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

Episode: ‘Quick Fix’ & ‘Growth’ = 20% Increase! ➕ Meta News (WhatsApp Ads!) What’s Up THIS WEEK | Ep. 358
Release Date: June 17, 2025
Host: Jay Schwedelson
Presented By: Marigold

1. Meta Introduces Advertising on WhatsApp

Jay Schwedelson kicks off the episode by discussing a significant development from Meta: the introduction of advertisements on WhatsApp. This move marks a pivotal shift, as WhatsApp has remained ad-free since Meta's acquisition over a decade ago.

Jay Schwedelson [00:00:30]: "Meta is finally bringing ads to WhatsApp and they're introducing ads to the 1.5 billion people that use it per day."

Key Points:

• Targeting Capabilities: Advertisers will benefit from advanced targeting options, leveraging user location and device activity.
• Integration with Existing Platforms: Ads on WhatsApp will complement campaigns on Facebook and Instagram, providing a seamless advertising experience across Meta’s ecosystem.
• Early Adoption Advantage: Jay emphasizes the importance of early adoption to capitalize on the emerging advertising opportunities on WhatsApp.

Jay Schwedelson [00:03:15]: "Now is a great time to really get on the early stage of WhatsApp advertising because it's going to be another massive platform for everybody to tap into."

2. Boosting Content Downloads with Pre-Format Modifiers

Shifting focus to content marketing strategies, Jay introduces findings from World Data Research that highlight the effectiveness of pre-format modifiers in increasing content download rates by approximately 20%.

Jay Schwedelson [00:05:50]: "The three different pre format modifiers that are doing great are the word growth, the word micro, and the phrase quick fix."

Effective Modifiers:

• Growth: Enhances titles to convey a focus on expansion and improvement.
  • Example: "Growth Playbook for SMBs" instead of "SMB Playbook."
• Micro: Suggests brevity and ease of consumption.
  • Example: "Micro Session" instead of "Webinar."
• Quick Fix: Implies immediate and actionable solutions.
  • Example: "Quick Fix Checklist" instead of "Checklist."

Implementation Tips:

• Incorporate these modifiers at the beginning of content titles to make them more appealing and increase engagement.
• Adapt titles across various content types, including guides, webinars, case studies, and templates.

Jay Schwedelson [00:08:20]: "Doing those pre modifiers are actually increasing consumption and download rate by about 20%. So that's so simple to test that one."

3. AI Companions and Changing Relationship Dynamics

Jay delves into a thought-provoking study released by Match Group, the parent company of Match.com, OkCupid, and Hinge, concerning the rise of AI companions in romantic contexts.

Jay Schwedelson [00:11:40]: "The study shows that 16% of respondents have considered robots as romantic partners because of the emotional support they provide."

Key Insights:

• Acceptance of AI Relationships: A notable 16% of individuals surveyed view AI companions as viable romantic partners, highlighting a shift in emotional and relational dynamics.
• Perception of Infidelity: Approximately 60% believe that having a relationship with an AI does not constitute cheating, indicating evolving norms around fidelity and technology.

Jay Schwedelson [00:14:05]: "I just can't believe that that's where we're at on this planet. But hey, here we are."

Implications for Marketers:

• Emotional Engagement: Understanding the increasing role of AI in personal relationships can inform strategies for emotional engagement and customer interaction.
• Ethical Considerations: Marketers must navigate the ethical landscape as AI becomes more integrated into consumer lives.

4. Restaurant Chains Expanding Rapidly

In an intriguing segment, Jay shares data from Technomic Research regarding the expansion of restaurant chains in the United States over the past year.

Jay Schwedelson [00:16:30]: "Number one on the list is Starbucks with 589 new locations. I. I'm like, dude, how many more Starbucks can you open?"

Top Expanding Chains:

1. Starbucks: 589 new locations
2. Jersey Mike's: 313 new locations
3. Wingstop: 278 new locations
4. Tropical Smoothie: 143 new locations

Observations:

• Market Saturation: The significant number of new Starbucks locations raises questions about market saturation and the brand's expansion strategy.
• Niche Growth: Chains like Jersey Mike's and Wingstop demonstrate strong growth, potentially due to their specialized offerings and brand loyalty.

Jay Schwedelson [00:18:50]: "I just don't understand because I used to go to Jamba Juice like a million years ago, but I stopped going and I'm like, do people still go to Jamba Juice?"

5. Personal Insights: Entertainment Recommendations

While primarily focused on business and marketing, Jay shares personal recommendations, adding a relatable touch to the episode.

• Echo Valley on Apple Plus: A new thriller starring Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney. Jay describes it as "a little scary" but acknowledges its potential as a hot new movie.

  Jay Schwedelson [00:20:10]: "It's good, not great, but I think that's going to be the hot new movie."

• Somebody Feed Phil Season 8 on Netflix: Jay highly recommends this feel-good show, praising its ability to provide a "mental massage" and serve as a pleasant escape from reality.

  Jay Schwedelson [00:21:00]: "Phil Rosenthal... explores all the different types of foods that you can eat there and cool stuff going on there."

Conclusion

In this episode of "Do This, NOT That," Jay Schwedelson delivers a comprehensive overview of current trends and insights in the marketing and business landscape. From Meta's strategic move to incorporate WhatsApp ads, innovative content marketing techniques boosting engagement, the intriguing rise of AI companions in relationships, to the rapid expansion of major restaurant chains, listeners gain valuable knowledge to enhance their marketing strategies. Additionally, personal entertainment recommendations add a well-rounded and engaging element to the discussion.

Notable Quotes:

• "Meta is finally bringing ads to WhatsApp and they're introducing ads to the 1.5 billion people that use it per day." [00:00:30]
• "Doing those pre modifiers are actually increasing consumption and download rate by about 20%. So that's so simple to test that one." [00:08:20]
• "The study shows that 16% of respondents have considered robots as romantic partners because of the emotional support they provide." [00:11:40]
• "I just can't believe that that's where we're at on this planet. But hey, here we are." [00:14:05]

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe for more actionable marketing tips and to stay updated with the latest industry trends by following "Do This, NOT That" on their preferred podcast platform.