Meta tests new add-on package with WhatsApp Plus subscription
Hi all!
IS META DYING?
Articles like these are important to read (for everyone)! This kind of message gets pushed around online non-stop…but better understanding the facts is essential in maintaining your marketing plans going into the future.
Meta starts testing a premium subscription on Instagram
Hi all!
As I’ve mentioned before; staying on top of new developments is important. The “subscription” model topic for Meta platforms has been swirling around for a while now….but it appears that it may be upon us soon. You should know as much about it all as possible…..
Pinterest Spring Trend Report 2026: Personalisation is in bloom
Hi all!
The Pinterest Spring Trend report for 2026 is out. In reading thru this article, I saw some possibilities for our Industry to take advantage of. Everyone should read this (whether you use Pinterest for your Marketing or not), as trend shifts are often universal on other social platforms as well. If you’re not using Pinterest….I still think it’s the best place for your online “client look book” if nothing else.
Simplifying Ad Measurement for a Social-First World
Hi all!
This article from Meta’s business platform area covers information that will help those looking to maximize the effectiveness of your ads/content on Meta platforms. This is recommended for those of you serious about developing your brand content, advertising, etc
The Discover List: Meet the 2026 TikTok Creators to Watch
Hi all!
Sometimes, researching what top creators are doing to become “top creators” can be a very effective way of improving our own brand building/marketing efforts. I would particularly recommend the “Educators” section of this article from TikTok. Go see what others are doing to be at the top of their marketing game!
New AI-powered tools to make it easier to create and share on TikTok
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TikTok is a great tool for attracting potential clients….you should be using it IMO, or at least considering its use. Article here from TikTok Newsroom site with info on another new feature for Creators (that’s you). This isn’t a recommendation for these new AI-labeled tools….only a heads-up that new tools have been added.
I’m sharing this with you because almost every major AI platform (now, or very soon) will be releasing it’s own browser, or be incorporated into your existing browser of choice (everyone by now has noticed how search inquiries on Safari/Chrome, etc start with an AI overview of your inquiry, top of page search results). The next step: Companies like OpenAI (ChatGPT) are releasing full-function browsers you can download and utilize on your mobile and desktop devices. These “new” browsers will challenge the existing big-hitters for general browser-usage, but more importantly, for “internet search functionality”. THIS WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE OF HOW CONSUMERS FIND THINGS (including you, your brand and your professional services). I am not suggesting you download and use Atlas browser (I am using it currently to test its functionality) but I have been using ChatGPT pro for a few years now. Only to stay on top of changing marketing trends (like these new browsers), how/why they work and how you can utilize them to stay in your own professional life!
These are the Marketing predictions from SMT for 2026. This would take a while to read….but over the last few years, SMT’s predictions have been fairly spot-on. So I would recommend reading it ALL.
TikTok Search Ads Campaign: Unlocking incremental growth in the future of search
Hi all!
A good read for everyone (whether you use TikTok or not). Why? because it’s important to stay connected to how the business tools of social platforms are developed to help brands enhance the discovery process (getting new people connected to what you provide).
YouTube Launches Effects Maker for Shorts, New Comment Controls
Hi all!
This link will take you to YouTube and their Creator business channel where the two topics above are discussed in greater detail. YouTube is an ENORMOUS marketing resource for brands big and small…so I would recommend this feature update video for everyone!
Pinterest has ‘effectively become an AI-enabled shopping assistant,’ CEO says
Hi all!
If you use Pinterest for your Marketing, your “Look book”, etc….this will be a good article to keep you updated on the platform’s changes. I like Pinterest for our Industry….it has a very distinct advantage over Meta products IMO if used correctly.
How the Secret Algorithms Behind Social Media Actually Work
Hi all!
This article will take about 5-10 minutes of your time. It covers some interesting detail about how social platforms “work” on the backend. I would HIGHLY recommend this read as it will help you to understand a little better what your interactions with posts in your own feed triggers AND how you can take this information to make your own posts score better in a platform’s algorithm engine.
Search or social? Influencer marketing finds itself in the middle
Hi all!
Keep in mind, we’re all “influencers” to some degree if we are online promoting ourselves (and our services) to others…..so yes, this article is helpful to all. As everything continues to change at lightning speed, your “time” is best utilized when you are using the latest strategies. Enjoy!
This article is exactly the type of features (and general platform information) that EVERYONE in the Beauty industry should know about and understand. Once you’ve read through the article, I think you’ll agree that it was worth while.
YouTube Updates Advanced Analytics To Provide More Insight Into Video Performance
Hi all!
YouTube continues to be the most popular place for people to SEARCH for things….. So, you should have professional YouTube channel for your brand (IMO) and, you should know how to use it. This is a great article for EVERYONE.
