Hey Reader,
Greetings from Tokyo Japan!
As I often say, being away from home can help you see your path more clearly.
Instead of doing the same things over and over again, sometimes it's time to expand into new territory, meet new people, and even focus on a new niche.
It is with these thoughts that I bring you this week's newsletter.
As always, stay tuned for more news ... and make sure you follow me on Instagram where I post all of my travel pics!
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
Why 90% Of Marketers Fail On YouTube (And How To Fix It)
Most marketers treat YouTube like just another social platform—and that’s the mistake. In this podcast episode, I explain why YouTube is actually a recommendation engine where growth comes from satisfying the algorithm, not chasing subscribers. I’ll share the mindset shift, research tactics, and technical elements that really matter, plus how AI and transcripts now tie YouTube directly to SEO. If you’re ready to think like a creator, not a marketer, this one’s for you.
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2. This Week's Video
 How He Turned a Bad Shopping Experience Into a $100K+ Content Business (2 Month Timeline)
What happens when a frustrated agency employee turns a personal problem into a thriving content business? In this podcast, I talk with Derek, founder of NapLab, who went from side project to full-time mattress reviewer in just six months. He shares how he built trust through authentic reviews, transparency, and exceeding reader expectations, while relying almost entirely on affiliate revenue. This story will inspire you to start your own content-driven business!
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3. This Week's News
Sephora Cozies Up To Beauty Creators With New Affiliate Program
Sephora just rolled out My Sephora Storefront, a new affiliate program that lets U.S. beauty creators build custom shoppable storefronts directly inside Sephora’s site and app. Unlike third-party platforms like LTK or ShopMy, this keeps shoppers fully in Sephora’s ecosystem while giving creators analytics, loyalty perks, and commissions. With affiliate-driven e-commerce booming, this move tightens Sephora’s creator strategy and opens fresh opportunities for influencers and brands alike.
Jasper is the industry's first intelligent, intuitive workspace for marketers. Powered by intelligent Agents, Jasper helps redefine marketing processes while providing a rich context layer, ensuring content is resonant and compliant – even at scale.
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4. AI Advice
Entrepreneurial AI Pitfalls: Stop Making These 3 AI Mistakes
AI can be a game-changer for entrepreneurs—but only if it’s implemented wisely. In his latest podcast episode, Michael Stelzner interviews Michael Hyatt, who breaks down the 3 biggest mistakes leaders make when adopting AI: delegating instead of leading, ignoring team fears, and chasing too many tools. More importantly, he shows you how to avoid these traps and build real human-AI collaboration that boosts productivity and trust. A must-read for any business owner exploring AI.
5. SEO Advice
Beyond Traffic: How To Drive Sales Through Google’s AI Mode And ChatGPT
Clicks are no longer the goal—conversions through AI platforms are. In this post, Cal Gruening and Jenny Haskins break down how tools like ChatGPT and Google’s AI Mode are reshaping the sales funnel. Buyers now research, compare, and purchase inside AI—before they reach your site. If you want to stay visible and drive sales, you need to optimize for AI citations, not just traffic. This guide shows you how.
This comprehensive playbook demystifies digital marketing, offering a clear roadmap to building and growing your brand on a realistic budget.
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6.-8. Social Advice
How Social Media Is Shaping The Local Real-Estate Market
Social media has completely reshaped the real estate market, making it faster, more visual, and more community-driven. From “Coming Soon” buzz on Instagram to Instagrammable home features, today’s buyers often discover properties while scrolling, not searching MLS. Local Facebook groups now act as digital word-of-mouth, while top agents thrive as local influencers, building trust by showcasing community life. If you want to understand modern real estate, this is a must-read.
I Reached 20,000 Followers On LinkedIn And I Feel Weird About It
Reaching 20K LinkedIn followers sounds like a huge win—but for Tamilore, it sparked more reflection than celebration. This honest, thoughtful piece explores how hitting a milestone can feel both validating and limiting. If you’ve ever chased growth online, you’ll relate. Tamilore unpacks what worked, what changed, and why the next phase is all about experimentation, not perfection. This one’s worth your time.
Meta Ads Performance Problems: A Troubleshooting Checklist
Struggling with Meta Ads performance? You're not alone—and the usual "hacks" probably aren’t helping. In this smart, no-fluff checklist, Jon Loomer breaks down what really matters: simplifying your setup, focusing on ad creative, testing your offer, evaluating your product and landing page, and making sure your data tracking is solid. If your ads aren’t working, this post gives you a clear path forward—no gimmicks required.
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9.-10. Latest From My Blog
Growth Marketing vs. Demand Generation: Which Strategy Should You Focus On For Maximum Impact?
Most marketers treat YouTube like just another social platform—and that’s the mistake. In this podcast episode, I explain why YouTube is actually a recommendation engine where growth comes from satisfying the algorithm, not chasing subscribers. I’ll share the mindset shift, research tactics, and technical elements that really matter, plus how AI and transcripts now tie YouTube directly to SEO. Ready to think like a creator, not a marketer? Then read on!
These Are The 23 Types Of Content Marketing Your Business Needs To Know About
With so many choices, knowing which types of content marketing to use can feel overwhelming. That’s why I wrote this blog post — to break down 23 powerful formats and show you how they fit into your funnel. From blogs and videos to UGC, communities, and courses, this guide helps you pick the right mix for your goals, your audience, and your resources. If you want content that actually converts and builds trust, this roadmap is 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,
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Fractional CMO / Author / Speaker / Educator
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