TikTok is back in the U.S., thanks to Trump ​​🚀!

TikTok lives to see another day! At least for now. After a whirlwind weekend full of drama, it looks like we’ve finally hit a moment of calm—well, sort of 🫠.

Heya, and welcome to another issue of The Ecom Press 🗞️!

In a surprising first move, Trump signed an executive order to pause the TikTok ban, with a bold suggestion: the U.S. owning 50% of TikTok. Wild, isn’t it 😯?

Meanwhile, Google Ads is making waves with its new barcode and QR code features, perfect for tracking campaigns and boosting customer engagement. And let’s not forget Walmart’s sleek brand refresh—a modern twist on their iconic legacy 🤭.

Grab your cup of coffee (or tea ☕), and let’s dive into the buzz!

In a rush? Here's the juice🤭:

🚀 TikTok is back in the U.S., thanks to Trump!

⚙️ Google Ads unveils Barcode and QR Code promo features for advertisers.

✨ Walmart refreshes its brand to serve modern shoppers better.

🚀 Ecom Strategies: 10 Genius Marketing Strategies for 2025.

⚡️Worthy Mentions

🚀 TikTok is back in the U.S., thanks to Trump!

TikTok’s U.S. ban, mandated by law, has been temporarily delayed by President Trump’s executive order, granting the app a 75-day extension to explore solutions. The decision comes amidst debates over national security and the app’s role in American culture and business.

Here’s the lowdown ⬇️: 

🚫 The ban: A federal law passed under the Biden administration required TikTok to divest from ByteDance by January 19, 2025, or face a nationwide ban. The law cited security concerns over potential Chinese government access to U.S. user data.

🛸 Trump’s move: On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order halting the ban for 75 days, allowing negotiations for a potential resolution. On Truth Social, Trump proposed a bold solution:

“I would like the United States to have a 50% ownership position in a joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands, and allow it to stay up.”

🌋 Immediate impact: TikTok went offline late Saturday night, vanishing from Apple and Google app stores and ceasing U.S. operations. For 14 hours, the app remained inaccessible, leaving users scrambling. Service was restored Sunday morning after Trump’s announcement, with TikTok notifying users, “As a result of President Trump’s efforts, TikTok is back in the U.S.!”

📱 App stores and liability: Apple and Google have not reinstated TikTok in their app stores, citing potential liabilities under the law. Alan Rozenshtein, a law professor, noted, “The president’s executive order does not stop the law from being in effect. Apple and Google risk significant penalties if they violate it.”

Why it matters 🧐

ByteDance expressed willingness to work on a resolution while raising concerns about Trump’s proposed joint venture. Also, considering the reversal is merely a 75-day extension, there’s still ongoing uncertainty around the ban. 

Whether TikTok thrives or faces restrictions, it’s still a fantastic idea to diversify and broaden your social media presence by exploring other platforms.

⚙️ Google Ads unveils Barcode and QR Code promo features for advertisers.

Google Ads has expanded its Promotion Assets by introducing barcode and QR code options, making it easier for advertisers to connect with customers across digital and physical spaces. These additions aim to simplify the redemption process for offers while providing advertisers with better tools to track performance.

Here’s the scoop 🍨:

Barcode integration 💣:

• Advertisers can now include barcodes in their promotional assets.

• Supports multiple formats such as Aztec, Data Matrix, and EAN-8, giving businesses flexibility to tailor their promotions.

• Barcodes are designed for seamless in-store redemption, making checkout faster and improving the user experience.

• To use this feature, advertisers must provide valid barcode numbers during the ad creation process.

QR code implementation 🧨:

• QR codes can encode up to 720 characters of text, allowing advertisers to include detailed promotional information.

• While links cannot be embedded in the QR codes, they can still direct users to key information about promotions or discounts.

• Ideal for mobile users, QR codes enable shoppers to scan and instantly access offers, driving engagement on-the-go.

How it works 🤸🏽‍♂️:

Advertisers can choose either barcodes or QR codes when setting up their campaigns. After selecting the preferred option, they input their promo details following the specific format constraints. The new options are seamlessly integrated into the ad creation workflow within Google Ads.

Why it matters 🤷‍♂️

With these tools, you can literally cater to in-store and digital shoppers. QR codes, in particular, can cater to the growing mobile shopping audience, while barcodes help streamline traditional in-store experiences.

The real takeaway? These tools from Google Ads are worth exploring as they let you track how promotions are redeemed, enabling you to fine-tune campaigns and boost ROI 🚀.

✨ Walmart refreshes its brand to serve modern shoppers better.

Walmart has officially announced a brand refresh aimed at showcasing its evolution as a global leader in retail. This update balances the company’s heritage with its ambition to serve a more modern, digital-first audience.

What changed 🤩?

