
Movement targeting major retailers makes its way to Pittsburgh
It's some kind of call to inaction, if you will. The people behind it are asking people not to pull out their carts and buy anything at major retailers Friday.
But as for why? That's not necessarily uniform.
Tim Stevens is hoping he and others can make an impact. "Let's make a dent in the economic structure of America today," he said.
Stevens' group, B-PEP, is endorsing Friday's national economic blackout.
"We do not buy from any major corporation or company today," he said.
This planned pause of spending all started earlier this February.
John Schwarz posted a video that's since garnered millions of views calling for a blackout on Friday, February 28, he says he thought of today as a chance to cause an "economic resistance."
"The economy does not belong to the rich it belongs to us," Schwarz said.
He did not point out specific companies, but some people have.
People like Stevens are also targeting places like Target and McDonalds for rolling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
"We have civil rights champions that are in their graves right now," he said. "If they were able to roll around in their graves, they would be rolling big time right now."
Some have encouraged only shopping at small businesses on Friday. Not all small business owners are endorsing this though.
"I don't think it's right to hurt someone else to help us," Bill Sunseri, President of Pennsylvania Macaroni Company, said. "They may be just trying to hurt the big vendor, the box store, but it will hurt us too."
Some experts do not believe this will make the economic dent Tim Stevens is hoping for. He's not stopping the push.
"If the statement's not powerful enough, we can try it again and I'm sure we will," he said.
Schwarz and his group, The People's Union USA, have another big blackout planned for April. There are also numerous ones planned throughout the next few months.
The next event is a weeklong Amazon boycott in March.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Facebook deletes millions of accounts in ‘heartbreaking' purge
Facebook has deleted more than 10 million accounts as part of an ongoing purge of the world's most popular social network. Meta, Facebook's parent company, said the move was aimed at 'cracking down on spammy content' and promoting authentic accounts, however some users have complained about being wrongly caught up in the action. Facebook confirmed the figure in a blog post, revealing that more than a million accounts were deleted each month in the first half of 2025. 'Too often the same meme or video pops up repeatedly – sometimes from accounts pretending to be the creator and other times from different spammy accounts,' the company wrote in the blog post. 'It dulls the experience for all and makes it harder for fresh voices to break through. We're introducing stronger measures to reduce unoriginal content on Facebook and ultimately protect and elevate creators sharing original content.' Dozens of users shared similar experiences on social media of their accounts being removed, despite being legitimate accounts, with some blaming AI systems for wrongly identifying their accounts as inauthentic. 'It seems that the ability to connect is being stripped away by an algorithm that lacks understanding,' one user wrote in a post to the Reddit forum MetaLawsuits. 'Our business is currently suffering now as we struggle to reach clients, business contacts and maintain relationships, while my son's autism support network has been severed, leaving us feeling abandoned... The disconnection feels inhumane, unfair, and utterly heartbreaking.' Referred to as the 'Meta ban wave', the mass deletions also appear to have impacted people on Instagram, which is also owned by Meta. The Independent has reached out to the company for further comment about legitimate accounts being deleted. Any user whose account has been deleted will receive an email informing them of the action. Facebook users can appeal any account suspension within 180 days, according to the company's support pages, after which time the profile will be permanently deleted. The large-scale removal comes as other tech companies take steps to clean up their own platforms. In 2023, Google announced that it would delete all inactive Gmail, Photos and Drive accounts in a move that continues to impact millions of users. Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has previously proposed even more extreme purges of Facebook in an effort to boost engagement. In 2022, he reportedly sent an internal email that laid out a plan to delete the friends of all Facebook users. 'One potentially crazy idea is to consider wiping everyone's graphs [connections] and having them start again,' he wrote to company executives, who pushed back on the idea.


