KimekoM
@kimekom.bsky.social
Senior writer @ Digiday
As seen in: Adweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Andscape, Atlanta Magazine
Professional yapper
As seen in: Adweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Andscape, Atlanta Magazine
Professional yapper
When Elon Musk bought X, the algorithm became a political battleground.
With U.S. ownership of TikTok looming, creators worry the same thing could happen again — this time to the “secret sauce” that makes TikTok.
If politics shapes algorithms, what happens to culture?
digiday.com/marketing/ti...
With U.S. ownership of TikTok looming, creators worry the same thing could happen again — this time to the “secret sauce” that makes TikTok.
If politics shapes algorithms, what happens to culture?
digiday.com/marketing/ti...
TikTok’s U.S. ownership shift raises creator concerns over algorithm changes
TikTok influencers and creators brace for changes to the algorithm as U.S. firms plan to take control of the algorithm.
digiday.com
October 2, 2025 at 1:37 PM
When Elon Musk bought X, the algorithm became a political battleground.
With U.S. ownership of TikTok looming, creators worry the same thing could happen again — this time to the “secret sauce” that makes TikTok.
If politics shapes algorithms, what happens to culture?
digiday.com/marketing/ti...
With U.S. ownership of TikTok looming, creators worry the same thing could happen again — this time to the “secret sauce” that makes TikTok.
If politics shapes algorithms, what happens to culture?
digiday.com/marketing/ti...
AI may not “kill” Google, but it’s definitely changing how people search for things online.
It’s creating a slow chaos for marketers, like declining web traffic and chatbot optimization.
I get the sense marketers are scrambling to keep up.
It’s creating a slow chaos for marketers, like declining web traffic and chatbot optimization.
I get the sense marketers are scrambling to keep up.
How AI is rewriting the rules of search and shopping – by the numbers
With generative AI becoming the new front door to commerce and online shopping, the real question is: can brands keep up?
digiday.com
September 29, 2025 at 8:00 PM
AI may not “kill” Google, but it’s definitely changing how people search for things online.
It’s creating a slow chaos for marketers, like declining web traffic and chatbot optimization.
I get the sense marketers are scrambling to keep up.
It’s creating a slow chaos for marketers, like declining web traffic and chatbot optimization.
I get the sense marketers are scrambling to keep up.
Reposted by KimekoM
and I teamed up with @kimekom.bsky.social for this piece on the lack of measurement around brand AI investments digiday.com/marketing/cm...
CMOs might be pushing ahead on AI, but lack of measurement’s holding them back
CMOs embrace AI, but lack clear ROI metrics to justify full investment. Until then, measurement remains the missing link.
digiday.com
July 16, 2025 at 4:59 PM
and I teamed up with @kimekom.bsky.social for this piece on the lack of measurement around brand AI investments digiday.com/marketing/cm...
Meta’s aiming to fully automate ads with AI by 2026 — and creative agencies aren’t exactly shocked.
Many are already using AI tools. But questions around job displacement, creative control, and the agency’s evolving role still loom large.
I dug into it for @digiday:
Many are already using AI tools. But questions around job displacement, creative control, and the agency’s evolving role still loom large.
I dug into it for @digiday:
Meta’s AI ad plan raises stakes – even if creative execs are shrugging it off
Meta’s AI tools aim to automate ad creation by 2026. Creative agencies aren’t surprised—but they are preparing for what’s at stake.
digiday.com
June 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
Meta’s aiming to fully automate ads with AI by 2026 — and creative agencies aren’t exactly shocked.
Many are already using AI tools. But questions around job displacement, creative control, and the agency’s evolving role still loom large.
I dug into it for @digiday:
Many are already using AI tools. But questions around job displacement, creative control, and the agency’s evolving role still loom large.
I dug into it for @digiday:
TikTok’s deadline is quickly approaching. There are multiple buyers, competition from Pinterest, Snap and Meta and it’s unclear if Trump will extend that deadline again.
This time, the TikTok ban has left more questions than answers.
