Welcome back to Market like a Lyon
February 2026 #1
This round we are covering:
Instagram Trial Reels Strategy: Video Tutorial
Testing out Notebooklm.google
Linkedin Algorithm
If you are curious about archived editions you can find those here.
Stop Guessing, Start Testing: The Instagram Feature That Changes Everything
What if you could test your Instagram Reels before posting them and only share the ones guaranteed to perform?
What if you could test your Instagram Reels before posting themand only share the ones guaranteed to perform?
Most creators are shooting in the dark. They post, hope, and cross their fingers. But Instagram’s hidden Trial Reels feature lets you A/B test content with real audiences before it ever hits your main feed.
I used this exact strategy to hit 1 million views in 7 days with 89% non-follower reach. No luck. No viral accidents. Just systematic testing and data-driven decisions.
In this complete guide, I walk you through my entire process: how I create three variations of every reel, test them overnight, and only post the winners. You’ll see exactly where to find Trial Reels in your app, how to check performance metrics, and how to build a library of proven content for repurposing.
Part 2: I tested NotebookLM and you should too!
Here’s how I multiplied my content without starting from scratch 👇
I took my top 3 blog posts already ranking on Google and dropped them into googles notebooklm.
From there, I asked for:
• A mind map
• An infographic
• A long-form YouTube video
Honestly?
It barely needed edits. The structure was solid, the message was clear, and the “meat and potatoes” were already there. Intro on the video was a touch wordy for me 😂
All I did next was:
✔️ Add a transcript
✔️ Upload it to YouTube
✔️ Done
That’s content multiplication in 2026.
Long-form content is the asset.
AI just helps you extract more value from what you’ve already created.
If you’re constantly creating new content but not repurposing what’s already working, you’re doing extra work for no reason.
Smart systems > more effort.
Has anyone else tried notebookLM yet? 👀
I would love to see what you create. Tag me!!
Video Created with one click in NotebookLM
Infographics NotebookLM Pushed out from the above blog post.
LinkedIn's Illusive Algorithm had a big shift in Dec and the New Year Means New Rules
LinkedIn’s Algorithm Just Changed at the end of the Year.
If you’ve noticed your LinkedIn posts getting less reach lately, you’re not alone. The platform’s 360Brew algorithm update has caused a 50% drop in views, 25% decline in engagement, and 59% decrease in follower growth across the board.
LinkedIn intentionally shifted toward quality over quantity, and the professionals who understand these changes are seeing better results than ever before.
After working with teams from multiple companies to navigate these changes, I’ve identified the clear patterns in what works and what doesn’t in 2026.
What’s killing your reach:
Profile-content misalignment (posting outside your expertise)
Engagement bait tactics that now get penalized
Focusing on likes instead of saves
Daily posting without substance
What’s driving results:
Creating save-worthy frameworks and resources
Profile optimization that signals expertise to the AI
Content that keeps people reading (800-1000 words perform best)
Strategic relationship building over broadcast marketing
I’ve compiled everything into a comprehensive 15-minute strategy guide that covers:
✓ The real changes behind 360Brew (beyond the marketing hype)
✓ Profile optimization techniques that signal expertise
✓ Content formulas that consistently generate saves
✓ A complete 90-day implementation plan
✓ Advanced tactics for sustainable LinkedIn growth
This isn’t recycled advice or theoretical tips. These are tested strategies from hands-on experience helping businesses expand their LinkedIn reach and thought leadership.
Read the complete LinkedIn Algorithm 2026 strategy guide →
I’m currently offering a FREE Strategy Session. BOOK HERE!
Next newsletter, we are doing a deep dive into:
Instagram Top of Funnel
Buyers Shortlist and how to get on it
The good lord only knows because marketing changes daily and I like to flow with whatever I’m working on.
I speak to business owners daily who are worried AI is leaving them in the dust. Don’t fret those of us studying it daily and trying to keep up are also grasping to stay up to date.
It’s all working for you and in your favor even when you can’t see it,
Leslie Lyon
p.s. Thanks for reading this far.
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