This week, we examine how templated language can dehumanize LinkedIn DMs, the tendency to overthink our video content, the benefits of trying out Instagram, and how to transform a mobile experience into a Disney ride.

You'll hear:

• How LinkedIn DMs that start with "At" instantly sound like radio commercials
• Keelyn Hart's advice for a different approach to DMs
• How the same templated language problem shows up in emails and social posts (and makes people tune out)
• Video advice from LinkedIn's Purna Virji and Deya on why imperfect videos focused on conversations work best
• A conversation with Instagram expert Corey Walker about how businesses can turn to Instagram in 2025.
• Insights from Brandon Beatty about how Disney's ride design provides a path for creating mobile customer experiences that feel like stories, not transactions.

This episode delves into why we obsess over perfection when audiences crave authenticity, and explores why trying new approaches might be exactly what your connections need.

Get the full show notes with links - https://www.yourcontentbrief.com/connecting-on-social-do-we-sound-like-humans-or-radio-ads/

This week, we’re looking at the gap between what marketers say and what they actually do—and how that disconnect shows up in their messaging, their goals, and their use of AI.

You’ll hear:

• Why so many “human” content strategists still sound robotic (via insight from Christopher Penn)

• A frustrating but telling look at where marketers are putting their focus in the year ahead, thanks to Rand Fishkin

• A thoughtful breakdown of what real conversion looks like and what it says about content, inspired by Matt Cornelison and Andy Crestodina

• A conversation with Sabrina Amjad from Vanbri Consulting about the current pros and cons of AI in business

• And an idea from Roger Dooley on how AI could help improve emotional intelligence.

This episode’s full of questions worth asking if you’re serious about content that connects—and not just content that fills space.

All links and show notes can be found here - https://www.yourcontentbrief.com/has-human-language-disappeared-in-content/

Just touching base with you about what's been going on and what to expect next!

Shira Abel is the CEO and Founder of Hunter & Bard and creator of The Perception Formula. She's here to help consider the ways company attitudes about audiences inevitably shape the content we create.

She'll add much-needed depth and context to the concepts of having self-awareness in the content we create, and how we can tap into the thoughts and emotions of our target audiences. One of the ways she taps into this is through her innovative Perception Formula (Perception = Heuristics + Hormones + History + Heritage).

Drawing from her 25 years of experience and role as a lecturer at UC Berkeley, she's a sought-after expert who helps businesses improve their market presence and drive exceptional growth.

Shira on Linkedin - Shira Abel

Her website - ShiraAbel.com

Her company - HunterandBard.com

This week, we're revisiting the episode featuring Marcus Sheridan. The show is back with a new episode on April 2nd.

Sometimes, the simplest changes in a mindset or approach can make the biggest difference in improving your content strategies. However, the barriers that often block content improvements come from inside a business.

Today’s expert has some answers.

Marcus Sheridan is a world-renowned keynote speaker, communication expert, digital marketing consultant and author of the revolutionary book They Ask You, Answer.

Marcus's website - https://marcussheridan.com/

His company - https://www.impactplus.com/team/marcus-sheridan

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcussheridan/

His Book - They Ask, You Answer

Matt Locke, Director at StoryThings, joins us to discuss the epidemic of uninspired content marketing and how businesses can create truly distinctive thought leadership.

Matt brings decades of experience from his BBC and Channel 4 background to explain why so much content fails to resonate with audiences.

He reveals practical strategies for escaping the zombie-like repetition plaguing corporate content strategy, including frameworks to help you deliver real value that resonates with audiences.

Matt on LinkedIn - Matt Locke

Company Website - Storythings.com

Social Post - How to Avoid Generic Thought Leadership Disease

In this episode, book coach and business advisor Jackie Lane reveals why writers shouldn't fear AI but should instead take agency over how they use it.

As the founder of the HII (Human Intelligence and Imagination) Project, Jackie shares insights from both sides - as someone who actively uses AI while also championing the irreplaceable value of human creativity.

Jackie explains her helpful approach to setting AI boundaries and shares surprising discoveries from interviews, writers, and clients. She also reveals why writers shouldn't worry about their jobs and what they can do instead.

Whether you're a content creator or an aspiring author looking for some assurance and guidance, this conversation offers fresh perspectives and ideas for an AI-obsessed era.

LINKS:

On LinkedIn - Jaqui Lane

Jaqui's website - The Book Advisor

Article - The Hii Project

Do you think social media can't really be "social" because people won't care or you don't work for a sexy brand?

In this episode, John Gonzalez from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District shares how his team transformed their utility's social media from basic announcements into engaging conversations that changed how people view infrastructure.

John reveals how they found their voice and explains their strategy of balancing humor, humanity, and humility in utility communications. We'll also hear stories about how they successfully joined conversations their community was already having.

Whether you work in utilities, government, or any stereotypical "unsexy" industry, this conversation offers practical insights on how to break free from corporate communications' limitations and build meaningful relationships with your audience.

On LinkedIn - John Gonzalez

Social Media Page - Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District