Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson

Amy Porterfield, a renowned online marketing entrepreneur and course creator, shares insights from her newsletter overhaul after facing a drastic drop in open rates. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, discussing how personal anecdotes enhance engagement. Porterfield also explains adapting email strategies, monitoring key metrics, and tackling negative feedback creatively. Additionally, she introduces a unique AI tool designed for her courses, arguing its superiority over generic solutions. The conversation is sprinkled with delightful nostalgia and marketing wisdom.

Join Jeremy Byars, Chief Communications Officer at United Systems & Software, as he dives into the challenges of cognitive load and the importance of community engagement. He candidly explores the struggle of balancing multiple roles and the impact of imposter syndrome on professionals. Discover the surprising connection between comedy and content creation, emphasizing that failure is part of the journey. Plus, hear the heartfelt story behind his Superman collectibles, a symbol of hope. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn for a deeper conversation!

Discover the game-changing features of ChatGPT 5.2, which can predict what grabs your audience's attention. Learn how to apply the 'two-second scan path test' to enhance your emails and creative designs. Instagram is testing early access Reels for followers, potentially increasing engagement. Plus, TikTok's Nearby feed is making a comeback for better local discovery. To top it off, LinkedIn ads are getting personal, using your name and title to spice up the copy. And don't miss the trivia about a near-casting blunder in Home Alone!

This week, Daniel Murray, co-host of The Marketing Millennials podcast and a savvy marketing strategist, joins forces with Jay Schwedelson. They explore the power of urgency tactics to boost sales and engagement. Daniel shares his humorous take on Jay's Wegovy experience before diving into budget-friendly strategies, like time-sensitive discounts that compel buyers to act quickly. They also brainstorm innovative tactics, like expiring guides and a 12-day content drop, to supercharge email lists without breaking the bank.

Explore the art of crafting aspirational subject lines that resonate with your audience's goals, rather than their current roles. Discover how these clever lines can boost open rates by 24-28%, supported by insights from 50 million emails. Enjoy a hilarious tale of a Nashville hot chicken experience gone wrong, featuring a desperate bathroom line. Plus, Jay shares a wild cryotherapy adventure in Boca Raton, complete with dance moves in a frigid chamber. This blend of marketing wisdom and entertaining anecdotes keeps the conversation lively.

Lowe's gets creative with holiday decoy boxes to keep kids from snooping on gifts. A suit retailer faces backlash for a crude email subject line that leads to an apology tour. Discover how double personalization can skyrocket email open rates. Jay argues that targeting ultra-specific segments can actually boost sales potential. Plus, the rise of an AI-generated country hit raises eyebrows on Billboard charts, and Jay shares his mixed feelings about recent Netflix releases and celebrity wedding news.

In a December deep dive, two marketing experts share five actionable email strategies for 2026. They advocate using simple reply prompts to boost engagement and debunk the myth of a single best send time in favor of tracking unique interactions. Discover how to segment verified subscribers for better insights and run domain frequency reports to enhance deliverability. Plus, learn to repurpose your existing content using AI for more efficient email creation while still valuing open rates as important metrics!

Kathryn Frankson, VP of Marketing for Money20/20, is a B2B marketer who champions human-first storytelling. In a lively chat, she debunks the myth that B2B has to be boring, sharing how creativity thrives even in 'unsexy' sectors like fintech. Kathryn highlights the importance of hiring diverse talent for fresh perspectives and discusses Money20/20's innovative three-year planning approach. She also critiques last-touch attribution, emphasizing the need for broader measurements reflecting real human interactions. Plus, she makes a case for switching from coffee to tea!

December isn't just a quiet month; it’s a treasure trove for capturing leads! Jay Schwedelson reveals how to tweak your offers using intent signals for B2B, consumer, and nonprofit campaigns. He shares clever strategies like Q1 readiness audits and VIP access for last-minute shoppers. Plus, he'll make you laugh with his rants about holiday cards and those outrageous car commercials. Get ready to boost your marketing with copy ideas that others miss while on vacation!

From under-16 social media bans in Australia to the sneaky reason your email should never go out exactly on the hour, this weekly rundown packs in plenty of usable takeaways and a little chaos. Jay Schwedelson connects policy shifts, inbox strategy, influencer math, and the latest AI land grab so you can keep your marketing sharp without living in a news feed. He even throws in some wild traffic stats and a Stranger Things rant that might make you question how old you feel right now.ㅤBest Moments:(00:16) Jay riffs on Australia's under 16 social media bans, Snapchat's behavioral signals, and why age gating is about to spread to the EU and US.(01:57) A dead-simple holiday email trick where not sending on the hour helps you dodge inbox clutter and lift open rates by around 15%.(03:15) Holiday influencer rate reality check for micro creators and why follower count means nothing without real engagement.(04:15) Jay makes the case for Team Gemini, breaking down fresh usage numbers and how it is catching up fast to ChatGPT.(05:09) Wild traffic stats reveal Yahoo and even Bing pulling more visits than ChatGPT, leaving Jay stunned at what people still type into their browsers.(06:34) From Wicked vs Zootopia 2 box office surprises to the very grown up Stranger Things cast still riding bikes, Jay wonders when nostalgia finally goes too far.ㅤCheck out Jay’s YOUTUBE Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@schwedelsonCheck out Jay’s TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@schwedelsonCheck Out Jay's INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jayschwedelson/ㅤPre-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