IPG Mediabrands tells clients to temporarily pause Google Performance Max campaigns

IPG Mediabrands advised its clients to temporarily pause campaigns using Google’s Performance Max.

The company issued a “privacy alert” email in response to allegations in a new report that YouTube ads may have led to improperly tracking children.

Brands using PMax may inadvertently violate the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) as a result, according to the study conducted by Adalytics.

Why we care. If brands are found to be in violation of COPPA, they may have to pay a significant financial penalty just as YouTube did in 2019 when it spent a record $170 million to settle similar charges.

Have any laws been broken? Under COPPA, online services must get parental consent before collecting data for targeted advertising purposes from children under the age of 13.

Adalytics researchers found the platform serving personalized ads from more than 300 brands on “made for kids” videos. When viewers clicked on these campaigns, they were redirected to the brand’s website, which sometimes resulted in dropping cookies on the user’s browser.

IPG Mediabrands investigates. In response to the findings, IPG Mediabrands conducted its own investigation. They reportedly found that at least one of its clients, which was running an adult-targeted campaign, had its ad feature on a “made for kids” channel.

If a child had clicked on the ad, tracking pixels from the brand’s website would have gathered data from the child as well as their associated ID. This data would then have been shared with Google’s PMax.

IPG Mediabrands, which manages $40 billion in marketing investment worldwide, reportedly concluded that a full investigation was needed to identify the full extent of the impact on its clients.

What has IPG Mediabrands said? A spokesperson for IPG Mediabrands told Search Engine Land that the email was an “early, unapproved draft of an internal-only note that was not reflective of our broader organizational POV. This was retracted. This was not sent to clients.”

The email in question – which was obtained by Business Insider – read:

“Because placement reporting is not available for PMAX, we recommend that clients temporarily pause PMAX until the efficacy of the above controls are validated on non-PMAX campaigns where placement reporting is available.”
“Clients should consult with their legal, privacy/infosec, website, and data teams to consider potential exposure, and determine the appropriate process for identifying and removing data potentially collected from children.
For example, advertisers may assess data in their CDPs that originated from YouTube as a traffic source.”
“These recommendations are being made on the basis of the probability of FTC scrutiny, as well as in light of the evidence of waste in advertising investment against unintended audiences.”

What has Google said? Dan Taylor, Google’s Vice President of Global Ads, said the Adalytics study was “flawed”. Addressing the report in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), he stated:

“[This is the] 2nd time [Adalytics has] produced faulty research about Google advertising this summer. Here are 6 facts about how we protect kids on YouTube that Adalytics gets completely wrong or ignores.”
“#1 We don’t personalize ads to kids, ever. And we treat everyone who watches Made for Kids content as a child, regardless of their age.”
“#2 We built YouTube Kids as a dedicated app designed from the ground up to be a safer experience for kids to explore, with tools for parents and caregivers to guide their journey. The YouTube Kids app has never had personalized ads either.”
“#3 Made for Kids content has ads but we restrict the types of products that can be advertised: e.g. no ads for video games or media unsuitable for children, no ads about dating and relationship, no ads for food and beverage.”
“#4 Google does not share with advertisers what content/video a person was watching when they click on an ad. That means advertisers never know if a click came from someone watching Made for Kids content, regardless of their age.”
“#5 Advertisers, with a single click, can choose to opt out of Made for Kids content. The opt-out, called Content Suitable for Families, prevents advertisers from having their ads run alongside Made for Kids content. Adalytics doesn’t appear to know this.”
“#6 Cookies ≠ ad personalization. Cookies are permitted under COPPA for statistical reporting, for spam and fraud detection and for frequency capping. They are critical to YouTube creators’ monetization which encourages a rich diversity of content on YouTube.”
“#7 Though we only just received the report, what we have reviewed shows no violations of our commitments nor privacy policies. Given Adalytics’ last report was debunked by 2 independent organizations, we do not put much stock in the accuracy of their research.”
“#8 The NYTimes, who was given early access to the report, couldn’t even verify the bulk of Adalytics’ claims. It does not corroborate Adalytics’ accusations and in fact found the opposite: no violation of COPPA, no personalization of ads to kids, and no improper use of cookies.”
“#9 Adalytics’ report has no substance and tries to make a gotcha when there is none. We offered to meet with them weeks ago and heard crickets. Do they have the credentials and expertise to publish these reports?”

Deep dive. Read Adalytics’ YouTube study in full for more information on its research. Read Google’s official documentation on how ads work on YouTube for supervised accounts for more information.

The post IPG Mediabrands tells clients to temporarily pause Google Performance Max campaigns appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/ipg-mediabrands-pause-google-pmax-campaigns-430937

How To Make Money From Your Best Features

Beauty and brains? That’s a lucrative combination. Attractive females possess a unique advantage, blending charisma with enterprise. Explore the myriad ways to turn head-turning appeal into a profitable venture, all while embracing empowerment and authenticity.

Sell Feet Pics
Become a Content Creator
Professional Hugger
Get Paid To Chat With Guys
Freelance Modelling
Become a Fashion Influencer
Try Your Hand In Acting
Fitness Trainer
Become An Inspiration For Artists
Greeter

Sell feet pics

The demand for feet pictures is on the rise. Many individuals and businesses are interested in purchasing these images for a variety of purposes, from art to advertising.

Platforms like FeetFinder have emerged to cater to this niche market, offering a space for sellers to connect with potential buyers.

Before diving into this venture, it’s essential to do thorough research. Checking FeetFinder reviews can provide insights into user experiences and platform reliability.

While it is profitable to sell feet pics, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and anonymity. In the digital age, unconventional methods like this have become viable means of income, but caution is always advised.

Become a Content Creator

Content sites like Buy Me A Coffee and similar companies have revolutionized content creation. They provide direct links between creators and their audience.

They allow for a broader range of content, from cooking classes to intimate photoshoots.

The key is authenticity. Subscribers are drawn to genuine content and a real connection. Building a loyal fanbase is essential.

Regular interactions, updates, and exclusive content keep subscribers engaged. While this offers great earning potential, it also requires a thick skin.

Criticism and competition are rife, but for many, the rewards outweigh the challenges.

