As threats grow more advanced, companies are increasingly questioning whether to hire a full-time in-house security manager, or rely on an outsourced Virtual CISO (Chief Information Security Officer). Each approach offers unique strengths that influence cost, flexibility, and long-term resilience.

The choice you make can define how effectively your business responds to emerging risks and evolving compliance demands. Follow along to see which option best suits your organisation’s security goals.

What a virtual CISO brings to your business

A virtual CISO, or vCISO, offers senior-level cybersecurity expertise on a flexible, outsourced basis. Instead of hiring a permanent executive, your business can gain access to professionals who have managed security for many organisations. So, hiring a Virtual CISO advisory service, such as the one offered by Equilibrium Security, gives you access to experienced specialists who design tailored strategies that align with your goals and regulatory obligations.

The main advantage of a vCISO is flexibility. They operate remotely, often part-time, providing strategic leadership without the full cost of an in-house executive. This approach suits small and medium-sized businesses that can’t justify a permanent CISO but still need enterprise-grade support.

The flip side: why businesses still value in-house security leads

An in-house security lead still remains an essential role for organisations that require direct, day-to-day oversight. They handle internal policies, lead security teams, and coordinate rapid responses to incidents. Having someone on-site allows for faster communication and a deeper understanding of company systems, culture, and priorities.

However, it goes without saying that maintaining an in-house lead comes at a higher cost. Salaries, training, and recruitment expenses can add up quickly. Skilled professionals are also in high demand, making it difficult to retain top talent. Still, an in-house lead offers stability, continuous presence, and real-time decision-making which are valuable traits for large organisations managing complex infrastructures.

Expertise vs cost

A Virtual CISO brings wide-ranging experience gained from working with clients across different sectors. This exposure enables them to recognise risks that internal teams might overlook.

They can scale their involvement based on your current needs by providing more support during audits, incidents, or system upgrades and stepping back when demand is lower. This flexibility ensures your business only pays for what it needs while maintaining high-level security insight.

Meanwhile, an in-house security lead is fully embedded within the organisation. They understand your operations intimately and can influence behaviour across departments.

Their proximity allows for immediate collaboration and stronger internal relationships. Yet, compared to a Virtual CISO, they may have limited exposure to evolving external threats as their experience focuses solely on one business environment.

Weighing them up

Deciding between a Virtual CISO and an in-house lead depends on your company’s structure, size, and security priorities. If your business requires consistent on-site leadership and operates within heavily-regulated industries, an internal lead may be better.

Conversely, if you’re seeking flexible, expert-driven support without committing to full-time costs, a Virtual CISO advisory service provides scalable expertise and trusted guidance from industry professionals.

Both roles serve the same goal of protecting your organisation’s data, reputation, and operations. The right choice depends on how you balance cost with control. Whichever model you choose, expert leadership is the key to staying ahead of emerging threats. A well-guided strategy today is what keeps your business secure tomorrow.

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Long hours at a desk or on a computer without taking the appropriate precautions are bound to leave your neck and shoulders tense and sore. Poor posture, stress, and repetitive movements all add to the strain, often leading to chronic discomfort that affects comfort, focus and productivity.

But now you don’t have to live with that constant tightness or stiffness. Read our guide until the end to learn proven physiotherapy tips that’ll help you ease shoulder and neck pain, and help you move more freely at work.

Understand the root of your pain

Work-related shoulder and neck pain usually comes from muscle imbalances and poor ergonomics. When you sit hunched over, your neck muscles stay tight while your shoulder and upper back muscles relax, and thus, weaken. Over time, this imbalance leads to tension, stiffness, and even headaches.

A physiotherapist can identify which muscles are overworked or underactive. At professional physio clinics like One Body LDN, you’ll get a detailed assessment and a personalised plan that focuses on correcting posture, strengthening weak areas, and improving joint mobility.

Correct your desk setup

Your workspace has a huge impact on your physical comfort. If your screen is too low or your chair too high, your neck and shoulders will bear the load. Adjust your desk so that:

• Your monitor is at eye level
• Your elbows rest at a 90-degree angle
• Your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest

Even small adjustments can reduce pressure on your spine and muscles. Changing your setup helps your body maintain natural alignment throughout the day, and reduces fatigue.

Move regularly during the day

Sitting still for hours will inevitably tighten your neck and shoulder muscles. So try to move every 30 to 45 minutes. Stand up, roll your shoulders, and stretch your neck gently from side to side. These short breaks help maintain blood flow and reduce stiffness throughout your whole body.

In addition, simple exercises like shoulder blade squeezes or chin tucks can work wonders. They keep your posture strong and your muscles active, preventing discomfort before it builds up.

Strengthen and stretch key muscles

Physiotherapists recommend balancing strength and flexibility around your shoulders and neck. Strengthening your upper back muscles helps you sit upright, while gentle stretching releases tension in your neck and chest.

For instance, performing a doorway chest stretch or gentle neck rotations throughout the day can ease strain on these overworked muscles and tendons. Over time, these exercises train your body to hold a healthier posture even when you’re fully focused on work.

