Nirav Tolia, who co-founded Nextdoor in 2010, has returned as its CEO. Courtesy Nextdoor
The heyday of Nextdoor saw the neighborhood-focused social app thrive as a hub for connections, local recommendations and coordinated responses to the Covid-19 pandemic. But after years of slowing growth and accusations of toxic content, the platform began to falter. Now, returning CEONirav Tolia is on a mission to revamp Nextdoor not by restoring it to its former glory, but by pursuing an entirely new path focused on hyperlocal news and A.I. features.
“The reality is you don’t bring a founder back to incrementally change something, you bring a founder back to reboot something,” Tolia, who co-founded Nextdoor in 2010, told Observer. “And rebooting, in many cases, is more difficult than booting.”
Tolia stepped down as CEO in 2018 shortly before Nextdoor went public. The company, which connects more than 100 million neighbors and had 21.8 million weekly active users as of August, has since struggled to regain its footing. Its stock price has fallen more than 80 percent since its IPO.
Returning to the helm required Tolia to adapt to a very different challenge: rebuilding rather than creating from scratch. “You first have to stop the momentum, which takes a ton of energy, and then you have to actually start the momentum in a positive direction,” he said.
Rebooting Nextdoor
In July, Tolia unveiled a reimagined version of the social network, designed to make Nextdoor more local and more useful. A new alert system warns residents about emergencies like severe weather or power outages, while partnerships with more than 3,500 local publications bring geographically tailored news directly into users’ feeds.
A.I. sits at the heart of Tolia’s turnaround strategy. A new Nextdoor A.I. agent draws from the platform’s vast archive of posts to provide contextual responses to user questions. The technology also powers personalized feeds and offers writing suggestions, including “kindness reminders” to encourage civility when users draft posts.
Curbing negativity is a major focus for Tolia’s team, which aims to counterbalance complaints with more uplifting or informative content—such as community events and local news. Although negative posts make up less than 1 percent of all content on Nextdoor, Tolia said they “punch above their weight” by dominating the tone of discussions.
“We want to make sure that, with things like the kindness reminder, they are expressing themselves in a constructive way,” said Tolia. “But the real solution for us is to consistently introduce content types that are not about complaining, but that are about delight.”
As A.I. becomes more deeply integrated into daily life, Nextdoor sees this as a pivotal moment to strengthen real-world community ties. Encouraging users to connect with their neighbors and engage in local life is “something that I think can have really lasting impact, particularly in a world that’s losing its connection to the physical world,” said Tolia.
Early feedback on the redesign has been largely positive, according to Tolia. Still, he acknowledges that Nextdoor—which has yet to turn a profit—faces a long road ahead. “We’re in the early stages of a big turnaround,” he said. “We’ve now created a good foundation, but we’re very far from cracking the code.”
There are less than two weeks until the most powerful person in the free world is elected, and in the lead-up to the 2024 election, disinformation aimed at Black men has emerged as a significant concern. To address this issue, Jason “J” Carter, founder of ONE Musicfest, teamed up with Esosa Osa, founder, and CEO of Onyx Impact, to host a crucial panel discussion titled “FACT CHECK THE BULLSHIT & VOTE!: Why Black Men Are Being Targeted with Disinformation?” held on Oct. 23, at The Gathering Spot in Atlanta.
The event brought together a group of leaders to raise awareness about the harmful narratives targeting Black male voters and discuss strategies for resisting these tactics.
“Disinformation is as old as white supremacy. The tools and tactics may have evolved, but the goal has always been the same: to deter, deny, and disempower Black communities,” Osa said.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Onyx Impact is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating harmful information ecosystems.
The panel was a high-profile gathering featuring speakers, including former Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, Grammy award-winning rapper Michael “Killer Mike” Render, Ryan Wilson, co-founder and CEO of The Gathering Spot (TGS), and Dr. Zackory Kirk. The event opened with remarks from Mo Ivory, Commissioner-Elect of Fulton County, who introduced the panelists featured in the dialogue.
Throughout the discussion, Osa provided a detailed breakdown of three types of harmful information that have been used against Black communities: misinformation, disinformation, and malinformation. She explained, “Misinformation is simply incorrect information, like giving out the wrong polling hours. Disinformation is a lie spread with intent, such as deliberately providing wrong polling information to Black communities. Malinformation, however, is based in truth but is spread with the intent to harm.”
Osa warned that all three forms are particularly dangerous during election cycles, where they are often amplified through social media to sow confusion and reduce voter turnout.
The panel also explored these tactics’ emotional and psychological impact on Black men. The goal, as the panelists discussed, is to weaken voter confidence and create feelings of disillusionment. Wilson spoke candidly about why this conversation was urgently needed, explaining that the idea for the event originated from the passionate and community-focused individuals at ONE Musicfest. “When there are a lot of things at stake, you’ve got to put those things on the table and have a real conversation about it,” Wilson said. He further emphasized the importance of understanding how disinformation undermines democratic participation.
“We have to get people out to vote. And the only way you do that is you work with people already organizing,” Killer Mike told the attending audience.