Professional Hugger

The concept of professional hugging is gaining traction. It taps into the basic human need for touch.

In our digital age, loneliness is prevalent. Professional huggers fill this void, offering solace and a listening ear.

They cater to a diverse clientele, from the elderly to busy professionals. Sessions are often tailored to individual needs. Some clients might need silent comfort, while others may want to talk.

It’s essential to maintain a non-judgmental and open demeanour. Trust is the foundation of this profession. While it’s unconventional, the benefits of human touch are undeniable.

Get Paid To Chat With Guys

Earning by chatting online is an emerging trend. Many platforms connect women with men willing to pay for conversation.

Topics can range from daily life to specialized advice. Some men are overseas and seek cultural exchanges or language practice.

Others might be looking for insights into women’s perspectives. It’s essential to establish clear boundaries from the start.

Transparency about the nature of the chat is crucial. While it can be lucrative, it’s vital to prioritize safety.

Using reputable platforms and avoiding sharing personal details can help ensure a positive experience.

Freelance Modelling

The world of freelance modelling is vast and varied. Without agency ties, models have the freedom to choose their projects.

This autonomy can lead to diverse portfolio-building opportunities. From local brand shoots to international campaigns, the sky’s the limit.

Social media plays a pivotal role in a freelancer’s success. Platforms like Instagram act as portfolios, showcasing a model’s versatility.

Building a personal brand is essential. Engaging with photographers, makeup artists, and designers can open doors.

While the journey can be challenging, the rewards of self-direction and varied experiences make it worthwhile.

Become a Fashion Influencer

Fashion influencers don’t just wear clothes; they tell stories. Their style choices inspire and influence their audience.

With the rise of social media, their reach has become global. Collaborations with brands can lead to exclusive launches or sponsored content.

However, maintaining authenticity is crucial. Followers value genuine recommendations over blatant advertising.

Continuous learning about fashion trends, photography, and audience engagement strategies can elevate an influencer’s game.

It’s a dynamic field, constantly evolving with fashion cycles and technological advancements.

Try Your Hand In Acting

The world of acting is vast and varied. From commercials to blockbuster movies, opportunities abound.

Networking events, film festivals, and workshops can provide invaluable industry insights.

Building a portfolio with diverse roles showcases versatility. An actor’s resilience is tested not just by their ability to adapt to roles, but also by handling criticism and competition.

Every role, big or small, adds to an actor’s journey, refining their craft. It’s a profession of passion, dedication, and continuous growth.

Fitness Trainer

A fitness trainer’s role goes beyond the gym. They act as motivators, counsellors, and educators.

Their expertise guides individuals through fitness journeys, ensuring safe and effective workouts.

They must stay updated with the latest fitness trends and research. Personalizing routines to cater to different body types and needs is crucial.

They also address challenges like injuries or health conditions. Building a loyal client base requires dedication, continuous learning, and genuine care. Their impact is profound, transforming not just bodies, but lifestyles and mindsets.

Become An Inspiration For Artists

Being an inspiration is an intimate experience. It’s about sharing a part of oneself with an artist. You can often influence the direction of an artist’s work, bringing new perspectives and emotions.

Their features, stories, or personalities become the artist’s canvas. Over time, many inspirations have gained recognition, becoming as iconic as the artworks they inspired.

The relationship between an artist and their inspiration is symbiotic. While the artist draws inspiration, you gain a sense of legacy. Their collaboration results in art that resonates across time and cultures.

Greeter

A greeter (or hostess) sets the tone for an establishment. They greet guests with warmth and professionalism.

Their role is pivotal in managing the flow of patrons. Reservations, wait times, and seating arrangements fall under their purview.

Their demeanour can enhance a guest’s overall experience. It’s not just about managing tables; it’s about creating a welcoming atmosphere.

They handle challenges with grace, from disgruntled customers to overbookings. Effective communication with the service staff ensures smooth operations.

Being a greeter requires multitasking, patience, and a genuine love for hospitality. Their impact is often understated, but they are the first and last impression of any dining experience.

Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.

The post How To Make Money From Your Best Features appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/how-to-make-money-from-your-best-features

Amazon Sponsored Product ads will now appear on Pinterest, Buzzfeed, and more

Amazon Sponsored Product ads will now appear on third-party premium apps and websites.

Pinterest, BuzzFeed, Hearst Newspapers, Raptive and Ziff Davis brands like Lifehacker and Mashable are among the brands that are partnering up with the retail giant to increase reach for its Sponsored Product ad product.

The news comes after Amazon announced a multi-year collaboration with Pinterest to become its first ever third-party advertising partner back in April.

Why we care. Expanding the reach of Amazon Sponsored Product ads means marketers can potentially achieve higher conversion rates and increased return on ad spend, positioning their brands for success in a dynamic digital landscape. The new feature could also help address the attribution issue on Pinterest, which has proved to be a budget-limiting factor for advertisers, as huge discrepancies have previously been reported between the Pinterest dashboard and Google Analytics.

How it works. Amazon will identify users on the third-party platforms that are likely to be interested in your product by analyzing relevant page context, the campaign and cost-per-click parameters that you have already established. It will then display your campaign to this audience.

All ads on the third-party platforms will link back to your Amazon product page, enabling potential customers to easily make a purchase in just a couple of clicks.

Eligibility. Sponsored Products will only appear on third party premium apps and websites if they meet the following criteria:

The product must be in stock.
The product includes trusted Amazon shopping attributes such as Prime delivery promise, ratings and accurate pricing information.

Next steps. You don’t need to take any action for your Sponsored Products to appear on third-party premium apps or websites – Amazon will enable this feature automatically for you.

Campaign reporting will be available n the Sponsored Products placement report, which can be downloaded in the report centre.

What has Amazon said? Colleen Aubrey, senior vice president, Amazon Ads Products and Technology, said:

“Sponsored Products has always been about helping customers discover products they may love.”
“We’ve been building and evolving Sponsored Products in our store for more than 10 years, leveraging advanced machine learning algorithms to show advertising that’s highly relevant for customers, and therefore highly effective for the advertisers that choose to use it.”
“We are excited to now apply what we’ve learned about connecting customers and products in meaningful ways to a range of great websites and apps.”

Get the daily newsletter search marketers rely on.

