Welcome to the first edition of the seoplus+ Digital Digest – your go-to source for the latest updates in digital marketing. Let’s dive in!
14 Hours Without TikTok?
On January 19th, the United States experienced a 14-hour TikTok ban, sparking widespread curiosity and concern. The ban, prompted by privacy concerns surrounding the app, led to a 5,000% surge in searches for alternative apps during that brief downtime.
After a long 14 hours, the U.S. Supreme Court had granted a 45-day extension to deliberate on the app’s potential long-term ban.
So what’s next? Despite the buzz, TikTok isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, continuing to dominate as one of the world’s leading social media platforms.
Haley Wells, Social Media Team Lead at seoplus+, shares her thoughts:
“I don’t see TikTok disappearing. Even if a ban were to happen, I could imagine some American tech billionaires stepping in and purchasing it for a hefty price.”
BUT it’s always good to be prepared! Don’t rely solely on TikTok—make sure your brand is active on other short-form video platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to maximize your reach.
Google Workspace Gets a Generative AI Boost
If you’re a Google Workspace user, you may have noticed some exciting new features this month. Google has integrated generative AI tools directly into its Workspace Business and Enterprise plans, eliminating the need for additional add-ons.
These built-in AI capabilities help businesses:
- Boost productivity.
- Spark creativity.
- Work more efficiently.
By embedding these advanced tools into everyday Google platforms such as Docs, Sheets, Gmail, and Meet, Google is making AI more accessible and valuable to businesses of all sizes.
So, what’s next? If you’re a Google Workspace user, now is the time to incorporate training and best practices for AI-powered features. When your team effectively leverages these tools, it can significantly boost productivity and efficiency.
DeepSeek Enters the AI Arena: A Game-Changer or a Threat?
On January 27th, the AI landscape witnessed a seismic shift. A Chinese-owned tech company launched DeepSeek, a large language model AI similar to ChatGPT, sending ripples through global markets.
The arrival of this new AI competitor triggered intense speculation, particularly in the U.S., where tech stocks stumbled. In just one day, Nvidia’s market value dropped by nearly $600 billion, reflecting concerns over whether DeepSeek may surpass American dominance in the AI sector.
What sets DeepSeek apart?
- Lower Costs: While other models require investments of over $500 million to operate, DeepSeek’s breakthrough tech reduces costs to just $6 million.
- Open Source: The open-source nature of DeepSeek’s code invites collaboration, making AI more accessible and efficient for developers worldwide.
Ragheed Akeel, SEO Specialist at seoplus+, offers his perspective:
“I think the market (Investors) will see this as a threat, but this is an insane breakthrough for everyone in the AI space. AI is expensive and resource-demanding, with investments exceeding $500 Million to support its growth. DeepSeek improved on every aspect of this, bringing the cost down to just $6 Million and making it much more efficient to run. They also made the code ‘Open Source,’ which means everyone can read and use it! This helps everyone! Open AI, NVIDIA, DeepSeek. Everyone will benefit, and things will become cheaper and more efficient.”
So what’s next? AI is transforming digital marketing, but with innovation comes disruption. As businesses rely on AI-driven platforms, shifts in pricing, performance, and accessibility are inevitable. The key? Diversify your strategies, stay agile, and be ready to adapt.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
The marketing industry is evolving rapidly – TikTok, AI breakthroughs and Google’s innovations are just the tip of the iceberg. Keep checking back for insights, analysis, and actionable updates in the seoplus+ Digital Digest.
Have questions about how these updates could affect your business? Contact us to discuss your strategy.
