The Strong Coffee Drip

In this episode of the Strong Coffee Drip, the guys return after a brief hiatus to discuss a variety of topics. The team discusses Canada's Digital Services Tax (DST), its implications, and ongoing disputes. They also explore the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital agencies, highlighting its impact on productivity and the job market. Rounding out the episode, they delve into the ethical implications of 'nudging' vs. 'sludging' in behavioural science and consumer experiences. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Strong Coffee Drip02:00 Studio Updates and Upcoming Events02:44 Summer Plans and Catching Up06:47 The Digital Services Tax (DST) Explained14:59 Impact of AI on Marketing Agencies25:52 Royal Connections and Digital Marketing Stories26:26 Trump's TikTok Deal: Yeah or Meh?30:57 AI's Environmental Impact: Meh or Yeah?38:52 Nudging vs. Sludging: Ethical Marketing Practices49:45 Podcast Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts

In this end-of-year episode of Strong Coffee Drip, hosts Brian and Iain take a deep dive into the evolution of AI, discussing how it has transitioned from a product to an essential service and the far-reaching implications for society. They also explore the growing challenges of trust in an age dominated by misinformation. Shifting gears, the duo analyzes key holiday marketing trends, highlighting how social media and influencers are reshaping consumer behaviour. The episode wraps up with a fun, rapid-fire question segment and a festive reflection on the past year while teasing what's to come in 2025. Takeaways - AI is evolving rapidly, transitioning from a product to a service. - Understanding AI is crucial for its adoption in daily life. - The integration of AI into existing products is becoming commonplace. - Social media influencers significantly impact consumer behavior during holidays. - Trust in online content is diminishing due to misinformation. - Critical thinking is essential when consuming online content. - The holiday marketing landscape is shifting towards influencer-driven trends. - Personal preferences in food and entertainment reflect broader cultural shifts. - Lighting is key in creating engaging video content. - The podcasting landscape is evolving, with new tools enhancing production efficiency. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to AI and Holiday Marketing 02:25 The Evolution of AI: Product vs. Service 05:30 AI Integration in Everyday Life 08:22 The Impact of AI on Consumer Perception 11:25 The Rise of AI-Generated Content 14:26 The Challenge of Trust in the Age of AI 17:24 Rapid Fire Questions and Year-End Reflections 22:57 Inspiration from Creative Spaces 24:31 Spicy Chicken Sandwich Debate 26:28 Exploring New Industries 28:12 Recognizing Sports Figures 30:06 Holiday Marketing Trends 36:05 Podcasting Tips and Tricks

Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing dive into a wide range of hot topics. They chat about their upcoming holiday plans, reflect on the past year's most significant marketing stories, and explore AI's growing impact on the marketing world. The trio also tackles the potential ban of TikTok, discussing its far-reaching implications, and shares their insights on creating powerful AI-driven workflows to streamline client onboarding. Takeaways TikTok's future remains uncertain with potential bans looming. AI tools are changing the landscape of marketing significantly. The importance of managing client expectations in marketing campaigns. Creating effective workflows can save time and enhance productivity. The decline of X (formerly Twitter) raises questions about its future in marketing. Understanding the role of AI in automating repetitive tasks is crucial. The marketing battle during election cycles has evolved with social media. Client onboarding can be streamlined using AI and automation tools. The need for marketers to adapt to new technologies and platforms. The conversation around AI's impact on job markets is ongoing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Holiday Plans 05:14 Marketing Stories of the Year 08:48 The Impact of AI on Marketing 15:06 The Future of TikTok and Digital Marketing 20:04 The TikTok Ban and Its Implications 25:23 Meta's Strategic Moves and Social Media Dynamics 27:15 The Future of Social Media Platforms 29:10 Holiday Shopping and Gift Ideas for Zuck 37:08 AI in Marketing: Streamlining Workflows 49:14 The Future of Work and AI's Impact