See terms.

What has Pintrest said? Martha Welsh, Chief Strategy Officer at Pinterest, told Search Engine Land:

“We’re excited to enter this next phase of our third-party partnership with Amazon Ads to bring more shoppable content onto the platform along with a great consumer buying experience. Shopping on Pinterest has never been easier.”
“Now through our partnership, advertisers on Amazon are able to have their products appear in our search results, making ads on Pinterest even more relevant and actionable.”
“Shopping is one of the top requests we receive from our users – more than 50% of users say they come to Pinterest to shop – and we’re continuing to deliver more ways to go from inspiration to action. We’re in the early stages of testing right now and seeing encouraging results.”

Deep dive. Read Amazon’s Sponsored Products announcement in full for more information.

The post Amazon Sponsored Product ads will now appear on Pinterest, Buzzfeed, and more appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/amazon-sponsored-product-ads-pinterest-430907

A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Heavy-Duty Drawer Sliders

Home Business Magazine Online

When it comes to keeping our belongings organized and easily accessible, drawer sliders play a crucial role. Choosing the right drawer slides for home cabinets, office desks, or industrial storage units is essential for smooth and hassle-free functionality.

Here, we will explore the key factors to consider while selecting heavy-duty drawer sliders that perfectly suit your needs. From weight capacity and materials to self-closing features and brand reputation, we’ll cover it all, ensuring you make an informed decision for a seamless drawer sliding experience.

Understanding the Importance of Drawer Slides

Drawer slides, also known as drawer rails, are mechanical components that facilitate the smooth movement of drawers in and out of their cabinets or enclosures. They enhance the ease of access and prevent unnecessary strain and wear on the drawer structure. Choosing the right drawer slides ensures the longevity and reliability of your storage systems.

Weight Capacity and Load Rating

Exceeding the load rating can lead to premature wear and malfunction, while choosing slides with a capacity far below your storage needs can compromise the drawer’s smooth operation. Here are some key weight considerations to make when selecting your drawer slides:

Determine the maximum weight of the items you intend to store in the drawers.
Choose drawer slides with a load rating that exceeds the weight of your stored items.
Consider potential weight fluctuations over time, especially in industrial or commercial settings.
Take into account the weight distribution across the entire drawer, as some items might be heavier than others.
Aim for drawer slides with a higher load capacity than your immediate requirements for added safety and longevity.
If unsure about the appropriate weight capacity, consult the manufacturer or seek guidance from a professional.

When selecting heavy-duty drawer slides, one of the most critical factors is their weight capacity and load rating. This aspect directly influences the slides’ ability to handle the weight of the items you intend to store in the drawers.

Slide Length and Drawer Extension

The slide length and drawer extension are important factors based on your specific needs and available space. Full extension drawer slides allow the drawer to fully extend, providing easy access to the back of the drawer. On the other hand, partial extension slides offer limited extension, making them suitable for situations where space is limited or when full extension is not necessary.

Mounting Type

Drawer slides come in various mounting types, each offering unique advantages. Side-mount slides are common and visible on the sides of the drawer, while under-mount slides are hidden, providing a sleek appearance. Additionally, center-mount slides are less common but offer stability to the center of the drawer. Consider your preferences and requirements when selecting the appropriate mounting type.

Material and Construction

Drawer slides are made from different materials, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Steel slides offer durability and strength, while stainless steel provides excellent corrosion resistance. Aluminum slides are lightweight and ideal for environments where weight is a concern. Choose the material that best suits your specific needs.

Self-Closing and Soft-Closing Features

Consider drawer slides with self-closing or soft-closing features for added convenience and comfort. Self-closing slides automatically close the drawer when pushed near the closed position, preventing accidental openings. Soft-closing slides utilize dampening technology, ensuring the drawer closes gently and quietly, reducing impact and noise.

Clearance and Installation of Space

Ensure you have the right amount of clearance for the drawer slides to operate smoothly. Measure the available space for installation, considering any obstructions or protruding elements that might affect the functionality of the slides.

Corrosion Resistance and Environment

Consider the environment in which the drawer slides will be used. Opt for slides with excellent corrosion resistance for damp or corrosive conditions to ensure long-lasting performance and reliability.

Brand Reputation and Reviews

Lastly, research the brand’s reputation and read customer reviews to gauge the quality and reliability of the drawer slides. Choose well-established brands with positive feedback to ensure a satisfactory purchase.

Online platforms like consumer forums and e-commerce websites often provide detailed reviews and ratings, allowing potential buyers to make informed decisions. By analyzing the experiences of previous users, you can avoid potential pitfalls and select products that have been proven to meet expectations and standards.

Bottom Line

Selecting heavy-duty drawer slides requires careful consideration of weight capacity, slide length, material, and mounting type. Features like self-closing and soft-closing can add convenience and comfort to everyday use.

Moreover, it’s essential to account for environmental factors and opt for reputable brands to ensure a seamless sliding experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you can make an informed decision and enjoy durable and efficient drawer sliders that meet your needs.

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Selecting Heavy-Duty Drawer Sliders appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/lifestyles/home-improvement/comprehensive-guide-selecting-heavy-duty-drawer-sliders/

Revolutionizing Visual Data: The Future of Reality Capture Technology

Home Business Magazine Online

Welcome to the future of reality capture technology, which aims to revolutionize how visual data is obtained. In other words, it offers a new perspective on how we interact with the world around us. This cutting-edge technology combines the virtual and physical realms, promising to transform industries and revolutionize how we perceive reality.

From immersive experiences to streamlined data acquisition, let’s explore the limitless possibilities of RC technology and its game-changing impact on our lives. In this article, we’ll look at how this technology can revolutionize construction documentation!

1. Immersive Augmented Reality (AR) Experiences

The tangible and digital boundaries are blurred thanks to cutting-edge RC technology, granting us captivating AR experiences like never before. Imagine traversing ancient civilizations through lifelike virtual tours, where history comes alive, and you can walk alongside pharaohs or converse with gladiators.

Complex subjects become more accessible and enjoyable as students witness historical events firsthand and dive deep into interactive simulations. Learning transcends traditional textbooks, and curiosity is sparked through experiential discoveries. In job training, employees can simulate real-life situations, honing their skills in a risk-free environment, thus improving performance and safety. With the power of RC, these immersive AR experiences have become the norm, enhancing education, entertainment, and training like never before.

