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Cold Weather Payment Available Due Impending to Freeze

If you’re on a low income, or certain benefits, you can get a Cold Weather Payment from the government, as hundreds of postcodes in England and Wales will receive £25 over the next two weeks. 

What is a Cold Weather Payment?

The Cold Weather Payment is triggered if average temperatures hit freezing or below for seven days in a row: payments will be made to homes across north-east England, Cumbria, west Wales and as far south as Oxfordshire, where the lowest recorded temperature was recently –9.7C. 

You can see if you’re entitled to the payment by going here and entering your postcode here. 

The scheme runs until 31st March. You’ll get £25 for each 7 day period of very cold weather until 31 March. 

After each period of very cold weather in your area, you should get a payment within 14 working days. It’s paid into the same bank or building society account as your benefit payments. 

The post Cold Weather Payment Available Due Impending to Freeze appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/cold-weather-payment-available-due-to-freeze

Google Search now supports discussion forum and profile page structured data

Google Search supports discussion forum and profile page structured data. This functionality allows Google to show “first-person perspectives from social media platforms, forums, and other communities” within the search results.

In addition, Google added new Search Console reports to support those who added structured data to their pages, the company announced.

Profile page structured data. The new profile page structured data and markup is for any site where creators, either people or organizations, share first-hand perspectives. This markup will help Google highlight the creator’s name or social handle, profile photo, follower count, or the popularity of their content in the Google search results.

This information is also available in the Perspectives and Discussions and Forums search result features.

Here is what it may look like:

Alphabet Inc.

Discussion forum structured data. The new discussion forum structured data and markup is for any forum-style site where people collectively share first-hand perspectives. “When forum sites add this markup, Google Search can better identify online discussions across the web and make use of this markup in features such as Discussions and Forums and Perspectives,” Google explained.

Here is what it looks like:

discussion forum

Changes to Q&A markup. Google also updated its Q&A markup to say if you are already using Q&A markup for your question and answer user forums. The company is updating the Q&A structured data documentation to be more in line with the richness of the new discussion forum guidelines. You don’t need to use both types of structured data on the same page. You should instead use the one that’s best suited to your use case:

  • Q&A forums: If your forum is structured by a question that’s followed by answers, use Q&A markup.
  • For general forums: If your forum structure is more general and isn’t strictly question and answer content, use DiscussionForumPosting.

Search Console reports. Google added new Search Console reports, which maybe why the tool went down earlier today, to help site owners monitor discussion threads and profile page markup issues. These reports show you valid items related to your marked-up pages. The company also updated the Rich Results Test to help you test and validate your markup.

Here are screenshots of those reports:

forum-style site
Google

Why we care. With the rise of the new personalized search features, including how Google is promoting creators more in search through perspectives and other areas, it may make sense to implement these new structured data types. Google probably won’t support these elements forever but you may get a higher click-through rate if you add these to your pages.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-search-now-supports-discussion-forum-and-profile-page-structured-data-435038

YouTube steps up roll out of Shorts ads

YouTube Shorts ads are being rolled out to more advertisers as the solution moves from beta to general availability.

For the first time, Marketers are reporting the ability to choose Short ads as a video format, integrate them with in-stream ads and combine them with in-feed ads.

While many advertisers worldwide are finally gaining access to these new options, Google notes that this feature is not yet available on all accounts, but will be rolled out to all advertisers within the coming months.

Why we care. PPC consultant Kristian Maltzahn, who was the first to flag the feature on LinkedIn, told Search Engine Land:

  • “YouTube the Shorts format is what everyone is talking about right now, so I’m really excited about this!”
  • “The Shorts format opens up for a whole new way of approaching YouTube Ads. YouTube ads have for a long time been a platform for TV-quality advertising, which is of course really interesting and still very relevant. However I think the demand from consumers is changing, which we have seen with ads on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels.”
  • “I think YouTube Shorts welcomes that form of demand and makes it possible for marketers to embrace it. I think YouTube chose not to make the format exclusively available for marketers at first, to make sure that users wouldn’t be introduced to a new format that was pumped full of ads.”
  • “So the fact that YouTube are now opening up for more exclusively advertising on Shorts, I think is a testament to how quickly the format has gained popularity.”

Getting started. To check if the YouTube Shorts ad format is available on your YouTube Ads account, go to:

  • Create Campaign.
  • Choose “Create a campaign without a goal’s guidance.”
  • Select “Video.”
  • If the feature is available on your account, you will find it under Video in the Efficient Reach section.

