AI
Yelp’s Spring Product Release Leans on LLMs
Yelp launched its annual Spring product release. And it’s heavy on AI. Specifically, the company is positioning large language models to better connect consumers and local businesses.
AI
vcita: Where Do AI and SMBs Meet?
vcita is already devising AI tools that are meant to alleviate longstanding SMB pain points, such as assisting with marketing workflows and broader business strategy.
Distributed Workforce
Rethinking the Distributed Workforce: A Conversation with Howard Lerman
What is the state of Howard Lerman’s Ro.am and where is it going next. We sit down with the energetic founder to find out more.
Benchmark Bytes
What are the Most Popular SMB Digital Marketing Channels?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
BirdEye
L24: Birdeye Launches Partner Command Center
Today at Localogy’s L24 conference, Birdeye launched a new insights and analytics tool for its 700+ agency partners. Known as the Partner Command Center, it
Apple Vision Pro
Apple Vision Pro and SMB Productivity
Though Apple Vision Pro’s marketing emphasizes consumer use cases, its practical adoption in its early days is enterprise-weighted. We examine the evidence.
Pro Features
The Rise of Media Networks: Chase Jumps In
Chase announced that it’s launching its own media network. Known as Chase Media Solutions it will include inventory within its app, website, and other channels to deliver targeted ads and deals.
Benchmark Bytes
What Types of Succession Plans Do SMBs Have in Place?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Pro Features
What is the TikTok Economic Impact on SMBs?
As TikTok fights for its survival in the U.S., it continues to turn to a central lobbying point: supporting SMBs. Now, the TikTok Economic Impact Report 2024, looks to quantify that impact.
Pro Features
Walmart Opens the Retail Media Floodgates
Walmart has revealed that its U.S. advertising division Walmart Connect is expanding access to retail media placement to non-endemic brands and marketplace sellers. We examine strategic implications
eCommerce
Hibu Launches Amazon Ads for SMBs
Hibu has announced that Amazon ads have been added to its SMB-focused digital marketing bundle. First teased back in October and available starting this week, the partnership involves Amazon’s Sponsored Display ads, which are targeted to high-intent Amazon shoppers.
Benchmark Bytes
Do SMBs Prefer Vertical-Specific SaaS Tools?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Pro Features
AI Arms Race Rages On in the Creator Economy
One of AI’s biggest areas of disruption will be graphic design. As leaders in the space Adobe and Canva are engaged in an AI arms race. We cover their latest moves.
Pro Features
Uberall’s Changing of the Guard: A Conversation with Florian Hübner
Uberall co-founder and CEO Florian Hübner will pass the CEO baton to Anthony Foy and take over as President. The reason? It’s all about lifecycle and strategic positioning, Hübner told Localogy.
Pro Features
Animated SMBs: Snap Launches Sponsored Filters
Snapchat has added to its arsenal of marketing formats. On Friday, it launched Sponsored Filters – a simplified flavor of its signature animated lens format. Among other things, this could make them primed for SMBs, a target market Snap continues to pursue.
Newfold Digital
What is Cloud Hosting? Bluehost Gets Into the Game
Earlier this month Bluehost launched Bluehost Cloud, bringing its customers into the world of cloud hosting – advanced form of web hosting that utilizes distributed servers for security, performance, and load balancing.
M&A
RRD Acquires Vericast’s Digital Marketing Arm
Marketing powerhouse and publisher R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) has announced that it will acquire the digital print and marketing divisions of Vericast. Known specifically as Vericast Digital Marketing & Technology, it includes the company’s wide array of digital publishing assets.
AI
Microsoft Makes it Easier to Build Your Own Chatbot
Following the Copilot app (formerly known as Bing Chat) and other logical AI assistant functions across its products (e.g., Office), Microsoft’s latest move is to make it easier to build your own chatbot.
Benchmark Bytes
What Portion of SMBs Consolidate SaaS Vendors to a Single Provider?
Benchmark Bytes is a series that examines Localogy’s original data on SMB tech deployment. Based on its recent Small Business Trends report, each installment drills down on a data excerpt and draws out meaning for Localogy Insider readers.
Fintech
Stripe Outperforms a Mixed Market
As Stripe gears up for an IPO on the horizon, it’s signaling a strong position, including lots of cash, and top-line growth. We break down its recent annual letter.