2. Precision in 3D Mapping

Bid farewell to the limitations of conventional mapping methods! RC takes cartography to a new level, providing accurate and detailed 3D maps. From urban planning and architecture to archaeological discoveries, this technology empowers professionals to create comprehensive visual representations. With real-time updates and constant refinement, 3D mapping is set to become an indispensable tool for shaping our physical world.

3. The Rise of Virtual Tourism

Thanks to cutting-edge RC technology, wanderlust enthusiasts can now embark on extraordinary journeys without leaving the comfort of their homes. Picture yourself strolling along the ancient marvel of the Great Wall of China. Feel the thrill of traversing the lush Amazon Rainforest through captivating and immersive virtual tours. This groundbreaking innovation promises a new era of accessible, sustainable, and enriching travel experiences as it brings the world’s beauty to your fingertips. Say goodbye to jetlag and costly travel expenses.

4. Gaming Evolution

Level up your gaming experience with RC technology! Developers can seamlessly blend the gaming environment with the real world, creating ultra-realistic scenarios and captivating gameplay. Whether through augmented reality games incorporating real-life elements or virtual reality worlds that mirror our physical surroundings, gamers can look forward to unparalleled engagement and excitement.

5. Revolutionizing Sports Analysis

Reality-capture has become a game-changer for coaches and athletes alike. With its high-definition 3D visualizations, this cutting-edge innovation offers unprecedented insight into every move, angle, and play. Coaches can now meticulously dissect and study every aspect of an athlete’s performance, enabling them to perfect techniques and strategies like never before. From mastering a flawless golf swing to unraveling complex team tactics on the football field, RC paves the way for elevated training strategies that take sports performance to new heights of precision and excellence.

6. Streamlined Data Acquisition for Industries

Gone are the days of laborious data collection. RC technology simplifies and accelerates data acquisition processes for various industries. Whether surveying construction sites, assessing infrastructure integrity, or conducting environmental research, this technology offers faster and more accurate results. RC paves the way for unprecedented efficiency in diverse sectors by streamlining workflows and reducing human errors.

7. A Boost to Art and Creativity

Artists and creators now have an innovative toolbox at their disposal. RC technology inspires, enabling artists to recreate real-world scenes with astounding detail. Photographers can experiment with hyper-realistic compositions, and designers can integrate real-world elements seamlessly into their creations. As a result, the boundaries of art and creativity are expanded, unlocking new dimensions for self-expression.

Bottom Line

This revolutionary technology will continue to shape our world, propelling us into a new era of visual data exploration and interaction. RC holds the key to unlocking endless opportunities, from immersive experiences and precise 3D mapping to gaming and sports analysis evolution. Embrace this ever-advancing technology and prepare for a future where the line between reality and virtuality becomes beautifully blurred.

The post Revolutionizing Visual Data: The Future of Reality Capture Technology appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/management/technology-management/revolutionizing-visual-data-future-reality-capture-technology/

Paid online surveys reviewed

At MoneyMagpie we’re big fans of paid online surveys.

We think they’re a good way to make a bit of extra cash without having to put too much effort in – in fact you can read our complete guide to online surveys here.

But you still might not be sure which online survey sites are worth your time.

As Nick Green from Swagbucks explains, “taking paid surveys online is a great way to make money in your spare time…but you have to be patient and find the survey panel that works for you.”

That’s why we’ve taken the time to review every survey site we promote, so you know which ones you can trust, and which ones you should avoid.

Paid online surveys reviewed…

Branded surveys

Facts

Where it’s available: United States, Canada, and the UK
Age requirements: 16+ years old
Average earnings: $0.50 to $5 per survey
Payment method: Branded Pay (direct deposit in the United States), PayPal cash, gift cards, prepaid Visa card, or charitable donations
Minimum to cash out: 1,000 points

Good

4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot
When you register as a new member, you’ll earn 50 points, then another 50 points will be credited to your account after filling out your profile (a $1 sign up bonus in total).
Once your account is created, you can immediately start taking surveys, which can be worth up to $5 each.
Branded Surveys’s loyalty program, Branded Elite, offers the opportunity for anyone to earn bonus points on a weekly basis.

Bad

Website design isn’t as straightforward as other survey sites

Sign up with Branded Surveys here.

Swagbucks

Facts

Points redeemable for gift cards or for cash through PayPal
Get 5 points for signing up
Earn swagbucks by answering surveys and polls, watching videos, playing games, searching the web with the SB search engine and with cashback shopping
At 450 SB you can get a £3 Amazon Voucher, £5 Amazon voucher = 720 SB or 800 SB for £5 in cash (top prize of £100 cash will cost you 16,000 SB – £100 Amazon Voucher = 14,400 SB and £100 at M&S = 13,600 SB)
Polls earn you 1 SB
1 minute Surveys earn you 4 SB
15 minute surveys earn you 70 SB
20 minute surveys earn you 80 SB
Earn 10 SB for signing up to promotional emails

Good

+ Lots of surveys to take

+ Earn SB by just answering quick questions about your preferences/lifestyle

+ Prize redemption straight forward and option of getting points converted into cash and not just gift cards

+ Loads of well known brands and shopping sites to earn cashback with such as eBay, Iceland, Dunelm and Notonthehighstreet.com

+ Didn’t receive any emails (these can be turned on for extra Swagbucks)

Bad

– Sections of the site encourage you to place gambling bets in exchange for high payout swagbucks but you ultimately spend more money placing the bet than you would get for your bucks.

