Daily Edition · Page 9

THE DAILY INDEX

Technology, AI, software, security, crypto and business

NEWS & TRENDS

TLDR Marketing

BEYOND THE FEED: ADAPTING TO THE MODERN SOCIAL PLAYBOOK

The key success metric has shifted from follower counts to engagement and shareability. High-entertainment posts earn up to 4.5X more reach on TikTok and 13X more on Instagram. While follower growth has slowed, shares have increased by 60% on TikTok and 10% on Instagram Reels. Creators drive 6X higher engagement on Instagram and 3X more video views on TikTok than brands. AI-optimized content boosts engagement rates by 74% and shares by 66%.

A GENERATION IS TURNING TO ‘BUY NOW, PAY LATER' FOR BOTOX AND CONCERT TICKETS

Young Americans are using BNPL loans to finance discretionary expenses like Botox and concert tickets. These loans, with interest rates of up to 36%, are appealing due to easy approval and no immediate credit score impact. Klarna reported a 17% rise in credit losses, and 3% of Gen Z Affirm borrowers are not repaying in full. BNPL can encourage overspending and financial stress among a generation already facing economic pressure.

A TEAM OF BUFFER CREATORS

Buffer is growing a team of internal creators based on the idea that people trust individuals more than companies. By empowering its team to create authentic content, Buffer builds awareness and brand affinity from the inside out. Since launching its Creator Resources HQ, 87% of teammates have contributed over 1.1K posts, generating 411K+ impressions. Buffer also runs workshops to boost creator confidence and use AI to personalize content.

HOW TO BUILD PMM INFLUENCE ACROSS TEAMS (EVEN WHEN YOU ARE NOT IN CHARGE)

PMMs carry big responsibilities but lack formal authority. Build influence by mapping stakeholders by attitude and influence using a matrix that identifies Power Allies, Skeptical Gatekeepers, Advocacy Builders, and Quiet Resisters. Focus on delivering high-impact projects for high-influence stakeholders to build trust. Maintain influence by dedicating at least 30% of time to managing relationships through communication and collaboration.

MICROSOFT ADS ROLLS OUT WEBSITE EXCLUSION TOOLS FOR SEARCH, AUDIENCE ADS

Microsoft Advertising launched new exclusion tools that let advertisers block up to 10K websites per list and manage up to 100 lists per account. These tools allow bulk application of exclusions across multiple campaigns and are available for both Search Ads and Audience Ads. Advertisers can now manage exclusions at the account and campaign levels, streamlining control and improving brand safety. Microsoft is also testing a Targeted Website List feature for more precise ad placements.

WHY GOOD MARKETERS THINK IN PROBABILITIES, NOT CERTAINTIES

Marketing lives in uncertainty because people drive markets. Billions of daily signals from consumers and companies create feedback loops and unknowns. Despite this reality, many still believe that more data or better tools will guarantee results. That belief is flawed. Outcomes in marketing have many causes, most of which are unclear. Marketers should think in probabilities, not certainties. Using diverse data, placing small bets, and accepting ambiguity leads to better decisions.

USE INTENT SIGNALS IN YOUR MARKETING PLAYBOOK

Only about 5% of the market is actively looking to buy, so identifying intent signals is key to focusing outbound efforts on high-potential leads. There are 2 types of intent signals: external signals, such as job changes or funding news, and engaged signals like repeated visits to your pricing page or webinar attendance. Engaged signals are stronger and should be prioritized because they show direct interest. A strong content ecosystem helps create and detect these signals, improving lead quality and closing rates.

TLDR IndexPage 9