TikTok ‘What’s Next’ Report: 10 Takeaways For Marketers | How To Use LinkedIn Newsletters: A Guide For Businesses | Google Searches For Deleting Facebook, Instagram Explode After Meta Ends Fact-Checking + More!


Neal Schaffer

January 11, 2025

Hey Reader,

Hope you had a great start to the new year!

I am actually at the airport on my way to Japan for a quick business trip, but wanted to make sure I get this out before I leave.

For those of you who don't know, I live in Southern California, and it is sad sitting at the Los Angeles Airport and seeing all of the smoke billowing into the grey air above the mountains. My home in Orange County is quite removed from the fires, but we had our own experience evacuating our home when wildfires came too close to comfort a few years ago.

For all of my readers who are in Southern California, I pray that you are all safe and sound.

Many of you have reached out and asked if I am OK, so thank you all for doing that. Whether it is how I am doing (I actually shared a video showing the extent of the damage from the trees in my neighborhood) or my adventures on business travels, please follow me on Instagram, as that is where I post my more personal content. You can find me here:

https://instagram.com/nealschaffer

New Year, New You Nonfiction Ebook Giveaway!

Searching for a new read? Look no further! I have teamed up with a group of offers to offer a delightful selection of new books which are available for a limited time. Click here to check them out or on the image below!

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 Podcast

The Key To Becoming More Discoverable In 2025

Without video, you’re limiting your reach to a smaller and smaller audience. Want to get discovered in 2025? It’s time to go video-first and maximize your content strategy. Learn how to repurpose content, leverage AI tools, and create platform-native content for better engagement. Click to listen and start becoming more discoverable today!


This Week's Top Articles

NEWS

Google Searches For Deleting Facebook, Instagram Explode After Meta Ends Fact-Checking

Meta’s decision to roll back fact-checking and loosen content moderation has sparked a major backlash, with Google searches about quitting Facebook, Instagram, and Threads surging. This shift raises concerns about misinformation, hate speech, and political manipulation on Meta’s platforms, echoing past controversies. Many users are exploring alternative platforms like Mastodon and Bluesky, signaling growing frustration. This moment underscores the stakes of online responsibility and the choices users face about the platforms they support.

Creators Flock To ByteDance’s Lemon8 As TikTok’s Future Hangs In Balance

As TikTok faces a potential ban in the U.S., creators are turning to Lemon8, a newer platform also owned by ByteDance. Lemon8 offers a similar short-form video experience and has gained traction as TikTok influencers promote it to safeguard their audiences. However, its ties to ByteDance mean it could face the same scrutiny. This shift highlights creators’ adaptability and the ongoing tension between regulation and platform loyalty in the digital world.

Elon Musk Agrees That We’ve Exhausted AI Training Data

Elon Musk’s claim that AI has reached “peak data” highlights a pivotal shift in how models will evolve. With limited real-world data left, synthetic data—AI-generated information—is emerging as a solution. While it offers cost savings and scalability, it risks amplifying biases and reducing creativity. This change underscores a crucial challenge: how to balance innovation with maintaining robust, unbiased AI systems. It’s a turning point for the future of artificial intelligence development.


Featured Tool Of The Week

Quickly Get Inspired To Create!

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More Top Articles For The Week

SOCIAL ADVICE

How To Use LinkedIn Newsletters: A Guide For Businesses

LinkedIn newsletters are becoming a game-changer for businesses looking to grow their audience and generate leads. With low competition, built-in distribution tools, and a massive potential subscriber base, they’re outperforming traditional email marketing. This guide breaks down strategies for creating engaging content, optimizing visibility, and leveraging LinkedIn’s unique features to build and engage your audience. Whether you're repurposing blog content or crafting fresh material, newsletters can supercharge your LinkedIn presence and drive meaningful results.

FAQ: What Types Of Things Limit My Distribution On Instagram

To maximize the reach of your posts, steer clear of these pitfalls, as told to us by Instagram themselves!

  • Watermarks: Platforms deprioritize content with visible logos from competitors.
  • Engagement bait: Phrases like "comment below" or "tag a friend" can harm visibility.
  • Reels over 90 seconds: Short, snappy content performs better.
  • Non-recommendable content: Avoid controversial or policy-violating posts.
  • Posting content you didn’t make: Originality wins over reposted material.

