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It’s Our 007 Era

Happy Thursday!

Here’s what in this edition of Marketing Trends:

• How to Know If You Have a Good Brand

• 3 Marketing Trends

• The Best Way To Grow An X Account

• 5 Hot Links

Let’s Ride! 🌵 

Flip or Flop? Where Does Your Brand Stand?

How to Tell if You Have a Good Brand

Building a brand is essential—just ask Coca-Cola, which spends billions annually on advertising that doesn’t mention prices or product details.

Instead, they focus on one thing: brand.

Similarly, Liquid Death, the billion-dollar water company, has rapidly scaled by putting branding first. Liquid Death CEO Mike Cessario believed in making healthy choices cool.

The result? Liquid Death hit a $1.4 billion valuation in just a few years, with sales rocketing from $110 million to $263 million between 2022 and 2023.

But how do you know if your brand is working? Marketers and founders often wonder: Is our brand strong? Should we rebrand?

Sometimes, it’s hard to know without clear indicators.

Here are a few ways to gauge the quality of your brand:

• Do you get referrals? A key indicator of brand success is word-of-mouth recommendations. Strong branding always stems from a strong product. People won’t recommend something they don’t believe in.

• What's your NPS score? If you don’t have access to this metric, use customer feedback and social media sentiment to gauge how customers feel.

• Would people wear your brand? This is an interesting one. Would people willingly wear a T-shirt from your company? If not, then your brand equity might need work.

• What’s your customer retention rate? A great brand leads to loyal customers. If retention is low, you may have a brand issue.

If you’re finding that people aren’t engaging with your brand—or worse, they aren’t sticking around—don’t worry. There are concrete steps you can take to turn things around and strengthen your brand’s presence.

Pro Tips:

• Focus on your Ideal Customer Profile (ICP), not just a target market.

• Survey existing customers regularly.

• Build a strong online presence that resonates with your audience.

TRENDING

Here’s what’s trending in the marketing world this week.

.Instagram Introduces Teen Accounts:.

Instagram has launched Teen Accounts with built-in protections, limiting who can contact teens and controlling the content they see. Parents now have more oversight, as teens under 16 will need permission to adjust these settings.

.Retailers Increasing AI Focus for the Holiday Season..

As the holiday season approaches, 70% of retailers are investing in AI to streamline operations, with a particular focus on social media ads and influencer marketing to attract Gen Z shoppers, according to a new report.

.LinkedIn Company Page Strategies for 2025.

LinkedIn’s new features for company pages are giving businesses more tools to build their brand presence. Strategies like launching newsletters and leveraging premium CTAs are becoming essential for B2B marketers.

🔥 How to Grow an X Account🔥

Want to grow your X account? Follow this action plan to build your audience on autopilot.

1. Sign Up for Typefully
   Use Typefully to draft, schedule, and analyze your X posts for optimal growth. Typefully allows you to plan long threads, track engagement metrics, and experiment with different post timings to find what works best for your audience.

2. Set Up Auto-Follow Campaigns with PhantomBuster
   Want to expand your reach? Use PhantomBuster to scrape follower lists from competitors or accounts in your niche. You can set up automated follow and unfollow campaigns to grow your audience organically.

3. Engage with Niche Posts
   Consistent engagement is crucial. Make it a daily habit to comment on posts within your niche. Use tools like Hypefury to create engagement alerts, so you never miss an opportunity to join relevant conversations.

4. Optimize Your Bio and Profile Picture
   First impressions count. Make sure your bio clearly describes what your account is about, and use a profile picture that aligns with your personal or business brand.

5. Post Regularly
   Stay active with consistent posting—whether it’s once or several times per day, staying present is key to growing a strong follower base. Use Typefully or Buffer to schedule your posts in advance to keep your profile fresh.

5 Cool Things

Here are 5 interesting stories from around the marketing world:

1. Why Brand Jingles Are Making a Comeback
   Brands like Ozempic and Dude Wipes are bringing back jingles due to their proven ability to create memorable, nostalgic connections with consumers.

2. Google Suspends Business Profiles in Certain Industries
   Google has suspended thousands of business profiles, particularly in industries like garage door services, trash removal, and personal lawyers, due to spam concerns.

3. Bonobos Founder Launches Startup Focused on Friendships
   Andy Dunn, the founder of Bonobos, has started a new venture aimed at helping people make friends in today’s isolated world.

4. Google Expands AI Search Ad Tools in Europe
   Google has rolled out its AI-driven search ad tools to new markets, making it easier for businesses in Germany, France, and Spain to run highly targeted campaigns.

5. Search Intent Shift: How It Impacts Rankings
   Google’s search results are constantly shifting based on user intent, which means websites can lose rankings even if they haven’t changed anything.

Refer Friends

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Swag Store -|- Blog-|-  Work With Us -🌵

Cactus Patch Gang!

Happy Thursday and welcome to the sixth edition of Marketing Trends!

Here’s what I got for you today

• Google’s Gemini Updates

• 3 Marketing Trends

• B2C Ecommerce Case Study: Grazly

• Hot Links & 5 Remote Marketing Jobs

Giddyup!🌵 

Letting the Gemini Out of the Bottle

@gemini

Well, that's a bold move.

