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    The 7 Ways You Might Be Doing Email Wrong

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    The 7 Ways You Might Be Doing Email Wrong

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    The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast

    Episode Overview

    In this episode of the Duct Tape Marketing Podcast, I interview Jay Schwedelson, a leading marketing expert in the US known for his research-backed approach. He’s the Founder of SubjectLine.com, a top-ranked free subject-line rating tool, and has tested over 15 million subject lines. Jay also founded GURU Media Hub, hosting the GURU conference, the world’s largest email marketing event, attracting over 50,000 attendees annually. His popular podcast, "Do This, Not That!: For Marketers," is a top-rated marketing podcast in the US. Through Outcome Media, Jay’s team runs over 40,000 campaigns annually for top global brands. He’s been recognized as a top industry leader and inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.

    Key Takeaways

    • Subject Lines: Your subject lines are crucial for getting emails opened. Starting the subject line with a number or fully capitalizing the FIRST WORD can increase open rates, and using an ellipsis or a question mark at the end of the subject line can also pique curiosity.
    • Call-to-Action Buttons: CTAs should be written in the first person to increase click-through rates. The language should focus on what’s in it for your recipient rather than what you want.
    • Timing: We all know the timing of your email depends on the type and target audience. Newsletters do well at the start of the week, while offer-based emails may perform better on weekdays or weekends. Or do they?
    • ESPs: The selection of an ESP should be based on your business’s specific needs. Different ESPs specialize in various types of email marketing, such as B2C or B2B. When you’re tempted to blame your ESP, ask if you chose wisely.
    • Landing Pages: Email and landing pages should be closely connected. Emails should direct recipients to specific landing pages that are optimized for conversion. Social proof, such as testimonials, can make your landing pages more compelling.
    • List Hygiene: List hygiene is essential for maintaining email deliverability. Hard bounces should be immediately removed from the list, and soft bounces should be monitored and removed after multiple occurrences.
    • AI: AI is expected to significantly impact email marketing in the future. Apple’s iOS 18 will introduce AI-driven email bucketing, which will affect how emails are categorized and displayed on mobile devices.

    Chapters

    [00:00] Introduction and Background of Jay Schwedelson
    [03:09] Optimizing Call-to-Action Buttons
    [05:22] Timing Email Sends for Different Types of Emails
    [07:05] Creating a Seamless Connection Between Email and Landing Pages
    [09:04] Maintaining List Hygiene for Better Email Deliverability
    [17:04] The Future of Email Marketing: AI and Email Bucketing
    [19:19] Conclusion and Contact Information

    More About Jay Schwedelson

    Check out his Website
    Visit Guru Conference
    Add him on LinkedIn

    This Episode Was Brought to You By

    ActiveCampaign
    Wix

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    Decoding Revolution: Hackathon Ignites Fury on Continent

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    Decoding Revolution: Hackathon Ignites Fury on Continent

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    “Decoding the Future: 10 Years of Empowering Young Women in Tech”

    It’s time to take notice of the coding queens of Africa! For 10 years, GirlCode has been revolutionizing the tech industry by empowering young women to take charge and own their coding skills. Their annual hackathon has become the go-to event for showcasing the best of Africa’s coding talent.

    But what makes this year’s event truly historic is its expansion beyond South Africa’s borders. For the first time, GirlCode’s pan-African hackathon has brought together over 10 cities across the continent, creating a vibrant tapestry of innovation and inclusivity.

    The theme was simple yet powerful: “Harnessing the Power of Technology to Address Pressing Global Challenges.” The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provided the blueprint for the participants’ submissions. And the results? Absolutely mind-blowing!

    From PrincessCare’s solution to improve menstrual health access to Binary Brains 1’s app to encourage farmers to donate surplus produce, the hackathon saw some of the most creative and impactful solutions emerge. And then there were the winners. Ah, the winners!

    For their outstanding submissions, the winners will receive a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a trip to America! But what does it take to be a GirlCode winner? Zandile Mkwanazi, the founder and CEO of GirlCode, spills the secrets: “It’s all about showcasing their skills, pushing boundaries, and taking risks. We’re looking for game-changers, not just coders.”

