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 Kozi Checks & Balances TaxTactics News 
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January 18.2025
2 Minutes Read

Surge in AI Adoption Among Small Businesses Shows Hope Amid Economic Woes

AI Adoption in Small Business Trends logo with blue circle.

Uncovering the Rise of AI in Small Business

The latest Verizon Business survey reveals an impressive trend: the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) among small and midsize businesses (SMBs) in the United States has skyrocketed. With 39% of surveyed businesses utilizing AI in 2024—up from a mere 14% in 2023—it's clear that the potential of AI is being recognized and embraced. This transition is largely due to a growing familiarity with AI tools and their remarkable capacity to automate tedious tasks, allowing entrepreneurs to redirect their energy toward expanding their core operations.

Why Technology is Essential for Survival

Given today's economic landscape marked by inflation and uncertainty, it's no surprise that technology is seen as a lifeline for many businesses. The survey conducted by Morning Consult highlighted that 38% of small businesses have added digital components to their offerings over the past year. Likewise, 66% have seen fit to upgrade their internet bandwidth to satisfy increasing online operational demands. Technology investments are no longer an option; they are now fundamental to maintaining a competitive edge.

Social Media—The New Marketplace

As SMBs navigate this challenging environment, they are turning to social media to interact with customers and increase sales. A staggering 84% of respondents use Facebook for promotion, while platforms like Instagram and TikTok are also becoming indispensable. This pivot towards social media is not merely for trend-following; it reflects a strategic response to changing consumer behavior, especially as online presence becomes critical in reaching wider audiences.

A Bright Outlook Despite Challenges

Despite challenges like rising inflation and financial uncertainties—83% of respondents expressed concerns about inflation—optimism prevails among small business owners. More than half of the surveyed businesses believe their financial situations will improve in the coming months, showing that a proactive approach in leveraging technology is a key to resilience. In particular, brick-and-mortar businesses are refreshing their strategies, with many preparing for a strong holiday season.

Investing in the Future

To further support these efforts, Verizon Business is offering a free “tech check” during their Small Business Days, allowing entrepreneurs to assess their technology needs. The push is also reflected in Verizon's Small Business Digital Ready platform, providing essential digital skill training. This comprehensive approach aims not only to enhance immediate operational capabilities but to prepare small businesses for future growth and stability.

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01.24.2026

Why Customer Loyalty Matters: Top Loyalty Card Software Solutions for Small Businesses

Update Unlocking Customer Loyalty: Why It's Essential for Small BusinessesIn today’s fast-paced market, retaining a loyal customer base is crucial for ensuring the longevity and success of small businesses. Loyalty programs, facilitated by effective loyalty card software, play an essential role in building and maintaining that loyalty. They help transform occasional customers into frequent patrons, thus driving repeat purchases and increasing overall profitability.The Rise of Loyalty Card Software SolutionsMany businesses are discovering the benefits of loyalty card software, which have evolved beyond traditional punch cards and stamps into sophisticated, tech-driven solutions. The convenience this technology offers can significantly enhance customer engagement and encourage repeat business.Key Features of Effective Loyalty ProgramsWhen selecting loyalty card software, small businesses should prioritize features such as personalization and segmentation. According to industry insights, a staggering 64% of consumers indicate that customized offers significantly influence their shopping decisions. This means that a program capable of utilizing customer data to deliver tailored experiences can dramatically increase engagement.Analyzing Popular Loyalty Software SolutionsSeveral loyalty card software options stand out in the market, catering to businesses of various sizes and types:Loyally.ai: This platform provides customizable digital loyalty cards with pricing plans ranging from $12 to $78 monthly, making it suitable for many business scales.Square Loyalty: Starting at $25 per location, it automates rewards tracking, delivering a user-friendly experience that simplifies customer relationship management.Smile.io: Known for its emphasis on customer retention, this solution offers a free plan with significant features and boasts strong satisfaction ratings from users.Stamp Me: This software features digital stamp cards priced between $29 and $119, providing an easy way to monitor customer activity.Loyalzoo: With a unique pricing model that charges $0.15 per customer per month and caps at $99, it offers flexibility in managing customer retention efforts.Why Loyalty Programs Drive ProfitsImplementing effective loyalty programs is not just about rewards; it's a strategic component of customer retention. Research suggests that acquiring new customers can be five to seven times more costly than keeping existing ones. Thus, a mere 5% increase in retention can lead to a remarkable 25% increase in profits. This statistic underscores the financial incentive for small businesses to invest in loyalty initiatives.Future Trends in Loyalty SoftwareThe trend toward integrated loyalty solutions is set to grow. Tools that seamlessly support omnichannel engagement by allowing customers to interact with loyalty programs across web, mobile, and in-store platforms will become crucial for ensuring a cohesive customer experience.Summary: Embracing Loyalty for GrowthIn conclusion, the adaptation of loyalty programs and card software is crucial for small businesses looking to thrive in a competitive marketplace. Understanding the tools available and implementing best practices in customer engagement can lead to enhanced loyalty, increased revenue, and sustainable business growth. As these technologies continue to evolve, businesses must stay informed and ready to adapt their strategies to capitalize on emerging trends.

