DOJ Asks Judge To Break Up Google | ​LinkedIn Report: Most In-Demand Marketing Jobs And Skills​ | Five Things You’re Doing Wrong With Social Media Marketing | Does AI-Generated Content Rank On Google? + More!


Neal Schaffer​

November 22, 2024

Hey Reader,

I try to begin with my newsletters with a little personal touch and update, and I realized it has been awhile since I have "shown" myself to you ... so here is a photo I took last night after finishing the second class of a new semester at UCLA Extension teaching Personal Branding: How to Become an Influence.

I plan to flesh this content into a bonafide book in 2025—stay tuned!

I am also honored to receive my 3rd award for Digital Threads, this time as the best book on digital marketing in the Goody Business Book Awards.

Enough about me—now on to this week's news!


​Maximizing LinkedIn For Business Growth​

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


This Week's Top Articles

NEWS OF THE WEEK

​DOJ Asks Judge To Break Up Google​

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has called for Google to sell its Chrome browser to address its monopoly in the search market. The DOJ also seeks restrictions on Google's use of AI and Android to ensure fair competition. Critics argue these measures harm consumers and developers, while proponents believe it could foster innovation. A hearing on these remedies is scheduled for April 2025. Google plans to appeal the proposals. The outcome could reshape the tech industry’s competitive landscape.

​OpenAI Updates GPT-4o AI Model: Improved Creative Writing And File Analysis​

OpenAI’s latest update to its GPT-4o model is a win for users needing polished creative writing or detailed file analysis. The AI now delivers more natural, engaging writing and provides sharper insights into uploaded documents, making tasks like summarizing reports or analyzing spreadsheets easier. While some users hoped for flashier features, this upgrade enhances the AI's practicality and dependability. If you rely on AI for writing or data work, this update is worth exploring for smoother, more intuitive results.

​As Bluesky Soars, Threads Rolls Out Custom Feeds Globally​

Meta's Threads is now offering custom feeds to all users, allowing for tailored content streams based on specific topics or accounts. This feature enhances user control over their social media experience, enabling more focused engagement. The rapid rollout follows Bluesky's recent surge in popularity, highlighting the competitive landscape among social platforms. For users seeking a more personalized and streamlined content experience, exploring Threads' new custom feeds could be beneficial.

​LinkedIn Report: Most In-Demand Marketing Jobs And Skills​

LinkedIn’s latest report highlights a sharp rebound in marketing job openings, with postings up 76% from last year. B2B roles are on the rise, and collaborative problem-solving has become the most sought-after skill. With over half of marketers open to new opportunities, understanding these trends can guide professionals toward in-demand positions and essential skills. If you're considering a career shift or growth in marketing, this insight is invaluable for aligning with current industry needs.


Featured Tool Of The Week

​All-In-One Social Media Platform​

Effortlessly manage all your social media profiles with SocialBee's platform. Create, plan, publish, and analyze your content, while leveraging AI-powered post generation and streamlined engagement features. I still use SocialBee to help me publish my content on social media efficiently and intelligently.


More Top Articles For The Week

SEARCH ADVICE

​Does AI-Generated Content Rank On Google?​

AI-generated content can rank on Google, but success hinges on relevance, quality, and optimization. Google prioritizes user-focused content, whether human- or AI-created. However, AI’s mechanical tone often requires editing to resonate with readers. By adding a personal touch, tailoring to user intent, and ensuring SEO best practices, AI content can perform competitively. This is especially crucial for marketers aiming to scale content creation while maintaining engagement. Mastering this balance is key to leveraging AI effectively for search rankings.


EMAIL ADVICE

​How To Use Email Retargeting To Retain Customers​

Shopify’s guide to email retargeting explains how this strategy re-engages customers who didn’t complete a purchase. By using personalized email campaigns triggered by user behavior—like cart abandonment or browsing history—businesses can nudge potential buyers to return and complete their transactions. This tactic also supports upselling and increasing customer lifetime value. For brands looking to boost conversions and retain customers, email retargeting is a proven, high-ROI method worth mastering.