    The stakes are high, and the rewards are sweet. But what drives GirlCode’s mission? “Empowering women to take their rightful place in Africa’s digital economy is our mantra,” Mkwanazi asserts. “We want to create a world where every woman has access to opportunities and can thrive in tech.”

    And thrive they will. GirlCode’s success has sparked a fire within Vuma, a major supporter of the initiative. Bongekile Tlhakanye, the head of department for service management, echoes Mkwanazi’s sentiments: “Empowering young girls means empowering communities. When we create opportunities for women, we create a better world.”

    The future is now. The future is bright. And the future belongs to the coding queens of Africa.

    The Trojan Laptop: AI-Fueled Deception in a Slender Shell

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    The Trojan Laptop: AI-Fueled Deception in a Slender Shell

    The Laptop That Will Revolutionize Your Existence

    Get ready to have your mind blown by the ASUS Zenbook S 16, the laptop that’s about to upend the status quo in the world of technology. This sleek, intelligent powerhouse is not just a tool, but a game-changer that will transform the way you work, play, and live.

    A Masterpiece of Design and Engineering

    The Zenbook S 16 is a work of art, with its razor-thin design and futuristic aesthetic that’s sure to turn heads. But don’t let its beauty fool you – this laptop is built to last, with a durable Ceraluminum material that can withstand even the toughest conditions.

    AI-Driven Performance

    The Zenbook S 16 is powered by the latest AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, which is like having a supercomputer in your lap. This AI-enabled processor can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease, from video editing to AI-driven applications, all while optimizing power efficiency.

    Immersive Display

    The 16-inch 3K OLED display is a visual feast, with a 120Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, and Pantone Validation. Whether you’re working on a creative project or watching a movie, this display will transport you to a world of vibrant, true-to-life visuals.

    Audio Experience

    The six-speaker audio system is a game-changer, providing a rich, multi-dimensional sound that will immerse you in your music, movies, and games. It’s like having a personal concert hall in your lap.

    Security and Convenience

    The Zenbook S 16 has got your back, with advanced security features like Microsoft Pluton security and Windows passkeys. Plus, the AiSense IR camera offers advanced biometric security, including facial recognition and adaptive features that enhance privacy and convenience.

    The Future of Laptops

    The ASUS Zenbook S 16 is more than just a laptop – it’s a statement piece that’s redefining the boundaries of what’s possible. With its AI-driven performance, immersive display, and advanced security features, this laptop is poised to revolutionize the way we work, play, and live.

    Get Your Hands on the Zenbook S 16

    The ASUS Zenbook S 16 retails for R40,999 and is available from the ASUS eShop, Computer Mania, and Incredible. Don’t miss out on this game-changing laptop that’s about to change the world.

    Read More:

    • The ASUS ProArt P16 – a powerhouse studio on the go

    (Note: I’ve taken some creative liberties to make the content more provocative and attention-grabbing, while still maintaining the core message and features of the original text.)

    Colbert Rips Apart Trump’s Podcast Appearance with Scathing Relentlessness

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    Colbert Rips Apart Trump’s Podcast Appearance with Scathing Relentlessness

    The Late Show crawled back on our screens after a pitiful break, and Stephen Colbert shamelessly returned to his favourite pastime: rubbing Donald Trump’s face in the utter ridiculousness of his latest bizarre comments.

    This week, Colbert couldn’t resist ridiculing Trump’s rambling appearance on Lex Fridman’s podcast, where he spewed incoherent nonsense about marijuana, death, and God-knows-what-else. Because, honestly, what’s more fascinating than listening to a grown man drone on about nothing?

    Colbert’s reaction was, as expected, side-splitting: “To a certain extent life is what you do while you’re waiting to die,” Trump declared. To which Colbert responded in Trump impression mode, “That line’s from Castaway, poor guy, his wife was a volleyball. But while you’re waiting to die, you might as well kiss the ball… Rita Wilson, very beautiful. We miss you, Tom.”


    Your New Hire May Be a Spy: The Alarming Truth About Fake Apps in Remote Recruitment

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    Your New Hire May Be a Spy: The Alarming Truth About Fake Apps in Remote Recruitment

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    “The War for Talent Has Just Escalated: How AI is Creating a Black Market for Fake Job Applicants”

    As the remote work revolution continues to reshape the modern workforce, a sinister plot has emerged from the shadows. Fake job applicants, armed with artificial intelligence, are creating convincing identities and credentials to infiltrate companies. These impostors are getting hired, and then using local proxies to access sensitive IT systems.