In this episode of the Strong Coffee Drip podcast, we present our first "Drip Draft”. We’re diving into meme history, snake-draft style, to select the all-time top memes! Brian, Duncan and Iain take turns picking their favorites, with the three hosts each drafting 8 iconic, hilarious, and unforgettable memes. From the internet’s earliest classics to today’s viral hits, we’re breaking down why these memes deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame. Get ready for laughs, heated debates, and maybe a few surprise choices as we each try to draft the ultimate collection of memes! Here are a list of the memes selected: Rickroll – 4:07 Disaster Girl – 6:29 Distracted Boyfriend – 8:15 Spider-Man Pointing – 8:57 This is Fine – 9:32 Drakeposting – 10:30 Roll Safe – 10:56 Skeptical Child – 11:58 Condescending Wonka – 12:59 Success Kid – 13:28 Hide the Pain Harold – 14:30 Not Sure If Fry – 17:16 Leo Laughing – 18:04 Side Eyeing Chloe – 19:14 Surprised Pikachu – 20:12 Monkey Puppet – 20:50 Bad Luck Brian – 22:00 Most Interesting Man in the World – 23:42 Flex Tape – 23:54 “They’re Eating the Dogs” – 25:18 Harambe – 27:15 ???? Profit !!!! – 28.38

In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, Brian, Duncan, and Iain reunite after a long break to discuss their summer adventures, agency updates, and the latest marketing stories. They dive into significant developments in the marketing world, including Google's antitrust issues, the innovative marketing strategies of Kamala Harris's campaign, and the implications of new features on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. The conversation also explores the use of automation tools in marketing and the potential of AI to streamline tasks. The episode wraps up with a look at new tools and techniques the team is experimenting with, including Descript and automation software. Takeaways Shorts are getting longer, and AI is evolving rapidly. The marketing landscape is changing with new tools and strategies. Google's antitrust issues could reshape the search engine market. Kamala Harris's campaign is effectively engaging younger audiences. YouTube's new shorts feature allows for more creative content. TikTok's flip story offers new engagement opportunities for creators. Automation tools can significantly streamline marketing tasks. Descript is a powerful tool for content creation and editing. AI can help marketers focus on creative tasks rather than repetitive ones. The integration of AI into daily marketing practices is on the rise. Chapters 00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Recap 02:53 Marketing Updates and New Developments 07:47 Major Marketing Stories: Google and Elections 10:49 Social Media Strategies in Politics 13:43 Emerging Trends in Video Content 16:44 The Future of TikTok and Advertising Fees 23:34 Innovations in Content Creation Tools 28:04 Automation and Efficiency in Marketing 33:03 Exploring AI Integration in Daily Tasks

Summary Brian and Iain discuss ChatGPT's potential disruption of search, alternatives to Hootsuite, the use of AI-powered comment summaries, and the acceptance of emojis in the workplace. The conversation touches on Google's dominance in search, the unnecessary use of AI in some cases, and the evolving role of emojis in communication. Takeaways Chat GPT has the potential to disrupt traditional search and become a pivotal way for people to navigate the internet. Loomly and Repurpose.io are recommended as alternatives to Hootsuite for social media management. AI-powered comment summaries can be controversial, as they may not capture the true essence of comments and can diminish the social element of social media. Emojis are becoming more accepted in the workplace, but their usage may vary depending on the context and audience. Google's dominance in search is unlikely to be dethroned in the near future. The use of AI in some cases may be unnecessary and driven by the trend rather than practicality. Chapters 02:42 ChatGPT: Disrupting Search and Navigating the Internet 09:36 AI-Powered Comment Summaries: Helpful or Social Element Killer? 14:20 Alternatives to Hootsuite: Loomly and Repurpose.io 22:55 Emojis in the Workplace and Favourite Emojis

In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, Brian and Ian discuss various topics, including Instagram's focus on shares, alternatives to Photoshop, and predictions for the future of marketing. They also share their favorite sing-along songs and discuss the potential ban of TikTok. The conversation touches on the growing importance of AI in marketing and what the future holds in the marketing world. Overall, the episode provides insights into current trends and future possibilities in the marketing industry. Takeaways Instagram prioritizes shares as a metric of content visibility, shifting away from likes and comments. Affinity Photo and Canva are popular alternatives to Photoshop for photo editing and graphic design. Consumer interactions with AI-generated content are increasing, but many still prefer human-generated content. The future of marketing may involve the achievement of artificial general intelligence, the rise of robots in the workplace, and potential controversies involving industry leaders. TikTok's potential ban and the outcome of the US presidential election could significantly impact the marketing landscape. Chapters 00:55 Off-Topic Question - Favourite Sing-Along Songs 03:54 Instagram's Focus on Shares 06:46 Twitter (X) Releases Latest Usage Data 09:45 Google Hubspot Deal is Dead 10:40 New Study on Detecting AI Content 17:47 Alternatives to Photoshop: Affinity Photo and Canva 25:54 Predictions for the Future of Marketing