Manage stress and tension

Mental stress often shows up physically as neck and shoulder pain. When you’re tense, your muscles tighten, quietly worsening your pain. That’s why it’s important to keep in mind that breathing exercises, mindfulness, or quick stretches during work breaks can help your body relax.

If pain persists, targeted treatments like deep tissue massage or dry needling can help release stubborn knots and restore mobility. Physiotherapy doesn’t just treat pain, it helps prevent it from returning.

Staying pain-free and productive

Your work shouldn’t come at the expense of your health. By improving posture, adding movement breaks, and getting professional physiotherapy guidance, you can stay pain-free and perform at your best every day. Healthy habits built now will keep your body strong, flexible, and comfortable for years to come.

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Our lives are rife with endless scrolling, notifications and pixels, and if you work in marketing, it’s easy to focus on these areas as the most important aspect of your campaigns. But it’s important to keep in mind that printed media still has the power to make people pause. It’s not just about the thrill of a glossy magazine we love – it’s all sorts of print.

There’s something about the sensation of holding something physical – the weight of a printed booklet in your hand, the feel of the paper and the permanence of the ink that, for many people, still trumps digital marketing strategies.

Dipping your toe in print, as a marketeer, might seem as though it’s full of jargon and production quirks. But it’s surprisingly straightforward. Plus, when you connect a print strategy with digital campaigning, it has the potential to become one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing.

Print still carries weight in your marketing mix

Despite advancements in technology, the truth is that print holds people’s attention in a way screens rarely do. Research from JICMAIL shows that a piece of addressed mail gets over two minutes of active attention spread across nearly a month. Compare that to the few fleeting seconds an online ad enjoys.

Even better, print doesn’t just sit on the kitchen table – it drives action. Roughly six per cent of mail prompts a purchase, and nearly half of those happen online. In other words, print starts the journey; digital finishes it. And it’s even more impressive when it comes to magazines.

You already know that we have invested considerably in research around print and digital media consumption, with print having some impressive stats and preferences when it comes to going head-to-head with online.

But some unique neuromarketing research by Canada Post also found that physical media required less cognitive effort, generated higher recall, and was more motivating than comparable digital ads.

Print materials elicit stronger emotional responses and deeper brand connections. The tactile experience of touch and texture continues to activate emotional and memory-related regions of the brain, helping audiences engage more meaningfully with the brands in front of them.

With so much focus and drive being placed on social media virality, it’s easy to think of print as being an outdated form of marketing. Instead, see it as your high-attention, high-trust channel; the piece of your marketing mix that endures long after the browser tabs have closed.

Making offline work online

Print doesn’t have to live in isolation, and when done right, it can act as the bridge to your digital world. And this is where the best results happen.

QR codes are still the simplest way to connect the two. A quick scan takes readers directly to your landing page, video, or offer – but give each campaign its own code, so you can track who engaged and where. For audiences less QR-friendly, include a short, memorable URL or even a personalised link.

Then there’s tech with a bit more flair – NFC chips and augmented reality. These can trigger animations, demos, or interactive content, but it’s important to remember to use them to add value, rather than as a flashy gimmick.

Whatever route you choose, always design for mobile first. Most scans will happen on a phone, so keep the page light, fast, and instantly actionable. Ensure your online creative feels visually connected to your printed piece.

7 design tips to keep in mind

1. One purpose per page. Don’t overcrowd; give your reader one clear next step.
2. Create hierarchy. Let size, contrast, and space lead the eye naturally.
3. Make it readable. Body text between 9–11 pt, headlines bold enough to be seen at arm’s length.
4. Lead with value. State the benefit before the brand.
5. Make response effortless. Combine QR, short URL, and a clear reason to act.
6. Keep it consistent. Match tone and visuals across print and digital.
7. Add trust cues. Logos, credentials, even a small “Printed responsibly” note — these build credibility.

Sustainability in print

Sustainability is at the forefront of business discussions nowadays, and we choose FSC or recycled papers, print with vegetable-based inks and keep your formats efficient to reduce waste. A small note like “Printed responsibly by…” quietly signals that you’re on top of your footprints.

Bringing it all together

Print can be magical. When you understand how paper affects perception, how a well-placed QR bridges offline to online, and how colour accuracy shapes your brand feel – you move from simply producing print to using it strategically.

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This is despite the fact that discriminating against someone for their age is illegal. Here’s how to create the best CV and avoid being judged on your age when you’re over 50.

According to the Office for National Statistics, Britain’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7 % in the three months to May 2025, leaving about 1.67 million people without work. 

Over the same period, the number of job vacancies fell by 56,000 (a 5.8 % drop), reducing the total to around 718,000 open roles.

It’s tough out there.

Remove non-essential information

Under the Equality Act of 2010 it’s illegal to discriminate against someone based on age, so you don’t have to state your age if you don’t want to. Employers should choose the individual best suited to a role, so allow your skills, experience and passion to take centre stage instead.

