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PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 7th, 2024/Chainwire/--Silent Protocol, a forefront innovator in blockchain privacy technology, has announced the release of the Ghost Layer, a cutting-edge modular Layer 1.5 designed for the Ethereum ecosystem. This new solution is engineered to provide compliant privacy enhancements to public blockchains, suitable for both retail and institutional applications. The Ghost Layer is using a zero-knowledge (ZK) based system alongside its proprietary 0VM technology. These advancements allow for the private storage of assets and enable the omnidirectional flow of value across various blockchains. It facilitates the seamless integration of existing applications into private workflows through its ability to open access channels to different execution layers. The founder of Silent Protocol, Novachrono, explains the unique position of the Ghost Layer in the blockchain hierarchy: “If you create a ledger whose state is decided by the base ledger but the computation is stored elsewhere—you can call it a Layer 1.5.” This innovative positioning combines the robustness of base layer processing with enhanced privacy and interoperability functions. In 2023, Silent Protocol launched EZEE, addressing the challenge of state denial and introducing a fully composable architecture that supports functional privacy. This framework allows developers to build an ecosystem of applications without the constraints of isolated systems. Furthermore, Silent Protocol has developed the Silent Compliance VM, a decentralized protocol that selectively reveals data to prevent misuse by bad actors. Isa Sertkaya, Co-founder and CTO of Silent Protocol, emphasized the strategic advantage of the Ghost Layer: "Rooted out of Ethereum and supporting Ethereum assets, the Ghost Layer achieves modularity not by capturing value vertically but by enabling horizontal composability across different chains." The implementation of 0VM technology allows the Ghost Layer to advance the state of the system while verifying updates and utilizing the base ledger for state validation through zksnarks. This launch signifies Silent Protocol's commitment to building a compliant and composable framework that enables institutions to securely and privately leverage Ethereum. Developers across various blockchains will now have the opportunity to transform their existing applications into privacy-preserving applications, known as 0dapps while maintaining the liquidity available on the mainnet. About Silent Protocol Silent Protocol is a leader in blockchain privacy technology, dedicated to enhancing security and compliance in blockchain applications without sacrificing performance. Founded by a team of blockchain innovators, Silent Protocol develops scalable, privacy-centric frameworks like the EZEE framework and Silent Compliance VM. These tools empower developers and institutions to transform existing applications into secure, privacy-preserving platforms while fostering interoperability across different blockchain systems. Contact Co-Founder & CTO İsa Sertkaya isa@silentdao.org :::tip This story was distributed as a release by Chainwire under HackerNoon's Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. :::

Ghost layer PANAMA CITY Silent Protocol

Learn how embracing failure can improve your app's quality, leading to early error detection, robust error handling, and better overall stability.

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Imagine releasing a software solution into the market only to realize the user cannot use the app properly. They have been reporting numerous bugs, which has lowered your reputation and reliability.

app properly Fortifying Email Imagine releasing SDLC Imagine

A critical cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability has been discovered in the popular Yoast SEO WordPress plugin, potentially putting over 5 million websites at risk of compromise. The flaw was found by security researcher Bassem Essam and reported via the Wordfence Bug Bounty Program. The reflected XSS vulnerability exists in all Yoast SEO versions up to […] The post Yoast SEO Plugin XSS Flaw Exposes 5 Million+ WordPress Websites to Attack appeared first on Cyber Security News.

Yoast SEO

Kaisen Linux is a distribution dedicated for IT professional based on Debian GNU/Linux. Large tools are integrated for diagnostics, rescue system and networks, lab creation and many more!

Safeguarding software integrity is crucial, especially in vital industries such as finance. According to a report by Carbon Black, the financial sector experiences an average of 10,000 security alerts per day, outstripping most other industries. As the technology landscape evolves and expands, it's imperative that your defenses strengthen alongside it. So, how do leading financial institutions shore up their cyber defenses and protect their software assets? The answer is Application Security Posture Management (ASPM). Join us as we explore ASPM's transformative impact on security practices in the U.S. financial services sector.

Protection Safeguarding Software Protection

By Waqas UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) faces potential Chinese cyberattack. Learn more about the details of the alleged attack, China's role in cyberspace, potential consequences, and the importance of international cooperation in cybersecurity. This is a post from HackRead.com Read the original post: China Suspected in Major Cyberattack on UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD)