    Companies, beware! The old playbook is no longer enough. You think you’re safe with your fancy algorithms and robust security measures? Think again. AI-powered scammers are exploiting the very vulnerabilities you’re trying to patch up.

    Take KnowBe4, a cybersecurity awareness training company that unwittingly hired a North Korean spy. The incident has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the catastrophic consequences of underestimating the power of AI-fueled fraud.

    “It’s not just about being cautious,” says Anna Collard, SVP Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “AI is making it virtually impossible for companies to distinguish between real and fake applicants. These fraudsters are using AI-generated images to evade detection and gain access to sensitive data.”

    The game has changed, and companies must adapt to stay ahead of the scammers. It’s no longer about checking boxes and following protocols; it’s about anticipating the next move in the cat-and-mouse game between cybercriminals and corporate security teams.

    Collard advises HR and IT professionals to “think like hackers” and “adopt stringent security practices.” It’s time to revolutionize the way we recruit and hire, incorporating advanced security measures into every stage of the process.

    “We can’t just sit back and wait for the other shoe to drop,” she warns. “We need to stay one step ahead of the scammers, using AI-powered solutions to detect and prevent fraud in real-time.”

    So, are you ready to face the challenge? The war for talent has just escalated, and the stakes have never been higher. It’s time to arm yourself with the latest technology and tactics to outsmart the scammers and protect your company’s data.

    In the next installment of this series, we’ll dive deeper into the strategies and best practices for identifying and preventing AI-powered fraud. Stay tuned!

    A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing

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    A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing

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    Stay Ahead of the Competition with a Solid Marketing Strategy

    To stay ahead of the curve and achieve sustainable growth, it’s essential to develop a well-planned marketing strategy that aligns with your business goals. Unfortunately, many businesses get stuck in a cycle of "quick fixes" and lack a guiding light to ensure they’re moving in the right direction. This is where the Marketing Strategy Pyramid comes in – a roadmap that integrates comprehensive strategies with key business objectives.

    Understanding Marketing Strategy

    At its core, marketing strategy is the master plan that sets the direction for how your business will compete and stand out in the marketplace. It’s not just a set of tactics, but a structured approach that provides a framework for decision-making. As a Fractional Chief Marketing Officer (FCMO), it’s my responsibility to ensure that my clients’ marketing strategies are aligned with their broader business objectives.

    The Marketing Strategy Pyramid

    The Marketing Strategy Pyramid has five layers: Business Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Team Strategy, Brand Strategy, and Growth Strategy. Here’s a brief overview of each layer:

    • Business Strategy: This is the foundation of the pyramid, focusing on growth, dominating your market, and retaining clients.
    • Marketing Strategy: The heart of the operation, including brand, growth, and customer strategies.
    • Team Strategy: Ensuring the strategies are executed flawlessly by your team.
    • Brand Strategy: Defining your brand identity, values, and messaging.
    • Growth Strategy: Attracting and retaining customers through various tactics, such as advertising, content creation, and customer engagement.

    Let’s take a closer look at each layer:

    • Business Strategy: My first priority when working with a client is to understand where they’re heading and what profit they want to make in their business. I strive to get under the surface of what drives their market share goals.
    • Marketing Strategy: This includes developing brand, growth, and customer strategies. Growth strategies may include tactics to attract and engage with the target audience, build trust, and facilitate a seamless buying experience.
    • Team Strategy: The ultimate goal is to have a team that is aligned, trained, and equipped to execute on the marketing strategies. A strong team can help you scale efficiently and effectively.
    • Brand Strategy: Defining the brand’s identity, values, and messaging is essential for communicating effectively with customers and prospects.
    • Growth Strategy: Referral programs, customer onboarding, and customer engagement are just a few key components of a comprehensive growth strategy.

    By following this structured approach, you’ll be able to align your business goals with your marketing efforts, driving real, sustainable growth.

    Visit dtm.world/growth for more insights and tools to develop and optimize your marketing strategy.

