Daily Edition · Page 9

THE DAILY INDEX

Technology, AI, software, security, crypto and business

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Marketing

94% OF ADVERTISERS CONCERNED TARIFFS WILL LEAD TO CUT IN AD SPENDING

94% of US advertisers are concerned about tariffs impacting ad spending, with 57% extremely concerned. Most expect a 6%-10% drop in ad budgets, while 22% anticipate a larger decrease. Traditional media and social ads will see the largest cuts, while CTV and online video may be more resilient. To adjust, 45% plan to reduce overall spend, 35% will focus on performance-based campaigns, and 29% will shift to digital channels. 66% of US consumers believe companies should cut CEO pay in response to tariff-related inflation.

HOW FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE IS KEEPING YOUNG PEOPLE ON THE PLATFORM

Facebook's Marketplace is a key driver of engagement, particularly among younger users, despite a decline in teen usage. 32% of US teens use Facebook, down from 71% in 2014, but 1.1 billion users across 70 countries frequent Marketplace for its no-fee listings and local pickups. The platform competes with eBay and Craigslist and taps into the growing $350 billion resale market. A partnership with eBay is expected to boost sales.

COMPANY BLOGS ARE NO LONGER WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Company blogs are losing relevance as traffic declines due to Google's degraded search, AI content aggregation, and a shift to private communities. Independent creators on Substack and LinkedIn now attract more traffic than corporate blogs. Companies should focus on influencer partnerships, high-engagement platforms like YouTube and podcasts, and specialized content such as product docs and user-generated content. Blogging isn't dead, but it's no longer a reliable primary growth strategy.

HOW A BROKE DAD BUILT A 7-FIGURE CONTENT AGENCY FROM TWITTER DMS

Clifton Sellers built Legacy Builder, a seven-figure content agency, by growing his Twitter following, sending 100 DMs daily, and reinvesting in a professional rebrand. His agency evolved from ghostwriting to full-service content management for high-profile founders, handling social content, outbound engagement, and newsletters. Key tools include Notion, Metricool, and Beehiiv. His success came from relentless direct messaging, refining content systems, and delivering high-end client experiences

HOW MARKETERS ARE USING AI FOR WRITING

This survey of 53 marketers found that 83% have published AI-assisted content, with over half producing more than 5 pieces. ChatGPT, mentioned by 90% of respondents, dominates AI tool usage. The top reasons for using AI include speed (68%), research (22%), and improving writing (22%). While 60% say AI content requires more editing, many find it helps generate more content faster, improve writing quality, and assist with ideation. Some respondents also reported better search rankings and conversions.

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES ARE CLUELESS ABOUT BRANDING. THE DOGE TURMOIL SHOWS WHY THEY'VE NEEDED MARKETING CAMPAIGNS ALL ALONG

Government agencies like the NIH and NSF fail to communicate their value, leaving them vulnerable to political attacks and funding cuts. Despite funding breakthroughs like Ozempic and Wegovy, they lack branding and marketing strategies. A well-funded campaign is needed to highlight their impact, shift public perception, and pressure policymakers. Without better storytelling, these agencies risk further defunding and losing public support.

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