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News & Trends

As AI reshapes shopping, US retailers try to change how they're seen online (2 minute read)

US retailers see AI agents as a new gateway for holiday shopping and are shifting tactics to appear in AI-driven recommendations. Companies are posting far more content and even creating invisible websites for AI scrapers because ChatGPT referrals to major retailers still account for less than 1% of traffic. Some brands are using influencers, awards, and voice assistant ads to increase the data that AI tools draw from, while others rely on Google's expanding AI shopping features to surface products. Amazon said shoppers using its Rufus agent are 60% more likely to buy products, which signals how valuable AI-guided traffic could become.

The 5 Media Trends I'm Thankful For (5 minute read)

Pay-per-crawl experiments are creating ways for publishers to monetize AI use of their content. Vodcasts and creator-inspired formats are helping publishers reach audiences with more engaging video. Independent, creator-led media is scaling sustainably through subscriptions. Publishers are increasingly embracing marketing, running brand campaigns and paid promotions to highlight their credibility.

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Strategies & Tactics

AI Copywriting Workflow (1 minute read)

The key to high-quality AI-generated website copy is a structured workflow rather than a single prompt. Start with a base like a positioning memo and brand voice guide, then feed AI-rich context from customer transcripts to create persona briefs that capture pain points, transformations, and quotes. Use those briefs to craft a website styling guide that mirrors customer language, define page structure and content order, then generate copy with all guardrails attached. Human edits between steps refine it to near-final quality.

Why your product release emails get ignored (3 minute read)

Product release emails fail because users are flooded with announcements. They care about outcomes, not features. To improve opens and adoption, use subject lines that highlight benefits. Keep emails under 30 seconds, show the feature with a GIF or diagram, focus on benefits over features, use one clear CTA, and segment audiences by usage or role. Simple, human language with visual proof and targeted messaging ensures your email drives product use.

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Resources & Tools

Is Meta Expanding Creative Testing to 10 Ads? (2 minute read)

Meta has quietly expanded its Creative Testing tool to support up to 10 ad variations in a single ad set, doubling the previous limit of five. This change benefits companies with ample creative resources, allowing broader testing within Meta's structured environment. However, the tool still requires new ad creation for testing, which can slow workflows.

13 of the Best SEO Blogs (10 minute read)

This article features 13 SEO blogs that produce operationally relevant insights backed by data and experimentation. Each blog is run by experienced practitioners who actively test AI visibility, traffic attribution, and content ranking factors. Highlights include research into how ChatGPT filters sources by freshness and authority, GA4 attribution models for AI browsers, and how long-tail queries are less affected by declining click-through rates. For brands adjusting to AI-dominated search results, these blogs offer strategic guidance on entity modeling, structured content, and new SERP patterns.

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Miscellaneous

Why young people might want a CD player for Christmas (2 minute read)

Gen Z is driving renewed interest in physical music formats and is adding CD players to Christmas wishlists as part of a broader search for nostalgia and community. A survey found that 76% of Gen Z shop for records once a month, 80% own a record player, and 84% shop for records in-store. Many young people value physical music because 76% want a tangible copy and 57% prefer the in-store experience. This trend reflects the influence of culture and the desire for belonging, which creates opportunities for product innovation and authentic community engagement.

How advertising shaped Thanksgiving as we know it (4 minute read)

The Thanksgiving table as we know it today was largely constructed through deliberate brand positioning rather than historical accuracy. Products like turkey, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie were consolidated into the American holiday experience through nearly a century of advertising in publications such as Good Housekeeping. Brands focused on making these items feel essential, not only by promoting product features but also by associating them with emotional themes like family, gratitude, and tradition.

AI Models Are Becoming Influencers (5 minute read)

AI models are becoming trusted advisors, not search engines. Last year saw 700 million product conversations, mostly seeking recommendations. Buyers provide context and expect tailored guidance, prompting models to act like influencers who form opinions and recommend the best fit. Opinions are shaped by what models can read, so clarity, specificity, and consistent proof build trust. Brands must understand AI perceptions, identify harmful assumptions, and create content that improves recommendations.

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