Your specific address (general location is fine), personal circumstances and photos can also be removed. These don’t explain why someone should hire you. Instead, fill valuable space with detail that will show off your skills. Speaking of which…

Restrict CVs to two pages – absolute maximum

Job searching is extremely competitive. At best, recruiters spend around seven seconds to scan a CV; increasingly it’s more likely they’ll use AI to do it for them. So applicants need to stand out as quickly and clearly as possible. Highlighting your skills, experiences, and interests in a concise manner is more likely to maintain interest.

Buzzwords and templates

Don’t waffle, or fill your CV with buzzwords and nonsense. Even if you work in marketing. Also, CVs should be tailored to each job, using only the relevant skills for the application. Research each vacancy beforehand to handpick the best skills to target and jumpstart you higher up in the list.

Emphasise experience over age

Experience is often preferred to education. Showing you have years of developed skills is better than a list of qualifications or degree in something less relevant. Strike a positive tone and list key abilities before academic qualifications on your resume for the recruiter to see this first.

Include a professional summary

An even better way to grab attention from the get-go is to start with a professional summary: a concise (no waffle!) overview of you and your talents. The benefit of this is the hirer has everything they need in a tightly worded package. They can explore further once you’ve grabbed their attention.

Enjoying this article? More of an entrepreneur? Maybe you’d like this piece about raising investment for your own business

Sell your technical skills

Employers need to know that you’re as technically proficient as someone 20 years younger. Prove that you’re up to date with the latest tools and platforms by including them in your CV. This includes skills you’ve learned in lockdown – research shows it can take as little as 10 days to learn a new technical skill. Both Google and LinkedIn offer free courses, but a search on the web will turn up plenty of learning opportunity.

Just remember to avoid unnecessary jargon or ‘inside lingo’ that some hirers may not understand, and break up technical content with softer skills to add a human feel.

Network, network, network!

Most job applications are now online which, depending on your expertise, may not be ideal. But that doesn’t mean it’s what you must rely on. Also referred to as the Hidden Job Market, some research suggests as many as 70 per cent of jobs aren’t even posted online or shared publicly. If you’re used to the word-of-mouth approach to secure a job then keep practicing this alongside online applications.

If content is King, then design is its Queen

How a CV appears is just as important as the information it provides, so a good visual balance will mean the reader focuses on what matters the most: your qualifications. Keep your CV polished by incorporating bullet points, short summaries, and a mix of formats for clarity. Make it visually pleasing but avoid overly elaborate designs.

And finally, should you use AI to write your CV?

There’s no reason why you can’t get Chat etc to help you get started, or make drafts or suggestions. But don’t just hand the whole job over. Edit your CV, make sure it has your tone of voice. Employers can spot AI, and many might not be keen if they think you can’t be bothered to even write your own resume. But yes, AI is a great tool in your CV building arsenal, used well.

Thanks to the experts at Resume.io for this advice on resume building

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Let’s be real here; It’s not easy. You need a strategy. You need to be consistent. And you need to understand how the writing industry really works.

The good news? Writing careers can be the real deal. Professional writers can earn upwards of £57,000 per year, according to industry data. That’s not bad at all.

The bad news? The majority of aspiring writers never make it. They try for a few months, get frustrated, and quit. The difference between those who make it and those who fail?

The ones who treat their writing careers like businesses, not hobbies.

Here’s what you should learn…

• Finding your writing niche
• Building multiple income streams
• Creating a portfolio that gets results
• Setting rates that pay the bills (without feeling like you’re ripping people off)

Finding your writing niche

Your writing niche is one of the most important aspects of your writing career. It’s where you’ll focus all your efforts, hone your skills, and position yourself as an expert.

The trick is choosing the RIGHT niche. Would you rather compete with millions of other general writers? Or would you prefer to be one of the few who specialise in a specific area?

It’s a no-brainer.

Your niche will impact everything from your rates to the type of clients you work with. When starting out as a writer many people make the mistake of thinking a specific niche will close doors. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Specialisation = Expertise
Expertise = Higher Rates

A writer with a strong grasp of ecommerce SEO copywriting can charge three times more than someone who writes generically.

It’s the same for technical writing, copywriting, or any other specialised niche.

Here’s what works…

Choose a niche that interests you. If you’re genuinely passionate about a topic, research will be easier, and you’ll have the motivation to power through when projects get challenging. Look for industries with larger content budgets like tech, finance, and healthcare.

If you’re working on books? Use a title generator for book projects to make coming up with your own titles a bit easier. If you’re making the jump from writing articles to nonfiction book writing, it’s one of the most helpful ways to develop a versatile writing career across different mediums and formats. It comes down to versatility within your chosen niche whilst maintaining the level of expertise and authority that gets clients in the door to work with you.

Building multiple income streams

One of the best things you can do for your writing career is diversify your income streams. Relying on one source of income is a one-way ticket to the danger zone.

Smart writers know this. That’s why they don’t put all their eggs in one basket. Diversification means building multiple streams of income that support one another.

The foundation should always be client work. As you build your business, consistent writing projects provide stability and cash flow. Many writers work both freelance gigs and long-term retainers who pay a monthly retainer for a set amount of content.