What we know so far on the @digidaymedia.bsky.social podcast:
This time, the TikTok ban has left more questions than answers.
What we know so far on the @digidaymedia.bsky.social podcast:
TikTok ban looms closer, leaving more questions than answers in its wake
The halfway point for the looming TikTok ban has passed. What's next for advertisers, creators and marketers?
digiday.com
March 18, 2025 at 2:43 PM
TikTok’s deadline is quickly approaching. There are multiple buyers, competition from Pinterest, Snap and Meta and it’s unclear if Trump will extend that deadline again.
This time, the TikTok ban has left more questions than answers.
What we know so far on the @digidaymedia.bsky.social podcast:
This time, the TikTok ban has left more questions than answers.
What we know so far on the @digidaymedia.bsky.social podcast:
YouTube is really dominating America's TV time.
What do y'all watch on YouTube? Which creators are you following?
What do y'all watch on YouTube? Which creators are you following?
March 17, 2025 at 5:39 PM
YouTube is really dominating America's TV time.
What do y'all watch on YouTube? Which creators are you following?
What do y'all watch on YouTube? Which creators are you following?
After Pinterest's first billion-dollar revenue quarter, I sat down with Chief Revenue Officer Bill Watkins to talk about how Pinterest pulled off its play for ad dollars.
(Spoiler alert: They banked on performance/lower funnel ad offerings to drive what advertisers care about, which is sales.)
(Spoiler alert: They banked on performance/lower funnel ad offerings to drive what advertisers care about, which is sales.)
How Pinterest went from selling views to selling clicks and conversions, with CRO Bill Watkins
Pinterest's is getting louder in its battle for ad dollars with AI-powered ad tools and an increase in ad volume.
digiday.com
March 11, 2025 at 2:46 PM
After Pinterest's first billion-dollar revenue quarter, I sat down with Chief Revenue Officer Bill Watkins to talk about how Pinterest pulled off its play for ad dollars.
(Spoiler alert: They banked on performance/lower funnel ad offerings to drive what advertisers care about, which is sales.)
(Spoiler alert: They banked on performance/lower funnel ad offerings to drive what advertisers care about, which is sales.)
The most interesting part of the AI ad buying domination is this:
As much as advertisers say they want transparency, they'll continue to spend as long as it generates sales.
As much as advertisers say they want transparency, they'll continue to spend as long as it generates sales.
AI Will Soon Dominate Ad Buying, Whether Marketers Like It or Not
Advertisers are grappling with trade-offs of AI-powered ad planning and buying tools for automating nearly every step in digital ad campaigns.
www.wsj.com
March 10, 2025 at 9:27 PM
The most interesting part of the AI ad buying domination is this:
As much as advertisers say they want transparency, they'll continue to spend as long as it generates sales.
As much as advertisers say they want transparency, they'll continue to spend as long as it generates sales.
At best, we are gravely misunderstanding the concept of free speech. At worst, that supposed misunderstanding is a feature, not a bug.
March 10, 2025 at 7:26 PM
At best, we are gravely misunderstanding the concept of free speech. At worst, that supposed misunderstanding is a feature, not a bug.
I've recently been informed that the car brand Hyundai is pronounced hun-day, like Sunday, and not hi-yun-day, as I've been saying it for the past 30 years.
February 26, 2025 at 8:03 PM
I've recently been informed that the car brand Hyundai is pronounced hun-day, like Sunday, and not hi-yun-day, as I've been saying it for the past 30 years.
Reposted by KimekoM
New: The FTC was set to tackle "surveillance pricing" and "surveillance wages" before Trump took office.
Now consumer and worker advocates are taking the battle to the states instead—and four have already introduced bills to ban the practices: wapo.st/4iacqAZ (w/ @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social)
Now consumer and worker advocates are taking the battle to the states instead—and four have already introduced bills to ban the practices: wapo.st/4iacqAZ (w/ @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social)
Analysis | States eye bans on ‘surveillance pricing’ that exploits personal data
Democratic lawmakers in California are latest to try outlawing personalized pricing amid a nationwide push by consumer protection advocates.
wapo.st
February 20, 2025 at 2:44 PM
New: The FTC was set to tackle "surveillance pricing" and "surveillance wages" before Trump took office.