Google just announced the integration of Gemini AI directly into the Chrome browser, marking a pivotal moment in digital history.

Users simply have to type in @gemini in their search browser, and the ChatGPT competitor is available!

Gemini Update Screenshot

With over 60% of the browser market, this move could rapidly accelerate AI adoption. Now millions of people who never interacted with the Google AI feature before can access the agent with a single character.

This means the search engine is actively pushing users to let an AI assist them in all research.

This isn’t just Google.

You.com recently raised $50M to expand its AI-driven "productivity engines." CEO Richard Socher predicts, “We will likely have more AI agents surfing the web than people, and that’s going to start next year.”

AI agents are changing SEO by autonomously browsing the web, gathering information, and interacting with content.

Optimizing for AI agents is no longer optional; it's becoming a must-have skill for SEO professionals to ensure brand visibility as search engines evolve.

Growth of Searches for “AI Agent”

To stay ahead, marketers need to focus on creating customer-first content that answers the questions AI assistants are likely to field.

For instance, when a customer searches, “best eco-friendly running shoes,” through Gemini AI, brands that offer detailed comparisons and sustainability information will have a greater chance of being featured.

Sample Gemini Result for “best eco-friendly running shoes”

UGC and customer reviews are also increasingly important. Note the “highly regarded” language in the screenshot. This implies that the bot is doing some sort of scraping of customer reviews.

It is also imperative that B2C e-commerce brands do extensive tagging and categorization of their products. Consumers are going to engage with these AI Agents via dialogue to narrow down their selection.

For the eco-friendly shoes example, it would be beneficial for the brand to help the AI agent understand all the additional features of the shoe, like arch support, return policy, etc.

Screenshot of Dialogue with Gemini

In B2B scenarios, an AI agent might search “top CRM software for small businesses.” Companies that provide comprehensive guides, tailored to business size and industry, will rank higher in AI-assisted searches.

B2B SaaS Gemini Result for “Top CRM for Real Estate”

The shift towards AI-driven search means marketers must focus on in-depth content that aids AI agents in categorizing and recommending their products or services.

AI agents will increasingly intercept traditional search traffic, resulting in fewer clicks from conventional SEO tactics.

For marketers, this change is critically important.

Effective ways way to future-proof your SEO strategy include creating in-depth guides and leveraging schema markup to ensure AI agents can easily understand and display your content.

Marketing Takeaways:

• AI is reshaping search, making authoritative, educational content more important than ever.

• Stay agile—experiment with AI-enabled search features to learn how AI agents prioritize and crawl your content.

• E-commerce brands should spend time on website schema.

TRENDING

Here’s what’s new in marketing trends: Olipop’s quirky new campaign features aliens and paleontologists, Facebook ads are getting a makeover with fresh strategies, and Snapchat just introduced Sponsored Snaps, a game-changing ad format for direct engagement.

.Aliens and Paleontologists Energize Olipop Ads.

Olipop’s latest campaign uses aliens and paleontologists to launch its Ridge Rush flavor, positioning it as a healthier alternative to Mtn Dew. Watch here.

.Winning Facebook Ad Strategies for 2024.

Learn how ugly ads, dynamic features, and smart data use can optimize your Facebook ads for the upcoming year.

.Snapchat Introduces Sponsored Snaps.

Snapchat launches Sponsored Snaps, a new ad format that reaches users directly in their chat inbox. Find out more.

🔥 Get More Views on YouTube 🔥

3 Tips for a Better Channel

Want to boost your YouTube views? It's not just about creating good content—you also need to present it effectively. Here are three strategies to increase your video visibility and grow your audience:

1. Perfect Your Title and Thumbnail

Your thumbnail and title are the first things potential viewers notice. A compelling title grabs attention, so make it clear, concise, and enticing. Pair it with an eye-catching thumbnail that visually represents the video cleanly and boldly. The goal is to instantly communicate what your video is about without being overly complex.

2. Broaden Your Content's Appeal

To reach more viewers, consider how your videos can attract both niche audiences and newcomers. Even if your content focuses on a specific topic, think about how you can frame it in a way that appeals to a wider audience. Adjusting your presentation slightly can help draw in viewers who may not have initially thought they were interested in your subject.

3. Plan Before You Shoot

Pre-production is key to success. Spend time crafting ideas that are not only creative but scalable for larger audiences. Before filming, outline the most engaging parts of your video to ensure you maximize viewer retention. Strong planning leads to stronger content, which can significantly increase your views over time.

3 Cool Things

1. Y Combinator's Paul Graham Goes 'Founder Mode'
   Paul Graham explains how founders can tap into their most productive mindset. Read more.
   

2. Meta Shares Formula for Engaging Reels
   Meta offers tips for creating Reels that engage and captivate audiences. Check it out.
   

3. OpenAI Could Charge $2K a Month
   High-end OpenAI subscriptions might go for as much as $2,000 a month. Read the full story.

Case Study: How One B2C Brand Builds Trust

The Grazly Story

In the crowded world of online shopping, trust is everything. Without it, customers leave. So how do brands build lasting connections in a competitive market? By focusing on authenticity and real stories.