But don’t stop there…

Digital products are another great way to build an income stream. Consider eBooks, courses, or even templates. Digital products provide passive income. You sleep, they bring in cash. Experienced writers even monetise their skills as coaches and consultants.

The beauty of having multiple streams of income is avoiding redundancy. If one dries up, you’re not frantically searching for clients to cover your rent. You have backups ready to fill the gaps.

Creating a portfolio that gets results

Your portfolio is your sales funnel. A strong portfolio lands you quality clients. But most people get this wrong… Too much quantity, not enough quality.

Three killer samples will beat twenty mediocre ones every time.

Here’s what you need to include in your portfolio…

Pick samples that showcase your best work. In your chosen niche, include pieces that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Real client results are best. Did your article drive traffic? Generate leads? Include those metrics.

Don’t have client work yet?

Write spec pieces. Craft sample articles for imaginary clients in your target niche. Make them look professional, then publish on your own blog.

Keep your portfolio current. Remove old work that doesn’t represent your skills and add new samples regularly. You want to show you’re active and improving.

Easy to find? Yes. Host your portfolio on your website. Keep it simple and clean. No one wants to dig around to find your work.

Setting rates that pay the bills

This one is critical…

Know your worth, and never undersell yourself. The biggest mistake new writers make is lowballing their rates.

If you charge too little, you only get clients who don’t value quality. It results in twice the work for half the money, and before you know it you’re burnt out.

Here’s the reality…

Rates need to cover your living expenses plus overheads. This includes taxes, subscriptions, software, marketing, and professional development. According to recent industry data, there are about 13,400 job openings for writers projected each year.

A good place to start is calculating your Minimum Viable Rate. What’s the absolute lowest you can charge and still survive? That’s your floor. Don’t go below this.

As you gain experience and confidence, increase your rates periodically. Every new client is quoted your current rate. You can increase existing clients annually 10-15%.

Clients who value quality will pay. The ones who baulk at fair rates aren’t worth your time in the first place.

Developing systems for success

Successful writers aren’t a random collection of one-offs. They have systems. Repeatable processes that make their careers predictable and scalable.

Create templates for everything. Pitch emails, project proposals, invoice reminders… none of these should be written from scratch every time. Planning is everything. A content calendar keeps you consistent and reduces decision fatigue. Block out time for client work, marketing, and skill development.

Automation is your friend. Set up automatic invoice reminders, use scheduling tools for social media, create email sequences for new clients.

Track time and income. You need to know how long projects take and which clients are most profitable. This data helps you make smarter business decisions.

Investing in continuous learning

The writing industry is always evolving. What worked five years ago? It will change. Long-term successful writers invest in their own continuous improvement.

Follow industry blogs, writing communities, and virtual conferences to stay current. It helps you see the bigger picture and position strategically.

Learn the adjacent skills that make you more valuable. SEO basics, content strategy, or social media marketing will make you more attractive to clients.

Invest in training and courses. Whether it’s to improve your craft or learn business skills, education is an investment. The writers who consistently invest in themselves earn more over time.

Read, read, read. Widely. Great writers are great readers. It expands vocabulary, exposes you to different writing styles, and helps with generating new ideas.

Managing the business side

Your writing career is a business. Treat it as one if you want sustainable success. This means managing your finances, marketing yourself, and maintaining client relationships professionally.

Track your expenses and set aside 25-30% for taxes. Keep records of business expenses for deductions.

Market consistently. Don’t wait until you need work. Build relationships, network, and stay visible even when busy.

Set boundaries with clients. Establish working hours, response times, project scopes. This prevents scope creep and protects your time.

Contracts for every project. Protect yourself legally and set expectations upfront. Contracts prevent misunderstandings and ensure payment.

A sustainable writing career requires more than talent

It needs strategy. Consistent effort. And running your career like a business. Specialise, diversify income streams, showcase best work, charge what you’re worth.

The writers who make it aren’t necessarily the most talented. They’re the ones who show up, continue learning, and operate like a business.

It won’t be easy. But is it worth it?

Absolutely.

It’s not a matter of whether you can build a sustainable writing career. It’s a matter of whether you’re willing to do what it takes to get there.

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Artificial Intelligence is rapidly reshaping the recruitment landscape. From filtering CVs to matching candidates with job roles at scale, AI is making broad steps toward a faster, more efficient hiring process. Yet, as automation becomes more entrenched, an important question has come to light: does AI mean human recruiters are at risk of becoming redundant?

A recent industry webinar, Smart Hiring or Backfiring: Employing AI in Recruitment, assessed the viewpoints of four experts in HR, recruitment, and AI governance. Together, they shed light on where AI is genuinely adding value, where it still falls short, and why human judgement remains essential.

Can AI really improve hiring?

One of AI’s biggest strengths lies in its ability to sift through huge amounts of data with speed and consistency. When it comes to initial CV screening or matching applicants to specific job criteria, a well-calibrated AI system can often outperform traditional processes, helping to reduce unconscious bias and flag strong candidates more efficiently.