Now consumer and worker advocates are taking the battle to the states instead—and four have already introduced bills to ban the practices: wapo.st/4iacqAZ (w/ @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social)
Now consumer and worker advocates are taking the battle to the states instead—and four have already introduced bills to ban the practices: wapo.st/4iacqAZ (w/ @laurenkaorigurley.bsky.social)
what are things you do to be more whimsical?
every year on new year's day, i tell the same joke and say "i haven't showered since last year."
anytime i edit a story and send it back to my editor, i say "see if this shoe fits better."
every year on new year's day, i tell the same joke and say "i haven't showered since last year."
anytime i edit a story and send it back to my editor, i say "see if this shoe fits better."
February 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
what are things you do to be more whimsical?
every year on new year's day, i tell the same joke and say "i haven't showered since last year."
anytime i edit a story and send it back to my editor, i say "see if this shoe fits better."
every year on new year's day, i tell the same joke and say "i haven't showered since last year."
anytime i edit a story and send it back to my editor, i say "see if this shoe fits better."
Storytime:
Last week, I was working on an article looking at the impact of DEI's dismantling. I reached out to one of my go-to comms pros to help me line up some interviews.
Normally, she has sources. This time, she said no one wants to talk DEI. They're scared.
Call it the Trump Effect:
Last week, I was working on an article looking at the impact of DEI's dismantling. I reached out to one of my go-to comms pros to help me line up some interviews.
Normally, she has sources. This time, she said no one wants to talk DEI. They're scared.
Call it the Trump Effect:
'Gag orders all around’: Confessions of a comms professional on DEI backlash
DEI backlash puts 'gag order' on communication professional clients.
digiday.com
February 19, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Storytime:
Last week, I was working on an article looking at the impact of DEI's dismantling. I reached out to one of my go-to comms pros to help me line up some interviews.
Normally, she has sources. This time, she said no one wants to talk DEI. They're scared.
Call it the Trump Effect:
Last week, I was working on an article looking at the impact of DEI's dismantling. I reached out to one of my go-to comms pros to help me line up some interviews.
Normally, she has sources. This time, she said no one wants to talk DEI. They're scared.
Call it the Trump Effect:
Diversity seems to be the Boogeyman in the DEI shitstorm.
But if everyone backs away from the 'D' in DEI, that leaves a watered-down version of past commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
My latest for @digidaymedia.bsky.social here:
But if everyone backs away from the 'D' in DEI, that leaves a watered-down version of past commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
My latest for @digidaymedia.bsky.social here:
'The D-word is the most problematic': Why diversity could soon be stripped from DEI values and branding
Marketers say it might be time to rebrand what DEI stands for as backlash to the values that the strategies once upheld continues.
digiday.com
February 18, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Diversity seems to be the Boogeyman in the DEI shitstorm.
But if everyone backs away from the 'D' in DEI, that leaves a watered-down version of past commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
My latest for @digidaymedia.bsky.social here:
But if everyone backs away from the 'D' in DEI, that leaves a watered-down version of past commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion.
My latest for @digidaymedia.bsky.social here:
"I loved who I became when I baked: a calmer, more precise person who turned raw ingredients into gold. Why, then, did baking seem to make me closer to something I didn’t understand and wasn’t sure I wanted to become, which was a wife?"
A Fantasy of Domesticity: Why We’re Drawn to the False Promise of the Tradwife
When I left New York City last September to live upstate with a man, I immediately began baking. The first loaf cake I made was terrible: eggy, over-mixed; its one redeeming quality was the layer o…
lithub.com
February 13, 2025 at 9:53 PM
"I loved who I became when I baked: a calmer, more precise person who turned raw ingredients into gold. Why, then, did baking seem to make me closer to something I didn’t understand and wasn’t sure I wanted to become, which was a wife?"