Take Grazly, founded by brothers Matthew and Michael. Both battled autoimmune issues and found healing through a nose-to-tail diet, which inspired them to create nutrient-packed organ crisps.

Their story forms the backbone of their brand, resonating with customers who value transparency and authenticity.

But Grazly doesn’t stop at storytelling. They leverage customer reviews and a loyalty program that keeps customers engaged.

This emphasis on real experiences and community-building has set them apart in today’s crowded e-commerce landscape.

Trust-Building Tips:

• Share your real story to connect with your audience.

• Use customer reviews and UGC to build credibility.

• Launch a loyalty program to keep customers coming back.

• Offer responsive customer support to build lasting trust.

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• Wayfair: Wayfair is hiring a Lifecycle Marketing Manager (Push and SMS) to drive engagement for one of the world’s largest home shopping destinations.

• Dropbox: Dropbox is looking for a Senior Manager of Integrated Campaigns to lead global marketing initiatives and drive user growth.

• Center: Center seeks a Senior Digital & Social Marketing Manager to help transform business expense management.

• Blue Yonder: Blue Yonder is hiring a Senior Director of Influencer Marketing to lead campaigns for its global supply chain platform.

• CaptivateIQ: CaptivateIQ is seeking a Product Marketing Manager to drive growth for its leading sales commission platform.

Refer Friends

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Swag Store -|- Blog-|-  Work With Us -🌵

Howdy Partner!

Happy Thursday and welcome to the fifth edition of Marketing Trends!

Here’s what I got for you today:

• Asynchronous Marketing

• 3 Marketing Trends

• The Battle for Local Search

• Hot Links & 5 Remote Marketing Jobs

Giddyup!🌵 

Unplugged but Always Connected

Marketing in the Age of Instant Access

We’re living in an era where everything is available at the touch of a button. Technology has driven this shift, transforming how we live, work, and consume. Unlike previous generations who followed rigid schedules, today's consumers demand flexibility and convenience.

One of the biggest changes is the rise of asynchronous communication. Emails, voicemails, and tools like Loom have become essential. They let people interact and consume content on their own time, without needing an immediate response.

This shift is a necessary adaptation in a world where everyone is constantly plugged in.

Oprah Winfrey once said, "You can have it all. Just not all at once."

This reflects the modern desire for instant access without sacrificing flexibility.

People want what they want, exactly when they want it, without being tied to traditional schedules.

Movies now come directly to viewers through streaming platforms, replacing the need for trips to the theater. Podcasts have taken over radio by allowing listeners to consume content whenever and wherever they choose—whether it's a quick 15-minute episode during a run or a deep dive into multiple back-to-back shows on a road trip.

For marketers, this shift is significant.

Audiences now expect flexibility, self-service, and access to customer education. Even in traditional B2B SaaS sales, prospects want to explore products and services on their own terms, and this expectation will only grow.

To stay ahead, go-to-market teams must invest in scalable, self-service solutions that cater to these evolving demands. Consider tools like Navattic that allow prospects to explore your platform before engaging with sales. By enabling customers to educate themselves and engage with your product on their schedule, you’ll be better positioned to meet their needs and build lasting relationships.

Those who invest in these strategies now will be better prepared for the future, as customer expectations continue to evolve.

Marketing in the age of instant access means adapting to an on-demand culture. It's about creating opportunities for your audience to interact with your brand whenever and however they choose. This is the key to thriving in today’s ever-connected world.

Takeaways:

• Offer self-service options that allow prospects to engage on their terms.

• Embrace asynchronous tools to provide flexible, on-demand communication and education.

• Invest in scalable solutions that can adapt to evolving customer expectations.

TRENDING

Here’s what’s new in marketing trends: from Hinge's lovable mascot encouraging users to delete the app to Nordstrom Rack cashing in on America’s discount fever.

.Mascots Are Always Cute:.

Hinge’s furry mascot is back, encouraging users to delete the app after finding love.

.Nordstrom Rack’s latest results show a growing trend toward deals and discounts..

Nordstrom Rack’s recent earnings report highlights a significant consumer shift toward seeking deals and discounts. The store's performance indicates that shoppers are becoming more price-conscious, likely due to economic pressures.

.Google’s digital ad revenue set to outpace Microsoft’s.

Despite increasing competition, Google remains the top choice for advertisers, thanks to its vast reach and advanced targeting capabilities. This growth underscores the tech giant's ability to maintain and even expand its market share, while other players like Microsoft struggle to keep pace.

🔥 Use AI for A/B Testing 🔥

Let the Robot Sort It Out

A/B testing is essential for optimizing marketing campaigns, but it can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

This is where AI can help.

Here are two easy ways to start leveraging AI to improve your A/B tests:

1. Variant Generation: AI can quickly create multiple variations for testing, allowing marketers to explore more creative options in less time. Instead of manually crafting each variant, AI tools like Phrasee generate alternatives based on the original content, ensuring a wider range of tests with minimal effort.

2. Analysis: AI excels at handling large volumes of data, making it easier to analyze the performance of each variant. Tools like Optimizely identify trends and patterns that might be missed by manual analysis, offering deeper insights. AI can predict which versions will perform best, enabling quicker and more informed decision-making.

Try these AI workflows out and see what you think!

