Anyone who oversees a website needs to pay attention to the impact of Google's new “AI Overview” on referral traffic. We'll discuss that. Also, do brands care anymore about appearing ‘woke’? Plus, the U.S. surgeon general wants a warning label for social media, a project that might inspire your brand to pick up a camera, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK…

What's behind the drop in average marketing budgets and martech spend? We'll discuss that. Also, strategies to address the shift in how people find and consume news, why corporate social media continues to be the most misunderstood job in comms, and what do do about the death of the social media follower. Plus, an unlikely spokesperson, slogan and …

Gini Dietrich has made some interesting new additions to her popular PESO Model, we'll discuss that. Also, a new report on social media jobs, the latest numbers on podcasting’s popularity, and the anti-AI backlash in imagery. Plus, why you should never assume the story a journalist is working on will be as bad as you think, and more! WHAT DO YOU TH…

There's new evidence that you should reconsider sharing links in your social media posts. Also, why your thought leadership approach might be stuck in “mutually assured irrelevance.” Plus, a new report on challenges in internal communications, the increase in distractions at work, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us wi…

What kind of posts perform best on LinkedIn? We'll dive into an overwhelming new analysis of user activity on the platform. Also, Pew recently released its latest data on the usage of all major social media channels. Plus, LinkedIn collaborative articles, the art of commenting to gain favor with your company's stakeholders, and more! WHAT DO YOU TH…

From the rise of social search to AI's use in content creation there are many trends identified for the new year. We'll talk about a few that are getting attention. Plus, Solo Stove's use of Snoop Dogg, a new free training resource for media measurement, a growing push against career ambition and promotions, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to …

The quality and trust of AI-powered content vs. human-powered content is a hot topic right now. We'll look at two new studies that get into that. We also chat about the priorities for comms leaders in 2024. Plus, the viral marketing stunt from The North Face that seems too far-fetched to be true, the continued use of bad photos across internal and …

There's some great insight about creators and their fans in the "Creator Connections" report from Teachable. We also chat about the outlook for social media platforms charging for subscriptions. Plus, a post on the impatience so many organizations have right now with their social media strategy. Also, should you help your kid be an influencer? And,…

Was it ever worth it to share a link to a blog or website on Twitter? We talk about some data from NPR after they left the platform. We also chat about the type of stories that could drive meaningful thought leadership, how LinkedIn turned personal, Edelman’s 2023 Future of Corporate Communications study, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hea…

We chat about Hootsuite's first-ever Social Media Career Report, which has some interesting insights on workload, salaries, mental health and more. We also share what stood out to us in Edelman's Trust at Work report. Plus, Chobani's "ghostwriter" job posting goes viral, an uptick in money spent on influencer marketing, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK?…

It's time to think differently about your social media accounts. We discuss why a niche approach is in and scale is out. We also chat about one company's shoutout of their social media team in their latest earnings report. Plus, a job involving YouTube that we had no idea was so lucrative, why the dreaded calibration meeting could be holding you ba…

We discuss how going against the grain in social media starts with taking a data-driven approach. We also chat about what early-adopter brands are doing with Threads and how you should be thinking about it from a strategy perspective. Plus, is there any problem with having a side gig? The impact of the FTC's recent updates to its Endorsement Guides…

We discuss a great report from Reuters on how people are getting and interacting with news from social media. We also chat about a growing call for organizations to produce and post less content. Plus, the rise of the bored work colleague, Arik shares his story of getting suspended by Twitter, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! …

We talk about Bud Light's marketing mess and the lessons we all can learn from it. We also spend some time on USC's 2023 Global Communication Report, which focuses on the state of corporate reputation. Plus, what PR managers want in an employee, and more! WHAT DO YOU THINK? We want to hear from you! Contact us with your comment about the topics we …

Documentaries and brand films are just two examples of long-form videos that many companies are producing. We talk about why organizations are creating them, how you can know if they're right for you and how you can create them. Also this month, Twitter melts down again. Should you or your company pay to get a blue check next to your username? Plus…

We all know that social media is getting more fragmented. What the platforms used to be isn't what they are today. And we're all spending our time in more places. So it's time to take a fresh look at how your organization should use its social channels. We offer up five social media truths for 2023. Also this month, is it ok to apply for a marketin…

We offer our thoughts on generative AI and ChatGPT, advice for how to use it in the content marketing and social media space and how to get your teams thinking about its possibilities. Also this month, why is it still so difficult for some brands to go dark on social? Plus, the best time to go with an agency or a solo consultant. Also, a new "de-in…

Have you noticed who is the face of your favorite brands on TikTok? Sometimes, it's an employee. We talk about some examples of this trend, the risks, and what you should consider if your brand wants to hire an in-house creator. Also this month, humor is on the way out in marketing. Plus, do you need to be active personally on social media to be hi…

