TLDR MARKETING 2025-09-09

the job.

* Check out the podcast episode featuring HubSpot's Scott Brinker on

AI and the martech stack.

AI THREATENS ENTRY-LEVEL MARKETING JOBS—AND THE FUTURE TALENT PIPELINE

Entry-level marketing roles are declining as AI takes over repetitive tasks. Unemployment for recent college graduates is 5.8%, matching adults without a high school diploma, while underemployment is above 41%. Without these entry-level opportunities, companies could struggle to develop mid- and senior-level talent in the coming years.

FEWER DEALS, BIGGER BILLS

40% of shoppers expect fewer discounts, and 75% anticipate higher costs for gifts this holiday season. Concerns about tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and a potential recession are prompting nearly a third of shoppers to start gift-buying earlier. Price increases are expected across categories, including a 15-20% rise in toys sourced from China. Extended return policies remain a key incentive, while about a quarter of consumers plan to spend less due to economic uncertainty.

IN COURT FILING, GOOGLE CONCEDES THE OPEN WEB IS IN “RAPID DECLINE”

Google claims the open web is in “rapid decline” in a court filing defending its ad business. It argues that forcing a breakup of AdX would damage a fragile ad-supported ecosystem. While Google maintains that AI search isn't hurting web traffic, it hasn't provided data to prove it. Instead, Google's ad revenue is increasingly driven by mobile apps and walled environments, not open websites.

CLICKUP'S SLIDING INTO DMS OF THEIR UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS

ClickUp's early growth strategy relied on a scrappy, low-cost tactic that involved tracking 1-star reviews of competitors on sites like Capterra, G2, and TrustPilot and then reaching out to frustrated users directly on LinkedIn. The personalized message framed ClickUp as a solution to the problems they faced with rival products. This approach cost nothing but time, generated the company's first 100+ customers, and helped drive $1M in ARR.

PINTEREST SHARES TIPS FOR HOLIDAY CAMPAIGN PLANNING

Holiday campaign planning on Pinterest should start now to capture rising gift-related searches that begin in October and peak by December. With 55% of users preferring personalized recommendations and saves strongly tied to purchase intent, brands should create curated festive boards by recipient or interest and prompt users to save Pins. Pinterest recommends early activation, save-driven design, and personalized content to influence gift planning behavior and drive seasonal sales.

AI & SOCIAL MEDIA (WEBINAR)

This webinar on September 10 will address how social teams balance efficiency and authenticity when using AI. The speakers will explore ways to humanize brand voice, integrate AI into workflows without losing identity, and create brand-first content. The discussion will also cover practical applications and distinguish hype from helpful tools.

WHAT IS EMOTIONAL MARKETING? HOW TO MAKE RESONANT ADS

70% of consumer purchase decisions are driven by emotion rather than rational factors. Customers with strong emotional engagement are more loyal and are more willing to spend more, recommend a brand, and promote it on social media. Ads that spark strong emotional responses are 2.6X more likely to go viral and 4X more likely to build long-term brand value. This guide covers how common emotional triggers like nostalgia, FOMO, individuality, and well-being can be leveraged to drive deeper connections.

THE EMPEROR HAS NO CODE: AI STARTUPS LIKE CLUELY AND SERIES ARE MAKING A BIG BET ON MARKETING, GEN Z–STYLE

Cluely built its reputation on viral stunts and creator-driven marketing. Its CMO, Daniel Min, has centered the company's growth on social media, relying on provocative videos, UGC, and local creators. Critics say Cluely's AI is either a cheating tool or just a “GPT wrapper”, but its ability to spark conversation keeps it relevant and reflects a shift where young founders act as influencers instead of engineers.

WHY I DELETE HALF MY LINKEDIN POSTS

Social platforms present audience growth as empowerment but profit from free user labor, data, and content. Algorithms push creators to self-censor, simplify ideas, and chase scale. This leads to conformity instead of authentic expression. Real connection may come from smaller, intentional communities outside platform control, where resonance matters more than reach.

GOOFIEST GROWTH HACK THAT ACTUALLY WORKS: SIGN IN WITH LEGO

Discord's “Sign in with LEGO” option is one of its biggest growth drivers.

INSIDE THE MINDS OF 500 AI USERS: ADOPTION, TRUST & EVERYDAY HABITS

Survey results showing which AI tools people know and use, and how they feel about them.