LinkedIn's automation crackdown is getting serious. Bans are happening daily. But here's the thing - even if you dodge the ban, your cold outreach is still getting ignored.

I get about 15 cold pitches a day. Every single one goes straight to the trash. You know what gets my attention? The person who commented on my post last week about AI tools. The one who had something interesting to say about the Harlequins' last Premiership rugby match. The entrepreneur who asked if the Maple Leafs will ever win a cup again.

That's not selling. That's being human.

The Comment Strategy That Actually Builds Your Brand

Here's what most people miss: your comments on other people's content are pure visibility gold.

When you drop a thoughtful comment on a post from someone in your niche - whether that's an influencer, a competitor, or just someone doing interesting work - watch what happens to your impression count. Hundreds, sometimes thousands of people will see your comment. And when they see it, they also see your headline, your face, your personal brand.

That's free real estate.

But here's the catch: your comment has to actually add value. "Great post!" doesn't cut it. "This is so insightful!" is lazy. You need to bring something to the conversation. Share an experience. Ask a challenging question. Disagree respectfully with a specific point. Make people think.

The people scrolling through those comments? They're your potential clients, partners, and connections. Show them you have something worth saying. 

I sat down with LinkedIn Expert Jasmin Alic to discuss this very topic. Check out my talk with this LinkedIn Guru who amassed a following of 335K+ followers on LinkedIn:

 

We're living through a fascinating paradox. While AI tools like ChatGPT-4 and Meta's AI suggestions can pump out content faster than ever, people are actually craving more human connection, not less.

I recently sat down with Anthony Leung, a B2B video marketing expert based in London, UK, to discuss where content creation is heading. What we uncovered should make every business owner rethink their approach to AI in marketing.

The Trust Crisis Nobody's Talking About

Here's the uncomfortable truth: AI has made it incredibly easy for anyone to be mediocre at scale. As Anthony put it during our conversation, "AI has made it so easy for so many people to be mediocre so quickly."

The result? Your feed is flooded with generic content that sounds smart but feels hollow. Business owners are using AI to generate posts about topics they've never experienced, creating a dangerous disconnect between their online persona and reality.

Imagine showing up to a networking event and having someone ask about that "sumo wrestling post" you published last week, except you've never written about sumo wrestling. Your AI assistant scraped that from the news and published it under your name. That's the nightmare scenario we're heading toward if we don't course-correct.

The Conan O'Brien Strategy (Yes, Really)

Anthony shared something brilliant that changed how I think about content strategy. He calls it learning from Conan O'Brien's LinkedIn approach. When Conan took over The Tonight Show and later got fired, he spent months experimenting with LinkedIn in the most human way possible — posting about random experiences, making jokes, and treating the platform like a playground rather than a corporate announcement board.

The lesson? LinkedIn doesn't have to be the "void of joy" that it's become. When Anthony posts about finding pancakes in London that remind him of his favourite Toronto restaurant (RIP Marché), he gets more authentic engagement than any AI-generated "leadership insight" ever could.

Why Your Imperfections Are Your Superpower

In our research comparing AI-generated ad copy to human-written content across multiple industries, we found that human copywriters outperformed AI in cost-effectiveness in 9 out of 12 cases. But the real insight wasn't in the numbers — it was in understanding why.

Human writers bring something AI can't replicate: personal experience and emotional nuance. When I write about playing rugby at 44, it resonates with every business owner who's trying to stay physically active in their 40s. AI can't fake that lived experience.

As Anthony noted, "Those are things that AI would not know about me. Those are things I put into my content." Your burps, your stumbles, your random food obsessions — these "imperfections" are actually what people are looking for as signs of humanity.

The Relationship Foundation That AI Can't Replace

Here's what most business owners miss: your customers don't want to log into Meta Business Manager. They don't want to analyze backlinks, manage negative keywords, or tinker with WordPress. They want someone they trust to handle it.

Most business owners are tired of the grind. When they're offered a "magical solution" that promises to automate everything while they sleep eight more hours, it's tempting. But here's the reality check: business is built on relationships, and relationships require showing up as yourself.

Would you send a clone version of yourself to a networking event? Of course not. So why would you send AI-generated content to represent your brand online?

The Smart Way to Use AI in Your Content Strategy

I'm not anti-AI. I use it strategically. I've built a Claude project with my entire knowledge base: interview transcripts, writing samples, personality assessments, and my book. When I need to create content, I feed it my raw thoughts and experiences, and it helps me structure them into a coherent post.

