him.” It comes from an episode in the Gospel where Christ picks a seemingly unworthy person to follow him. The funeral and burial The funeral is presided over by the dean of the College of Cardinals or, if that is not possible, by the vice dean or another senior cardinal. The current dean is Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, 91. The vice dean is Argentine Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, 81. Francis earlier this year extended both of their five-year terms rather than appoint new ones. Francis’ reform allows for burial outside the Vatican, with the camerlengo presiding. Various seals are impressed on the coffin, and it is placed inside the tomb. Francis has said he wants to be buried not in St. Peter’s Basilica or its grottoes, where most popes are buried, but in the St. Mary Major Basilica across town. His choice reflects his veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary that is located there, the Salus Populi Romani (Salvation of the people of Rome). After every foreign trip, Francis would go to the basilica to pray before the Byzantine-style painting that features an image of Mary, draped in a blue robe, holding the infant Jesus who in turn holds a jeweled golden book. “It’s my great devotion,” Francis told Mexico’s N+ in revealing his future burial plans. “The place is already prepared.” With the burial, the Catholic Church begins nine days of official mourning, known as the “novemdiales” and the conclave begins. —Nicole Winfield, Associated Press View the full article

SEO or PPC: Which is better for your business? Understand the trade-offs and advantages to make an informed decision. The post SEO Vs. PPC: What’s The Best Strategy For Your Business? appeared first on Search Engine Journal. View the full article

Advertising on Amazon is getting more complex, with an ever-growing list of targeting options. At the core of it all? Match types. Understanding how they work is essential to making your ad spend count. Unlike other ecommerce platforms, Amazon ads directly impact your organic ranking – so campaigns aren’t just about sales; they’re about momentum. Whether you’re driving incremental sales or defending your brand in search, knowing how to structure campaigns around match types can make or break performance. For brand defense, branded keywords are critical – but they should live in their own campaigns to keep management clean and projections accurate. Match types on Amazon Match types determine when your ads appear. On Amazon, the most commonly used match types are search-related, since one of the core goals of advertising is to drive sales through relevant keywords and, ultimately, improve organic ranking for specific phrases. Amazon has recently introduced new ad types that allow targeting by audience, browsing history, purchase history, and product categories. There is no single “best” match type. It’s essential to test multiple options to determine what works best for your specific product and category. The better you understand match types, the more effectively you can structure campaigns and manage ad spend. Amazon offers two primary campaign types for sponsored products: Automatic. Manual. Automatic match types: Understanding the basics Automatic campaigns on Amazon are available only with sponsored products and include four sub-match types: Close match: Displays your ads for search terms closely related to your product. Loose match: Shows your ads for search terms loosely related to your product. Complements: Displays ads for products related to yours (e.g., shoelaces for shoes). Substitutes: Shows your ads for products similar to yours that shoppers might choose instead. For beginners, focus on close match and substitutes, as they typically yield better conversion rates. Loose match often converts poorly, and complements can be inefficient for initial campaigns. While complementary products are often bought together, shoppers on Amazon typically come to purchase specific items and aren’t always looking for accessories. Automatic campaigns aren’t just for beginners. They’re a crucial part of a well-rounded strategy. Key benefits include: Amazon showing your products in unexpected places. Discovery of new search terms, local jargon, or foreign language searches that convert. A great starting point if you’re unfamiliar with Amazon advertising. Manual match types: Taking control Manual match types provide greater control over your campaigns. Amazon offers three primary manual match types: Exact match. Phrase match. Broad match. Exact match This is the most precise match type. Your ad will only show when a shopper types in the exact keyword you’ve specified, with minor exceptions like pluralization (e.g., “shoelace” will also match “shoelaces”). While exact match gives you control and clean data, it can also be restrictive. For example, if your keyword is “black V-neck t-shirt,” and someone searches “black V-neck t-shirt cotton,” your ad won’t appear – despite the high relevance – because the extra word disqualifies it. Phrase match Phrase match allows Amazon to insert words before or after your keyword. If you bid on “t-shirt,” your ad could show for “black t-shirt,” “t-shirt for men,” or “funny graphic t-shirt.” This can be especially powerful on Amazon, where shoppers often search iteratively – starting with “t-shirts,” then narrowing to “black t-shirts,” and finally “black V-neck t-shirts.” The challenge? Amazon may include search terms that don’t match your product’s attributes. If your product is a black T-shirt, your ad might still appear for “white t-shirt,” which could waste budget and lower relevance. Broad match Broad match gives Amazon the most leeway. It allows your ad to appear for synonyms, variations, and related terms. For instance, if you’re targeting “soda,” Amazon might show your ad for “pop” or “soft drink.” Broad match is useful for uncovering new keyword opportunities you may not have considered. But it also requires ongoing monitoring, as Amazon has made broad match increasingly permissive – similar to Google’s approach – sometimes matching your ad with searches that are only loosely connected. To tighten your control within broad match, you can use broad match modifiers. Adding a plus sign (+) before a keyword ensures that word appears somewhere in the search. For example, with “+Nike +sneakers,” both “Nike” and “sneakers” must be present, though they can appear in any order or with other words included. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. Negative match types: The unsung heroes One of the most overlooked yet essential parts of a well-optimized Amazon campaign is negative keyword management. Negative keywords tell Amazon when not to show your ads – helping you eliminate irrelevant traffic and preserve your budget. For example, if you sell black T-shirts and your ad is showing up for “white t-shirt” searches, adding “white” as a negative keyword will prevent your ad from appearing in those mismatched results. This keeps your spend focused on high-intent, relevant traffic. When we audit Amazon accounts, a lack of negative keywords – especially in long-running broad and phrase match campaigns – is a major red flag. It usually signals poor campaign hygiene and wasted ad spend. Managing negative keywords should be a continual process. While adjusting bids is often the first step for underperforming terms, adding negatives can be just as crucial to plug budget leaks and sharpen targeting. Over time, negative match types become the backbone of more efficient and focused campaigns. Dig deeper: Amazon Ads – How to boost efficiency and reduce wasted spend Targeting vs. match types Understanding the difference between targeting and match types is key to running effective Amazon ad campaigns. Targeting refers to the broader methods you use to determine where your ads appear – whether that’s keyword targeting, product targeting (specific ASINs), category targeting, or audience-based targeting. Match types are a subset of keyword targeting. They define how strictly Amazon interprets your chosen keywords. When you use keyword targeting, you need to specify whether those keywords should be triggered by exact match, phrase match, or broad match – similar to how match types work in Google Ads. In short: Targeting answers: “Where do I want my ads to appear?” Match types answer: “How closely should Amazon match the shopper’s search to my keyword?” Both are essential to a well-structured Amazon strategy, but serve distinct roles in your campaign hierarchy. Amazon continues to expand its self-service ad platform, and now most ad types offer advanced targeting options. You can target by category, audience, customer viewing behavior, and purchase history, giving advertisers even more options when building campaigns. Strategy: Testing all match types Testing all match types is generally recommended. Each product, category, and brand performs differently, and the only way to know what works best for your catalog is to run structured tests across all match types. Implementing all match types with clearly defined campaign structures allows you to: Identify the most profitable match types for your products. Create more granular, manageable campaigns. Adapt quickly to Amazon’s ever-evolving marketplace. Nothing on Amazon stays static. Competitor tactics shift, ad formats change, and what worked six months ago might not work today. By keeping all match types active, you give your campaigns more surface area to uncover new opportunities and respond to market changes. Setting up your campaign structure When building your Amazon ad campaigns, consider segmenting by match type at the campaign or ad group level. This structure gives you greater visibility into performance and makes optimization more precise. For mature accounts, we expect to see all match types in play. If, after 3–6 months of advertising, you’re only using one or two match types, you’re likely missing out on performance gains and insights. Amazon doesn’t charge per campaign, so there’s no downside to building out a more detailed structure. Break your campaigns down, run controlled experiments, and ensure each campaign serves a clear role in your broader advertising strategy. Final thoughts Understanding match types is fundamental to success with Amazon ads. For those coming from Google or Meta, the learning curve can feel steep – but once you master the basics, you’ll gain far more control over your campaigns and returns. Amazon’s Learning Console is a great resource for deepening your understanding. While you’ll need an active ad account to access it, the free courses are especially valuable if you’re transitioning from other ad platforms. There’s no single “right” way to run Amazon ads – but there are certainly wrong ones. Success comes from: Knowing your tools. Testing methodically. Optimizing based on your unique products and goals. On Amazon, the goal isn’t just incremental sales. We want ads to drive enough conversions on specific keyword phrases to start ranking organically. As I often tell clients: “Advertising on Amazon is like arguing with a toddler. Pick your battles – but be prepared to win at all costs.” Your use of match types, negative keywords, bids, and budgets should all be laser-focused on driving rankings while supporting defensive strategies – especially for branded search. Dig deeper: Amazon’s 2025 title policy update – Key changes and implementation guide View the full article

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication. You don’t usually associate Bose with “budget-friendly,” but Woot’s current offer on the Bose Smart Soundbar 550 comes pretty close. It’s down to $169.99 for the next 12 days—or until it sells out—and that’s a noticeable drop from the $229 sale price it’s going for on Amazon. Just keep in mind this is a certified refurbished unit, which means it might have minor cosmetic wear but has been tested and approved by Bose to work like new, and includes a one-year manufacturer's limited warranty. (Woot ships only within the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and unless you’re a Prime member, you'll have to tack on $6 for shipping.) Bose Smart Soundbar 550 $169.99 at Woot $259.37 Save $89.38 Get Deal Get Deal $169.99 at Woot $259.37 Save $89.38 The Soundbar 550 doesn’t look flashy (it’s just a low-profile rectangle), but it manages to do quite a lot in a relatively compact frame. It supports Dolby Atmos, and even when the content isn’t Atmos-encoded, Bose’s TrueSpace tech helps simulate that same immersive feel. Dialogue comes through crisp, and the spatial audio helps effects feel like they’re coming from all around, not just from the TV. The 550 packs five drivers, two of which fire upward to reflect sound off the ceiling and walls for a more immersive effect. It won’t replace a full surround system, but for a single unit, it’s an impressive upgrade. You’re not locked into movies and shows, either—Bluetooth, wifi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, and Chromecast built-in mean your playlists and podcasts stream just as easily. If you're already in the Bose ecosystem, it gets even better. The Soundbar 550 works with SimpleSync, so you can pair it with other Bose headphones or Bluetooth speakers, or group it with other Bose devices for whole-home audio. Setup is mostly app-based through the Bose Music app, and there's also HDMI eARC and optical connectivity if you want a wired setup. View the full article

Google seems to be no longer showing the events carousel, event rich results, in the desktop search results. I see them on mobile search but I cannot trigger them on any browser on desktop search.View the full article

As remote work becomes the norm rather than the exception, more U.S. professionals are redefining what it means to live and work well. With soaring living costs, healthcare hurdles, and burnout increasingly baked into American life, many are choosing to build their careers abroad. This shift isn’t just about finding cheaper rent or a temporary escape. It’s about discovering countries that actively welcome remote workers through smart visa policies, strong infrastructure, and communities that foster sustainable, fulfilling lifestyles. From Asia’s tech hubs to Europe’s historic towns, these 10 destinations are leading the remote work revolution and offering a chance to truly engage, not just pass through. Here’s where to go and why these spots are setting the standard for the future of work. 1. Spain Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa officially launched in 2023, quickly becoming one of the most attractive remote work programs in Europe. Available to non-EU nationals, including U.S. citizens, the visa allows remote workers to live and work in Spain for up to 12 months, with the option to renew for up to five years. Applicants must be employed by a non-Spanish company or freelance for international clients and demonstrate a minimum income of around €2,762.66. Visa holders are eligible for a 24% flat tax rate for the first four years, capped at €600,000/year, making it especially appealing for higher-earning nomads and entrepreneurs. Shane Clark, President of EuroAmerican Financial Advisors, has been based in Spain for the past eight years advising Americans moving abroad. “We’ve noticed a huge uplift in inquiries since the election last year that hasn’t slowed. Election results always provide a catalyst for people who were considering moving anyway, but this time, it has been turbocharged. Spain offers a relaxed lifestyle, affordable living costs, and great digital infrastructure in the cities. Many remote professionals are headed to cities like Valencia, Madrid, Barcelona, and the Balearic Islands, where they’re finding a lifestyle that blends Mediterranean ease with modern urban energy. Spain offers reliable internet, a growing number of coworking hubs, and strong communities of international creatives and founders. Beyond the vibrant cities, Spain’s regional diversity makes it easy to find your perfect balance, whether that’s vineyard views in La Rioja, surf breaks in the Canary Islands, or slow living in Andalusia. Affordable high-speed rail connects much of the country, and the cost of living remains lower than most Western European countries, especially outside of major metros. 