China Suspected Chinese cyberattack potential Chinese

DOVER, DE, USA, May 7, 2024 — ChainGPT, the AI-powered Web3 infrastructure providing a diverse suite of tools and services, will exclusively launch the IDO of its latest launchpad project: OMNIA Protocol, a specialized RPC (remote procedure call) provider solving a wide range of challenges in DeFi relating to decentralization, security, compliance, and user experience. Set for May 9, OMNIA Protocol's IDO leverages the ChainGPT Pad and its incubation program to launch the $OMNIA token—supporting the wider blockchain ecosystem through a seamless interface combining decentralization, real-time pending transaction streams, liquidity aggregation, and more. As a premier decentralized fundraising and incubation platform for Web3 projects of all types, the ChainGPT Pad has been recognized as the most popular launchpad of 2023. The incubation program promotes emerging startups strategically hand-picked by ChainGPT based on their disruptive potential, transforming their ideas into viable business solutions. The program extensively assists in product development, smart contract implementation, and user engagement. Through expert mentorship and access to an extensive network of influential partners and investors, the ChainGPT Pad's incubation provides Web3 startups with the tools to navigate and thrive. OMNIA Protocol lays the foundation for state-of-the-art solutions to build on top of its infrastructure by leveraging the Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS) to facilitate the private order flow of transactions. This allows OMNIA to not only guarantee front-running, or sandwich, attack protection but also opens the door for innovative business use cases leveraging good MEV (maximal extractable value), transaction bundles, and intent-based dApps to reduce transaction fees and potentially earn cash back on every DeFi trade a user executes. Furthermore, OMNIA plans to decentralize the node measurement process on top of EigenLayer by building a special-purpose Actively Validated Service (AVS) to facilitate transparent governance over node performance and integrity checks—all while tapping into billions of dollars as part of EigenLayer's TVL.  The OMNIA Protocol boasts several other key products geared toward fostering a more robust, secure, and decentralized blockchain environment, including: Robust RPC infrastructure: Provides the foundation for blockchain interactions with added features for security, compliance, and more. Decentralized Node Incentivization: Encourages community members to run nodes to strengthen the network and ensure its decentralized nature. MEV Infrastructure Monetization: Leverages MEV strategies to capture value and redistribute it to users. Staking nodes: Offers staking opportunities for token holders to participate and earn rewards. Additionally, the KYT suite effortlessly integrates with existing AML/KYC workflows and adheres to OFAC (U.S.), UN and EU guidelines for mitigating financial crimes and terror financing. Untrusted entities coupled with aggregators must stake to earn a high level of trust, thus being able to provide higher levels of traffic. Each community node will stake $OMNIA to join the network, with nodes committing to a specific uptime and synchronization. Token holders will also enjoy fee reductions with the more $OMNIA they hold. ChainGPT is a pioneer in the field of blockchain AI infrastructure, offering a wide range of tools and services, including a smart contract generator and auditor, advanced AI trading, an NFT generator, an AI-powered security extension, and SDK and API access for developers and organizations to integrate ChainGPT. “OMNIA is one of our most promising projects and it was a pleasure to collaborate with them to support their mission of opening access to 40 blockchain networks,” says Ilan Rakhmanov, CEO and Founder of ChainGPT. “OMNIA has demonstrated its ability to bridge the gap between centralized providers offering strong functionality and decentralized RPCs that tend to lack advanced capabilities through resource clustering and effortlessly incorporating MEV extraction. Their IDO symbolized a unique opportunity for ChainGPT to support a project that is truly building the foundations for a better Web3, for everyone” ‘Working closely with ChainGPT during the incubation period allowed us to accelerate the development of our truly innovative protocol,” says Cristian Lupascu, CEO of OMNIA Protocol. “Thanks to our talented team and the ChainGPT Pad providing us with a strategic partner and strong foundation for success, we will bring about unprecedented progress in blockchain accessibility, security, and democratization.” n About ChainGPT: ChainGPT is the leading provider of AI-powered infrastructure for crypto, blockchain, and Web3. From a next-generation IDO launchpad and incubator to automated smart contract generation and auditing, as well as an advanced Web3 AI chatbot to AI-powered news aggregation, an AI training assistant, cross-chain swap, and an NFT generator, ChainGPT is a sophisticated, end-to-end solution for AI Web3 infrastructure. By integrating large language models (LLM) with blockchain, the company builds advanced, accessible, and user-friendly tools for all users. Further solidifying its position at the forefront of technological innovation, ChainGPT has established strategic partnerships and received recognition from notable tech leaders such as Google, Nvidia, BNBChain, and Chainlink. ChainGPT aims to advance the use of AI within the blockchain space. For more information, visit: https://www.chaingpt.org About Omnia Protocol: Founded in 2021, OMNIA Protocol is a specialized RPC provider designed by cybersecurity, cryptographers, and software engineers to address the unique challenges of DeFi. It champions decentralization, aggregation, and the redistribution of MEV (maximal extractable value) while prioritizing security and transaction optimization. OMNIA's mission is to provide a seamless blockchain interface that combines decentralization with advanced features like real-time pending transaction streams and robust broadcasting. By strategically leveraging MEV, OMNIA empowers DeFi traders, wallets, dApps, and DEXs to directly benefit from the value generated by their transactions. :::tip This story was distributed as a release by Btcwire under HackerNoon's Business Blogging Program. Learn more about the program here. :::

ChainGPT ChainGPT Pad MEV DOVER OMNIA OMNIA Protocol

Product-market fit is reached when the market demand for your product sustains its growth and profitability. This means that customers not only support your business but also drive its success. However, achieving product-market fit requires a deep understanding of customer needs. This understanding enables you to position your product effectively by offering the right features at the right price and time to meet their demands.  In this article, we'll explore the concept of product-market fit, drawing insights from product marketing experts who have successfully achieved it. We'll also provide practical strategies for optimizing your product to achieve the same level of success. So, let's dive in and explore the journey to product-market fit together.