In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, Brian and Iain discuss various topics, including the use of publicly shared posts on social media platforms to train AI, the controversy surrounding Toys ‘R’ Us' use of AI in their commercial, and the tools they would like to learn more about for personal development. Takeaways Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, faces legal challenges in Europe over its plan to use publicly shared posts on these platforms to train artificial intelligence. Toys R Us received backlash for using OpenAI's Sora to create an ad featuring the company's founder, Charles Lazarus. Critics argued that it disrespected artists and devalued human creativity. The use of AI in the creative industry is a hot topic, with the potential for both positive and negative consequences. Both Brian and Iain would like to learn about new marketing tools, such as Mid Journey and Make, to enhance their workflows and creativity. Continuous learning and experimentation with new tools is important for personal and professional growth in the marketing industry. Chapters 01:40 Our Favourite Canadian Foods 05:55 Meta's Use of Publicly Shared Posts for AI Training 12:03 Controversy Surrounding Toys R Us' Use of AI in Advertising 21:00 Suggestions and Improvements For Popular Marketing Tools 27:03 Marketing Tools We Would Love To Learn

This week, we discuss marketing a new business and the decline of niche message boards. When marketing a new business, we recommend building a digital strategy, understanding the market and competition, and utilizing paid ads and social media. Never underestimate the importance of creating a Google Business Listing and generating content like photos and videos. We also acknowledge that Reddit has become a popular platform regarding message boards, but some argue that it can't replace the passion and knowledge found in niche forums. We discuss the evolution of messaging boards and the advantages and challenges of using Reddit as a resource. The new product rap song from Canva’s recent event gets us thinking about other products that can use a musical promotion (wrong answers only!). Takeaways When marketing a new business, it's important to build a digital strategy, understand the market and competition, and utilize paid ads and social media. Creating a Google business listing and generating content like photos and videos are essential for establishing an online presence. While Reddit has become a popular platform, some argue it can't replace the passion and knowledge in niche message boards. Convenience plays a role in the decline of niche forums, as people prefer having everything in one place on platforms like Reddit. Forums were generally good at keeping bots at bay, but Reddit has a wider breadth of content. TikTok's Symphony AI avatars are impressive and could impact user-generated content. MrBeast's view stats tool on YouTube is highly useful for gaining insights into videos. Google Ads is rolling out a new interface in August Chapters 03:00 The Best Star Wars Movie 07:51 Building a Digital Strategy for a Brand New Business 16:20 Exploring Reddit as a Social Media Platform 18:50 The Role of Search Engines in Finding Information on Reddit 25:15 Advertising Potential and Limitations on Reddit 28:25 Tech Products That Could Benefit from Rap Songs

In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, Brian and Ian discuss YouTube's new feature, Test & Compare, which allows creators to upload three thumbnails and test their effectiveness. We also talk about Instagram's experiment with unskippable ads, interrupting scrolling and forcing users to view the ads. We then provide tips for creating a content strategy, including knowing your audience, defining your brand voice, creating a content calendar, repurposing content, and monitoring performance. In the 'Wrong Answers Only' segment, we suggest celebrity voices for OpenAI's chat GPT, such as Bobcat Goldthwait and Gilbert Gottfried. Takeaways YouTube has rolled out a new feature called Test and Compare, which allows creators to upload three thumbnails and test their effectiveness. Instagram is experimenting with unskippable ads that interrupt scrolling and force users to view the ads. When creating a content strategy, it is important to know your audience, define your brand voice, create a content calendar, repurpose content, and monitor performance. Chapters 05:50 YouTube Rolls Out Test & Compare 07:26 Instagram's Unskippable Ads 14:08 Creating an Effective Content Strategy 22:24 Wrong Answers Only - New Celebrity Voices for ChatGPT

It’s the update episode where we provide updates on some of our most popular topics from previous episodes! New information on the testing of TikTok Notes in Canada, the ongoing TikTok ban in the US, Google's potential acquisition of HubSpot, LinkedIn's testing of vertical videos, and the release of YouTube Playables.

