Category: Internet Marketing

Meta has rolled out a new feature that simplifies the conversion process for Amazon sellers.

Shoppers in the U.S. can now link their Facebook and Instagram accounts to Amazon, enabling them to buy products advertised in their feeds without having to leave the mobile apps.

Why we care. Maurice Rahmey, co-founder and co-CEO of Disruptive Digital, described the new feature as “the most significant ad product of the year.” Explaining why the rollout is such a big deal, he said on LinkedIn:

• “Better targeting and optimization: Meta will now be using information sent from Amazon and stores offering Buy with Prime to show consumer’s ads.”
• “Better conversion rates: Consumers will be able to check out more quickly on ads when they connect their account.”
• “Better ads creative personalization: Meta will tailor an ad’s messaging and product page based on whether a user is a Prime member or not and alter additional information such as real-time pricing and shipping estimates.”

How it works. Meta users can now click on ads in Facebook or Instagram, taking them to a shop-like experience within the apps for easy purchases. Using their linked Prime accounts, consumers can buy products without entering card details.

Benefits for advertisers. Rahmey explained that this new collaboartion could prove to be a significant revenue opportunity for Meta, Amazon and advertisers:

• Better ad signals. “Meta gets more ads signal from the top ecommerce store on the web and more attributable conversions to increase client investment.”
• Increased transaction fees. “Amazon gets more transaction fees driven directly from the greatest discovery ads engine on mobile meaning more sales on their platform vs other retailers.”
• More conversions. “Merchants get to expand their conversion volume with an additional sales channel and 1:1 measurement between their likely top ad platform and retail partner.”

Why now. Following Apple’s privacy changes in 2021, which made it tougher for social media companies to target users, Meta faced a major hit to its ad revenue. This, combined with a tough digital ad market, caused Meta’s stock to drop by 64% last year.

After three quarter of revenue declines, Meta bounced back in terms of ad revenue earlier this year, which the company attributes to its continued investments in AI. With that in mind, it’s little wonder the tech giant is exploring additional ways to improve ad revenue by collaborating with retail giant Amazon.

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What Amazon is saying. A spokesperson for Amazon said in a statement:

• “For the first time, customers will be able to shop Amazon’s Facebook and Instagram ads and check out with Amazon without leaving the social media apps.”
• “Customers in the U.S. will see real-time pricing, Prime eligibility, delivery estimates, and product details on select Amazon product ads in Facebook and Instagram as part of the new experience.”

Deep dive. For more information on Meta’s ad revenue performance, read our report on the company’s third-quarter success after it surpassed expectations to increase profit by 23%.

The post Meta’s new partnership with Amazon streamlines conversion process for advertisers appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/meta-partnership-amazon-conversion-process-advertisers-434524

 Online competitions are an easy way to earn money from home and win free prizes with very little effort.

Making money online from the comfort of your home might sound like a dream come true, but it’s easier than you think.

Online competitions are fast, fun and free to enter, and your chances of winning big prizes are much higher than you’d imagine.

Right now there are lots of people out there snapping- up all the prizes and free cash you could be winning. But as the saying goes  – ‘you gotta be in it to win it.’

 

Read on to find our top tips on how to make money from online competitions. But first, if you sign up to the MoneyMagpie newsletter we have a genuine competition every week. 

We also offer a weekly competition on MoneyMagpie and Jasmine Birtles’ Instagram accounts. Make sure you follow us as the prizes are always fab.

All the competitions are free to enter and very easy. We have fantastic prizes like supermarket vouchers, food hampers, jewellery, hotel stays, kitchen appliances and children’s games. Sign up for free here to be in with a chance of entering.

Oh, and make sure to keep an eye on our online competition section where we have a new competition most days!

In this article you will learn how to:

• How to win online competitions
• How to win competitions in newspapers and magazines
• How to win competitions with slogans
• Warning! Warning! Warning!

 

how to win Online competitions

Online competitions are easy to enter. Since these are geared towards generating traffic, all they really want is your email address which is easy to provide.

Instagram Competitions

Instagram is a whole world of competition fun. And the prizes can be huge. Even we are in on this with weekly offerings on MoneyMagpie and Jasmine Birtles’ Instagram accounts. Make sure you follow us as the prizes are always fab.

TIPS TO help you win fab prizes in online competitions

Tip 1: Remember you MUST set up a separate email account to enter online competitions, or you’ll find your inbox clogged up with nasty spam.