Photo by Noah Washington/The Atlanta Voice
Wilson also tackled concerns about Black men’s voting habits and participation in the upcoming election. He was optimistic about Black men’s involvement, highlighting that they have historically been the second-largest voting bloc for Democrats, following Black women. “We’re going to show up, and we’re ultimately going to win this election,” Wilson stated.
Closing out, each panelist stressed the urgency of recognizing and resisting disinformation, especially in an election cycle where false narratives are amplified through social media and other platforms. “The reason disinformation works is because the more times we hear something, the more likely we are to believe it’s true—and that’s why this recurring social media environment is so dangerous,” said Osa.
The event aims to equip attendees with the tools to fact-check false narratives and ensure that Black men are informed, empowered, and ready to vote in the 2024 election.
The line outside of the Clayton County Board of Elections & Registration Office on the first day of early voting for the senatorial runoff election between Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock and Herschel Walker in 2022. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The Atlanta Voice wanted to put together an easy-to-follow voting guide for Georgians. Here are some important dates and requirements that voters need to know before they go.
The last day to register to vote in Georgia was on Monday, Oct. 7. To learn if you’re registered to vote, Georgians can visit vote.gov/register/Georgia . A quick visit to the site will offer the opportunity to not only check your registration but register to vote if needed. The final day to register to vote by mail is also today.
There are different registration dates depending on the election taking place. The Georgia Office of Secretary of State lists the different dates.
A sign for a voter registration drive at the College Park MARTA station. Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
When can you vote early?
For everyone ready to vote right now, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. Early voting in Georgia begins on Tuesday, Oct. 15. The last day to request an absentee ballot is 10 days later on Friday, Oct. 25.
Where can I vote?
There are designated polling places depending on which county you are registered to vote in. All registered voters have received voter registration cards and the designated polling place is on that card. If you don’t have your card, no problem. You can find out what your designated polling place is on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website or at the County Board of Registrar’s Office website.
What will I need to vote?
If you are registered to vote and are at your designated polling place then all you will need is a valid piece of photo identification. A list of valid pieces of identification is available on the Georgia Office of the Secretary of State website and include valid drivers licenses, Georgia public college or university identification cards, a valid United States passport, and a U.S. military identification card.
Parenthood is a chapter in people’s lives that changes them forever. Priorities, routines, and everything else shift for the safety and well-being of children. Mothers and fathers say that the sacrifice is worth it, but a new concern is rising among caregivers. Parental stress is stressors that impact parents’ and caregivers’ mental health and well-being. The severity of this matter is growing to the extent of where the Surgeon General hasissued an advisory. Dr. Robin Gurwitch is a psychologist and professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center. She explores this topic and shares why we must check on mom and dad as much as the kids.
“We should take this matter very seriously because the alternative is unthinkable. We are seeing mental health crises affecting our children and the adults that are taking care of them. If we do not see that this is a problem and take steps to change the course, then we’re not serving our next generation at all.” said Dr. Robin Gurwitch.
The surgeon general released his advisory in August. Items considered stressors for parents and caregivers are financial strains, children’s health and safety, and time demands. Factors in today’s society, such as technology, social media, feelings of loneliness, and comparisons, are new stressors parents must encounter. The advisory states that about 41 percent of parents are so stressed that they cannot function. The impact of this stress can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. These issues not only trickle down to the children but can affect the stability of the home and develop physical problems for the kids as well. According to the Surgeon General’s advisory, children of a primary caregiver who reported poor mental health were four times more likely to have poor general health and two times more likely to have mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders.
“The Surgeon General’s report on parenting stress was incredibly timely and important. I think stress impacts families nationwide more than ever before, including our children. Our children are also being impacted by stress, and it’s not a one-way street,” said Dr. Gurwitch.
In a recent Sci-Line presentation, a Duke University professor explained that parental stress builds on each other. Large amounts of parental stress can impede parents’ ability to be their best at work, at home, and in relationships. Dr. Gurwitch discusses how parental stress starts a vicious cycle of children being stressed by the parent and vice versa. Temper tantrums and meltdowns in younger children are one sign of the impact of parental stress on them. In teenagers, withdrawal and defiance are signs of impact.
“When children are stressed, we often see it come out in behaviors. They have a harder time with sleep, a harder time with focus, and more anxiety and worry, which leads to challenges at school. This impacts parents trying to figure out how to help their children,” said Dr. Gurwitch.
Dr. Gurwitch recommends walking, listening to music, and connecting with friends to relieve parental stress. She also advises creating a routine and encouraging people to use the same coping strategies used during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If COVID taught us anything, it introduced new ways of dealing with stress. Whether it is taking a moment to watch something funny or taking a walk in the beauty of nature, it is about finding those quiet moments. Tapping into those activities you did during COVID can help relieve some of the stressors,” said Dr. Gurwitch.
The Duke University professor is acting against parental stress through a program called C.A.R.E. (Child Adult Relationship Enhancement). This program provides trauma-informed skills to adults who interact with children and teens who have experienced trauma. The material in CARE can be used in any setting and caters to welfare and at-risk families.
Parental stress is challenging, but Dr. Gurwitch hopes people can overcome it. She believes that if we recognize the problem and look at the variables causing it, we can find solutions to reduce it. Providing parents with the support they need is essential for them to become the best caregivers possible.