The key difference? I'm inserting my own experiences and context. The AI knows my writing style and won't use words I'd never say (goodbye, "delve," "unlock," and "elevate"). But the core ideas, experiences, and insights are 100% mine.

This hybrid approach cuts my content creation time from two hours to 20 minutes while maintaining authenticity. That's the sweet spot — using AI as a writing assistant, not a replacement for your thinking.

The Virtual Assistant Evolution

Speaking of assistance, the virtual assistants who will thrive in this new landscape aren't the ones who simply know how to use AI tools. They're the ones who understand how to apply AI strategically while maintaining their client's authentic voice.

These resourceful VAs will become invaluable because they can bridge the gap between efficiency and authenticity. They'll use AI to handle the heavy lifting while ensuring every piece of content feels genuinely human.

Face-to-Face Is the New Verification

Anthony made a profound point during our conversation: "Face-to-face is now a verification that you are a real person, that your thoughts are real, and that what you're going to produce on the internet has a shot of being real."

In a world where anyone can generate 50 posts with a few prompts, the people who show up in person, at conferences, at networking events, and in video calls are building a different kind of trust. They're proving they're real.

 

The Path Forward

The future belongs to business owners who can strike the right balance. Use AI to enhance your efficiency, but never let it replace your humanity. Your audience can smell generic AI content from a mile away, and more importantly, they don't want it.

Instead of asking "How can I automate more of my content?" ask "How can I show up more authentically?" The answer might surprise you, and it definitely won't involve more automation.

The businesses that will thrive are those that use AI as a tool while doubling down on human connection. Because at the end of the day, people buy from people they know, like, and trust. And you can't automate trust.

 

Want to hear more insights like this? Subscribe to Drop The Mic where I dive deep into marketing strategy with industry experts. You can also connect with me on Linkedin for more thoughts on the intersection of AI and authentic marketing.

Based on my conversation with AI leadership expert Geoff Woods on the Drop The Mic podcast

Let me guess. You've tried AI, and it felt like a waste of time.

You asked ChatGPT to write some social media posts. Maybe rewrite an email or two. The results were generic garbage that screamed "I let a robot write this," so you went back to doing everything yourself.

Here's the problem: You're using AI like it's a cheap intern when you should be treating it like your most strategic advisor.

I recently sat down with Geoff Woods, author of "The AI-Driven Leader," on my podcast. This guy helped grow a steel company's market cap from $750 million to $12 billion using AI strategically. Not by automating tweets. By thinking bigger.

Way bigger.

The Real AI Opportunity (Hint: It's Not Content Creation)

While everyone's obsessing over AI writing tools, smart business leaders are using AI to solve the problems that actually matter. Problems like:

• Understanding your customers better than your competition does
• Making strategic decisions faster and with more confidence
• Freeing up time for the 20% of work that drives 80% of your results

Think about it. When was the last time you did a team-building activity on a Friday instead of hammering away at tedious desk work? When did you last have uninterrupted time to build relationships with your best clients?

That's what AI should give you back. Not just efficiency, but effectiveness where it counts.

The CRIT Framework: How to Actually Get Good Results from AI

Geoff shared his CRIT framework that turns AI from a fancy autocomplete tool into a strategic thought partner:

C - Context: Give AI the full picture 

R - Role: Assign it to be a specific type of expert
I - Interview: This is the game-changer — have AI interview YOU 

T - Task: Then give it something specific to accomplish

Here's where most business owners screw up: They skip the Interview step because they think AI is supposed to save them time. Wrong.

AI should enhance your output, not just speed up your input.

The Interview Game-Changer

Instead of asking AI questions like it's Google, flip the script. Make it interview you.

Geoff told me about a CEO whose manufacturing company was facing bankruptcy. Instead of just asking AI "How do I restructure debt?" he used this approach:

"I'm a manufacturing CEO facing bankruptcy due to debt structure issues with a Japanese company. Here's what I've tried... Role: Act as an investment banker with debt restructuring expertise. Interview me — ask me three questions to gain deeper context so you can generate five non-obvious strategies."

The result? AI asked about his relationships with influential Japanese executives — something he never would have considered. That single insight led to a "saving face consortium" strategy that saved his company.

Ten minutes. One strategic conversation. Business saved.

How This Changes Your Marketing Game

Remember my core principle from "Drop The Mic Marketing"? You're a commodity of one selling to a community of many.

AI supercharges this concept.

Normally, it would take me hours of research to understand the pain points of a 65-year-old widow looking to downsize to a condo. With AI as my strategic partner, I can create messaging that resonates with that specific avatar in minutes.

