Hey Reader,
Greetings from Osaka Japan!
"What is digital marketing? Is that like managing a company's money?"
"What do you mean by digital marketing? Digital transformation?"
These are actual comments I have received, in Japanese of course, when I mention what I do for a living.
It might not be clear to most, but marketing as a discipline is very much outdated and undervalued in Japan. Outside of my being fluent in Japanese, it is what drives me to spend more time here and serve a very under-served demographic when it comes to digital marketing literacy.
On that note, I am preparing some workshops for Japanese startups, similar to the one that I mention below in this week's podcast episode, to help truly raise their knowledge of AI and digital marketing and be more successful. If you are part of a startup organization or association, please reach out as I would love to provide you this education as well.
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
The ChatGPT Context Revolution - How My Students Created Killer Content From Scratch In 30 Minutes
Most people are using AI for content creation all wrong—chasing prompts instead of building systems. In this podcast episode, I break down the three-pillar framework I teach my clients (and recently taught at Chapman University) to create scalable, authentic, high-impact content. It’s not about prompts; it’s about context, brand voice, and pain-point clarity. If you’re serious about leveraging AI to grow your business, this changes everything.
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2.-5. This Week's News
With Its Latest Acqui-hire, OpenAI Is Doubling Down On Personalized Consumer AI
OpenAI just acqui-hired Roi, a personal finance AI app, but here's the twist: only CEO Sujith Vishwajith is joining the team. This follows OpenAI’s broader move toward hyper-personalized consumer products, where AI isn’t just smart—it gets you. Roi's tech learned your tone, goals, and context to talk finance like a friend. This deal signals OpenAI’s serious push to make AI feel personal, useful, and human.
Meta Plans To Sell Targeted Ads Based On Data In Your AI Chats
Meta just confirmed it will start using data from your AI chats to power targeted ads across Facebook and Instagram. Starting December 16, conversations with Meta AI, as well as data from products like Ray-Ban Meta glasses and AI tools like Imagine, will inform your ad profile—with no way to opt out. It’s a major move in AI monetization, highlighting how “free” AI tools increasingly come with privacy trade-offs.
OpenAI Is Launching The Sora App, Its Own TikTok Competitor, Alongside The Sora 2 Model
OpenAI just unveiled Sora 2, a next-gen AI video and audio generator, along with its own TikTok-style app, Sora. The app lets users create and share short, ultra-realistic videos—including “cameos” that drop their likeness into AI-generated scenes. It’s invite-only for now, rolling out in the U.S. and Canada. With Sora, OpenAI is stepping directly into social media, blending AI creativity, identity, and entertainment in a bold new way.
Buy It In ChatGPT: Instant Checkout And The Agentic Commerce Protocol
OpenAI just launched Instant Checkout, letting users buy products directly inside ChatGPT—the first big step toward agentic commerce. Powered by the new Agentic Commerce Protocol, co-developed with Stripe, users can now purchase from U.S. Etsy sellers, with Shopify merchants like Glossier and SKIMS coming soon. This open protocol lets AI agents, people, and businesses complete secure, seamless transactions—marking the start of AI-powered shopping built on trust and ease.
AI-powered content operating system that transforms how content teams and agencies get more out of their video/audio files in half the time. Do more with less!
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6. SEO Advice
How To Audit Brand Mentions For Modern SEO
Brand mentions are the new backlinks—and this Ahrefs post by Despina Gavoyannis breaks down how to audit them to stay visible in both search and AI results. You’ll learn how to track, fix, and grow online mentions that shape your brand’s reputation across the web. If you want to future-proof your SEO and make sure AI systems truly understand your brand, this guide is a must-read.
7.-8. Social Advice
AMA: Reddit Marketing Veteran Shares What Works On The Platform
Reddit isn’t another ad platform—it’s a conversation ecosystem. In this AMA, veteran marketer Brent Csutoras reveals why most brands fail on Reddit: they chase ROI too fast instead of earning authentic community trust. He shares a clear 90-day roadmap for success—listen, engage, then contribute value. The takeaway? Reddit rewards empathy over promotion—and brands that master this gain influence search engines can’t replicate.
Data Shows X Premium Subscribers Get Significantly More Post Reach
A new Buffer study shows that X Premium subscribers get up to 10x more reach on their posts than free users—making the paid tiers a clear advantage for brands and creators. While reach gains vary by level (with Premium+ posts averaging 1,550 impressions), the data confirms that paying boosts visibility. For marketers, X Premium may now be less of a vanity expense and more of a strategic investment in organic reach.
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9.-10. Latest From My Blog
Guest Blogging: Trick Or Treat? Here’s What You Need To Know
Guest blogging isn’t dead—it’s evolved. In this blog post I wrote, I explain how guest posts still build SEO, authority, and traffic when done strategically. You’ll learn my step-by-step framework for setting SMART goals, choosing the right sites, crafting standout pitches, and tracking ROI. Whether you’re growing visibility or credibility, guest blogging remains a proven, relationship-driven path to long-term digital success.
8 Examples Of What Qualifies As Evergreen Content – And 10 Examples Of What Doesn’t
Evergreen content is the SEO gift that keeps giving—and in this blog post I wrote, I break down exactly how to create timeless, high-performing posts that drive steady traffic year after year. You’ll learn the best evergreen formats, how to research and optimize topics, and the right way to update and repurpose content for lasting impact. Done right, evergreen content becomes a long-term growth engine for your brand.
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,
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Fractional CMO / Author / Speaker / Educator
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