– Most of the offers in the “Offers” section cost you money or require you to subscribe to something, most free offers are only worth 1-2 SB each

Visit Swagbucks

Inbox Pounds

Facts

Earn £1 for sign-up
Receive rewards for activities such as reading emails, taking surveys, playing games and signing up for offers
You can earn rewards from using the site’s web search facility
Joining and engaging with other sites can also earn you rewards

Good

+ You get a £1 just for signing up

+ You earn 40p for completing your profile (took less than two minutes)

+ You earn cash, not points

+ Presented with 5 surveys to complete on activation of account

+ Received a few emails within the first 15 mins just telling us how much we’ve earned and encouraging us to go to the site to earn more

Bad

– Layout is a little messy, but not too difficult to navigate

– To earn rewards from joining a game site and taking part in competitions you are required to deposit money first

Visit InboxPounds

Valued Opinions

Facts

Allows you to work towards gift card for popular retails (like M&S, Amazon and Argos)

Good

+ Easy to navigate

+ Lets you earn up to £5 per survey

+ A new feature on their website that allows people to find a survey for themselves from their dashboard

Bad

– Like all online surveys, you have to wait for a survey that is appropriate for you, which is often luck.

Visit Valued Opinions

Opinion Surveys

Facts

Surveys take anywhere between 5 to 30 minutes
Earn an entry into a £1000 prize draw for each completed survey

Good

+ Easy sign-up with simple personal questions such as age, gender, nationality and education

Bad

– Sometimes you don’t get entered because you weren’t what they were looking for

– Some of the surveys are quite slow to load

– We haven’t been emailed with further survey opportunities since signing up

Visit Opinion Surveys

RewardsTV-UK

Facts

Complete trivia games on shows you watched the night before to earn points and prize draw entries
You get 100 points per right answer
Includes questions about adverts during the breaks
Each day you play one trivia game you are entered into a £5,000 prize draw
Each day you play a second game you will be entered into a £1,000 prize draw
Points can be used for a variety of things including entries into £5,000 & £1,000 prize draws, to pay for Pay For My Stuff prize draws, auctions or exchanged for gift certificates
Minimum bid for auctions is 75,000 points
There are around 26 items you can bid on at one time, around 11 products and 15 gift cards
Auction items going from anywhere between 76,001 points for a Kraft infuser teapot to 5,439,000 points for a kindle fire tablet
Gift certificates cost between 75,000, 100,000 and 125,000 points with very limited availability
Pay For My Stuff prize draws give you the change to win £25 towards every day costs such as car repayments, TV bills, and groceries and cost 5,000 points to enter any one

Good

+ Quick easy sign-up that just asked for name, gender, age

+ Much more fun than other survey sites in our opinion. It’s a truly original concept.

Bad

– Limited availability for gift certificates

– Not great if you don’t watch much TV!

Visit RewardsTV – UK

The OpinonPanel Community

Facts

Aimed at students and those who have graduated within the past 5 years
Ages 16 – 30 only
Simple, clean, easy to navigate website with block colours and clear navigation panel
You are emailed surveys you’re selected for
Rewards are earned though completing surveys emailed to you (£1 for completion of a 10 minute survey and £2 for longer surveys) or writing an article that is selected to be displayed on the website (£50 per article chosen)
They also hold competitions and prize draws throughout the year
Your earnings can be redeemed in the form of either bonusbond vouchers that cover hundreds of high street stores or shopping vouchers to spend on amazon.co.uk
You can find out more about this survey in our special write up here

Good

+ You earn money, not points

+ Good prizes

+ Writing articles is a unique way to make money

+ Students who have recently had a place confirmed at university get £10 towards an Amazon voucher just for signing up

Bad

– After two hours we still hadn’t received an invite to complete any of the surveys

Visit The OpinionPanel Community

MintVine

Facts

You earn points for completing surveys (around 70 points per survey)
Surveys take around 15 mins each
When you have a minimum of 1000 points ($10) you may redeem your points for cash through PayPal or request a gift-card from a participating retailer

Good

+ Easy sign-up only requires name, email, birthday and country

+ You get 200 points just for signing up

+ Guarantees your information will not be sold to 3rd parties

Bad

– Interface isn’t as intuitive as other sites but still easy enough to work out

– Out of the five surveys we tried, we were screened out of four

– Send a LOT of emails

Visit MintVine

Nielsen Online Panel

Facts

Downloaded and installed software monitors and collects data on your internet usage
You are entered into a prize draw each month for keeping the software on your computer
There are £30,000 worth of prizes to be won
Only occasionally are you sent surveys to complete

Good

+ You’re entered into the prize draw just for downloading and keeping the software, so it doesn’t require much effort

+ Easy to remove if you don’t want it anymore

Bad

– Lengthy sign up with a lot of questions for personal details (d.o.b., location, occupation etc.) to information about your household (occupants, their jobs, computers used etc.)

– It might sound like nitpicking but the site is boring, with greys and browns, no images and no logo

– It’s not always clear what you have to do

– It’ll monitor your internet usage, so if you’re the kind of person who likes your browsing to be private then this probably isn’t for you!

Visit Nielson Online Panel

WISAD

Facts

Stands for What I Say and Do Panel run by GFK
digital panel which monitors your internet usage for the purposes of obtaining data for market research
Collects data on the pages you visit on the internet, the number of times you visit them and, when on your smartphone, it also records location
By installing GfK’s Internet Monitor software on your PC/Laptop and the app on your smartphone and browsing the internet for a minimum of 30 days you receive a £10 e-voucher for each device. You will also receive a further £5 loyalty incentive every 3 months if you continue to browse the internet for at least one day a month for these three months
They say they only use data for market research purposes, and the data they collect will never be used to advertise directly to you
At the beginning of each month they will email you a questionnaire that will take only 5 – 10 minutes as well as also sometimes sending follow up questionnaires too
From time to time panel members are invited to take part in a one off study for an additional incentive. An example of this is a recent 10 minute questionnaire which asked about a particular retailer, for which panelists received £2 for completion
Prizes include entries into several different prize draws which offer vouchers worth £2, £10, £20, £50 or £100
Completing the monthly questionnaire sent to you earns you an entry into these draws

Good

+ Good cash incentives and prizes

Bad

– Long sign up questionnaire includes household type/income, energy providers and feelings about technology

– Layout and ease of navigation shockingly bad!

– We had technical issues where, after completing the registration process, we were redirected to a broken page. We then had a problem signing back in because the confirmation of our email address wasn’t registering

Visit Wisad

iPoll

Facts

Reward depends on length of surveys: under 5 minutes = sweepstakes entry, 5 minutes = £0.30-£0.60, 20 minutes = £1-£2
Redemption threshold is £14.86
Rewards include New Look eGift card, PizzaExpress voucher, iTunes gift code, Rixty Online Entertainment Card or the option to donate to a charity such as Keep a Child Alive, Hope for Haiti, Habitat for Humanity and PETA
You can complete profile questions to receive better focused surveys (but there are loads of questions!)

