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Discover how to secure your inbox, optimize ad campaigns with Meta’s AI, leverage LinkedIn Newsletters, and see how Grok can help enhance your X ads.
Feature Section – How to Inbox Smarter, Not Harder
Your inbox is like your digital front door – if you don’t lock it, unwanted guests (aka hackers and spammers) will sneak right in. From phishing scams to sneaky malware, cyber threats are always lurking, waiting for you to click on the wrong link, download the wrong file, or even give your personal information.
We know – it sounds scary, but don’t worry, we are here to help. A few smart and mindful habits will assure your inbox is safe and personal info is secure – and bonus, it helps you to breathe a little easier amidst the chaos of emails. Let’s dive into four ways you can inbox smarter, not harder.
- Identify the Warning Signs
While phishing emails come in many forms, there are often common shared traits that if you can spot before taking any action, it can save you a lot of headaches down the road.
Some dead giveaways include an email address that does not match the company claiming to send the email, noticeable grammatical errors, odd capitalization, and unsolicited requests for personal information. It is important to note that legitimate companies typically will not ask for sensitive information via email, especially from someone whose email does not align with the organization.
- Master the Art of “The Passphrase”
Passwords are out, and terribly last season, what’s replacing them? The passphrase.
A passphrase is a string of words that’s both memorable and hard for anyone but you to crack, making it the perfect replacement for your passwords. Think of it kind of like an inside joke that only you get. Instead of choosing something generic and boring, opt for something with special meaning to you. This not only makes it easier to recall but also makes it that much tougher for hackers to guess.
- Turn on that Multi-Factor Authentication
You’re probably familiar with Multi-factor Authentication (MFA), and for good reason! With MFA, logging in with just your email and password isn’t enough to prove your identity. You need at least one additional method to let the organization know that it is really you trying to login and not a sneaky hacker.
There are various forms of MFA that you may encounter, such as one-time passwords (OTP). These are usually numeric codes sent to you via email, text, or on an app. Each code is unique and generated for that specific login attempt, so you’ll need to enter it before you can access your account. It’s an extra layer of security that helps keep your information safe!
- Activate Your Spam Shield
What better way to avoid phishy emails than by having them sent straight to your junk folder. Most email providers come equipped with spam filters built-in that automatically seek out anything suspicious in your inbox and mark it accordingly.
However, the degree of protection you get can be customized by adjusting the filter settings. While the specifics of these customization methods vary by provider, most allow you to create an approved senders list, turn on aggressive spam filtering, or even send questionable messages to email quarantine rather than the spam folder for further review. It’s all about customizing your defenses to keep your inbox safe.
In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s essential to be savvy about your inbox management. By implementing these simple strategies like passphrases, MFA, and tailored spam filters – you can protect your personal information while streamlining your email experience. By being proactive when it comes to your inbox not only are you keeping unwanted chaos at bay but also freeing time for yourself and others. So, embrace these tips and transform your inbox into a safe, organized space that works for you – smarter, not harder!
Meta is back at it again with some spicy updates, and we need to talk about it. Let’s break it down:
Brands, rejoice! Meta is giving you way more control over where your ads show up. AKA, no more cringing when your ad is next to super questionable content. They’re expanding support for third-party blocklists like DoubleVerify and Zefr so you can keep things brand safe without limiting your reach. Honestly, a slay for advertisers. As a public affairs firm with advertisers of our own, we highly recommend brands take advantage of these tools to ensure alignment with your public image. Keeping your ads away from misaligned content isn’t just about brand safety, but it’s about reputation protection.
Advantage+ AI is working overtime
Meta’s basically saying, “let us handle it.” Their AI-powered ad targeting is getting a serious upgrade with easier automation, a new “opportunity score” to help optimize your campaigns, and better audience reach. Less manual work, more results – it’s giving personal ad guru energy. As experts in digital influence, we help clients navigate these AI-driven tools to make sure campaigns are still strategic and aligned with key messaging. AI is great, but you still need the right human guidance to ensure your brand is reaching the right people in the right way at the right time.
The Instagram algorithm remains unhinged
If your posts aren’t hitting, here’s the deal. Instagram is testing them on 20% of your followers first. If they engage (save, like, comment, or share), you might get that boost to a wider audience. If they ignore, POOF, your post is basically in witness protection. Hot tip: you want to focus on engagement and please no spammy, low-quality content – the gram KNOWS.
These updates are exciting, but navigating Meta’s ever-changing landscape can feel like a full-time job (spoiler: it is). We are here to help brands, businesses, and leaders maximize the power of these tools—whether it’s strategic ad placement, data-driven AI ad optimization, or ensuring your message is seen (and not swallowed by the algorithm void). All in all, our team at Strategic Elements has you covered. Connect with us today.
Step Into the Online Event Spotlight!
Gearing up for your next online event? We have you covered with LinkedIn’s latest best practices release on what to do before, during, and after your big event. Here’s a sneak peek of our faves: Go live on LinkedIn (it gets 7X more reactions and 24X more comments than regular video uploads), rally employees and influencers to spread the word, and drop teaser topics and polls ahead of time. Follow these tips, and your event will not just shine — it’ll glow.
Knock Knock – Who’s There? Your LinkedIn Newsletter Subscribers!
That’s right – LinkedIn Newsletters are getting seriously popular. We’re talking a 47 percent spike in engagement year over year, and a whopping 184,000 newsletters out there. And guess what? LinkedIn just dropped a game-changing feature: now creators can see how many emails they’re sending AND how many people are actually opening them. So, if you’ve been sending out your newsletter into the void… now you’ll know. Time to fine-tune that content and stop guessing if anyone’s reading.
X is Back in Big Brand Budgets
Amazon and Apple are reportedly considering resuming ad spend on X after pulling back in 2023 due to brand safety concerns. This follows X’s efforts to improve ad placement controls, content, moderation, and brand safety to lure advertisers back. X CEO Linda Yaccarino said the social media platform has implemented new content moderation tools and features to prevent ads from appearing next to certain content. Marketers should take note – if major players are reopening their wallets for X, it may be a ripe tactic for ad placement in 2025.
AI-Powered Ad Tools—Are They Useful?
X’s Grok “the smartest AI in the world” launched AI-driven ad automation tools to streamline campaign creation, improve targeting, and report results. The Automated Ad Creation tool generates ad content based on an advertiser’s objectives and targeted audience. You can also use Grok to get a clear, AI-driven breakdown of how your ads are performing, providing fast data to refine targeting, adjust creative, and maximize impact
These updates promise saved time, improved ad relevance, and boosted ROI—now it’s time for digital media pros to put them to the test.
“A place to find mutuals and vibe” Gets Updated
X is now making Community posts visible to non-members, expanding the reach of these niche groups. Communities are spaces where users with shared interests connect and engage – “a place to find mutuals and vibe”. By participating in or creating Communities, brands can increase visibility and engage with targeted, highly relevant audiences—all without extra ad spend.
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