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LINKEDIN ADDS ANALYTICS FOR COMMENTS YOU LEAVE ON POSTS

LinkedIn is introducing comment analytics, allowing users to see how many times their comment has been viewed.

BlueOcean is trusted by AWS, Databricks, and Cisco. Find out why

FROM MCDONALD'S TO KELLOGG'S: WHY ARE SO MANY BRANDS DITCHING THEIR LOGO?

Kellogg's new campaign shows the power of typography over logos. This reflects a trend where 83% of designers prioritize type in branding. Typography-led branding, driven by digital-first strategies and democratized design tools, is not a passing trend. It offers immediate brand recognition and clarity. McDonald's, British Airways, and easyJet show that a strong typeface can be as impactful as a logo. For lasting brand identity, a well-crafted typeface communicates authenticity, emotion, and cultural resonance.

WHAT LUSH LEARNED FROM THREE YEARS OF BEING MOSTLY OFFLINE

Lush's decision to step away from social media in 2021 led the brand to focus on building its owned channels. Its email newsletter and app now boast millions of subscribers. While still active on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, Lush has embraced affiliate marketing and local engagement strategies. The brand's move, once seen as radical, has gained more understanding, with Jack Constantine urging other brands to invest in their own platforms instead of relying on third-party social media.

15 TIPS TO BOOST CTR FOR SEARCH ADS

Google is changing Responsive Search Ads by allowing headlines to replace descriptions and sitelinks, making ad testing harder. To improve CTR, include keywords in headlines and descriptions, use clear CTAs, highlight customer benefits, and add ad extensions. Leverage psychological triggers like urgency, scarcity, and social proof while keeping messaging simple and focused. Test different lengths, use strong USPs, and always write for customers, not just for Google.

THE #1 PLACE FOR STARTUP BRANDS TO FIND TRACTION? OTHER PEOPLE'S BRANDS

Partner marketing expands brand presence by leveraging larger ecosystems for credibility, trust, and seamless adoption. Listing in app stores like Shopify's or Notion's reshapes perception by associating products with established platforms. These integrations also improve user experience and drive growth by making adoption easier.

BING IS COPYING GOOGLE SEARCH'S AI OVERVIEWS

Microsoft is testing "Copilot Search", an AI-driven feature for Bing that replaces traditional search results with AI summaries. Similar to Google's AI Overviews, Copilot Search prioritizes AI-generated responses over blue links but still includes citations for source verification.

YOUTUBE WANTS TO LOOK A LITTLE MORE LIKE NETFLIX...NETFLIX FEELS THE SAME

YouTube is launching a cheaper, ad-free subscription tier called "Premium Lite" in select markets. It's offering users a way to enjoy most content without ads for a lower price. Meanwhile, Netflix, which previously avoided ads, introduced an ad-supported plan in 2022 to recover from subscriber losses and now sees over 55% of new sign-ups in ad-supported regions. While YouTube is shifting further toward subscriptions, Netflix is working to grow its ad revenue.

LOGOS DON'T BUILD LOYALTY, GREAT EXPERIENCES DO

Mastercard goes beyond traditional sponsorships by creating immersive experiences that align with consumers' passions. Through its Priceless platform, the brand fosters deeper connections across 9 key areas, from dining and travel to sports and music. While AI helps with personalization, Mastercard prioritizes storytelling. Partnerships like those with the Uefa Champions League and McLaren F1 transform transactions into memorable moments.

7 (NEW) LAWS FOR CONTENT MARKETING SUCCESS

Content marketing must be treated as a business, not a side project. Stop seeking buy-in and integrate content directly into marketing. Build owned media with multiple revenue streams, acquire or partner with existing audiences, and create structured, scalable content operations. Own your audience through first-party data and interactive experiences. Prioritize a few standout content initiatives instead of spreading efforts too thin. In 2030, the most successful brands will be those that treat content as a strategic asset, not just another marketing tactic.

SEO TIP: HOW TO REVIVE LOST TRAFFIC WITH AI

Use GSC to find pages with low traffic, analyze with AI, and enhance content using Google's helpful content standards.

DON'T SLEEP ON RESTOCK NOTIFICATION POPUPS

Set up a restock notification popup offering early access to boost email sign-ups.

THE BEST CONTENT IS REVERSE-ENGINEERED

Create content by starting with your audience, desired shift, and goal. Then reverse-engineer topics, angles, and delivery.