Brian and Iain discuss the latest happenings with OpenAI, including the release of ChatGPT 4.0 and the departure of key team members. They also discuss Google's AI Overviews in search results and the potential for a TweetDeck-like interface for Threads. We also touch on marketing pitfalls, such as unrealistic expectations and not setting clear goals. Sound Bites "OpenAI is rolling; whether they're rolling in a positive fashion or a negative fashion or both, they're rolling right now." "The most interesting side is the idea of AGI or artificial general intelligence, and whether or not that's kind of being achieved maybe in the background is what's most interesting to me." "Iain hates Threads!" Takeaways OpenAI has released ChatGPT 4.0 and has experienced high-profile departures, raising concerns about the company's direction and the safety of AI Google's AI Overviews in search results aim to provide more comprehensive and accurate information to users The possibility of a TweetDeck-like interface for Threads may improve user experience and encourage more brands to use the feature Marketing pitfalls include not setting clear goals, having unrealistic expectations, and getting distracted by new tools or trends Data-driven decision-making and a focus on long-term strategies are crucial for marketing success ☕️ The Agenda: 02:20 Iain’s Cool Connection to Golf 04:40 Everything is Happening at OpenAI 12:05 What is P(doom)? 13:55 Do We Care? - Treads Testing Pinned Columns 18:25 Do We Care? - Google Introduces AI Overviews 26:20 Common Marketing Pitfalls and Strategies to Avoid Them

Summary This week, we discuss various topics, including Google's pausing of low-activity keywords, Instagram's discontinuation of the Flipside feature, and the use of programmatic advertising. We also share some lesser-known tools and strategies, such as YouTube's Community Tab and Google My Maps, and the importance of not forgetting the marketing basics and focusing on problem-solving rather than getting caught up in the latest tools and trends. Sound Bites "Google is notifying advertisers that they're going to be pausing low activity keywords." "Instagram is moving on from a feature that many people didn't even know existed." "Programmatic advertising is sort of a buzzword to describe advertising that is directed and controlled by machine learning or algorithms to try and find the right audiences." Takeaways Google is pausing low-activity keywords, which may impact advertisers who find value in keeping them for various reasons. Instagram has discontinued the Flipside feature, which allowed users to post content for specific groups of people. This feature was relatively unknown and had limited use. Programmatic advertising uses machine learning and algorithms to find and target specific audiences. It offers customized targeting and access to third-party publishers, making it a powerful tool for reaching niche audiences. YouTube's Community Tab allows creators to engage with their audience by posting images, polls, quizzes, and more. It can be a valuable tool for increasing audience engagement and feedback. Google My Maps is a tool that allows users to create customized maps with pins and markers. It can be useful for planning trips, marking locations, and creating printable maps. It's important to remember the marketing basics and not get too caught up in the latest tools and trends. Start with identifying the problem you're trying to solve and then find the best tools to address that problem. ☕️ The Agenda: 06:06 Google Pauses Low Activity Keywords 09:20 Instagram Discontinues Flipside Feature 15:55 What is Programmatic Advertising? 23:23 Engage Your Audience with YouTube's Community Tab 25:45 Plan Your Trips with Google My Maps 29:00 Don't Forget the Marketing Basics

Summary In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, we discuss the possibility of TikTok being banned in the US, the importance of diversifying your marketing mix, and share our favourite marketing tools. We also touch on the challenges of relying on social media platforms and the benefits of owning your own online real estate. In this conversation, we discuss various topics including monster trucks, the use of Fiverr for voice acting, project management software, audience intelligence tools, and the impact of AI on content creation. We also recommend accounts to follow on social media and highlight the importance of a discerning eye when consuming content. Sound Bites "President Joe Biden has signed legislation that gives ByteDance two options, sell TikTok to an approved buyer or have it banned in the United States." "Maintaining a diversified marketing presence is important to avoid being solely reliant on one platform or channel." "Owning some of that real estate as opposed to simply leasing it or renting it." "If you're looking to promote a monster truck event, a smash-up derby, motorcycle, like a motocross event, you know, you need something like, you'll buy the whole seat, but you'll only need the edge." "Teamwork is project management software. It's such a useful tool for keeping track of tasks, logging time, and ensuring accurate billing." Takeaways There is uncertainty surrounding the potential ban of TikTok in the US, with legal roadblocks and loopholes likely to delay or prevent the ban from happening. Diversifying your marketing mix is crucial to avoid relying too heavily on one platform or channel, as changes in technology or regulations can impact your reach and visibility. Owning your own online real estate, such as a website, provides more control and flexibility compared to leasing or renting space on social media platforms. Having backups of your content and data is essential to protect against platform changes, hacks, or other unforeseen events. Fiverr is a recommended tool for finding qualified freelancers to handle specific tasks or projects at reasonable rates. Utilize project management software like Teamwork to keep track of tasks, log time, and ensure accurate billing. Explore audience intelligence tools like Spark Toro to gain insights into target audiences and inform marketing strategies. Be cautious of AI-generated content and develop a discerning eye to differentiate between real and fake content. Follow accounts on social media that provide valuable and entertaining content, such as Dan Ariely, Matt Bailey, Peter Diamandis, and Santoros Pizzeria. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 Introduction and Catching Up 03:11 Updates on the TikTok Ban 09:27 The Importance of Diversifying Marketing Efforts 19:03 Our Favourite Marketing Tools 29:41 Our Favourite Social Media Follows