“I wouldn’t be in this field if I didn’t believe in hope if I didn’t believe that change is possible. I believe we can have a different outcome with the support, and that’s our responsibility,” said Dr. Gurwitch.
They tell me that ignorance of the law is not supposed to be an excuse for breaking the law. So, if you ever find yourself in court, telling the judge you didn’t know, that, by itself, won’t get you off the hook. Depending on the conviction of the presiding judge, however, might get you a lighter sentence. I believe when it comes to your and my spiritual existence, Jesus represents the kind of forgiveness that only occurs in Family Court. The more I read scripture, the more I understand our wonderful relationship with the Almighty and the extraordinary power of His love for you and me, as demonstrated by my relationship with His only son, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That blood thing is what I’m referring to. If you would allow me to use two examples to illustrate my point, let me give for your review Christ on the cross and Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus as the cock crowed. All of us know that Peter did in fact deny Jesus as predicted. We also know that Peter “wept bitterly” because of it. Now, one very good example of God’s great capacity to love His children is that this same Peter, once afraid and fearful for his own life, came to witness for the Lord with no fear about his new life whatsoever. It was Peter, who, when the day of Pentecost came, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly and without fear of reprisal about the blood-bought forgiveness of sins because Christ’s death made us eternal members of God’s family. You see, Jesus is our access. He is our entrée, court-appointed attorney, and intercessor to our Father, the ultimate Judge. Peter acknowledges this when he says, “Repent, be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38.
You see, what the Holy Spirit did for Peter is what the Holy Spirit will do for you. The key is weeping bitterly. Peter had to first accept and acknowledge his shortcomings. He had to empty himself to make room for the Holy Spirit. Those who recognize this and understand the premise know firsthand that they are truly family members, and ignorance is but a poor excuse for the ultimate acceptance of Christ as Lord. In Luke 23:24, Jesus says, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” From the Master’s own lips, we know even His captors and persecutors were in line for forgiveness. All anyone has to do is plead ignorance, repent, and turn to the Lord. Ain’t that something? Blood bought forgiveness, and no one, particularly God, expects you to be perfect. The expectation is that you’ll be righteous in your acceptance of Jesus and sincere in your repentance. Remember, your court-appointed attorney has already won your case. But you do have to show up in court, listen, and acknowledge that the changes are true. Your Honor, yes, I denied Him. Yes, I committed the sin. Yes, I was wrong. Guilty as charged will be the verdict. And as Jesus told the adulteress, “Go and sin no more.” He tells us that each and every day. May you and I hear and obey. May you come to understand that the shedding of Christ’s blood made you His blood brother, so to speak, and yes, God is your Father, too. That means the court convenes in the living room. What a blessing! In the meantime, may you never live in ignorance again, and may God bless and keep you always.
This column is from James Washington’s Spiritually Speaking: Reflections for and from a New Christian. You can purchase this enlightening book on Amazon and start your journey toward spiritual enlightenment.
Statue of Carter on the grounds of the Carter Center. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The entrance of the theater on the grounds of The Carter Center was packed early Tuesday morning. Dozens of people were dressed in suits and ties, dresses, and skirts for what was going to be a very special day. The Carter Center, and for that matter the entire state of Georgia, is celebrating the 100th birthday of former United States President and Georgia native Jimmy Carter. But that wasn’t what the people were crowded outside of the theater for. They were there for a naturalization ceremony scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. with a voter registration to follow. What better way to celebrate Carter’s century on Earth and decades as a humanitarian than to have newly decorated American citizens registering to vote. The last day to register to vote in Georgia is Oct. 7.
The Atlanta Voice asked Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander what it means to have Carter, who has been in hospice for months, live to turn 100 years old? She said, “He has such an amazing legacy and the fact that he has spent a centennial now, giving back to the American public and giving back to the world is something we are so proud of.”
The Carter Center CEO Paige Alexander outside of The Carter Center theater on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
For Georgia, Carter remains an example of a leader and hometown hero similar to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Congressman John Lewis, and Major League Baseball legend Hank Aaron.
“He’s our hometown guy, so to know he gave in public service to the state, to the country, and then spent 4 0 years giving to the world is a legacy that we all wish we could have,” Alexander said of Carter’s legacy.
The Carter Center library is just $1 (100 cents) to enter today in honor of Carter’s birthday. There is also a digital
The idea that you can see how a small-town boy in Plains, Georgia became President of the United States and a global humanitarian is a trajectory that is really exciting,” Alexander said.
The American Heart Association recently gathered experts worldwide to debut their latest preliminary studies on high blood pressure at the Hypertension Scientific sessions. One conference session was a debate between three medical professionals on which method was the best for managing hypertension. Each doctor shared the pros and cons of all three methods. The biggest lesson the doctors wanted to educate the crowd on is utilizing all means necessary to handle a severe issue facing most people in America.
“Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular death and disability. Each of these positions has merit in the right patient population. Suppose we’re going to make a dent in resistant hypertension in this country. In that case, we must utilize every tool in our toolkit,” said Dr. Jenifer Cluette, assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and medical director of the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
The hypertension management debate happened on September 5 at the AHA’s Hypertension Scientific Sessions in Chicago, IL. The hypertension management debate involved Dr. Cluette, Dr Debbie Cohen, professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. Stephen Juraschek, associate professor at Harvard University. According to AHA, Hypertension is when the force of blood flowing through your blood vessels continues to be too high over time. Being diagnosed with hypertension requires managing your blood pressure to live.
