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Tag: strategy

  • Stop Sabotaging Your Growth—Discover the Hidden Threats to Your Business

    Stop Sabotaging Your Growth—Discover the Hidden Threats to Your Business

    Seven Common Mistakes That Kill Growing Businesses

    When your business starts picking up speed, it’s vital that you don’t let your actions turn into a killing blow right at the start. Over the next seven weeks I’ll break down the most frequent pitfalls that have swallowed countless startups.

    MISTAKE 1 – Trying to Do Everything On Your Own

    It’s easy to think that keeping everyone on your team to a minimum will save money, but that shortcut can backfire big time. Picture this: you’re sprinting every day, juggling orders, emails, customer support, and strategic planning, all at once. Suddenly, there’s no room for a pause, for thinking ahead, or foreseeing trouble. That’s the classic “fire‑fight → calm → fire‑fight” cycle.

    When it starts feeling like you’re always in a firefight, it’s a clear signal: you’re doing too much yourself.

    • Family Time vs. Work Time: The guilt of not being present for family can pile up, leading to burnout and even collapse.
    • Late Hiring: Many owners wait until the cracks show before bringing in help. By then, the damage is often irreversible.
    • Proactive Planning: Think ahead and recruit before the exhaustion hits.

    So next time you find yourself back in the firefight loop, picture the opposite scenario – a calm, balanced workday. Break that vision into actionable steps, split them into bite‑size chunks, implement them, and keep an eye on progress. If you spot early warning signs, intervene before the cycle repeats.

  • Betrayal Unleashed: Small Business Owners Cry Out as Google AI Devastates Search

    Betrayal Unleashed: Small Business Owners Cry Out as Google AI Devastates Search

    March 2024: A Kitchen Moment Turns Into a Google Surprise

    Snap, Sip, and a Sudden Drop

    Picture this: Morgan McBride, half‑renovated kitchen in full splash, strikes a pose for a Google photo shoot. The goal? To showcase how Google had turned her family’s DIY haven, Charleston Crafted, into a lean, mean room‑renovation machine.

    Fast‑forward a few weeks, and Morgan’s Google traffic takes a nosedive – and by “nosedive” we mean a 70‑plus percent plunge. Talk about a twist in the tale!

    Behind the Scenes

    • Google’s promise: “We’ll help makers like you reach the universe.”
    • Charleston Crafted’s reality check: “We’re living in a better house, but our visitors are booking flight tickets to other homes.”
    • Unexpected culprit: Perhaps a search algorithm update that nudged “DIY” to the back of the queue.

    What We Learnt

    Even when your kitchen looks half‑finished and your poster’s in front of a tech titan, a misstep in algorithm can feel like a sudden rainstorm in your well‑planned day. It’s a reminder that marketing isn’t a one‑time paint job – it’s a continuous, evolving masterpiece.

    Bottom line

    Morgan’s story is a wake‑up call for DIY site owners: keep an eye on trends, stay agile, and never underestimate the power of the digital ecosystem. After all, a fresh kettle of ideas might be all you need to refill your traffic cup.

    Morgan McBride’s SEO Slump: The AI Summaries Are Drowning Her

    Remember when Google’s algorithm updates were a guessing game? Morgan McBride, the veteran home‑renovation writer, thought she’d learned to ride the wave. But now AI‑generated snippets are pulling her readers out of her stories and putting them onto a quick‑fire front page that’s missing critical details—and costing her big time.

    So What’s Going On?

    Google’s new feature shows a short, AI‑made summary right at the top of many search results. These bite‑size pieces sometimes offer renovation tips that are not just wrong, but could literally put a homeowner at risk. The irony? Readers flock to the summary, not to the full story.

    The Money‑Making Problem

    • Advertising revenue on McBride’s site has slipped 65%.
    • That drop translates into tens of thousands of dollars lost.
    • She’s gone from a steady audience to a depleted traffic pool.

    Publishers in the Same Boat

    It’s not just Morgan. Gisele Navarro, managing editor of HouseFresh, sees her hard‑crafted content slapped into these AI summaries. The result? Viewers never click through to her site, so revenue stays on the sidewalk.