Hamilton Spectator
2 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Program unleashes entrepreneurial spirit among young Sudburians
Summer Company marks more than two decades of nurturing Fatmeh (Christabell) Hamoud was born in Sierra Leone and has lived all over the world, including the Bahamas, Lebanon and Cuba. But it's in Sudbury that the international student from Laurentian University is setting up a business. Fatmeh (Christabell) Hamoud is one of two international students the Summer Company is supporting this year. 'My Summer Company project? I help improve your core and overall fitness. I am a personal trainer,' Hamoud said in an interview. At 24, she has had the idea for some years. The injection of financing from Sudbury's Summer Company program helps get her idea off the ground. Her fitness and nutrition app delivers personalized coaching to help users achieve their health goals. 'Our app offers tailored workout plans and dietary advice,' Hamoud. 'I am building a website and working on being consistent with doing posts and with that, advertising the business better.' To learn more, go to Instagram and find transformative_strength. Hamoud is one of more than a dozen young entrepreneurs benefitting from the Summer Company program. The program provides training, mentorship and start-up grants of up to $3,000 to help students turn their ideas into viable summer businesses. Participants developed business plans, including financial projections and budgeting, to assess the feasibility of their ideas. Throughout the summer, they will continue working with the Regional Business Centre team to build their knowledge in key areas, such as marketing, sales strategies and financial management. Josée Pharand, the coordinator of the Regional Business Centre, is proud of the program. 'Summer Company has been around for over 20 years,' Pharand said. 'I've been helping to deliver the program for 16 years. We are definitely growing entrepreneurs. It is one of my favourite projects. This year, we are doing a launch event today in July. 'We typically have a launch and a closing event. Doing it now helps them gain some visibility and maybe attract new customers. This is our largest group ever.' Pharand says she loves working with students. 'They have such energy. They come away from the program with not just skills but confidence. Coaching and guidance are essential in business.' Gisele Roberts, director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University, heard some applicants might not fit the program's parameters. 'We are sponsoring the two international students,' Roberts said, including Hamoud. 'They are not normally eligible for the program, but I had funds that could be allocated.' With this, the students have access to all the services the Regional Business Centre provides. Roberts confirmed an intent for the future. 'I will do it again next year and hope to continue for years. Some of this comes from a donation by Craig Fowler, who is now the VP of Algoma University. 'International students are part of his portfolio. He was delighted to know what we were doing. We want to support international students. They are incredibly entrepreneurial and bring new perspectives and fresh ideas … not just diversity.' Carter Benson graduated from Lo-Ellen Secondary School and then went to Western University in London for three years. 'I studied actuarial science, and have come back to Laurentian for my final year in business administration,' Benson said. 'Sudbury is home. I think I can grow the business, Anchora Partners, here. 'I applied in March and we started in June. The idea has been bubbling in my head for some years. I am a boutique consultant helping with business stability and restructuring. I believe there is a strong potential to make money at this. This is not a one-off summer job.' Mayor Paul Lefebvre was on hand to present certificates to the young businesspeople. 'We want to see this happen here. We want to encourage this. I am an entrepreneur and always have been. This is close to my heart. There are so many opportunities here in Sudbury.' To the students, he lauded their 'willingness to take risks and devote a summer to an idea. You've chosen to step outside your comfort zone.' Other Summer Program businesses include: - Oluwanifemi Ogunleye's Desserts by Nifemi (use this to find her on Instagram), which serves up delicious waffles and sweet treats from a vibrant summer stand. Her treats are made with high-quality ingredients. - EcoSafe Cleaning Services by Maryam Mboutne Pemi delivers eco-friendly residential cleaning solutions with a focus on safety and sustainability. She uses non-toxic products to ensure a healthy home environment. - Creating high-quality embroidered T-shirts for small businesses that want to stand out is Megan Martin's creative EmbroiderTees. On Instagram: embroidertees. - On Facebook, find Grass & Go. Bryce Broglio is offering professional landscaping and lawn care services to keep your outdoor spaces pristine all summer long. His objective is to ensure your lawn looks its best throughout the season. On Instagram: grass_and_go. - Crafting adorable, custom crochet animals that bring joy to all ages, Khadija Bettah has Khadija's Yarnimals. On Instagram: - Dog walking solutions and pet sitting can be found at LC's Leash & Lounge Services. Lillith Chiasson has a presence on Facebook and on Instagram at lcsleashlounge. - A local beekeeping venture producing high-quality, sustainably harvested honey is Elias Bettah's The Buzzing Hives. - Mercy Clicks is Oluwasemilore Ogunleye's venture. He captures life's special moments with professional photography services. Try Instagram: mercy_clicks. - Mimi MadeIt Crochet and Jewellery by Hammirah Eletu creates unique, handmade crochet clothing and jewelry that blends style with craftsmanship. Instagram: mimiimadeit. - Aeizy is Mohammad Aazeer Mohammad Thahir's business. T-shirts feature unique designs inspired by popular anime. There is a website: , and Instagram: aeizyca - Transforming discarded materials into stunning upcycled jewelry is about creativity and environmental consciousness, says Oluwanifemi Solarin. Instagram: resurrart. - RK's Contracting provides top-tier power washing and window cleaning to make homes and businesses shine. 'Our services ensure your property looks its best,' Ryder Kirby says. Instagram: rkscontractingsudbury. - Stems by T is Tamyra Matshinyatsimbi's custom floral bouquets for weddings, parties and special moments. 'Crafted with care and made to fit any budget, our stylish arrangements bring a personal touch to your celebration without breaking the bank.' Instagram: stems_by_t. - Offering engaging and effective math tutoring for kids and teens from Cornerstone Learning is Zhi Xing Si Tuto's project to build confidence and skills. Check out Facebook: Cornerstone Learning. The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible through funding from the federal government. Bluesky: @ X: @SudburyStar Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .


Time Business News
3 hours ago
- Time Business News
How to Build a High-ROI Performance Marketing Strategy
In today's fast-paced digital economy, marketing teams are increasingly held accountable for measurable results. Unlike traditional brand campaigns where success can be vague, performance marketing thrives on data, attribution, and return on investment. A robust Performance Marketing Strategy is no longer a 'nice-to-have'—it's an essential component for scaling revenue and achieving growth targets efficiently. This guide explores how businesses can create a high-ROI performance marketing strategy from the ground up, including the fundamentals of planning, executing, optimizing, and scaling campaigns based on tangible outcomes. Performance marketing refers to digital marketing campaigns where advertisers pay only when a specific action is completed—such as a click, lead, sale, or sign-up. Unlike traditional campaigns that often focus on impressions or reach, performance marketing is rooted in outcomes. Platforms such as Google Ads, Meta Ads, affiliate networks, and programmatic channels fall under this umbrella. What sets performance marketing apart is its rigorous attention to real-time metrics, testing, and attribution. Before diving into campaign execution, it's critical to define clear objectives. Businesses must identify what 'performance' actually means for them. Is it leads? Product sales? App installs? Newsletter sign-ups? Without clarity on goals, no strategy can be truly ROI-driven. Once your goals are defined, the next step is translating them into measurable KPIs. Key performance indicators could range from cost per lead (CPL), return on ad spend (ROAS), customer acquisition cost (CAC), to conversion rate (CVR). These should be aligned with business objectives. For example, a SaaS company might prioritize free trial sign-ups, while an e-commerce brand might focus on completed purchases and average order value. Aligning marketing KPIs with broader business metrics ensures that marketing performance contributes directly to revenue generation. Attribution models should be clearly defined—whether it's first-touch, last-touch, or multi-touch—so that campaigns can be evaluated fairly and accurately. To achieve a high ROI, selecting the right mix of channels is key. Paid search offers intent-driven users ready to take action, while social platforms like Facebook and Instagram are ideal for scaling reach and targeting specific demographics. Native advertising can drive high-volume traffic at scale, and affiliate marketing can extend your reach through third-party publishers. While choosing your channels, consider where your target audience spends their time and how they make purchase decisions. Experimentation is critical in the early stages. A/B testing different ad creatives, messaging, and landing pages helps discover what resonates best with your audience. Channel-specific benchmarks also help set realistic expectations. Your campaign's success heavily depends on messaging and creative execution. Ads should be relevant, engaging, and aligned with the intent of the user. A strong value proposition, clear CTA, and tailored visuals or video can dramatically improve click-through and conversion rates. To build trust and reduce friction, ensure your landing pages reflect the promise of the ad. Message match between ad copy and landing page copy is essential. If you're promoting a limited-time discount or a special offer, the landing page must immediately highlight it. Slow-loading pages, vague headlines, and poor UX can sink an otherwise well-optimized campaign. With the decline of third-party cookies and evolving data privacy regulations, the value of first-party data has never been higher. Your CRM, website analytics, and customer interactions are goldmines for audience segmentation and personalization. Personalized experiences convert better. Whether it's through dynamic ad content, email retargeting, or lookalike audiences based on high-value customers, your ability to deliver tailored experiences directly impacts campaign ROI. Invest in robust analytics infrastructure and consider using customer data platforms (CDPs) to unify and activate your data across channels. A performance campaign is never 'set and forget.' Continuous optimization is what separates average marketers from high-performing ones. Using real-time analytics dashboards, marketers should monitor campaigns daily and adjust bids, budgets, placements, or creatives as necessary. Key areas for ongoing optimization include improving Quality Scores in Google Ads, testing new keywords, refining ad copy, and adjusting audience segments. High-performing campaigns should have automated rules and triggers set up for budget scaling, while underperforming ads should be paused or revised quickly. This is also the time to look into advanced strategies like dayparting, geo-targeting, and lifetime value (LTV) modeling. Campaigns should not just aim for cheap clicks—they should attract the right customers. One of the biggest challenges in performance marketing is understanding how different channels