Hi all –

Are you ready to rumble (for this week’s digital marketing news)??? Let’s GOOOOO!

• Who is getting cited most in AI searches? Some expected ones include Reddit, Wikipedia, YouTube, and LinkedIn. (Find popular domains by industry here!) Top tips from SEL are below:
  • Publish authoritative, fact-checked material (good enough that others want to reference it).
  • Backlinks matter but indirectly. (But it doesn’t mean you can skimp on creating good content.)
  • Align your content with user intent. (Seems obvi, but really research the way people are asking questions about the problems your business solves.)

• ChatGPT is only performing a search to answer user’s questions about 31% of the time, averaging more than 2 searches per query each at 5.5 words long. What does this mean? (1.) ChatGPT is a master Googler, and (2.) SEO results are impacting AI responses like we have shared before. Most common search terms contained the word “reviews.” Which reminds us not only of the importance of reviews on the website, but off website (hello, PR pros).

• Last week, we heard Microsoft’s opinion on AEO/GEO/SAIO. This week, it’s Google! Googler Robby Stein confirmed that Google’s AI relies on conventional search engine retrieval but on a massive automated scale, called the “fan-out query” process. Basically, SAIO is SEO on 12 cups of coffee and an energy drink, according to Google.

• The new ChatGPT shopping and Walmart partnership will integrate chats and personal shopping opportunities — is it a good thing? Depends on who you ask.

• Microsoft is weaving AI in Windows 11, meaning all Windows 11 PCs will become an AI PC. You can voice chat with Copilot. Instead of “Hey Siri” or “Hey Google,” you’ll be saying “Hey Copilot.”

• What will be your next show binge? How about a branded series starring influencers and creators? Brands like Cava and Zola have launched episodic content to build consumer loyalty. Here’s Cava’s dating show “Bowlmates.”

• Trust. The basis of every strong relationship. Why shouldn’t it be the basis of your B2B business’ story? This deep-dive into B2B brand storytelling just makes sense. It shows you’re committed to a customer’s success. As the daughter of a saleswoman, my mother taught me the importance of valuing your business relationships with clients — they are people trying to solve a problem… just like you. How can you relate and offer the best solution?

A new bike. A bed. A smart TV. These are simple wishes that could tremendously help a child in foster care. One Simple Wish works tirelessly to amplify the voices of individuals impacted by foster care and crisis through their often simple, yet always meaningful wishes. Go ahead — see if there is a wish you can fulfill: One Simple Wish. 🙂

After attending Jenny Haase and Brad Aronson’s Legacy of Kindness session on World Values Day, I left feeling inspired to find ways to find and spread kindness.

Often, we fall into the belief that kindness is a mountainous pile of money or grand gestures that seem overwhelming in the scheme of life’s complexities.

But kindness is a shapeshifter — you need a keen eye to catch it. Watch kindness open the door for a stranger or listen wholeheartedly as another shares the words of their soul.

Kindness lives in the air we breathe, and like the breath, when you concentrate on it, you notice all the ways it impacts you and your world.

I’ll leave you with advice I give my yoga students when I keep them in boat pose a little too long… Don’t forget to breathe. 🙂

Also, as a heads up, you may not see me for a few weeks as I’ll be vacationing. Until November, my friends!

All the Best,

Natalie

Words hold power. Instead of saying “I can’t,” try “I choose to.” This flips the narrative. Instead of “I can’t go skydiving,” say “I choose not to skydive.” You aren’t limiting yourself… you’re choosing what is best for you!

Thanks to our CEO & President, Niki Fielding, shared this tidbit from @msjherisouth in her newsletter, Niki’s Notes. (You should subscribe BTW: LinkedIn & Email.)