Not generic messaging. Personalized, authentic messaging that speaks directly to her fears about leaving the family home and her excitement about a maintenance-free lifestyle.

At Merged Media, we've used AI to revolutionize our client onboarding process. Instead of spending weeks researching a new client's industry and customers, we use AI to dive deep into their business context, competitive landscape, and customer pain points in days.

We also built Chatello.ai — our 24/7 website support platform that answers customer questions instantly. No more waiting 24 hours to find out if a restaurant has vegan options. No more lost leads because someone called after hours.

The Authenticity Problem (And How to Solve It)

Here's the biggest mistake I see: Business owners using AI to write all their content without adding any personal touch.

We're getting wise to overused AI words like "delve" and "unlock." AI-generated emails and social posts are starting to leave negative impressions because they look cut-and-paste fake.

The solution? Personalize your AI.

Upload your writing samples. Feed it your old blog posts and emails. Record a conversation or upload a podcast episode so AI understands how you actually communicate. Take a personality test and share the results.

Give AI so much context about you that it can write in your voice, not robot voice.

Your Next Step (Do This Week)

If you've never used AI strategically, here's your homework:

Stop asking AI to do things for you. Start having conversations with it.

Try this: Pick your biggest business challenge right now. Use the CRIT framework:

1. Give AI full context about your situation
2. Assign it a role (expert consultant, industry veteran, etc.)
3. Have it interview you with 3-5 strategic questions
4. Then ask for non-obvious solutions

Spend 30 minutes on this exercise. I guarantee you'll walk away with insights you never would have reached on your own.

The Real Win: More Handshakes, Less Hamster Wheels

At the end of the day, this isn't about technology. It's about getting back to what makes you money: building relationships.

When AI handles the research, analysis, and strategic thinking support, you get to focus on shaking hands with the people who matter. Your best clients. Your top employees. Your family.

That's the real power of AI leadership. It doesn't replace your humanity — it amplifies it.

Just like rock and roll in the 1950s, AI isn't going anywhere. You can resist it and fall behind, or you can learn to wield it strategically and dominate your market.

Your choice.

But remember: It's not show fun. It's show business.

 

Ready to stop playing small with AI? Check out Geoff Woods' book "The AI-Driven Leader" and start thinking like a strategic leader, not a content creator. And if you want to see how we're using AI to drive real results for service-based businesses, let's talk.

Let’s be real — what worked in 2024 is already outdated.

Social media moves fast. If you’re still chasing algorithms or hoping a random post will go viral, you’re already behind. In 2025, it’s not about gaming the system — it’s about building smart systems. It’s about creating human-first content in an AI-dominated landscape. And most importantly, it’s about showing up consistently with strategy, not just speed.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re a business owner or marketer looking to win on social this year:

1. Short-Form Video Still Rules — But Only if You Nail the First 2 Seconds

TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts still dominate reach, but the real secret is your hook. If your first 2–3 seconds don’t stop the scroll, you're invisible.

Tools like Opus Clip have made it easier than ever to cut down long-form content into bite-sized pieces, but content performance still comes down to one thing: the hook.

🧠 Pro Tip: Post daily if possible. Momentum > perfection. 100–200 views a day might not sound like much, but over a month? That’s thousands of touchpoints with your audience.

2. AI-Powered Content Creation is Non-Negotiable

Generative AI isn’t optional anymore — it’s your production partner. Tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and Claude are helping brands create faster and more affordably than ever.

But here’s the catch: don’t post blindly.

Your content still needs your voice, your strategy, and alignment with your ideal customer profile (ICP). Great content comes from pairing AI tools with brand clarity and emotional intelligence.

3. DMs and Private Communities Are the New Comment Section

Engagement is shifting from the public feed to DMs and private groups. Think: Discord, Slack, Messenger, even WhatsApp.

People are craving real human connection — and let’s be honest, AI can’t replace that. The most powerful customer relationships are being built one message at a time.

4. Paid Social is Getting Smarter — and Pricier

Paid ads are more expensive than ever, but also more intelligent. The key? Feeding your ad platform with high-quality creative and first-party data.

Smart brands are using AI to dynamically test ad copy, creative variations, headlines, and audience segments — and letting the algorithm do the heavy lifting.

📈 Reminder: The more you test, the more you learn. Static ads = wasted budget.

5. Organic Reach is Dropping (Again)

This one shouldn’t surprise anyone — organic reach is declining, and it’s been that way since 2016.

The silver lining? UGC (User-Generated Content) and high-engagement content still breaks through. Authenticity always wins over overly polished brand assets.