But the results are only as good as the data it’s fed. If historical hiring data is flawed or biased, AI can inadvertently replicate those issues. As David Smith, AI Sector Lead at The DPO Centre, puts it; ‘To get an automated system to match and evaluate things better, we need to be clearer at describing what we want and what we need. The need for automation improves the entire process.’ 

Why humans still have the edge

Despite the obvious benefits of automation, human recruiters aren’t going anywhere. Certain aspects of recruitment, like assessing emotional intelligence, gauging motivation, or judging cultural fit, simply don’t translate well to algorithms.

Helen Armstrong, CEO of Silvercloud HR, made this point clear, identifying that ‘cultural fit is as relevant as having the right qualifications and experience. It’s about attitude, and AI is never going to be able to assess that. AI has to be an assistant to the recruiter, not a replacement.’

Candidates are using AI too

It’s not just employers making use of AI. Job seekers are increasingly turning to tools like ChatGPT to refine their CVs, craft keyword-optimised cover letters, and tailor their applications to specific roles. On the surface, this levels the playing field. But it also creates a new challenge.

Richard Bradshaw, Co-founder of PeopleRE, warns that this can widen the gap between how someone presents on paper and who they actually are. ‘Many recruitment processes fail, not because a candidate lacks the skills, but because they ultimately don’t have a genuine desire for the specific role. While AI can efficiently match candidates based on qualifications and experience, it isn’t yet advanced enough to assess a candidate’s motivation, passion or long-term commitment, rather than just securing any job.’

Beat the ageism game: CV tips for the over-50s

The risk of a two-speed hiring system

As AI becomes more embedded in recruitment, there’s growing concern that it could lead to a two-tier system. Lower-level or high-volume roles are increasingly handled through fully automated processes, while executive-level hires continue to receive bespoke, human-led attention.

Smith notes the potential social cost of this divide. ‘There could be a real digital divide between the exec search and specific job roles for high value individuals, as opposed to the real volume end of the market. I think we have a real possibility that people will be massively disenfranchised at one end where that high-volume and low personalisation comes in. It’s going to be a challenge.’

Making AI work for you as a recruiter

If AI is to enhance hiring – rather than hinder it – it needs to be introduced with a clear strategy and a strong ethical framework. Recruiters should start by identifying what they actually want to achieve. Is it a faster time-to-hire? Better quality candidates? More diverse shortlists?

Once you know the goal, choose a system that aligns with it. And make sure it integrates smoothly with the tools you already use. If the tech is clunky or unintuitive – for recruiters or applicants – it’s unlikely to succeed.

Transparency is just as important. You need to be able to explain how your AI tools make decisions. Bias mitigation, built-in analytics, and regular reviews are essential for fair, accountable hiring.

Three key questions to ask your AI provider

Before rolling out any AI recruitment tool, make sure you ask:

1. How is bias mitigated?
   What steps are taken to ensure the system isn’t reproducing harmful patterns?
2. How is candidate data protected?
   You’re dealing with sensitive information. How is it kept safe?
3. How is the system monitored over time?
   AI isn’t ‘set and forget’. Vendors should be able to show how they track performance, flag problems, and adapt the model when needed.

A future built on collaboration

AI isn’t here to replace recruiters, but to work with them. When used thoughtfully, it can take the heavy lifting out of hiring, streamline admin, and improve consistency. That said, real success depends on keeping real people at the heart of the process.

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As AI-powered search continues to grow and develop, understanding how platforms like ChatGPT rank and recommend content – and how to optimise for them – is becoming increasingly important for businesses and SEO professionals. In this article, Adam Smith, Head of SEO at Brick Digital, explores the ranking factors influencing ChatGPT’s recommendations, and the role of holistic online marketing in optimising for AI-driven search.

In recent months, businesses are asking more and more questions around the ranking factors of ChatGPT and other AI Search Engines – and with good reason. The technology is advancing at an alarming pace, and may soon become a key platform for search. Understanding how it recommends products, services, and information may become a must-have for future strategies from your SEO and link building agency, and for businesses wanting to dominate the AI search landscape.

Naturally, this prompted some digging for answers, and we’re pleased to report that we’ve found some insights worth sharing.

Before diving in, a quick disclaimer: While this article focuses primarily on ChatGPT as the market leader, many of the points explored here may also apply, in one way or another, to AI search engines like Claude, Perplexity, DeepSeek, Gemini, or even Midjourney.

With that in mind, let’s examine how AI search looks at the start of 2025.

Search data

In December 2024, OpenAI made ChatGPT’s search function available to non-paid user accounts for the first time, resulting in increased referral traffic for many of our clients and surpassing referrals from other AI search engines. While this move may have been purely strategic on OpenAI’s part to stay ahead of the competition, it also provided valuable data to analyse.

Currently, there’s no way to extract keyword data from AI search engines. This may change in the future, but for now, businesses can still track landing page data, which we know offers various insights. By understanding user journeys – what they search for, why they search for it and which pages they would land on – it’s possible to at least begin the process of optimising websites for a future of AI Search.

