Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson

What’s Up THIS WEEK! 🚨 BIG Instagram CHANGE! Big LinkedIn Change! 👽 Aliens Are HERE! | Ep. 476

Mar 17, 2026

Quick marketing headlines: Instagram testing links in captions for verified users, and LinkedIn rolling out a new interest-driven algorithm that explains sudden engagement swings. Handy email tips about using Q2 and emojis to lift open rates. A PR stunt that turned a calorie controversy viral. Lighthearted tangents about restaurant bread etiquette and Spielberg sparking an aliens debate.

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INSIGHT

Instagram Testing Links In Captions Increases Blue Check Value

Instagram is testing allowing links directly in post captions for Meta Verified users.
Jay Schwedelson says this breaks a long-standing rule and will boost the blue check's value if rolled out to all paid subscribers.

INSIGHT

LinkedIn Algorithm Shift To AI Interest Based Feed

LinkedIn rolled out a major algorithm change moving toward AI-driven, interest-based recommendations.
Jay experienced sudden follower spikes (300 followers) that vanished, illustrating the algorithm's volatile effects on engagement and follower counts.

ADVICE

Use Q2 In Subject Lines To Lift B2B Opens

Put Q2 in B2B email subject lines right now to increase opens by over 20%.
Jay cites World Data Research showing Q2-focused subject lines work best in the days after Q1 ends (post March 31).

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A quick scroll through marketing news somehow turns into Instagram breaking a rule everyone thought was untouchable, LinkedIn quietly shaking up your feed, and a very real debate about whether restaurant bread should require consent. Jay Schwedelson bounces from useful email and social updates to pure pop culture chaos, which is exactly why this one is such a fun listen. There is an actual strategy here, but also a solid argument that aliens might be getting unfair PR.

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Best Moments:

(00:16) Instagram is testing links in post captions for Meta Verified users, and that could make the blue check way more valuable.

(01:45) LinkedIn just rolled out a major algorithm change, which may explain sudden, weird swings in followers and engagement.

(02:55) Putting Q2 in your email subject lines right now can lift open rates by more than 20%.

(03:45) April is one of the strongest months for emoji subject lines, especially for travel, spring, and promo-heavy campaigns.

(04:45) The David Bar founder turns a calorie controversy into a viral moment with a Mean Girls reference.

(07:38) Steven Spielberg says he believes in aliens, which sends the conversation straight into delightfully unhinged territory.

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Check out Jay’s YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelson

Check out Jay’s TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelson

Check Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/

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Pre-order Jay Schwedelson’s new book, Stupider People Have Done It (out April 21, 2026). All net proceeds are donated to The V Foundation for Cancer Research—let’s kick cancer’s butt: https://www.amazon.com/Stupider-People-Have-Done-Marketing/dp/1637635206