Summary This week we discuss Elon Musk's tweet about bringing back Vine, Google's potential acquisition of HubSpot, and the launch of TikTok Notes. We also reminisce about defunct social media platforms like Google Wave, Google Buzz, and Google Plus. Brian provides an early review of TikTok Notes, highlighting its similarities to TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest. We also discuss the importance of the TikTok algorithm and its potential impact on TikTok Notes' success. Sound Bites "Elon casually dropped a poll on X asking if he should bring back the once popular Vine app." "A number of online outlets have reported that Google is considering buying HubSpot." "TikTok Notes is now being tested in Australia and Canada." Takeaways Elon Musk's tweet about bringing back Vine generated a lot of interest, but it remains to be seen if the app would be successful in today's market dominated by TikTok. Google's potential acquisition of HubSpot could provide valuable customer data and an opportunity to enter the CRM and marketing automation business. TikTok Notes, a new photo-sharing app from TikTok, is similar to Instagram and Pinterest. Its success may depend on the integration of the TikTok algorithm. The hosts reminisce about defunct social media platforms like Google Wave, Google Buzz, and Google Plus, highlighting the challenges of entering the social media space. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 We’re Rolling as a Duo Today! 01:35 This or That? Elon Talks Vine vs. Could Google Buy HubSpot? 10:14 An Early Review of The TikTok Notes App 21:05 Remembering OG TweetDeck and Google’s Failed Social Media Attempts

Summary It’s eclipse day! Brian, Duncan and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing discuss Google's potential plans to monetize its AI-powered search engine, strategies for improving website speed, the optimal number of social media channels for marketers, and the annoying little things that can frustrate marketers. Sound Bites "Taters the space cat was still way cooler for me than the eclipse." "I'm curious how Google's gonna do this, because people don't, like, how is this tool going to be any different than using Google search?" "Search engines really like fast websites." Takeaways Google is considering monetizing its AI-powered search engine, potentially offering premium features within existing subscription services or adding AI results to the standard search results page. Improving website speed is crucial for better search engine rankings. Simple steps like optimizing image sizes and hosting videos on external platforms can significantly enhance page speed. The optimal number of social media channels for marketers depends on factors like available resources, content availability, and audience preferences. It's better to focus on a few channels and do them well rather than spreading resources too thin. Common frustrations for marketers include sudden changes in platform features without warning, lack of effective customer support, and inconsistent eligibility criteria for social media algorithms. ☕️ The Agenda 00:00 It’s Eclipse Day! 02:40 Report - Google Considers Monetizing AI Search 10:06 Strategies for Improving Website Speed 18:30 Mailbag - How Many Social Media Channels Should I Use? 25:42 Annoying Little Things for Marketers

Summary Brian, Duncan and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing discuss Google's new feature that allows users to integrate their social media profiles into their business profile listing. Next, they discuss LinkedIn's thought leader ads, which allow businesses to promote content from any user on the app. They also explore LinkedIn's testing of in-feed games to boost engagement on the platform. Finally, they delve into a study that reveals a shift in search engine preferences among younger demographics, with Instagram and TikTok becoming popular search platforms. The conversation explores the rise of social media as a search engine, particularly among younger demographics. Instagram and TikTok are discussed as platforms that provide real-time and unique content, making them valuable sources for travel research and discovery. The impact of this trend on marketing and business is also examined, with a focus on the importance of being present on multiple social media platforms. The conversation then shifts to the discussion of specific tools, including Canva for graphic design, Make for automation, and OpenAI's Sora for text-to-video creation. The potential of AI tools to revolutionize industries and the ethical implications of deepfake technology are also touched upon. Takeaways Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are increasingly being used as search engines, particularly among younger demographics. Businesses and marketers need to adapt to the changing landscape of search and focus on being present on multiple social media platforms. Tools like Canva, Make, and OpenAI's Sora offer powerful capabilities for graphic design, automation, and text-to-video creation, respectively. The rapid advancement of AI tools raises ethical concerns and challenges the notion of reality. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 Introduction and Easter Candy 03:07 Google's Social Media Integration in Business Profile Listings 06:19 Facebook Brings Back the Poke! 07:56 LinkedIn's Thought Leader Ads 09:42 LinkedIn's Gamification 17:13 The Rise of Social Media as a Search Engine 31:13 The Power of Canva 33:22 The Automation Tool: Make 37:03 OpenAI's Sora: Text to Video Tool 38:34 The Future of AI and Reality

