Hey Reader,

I wanted to send a humble thank you to all of you who have helped me through this journey of writing my next book, which has taken a long time, as you all know!

Finally, last night, I finished the final chapter of my first draft - hooray! There is still a LONG way to go, but the plan now is to do a rewrite of the book starting today (well, next week - I need a few days off to catch up on other work!) and finish it by November 15. A that point I will have a completed manuscript that is ready for a copy editor, a final proofreading, and then the book cover and formatting, and then the indexing ... as you can see there are a lot of different things that go into creating a book.

If you were curious as to how on earth I found the time, it was a combination of:

1. Trying to keep Mondays and Fridays free of meetings.
2. Avoiding attending any events, physical or virtual, that would not in some way help me finish my book.
3. Get into a rhythm where I finish my client and other work in the mornings, leaving the afternoons and evenings free to write
4. Use Google Doc voice-to-text to get as many of my ideas on paper as possible - which is why the rewrite will take as long as the rough draft - but we can all talk faster than we can write, right?

Especially with 3., once I got into the rhythm, I found that I could write, on average, 3,000 words a day - meaning that, with 20 work days in a month, a 60,000 word book can be written in a month, once you have an outline fleshed out and you are clear what each chapter is going to be about.

With the above in mind, it's time for my...

Open Call for Case Studies for My Next Book!

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I try to feature case studies in all of my books, and I wanted you all to be able to contribute and appear in my next book should you have a case study that illustrates digital marketing best practices. The case study must include numbers that indicate impact. I know this isn't for everyone, but even if you don't have one to contribute, if you have someone in your network that might be interested, please have them reach out to me! And if you are unsure feel free to reach out and I'll let you know what I think.

On to my recommended content for the week!

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​My Latest YouTube Video​

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​The Power Of Holistic Marketing: Why You Need To Look At The Big Picture​

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In this video, I explore the concept of holistic marketing and why it's important for both marketers and entrepreneurs to look at the big picture when it comes to their digital marketing strategy. Rather than focusing on one or two specific social media channels, holistic marketing takes a comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of your online presence. I'll discuss all of the benefits of taking this approach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your marketing to the next level, this video will provide valuable insights into the power of holistic marketing. Tune in to learn more!
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​Your Digital Marketing Coach Podcast​

​EPISODE 338: How To Increase Sales Through Creative Marketing Automation​

In this video, I explore the concept of holistic marketing and why it's important for both marketers and entrepreneurs to look at the big picture when it comes to their digital marketing strategy. Rather than focusing on one or two specific social media channels, holistic marketing takes a comprehensive approach that considers all aspects of your online presence. I'll discuss all of the benefits of taking this approach. Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your marketing to the next level, this video will provide valuable insights into the power of holistic marketing. Tune in to learn more!

​Click here to listen to the full episode!​

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A.I. Marketing

​15 AI Photo Editing Software Tools For Your Next Project​

When it comes to AI in marketing, we often think about how it helps us create written content. These tools save us time and make our lives easier when crafting blog posts, ad copy, and social media updates. But did you know that AI can also revolutionize photo editing? Just like it's a game-changer for content marketers, AI-powered photo editing software is a must-have for photo editors. I've put together a list of the top AI photo editing tools on the market, highlighting their incredible AI features. By reading this post, you'll gain valuable insights on which tool is the perfect fit for you and your team to take your photo editing game to the next level.

​Unlocking AI Enhanced Video Marketing: ChatGPT Prompts​

Video marketing is a game-changer for any digital marketing strategy, but have you heard about the power of artificial intelligence (AI)? It takes your efforts to a whole new level! With AI tools, digital marketing agencies can effortlessly create and distribute personalized video content. According to Wyzowl, a whopping 86% of businesses use video as a marketing tool, and 91% of them say it's essential. But let's be real... making awesome videos takes time and effort. That's where AI comes in! It automates tasks like generating ideas, writing scripts, and even putting together the final product!

​11 Best AI Image Generators In 2023 [Free And Paid]​

Did you know that text-to-image algorithms have already churned out a whopping 15 billion images this year? And a staggering 87% of businesses believe AI will give them an edge. With an AI image generator, you can easily create stunning photos, artwork, graphics, and more. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the best one? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we'll explore the top 11 AI image generators in 2023. We'll dive into each one, weighing their pros and cons, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs.

