Today's Marketing Pulse
McKinsey predicts agentic AI will power two‑thirds of marketing activities
McKinsey’s new report forecasts that agentic AI could drive up to two‑thirds of marketing activities, shifting AI from a productivity add‑on to a core campaign engine. Early adopters are already using generative tools, while the next wave will involve autonomous agents that coordinate decisions across workflows. The firm outlines a five‑step roadmap for implementation.
Surfshark Names COO Dovydas Godelis CEO, Aims to Evolve Beyond VPN
Surfshark announced that COO Dovydas Godelis will replace founder Vytautas Kaziukonis as CEO. The 36‑year‑old executive plans to reposition the firm as a comprehensive cybersecurity platform, while keeping its flagship VPN unchanged in the short term.
Darden Restaurants Unveils GLP‑1‑Friendly Menu and Expanded Buy One‑Take One on Olive Garden
During its Q3 FY2026 earnings call, Darden Restaurants CEO Rick Cardenas announced a nationwide rollout of GLP‑1‑friendly, smaller‑portion entrees at Olive Garden and an extension of the Buy One‑Take One promotion into 2026. The moves helped drive a 4.7% sales...
Substack Hits 35 Million Users as CEO Chris Best Pushes Paid‑newsletter Dominance
Substack announced 35 million monthly active users in 2026, up from 20 million a year earlier. The surge is credited to CEO Chris Best’s strategy of pairing a subscription‑first model with an algorithm that surfaces high‑quality long‑form content. The growth reshapes how...
Zoom Launches "Zoom Ahead" Campaign to Spotlight Enterprise Suite and AI Companion
Zoom's chief marketing and communications officer, Kimberly Storin, unveiled the "Zoom Ahead" demand‑generation campaign, pairing a satirical TV spot with a New York pop‑up burger shop. The effort targets corporate users by highlighting Zoom's broader portfolio and AI Companion tool,...
Open‑source AI Workflows Slash Costs, Boost Revenue
Open-sourced our skills that help grow revenues. Actual workflows: scripts, scoring algorithms, expert panels, and automation pipelines you can plug into Claude Code (or any AI coding agent) and run today. Resurrect deals, create expert panels to ship content that performs, turn...
AI in Recruitment: Transforming Employer Branding and Talent Attraction Strategies
AI-driven creative platforms are reshaping employer branding by automating the production of job descriptions, social posts, visuals, and video content. Recruiters can generate multiple, platform‑specific variations in minutes, ensuring a unified tone and visual identity. Personalization at scale, powered by...
Windows Wrap — 4 Steps to Save the Surface Brand
Microsoft is poised to unveil new Surface devices this spring, but industry analysts warn that the timing is poor for current‑generation buyers. The article argues that Surface’s fragmented launch schedule, processor‑specific feature gating, and lack of standout design risk eroding...
AI Tool Injects Behavioral Psychology Into Every Marketing Copy
I built a skill for Claude Code that applies behavioral psychology to your marketing — anchoring, loss aversion, social proof, the decoy effect, and more. You tell it what you're working on (pricing page, landing page, email, ad) and it identifies...
LinkedIn’s AI Feed Rewards True Expertise Over Hacks
LinkedIn just rebuilt its entire feed with a unified LLM-powered system + Generative Recommender. Goodbye to early velocity hacks, keyword stuffing, and engagement pods. The new AI feed actually rewards true expertise and deep, specific value. Here’s what changed and how to win...
HBO's Harry Potter Trailer Hits 277 M Views, Becomes Network’s Most‑Watched
HBO’s first trailer for its Harry Potter adaptation amassed 277 million organic views in the first 48 hours, making it the most‑watched trailer in HBO and HBO Max history. The record‑breaking response underscores the franchise’s pull and sets the stage for a...
Build Your Own Audience, Bypass Biased Media
NYT proving my point… I invest in 100 amazing startups a year The @nytimes reporting is limited to anti-tech, anti-capitalism content only After 700 startup investments, their coverage is limited to political nonsense and negativity Meanwhile, every week I reach...