Tip 2: Concentrate on reputable brands or companies like supermarkets and packets, jars or tins of food you know and regularly use. Also, check out the magazine site Goodtoknow for their regular fun competitions (mostly aimed at women and families).

Tip 3: Never pay to enter an online competition. If you like browsing through competition sites, stick to ones which offer free entry like these ones:

Pick my postcode!

Pick My Postcode (formerly Free Postcode Lottery gives away free cash every day to one of the postcodes on their list.

There’s no catch; the only downside is that you have to check each day to see if your number has come up. This increases the site’s traffic which helps them get advertising on it.

So if you keep checking the site you could win at least £20 – or £100s if it keeps rolling over!

Take a look at our article about how to make money from your postcode here.

 

gfk

For any television and radio fans, GFK Media Panel is a really easy way to win great prizes online.

Once registered, you simply complete the survey every day and give the television and radio programmes you have watched and listened to a rating.

Your opinions are used by broadcasters to shape future content. So, as well as earning some great prizes, you are also playing an exciting role in developing new content.

By filling completing the surveys, you can earn points to exchange for rewards. The surveys are quick and easy to complete, with at least one available every day.

Click here to find out more about how to win prizes from GFK Media Panel here.

 

 

the prize finder

The Prize Finder is the UK’s biggest free competitions website and offers you the chance to win cash and great prizes every day.

When you sign up, you’re automatically entered into a free draw and could win up to £500. It really is that easy.

Every day, The Prize Finder lists more free to enter competitions than anybody else, with daily opportunities to win money, cars, holidays and more. 

Click here to find out more about how to win prizes on The Prize Finder.

 

Competitions in newspapers and magazines

Newspapers and magazines run lots of competitions with some great prizes and free cash to be won every day.

These are very similar to online competitions. For the most part all you have to do is visit their website and answer a simple question, or fill out a postcard and mail it in to enter.

Again, you’ll need to register your details as the whole point of the competition for them is to generate traffic and boost subscriptions.

Tip! It’s a good idea to grab free postcards whenever you can to enter competitions where you have to send in your answer. These sort of entry-form competitions take a bit more effort – and therefore have far fewer entrants. So if you do come across them, get your answers in as you have a greater chance of winning.

Don’t be put off by the big ticket items – remember, fewer people enter these competitions believing the odds of winning are slimmer. Check out these current competition providers:

Newspapers

• Mirror
• The Guardian
• The Metro
• Daily Mail
• The Telegraph
• The Sun
• The Mirror
• The Independent
• I News

Magazines

• Marie Claire
• Glamour 
• Tesco magazine
• Stylist
• Woman
• Yours
• Cosmopolitan
• Sainsbury’s magazine
• Bella

 

How to win Slogan competitions

Think you’ve got a bit of creative genius in you? Slogan competitions are terrific for the keen comper who’s ready and willing to put in a little more effort.

Companies love to use slogan competitions as a way to market their products at low costs and encourage consumers to think positively about what they’re selling. With most slogan competitions, the sponsor company will begin by having you answer a few simple questions to determine whether or not you’re fit for the task. You may be asked to complete some part of a phrase in an ‘apt and original’ manner.

Once again, because so few people make an effort to enter, slogan competitions are a dream for the avid comper.

How YOU can create knock-your-socks-off slogans:

• CompersNews monthly newsletter publishes thousands of prize-winning slogans. Have a look at those that have won in the past to help you get an idea of the kinds of slogans that companies look for.
• Winning slogans typically have rhyme, rhythm or a pun. Go out and grab yourself a rhyming dictionary and a dictionary of English idioms at Amazon, which takes all the hassle out of creating history’s next greatest slogan!
• Remember that the point of the slogan is to advertise the product in a positive light. Your slogan should always make the product look good.
• Word limits are key! Slogans that surpass the given word limit will not be considered. Always stick to the competition rules.
• If possible, enter more than once. But be careful – don’t send in several horrible slogans. Instead, come up with two really good ideas that are different in their approach – for example one that’s clever and witty and one that’s more direct and serious. Be careful to check the terms and conditions of each competition as some specify that you can only make one entry.
• Remember – the more obscure or difficult the competition, the fewer the entrants and the better chance you have of winning.
• Join websites like Loquax and CompersNews for free details on upcoming competitions.

So, remember: set up a separate email address for any unwanted junk mail, and enter as many online competitions as you can. The more you enter, the more likely you are to win!

 

Warning, warning, warning!

scam competitions

Make sure the competition you are entering is genuine before you enter any of your personal details.