Good

+ Sign up process not too long (about average)

+ Good long list of surveys

+ Attractive easy to navigate website layout

+ We completed a two minute survey about James Bond, which is a bit more interesting than constantly answering questions about energy providers

Bad

– We tried 15 surveys and were screened out of all but one!

– Even after completing at least 40 profile questions we were still screened out of all the surveys we tried or told they were full

Visit iPoll

Ipsos i-Say

Facts

280 to 980 i-Say points gets you a £2, £4 or £7 donation to “Help Nepal” charity
1,380 i-Say points earn you a £10 leisure voucher (redeemable at Beefeater, Bella Italia, Café Rouge, Pizza Hut, London Eye, Hastings, Marriott, Premier Travel Inn, Chessington Park, Legoland, Madame Tussauds, Sea life, London Pass, Friday’s, and many others), a £10 compliments voucher (redeemable at retail stores such as Argos, WHSmith, Topshop, Accor Hotels, Interflora, TGI Friday’s, and many more) or £10 gift vouchers for either John Lewis, Amazon, iTunes or Zalando

Good

+ Short sign-up with very few questions

+ Profile completion takes only a few minutes and includes lots of lifestyle questions

+ Colourful, easy-to-navigate website with clear information

Bad

– We were rejected as ‘not the right demographic’ after completing our first survey. No other surveys were offered.

Visit IPSOS I-SAY

Panel Base

Facts

Have to wait for surveys, notification by email when one becomes available
Rewards range from £0.25 – £10.00 for a successfully completed survey
Once you have reached the redemption threshold of £10 you will be able to withdraw your rewards
Rewards can be withdrawn by having them paid directly into your bank account, as vouchers sent to your address or as charitable donations

Good

+ Easy sign-up with normal personal questions (name, age, location, house details, income, employment)

+ Good rewards with a threshold which isn’t too high

Bad

– Fully completing profile questions would take a few hours

– After spending a few hours on the site we were only offered one survey

Visit Panel Base

Survey Savvy Connect

Facts

American site
Data collection app for PC/mobile, tracks where you go and what you do on the Internet and collects data on what TV shows people watch online, where people shop online, what people search for etc.
Once you have signed-up and installed the app you may also receive additional survey opportunities that can earn you additional rewards
You can sign-up and not install the app but you will receive less survey invites and rewards will take longer to process
Upon completing surveys you are awarded money that is credited to your account within 4-12 weeks
The minimum amount you can cash in with is $1
You receive payments as a cheque in the post
You can take part in unpaid surveys called ‘member portraits’ that help to target paid surveys more likely to be suited to you (and not screen you out)

Good

+ Fairly simple to navigate, quite attractive with good images and bright colours

+ Low cashing in threshold

+ If you’re screened out of a survey you earn entry into a $10 monthly prize draw

Bad

– Receiving a cheque (particularly for a small amount) isn’t always convenient

Visit Survey Savvy Connect

Toluna

Facts

Have your say on brands and major corporations
Share your opinion to win gifts, cash and test products
Surveys offer a mixture of points

Good

+ Some surveys offer quite a good amount of points (anything between 1,000 to 50,000 points)

+ When we were kicked out of a survey we were entered into a sweepstakes

+ Received regular (but not too many) emails with relevant surveys

Bad

– Got kicked out of a survey after spending 10 minutes because the survey had filled out

– Most prizes need 27,000 points, so you have to put in a lot time

Visit Toluna (iPhone, Android, Desktop)

Our picks of the paid surveys

After having reviewed all the surveys we can see that many have pros and cons which will affect you depending on which demographic you fit into.

That being said, these are our top picks based on our experience:

Inbox Pound
Nielsen Online Panel
RewardsTV-UK
Toluna
OpinionPanel Community – if you’re a student

Which one are you going to try? Do you agree with our reviews? Have you had a different experience? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Paid online surveys reviewed appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/paid-online-surveys-reviewed

Make money from using less electricity

Make Money using less electricity. We take a look at a new initiative called the National Grid Demand Flexibility Service, where energy companies will give you money back if you use less electricity during peak times.

How to register

Check with your energy provider and if they’re participating, they’ll let you know about the National Grid’s event days. It’s easy to set up, and means that on a particular day you can try and use less electricity – usually at an agreed time between 4-7pm. You’ll be reminded an hour before to get ready for that peak hour.

Only those with smart meters can apply

The scheme is based around tracking use over specific periods of the day, so you can only take part if you have a smart meter.

You could earn up to £100 over winter

National Grid ESO has previously said it expects to pay suppliers the equivalent of £3 per unit (kWh) saved. However, suppliers are able to choose whether to pass on the full amount. The exact amount will depend on your electricity use and the number of times you’re prompted to cut your usage during winter.

Also be aware, some of these schemes only run until the end of winter (March) so act fast to take advantage.

How to prepare

Once you’ve signed up, go round your home switching off all of the unnecessary plugs and power down everything in your office.

Keep your fridge and WiFi on, but turn off your microwave, for example, and your Alexa. Anything that’s non-essential and usually running in the background.

How much can I earn?

After the hour is up, you’ll be emailed to say that the event has finished. You could earn anything from £1-£2, if you lasted the whole hour that is!

Make money now!

It’s completely free to be part of this scheme if you’re with E.ON Next, British Gas, Octopus Energy and Ovo Energy. Sign up now by clicking on the link that applies to you, and you’ll see what deals each supplier is offering.

E.On Next

To get involved you will need a smart meter that automatically sends half hourly readings, so they can calculate your daily electricity use. If you want to get a smart meter to take part or switch your current smart meter to half-hourly reading then find out how. You’ll also need to give them ‘marketing consent’ so they can contact you about the scheme, which you can do in your E.ON Next customer profile on their website.

If you’re an E.ON Next customer they’ll contact you if you are eligible to take part – so keep an eye on your inbox. Shifting your energy use with the Demand Flexibility Service is a great opportunity to earn rewards for saving energy to lower your bills this winter.