    Analytics Speak Loudly
    • Increasing share of search impressions.
    • Fewer corresponding clicks.
    • Monetization takes a nosedive.

    To keep her output relevant, McBride says she can’t “just sit around waiting for things to turn around.” She’s actively testing new ways to hook readers back into the full content—maybe it’s time to show a teaser or a striking image before the AI‑summary takes the spotlight.

    Why This Feels Like a Freak

    Imagine you’re looking for a “DIY kitchen backsplash” fix. Google gives you a quick “This may not be safe—check your local codes.” Instead of a full guide, you hit the summary and bail. Now we’ve got a ripple effect: less traffic, fewer ads, and more uncertainty for the creators.

    The Road Ahead

    So what can writers do? Offer a hook that only the full article can unroll. Maybe chunk the narrative into a thought‑provoking preface; under the AI snippet, a little “read on” button that actually sends them back. Turn the AI advantage into a marketing weapon.

    In the grand scheme of things, this might just be the next hurdle in the SEO arena. But for Morgan McBride, it’s a stubborn reality: the AI summaries stand in front, the readers skip past, and her revenue plummets.

    Time to out‑smart Google’s chrome window, one witty headline at a time.

    When Google Switches the Tune on Small Sites

    Picture this: you’re a tiny indie website hero, building up content like a chef bakes a batch of cupcakes. Then, out of nowhere, Google’s new AI Overviews drop a mega‑synthesized answer box on every search result, squeezing your traffic out like a coffee filter. And that’s just the beginning—wardrobe changes in Google’s search algorithm keep coming.

    What’s Happening?

    • Google’s AI Overviews (a fancy all‑in‑one answer) rise, bundling info from dozens of sites into one concise box.
    • Search tweaks mean fewer clicks warily land on those small pockets of valuable content.
    • Publishers feel the sting: their traffic bottles are popping, and the audience they crave is flowing elsewhere.

    Why It Matters

    For years, there’s been a sweet dance: websites give the world useful info, Google returns the crowd. Now, that choreography is being renamed in real time, and the small groove is skipping.

    What Creators Are Saying

    • “It feels like we’re getting boxed out—like we’re the surprise on the side, not the star of the show.”
    • “When my site worked, people found it through search. Now, they’re looking straight into the AI box and missing the trail.”
    • “If we’re not there, we’re invisible, and that’s a heavy drop for niche audiences.”

    How You Can Help

    Staunch supporters can turn the tide by giving Brain Rescue a whirl—think of it as a lifeline for small digital homes. Every click, comment, or share keeps the content community strong and the blog‑world buzzing.

    Give Brain Rescue a try and show that indie sites still deserve a fair share of the spotlight. Because when one platform hits the right note, we all get to dance!

    Hot Deal Alert: No Returns, All Rewards!

    Why you’ll feel like a champion with every purchase

    Feast your eyes on this offer:

    • 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed – Love it or we’ll refund you. No paperwork, no hassle.
    • No Returns Needed – Keep the product, keep the cash. Shh, it’s a secret.
    • Talk to Us Anytime – Just drop a line if something’s off. We’re here to help, not to send you back.

    Ready to jump in? Here’s why you shouldn’t miss out.

    Picture this: your new purchase packaged in an Instant Joy Package. If it’s not the magic you hoped for, the refund is as swift as a zip‑line. No stacks of boxes to ship back – that’s the industry standard, but we’ve turned it into a no‑return revolution.

    Fortified by Data: Google’s AI reigns in 74% of problem-solving searches

    SEO guru and digital marketer Pritam Ghosh (handy for a quick check on BrightEdge) brings us a compelling stat: the majority of problem‑solving queries on Google are answered by AI overviews. That means when someone is hunting a solution, the answer is sitting right—ready—on the screen and faster than ever.

