David Arkin’s Post

Steve Strauss missed Optimism in this op-ed, but that doesn’t make him any less on it: “The old, boring, ugly, ad-heavy, info-light, promos-a-go-go newsletter that so many of us are used to getting has, in the past few years, been replaced by a far sexier version. Not only sexier, but far more interesting, readable, and valuable. Newsletters today, when done right, have become valuable media properties.” Email may be old hat, but it’s still, by all metrics, the opportunity, especially in the face of changes to search, social, and referral traffic at large. https://lnkd.in/gujndtNM

The clown, the zookeeper, lazy links, and a new spin on old trash beat rags. Even an old traveling carnie can learn new tricks. Let me be clear: this isn't an article about how empty yPR link services are, nor does it criticize their usefulness. It's also not about saying PR companies are inherently bad or useless in modern search, or that their expertise is minimal. Even the mob, had good intentions of running a legitimate business. I'm sure there's transparency somewhere, however small and hidden in modern PR. But if you're utilizing PR to build links, which is like asking your butchers dog for neurology advice…… here's how it typically works, and why these trashy, spun-up, empty, fake-DA links installed by near novice to interns. Few things, if you never asked to build links, you probably dont need to be building links. if youre paying a monthly link build campaign, id love to show you how useless it is. the collosal, expensive markups, the misalignment with your goals, and the complete lack of oversight or measurement. Here's how these agencies provide a service so poor it begs the question: why are they charging outrageous fees for this garbage? PR agencies, despite potential backlash, follow this process for media placements with smbs and linkbuilds: * They start by accessing platforms like Icopify.co. * Next, they select relevant categories. * They proceed to purchase posts from websites with a domain rating of 90 or higher, sometimes utilizing the service of link wholesalers. * The aim is to secure mentions and backlinks for the business. * Finally, they easily distribute press releases to media outlets. Thats the entire secret. its simplicity to grossly overcharge for at best itself to most likley disadvantages to your goal. It's like training a dog in the circus, or dressing a fish in a tuxedo—amusing, but utterly pointless. Let's skip the theatrics and focus on what truly matters: PR R U SRS. Agencies shouldn't charge hundreds of thousands of dollars for trash their suppliers can't even showcase or measure. And just like in the world of link equity authority management, it's slippery. If you're buying links, ask yourself why. If you've been doing it for over two years, I'll gladly show you their value – and the ridiculous fees from your "great relationship" agency. If I'm wrong, I'll build the next set of links. If I'm right, you stop burning money, and the agency ceases to invoice you like a clown. The Challenge: PR should do whatever is PR does then do search services as its new golden goose when yeah it’s hurtful to the over all goal, but accompanied with extraordinary prices. Search has never been so disastrous and out of answers, and these idiots are selling 90s blogs from there uncles hotrod project for 50 grand. really? pr link builds: effectiveness: -2/10 attention to production: 1/10 agencys actual interest: 0/10 slimeball factor: 15/10 creativity and insight: -10/10

Day 1: Thirty Days of Unsolicited Social Media Advice You Didn’t Ask For, But I’ve Learned Over 5 Years in the industry “Nobody Cares About You” This one was tough to accept, but it's the truth: People don’t really care about your meals, who you're with, or your personal life. What they care about is the value they receive from your content. Ask yourself: Can someone learn something from this? Will they be entertained? Does this information inspire them to visit a new restaurant or try a new activity? It's time to shift the focus from "me-centered" content to creating content that provides genuine value. Let’s start delivering what our audience truly wants.

31 Days of December Content Ideas to Keep Your Social Media Buzzing (and You Sane) December is here! And let’s be honest—if you’re a small business owner like a bakery serving those festive gingerbread cookies, an author trying to finish that one last chapter before the year ends, a designer running on caffeine, or a solopreneur juggling a million things at once, this month is likely one busy blur of tinsel, orders, and exhaustion. To help you stay on track with your social media, I’ve put together 31 content ideas that are engaging, easy, and (most importantly) doable for the entire month of December. These ideas will make your followers laugh, feel inspired, and stay connected to your brand—all while you’re doing the very necessary work of wrapping gifts and trying not to spill hot cocoa on important paperwork. READ HERE for more: https://lnkd.in/gEu4PHpS DOWNLOAD SLIDES HERE: https://lnkd.in/gaTqjEYf

Yet another article on why newsletters are a solid investment! With businesses like The Hustle and Morning Brew being sold for millions, it’s clear: newsletters are serious business. Whether you’re curating content or giving your audience a unique voice, the potential for growth is huge—oh, and did I mention the money printer part? It’s time to rethink newsletters—low cost, high reward, and endless possibilities! #NewsletterMarketing #DigitalGrowth #EmailMarketing