Fit Product-Market

Happy World Password Day! (In 2024, it's being celebrated on May 2nd). Remembering loads of passwords is an absolute pain. As we work in corporate jobs, we find that the number of personal and professional passwords we have continues to grow, along with having to log into systems numerous times a day. In general, employees manage 191 logins and login 154 times a month, with each login taking, on average, 14 seconds, causing us to spend at least 36 minutes entering passwords per month. Let's look at why a password manager should take care of it rather than tracking them all in our heads or on a scrap of paper. The Impact of a Data Breach According to Statista's report, 6.43 million data records were leaked during the first quarter of 2023. When these data breaches occur, the leaked data may include our email addresses and passwords. This breach can start a chain reaction of "bad actors" accessing our accounts, locking us out, and gaining access to further accounts if they have access to the email account. This exploit can further snowball if the same password is used on all accounts. The "bad actor" can gain access to our email. They use the email information to understand the services we're signed up for and access them using the same password. n Using the same password across accounts is like using the one key for all the locks in an entire town and having thieves steal the key. They can then go through the contents of every building, see what is there, vandalize, and steal whatever they want. The impact financially and mentally would be huge. Detecting Data Breaches Google One provides scanning for our email addresses on the dark web, which lets us know the data breaches where our email addresses were exposed. The website Have I Been Pwned (HIBP) allows us to check on any email address and see if it's been exposed through a data breach. There are also complete identity monitoring services that keep track of our email addresses, banking details, passport information, driving license, and social security numbers. These complete services usually come at a cost. Protecting Users From Data Breaches HIBP provides a free service to check if a user's password has been compromised in a data breach. The HIBP API can be integrated into the sign-in or password update services to notify users that the password has been compromised. Ideally, when updating a password with a known compromised password, the service would block that password from being used with helpful information. HIBP doesn't publish the companies that use the API on their platforms, but as users, we can ask for the platforms to have this feature, and if we're in the privileged position of creating the applications, we can work to include this feature. Why Do We Need a Good Password? Along with the data breaches that may show our passwords on the dark web, hackers also try to break into our accounts by using software to guess our passwords. Below, we can see that the simpler the password is regarding character type, the easier it is to crack, even when the password length is increased. n However, suppose we use a previously stolen password, simple words, or the same password across multiple sites. In that case, the table above will turn purple as each password will be forced instantly, no matter the character combination or length. This scenario is because hackers will start with standard, easy, or already-known passwords rather than from scratch. Why Do We Re-Use Passwords? Remembering long and complex passwords is tricky unless we have a photographic memory like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. Generally, we need to have memorable passwords, and having so many accounts with the ever-increasing number of accounts we use, it's tricky to keep track of all the passwords. Some strategies to deal with this are to reuse passwords or have a base password that slightly changes based on the name of the service being used. In the 2021 report from LastPass, 92% of people know that re-using the same password or a variation is a risk. However, more than learning is needed to cause people to take action. Good Security Practices According to Bitwarden, the six good security practices we need are: Check if our password has been pwned: we are checking to see if the password has been exposed in a data breach. Ensure that we have a strong password: if we don't have a password manager that provides a password generator, we could use Bitwarden's strong password generator to create a password. If we have a password that we think is strong and want to check it, we could use Security.org's password checker. Embrace two-factor authentication: a report by Comparitech says that 99.9% of all attacks are blocked by multi-factor authentication (MFA). For the small percentage that MFA doesn't block, hackers will use social engineering, MFA fatigue, or other means to obtain the additional form of authentication needed. Stick to encrypted sharing methods: using our password manager's sharing facility is an excellent way to go. Avoid re-use altogether: update the passwords for any accounts where our password has been re-used. Use a password manager: Techradar has a good review for 2024 that compares password managers and recommends them for different life scenarios. Taking Password Management Seriously Using a password manager is a way to strengthen our password security, remove the cognitive load of remembering all our passwords, and speed up our ability to log into platforms and services. The National Cyber Security Centre in the UK defines it as: A password manager is an app on your phone, tablet or computer that stores your passwords, so you don't need to remember them Along with storing the password, a good password manager makes it frictionless to enter, lets us know if a password is re-used or weak, alerts us if our password has been compromised, and can manage our second-factor authentication. The password manager can also sync the passwords across all the platforms we need to enter our passwords. According to a 2022 Security.org report, users who do not use password managers are three times more likely to experience identity theft than those who do. Application Password Security Over time, applications have become more sophisticated in how they store passwords. Initially, they might have been stored in plain text in the database, but now they are transformed by a process that cannot be reversed. Over time, these transformation processes are getting more sophisticated. In a data breach, the leaked passwords should be the transformed version, so this slows down "bad actors" as they try to figure out how the passwords have been transformed, and the transformation takes time. To speed the process up, they will take known passwords that have been transformed and see if they match what has been leaked, as they will be immediately able to enter those accounts. This