Look, even newsletter writers need a digital detox. Between Aperol spritzes, auto-replies, and pretending we didn’t see Slack notifications, we took a little break. But the tan's fading, the inbox is full, and we’re back - caffeinated and ready to serve the latest marketing madness. Hope your August holidays were equally irresponsible.
TikTok is entering its "search engine era," Meta wants you to slide into WhatsApp DMs with ads, and Apple has once again made tracking feel like a crime. Meanwhile, Trump’s got beef with the TikTok ban (again), and somewhere out there, a marketer is still explaining to their boss why Safari conversions dropped off a cliff. Let's get into it.
DIGITAL ADVERTISING
/ Google’s AI Max Goes Global - Manual Bidding, Who?
Google just rolled out AI Max for Search Campaigns across the globe, meaning even your mom’s Etsy ad can now run on full autopilot. This update uses machine learning to predict trends, adjust bids, and generally make your Search campaigns less of a “set it and stress it” situation.
Smarter targeting, more real-time insights, and less guesswork. It’s like upgrading from a flip phone to a smart assistant - but for media buying. Read more//
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
/ Trump Drops a 4th Executive Order to Save TikTok (Again)
Donald Trump has issued another executive order trying to keep TikTok alive in the U.S., marking his fourth attempt to stop a ban. Déjà vu, right? - But with more lawyers.
The latest move pushes for TikTok to remain active while potentially forcing a U.S.-based acquisition. In the meantime, Gen Z keeps lip-syncing, and marketers keep refreshing campaign dashboards wondering if their ads are still showing. Read more//
TECH & INNOVATION
/ Safari Kills Click IDs. Your Attribution Report Cries Quietly.
Apple's Safari update now blocks click identifiers, making it even harder to know if that visitor from your latest ad actually bought the thing. Classic Apple: great for privacy, bad for marketers trying to prove their job matters. Perhaps just as original as the new iPhone? We digress.
Stape.io has some workarounds, but the takeaway is clear - it’s time to get serious about privacy-first tracking and rethink your attribution stack before your CPA report starts gaslighting you.
Hey! All is not lost, we’ve been in the game long enough and please give us a shoutout if you want to stick it to Apple and keep your marketing data flowing without any surprises! Help us help you with your website tracking needs, you won’t regret it! Read more//
#meme of the month
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
/ WhatsApp Status Ads Now Come With DM-Ready Buttons
Meta’s newest update lets you run click-to-message ads directly in WhatsApp Status. That means users can tap your ad and instantly start a convo with your brand - no funnel-hopping required.
It’s part of Meta’s long-term goal to turn WhatsApp into a marketing machine (without making it feel like one). Big potential here for brands with fast fingers and solid scripts. Read more//
DIGITAL ADVERTISING
/ Google Adds B2B Upgrades to Ads Platform
Google Ads is getting more B2B-friendly, with smarter segmentation and targeting options that mirror some of LinkedIn’s playbook. It’s designed to help marketers reach decision-makers and industry pros more precisely.
Basically, your campaigns don’t have to treat every click like it came from a 19-year-old shopping for shoes. You can now talk like a grown-up to other grown-ups - and actually get results. Read more//
SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
/ TikTok Gets Search Ads. Google Nervously Refreshes Its PageRank.
TikTok is launching Search Ads Campaigns - yes, real ads in the search results. Because apparently Gen Z would rather search “best eyeliner” on TikTok than Google it.
This new format targets high-intent users and has already shown strong purchase lift. Translation: TikTok’s no longer just for vibes - it’s now part of your conversion funnel whether you like it or not. Read more//
A recap for anyone still mentally sipping vinho verde on a cliffside in Portugal…AI’s doing your bidding (literally), TikTok’s out here taking Google’s lunch, and Meta wants your ad to double as a WhatsApp DM slide. It’s a wild time to be a marketer - or a chatbot.
We’ll be back next month, for realsies though, with more headlines, less fluff, and just enough dry humor to get you through your next reporting meeting. Until then, may your CPCs be low, your ad strength be high, and your Safari tracking... somewhat intact.
Want to stay ahead of the chaos?
Every month, we decode the digital marketing madness so you don’t have to. Think: actionable insights wrapped in just enough snark to make your Friday afternoon actually enjoyable. We’re talking AI plot twists, platform updates that actually matter, and the occasional reality check on your ad budget’s life choices.
No fluff. No corporate speak. Just the stuff that’ll make you look smart in your next team meeting (and keep your campaigns from becoming cautionary tales).
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