In fact, even if it is genuine, be careful how much information you give them. Most genuine competitions won’t ask for your bank details, National Insurance number or date of birth.

If you don’t know where the competition is coming from and you don’t recognise the company running it (like the MoneyMagpie competitions, magazine competitions or newspaper competitions) then err on the side of caution: don’t give them your personal information.

Nationwide found that seven in ten of us will give out all sorts of personal details in competitions where we don’t know the company offering the prize. This can be dangerous as they can use your details to commit ID theft against you.

Nationwide have produced a video on how easy it is to get people to give their personal details away. Take a look here:

cut down on the spam

If you enter an online competition you’ll be asked to include your email address. This generally means that your inbox will soon be flooded with spam – lots and lots of it. To avoid this problem all you have to do is set up a separate email account.

Try Outlook (formerly Hotmail), Yahoo or Gmail for a free email account. This can be your ‘competition account’, where everything competition related gets sent. That way your personal email account gets left alone, and you still get the chance to win big prizes. Don’t let the spam win!

Do also note that for some of these competitions you have to give your phone number. Not all these companies give you the choice of opting out of receiving marketing texts etc, so make sure you check the terms and conditions if you hate receiving them.

For genuine offers and real prizes, take a look at our competition section on the website here to find the latest great competition offers.

Sign Up – Newsletter

The post Make Money with online competitions appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/online-competitions

Google Merchant Center is splitting its Shopping Ads and Free Listings Malicious or Unwanted Software Policy into three separate policies:

• Malicious software.
• Compromised sites.
• Unwanted software.

The updated policies will be enforced from October, with full enforcement set to be ramped up over four weeks.

Until then, Google has confirmed that it will continue to enforce its existing malware policy.

Malicious software: The new policy specifically forbids intentionally spreading harmful or unauthorized access-causing software (‘malware’). This rule applies to your ads, listings, and any software your site or app hosts or links to, even if not promoted through the Google Network. Violating this policy is now considered a serious offence.

Compromised sites: A compromised site refers to a site or destination whose code has been hacked to benefit a third party without the owner’s knowledge, often harming users. Ads and listings cannot use compromised destinations. If you violate this, there will be a warning issued at least seven days before any account suspension.

Unwanted software: Ads, listings, and destinations that break Google’s unwanted software policy are not permitted. You will receive a warning at least seven days before any account suspension for violating this policy.

Action required. Take a look at the updated policy to check if any of your ads or listings fall under it. If they do, Google recommends removing them from your feed.

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What Google is saying. A Google spokesperson said in a statement:

• “All of our policies are made to protect a high quality user experience.”
• “We have enforcement systems and processes to prevent content that falls below these standards from being shown to users.”
• “We take any attempts to trick or circumvent our review processes very seriously, so play fair.”

Deep dive. Read Google’s policy update in full for more information.

The post Google updates policy to tackle abuse of its ad network appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/google-updates-policy-abuse-ad-network-434464

Reporting on Google’s market share these days is like reporting on the sky (did you know it’s blue?).

Yet today, Seeking Alpha published an article with a clickable headline of ChatGPT eats away at Google search’s dominance.

This article (which is paywalled, so I’m not linking to it) is based on a Bank of America report (why is Bank of America talking about search market share?), which is based on data from StatCounter and Similar Web, which I learned of via an X post by Greg Sterling.

A report from BofA argues that Google's search market share is down ever so slightly and attributes that to ChatGPT. (I question that.) I think a more interesting metric to look at would be search frequency; are people conducting as many searches on Google as they used to? pic.twitter.com/S9iBXR4biP

— Greg Sterling (@gsterling) November 9, 2023

By the numbers. Google’s worldwide search market share, according to StatCounter:

• October 2023: 91.53%
• October 2022: 92.34%

This is Google’s lowest global search market share in the past 12 months. But is this ChatGPT eating into Google’s search market share? Extremely unlikely.

The problem? Statcounter doesn’t track ChatGPT because – hello? – it isn’t a search engine. It’s an LLM-based generative AI chatbot.

• Statcounter also doesn’t track TikTok Search – because all the search activity happens inside an app. But TikTok is a platform Google has acknowledged as a threat to Search (also, Gen Z women prefer TikTok to Google).

Relatively stable. Google Search has been “relatively stable” over the past 12 months, according to the report. Well, yes. But we can actually go further back than that on StatCounter.