Expansion. Google Ads is reportedly planning to expand this feature to additional video campaign formats in the near future, so make sure you stay tuned for future updates.


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What Google is saying. A Google spokesperson told Search Engine Land:

  • “Ads on Shorts rolled out in 2022 and this year we announced new Shorts for awareness ads solutions. That highlighted the beta inclusion of Shorts in Video reach campaigns and the pilot of YouTube Select Run of Shorts lineups.”
  • “Shorts in Video reach campaigns are now generally available to all advertisers, but YouTube Select Run of Shorts lineups remain in limited pilots.”
  • “The new YouTube Select lineups are Shorts-specific. And with the evolution of Video reach campaigns, advertisers can opt in to just Shorts or other surfaces, should they choose.”
  • “YouTube is a dynamic platform, so advertisers are encouraged to take advantage of the solutions that allow them to achieve their goals fluidly across formats.”

Deep dive. Read our guide to getting your YouTube Shorts noticed for tips and tricks for maximum engagement.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/youtube-roll-out-shorts-ads-435064

YouTube is deliberately ‘suboptimal’ for people using ad blockers

YouTube has admitted to intentionally creating a suboptimal experience for users employing ad blockers.

Reports of a deliberate five-second delay in loading video pages on Mozilla’s Firefox have emerged on forums like Reddit and Hacker News.

Despite initial speculation about browser specificity, YouTube has clarified that users across all platforms may encounter loading delays. This deliberate delay is part of YouTube’s ongoing campaign to discourage the use of ad blockers.

Why we care. Encouraging users to disable ad blockers on YouTube can benefit advertisers by expanding reach. However, this broader reach might increase advertising costs and result in ads reaching less valuable customers, impacting the effectiveness of the marketing strategy. Achieving a balance between reach and targeting is crucial for optimizing return on investment.

Who is impacted? Not everyone is experiencing the reported five-second delay. Attempts by some individuals to recreate the issue on both Mac and Windows machines, while logged into YouTube or not, using ad-blockers or not, and in incognito mode or not, did not result in any observed delay. However, those that are impacted do have ad blockers installed.

What YouTube is saying. A YouTube spokesperson told Business Insider:

  • “In the past week, users using ad blockers may have experienced suboptimal viewing, which included delays in loading, regardless of the browser they are using. Users who have uninstalled their ad blockers may still experience a temporary delay in loading, and should try refreshing their browser.”
  • “Ads are a vital lifeline for our creators that helps them run and grow their businesses. That’s why the use of ad blockers violates YouTube’s Terms of Service.”
  • “We’ve been urging users for some time to allow ads on YouTube or try YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.”

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Deep dive. Read our report on YouTube’s ad blocker crackdown for more information.

The post YouTube is deliberately ‘suboptimal’ for people using ad blockers appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/youtube-suboptimal-ad-blockers-434973

Sam Altman returns to OpenAI as CEO ‘in principle’

Sam Altman is returning as CEO, OpenAI announced.

It is – perhaps (hopefully?) – the final chapter of a chaotic week that saw Altman ousted as CEO, two interim CEOs announced and nearly every OpenAI threaten to quit and go to Microsoft unless the entire board resigned.

The announcement. OpenAI announced the news via an X post on Tuesday night:

  • “We have reached an agreement in principle for Sam Altman to return to OpenAI as CEO with a new initial board of Bret Taylor (Chair), Larry Summers, and Adam D’Angelo. We are collaborating to figure out the details. Thank you so much for your patience through this.”

Why we care. Now that the drama is over, let’s solve these ChatGPT service interruptions. Some of us are trying to work.

Status quo ante. Despite all the drama, OpenAI seemingly is now returning back to the way things were before all the drama that unfolded started Friday, with the shocking news that Altman had been ousted as CEO and all the chaos that followed.

They’re back. OpenAI’s (former – and once again(?) president) Greg Brockman shared this image via X:

Microsoft’s reaction. Altman posted that this move had the support of Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella:

  • “i love openai, and everything i’ve done over the past few days has been in service of keeping this team and its mission together. when i decided to join msft on sun evening, it was clear that was the best path for me and the team. with the new board and w satya’s support, i’m looking forward to returning to openai, and building on our strong partnership with msft.”

Nadella reposted Altman’s message and added:

  • “We are encouraged by the changes to the OpenAI board. We believe this is a first essential step on a path to more stable, well-informed, and effective governance. Sam, Greg, and I have talked and agreed they have a key role to play along with the OAI leadership team in ensuring OAI continues to thrive and build on its mission. We look forward to building on our strong partnership and delivering the value of this next generation of AI to our customers and partners.”

