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Cactus Patch Gang!

Happy Thursday and welcome to the sixth edition of Marketing Trends!

Here’s what I got for you today

• Google’s Gemini Updates

• 3 Marketing Trends

• B2C Ecommerce Case Study: Grazly

• Hot Links & 5 Remote Marketing Jobs

Giddyup!🌵 

Letting the Gemini Out of the Bottle

@gemini

Well, that's a bold move.

Google just announced the integration of Gemini AI directly into the Chrome browser, marking a pivotal moment in digital history.

Users simply have to type in @gemini in their search browser, and the ChatGPT competitor is available!

With over 60% of the browser market, this move could rapidly accelerate AI adoption. Now millions of people who never interacted with the Google AI feature before can access the agent with a single character.

This means the search engine is actively pushing users to let an AI assist them in all research.

This isn’t just Google.

You.com recently raised $50M to expand its AI-driven "productivity engines." CEO Richard Socher predicts, “We will likely have more AI agents surfing the web than people, and that’s going to start next year.”

AI agents are changing SEO by autonomously browsing the web, gathering information, and interacting with content.

Optimizing for AI agents is no longer optional; it's becoming a must-have skill for SEO professionals to ensure brand visibility as search engines evolve.

To stay ahead, marketers need to focus on creating customer-first content that answers the questions AI assistants are likely to field.

For instance, when a customer searches, “best eco-friendly running shoes,” through Gemini AI, brands that offer detailed comparisons and sustainability information will have a greater chance of being featured.

UGC and customer reviews are also increasingly important. Note the “highly regarded” language in the screenshot. This implies that the bot is doing some sort of scraping of customer reviews.

It is also imperative that B2C e-commerce brands do extensive tagging and categorization of their products. Consumers are going to engage with these AI Agents via dialogue to narrow down their selection.

For the eco-friendly shoes example, it would be beneficial for the brand to help the AI agent understand all the additional features of the shoe, like arch support, return policy, etc.

In B2B scenarios, an AI agent might search “top CRM software for small businesses.” Companies that provide comprehensive guides, tailored to business size and industry, will rank higher in AI-assisted searches.

The shift towards AI-driven search means marketers must focus on in-depth content that aids AI agents in categorizing and recommending their products or services.

AI agents will increasingly intercept traditional search traffic, resulting in fewer clicks from conventional SEO tactics.

For marketers, this change is critically important.

Effective ways way to future-proof your SEO strategy include creating in-depth guides and leveraging schema markup to ensure AI agents can easily understand and display your content.

Marketing Takeaways:

• AI is reshaping search, making authoritative, educational content more important than ever.

• Stay agile—experiment with AI-enabled search features to learn how AI agents prioritize and crawl your content.

• E-commerce brands should spend time on website schema.

TRENDING

Here’s what’s new in marketing trends: Olipop’s quirky new campaign features aliens and paleontologists, Facebook ads are getting a makeover with fresh strategies, and Snapchat just introduced Sponsored Snaps, a game-changing ad format for direct engagement.

.Aliens and Paleontologists Energize Olipop Ads.

Olipop’s latest campaign uses aliens and paleontologists to launch its Ridge Rush flavor, positioning it as a healthier alternative to Mtn Dew. Watch here.

.Winning Facebook Ad Strategies for 2024.

Learn how ugly ads, dynamic features, and smart data use can optimize your Facebook ads for the upcoming year.

.Snapchat Introduces Sponsored Snaps.

Snapchat launches Sponsored Snaps, a new ad format that reaches users directly in their chat inbox. Find out more.

🔥 Get More Views on YouTube 🔥

3 Tips for a Better Channel

Want to boost your YouTube views? It's not just about creating good content—you also need to present it effectively. Here are three strategies to increase your video visibility and grow your audience:

1. Perfect Your Title and Thumbnail

Your thumbnail and title are the first things potential viewers notice. A compelling title grabs attention, so make it clear, concise, and enticing. Pair it with an eye-catching thumbnail that visually represents the video cleanly and boldly. The goal is to instantly communicate what your video is about without being overly complex.

2. Broaden Your Content's Appeal

To reach more viewers, consider how your videos can attract both niche audiences and newcomers. Even if your content focuses on a specific topic, think about how you can frame it in a way that appeals to a wider audience. Adjusting your presentation slightly can help draw in viewers who may not have initially thought they were interested in your subject.

3. Plan Before You Shoot

Pre-production is key to success. Spend time crafting ideas that are not only creative but scalable for larger audiences. Before filming, outline the most engaging parts of your video to ensure you maximize viewer retention. Strong planning leads to stronger content, which can significantly increase your views over time.

3 Cool Things

1. Y Combinator's Paul Graham Goes 'Founder Mode'
   Paul Graham explains how founders can tap into their most productive mindset. Read more.
   

2. Meta Shares Formula for Engaging Reels
   Meta offers tips for creating Reels that engage and captivate audiences. Check it out.
   

3. OpenAI Could Charge $2K a Month
   High-end OpenAI subscriptions might go for as much as $2,000 a month. Read the full story.

Case Study: How One B2C Brand Builds Trust

The Grazly Story

In the crowded world of online shopping, trust is everything. Without it, customers leave. So how do brands build lasting connections in a competitive market? By focusing on authenticity and real stories.

Take Grazly, founded by brothers Matthew and Michael. Both battled autoimmune issues and found healing through a nose-to-tail diet, which inspired them to create nutrient-packed organ crisps.

Their story forms the backbone of their brand, resonating with customers who value transparency and authenticity.

But Grazly doesn’t stop at storytelling. They leverage customer reviews and a loyalty program that keeps customers engaged.

This emphasis on real experiences and community-building has set them apart in today’s crowded e-commerce landscape.

Trust-Building Tips:

• Share your real story to connect with your audience.

• Use customer reviews and UGC to build credibility.

• Launch a loyalty program to keep customers coming back.

• Offer responsive customer support to build lasting trust.

HIRING NOW!

Great remote marketing jobs.

• Wayfair: Wayfair is hiring a Lifecycle Marketing Manager (Push and SMS) to drive engagement for one of the world’s largest home shopping destinations.

• Dropbox: Dropbox is looking for a Senior Manager of Integrated Campaigns to lead global marketing initiatives and drive user growth.

• Center: Center seeks a Senior Digital & Social Marketing Manager to help transform business expense management.

• Blue Yonder: Blue Yonder is hiring a Senior Director of Influencer Marketing to lead campaigns for its global supply chain platform.

• CaptivateIQ: CaptivateIQ is seeking a Product Marketing Manager to drive growth for its leading sales commission platform.

Refer Friends

SUGGESTION BOX

That’s all for this edition.

Cheers,

Michael