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My kids' middle school behavior is the perfect marketing strategy 😅 Be loud, shameless, don't back down. Algorithms love authentic noise!...
I've been thinking a lot about digital marketing that's actually working right now and that we can safely assume we'll continue working in the future. And I think I finally found the perfect metaphor. It actually comes from my kids.
Two of them are in junior high school right now, and it's been really fascinating as a parent to observe how social hierarchies work in junior high school. As far as I can tell, the key to climbing to the top of the middle school social hierarchy is just to be as loud as possible without any shame. It doesn't so much matter what you're saying.
You don't even have to be using real words. In fact, just making really loud noises and then not flinching or backing down when people make fun of you will put you on the fast track to get to the cool kids table at lunch. I think that's exactly where we're at with digital marketing in 2025.
I'm not saying you should be obnoxious like a junior high school kid. You do have your brand reputation to worry about. But I do think the most important thing to keep in mind right now is to be as noisy as possible.
So what do I mean by that? I mean be active on the platforms where your customers are. I mean, create as much content as possible.
Video content, text content. Put it on your website, put it on social media channels, put it On Reddit, on forums. Pay attention to the conversations happening in your industry and insert yourself into these conversations at every opportunity.
Have opinions. Have strong opinions when you can. Speak your mind.
Build in public. Be transparent. And do this all as yourself, not as a company.
People connect with people, not with brands and businesses. This works now because the algorithms are getting more and more pervasive. These algorithms are hungry for content and personal insights, and the more of your true, authentic voice you provide, the more you'll be rewarded.
So there aren't many things I would recommend you do based on the behaviour of junior high school kids, but this is one thing they have right. Be as noisy as possible, have no shame, and don't let the opinions of other people stop you.
The passage argues brands should be active on platforms where customers already spend time.
Increase useful presence across site, social, forums, and industry conversations.
This source is connected to Marketing presence, Authentic voice.
I've been thinking a lot about digital marketing that's actually working right now and that we can safely assume we'll continue working in the future. And I think I finally found the perfect metaphor. It actually comes from my kids...