​How To Write A Cold Email Manually Or with AI (+ Examples)​

Picture this: you've got a killer business idea, but you need to reach out to potential buyers, partners, or colleagues. That's where cold emails come in. They're like the first impression you make without any prior contact. But here's the catch - if your cold email doesn't get a reply, it's game over for growth and sales. So, how do you write a cold email that grabs attention? What's the secret structure that makes prospects actually open and read your message? Well, my friend, keep reading to find out!

​How To Work AI Into Content Marketing (In A Way That Works For You)​

Is your company up to speed on AI? Big players like Amazon, Apple, Verizon, and Wells Fargo have already defined their AI policies. Once you get the green light, it's time to establish guidelines for using AI in your content and marketing efforts. Developing an AI operations plan will ensure smart decision-making and governance within your team while minimizing potential risks. I reached out to industry AI experts for their insights on operationalizing AI for content, and they shared some valuable advice. Check out the article in CCO, CMI's content leadership publication, for the full scoop!

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​Recommended Tool For The Week​

​Create Unique Masterpieces And Push Your Creative Boundaries!​

Pixlr is a free photo editing and design tool with AI power. Edit photos and create stunning designs right in your browser, on your phone, or desktop for free. Start from an empty canvas, a photo, or a video, or select one of their professionally crafted templates.

​Click here to sign up and try premium for free!​

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Social Media Marketing

​​​100+ Social Media Acronyms And Abbreviations Every Marketer Needs To Know​

Baffled by BOFU and BR? Doubtful over DSP? Feeling FOMO over FB, FYI, and FTW? We hear you. In the ever-changing world of social media, keeping up with the latest acronyms and abbreviations can feel a little like learning a whole new language. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this definitive guide, we’re going to shed light on the hottest social media acronyms and abbreviations to help you stay on-trend and ahead of the curve.

​How To Use Reddit For Better Market Research [Step By Step Guide]​

Reddit, the platform known as the “front page of the Internet,” has become an invaluable platform for conducting market research. With its diverse user base and extensive range of discussions, Reddit offers a wealth of insights for businesses looking to gain a deeper understanding of their target audience. In this article, we’ll explore how you can effectively use Reddit for fast and accurate market research, and walk you through all of the steps to get started.

​How To Use Instagram Video: The Ultimate Guide In 2023​

Instagram is no longer just about sharing photos - now you can create and share awesome videos too! Whether it's an Instagram Story or a post in your feed, videos add a whole new dynamic to the platform. And guess what? You don't need fancy equipment or a huge budget. In fact, authentic videos shot on a smartphone often work better than big productions. So grab your phone, use Instagram's video editor or some cool apps, and start creating amazing videos for your brand's Instagram page. Need help getting started or want to up your Instagram game? Check out this beginner's guide to creating a killer social media marketing strategy. And if you're already on Instagram, we've got you covered with a guide on how to get more followers.

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​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 below for more details!

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Content Marketing

​​​How To Perform A Complete Content Audit For 2024​

As you produce more content, it's important to keep track of how it's doing and what value it brings to your audience. A content audit can help you streamline your strategy and create content more efficiently. It's a key part of any content marketing plan that aims to measure results and learn from past efforts. By analyzing your objectives and performance metrics, you can identify priorities, and existing assets, and even predict future performance. Plus, did you know that 61% of marketers conduct content audits twice a year? Keep reading to find out how to run your own content audit.

​​​5 Content Discovery Trends To Inform Your Marketing Strategy​

It's no secret that people spend a lot of time-consuming content these days. In the U.S., they spend a whopping 12 hours a day on digital platforms, with about 3 hours dedicated to traditional video streaming. And let's not forget about social media, where the average person spends 2 1/2 hours each day. While these consumption patterns haven't changed much, how people discover content has. So as you plan your content for the rest of the year and beyond, keep these five trends in mind!

​14 Content Marketing Metrics To Track For Success​

Content marketing metrics are like your content's report card. They give you the data you need to see how well your strategy is working. You've got your quantitative metrics, which are all about numbers. Think organic search traffic, views, and click-through rates. Then there are qualitative metrics, which tell you more about the impact of your content. Social shares are a great example. Different metrics tell different stories, so choose wisely based on your goals and platforms. Let's explore 14 content marketing metrics you should be tracking!

​Innovations In Content Marketing To Motivate You​

Let's be real here, content marketing can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. Coming up with fresh and innovative ideas can be a challenge, and it's easy to get stuck in a repetitive cycle. We've all been there, feeling like we're just going through the motions. But fear not! We've got a bunch of creative content marketing innovations that will spice up your strategy and keep your audience engaged with your brand. Check it out!