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DEADLINES STRESSING YOU OUT? Don't miss the upcoming free webinar

on managing the pressures of running a campaign.

‘IT'S LIKE THEIR ESCAPE': RETRO GAMING IS BACK THANKS TO GEN Z

Retro gaming is back, with 66% of Britons buying retro tech in the past two years, and 24% of Gen Z owning a retro console. Popular consoles like the Game Boy, Super Nintendo, and original Xbox offer a nostalgic escape from the internet and social media stress. Many owners kept their retro tech for sentimental reasons, while others recently purchased discontinued games. The growing #nostalgia trend on TikTok highlights the continued love for retro gadgets.

NEW RESEARCH UNVEILS KEY STRATEGIES FOR INFLUENCER AUTHENTICITY

Influencers don't need all 5 factors - expertise, connectedness, originality, transparency, and integrity - to appear authentic. One missing property can be offset by others. For example, an influencer doesn't have to be an expert to give skincare advice, as long as they're a consistent content creator about the topic of skincare. Transparency about using AI in content creation can build credibility, and giving influencers creative freedom within brand guidelines boosts engagement.

LEVERAGING PHYSICAL WELLNESS EXPERIENCES TO DRIVE BRAND LOYALTY

Despite the high engagement in online communities, brands are investing in in-person experiences. Companies like Red Bull, Nike, and Bandit Running are leveraging fitness-driven events to foster real-world connections, reinforcing social identity and deepening brand loyalty. By tapping into the Health Meta movement, brands are evolving from selling products to curating lifestyles that drive community-based relationships.

MY FULL B2B POSITIONING PLAYBOOK FOR 2025

This playbook outlines a 6-step approach to shaping market perception. It starts with defining your desired positioning, clarifying what problem you solve and how you differentiate. A strategic messaging framework follows, ensuring consistency across channels like social media, sales materials, and emails. Repeating key messages reinforces credibility, while long-term alignment between desired and perceived positioning builds brand authority, making your business the go-to choice in your market.

SERP ORGANIC AND AI OVERVIEW VOLATILITY RESEARCH

Ranking in Google's top 10 doesn't guarantee you will be featured in AI Overviews. 40% of cited pages don't appear in organic search results. AI Overviews and traditional search operate independently, with AI-generated snippets frequently changing even when the sources remain the same. This volatility shows the importance of tracking AI Overview visibility separately from traditional SEO.

HOW TO ANALYZE BEHAVIORAL DATA FOR SEARCH

AI-driven search features have cut traditional search volume by up to 25%, shifting SEO toward optimizing the entire user journey. Behavioral data analysis involves 3 tiers: basic data (e.g., Google Search Console, surveys) to find user frustrations, next-level data (e.g., analytics, heatmaps) to track engagement, and predictive data (e.g., eye-tracking) to reveal subconscious preferences. Prioritize fixes using a structured matrix based on effort, impact, and urgency.

HOW TO PICK THE PERFECT COLOR IN 30 SECONDS

Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) feel physically closer. They're ideal for high-urgency elements like "Buy Now" buttons, which consistently outperform blue and other cold colors. Brighter colors make objects seem larger, influencing choices like suitcase sizes in e-commerce. Light backgrounds build transparency and trust, as commonly seen in online banking UI, while dark backgrounds create intimacy and exclusivity, as seen in luxury and adult-only websites.

HOW HE BUILT THE WORLD'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL SEO AGENCY

Rob Hoffman's SEO agency gained traction after a viral case study on an "SEO Heist" caught the attention of Google's CEO. Instead of traditional sales tactics, it built an audience on LinkedIn and X, using thought leadership to attract clients. Its client retention strategy remains simple: make clients more money than they spend. Contact Studios continues to scale by staying ahead of industry trends and heavily investing in new SEO techniques.

HOW TO BUILD BRAND AWARENESS THROUGH PRODUCT IMPRESSIONS, NOT MARKETING

Startups should prioritize product-led brand awareness over costly traditional marketing. Companies like Notion, Figma, and SurveyMonkey embed branding into their products with watermarks, “Powered by” tags, and UGC, turning interactions into organic marketing. Freemium models amplify this effect, but branding must be balanced to avoid alienating users. While traditional brand marketing has its place, early-stage companies should first leverage their product to drive awareness before investing heavily in campaigns.

MARKETING'S ADDICTION TO ‘MORE': DO WE NEED A RESET?