01.23.2026

Revenue from Expanded Sports Betting Could Revolutionize State Funding

Update Unleashing the Potential of Expanded Sports Betting As states across the U.S. grapple with budget constraints and economic pressures, the expanded legalization of sports betting presents a lucrative opportunity to replenish tax revenues. The American Gaming Association's recent report highlights that the sports betting industry achieved a remarkable $10.92 billion in revenue for 2023, marking a significant 44.5% increase from the previous year. This growth can be attributed largely to the increasing number of states legalizing sports betting, with five new jurisdictions coming online and contributing an impressive $1.49 billion in revenue. Why This Matters for State Finances The surging revenue from sports betting translates directly into substantial tax dollars for state and local governments. With the industry generating nearly $14.4 billion in gaming taxes last year, the potential financial relief is clear. As these funds flow into public education programs, infrastructure projects, and problem gambling resources, the relevance of legalizing sports betting emerges as not just a gaming issue but a vital component of state budgeting strategies. The inclusion of new states, such as Ohio and Massachusetts, into the betting landscape can further enhance these figures in 2024 and beyond. Growth Trends in the Sports Betting Landscape Last year’s impressive figures are indicative of a broader trend within the gaming industry, which reached an overall revenue of $66.5 billion across traditional and online platforms. The continued maturation of existing markets, coupled with the entry of newly legalized states, is expected to drive even higher revenues in the coming years. However, experts highlight the need for caution as the pace of new state legalizations appears to be slowing, with fewer states likely to legalize sports betting in the near future. This raises concerns about future revenue growth potential, with some analysts suggesting that only two or three states might lift regulations this year. Looking Ahead: What This Means for States With the Super Bowl enhancing the visibility of legal sports betting, projections indicate that Americans could wager as much as $23.1 billion on this single event alone. As states recognize the financial boon that sports betting represents, the emphasis on responsible gambling and effective regulation becomes crucial, ensuring that the benefits translate into real support for communities. Actionable Insights for Policymakers There's a clear takeaway for state lawmakers: effective implementation of legal sports betting frameworks can provide a necessary boost to public funds. By fostering an environment that allows for responsible gambling while capitalizing on tax revenue opportunities, states can better meet their fiscal needs without straining local economies. Policymakers must act to streamline legislation that enhances participation and ultimately supports the community.

01.23.2026

Master the Art of Social Media: 10 Tips for Engaging Posts

Update Transform Your Social Media Strategy with Essential Tips In today's fast-paced digital world, creating engaging social media posts is vital for brands aiming to capture audience attention and drive meaningful interactions. To help businesses navigate this ever-evolving space, we’ve compiled ten critical strategies for crafting compelling social media content that resonates with followers. Set Clear Goals for Your Social Media Content Identifying and setting specific goals is foundational to any successful social media strategy. Whether you are aiming to increase brand awareness, drive website traffic, or generate leads, establishing measurable targets will guide your content creation. Each post should align with these objectives, allowing you to tailor your messaging for the desired outcome. Know Your Audience Inside Out Understanding your audience is not just beneficial; it’s essential. Utilizing demographic data and insights on audience behavior allows marketers to create tailored content. The use of social media listening tools can uncover in-depth insights regarding follower interests and engagement patterns. This understanding ensures content speaks to what audiences genuinely care about. Perform Competitor Analysis for Insight Keeping an eye on competitors can provide valuable insights. A thorough analysis of what resonates with their audience can inspire your content strategy. By assessing the types of posts that generate the highest engagement for competitors, businesses can refine their approach to create content that stands out. Audit Your Existing Content Conducting a content audit is crucial for revealing what works and what doesn’t. By reviewing past posts’ performance, brands can gain insights into what types of content yield higher engagement rates. This data-driven approach informs future content decisions and helps optimize social media strategies. Focus on the Right Platforms Not all social media platforms are created equal. Choosing where to post should be based on where your audience is most active and engaged. By concentrating efforts on platforms that yield the best interaction, marketers can maximize their content's reach and effectiveness. Utilize Video Content for Engagement Short-form video content has become a dominant force in digital marketing, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Crafting engaging video content can capture the audience's attention more effectively than static posts. Incorporating elements like user-generated content and live engagement can enhance the community feel, driving more substantial interactions. Measure and Analyze Your Results No strategy is complete without a robust measurement plan. By analyzing performance metrics like engagement rates, click-through rates, and conversion statistics, brands can adapt their strategies and elevate their social media presence continuously. Regular insights help identify successful tactics and areas needing improvement. Promote and Distribute the Content Wisely Creating content is only half the battle; effective distribution is equally essential. Schedule posts for optimal times, utilize platform-specific features, and encourage sharing to enhance reach and engagement. Employing both paid and organic tactics can ensure content gains maximum exposure. Integrate Influencer Collaborations Influencer partnerships can significantly elevate a brand's visibility. Collaborating with influencers who align with the brand's values opens avenues to new audiences and fresh content. Ensuring these partnerships integrate seamlessly with overarching social strategies, brands can amplify their impact on social media. Stay Adaptive and Evolve Being static in a dynamic digital landscape is detrimental. Trends evolve rapidly, and embracing change is crucial. Being open to experimenting with new content formats, styles, and strategies will keep your brand relevant. Regularly reassess your strategies and be willing to pivot when necessary to stay ahead of the competition.

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