Elon Musk Confirms New ‘XChat’ Messaging Option Rolling Out This Week
Hi all!
If you happen to use the X platform (formerly Twitter) as part of your Marketing plans, this is a new feature rolling out to paid users. The most practical part of it (that I can see from reading through the article), are the options of receiving payments, making phone calls without a number, etc.
As always this is not an endorsement of the platform or a suggestion for you to use it, but you should be aware of changes to major social platforms and how they may or may not be an option for your personal marketing plans..
Marketing to Gen Alpha: How brands can win over the next generation
Hi all!
This is a longer article but I believe it is very good read with solid information. I would recommend for ALL of you. As always, keep in mind that it does have the author’s opinions mixed in….but learning the trends for each new generation of your future customers is always a valuable asset for your brand building efforts.
Are AI Chatbots Taking Over Online Search? [Infographic]
Hi all!
An interesting article on the possible future of where people “search for things” online. Currently, google is still the leader….but could that change? And if it does, how do you incorporate those future changes into your brand (and your marketing strategies)? Possibilities are becoming endless IMO….and you should understand everything about AI as it grows and changes the world around us.
Instagram Launches First Official Use of Unlockable Reels
Hi all!
This is a follow up to an article link I shared last month (April). With the first “official” use of the tool released, I would imagine it becoming available to the public very soon. IMO, this feature could have some really interesting uses for Marketing in our industry. Something to consider once it is released to the public.
LinkedIn Shares Technical Specs and Posting Tips for Video Content
Hi all!
Using “LinkedIn” could be viewed as “Marketing for yourself”…..a digital resume that anyone can see. In some ways, it might be where you stand the best chance of networking with people and companies nationwide/worldwide….so why wouldn’t you not only maintain a professional presence for yourself, but look for ways to stand out as well? Consider LinkedIn…and consider some of the tools you can use to grow your personal brand.
I have connected with, and hired people using LinkedIn. People I probably never would’ve come across traditionally. It’s worth your time! This article covers a “feature” you can use, but I thought it was good timing for a general “LinkedIn” reminder.
Instagram Chief Says Edits App Coming Soon, Will Be Available for Free
Hi all!
Instagram “edits app” coming soon! Make sure to click on the links in the article that describe the App’s features, etc. Everyone should read this one….
The overall landscape of digital Marketing is changing at a very fast pace. Effectively Marketing your brand into the future will require an understanding of what consumer trends are doing. This article is for those of you with a desire to lean into learning ongoing Marketing trends a little deeper. This one explains Connected commerce. I found it interesting.
Instagram Adds WhatsApp Connection Sticker for Stories
Hi all!
READ THIS ARTICLE….everyone. Not just because this is a VERY useful feature (IMO) for driving your brand and future (or current) Salon business, but also because it does a good job of explaining how Social Media usage is slowly moving toward DM activity for connection to customers/clients.
This article is a “must read” for everyone. You should be researching and learning (ongoing now) EVERYTHING about AI technology, as it now makes its way into every part of our online lives. For your “Marketing”, it’s going to change a LOT of things.
Report Looks at Key App Trends, Including the Shifting Social Media Landscape
Hi all!
This breakdown of a much larger report (see below) in SMT’s nicely abbreviated article is a good read. “Trend” articles are always helpful IMO. Fairly short and with good information.
If you are a hardcore marketing fanatic, there’s a link to the source website in this SMT article….where you can request the entire 90+ page report (you have to provide your information to get the full link).
TikTok Plans to Cut Off US Users Entirely if Sell-off Bill Is Enacted
Hi all!
This article comes with ZERO opinions on the whole subject from myself. I would simply encourage all of you to follow this situation closely over the next few days (on whatever news platforms you prefer) IF you are using TikTok for your personal Brand Marketing efforts.
What types of things limit my distribution on Instagram?
Hi all!
Two things: First; this link will take you to Instagram, and specifically to the “Instagram for business” resource area. All of you should be connected to this resource on Instagram since it’s an ongoing internal guide on how best to utilize the platform for marketing success. Second; this article/infographic is a great example of things you can read up on that will help you get better results from using the platform.
10 marketing predictions for 2025 as new era of productivity dawns
Hi all!
First marketing article share of 2025! This site (Marketing dive), will require you to sign up for their newsletters to read the entire article. I subscribe to Marketing Dive (with many others) and would recommend doing so, but remember, it is always your choice. This is LONG article, but it is full of very good information for your consideration heading into 2025. Your personal Marketing efforts can be more effective if you are up to date on the latest news, trends, etc when dealing with all things “Marketing”.
YOU SHOULD BE USING PINTEREST IN YOUR MARKETING EFFORTS. That’s just my opinion of course.