5 Cool Things

1. 5 Celebrity Brand Collabs

   1. Explore top celebrity-brand collaborations that are making waves in the marketing world.

2. Arizona Does A Rebrand

   1. Arizona's tourism board unveils a fresh new brand identity to attract more visitors.

3. 8 Travel SEO Strategies

   1. Boost your travel business with these top SEO strategies for better online visibility.

4. Car Manufacturers Launch In-Car Gaming

   1. Discover how car brands like BMW and Volkswagen are diving into the world of in-car gaming.

5. 19 Email Marketing Do's & Don'ts

   1. Learn the key do’s and don’ts of email marketing to maximize opens and clicks.

Falling Stars & Yelp

The “Near Me” Crowd Watches With Concern

Local search is a cornerstone of modern marketing, directly linking consumers to businesses in their vicinity. For local marketers, this is critical: 75% of consumers read online reviews before making a purchase, often checking multiple platforms.

Without a strong local search presence, businesses risk losing to competitors just down the street.

The competition between Google and Yelp for local search dominance highlights the stakes. Yelp recently sued Google, accusing it of manipulating search results to favor its own services.

Jeremy Stoppelman, Yelp’s founder, argues that Google’s practices degrade the quality of local search by keeping users within its ecosystem, making it harder for other platforms to compete.

So, what does this mean for local marketers?

It’s more important than ever to optimize your local search presence.

Start by fully leveraging your Google Business Profile—ensure it's complete, up-to-date, and filled with high-quality images and information. Encourage satisfied customers to leave authentic reviews, not just on Google but also on Yelp and other platforms.

Consistency is key, so make sure your Name, Address, and Phone number (NAP) are identical across all listings. Additionally, engage with customer reviews—both positive and negative—to show that you value feedback and are committed to quality service.

In an environment where Google’s influence is enormous, diversifying your local search strategy can help protect your business from the whims of a single platform.

By maintaining a strong presence across multiple channels, you can ensure that customers find you—whether they search on Google, Yelp, or elsewhere.

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• Stripe: Leading payment infrastructure company seeking a Paid Digital Marketing Manager to drive revenue and business growth.

• Rippl: Innovating digital healthcare for aging populations, searching for a VP of Marketing.

• Instacart: Grocery delivery leader looking for a Senior Analyst in Media Analytics to enhance data-driven decision-making.

• Digital Marketing Agency: Top legal marketing agency seeking a Client Success Specialist to manage and strategize for client accounts.

• Get It Recruit: Empowering global communities, now hiring a Marketing Director to lead innovative marketing efforts.

Refer Friends

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Blog -|- Work With Us-|-  X -🌵

Cactus Patch Gang!

Good afternoon and welcome to the fourth edition of Marketing Trends!

Here’s what I got for you today:

• The Uncanny Valley Problem

• 3 Marketing Trends

• How Big Can Hubspot Get?

• Hot Links & 5 Remote Marketing Jobs

Let’s Ride. 🌵 

Coffee is for closers! (Not Bots)

{First Name} I see that you like…

Somewhere just past the Grand Canyon is the Uncanny Valley.

And that's where many AI BDR & SDR tools are doomed to die.

There’s been a lot of hype around AI BDRs (Business Development Representatives) and SDRs (Sales Development Representatives), but many of these tools are set up to fail.

One reason: The Uncanny Valley.

The Uncanny Valley refers to: "The sense of unease or revulsion that people experience when non-living objects, like robots or computer-generated characters, appear or behave too human-like"

It's a term that describes when your interaction with a bot feels a little...icky.

While AI can function well as a Digital Receptionist—particularly in high-intent, self-service situations, usually at the local level—it won't work for most B2B sales or high-end B2C sales where the buyer has a lot at stake.

Here’s why:

1. Most AI personalization tools fall into one of two categories. Either they produce generic ChatGPT-like text blocks that immediately turn off potential customers.

2. Or they make hyper-specific personalization attempts that often come across as creepy.

At this point, most people have had the experience of receiving emails or (god-forbid) LinkedIn DM’s with lines like, “I saw that you liked X.”

It’s the worst introduction possible.

There's a secondary problem with the idea of AI salespeople, "personalization" becomes commoditized very quickly.

In the movie Minority Report, there’s a scene where Tom Cruise walks through a mall, and every retail store bombards him with phrases like, “Ready to buy more khaki pants, Mr. Johnson?”

When every single brand and outreach message starts to use your name, it loses its value.

People are more than a set of facts.

If your marketing & sales roadmap is solely focused on personalization, that moat will quickly be eroded.

It seems unlikely that AI will ever fully replace humans in the sales cycle. And it’s because there is something a lot of startups are missing.

A salesperson’s role in the buying cycle goes beyond emails, calls, or using a prospect’s first name.

It’s about trust and accountability—two elements AI lacks.

Machines, at their core, have an accountability problem, and no amount of AI governance will change that.

Don’t get me wrong; you can’t ignore AI and I’m bullish on AI marketing & sales tools for specific tasks.

But don’t believe for a second that good salespeople are at risk of extinction.

The hyper-personalization of everything will make it clear that there’s only so much a machine can do.

Beyond that point, personalization requires...well a person.

