Mental Health Support for Businesses, New Instagram Ads & More News

This Week’s Business, Technology & Marketing News Highlights

Monday, 9 August 2021 News Highlights

• The Queensland Government has issued a reminder to small businesses about government-funded one-on-one mental health support. Under the free Mentoring & Growth program, small business owners are matched with mentors, as well as the availability of free Small Business Financial Counsellors. More information is available via business.qld.gov.au/mental-health.
• Google is partnering with online whiteboard platform Miro to help Google Meets users collaborate in real-time with others through Google Docs, Sheets, etc. The new features are expected to roll-out next year.

Relevant: Catch up on last week’s news.

Tuesday, 10 August 2021 News Highlights

• Instagram is now testing ads in the Shop tab in either a single image or carousel format. The ads will also be shoppable, making them ideal for online sellers. Only select U.S. retailers will be included in the test, but it’s expected to expand with successful results.
• Facebook’s data transfer tool has expanded to include transferring data like Facebook Events to Google Calendar. Transfers to Photobucket will also be available, as well as a new layout for easier use.
• TikTok has been found as the most downloaded non-game app in July 2021, reported by global app and intelligence agency, Sensor Tower.

Wednesday, 11 August 2021 News Highlights

• From this Friday, eligible South Australian sole traders and small business owners will be able to apply for a $3,000 (business) or $1,000 cash grant. Visit sa.gov.au for more information.
• Google is updating their policies around content and Google Ads involving minors, including minors, parents and/or guardians being able to request to remove images containing the underage subject from Google Images and restricting age-sensitive ads from being shown to teens.

Thursday, 12 August 2021 News Highlights

• An executive at Facebook has said the business is rebuilding how their Facebook Ads and its platform works. The new Facebook Ads structure will reportedly be able to target ads to you personally without needing to know much about you.
• Instagram has announced a feature to help reduce bullying and spam during sudden peaks. It would see the app automatically hide comments and messages from people who do not follow the account or have recently followed during peaks.
• Google Tasks on mobile has been updated to display multiple lists at once in a tabbed structure, creating easier organisation.

Friday, 13 August 2021 News Highlights

• TikTok is rolling out new privacy measures for users between the ages of 13 and 17, which will include addressing who can message them. The social platform said the new features would help make the app safer, more private and less addictive.
• There are new features in the Google Ads Editor, including the ability to download, edit and create lead form extensions from within the editor. Users can also create audio ads for YouTube directly in the editor. Hotel advertisers can now manage their Hotel Ads from the editor, including promoting price and availabilities.

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