is why we must change our passwords after a data breach and ensure they are different across accounts. If we have a good password, it slows them down from cracking it and gives us time to change it before they access our account. What Password Manager Should We Use? Some free password managers are iCloud Keychain, Google Password Manager, and Firefox Password Manager. These are a good start; however, they have limitations and are tied to the browser they are associated with. This means the iCloud keychain works with Safari, Google Password Manager with Chrome, and Firefox Password Manager with Firefox. Suppose we're finding that we need to enter passwords outside of our browser and have to try and find the password, or we are defaulting back to inadequate password behaviors. In that case, it may be time we looked into dedicated password managers. When looking for a password manager, we should look for one that easily syncs across all devices and makes it easy to save and enter our passwords at a minimum. Once we have entered our password for the password manager or used our fingerprint, for example, to log in, we should be able to choose in one click which accounts we want to use to log into a service. Some password managers will automatically enter our credentials in the app or website. A reputable review site can save us the hard work of comparing the different services. An example is the Techradar review for 2024. On the list, there are free and paid solutions. Starting Our Life With a Password Manager Once we've chosen our password manager, we must enable our devices and browsers to use it seamlessly. This might be apps or browser extensions. Let's take Bitwarden and 1Password as our examples since Bitwarden is currently the best free password manager available, according to TechRadar, while 1Password is used by many businesses. We need to install the apps and extensions to get started using them. Both websites provide handy download pages: Bitwarden: https://bitwarden.com/download 1Password: https://1password.com/downloads At the end of installing everything, we should have the following: A desktop app Extensions for each browser we use, e.g. Chrome, Safari, Edge… The mobile app When setting up the mobile app for Bitwarden, they have a help page on setting up autofill and unlocking using biometrics, as they are necessary to make using the app as easy as possible. Password Checkup Some password managers will provide a service to score all our passwords and let us know where we may be exposed. 1Password provides Watchtower, which identifies the following: Identify vulnerable logins imported from LastPass: LastPass had data breaches, and this check informs us where we might be vulnerable. Find compromised websites and vulnerable passwords. Find websites that support passkeys. Identify re-used and weak passwords. Find unsecured websites. Identify logins that support two-factor authentication. Check for expiring items Find duplicate items. Ideally, we want a perfect score across the board, but the reality is that we can do what the websites allow us to do. This means that any accounts that limit us to having PINs or short passwords will either show up as being vulnerable or having a weak password. In these cases, we need to ensure that if there are any second forms of authentication, we have them enabled so that if a hacker blows their way through, they are blocked by MFA, which we read blocks hackers 99.9% of the time. Banks are notorious for having very weak password or PIN protocols, and they must combine them with apps, one-time passcodes, and card readers. One-Time Passcodes Another feature our password manager hopefully has is the ability to store one-time passcodes. These are a form of second-factor authentication, set up by scanning a QR code. Once set up, the codes change every thirty seconds. The benefit of having them in our password manager is that they are automatically entered when needed rather than being retrieved from another app. 1Password has a guide to help us through the process of setting up one-time passcodes. What's next? Since it's World Password Day, we can level up our password management skills and ensure we're not vulnerable. If we don't have a password manager, it's an opportunity to set one up, as it's easy and will save us time. We can bite the bullet and change any re-used passwords. Also, look at our vulnerable and weak passwords in our password manager and tackle a few of them. Over time, we can improve our password management score. Conclusion Password management is a problem that we all have to tackle. Keeping track of passwords in our heads and coming up with unique, strong passwords is challenging. Rather than having this cognitive load, we've seen the benefit that password managers bring. The only question left is, what will it take us to make the simple move of setting up our password manager and living the life of not having to remember loads of passwords and instead our one password manager password? Further Reading 139 password statistics to help you stay safe in 2024: https://us.norton.com/blog/privacy/password-statistics References LastPass Reveals 8 Truths about Passwords in the New Password Exposé: https://blog.lastpass.com/posts/2017/11/lastpass-reveals-8-truths-about-passwords-in-the-new-password-expose Data Breaches Worldwide: https://www.statista.com/topics/11610/data-breaches-worldwide/#topicOverview Google One Dark Web Report: https://one.google.com/dwr/dashboard Have I Been Pwned: https://haveibeenpwned.com Have I Been Pwned Password Checker: https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords Have I Been Pwned Password API: https://haveibeenpwned.com/API/v3#PwnedPasswords Bitwarden's Strong Password Generator: https://bitwarden.com/password-generator Password Manager tips from the National Cyber Security Centre in the UK: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/password-managers Hive Tech Password: https://www.hivesystems.com/password The 2021 Psychology of Passwords Report: https://www.lastpass.com/resources/ebook/psychology-of-passwords-2021 6 Things to Keep Your Passwords Secure: https://bitwarden.com/blog/6-things-to-keep-your-passwords-secure Password Statistics: https://www.comparitech.com/blog/information-security/password-statistics 3 Techniques to Bypass MFA: https://securityscorecard.com/blog/techniques-to-bypass-mfa Password Manager Annual Report 2022: https://www.security.org/digital-safety/password-manager-annual-report/2022 Best Password Manager of 2024: https://www.techradar.com/best/password-manager Password Manager Mobile Apps: https://bitwarden.com/help/getting-started-mobile Use Watchtower to find the account details you need to change: https://support.1password.com/watchtower/ Setting up one-time passcodes in 1Password: https://support.1password.com/one-time-passwords/ Credits The title image is from Dreamstudio AI.

