mhdodick consulting

Opinion formation is complex. It’s influenced by the subconscious, emotions, group loyalties, etc. Communicating without understanding how your audience thinks and sentiments are shaped reduces prospects for success. #ContentStrategy

Effective #writing features clear information, persuasive statements, engaging rhythms and appealing harmonies in word usage that move your audiences

When reviewing #news reports about charged topics, ask: Does the narrative really make sense? Are stories balanced and are the sources they’re based on credible? Are key facts omitted? Is the interpretive frame valid? Charges of bias may be valid. #journalism

No, you don't need to rewrite your site for #AI systems. Google's new guide covers what matters for generative AI features + what doesn't, from LLMs.txt to special markup. Get the key points: searchengineland.com/google-publish…

I've been watching organic traffic drop across hundreds of client accounts while rankings stay perfectly stable, and I need to tell you exactly what's happening and why it won't reverse. Google is not broken. Google is doing this on purpose because ChatGPT and other AI systems forced them to keep users on the search results page instead of sending them to yours. The new game is not about ranking number one. It's about being cited inside AI-generated answers on Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini, and the brands winning that game built their presence across the entire internet, not just their own website. If you are still reporting keyword rankings to your executive team, you are measuring a game that already ended.

Set-piece strategies can’t succeed in a dynamic setting shaped by uncertainty. Fixed #business plans can’t win in an ever-changing environment. Agility and rapid adaption are a must.

Yes, do sweat the “small stuff” with your communications. Awkward usage, grammatical errors, stylistic and punctuation inconsistencies, broken/defective URLs and weak messaging undermine your professional impression.

#Media campaigns that deliberately spread false accusations will inevitably be exposed. “Facts” presented today as absolute truths are often revealed later as falsehoods. Be savvy. Avoid making hasty, ill-informed judgments. #journalism

The “Big Lie” #Strategy works by inventing outrageous falsehoods and repeating them through (uncritical) #media channels until they’re (blindly) accepted as truth. Eventually, they are exposed but cause grave damage. tinyurl.com/yhe2cye3 #journalism

#History relies on multiple sources of primary and secondary evidence to corroborate facts about current events. If #journalism is the “rough first draft of history,” it has a duty of care to ensure its output is available for future researchers and analysts.

Google's Search box just got its biggest update in 25 years. The new AI-powered experience could push more users toward AI Mode and deeper AI Overviews, potentially changing how clicks flow to websites. Why it matters for search traffic: searchengineland.com/googles-new-in…

Speak in your audience’s language to be understood and persuasive. But avoid excessively copying the style of those you want to reach or they’ll think you’re patronizing and inauthentic.

Google is making its biggest change to the search bar in years ctvnews.ca/sci-tech/artic…

Most professionals don’t aim to be #influencers. They seek the credibility and authority with key audiences that earn real respect. Aim for that instead of being a “digital flash in the pan.”

Fewer professionals are handing out #business cards. As a result, they’re missing an opportunity to leave a tactile reminder about what they uniquely offer. #Digital first shouldn’t be digital only. #Marketing #business #strategy

Fintech brands face a higher bar in AI search. LLMs need to verify: – legitimacy – fees – protections – third-party trust signals Here's how to improve visibility in ChatGPT and Google AI Mode without losing control of your brand narrative: searchengineland.com/guide/fintech-…

A resilient skillset is the foundation for having a long professional life. Make an ongoing commitment to keeping your capabilities current, especially as #ArtificialIntelligence (AI) becomes embedded in the operations of many organizations.

Doubling down by defending a proven lie or false claim doesn’t make it true. It just forever destroys the reputation of the organization that rejects credible, verified counter evidence.

Unsupervised #ArtificialIntelligence-supplied copy may not move your audiences. Don’t let a truly useful tool that increases throughput turn your content creation into a “widget” production line.

A #blog is a great #communications vehicle for getting your message across if you deliver engaging, insightful content AND if you publish regularly. Otherwise...? #ContentStrategy

Check out shrill claims from dubious sources. Assertions that can’t be confirmed are falsehoods.