From Reviews to Revenue: Proactive Guest Feedback Strategy Leads to Loyalty and Sales Growth
Restaurant operators are shifting from reactive review replies to proactive guest insight collection using QuickFeedback’s QR‑code system. The platform lets diners submit anonymous, real‑time comments without logging in, feeding data directly to managers. AI then clusters feedback into trends, highlighting...
Mirror Customer Language, Double Your Conversion Rate
i taught Claude to write in my customers’ EXACT language and now my copy converts 2x better hormozi says it all the time: "he who is closest to the customer wins." this is how you get close. you stop guessing at what...
Optimized Thumbnails Can Revive Evergreen Content After Months
This video is by no means viral BUT it does show the value of evergreen content that people can comeback to as well as the power of optimizing your thumbnails and titles. This was the 3rd thumbnail for a video...
Finland Gives Away Free Lake District Getaway to Six Pairs of Travelers
Finland’s official tourism board has launched a contest that will award six pairs of non‑Finnish travelers an all‑expenses‑paid seven‑day vacation in the country’s Lakeland region. Applications close on March 29, 2026, and winners will be announced on April 21, 2026.
NBCUniversal CMO Jenny Storms Presents Brand Vision at Newsweek Women’s Global Impact Forum
NBCUniversal TV & Streaming chief marketing officer Jenny Storms outlined her brand strategy at the Newsweek Women’s Global Impact Forum. Specific initiatives and metrics were not disclosed in the available sources.
Walmart Makes Walmart.com Login Required on New Vizio Smart TVs
Walmart is mandating that owners of its newly released Vizio smart TVs sign in with a Walmart.com account to access streaming apps. The policy follows Walmart’s 2024 $2.3 billion purchase of Vizio and is designed to fuse TV viewing with shoppable...
Meta's Inconsistent Rollout Sparks Advertiser Panic
I’ve been emailing Meta this rollout has been poor. This is why. Multiple versions of ad copy, confusing messaging, some accounts have a banner announcing the change / others don’t. This is a big shift for some advertisers and waking...
Brands Must Vet Retweets: Sony’s Costly Mistake
this is a nuanced joke but i once worked with the ECD who created the "Kevin Butler" playstation ad campaign (Kevin was a fake marketing guy at Sony and was featured in many ads) and in februrary 2011 someone tweeted...
Heidi Sturrock Shares How a Costly Mistake Became a Competitive Advantage
Heidi Sturrock recounts a costly broad‑match error that flooded a B2B SaaS client’s call centre with competitor complaints after a Friday launch. The client turned the crisis into a revenue opportunity by offering switchers a 50% discount and splitting the...
Why Can’t TikTok Identify AI Generated Ads when I Can?
TikTok requires advertisers to label content that is significantly altered by AI, yet enforcement appears uneven. Samsung’s AI‑generated Galaxy S26 Ultra ads are disclosed on YouTube but lack any AI label on TikTok, suggesting a gap in the platform’s verification...
FiEE Invests $3 Million to Acquire Majority Stake in AI Music Platform Maltose Culture
FiEE, Inc. announced a $3 million investment that includes a $51,000 equity purchase and a $2.9 million convertible loan, giving it a 51% stake in YinLian Culture and control of the AI‑powered Maltose Culture music ecosystem. The move aims to embed AI‑generated...
Dollar Tree Abandons $1 Price Point in Major Pricing Overhaul
Dollar Tree said it will move away from its iconic $1 price point, introducing a broader price range for merchandise. The company did not disclose specific pricing tiers or timing, but the shift signals a strategic pivot for the discount...
Sarah McHugh Joins Telesto to Lead Growth Services for Private‑Equity Clients
Sarah McHugh, a two‑decade marketing veteran, has been hired as Telesto's head of Growth Services. She will steer the firm’s expansion of marketing intelligence, strategy and execution for private‑equity‑backed portfolio companies across healthcare, industrials and professional services.