Google has been “relatively stable” since August 2015. That’s the month Google surpassed 91% search market share worldwide for the first time.

In the past seven years, Googe’s search market share has bounced around from 91.1% (December 2015) to 93.37% (February 2023). For most of these eight years, ChatGPT didn’t exist, including from April to August 2018 when Google’s search market share dipped below 91%.

What about Bing? Microsoft Bing is still down year-on-year, 3.13% (October 2023) vs. 3.59% (October 2022), according to Statcounter. Meanwhile, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has warned us that AI will make Google more dominant.

Dig deeper. The new Bing has failed to take any market share from Google after six months.

Other numbers. Some month-over-month comparisons from Similar Web:

• Google traffic declined to 2.8 billion (down 0.4%).
• Bard traffic increased to 8.7 million (up 2%).
• Bing traffic increased to 42.7 million (up 8%)
• ChatGPT traffic increased to 55 million (up 4%). An important reminder here – ChatGPT’s traffic is only 2% of Google’s web traffic.

Why we care. Generative AI is – and will continue to – reshape search as we know it. But false narratives aren’t helpful for anybody. Google is still as dominant as it has been since 2015. The impact of Google, ChatGPT and generative AI on search is a story for search marketers to watch. But for now, there’s nothing to see here.

The post No, ChatGPT isn’t stealing Google’s search market share appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/no-chatgpt-isnt-stealing-googles-search-market-share-434465

Home Business Magazine Online

The biggest names in EDM are currently making their rounds at the hottest concert venue in the Twin Cities Metro area. As the premier production company for EDM music in the Twin Cities, Sound in Motion had a huge feat of putting on the incredible production of ZHU’s Fall “Grace” Tour at The Armory in Minneapolis. Sound in Motion successfully orchestrated the unique stage setup, vertical light configuration, and detailed music synchronization between the DJ setup, the various instruments used by the band, and the visuals. Home Business Magazine had the opportunity to attend this incredible show, and it was certainly a night to remember.

The night kicked off with the only but certainly not ordinary opener, Noizu. He heated up the night with his fist-pumping house beats and groovy bassline that got the crowd up and moving. His versatile and catchy melodies along with remixes of popular songs gave the crowd of many music tastes a drop to dance along to. The visuals certainly did not disappoint, with lights and lasers illuminating every square inch of the room and pulsating with every energetic beat. It was the perfect opener for the night ahead.

After a brief intermission, ZHU finally took the stage much to the screaming crowd’s delight. ZHU had a unique stage set up with an elevated DJ booth over a shielded area for the band to perform, all disguised by the LED screen in front. Along with vertical lights on either side and lasers all around, it was certainly a complicated setup job fit for Sound in Motion to smoothly execute. ZHU effortlessly combines smooth, soulful live singing with the beautiful additions of guitar and saxophone to create moody, atmospheric music that ranges from drops that make you introspectively sway side-to-side and drops that have your feet barely touching the ground as you jump all around. The two-hour set of mesmerizing visuals, unforgettable drops, and crowd-pleasing classics made for a show that will have Minneapolis begging him to come back again soon.

ZHU’s Fall “Grace” Tour gave a crowd of both older house EDM-lovers and younger bassheads ages an EDM masterpiece that nobody will forget for a long time. If you own or work for a company and want to grow your brand awareness in the Twin Cities, definitely consider sponsoring at least one of the highly-anticipated shows this fall and winter at The Armory in Minneapolis: Svdden Death on Saturday, November 11th, Sullivan King on Friday, November 24th, Slander on Friday, December 1st and Saturday, December 2nd, LSDREAM on Saturday Decmber 9th, the highly-anticipated LUCID NIGHTS NYE Celebration with Zeds Dead on Saturday December 30th and ZEDD on Sunday, December 31st. Subtronics on Friday, February 16th, 2024 and Saturday February 17th, 2024, and Excision on Friday, March 4th, 2024 and Saturday, March 5th, 2024.

The post Sound in Motion Illuminates The Armory In Minneapolis With ZHU’s Fall “Grace Tour” appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/sound-in-motion-illuminates-the-armory-in-minneapolis-with-zhus-fall-grace-tour/

Home Business Magazine Online

In the whirlwind of ideation, execution, and scaling, startups often juggle multiple facets of business development. One crucial area, yet frequently overlooked, is startup treasury management. At the heart of a startup’s financial stability lies the art and science of managing its funds efficiently. A startup’s financial lifeline isn’t merely about profit, but adept treasury management that dictates its sustainability and growth.