Read this article (published by Pinterest) that lists the trend predictions for 2025. MAKE SURE you click on the “Pinterest Predicts” link in the first paragraph!
You may even find it helpful in tailoring content for your other platforms going into the new Year.
7 top campaigns from 2024 and the tactics that drove success
Hi all!
This is a longer article and will require a time commitment to get through (especially if you explore each campaign featured to get a feel for “why” it was chosen). These articles are always helpful (IMO), to expand your knowledge base for your own Marketing efforts. While I wouldn’t duplicate any of them, they all contain ideas that could be incorporated into your own posts.
Top 10 graphic design trends to experiment with in 2025
Hi all!
Although this is an article from a company that makes money doing graphics, etc….it still has some great ideas. It’s short and worth the time to go through. Complete with graphic examples.
Everyone should go through this current Demographic chart, it’s short and easy read (make sure and click on the chart tabs too). Knowing your audience for each Marketing tool/platform can only make you more effective at growing your own Brand.
TV advertising drives brand results: Here’s what the numbers say
Hi all!
Television advertising to build your brand? read this to find out more about “why” this could be something to consider. There are a few local broadcasters with all levels of advertising packages available. Always good to be aware of ALL your brand-building options.
I get it, you don’t use “Threads” for your Marketing (Meta’s version of X, former twitter). But 275 million people use the platform now…..it might be time to reconsider. Check out this article.
YouTube Adds Poll Stickers for Shorts, Ad Category Blocking for Channels
Hi all!
Do you have a YouTube channel to promote yourself and your brand? Why not? YouTube is one of the LARGEST, most-used “search engines” in the world. For everything “Beauty”, you can bank on thousands of people in your own backyard using Youtube to research things they may be interested in trying (Beauty-wise). POLL STICKERS could be incredibly useful to promoting engagement on your YT content as well, providing potential customer leads for you to reach out to. This article explains the Poll sticker feature and a couple other things as well. Good read FOR ALL
Social media platforms are using what you create for artificial intelligence. Here’s how to opt out
Hi all!
This is VERY important article and everyone here should read it……all of it. BTW, I’m not suggesting that anyone follow the advice here….only that you should all be aware of this process.
The link below will take you to SMT’s website and an article focused on upcoming TikTok shopper trends for 4th quarter Holiday. There’s a link in the article for the full guide, and you’ll need to enter your email to get it, but it’s worth doing IMO.
The article is geared for the EU market…BUT, it’s relevant to the US as well. There’s good info in the overview that SMT’s article provides, and a call-out that the Beauty Industry is trending heavily into the Holiday Gift season (which I thought was interesting too).
3 “Trending Now” updates to help you keep up with the latest trends
Hi all!
Google’s “Trending now” tool can be a significant help in pairing your marketing up with the trending google search terms at any given time. Using the tool, you can choose a geography (like Boise), and a time period, then see all the most popular search terms during that time. For example, in Boise over the last 7 days, the most popular searches were related to the 2024 summer olympics. Now imagine using keywords in your #hashtags or other social identifiers that would help your posts show up to people searching “olympic-related” results. Just the tip of the iceberg on how this tool can be used year-round! THE ARTICLE HAS A BLUE ‘TRENDING NOW” LINK….that will take you to the tool (safe link)
TikTok is a great tool for building your brand and connecting with the demographic that frequents the platform, (if you’re not what that demographic includes, then please research that topic as well). This is a pretty big feature “add” in our opinion, as it allows you to now create and add a thumbnail outside of your video clip….which can help to grab someone’s attention in a very specific way. Good article here from SMT!
Meta Is Testing Automated Creative Variations for Reels
Hi all!
This is a solid article that everyone should read. “Reels” can be a very effective business page tool for growing audience…and this possible new feature is worth understanding.
TikTok users continue to grow and evolve: Here’s what the numbers say
Hi all!
If you are using TikTok for your marketing, kind of using it, or just thinking about it….this is a very interesting article that I recommend for everyone!
Instagram beats TikTok for video-based user acquisition, survey finds
Hi all!
Read this one.
As you decide how much time to devote to your marketing efforts…the bigger question should be “which platform” will bring the best ROI (return on investment) for the “type” of marketing you prefer. IF you love making and sharing videos…then the information in this article will be helpful IMO.
Data Suggests Threads Is Seeing More Daily Users in the US Than X
Hi all!
I’m sharing this because I think realtime platforms (like X and Threads) can be amazing brand building tools for Beauty Industry professionals. I’ve been using Threads for a while now (for my own personal stuff) and consistently see more content coming from people/brands I follow. This is a short article with info that can be helpful as you choose which platforms you’re going to dedicate time to. Will Threads overtake X? Hard to tell at this point…..but it’s good to stay informed as this process unfolds.