Dig deeper. See Techmeme for all the coverage.

The post Sam Altman returns to OpenAI as CEO ‘in principle’ appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/sam-altman-returns-to-openai-as-ceo-in-principle-434969

Googlebot crawl rate tool in Search Console is going away

Google is deprecating the crawl rate limiter legacy tool within Google Search Console on January 8, 2024. Google said this feature is no longer useful because Google said it has improved its “crawling logic and other tools available to publishers.”

What is the crawl rate limiter. It is a tool within the legacy version of Google Search Console that lets you communicate to Google crawl your site less than it currently does. Google has historically recommended against limiting the crawl rate unless you are seeing server load problems that are definitely caused by Googlebot hitting your server too hard.

You can access the tool over here, until it is removed. Here is what it looks like:

Alphabet Inc.

Why Google is removing it. Gary Illyes from Google said, “with the improvements we’ve made to our crawling logic and other tools available to publishers, its usefulness has dissipated.”

“Googlebot reacts to how the site–or more specifically the server handling the site– responds to Googlebot’s HTTP requests. For example, if the server persistently returns HTTP 500 status codes for a range of URLs, Googlebot will automatically, and almost immediately slow down crawling. Similarly, Googlebot slows down automatically if the response time for requests gets significantly longer. If you do experience unusually heavy crawling that your site can’t manage on its own, refer to this help article,” Gary Illyes added.

Illyes explained that the rate limiter tool within Google Search Console “had a much slower effect.” He said the tool often would “have taken over a day for the new limits to be applied on crawling.”

He added that the tool was “rarely” used by site owners and those who used it “in many cases set the crawling speed to the bare minimum.”

Crawl rate change. Google said with the deprecation of the crawl limiter tool, Google is setting the minimum crawling speed to a lower rate, comparable to the old crawl rate limits. So Google will “effectively continue honoring the settings that some site owners have set in the past if the Search interest is low, and our crawlers don’t waste the site’s bandwidth,” Illyes added.

What if you have issues. If you have issues with crawling, Google said you can read this help document and use the report form to let Google know.

Why we care. If you have been using this crawl rate tool, keep in mind it will be going away. So set a notification on your calendar to see what, if any, impact this has on your server when the feature is turned on.

The post Googlebot crawl rate tool in Search Console is going away appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/googlebot-crawl-rate-tool-in-search-console-is-going-away-435012

How Businesses Can Thrive with Online Organization and Management

Home Business Magazine Online

The key to success for businesses often lies in their ability to adapt to the latest developments in technology. The transition to online organization and management has become imperative, offering a wide range of advantages across various sectors. From small startups to large corporations, the adoption of business operating systems has revolutionized the way organizations work. In this article, we will explore the benefits that businesses can enjoy by taking their operations online.

The Power of Business Operating Systems

Embracing a system like the operating system Zoho, can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to streamline their operations. This versatile system is an all-in-one business operating system that boasts over 40 applications, catering to diverse needs. This integrated approach allows businesses to manage various aspects of their operations within a single platform.

Optimizing Customer Relationships with CRM Systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are instrumental in enhancing customer interactions and satisfaction. With an integrated approach, businesses can use advanced CRM tools to streamline customer communication, track sales leads, and manage customer data efficiently. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, driving growth and success.

Nurturing Human Capital with HRM Tools

Effective Human Resource Management (HRM) is the backbone of any successful organization. By integrating HRM tools into their operating systems, businesses can automate and streamline various HR processes, including employee onboarding, performance management, and payroll processing. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that the workforce remains engaged and motivated, contributing to overall organizational success.

Boosting Productivity with Innovative Apps

Productivity is a key driver of success, and operating systems offer a wide range of apps designed to enhance productivity across different departments. From project management and collaboration tools to communication apps, businesses can choose and integrate the applications that best suit their needs. This not only simplifies workflows but also supports a culture of efficiency and innovation within the organization.

Streamlining Finances with Online Bookkeeping Systems

Accurate financial management is essential for the success of any business. Online bookkeeping systems, integrated into the operating system, enable businesses to manage their finances with ease. From invoicing and expense tracking to financial reporting, these systems provide real-time insights into the financial health of the organization. This not only facilitates informed decision-making but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful business. With integrated communication tools, businesses can facilitate seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical locations. This is especially crucial in today’s remote work environment, where virtual collaboration tools become essential for maintaining productivity and fostering a sense of connectivity among team members.