6. Influencer Marketing is Going Micro

Big-name influencers are losing their grip. In 2025, it’s all about micro and nano influencers.

Why? Because they’re trusted. Someone with 500–1,000 followers likely has a highly engaged audience who knows them personally and that trust converts better than vanity metrics.

📊 According to Influencer Marketing Hub, brands are seeing up to 60% higher engagement rates with micro-influencers compared to larger creators.

7. Cross-Platform Strategy is a Must

Your audience isn’t living on just one platform. People bounce between TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X, and Threads.

That means repurposing content natively across platforms — same message, adapted format.

If you’re ignoring Threads or X, you’re missing half the conversation.

8. Authenticity > Everything

Audiences in 2025 expect brands to be real — not robotic. That means showing your values, being transparent, and listening more than you talk.

It only takes one tone-deaf post to lose the trust you’ve built.

Brands that lead with empathy, clarity, and consistency are the ones that stand out — especially in a sea of AI-generated noise.

Final Thought: Stop Chasing Hacks

The businesses winning right now? They’re not just viral — they’re valuable. They build trust. They deliver consistently. And yes, they leverage AI — but they do it strategically.

🚀 If you're a business owner or marketer looking to stay ahead in 2025, stop playing catch-up. Start building systems, showing up daily, and creating content that connects.

Looking for help building your 2025 strategy?
Let’s chat — we’re building smarter brands with strategy, not guesswork.

 

Let’s cut through the noise: your website is still your #1 revenue driver heading into 2025.

Yep, even with all the hype around AI, TikTok ads, and whatever new app Gen Z is obsessed with this week — 91% of marketing leaders still say their website brings in more revenue than anything else.

So, if your site is collecting digital dust or buried in a to-do list behind 15 other “higher priority” projects... it’s time for a mindset shift.

Here’s what we’re seeing at Merged Media — and how you can turn your website into a high-performing growth engine.

Your Website Isn’t Just a Brand Piece — It’s a Sales Engine

Let’s be real: most business websites look pretty, but they don’t sell. And that’s a missed opportunity.

At Merged, we start every discovery call by reframing the role of your site. This isn’t just a place for your logo and an About page — this is where revenue happens. So we approach web strategy with bottom-line growth in mind.

Our secret sauce?
🔍 SEO to get the right people there
💰 Paid ads to drive intent-based traffic
📈 Landing page optimization to turn that traffic into leads
🧠 And content that builds trust while moving buyers through the funnel

We tie every one of those services back to ROI — not just impressions or bounce rates. Because “looks good” doesn’t always mean “works well.”

Everyone Wants Measurable ROI — But Few Know How to Get It

Let’s talk data. One of the biggest complaints from marketing teams?
“We can’t measure ROI from our website.”

This is where our nerdy side kicks in. At Merged, we integrate GA4, Google Tag Manager, CRM data, and even AI insights so you know exactly what’s working — and what’s not. No fluff.

Want to see which landing page actually drives demo sign-ups?
Or how many leads your new homepage layout is converting?
We’ve got dashboards for that.

And this kind of clarity doesn’t just justify your marketing budget — it builds internal buy-in and long-term trust.

Most Teams Struggle to Move Fast — We Don’t

96% of marketers say they could collaborate better with devs. 60% say they can’t keep up with website needs because of tech bottlenecks. That’s a lot of slow-moving red tape.

That’s where we come in.

Our team works as a bridge between marketing and development — fast, agile, and hands-on. Need a landing page tomorrow? A new funnel? A design refresh? We’re on it.

No tickets. No delays. Just results.

Experimentation Isn’t Optional Anymore

45% of marketers say they plan to increase website experimentation in 2025. The other 55%? Probably falling behind.

If you’re not testing, you’re guessing. That’s why we offer A/B testing, UX audits, and conversion optimization as part of our monthly services.

This isn’t set-it-and-forget-it marketing — it’s performance-based storytelling. We learn, test, tweak, and repeat — all in the name of ROI.

AI and Personalization Are No Longer “Nice-to-Haves”

Here’s the deal: 69% of marketers are investing more in AI, and 64% are doubling down on personalization.

If your site isn’t talking directly to the person visiting it — you’re missing conversions.

We’ve built AI tools like Chatello.ai, our on-site chatbot that acts like a customer service rep + lead gen ninja. We also implement dynamic content, retargeting strategies, and custom landing page experiences based on who’s browsing and where they are in the funnel.

AI isn’t the enemy. When done right, it’s your most efficient team member.