An interesting article…and please make sure you read down past the list they created as there is another section on “How to use social media influencers to build your brand”. This is a worthwhile read IMO
Pinterest Shares Insights Into Optimizing Social Platform Algorithms for Positive Engagement
Hi all!
I always like to find and share articles about using Pinterest in your marketing. IMO, it is still the very best platform to host a Look Book (or similar depending on your brand’s business goals). The platform still has an enormous daily user-base. This is a worthwhile read for all.
How Lowe’s loyalty program is the ‘spine’ for personalization efforts
Hi all!
The article being shared today is far more about the general “concept” than Lowe’s actual program. The idea of “Loyalty programs” has been around forever but as businesses get smarter about tailoring them to specific demographics, they become a more powerful tool for building brands. The Beauty industry is the perfect place for creative loyalty programs/campaigns….. Read, the article to get the feel for the concept, then use your creativity and your own business goals to see how you might be able to incorporate this concept.
Instagram Experiments With More Frames Within Carousel Posts
Hi all!
This article is about how Instagram is doing some initial “limited” testing with expanding the number of frames you can include in a carousel post. It’s short and would be interesting if it gets pushed to an “all users” feature at some point.
Why Snapchat is pitching its platform as an alternative to social media
Hi all!
This is a worthwhile article for two reasons; First, because Snapchat continues to be an effective advertising platform for the demographic they serve….and it’s important to stay on top of what they’re doing. Second and more importantly IMO, because Snapchat says they are not increasing their spend budget to market themselves to users this year, BUT, they are rebranding their platform as an “alternative to Social media” in the advertising efforts…. (maybe you saw their ads during the Super Bowl). The point here; the way you brand yourself, your services and your experience value to your customers can be far more important than how much you spend doing so. Time will tell if this strategy pays off for Snapchat. The lesson from the article though, is still a strong one.
News outlets are collapsing as advertisers flock to social media platforms. It has major implications for society
Hi all!
I’ve included this article for you because I believe it’s an important part of your Marketing efforts to stay connected to the pulse of what is changing with regards to how many get their daily “news”. Consider this, “News” also includes updated health trends, fashion changes and general topics that all fall within the scope of the Beauty Industry, and what you provide as professionals. If more people are relying on social platforms for their news….then consider yourself part of delivering news and information to your customers, clients and followers……make sure that information you share is accurate and well vetted. Do this to become a “trusted” source of Beauty industry information. Doing this well can certainly become a large part of attaching clients to you in a more effective, long-lasting way.
This is a very good article for all of you to read. It’s not very long, so it won’t take much time. I feel it provides some very good insight into possible scenarios for future marketing hurdles. Help keep your marketing efforts effective by better understanding what your audience may or may not find compelling to follow as social media habits change.
Many Americans find value in getting news on social media, but concerns about inaccuracy have risen
Hi all!
The beauty of the “Beauty industry” is that trends change constantly…..in a way, your marketing efforts should contain the equivalent of “news updates” to those who follow your brand. If this is something you find value in, this article has some great insights.
4 Ways Social Platforms Could Look To Integrate Generative AI
Hi all!
Articles that deal with the continued growth and integration of all things “AI” are worth reading (IMO). This is a shorter article that i thought had some decent information.
MrBeast Uploads Clip Directly to X for the First Time as the Platform Leans Into Video Content
Hi all!
The reason I’m sharing this article is encourage all of you to stay on top of all major platform news and updates. This article speaks to X (formerly twitter) and their push to increase earning potential for creators/influencers video content. If you are currently (or have interest in) “monetizing” content as part of your brand’s income streams, then this article should prove interesting.
Inside the creator marketing trends expected to go viral in 2024
Hi all!
This is a longer article but it is worth reading. It contains some decent insights into 2024 Marketing trends and it never hurts to be as informed as possible when planning your own brand strategy going into a new year.
TikTok Launches 2024 Marketing Calendar to Assist in Your Planning
Hi all!
First Marketing update article for 2024. If you click on the blue “content planning guide for 2024 link” in the article, it’ll take you to the TikTok for business website where you can download the calendar(s) directly.
Content Marketing Checklist for 2024: 24 Steps to Online Success
Hi all!
This in-depth article touches on some very good points and advice. A great content strategy will help you grow your brand in a faster, more effective way.
This is a longer article but I would highly recommend reading through it.
These articles are always good for some insight but remember as always to do your homework and that results can vary depending on the content/audiences you’re working with.
Snapchat Launches Snapchat+ Gift Memberships for Christmas
Hi all!
I’m sharing this article primarily to make you aware of Snapchat+ (if you’re not already familiar). I believe it holds interesting opportunities for small businesses (and individuals) to connect and sell (service/products) to clients in a unique way. Enjoy!
MARKETING UPDATES