2. Portugal Cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga have emerged as thriving hubs for remote workers, offering reliable high-speed internet, a lively creative and startup scene, and a warm, welcoming community of international professionals. Portugal’s Digital Nomad Visa is an ideal solution for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs looking to live and work legally in Portugal. The visa allows non-EU/EEA citizens to apply for either a short-term stay or a long-term residence permit. To qualify, applicants must earn at least €3,480 per month from foreign income, provide proof of accommodation, obtain a Portuguese tax number, and typically open a Portuguese bank account. The D8 Visa also allows for family reunification, provides access to Portugal’s excellent public healthcare system, and offers a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship after five years—making it a top choice for global remote professionals. “Portugal meanwhile has the advantage of being an hour nearer the U.S. in terms of its time zone,” finishes Clark. “Another driver for Americans moving to Portugal is that property is very affordable in southern Europe compared to in many parts of the U.S.. In particular we are seeing a lot of tech industry workers coming over from northern California to work remotely and experience a different lifestyle and culture in Europe.” Portugal offers sun-drenched coastlines, charming cobblestone neighborhoods, and a relaxed pace that makes room for inspiration and balance. Add in easy Schengen access, strong safety rankings, and a national obsession with good food and great coffee, and it’s easy to see why Portugal is a place to stay and thrive. 3. Japan In March 2024, Japan officially launched its Digital Nomad Visa under the “Designated Activities” residence category, opening the door for remote workers around the world to live and work in the country for up to six months. To qualify, applicants must earn at least 10 million JPY annually (approximately $67,000 USD), hold citizenship in a visa-exempt country with a tax treaty with Japan, and have valid private health insurance. Remote work must be for companies or clients based outside of Japan, and dependents, including spouses and children are permitted to join. Japan’s appeal to remote professionals goes far beyond its big cities. Locations like Hinohara Village, tucked in the mountains just 90 minutes from Tokyo, are building digital infrastructure with remote workers in mind—offering fiber-optic internet, free public Wi-Fi, and English-language support rolling out in April 2025. Over 93% forested, the area blends nature and connectivity for a peaceful but productive lifestyle. Hinohara is also launching dedicated accommodations for work stays in 2025, making it easier for nomads to explore long-term relocation options without committing upfront. From Tokyo’s booming tech scene and unmatched internet speeds to rural regions investing in modern infrastructure, Japan is positioning itself as a compelling hub for international remote work. Add in low crime rates, reliable public transit, and a rich cultural landscape, and it’s easy to see why this new visa could be a game changer for digital nomads seeking stability and inspiration. 4. Estonia Estonia was one of the first countries in the world to roll out a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, positioning itself as a forward-thinking hub for remote professionals and startup founders. Introduced in 2020, the visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Estonia for up to 12 months while working remotely for a foreign employer or running their own location-independent business. Applicants need to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of €4,500 net income and meet basic documentation requirements—but the process is streamlined, with an application system that reflects Estonia’s digital-first mindset. Known globally for its e-residency program, paperless government, and startup-friendly policies, Estonia has earned its reputation as a digital leader. Tallinn, the capital, combines cobblestone charm with tech-world efficiency, offering ultrafast Wi-Fi, an active community of international entrepreneurs, and coworking spaces tucked inside medieval buildings. 5. Thailand Thailand continues to be a go-to for digital nomads seeking a blend of affordability, connectivity, and tropical charm. With its welcoming visa policies and thriving expat scene, the country makes it easy to stay productive while living in paradise. While many nomads enter on a 60-day tourist visa (often extendable), Thailand also offers the Smart Visa, a long-term option for highly skilled professionals in fields like tech, health, and innovation. The Smart Visa allows remote workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to stay for up to four years, bypassing the usual work permit requirements and streamlining the path to longer-term living. Top hubs like Chiang Mai and Bangkok offer everything a remote worker could ask for: high-speed internet, modern coworking spaces, great coffee scenes, and a lower cost of living. Chiang Mai, in particular, has earned a reputation for its laid-back vibe and strong sense of creative community. Bangkok brings a more metropolitan pace, complete with major airport access, and a growing number of international tech startups. Beyond the cities, Thailand’s beaches and islands provide a slower, more scenic way to work remotely. Places like Phuket, Koh Lanta, and Koh Phangan are now home to coworking cafés and coliving villas that cater to digital professionals. 6. Mexico Mexico remains one of the most popular destinations for U.S. digital nomads, combining visa flexibility, strong infrastructure, and a lifestyle rich in culture, cuisine, and community. Through its Temporary Resident Visa, remote workers from most countries can stay in Mexico for up to 12 months initially, with the option to renew for a total of four years. Cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, and Mérida have quickly become global hotspots for remote workers. You’ll find reliable internet, vibrant coworking spaces, and tight-knit expat communities in nearly every major destination. Mexico City stands out for its dynamic creative and tech scene, world-class food, and endless energy, while beach towns along the Riviera Maya offer oceanfront living without sacrificing connectivity. 7. South Korea South Korea is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting destinations for remote workers, thanks to its brand-new Digital Nomad Visa—officially launched in early 2024. Known locally as the “Workation Visa,” this program allows foreign nationals employed by overseas companies to live and work in South Korea for up to one year, with the option to extend for another. To qualify, applicants must show proof of remote employment, an annual income of at least 85 million KRW (about $63,000 USD), and valid health insurance. The visa also supports accompanying family members, making it a strong choice for both solo professionals and digital nomad families. At the center of the action is Seoul—a city built for high performance. With some of the fastest internet speeds in the world, an abundance of 24-hour cafés, cutting-edge infrastructure, and a thriving startup scene, it’s a digital haven that never sleeps. Yet beneath the tech-forward surface lies a culture rich in tradition, hospitality, and creativity. For those craving a more relaxed remote lifestyle, Jeju Island is an underrated gem. This volcanic island offers black-sand beaches, waterfalls, hiking trails, and a growing digital infrastructure geared toward remote work. The island is part of South Korea’s push to support “Workation Zones,” offering extended-stay housing, coworking facilities, and nature-infused productivity. With a cost of living approximately 30% lower than major U.S. cities, South Korea provides a dynamic, well-connected, and culturally rich environment for remote professionals ready to plug in and thrive. 