Episode 336 Summary: Subject Line Trends, Instagram Carousels, Business Moves, and More

In Episode 336 of "Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson" presented by Marigold, host Jay Schwedelson dives into the latest trends and developments in the marketing landscape. Released on May 20, 2025, this episode offers valuable insights for marketers looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving environment.

Instagram's Carousel Craze

The episode kicks off with a deep dive into Instagram's latest algorithm updates. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently highlighted the rising importance of carousel posts. According to Mosseri, "carousel posts are the future of engagement on Instagram," emphasizing that these multi-image posts can significantly boost interaction.

[01:20] Jay Schwedelson: "If you’re not leveraging carousel posts, you’re missing out on a 30% higher engagement rate compared to regular posts."

Carousel posts not only keep users swiping through multiple images but also allow Instagram to recirculate the same post with different images, effectively increasing visibility and engagement.

Summer Subject Lines Drive Higher Open Rates

Moving on to email marketing, the podcast highlights a compelling trend from SubjectLine.com: summer-oriented subject lines lead to a 22% higher average email open rate during marketing campaigns starting June 1st. This seasonal approach taps into the vibrant energy of summer, making emails more enticing.

Examples of Effective Summer Subject Lines:

• Consumer Marketing:

  • "Your Summer Starts Here!"
  • "Hot Summer, Hotter Discounts!"
  • "Summer Essentials 30% Off – Limited Time"

• B2B Marketing:

  • "This Tool Doesn't Take Summer Fridays"
  • "What Every CMO Should Download This Summer"
  • "Beat the Summer Slump with This Report"

[04:10] Jay Schwedelson: "Incorporating summer themes into your subject lines can make your emails stand out in crowded inboxes."

By aligning email content with the seasonal sentiment, marketers can enhance engagement and drive higher open rates.

LinkedIn Faces Irony with Job Cuts

In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft announced significant job cuts at LinkedIn, targeting around 400 to 500 positions. Despite LinkedIn's robust revenue and user growth, the decision stems from a strategic shift towards greater efficiency and increased focus on artificial intelligence.

[05:45] Jay Schwedelson: "It's ironic that LinkedIn, a platform for job seekers, is laying off a substantial number of its own employees."

The hosts discuss the potential impacts of these cuts, pondering whether affected employees will turn to LinkedIn to find new opportunities, thereby sustaining the platform's ecosystem despite internal reductions.

Dick's Sporting Goods Acquires Foot Locker

A major business development discussed is Dick's Sporting Goods' acquisition of Foot Locker for $2.4 billion. The plan is to preserve the Foot Locker brand and operate the stores as standalone businesses across 2,400 locations in 22 countries.

[06:50] Jay Schwedelson: "With this acquisition, Dick's Sporting Goods could control up to 35% of Nike's sales, significantly increasing their bargaining power with major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Hoka."

This strategic move not only expands Dick's market presence but also positions them as a formidable player capable of negotiating better terms with top athletic brands.

Most Viewed TV Ads of the Week

The podcast also sheds light on the most circulated TV ads from the past week, revealing impressive viewership numbers and hefty investment costs:

1. Liberty Mutual’s Limu Emu:

   • Impressions: 443 million
   • Airings: 2,400 times
   • Estimated Spend: $2.7 million

   [06:00] Jay Schwedelson: "Liberty Mutual's Limu Emu commercials are everywhere, and it's no surprise given their massive reach."

2. WeGovy’s "Discover the Power":

   • Impressions: 334 million
   • Airings: 1,900 times
   • Estimated Spend: $8.7 million

   [06:30] Jay Schwedelson: "Spending $8.7 million in a single week on ads is a bold move, but it clearly pays off with 334 million impressions."

These statistics underscore the significant investments brands are making to maximize their visibility through television advertising.

Off-Topic Chats and Personal Anecdotes

In a lighter segment, Jay shares his excitement for upcoming movie releases, including Mission Impossible and expresses his disdain for live-action remakes like Disney's Lilo & Stitch and the upcoming Karate Kid Legends. He also vents about celebrity news, particularly targeting Blake Lively, adding a personal touch to the episode.

[05:00] Jay Schwedelson: "I really wanted to go to the movies in the next few weeks. Mission Impossible is back, and I can’t wait to see what Tom Cruise does this time."

While these tangents provide a relaxed break from the core marketing discussions, they also humanize the hosts, making the podcast relatable to listeners.

Conclusion

Episode 336 of "Do This, NOT That!" offers a comprehensive look at current marketing strategies and business movements. From leveraging Instagram carousels and optimizing email subject lines to navigating major corporate acquisitions and understanding high-stakes advertising investments, Jay Schwedelson delivers actionable insights for marketers aiming to elevate their strategies. The episode balances heavy industry analysis with personal anecdotes, ensuring an engaging and informative listen for all marketing professionals.

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