British Gas

Taking part is really easy – all you have to do is try and reduce the electricity you use in Peak Save sessions until the end of March.

Each session will last between 30 minutes and 4 hours. They’ll be in touch beforehand, so you can decide if it’s convenient to take part.
During the session, try to use less electricity than you normally would. The target is 30% less.
They’ll do the calculations through your smart meter and let you know how much you saved.
Save money on your electricity bill – you could earn the equivalent of 6 days free electricity.
As this is a trial, British Gas not able to invite all our customers to take part at the moment. So if you haven’t been sent an invitation, unfortunately you can’t sign up right now.

Octopus Energy

Earn rewards for using less at peak times this winter: cutting down on energy at certain times of day can have a bigger impact on the planet, the energy system, and your wallet.

With Saving Sessions, Octopus reward you for using less power – and give you the chance to win mystery prizes too.

It’s entirely free to get involved HERE, your tariff and energy payments won’t change, and you can opt out any time.

OVO

Customers are rewarded up to £100 for shifting energy usage to (on average) greener times of day.
New trial helps to reduce peak demand on grid over winter.
Typical household uses a fifth of their daily energy between 4pm and 7pm.

Supports OVO’s Plan Zero mission to decarbonise homes and save consumers money

OVO is the UK’s third largest energy supplier, and recently announced the launch of Power Move – an innovative new trial helping customers to cut usage during peak times and save money.

The trial rewards customers up to £100 in total for moving non-essential energy use to times when the grid is (on average) greener and less congested. Find out more HERE.

The post Make money from using less electricity appeared first on MoneyMagpie.

Original source: https://www.moneymagpie.com/make-money/make-money-from-using-less-electricity

Instagram tests Multi-Advertiser ads, cramming four ads into one screen

Instagram is piloting a new ad layout that crams four sponsored posts into one screen.

It’s the platform’s latest take on Multi-Advertiser ads, which groups together related sponsored posts from different businesses and serves them to people who have recently shown an interest in related products or services.

The new layout is being displayed between Reels. Advertisers can disable this feature by opting out in Settings.

Why we care. Bombarding Instagram users with so many ads at once may keep CPMs low. However, it could also potentially annoy users, making it harder for brands to capture consumers’ attention, which will negatively impact CTR and ROI.

Not all impressions are equal. While brands may initially see some success with this new ad format, the novelty will wear off and users will eventually opt to skip the content, said Barry Hott, Growth Marketing Consultant and Advisor:

“Meta’s getting greedy here and trying to squeeze more ad impressions out of their users, particularly on Reels. Great reminder of how all impressions are not equal. I would consider this impression much lower value than a full Reels or Feed ad placement, but it can be used to serve cheap CPMs, more like a right column placement.
“Lower CPMs on an optimized platform with multiple varied placements are not better for you. When you see lower CPMs, don’t celebrate it, question it.
“If your attribution setting includes 1-day view, this placement can be used by the system to get more cheap (non-incremental) 1-day view conversions.
“My bet is this placement will work well for a couple of months before the novelty wears off and users catch on that this interface is solely for them to be served ads and they’ll learn to subconsciously block and skip them.”

The risk of annoying users. Katharine Mckee, digital commerce consultant, raised her concerns over the ad product interrupting the user experience:

“I would assume that some of this is driven by customer interest. The example may be throwing it off, but all of those [ads in the example] are cheesy/spammy and highly likely to be skipped.
“It may make sense from a UX perspective to put the seemingly identical things together in one skippable bomb rather than irritating users.
“Put all the skippable rubbish into one easy-to-ignore slot. I cannot wait to see the ugly reel!”

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See terms.

What Instagram is saying. Instagram announced its multi-advertiser format via an announcement in its Help Center:

“Multi-advertiser ads help people discover and compare products from multiple businesses. This ad unit, available for selected placements on Facebook and Instagram, gives advertisers the opportunity to be discovered by people who have recently shown an interest in related products or businesses.”
“In the multi-advertiser ad unit, personalized ads from different businesses are shown in a carousel format beneath an ad that a shopper has recently engaged with. An ad for a wedding dress might appear beside another brand’s ad for a wedding cake, for example.”
“The advertiser decides where the action button within their multi-advertiser ad takes people. At the end of the carousel, an action button links to a feed of ads, where shoppers can explore more related products or services (currently only available on Instagram).”
“This feature is being gradually introduced and may not be available to you yet.”

The post Instagram tests Multi-Advertiser ads, cramming four ads into one screen appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/instagram-multi-advertiser-ads-four-reels-430837

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

It’s been just over six months since the new AI-powered Bing with Bing Chat launched – but its overall search engine market share remains virtually unchanged globally and in the U.S.

Why we care. When the new Bing launched, it felt like the dawn of an exciting new era in search. Microsoft seemed to have a legitimate chance to erode some of Google’s dominance and become a truly worthy competitor to Google, thanks to its new conversational and generative AI take on search. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened.

By the numbers. Bing’s U.S. search market share was 6.47% in July, per web analytics service StatCounter.

In February, when new Bing launched, it’s market share was 6.35%. Bing’s market share peaked at 6.61% in March.
But Bing’s U.S. market share was typically over 7% in 2022, with a high of 7.82% in November.

Bing’s global search market share was 2.99% in July, per StatCounter.

The highest Bing’s global search market share has been this year was in January, at 3.03%, a month before new Bing was announced. In 2022, Bing was consistently over 3%.

Microsoft disputes these numbers. A WSJ article today (paywalled, so I’m not linking to it) noted that:

“[Microsoft] disputed outside data, saying third-party data companies aren’t measuring all the people who are going directly to Bing’s chat page.”

StatCounter said its data takes traffic to and from Bing’s chat into account. Here’s what digital intelligence platform SimilarWeb told me:

“It’s possible that we’re missing some of the Bing Chat interactions that use an Edge sidebar / extension, but I don’t know how significant that is in the grand scheme of things.”

Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft’s corporate VP and consumer CMO, told WSJ the company’s internal data shows Bing taking market share from Google, but failed to provide any figures.

“We’ve made more progress in the last six months than we have in the previous decade or two combined. We’re delighted with our start,” Mehdi said.