Outdated Tech? Yeah, That’s a Problem

58% of marketers say they need a full overhaul of their tech stack just to improve UX. 96% say their tools don’t support scalable growth.

Let’s fix that.

We offer platform migrations (think WordPress), bundled with design, CRO, and performance tracking. You’ll get speed, control, and a setup that actually works with your marketing — not against it.

So, What’s Next?

Here’s how we’re helping businesses get more from their websites in 2025:

Leading with ROI-first website messaging

Pairing SEO + Paid Ads + CRO + AI Chatbots for full-funnel results

Offering a 90-day “Audit & Accelerate” growth sprint

Building modern, scalable digital infrastructure that keeps up

Because your website isn’t just another checkbox on your brand guide.
It’s your #1 sales channel — let’s make it perform like one.

In a digital world obsessed with views, clicks, and virality, it’s easy to forget what really connects people to your business. Spoiler alert — it’s not your clever headline or your perfectly placed Facebook ad. It’s your story.

I was reminded of this during my latest Drop The Mic podcast episode with Kevin Bulmer — aka the No Schedule Man. Kevin’s a storyteller, a personal branding guy, and someone who’s lived the evolution from old-school radio to today’s fast-paced digital marketing game.

And honestly, the timing of this conversation couldn’t have been better. With everyone chasing the next AI tool to write their content or generate their next video script, Kevin and I hit pause and asked:
“What actually connects people to your brand?”

The answer is simple — Emotion. Story. Authenticity.

People Buy from People — Not From Perfectly Polished Brands

We’re living in the age of AI efficiency. I get it — I’m building with AI every single day. I rely on ChatGPT to help plan social content, brainstorm ideas, and even help me write podcast intros. AI makes us faster. More scalable. But… it doesn’t make us more relatable.

Kevin nailed it in our conversation: “People want to know who’s behind the business.”

Think about it. The posts that go viral aren’t the overly polished, perfectly optimized ads. It’s the behind-the-scenes moments. The personal stories. The “Hey, here’s where I messed up but here’s what I learned” kind of content.

In business — whether you’re running a digital marketing agency, a coaching brand, or a tech startup — your personal story matters more than you think.

Why Storytelling Should Still Be Your #1 Marketing Strategy in 2025

When Kevin talked about blending his personal story with his business, it hit me — most business owners miss this opportunity completely.

They’re afraid to share the human side. They stick to “safe” content like service descriptions, generic blog posts, or corporate jargon because it feels professional.

But here’s the kicker — people don’t connect with your services. They connect with YOU.

Your story builds trust. It builds familiarity. And in a world where people are bombarded with thousands of ads a day, familiarity wins.

Here’s why storytelling is the ultimate marketing hack (even as AI takes over):

✅ It builds emotional connection — People remember how you made them feel, not what you sold them.
✅ It differentiates you from competitors — No one has your story. Period.
✅ It scales trust — You can’t be everywhere at once, but your story can.

So, How Do You Start Telling Your Story Without Sounding Like Every Other “Personal Brand” Out There?

Great question. It’s not about starting every post with “Back in 2009…” and trauma-dumping your life story.

It’s about weaving authenticity into your content in a way that feels natural. Here’s what I recommend (and what Kevin does so well):

🔥 Document, don’t just create: Next time you’re facing a challenge or learning something new — share that.
🔥 Mix personal and professional: Yes, your client wins matter. But so does the photo from your kid’s hockey game or the story of how you almost quit your business.
🔥 Lean into the emotional side: What were you feeling when you faced that challenge? People relate to feelings, not facts.
🔥 Repurpose your stories: That podcast story? Turn it into an Instagram Reel. That client lesson? Make it a LinkedIn post. Or how about Kevin’s story which I’ve now turned into a blog post.

The Real ROI of Storytelling

Here’s what most marketers miss — storytelling isn’t just “nice to have.” It directly impacts your bottom line.

In the episode, Kevin and I agreed: Storytelling builds loyalty. Loyalty builds referrals. Referrals build business.

People will hire you, work with you, and refer you not because your services are cheap or your AI tools are the fastest — but because they know, like, and trust you.

Final Thought: Don’t Let AI Steal Your Story

Look, AI is here. It’s not going anywhere — and honestly, it’s a tool we all need to embrace. But if we let it, AI could easily turn marketing into a soulless, templated game of optimization.

Don’t let that happen.

Use AI to amplify your message, but never forget — your story is the real differentiator. And the best part? No one else can steal it.