    • Search = Answer – No digging through pages, just the solution in a flash.
    • Be the first to get the insight – Stay ahead of the tech curve, because AI is now the king of quick fixes.
    • Enjoy the speed – Spare zero time; grab the solution before coffee brews.
    Wrap it up – Your next best move

    So, why wait? Smash the Buy Now button, feel the rush, and rest easy knowing you’ve got a 100% satisfaction insurance in your back pocket.

    Key Insights by Query Category

    AI Answers are the New Superheroes of Search

    Ever wonder why Google’s AI socks are on the high table for some questions but not for others? A fresh study from BrightEdge scoured a whopping 100,000 search keywords, turned up four distinct search types, and then checked how often the AI’s slick summaries popped up.

    What the Numbers Say

    • Problem‑Solving Queries – 74% of the time the AI delivers the fix. Think “how to stop a leaky faucet” or “reset my Wi‑Fi password.”
    • Informational Queries – 63% of the time AI steps in. Examples: “why does the sky turn blue?” or “what’s the science behind climate change?”
    • Navigational Queries – Only 13% see the AI. These are the go‑to “search” for a mood‑boosting page like “Facebook login.”
    • Transactional Queries – The smallest slice, 5%. Questions like “buy running shoes” rarely trigger a chatty AI answer.

    Why the Pickier at the Shopping Cart?

    It turns out Google is still playing “no‑close‑up” with anything that’s explicitly about buying or logging in. As it stands, the AI’s winning game is helping users dig into the deep‑end of research questions—what makes the world tick, how to fix a stubborn appliance, and all the other “I‑need–to‑know‑this” bits.

    Bottom‑Line Takeaway

    Google’s AI is basically the “Google concierge” but only for the scholarly and the troubleshooting crowd. When a user wants to jump straight to the basket or log into a social site, the AI’s more “sitting back.” It’s a nice reminder that even with all of the AI wizardry, certain tasks still call for the human touch—or a good ol’ click on the link.

    Impact on Click-Through Rates (CTR)

    AI Overviews are the New Rockstars of Search

    What’s the Big Deal?

    Ever notice how some search results look like they’re chatting in a coffee shop, instantly answering every question? Those AI Overviews crash the top spot and keep users scrolling the big picture out of the way.

    Here’s the Mixed‑Signal Stats:

    • When an AI Overview appears as number one, organic click‑through rates drop by a staggering 25%. Your trusty blue links lose a chunk of their groove.
    • They dominate the visibility field, snagging seven out of ten spots in the top five for almost nine out of ten queries that trigger them.

    In plain English, these smart snippets are turning the search arena into a “choose your adventure” platform. Users get quick answers without clicking, so the humble link gets less traffic.

    What It Means for You

    If you’re still chasing clicks from traditional listings, you might want to consider that AI Overviews arrive with a thunderclap and a user‑pleasing smile. Embrace the change or be ready to remix your strategy.

    A Fractured Compact

    Google’s Traffic Meltdown: The AI, Seasons, and the Small Publisher Drama

    Google’s “No Blame, No Shame” Statement

    • Big‑Name Deflection: Google says it’s “misleading to make generalisations about the causes” of the traffic drop, pointing out that each case is unique.
    • Official Reasons: Seasonal cycles, shifting user tastes, and routine search algorithm tweaks are the supposed culprits.
    • Takeaway: Google can’t be held fully accountable for the sudden tumble in clicks.

    Similarweb’s “Reality Check” on Small Publisher Sites

    • Wide‑Spreading Decline: Analysis of 67 small‑publisher sites—covering lifestyle, travel, DIY, and cooking—shows a consistent downward trend.
    • Travel Is the Heaviest Hit: The worst losses happen on travel sites, lining up right after Google rolled out sturdy AI‑generated content for the niche.
    • Big Picture: Even if Google’s big‑picture explanation sounds neat, data shows the real damage is happening across the board.

    Bottom Line

    So, while Google may not admit it’s the villain, the numbers from Similarweb suggest a more complicated story where AI, seasonal habits, and regular updates all play a part. Small publishers in the travel, lifestyle, DIY, and cooking spheres are feeling a jolt—and they’re not ready to clap back… yet.