contribute to conversions. Cross-channel tracking and attribution modeling solve this issue. Using tools like Google Analytics 4, Segment, or marketing attribution software, marketers can visualize the customer journey and see how each touchpoint impacts performance. Attribution models should be re-evaluated as the business grows. A direct-to-consumer brand may initially rely on last-click attribution but later move to data-driven or time-decay models to get a fuller picture of engagement and conversion paths. Once a campaign achieves positive ROI at a small scale, the next challenge is to scale without losing efficiency. Scaling should be data-driven—based on historical performance, customer behavior, and margin considerations. This might involve increasing ad spend, expanding into new geographies, launching new ad sets, or even onboarding additional channels. However, scale must be accompanied by quality control. Monitor customer acquisition costs as volume increases and watch for signs of audience fatigue or creative burnout. It's also advisable to diversify your investment across multiple channels to reduce risk. Dependency on a single platform like Meta Ads or Google Ads can make your growth fragile. Use experimentation budgets to test newer channels like TikTok, LinkedIn, or Reddit depending on where your target customers are active. Building a high-ROI strategy requires skilled talent—data analysts, paid media specialists, copywriters, and CRO experts. Investing in internal education can help. Enrolling your team in the best performance marketing course can lead to immediate improvements in campaign structure, targeting, and reporting. Upskilling not only reduces reliance on external agencies but also ensures in-house teams can adapt quickly to new tools, formats, and algorithms. The digital marketing landscape evolves rapidly. New AI tools are redefining ad creation and optimization, privacy regulations are changing targeting tactics, and consumer behavior is becoming more fragmented. To maintain ROI, marketers must stay agile. Keep an eye on emerging trends such as AI-driven bidding, conversational ads, voice commerce, and zero-party data collection. Your strategy should evolve alongside technology and consumer expectations. Developing a high-ROI Performance Marketing Strategy is an ongoing process that combines clear goal setting, data-driven execution, and relentless optimization. The most successful marketers aren't those who spend the most, but those who adapt, test, and refine based on results. Whether you're a startup or an enterprise, applying these principles can help you drive measurable business impact in a competitive digital landscape. If you're looking to master these techniques hands-on, consider learning from expert-led programs that cover real-world campaigns, tools, and case studies. The right training can dramatically elevate your strategic thinking and execution capabilities. Q1. What is the primary role of data in performance marketing campaigns? Data helps marketers make informed decisions throughout the campaign lifecycle. From audience targeting and budget allocation to real-time optimization and ROI measurement, data provides actionable insights that improve the efficiency and effectiveness of performance marketing Q2. How does data influence audience targeting? Data allows marketers to segment audiences based on demographics, interests, behavior, and purchase history. This ensures that ads are delivered to the most relevant users, which increases engagement, reduces ad spend wastage, and improves conversion rates Q3. What types of data are used in performance marketing? Common data types include first-party (collected directly from users), second-party (partner-shared), and third-party data (purchased or aggregated). Key metrics include click-through rate (CTR), cost per acquisition (CPA), return on ad spend (ROAS), and customer lifetime value (CLV) Q4. What are the best tools for data analysis in performance marketing? Popular tools include Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, Google Ads, HubSpot, SEMrush, and CRM platforms like Salesforce. These tools provide valuable insights into campaign performance, audience behavior, and attribution paths Q5. How does data help improve campaign ROI? By analyzing real-time performance data, marketers can identify high-performing ads and channels, reallocate budget efficiently, and tweak underperforming elements. This optimization process leads to a better return on every dollar spent Q6. Why is data compliance important in performance marketing? With regulations like GDPR and CCPA, handling user data responsibly is critical. Marketers must obtain user consent, store data securely, and be transparent about data usage to avoid legal issues and maintain customer trust Q7. Can beginners learn how to use data in performance marketing? Yes, anyone can learn how to use data effectively. Enrolling in the best performance marketing course can provide structured learning on data analytics, audience targeting, campaign optimization, and ethical data practices. TIME BUSINESS NEWS