In the competitive world of natural stone and tile, Marble Systems has emerged as a distinguished leader since its founding in 1982. With a robust international presence and strategic locations across the United States, the company prides itself on its steadfast dedication to superior quality, innovative design, and unparalleled customer satisfaction. Marble Systems has become the first choice for esteemed architects, celebrated interior designers, and selective homeowners who demand the utmost in beauty and longevity from natural stone products.

The Birth of a Visionary Enterprise

The ascendancy of Marble Systems is anchored in the entrepreneurial spirit of its founders. They recognized early on the untapped potential in offering products that were not only of exceptional quality but also unparalleled in their aesthetic appeal and durability. “We set out with a crystal-clear mission: to introduce the sophistication and enduring quality of natural stone to as wide an audience as possible,” declares Munir Turunc, the CEO of Marble Systems. “Our objective has always been to elevate the standards of the industry, not just to meet them.”

A Legacy of Prestigious Projects

Marble Systems’ commitment to excellence is illuminated through its contributions to landmark projects such as Merrick Plaza in Miami, Trump Plaza in New York, and the globally recognized Bellagio Casino in Las Vegas. These iconic ventures showcase the company’s capacity to supply premium materials that perfectly balance aesthetic appeal with functional demands.

Reflecting on the company’s expansive portfolio, Turunc comments, “Our participation in projects ranging from Merrick Plaza to the Bellagio Casino has provided us with platforms to display the true potential of natural stone. These projects underline our commitment to merging innovative design with master craftsmanship.”

Diverse Selection and Deep Expertise

As a leading supplier of a wide array of natural stones including marble, travertine, limestone, and granite, Marble Systems is at the cutting edge of assisting customers in selecting the ideal natural stone for their projects. According to Turunc, “Our customers approach us with a dream, and it’s our responsibility to transform that dream into reality. We do this by offering a range of solutions that satisfy every design requirement and taste preference, from the timeless elegance of marble to the unique charm of travertine.”

The company upholds the highest standards in quality by adhering to rigorous processing and quarrying specifications and employing the latest in technological advancements, ensuring every product not only meets but exceeds industry standards.

Expansive Network of Distribution and Inspiration

Marble Systems has built an extensive network of distribution and design centers across prominent cities like Washington, DC, New York, Florida, Puerto Rico, and California. This strategic presence allows the company to serve a wide range of clients with varied needs and design aspirations. “Our design centers are envisioned as wellsprings of inspiration, where clients can explore the limitless possibilities offered by natural stone,” says Turunc.

With over 160 collections of coordinated floors, walls, and decorative accessories, Marble Systems offers comprehensive design solutions that range from classic elegance to contemporary minimalism. “We aim to provide a holistic design experience, harmonizing every aspect of a space with our natural stone products,” adds Turunc.

Forward-Looking: A Commitment to Innovation and Excellence

Under the visionary leadership of Munir Turunc, Marble Systems continues to pioneer new frontiers in the natural stone sector. The company’s unwavering dedication to quality and customer service has solidified its leadership in the industry.

Turunc looks to the future with optimism, stating, “The journey of Marble Systems is an ongoing saga. We are relentlessly exploring new technologies, design trends, and innovative solutions to cater to the evolving demands of our clientele. Our commitment to excellence is steadfast, and we are excited about the prospects of bringing the timeless allure of natural stone into more spaces around the globe.”

In an era where both design sophistication and structural durability are paramount, Marble Systems stands as a paragon of excellence, continually redefining the benchmarks of quality and service in the natural stone industry. With Munir Turunc at the helm, the company is well-positioned to maintain its legacy of innovation and elegance, ensuring its influential presence in the world of natural stone for many years to come.

The post Marble Systems: Pioneering Excellence in Natural Stone Since 1982 appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

Orlana Darkins Drewery, a name that is becoming synonymous with empowering nonprofits and churches, has a clear mission. Her agency, The Shyne Network, serves those struggling with the paradox of doing great work but hesitating to promote it. Orlana delved into the frustrations and fears that often hold nonprofits and churches back and how The Shyne Network provides a solution.

Understanding the Frustration

Orlana Darkins Drewery kicks off the conversation by highlighting the core issue faced by nonprofits and churches. They are often engaged in life-changing work, impacting their communities positively, but they hesitate to share their achievements. This reluctance stems from the fear of being perceived as bragging. According to Orlana, nonprofit founders and church leaders worry that by promoting their work, they might come off as self-centered, despite the incredible work they do.

This reluctance to self-promote becomes a double-edged sword. On one hand, they risk not being recognized for their efforts, and on the other hand, the lack of visibility can lead to misconceptions that they are not actively making a difference. Orlana recognizes this predicament and steps in to help organizations convey their message effectively without sounding boastful.

The Shyne Awards Foundation: Changing the Narrative

Orlana Darkins Drewery and The Shyne Network aren’t just content with addressing the recognition challenges faced by nonprofits and churches; they are also committed to changing the narrative surrounding young people. The Shyne Awards Foundation, a part of The Shyne Network, has initiated a prestigious award ceremony that celebrates the positive accomplishments of young individuals between the ages of 13 and 30 from anywhere in the world. The aim is to counteract the prevailing negative stereotypes and give these young changemakers the recognition they deserve.

Without recognition, these organizations and their members may start to question the value of their efforts, which can lead to burnout and a loss of motivation.

The Shyne Network’s Solution

The Shyne Network doesn’t just identify the problem; it offers a comprehensive solution. Orlana explains that her agency provides media exposure and content creation services. They assist organizations in crafting compelling stories, writing press releases, and pitching their achievements to the media. Moreover, they offer media training to ensure that these stories are communicated effectively.

Content creation is another critical component of their services. The Shyne Network manages social media accounts, develops angles to support their clients’ stories, and empowers organizations to feel comfortable sharing their successes. Orlana acknowledges that some organizations still struggle with self-promotion, but The Shyne Network takes on that role on their behalf, allowing them to shine without hesitation.

The Secret Sauce: Orlana’s Personal Experience

What sets The Shyne Network apart? According to Orlana, it’s her deep understanding of what it’s like to be in the shoes of nonprofit founders and church leaders. Her personal experiences growing up in a low-income community and facing judgments based on her ZIP code have fueled her passion for making sure that these organizations receive the recognition they deserve.

Orlana’s secret sauce is her ability to empathize with the challenges her clients face. She has worked in both the nonprofit and church sectors, and she knows the pain of being overlooked despite doing incredible work. This personal connection allows her to tailor her services to each organization’s unique needs and to make them feel truly understood.

Clients who work with The Shyne Network experience significant benefits. They undergo a mindset shift, gaining confidence in sharing their successes. They walk away with clear messaging about their organization and a deeper understanding of their brand. Orlana and her team help them identify their target audience, allowing them to attract not only those in need of their services but also potential contributors and sponsors who can help support their mission.

One of the biggest fears that nonprofit founders and church leaders face is the fear of being seen. They often operate comfortably in the shadows, but they know that this approach isn’t sustainable. Orlana addresses this fear head-on by encouraging them to “stop hiding” and embrace the fact that they are needed everywhere.

For those who choose not to work with The Shyne Network, Orlana suggests that they miss out on the opportunity to effectively convey their message, understand their audience, and attract the support they need to make a more significant impact. They miss out on the chance to have a powerful advocate who understands their journey and can help them shine.

Orlana Darkins Drewery and The Shyne Network are on a mission to empower nonprofits and churches to overcome recognition challenges. They provide a holistic solution that encompasses media exposure, content creation, and a deep understanding of each organization’s unique culture and voice. Through their work, they help organizations shed their fear of self-promotion and embrace the recognition they rightfully deserve. With The Shyne Network, frustration transforms into fame, and the impact multiplies, creating a brighter future for those who dare to shine.

The post From Frustration to Fame: Orlana Darkins Drewery Reveals How The Shyne Network Empowers Nonprofits to Overcome Recognition Challenges appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

In the vibrant community of Fairfax, Virginia, a revolutionary trend in architectural design is emerging, led by the experts at Marble Systems. This illustrious company, renowned for its natural stone solutions, is at the forefront of introducing fluted natural stone into modern spaces, a move that seamlessly marries the meticulousness of age-old craftsmanship with the sleek, clean lines of contemporary aesthetics. Their innovative approach is not only reshaping the industry but also grabbing the attention of discerning architects and designers from all corners of the United States.

Drawing inspiration from the annals of ancient architecture, where fluting was a common decorative element in Greek and Roman columns, Marble Systems has breathed new life into this classic technique. “We’re not just carving stone; we’re carving history into each design, bringing a piece of the past forward into the present,” said Munir Turunc, Founder, Marble Systems. In their capable hands, the traditional art of fluting is re-envisioned to meet the dynamic demands of modern design, balancing the elegance and the functionality that has been associated with the method for centuries.

Marble Systems has taken the craft of fluting to unprecedented levels at their Fairfax facility, where precision engineering meets an unerring sense of design. “Each piece of stone that leaves our site is a testament to our commitment to excellence,” said Turunc. The company’s expertise extends across various types of stones, from the classic veined elegance of marble to the robust grandeur of granite and the subtle warmth of limestone. With a versatile range of fluted designs, they cater to a broad spectrum of architectural designs and client preferences.

The allure of fluted natural stone extends well beyond its visual appeal, as Marble Systems is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. “We believe in creating beauty responsibly,” said Turunc, emphasizing the company’s dedication to eco-friendly sourcing and minimizing waste. The fluted design is not only aesthetically versatile, adding three-dimensional depth and texture to any space it graces, but it also serves a practical purpose by enhancing the acoustic properties of a room, making it a sought-after choice for a variety of architectural projects, from bustling public arenas to serene private residences.

The strides in technology have been a boon for Marble Systems, allowing the company to innovate and create with a level of precision once deemed unattainable. With state-of-the-art machinery and advanced software, the creation of intricate fluted patterns is executed with impeccable precision. “Our ability to customize designs to meet the exacting standards of our clients is a source of pride for us,” the company representative remarked, underlining the importance of technology in their work.

The impact of Marble Systems’ fluted stone designs is evident not just within the local Fairfax community but across the nation. Their stonework has played a significant role in transforming a myriad of spaces, from opulent private homes to sleek corporate offices, underscoring the transformative power of natural stone in elevating architectural design. The company’s influence is clear, with a growing trend of architectural projects nationwide featuring fluted stone elements, a testament to a successful fusion of tradition and modernity.

Looking to the future, the trajectory for fluted natural stone is promising. The increasing demand for materials that are both environmentally sustainable and aesthetically captivating suggests a bright future for this design element. Marble Systems remains at the cutting edge, continuously exploring new avenues with different types of stone and fluting techniques. “Our journey is about innovation, about honoring the legacy of the past while boldly moving into the future,” said Turunc. It’s this commitment to craftsmanship and innovation that positions Marble Systems as a leading force in a design revolution that respects the past and eagerly anticipates the future’s potential.

The post Revolution in Stone: Marble Systems Revives Ancient Artistry with Innovative Fluted Designs in Fairfax appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

The Gathering Storm of a Healthcare Staffing Crisis

Munjal Shah took the stage at Future of Health 2023 against a backdrop of a gathering storm in healthcare. Staffing shortages resulting from an aging population with heightened care needs, compounded by burnout and loss of medical professionals, have reached crisis proportions across healthcare systems globally.

In the U.S. alone, nearly half a million nurse vacancies are projected by 2031. Up to 124,000 doctor shortfalls could materialize in the next decade. Worldwide, the World Health Organization forecasts a gap of 10 million health workers by the end of this decade. Without intervention, these deficits threaten to degrade quality of and access to care at a time when both are more vital than ever.

For Shah, this crisis demands fresh thinking and new solutions. “We need [increase by] 10 times the number of health care workers,” he told the audience. “You can only do that with autopilot.” The vision Shah laid out is one enabled by the unique capabilities of modern artificial intelligence — specifically, large language models.

The Promise and Limitations of Healthcare AI

Shah explained a taxonomy for health AI, dividing applications into three categories: co-piloting, autopiloting, and super-staffing. Co-pilot systems keep health professionals involved by offering assistance like report drafting and treatment research. While beneficial, co-pilots’ requirement of human oversight limits potential efficiency gains. Fully autonomous systems without humans in the loop comprise autopiloting applications. Appropriate only in low-risk contexts, their hands-off operation unlocks vastly greater leverage.

Super-staffing represents the logical conclusion of autonomous AI in healthcare: mass deployment of low-cost virtual health assistants providing round-the-clock support directly to patients. For Munjal Shah, super-staffing via AI is the most viable path to the Millennial-era vision of universal 24/7 healthcare. Modern large language models finally offer the cost structure, versatility, and performance needed to make this vision a reality.

Development Driven by Healthcare Professionals

Maintaining healthcare professionals’ trust in and oversight of AI is central to Hippocratic AI’s development process under founder Munjal Shah. While supremely capable, LLMs intrinsically lack capacities like self-reflection that help humans handle high-risk situations responsibly. Hence why diagnostic applications remain off limits.

However, constantly improving performance on low-risk tasks makes LLMs ideal for the high-value nursing, administrative, and consumer-facing jobs contributing to care access issues. Hippocratic AI’s LLM undergoes rigorous medical certification testing, recently outscoring GPT-4 on most evaluations. More importantly, the model is trained on real clinical data then refined based on regular structured feedback from thousands of doctors, nurses, and other stakeholders. Shah stated that each LLM role launches only once these professionals confirm its readiness.

Democratizing Healthcare Through AI Super-Staffing

The limitations constraining human-based healthcare motivates the super-staffing approach Hippocratic AI is pioneering under founder Munjal Shah. Humans can only see so many patients; systems don’t tire. Humans need to sleep; AI works 24/7. Humans have language barriers; LLMs speak every tongue. And crucially, humans costs orders of magnitude more than software to employ.

Shah cast the dichotomy in terms that every patient can understand: “Why don’t we have 350 million health care workers for 350 million people? It would lead to better outcomes.” Of course, America can’t feasibly train that many new doctors and nurses. But AI makes a heretofore impossible 1:1 care ratio suddenly within reach. Integrating autonomous systems for high-value tasks promises to boost staff productivity markedly according to Shah. However, the real magic lies in allowing each person their own dedicated health assistant.

This personal assistant handles the many small but vital jobs that overworked staff currently deprioritize. Lingering questions get answered. Appointment reminders assure attendance. Visit summaries with follow-up actions better adherence. Ongoing nursing ensures proper recovery and health maintenance. AI makes this degree of high-touch management feasible by obviating the need to schedule in-person visits for each concern.

Munjal Shah’s expansive vision leverages AI’s unique strengths to provide universal 24/7 personalized care at scale — democratizing healthcare by effectively putting a nurse in every patient’s pocket. Of course, responsible oversight and evaluation remain imperative every step of implementation under Hippocratic AI’s methodology. But by collaborating closely with health professionals, Shah aims to transmute AI’s abundant challenges into abundant help for all.

The post Munjal Shah Reimagines the Future of Healthcare Through Hippocratic AI’s Super-Staffing Model appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

Sustainability in Laboratory Design and Furniture Selection Will Pay Off

Modular laboratory equipment and office furniture are efficient. A new project may take a huge amount of space and desktop real estate until you’ve got the product proofed and it’s ready to go from development to production. Once an item goes from testing to manufacturing, you can reconfigure the lab for the next product development.

Environmental Benefits of Choosing Sustainable Materials and Practices for Lab Furniture

The more flexible and durable your current lab working tools are, the longer you can keep them and not have to deal with the expense of disposal and replacement. The choice to buy modular components also reduces the cost of upgrades. If you need to replace just a few tops of your laboratory tables because you’re working with a new class of chemicals, you may be able to simply address the work surface and not replace the whole cabinet. More flexible components mean fewer pieces in the landfill.

How New Laboratory Equipment Can Positively Impact the Reputation of Your Business

When it’s time to recruit new employees, your modular lab will catch the eye of up-and-coming scientists. The students of today grew up with a focus on reducing waste and environmental sustainability. By catching the attention of the best and brightest of today’s students, your business opportunities will easily expand.

Your modular and sustainable lab choices will also make your business more nimble. If you need to upgrade safety equipment such as air handlers, your lab can quickly be cleared, rearranged, updated, and back in business. Laboratory components that might have been damaged in a tear-down and reassemble project can quickly be adjusted for any necessary changes and put back in place almost effortlessly.

Corporate Social Responsibility Goals

Hiring new employees is not easy for any industry and the market in the sciences is tight. By demonstrating your commitment to environmental protection with business practices and purchases that prove your organization to be focused on social and environmental responsibility, you can increase loyalty among your employees.

Loyal employees are a boon to any community. Your leaders and employees have the chance to boost the visibility of your company even more by participating in projects that benefit your local environment. During such events, your commitment to sustainability can stand out even more.

Ingenuity and flexibility go hand in hand. If your lab equipment is in need of replacement, look for ways to improve the working conditions of your professionals with modular equipment. Your team can offer you terrific input on new ways to configure your lab setup to improve your testing process.

The post Aligning Environmental Responsibility With Business Success appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

1. Evaluate Your Motivation

Before diving into the sale process, take some time to reflect on your motivations for selling. Are you retiring, looking for a new challenge, or facing financial difficulties? Understanding your reasons can help you set realistic expectations and goals for the sale.

2. Assemble a Professional Team

Selling a business involves a variety of legal, financial, and operational aspects. Assemble a team of professionals, including a business broker, attorney, accountant, and financial advisor, who specialize in business sales. They will guide you through the process, ensuring you make informed decisions.

3. Prepare Financial Statements

Having accurate and up-to-date financial statements is crucial. Potential buyers will want to review your financial records to assess the health and profitability of your business. Work with your accountant to prepare financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, for the past three to five years.

4. Value Your Business

Determining the fair market value of your business is a critical step. Hire a certified business appraiser to assess your business’s value objectively. They will consider factors such as assets, earnings, market conditions, and industry benchmarks to arrive at a reasonable asking price.

5. Clean Up Your Books

Before listing your business for sale, clean up your financial records. Address any outstanding debts, resolve any legal issues, and ensure that your financial statements are accurate and well-organized. A clean financial history will instill confidence in potential buyers.

6. Enhance Your Business’s Appeal

Invest in your business’s appearance and operations to make it more appealing to prospective buyers. This may involve refurbishing the premises, updating equipment, improving inventory management, and streamlining operations. The goal is to showcase your business’s potential for growth and profitability.

7. Develop a Marketing Strategy

To attract potential buyers, you’ll need a comprehensive marketing strategy. Work with your business broker to create a compelling listing that highlights your business’s strengths, unique selling points, and growth potential. You may also explore advertising in local and industry-specific publications.

8. Identify and Qualify Buyers

Screen potential buyers to ensure they are serious and financially capable of purchasing your business. Request financial disclosures and proof of funds before sharing sensitive information. This will save you time and prevent you from disclosing confidential information to unqualified individuals.

9. Negotiate Terms and Conditions

Once you’ve identified a serious buyer, negotiate the terms and conditions of the sale. This includes the purchase price, payment structure, transition period, non-compete agreements, and any contingencies. It’s crucial to have your attorney review and finalize the sale agreement to protect your interests.

10. Prepare for Due Diligence

Buyers will conduct a thorough due diligence process to verify the accuracy of your financial statements and assess the risks associated with the acquisition. Be prepared to provide all requested documents and information promptly. This will expedite the sale process and build trust with potential buyers.

11. Close the Deal

With due diligence complete and all contingencies satisfied, you’re ready to close the deal. Your attorney will guide you through the legal aspects of the transaction, and you’ll transfer ownership to the buyer. Ensure a smooth transition by providing necessary training and support during the handover period.

Conclusion

Preparing your business for sale in Baltimore involves a series of strategic and administrative steps that require careful planning and execution. By following these guidelines and seeking the expertise of professionals, you can increase the likelihood of a successful sale and a smooth transition for both you and the new owner. Selling a business is a significant undertaking, but with the right preparation, it can lead to a rewarding outcome.

The post 11 Steps to Prepare Your Business for Sale in Baltimore appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

Cascadeo, a prominent name in cloud services, is taking steps provide this guidance for all who are interested through a series of comprehensive discussions on their official blog. The company hopes to provide clarity about the process of cloud migration and demystify some of the fears and apprehensions that come with this change.

This week marked the beginning of the blog series that is providing an in-depth look at key questions spanning security to data governance:

Security Concerns

For businesses historically reliant on on-premises servers, transitioning to a “public cloud” seems fraught with potential pitfalls. Cascadeo argues the contrary: a thoughtfully designed public cloud setup prioritizing privacy and security can be just as secure (if not more) as traditional servers, thanks to the advanced access management and superior monitoring features inherent in cloud technologies.

Bridging the Skills Gap

Despite the seemingly contradictory scenario of numerous tech layoffs happening in conjunction with a labor shortage in the cloud computing sector, there remains a significant gap in cloud skills. To address this, Cascadeo’s recommends forging alliances with certified managed services providers, enriched with solid SLAs, comprehensive monitoring, alert protocols, and resolution tools.

Modernization

The complexity of modernizing an organization’s entire IT stack cannot be overstated. Such a transformation necessitates a substantial amount of time, planning, introspection, and clearly defined objectives. To this end, elite professional services teams are crucial for refining, specializing, and transforming operations to encourage innovation and scalability.

Tackling Existing Architectural Complexities

Companies often grapple with intricate existing architectures, which underscores the importance of exhaustive discovery and strategic blueprinting at the start of any cloud transition.

Navigating Regulatory Challenges

Sectors like finance, healthcare, and life sciences – bound by stringent legal frameworks – face unique cloud migration challenges that are best addressed with a services provider that can provide the appropriate skills and institutional knowledge. Doing so, can allow companies to seamlessly embed regular compliance checks and ensure steadfast regulatory adherence during and after the cloud migration process.

Data Governance

Data governance, a significant concern in tandem with the vast data management capabilities of the cloud, puts emphasis on strategic data utilization and continual policy refinement. A well-executed digital transformation should consider data responsibilities, requirements, and future potential, shaping a sustainable data strategy that grows along with the company.

Cascadeo’s efforts to empower businesses highlight the importance of guidance and mentorship in today’s ever-evolving tech landscape. Cloud computing is more than just a mere transition to a new platform; it’s about embracing a future where adaptability, agility, and innovation are paramount.

One of the significant apprehensions businesses may have when considering a move to the cloud is operational disruption. Cascadeo understands this fear and continually emphasizes the importance of a seamless transition. With right-sized resources, orchestrated deployment mechanisms, and automated scaling solutions, businesses can maintain operational continuity even during migration phases.

In the rapidly evolving digital landscape, cloud migration has become integral for businesses seeking agility and innovation. Cascadeo is positioning itself as a guiding force toward this end through strategic insights and technical expertise. While the journey to the cloud presents complexities ranging from security to data governance, companies can successfully navigate this process with no disruption to existing operations with informed decisions and partnerships.

The post Cascadeo Empowers Businesses to Embrace the Future of Cloud Migration and Computing appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

## Embrace Core Web Vitals

Google’s Core Web Vitals have become a fundamental part of page experience signals, impacting your SEO significantly. Sites with better page experience signals will likely rank higher on search results. A recent study by SEMrush revealed that the top-ranking pages on Google have a 70% better cumulative layout shift (CLS) score, which is a key component of Core Web Vitals. Prioritize these metrics and focus on improving your site’s loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.

## Leverage AI and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are shaping the SEO landscape. Google’s use of AI in its algorithms, like RankBrain and BERT, has emphasized the need for high-quality content that genuinely answers users’ queries. Embrace AI-driven SEO tools to enhance your keyword research, site auditing, and backlink strategies.

## Content is Still King

The phrase “content is king” remains valid. However, in 2023 and beyond, the definition of ‘content’ has evolved. It’s no longer about creating a lot of content, but crafting high-quality, engaging, and user-focused content that genuinely provides value. Incorporating original research, data, and expert opinions can enhance your content’s credibility. As Brian Dean, an SEO expert, rightly puts it, “Google only wants to promote the type of content that keeps users on Google.”

## E-A-T Principle

In line with the above, Google’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) principle is more crucial than ever. It’s not about how many keywords you can stuff into your content; it’s about the value you provide. Create content that showcases your expertise and authority in your niche, and remember, building trust takes time and consistent effort.

## Voice Search Optimization

As of 2023, more than 50% of all searches are voice-based. This growing trend demands our attention. Consider the way your audience speaks about your products or services and incorporate those phrases into your SEO strategy. Long-tail keywords and a conversational tone can make your content more voice search-friendly.

## Mobile SEO 

Over half the web traffic worldwide is mobile, according to Statista. Your mobile SEO strategy needs to be as robust as your desktop one, if not more. A responsive website, fast loading speed, easy navigation, and mobile-friendly content are a must.

## SERP Features

Search Engine Results Page (SERP) features like featured snippets, local packs, knowledge graphs, and others are stealing clicks from organic listings. Therefore, optimizing your content for these features can increase your visibility and click-through rate (CTR).  

## Video Content

Cisco anticipates that video will represent 82% of all internet traffic by 2023. Embrace video content and optimize it effectively by using relevant keywords in your video titles, descriptions, and tags.

## Diversify Traffic Sources

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. While organic search is a significant traffic driver, diversify your strategy to include social media, email marketing, guest blogging, and other methods to increase your reach.

## User Experience

Google’s algorithms are increasingly focused on the user experience. A site that’s easy to navigate, understands user intent, and delivers valuable content will perform better in search rankings.

Building upon our earlier discussion about SEO strategy, let’s delve into the trending aspects of SEO in 2023, and the significance of SEO reporting tools in your strategy. 

## Entity-Based SEO

In the SEO landscape of 2023, we see a significant shift towards entity-based SEO. Entities, as defined by Google, are “a thing or concept that is singular, unique, well-defined, and distinguishable.” Google’s Knowledge Graph uses entities and their relationships to understand the world and the web better. Understanding and optimizing for entities can help your content stand out in this new era of SEO.

## Predictive SEO

With AI becoming more prominent, predictive SEO is now on the horizon. Google’s Discover feature, which recommends content to users based on their past behavior, is a perfect example of this trend. This means you’ll need to understand your audience’s behavior more than ever to create and optimize content that aligns with their interests.

## Importance of SEO Reporting Tools

To navigate these evolving SEO trends, you need data-backed insights to guide your strategy. Here, the importance of SEO reporting tools becomes evident.

These tools help you in various ways:

1. **Performance Tracking**: With real-time data about your website’s performance, you can make informed decisions about what’s working and what needs improvement.

2. **Keyword Analysis**: These tools enable you to identify high-performing keywords in your domain and analyze their search volume, ranking difficulty, and more.

3. **Backlink Analysis**: Understand your website’s backlink profile, including the number of backlinks, their quality, and source. This information is crucial for building a robust link-building strategy.

4. **Competitor Analysis**: Keep an eye on your competition. Understand what they’re doing well and where they’re lacking, which can provide valuable insights for your own strategy.

5. **On-Page SEO Audit**: Identify and fix any on-page SEO issues to ensure your website is as optimized as possible.

6. **Reporting and Communication**: Simplify the process of reporting and communication with your team or clients. Present data in an easy-to-understand format, highlighting key insights and actions.

These tools don’t just offer raw data, but insights you can act upon, saving you time and improving your strategy’s effectiveness. As we always say, “What gets measured, gets managed.”

## Video SEO

We had earlier touched upon the growing significance of video content. Now, let’s delve into Video SEO. Given that YouTube is the second largest search engine, optimizing your video content for search is a must. Using appropriate keywords, creating engaging thumbnails and titles, adding captions, and building high-quality backlinks to your videos can enhance your Video SEO efforts.

## User-Generated Content (UGC)

User-Generated Content has been gaining momentum. UGC like reviews, testimonials, and social media posts can greatly enhance your SEO efforts, given that they generate fresh content, improve engagement, and boost trustworthiness.

## Conclusion

The landscape of SEO in 2023 and beyond is diverse and exciting. With trends like entity-based SEO, predictive SEO, and the growing importance of Video SEO and UGC, there are several opportunities for marketers to leverage. 

However, it’s crucial to keep in mind that these aren’t stand-alone tactics. A robust SEO strategy combines all these elements, backed by thorough reporting and analysis. Using SEO reporting tools, you can get a comprehensive view of your performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategy accordingly. 

As we move forward, let’s stay agile and adaptive, continuously evolving our SEO strategies to align with the changing trends.

The post SEO in 2023: 10 Essential Insights and Tactical Advice for the Future appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

Latin America, on the other hand, wasn’t able to enjoy these luxuries. Going to a gym gave you two options: You could either visit the most expensive location or the cheapest, with virtually nothing in between. This realization was part of what motivated him to start Smart Fit, a business that has since grown into the fourth-largest of its type in operation worldwide.

In the 25 years since the company was originally founded, Edgard Corona and COO Diogo Corona have witnessed the entire industry change around them. Indeed, it appears to be happening yet again. But how do the established players reach out to the next generation of fitness enthusiasts? How do they appeal to a younger group of people in a way that inspires both action and long-term loyalty? By keeping a few important things in mind along the way.

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The Next Generation of Fitness Has Arrived

In the opinion of Edgard Corona and the other professionals at Smart Fit, appealing to a new crop of fitness buffs means emphasizing three things: personalization, engagement, and above all else fun.

Personal trainers are a must for those operating in the space, for example, because not every gym-goer is the same. One person might be trying to lose a significant amount of weight while another may simply be trying to tone up. Understanding the difference and adapting is key. Yet at the same time, it’s also possible for personal trainers to get a bit too personal. This can make people feel generally uncomfortable.

It’s up to legitimate fitness professionals to walk that fine line between giving someone the care and attention to detail they need while still providing the freedom required to take control of their own journey.

To speak to the “fun” aspect of the equation, one trend that is picking up steam among the younger generations involves the use of virtual reality to turn fitness into what is essentially a game. People can immerse themselves in a virtual world of their choosing, all while still getting the full-body workout they crave. Suddenly, they can break free from the gym in an exciting and adventurous way—and one that will certainly keep them coming back for more.

Finally, it’s imperative for fitness organizations to take advantage of new technologies like online classes. They provide a great way to give younger people the freedom to work out how they want, when they want. If they prefer to go into the gym, they can. If it doesn’t fit their schedule, they can still remain engaged—even from home. It’s an especially attractive option for people who prioritize convenience, and it’s an opportunity that fitness businesses cannot afford to overlook.

Related: Shares rise 35% on the stock exchange, and fortune of billionaire founder of Smart Fit soars

The post How Companies Can Appeal to the New Generation of Fitness Enthusiasts appeared first on Baltimore News Journal.

Mike Fleiss has had an award-winning TV and film career and has perfected the art of attracting millions of viewers. But he admits that at one point, he was just like any other person paying their dues in Hollywood when he presented his first TV show idea: Before They Were Stars. 

“Back then, there were more recognizable TV and movie stars and music stars. Everybody knew who Lee Majors was, or Tom Cruise was, or Brad Pitt,” Fleiss says. “We were able to sell a show that was just clips of really famous people [like] Sharon Stone, Jack Nicholson, in their very first roles in commercials.”

It was a concept Mike Fleiss says came to him organically through many hours of devouring television. He confesses he grew up watching a copious amount of TV as a child in Fullerton, California. Like so many other kids, he says he loved all of Aaron Spelling’s shows and looked forward to programs such as The Six Million Dollar Man and Family. Growing up during a time when TV shows weren’t often shown on repeat, there was a certain level of attentiveness that people put into viewing TV that doesn’t necessarily exist anymore.

“I knew that Farrah Fawcett made [one of] her first appearances on a Partridge Family episode,” Fleiss shares. “And I’d watched Jodie Foster do a commercial as a kid for toothpaste or something like that, and then later become a big star. So I had sort of monitored that over my childhood, seeing how people started, and I thought it would be a fun little show to do. And so we did that for ABC in 1993, I think. That was my first show.”

Fleiss recalls feeling like it was a bit of a game deciphering which star was on screen. 

“Sometimes, if I had a friend in the room watching TV with me, I’d say, ‘Who’s that?’ I’d show a clip and say, ‘Can you identify that person?’ So it had a game element to it too when you were watching it,” he adds. “It had a fun sort of quality to it. I had a bunch of ideas when I came down to LA, but that was the first one I sold.”

Fleiss says he has a former Fox Network executive to thank for giving him the confidence to ultimately pitch the concept. 

“I was working for a guy named Stephen Chao, who was the head 

of the Fox Network at the time,” Mike Fleiss says. “He liked the fact that I was prolific and generated a lot of ideas, and so he encouraged me to start, and that was when I was just working on his shows.”

Chao, who graduated from Harvard, was behind early reality TV hits Cops and America’s Most Wanted. 
While Fleiss acknowledges BeforeThey Were Stars wouldn’t necessarily work today, it had its shining moment in TV history. “It wasn’t a great creative thing,” he concludes. “But I guess it was clever [at the time].”

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