Medical professionals can measure blood pressure based on the systolic and diastolic blood pressure numbers. Systolic blood pressure is the amount of pressure during the heart’s contraction, while diastolic measures the pressure when the heart is relaxed. The systolic will always be higher than the diastolic, so blood pressure results are displayed as a fraction, EX: 115 over 75. The AHA explains that if your systolic blood pressure goes over 130 and your diastolic crosses 80, you may be diagnosed with hypertension.
Medications, lifestyle changes (eating better and exercising), and renal denervation were the three methods discussed during the debate. The last method is a procedure that became FDA-approved in November 2023. Renal denervation involves a catheter inserted in the groin going up to the renal arteries and destroying the nerves connected to the kidneys that signal an increase in high blood pressure. Dr. Cluett argued for medications, Dr. Cohen argued for renal denervation, and Dr Jurascheck argued for lifestyle changes.
Dr Cluette led the debate, explaining why medication was the most applicable method among the three. She highlighted the practicality of medication by presenting that the only barrier people have with them is taking their medication as scheduled. She moved further on the practical point by breaking down the challenges with exercising and healthy eating. The Havard professor shared that 150 min of exercise a week is required to lower blood pressure. That may be hard for those with multiple jobs or caring for loved ones like children and older adults. A healthy diet is not as feasible as one thinks because people who live in food deserts have difficulty getting healthy foods.
Dr. Juraschek had a rebuttal to defend lifestyle changes. He broke down how Lifestyle changes are a necessity for hypertension management because a lack of dieting and exercise will take people farther away from better health.
“Lifestyle is tough, but there’s no free pass for not adhering to lifestyle. If you don’t make lifestyle changes, things will get worse. Frank Sacks made this nice point in the New England Journal about reversing age-related hypertension with lifestyle changes. Don’t we want to turn the clock back on aging? I don’t think that meds or renal denomination can do that,” said Dr. Juraschek.
Dr. Jursachek mentioned that lifestyle changes are more patient-centered based on his patient experience. Lowering the amount of high-sodium foods one consumes and increasing the amount of fruits, vegetables, and lean meats can make considerable strides in lowering blood pressure. Dr. Jursachek revealed the hurdles of renal derivation. Since the procedure is so new, renal denervation is not accessible for everyone because the medical centers that perform the operation are few and are located in larger cities.
Each doctor shared enlightening points during the hypertension management debate. Dr. Cluette, Dr. Jursachek, and Dr. Cohen encourage every method mentioned in the debate based on one’s healthy journey. The more options available for the public for hypertension, the better chance there is to get control of this problem.
For 2024, Chevrolet presents the auto industry with an upgraded, refined version of their popular subcompact Trailblazer and they do a great job at it. Coming in four trims—LS, LT, ACTIV and RS—to fit every consumer’s needs. The Trailblazer is ideal for a starting family, a college graduate’s first car, or simply someone looking for great value in a five-passenger vehicle that’s prepared to take on some challenging terrains during adventures with confidence. Whatever the cause, this vehicle does not disappoint.
View of sunroof on 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV in Nitro Yellow Metallic. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available in fall 2023.
Reviewing the ACTIV version, the exterior of the review car was dressed in an attractive “Cacti Green” custom paint, and some head-turning refinements including slanted LED lighting, 17-inch wheels with black gloss complemented with sport terrain tires, roof side rails, a black mesh grille, dual exhaust, and an active skid plate.
The interior is also impressive. Entrants are welcomed to a jet black and Artemis color combination with Evotex seat lining to fight off any stains, and the recommended option—a dual-pane panoramic sunroof illuminating the spacious cabin providing ample legroom for everyone. Three of the four seats completely fold, and with the power liftgate included in the Convenience Package ($1,195), loading and capacity collectively earn the Trailblazer higher marks for cargo space in its subcompact segment.
Technology doesn’t cut corners either, with user-friendly controls making the upgraded 11-inch touchscreen and eight-inch digital instrument display a lot easier to operate. The ACTIV also comes with a generous list of standard accessories, such as keyless entry, push-button start, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, Bluetooth, wireless Apple/Android connectivity, and the myChevrolet mobile app to handle many of the car’s functions remotely. The optional equipment comes highly recommended as well, including the auto-dimming rearview mirror, a traditional 120-volt power outlet, two rear USB ports (a USB-A and USB-C), all-weather floor liners, plus the adaptive cruise control and BOSE sound system through seven speakers packaged together ($995).
View of front cabin in 2024 Chevrolet Trailblazer ACTIV with Jet Black with Artemis interior. Preproduction model shown. Actual production model may vary. Available in fall 2023.
Under the hood, the power is decent; the ECOTEC 1.3-liter engine tops off at 155 horsepower, and 174 lb.-ft. of torque. The all-wheel drive, variable automatic transmission (CVT), and nine-speed transmission provide perks top the driving experience, plus an extensive roster of safety applications we invite you to explore online (forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, automatic high-beam headlights, Teen Driver, parking sensors, and more) collectively provide extra value. While the Trailblazer may not challenge exotics on the Autobahn, the forgiving gas mileage averaging 27 miles per gallon makes up for it.
