The highly anticipated Queensland Business Basics Grants Program was unable to go ahead.
Investigations are underway to resolve the issue that prevented Queensland businesses from accessing the grant application.
In this week’s business and marketing news highlights, we saw:
- Google blocked 1.2 million violating apps from Google Play Store in 2021.
- Facebook pulling podcasts from 3 June ’22.
- Instagram testing full-screen vertical home screen.
- NEW project management & workflow features added to Google Docs.
- $5,000 Basic Business Grant delayed.
- Meta partners with Adobe to create a free training program for small businesses.
- TikTok Pulse to be released mid-year.
Catch up on last week’s news: Elon Musk Buys Twitter, Q1 Social Media Statistics & More
This Week’s Marketing & News Highlights — 3 May 2022 to 5 May 2022
Google Blocked 1.2 Million Violating Apps From Google Play Store in 2021
In a Google Security Blog last week, Google said they blocked more than 1.2 million apps from the Google Play Store in 2021 for violating. Google says it’s all to improve the security for Android users.
Google will be limiting access and promoting security hubs to ensure users’ data stays safe.
Facebook Pulling Podcasts from 3 June ’22
As of 3 June 2022, Podcasts will be unavailable on the Facebook platform. The feature was only available for a year, with the focus now reportedly on other projects to align better with what users want to use on the platform.
The move to shut down Facebook’s podcasting offering was explained by a Meta spokesperson as it will help the platform “focus on the most meaningful experiences“.
Instagram Testing Full-Screen Vertical Home Screen
Instagram is reportedly experimenting with a full-screen vertical home screen, a familiar sight to those who use TikTok. The post will take up most of the screen, with the caption, comments and other features on top of the post.
Users will still be able to use the bottom navigation bar to access the discovery tab, Reels, shopping and access their own page.
NEW Project Management & Workflow Features Added to Google Docs
Google announced they will be adding new dropdown and table features to Google Docs to allow for workflow and project management within the program itself. So handy (and free)!
$5,000 Basic Business Grant Delayed
The Round 3 Business Basics Grant was unable to open due to nationwide technical issues with the SmartyGrants system. Business Queensland will release a revised opening date and time as soon as technical issues are resolved.
The Round 3 Basic Business Grant was scheduled to open 4 May 2022 where eligible businesses would be able to receive $5,000 for the following digital marketing services:
The delay however provides an opportunity for those who may have not heard about the grant or were unable to submit an application.
The QLD Business Basics Grant — Everything you Need to Know!
Meta Partners with Adobe to Create a Free Training Program for Small Businesses
Meta has partnered with Adobe to create a free online training program called Express Your Brand. The program will launch on 17 May and will cover a range of digital marketing topics.
TikTok Pulse to be Released Mid-Year
TikTok has announced they will be launching their first advertising product called TikTok Pulse. The product will offer revenue share with creators and ensure brands’ ads are placed next to the top 4% of all videos on TikTok.
TikTok told TechCrunch the Pulse program will launch in the U.S. in June 2022, with additional markets in the following months.
