Google Plus is facing an uncertain future. Recently, the search giant separated YouTube accounts from Google Plus, which is just the latest in a series of changes for the platform. Another social media related change was an announcement by LinkedIn that it would cut down on the amount of emails it sends its members.

These items top the list of small business related news over the past week. Read the full list below in this week’s Small Business Trends news and information roundup.

Social Media

Google Separates More Features from Google Plus

As Google Plus continues to undergo regular changes, users are wondering what will become of this platform, and is it going to suffer the same fate as previous social media attempts by Google? The latest tweak is the separation of Google Plus and YouTube accounts as part of a recent upgrade, which will be welcomed by users who don’t want everything Google has to offer.

LinkedIn Promises to Stop Pummeling You With Email

Prompted by user complaints and “late night talk show host jokes,” LinkedIn says it has begun to cut down on the number of emails it sends its members. The business networking platform says it wants to make sure the messages users receive are less frequent and more useful.

What is Periscope and How Do I Use It?

Periscope, the live streaming video mobile app purchased by Twitter in February of 2015, has been the talk of the town since its official launch on March 26. While Periscope is hotter than a Phoenix sidewalk in July, it can be a bit intimidating to folks new to the platform.

Finance

Why You Should Register for a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number

If you are a small business owner planning to bid on government contracts or grants, you first will need to obtain a Dun & Bradstreet D-U-N-S Number. But you should get one anyway, even if you’re not seeking to bid on such projects.

Discover Global Network Announces a Partnership with Creditcall Corporation

In an effort to increase acceptance of Discover Card and Diner Club Card, Discover Global Network, based in Greenwood, Delaware, has partnered with the U.K. firm Creditcall Corporation. Discover Global Network is a payment network consisting of several credit cards such as Discover Card and Diners Club International. It also includes PULSE and affiliated networks.

Green Business

One Industry is Thriving in the California Drought

Droughts normally aren’t good for business. In California, individuals and businesses alike have had to adapt to the water shortage. And that’s leading to a boom for one particular industry in the state. California landscapers who specialize in replacing traditional lawns with lush, native plants have experienced a recent influx of customers.

Marketing

Marketing a Small Business Like a Hollywood Blockbuster

Question: What was the first film to gross $500 million worldwide in a single weekend and the fastest film to earn $1 billion? Answer: Jurassic World, which since its June 12 premiere, has also become the second-highest-grossing film of 2015, the fifth-highest-grossing film of all time, and the highest-grossing film in the Jurassic Park series.

Yahoo Acquires Polyvore, Tool for Fashion Marketers

Yahoo is in the process of acquiring Polyvore, an online fashion community. The site also holds great potential for fashion businesses and marketers attempting to target this audience. The deal — reported by Bloomberg to be worth at least $230 million — figures to garner Yahoo more regular users and advertisers.

For Super Bowl 50, Google Boosts Bay Area Businesses

The world’s largest search engine has been helping put small businesses on the Internet map for years. Now, as part of a nationwide initiative begun in 2011, Google today Aug. 6 rolled out a program tied to the upcoming Super Bowl meant to give local small businesses a big boost.

Small Biz Spotlight

Spotlight: SkyPlanner Creates Salesforce Customization

Salesforce is one of the most popular CRM services for businesses of all sizes. But just as businesses vary in basically every aspect, the way they use Salesforce can also be very different. To really make the most of the platform, consulting companies like SkyPlanner provide expertise.

Small Business Operations

Sage and eFileCabinet Introduce Document Management in the Cloud

A new partnership between Sage, a company that provides innovative solutions through the use of technology, and eFileCabinet is being forged to offer a comprehensive business management platform. Having a solid accounting system in place is one of the principal foundations for ensuring your business runs smoothly.

UPS to Acquire Coyote Logistics

United Parcel Service (aka UPS) has acquired Coyote Logistics which is headquartered in Chicago from Warburg Pincus for $1.8 billion. UPS is a shipping and logistics company, used by businesses and consumers alike as a popular method of package delivery.

Technology Trends

Could Microsoft Edge Be Your New Web Browser?

To date, one of the biggest standouts in Windows 10 is the new Microsoft Edge browser. For many, it’s just a relief to say goodbye to Internet Explorer once and for all. (You won’t have Internet Explorer to kick around anymore.) After 20 years, many innovations and a long period of stagnation, it took a lot to overhaul this browser.

Not So Fast: Some Businesses Sue Over Net Neutrality

Opponents of the Federal Communications Commission’s “net neutrality” rules are getting their day in court. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia will be hearing oral arguments against the FCC’s decision on December 4 in Washington, D.C., Reuters reports.

Google Says U.S. Adsense Publishers Must Comply with EU Cookie Rules

Just because your business is outside the European Union, doesn’t mean you can flaunt the new EU cookie rules. At least that’s the position Google is taking with regards to its Adsense Publishers. Google has given U.S. Adsense Publishers — and those from any other country outside the European Union — a little under two months to comply with the new EU cookie rules.

Google Fiber Expands into San Antonio, the Largest Fiber City to Date

Google Fiber is on the move again. The company has announced that the much talked about high speed Internet and TV service will be expanding into San Antonio. This will be the largest city to get hooked up to the service. San Antonio had been marked as a potential Fiber city for some time.

Small Business Web Designer Wix Sees 44 Percent Increase in Second Quarter

Wix, the global Web development platform aimed at small to medium sized businesses, has announced some impressive second quarter numbers. The company reported collections up to $57.4 million, a 44 percent increase year-over-year. The cloud-based service also reported an increase in subscribers, topping out at 68 million registered users.

Xero Touch App for Android Gets a Redesign

Online accounting software Xero has just released a newly redesigned version of the company’s Xero Touch app for Android. This redesign is in conjunction with Google’s material design standards and promises a simpler and more consistent user experience. The first thing users might notice is the app has undergone a facelift to add more visual appeal.