    Google’s New Trend: The Rise of “AI Overviews” and the Unexpected Traffic Drop

    Google’s search team has had a candid moment. In October, the company pulled a handful of creators—about 20, just a few dozen—into their Mountain View HQ for a private sit‑down.

    What Happened Inside the Google House

    • Apology & High‑Quality Content Emphasis
      Google’s search squad apologized, insisting that the sites involved are the kind of quality content they want to surfacing.
    • Reality Check
      They also admitted that the “old traffic numbers” might never come back. The whole search landscape has shifted.

    Talking With the Owls of Mountain Weekly News

    Mike Hardaker’s Dilemma—the brain behind Mountain Weekly—once pulled in a cool $250,000 from ad revenue. Fast forward to late 2024, he was stocking up on food bank lines. The question he tossed in the room? “Can my site bounce back, or am I just shouting into the void?” The chief search scientist, Pandu Nayak, could offer no magic spells—just a sincere “sorry.”

    Data‑Driven Insights from the Marketing Front

    • Semrush Findings
      More clicks on Google’s side but fewer visits to the actual websites.
    • Raptive’s Rough Forecast
      Publishers could lose up to a quarter of their traffic to AI overviews.
    • BrightEdge’s Discovery
      Big winners: Wikipedia, TripAdvisor, & the ever‑popular YouTube (yes, Google’s own).
    Recipe Summaries: A Case of “Half‑In, Half‑Out”

    Google’s pilot program for recipe snippets is a double‑edged sword. While some food bloggers get a cool compensatory splash, Raptive warns that if the feature expands, traffic to food sites could shrink to half. “We’re losing our community ties,” lamented Lisa Bryan of Downshiftology, echoing the frustration of fellow cooks.

    Power Dynamics: The Unbalanced Dance

    For years, Google held the reins, but lately, publishers feel the scale tipping toward a perilous wedge.

    • Jake Boly’s Take—the founder of That Fit Friend—questioned Google’s sustainability plan. “If Google pushes out all the enthusiasts and tiny publishers, we’ll drown in spam and just a handful of big spenders,” he said.
    • Balancing the Scales—the now‑larger fear is that small creators will be left with nothing but echo chambers.

    Bottom Line

    Google’s AI overviews are reshaping the search battlefield. While it aims to deliver high‑quality clicks, the shift threatens the very lifeblood—traffic—to small creators. The challenge? Finding a middle ground where quality meets viability. The conversation is far from over, but one thing’s clear: the dynamics of the internet are never static.

    Google’s Latest HQ‑Humor: When AI Turns a Beach Trip into a Luggage Lesson

    Picture this: You’re scrolling for a quick beach‑side getaway near Philly. Google, in its infinite wisdom, suggests what? A luggage‑storage company and a driving school. The conclusion? A scenic spot that doubles as a “best place to park your bags.”

    Why the Glare

    • Laura Longwell of Travel Addicts blasted the mash‑up, calling it “laughable” how such advice can survive in the wild.
    • Even top‑ranked sites that brag your expertise and authority (the famed EEAT framework) are now getting penalized for their “authentic” content.
    • Hardaker’s retort: “It feels like Google is gaslighting us, saying, ‘Don’t write for search.’ Who am I writing for then?”

    Where We Fall Short

    The core issue isn’t just that algorithms are wrong— the content itself is bent on making sense of nonsensical data. 90% of AI-generated summaries bought in to think they’re factual. The result? Feats of nonsense, bizarre boards that intermingle.

    Our Take
    • Athletic real‑world knowledge is still the sweet spot. Go back to the living rooms, not the warp‑drive of GPT.
    • SEO must evolve; human “experience” matters. We’re not playing experience mining IQs for quacks.
    • Time to wrap the connective tissue back on us — that trusty old integrity of writing that humans want and Google’s superhero trust now.