If you want to hear more about this, check out my full conversation with Kevin on Drop The Mic. You’ll walk away rethinking the way you approach your content — I guarantee it.

Watch the full episode here:

As someone who lives and breathes digital marketing, I’ve come to rely on ChatGPT like my morning coffee. From planning social media content and mapping out course materials to leveraging its API for tools like Chatello.ai, it’s my go-to assistant. So, when the buzz about DeepSeek started making waves, I had to dive in and see if this new AI tool could shake up my workflow—or even replace ChatGPT. Spoiler: It didn’t. But the journey was enlightening.

Here’s how the two platforms stack up—and what I learned along the way.

1. Benefits of Each Platform

DeepSeek

DeepSeek is like the data nerd of the AI world—great for diving deep into specific datasets and pulling out precise, actionable insights. For marketers managing massive databases or niche industries like legal or healthcare, this AI shines. It’s highly customizable and accurate when tasked with extracting structured data.

ChatGPT

ChatGPT, on the other hand, is the Swiss Army knife of AI. Its versatility spans from generating creative content to debugging code, making it perfect for everyday marketing tasks. Whether it’s crafting engaging ad copy, brainstorming campaign ideas, or even responding to customer queries, ChatGPT has you covered. And let’s not forget—it’s super user-friendly, which is a bonus for non-techies.

2. Best Use Cases for Marketers

DeepSeek’s Strengths

• Data Mining for Campaign Targeting: DeepSeek can dig through massive customer data to find patterns, trends, and segmentation opportunities.
• Competitor Analysis: It excels at gathering insights from public data, like competitors’ ad strategies or customer sentiment.
• ROI Tracking: Perfect for pulling detailed reports on ad performance across multiple platforms.

ChatGPT’s Sweet Spot

• Social Media Content Creation: I’ve used ChatGPT countless times to whip up captions, plan content calendars, and even develop scripts for Reels and videos.
• Course Planning: Whether I’m outlining lessons or brainstorming interactive assignments, ChatGPT is my silent co-teacher.
• Customer Engagement: Its conversational abilities make it a natural fit for chatbots or real-time customer support solutions like Chatello.ai.

3. The Bias Battle: DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT

One of the most revealing aspects of this comparison was the bias each platform showed in their responses. For example:

• ChatGPT often leans on its training data to give broad, optimistic responses. When asked to compare itself to DeepSeek, it confidently highlighted its versatility and creativity but downplayed its own limitations in data mining. It almost sells itself as the all-purpose solution—even for scenarios where a specialized tool like DeepSeek might be better.
• DeepSeek, on the other hand, sticks to its specialized guns. When prompted, it heavily focused on its precision and niche use cases, almost dismissing the creative and conversational capabilities that ChatGPT brings to the table. It’s like comparing an analytical introvert to an extroverted jack-of-all-trades.

Both tools have their biases: DeepSeek leans heavily into its niche, while ChatGPT positions itself as the “do-everything” assistant. For marketers, it’s important to know which tool fits the specific task at hand.

So, Which One Wins?

Tale of the Tape: ChatGPT vs. DeepSeek
Two AI Titans Enter the Ring. Which One Fits Your Corner?

Category	ChatGPT	DeepSeek
Fighting Style	Versatile All-Rounder: Creative, conversational, and widely adaptable	Data Specialist: Laser-focused on precise information retrieval and analysis
Strengths	- Creative content generation - Conversational abilities - Fast set up and usability	- Deep data mining - Domain-specific accuracy - Highly customizable
Weaknesses	- Generalist, not specialist - Prone to hallucinations in niche topics	- Limited conversational ability - Requires setup and integrations
Best Use Cases	- Social media campaigns - Ad copy creation - Customer service bots	- Enterprise data analysis - Competitor insights - ROI tracking
Training Ground	Pre-trained on massive public datasets	Built for tailored, niche datasets and workflows
Accessibility	Ready-to-use out of the box Subscription-based pricing ($20/month for Plus)	Enterprise-level onboarding Custom pricing, depending on setup
Speed	Quick and efficient for most tasks	Slower with large, complex datasets
Audience Appeal	Marketers, creators, entrepreneurs	Analysts, enterprises, researchers
Global Reach	Multilingual and widely adopted worldwide	Limited reach, more focused on specific regions or industries
Biggest Bias	Oversells its general-purpose abilities	Undersells its versatility outside niche tasks
Finishing Move	“Ideation Blitz” – Generates creative ideas in seconds!	“Precision Strike” – Pinpoints exact data from massive datasets

Winner?

