Threads Unveils Ghost Posts: Share Freely Without the Pressure of Permanence

Threads, the popular social media platform, is rolling out an innovative feature called ghost posts, designed to empower users—including small business owners—to share thoughts that don’t weigh heavily on the permanence of online content. This new capability allows posts to vanish after 24 hours, fostering a space for more spontaneous and unfiltered communication.

Ghost posts encourage users to share fresh ideas or engage in dialogue without the anxiety of long-term visibility. As Threads introduces this feature, small businesses stand to benefit from a platform that prioritizes connection and creativity over curation.

“Here today and gone tomorrow, you can feel confident trying new things and posting spontaneous thoughts,” a Threads spokesperson noted. This sentiment may resonate particularly with entrepreneurs, as small business owners often juggle multiple roles and may seek versatility in their engagement strategies.

The mechanics are straightforward: by toggling on the ghost icon when creating a post, entrepreneurs can dive into social interactions that can be spontaneous and reflective of real-time thinking. Replies to these ghost posts are routed to a private messaging inbox, ensuring that user interactions remain semi-private, allowing business owners a unique avenue for feedback from their audience without exposing everything to the digital world forever.

This feature aligns with a growing trend in social media where temporary content reigns supreme. The rise of disappearing posts, popularized by platforms like Snapchat and Instagram Stories, caters to an audience that increasingly values authenticity over agricultural content. Small business owners can harness this feature to experiment with promotional messages, solicit real-time feedback on products, or simply engage their audience on a more personal level.

Additionally, Threads has recently expanded its toolkit for users, which includes text attachments allowing up to 10,000 characters for longer messages and the option to conceal spoilers in posts. These enhancements reflect a shift towards more nuanced communications on social media, enabling businesses to articulate their value propositions more clearly and interactively.

However, while the benefits are promising, small business owners must also consider potential challenges. The transient nature of ghost posts could create a less structured environment for marketing strategies. Content that disappears may not contribute to long-term brand storytelling, making it essential for business owners to find a balance between ephemeral and enduring communication. With that in mind, entrepreneurs should strategize on how best to incorporate ghost posts into their overall branding framework.

Moreover, the semi-private response mechanism might limit public engagement metrics. Unlike traditional posts that encourage public likes and shares, ghost posts focus more on private replies. This could make performance tracking more challenging, necessitating new methods of measuring audience engagement and sentiment.

As Threads continues to evolve, small business owners should keep an eye on how these features can drive innovation in their marketing initiatives. “We’ll keep updating Threads to make it easier and more fun to share your thoughts and connect with others,” the spokesperson affirmed. As platforms adapt, entrepreneurs can leverage new tools to revitalize their communication styles and foster community engagement.

In a rapidly changing digital landscape, features like ghost posts represent an opportunity for small businesses to embrace a culture of experimentation. These time-sensitive messages can help spark meaningful dialogues, allowing entrepreneurs to stay ahead of industry trends and foster connections that add value both online and offline.

As small businesses explore the potential of Threads, they should be proactive about finding the ideal blend of transient and enduring content. This approach will help in cultivating an engaged community while navigating the evolving social media landscape. For more details about ghost posts and other new features, visit the official announcement at Meta.

This article, "Threads Unveils Ghost Posts: Share Freely Without the Pressure of Permanence" was first published on Small Business Trends

Facebook Empowers Group Admins to Convert Private Groups to Public

Facebook has just introduced a significant update for group admins, providing small business owners an avenue to expand their networks and reach new audiences through community engagement. This change allows private group admins to convert their groups to public ones while safeguarding member privacy and past content.

Facebook Groups have long served as an essential tool for connection, whether users are seeking advice, sharing experiences, or networking with others from similar backgrounds or interests. For small businesses, these groups present unique opportunities to cultivate brand loyalty, attract new customers, and foster community support.

With this update, small business owners now have the flexibility to transform their private groups into public platforms. The process is straightforward, accessible via the group’s settings page on Facebook. Once the conversion is made, all content posted post-conversion will be available to anyone, which can significantly increase group visibility and engagement.

“Group admins want more tools to grow and manage their communities, and we’re listening to your feedback,” Facebook noted in its press release. This direct acknowledgment of admin needs indicates that Facebook is committed to helping small business owners maximize their group potential.