Does influencer marketing really pay off? We’ll look at how you can make the most of your influencer partnerships. Also this month, remember when Lush quit Facebook and a few other social channels? How have they done without them? Plus, the things that annoy PR pros about journalists and vice versa. Also, the importance of making data-driven decisi…

What should your organization be thinking about when it comes to Twitter? Should you stay or go? Also this month, audio content continues to make an impact, a new resource from Tik Tok filled with good advice for marketers, and what consumers expect your CEO to say and do. We also have a listener question about how to choose a host for a company po…

The social media platforms, and marketers, are prioritizing short-form and live video. We’ll offer some ideas to help your organization tap into the trend. Also this month, the lack of a career path in content marketing. Plus, what could you do with nine people assigned to your Instagram account? We also have a listener question about how to handle…

It's time to end the thinking that leaders in comms, PR and marketing don't have business chops. We'll discuss earning and keeping the coveted seat at the table, at any point in your career. Also this month, the factors that might make you say no to working with an influencer. Plus, was a recent one word tweet trend worth the effort? And, a listene…

What are your biggest challenges as a communicator? We'll discuss a new survey of your peers that tackles that, as well as the top comms activities this year. Also this month, the fallout from ‘the crying CEO.’ Plus, have we reached the point where a link included in a social media post is pointless? And, a listener question about the best way for …

What does digital reputation really mean? We talk through some ideas for how communicators can help their organizations stand out. Also this month, what's going on with Radio Shack's Twitter account? Plus, how long it takes content creators to make it on their own. And, some advice for anyone just starting out in their comms or marketing career, an…

The threat of a recession, and what impact it could have, is something all marketers and communicators should be thinking about. We offer some ideas for your plans in the months and year ahead. Also this month, evidence of a possible shift to better work-life balance in PR. Plus, are email newsletter on the way out? And, Arik has some advice for ge…

It might seem like your organization should be on every social media channel, but does it make strategic sense? We talk through some things to consider when evaluating adding a new channel. Also this month, a great idea to impress your boss, to show how your content and social media program has evolved. Plus, Arik has a more compelling way for your…

Many brands employ a 'Let's have some fun' attitude on their social media accounts. But are some trying too hard to get attention? Also this month, tips for maximizing your owned media. Plus, TikTok sees an increase in people sharing their opinions as long-form commentary. And, Arik offers advice for fellow consultants on saying 'no' to clients you…

Organizations of all types have been encouraging their employees to advocate on their behalf on their personal social media accounts for years. Are these programs effective? We run through some ideas for starting and growing social media advocacy programs. Also this month, what's impacting staff turnover in comms? Plus, is local TV news still effec…

There are a lot of reasons for an organization to use Twitter, Arik reveals what's on the top of his list. Also this month, can process and passion coexist in comms and marketing? Plus, a study that uncovers which roles and skills are wanted the most, and a report from TikTok that suggests the platform continues to inspire people to buy what they s…

As consumers spend more time with user-generated content, on a variety of social channels, there are more opportunities for companies and brands to showcase it. Also this month, is cancel culture affecting brands? Plus, the cost of content production, and we address the mantra of 'fake it until you make it.' Is that good advice for your comms or ma…

We're grateful this month to be able to share some audio clips from several former journalists now working in communications and marketing, and have them talk about some challenges of making the move away from news and offer some advice for those thinking about it. Really interesting perspective! Also this month, new data on how long your content p…

You can learn a lot about social media - from the person who manages it for your organization. So what should you ask them? We have a few questions to bring to them. Also this month, channel data in the 2021 Global Comms Report from Cision and PRWeek. Plus, what's working right now on Instagram? Also, the importance of analytics and PR, and a liste…

Why is there so much crappy thought leadership content out there? We talk about that and what B2B and B2C brands could do to improve it. Also this month, Arik clues you into what he's telling his clients about their reliance on Facebook. Plus, an interesting report on the future of corporate communications, key findings from an annual blogging surv…

Those who create content for blogs and websites are well aware their traffic hasn't been the same for several years. We discuss a post that tees us up for how you can try and break through – perhaps with email newsletters, influencers and employees. And we get into it a bit about the notion that you need to create and distribute your best content p…

The 'return to the office' might be delayed again for many organizations but comms plans still have to be in place for the hybrid workforce. We discuss some things to consider and the challenges of the future workplace. Also this month, we salute the Mayo Clinic for a social media milestone, provide some tips for thought leadership, and more. WHAT …

Measurement of your communications efforts and programs is tricky. There's a lot you could track. So what should you pay attention to? From data dashboards to content scoring and focus groups, we talk through some ways to get smarter about your metrics and reporting. Also this month, we look at what Pfizer did to get the word out and build trust in…