Six months ago, I heard about product marketing from a friend. This was surprising because I had been doing content marketing and brand marketing for close to three years, and so the term product marketing seemed like a gateway to nowhere. After searching for the term online, I was shocked. Product marketing is a lot different from other forms of marketing that you know. I'm excited that you're transitioning to be a product marketing manager soon, and that's why I created this article to help you on this journey. In this article, you'll find the skills needed to break into product marketing, the difference between product marketing and product management, and one-on-one interviews with product marketing experts from various fields to help you get started. What is product marketing? Product marketing is the art of bringing a product to market. It involves developing a go-to-market strategy and deciding the product's messaging and positioning. This means deciding on the message, position, launch, and overall sales plan of the product. According to April Dunford, product marketers are the people responsible for being able to deeply understand and, therefore, articulate what is different, better, and remarkable about your offering. Many marketers make the mistake of assuming that because their product is simple, customers will understand it. Or because the marketers themselves place so much emphasis on the product, they assume that the audience should desire it as much without considering if the product is needed in the marketplace. They assume prospects will know the value of the product because it seems obvious. But without a clear message that reaches the right people, demonstrates the product's value, and counters objections, even the best products will struggle. Product Manager vs Product Marketing Manager According to Drift, a product manager's job is to define and build new products and features. It's the product marketer's job to commercialize those products—drive demand, revenue, and adoption for those things. To put it another way, the product manager is responsible for understanding the problem that their customers are facing and then scoping and building a solution. The product marketer owns the strategy for go-to-market and defines the product's position in the marketplace. A product marketing manager (PMM) is in charge of the product marketing of a particular brand. Here is a list of what a Product Marketing Manager does: They are the bridge between the product engineers and the end user. They are the voice of the customer. They are responsible for crafting out the positioning and messaging that align with a brand's target audience. They are responsible for taking a product to market, also known as the go-to-market strategy. This involves naming, packaging and pricing, partner activation, positioning, enablement, top-of-the-funnel and middle-of-the-funnel content, campaigns, and offers. They empower the sales team with offers, value propositions, and other resources to increase their sales targets. They define the pricing strategy to maximize revenue as well as the channels and partnerships to expand the product reach. Collaborating with product, sales, and engineering teams to optimize the product. Planning events and webinars to generate buzz throughout the product lifestyle. Crafting compelling content to both attract and educate potential buyers and Monitoring product feedback and market information Communication, storytelling, content asset development, project management, collaboration, negotiation, and understanding customers' needs and behaviors are some of the skills used by a product marketing manager. 10 Experts give perspective on the subject of Product Marketing. 1. Lilia Tovbin, CEO and Founder of BigMailer How did you get into Product marketing? I stumbled into product marketing by merging my passion for technology and communication. Initially, I started as a content creator but gradually realized the power of translating complex features into tangible benefits for users. This realization happened because of my innate ability to empathize with our target audience, which helped me shape our product messaging effectively and fix customer pain points. What were some of your successes? In a recent product launch, our team introduced an AI-powered analytics tool for email marketers. I conducted in-depth interviews with email marketers and dissected their challenges to understand them better. The insights guided our product positioning and allowed us to develop case studies showcasing real-world improvements post-implementation. These elevated our product's market presence and helped us establish a deeper connection with our users. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? Start by understanding the market and consumer behavior. Develop skills in digital marketing and content creation, and learn to use analytics tools to measure your impact. 2. Shawn Plummer, CEO of The Annuity Expert. How did you get into Product marketing? Product marketing in the financial sector is about creating and promoting financial products that meet specific client needs, emphasizing their benefits in a clear, understandable way. My path to product marketing began with my finance background, which naturally led me to specialize in product marketing, focusing on customer-centric solutions. To be good at product marketing, you need analytical thinking skills, empathy for client needs, and clear communication. What were some of your successes? We introduced a tailored annuity plan by identifying market needs, developing clear messaging, and using targeted channels for promotion. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? Understand your product deeply and the customers it serves. Knowledge of market research and digital marketing tools is also beneficial. 