Accurate Cash Flow Forecasting

Forecasting your cash flow can often feel like gazing into a crystal ball. You’re trying to predict your startup’s financial future. Yet, it’s less about fortune-telling and more about meticulous planning.

Why Forecasting Matters

Have you ever anticipated a quiet trickle of water, only to face a torrential downpour? In the world of startups, cash flow can sometimes surprise you in a similar manner. Predicting your cash inflow and outflow, or cash flow forecasting, becomes the linchpin in treasury management for startups. It grants clarity, ensures financial stability, and informs savvy investment decisions, setting the course of your startup’s journey.

Effective Forecasting Tips

Start by understanding your operational cycle. Track every penny that comes in or goes out. Monitoring both receivables and payables gives you a comprehensive picture. And don’t forget, industries have seasons. Whether you’re in retail, tech, or any other sector, seasonal fluctuations matter. Factoring them into your forecasts can mean the difference between fiscal stress and smooth sailing.

Embracing Tech in Treasury

In an era dominated by technological innovation, treasury operations aren’t left behind. Digital solutions have become a game-changer, offering dynamic shifts in how we view and manage finances.

The Digital Shift

Imagine the power of real-time data at your fingertips. The influx of cash management technology offers this advantage, and it’s reshaping modern treasury. Digital solutions, with their ability to offer instant insights and data-driven decisions, are invaluable assets for startups eager to steer their financial ship effectively.

Tailored Digital Solutions

But diving into the digital realm isn’t about grabbing the shiniest tool off the shelf. It’s about discerning which tools align with your startup’s unique needs. Instead of succumbing to a one-size-fits-all mindset, aim for tools and solutions that can be customized. After all, every startup is a unique entity, deserving of bespoke financial solutions.

Navigating Financial Uncertainties

Every startup faces its share of sunny days and storms. The financial climate is ever-changing, and startups, in their nascent stages, can be especially vulnerable.

Market’s Unpredictable Nature

As much as we’d like to have it otherwise, market dynamics are fickle. Their unpredictable nature means that a treasury startup has to be more vigilant, more resilient.

Safeguarding Financial Assets

Mitigating risks in these uncertain times is paramount. Consider diversifying assets and investments to spread risks. An emergency fund isn’t just sound advice for individuals—it’s vital for startups too. This financial cushion can offer a buffer against unexpected downturns. And remember, always be ready to pivot. Regularly reviewing and tweaking your financial strategies ensures you’re not caught off-guard.

Building Banking Bridges

Your banking institution is more than a place that holds your money. It can be a valuable ally, a partner in your startup’s financial journey.

More Than Transactions

Building and nurturing relationships with banks can unlock myriad opportunities for a startup. A healthy rapport isn’t merely transactional—it’s strategic. When banks understand your business model and aspirations, they’re better positioned to offer tailor-made solutions that align with your goals.

Cultivating Strong Ties

How do you forge these ties? Start with transparency. Keeping your bank informed about your financial standing and future plans paves the way for mutual trust. Familiarize yourself with what banks offer and consider how their services might be leveraged for your startup’s advantage.

Continuous Treasury Learning

As in all areas of business, resting on one’s laurels in corporate treasury cash management is a mistake. The financial world evolves, and startups need to keep pace.

Stay Updated

Change is the only constant, and this adage rings true in the financial realm too. With practices, tools, and strategies in constant flux, staying updated becomes paramount for startups wishing to maintain an edge.

Pathways to Learning

Workshops, webinars, and networking events can be gold mines of knowledge. Engaging with peers, seeking mentorship, or simply keeping an ear to the ground can reveal actionable insights and novel strategies. In the dynamic world of startup treasury management, continuous learning isn’t just advisable—it’s imperative.

Unlocking Treasury Benefits

Incorporating the strategies and insights shared can unlock a trove of benefits for startups. Financial stability, informed investment decisions, and preparedness for market shifts aren’t just desirable outcomes—they can be standard experiences with the right approach to treasury management.

Our journey through the intricacies of treasury management highlights one core truth: startups have the power to shape their financial destiny. By understanding and integrating these strategies, startups can harness the true potential of treasury management. The financial journey of a startup, with its ups and downs, challenges, and victories, can be both rewarding and transformative.

The key lies in taking charge, making informed decisions, and charting a course towards sustainable growth.

The post 5 Effective Strategies in Treasury Management for Startups appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/money/money-management/5-effective-strategies-treasury-management-startups/