Summary Brian, Duncan and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing discuss a potential TikTok ban, Air Canada’s chatbot problem, TikTok prioritizing horizontal content, social media and website analytics, marketing skills you can pick up in your spare time, and we say goodbye to SirShanksAlot. Takeaways The Reddit IPO and the potential TikTok ban are significant recent headlines. The Air Canada chatbot issue highlights the importance of understanding the risks associated with new technologies and the responsibility of businesses for the information provided by their chatbots. TikTok's move towards horizontal videos may be an attempt to diversify content types and broaden its appeal. YouTube offers the best social media analytics, particularly the percentage viewed metric. The tech overview section in Google Analytics provides valuable insights into the devices, browsers, and platforms used by website visitors. YouTube Analytics and Google Analytics provide valuable insights into user behavior. LinkedIn Analytics for ads offers detailed data on industries, job titles, and companies. Using data with a purpose is essential for effective analysis. Linking Google Search Console to Analytics provides a comprehensive view of organic keywords. New marketing grads should focus on developing sales skills, harnessing AI, and understanding automation. Explaining marketing concepts simply is crucial for building client trust. Practical skills and experience are highly valued in the marketing industry. The journey of SirShanksalot.com highlights the transferability of skills from personal projects to professional careers. ☕️ The Agenda: 01:40 Big Headlines: Reddit IPO 03:44 Big Headlines: TikTok Ban 05:41 This or That: Air Canada Chatbot vs. TikTok Horizontal Videos 07:34 Discussion: Air Canada Chatbot 13:30 Discussion: TikTok Horizontal Videos 19:32 YouTube Analytics and Google Analytics 20:26 LinkedIn Analytics for Ads 22:14 Using Data to Understand User Behavior 23:47 Google Search Console and Organic Keywords 25:08 Using Analytics with a Purpose 26:08 Linking Google Search Console to Analytics 28:29 Skills for New Marketing Grads 30:25 Sales Skills for Marketers 32:39 Harnessing AI and Automation 36:28 Explaining Marketing Concepts Simply 37:10 The Importance of Practical Skills 38:07 The Journey of SirShanksalot.com

Summary Brian, Duncan and Trevor from Strong Coffee Marketing discuss TikTok's battle with Universal Music Group, TikTok's experiment with long-form content, Facebook's 20th birthday, favourite ads of all time, and digital advertising channels beyond Facebook and Google. We also make predictions for the Super Bowl (and a surprise post-game proposal!?) Takeaways TikTok's dispute with Universal Music Group highlights the challenges of licensing negotiations and the impact on artists' financial compensation. TikTok's expansion into long-form content signals its ambition to become a primary entertainment destination. Facebook's 20th birthday is a milestone for the platform that has transformed the digital landscape and communication. Favourite ads of all time evoke strong emotions and create lasting impressions. When choosing digital advertising channels, consider the target audience, goals, and each platform's role in the overall advertising strategy. ☕️ The Agenda: 01:46 In the News - What’s the More Interesting Story? Universal Music Group Pulls Their Music from TikTok or TikTok Experimenting With 30 Minute Videos 16:53 Happy Birthday! Facebook Turns 20! 22:49 YouTube Previews Super Bowl Commercials on AdBlitz 24:25 Our Favourite Ads of All Time 30:32 Advertising Platforms Beyond Facebook and Google 32:18 Understanding Your Advertising Goals Before Picking a Platform 35:49 Super Bowl Predictions 37:33 Conclusion and Farewell

