TLDR MarketingMarch 10, 2025

TLDR MARKETING 2025-03-10

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01NEWS & TRENDS

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.

martech.org1 min read

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.

cnbc.com2 min read

02STRATEGIES & TACTICS

MY WEIRDEST A/B TEST BLEW EVERYONE'S MIND

A/B tests show that adding a blurred product screenshot behind a sign-up form can boost conversions, with MyCase seeing a 94% increase. The blurred background exploits curiosity gaps, gives users a sense of progress, and reassures them about what they're signing up for. The effect can be further enhanced with interactive elements like gradual reveals and animated blur.

marketingideas.com2 min read

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.

elenaverna.com4 min read

03RESOURCES & TOOLS

REACH MILLIONS OF TECH PROFESSIONALS READING TLDR

Grab the attention of software developers, product managers, marketers, executives and other tech professionals reading TLDR every day. TLDR offers 10 interest-based newsletters to help you reach your target audience. Learn more [8] about running your first campaign with us.

advertise.tldr.techSponsor

DESCRIPT

Descript is an all-in-one audio and video editing tool designed to make content creation easier. It allows users to edit video and audio by editing text, just like a Word document. Descript can automatically transcribe recordings, enabling users to cut, rearrange, and enhance their content with ease. It also includes features for removing filler words like "ums," turning recordings into clips or social posts, and streamlining the editing process - ideal for creators looking to save time and effort.

descript.comTool

Q1 2025 MAGNETIC 100: RESTAURANTS REPORT (PREVIEW)

McDonald's, Wingstop, and Starbucks are among Gen Z's top restaurant brands. This study highlights brands generating the most organic, user-generated content in the first quarter of 2025, including during cultural events like the Super Bowl and holidays. Other top brands include Chipotle, Taco Bell, Crumbl Cookies, and Raising Cane's.

static1.squarespace.com14 min read

04MISCELLANEOUS

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

joinhampton.com8 min read

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.

growandconvert.com15 min read

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.

fortune.com3 min read

05QUICK LINKS

"HI, [FIRST NAME]" - IS NOT PERSONALIZATION

Personalization uses customer data to address their needs, challenges, and beliefs about your product.

links.tldrnewsletter.com1 min read

DEEP DIVE: CAL.COM

Cal.com is an open-source alternative to Calendly designed for enterprises, teams, and developers who need more customization, white-labeling, and self-hosting options.

links.tldrnewsletter.com3 min read