8. Vietnam From the buzz of Ho Chi Minh City to the coastal calm of Da Nang, this Southeast Asian gem offers an unbeatable blend of affordability and creative energy. Coworking spaces can be found for under $100/month, and you’ll find sleek, modern apartments starting around $300. Whether you’re deep into a product launch or writing your next screenplay, the low cost of living gives you a serious runway to build, breathe, and grow. If you’re earning your income from abroad, Vietnam doesn’t tax it—making it an especially attractive spot for freelancers, founders, and remote teams. Most nomads come intending to stay a few months and end up recalibrating their entire life plan. Tom Zachystal from International Asset Management has been advising Americans abroad on investing and retirement planning for over 20 years. “We’ve definitely seen some shifts in who’s moving abroad and the most popular countries Americans are moving to. There used to be more retirees and American firms sending employees abroad, whereas in the past few years the majority are now young entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and young families, with a sense of adventure and a desire to explore being major motivations. Do your planning and seek advice though—many people don’t realize for example that not all U.S. banks and brokerage firms can continue working with non-U.S. residents.” 9. Norway Norway offers one of the most seamless and inspiring remote work environments in the world. With world-renowned rankings in safety, healthcare, infrastructure, and overall quality of life, it’s a destination where everything just works—efficiently, beautifully, and reliably. Whether you’re based in Oslo, Bergen, or a small village tucked between fjords, you’ll find high-speed internet, clean design, and a strong sense of balance between work and nature. Public services are excellent, and the overall standard of living makes Norway a standout for those who prioritize well-being and focus. While Norway doesn’t currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, there are flexible pathways for remote professionals. The Self-Employed Person residence permit allows freelancers and entrepreneurs to live and work in Norway, provided they have a signed contract with a Norwegian client, a detailed business plan, and a projected annual income of at least €35,719 (approx. 439,521 NOK). Additionally, remote workers connected to startups, innovation hubs, or cross-border collaborations can explore alternative residence options through Norway’s Skilled Worker and Startup tracks. The application process is straightforward, with clear guidance and strong institutional support. Cities like Oslo blend modern culture with smart coworking spaces, while towns like Tromsø and Ålesund offer access to unfiltered nature without losing digital connectivity. 10. Georgia Georgia has emerged as new hotspot digital nomads thanks to its forward-thinking “Remotely from Georgia” program, which allows citizens from 95+ countries to live and work in the country visa-free for up to one year. Launched in 2020 to support the rise of remote work, the initiative requires basic documentation—like proof of remote income (recommended at $2,000/month or more), health insurance, and a confirmed place to stay. With an easy online application process and a welcoming stance toward expats, it’s become one of the most accessible digital nomad programs in the world. Tbilisi, the capital, is where most nomads set up base—drawn in by its cobblestone streets, vibrant café culture, and growing startup scene. You can live comfortably in the city for under $700/month, with coworking spaces, boutique Airbnbs, and lively expat meetups throughout the week. The country also offers major financial incentives: a 1% flat tax for registered entrepreneurs under Georgia’s Small Business Status (up to ~$155,000 annual turnover), making it especially attractive for freelancers, solo founders, and remote consultants looking to optimize their tax strategy. If you’re thinking of making the leap abroad, it’s not just about picking the right destination—it’s also about staying compliant with U.S. tax laws and understanding what financial responsibilities follow you across borders. Vincenzo Villamena, founder of Online Taxman, has been a digital nomad for over 15 years, living and working in different countries around the world. “Most Americans don’t realize that they have to keep filing U.S. taxes when they move abroad, and this is something that they should definitely factor in. Luckily, there are tax breaks such as the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion for Americans working abroad. Remote working became normalized in the pandemic, which also inspired a desire in many people to go out and explore the world. We now work with thousands of American international digital nomads, both entrepreneurs and those working remotely for US firms. In general, I would say, get informed about both U.S. taxes for expats and the local tax implications of different digital nomad visas, and seek advice if you need to.” As more Americans rethink what success, freedom, and quality of life really mean, the global map is shifting. Whether you’re chasing sunlight, savings, community, or simply a change of pace, the world awaits. View the full article

Monday, April 21, 2025, is Easter Monday. It’s the final day of the long weekend of Easter celebrations that traditionally kicks off on Good Friday and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. But while Easter Monday may be a widely celebrated religious holiday, many institutions remain open on the day, even if they were closed on Good Friday or Easter Sunday. However, some institutions will be closed in observance of the day. Here’s what you need to know about what’s open and closed on Easter Monday 2025. Is Easter Monday a federal holiday? No. Easter Monday is not a federally recognized public holiday in the United States. This means that federal institutions that are normally open on a Monday should be operating as normal today, too. However, it’s worth pointing out that Republican Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri has recently introduced a bill called the Easter Monday Act of 2025 that would make Easter Monday a federal holiday, according to K8 News in Arkansas. It remains to be seen whether the bill will advance through Congress. Are banks open on Easter Monday? Yes, most major banks will be open on Easter Monday. This includes banks like Chase, PNC, Wells Fargo, Citi, and more. It should go without saying that banks’ online services will also be operating as usual. Are ATMs open on Easter Monday? Yep. Just as banks are, ATMs will be open on Easter Monday. But note that after a long holiday weekend, sometimes ATMs may have low cash availability. Is the post office open on Easter Monday? Yes, the United States Postal Service (USPS) is open on Easter Monday. The USPS is a federal organization, so it only pauses operations on federally recognized holidays. This means all USPS locations should be operating as normal. Is mail delivered on Easter Monday? Yes. The U.S. Postal Service will be making home mail deliveries on Easter Monday. Are FedEx and UPS operating on Easter Monday? Despite FedEx having closed