All in all, the Trailblazer is strong proof that Chevrolet is all about adapting to the current trends regarding technology, accommodating passengers comfortably, and making sure buyers get the most bang for the buck.
Fuel Economy: 26 city/29 highway/27 combined
Price: The 202r Trailblazer ACTIV starts at $28,700 MSRP. (The Convenience, Adaptive and Sound Packages, plus other options total $4,675)
SAN FRANCISCO, March 14, 2024 (Newswire.com)
– Nextdoor connects people to empower communities:
74% of Americans say friendly neighbor connections are key to not feeling isolated – that number jumps to 80% for Nextdoor users
71% of Americans say they want to meet more people in their neighborhood, and 50% of adults say they wish they had a closer relationship with their neighbors
On Nextdoor, 85% of U.S. users are comfortable asking a neighbor for local recommendations
79% of Nextdoor users say they are more likely to consider shopping at a business or using a service if they knew it was a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave / Favorite
Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND), the neighborhood network, partnered with The Harris Poll on the latest installment of its insights series discussing the importance of local connections on well-being and getting things done in the community — whether that be finding recommendations for a local service, borrowing equipment or grocery staples, or connecting with a neighborhood group to attend an in-real-life event in the neighborhood. From the report, we know that “Local” is both a place and a feeling, with over half of Americans (54%) saying “Local” is both a physical boundary and sense of community.
Reducing Loneliness through Community Connections Local connections have a hugely positive impact on emotional well-being, with 74% of Americans confirming that friendly neighbor connections are critical to not feeling isolated — this number jumps to 80% for Nextdoor users. While 1 in 3 people in the U.S. (34%) say they feel lonely or disconnected from the community, this study confirms that Nextdoor is the place to connect to the community and reduce these feelings of social isolation. While roughly four in five Americans know at least one person in their neighborhood, half (50%) know only two people or fewer, and a fifth (19%) say they “don’t know anyone.” That number increases among younger generations: three in 10 Gen Z (30%) and nearly a quarter of Millennials (23%) say they don’t know anyone in their neighborhood.
Over half of Nextdoor users say they have met close friends in their neighborhoods, and 75% of Nextdoor users agree that Nextdoor makes them feel connected to their community.
This study also explored the impact of social media on feelings of loneliness and found that there are significant benefits to having online connections — which is most often linked to connecting with your community. 71% of those who say the way they use social media has a positive impact on their mental health and well-being, attribute it to connection or community. Indeed, this sentiment was echoed across all regions in the U.S., as no matter who, what or where, 50% of adults also wish they had closer relationships with their neighbors. This also spanned community types, with 54% of urban, 51% of suburban, and 43% of rural communities all expressing a desire to have stronger connections locally.
Local Connections Lead to Action on Nextdoor Nextdoor users are in a high-intent mindset when engaging with brands and small businesses, and this study confirms that social connections on Nextdoor lead to action. 85% of Nextdoor users (vs. 75% of all Americans) are comfortable asking a neighbor for local service recommendations. Compared with other platforms, U.S. adults are more than 2x as likely to use Nextdoor to find trusted reviews/recommendations than to use Facebook, and +87% more likely than Instagram, +73% more likely than X, +53% more likely than Pinterest, and +36% more likely than TikTok. Brands and businesses can easily localize their message to address what is important to neighbors ready to take action on recommendations, like timely and regular store updates, offering discounts to people close by or by supporting the community with outreach and advocacy. We know Nextdoor users value advice and recommendations from their neighbors as 68% are motivated to go to the platform to be informed/get things done.
Read these new Nextdoor insights and learn more about the methodology here. Find previous reports from Nextdoor’s insights series here.
About Nextdoor Nextdoor (NYSE: KIND) is the neighborhood network. Neighbors, businesses, and public agencies in more than 330,000 neighborhoods across 11 countries turn to Nextdoor to connect to the neighborhoods that matter to them so that they can thrive. As a purpose-driven company, Nextdoor leverages innovative technology to cultivate a kinder world where everyone has a neighborhood they can rely on — both online and in the real world. Download the app or join the neighborhood at nexdoor.com. For more information and assets, visit nextdoor.com/newsroom.
About Harris Poll The Harris Poll is one of the longest-running surveys in the U.S., tracking public opinion, motivations, and social sentiment since 1963, and is now part of Harris Insights & Analytics, a global consulting and market research firm that delivers social intelligence for transformational times. We work with clients in three primary areas: building 21st-century corporate reputation, crafting brand strategy and performance tracking, and earning organic media through public relations research. Our mission is to provide insights and guidance to help leaders make the best decisions possible. To learn more, please visit www.theharrispoll.com.
As a homeowner, your curb appeal is important for several reasons. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate pride of ownership, contribute to the home’s appreciation, create a first impression for buyers, and help to maintain the overall home values in your neighborhood.
And a recent report by Nextdoor and Thumbtack found that curb appeal also affects the neighborhood and neighborly relationships. There are projects that can boost your home’s curb appeal; however, the report also found that neighbors have pretty specific complaints regarding bad curb appeal as well.
