Daily Edition · Page 9

THE DAILY INDEX

Technology, AI, software, security, crypto and business

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Marketing

VIRAL MARKETING STUNTS MADE 'DEADPOOL' A $1BN HIT, SAYS DISNEY EXEC

Disney's chief brand officer credits the $1 billion success of "Deadpool & Wolverine" to unconventional marketing stunts, including cameos in K-pop videos and cooking shows, that resonate with Gen Z audiences. Stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman took their in-character antics to new levels, creating viral content that cut through the noise of traditional marketing. This approach highlights the growing importance of meme-ready, platform-specific content to engage younger viewers.

GONG'S CONTENT AND SEO STRATEGY

Gong has a two-part SEO content strategy that targets bottom-of-funnel, high-intent keywords via the marketing site and top-of-funnel, low-intent keywords via the blog. This is a common strategy and the brand is executing well on the marketing site, but the blog is being wasted on informational content that doesn't convert. Gong should create blog content on comparison/alternatives and jobs-to-be-done, which would bring in more qualified traffic.

ARE YOUR INSTAGRAM CAMPAIGNS SABOTAGING YOUR BRAND'S REACH?

Marketers should reconsider posting campaign assets on Instagram, as overuse often causes significant drops in reach and engagement that take months to recover. They should instead assess Instagram performance before, during, and after a campaign to understand the impact. Prioritizing aesthetics over performance can lead to diminished visibility and less interaction. Thoughtful upper-funnel marketing is important. Social teams should gather data to avoid these issues.

OPEN SOURCE TOOLS TO BOOST YOUR PRODUCTIVITY

By exploring open source tools like Penpot, Cal.com, and Nextcloud, marketers can find robust alternatives to proprietary software that prioritize transparency and customization. These community-driven solutions offer greater control and flexibility, appealing to those who value freedom and collaboration. While there may be trade-offs, these tools can significantly boost productivity without making you dependent on a few large tech companies.

THE HARD-HITTING TRUTH ABOUT WHAT REALLY BUILDS YOUR BRAND

Credibility is the missing link that sets successful brands apart from those that struggle. It can be gained through demonstrating results, such as testimonials, case studies, and reviews that show how you have helped others. Creating valuable content also has this effect, but it's worth considering that different mediums have different levels of impact. Credibility can also be gained through association with others, either through collaborations or when they engage with your content publicly.

GOOGLE'S “DEAR SYDNEY” AD WAS A MISSTEP. WHAT MARKETERS CAN LEARN FROM IT

Google's "Dear Sydney" ad, created for the Olympics, faced backlash for using AI to write a letter on behalf of a child. Critics labeled it "tone deaf" and "anti-human." The ad depicted a father relying on AI to craft a message to athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Experts expressed concerns about AI replacing human creativity, particularly in children's development. While Google aimed to showcase AI as a tool for enhancing creativity, the message promoted technology over genuine interaction. The ad was eventually pulled after receiving widespread criticism.

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