Adapting to Change

One of the significant advantages of adopting an operating system is its scalability. As businesses grow, the system can easily adapt to the changing needs and demands of the organization. This scalability ensures that businesses can continue to operate efficiently, regardless of their size, without the need for a complete overhaul of their management systems.

Embracing the Future of Business Management

An operating system offers a complete solution that addresses various aspects of business operations. From CRM systems to HRM tools, productivity apps, and online bookkeeping systems, the benefits are abundant. By embracing these digital solutions, businesses can enhance customer relationships, streamline internal processes, boost productivity, and ensure a secure and compliant operation. The future of business management is online, and those who embrace this change will undoubtedly thrive in the dynamic and competitive business landscape.

The post How Businesses Can Thrive with Online Organization and Management appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/getting-organized/businesses-thrive-online-organization-management/

How Businesses Can Thrive with Online Organization and Management

Home Business Magazine Online

The key to success for businesses often lies in their ability to adapt to the latest developments in technology. The transition to online organization and management has become imperative, offering a wide range of advantages across various sectors. From small startups to large corporations, the adoption of business operating systems has revolutionized the way organizations work. In this article, we will explore the benefits that businesses can enjoy by taking their operations online.

The Power of Business Operating Systems

Embracing a system like the operating system Zoho, can be a game-changer for businesses aiming to streamline their operations. This versatile system is an all-in-one business operating system that boasts over 40 applications, catering to diverse needs. This integrated approach allows businesses to manage various aspects of their operations within a single platform.

Optimizing Customer Relationships with CRM Systems

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems are instrumental in enhancing customer interactions and satisfaction. With an integrated approach, businesses can use advanced CRM tools to streamline customer communication, track sales leads, and manage customer data efficiently. This not only improves customer satisfaction but also empowers businesses to make data-driven decisions, driving growth and success.

Nurturing Human Capital with HRM Tools

Effective Human Resource Management (HRM) is the backbone of any successful organization. By integrating HRM tools into their operating systems, businesses can automate and streamline various HR processes, including employee onboarding, performance management, and payroll processing. This not only saves time and resources but also ensures that the workforce remains engaged and motivated, contributing to overall organizational success.

Boosting Productivity with Innovative Apps

Productivity is a key driver of success, and operating systems offer a wide range of apps designed to enhance productivity across different departments. From project management and collaboration tools to communication apps, businesses can choose and integrate the applications that best suit their needs. This not only simplifies workflows but also supports a culture of efficiency and innovation within the organization.

Streamlining Finances with Online Bookkeeping Systems

Accurate financial management is essential for the success of any business. Online bookkeeping systems, integrated into the operating system, enable businesses to manage their finances with ease. From invoicing and expense tracking to financial reporting, these systems provide real-time insights into the financial health of the organization. This not only facilitates informed decision-making but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of a successful business. With integrated communication tools, businesses can facilitate seamless collaboration among team members, regardless of their physical locations. This is especially crucial in today’s remote work environment, where virtual collaboration tools become essential for maintaining productivity and fostering a sense of connectivity among team members.

Adapting to Change

One of the significant advantages of adopting an operating system is its scalability. As businesses grow, the system can easily adapt to the changing needs and demands of the organization. This scalability ensures that businesses can continue to operate efficiently, regardless of their size, without the need for a complete overhaul of their management systems.

Embracing the Future of Business Management

An operating system offers a complete solution that addresses various aspects of business operations. From CRM systems to HRM tools, productivity apps, and online bookkeeping systems, the benefits are abundant. By embracing these digital solutions, businesses can enhance customer relationships, streamline internal processes, boost productivity, and ensure a secure and compliant operation. The future of business management is online, and those who embrace this change will undoubtedly thrive in the dynamic and competitive business landscape.

The post How Businesses Can Thrive with Online Organization and Management appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/getting-organized/businesses-thrive-online-organization-management/

Snapchat is testing an ad-free subscription

Snapchat has started testing an ad-free paid subscription plan in Australia.

For $US10.50 a month, the new Snapchat+ tier enables consumers to use the platform without disruption from Story or Lens ads.

However, the app notes that users may still see sponsored places or My AI responses.

Why we care. Should ad-free subscriptions gain popularity, there is a potential for a notable impact on ad reach within Snapchat, subsequently affecting campaign performance and advertiser ROI. However, considering the substantial revenue generated by ads on Snapchat, it is improbable that the platform would willingly allow any negative impact on its advertising ecosystem.

Snapchat+ tiers.
Here is a breakdown of the various subscriptions currently offered in Australia. It’s important to note that as of now, ad-free plans have not been made widely available:

  • Monthly plan: For $US3.91 a month, users can experience a version of Snapchat that serves all ad formats – this totals to $US46.97 a year.
  • Annual plan: By signing up to a 12-month subscription, users pay $US2.73 a month for a version of Snapchat that serves all ad formats – this totals to $US32.67 a year.
  • Ad-free monthly plan: For $US10.50 a month, users can experience a mostly ad-free version of Snapchat.

Snapchat+ subscriptions can be cancelled any time in the app store.

Australia market only. The ad-free Snapchat+ subscription plan is currently only being tested in Australia. It’s unclear if the new tier will be rolled out to consumers in the US given the platform’s reliance on ad revenue in America.

First look. The new Snapchat+ tier was first spotted by social media consultant, Jonah Manzano. He shared a screenshot of the new offering with his followers on Instagram:

advertising ecosystem

When asked why he thought the plan was being tested in Australia before potentially being rolled out to additional markets, Manzano said:

  • “The perception that Australia gets new features first may stem from social media companies choosing the country for initial testing due to its diverse user base and advanced technological infrastructure.”
  • “It’s not solely based on laws or regulations but rather a strategic decision influenced by factors like user engagement and feedback.”

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Deep dive. Visit the Snapchat Help Center for more information on the platform’s ad-free subscription plans.

The post Snapchat is testing an ad-free subscription appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/snapchat-testing-ad-free-subscription-434977

How to Use Car Finance to Boost Your Credit Score

Home Business Magazine Online

It’s a common car finance myth that car finance harms your credit score but the way you handle your credit is actually what affects your credit score the most. The credit scoring system is in place to make predictions about your future finance habits based on your previous behaviours. Your inability to make payments on time or racking up high levels of debt can drag your score down and make it harder for lenders to trust you in the future. With more drivers borrowing money from lenders to fund their next car purchase, you may be wondering if car finance is best for your credit score. Let’s take a look.

How influential are credit scores to finance lenders?

When you apply for any sort of credit or finance such as mortgages, car loans, mobile phone contracts or store cards and accounts, finance lenders will want to know how you handle your finances. Your credit score can be the perfect insight into how you handle your finance. Lenders like applicants who have a history of sticking to the rules of their agreements by paying back the money owed to the finance lenders on time and in full. Lenders also favour people who only use credit little and often and don’t rely on credit too heavily. Car finance lenders take a risk when they hand money out and the risk increases if the applicant has had trouble in the past with making payments.

How does applying for car finance affect your credit?

Before you can be considered for finance, you will need to make an application with the lender. Applications take key information from customers such as your personal details, how much you want to borrow and income and employment information. When you apply, lenders will then usually perform a credit check on your credit file. There are two types of credit search which could be performed on your file. A soft credit search for car finance is better as they aren’t recorded on your credit report, won’t harm your credit score, and only gives the lender a peak at your report.

A hard search credit check can negatively impact your credit score if you apply with multiple lenders who perform a hard search in a short space of time. It can indicate you are being refused car finance and applying with as many lenders as possible is bad for your score. A hard search also allows lenders to see your full credit report too and the outcome of all your applications for credit. If they see other lenders declining you for finance, it may also put them off too.

How to use car finance to improve your credit score:

It’s really simple to improve your credit score with car finance. As long as you meet each payment every month in full and on time until the end of the term, your credit score can reach new heights! At the same time though, you may need to assess any other financial commitments you owe and make sure all those payments are being met too. The best financial habits to improve your credit score include a healthy payment history, a mix of different credit accounts, low credit usage and good financial habits.

Can car finance negatively impact your credit?

When you first take out car finance, your credit score could take a small hit as it increases how much money you owe to lenders. However, once you start to repay on time and in full it should bounce back up. Just like any other credit agreement, your credit score can be negatively impacted if you don’t stick to the rules of the agreement. A car finance agreement is a legal document which you sign and agree to abide by the payment schedule. Missing your monthly payments or making late repayments can have a negative impact on your credit score.

In conclusion, getting car finance doesn’t have to have a negative impact on your score, unlike many popular car finance myths. As long as you keep on top of all your credit repayments, your credit score can improve. A better credit score can help to get a better deal when refinancing your car loan or taking out future finance.

The post How to Use Car Finance to Boost Your Credit Score appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/how-to-guides-money/how-to-use-car-finance-boost-credit-score/

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