3. Peter Hoopis, President and Owner of Hoopis Pickleball How did you get into Product marketing? I got into product marketing because I loved sports and had a knack for identifying market trends. My journey started in digital analytics, analyzing user behaviors, which naturally evolved into devising product strategies that align with consumer interests. My adaptability has allowed me to thrive in this field and seamlessly pivot between data-driven insights and creative storytelling. What were some of your successes? I remember one memorable project I worked on that involved launching pickleball backpacks. We saw a gap in the market for gear designed specifically for pickleball players. The backpacks had dedicated spots for paddles, breathable sections for sweaty clothes, and a sleek design. We told a simple story about how these backpacks were must-haves for pickleball lovers. We teamed up with popular players, threw events at tournaments, and shared pictures and videos on social media. The response was great, showing that a clear and relatable story can make a product not just useful but also something people genuinely want. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? Have a passion for your product, learn about digital trends, understand your target audience, and be creative in your approach. 4. Tolu Olubanke, Marketing Manager at Bloc. How did you get into Product marketing? My product marketing journey began with social media management during my studies at the university. I transitioned to content marketing shortly after and finally landed at Bloc, where I discovered my passion for product marketing. This progression allowed me to leverage my storytelling skills to connect with audiences and champion innovative products. What were some of your successes? Leading successful product launches and GTM campaigns for FinTech products has been incredibly rewarding. My career growth is another source of pride. In product marketing, collaboration is key. Mastering stakeholder management and effectively advocating for your ideas are also crucial skills I've honed. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? For aspiring product marketers, I recommend finding a mentor—someone experienced and knowledgeable who can guide your career. Mentorship accelerates learning and problem-solving. Additionally, prioritize relevant work experience—volunteer, network, and seek opportunities that align with your goals. Product marketing in our field is about positioning and promoting educational products to the right audience, emphasizing their value and benefits. 5. Zach Dannett, Founder and CEO of Tumble How did you get into Product marketing? I started in product marketing largely as a way to learn how I would best introduce and demonstrate the value of Tumble. I've always believed that understanding your product's unique value is the first step in crafting a compelling marketing angle for your product that would become the backbone of a successful product. For me, that meant living and breathing every aspect of Tumble's offerings. I actively engaged with our target audience, sought feedback, and iterated our messaging based on real-world responses. It's a continuous cycle of learning, adapting, and refining. My passion for real estate and education naturally led me to product marketing. The essential skills for my growth are market analysis, strategic planning, and effective communication, which have been key to my success. What were some of your successes? There are three interconnected skills that I think are critical for our success: insightful customer analysis, innovative thinking, and focused data utilization. For instance, at Tumble, we meticulously analyze customer feedback and market trends, using this data to drive creative marketing strategies that speak to our audience's needs and preferences. We also make sure to combine creative ideas with solid, qualitative data for our marketing campaigns to make sure that they resonate and convert. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? For newcomers to product marketing, the path forward involves fusing education and practical experience. When we first introduced Tumble, we started by deeply diving into market research and consumer behavior studies to understand the daily challenges faced by families with children and pets. We then applied this understanding to small, focused projects—like targeted social media campaigns and community engagement events. These smaller campaigns allowed us to test our theories and provided invaluable hands-on experience for us. 6. James Smith, Founder of Travel-Lingual How did you get into Product marketing? It all started with my intense interest in innovation and technology. After finishing my marketing degree, I had the opportunity to join a technology startup, where I acquired significant experience working with the product team. This event sparked my interest in aligning product development with client requirements. Passionate about exploring this convergence, I transitioned to product marketing and have not experienced any regrets. The sector of product marketing is constantly changing and requires a diverse set of talents. Primarily, having great communication skills is essential. As a product marketer, your role is vital in bridging the complex technical features of the product with language that effectively appeals to buyers. Possessing a robust analytical mentality is crucial for collecting and interpreting facts to make well-informed strategic decisions. Additionally, it is imperative to maintain adaptability and implement appropriate modifications to your tactics in light of shifting market trends and client feedback. In this highly competitive market, having a deep understanding of your target audience and the ability to genuinely comprehend their demands will ultimately set you apart. What were some of your successes? We sought to create a comprehensive travel helper that fulfills the needs of both leisure and business travelers. I devised a comprehensive plan to guarantee the effective launch of this product. Initially, comprehensive market research was carried out to ascertain the target demographic, their areas of dissatisfaction, and current rivals. The crucial factor in establishing Travel Companion as a unique and unparalleled product in the industry was our ability to position it effectively. Subsequently, I collaborated closely with the product team to acquire a comprehensive comprehension of the application's functionalities and unique selling points. I developed compelling communication that resonated deeply with our target demographic by leveraging my expertise. The product descriptions of our software were meticulously designed to demonstrate its ability to address typical travel difficulties and improve the overall travel experience. I designed an all-encompassing marketing strategy that extends across several platforms to guarantee optimal outreach. The plan involved using social media platforms, partnering with travel influencers, and deploying targeted web ads. In addition, we engaged in travel expos and orchestrated demonstrations to generate enthusiasm among prospective users. Following the launch, I carefully analyzed user comments and data analytics to identify the required enhancement precisely. We delivered an exceptional user experience and developed client loyalty by continuously enhancing our services. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? Below is a comprehensive and systematic approach to assist individuals who aspire to become product marketers in initiating their careers: Acquire Knowledge: Dedicate time to familiarize yourself with marketing principles, market research, and consumer behavior. Online classes, professional blogs, and networking events offer valuable resources. Gain Experience: Seek internships, entry-level marketing, or volunteer positions. By engaging in this hands-on experience, you will acquire essential knowledge about the challenges encountered in the sector and cultivate a portfolio of noteworthy achievements. Acquire expertise from seasoned professionals: Keep yourself informed by following industry experts, engaging in webinars, and joining product marketing communities. Engage with industry professionals to gain useful insights and stay updated on the latest advancements. Improve your skills. Develop proficient communication, analytical, and strategic thinking capabilities. Acquire expertise in crafting compelling product narratives and learn how to explain complex information clearly and engagingly. Maintain a sense of curiosity regarding new technology, industry developments, and client preferences to maintain a competitive edge. Cultivate a mentality of expansion and consistently seek opportunities to enhance your comprehension. Develop a strong network. Build relationships with individuals with similar interests and expertise, engage in industry gatherings, and actively contribute to online groups. A resilient professional network can provide insight, important connections, and future employment opportunities. It is important to note that the journey towards being a product marketer may involve challenges. However, you can establish a fulfilling career in an ever-changing field by demonstrating dedication, passion, and a proactive mindset. Persist in broadening your knowledge, uphold a state of curiosity, and consistently acknowledge the significance of your unique perspective. 7. James DeLapa, Director of Digital Marketing at Wrike How did you get into Product marketing? I've been interested in marketing for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I remember the deep impact some ads had on me, and that passion never stopped. I love that we can use marketing to help connect with people through the stories we weave and leave their lives a little brighter. Largely, my curiosity is what drives my success. I'm not just creating strategies I think will work but looking at consumer behavior data or campaign feedback and always learning more. Holding onto that curiosity throughout your career keeps you pushing to improve and moving perpetually closer to delivering exactly what consumers want. What were some of your successes? At Wrike, we built a work management platform working with 20,000+ companies in over 140 different countries. Beyond increasing search volume, I bring conversion rate optimization, analytics, web development, and sales experience to create holistic strategies that have led our marketing team to great success. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? It's easiest to start with an entry-level marketing role, which often doesn't require a degree. If you don't have a marketing degree, start learning everything you can and creating mock ads, content, and more. Take some shorter certifications to get some educational experience behind your name, and even freelance to build a portfolio first that can land you a full-time gig later. My best advice is to keep learning and creating every single day so you can hone your craft. 8. Louis P. Lessor, Marketing Specialist at Davies. How did you get into product marketing? I entered the product marketing space about three years ago, but I have eight years of marketing experience working in a variety of marketing settings. The skills that have contributed to my successes are: Continuing learning: always taking new courses that come out and renewing certifications. Read industry news from Think with Google, Hubspot, Marketing Brew, and LinkedIn to see what the top players are doing. Networking: This involves finding people to give me different views on a variety of marketing matters. What were some of your successes? I am currently working with two startups to take two different products to market. Below is a simple framework I am using to market both of these products: Getting clear on the company's WHY. We are conducting market research both through in-person interviews and virtual surveys. Sending products to users for free to gather feedback and get reviews Creating a 0 Million Dollar Offer Building a landing page that collects email addresses will allow us to build a look and re-engage with anyone who still needs to purchase our product. Use the Storybrand framework to position our customers as the heroes of their stories. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? Take as many courses on marketing as you can from Google Ads, Hubspot, and SEMRush to understand the marketing ecosystem and how each works alongside the others. Read books such as 100 Million Dollar Offer, Purple Cow, Storybrand, and many more; lifelong learning will help you continue to be at the top of your field. Network with people who push you to be better every day and offer different views on everything. Practice your craft on a personal project to develop your skills. 