Small business owners can take several practical steps to enhance their community engagement:

1. Convert with Caution: Before changing the privacy setting from private to public, it’s crucial for group admins to consider the implications for their current members. Feedback from fellow admins and members can help inform this decision.
2. Notify Group Members: Once the conversion is made, keeping members informed about changes boosts transparency. Sharing a post detailing the shift can help mitigate misunderstandings and foster ongoing communication.
3. Emphasize Privacy Protections: Facebook assures that past group content will remain accessible only to previous members as well as admins and moderators. Member lists will be protected, and new members will see reminders when engaging in public discussions.
4. Public Engagement: For those who are comfortable, new posts will be public, allowing members to interact beyond the group’s established audience. This can pave the way for wider brand recognition and community-building opportunities.
5. Adapt to Member Preferences: The update also introduces features for anonymous participation, offering members the choice to engage using their real names, anonymously, or with nicknames. This flexibility empowers users to participate comfortably, a trait that can boost group activity.

Despite the benefits, converting a group to a public setting does entail some challenges:

• Potential Loss of Exclusivity: While public status can draw in new members, it might deter individuals seeking a more intimate or private community environment.
• Increased Scrutiny: Public groups open the door for non-members to view content, which could attract negative attention or unwanted discussions.
• Ongoing Communication: Regularly updating the community about rules and expectations will be necessary to adapt to the public group dynamic.
• Risk of Miscommunication: Any misunderstanding regarding the new privacy settings can lead to confusion or dissatisfaction among existing members.

As small business owners navigate these changes, they should weigh the opportunities against the challenges. The potential for growth and enhanced community interaction is substantial, yet they must prioritize member comfort and consent in their decision-making processes.

“Today’s update helps admins to grow their groups, foster deeper connections, and spark more conversations across shared interests,” said Facebook, echoing the sentiment that business growth is intrinsically tied to genuine community engagement.

Overall, these new options enable small business owners to expand their footprint on Facebook, engage with consumers authentically, and curate a thriving community that can lead to increased brand loyalty and potential revenue streams. For more details about converting groups, visit Facebook’s help center here and learn more about public versus private groups here.

To read the original announcement, visit the Facebook News release here.

Image via Envanto

This article, "Facebook Empowers Group Admins to Convert Private Groups to Public" was first published on Small Business Trends

HubSpot Boosts Marketing with XFunnel Acquisition to Enhance AI Visibility

As the marketing landscape undergoes a seismic shift, small business owners face new challenges—and opportunities—largely driven by advancements in artificial intelligence. HubSpot, a leader in marketing software, has announced its agreement to acquire XFunnel, a platform designed to help businesses optimize their visibility in the era of Answer Engine Optimization (AEO).

The timing couldn’t be more critical. As consumers increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude for information, businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to ensure they appear where their customers are searching. HubSpot reports that leads generated from AI-driven strategies convert three times better than those from traditional search methods, highlighting the necessity for small businesses to reconsider their digital strategies.

One of the core advancements in HubSpot’s recent updates is the introduction of Loop Marketing, a modern framework designed to attract, engage, and convert customers in a manner that aligns with today’s digital behavior. Angela DeFranco, GM and VP of Product for HubSpot’s Marketing Hub, underscores the intent behind the acquisition: “As AI changes how people find and engage with businesses, we want to make that shift easier to navigate for our customers.”

With XFunnel’s integration into HubSpot’s marketing suite, small business owners can expect insights and strategies aimed at enhancing their online presence across various AI platforms. XFunnel helps marketing teams monitor their business’s digital performance across AI-generated answers, providing data-driven recommendations for improving visibility. This level of understanding can empower small businesses to target and connect with their audiences more effectively.

The capabilities offered by XFunnel can be particularly beneficial for small business owners who often juggle various responsibilities and may lack the resources of larger enterprises. The platform’s design focuses on experimentation and rapid testing, enabling users to identify effective strategies efficiently. “We’ve admired HubSpot for their leadership in marketing and for their consistent innovation with AI across the platform,” said Neri Bluman, Co-Founder of XFunnel. The collaborative spirit between the two companies signals a shared vision for helping businesses adapt to ongoing changes in the marketing landscape.

For small business owners keen on leveraging these new AI-enhanced tools, there are practical applications worth considering. Businesses can use insights from XFunnel to optimize their content, improve website visibility, and tailor their marketing messages to meet customer queries head-on. In an age where first impressions can be influenced by how businesses appear in search results, developing a data-informed strategy has never been more critical.

However, potential challenges are tied to the integration of this new technology. For smaller businesses that may not have extensive marketing teams or budgets, the learning curve associated with implementing AI-driven tools could feel daunting. Additionally, the rapidly evolving nature of AI and AEO means that staying current with best practices may require an ongoing investment in training and development.

Nevertheless, the benefits of adopting these tools are clear. By positioning themselves in the AI ecosystem through AEO strategies, small businesses stand to gain a competitive edge. More than just improving visibility, these tools offer the chance to refine customer relationships and enhance overall marketing effectiveness.