Think about how to increase the reach of your best salespeople, and not how to replace them and your go-to-market team will hit home runs in the new era.

TRENDING

Here’s the latest on marketing trends, from the best way to buy TikTok views and Discord waves bye-bye to Discord.

.The Ultimate Guide to Buying TikTok Views:.

Learn the dos and don’ts of purchasing TikTok views to boost your content's visibility without harming your account. Read more.

.X Launches Grok 2 to Boost X Premium Sign-Ups.

X's latest AI feature, Grok 2, aims to drive premium sign-ups with smarter insights and recommendations. Discover how.

.Midjourney Opens Up.

Midjourney’s AI image generation tool is now accessible to everyone, offering 25 free image creations. A must-try for marketers looking to experiment with AI visuals. Check it out.

🔥 HOT MARKETING TACTIC 🔥

Thought Leader Ads On LinkedIn

Advertising on LinkedIn can be tricky.

While the right LinkedIn campaign strategy is a gold mine for savvy B2B marketers, CPC's and CPM's are often more expensive than other channels.

Creating authentic content that moves the needle for prospects is also a challenge.

New LinkedIn thought leader ads allow a brand to promote an organic post by a creator. This results in a much more natural UGC look and feel on a platform that can sometimes feel uptight.

This new form of native advertising is generating a lot of buzz. It also pairs nicely with the B2B Influencer trend.

5 Things We Love

1. YouTube Adds QR Codes to All Channels: YouTube now allows all channels to add QR codes to their videos, enabling easier access to external links.

2. Apple Changes How the App Store Is Managed: Apple announces major changes to how the App Store is managed, including the departure of a key executive.

3. Reddit Debuts Agency Partnership Program: Reddit introduces a new partner badging program to deepen relationships with agencies.

4. Twitch Increases Mobile Subscription Prices: Twitch is raising subscription prices on mobile, impacting how users engage with the platform.

5. Anonymity and Bugs Bunny: A reflection on the value of anonymity in the digital age, inspired by Bugs Bunny.

How Big Can Hubspot Get?

Watch out Salesforce

There was a breakup, but no one really believes it was mutual.

HubSpot and Google were in acquisition talks that fell apart last year. With that in the rearview mirror, it’s logical to ask: just how big could HubSpot get?

Over the last decade, HubSpot has grown from $29 million in revenue in 2011 to over $2.17 billion in 2023. This rapid growth nearly culminated in a $32 billion acquisition by Google, which would have been a game-changer.

Although the deal fell through, HubSpot’s momentum hasn’t slowed down.

HubSpot’s trajectory suggests it has much more room to grow.

Its innovative features and aggressive expansion strategy have positioned it as a formidable competitor to Salesforce, which currently holds a market cap of over $252 billion.

On the other hand, HubSpot's next big milestone will be the $50 billion mark. To reach that level, HubSpot will need to continue rolling out new features and possibly make strategic acquisitions.

These moves could allow it to compete more effectively in enterprise-level sales, where Salesforce currently dominates.

The real test for HubSpot will come when some of Salesforce’s existing contracts come up for renewal in the next few years.

If HubSpot can position itself as a viable alternative with a mature product offering, it could win over key clients and significantly increase its market share.

So, how big can HubSpot get?

If it continues on its current path, the sky’s the limit. However, it will need to execute flawlessly to break through the next level and compete head-to-head with Salesforce on the big deals.

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• Clockwise: Revolutionizing time management with AI and seeking a Senior Product Marketing Manager.

• Sand Technologies: Supporting global enterprises in building world-class technology, looking for an Email Marketing Specialist.

• Vimeo: The leading video platform is searching for a Sr. Director of Marketing to drive growth and innovation.

• Dynamite Circle: Helping entrepreneurs build better businesses, seeking a creative Copywriter.

• Fellow.App: Transforming meetings with AI-driven tools, looking for a Product Manager, Growth.

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Blog -|- Work With Us-|-  X -🌵

It’s a Thursday that feels like Friday.

Good afternoon and welcome to the third edition of Marketing Trends!

Here’s what I got for you today:

• The Social Media Fashion Cycle

• 3 Marketing Trends

• Post-Mortem: The Crusher Ad

• Hot Links & 5 Remote Marketing Jobs

Saddle Up. 🌵 

Stitch Incoming

Mom Jeans & Short-Form Video

It was inevitable.

You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

Every social media app starts to lose its cool factor the moment it becomes widely adopted. This is now happening to TikTok.

TikTok, once the go-to app for Gen Z, is experiencing a demographic shift. Boomers are now the fastest-growing segment on TikTok, with a projected 10.5% increase next year.

What’s fueling Boomers' move to TikTok?

• Entertainment value: TikTok’s short, engaging videos offer Boomers a fresh and easily consumable form of entertainment, making it more appealing than other platforms.

• Social connection: Boomers are using TikTok to stay connected with younger generations, tapping into current trends and feeling more in touch with today’s culture.

Meanwhile, Gen Z is starting to gravitate toward Facebook—a platform many had previously abandoned.

Despite Facebook’s overall decline, Gen Z’s U.S. user base is projected to grow from 49.0% (33.9M) in 2024 to 56.9% (40.5M) by 2028.