Brian, Duncan and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing discuss various marketing, technology, and business topics. We talk about the two marketing stories in the news and the importance of picking the right ambassador for marketing campaigns. We also dive into the end of websites built through Google Business Profiles and discuss alternative website platforms. Finally, we hit the mailbag to answer questions about the stability of AI tools and the confusion around scheduling posts on Facebook. Takeaways Picking the right ambassador for marketing campaigns is crucial for success. Influencer marketing on TikTok can significantly impact sales and brand awareness. Google My Business websites are ending, but Google already has a solution The use of AI tools may be limited due to high demand, and troubleshooting errors may require refreshing the page or logging in again The ability to run large-language AI tools offline is now an option Third-party tools can help those looking to schedule Facebook posts beyond the 29-day limit ☕️ The Agenda: 00:49 News From the Strong Coffee World 01:51 In the News - What’s The More Interesting Marketing Story? Snoop vs. Stanley  09:12 The Power of Influencer Marketing on TikTok 11:30 The Trend-based Nature of TikTok and the Need for Organic Content 12:37 Google Moving on from Websites Made Through Business Profiles 13:32 Discussion on the Transition Away From Google My Business Websites 20:58 Throttling Back the Use of AI Tools 26:12 Running an AI Tool Locally on Your Computer 30:41 How to Schedule Facebook Posts Beyond 29 Days 30:26 Conclusion and Farewell

Summary Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing are back with another edition of the Strong Coffee Drip! This week, we’re talking about marketing do’s and don’ts for 2024, our favourite AI tools, LinkedIn newsletters, canned haggis, Clippy, and more! Takeaways Stay aware of new technologies while prioritizing customer experiences in marketing. AI-powered tools like Chat GPT, Photoshop's Generative Fill, and Kapwing can enhance productivity and creativity. Utilize LinkedIn newsletters to share content with followers and industry professionals. Microsoft's addition of an AI assistant button to their keyboards showcases the integration of AI into everyday tools. Clippy, the infamous Microsoft Office assistant, evokes mixed feelings and nostalgia. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and the Canned Haggis Experience 04:11 - Marketing Do's and Don'ts for 2024 12:35 - AI-Powered Tools 20:36 - LinkedIn Newsletters 24:30 - Microsoft's New AI Assistant Button 27:11 - Who loves Clippy? 29:37 - Conclusion

Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing are back with another edition of the Strong Coffee Drip! This week, we’re talking about Threads European vacation, predicting what’s ahead in 2024, and sharing tips for breaking into the digital marketing business. Takeaways Meta's Twitter competitor, Threads has been launched in the European Union, but it has struggled to gain traction and needs to find ways to stay relevant in the social media landscape. Bold predictions for 2024 in digital marketing include the rise of text-to-video technology and the use of AI to create ads. To get into digital marketing, it is helpful to have a mentor, learn the basics and fundamentals of marketing, advertising, copywriting, and analytics, and be able to analyze data to understand consumer behaviour. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 - Welcome! 01:35 - Brian reveals his amazing Christmas shirt, and it’s spectacular! 02:47 - Taters the cat beamed down from above! 04:15 - Meta's Twitter competitor, Threads, has been launched in the European Union, according to an announcement by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Initially introduced in the US and over 100 other countries in July 2023, Threads is now available to 448 million people in the EU. To coincide with the EU launch, Meta is allowing users in the region to browse Threads without needing a profile, although posting or interacting with content will still require an Instagram account. The delay in launching in EU countries has been attributed to compliance complexities with the Digital Markets Act. We shared a poll on our Instagram and LinkedIn; close to 75% of respondents don’t currently use Threads, with some not even knowing what Threads is. That’s a problem for Meta! What does Threads have to do to gain traction in 2024? 11:13 - We’ve reached the end of 2023 and look forward to the year ahead. There are sure to be some big digital marketing stories that emerge next year. How will AI continue to change the marketing landscape? Will Elon drive Twitter into the ground? Will Mark Zuckerberg show real human emotion? Give us one bold digital marketing prediction for 2024. 19:22 - This question comes from Susan in Los Angeles. “Hey guys, my son Hector wants to get into digital marketing but doesn’t know where or how to start. What advice do you have for him?