With the acquisition of XFunnel, HubSpot aims to equip small business owners with the necessary tools and insights to thrive in this evolving landscape. In time, as the capabilities become fully integrated, small businesses will receive a vital resource to navigate changes in how customers discover products and services.

As this trend develops, staying informed and adaptable will be crucial for small business owners looking to harness the power of AI in their marketing efforts. You can read more about this exciting acquisition and HubSpot’s ongoing innovations in marketing at the original post here.

This article, "HubSpot Boosts Marketing with XFunnel Acquisition to Enhance AI Visibility" was first published on Small Business Trends

WhatsApp Boosts Privacy with Passkey Encryption for Chat Backups

In an era where data privacy is paramount, small business owners are constantly seeking ways to secure their communications and sensitive information. WhatsApp’s latest announcement promises to bolster data security by introducing passkey-enabled encryption for chat backups—a move that could transform how small enterprises manage their digital communications.

WhatsApp has long been a go-to messaging app, acclaimed for its emphasis on user privacy. Now, with this new feature, the platform takes a significant step forward, making secure communication simpler and more user-friendly. Business owners can leverage this enhanced security to safeguard not only their conversations but also invaluable customer interactions, project discussions, and sensitive business information.

The introduction of passkeys means users can protect their WhatsApp chat backups simply by using biometric authentication such as a fingerprint or facial recognition. No longer will small business owners need to remember complex passwords or a cumbersome 64-digit encryption key for backup security. Instead, accessing chat backups becomes as simple as a tap or glance, ensuring quick retrieval when needed.

As small businesses often juggle various tasks and tight schedules, ease of use is crucial. The new feature streamlines the backup process, making it easier than ever to maintain data security without sacrificing productivity. Business owners can enable end-to-end encrypted backups by navigating to WhatsApp settings, tapping on Chats, selecting Chat backup, and opting for the new end-to-end encrypted backup feature. This straightforward setup allows for immediate implementation without requiring extensive technical knowledge.

However, challenges may arise as businesses begin to utilize this feature. While passkeys enhance security, they also depend on the reliability of biometric technology. If a user’s fingerprint or facial recognition fails to recognize them, accessing backups could prove cumbersome. Additionally, as small businesses grow and possibly transition to team communications, ensuring that all members understand and utilize these encryption methods will be essential. Given that various employees may have different levels of technical proficiency, business owners might need to invest time in training or troubleshooting.

It’s also worth noting that small businesses often handle sensitive customer information, making the need for secure communication even more critical. The ability to encrypt backups will help mitigate the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access, reinforcing trust with customers. As data protection regulations tighten worldwide, compliance could also be enhanced by adopting these better security practices.

While WhatsApp’s new feature is gradually rolling out over the upcoming weeks and months, small business owners who wish to stay ahead of the curve should consider adopting it promptly. Engaging in conversations about privacy and data handling with employees can help develop a culture of security within the organization. Additionally, as customer interactions increasingly move to digital platforms, prioritizing data security is not just a precaution—it’s a competitive advantage.

As WhatsApp continues to innovate and respond to user needs, small businesses stand to gain significantly. By integrating such advanced security features into everyday communication practices, owners can not only protect their proprietary information but also enhance customer relationships built on trust and transparency.

For more details, visit the original announcement here.

This article, "WhatsApp Boosts Privacy with Passkey Encryption for Chat Backups" was first published on Small Business Trends

PayPal Partners with NVIDIA to Transform Commerce with Open AI Models

In an era where digital transformation is not just an option but a necessity, PayPal is making significant strides towards reshaping ecommerce through its collaboration with NVIDIA’s open AI models. This partnership aims to bolster the capabilities of PayPal’s services, making them even more beneficial for small businesses looking to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences.

PayPal has announced the integration of NVIDIA’s Nemotron open models into its commerce services. This initiative not only highlights the company’s commitment to innovative solutions but also underscores the growing importance of AI in the ecommerce landscape. For small business owners, understanding how these advancements play out can translate directly to improved business performance.

The introduction of open AI models allows companies like PayPal to tailor AI systems specifically to their needs, providing a higher degree of control over how these systems are applied in real-world situations. With this enhanced flexibility, PayPal aims to deliver faster, more intelligent commerce experiences while ensuring the security and trust that have become synonymous with the brand.

Small businesses are likely to notice the benefits right away. Early benchmarks from PayPal’s integration process show impressive results, including a 50% increase in operational speed and a five-fold acceleration in developer productivity. This improvement is made possible by two main factors: a streamlined, intuitive open architecture for development and the ability to directly fine-tune models. These advancements promise to undercut the traditionally lengthy and inefficient prompt engineering processes, allowing for quicker deployments of new features or tools.