​67 Best Blog Post Ideas To Get More Traffic And Leads​

Struggling to come up with compelling blog post ideas to drive traffic and leads? Don't worry, we've got your back! This article is your ultimate guide to filling up your editorial calendar with captivating content that helps you reach your business goals. By creating interesting and valuable posts, you'll stand out from the competition and connect with your audience. Plus, we'll share some awesome blog ideas that will get you the results you're looking for.

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Influencer Marketing

​18 Ways Growing Businesses Can Use Influencers In Holiday Marketing​

With the holidays just around the corner, teaming up with influencers can work wonders for small businesses on the rise. By partnering with the right influencers, these companies can reach a highly engaged audience, boost credibility, and generate some serious buzz. But here's the trick: finding the perfect influencer to showcase your seasonal goodies to the right people in the right way. Check out these 18 ideas on how growing businesses can get their products and services in front of loyal influencer followers this holiday season.

​LinkedIn Influencer Marketing: Why It Matters And How To Start​

LinkedIn has been around for a while and is a big player in the world of professional networking. But guess what? It's not just for job seekers and recruiters anymore. LinkedIn has jumped on the influencer marketing bandwagon, and it's great news for B2B brands. Let's dig into why LinkedIn influencer marketing is a game-changer and what you should know before diving into your own campaign. Get ready to level up your LinkedIn strategy!

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Search Engine Optimization

​Social Signals And SEO: Do Shares + Likes Help You Rank Higher?​

In 2015, Google’s John Mueller stated unequivocally that social signals are not a direct ranking factor. In other words, generating more likes, shares, or reposts (formerly retweets) for your article will not help it rank higher in Google. But it can still benefit your brand. They can increase your brand’s visibility in search results, generate traffic to your website, and build brand awareness. This is why social media should be part of your overall marketing strategy.

​Links Are Not A Top 3 Google Search Ranking Factor, Says Gary Illyes​

Google's Gary Illyes said people overestimate the importance of links, saying they haven't been a top 3 ranking factor for some time. To be clear, links still matter. Illyes said as much. Nobody is saying otherwise. But it’s also important to understand that the Google Search of today is not the same as it was in 2014 or the early 2000s when PageRank was everything and every link was a “vote.” Technology has advanced and machine learning (e.g., BERT, MUM), natural language understanding, and other relevant signals now have more importance in Google’s algorithm.

​Competitor SEO: 10 Steps To Overthrow Your Competition And Rank Higher​

We are no strangers to online competition. No matter your niche, industry, or target audience, there are hundreds of other site owners who don’t want you to succeed. This is especially true if you’ve just started to chase your dreams, only to see that somebody else is already sitting on the tallest pile of money – and they won’t easily budge. Thankfully, no competition is unbeatable. Where there’s a will, there’s a way; and where there’s the Internet, there’s SEO.​

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TikTok Marketing

​Why You Need A TikTok Business Account And How To Create One​

TikTok is blowing up! It's become one of the biggest social networks, coming in at number 6 in popularity. And it's not just for dancing and lip-syncing anymore: TikTok is a golden opportunity to showcase what you offer in a real and relatable way. In this article, we've got all the details on creating a TikTok Business account and maximizing your presence. Get ready to make some attention-grabbing videos and rock your marketing game.

​20 Easiest Ways How To Go Viral On TikTok​

Looking to make a splash on TikTok? You're in the right place! TikTok is all the rage, especially among Gen Z. It's got a young user base and a preference for short and snappy videos. But here's the real secret sauce: the TikTok algorithm can work wonders for getting your content in front of tons of people fast. Whether you're a creator looking for exposure or a brand aiming for awareness and conversions, going viral on TikTok is within reach. We've got you covered with these twenty easy ways to make it happen.

​How To Drive eCommerce Sales With TikTok Shopping Ads: A Comprehensive 2023 Guide​

TikTok has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2014. Now, it's available in over 160 countries and has a whopping 1.7 billion users! These users spend around 26 hours per month on TikTok. And guess what? In 2022, TikTok made a big move into eCommerce by introducing in-app advertising and targeting options. They're all about tapping into the spending power of Millennials and Gen Z. Let's dive into TikTok Shopping Ads and how they're revolutionizing media buying on the platform.

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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
Founder, Digital First​

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!