Marketing's obsession with constant growth is fueling widespread burnout.

THE SEO CONTENT MATRIX

A matrix of 23 content types along with their purposes and goals.

NO CONSENSUS ON WHO COMES TO MIND WHEN AMERICANS ARE ASKED TO NAME A NEWS INFLUENCER

21% of US adults regularly get news from social media influencers. However, 42% of them couldn't name a specific one when asked. Among those who did respond, 7% named a media outlet. Individuals like Philip DeFranco, Tucker Carlson, and Ben Shapiro were the most frequently mentioned. 72% of those who named a person follow or subscribe to a news influencer, compared to 45% of those who didn't respond. 39% of respondents who identified an influencer reported feeling a personal connection to them.

DUPES DEMOCRATIZE BEAUTY

MCoBeauty, an Australian brand led by CMO Meridith Rojas, is democratizing beauty by offering luxury dupes that make high-end products accessible to all. Rojas highlights the cultural shift where consumers no longer want to spend excessively to stay on-trend. She also sees accessibility as a key form of innovation. The brand blends dupes with homegrown innovation, which has fueled the brand's rapid growth in the US.

HOW ANTHROPIC DRIVES 60K+ IN ORGANIC TRAFFIC WITH ONE SIMPLE STRATEGY

Instead of relying on long-form technical content, Anthropic attracts enterprise buyers with short, high-impact customer success stories. These 650 to 1,050-word case studies rank for industry-relevant keywords, leverage real customer quotes, and highlight measurable business benefits like cost savings and conversion growth. The approach boosts search visibility while positioning Claude as a trusted, easy-to-integrate AI solution.

HOW I GOT OUR FIRST 100 CUSTOMERS

The co-founder of Recall.ai secured their first 100 customers by sending 2,000 cold emails. They focused on people already in motion - such as those hiring for a relevant problem, companies with recent funding, or individuals who had publicly expressed frustration. The key was narrowing the list to those likely to respond. They avoided large enterprises, low-budget companies, and high-level executives. While the email sequence wasn't perfect, it resonated with the right audience, driving replies and conversions. A screenshot of the email sequence used is shared in the post.

LIFTOFF: MOBILE APP MARKETERS SURVEY - 2024 RESULTS & 2025 FORECAST

The mobile app market grew in 2024, with non-gaming apps driving a 12% increase in downloads and accounting for most of the 4.2 trillion hours spent in apps. About 80% of marketers felt market conditions were stable or improved, and nearly half saw budget growth, especially those managing over $1 million monthly. AI was used by 34% for creative production and 20% for optimization, while only 31% ran iOS re-engagement campaigns. For 2025, 88% plan to maintain or increase spending, with 41% prioritizing advertising networks and 62% focusing on organic/viral traffic growth.

100+ SIGNALS FOR PIPELINE GENERATION (GOOGLE SHEET)

A collection of 100+ GTM plays from Common Room, featuring key signals, their significance, funnel stages, and supporting playbooks.

CODE IS NOW CONTENT: HOW WE BUILT OUR SEO CALCULATOR WITH AI

AI tools like Claude and Cursor are enabling marketers to build functional apps without extensive coding knowledge, reshaping content creation. By leveraging AI for "vibe coding," an SEO forecasting tool evolved from a simple spreadsheet into a polished app, but fine-tuning the algorithm required iterative debugging across multiple AI models. This shift from static content to interactive tools highlights a new era where AI-powered software can become a core part of marketing strategies.

HOW CONSUMER PSYCHOLOGY INFORMS AI PRODUCT DESIGN

AI products largely fail at giving people comfort and peace of mind, packaging powerful new capabilities in an approachable package. These products should prioritize user-friendly interfaces by minimizing unnecessary choices and providing clear, simple options. The IKEA Effect and Endowment Effect highlight how customization and personalization could increase user attachment to AI tools. The Paradox of Choice warns against overwhelming users with options though, as fewer choices reduce anxiety and improve satisfaction. The Bandwagon Effect underscores the importance of social proof and collaboration features in AI adoption. The Foot-in-the-Door Technique suggests that starting with small, simple tasks can encourage users to adopt more complex behaviors over time.

USING NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING FOR MORE INFLUENCE AND SALES

People are motivated by moving toward goals or avoiding problems, and effective marketing should balance both approaches. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) can help marketers craft messages that align with audience decision-making patterns, improving influence and connection to increase conversion rates. Using strategic language shifts, such as replacing "if" with "when" can remove hesitation and create a stronger call to action.

INSTAGRAM'S NEW AD FORMAT LETS CREATORS GET PAID FOR TESTIMONIALS IN COMMENTS

Brands can pin these paid comments to the top of posts and Reels, making them more visible while allowing creators to track and remove their endorsements if needed.

HOW TO COVER A SINGLE TOPIC ACROSS CHANNELS

An example of how HubSpot Media approaches content planning across different channels.

AUTOMATING OUTREACH WITH LINKEDIN ADS ENGAGEMENT

GOOGLE'S NEW POLICY TRACKS ALL YOUR DEVICES WITH NO OPT-OUT

Google's latest tracking policy now fingerprints all connected devices, allowing it to collect hardware and software data without user control. Google claims this method helps advertisers reach users on platforms like smart TVs and consoles, where cookies are less effective. However, privacy groups have condemned the move, arguing that it grants unchecked surveillance capabilities while limiting user control over its data.

27% OF CMOS REMAIN RELUCTANT TO ADOPT GENERATIVE AI

27% of CMOs have limited or no adoption of generative AI, while 47% of users see significant benefits in campaign evaluation and reporting. Among high-performing organizations, 84% use it for creative development and 52% for strategy. Despite the hype, over a quarter of CMOs see little impact on cost reduction, customer service, and scalability. Only 4% of marketing teams have fully integrated generative AI.

DIGITAL TO PHYSICAL: THE SHIFT FROM URL TO IRL

The shift from URL to IRL is redefining brand connections, as audiences crave immersive experiences over passive engagement. Consumers want to share their real-world moments online, making everyday touchpoints key to brand impact. Instead of massive activations, smart brands enhance what people already love—like branded coffee sleeves at local cafes, co-working workshops, or digital-first events. Limited-time experiences drive immediate participation and lasting social buzz, proving that impact matters more than scale.

3 WEBSITE HACKS FROM RAMP'S HOMEPAGE

Ramp's homepage lowers bounce rates by directing CTAs to informative pages instead of pushing demos too soon. It keeps the top half light for quick scanning while adding details like value propositions and case studies further down. Features come first, helping visitors understand the product before seeing real-world impact through customer case studies instead of broad claims.

HOW TO TELL A CONSISTENT STORY, USING PERCEPTIONS TO SHAPE YOUR NARRATIVE

To tell a consistent brand story, businesses need to define clear "perceptions" that guide all marketing efforts. Perceptions are the core narratives your audience should associate with your company and reflect market trends, your mission, and product philosophy. Companies should limit perceptions to 3-5 key statements to avoid scattered messaging and ensure they are both unique and memorable. Use perceptions to plan content, shape campaigns, and align all messaging to avoid random marketing efforts. Consistently reinforcing these perceptions over time is key to building a cohesive and recognizable brand identity.

HOW TO CONDUCT A WEBSITE AUDIT

This guide explains how to review your site to assess its performance, UX, and alignment with business goals. Prioritize technical issues like site speed, broken links, and mobile responsiveness. Perform an SEO audit, focusing on keyword optimization, meta tags, and on-page elements. Evaluate content for relevance and engagement, addressing outdated material or gaps. Assess user experience using tools like heatmaps to understand behavior and improve navigation, ensuring your site drives conversions and meets expectations.

WE NEED MORE INTELLECTUALS IN ADVERTISING

Marketing is often viewed with disdain by intellectual circles, but it plays a critical role in shaping society by influencing public perceptions on social issues and politics. Liberal politicians have struggled to capture public attention and in turn, have lost ground to those who master marketing techniques. To promote truth, equality, and progress, intellectuals and nonprofits must embrace marketing strategies similar to those used by corporations. Shaping cultural priorities through effective storytelling and communication is essential to driving positive societal change.

THE GOOD, BAD, AND UGLY OF SAAS PRICING CHANGES

Pricing shifts in SaaS are accelerating. There were 126 price changes and 213 plan adjustments across leading companies in 2024. Loom moved from AI add-ons to an AI-specific tier, Pipedrive adjusted plan positioning to nudge customers toward its Professional tier, and Ahrefs quietly raised its Enterprise pricing. The shift toward outcome-based pricing is gaining traction, as seen with Confluence's automation rule limits and Chili Piper's add-ons tied to sales processes.