The development of agentic commerce services means that small business owners could enjoy more personalized and responsive ecommerce solutions. With enhanced decision-making capabilities powered by AI, businesses can manage inventories more efficiently, tailor marketing strategies, and provide improved customer support. This is significant for small enterprises competing against larger counterparts with extensive resources.

As PayPal positions itself at the forefront of open commerce technologies, small businesses are also urged to consider the implications of such advancements. There remains a need to evaluate the underlying costs and technical support that open models demand. However, the strategic shift to control one’s AI stack—from model selection to deployment—promises a more democratic approach to implementing AI technologies, a factor that small enterprises might find particularly appealing.

Quotes from PayPal reinforce the vision shared between the two technology giants. A spokesperson elaborated, “The future of commerce is intelligent, intuitive, and open,” acknowledging their ambition to support community-driven innovation. Such sentiments reflect an ethos that could resonate with small business owners ready to adopt innovative practices.

While there’s a clear upside to embracing these open models, the integration process may also present potential challenges. Small businesses might face initial barriers such as the technical know-how required to implement these solutions effectively. The shift from proprietary models to open ones necessitates an adjustment period for owners who may not yet be familiar with AI technologies.

Despite these hurdles, the benefits of improved speed and customizability can be significant. Moreover, the collaborative nature of open models invites contributions from the broader developer community, which could lead to enhanced resources and support networks for small businesses navigating this transformative landscape.

In the rapidly evolving world of ecommerce, the developments at PayPal signal a promising direction for small business innovation. By adopting open models powered by AI, small enterprises stand to gain not only in operational efficiency but also in the ability to create a more engaging and responsive customer experience. The future beckons, and with it comes an opportunity to redefine the way commerce is conducted.

For more information on this initiative, visit the original press release at PayPal’s newsroom: Building the Future of Commerce with Open Models.

Image via Envanto

This article, "PayPal Partners with NVIDIA to Transform Commerce with Open AI Models" was first published on Small Business Trends

Manufacturers Embrace Local Production to Overcome Supply Chain Strains

Amid the shifting tides of global manufacturing, small businesses may find themselves at a crossroads. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with geopolitical tensions and rising inflation, have transformed traditional supply chains into landscapes of uncertainty. However, this upheaval presents an opportunity for small business owners to rethink their production strategies and embrace a more local, agile model of manufacturing.

Recent insights from HP highlight this seismic shift in the industry. “How do we move from a global model to something more responsive, resilient, and local?” This critical question looms over manufacturers across various sectors, from footwear to industrial machinery. The answer? A blend of local production and advanced technologies like additive manufacturing.

Gone is the era dominated by offshoring manufacturing to cut costs. As labor costs rise globally and consumer expectations heighten, manufacturers must adapt quickly to market changes. While additive manufacturing—commonly referred to as 3D printing—has often been pigeonholed as unsuitable for mid- and high-volume production, it has emerged as a game-changer for low-volume, high-complexity parts. HP likens this technology to a powerful enabler that can enhance agility and expedite development cycles.

Notably, HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology stands out for its speed, quality, and consistency. It integrates seamlessly with various design tools and offers a support ecosystem that extends beyond mere equipment sales. HP aims to help businesses navigate the complexities of modern production, from material science to digital workflows.

One of the most significant hurdles small businesses face is the misconception that additive manufacturing is prohibitively expensive. HP’s strategy encourages businesses to shift their focus from individual part costs to the broader value of supply chain dynamics. For example, what is the financial impact of launching a product eight to twelve weeks sooner? What costs arise from excess inventory? How beneficial is the ability to meet custom demands in days, rather than months? According to HP, the real return on investment lies in these considerations.

Real-world applications exemplify this shift toward agility. Ocado, a company in the logistics sector, reimagined their 600 Series warehouse robots using HP’s technology, resulting in a fivefold weight reduction for the robots, faster movement, and a staggering 40% reduction in installation times. Meanwhile, Blue-White Industries transitioned from relying on outsourced injection molding to harnessing in-house 3D printing. This approach has enabled rapid product development and significant savings in tooling costs, allowing them to operate a compact 3D print lab that requires only one operator to manage three machines.

AGCO, a manufacturer facing supply chain volatility, also embraced HP’s Multi Jet Fusion technology. What began with creating prototypes for $120,000 culminated in the ability to produce those same items for only $3,200, showcasing the considerable cost savings and flexibility additive manufacturing can provide.