What’s driving this Gen Z migration to Facebook?

• Practical use cases: Facebook's features like event planning, niche groups, and Marketplace are becoming more attractive to younger users.

• New users: A significant portion of Gen Z is just starting to engage with social media as they reach adulthood.

• E-commerce influence: Three-quarters of Gen Z Facebook users (ages 15-26) made purchases on Marketplace last year.

What’s the big picture?

Facebook has gone through the full brand lifecycle we often see in fashion:

• Underground

• Niche

• Trendy

• Normalized

• Dated

• Dead

• Ironically Cool

• Dead

• Trendy Again

While these stages don’t align perfectly with tech, the broad utility Meta has built over the last decade is finally paying off. Younger users, who have fewer negative associations with Facebook than their millennial counterparts, are coming on board.

Many millennials moved to Instagram (also owned by Meta) when Facebook became crowded with older generations.

If this trend continues, could Gen Z and Gen Alpha completely move away from TikTok to Facebook or another platform?

It's possible.

It will be interesting to see if platforms like Instagram and Pinterest maintain their strong millennial base, or if everyone ends up on TikTok, endlessly scrolling.

What should marketers do?

The social media landscape is always changing. The hot platform for a demographic today might be stale tomorrow. Don’t hesitate to experiment with creative approaches and test ad spend on emerging platforms.

Staying flexible and responsive to these shifts is key to keeping your brand relevant in a world where trends can change overnight.

TRENDING

Here’s the latest on marketing trends, from Google's AI search updates to the FTC's crackdown on fake reviews.

.Google Updates Sources in AI Overviews:.

Google is expanding the rollout of AI overviews in search, including more citations and links to original sources. Read more.

. 5 Food & Beverage Trends.

From Oreo's latest innovation to the resurgence of Coca-Cola, these are the top food and beverage trends shaping the market. Read more.

.Fake Reviews Targeted by FTC .

The FTC is cracking down on fake reviews with a new proposal that could ban deceptive practices in online ratings and reviews. App developers just gave a collective *gulp *. Read more.

🔥 HOT MARKETING TACTIC 🔥

Add Youtube Videos To Blog Posts For An SEO Boost

Adding YouTube videos to your blog posts is a smart move if you want to boost your SEO game. Videos naturally grab attention and keep visitors on your page longer, which is exactly what Google likes to see. The longer people stay on your site, the better your content looks to search engines, giving you a bump in rankings.

Videos also help break up long text, making your posts easier to read and more engaging. Plus, Google often features video content right in the search results, so adding a video to your blog can get you into that prime real estate—like the video carousel.

And let’s not forget YouTube itself. It’s the second-largest search engine, and by optimizing your video with the right keywords, you can drive traffic from both Google and YouTube.

If you haven’t tried this tactic yet, it’s an easy way to improve your blog’s SEO and keep readers hooked. Learn more here.

5 Things We Love

1. Google vs. Bing: A detailed comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of Google and Bing as search engines.

2. Newest Commercials from Major Brands: Catch the latest commercials from major brands like Google and McDonald's.

3. 59% of Creative Employees Have Had It: A recent survey shows that 59% of creative professionals are considering leaving their jobs.

4. Independent Journalists Flock to Substack: More and more independent journalists are turning to Substack for a direct-to-reader approach.

5. 8 Copywriting Hacks Backed by Science: Elevate your copywriting with these eight science-backed tips.

The Crusher Ad Post Mortem - 3 Months Later

What Apple's Misstep Says About The State of Advertising

"I'm a Mac, I'm a PC."

Apple has come a long way from its iconic ads with Justin Long and the dweeby PC guy. Unfortunately, it seems to be heading in the wrong direction.

Three months ago, Apple launched its “Crusher” ad. The reception was lukewarm, raising questions about what’s going wrong.

Today’s consumers crave authenticity. User-generated content is king. Apple’s highly polished “Crusher” ad, though visually stunning, feels out of touch in an era where realness matters most. It’s a stark contrast to the brand’s earlier, relatable campaigns.

What happened between “I’m a Mac & I’m a PC” and “The Crusher”? The former was funny, relatable, and hit the cultural zeitgeist. The “Crusher” ad, by comparison, feels detached, lacking the humor and authenticity that once set Apple apart. Watch the ad here.

Even Warren Buffett has taken notice, divesting from Apple. While his reasons are financial, they also point to Apple’s struggle to keep up with a rapidly changing market.

Apple’s best ads have always reflected its innovative spirit. The “Crusher” ad, however, failed to tie into Apple’s current offerings, weakening its impact.

The biggest miss? Apple forgot that feelings come first. The brand’s most memorable ads weren’t just about products—they evoked emotions. The “Crusher” ad, despite its technical polish, lacked that emotional punch.

In the end, Apple’s “Crusher” ad shows the challenges even iconic brands face in today’s fast-changing advertising world. Brands must adapt or risk losing their connection with audiences.

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• The Farmer's Dog: Revolutionizing pet health and seeking a Brand Marketing Director.

• Restaurant365: This SaaS platform is disrupting the restaurant industry and needs a Director of Product Marketing.

• StubGroup: A Google Partner ad agency is looking for a Google Ads Account Manager.