    Bottom line: Google’s revolution is in fact a discussion between the truth-layers and a lazy AI branched with belts. It’s time people put a big “human” flag on those summaries._

    ‘Betrayed, That’s the Word’

    Lost in the Google Swamp

    Picture this: a sunny 2008, a pair of Toronto‑based wanderers, Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil, decide to turn their passport stamps into an online adventure called The Planet D. They pour their souls into the blog, hoping the world will see their wanderlust.

    The Google‑Fueled Dream

    • Google Search was their secret sauce – it funneled 90% of readers straight to their posts.
    • Every paragraph they typed felt like a jackpot ticket, and revenue flowed like a river.
    • They even had a small team that kept the blog humming.

    One Day, the AI Overlords Arrive

    Then the big-game AI Overviews rolled out, and the future looked a little… glitchy.

    • The traffic dropped half as fast as they could get their coffee.
    • Visitor numbers kept falling—like a snowball who lost its weight.
    • Thanks to the lack of visitors, revenue shrank and the team was forced to tighten belts.
    • They ultimately stopped posting new content; the blog turned into a digital museum.

    Pivot Time: YouTube to the Rescue?

    Undeterred, Dave and Debra decided to hop on the only other Google playground—YouTube. They moved the wanderlust theme from text to video, hoping to reconnect with the audience. They’ve re‑branded themselves, uploaded videos, and tried to recapture the spark.

    The Sting of Betrayal

    In a telling moment, Dave confessed: “I feel betrayed by Google.” Durant’s reply? “Betrayed—that’s the word.” The pain isn’t just numbers, it’s feelings, and they’re still carrying that sting.

    So if you’re watching them navigate a world where AI can wean you off a perfect traffic trail, you know the struggle: you’re not just dealing with a change in metrics; you’re battling an emotional minefield while chasing your dream.

  • Score a Smash! Join Eastern Florida State College\’s Debut Beach Volleyball Bash on April 26 – Space Coast Daily

    Score a Smash! Join Eastern Florida State College\’s Debut Beach Volleyball Bash on April 26 – Space Coast Daily

    Register at Melbourne Campus, Bldg. 12, Student Housing Activity Courts by April 20 AT 5 p.m.

    Score a Smash! Join Eastern Florida State College\’s Debut Beach Volleyball Bash on April 26 – Space Coast Daily

    Summer Sand Showdown: Hit the Courts at EFS College!

    Grab a buddy, lace up your sneakers, and get ready to jump onto the sand at Eastern Florida State College. This adventure marks the inaugural beach volleyball tournament in Eastern Florida – it’s going to be a real splash of fun.

    When & Where

    • Event date: Saturday, April 26, 2025.
    • Location: Melbourne Campus, Building 12, Student Housing Activity Courts.

    How to Sign Up

    Secure your spot in person before April 20, 5 p.m. or simply fill out the quick RSVP form and receive a confirmation straight to your inbox. The sooner you register, the better your chance to win the bragging rights.

    Registration Steps

    1. Show up at Building 12 and register with the Student Housing staff.
    2. Bring a teammate – double the partners, double the fun.
    3. Pick up your ticket and tournament kit.
    4. Enjoy the sweet taste of competition on the sand.
    What’s the Deal?

    This is a high‑energy, sand‑filled showdown that tests your agility, teamwork, and strategy. Matches go to 15 points, with the need to win by a margin of two points. The first-place team will walk away with trophies, bragging rights, and the sheer satisfaction of claiming beach volleyball supremacy.

    New to Beach Volleyball?

    No biggie! The game is played in pairs on a sandy court. Points come in when your opponents fail to return the ball, commit a fault, or send the ball out of bounds.

    Got Questions?

    Drop by on campus, hit info@efs.edu, or fill out the RSVP form. We’re happy to help you get ready for the match of the season.

    Heads up! Sand will likely get everywhere – in shoes, pockets, possibly even on your unsuspecting coffee. But hey, that’s all part of the beach volleyball glory!

    REGISTER HERE >>

    Team Up and Dive In!

    What You Need to Know

    • Team Size: Two people per team. We’ll try our best to match you up, but we can’t promise a perfect partner.
    • Documentation: Grab the liability waiver from the EFSC promotions page. If you’re under 18, a parent or guardian must sign it and bring the filled‑out form to the event.

