Hey Reader,

I posted this on my LinkedIn yesterday, so I thought I would share it with you all as well.
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As I continue to write my updated and expanded version of Maximizing LinkedIn for Business Growth, I am considering dedicating a new chapter to real-life success stories.

I’m looking for organic LinkedIn wins—no automation tools, no paid ads, no Sales Navigator. Just smart, strategic use of LinkedIn that led to real business results.

Are you an entrepreneur, business owner, or professional who…

✅ Landed a client or collaboration through consistent engagement?

✅ Attracted opportunities through your optimized profile or content?

✅ Built a meaningful network that turned into revenue or referrals?

If so, and you can walk me through exactly what you did (and why it worked), I’d love to consider your story for the book.

Please reply to this email if you are interested.

Looking forward to sharing some of your inspiring LinkedIn wins in print!

Now on to this week's Top 10 news!

Please note: Some links in this newsletter are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.

1. This Week's Podcast Episode

​How Entrepreneurs Can Use AI Without Losing Their Brand’s Voice​ This episode of the Your Digital Marketing Coach podcast features a deep dive with John Suarez, co-author of The Marketer’s Manual on Generative AI. We talk about the real-world ways entrepreneurs can use AI to save time, boost results, and maintain their unique voice. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by AI or unsure where to start, this is a must-listen. Practical, honest, and empowering. Click here to listen to the full episode →

2. This Week's News

​Google Says AI Won’t Replace The Need For SEO​

Google’s John Mueller makes it clear: AI won’t replace SEO anytime soon. If you’re worried that chatbots will wipe out the need for your website, don’t be. This article explains why having a solid site is still the backbone of being found online — whether through search engines or AI tools. If you want to stay visible and competitive, this is a smart read to keep your SEO game strong.

3. This Week's News

​Prime Day Event Drove Over $24B In US eCommerce Sales, GenAI Traffic Was Up 3,300%​

Amazon’s latest Prime Day didn’t just break sales records — it also showed how Generative AI is changing how we shop online. U.S. e-commerce hit over $24 billion in sales, with GenAI traffic up 3,300% year-over-year! This is a wake-up call for brands to watch how AI chatbots and influencers drive buying decisions. If you sell online, you’ll want to see where these trends are headed next.

4. This Week's News

​Threads Users Still Barely Click Links​

Threads might be growing fast, but it’s still barely driving clicks to outside websites. This piece shows why, despite 350 million users, Threads’ referral traffic is tiny compared to platforms like Facebook or Google Discover. If you’re a publisher, creator, or brand counting on Threads to send visitors your way, you’ll want to understand why it struggles — and what it means for your content strategy.

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5. This Week's News

​Research Finds Small And Medium-Sized Business Marketers Using AI To Keep Pace With Larger Companies​

New research from ActiveCampaign shows how small and mid-sized businesses are using AI to level the playing field with big brands. SMB marketers are saving 13 hours a week and cutting costs while boosting confidence and creativity. If you want to see how AI can help you work smarter, not harder — and compete with bigger players — this is a clear sign to start embracing AI strategically!

6. AI Advice

​13 ChatGPT Alternatives Worth Trying For SEO, Content, And More​

If you’re ready to work smarter with AI tools beyond ChatGPT, this roundup is your cheat sheet. From SEO helpers like Surfer to social-focused OwlyGPT, you’ll find 13 top picks for writing, planning, researching, and automating — plus insider tips to get better results. If you want to create faster without losing quality, this guide shows you how to use the best ChatGPT alternatives like a pro.

​Digital Threads​ This comprehensive playbook demystifies digital marketing, offering a clear roadmap to building and growing your brand on a realistic budget. Click here to get your copy now →

7. Email Advice

​Drip Marketing Explained: How To Build High-Converting Email Campaigns That Work Automatically​

In this blog post I wrote, I break down drip marketing—what it is, why it still matters, and how to use it to build automated email campaigns that truly convert. You’ll learn how to segment your audience, craft value-driven content, and set up emails that run on autopilot. If you want to boost engagement, stay top-of-mind, and grow sales without extra effort, this is a must-read!

8. Social Advice

​LinkedIn Shares Insights Into Key Elements Driving Video Content Engagement​

If you’re not using video on LinkedIn, you’re leaving engagement on the table. This piece highlights new LinkedIn data showing video watch time up 36% year-over-year, and video posts shared 20x more than other formats. I break down LinkedIn’s fresh guide on what makes B2B videos work — so if you want your content to stand out and connect, this is one report you should check out.

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9. Latest From My Blog

​How To Repost On Instagram Without Diluting Your Brand Authority​

Want to share user content on Instagram without hurting your brand’s credibility? I wrote this post to help you master strategic reposting that builds trust, keeps your feed looking sharp, and grows your reach. Learn how to choose the right posts, give proper credit, stay on-brand, and measure success so every repost makes your brand authority even stronger.

10. Latest From My Blog

​19 Must-Have eCommerce Tools To Grow Your Online Store In 2025​

Running an online store shouldn’t feel overwhelming — and the right eCommerce tools make all the difference. In this blog post I wrote, I break down 19 must-have tools to help you build, market, ship, and grow your store smarter in 2025. If you want to save time, boost conversions, and stay ahead of the competition, this guide will help you pick the tools that work best for you.

If I can be of any help to you or your organization, please consider joining my Digital First Group Coaching Membership Community or considering hiring me as a Fractional CMO.​

Warm regards,

​Neal Schaffer​ Fractional CMO / Author / Speaker / Educator

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