Podcast Summary: "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson"

Episode: DTNT - 308 - LinkedIn TIPS! 🧲 New Subject Line TRENDS! Pickleball?🥒 What’s Up THIS WEEK
Release Date: April 15, 2025
Host: Jay Schwedelson
Presented By: Marigold

1. LinkedIn Video Content Strategies

Jay Schwedelson opens the episode by discussing the latest insights from LinkedIn regarding effective video content on the platform. He emphasizes the importance of adapting to LinkedIn's evolving algorithms and user preferences to maximize engagement.

• Optimal Video Length:
  Jay references LinkedIn's data, noting that the most successful videos are 15 to 30 seconds long, with a hard cap at two minutes for longer content.

  "The top performing videos... are 15 to 30 seconds long. If you're going longer than 30 seconds, keep it under two minutes." (00:02:10)

• Preferred Video Formats:
  Emphasis is placed on using square and vertical formats over horizontal ones to ensure mobile-friendliness, as most users access LinkedIn via mobile devices.

  "If you're still doing the horizontal format, that ain't it. You really gotta be mobile friendly." (00:03:00)

• Text Overlays:
  Jay highlights the critical need for text overlays on videos, serving as a hook to capture attention even when audio is off. This practice enhances accessibility and ensures the message is conveyed visually.

  "You need a text overlay on your video, an overlay that says... some sort of hook in three to four words." (00:04:30)

2. Email Marketing Subject Line Trends

Shifting focus to email marketing, Jay discusses findings from Subjectline.com about evolving word effectiveness in email subject lines amid economic uncertainties.

• Business-Oriented Words:
  Words like "ROI," "reduce," "cut costs," and "low risk" have surged in effectiveness, resonating with businesses striving to optimize budgets and minimize risks.

  "ROI, reduce, cut costs and low risk... these words are doing really, really well." (00:10:15)

• Consumer-Focused Words:
  On the consumer side, terms such as "save," "affordable," "bonus," "extra," "smart," "buy," and "worth it" are increasingly engaging, reflecting consumers' cautious spending behaviors.

  "Words like save, affordable, bonus, extra... are resonating with people in the last few weeks." (00:11:00)

• Adaptation to Market Sentiments:
  Jay underscores the importance of aligning marketing language with current economic climates to remain relevant and effective.

  "If you haven't adjusted the tone of your marketing... you're almost tone deaf to what your buyers and prospects are interested in." (00:12:20)

3. Marketing News: DoorDash and Major League Pickleball Partnership

Highlighting a noteworthy marketing collaboration, Jay discusses DoorDash's three-year partnership with Major League Pickleball (MLP).

• Promotional Strategy:
  DoorDash offers a promotion where customers spending at least $12 and using the promo code "pickle" receive a free jar of pickles. This strategy exemplifies effective cross-branding and incentivized engagement.

  "If you use the promo code pickle... you can get a free jar of pickles." (00:15:45)

• Personal Anecdote:
  Jay shares his personal lack of interest in pickleball but acknowledges the marketing ingenuity behind the promotion.

  "I may just try to get free pickles because I do like pickles." (00:16:30)

4. Business News: Hooters Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

In a bid to inform listeners about significant business developments, Jay reports on Hooters' filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

• Personal Opinion:
  Jay expresses his disinterest in Hooters beyond their chicken wings, praising their wings while criticizing competitors like Buffalo Wild Wings and fast-food pizza chains for inferior offerings.

  "Hooters happens to have great chicken wings... Buffalo wild wings... their wings are disgusting." (00:18:20)

• Impact on Branding:
  The bankruptcy filing signifies potential shifts in Hooters' brand strategy and market presence, serving as a cautionary tale for businesses in the hospitality sector.

5. Pop Culture Insights: Love is Blind and Minecraft Movie

Jay touches on current pop culture phenomena, linking them to marketing and audience engagement.

• Love is Blind Update:
  He shares a positive update about a couple from Season 8 staying together post-marriage, reflecting on the show's impact on viewers and participants.

  "As of this week, they are still together and married. That is great news." (00:20:00)

• Minecraft Movie Reception:
  Despite the Minecraft movie's success, Jay admits his lack of interest in the film, providing a personal perspective on audience segmentation and varying interests.

  "I have no interest in seeing that movie... I didn't find it so boring." (00:21:10)

6. Closing Remarks and Calls to Action

While adhering to the request to exclude non-content sections, it's noteworthy that Jay includes calls to action encouraging listeners to subscribe, follow the show, and register for the upcoming Guru Conference.

"Subscribe and follow this show... RegisterGuruConference.com." (00:23:00)

Key Takeaways:

• Adapt Content Formats: Utilize short, mobile-friendly video formats with engaging text overlays to enhance visibility and engagement on platforms like LinkedIn.

• Tailor Marketing Language: Adjust email subject lines to incorporate words that resonate with current economic sentiments, enhancing open rates and engagement.

• Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Cross-branding initiatives, such as DoorDash's collaboration with Major League Pickleball, can drive customer engagement and brand loyalty.

• Monitor Business Trends: Stay informed about significant business developments, like Hooters' bankruptcy, to understand market dynamics and potential impacts on related industries.

• Understand Audience Segmentation: Recognize varied interests within your audience, as illustrated by Jay's differing views on Love is Blind and the Minecraft movie, to tailor content and marketing strategies effectively.

This episode of "Do This, NOT That!" offers valuable insights into optimizing LinkedIn video strategies, evolving email marketing techniques, and the importance of staying attuned to both business and pop culture trends to enhance marketing effectiveness. Jay Schwedelson provides actionable advice interspersed with personal anecdotes, making the content both informative and relatable for marketers seeking to refine their strategies in a dynamic landscape.