“There are more than 305,000 neighborhoods on Nextdoor and each neighborhood exudes its unique charm and character, making the perception of curb appeal a subjective experience,” explains Caty Kobe, head of community at Nextdoor.
So, what could seem out of place in one neighborhood could be charming in another. “Embracing the distinctiveness of each community is essential in appreciating the diverse tapestry of curb appeal across different neighborhoods,” she says.
However, bad curb appeal can negatively affect both potential buyers and neighbors.
“Generally speaking, when people are choosing a neighborhood, they want to know that their future neighbors care for their homes as much as the buyers will care for the home they plan to purchase,” says Bret Ceren, associate broker at Platinum Living Realty in Scottsdale, AZ.
New buyers purchasing in an area want to feel that they belong and will fit into the community. “Since homes are a reflection of our lifestyle – what we currently have or what we want – then feeling like we belong is usually a priority,” Ceren explains. And if property owners do not care enough for their own home to maintain it properly, he says it’s a good chance that they won’t be concerned about what happens in the neighborhood, either.
“This can lead to an uneasiness about future circumstances that could escalate into needing to move to a different community, which is a costly chore – as such, whether true or not, potential buyers heavily evaluate a home not only on its own curb appeal, but also by that of the area neighbors.”
And existing neighbors tend to have strong feelings as well when someone is engaging in bad curb appeal.
In fact, the Nextdoor/Thumbtack survey respondents agreed that these were the biggest curb appeal faux pas.
Trash in the Yard (81%)
The most egregious curb appeal faux pas, listed by 81% of respondents, was trash in the yard.
Ceren considers this an inexcusable offense. “We live in a first-world country with weekly trash service in the vast majority of municipalities,” he says. “Not only is it unsightly, but a health risk, and attracts unwelcome visitors, both insects and animals.”
Ceren’s view is shared by Gene Caballero, co-founder of GreenPal in Nashville, TN, who tells us, “A yard cluttered with trash is not just visually unappealing, it can contribute to pest issues, as many types of refuse provide ideal breeding grounds for insects or can attract rodents.”
And that’s not all – it can actually be harmful to the environment and local wildlife, according to Caballero, who is a landscape expert. “Discarded items can leach harmful substances into the soil, contaminate groundwater, and pose hazards to animals.”
However, homeowners may have differing views regarding what’s considered trash. Hopefully, everyone is in agreement that household waste should be placed into a trash bag, and then a trash can – but that’s not the only definition of this term. “Trash could be a tired old swing set, old toys, clutter around the yard, a broken mailbox, or old faded house numbers,” says Michael Crisp, real estate agent for The Keyes Company in Coral Springs, FL. “Or, it could be lawn equipment, unrolled garden hoses, stacked items, old pavers on the side of the home, or just abused and tattered patio furniture.”
Overgrown Landscaping (81%)
Trash in the yard is actually tied for first place with overgrown landscaping (81%) as the worst curb appeal faux pax. According to Crisp, it’s important to cut back hedges and trim trees that may hide the home and make it feel old and dated. “Cutting and trimming can make the home and yard feel larger and more open, which in turn makes the property feel full of life – and this resonates with both neighbors and potential buyers.”
Overgrown Lawn (77%)
Survey respondents also listed an overgrown lawn (77%) as a serious curb appeal problem. “Not only is this unsightly, but it is a waste of precious resources,” explains Ceren. “Taller grass requires more water, or only those areas around the sprinklers will grow, depriving the rest of the lawn of the water it needs to be healthy, which may require future reseeding to make it grow again.”
Also, overgrown lawns (and landscapes as well) can host pests and diseases. “Thick, uncontrolled vegetation provides perfect hiding and breeding places for insects, rodents, and other pests,” Caballero says. “Overgrown plants are also more prone to disease, as the lack of airflow can create a damp environment that many plant diseases thrive in.”
Parking Old Cars, RVs, Vans, or Boats Out Front (64%)
Another major curb appeal issue, listed by 64% of respondents, is parking old motor vehicles in front of a home. “Repairing vehicles is as much an American pastime as baseball, so the desire to do so is respected by many,” says Ceren. And he understands that some projects may be delayed or forgotten. “The problem is that the materials for these projects take up a lot more space than just a workbench in a garage.”
And he notes that it’s one thing to park old vehicles behind a backyard fence, but says it’s another thing entirely to let them spill out into the front yard. “And, they can also attract reptiles, rodents and other vermin to live in them, creating another safety hazard.” And in addition to being unsightly, Caballero notes that unused vehicles can leak oils and other fluids, which can seep into the ground.
“It may be worth your while to speak to a storage facility or yard to store old vehicles there,” Crisp recommends. “It is a huge distraction from the property when they are a major barrier just taking up space.”
Poorly Maintained Fences and Exterior (58%)
Next on the list, 58% of survey respondents were turned off by poorly maintained fences and exteriors. Ceren says deferred maintenance is a red flag to potential buyers, and it doesn’t sit well with neighbors, either. However, it’s more than just an eyesore. “Over time, issues like rot, rust, and general wear and tear can compromise structural integrity, potentially leading to safety issues,” Caballero explains. And the damage can escalate over time if not addressed, and may result in more costly repairs in the future.
