chat could never


At this point I think *I* should be the one going to grad school.

The last few months have been filled with texts from my nephew that read "u free in 30?"

Code for: can you help me rewrite this essay that's due tomorrow?

Cue to: 3 hours spent helping him turn a mountain of chatgpt gobbledygook into something that makes sense for the program application.

I was also pretty delulu my senior year. I actually applied to be a head curator when my limited experience consisted of being a docent at my school's art museum (hey, it was legit - we had a di Suvero in the front and a Lichtenstein in the back).

Shockingly, I didn't get the gig - I mean, who wouldn't want an ungloved 21-year-old handling ancient archives?

The bigger lesson here - get clear on what you're bringing to the table.

If I had to pick a focus word for 2026 it would be that - clarity.

You've got to communicate clearly who you are, what you offer and how you can help.

And it's not just for people who know you already. It's about getting the AI bots to cite and recommend you as the go-to person for the thing you offer.

Something I find on almost every site I review - people make their websites difficult to use and their copy way too vague. Often it's hard to understand what you're offering and how to actually contact and hire you.

Even more troubling, I find so many folks never publish their website or share their offerings because they're worried about what it looks like or what others will think.

The bots (and people) don't care if your website is pretty - they care if you can answers their questions and solve their problems.

Now I won't write your kid's application essay,* but I can tell you if your website, sales page, offer or idea makes sense.

Need a website clarity check-up?
Contact me and let's get something on the books.

you've got this,
Michelle

*p.s. honestly, I can be persuaded. I'll also been known to trade for dental care and baked goods. It's a new economy.

p.p.s. missed my last few emails? Catch-up here:
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Hover* - where I buy & hoard my domains (great customer support to boot!)
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The Nugget with Michelle Martello

Get my nugget-filled newsletter every Friday. The never boring, edutaining tech + digital strategy newsletter​ that's always worth the open. Get the latest tech tutorials, behind-the-scenes breakdowns and done-for-you strategic guidance from someone who's actually doing the work (and makes you laugh to boot).

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