JB’s Digital Update 7th October 2024

Google’s cookie conundrum continues, AI tools promise quick fixes but deliver more paperwork, Instagram shares tips from the top, and Google Search Console finally gets useful—let’s break it down in this week’s Digital Update.

Just when we thought we were ready to ditch cookies for good, Google has decided to backtrack. With first-party systems being touted as the golden child of data collection, the reality remains that they’re far too expensive for most businesses—meaning the big players get the cake while the little guys are left with crumbs. Read more here.

So, what’s the takeaway? If you’re still relying on third-party cookies, it’s time to rethink your strategy. You’ll need to explore cost-effective methods for collecting first-party data that can work for your business size. The cookie-less future is coming—don’t get caught flat-footed.

For those looking for guidance on data management and collection, our Virtual Chief Marketing Officer (VCMO) service can help strategise a more sustainable approach to your data needs. Let’s chat about making your data work for you.

In an effort to make search results snappier, Google is rolling out new AI overview links that promise to organise search results. But hold your applause! Is this really the future we were hoping for? While these updates may offer some usefulness, they are likely to reduce traffic for those who actually create the content that Google feeds off. Read more here.

What does this mean for us marketers? It’s a tricky road ahead for digital marketers as we navigate the fine line between leveraging new tools and maintaining visibility in search results. It’s a call to adapt. If your traffic relies heavily on organic search, you might need to reconsider your content strategies. Creating high-quality, engaging content will be crucial to stay relevant.

If you’re feeling the pinch from changing search algorithms, let’s discuss our SEO services to ensure your visibility remains strong despite these shifts. Don’t let the AI trends leave you in the dust!

In theory, generative AI should help us accomplish more in less time. However, my gut feeling is that we may end up with more reports and less actual action. Let’s be honest, the reality might be more about creating a mountain of reports rather than making any significant progress. Read more here.

We’ve all seen how shiny new tools can lead to a surge in activity but often leave us with little more than numbers on a spreadsheet. To get the most out of generative AI, we need to remain focused on action rather than just data collection.

If you’re interested in using AI effectively, our Digital Marketing Strategy service can help integrate these tools into your workflow without drowning in reports. Let’s make sure your AI initiatives drive results!

Instagram has rolled out a new hub featuring best practices, aimed at helping creators up their game. It’s refreshing to see a platform share insights, especially when those insights reflect real experiences from seasoned influencers. Read more here. 

What’s the lesson here? Don’t just rely on the platform; learn from those who’ve been there and done that. Best practices are only as good as the effort you put into applying them to your campaigns.

If you’re looking to boost your social media presence, our Social Media Management service can help craft a strategy that works. Let’s connect and get your social media strategy in shape!

Google Search Console has finally made a long-awaited improvement: sticky filters for performance reports. Gone are the days of resetting your filters every time you check your metrics—finally, some efficiency! Read more here. 

This change is a welcome relief for marketers who rely on performance data to inform their strategies. Streamlining this process means you can spend more time analysing data and less time fiddling with settings.

If you’re keen on maximising your insights from data, let’s chat about how our Analytics and Performance services can make your reporting a breeze. Get in touch today!

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Thanks, JB :-)