    The EFSC Advantage

    • Legacy: Established in 1960, EFSC has become one of America’s top state colleges, offering quality instruction and cutting‑edge programs.
    • Reach: We’re proud to serve the Space Coast across four campuses and the online platform, Eastern Florida Online.
    • Why Join? Discover our rich history and the many perks of becoming a proud EFSC Titan.

    Ready to get started? Head over to the EFSC promotions web page for the full scoop on rules, eligibility, and the waiver download.

    HOT OFF THE PRESS! April 14, 2025 Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper

    Hot Off the Press!
    Space Coast Daily News – Brevard County’s Best Newspaper (April 14, 2025)

    Hey there, Space Coast fam! We’ve just dropped the freshest scoop straight from the newsroom to your screen, and it’s hotter than a rocket launch.

    • Burning‑hot summaries that keep you ahead of the curve.
    • Space news that’s out of this world.
    • Exclusive behind‑the‑scenes glimpses of Brevard County.

    Stay tuned, stay informed, and let us bring the headline to your living room—no press pass needed!

  • Calling all regional estate agents: solidify your standing within the community post covid

    Calling all regional estate agents: solidify your standing within the community post covid

    As Britain moves out of official lockdown and into the recovery phase post-covid, the property market nationwide has had to adapt.

    Business Matters speaks to Jamie Rolls, Residential Sales and Lettings Director of regional estate agents Anglotown, about the impact of covid on their business and the property market in general at this time.

    Would you say that the industry is now in recovery despite the country’s general economic state?

    So far yes. I think that lockdown has made a lot of people re-assess their
    I think that providing banks are still lending money, people will always buy property. We’ve been overrun with enquiries since some of the bans were lifted because I think lockdown has made a lot of people question where they live. People who haven’t got gardens or balconies are wanting to sell and move and a lot of people want walking access to nature or to live by the sea just in case a second wave of the virus occurs and restrictions go in place again.

    What steps have you taken to adapt during and post covid?

    Covid has been the biggest test our business has known to date. We knew that if we were to survive we needed to react very quickly to the news of a lockdown. Myself and the other two partners sat down and discussed what we wanted to achieve and then developed a strategy for how best to implement the plan. We wanted our staff to remain with us long term so in the short term we furloughed some members and topped up the 80% government funding with 20% to ensure they had 100% of their wages every month. We wanted to reassure our staff immediately that they would be looked after as the stress of the uncertainty could have been bad for their mental health.
    Then we personally called and checked in with all of our rental tenants and landlords to discuss all options available to them. We wanted to make sure that where possible people knew that they were supported.

    A lot of long days …

    Yes particularly running at a 50% work force. To adhere to the social distancing rules we were creating schedules of who needed specific information at certain times to ensure there was only ever one person in the office.

    So the most important element presiding through the lockdown and moving forwards for you is communication.

    Yes and caring. I think if you have those two elements you’ll make sure you’re listening to your staff and customers to ensure everybody’s needs are met and if you care then you’re going to take extra time to help them.

    Has your industry been affected by online ‘sell it yourself’ companies?

    We haven’t seen a massive knock on effect since those types of websites came to the marketplace and I think that’s largely due to their client base being very different to ours.

    How so?

    Well when it comes to selling your personal property people fall into one of two categories – they either want to co-ordinate the images and sale themselves or they want to hand it over to an expert who knows what the state of the property market is on any given road and sell it accordingly. An agent will be proactive and create opportunities. If they’re good and have been established for a while they will also have a network of investors and people primed to sell to. Very often leading to properties not even being placed on the market or not being visible for very long.

    So really solidify your USPs to your local community …

    Yes, be tenacious and revamp your service until you feel certain and proud to deliver it. As an agent you should know how to advise clients on whether or not a property needs renovation before selling and work out how to do so in a cost effective way for your clients. You must be transparent about all of your fees, know how to price properties at just the right price point.

    What advice would you give to fellow agents who may have had their business seriously uprooted during the past four months?