• BrightWheel: Leading early education company searching for a Field Marketing Manager.

• Xero: Online accounting software leader needs an SEO Manager.

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Blog -|- Work With Us-|-  X -🌵

Join the caravan, the rhythm is just picking up!

Good afternoon and welcome back! The sun is shining and the trends are sizzling ️‍🔥️‍🔥️‍🔥

Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

• The Fragmentation of the Internet

• 3 Marketing Trends

• Lord of the Rings...but for politics?

• How Clay Built A Linkedin Army

• 5 Great Marketing Job Opportunities

Let’s dive in! 🌵

The Fragmentation of the Web

Micro-communities Are The New Main Stream

The internet reminds me of that high school friend who now messages you about a pyramid scheme—it's in an interesting place.

The early days of the web were dominated by niche communities on places like Yahoo! Search engines were in their infancy, and websites like StumbleUpon were some of the main ways people accessed new information.

The Wild West days of the internet didn't last long.

Silicon Valley and Wall Street investors quickly realized the potential of digital and software companies. That’s when the "platformification" of everything began.

MySpace foreshadowed the rise of social media apps like Facebook and Twitter—places where you could easily search for almost any topic.

Instead of building niche communities on blogs that were hard to find, creators could now leverage the network effects of platforms and reach millions with ease. Early adopters rode the algorithms to celebrity status, and unicorn companies were born.

But all the while, something was starting to go awry.

As more media and tech companies positioned themselves as comprehensive platforms, they needed to raise massive amounts of capital. Investors influenced content moderation, and high burn rates required the introduction of ads wherever possible.

This led to the sunsetting of popular features like chronological feeds on Instagram and simple UX in search.

In short, the core products suffered.

Generation Z shows little brand loyalty to tech giants like Google due to the drop in information quality and numerous scandals. Traditional news outlets are gasping for air.

So, where are people going for information?

It increasingly looks like niche publications such as podcasts, newsletters (ahem!), and individual creator channels on YouTube. Mirroring the "cord-cutting" movement, consumers are turning to hyper-specific communities to obtain and vet information.

We have come full circle, back to the very roots of the internet.

And big tech is well aware.

Recent Google Search algorithm updates have prioritized forum results over traditional webpages, leading to websites like Reddit adding over 8.5 million users in Q2 of 2024 alone.

Surviving the increasing fragmentation of the internet means the future of marketing is focused more on Tribes & Territories instead of TAM.

Every marketer will need to be a community builder or risk being left out of the important conversations.

As we navigate this new landscape, embracing the fragmentation rather than fighting it may be the key. Building authentic communities and engaging with niche audiences will define the next era of digital marketing.

So gear up, marketers—our journey is just beginning.

TRENDING

Trends? Well we know all about those…

.Meta Removes Detailed Exclusions.

Meta has removed detailed targeting exclusions from ad campaigns, changing the way advertisers reach their audiences.

.Google Search Console Adds Recommendations.

Google Search Console now offers recommendations, helping marketers optimize their websites more efficiently.

. 70% of Marketers Report Using ChatGPT At Work .

A new report shows that 70% of marketers are using ChatGPT for work, highlighting the tool's growing influence in the industry.

🔥 HOT MARKETING TACTIC 🔥

Gifting Keeps On Giving

ABM is having an identity crisis.

The number of ABM platforms has dramatically increased, but ROI for many marketers remains suspect. For businesses without a large CLTV, justifying a six-figure spend on data tools is tough.

Savvy marketers are pivoting by leveraging gifting programs for their most important target accounts.

Tools like Sendoso enable marketing teams to give hyper-personalized gifts.

Interesting ideas include personalized fitness routines, candy-filled piñatas, and assorted cookies for executives with a sweet tooth.

Desperate for leads? Consider investing in a gifting strategy

5 Things We Love

• Lord of the Rings Startup for Democracy

  • Anduril is a startup aiming to innovate democracy through autonomous weapons technology. Read more.

• Testing Ideas from Google Leak

  • Learn how to test new ideas effectively, inspired by a recent Google leak. Read more.

• Wisdom Work is the New Knowledge Work

  • Discover why wisdom work is being hailed as the new frontier in productivity. Read more.

• Zoom Launches Documents

  • Zoom expands beyond video conferencing with the introduction of Zoom Docs. Read more.

• Twain: The AI Writer for Emails

  • Twain is a new AI tool that is focused on creating irresistible email copy. Read more.

How Clay Built A Linkedin Army

UGC, Meet B2B

Clay.com recently announced a $46M Series B! This tech startup has been on fire, upending the ABM landscape for established competitors like ZoomInfo and Apollo.

Clay allows businesses to source data from all over the web and use AI and automation to personalize outbound efforts at scale.

If you're familiar with Clay, you've likely seen a post about them on LinkedIn. Over the past few months, a veritable army of Clay influencers and agencies have emerged.

Two factors have helped Clay build a robust network of evangelists quickly:

1. Stale marketing from existing competitors.

2. Shiny demo opportunities.

The second factor is particularly impactful. There are now hundreds of videos on LinkedIn and YouTube showcasing how to use Clay, such as scraping Google Maps listings and sending personalized emails via OpenAI enrichments.