or operating under a reduced schedule some days over the Easter holiday period, the private shipper says it will have normal operations on Easter Monday, according to FedEx’s holiday schedule. Likewise, UPS will also be operating as normal on Easter Monday, according to its holiday schedule. Is the stock market open on Easter Monday? Yes. Major U.S. stock markets will be open on Easter Monday, including the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Nasdaq. Both these markets were closed on Good Friday, but their holiday schedules do not include Easter Monday. Many other major stock markets around the world are closed in observance of Easter Monday. Are schools open on Easter Monday? This depends, so it is best to check directly with the individual school in question. In many states, public schools may be open if Easter Monday doesn’t coincide with their Spring Break week. However, according to the website Time and Date, Easter Monday 2025 coincides with Patriots’ Day in Maine and Massachusetts, which is a public holiday in those states. So, public schools in those states may be closed today. Likewise, private religious schools may choose to be closed today. But again, it’s best to check with your particular school in question directly. Are restaurants open on Easter Monday? Most company-run chain restaurants should be open as normal, including the usual suspects like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway, and Burger King. Fast casual chains like Chipotle and the like should also be open, as well as sit-down establishments like Red Lobster and Olive Garden. Most branches of coffee chains like Dunkin’ and Starbucks should also be open. However, do note that franchisees usually have the power to set their own holiday closures. So it’s possible individual stores of well-known chains could be closed in particular areas if the owners of those stores observe Easter Monday as a holiday. Are retail stores open on Easter Monday? Most big-box retail stores should be open on Easter Monday. This includes the usual big chains like Best Buy, Target, Costco, Home Depot, and Walmart. Are pharmacies open on Easter Monday? Most chain pharmacies like those at Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid should be open as normal. Are grocery stores open on Easter Monday? Yes, most regional grocery stores should be operating as normal on Easter Monday. However, note that they may be busier than usual today as many were likely closed all day on Easter Sunday. View the full article

The folks at Google did a live demo of Android XR, Google's AR glasses with Gemini, at the TED 2025 event. It is pretty wild to watch this demo, so I figured I'd share it with all of you here, in case you missed it.View the full article

When David Mesfin was producing his documentary on Black surfing culture, Wade in the Water, back in 2023, he had a problem. Like millions of other people since ChatGPT and other GenAI tools emerged in late 2022, Mesfin was experimenting and using these tools to generate imagery for the film. “But the results were always the same: white surfers with darkened skin,” says Mesfin, a creative director at ad agency Innocean. “It was a clear sign that these systems weren’t built with us in mind. That moment made it impossible to ignore how deeply bias is embedded in the technology.” This week, sparked by that moment, Mesfin and his colleagues have launched “Breaking Bias,” a collaboration with stock image firm Pocstock, and more than ​22 agency partners. As part of the project, 16 photographers donated their time to capture more inclusive images to help create what they’re calling the first-ever Ethical AI Guidebook—a framework that helps creators and developers make AI more like the real world. Only 2.3% of AI-generated images of dentists featured Asians, despite the fact they make up 22% of the profession. About 9.6% of nurses are Latino, but 0% of AI-generated images reflected them. As more and more marketers utilize AI to create content, it’s crucial to build and maintain data sets that represent reality as accurately as possible. “The goal of the Ethical AI Guidebook is to spark a mindset shift—encouraging content creators, agencies, and AI developers to make inclusivity a core part of how they generate and use imagery,” says Mesfin. “This initiative is about more than just fixing flawed outputs; it’s about creating long-term behavioral change within the AI ecosystem. By offering practical guidance and real-world examples, we aim to help the industry build technology that reflects the full spectrum of humanity.” Training challenge So far, the project has created more than 96,000 images for Pocstock’s inventory, and the images will be accessible to companies that utilize AI image generation like Adobe, Amazon, Canva, Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Shutterstock. The biggest challenge for Mesfin and project collaborators was the vetting process to make sure they selected photographers who not only had technical skill but also understood and were connected to the communities they were aiming to represent. “We weren’t looking for models; we were looking for real people, and that meant being intentional about casting talent that reflected the full spectrum of the demographic,” says Mesfin. “For example, when capturing Black surfers, we made it a point to include both men and women, with a range of skin tones from dark to light. We also prioritized having both male and female photographers involved to bring different perspectives to the work.” Strategic approach The challenge of tackling bias in AI models has been an ongoing issue for years. Pocstock cofounder and chief relationship officer DeSean Brown says that if the goal is for AI to produce outcomes that would appear more authentic and inclusive to humans there needs to be a finely curated and strategic approach to capturing excessive amounts of images and data. “We need to target specific people, communities, and actions, [then] capture and label the images accurately with cultural and technical nuance,” says Brown. “Many content creators and collectors may not have the experience, process, or resources to assess negative stereotypes and bias or the ability to label data in a culturally accurate way. Continued partnership among tech companies, content creators, stock and data collection companies can help the industry get to where it needs to be.” Given the scale of the task at hand, Breaking Bias is an ongoing project that is always looking for new content partners to join who want to help build more representative data sets. “If you’re part of an AI company, we welcome your collaboration, too,” says Mesfin. “This is a collective effort, and the more voices we bring to the table, the stronger and more accurate the technology becomes.” View the full article

The IAB and PwC released their annual Internet Advertising Revenue Report, which showed search ad grew 15.9% with $102 billion in ad dollars in 2024. Search ads made up the largest pie of internet ad spending at 39.8%.View the full article

Fabrice Canel said Microsoft will streamline the Bing Webmaster Tools notifications because, at times, it can be a bit overwhelming. Fabrice wrote on X, "working to streamline things" when Martin MacDonald complained about getting way too many emails from Bing Webmaster Tools.View the full article

Microsoft launched the Copilot Merchant Program, a way to feed Copilot more details about your products. Microsoft said this is a way to "integrate your shopping experience with Copilot to help your brand gain visibility, acquire more customers and generate sales, all from a convenient centralized location with AI support at every step."View the full article