Our June 2021 episode includes: Social media advice for 2021 (:55) Guest: Jen Hartmann, John Deere (13:15) Spotlight: The Carolina Panthers and social engagement (32:55) FleishmanHillard's Authenticity Gap study (34:40) Brand films (39:40) Listener question: How should I network post-pandemic? (45:05) LINKS TALKING POINT Focus more on Facebook, cus…

Our May 2021 episode includes: State of Writing in 2021 (1:00) Guest: Sarah Mitchell, Typeset (4:40) Spotlight: Alaska Air's boomer hype house (21:00) Ragan’s Communications Benchmark Report (24:30) Altimeter's 2021 State of Digital Content (27:30) Listener question: Should I start a business blog? (32:15) LINKS TALKING POINT State of Writing in 20…

Our April 2021 episode includes: Executive use of LinkedIn (:50) Guest: Lee Odden, TopRank Marketing (6:15) Spotlight: Dove leads on diversity (27:45) The State of Journalism 2021 (29:10) Corporate email study (33:50) Listener question: Brands and Clubhouse (38:50) LINKS TALKING POINT Learn why and how executives should become active on social medi…

Our March 2021 episode includes: The 2021 Infinite Dial Report (:50) Guest: Tom Webster, Edison Research (8:00) Spotlight: Viral drone video (24:50) Gallagher's State of the Sector 2021 (28:50) NFTs and marketing (33:05) Listener question: Getting your audience to your blog (37:25) LINKS TALKING POINT The Infinite Dial 2021 The state of podcast lis…

Our February 2021 episode includes: The state of influencer marketing (1:05) Guest: Jason Falls, "Winfluence" (9:10) Spotlight: New Zealand tells tourists to stop copying other people's photos (30:15) What marketers need to know about Clubhouse (33:00) Pandemic changes for B2C content marketers (37:20) Listener question: Social media and executives…

Our January 2021 episode includes: The PESO Model (1:25) Guest: Gini Dietrich, Spin Sucks (7:40) Spotlight: Dairy Queen employee on TikTok (19:15) How employee comms can help fight change fatigue (22:05) Digital marketing trends for 2021 (24:25) Listener question: How should brands approach social media during breaking/developing news? (26:40) LINK…

In our December 2020 episode, we discuss: Pinterest's "soon-to-be trending" report (4:00) Short-form content (6:50) Comms predictions for 2021 (7:30) Spotlight: KFC's sexy Colonel Sanders movie (10:10) The state of brand journalism (14:20) PRWeek and Cision's Comms Report (30:05) The interview questions job candidates hate (39:50) INTRO SEGMENT 12 …

Arik and Kevin interview Blois Olson of fluence media. He shares his insights on the political landscape, social media, the impact of COVID-19 on communications, 2021 planning, local media and PR, the benefits of email newsletters and more. LINKS Blois Olson (LinkedIn and Twitter) fluence media fluence media email newsletters UPCOMING EVENT Social …

In our November 2020 episode, we discuss: The 2021 Relevance Report from the USC Center for Public Relations (4:00) The latest IGTV research (7:50) How brands are using sports Twitter to connect with fans (9:50) Spotlight: The Cheetos holiday cookbook (13:55) Social Media Trends 2021 Global Report (16:20) The career path of social media managers (2…

Plenty of communicators are posting their thoughts on politics on their social media accounts. Should you? Arik discusses that and shares some advice for how to do it. MORE INFORMATION TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com Apple Podcasts page Spotify page Subscribe to Arik's weekly email SPONSOR Brandpoint Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…

In our October 2020 episode, we discuss: Social media marketing on Reddit, Twitch and Quora (2:20) New blogging statistics (4:05) LinkedIn Stories (5:20) Spotlight: Ocean Spray and TikTok (8:40) Spotlight: Monster Cereal Sweepstakes (10:45) Social media hot takes (13:45) Refining your approach to employee comms (24:45) Advice if you're in-between j…

Arik interviews Laura King, a director at CorTalent - who manages the company's recruiting and business development - and a co-founder of Marketers'​ Community. She offers advice for your job search, the importance of LinkedIn, ways to stand out, networking tips and more. LINKS Laura King CorTalent Marketers'​ Community MORE INFORMATION TheTalkingP…

In our September 2020 episode, we discuss: Email makes a comeback in internal comms (3:20) Facebook sets limits on ads (5:20) Microsoft's deepfake detector (6:30) Spotlight: Red Wing Shoes and #LaborDayOn (9:00) Communications planning advice (11:45) PR ethics (24:35) Networking in a pandemic (33:00 ) QUICK NEWS & QUICK TAKES Email is the most-used…

Arik examines the complex topic of companies and brands making the decision to take a public stand on politics and key societal issues. LINKS Most Loved Brands 2020 Survey reaffirms consumers are serious about brands taking stands Best Buy says 30% of 1,000 new tech hires will be people of color or women MORE INFORMATION TheTalkingPointsPodcast.com…