Depending on the type of fence, Crisp recommends pressure washing it, as well as the driveways and sidewalks. “And many items such as fences can be changed drastically with a little paint or spray-on stain that will add a warm pop of color,” he says.
Home’s Exterior Needing a Wash or Paint Job (57%)
The last major bad curb appeal issue was a home’s exterior in need of being power-washed or painted (57%). Ceren says this is another example of deferred maintenance that could be a red flag to potential buyers. And it can also be frustrating to neighbors trying to maintain their own home’s property value.
Nicholas Oliver, principal broker at HomeDax Real Estate in New York, NY, says this is even a problem with the townhouses that he is involved in selling, buying, and renting. “Townhouse sellers often overlook the need for facade cleaning prior to listing, as pigeon poop is a recurring problem (birds often perch on window ledges or cornices of townhouses),” he says. “The accumulation of bird droppings and feathers not only makes the townhouse look neglected, but also reduces natural light.”
And since most NYC townhouses aren’t particularly bright to begin with, Oliver says any reduction in lighting can deter buyers – especially those transitioning from apartments. “Façade cleaning is particularly important for narrower townhouses, which in NYC is anything less than 18′ wide.”
And beyond aesthetics, Caballero says, “An unclean or poorly painted home exterior can have implications beyond aesthetics, since mold, mildew, and dirt can accumulate over time, and cause damage to the home’s exterior surfaces if not cleaned regularly. On the other hand, he says a good paint job acts as a first line of defense against weather, insects, and other potential damage to the home’s exterior.
Extenuating Circumstances
Bad curb appeal is a turnoff to both potential buyers and neighbors. However, as it relates to the latter, Kobe warns against being judgmental or jumping to conclusions. “While curb appeal can undoubtedly enhance the aesthetic allure of a community, it’s important to recognize that every neighbor’s circumstance is different and external appearances seldom reveal the true depth of someone’s character.”
For example, she says a neighbor’s lawn may be overgrown because they’ve been facing health challenges and are not currently able to address their front yard. Or a neighbor may have lost their job and doesn’t have the funds to move an old vehicle or repair their fence. “If someone’s aesthetic doesn’t match yours, it could be a great opportunity to lean in and learn more about your neighbor,” she concludes.
In the US, 4th of July has the second highest number of reported lost pets. Keep your furry family safe this year by:
Keeping all pets inside.
Reducing stress by running music or white noise.
Keeping their collars on with updated ID tags.
Updating their info on their microchip at found.org.
If you come across a lost pet, there are simple steps you can take BEFORE going to a shelter. We know you’re trying to do the right thing when you bring them to a shelter. But this year more than others, shelters across the country are extremely full. You could make a huge difference by helping this pet find its home without taking attention away from other shelter pets. Instead try these few steps:
POST THEM: Snap photos and on Austin Lost and Found Pets on FB, Nextdoor and the Neighbor app.
WALK THEM: Walk the pet around the area you found them to see if you run into someone looking for a lost pet.
CHECK THE CHIP: Go to a vet or pet supply store to see if they can check the microchip.
REPORT THEM MISSING: File a found pet report on the Austin 3-1-1 app!
Many lost pets are not far from home. With your help, families can enjoy July 4th with their furry friends by their side!
Don’t have pets but still want to help? Visit our donate page to make a gift that helps keep all of our shelter pets safe this 4th of July.
In the US, New Year’s Eve has the second highest number of reported lost pets. Keep your furry family safe this year by:
Keeping all pets inside.
Reducing stress by running music or white noise.
Keeping their collars on with updated ID tags.
Updating their info on their microchip at found.org.
If you come across a lost pet, there are simple steps you can take BEFORE going to a shelter. We know you’re trying to do the right thing when you bring them to a shelter. But this year more than others, shelters across the country are extremely full. You could make a huge difference by helping this pet find its home without taking attention away from other shelter pets. Instead try these few steps:
POST THEM: Snap photos and on Austin Lost and Found Pets on FB, Nextdoor and the Neighbor app.
WALK THEM: Walk the pet around the area you found them to see if you run into someone looking for a lost pet.
CHECK THE CHIP: Go to a vet or pet supply store to see if they can check the microchip.
REPORT THEM MISSING: File a found pet report on the Austin 3-1-1 app!
Many lost pets are not far from home. With your help, families can enter the New Year with their furry friends by their side!
Don’t have pets but still want to help? Visit our donate page to make a gift that helps keep all of our shelter pets safe this New Year’s Eve.
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
Did you know that there are at least 133 social media platforms in existence? Clearly, with so many, it’s not practical to be on all platforms. Therefore, it’s key for you to choose the networks that make sense for your brand strategically.
Are you a business-to-business (B2B) or business-to-consumer (B2C) brand? You want to establish a social media presence where your core target audience is. A B2B business, for example, fares better with networks like LinkedIn, where you can establish a digital relationship with key individuals within organizations you wish to enter into business with. B2C companies (especially those with physical products) can thrive on a picture-based site like Pinterest or Reddit, where super fans can start discussion threads.