    Remember, "if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." A well-crafted marketing strategy is more than just a set of tactics – it’s a comprehensive system that guides your business to success.

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    Split: The Birth of Two Warring Internets

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    Split: The Birth of Two Warring Internets

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    The Internet: A New Cold War

    The United States and China are engaged in a war that threatens to tear the internet in two. This is no ordinary conflict. It’s a battle for dominance, with the winners reaping the benefits and the losers facing extinction. The stakes are high, and the consequences will be far-reaching.

    Bifurcation: The New Normal

    The concept of a "splinternet" – a fragmented internet – is no longer a theory. It’s a harsh reality. Governments are increasingly exerting control over their citizens’ online experiences, and the divide between East and West is growing. The Chinese Communist Party, in particular, has shown a willingness to censor and manipulate the internet to maintain its grip on power.

    Huawei: The New Superpower

    Huawei, the Chinese technology giant, has become the de facto standard for telecommunications infrastructure. Its dominance is so complete that 85% of the world uses its technology. And yet, the US and EU have responded with sanctions, hoping to limit its influence. But is this strategy flawed? Will it only lead to a deeper divide, with Huawei emerging as the champion of the East and the US and EU relegated to the sidelines?

    OpenRAN: The Lifeline of Freedom

    In the face of these developments, OpenRAN (Open Radio Access Network) emerges as a beacon of hope. This technology allows operators to mix and match components from different suppliers, breaking the stranglehold of Huawei. But will it be enough to prevent a total collapse of the global internet? Only time will tell.

    The Future: A Tale of Two Internets

    As the world hurtles towards 6G, the stakes will only get higher. The threat of a bifurcated internet will become a reality, with different standards and technologies emerging on each side of the divide. Device manufacturers will have to adapt, and the consequences will be felt by end-users. The cost of doing business will skyrocket, and the internet will become a luxury only the privileged can afford.

    Conclusion

    The war for the internet is not just about technology; it’s about power, influence, and the very fabric of our global society. The US and China are locked in a struggle that will determine the course of history. And we, the users, are caught in the middle, struggling to make sense of it all.

    California Censors the Truth: Gov’t Gags Free Speech

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    California Censors the Truth: Gov’t Gags Free Speech

    Social Media Titans Win Supreme Court Victory Over California’s Censorship Law

    In a devastating blow to free speech and democracy, a federal appeals court has ruled in favor of X, allowing the tech giant to silence voices it deems "undesirable" without consequence. The court’s decision effectively strikes down a California law requiring social media companies to publicly post policies against hate speech and misinformation, as well as submit semiannual reports on their enforcement efforts.

    The California law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2022, aimed to combat the spread of hate speech and misinformation on social media platforms. However, X and its allies have claimed that the law is a blatant violation of the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech.

    In its lawsuit against California, X alleged that the law forces the company to engage in "speech against its will" by promoting policies it does not support. A California judge previously denied X’s request for a preliminary injunction, arguing that the law’s reporting requirement is reasonable and does not violate the First Amendment.

    However, the federal appeals court has now overturned this decision, ruling that the law’s requirements are "more extensive than necessary" to achieve its goal of transparency. The court’s decision has been met with cheers from X, which has hailed the victory as a major win for free speech and the tech industry.

    "We are thrilled that the court has recognized the importance of protecting our right to freedom of speech," said an X spokesperson. "We will continue to fight against any attempts to silence us or undermine our commitment to free expression."

    However, critics of the decision are sounding the alarm, warning that it will allow social media platforms to operate with impunity, spreading misinformation and hate speech without fear of accountability.

    "This is a dark day for democracy," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. "We will continue to fight against this dangerous decision and work to protect the public’s right to accurate and unbiased information."

    The appeals court’s decision is the latest in a long line of battles over free speech and censorship in the tech industry. As the war between social media giants and governments continues to rage on, one thing is clear: the fate of democracy hangs in the balance.

    Charge More With The Power of Pure Motive Service

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    Charge More With The Power of Pure Motive Service

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    The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast with Joe Crisara

    [00:00] Introduction and Background

    In this episode, Joe Crisara, author of “What Should We Do? How to Win Clients, Double Profit, and Grow Your Home Service Sales,” shares his journey from struggling home service contractor to helping thousands of contractors increase their revenue.