OpenAI Launches AI‑Powered Ads in Free ChatGPT App for U.S. Users
OpenAI has started showing advertising in its free ChatGPT mobile app for U.S. users, marking the company’s first direct‑to‑consumer ad model. The move opens a new channel for digital marketers while raising questions about ad relevance, data use and user...
DIGITAL MARKETING: Four Types of Google Ads that Work Best for Estate Agents
Estate agents looking to launch paid campaigns should focus on four Google Ads formats—Search, Display, Video, and Local. Search ads target keyword intent, while Display ads use visual placements across the Google Display Network. Video ads leverage YouTube to tell...
YouTube CEO Vows to Curb AI Slop While Empowering Creators
YouTube's CEO about AI slop on the platform in a NYT video interview: Q: You’ve declared war on A.I. slop. But you are also handing creators tools to use A.I. How do you distinguish between a creative A.I....
Retail Reinvention: How Heritage Fashion Brands Are Expanding in a Digital Era
Heritage fashion houses such as Burberry, Chanel and Louis Vuitton are reshaping their business models for the digital age, building dedicated e‑commerce channels and partnering with curated online platforms. While Indian luxury shoppers still prefer tactile, in‑store experiences for high‑value...
Build Your Voice by Studying Proven Writing Systems
Learn from proven results, not just popularity: • Study successful writrers for systems that work • Besides tactics, extract patterns • Practice consistently to build your own voice • Validate with real outcomes (traffic, engagement, conversions) Skill grows where learning meets execution and feedback.
Amazon’s “Shop Direct” Lets You Buy Anywhere Without Leaving | Fast Five Shorts
The episode breaks down Amazon’s expanded ShopDirect feature, which now lets third‑party brands feed product data into Amazon’s search and the Rufus AI assistant, directing shoppers either to the brand’s site or allowing Amazon’s AI to complete the purchase on...
OpenAI's US Ad Pilot Exceeds $100 Million In Annualized Revenue In Six Weeks
OpenAI's ChatGPT advertising pilot in the United States has reached an annualized revenue of $100 million after just six weeks, signaling strong early demand. Approximately 85 % of users are eligible to see ads, yet fewer than 20 % are exposed daily, indicating...
What Is an H1 Tag? How To Write H1 Tags For Readability and SEO
The H1 tag is the primary headline HTML element that tells both readers and search engines what a page is about. Including the target keyword in a concise, under‑70‑character H1 improves relevance and aligns with user search intent. A single...
Xbox Drops a Bunch of 25th Anniversary Merch and Signals a Major Vibe Shift at Microsoft
Xbox celebrated its 25th anniversary by launching a retro‑inspired apparel collection with streetwear label 73Studio, featuring four graphic tees and a heavyweight zip hoodie. Prices start at $39 for shirts and $95 for the hoodie, and the line is sold...
Macy’s AI Shopping Assistant Drives 400% Higher Spend for Users
Macy’s rolled out an AI‑powered shopping assistant across its website and app, reporting that users spend about 4.75 times more than non‑users. The launch is part of a broader effort to revive sales after a decade of decline.
Datamasters Expands Automotive Mailing Lists Ahead of Peak Spring Season
Datamasters announced a major expansion of its automotive mailing lists and vehicle‑owner data offerings as the aftermarket parts market enters its busiest spring period. The new segmentation lets retailers target owners by make, model, year and geography, aiming to capture...
Livguard Joins Punjab Kings as Exclusive Power Partner for IPL 2026
Livguard has signed an exclusive power partnership with Punjab Kings for IPL 2026, securing jersey placement and a suite of fan‑engagement activations. The deal positions Livguard’s portfolio—ranging from inverters and batteries to rooftop solar—before the league’s massive Indian audience. With...
Consistent, Purposeful Content Builds Brand Trust and Offers
HOW TO BUILD YOUR BRAND • Stop posting random • Pick your message • Show your life • Teach something useful • Stay consistent daily • Make offers • Build trust
Advertising in Everyday Moments with DoorDash's Vassili Samolis
In this episode, VP of Product Vassili Samolis of DoorDash discusses how the company has evolved from a restaurant‑delivery service into a high‑growth commerce media platform that delivers groceries, everyday essentials, and even flowers in moments of high intent. He...