It’s not about a knockout—it’s about your use case. If you’re a marketer needing versatile, creative support, ChatGPT is your champ. But if you’re mining data for insights or running deep analysis, DeepSeek might be the specialist you need in your corner.

For me, ChatGPT remains the MVP for my marketing needs. Its versatility, ease of use, and ability to assist with creative, technical, and conversational tasks make it the perfect companion for my workflow. Sure, DeepSeek has its place—particularly for businesses that require deep data mining—but for marketers looking for an all-in-one tool, ChatGPT is still king.

Learn How the Pros Use AI

AI tools like DeepSeek and ChatGPT are changing the way we work, but how do the world’s best marketers use them to stay ahead? Tune in to the Drop The Mic Podcast and hear from top marketing minds about how they’re leveraging AI to make their jobs more efficient.

👉 Listen here: Drop The Mic Podcast

Deepseek vs ChatGPT: The Unexpected Winner?

 

Navigating Instagram’s algorithm in 2025 requires a mix of understanding the platform’s priorities and leveraging your unique content. As both a business owner and a personal user, I’ve had my fair share of experimenting with what works—and what doesn’t. This year, Instagram continues to evolve, and creators must adapt to stay relevant. Here’s a breakdown of the latest algorithm updates, how they impact your strategy, and lessons I’ve learned from blending personal and business content on my profile.

1. Prioritizing Original Content

Instagram’s algorithm is doubling down on originality in 2025. The platform wants to reward creators for producing unique content rather than reposting others’ work. This means businesses and influencers alike need to focus on showcasing authentic, creative, and original posts.

From personal experience, I’ve noticed my personal content—like family vacations, restaurants I’ve visited, or clips from my kids’ hockey games—tends to get far more reach than business-focused posts. It’s a reminder that people connect more with real, relatable stories. However, while personal posts drive reach, they don’t necessarily grow my lead database. That’s why it’s crucial to strike a balance between personal and business content.

Even if business posts don’t garner the same level of engagement, don’t let that discourage you. They play a vital role in positioning your expertise and converting followers into leads. Instead of creating a separate account for business, I recommend blending personal and professional content on one profile. Use your insights to gauge what resonates most with your audience and adjust your strategy accordingly.

2. Enhanced AI-Driven Recommendations

Instagram’s AI continues to refine how it recommends content, tailoring suggestions to each user’s preferences. The more personalized your content feels, the more likely it is to show up in feeds and Explore pages.

I’ve found that periodically checking my insights helps me understand what’s working and what isn’t. Surprisingly, photos often outperform reels in terms of user engagement on my account. This bucks the trend of prioritizing video content, showing that the algorithm isn’t one-size-fits-all. For 2025, I’m planning to double down on what’s working for me—high-quality photos with a personal touch—while experimenting with reels to see if there’s a way to make them more engaging for my audience.

Remember, Instagram’s AI is constantly learning from your audience’s behaviour, so it’s essential to analyze your performance metrics regularly. Tailor your content to align with their interests, but don’t be afraid to stick with what works for you.

3. Importance of Interactive Elements

Interactive features like polls, quizzes, and stickers in Stories continue to play a significant role in engagement. The algorithm favours content that sparks conversations and interactions, so using these tools is a must for creators and businesses alike.

While my personal content often gets more reach, I’ve noticed that the business posts that do well tend to be highly specific and problem-solving. For example, posts addressing a pain point or offering a solution for a niche audience generate higher-quality engagement than broad, hot-take content. This aligns with Instagram’s focus on meaningful interactions rather than vanity metrics like likes.

In 2025, it’s less about the quantity of followers and more about their quality. A smaller audience of engaged, targeted followers will always outperform a larger, disengaged one. Using interactive elements in your Stories or posts is a great way to build that connection and filter out followers who align with your goals.

Balancing Personal and Business Content

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that personal content drives reach, while business content drives results. Finding the right mix between the two is key. By sharing moments from my life—like vacations or my kids’ hockey games—I’m able to keep my audience engaged and build rapport. But to turn that engagement into leads, I also need posts that focus on my expertise, my services, and how I can solve problems for my audience.

For anyone managing a single Instagram account for both personal and business purposes, the key is balance. Let your personal content bring in the reach, and let your business content convert that audience into leads. Use your insights to stay on top of trends, and don’t be afraid to experiment.

Takeaways for 2025

Instagram’s algorithm rewards originality, meaningful interactions, and personalized content. By focusing on these three pillars and adapting to your audience’s preferences, you can stay ahead of the curve. For me, that means leaning into personal content for reach, doubling down on problem-solving posts for leads, and keeping an eye on my insights to refine my strategy.

