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

Episode 468 – What’s Up THIS WEEK! 🛑 STOP Editing Your Videos Right Now ➕ Google’s New AI Ranking Trick 📈

Date: March 3, 2026
Host: Jay Schwedelson | GURU Media Hub

Episode Overview

This short-form episode delivers a rapid-fire breakdown of the latest trends and actionable marketing tactics. Jay Schwedelson focuses on recent game-changers in content visibility, authenticity in social media creation, and Gen Z’s favorite commerce platforms. Listeners are treated to practical advice, observations on current marketing missteps, and Jay’s candid take on balancing work and personal life as a marketing professional.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Google’s AI & The Power of Recency Signals

Timestamps: 00:10 – 02:20

• New Data on AI Ranking:
  Jay dives into how Google’s AI-generated recommendations now favor web pages with “recency signals” – that is, prominently displaying the current month and year, instead of just the year.

  • “Website pages displaying a visible month plus year versus year only were 42% more likely to appear in AI generated commercial recommendations.” [01:34]

• Actionable Takeaway:
  Update titles and offerings to include the month and year (e.g., “Best CRM Platforms March 2026” instead of just “Best CRM Platforms 2026”) to increase visibility on AI-driven platforms.

• Quote:
  “These are the ways that you win in marketing—these little things. All the AI platforms want to find the most recent stuff, verified stuff.” [01:57]

2. eBay, Depop, and the Rise of Gen Z Commerce

Timestamps: 02:20 – 03:08

• eBay News:
  eBay’s acquisition of Depop (purchased from Etsy for $1.2 billion) is highlighted as a strategic move.

• Market Insight:
  Jay underlines Depop as a hotbed for Gen Z activity—“this is where Gen Z is living”—and urges marketers unfamiliar with it to get up to speed.

• Quote:
  “If you don’t know Depop…you need to get all in on Depop. This is where Gen Z is living, this is where they’re buying and doing stuff.” [02:44]

3. Instagram’s Imperfection Strategy: Stop Editing Your Videos!

Timestamps: 03:09 – 05:13

• Adam Mosseri’s Weekly Message:
  The head of Instagram keeps reiterating a crucial point: Authenticity wins. Background noise, unedited clips, stumbles, and spontaneity all boost organic reach.

• New Creative Guidance:
  Don’t polish your short videos—embrace “proof of life.” Real human moments outperform AI-polished content.

• Quote:
  “According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, is do not edit it out. Show proof of life. Background noise is now a strategy... Humanity is winning. We are winning. And our imperfections are actually the thing that's allowing us to get more organic reach…” [04:07]

• Jay’s Anecdote:
  “By the way, I do this podcast in one take. Here we go... Because, hey, that's the way of the world now.” [04:47]

4. When AI Goes Wrong: Gucci’s Fashion Week Backlash

Timestamps: 05:14 – 06:07

• Gucci’s PR Misstep:
  Gucci faces negative backlash after using AI-generated content for Milan Fashion Week, which contradicts the event’s purpose to showcase human creativity.

• Jay’s Perspective:
  “The whole point of Fashion Week is say, look what we designed, look what these human beings designed…you don’t need AI stuff to do that.” [05:40]

5. Personal Reflections on Work-Life Balance

Timestamps: 06:08 – 07:50

• Authentic Struggles:
  Jay admits difficulty connecting with friends outside work, relating this struggle to many in the marketing services field who find it tough to “turn off” and engage socially.

• Humorous Self-awareness:
  “I just feel like I’m always on…like I have to, like, keep the conversation going. Like I'm interviewing the person. I don't know how to just be a normal, functional human…” [07:09]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Google’s AI Ranking:
  “Having the month plus the year is way more important than just having the year in the name of your content.” [01:08]

• On Instagram Content:
  “Imperfect versions of what you're doing…is actually doing better than if you show the perfect version…Our imperfections are actually the thing that's allowing us to get more organic reach.” [04:10]

• On Personal Connections:
  “I don’t know how to function as a human...whenever I'm with somebody...I just feel like I'm always on.” [07:18]

Marketing Action Steps from the Episode

• Update content titles and offers NOW to include both current month and year for improved AI and search visibility.
• Get familiar with Depop—if you target Gen Z, it’s a critical platform for commerce and trend-watching.
• Stop over-editing social content. Leave in the little mistakes, background noise, and natural moments for better audience connection.
• Beware of misapplied AI. Especially in industries where authenticity is expected, AI-driven shortcuts can backfire.
• Remember to be human—both in your marketing and your personal life.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:10 – 02:20: Google’s AI update and month+year ranking
• 02:20 – 03:08: Depop and eBay’s Gen Z move
• 03:09 – 05:13: Instagram’s call for unedited videos
• 05:14 – 06:07: Gucci’s AI Fashion Week flop
• 06:08 – 07:50: Jay on work-life balance and being “always on”

For more actionable tips or to connect with Jay, visit jschwedelson.com.