If you are someone who works in communications, you should absolutely have your phone number in your email signature.
Even if it's just a Google Voice number, you have to give folks an alternative way to contact you during business hours.
Even if it's just a Google Voice number, you have to give folks an alternative way to contact you during business hours.
February 11, 2025 at 7:21 PM
If you are someone who works in communications, you should absolutely have your phone number in your email signature.
Even if it's just a Google Voice number, you have to give folks an alternative way to contact you during business hours.
Even if it's just a Google Voice number, you have to give folks an alternative way to contact you during business hours.
Google's third-party cookie phase-out is less of a "long kiss goodnight" and more of a slow, but somehow never-ending death.
So if Google's cookie phase-out ever comes, Mars' chief brand officer Rankin Carroll says the snack company has two alternatives: partnerships and, of course, AI.
So if Google's cookie phase-out ever comes, Mars' chief brand officer Rankin Carroll says the snack company has two alternatives: partnerships and, of course, AI.
If Google's cookie phase-out ever comes, here's what a cookie-less future looks like for Mars' chief brand officer Rankin Carroll
As the future of third-party cookies remains rather ambiguous, Mars has started eyeing partnerships and leveraging artificial intelligence to fill in the gaps, with an eye toward a cookie-less future.
digiday.com
February 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Google's third-party cookie phase-out is less of a "long kiss goodnight" and more of a slow, but somehow never-ending death.
So if Google's cookie phase-out ever comes, Mars' chief brand officer Rankin Carroll says the snack company has two alternatives: partnerships and, of course, AI.
So if Google's cookie phase-out ever comes, Mars' chief brand officer Rankin Carroll says the snack company has two alternatives: partnerships and, of course, AI.
Super Bowl spots seem to be going the way of seasonal marketing, rolling out earlier and earlier each year.
This year's Big Game spots were deemed a bit lackluster. Is the early rollout to blame?
@kristinam.bsky.social answers that in this week's Marketing Briefing:
This year's Big Game spots were deemed a bit lackluster. Is the early rollout to blame?
@kristinam.bsky.social answers that in this week's Marketing Briefing:
Marketing Briefing: Is the early ad rollout to blame for a lackluster Super Bowl?
Without the element of surprise or excellent storytelling, much of the Super Bowl advertising won’t be remembered long after Sunday’s airing.
digiday.com
February 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Super Bowl spots seem to be going the way of seasonal marketing, rolling out earlier and earlier each year.
This year's Big Game spots were deemed a bit lackluster. Is the early rollout to blame?
@kristinam.bsky.social answers that in this week's Marketing Briefing:
This year's Big Game spots were deemed a bit lackluster. Is the early rollout to blame?
@kristinam.bsky.social answers that in this week's Marketing Briefing:
Just saw Kars4Kids take a shot at Drake, following Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime show.
Duolingo, I get. Kars4Kids? A nonprofit car donation organization?!
ENOUGH.
Duolingo, I get. Kars4Kids? A nonprofit car donation organization?!
ENOUGH.
February 10, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Just saw Kars4Kids take a shot at Drake, following Kendrick's Super Bowl halftime show.
Duolingo, I get. Kars4Kids? A nonprofit car donation organization?!
ENOUGH.
Duolingo, I get. Kars4Kids? A nonprofit car donation organization?!
ENOUGH.
“How did we fumble remote work so badly?”
The sexy answer is middle managers and people who hate their families wanted a return to office.
Maybe. But also, there’s an entire ecosystem that is built around in-office work and the commute.
In other words, money was at stake.
The sexy answer is middle managers and people who hate their families wanted a return to office.
Maybe. But also, there’s an entire ecosystem that is built around in-office work and the commute.
In other words, money was at stake.
February 6, 2025 at 10:15 PM
“How did we fumble remote work so badly?”
The sexy answer is middle managers and people who hate their families wanted a return to office.
Maybe. But also, there’s an entire ecosystem that is built around in-office work and the commute.
In other words, money was at stake.