Summary In this episode of Strong Coffee Drip, we discuss Google's Gemini AI model, YouTube cracking down on ad blockers, underrated marketing tools and tips for small businesses, the value of Google Search Console, and a quick tip for YouTube Shorts. Takeaways Google's Gemini AI model shows promise in creating personalized experiences and has potential applications in various industries. YouTube's crackdown on ad blockers poses challenges for marketers, but it highlights the need for businesses to provide exclusive content to incentivize users to subscribe to YouTube Premium. Underrated marketing tools and tips for small businesses include exploring YouTube Shorts as a platform for shorter videos, utilizing Google Search Console for organic SEO insights, and starting with targeted search ads to drive initial traffic. Google Search Console is a valuable free tool for monitoring organic SEO performance and improving website indexing and visibility. A quick tip for YouTube Shorts is to use the recommended videos feature to link to longer content or create a series of related shorts. Chapters 01:21 - Google's Gemini AI Model 09:15 - YouTube Cracking Down on Ad Blockers 18:40 - Underrated Marketing Tools and Tips for Small Businesses 26:48 - Quick Tip: Recommended Videos for YouTube Shorts

Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing are back with another edition of the Strong Coffee Drip! This week, we’re talking Sports Illustrated and their AI problem, marketing your event, and what we like (and don’t like) about Meta.  ☕️  The Agenda: 00:00 - Welcome! 00:31 - Canned haggis! 01:52 - A recent investigation has uncovered that Sports Illustrated has been publishing articles with AI-generated authors, complete with fake biographies and headshots. The strategy involved creating phony writers with fabricated backgrounds and expertise to generate AI-generated buying guides containing affiliate links. The AI personas were periodically replaced with new ones, often accompanied by removing the previous content. This revelation follows a trend in various media organizations attempting to utilize generative AI tools, resulting in embarrassing errors and ethical concerns. Where do you come out on this? 09:46 - Let’s go to the mailbag, where the questions are real, but the names and locations are fake! Hector from Tucson writes: Hey guys! Longtime listener, first-time emailer! I’m in charge of promoting a local theatre production here in April, but I don’t know where to start. From a digital marketing perspective, what are some things that I should be doing? 19:28 - Let’s rant! What do we really think of Meta?

Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing are back with another edition of the Strong Coffee Drip! This week, we’re talking breadsticks, living a hash-free life, and getting paid to leave social media. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 - Welcome! 00:29 - What is the bigger story of the past week: the OpenAI saga or X’s issues with advertisers? 03:42 - Threads is introducing a new feature that allows users to tag topics using hashtags, a core element of the Twitter experience. Users can tag posts with interests or themes using clickable blue links initiated by tapping a new number button or typing the symbol followed by text. Unlike Twitter, Threads limits each post to one tag to reduce spam. In addition, the number sign will not appear in the post. The test will begin in Australia, with Meta planning to iterate based on user feedback before expanding to more countries. 08:36 - A study conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago, UC Berkeley, Bocconi University, and the University of Cologne reveals that most social media users, especially young individuals, continue using platforms like Instagram and TikTok despite feeling unhappy. The study surveyed 1,000 college students in the U.S. and showed that participants would need to be paid $59 on average to deactivate TikTok for a month and $47 for Instagram if their peers continued using the platforms. However, if they and their peers deactivated, they would pay $28 for TikTok and $10 for Instagram. The study suggests a "social media trap," where users experience negative well-being but fear missing out, indicating a strong network effect. 17:09 - At the start of November, false online advertisements circulating on Facebook and Instagram suggested that Olive Garden plans to close all its locations. The ads led users to a lengthy article on Investing.com listing various businesses closing locations in 2023, where Olive Garden appeared at number 191. The article clarified that Olive Garden planned to close 45 locations due to a decline in customers during the COVID-19 pandemic, with an additional 40 locations set to close within the next two years as part of a broader strategy. The misleading ads were attributed to advertising arbitrage, a strategy aiming to generate more revenue from ads within an article than the cost of the initial clickbait ads that attracted users to the article. 26:52 - We get asked all the time about social media posting and workflow tools. There are a million of them out there, and we’ve tested many of them. The one we keep coming back to is Loomly.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Strong Coffee Drip! Join Brian, Duncan, and Iain from Strong Coffee Marketing as they explore the latest trends and thoughts in digital marketing. ☕️ The Agenda: 00:00 - Welcome! 01:50 - Meta's new subscription option for an ad-free social media experience and its potential impact on social media advertising. 07:27 - Elon Musk's approach to battling spam bots on X with a $1 per year subscription program in New Zealand and the Philippines. 11:37 - The introduction of the .ING top-level domain by Google Registry and the panel's thoughts on the relevance and adoption of vanity domains. 18:56 - Discussion on the effectiveness of Google My Business listings and the potential benefits for businesses, including the creation of free Google websites.