SOCIAL ADVICE

​Five Things You’re Doing Wrong With Social Media Marketing​

This article outlines five common pitfalls in social media marketing, like posting the same content across platforms or treating social media solely as a sales channel. It emphasizes tailoring content to platform audiences, balancing storytelling and branded posts, and planning campaigns months ahead. Key insights include delegating to specialists and adopting long-term influencer strategies. For brands aiming to elevate their social presence, this guide is a practical roadmap to building meaningful engagement and driving sustainable growth.


AI ADVICE

​How To Write AI Art Prompts That Deliver​

Shopify’s guide to writing AI art prompts explains how to craft detailed, layered descriptions for generating visually striking images. It covers key elements like defining subjects, choosing artistic styles, and adding precise details, mood, and composition tips. Whether you’re creating digital art for branding or personal projects, well-written prompts can unlock the full potential of AI tools like DALL-E or Midjourney. This guide is perfect for beginners aiming to elevate their creative output with AI-driven designs tailored to their exact vision.


​Digital Threads​

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


Latest From My Blog

​What Is A Fractional CMO, And How Can They Accelerate Your Marketing Strategy?​

My recent blog post explains what a Fractional CMO is and why hiring one can transform your marketing strategy. A Fractional CMO is a part-time, high-level marketing executive who brings deep expertise without the cost of a full-time hire. They excel in crafting strategies, leading teams, and managing campaigns—perfect for businesses seeking scalable, expert guidance. If you’re ready to boost growth, lower costs, and gain an edge in marketing, this article breaks it all down. Check it out to see how this role fits your business!


​Influencer Marketing vs. Affiliate Marketing: Which Is Right For Your Brand?​

In this blog post, I delve into the differences between influencer marketing and affiliate marketing, helping you decide which fits your brand's goals. Influencer marketing is about building trust and awareness through social media stars, while affiliate marketing focuses on results-driven sales via commission-based partners. Each has its strengths, whether you’re looking to boost brand engagement or drive conversions. If you’re considering these strategies, this article breaks them down with clear insights to guide your choice for maximum impact.


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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!

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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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Weekly Digital Marketing & Generative AI for Marketing News from Your Digital Marketing Coach

Every Friday I provide a curated newsletter for thousands of marketers, entrepreneurs, business owners and content creators that covers the latest news as well as actionable advice on all things digital, content, influencer, and social media marketing. I try my best to also provide advice on the latest developments of generative AI and how to leverage it for marketing as well as personal branding for your digital presence.

Read more from Weekly Digital Marketing & Generative AI for Marketing News from Your Digital Marketing Coach

Latest Digital / Social Media Marketing News & Insights Presented by Neal Schaffer In this week's newsletter: The most credible ad on LinkedIn might not come from your brand at all. How do you catch your brand’s impersonators way before your customers do? Facebook clicks got cheaper this year (down 14.29%). Hey Reader, My daughter called from college to ask whether she should pay for LinkedIn Premium. I have written three books about the platform, so she probably expected a yes. I told her...

Latest Digital / Social Media Marketing News & Insights Presented by Neal Schaffer In this week's newsletter: AI did not give marketing teams their time back, and there is now data explaining why. Your buyers are researching through a system that will argue against you. Around 72% of Gen Z say they miss opportunities because they hesitate to step forward. Hey Reader, I have a list of things I keep meaning to do. Three books I want to write. A Substack for discoverability. Short form video (a...

Latest Digital / Social Media Marketing News & Insights Presented by Neal Schaffer In this week's newsletter: If your social media strategy is built for in-feed value and measured with a metric built for exits, what is your reporting actually telling you? LinkedIn detected 46% more inauthentic activity in the first half of 2026. Everyone optimizing for Google's discussions should really get into Facebook Groups. Hey Reader, A few years back I interviewed Martin Huntbach and Lyndsay Cambridge...