Daily Edition · Page 9

THE DAILY INDEX

Technology, AI, software, security, crypto and business

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Marketing

TIKTOK IS BACK ONLINE IN THE U.S., FOLLOWING TRUMP'S PROMISE TO PAUSE THE BAN

TikTok faced a 14-hour-long blackout in the U.S. due to a ban requiring it to separate from its China-based owner, ByteDance. President-elect Trump temporarily paused enforcement of the ban, allowing web-hosting companies like Oracle and Akamai to restore service, but Apple and Google have yet to reinstate TikTok on their app stores. Without Apple and Google's support, TikTok cannot gain new users, provide updates, or process in-app purchases, jeopardizing its revenue. Legal and political uncertainties remain. Potential fines for TikTok could reach billions of dollars.

AI AGENTS ARE BEGINNING TO INFILTRATE THE ADVERTISING WORLD

AI agents are transforming advertising by automating tasks like pulling reports, managing media budgets, and analyzing data. Startups like Adaly and Anthrologic are tailoring AI tools for advertisers, with brands like Hershey's and Anthropologie already testing the tech. These agents, built on large language models like ChatGPT, aim to streamline workflows while keeping humans involved in nuanced decision-making.

THE STUPIDEST MARKETING MISTAKES I SEE PEOPLE MAKE

Many marketing efforts fail due to easily avoidable mistakes such as dismissing email campaigns, which usually deliver the highest ROI, or ignoring the compounding benefits of improved customer retention. Many marketers also treat virality or trend-chasing as a strategy, which creates inefficiencies and dilutes focus. On the other hand, strong marketing programs succeed by focusing on consistent, data-driven approaches that prioritize foundational tactics and sustained audience engagement.

MOST B2B MARKETERS ARE STILL CREATING CONTENT LIKE IT'S 2010

95% of website visitors aren't ready to buy, yet most B2B content focuses only on the 5% who are. A more effective strategy involves creating long-form subject matter content that provides in-depth value, leveraging editorial newsletters as a reliable channel to build trust, and using executive social posts to reinforce messaging. Together, these three pillars create a system that not only engages a broader audience, but also drives sustainable growth by building trust and nurturing potential leads over time.

HOW TO RUN YOUR MARKETING TEAM DAY-TO-DAY

To establish an effective marketing operating cadence, break quarterly goals into monthly milestones and assign a directly responsible individual (DRI) for each goal. Use project management tools like Asana to track milestones, provide weekly async status updates, and hold focused weekly marketing meetings. Implement structured project kickoffs using GACCS briefs (Goals, Audience, Content, Channels, Stakeholders) to ensure alignment with broader goals. Regularly update and share a marketing decision dashboard that outlines priorities, storylines, and revenue growth levers. Tie deliverables on marketing calendars to specific goals and require requests to support these goals, fostering strategic alignment and reducing random marketing efforts.

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