Thankfully, this process isn’t entirely dissimilar from ranking in Google, making the concept less “alien” overall. That said, businesses tend to focus on writing and ranking service pages on their websites, rather than supporting ‘top of funnel’ content…which means they run the risk of missing out on AI Search traffic.

This is due to the fact that most AI interactions are conversational, rather than the 2-3 word searches we’re used to entering in the likes of Google. We could search for “financial advice” in Google, but we’re more likely to ask an AI assistant a detailed question, such as: “This is my financial situation. I want to achieve X. How do I go about doing this?” These queries often come with the expectation for the AI to engage in further conversation and follow-up questions.

From our research, it seems this conversational approach to AI search is why we’re seeing its referral traffic landing on very specific product or information pages.

Conversational search

As touched on above, the biggest advantage of ChatGPT (and indeed, other AI platforms) is the ability to ask detailed questions and receive nuanced, conversational responses. Unlike traditional search engines, which serve static results, ChatGPT’s responses evolve based on user input, creating a more personalised and interactive experience.

That said, we’ve noticed that when topics are raised for which more information is readily available online, ChatGPT becomes more helpful, offering more enriched, accurate and up-to-date responses. Conversely, when less information is available online, or when that information conflicts, responses become more limited and less accurate.

For example, ChatGPT is able to deliver a wealth of expertise regarding consumer rights, employee rights and personal finance, thanks to extremely well-established documentation on websites like moneysavingexpert.com, which it will often link to in responses.

On the other hand, when asked to explain the rules of a tabletop game (as requested by two of our staff members, both of whom are enthusiasts), responses were inconsistent and sometimes incorrect. This is likely because the information ChatGPT draws from comes from a smaller pool of sources – YouTube influencers and casual bloggers – each of whom may be detailing slightly different interpretations of the same rules.

Naturally, it would be beneficial to see how much AI referral traffic ChatGPT and other platforms are being sent to landing pages as a result of this.

Our research

In addition to our own day-to-day use of ChatGPT and other AI tools, our insights also come from an early study that was commissioned by one of our clients. As part of this research, we asked ChatGPT a series of questions reflecting different stages of a typical user journey. Rather than using keyword-based queries, we framed our prompts conversationally, mimicking how real users interact with AI – explaining a situation, objectives, and challenges.

ChatGPT provided step-by-step solutions to each scenario, often recommending online resources and suppliers. While not the case in every test, it would typically do this without being prompted.

When asked why it had chosen to reference or suggest specific websites, ChatGPT openly disclosed its ranking process. It had searched Google’s SERPs, weighed the value of results based on a number of ‘trust’ factors across the internet as a whole, and then made recommendations accordingly.

ChatGPT Search ranking factors

Google rankings

Our study suggests that ChatGPT considers Google search engine rankings when generating recommendations, typically selecting 3–5 results based on additional factors outlined below.

Brand mentions

There appears to be a preference toward brands and products that are frequently mentioned across the web in relevant contexts. This aligns with recent trends in Google’s algorithm, where brand mentions are gaining importance in ranking for generic, high-volume search terms.

Recommendations and reviews

The number of positive reviews and overall sentiment around a brand play a role in AI search rankings. ChatGPT draws from Trustpilot, Amazon, company websites, and blog reviews, but it doesn’t just count the results; it analyzes their content to extract key selling points and USPs.

Resources and supporting content

Websites with in-depth guides, tools, and helpful resources tend to be recommended more frequently. This includes free trials, demos, and sample offerings.

Domain

e SEO professionals speculate that domain authority and age influence ChatGPT rankings, but our findings suggest these factors are correlations rather than direct ranking signals. Household names like Ikea naturally score higher due to their extensive brand mentions and high volume of user-generated content rather than simply because of their domain authority.

Conclusion

Beyond boosting your Google rankings, it seems that having a great product or service, supporting resources, positive customer reviews and a balance of recommendations on niche-relevant and authoritative websites makes you more likely to be recommended by ChatGPT.

Due to the “conversations” users are having with ChatGPT and other AI tools, we expect to see greater value in supporting users at every step of their journey, not just the step before they come to your website to convert.

For years, Google has encouraged companies to engage in holistic online marketing, but never really seemed to reward it. Now, it seems ChatGPT may be moving toward rewarding this behaviour and, in return, rewarding companies who follow a new form of “best practise”.

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A concept map is a great way for professionals to visually organise ideas, projects, and workflows. They allow you to see the big picture and how all the pieces fit together. Integrating the use of concept maps into your regular workflow can help boost productivity and innovation. Here are some tips on how to effectively use concept maps as a professional.

Get familiar with concept maps

If you’re new to concept maps, start by learning what they are and how they work. A concept map is a visual diagram that links concepts together with connecting lines and words. The concepts are usually enclosed in circles or boxes. They show relationships between ideas and allow you to structure and categorise information. Spend some time researching concept maps and looking at examples to become familiar with how they are organised and used.