You probably won't have to scroll TikTok for more than a few minutes before stumbling upon a video about how someone has just quit their day job to become a full-time creator. (Not just my algorithm, is it?) It makes for great content, of course, but there really are loads of ways to earn on TikTok — and I don’t just mean through sponsored posts. TikTok is a standout social media platform when it comes to the sheer volume of ways you can earn — without even leaving the app. The platform is constantly experimenting with new ways creators can monetize their content, from participating in challenges with cash incentives to receiving rewards for high-performing content. Whether you're looking for a modest income boost or are ready to become a full-time creator, TikTok can be a rewarding way to monetize as a creator. Plus, if you’re a creator with a small business, you’ll be pleased to hear TikTok is popular for shopping, too — 71% of consumers say they have bought something after stumbling across it on TikTok. That's good news, whether you want to engage in brand partnerships or sell your own products and merch. Suffice it to say, there are many ways to make money on TikTok. Most are built right into the platform, others allow you to make money through partnerships or directly from your followers — great if you have a presence on other platforms, too. Consider what suits your content and audience, and try out some of these effective methods for making money on TikTok. An important consideration: At the time of writing, TikTok's fate in the US is still in limbo after a ban on the app was extended. But with an increase in ad spend and only a small dip in active users, it appears businesses and TikTok users alike are still scrolling, even in the face of uncertainty. If you're a creator in the US looking to make money on TikTok, we recommend diversifying your efforts and growing your following simultaneously on TikTok alternatives like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and Pinterest. You can crosspost your TikTok videos to these other social media platforms so you're not reliant on a single network — a smart choice regardless of a potential ban. ⚡Plan your TikToks like a pro: Buffer helps you create an endless stream of ideas, schedule your videos at the best time, crosspost to other platforms, and more. Here's how 👉10 ways to make money on TikTokThere are plenty of ways to earn money on TikTok for creators at any stage of their journey. Some in-platform methods require specific follower counts or content types, but others are accessible even to those just starting out. Here are 10 of the best ways to make money on TikTok to help you find the right fit for your content style and audience: Jump to a section: Join the TikTok Creator Rewards program Partner with brands on sponsored content Submit video ads to brands' Creative Challenges Tap into affiliate marketing Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video Gifts Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perks Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audience Get paid to promote music artists' work Crowdfund a project with your fans Sell your own products or merch on TikTok Shop Many TikTok creators combine several revenue streams for a consistent income. Learn how each of these works and decide which ones feel authentic to your personal brand. 1. Join the TikTok Creator Rewards programOne of the best-known ways to get started making money on TikTok is to join the TikTok Creator Rewards program, which rewards creators for their engaging content. TikTok's Creator Rewards program pays content creators based on factors like video length, views, engagement, and region-specific performance. TikTok isn’t clear on exactly how much, but some sources say creators could earn $0.40 – $1 for every 1,000 views, and others say the range is $4 – 8. Either way, it's an upgrade from the now-defunct TikTok Creator Fund. TikTok says creators are now making 250% more from this new and improved program. Still, there are some requirements you’ll need to meet if you hope to join the Creator Rewards program. For starters, it’s only available for creators in the U.S., Brazil, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the UK, though it seems likely the platform will continue expanding to other countries. As long as you're in the right location, you must also: Be at least 18 years old.Have at least 10K TikTok followers.Have a minimum of 100K video views in the last 30 days.Have a personal TikTok account in good standing (meaning you follow the platform's Community Guidelines and Terms of Service).Post high-quality, original content that's at least one minute long and aligns with TikTok's mission of inspiring joy and creativity.Review TikTok's full program FAQ to ensure your content is eligible. 2. Partner with brands on sponsored contentIn 2025, 77% of brands are planning to use TikTok for influencer marketing. So, promoting a brand's products or services is another great way to make money on TikTok. You don't have to have a large following to get sponsored on TikTok, either. In fact, according to a recent report by Influencer Marketing Hub, 88% of TikTok influencers are nano-influencers (creators with 1,000 – 10K followers), and an additional 8% are micro-influencers (those with 10K – 50K followers. Many brands flock to nano- and micro-influencers for their high engagement rates, niche audience, and more personal follower relationships. So there's plenty of opportunity here for you if you're just starting out. Disability educator Tiffany Yu has earned six figures from TikTok brand partnerships and started monetizing on the platform while she was still within the micro-influencer range. There are several ways to find brands to partner with as a TikTok influencer. You can start by joining the TikTok Creator Marketplace, now baked into TikTok One, a platform that allows brands to connect with creators and collaborate on TikTok marketing campaigns. Source: TikTok Creator AcademyCreators need to meet certain eligibility requirements to be invited to the platform, including a 10K follower minimum. But once you are you'll be added to the database so brands can find you. You can also find brand partnerships outside the platform, particularly if you don't meet the Creator Marketplace's follower minimum yet. An easy way in? Think about the products you already use and love that your audience would also be excited to hear about. Your followers are more likely to resonate with something you genuinely like using. Put together a media kit and pitch these brands on a potential sponsorship. 💡Tip: When creating sponsored content, look for ways to fit the product or service seamlessly into the kinds of content you already create.For example, sunny.tsao is a skincare influencer who frequently talks about the product she uses, like this morning skincare routine video: This kind of content would be easy to turn into a sponsored ad for any of the products she uses. 3. Submit video ads to brands' Creative ChallengesTikTok’s Creative Challenges (now also a part of TikTok One) effectively let creators skip ahead a couple of steps in the partnership process. No pitching, no waiting around for approvals before filming — you jump right into the content creation. You choose a campaign from a list of active challenges, create and submit your video, and get rewarded based on how well it performs. Each Creative Challenge comes with a brief that outlines what the brand is looking for, the rules, and the potential reward pool. Your video doesn’t appear on your profile — it becomes part of the brand’s ad campaign and is run on the For You feed if approved. TikTok recommends submitting original, high-quality content that’s well-edited and sticks to the challenge brief. Rewards are based on performance factors like views, clicks, and conversions. Once your video is live, you’ll be able to track its performance and check your monthly earnings within the app. To be eligible, you’ll need: A U.S.