• Updated wordmark: Walmart’s new wordmark, inspired by Sam Walton’s classic trucker hat, introduces a custom font that differentiates the brand while honoring its roots.

• The spark logo: The iconic spark has been retained but updated to symbolize Walmart’s energy and its role as a guiding light for customers navigating its services.

• Revamped color palette: The brand’s True Blue and Spark Yellow tones have been refreshed to keep the look contemporary while maintaining ties to its recognizable heritage.

• Tone and typography: Walmart’s new visuals and copy use relatable, inclusive language and imagery, resonating with the millions of customers it serves across channels. A custom font called “Everyday Sans” has also been introduced, combining functionality with aesthetic appeal.

Rollout plan 📆:

• October 2024: Began with Walmart Store 4108 in Springdale, Arkansas.

• January 2025: Walmart.com, the app, and corporate assets will see the updated identity.

• 2025: Progressive rollout across remaining stores and marketing channels.

Why it matters 🤨

For a retailer that serves millions daily, modernizing its identity ensures stronger connections with its customer base while emphasizing innovation. For you, keeping your brand fresh and engaging doesn’t mean starting from scratch. Sometimes, subtle updates—like refining your logo, refreshing your website’s design, or adopting a more relatable tone—can make a big difference in how customers perceive your business.

🛎️ The Ecom Press Insider

Ecom Fact: Affiliate marketing drives a whopping 16% of all internet orders in the U.S. And it’s not slowing down—the global affiliate marketing industry is projected to hit $27.78 billion by 2027 (Source: AuthorityHacker). 

Takeaway? Affiliate marketing isn’t just a side hustle for bloggers anymore—it’s a powerhouse for driving sales! Whether you’re a brand owner or an affiliate, this is your sign to double down on partnerships. After all, who doesn’t love growing their business while someone else shares the load 😉?

🚀 Ecom Strategies: 10 Genius Marketing Strategies for 2025.

Let’s face it, staying ahead in ecommerce takes more than just selling great products. With 2025 already in full gear, it’s time to get smarter about how you connect with your audience. Below, we’ve compiled 10 Genius Marketing Strategies that could really really redefine your success this year. If you’re ready, let’s dive in 🔥!

1. Selective Influencer Marketing: Skip the big names and go for micro-influencers with smaller, more engaged audiences. By collaborating with 10-30 smaller creators, you can produce high-quality content on a budget while increasing the chances of viral success.

2. Google Maps Ads: For local businesses, advertising on Google Maps is a goldmine. Nail down keywords, target your competitors, and enjoy predictable lead generation with minimal guesswork.

3. Affiliate Marketing: Set up an affiliate program through platforms like PartnerStack or Impact.com. Let influencers or everyday users promote your products and pay them only when they deliver results.

4. Email Marketing: With tools like Omnisend, create automated campaigns, build your list, and reap an average of $73 for every $1 spent. Email marketing isn’t just cost-effective; it’s a powerhouse for customer retention.

5. Snapchat Ads: Don’t sleep on Snapchat. This underrated platform still boasts millions of active users, many with spending power. Test it out and explore untapped ad credits for better ROI.

6. LinkedIn InMail Campaigns: For B2B businesses, LinkedIn ads are a no-brainer. Use split testing to refine your campaigns and generate high-value leads.

7. SMS and WhatsApp Marketing: Text marketing guarantees higher open rates than emails. Tools like Omnisend make it easy to send personalized, automated texts to your customers.

8. Handwritten Notes: Stand out with a personal touch. Send handwritten thank-you notes to customers to foster loyalty and build long-term relationships.

9. Write a Book: Position yourself as an expert by publishing a book. Use it as a lead funnel for services or high-ticket products, just like successful entrepreneurs have done.

10. Organic Social Media Content: Leverage TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to post authentic, engaging content around your brand. With no upfront costs, organic marketing can bring in customers at nearly zero expense.

These strategies aren’t just creative—they’re actionable. Wanna give it a shot ☄️? Check out our full video on YouTube for more insights and tutorials to make 2025 your most successful year yet 💪! 

⚡️Worthy Mentions

• Best Buy set to introduce new third-party marketplace this summer.

• Appeals court backs FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule amid legal challenge from business groups.

• PepsiCo faces FTC lawsuit over claims of unfair pricing practices.

• ChatGPT unveils new tasks feature for scheduling reminders.

• Instagram announces new video-editing app Edits to rival ByteDance’s CapCut.

Wrapping up…

TikTok may have dodged a ban (for now), but its future is hanging by a thread—and with Trump in the mix, let’s just say anything could happen 🤞🏾.

January’s wrapping up, and it’s already been a whirlwind of ecommerce buzz. But trust us, there’s plenty more to unravel, and you won’t want to miss it.

So, hit that subscribe button, and we’ll see you next week with fresh updates, actionable insights, and maybe a little more drama 😉.