Knowing your audience is essential, but so is being aware of your social goals. Are you looking to interact with customers and get feedback? Do you want to showcase your offerings? Or are you simply looking to sit in chat rooms to hear what the masses want? There’s a unique platform for each of these needs. Below are five such platforms and how each can align with your social media strategies.
3. Which channels are competitors using?
You know how the saying goes: Keep your friends close, keep your enemies closer. An easy way to see which platforms could work best for you is to simply research which networks your current competitors are active on. You’ll be able to see their engagement, the type of content that’s popular and how often you should post. Instead of trying to acquire as much social media real estate as you can, focus instead on what’s working for others.
Now, onto platforms that brands often overlook and why they should be considered to help increase your brand awareness, reach your target audience and drive sales.
The world’s largest professional network: LinkedIn
Most professionals use LinkedIn, but are you using it to boost your brand awareness? As of July 2022, there was a whopping 849.6 million worldwide users — its top users being boomers, Gen X and millennials.
The platform gives you a powerful search engine to conduct market research and learn who’s who in your industry. It enables you to link up directly with peers you wish to collaborate with. It also acts as a lead generation funnel through features like the LinkedIn Creator Accelerator Program. Here you can learn and gain resources, such as how-to guides on building a robust newsletter list and guidance on developing content ideas to grow your audience.
You also have the opportunity to build your brand by becoming a thought leader when you publish authoritative niche content. The best part about using LinkedIn is that you can build a massive network with just their basic free service.
The leading local business connector: Nextdoor
As of July 2022, Nextdoor boasted 69 million users. With a user demographic consisting of boomers, Gen X, and millennials, this B2C platform is best used by those seeking to boost brand awareness and desire to market locally.
Founded in 2008, Nextdoor is a social networking platform explicitly designed to help people from different neighborhoods stay up to date on the latest neighborhood news and find local service-provider recommendations.
The best way to connect with buyers is to claim your free business page. This helps you establish a presence within your local community. Secondly, you can ask loyal customers to leave recommendations to help rank your page, so your business appears in neighborhood search results.
Stay in touch with the community through business posts where you can share news and press releases. Lastly, advertising your sales and promotions via Nextdoor Ads is a cost-effective way to generate leads and convert them into willing buyers.
Pinterest is like a storehouse of pictures. It’s a repository where you’ll find images to draw inspiration for your own campaigns. 85% of people on the platform use it as the starting point for new projects.
The platform’s global reach means it has a strong following, with433 million worldwide users as of July 2022. It’s a popular site among millennials, but Gen X, Gen Z, and boomers also command a strong presence.
Pinterest is B2C-focused and can be used for brand discovery. Use it to establish and curate your brand through visual means. You can successfully leverage this social media platform by investing in quality product/service pictures and optimizing them as you upload them to Pinterest. Moreover, by ensuring your pictures link back to your website, Pinterest becomes a vehicle that drives your sales and traffic. Just look at the numbers: 80% of active Pinterest users claim to discover new products and or brands while browsing the platform.
That’s not all, however. Thanks to Pinterest’s high domain authority, any published content on the platform has greater visibility on different search engines like Google, Bing and Yahoo.
The new kid on the block: Clubhouse
Clubhouse was all the rage in 2020 when the platform first launched. The audio-only app’s biggest marketing hack had been its elitist “invite-only” strategy.
However, as the platform moved from its iOS-exclusive offering and more people joined, the hype died down. That’s not to say B2B and B2C companies can’t use it to engage the mostly millennial user base. With a strong user base of at least10 million and a plethora of virtual discussions taking place in different rooms, there’s no shortage of places where you can learn from other professionals within your industry and the needs and wants of your consumer.
You can also take advantage of the platform to hear reviews directly from your consumers in real time. Host live discussions, Q&A sessions and different types of virtual events. Participate in relevant conversations by joining industry-specific rooms and collaborate with peers by engaging in their conversations.
You can gain insight into new campaigns and even products by paying attention to different niche conversations. By actively listening, you can easily identify gaps in your industry that you could potentially meet based on what people are complaining about.
When it comes to drawing attention to your brand and generating leads, you can do this by hosting brand-affiliated interviews, fireside chats and panels. In addition, you can also sponsor room events. Team members can engage in these events if needed. Otherwise, most hosts are happy to give sponsoring brands a shoutout to promote your product or service during the session.
Reddit is nearly as old as Facebook, having been founded in Medford, Massachusetts, in 2005. And like most social media apps, it is free to join hence its 48 million monthly U.S. user base. The platform is a news website-slash-social-forum making it great for both B2B and B2C brands. With 64% of Reddit’s users being 18 to 29-year-olds, the site positions itself as a powerful marketing tool if your products or services have this demographic as a target audience.
Growing your brand on the platform can be done in various ways. You can interact with customers by asking them to share pictures of themselves for shoutouts or to win prizes, start sub-Reddit threads to discuss features of your products or answer troubleshooting questions, create sub-Reddit threads with brand-loyal super fans who’re willing to monitor and curate threads, and announce your latest news and any upcoming conferences, webinars and events.
The point is there are more social media platforms besides Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. So take time to develop a social media strategy for each new platform. Curate your presence within the different subcultures and communities existing online.