    Make your business as cohesive as possible – some people love moving and find it exciting, however if people associate it with vast amounts of stress then you need to build your business to ease that worry and take stress away. Create links with interior designers, local tradesmen for upkeep and repairs. Ensure that people in your proximity know that you’re there and trading. Good local knowledge is essential but the most crucial element of all is communication – both with your team and your audience. People want everything instantly now so get back to people as quickly as possible. Set up systems for dealing with inquiries as they happen as opposed to allocating time at the end of each day.

    Do you think having links with London is beneficial?

    Yes, I think wherever your business is based, ensure that you build good links with property teams in London, so the moment they are asked about sourcing a property for a client whether it be for relocating or to have as a weekend home.
    I also think taking pride in knowing your local area and staying abreast of council changes to systems and land is essential. You can be the first to jump on board with investment opportunities then. There are so many opportunities for growth within the property world and providing a brilliant service can be expanded on. It takes pride, effort and tenacity, but that’s the same regardless of any business.

  • China‑US Trade War Redirects Imports Through Canada

    China‑US Trade War Redirects Imports Through Canada

    Trade War Tactics: China’s Goods Finding a New Home in Canada

    Shuffling packages to avoid the heat—in the middle of a relentless trade skirmish between the U.S. and its partners, many Chinese exporters have quietly rerouted shipments to Canada. The idea? Skip the steep U.S. tariffs and keep the goods in a less‑taxed harbor, all while hoping for a trade‑friendly future.

    Why Canada Became the “Safe Haven”

    • Up to 50% of Chinese freight was diverted in mid‑April for just a handful of days.
    • Companies like Amazon and Walmart are stockpiling in Canada to keep their inventory out of tariff‑eye land.
    • Some sellers are trust‑worthily waiting for the Trump‑era duties to fade—those can hit a whopping 145%.

    With the U.S., long the world’s biggest consumer, now imposing higher fees, Canadian consumers could hit a sweet spot: low price, high supply. The warehouses are already bursting—just look at the numbers!

    The Ripple Effect on Canada

    Canada is chasing fairness. Last year, Canada slapped hefty tariffs on Chinese electric‑vehicle (EV) gear, steel, and aluminium, aligning with the U.S. for local manufacturing protection. Meanwhile, the country’s finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, introduced measures to level the playing field for the homegrown EV and metal sectors.

    China answered back in late March with 100% tariffs on Canadian agriproducts—canola oil, various meal cakes, and peas. For Canada’s canola farmers, a crop that’s the backbone of cooking oil, fish feed, and biodiesel, this is a direct hit.

    “These new tariffs are devastating for canola farmers and the broader value chain during a time of heightened uncertainty,” declared Chris Davison, president of the Canola Council of Canada. “We urge the government to engage immediately to resolve this issue.”

    EV Industry: A Growing Ambition or a Potential Pitfall?

    • Uncertainty looms over Canada’s EV industry—Will it survive the new tariff maelstrom?
    • Without blanket protection from further tariffs, local manufacturers could see a wave of dumping from China that might ignite a deflationary storm.

    South of the Rockies: Oil Exchange Goes Through the Roof

    Not just manufactured goods: China is importing record amounts of Canadian crude oil after slashing U.S. purchases by nearly 90%. For March alone, the Vancouver port received 7.3 million barrels—a number that’s only expected to climb.

    Canadian oil—high in sulfur but relatively affordable—provides China with a staple that can be refined by its most advanced equipment, bolstering both nations’ strategic interests.

    Bottom Line: Trustees of Tomorrow

    With tariffs fluctuating and trade alliances reshaping, Canada’s manufacturing base is at a crossroads. The country’s next steps—whether more widespread tariffs or deft negotiations—will decide which side of the line it leans toward in this evolving trade battleground.

  • When is it the Right Time to Ask for Help with your marketing?

    When is it the Right Time to Ask for Help with your marketing?

    Developing brand awareness in the market is one of the most challenging barriers that small businesses face. SMEs can easily miss out on potential sales opportunities if they don’t market themselves effectively as customers, buyers and suppliers won’t know where to find them or what’s on offer.