These success stories demonstrate that the mindset around additive manufacturing must evolve. The industry needs to prioritize agility and responsiveness over simple cost analysis. Too often, decision-making lingers on part pricing instead of embracing broader questions like time-to-market and inventory risk.

“Agility isn’t a trend, it’s a competitive mandate,” emphasizes HP. With the industry buzzing about AI and automation, many leaders remain uncertain about how these technologies translate into tangible benefits. Meanwhile, additive manufacturing is already delivering measurable outcomes—accelerating development cycles, smartening inventory, and producing in a more sustainable fashion.

For small businesses looking to future-proof their operations, the path lies in prioritizing adaptability and strategic local production. By marrying traditional practices with innovative technologies, business owners have the opportunity to build resilient supply chains that better withstand disruptions.

The call to action from HP is clear: it’s time for small businesses to transition from a reactive stance to a proactive approach that emphasizes resilience. The future of manufacturing lies not only in advanced technologies but also in a shift toward agility, materialization of ideas, and robust local strategies.

For additional insights and details on how to leverage these advancements, HP offers further information on its additive manufacturing solutions at HP Industrial 3D Printers and Solutions.

This transition may not be easy, but small business owners have the chance to redefine their operational strategies—building what’s next, strategically and collaboratively.

Image via Envanto

This article, "Manufacturers Embrace Local Production to Overcome Supply Chain Strains" was first published on Small Business Trends

AI-Powered Attacks Surge: Organizations Face Major Mobile Security Risks

As mobile devices become central to daily business operations, small business owners face a pressing cybersecurity dilemma. The latest findings from the Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index (MSI) reveal that mobile attacks are surging, with 85% of organizations experiencing increased threats. This situation is compounded by employees using generative AI tools for work, escalating both risks and vulnerabilities.

Chris Novak, VP of Global Cybersecurity Solutions at Verizon Business, puts it starkly: “This year’s Mobile Security Index is a clear wake-up call: mobile security is no longer a perimeter defense, but a battle fought in the palm of every employee’s hand.” With 38% of organizations indicating that AI-powered ransomware is becoming a more significant threat, small businesses need to rethink their security strategies urgently.

A startling insight from the MSI is that while 93% of organizations report employees using generative AI for their tasks, a mere 17% have specific security controls in place to counter AI-assisted attacks. This discrepancy leaves many businesses vulnerable. For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the stakes are particularly high; 54% believe they have more to lose from a cyber breach compared to larger enterprises.

Challenges persist for SMBs navigating this landscape. According to the MSI, 57% of SMBs feel disadvantaged in resources when addressing cybersecurity, making it more challenging to combat attacks compared to larger rivals. Notably, enterprises often engage in more employee training on mobile security and implement advanced measures such as multifactor authentication at higher rates.

Despite these hurdles, proactive measures can mitigate risks. Businesses must ensure robust training for employees and establish clear policies regarding AI usage. The MSI indicates that only 66% of larger companies train employees on mobile security, compared to 56% of SMBs. Increasing awareness is critical, especially given that 39% of SMB employees clicked on malicious links during smishing tests, a statistic that underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance.

Small businesses should also consider investing in advanced AI risk training. With only 39% of SMBs currently offering this, there is ample room for improvement. By equipping their workforce with the right knowledge, small businesses can foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness, thereby reducing the likelihood of human error leading to breaches.

However, adapting to an AI-security landscape presents practical challenges. Many small business owners may find it daunting to allocate budget and resources to enhance cybersecurity measures, especially when balancing other operational costs. As the report highlights, 63% of organizations have experienced significant downtime due to security incidents, further stressing the need for reliable continuity solutions.

Yet, there lies an opportunity for SMBs to turn this challenge into an advantage. Investing in integrated security solutions can enable businesses to protect their mobile devices while empowering employees to work collaboratively and innovate. Novak emphasizes, “While threats evolve, so do defenses. A proactive and multi-layered approach to mobile security is no longer just a best practice; it’s a business imperative.”

In the evolving world of cybersecurity, small businesses cannot afford to underestimate the risks associated with mobile and AI usage. Strategies centered on unified security across networks and mobile platforms will not only help ensure business continuity but also foster trust among customers and partners.

As cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, it’s essential for small business owners to stay informed and proactive. For those seeking a comprehensive understanding of the current mobile threat landscape and practical steps to fortify their defenses, further details can be found in the full Verizon 2025 Mobile Security Index, which can be accessed here.

By proactively addressing these challenges, SMBs can navigate the complex terrain of mobile security and safeguard their operations against the ever-looming threat of cyber attacks.

This article, "AI-Powered Attacks Surge: Organizations Face Major Mobile Security Risks" was first published on Small Business Trends