In a platform as dynamic as Instagram, success isn’t about following trends—it’s about understanding your audience and creating content that resonates. Whether it’s through photos, reels, or interactive Stories, the key is authenticity and consistency.

Is Instagram a platform of focus for you in 2025? Let’s connect on Instagram! Drop me a DM as I’d love to follow your journey.

Crack the Instagram Algorithm in 2025

At Merged, we’ve always been focused on providing high-quality, white-glove digital marketing services to businesses with substantial budgets and complex needs. Our typical clients are generating over $500,000 in annual revenue, often working with a marketing director or CMO, and looking for a partner to take on a significant role in their marketing strategy.

But what about the small business owners—the ones with limited budgets but big ambitions? We realized we were losing out on countless opportunities to help these businesses because our services weren’t designed for their needs. That’s why we created Blaze Boost, a sub-brand of Merged Media that offers affordable, effective digital marketing solutions specifically for small businesses.

Why Blaze Boost?

1. Meeting the Needs of Small Businesses
   Small businesses don’t need (or want) to pay thousands of dollars a month for a comprehensive marketing package. What they do need are results-driven, simplified solutions that help them compete in their markets without breaking the bank. Blaze Boost was built to provide just that—marketing packages that fit within smaller budgets while still delivering results.

Blaze Boost leverages the same proven systems and processes that Merged Media has refined over the years. The difference? Blaze Boost eliminates the “white-glove” elements that drive up costs, like constant handholding and extensive one-on-one consultations. By keeping things straightforward and scalable, we’re able to serve more small businesses without compromising on quality.

2. Tailored for Busy Business Owners
   Our ideal Blaze Boost customer is a busy business owner who doesn’t fully understand the intricacies of digital marketing but knows they need it to succeed. These are the clients who don’t want to hear about Google authority scores or technical SEO jargon—they just want to see results.

We designed Blaze Boost’s packages to be simple, affordable, and hands-off. Small business owners can trust us to work our magic while they focus on running their business. And while they might keep a close eye on our performance in the early months, over time, they’ll see the value we provide and let us take the reins.

How Blaze Boost Stays Affordable Without Sacrificing Quality

Streamlined Processes
At Blaze Boost, we stick to the essentials. We use AI tools to automate and optimize workflows, bringing down costs while maintaining high standards. For example, instead of time-consuming custom reports or regular meetings, we use AI to analyze accounts and recommend small, impactful changes that deliver value without draining resources.

As CEO James McAllister puts it:

“The strategy is about the illusion of a ‘customized’ SEO package while using AI to create scalable solutions. This keeps costs low, provides value, and maintains the perception of a tailored service.”

James McAllister, CEO of Blaze Boost is a seasoned business builder and small business expert.

Leveraging Merged’s Expertise
Blaze Boost also benefits from Merged Media’s extensive case studies and proven strategies. We’ve already worked with businesses of all sizes and know what works. Blaze Boost applies those learnings to small business clients, ensuring they get the same tried-and-true strategies without the higher price tag.

Simplified Packages
Blaze Boost packages are intentionally designed to avoid unnecessary complexities. Small business owners don’t need a million options—they need a clear path to results. Whether it’s basic SEO, targeted ads, or a social media boost, our packages are focused on delivering measurable outcomes without overwhelming the client.

Why Diversification Matters

Launching Blaze Boost isn’t just about serving small businesses—it’s about smart diversification. By creating a sub-brand, we’re able to:

• Reach a wider audience and capture market segments we previously couldn’t.
• Cater to both high-touch, high-ticket clients (Merged) and hands-off, budget-conscious clients (Blaze Boost).
• Ensure our agency remains competitive and adaptable in an ever-changing industry.

Small businesses don’t need to pay thousands for digital marketing services unless they want and need comprehensive support. Blaze Boost bridges the gap, offering affordable solutions for businesses that want to grow without the overhead of a full-service agency.

What’s Next for Blaze Boost?

Blaze Boost is positioned to help small businesses thrive by providing scalable, effective, and no-nonsense marketing solutions. With access to Merged Media’s expertise and a focus on efficiency, we’re confident that Blaze Boost will become a trusted partner for business owners across industries.

Whether you’re a small business owner looking for an affordable way to grow or a high-revenue company needing a full-service partner, we’ve got you covered. It’s all about meeting businesses where they are and helping them succeed on their terms.

Ready to grow your business with Blaze Boost? Check out the affordable marketing solutions designed for small businesses at blazeboost.ca.