    It doesn’t take a Lord Sugar to know that to generate sales, you need a consistent flow of leads, a returning customer base and strong brand awareness. But what’s now complicating the traditional business formula is the rapidly expanding world of social media. Social media platforms have now heated up the competition and added more complexity to an already busy marketing landscape.
    It’s no wonder, then, that 1 in 3 small businesses outsource at least one business process. As polled by Clutch, 24% of small businesses said that increased efficiency was their top reason for outsourcing whilst other reasons included available expertise (18%), flexibility (16%) and allowing time for employees to prioritise other tasks (15%).

    Can Your SME Manage its Own Marketing?

    Every business is unique and comes with its own set of resources, talent and finances. Knowing whether your small business can manage its own marketing strategy takes some honest self-assessment:

    How much do you understand about marketing? Are you familiar with what strategies exist and how to measure the success of a strategy?
    Do you enjoy marketing?
    Is anyone on your team skilled in a particular area? Do they have an eye for design, a way with words or are they a whizz on the computer?
    How much time do you have on your hands?
    How well do you know your marketing needs? Who is your demographic and what platforms do they hang out on?
    Do you have the funds to employ an in-house marketer, or should you think about outsourcing your marketing to a full service marketing and comms agency?

    Tell-tale Signs That Your Small Business Desperately Needs to Outsource its Marketing Strategy

    It’s Been a While Since You Last Reviewed Your Marketing Strategy

    As a minimum to keeping your marketing efforts strong, your social media, email and advertising engagement should be monitored once a day. Reviewing your marketing strategy is essential for keeping up with trends, shifts in demographics, sudden opportunities that arise and making sure your campaign is an all-round success. If it looks like your marketing strategy has cobwebs (and your website was last updated in 2020), then it’s probably time to look at outsourcing.

    You Aren’t Seeing Results

    Monitoring your return on investment is a great way of measuring the success of your marketing strategy. If phones aren’t ringing with leads, customers aren’t placing orders and those that are, aren’t the type of customer you’re aiming for, then that’s another sign to call in for some professional expertise – especially if you feel you’ve been making all the right marketing moves.

    You Don’t Know Where to Start

    Between Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and TikTok, social media can be a bit of a minefield. It can be easy to go guns blazing and sign-up to all (which would only deplete your resources) or, for some, it may even feel a little risky to put yourself out there on an unfamiliar platform. Marketing is a complex subject that requires the right expertise and trying to DIY it all can hoover time and lead to disappointing results.

    Your Efforts are Sporadic

    Disruptions and distractions can come up at any time when manning a small business. Steadying financials, monitoring stock flow and upkeeping staff retention are all core priorities which sometimes mean that marketing is one that falls by the wayside. However, the one secret to a successful marketing campaign is consistency. Consistency and time are what build brand credibility, awareness and a loyal customer base. If you lack resources and your efforts are sporadic, then you aren’t going to be see the healthy trajectory you need.

    Your Schedule is Already Jam-packed

    There are only so many hours in the day. Drafting and proofreading something that may seem as little as a mail-chimp email can take a lot more time than you think – even a single spelling mistake can make a potential customer overlook your brand. If you are going to implement a marketing plan, it’s important to allocate proper time and set realistic expectations as to how much time goes into an effective strategy.

    Your Competitors are Outperforming You

    Keeping an eye on your competitions’ marketing strategy or even stalking their socials is a good way to see how well your strategy could be performing. However, if your competitors are severely outperforming you, then it’s time to either review your current strategy or bring in experts who can offer advice and even take ownership of your strategy for you.

    So, You’ve Chosen to Outsource

    Outsourcing your marketing is an effective way to leverage talent and expertise within the industry whilst securing a consistent and successful strategy. Not only is outsourcing a cost-effective choice, but it can also help your small business focus on core activity and free up time to remain flexible in changing market conditions.
    If you believe outsourcing is the right step for your small business, then check out some of our Top Tips for Selecting a Marketing Agency.