Check out this example of how Clay allows users to send personalized cold emails at scale.

The big takeaway? If you have a product that demos well, invest heavily in tutorials for your consumers. This strategy not only serves customer service needs but also educates prospective buyers.

HIRING NOW!

Sunny marketing jobs.

• Growth Marketing Manager, Paid Social

  • Remote role focusing on paid social strategies. Apply here.

• Google Ads Account Manager

  • Remote position managing Google Ads campaigns. Apply here.

• Senior Graphic Designer

  • Remote role for a senior graphic designer. Apply here.

• Senior Marketing Manager, Outbound and ABM

  • Remote job managing outbound and ABM marketing strategies. Apply here.

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael

🌵- Blog -|- Work With Us-|-  X -🌵

Come on in, the party's just getting started!

Good morning and welcome to the first edition of Marketing Trends.

Here’s what I got for you today:

• The Rise of the B2B Influencer

• 3 Marketing Trends

• Google's Retreat on the 3rd Party Cookie War

• Hot Links & Marketing Jobs

Let’s dive in. 🌵 

The Rise of The B2B Influencer

Clout Meets Corporate

Influencers have long been a staple in marketing, particularly in the B2C space, where well-known personalities can sway consumer decisions. However, the B2B market has been slower to embrace this concept, and for good reason.

While consumers may make impulsive purchases influenced by a celebrity's endorsement, B2B purchases often involve significant investments that require careful consideration and multiple approval stages.

Typically, B2B purchase decisions hinge on factors like ROI, ease of implementation, and the cost of switching. Yet, as traditional strategies like SEO and paid search yield diminishing returns, many B2B organizations are seeking new go-to-market strategies.

The "Founder-Led" approach, popularized in-part by Exit 5 Founder Dave Gerhardt, is gaining traction. This model leverages the thought leadership of charismatic CEOs who commit to creating organic content, yielding impressive results.

For example, Adam Robinson of RB2B and Andy Mewborn of Distribute.So have effectively used their platforms to establish authority and trust. But what about companies without a charismatic CEO?

This is where B2B influencer marketing steps in.

Platforms like BrandRefer are capitalizing on this need, and if they succeed, we can expect other influencer platforms to follow suit.

In a world increasingly dominated by AI and chatbots, authentic human voices with industry expertise will become invaluable assets. As B2B influencer marketing gains momentum, it promises to become a lucrative investment.

TRENDING

In 2024, marketing is getting wilder than a squirrel on espresso!

.SGE Continues To Eat Up SEO.

SGE's dominance in search continues to disrupt traditional SEO strategies. Microsoft recently announced that Bing will prioritize AI-generated answers in its search results.

.Threads Tries New Features.

Meta's platform Threads is rolling out a new Topic Discovery feature, seemingly aimed at drawing users away from X by simplifying the process of finding breaking news.

.Canva Adds Even More AI .

Canva brings even more firepower to their AI-push by acquiring Australian generative AI company Leonardo.Ai.

🔥 HOT MARKETING TACTIC 🔥

Reposting Your Best Content - The TV Edition

As social media algorithms shift toward interest-based models, it's become a low-risk, high-reward strategy for brands and influencers to repost their best content. This approach leverages the power of familiarity and proven success, allowing brands to capitalize on past hits without the need to constantly generate new material.

Ikea Canada is embracing this trend by reairing its iconic "Just Start The Car" commercial across the country.

This classic ad, which humorously depicts a couple frantically rushing to their car after a shopping spree, thinking they must have paid the wrong (too low) price, has struck a chord with viewers over the years.

By bringing it back to the airwaves, Ikea not only taps into a wave of nostalgia but also reinforces its brand message of offering great value. It's a clever way to remind customers of Ikea's long-standing commitment to affordable prices.

The spot is pretty funny and worth a watch if you haven't seen it yet—or even if you have!

5 Things We Love

1. Meta Retires Celeb Bots

   Turns out, nobody wants to chat with Meta's quirky celebrity AI bots. Who knew?

2. Startup Graveyard

   The Failory Graveyard is a collection of startups that never quite caught on.

3. Who is Blocking AI Bots?

   Moz explores the growing trend of websites blocking AI bots via Robots.txt.

4. Newsletter Design Agency

   Looking to create a standout newsletter? Meet Pixels design agency! They did an excellent job on the Marketing Trends newsletter. Tell Ricky the Cactus Gang sent you.

5. Gamma AI Presentation Tool

   Transform your notes into presentations with Gamma, the ultimate tool for creating slides without the hassle.

 Google Retreats on the 3rd Party Cookies War

Sweet Victory?

It was the best of times and the worst of times for marketers. After years of warning about the demise of third-party cookies, Google has reversed its decision to eliminate them from Chrome.

Given its reliance on advertising revenue, it's no surprise that Google opted to appease advertisers already grappling with the effects of the Helpful Content Update (HCU).

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• Squire: This business management system seeks a Senior Director, Demand Generation.

• Get It: This SaaS brand is looking to partner with a Senior Marketing Manager.

• Bamboo: HR leader needs a passionate Customer Marketing Manager.

• Manta Sleep: Don’t sleep on this opportunity for a PT Social Media Coordinator.

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael