Neal Schaffer​

October 18, 2024

​Maximizing LinkedIn For Business Growth​

Explore and learn key strategies to leverage LinkedIn effectively, based on my latest book, Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth.​

NEWS OF THE WEEK

​Semrush Acquires Third Door Media, Including MarTech​

Semrush has acquired Third Door Media, the parent company of MarTech and Search Engine Land. This acquisition expands Semrush's portfolio, giving it access to well-known digital marketing publications and resources that will strengthen its industry presence. Through this acquisition, Semrush aims to enhance its educational content and further support digital marketers with insights, tools, and best practices. This follows Semrush's acquisition of Backlinko, making them the owner of a number of strategic SEO-related media sites with high search engine rankings.

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​Google Overhauls Its Online Shopping Experience With New AI Features​

Google has revamped its online shopping experience by integrating AI-driven tools to help users discover and compare products more effectively. The updates include enhanced search capabilities, personalized recommendations, and a visual-first shopping experience. By leveraging AI, Google aims to make shopping faster, more intuitive, and tailored to user preferences, potentially positioning itself as a stronger competitor in the eCommerce space. These changes enhance product discovery and offer a more dynamic shopping interface for users, yet will require businesses to research to how to best optimize their listings for the new AI-driven experience.

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​WordPress Drama Explained (And How It May Affect Your Website)​

Have you heard of the ongoing legal dispute between WP Engine and Automattic over a trademark issue, which has led to escalated tensions, including plugin update blocks and legal actions? Here is some great analysis to keep you in the loop. Despite this drama, the majority of WordPress sites are unaffected, and WordPress remains a safe, reliable CMS powering over 43% of websites. Read on for guidance for agencies and website owners on how to handle the situation if you use WP Engine’s plugins. And, remember, this dispute doesn't signal the end of WordPress!

​A Video Editor That Works Likes Docs And Slides!​

Descript is the AI-powered, fully featured, end-to-end video editor that you already know how to use. No need to learn a new tool — Descript works like the tools you’ve already learned! They also have a very cool voice cloning feature that alone might be worth its price!

SEARCH ADVICE

​Google Warns Against Over-Reliance On SEO Tool Metrics​

John Mueller from Google advised against over-reliance on third-party SEO metrics, like Domain Authority, as they don't directly influence search engine rankings. He emphasized focusing on long-term strategies that provide unique value rather than chasing specific metrics. While third-party tools may offer insights, they often don't reflect how Google evaluates a site. Mueller suggested prioritizing high-quality, unique content to achieve sustainable success in search rankings rather than quick fixes based on SEO tool data.

EMAIL ADVICE

​7 Creative Email Automations For Non-eCommerce Brands​

Here are 7 creative email automation ideas for non-eCommerce brands, which include welcome emails, event promotions, and personalized birthday or anniversary messages. These automations help build stronger relationships, re-engage inactive subscribers, and maintain brand relevance through timely, targeted communication. By using these strategies, non-eCommerce brands can nurture long-term connections and enhance customer engagement.

SOCIAL ADVICE

​A Quick Guide To Optimizing Social Media Posts With A/B Testing​

A/B testing can help you improve your social media strategy by letting you test different content elements—such as images, headlines, or posting times—to see what resonates best with your audience. By comparing metrics like engagement rates and conversions between variations, you can make data-driven decisions and continuously optimize your social media posts. Whether it's improving user experience or maximizing ad spend, A/B testing helps fine-tune your content for better performance and deeper audience connections.

AI ADVICE

​My 15 Recommended AI Writer Tools​

If you're looking for a tool to generate high-quality written content quickly, check out how AI writers can streamline your workflow. AI writers help create articles, blog posts, product descriptions, and more. With AI's natural language processing, the tool can understand context and generate human-like content that fits your brand voice. Perfect for brainstorming, drafting, or scaling content creation efforts, AI writers are an essential asset for marketers and businesses alike. Read on for my recommendations.

​Digital Threads​

This comprehensive playbook demystifies digital marketing, offering a clear roadmap to building and growing your brand on a realistic budget.

​Discover The 8 Best Sites For Checking Podcast Rankings​

If you're a podcaster or looking to track podcast rankings for research or advertising, you'll find great insights in my guide to podcast ranking tools. It highlights the best platforms, from Apple Podcasts to Rephonic, Listen Notes, and Podchaser, which aggregate rankings and offer metrics like follower count, engagement, and performance. These tools are crucial for tracking growth, analyzing competitors, and improving your show's visibility.

​15 Reliable AI Transcription Apps To Boost Your Productivity​

AI transcription tools make converting audio and video files into text more accessible and faster than ever. These tools use advanced machine learning algorithms to transcribe conversations, interviews, podcasts, and more. With features like speaker identification, accuracy improvements over time, and integration into your existing workflows, AI transcription can save time and enhance productivity. I explore the best AI transcription options, including their features, pros, and cons, helping you choose the right solution for your needs.

Have a question or need some help with your digital or social media marketing? Join my mastermind! Click here or on the image for more details!