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December 16, 2024

📍 Consistency is key: Make sure your business name is consistent across Yelp, Google and every other online directory. Even small differences (like “Co.” instead of “Company”) can confuse search engines and hurt your SEO rankings. Want more small-biz smarts? <a href=”https://www.komando.com/getsmallbiz/” trigger-id=”4779805″>Get on the list for my free small-biz newsletter now.</a>

🔒 Friendly reminder: Browser extensions lose support and change developers. Take a minute to review what’s installed and ditch anything you don’t use. On Chrome, tap the three dots near your profile icon, hover over Extensions, then select Manage Extensions. On Safari, go to Preferences > Extensions.

5 hidden fees costing your small business money

Starting your own business can be exciting, but it often comes with a rocky road ahead. Those rocks will cut into your wallet through several expenses. Miscalculating the daily costs of running a company can hurt you in the long run.

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Why I used Incogni to wipe my info off the internet

I got this note the other day from Mike S. (Hi, Mike! 👋): “Next time you talk about Incogni, maybe you can do a deep dive?”

Mike, you’re not the only reader who’s asked for a more in-depth look at how Incogni works and why I chose it to wipe my info from data broker sites. I picked this service before they became a sponsor. So, without further ado …

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Remember when Google was good? You know, back when there were barely any ads and no AI overview. If you’re not ready to jump ship just yet, I found a website that lets you make your own Google search engine. Customize it to include websites you like (or exclude the ones you don’t), then bookmark your finished masterpiece for your future searches.

“Kim, I missed the link!” So many of you asked me to link to my password manager pick. Happy to help! I negotiated a great deal on NordPass just for you — 58% off. It can import your passwords from any password manager you’re using, btw.

Screenshot upgrade: Windows 11’s Snipping Tool can take data from a screenshot straight to a spreadsheet. Just take a screenshot (hold down the Windows key + Shift + S) and select Copy as table. It’ll preserve the formatting but works best one table at a time. Super sweet.

It’s Kah-man-do: Tired of Siri butchering names? Just say, “Hey, Siri, that’s not how you pronounce [name].” Siri will ask for the correct pronunciation, and voila — all set. On Android, it’s a bit more complicated but totally doable.

🤹‍♀️ Free audio editing software: Get the one we use at the ol’ Komando Radio Ranch right here. It works great if you’re digitizing music on cassettes and LPs, podcasting or just editing audio for whatever reason.

$40 to Sharon for cocktails: Unless you change your settings, anyone with the Venmo app can see all your contacts. Go to Privacy settings > Friends list > Private. While you’re there, turn off “Appear in other users’ friends’ lists.” This is important!

🏈 What’s the score? In the Alexa app, open Settings > Sports Update. Add your teams (you’ll find all major American sports leagues). Now, say, “Alexa, give me my sports update” for scores and schedule info.