Focus on authenticity and platform-friendly practices!

TikTok ‘What’s Next’ Report: 10 Takeaways For Marketers

TikTok’s “What’s Next” Report for 2025 highlights how the platform is evolving into a serious marketing channel. Key takeaways include the importance of creator collaborations, authentic branding, dynamic storytelling, and leveraging TikTok’s vibrant micro-communities. AI-powered creativity, real-time consumer feedback, and accessible content also stand out as trends to watch. Marketers can thrive by engaging authentically, embracing diverse voices, and staying agile with emerging trends. TikTok is shaping the future of interactive, community-driven marketing.


AI ADVICE

AI Agents: 2025 Predictions

AI agents are set to transform marketing in 2025 by enhancing personalization, streamlining customer interactions, and delivering actionable insights. With tools like Salesforce Agentforce and SAP’s upcoming shopping assistants, AI will become an integral part of customer engagement. These agents will embody brand values, anticipate customer needs, and provide data-driven insights for more effective campaigns. As AI shifts from experimentation to execution, brands can boost loyalty, foot traffic, and ROI while still relying on human oversight for complex interactions.

What Is ChatGPT Search And How Does It Work?

ChatGPT Search is reshaping how users find and engage with real-time information by combining AI-generated responses with live internet data and source citations. Unlike traditional search engines like Google, ChatGPT provides conversational answers and adapts to follow-up questions. To optimize for ChatGPT Search, focus on creating specific, clear content, leveraging schema markup, and boosting your website’s reputation. As generative AI gains traction, staying ahead of this trend could give your brand a competitive edge in the evolving search landscape.


Recommended Newsletters of the Week

Image for Sarah Moon

Sarah Moon

Marketing & Business Strategy

The status quo of modern marketing isn't designed for you and me.The hard truth is that most marketing strategies are designed for massive corporations, while small businesses, consultants, coaches, and other experts are left feeling that the advice they’re given just doesn’t fit—and they’re right.We have two choices: we can struggle to force our businesses into an ill-fitting mold, or we can reinvent a system that works for us and allows us to thrive. I don’t know about you, I prefer door number two. 💌 Reach our team at hello@sarahmoon.com 🌟 Ready to work together? https://sarahmoon.com/get-started

Image for Zakery Rathbone-Scott

Zakery Rathbone-Scott

Helping B2B Coaches & Consultants Build Authority Online

Through my newsletter I explore the foundations of marketing, how to implement them in your business, and lessons from the great campaigns of the past.

Image for Strategic AF

Strategic AF

by Adriana Tica

Tired of marketing advice that’s either obvious or outright shady? Strategic AF flips the script. It's the only newsletter that treats solopreneurs, founders, and marketers like grown-ups, not toddlers looking for the next shiny toy. Subscribe to get sharp, no-nonsense strategy advice without the cringe. No bro-marketing, no fluff — just real, sustainable growth tactics. Subscribe if you want results. Scroll past if you prefer gimmicks.


Latest From My Blog

How Digital Marketing Helps Small Businesses Thrive in Today’s Market

Digital marketing is essential for small businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. It offers unparalleled reach, precise targeting, and a cost-effective way to build relationships with your audience. With tools like social media, email marketing, and analytics, small businesses can create meaningful connections, measure results in real-time, and adapt strategies quickly. Start small, focus on high-impact channels, and use data to optimize efforts. The right digital marketing strategy can drive remarkable growth!


15 Definitive Facebook Ad Generators For You To Try

Creating effective Facebook ads can be much easier with the right tools, whether you’re crafting visuals, videos, or compelling ad copy. This guide highlights 15 standout ad generators, including Canva for intuitive design, InVideo for video creation, and ChatGPT for ad copywriting. These tools save time, reduce costs, and simplify the creative process. Perfect for marketers of any skill level, they ensure you can produce professional, attention-grabbing ads without the hassle.


Digital First Mastermind Community

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!

Thanks for reading all the way to the bottom.

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

P.S. Pressing the unsubscribe button at the bottom will remove you from all communication from me. If you'd like to keep in touch and only receive monthly, instead of weekly, newsletters, please click here. Thank you!

3943 Irvine Blvd., Suite 90, Irvine, California 92602
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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.

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