Latest Digital / Social Media Marketing News & Insights

​Presented by Neal Schaffer​

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In this week's newsletter:

• Substack isn’t just for writers anymore—brands are jumping in!
• ChatGPT just became your new shopping assistant!
• X (formerly Twitter) isn’t going anywhere—yet.

Hey Reader,

I hope all of my American friends had a very Happy Thanksgiving and are enjoying the 4-day weekend and the Black Friday sales that come with them!

I don't need to remind you that Black Friday provides all of us a lot of opportunities to invest in various marketing tools at sometimes steep discounts. I encourage you to look around for some tools that might be an upgrade or, in the case of AI, help you become more efficient.

One of my favorite places to look for new apps is AppSumo, where you are bound to find some cool new tools to experiment with at a low price!

Now on to this week's top news and insights!

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.

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This Week's News

Pew’s Latest Social Media Report Shows X’s Staying Power In The US, Despite Competition - X (formerly Twitter) isn’t going anywhere—yet. Pew’s latest data shows 21% of U.S. adults still use X, while challengers like Threads and Bluesky are hovering at just 8% and 4%. Even with Meta’s power behind Threads, X’s grip on real-time, text-based social media remains firm. If you're in social, comms, or content, this is a sign to keep an eye on X—because your audience might still be there. Techcrunch​

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Facebook Takes On Reddit With Launch Of Nicknames For Facebook Groups - Facebook is borrowing a page from Reddit—literally. With its new nickname feature for Facebook Groups, users can now post under custom usernames instead of their real names, striking a balance between privacy and personality. This shift helps users build a recognizable identity without exposing their full profile, especially in interest-based groups. If you manage or engage in Groups, this could be a game-changer for community interaction and safety. Techcrunch​

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Introducing Shopping Research In ChatGPT - ChatGPT just became your new shopping assistant. With its new shopping research feature, you can skip the search tabs and let it build a personalized buyer’s guide in minutes. Whether you’re comparing gadgets, hunting for gifts, or finding deals, ChatGPT now asks smart questions, pulls in real-time data, and gives you curated picks based on your needs. It's like having a product-savvy friend who’s also a research pro—just in time for holiday shopping. OpenAI​

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X Is Rolling Out A New “About This Account” Feature - X is rolling out a new “About This Account” feature that shows the country or region where an account is based, adding much-needed context to user profiles. You're now able to tap the signup date of any user to view this info globally. It’s a step toward greater transparency and combating misinformation—while still protecting users in high-risk regions with privacy controls. A small change with big implications for trust and authenticity online. Nikita Bier​

Recommended Digital Marketing Agency (see all of my recommendations on my Clutch Digital Marketing Agency List)

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More News

Meta Adds Content Strategy Advice To Paid Verification Package - Meta just leveled up its Verified Max plan—now offering personalized content strategy advice from its own team. For $349–$499/month, you get two strategy calls a year with a Meta advisor, aimed at refining your content game across Instagram and Facebook. Is it worth the $4K+ yearly price tag? Maybe—if you’re serious about growing with insider guidance. But it also blurs the line between real influence and pay-to-play status. Social Media Today​

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New Data Reveals The Top 20 Factors Influencing ChatGPT Citations - If you’ve been wondering how to get ChatGPT to cite your content, this new data offers real insight. SE Ranking analyzed 129,000 domains and found that backlinks, traffic, and trust are key drivers of citations—not keyword stuffing or gimmicky tactics. Want visibility in AI? Focus on depth, freshness, authority, and community presence. This breakdown gives you the clearest roadmap yet to earn trust from large language models. Search Engine Journal​

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ChatGPT Vs. Gemini Vs. Claude: What Are The Differences? - Trying to decide between ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude? This deep dive compares them across real-world tasks like SEO, coding, shopping, and more. Each shines in different areas—ChatGPT leads for shopping and detailed answers, Gemini wins on research and speed, and Claude excels at writing and code. If you want to work smarter with AI, this comparison helps you pick the right tool for the job. Search Engine Journal​

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More Brands Are Emerging On Substack: See How Sprout Is Building On The Platform - Substack isn’t just for writers anymore—brands are jumping in. With 5M+ paid subscribers and a growing Gen Z and Millennial user base, it’s becoming a go-to for intentional, long-form storytelling and community building. This post breaks down how brands like Sprout, Hinge, and Loftie are using Substack to stand out with editorial-style content, deepen relationships, and create a true owned audience. Substack belongs in your mix if you're looking for an authentic, slower content channel. Sprout Social​

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​Digital Threads​

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

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How To Make Money With AI In 2026 - If you're ready to make money with AI in 2026, this guide breaks down real, practical ways to do it—no hype, no gimmicks. From AI content creation and affiliate marketing to building tools, selling digital products, and offering freelance services, I show you how to match your skills to real demand. This is your go-to roadmap for turning AI into actual income. Neal Schaffer​