-based TikTok accountAt least 50K followersTo be 18 years or olderContent that aligns with TikTok’s Community Guidelines4. Tap into affiliate marketingAffiliate marketing is a powerful strategy to monetize your TikTok account by promoting products or services and earning a commission on sales generated through your unique affiliate links. While affiliate marketing can be considered a form of brand sponsorship, you can also join affiliate programs independently for more control and less back-and-forth brand interaction. The TikTok for Business affiliate program is run through impact.com and enables creators to apply to be an affiliate for a brand. The cool thing about joining this native affiliate program is that you'll get access to a special Shop tab in your TikTok profile where you can showcase all your featured products — as lifestyle creator Nicki Marie does: Some other popular affiliate marketing platforms you can join include: Amazon Associates: Offers a wide range of products to promote.AvantLink: A platform that boasts a vigorous vetting process for a high-quality partner directory.CJ Affiliate: Features many well-known brands and products.Rakuten Advertising: Provides access to global brands and products.After signing up for an affiliate program, you'll get unique affiliate links that will track the sales generated through your promotions, ensuring you earn your commission. You can add affiliate links to your TikTok bio, but you'll likely want to feature multiple links over time. So you can consider using a landing page tool like Buffer’s Start Page to include multiple affiliate links. In your TikTok posts, prompt viewers to visit the link in your bio to buy the products you're promoting. Here are a few ways to incorporate affiliate links into your TikTok content effectively: Product reviews: Create engaging and honest reviews of the products you're promoting. Highlight their benefits and how they solve problems for your audience.Tutorials and how-tos: Demonstrate how to use the product in a tutorial or step-by-step guide.Unboxing videos: Share the excitement of opening new products and giving your first impression.Transparency is crucial in affiliate marketing. Always disclose your affiliate relationships to your audience. This builds trust and complies with legal requirements. A simple statement like “This video contains affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you make a purchase” can suffice. 5. Receive virtual gifts by going LIVE and turning on Video GiftsGifts on TikTok are digital icons worth varying amounts of virtual ‘coins,’ which followers buy with (real-life) money. Followers can send in-app gifts to show their appreciation, either on your feed content or during TikTok LIVEs. To be able to go LIVE on TikTok, you’ll need: To have at least 1,000 followersBe older than 18Once you’re there, you’ll be able to start receiving gifts. These gifts are one factor that helps make your content more popular by signaling to TikTok's algorithm that users are enjoying it. TikTok then rewards you with Diamonds (their virtual currency) based on the popularity of your content. Diamonds can then be converted into cash. To receive gifts on TikTok LIVE, head to your LIVE screen. Tap ‘Settings,’ then turn the ‘LIVE Gifts’ setting on. LIVE Gifts are delivered in real time and appear on your stream so you can thank followers for the gift. To enable TikTok Video Gifts for your feed content, turn on video gifts in the ‘Monetization’ section of TikTok Studio: The monetization options available in TikTok StudioThen, the ‘Gift’ button will appear on your content in the ‘Comments’ section. You'll need at least 10K followers to be eligible for Video Gifts. 6. Launch a TikTok Subscription to give your most dedicated fans exclusive perksTikTok Subscriptions are a great way to strengthen your bond with your most loyal followers — and earn a (fairly) reliable monthly income while you're at it. Launching a subscription is a bit like having a VIP section (or a Patreon): a place where your most engaged followers can tap into exclusive content, perks, and recognition for their ongoing support. To be eligible for this feature, you’ll need to have at least: 10K followers100K video views in the last calendar monthWith TikTok Subscriptions, creators can offer subscriber-only videos, exclusive LIVEs, custom emotes and stickers, and fun bonuses like badges that evolve over time. Source: TikTok Creator AcademyWhile creators only keep around 50% of subscription revenue, TikTok does have some ways to help you boost that: Video Creator Bonus: Earn an extra 20% if you’ve hit 10K followers and 1M views in the previous month.Growth Bonus: Get up to 15% more as your subscriber base grows.Setting up is straightforward via TikTok Studio in the app — if you meet the eligibility requirements. Once you’re in, you can choose your subscription tier (starting at $2.99/month) and customize your benefits. 7. Set up a virtual tip jar to collect donations from your audienceGive your followers a way to share their appreciation for you any time they feel like it with a tipping platform. Some popular options to collect tips are: Tip Top Jar: A straightforward option that takes your followers to a simple landing page to send a tip.Buy Me a Coffee: With this platform, followers can choose to buy you any number of “coffees” for a set price. The platform also offers a membership option for your fans for ongoing income.Ko-fi: Consider this if you want more extensive options to offer audiences. Your followers can send tips, sign up for memberships, shop your products, and request commissions for personalized content.Once you choose a platform, add a link to your TikTok bio and let your fans know they can support you there, like wardrobe stylist Payton Dale has done. This is her "Buy Me a Coffee" page: Source: Buy Me a Coffee8. Get paid to promote music artists' workTikTok’s Work with Artists feature is rather clever — you create viral content to help boost new music from an artist, and you get paid. There’s no clear-cut documentation on TikTok on it, though they do explain on the Creator Academy:“Love using popular music in your videos? The Work With Artists program lets you do just that without worrying about demonetization or getting muted. Participate in campaigns using popular songs and earn rewards based on your participation.” To be eligible, you need to: Be at least 18 years oldHave 1,000 followersIf you meet those requirements, tap over to the ‘Monetization’ section in TikTok Studio, then ‘Work with Artists.’ Follow the prompts to sign up, then choose a ‘campaign’ (read: song) you like, and create a video featuring that track. The better your video performs, the more you’ll earn, though payment varies from track to track, as you can see from the screenshot below. A view of campaigns in TikTok's Work with Artists program9. Crowdfund a project with your fansIf you're looking to fund a specific project, like developing an app or product, crowdfunding is a great option. A couple of popular sites to consider are: Kickstarter: Consider Kickstarter if you need a lot of eyes and a trusted platform for your fundraising.Indiegogo: If you don't have a specific amount you're trying to raise, you might prefer Indiegogo, which offers more flexible fundraising goals and lets you collect funds even after your deadline.Once you choose your platform, you can use TikTok to help spread the word about your campaign. Osien Gwynned used TikTok and Kickstarter to launch his denim brand Antur Supply Co: Before launching on Kickstarter, Osien spent 18 months building his TikTok audience by sharing behind-the-scenes footage. The investment paid off, reaching his £25K goal just 9.5 hours after the campaign went live. 10. Sell your own products or merch on TikTok ShopAlready have an existing line of products or merch? TikTok can help you sell them. You can, of course, link to your online shop in your bio. But if you have a TikTok Business account and are