The sexy answer is middle managers and people who hate their families wanted a return to office.
Maybe. But also, there’s an entire ecosystem that is built around in-office work and the commute.
In other words, money was at stake.
Another day, another ended set of diversity goals.
Google just ended diversity hiring goals. Read the memo.
Google said that "as a federal contractor, our teams are also evaluating changes required following recent court decisions and executive orders."
www.businessinsider.com
February 6, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Another day, another ended set of diversity goals.
So many people thought TikTok would be the so-called second screen for the Super Bowl last year, replacing X.
Then came the TikTok ban.
I talked to marketers and strategists to see what becomes the second screen this year, and it seems there's no definitive answer.
Then came the TikTok ban.
I talked to marketers and strategists to see what becomes the second screen this year, and it seems there's no definitive answer.
Social media fragmentation exposes cracks forming in Super Bowl second screen plans
Between the TikTok ban and turbulence on Elon Musk's X, marketers seem unsure of this year's definitive Super Bowl second screen.
digiday.com
February 5, 2025 at 7:11 PM
So many people thought TikTok would be the so-called second screen for the Super Bowl last year, replacing X.
Then came the TikTok ban.
I talked to marketers and strategists to see what becomes the second screen this year, and it seems there's no definitive answer.
Then came the TikTok ban.
I talked to marketers and strategists to see what becomes the second screen this year, and it seems there's no definitive answer.
Here's what's interesting about the DEI walk-backs:
On one hand, retailers are tapering down their commitments to DE&I. But on the other, they're still spending with multicultural marketing agencies.
As my mother would say, "They're talking out both sides of their mouths."
On one hand, retailers are tapering down their commitments to DE&I. But on the other, they're still spending with multicultural marketing agencies.
As my mother would say, "They're talking out both sides of their mouths."
Boycotts and backlash reveal complications in changing DEI landscape
Amidst changes to the DEI landscape, brands and marketers say it's a complicated matter.
digiday.com
February 4, 2025 at 2:55 PM
Here's what's interesting about the DEI walk-backs:
On one hand, retailers are tapering down their commitments to DE&I. But on the other, they're still spending with multicultural marketing agencies.
As my mother would say, "They're talking out both sides of their mouths."
On one hand, retailers are tapering down their commitments to DE&I. But on the other, they're still spending with multicultural marketing agencies.
As my mother would say, "They're talking out both sides of their mouths."
Reposted by KimekoM
Macy's has abruptly ended its tuition-free college program for employees less than three years after it launched.
Shows how much the landscape has changed for retail workers over the last few years—companies no longer feel the need to offer these perks.
www.modernretail.co/operations/m...
Shows how much the landscape has changed for retail workers over the last few years—companies no longer feel the need to offer these perks.
www.modernretail.co/operations/m...
Macy's ends program that offered tuition-free college degrees to employees
Macy's is ending a program that provided college degree programs and other educational courses to its employees at no cost.
www.modernretail.co
January 29, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Macy's has abruptly ended its tuition-free college program for employees less than three years after it launched.
Shows how much the landscape has changed for retail workers over the last few years—companies no longer feel the need to offer these perks.
www.modernretail.co/operations/m...
Shows how much the landscape has changed for retail workers over the last few years—companies no longer feel the need to offer these perks.
www.modernretail.co/operations/m...
Reposted by KimekoM
Justice Impacted
This personal essay from an Atlanta mom describes her devastation after the judge she helped elect detained her son without bond or trial
Read the full story: https://buff.ly/40ohc6G
This personal essay from an Atlanta mom describes her devastation after the judge she helped elect detained her son without bond or trial
Read the full story: https://buff.ly/40ohc6G
January 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Justice Impacted
This personal essay from an Atlanta mom describes her devastation after the judge she helped elect detained her son without bond or trial
Read the full story: https://buff.ly/40ohc6G
This personal essay from an Atlanta mom describes her devastation after the judge she helped elect detained her son without bond or trial
Read the full story: https://buff.ly/40ohc6G