Paul Graham's Brand Age Insight Valid, Yet Overlooks Indie Crafts
A good essay on The Brand Age by Paul Graham. I think the essay misses some of the more interesting work by independent watchmakers — and in the world of tailoring and shoemaking, indie cutters and lastmakers — but the...
For Brands – Affiliate Vs. Influencer Vs. Creator Marketing: What’s The Difference (And Which One Do You Need)?
The article breaks down affiliate, influencer, and creator marketing, highlighting how each model differs in compensation, goals, and content style. Affiliate programs are performance‑based, delivering an average ROI of $6.50 per dollar and influencing 16% of global e‑commerce sales. Influencer...
Organic Reach Builds Patience, Not Instant Sales
Most people think organic content is going to bring in customers fast. It probably won’t. People could follow you for years before they buy anything.
Measure Content by Patient Inquiries, Not Likes
Biggest mistake doctors make while creating content? Obsessing over: • Views • Likes • Comments No way. Your only metric should be: 👉 Patient enquiries 👉 Patient footfall Virality ≠ value. If your content is working, patients will walk in. If not… you’re entertaining, not converting. Be honest— Are you creating content for attention… or...
Zara Teams with Willy Chavarría on VATÍSIMO, a Full‑Scale Menswear Collection
Zara announced a partnership with emerging designer Willy Chavarría to release VATÍSIMO, a nearly 100‑piece menswear collection that treats clothing as cultural narrative. The collaboration marks a shift toward high‑concept, story‑driven design in a mass‑market retailer, aiming to democratize elevated...
Expanding Your Network Won’t Sacrifice Existing Engagement
If I start connecting with a completely new ecosystem of people, will I lose the engagement of my current network? https://t.co/83JZyxQupB via @DLAIgnite #SocialSelling #DigitalSelling #Sales #SalesTips #SalesLeader #Marketing #MarketingSuccess #MarketingStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence
Airdrops: Future's Costliest Marketing, Now Tied to Grid Value
"Airdrops are going to be viewed historically as the most expensive marketing campaigns in history.” — @8eanmurray from @fuseenergy on why they're distributing tokens for actual grid value instead. https://t.co/SxDIONj3dT
Strategic Urgency Works—Only if It’s Genuine
Founders: Use urgency tactics strategically in down-funnel deals: - Rest of month free if signed this week - Limited implementation slots available - Current pricing only valid this quarter But make sure you can back up these claims. False urgency kills trust.
Affinity Advantage: Connecting Brand Identity to Customer Demand
The Affinity Advantage: Bridging the Gap Between Brand and Demand by @Timothy_Hughes https://t.co/FckfDIdoyM @DLAIgnite #SocialSelling #DigitalSelling #Sales #SalesTips #SalesLeader #Salesforce #Marketing #Leadership #MarketingStrategy #MarketingSuccess https://t.co/6PrJCfFgck
Offer Fresh Insights, Not Louder or More Posts
The fix isn't posting more. The fix isn't shouting louder. The fix is having something different to say that your audience doesn’t know they need to hear.
Facebook Affiliate Program Launches with Amazon, Shopee, eBay Soon
Focus on affiliate marketing? I shared the other day about Facebook's new affiliate partnership program that was announced on 3/26. The launch partners are Amazon and Shopee. One piece I missed was that eBay will be included in the coming...
How Many New Connections Break Your Echo Chamber?
How many new relationships do I need to initiate daily or weekly to actually “break” the echo chamber? https://t.co/oW02lDFUQ5 via @DLAIgnite #SocialSelling #DigitalSelling #Sales #SalesTips #SalesLeader #Marketing #MarketingSuccess #MarketingStrategy #ArtificialIntelligence https://t.co/iiEaxZUmZu