Start small

When first integrating concept maps, start small in scope. You don’t need to map out your entire workflow or business strategy right away. Choose a specific project or problem you’re working on and create a simple map related to that. Starting small will allow you to get comfortable with concept mapping techniques before applying it to bigger picture planning. Beginner maps may have as few as 5-10 concepts.

Brainstorm broadly

One of the benefits of concept maps is that they allow you to brainstorm concepts widely. Don’t self-censor or limit yourself when initially brainstorming concepts for your map. Write down any concepts related to your focus area without filtering at this stage. Let your ideas flow freely. Broad brainstorming in the beginning will give you more raw material to work with.

Organise and categorise

Once you’ve brainstormed a broad list of concepts, you can start organising them into a concept map format. Look for concepts that connect to each other through a relationship. Think about ways to group or cluster related concepts visually in your map. Categorise concepts from the general to the more specific as you build out your map.

Add connecting lines and words

Connecting lines show the relationships between concepts in a map. Once you’ve organised your concepts into groups, add lines between related concepts. Then label the lines with connecting words like “results in”, “requires”, “part of”, or “example of” that describe the relationship. Connecting words help clarify and reinforce the correlations between concepts.

Prioritise key concepts

Not all concepts have to be included in your map. As your map takes shape, prioritise the 10-15 most essential concepts. The key concepts will keep your map focused and readable. Additional detail can be added later if needed without overcrowding the main structure. Highlight the most critical concepts visually in some way.

Align to purpose

Keep the specific purpose of your concept map central as you create it. Continuously evaluate if the concepts, structure, and relationships are aligned to your intended focus and goals. Don’t go too far off-track including concepts that don’t directly serve the core purpose of your map.

Read more: efficient ways to organise your files on a Mac

Iterate as needed

Concept maps are an iterative process. As you build your map, you may find you need to restructure sections, add or remove concepts, or redraw connecting relationships. Don’t be afraid to continuously iterate as your understanding evolves. Refining your map over time will make it more accurate and meaningful.

Add visual elements

Look for ways to incorporate visual elements to your concept map beyond just words and shapes. You can colour code concepts or connections. Include relevant symbols or icons. Add related imagery. Visual elements help engage both sides of your brain and make your map more interesting.

Use as a thinking tool

The process of creating a concept map helps strengthen your critical thinking skills. Use the mapping process itself to better understand connections between ideas and deepen your expertise on a topic. Let the map reveal underlying patterns within a complex body of knowledge.

Share and collaborate

Once you’ve created a concept map that aligns to your goals, look for opportunities to share and collaborate with others. Concept maps are powerful communication tools that convey complex ideas visually. Share relevant maps with team members, colleagues, or clients to educate them or get feedback. Collaborate with others to co-create a map, blending multiple perspectives. Facilitate a group mapping session focused on a shared challenge or goal. Finding ways to share and collaborate will maximise the value of your concept maps.

Integrating concept mapping into your regular professional workflow takes some practice but can enhance strategic thinking, productivity, and innovation. Start small and build up your skills. Before long, you’ll have a powerful new tool for organising ideas and achieving results.

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And essays are still very important, even though the internet, technology, and changes in how teachers teach have quickly changed the way we learn today. Most of the time, students don’t see why this old-fashioned way of testing is still useful, now that they can learn online.

Platforms like Essaypro can do the homework for students who need extra support, helping them understand how to research, structure, and present their ideas more effectively.

But essay writing is a good way to learn skills that will help you do well in school, grow as a person, and potentially advance in your job. This piece talks about why it’s still important to write essays.

Essays as a tool for critical thinking

There is a lot of information out there for students to choose from, but not all of it is useful or accurate. They learn how to sort through all this information, pick out what’s important, and make a case that makes sense by writing essays. When students write essays, they have to look at different points of view, decide how reliable sources are, and come up with their own opinions.

Through this process, essay writing cultivates critical thinking skills. Just putting their thoughts into a format that makes sense forces them to think deeply about the topic. In addition, making a strong case helps students get better at handling problems, which is a skill that is highly valued in almost all job fields.

The role of essays in developing communication skills

In school and in real life, it’s important to communicate clearly. Writing essays is a very important part of learning how to order your thoughts. Students learn how to explain complicated ideas in a clear and concise way by writing essays. This is a skill that is useful in any job.

The skills students acquire while constructing essays help them become more effective communicators. Students get better at making their points clear whether they are writing a convincing argument or a theory that is hard to understand. You can use these writing skills in public speaking, group talks, and even daily chats, so they will help you for a long time after school is over.

Essays and creativity in academic settings

Lots of people think that writing for school is boring and follows rules, but essays let you be artistic. Students can think about things from their own unique points of view when they write essays. They need to be well-organized and make their points clear. They can use different sources, come up with their own ideas, and look at things from different points of view when they are writing an essay.

That said, many students struggle when faced with complex essay prompts or when they lack the time to thoroughly research a topic. If you feel like you have too much to do, getting an argumentative essay writing service can help. Students can handle the demands of academic writing without sacrificing quality with the help of these services. They help students order their thoughts, build their cases, and meet their due dates.

Being creative is important, but students can also feel less stressed and do better work if they know when and how to ask for help. Professional help can be very helpful when it comes to writing a strong thesis or improving your thoughts.

Preparing students for higher education and careers

Colleges and universities put a lot of weight on essays because they are a great way to see how well a student can think deeply and analyze things. College students are expected to write papers that are well-researched and make sense. When you write essays in high school, you often build skills that make it easier to write at the college level.

You need to be able to write essays for many jobs, not just school. People who work in business, law, public relations, and other fields need to be able to make their case, explain things clearly, and persuade others. Writing is a skill that students can use in real life because it helps them get better at these skills.

Careers where essay writing skills are essential:

Essays as a measure of learning and understanding

Standardized tests and multiple-choice tests can show how well a student remembers things, but they don’t always show how well they understand them. They need to show that they understand a subject by making points, giving proof, and putting thoughts together in writings. This test doesn’t just look at the top of something; it digs deeper. A teacher can see not only what their students know but also how they think by having them write articles. A well-written essay shows that the student can use classroom and real-life information, see things from several angles, and understand the issue. Teachers may assess students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and intellectual advancement via papers.

Conclusion

Essay writing is relevant in an era where technology dominates schooling. Essays are a standard in school, but they also develop voice, inventiveness, and critical thinking. Essays give pupils several skills they’ll need for college and work. Even though essays are hard, they teach useful skills that are becoming more and more important in a world that values honest and smart people. Essays are still an important part of modern education, whether students write them themselves or hire someone to do it for them.

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The same applies to the workspace in the gadgets we use for work. This is why the organisation of files and folders on a Mac is an essential factor in effective operation and our productivity. Therefore, to avoid losing valuable information, wasting time searching for it, and as a result, decreasing productivity, we will look at the best ways to organise your Mac dock and the best way to organise files.

Use folders for organising documents

Proper organisation starts with creating folders. To do this, right-click in the Finder and choose New Folder. Alternatively, you may also use the Shift+Command+N combination. Thanks to folders, you may group your files into categories, so in the future making it easier to find the documents you need.

For example, you can create folders by dividing them into business projects you are working on.

You can also create thematic folders to organise docs by type or topic. For example, you could have a separate folder for music or videos, and another for documents or photos.

What is Smart Folder Mac?

With a Smart Folder Mac, you can automatically collect files based on specific criteria. This makes it easier to find and organise documents.

This way, you can create a smart folder that automatically collects files created in the last week or month, or collects all Word documents. This is especially useful for those users who deal with a large number of documents.

To create such a Mac folder, you should choose File, then New Smart Folder in the Finder, and then configure the search criteria.

After creating different folders, you may also need to transfer files on your Mac. So, you may be wondering how to move files on Mac. This process can be done in different ways. On specialised sites, the move files on Mac process will be given with detailed instructions for your ease of understanding. You will get to know the drag and drop function and others. Moving can be simplified by the ability to copy file path Mac and use it to quickly move or copy documents to the desired folders.

Tags for better organisation

With tags, you can add colourful markings to files and folders. This makes it easier to identify them and find them later. Tagging allows you to quickly find and sort your Mac files by category. That is, you can use green colour for work documents, orange one for personal documents, and yet another for media files.

To add a tag to a file or folder, right-clіck and choose a tag from the menu. You can customise tags in the Finder preferences.

Use the stack and organise shortcuts

Mac offers a feature that automatically groups files on your desktop by date, type, or other criteria. This is called the Stack feature, and it lets you quickly find the documents you need and keep your desktop neat. You can also create shortcuts on your desktop for the folders and applications you use most often.

Creating backups

Backing up your files is an essential part of data security. Your Mac offers several ways to back up your documents.

Time machine

This is a built-in Mac feature. It allows you to automatically back up your docs. All you need to do is set up Time Machine in System Preferences and connect an external drive to store your backups.

Cloud services

Using Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox allows you to back up your files in an easy way and access them from any device. This provides an additional layer of security for your data.

Storage optimisation

It helps free up space on your Mac and keep it running efficiently. You can optimize by using built-in tools and deleting unnecessary files.

How to use the built-in tools:

• Open About This Mac
• Storage
• Open Manage
• You’ll see optimization recommendations.
• Delete unnecessary files

Regularly deleting outdated, unnecessary files and programs will free up space on your hard drive. This will make your computer run much more efficiently.

Popular Mac desktop organisation аpps

Clean
This program automatically moves all files from your desktop to a special folder on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Unclutter

It lets you store notes, documents, and the clipboard in a hidden window.

Hazel
It automates the organisation of files on your Mac.

Summary

If you want to work productively, your Mac must be not only technically sound, but also organised. To do this, you should organise your files and folders properly. You can use both regular folders and smart options. Also, don’t forget about backups. Storage optimisation and regular desktop cleanup will also be helpful. All of this will help you avoid clutter and keep your Mac and your personal life running efficiently.

Love tech? Are you an older gamer? Read more…

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