Go VIRAL with this hook 🪝 I hated IG and struggled to grow my accounts for years! UNTIL I started using a proper growth strategy that works. And part of this strategy is using HOOKS to stop people from scrolling... ¿ Wanna know the hook? 🪝 🙋🏻♀️”15 hooks that will position you as an authority” Here’s my 20 best performing hooks you’ll want to save & use: • Stop complaining that. if you’re still doing this... • I stopped_ and_ happened * Why I’m no longer * Steal my secret strategy to (desired goal/ result) * My secret strategy to _ * Fastest way to _ now * How to in (x) minutes (insert your audiences pain points) * The fastest way to_ (achieve a specific goal) * TOP 5 _ (insert a specific goal) * It took me (x time) to learn this, but l’ll teach you in 5 seconds * POV: you found the secret recipe to _ * If your goal is to_, you need to stop doing. * My step-by-step strategy to * If you’re tired of (common struggle), it’s time to try _ * Still doing._? Here’s what you should actually do to get * What I wish I knew when I started (your niche) * Major mistakes most make (person of your niche) * Why doing -(insert most common thing) will not help (desire)! REMEMBER: - The goal of each of your reels (or at least most of them if you’re wanting to reach more people) should be to make them either super SHAREABLE or super SAVEABLE (or both). THIS IS THE SECRET TO VIRAL CONTENT! - ⏭️SHAREABLE: This is content that makes your ideal follower think, “This is so me!” OR “This reminds me of this person”. It’s specific enough to your niche that it makes them feel seen, heard, and understood... and then they share it! It’s relatable! - 💾SAVEABLE: Content that is providing value to your ideal follower. - This can be knowledge, encouragement, guidance, advice, ideas, etc. Anything that they would want to “save” and come back to later. • 🎵Don’t forget to use EARLY trending audio (under 1000 uses) - $ Follow @angee.hernandez for more IG growth tips! . . #socialmedia #socialmediamarketing #socialmediagrowth

Feeling stuck on what to post this December? 🎄 Let’s make your content festive, fun, and engaging! I’ve put together 31 creative content ideas—one for each day of the month—to keep your audience hooked, your clients impressed, and your feed looking 🔥. From creative holiday vibes to year-end reflections, there’s something for everyone! 👉 Swipe through this post to check out the ideas and start planning your December content like a pro. P.S. Our 15 early bird deals for Studio Socials Club and SMM Academy flew off the shelves faster than I could say “Black Friday”! 🎉 BUT you still have a chance to grab 6 months FREE membership in the Club if you join SMM Academy by Friday. 💬 Which content idea are you most excited to use? Drop it below—I want to hear! 👇 #socialmediamanagerlife #contentplanningtips #socialmediaideas #holidaycontent #contentstrategy #smmcommunity #freelancelife #growyourbiz #contentcalendar #smmessentials #holidaymarketing #blackfriday2024 #socialmediaplanning #digitalmarketingtips #socialmediatips

In case you were wondering what content was trending this week... 🍗 Google Trends just dropped a golden nugget—a state-by-state breakdown of Thanksgiving side dish searches. Spoiler alert: green bean casserole is stealing the spotlight. ✨ As a social media specialist, it’s moments like these that remind me how real-time trends (and sometimes the unexpected ones) can inspire relatable, shareable content. So, the question is: Are you aligning your content with what’s on people’s minds? Because if green bean casserole can go viral, so can your message. 😉 What’s your state’s go-to Thanksgiving side dish? Let me know 👇 (PS: I’m stuffing 🦃🍞). #SocialMediaTrends #ThanksgivingContent #GreenBeanCasseroleGoals

Season 7 of my newsletter has officially wrapped (although there's an unofficial bonus issue next week so 🤷♀️ ) and I thought it's a good time to stop and smell the roses: 🌹 12 issues, 1 intermission, and 1 bonus, making 14 weeks of new content 🌹 I brought on help for the first time, outsourcing the social media promotion of the issues (my most disliked part of running a newsletter) 🌹4 out of the top 5 posts of all time are from this season (huge considering the top 5 posts was stagnant for a LONG time) 🌹DOUBLED subscribers this season 🌹Speaking of subscribers, more than previous seasons it feels like I made good friends with long time and new subs, and the people I interviewed 🌹Speaking of interviews, had 3 legends on this season (Chris Perrine, axel sukianto, and Travis Pearce) 🌹Launched a YouTube video for the first time 🌹Launched a WhatsApp community for marketing chit chat! 🌹Tested out Refind as a subscriber acquisition channel (most of the doubling is thanks to them 🙏 ) The most common question I get is how I produce so much content and I honestly can't really give away any secrets. Writing comes really naturally to me, and my #1 tip for having a content strategy is to first have something you actually want to say. I am the type of person who likes to soundboard and sense check, and working as a solo marketer for the majority of my career has meant I haven't had anyone to do that with, which is why I started Mehdeeka - B2B Marketing Newsletter in the first place. It's my "think out loud" place, so topics are always based on what I'm working on at that time and are very practical. If this is your first time hearing of Mehdeeka - B2B Marketing Newsletter, please do check it out and know that even though Season 7 is over, Season 8 is on its way!! #Marketing #ContentMarketing #Newsletter #B2BMarketing #Leadership

The 'Substack Pledges' feature is an underrated tool for content creators to determine if they have market validation. Here's why: 🔍 Real-Time Feedback: See exactly which content your readers value by their financial support. 📊 Data-Driven Insights: Use pledge data to understand audience preferences and tailor your content accordingly. 💬 Community Engagement: Build a loyal community that's invested in your success. 📈 Growth Opportunities: Refine your strategy and attract more pledgers with clear insights. Substack Pledges are more than just a revenue stream—they're a powerful tool for market validation. Check the link below to learn more about Substack pledges: https://lnkd.in/d-fxh_P7