This claim seems a bit odd, considering around this time 10 years ago, Bing’s search market share was 17.9%, per comScore.

How Microsoft celebrates six months. Microsoft’s Aug. 7 blog post highlighting the number of chats (1 billion) and images created (750 million), as well as nine quarters of growth for Edge. And it earned them a surprising amount of PR thanks to many publications covering the launchiversary (Search Engine Land was not among those, because there was nothing new to report to you).

More data. I also checked with SimilarWeb and comScore for their latest data on Bing’s lack of growth. Here’s what a SimilarWeb spokesperson told me:

“We can see a little bit of growth for Bing, but it’s incremental. According to our official rankings for the search engine category, they were the #2 search engine with a little over 2% traffic share in the U.S. as of July, but still at about 1% worldwide.”

Meanwhile, Bing saw a 6% decline in unique visitors and total visits from February to July, according to data from analytics firm comScore. Bing’s unique visitors and total visits also declined 2% year on year in July.

Dig deeper. Here’s some of our previous coverage of the AI search engine arms race that never actually became a race:

The post The new Bing has failed to take any market share from Google after six months appeared first on Search Engine Land.

Original source: https://searchengineland.com/new-bing-google-market-share-six-months-430840

Everyone Gets One. These 4 Founders Got It Right Twice (At Least)

Home Business Magazine Online

In music, one-hit wonders light up the record charts for a few weeks and then fall off the map forever. Some leave the business altogether, while others manage to have long, unglamorous careers as working musicians.

Things are murkier in the startup world, where one-exit wonders are super common. These folks found or get in on the ground floor of early-stage companies destined for big things. They scale those companies into enterprises worth tens or hundreds of millions, maybe billions. Eventually, they cash out via a private acquisition, IPO, or internal share sale.

Often, that exit leaves them with quite a bit of cash on hand. Some head right back into the trenches, betting that lightning strikes twice and they’ll multiply their already-considerable riches. Many advise younger founders. Most do early-stage investing as well.

Whatever they do, it’s surprisingly rare for these successful founders to find themselves in the driver’s seat of another rocket-ship startup. But some do.

Are they lucky, good, or both? Let’s take a look at four founders who made winning bets on at least two big tech trends and see what they have in common.

1. Jeff Bezos

Not long after EarthLink made the internet accessible and affordable for any American with a phone line, Jeff Bezos saw the opportunity that would make him (at one point) the world’s richest person. Amazon.com began humbly enough, as an online bookseller, but it quickly grew into the Western world’s biggest retailer.

As Amazon scaled, Bezos saw another opportunity, this time harnessing the excess processing power of Amazon’s massive server farms. Amazon Web Services, or AWS, was born; the brand is now Amazon’s biggest revenue engine.

Bezos wasn’t done. After stepping back from Amazon, he poured his soul into the emerging commercial spaceflight industry. His Blue Origin isn’t quite as well known as its chief rival, Elon Musk’s SpaceX, it’s built to last. Bezos was confident enough in its proprietary takeoff system to claim a seat on its first commercial flight to near-space.

2. Sky Dayton

Back in the early 1990s, Sky Dayton’s first attempt to access the nascent internet turned into an multiday ordeal. It was enough to convince him to launch a company to make it easy for anyone to get online.

That company became EarthLink, an independent dial-up provider that became one of the most successful tech companies of the pre-dotcom era (and a huge tailwind for the early internet economy).

After stepping back from day-to-day management of EarthLink, Dayton made another bet on the future of the internet. This time, it was WiFi; his Boingo became the undisputed leader in public WiFi service during the early 2000s.

Dayton went for a three-peat with a pre-iPhone smartphone play, called Helios. Like Blackberry and Palm, Helios missed the smartphone boom by this much, but it undeniably laid the groundwork for pocket-sized supercomputing.

3. Elon Musk

Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos have more in common than sharing the “richest person in the world” title at different times. They both made their first fortune off Web 1.0, albeit in different parts of the value chain. In Musk’s case, his breakthrough was digital payments; PayPal, which he helped build from the ground up, remains a leader in the space.

Musk turned his eye to an even grander goal toward the end of the 2000s: electrifying personal transportation. It was a long and winding road, but Tesla is now the world’s most valuable automaker. You probably know someone who drives one, if you don’t yourself.

Like Bezos, Musk was also a commercial spaceflight pioneer. His SpaceX now competes for U.S. government contracts with the likes of Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and General Dynamics, and it’s a major player in private satellite launches too. More than any other company, it’s responsible for bending the spaceflight cost curve down to the point where near-Earth colonization looks plausible.

4. Marc Andreessen

If you “surfed the Web” in its early days, you may also have Marc Andreessen to thank. Convinced that the internet was the future of information-sharing, Andreessen helped develop and launch Netscape, the first commercially successful Web browser. Parent company Mosaic’s 1995 IPO made him a multimillionaire before his 25th birthday.

Rather than fade into anonymity as a philanthropist, as many of his Web 1.0 compatriots did, Andreessen retooled as one of Silicon Valley’s most prolific investors. In 2009, Andreessen took what many fellow venture capitalists believed was a foolish bet on Skype, a low-cost voice-over-internet platform that hadn’t yet gained much traction in North America. He got the last laugh just two years later, when Microsoft purchased Skype for nearly four times what Andreessen paid for it. Today, Skype is recognized as the digital communications forerunner that spawned imitators like WhatsApp and Signal.

Lucky…or Good?

In moments of candor, most successful entrepreneurs admit that they wouldn’t be where they are without a fair bit of luck.

“Luck” might mean being born into family money, or meeting the right people in college, or simply being an early employee at a startup that hit the jackpot. Elon Musk grudgingly acknowledges that family wealth gave him an early edge; Mark Zuckerberg met Facebook’s earliest investors and key employees at Harvard.

But no one in their right mind argues that Musk and Zuckerberg aren’t also great at building companies. They’ve both proven their worth several times over. So while it might be better to be lucky than good, clearly it’s best to be both.

The post Everyone Gets One. These 4 Founders Got It Right *Twice* (At Least) appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Original source: https://homebusinessmag.com/businesses/success-stories-businesses/everyone-gets-one-4-founders-got-right-twice/