Pushing forward in spite of it all
+ photos of dogs on IG sans trees + the mastery behind Duolingo TikTok
Hi friend,
Have you ever gone through something that you really don't want to go through? I'm sure you have.
You'd prefer to opt-out but unfortunately, lots of things in life don't give you an opt-out option.
So, you push through and you grit your teeth and you try to get it over with.
Because you don't always get to choose whether to opt into the difficult or easy route.
There's no inspirational message here, no bright side. But there is validation that what you're feeling is completely normal and justified.
You can absolutely not want to do something, you can wish your way out of it, you can curse and complain about it.
You can make it through without having learned anything. Without feeling any stronger.
You don't have to find a moral or come out with a heroic lesson of growth.
Things happen—sometimes really tough things—that we're forced to confront.
We're pushing forward, in spite of it all. We're not alone.
with warmth + love,
N
One more thing: I'm working on some exciting expansions for Social Media Detox + the content I produce. Because we're friends, I'm going to be asking for your thoughts in the next few newsletters about the future of this newsletter. Here's my next question:
Do you wish there was another way to get content like this other than the newsletter?
Yeah, I'd love to follow a Social Media Detox account.
No, I just follow the newsletter and don't want to see content like this anywhere else.
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📚 The Click Throughs
Long-form reads for the marketing geek + content creator
New York Times: Missing Girl Is Rescued After Using Hand Signal From TikTok
This isn't the usual type of content I'd share here, but I was just fascinated by this story making the rounds about an abducted girl who was rescued after flashing a hand signal she learned from TikTok that signals a person is at risk of abuse and needs help. Sometimes social trends are really, really good + useful.
Embedded: Viral trees, never planted?
Don't get me wrong, I've loved seeing all the photos of everyone's dogs on Instagram stories, but it definitely leads you to wonder who's planting all these trees? This article investigates it. Also, if you have no idea what I'm talking about, this article explains it, then investigates it.
Link in Bio: Let's Talk About Duolingo on TikTok
Language learning app Duolingo has always been breaking the boundaries of what consumer software brands could be doing. From their passive-aggressive practice reminders to their now trendy, on-point TikTok content, they're a brand to watch. This interview with their social media coordinator is one to take notes on.
Input Magazine: Bumble BFF has an MLM problem
Dating apps for friendships should be a good idea, but this article covers how MLM members are dominating the scene. Gaslight, gatekeep, girlboss.
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🧘🏼♀️ Mindful Moment
One actionable thing to get you through this week
Back to basics. Let's do some deep breathing with some help of this wintery gif (since it's getting cold up here in New England!):
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🔗 Link(s) in Bio
Things I’ve been loving that have absolutely nothing to do with marketing or business
Refinery29: Why Quitting Is Good Actually – If you're like me, you hate quitting and often stick with things much longer than you should. This article talks about why we should stop doing this and not fall into the sunk cost fallacy that stops us from, well, giving up.
Zora: The History of Pumpkin Spice – I'm so sorry to admit that I'm a pumpkin spice lover. I know it's cheugy, I know it's basic. But I just love those warm, cozy spices on a fall day. This article walks through the comprehensive history of this spice blend, all the way back to the 1300s!
Buzzfeed News: Rachel And Dave Hollis Built An Empire From Scratch. Now They Are Destroying It. – I literally can't look away from the trainwreck that is the Hollis family. The latest drama? Wild. Messy. Like a car crash, but on IG Live.
Variety: Harry Potter Turns 20: Director Chris Columbus on Working With Young Daniel Radcliffe – J.K. Rowling is awful but Harry Potter will always be on my comfort list. Thinking of little Daniel Radcliffe being unable to stop smiling at the camera brings me joy. Also my favorite Q+A in any interview – Variety: "Do you have a favorite quote from the movie?" Columbus: "Oh, God. I haven't seen it in a while."
New York Times: 'I Could Never Abandon Them': Neopets Users Play On – I'm horrified to even imagine what state my Neopets are in, but I do remember having a kougra. Amazed at these folks who have been playing with their pets for almost 14 years now. Did you have a Neopet?
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💭 Content Calendar
Ideas for you to take into your week ahead as a content creator
What makes one brand successful on social media doesn't make every brand successful on social media.
A great social strategy isn't universal. It can't be copied + pasted.
A great social strategy speaks to what makes a brand special + the unique value your brand brings to the platform.
So, if being snarky + sassy works for one brand on social, it doesn't mean it'll work for everyone.
Snarky + sassy work for some brands because they're truly a snarky + sassy brand. But if your brand isn't, it can come off rude + crass.
Instead of copying one brand's strategy, consider why that's working for them + how you can hone in on a strategy that's truly fit for yours.
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👋 The (ring) Light at the End of the Tunnel