based in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, or Vietnam, you can also set up TikTok Shop for your business via the TikTok Seller Center. Then, you'll gain access to a whole host of promotional features to sell your products right on TikTok, like: Shop Page: A tab on your profile featuring all the products you sell on TikTok.Shop Tab: A tab on the TikTok home screen featuring all the products for sale on the platform that recommends relevant items to users.Product links: Any time you feature one of your products in your TikTok videos, add a link to take interested shoppers to check it out on your TikTok Shop.TikTok Shop Ads: Amp up discovery for your brand with paid advertising on TikTok through shoppable videos, Shop Tab features, and LIVE Shopping Ads.See The Way I See is a mental health-focused apparel and accessories brand started by creator and artist Sophie Nistico. She credits her success to marketing on social media and currently has a solid 612K followers on TikTok alone. She takes full advantage of TikTok's shopping features and, as a result, has sold over 43K items. To effectively drive sales on the platform, you'll want to create content that resonates with specific subcultures and interests within the TikTok community. Understanding and engaging with TikTok audiences is crucial for success. Sophie nails this with See The Way I See. Her brand's content fits right in with the platform's casual, fast-paced nature: Many brands also have success going LIVE on TikTok to promote their business. Packing customers' orders, giving freebies to viewers, offering product demos and Q&As, and giving sneak peeks are a few popular ways brands take advantage of TikTok LIVE. 💡TikTok can be a goldmine for brands. Learn how to get started as a business on TikTok and some best practices for success.Diversify your income streams to maximize your TikTok earningsAs you can see, there are several great ways to make money on TikTok — many built right into the platform. But this is just the beginning of what's possible. Keep up with TikTok's evolving features: Check the Monetization section in your TikTok Studio for new opportunities. Follow TikTok's Creator Academy, where they detail out the latest monetization features and best practices for using them.Look beyond TikTok's native options: Particularly if you don't meet TikTok's eligibility requirements, there are plenty of off-platform options to use TikTok to make money — like brand partnerships, affiliate programs, paid communities, virtual tip jars, and crowdfunding. Regardless of which monetization methods you choose, providing genuine value to your audience through authentic content comes first. This earns the trust needed to sell products to your audience or earn tips and gifts. Ready to turn your TikTok creativity into an income source?Start by exploring one or two methods that feel most natural for your content style and audience. Then expand your strategy once you master those. The most successful TikTok creators typically combine multiple monetization methods for financial stability. Finally, remember to post consistently, regardless of whether a piece of content will be monetized or not. Regular engagement with your audience is essential for maintaining your presence and ultimately earning money. Buffer can help you stay consistent: Brainstorm and save your TikTok ideas.Schedule your videos ahead of time to publish when your followers are most active.Crosspost to different platforms to safeguard against individual platform changes.The best part? You can start scheduling TikTok videos on Buffer for free. How to make money on TikTok FAQHow many followers do you need to make money on TikTok?The number of followers you need depends on which monetization method you choose: No minimum required: On-platform, you can create TikTok effects with no minimum follower count. Third-party options like brand partnerships, affiliate marketing, selling your own products, and tip jar platforms have no follower requirement. Remember: Many brands actively seek micro-influencers (50K or fewer followers) due to their high engagement rates.1,000 followers: You can participate in the Work With Artists program, receive gifts during TikTok LIVE streams, and launch Subscriptions if you have LIVE access.10K followers: This unlocks eligibility for Video Gifts, the TikTok Creator Marketplace, the Creator Rewards program, and Subscriptions for those without LIVE access.50K followers: Allows you to apply for Creative Challenges for brand ads.100K followers: Allows you to participate in the LIVE Incentive Program.Since TikTok updates its eligibility requirements regularly, and they can vary by region, you'll want to check the current requirements of your desired program. How many views do you need on TikTok to make money?There's no hard-and-fast rule about how many views you need to make money on TikTok. Some of the platform's native monetization options do have view count requirements. External options don't have minimum requirements, but more views can entice brands to work with you. And some monetization options rely on views to earn money. For example, to earn an affiliate commission, you'll need TikTok users to first watch and then purchase from your content. TikTok's in-platform view count requirements are as follows: Creator Rewards program: Requires 100K video views in the last 30 days to sign up.Creator Marketplace: A minimum of 10K post views in the last 30 days is required to join.TikTok Subscriptions: For LIVE creators, you must have conducted a LIVE for at least 30 minutes in the last 28 days. Or without LIVE, you need to have had 100K video views in the past calendar month.Branded Missions and Creative Challenges: While there's no official minimum view count, brands may look for creators whose content performs well consistently to ensure campaign success.Video Gifts and LIVE Gifts: No specific view requirements, but more views naturally lead to more gift opportunities from your audience.Work With Artists and TikTok LIVE Incentive Program: Also have no view requirements.Creator Effects: You need 100K videos to use your effects before you start earning.The quality of your views matters as much as the quantity. A highly engaged audience that watches your videos to completion, leaves comments, and shares your content is more valuable to partners and TikTok's algorithm than passive viewers who quickly scroll past. So focus on creating high-quality content for a specific niche rather than chasing views. Consistent, targeted content typically leads to better monetization opportunities in the long run. How to make money on TikTok without followersThere are opportunities to make money on TikTok even if you're just starting out and have a small follower base: Create TikTok effects: The Effects Creator Rewards Program has no follower minimum and just requires at least 100K videos to use your effects before you can start earning.Affiliate marketing: You can promote products to a small audience to earn commissions on their purchases.Collaborate with brands: Many brands partner with nano- and micro-influencers for their higher engagement rate. But promotion isn't the only service you can offer them. Try pitching your content creation services. You can create authentic product reviews and reactions or capture photos and videos of their product for them to use on their website or in marketing campaigns.Sell your own products and merch: Use TikTok to showcase your products or services and direct your audience to your website or TikTok Shop.Keep posting consistently to grow your TikTok following. As you grow your follower base, you'll unlock more monetization options. Read our guide to learn how to get your first 1,000 followers. Related ArticlesHow to Get More Followers on TikTok in 2025The Best Time to Post on TikTok in 2025 — New DataHow to Use TikTok for Business in 2025View the full article