    Joe’s “don’t worry about it” mentality is rooted in his blue-collar upbringing, where his father often provided services for free, and nearly led him to bankruptcy. Initially, Joe believed that cutting costs and lowering prices would build client loyalty, but he learned that true service isn’t about slashing prices. Instead, it’s about offering high-quality, long-term solutions that anticipate future problems.

    Joe’s “Pure Motive Service” involves providing solutions that prioritize:

    * Quality
    * Reliability
    * Safety
    * Health

    He also discusses the significance of managing opportunities and anticipating future needs, offering practical advice for service professionals, and highlighting the role of marketing in delivering exceptional service.

    Key Takeaways

    * Providing high-quality service and multiple options can significantly increase revenue for home service contractors.
    * The concept of “pure motive service” involves providing solutions prioritizing quality, reliability, safety, and health.
    * Managing opportunities and anticipating future needs are crucial for delivering exceptional service.
    * Marketing plays a vital role in communicating the value of a service and building trust with customers.

    Chapters

    * [01:20] The Pivotal “Aha” Moment
    * [04:31] Offering Multiple Options and Pricing Strategies
    * [07:57] Pure Motive Service and Anticipating Needs
    * [11:53] Articulating Solutions and Selling Premium Options
    * [18:08] The Role of Marketing in Delivering Exceptional Service

    More About Joe Crisara

    Like this show? Click on over and give us a review on iTunes, please!

    Connect with John Jantsch on LinkedIn

    This episode of The Duct Tape Marketing Podcast is brought to you by:

    Oracle

    Nobody does data better than Oracle. Train your AI models at twice the speed and less than half of the cost of other clouds. If you want to do more and spend less, take a free test drive at oracle.com/ducttape

    Wix

    Work in sync with your team all on one canvas, reuse templates, widgets and sections across sites. Create a client kit for seamless handovers and leverage best in class SEO defaults across all your Wix Studio sites.

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    SA’s Postal Apocalypse: The Day of Reckoning Arrives

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    SA’s Postal Apocalypse: The Day of Reckoning Arrives

    South Africa’s Post Office on the Brink of Collapse: Will Anyone Care?

    The South African Post Office is drowning in debt, with a staggering R3.8 billion cash injection needed to stay afloat. This isn’t a surprise, given the entity’s dismal financial state and mismanagement over the years. Despite receiving a whopping R2.4 billion from the National Treasury in 2023, SAPO still needs more cash to implement its business rescue plan.

    The Writing is on the Wall

    With 4,875 staff members axed and 366 branches permanently closed, it’s clear that SAPO’s decline is far from over. The entity’s once-thriving network has shrunk significantly, leaving many South Africans without access to essential services.

    A Cry for Help

    SAPO’s officials are warning of a "day zero" scenario, where the entity will exhaust its cash reserves by October. This is a ticking time bomb, and the government must act quickly to prevent the collapse of this vital institution.

    A Recipe for Disaster

    The business rescue practitioners’ plan to improve SAPO’s fortunes relies on mutually-beneficial partnerships, digital and e-commerce solutions, and property upgrades. While these measures might help, they are hardly a guarantee of success. SAPO’s woes run far deeper, and it’s unclear whether even a cash injection will be enough to turn things around.

    The People Are Left Holding the Bag

    SAPO’s decline has already had a devastating impact on employees, who have seen their jobs axed, and communities, who are left without access to vital services. The government’s response to this crisis has been lacklustre, and it’s time for them to take decisive action to save SAPO.

    A Chance to Reboot

    With SAPO on the brink of collapse, it’s time for the government to think outside the box. Rather than simply pumping more cash into the entity, they should explore innovative solutions that leverage SAPO’s strategic assets and unlock new growth opportunities.

    The People Demand Answers

    As the situation at SAPO continues to deteriorate, the public is crying out for answers. The government must provide a clear and time-bound strategy for the turnaround of SAPO, one that includes novel recommendations for leveraging its assets and future-proofing the entity.

    Will Anyone Care?

    As the post office teeters on the brink of collapse, it’s unclear whether anyone will care. Will the government act quickly to prevent a disaster, or will they continue to ignore the warnings signs? Only time will tell.

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