Do This, NOT That: Marketing Tips with Jay Schwedelson What’s Up THIS WEEK: Cool NEW Subject Line TEST! Gemini AI News! Kardashian update? | Ep. 441
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Nov 4, 2025 This week features a surprising Zoom mishap at Target, revealing how employees learned about layoffs via email. A clever subject line tweak—adding brackets—can boost email opens by 15%. The impact of short-lived marketing moments shines through with a viral Cash App campaign racking up 30 million views. Additionally, Gemini's usage is on the rise, while ChatGPT's popularity declines. The conversation wraps with a spicy take on social media responsibility, as Jay criticizes the dangers of amplifying celebrity misinformation.
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Target Zoom Layoff Glitch
- Target attempted to announce 1,800 layoffs via Zoom and the call glitched to a black screen at the critical moment.
- Employees learned their fate later by email, creating a chaotic and insensitive experience.
Bracket The Hook At Subject End
- Try adding square brackets around a key word or phrase at the end of your email subject line to increase opens.
- Jay cites SubjectLine.com data showing this end-bracket tactic can lift open rates about 15%.
Power Of Short-Lived Pop-Up Moments
- Cash App's Sabrina Carpenter pop-up generated over 30 million social views as a short-lived marketing moment.
- Jay describes using limited-time vaults and pop-up Slack communities to concentrate attention and energy.