9. Anastasiia Kinichenko, Product Marketing Lead, SE Ranking. How did you get into product marketing? I started as a T-shaped digital marketer; then, my focus switched to email marketing. I worked with funnels and, after a while, shifted towards the retention direction. My interest gradually pivoted to the tasks handled by product marketers, which is now my area of specialization. In my opinion, this role requires a blend of creativity and analytical thinking. You start by dealing with numbers and tables and reading data, and then you leverage these insights to build communication, visuals, and user interaction channels. This is a field where you never stop experimenting: you formulate a hypothesis, run a test, make conclusions, and then start the cycle anew with a fresh hypothesis. This is what makes this job so incredibly interesting and far from boring. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? If you want to work in this role, I recommend starting with the marketing fundamentals. You need to understand how demand and supply work, learn the main metrics, and how they are calculated and used. If you've been in marketing for a while and have some background, you can evolve into a strong product marketer if you have a desire to learn and grow in this field. 10. Debbie Moran, Marketing Manager at RecurPost. How did you get into product marketing? I got into product marketing at RecurPost because I really liked understanding our users and how our products could help them. I started in a general marketing role and slowly moved into product marketing because I saw the connection between what we offer at RecurPost and what our users were looking for. Being flexible has been super important. Our products change, and so does what our users need. Good communication is also a big deal because it helps me tell everyone about the cool things RecurPost does. Looking at data smartly is a must, and caring a lot about what our users want keeps everything on the right track. What were some of your successes? Let's talk about when we introduced the "Smart Scheduler" at RecurPost. We knew users wanted an easier way to plan their posts, so we asked them what they needed. We made sure to explain how this new feature could save them time. We used social media, tutorials, and webinars to show everyone how it worked. After it launched, we kept listening to users and made the Smart Scheduler even better based on what they told us. What advice would you recommend to newbies in product marketing? When I was new at RecurPost, I started by really understanding our products and talking to users. I joined projects that involved different teams, like the product team and customer support. Learning about marketing trends and taking some special training courses helped me get better. RecurPost encourages trying out new ideas, and that's a great way for newbies to learn. Starting from a newbie to becoming a marketing manager meant being hands-on, curious, and always ready to learn and try new things. Steps forward: Learn the basics of marketing. While it's not compulsory to have an MBA in marketing before you begin to pursue a career, it helps to know some basics in the marketing field before you start. This included the world of social media marketing, content creation, digital marketing, and communication. These skills give you an understanding of what marketing is and how you can use it to accomplish your goals. Network within the product marketing industry. This is critical for getting your first role as a product marketing manager. Connect with product marketers on Slack groups, LinkedIn channels, and other social platforms. This helps you gain ground in your style and knowledge of product marketing. Also, it helps you get familiar with all the terms associated with the industry. Some of the product marketing communities includeAfrican Product Marketing Pioneers, Product Marketing Hive, and ConTech Africa. Learn about Product Marketing While this is a no-brainer, it is critical to your success on the journey to product marketing. You need to understand and be able to articulate concepts like win/loss interviews, positioning, messaging, sales enablement, user personas, and much more. There are also courses you can take from CXL, Utiva, LinkedIn Learning, and many more to increase your knowledge gap within this new industry. Work on a side project to get your hands dirty. This is critical to your success as a product marketing manager. Pick a brand because you love their products. It may be Apply, Toyota, Kellogg, Mary Kay, Samsung, or even McDonald's. Study their user demography; this is the ideal customer that the company markets to. Create a customer for them based on their needs, targets, and aspirations that will align with their brand strategy. This will give you a perspective on how to create a user persona. After this, create a content calendar for a week that will speak to the user persona you've created. Create content for social media and a blog post, too. Move on to advertising. Create an ad for this persona and some follow-up emails that will speak to them. In essence, experiment with your learning so as to get the full scope of your product marketing career. Conclusions In summary, securing a role in product marketing requires a tailored resume showcasing core skills and relevant experiences. Research the company thoroughly before interviews to avoid basic questions and demonstrate genuine interest. Instead, inquire about their customer feedback strategies and future objectives. Adapt your communication style to match the company culture, showing sensitivity and flexibility. Emphasize your openness to learning and ability to receive feedback positively, highlighting your passion, creativity, and quick learning skills. Authenticity is crucial; avoid pretending to have expertise when it doesn't exist. Instead, convey your enthusiasm and willingness to contribute. By following these steps, you'll increase your chances of success in the competitive field of product marketing. If you want to learn more about product marketing, I just wrote a guide to this path. Here, you will find links to videos, podcasts, books, travel visas, and other valuable resources explaining the concept of product marketing. My hope is that with these resources, you will not only gather enough knowledge in the field of product marketing but also skillfully navigate the challenges you will face and, most importantly, secure your first paying role. n

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Brand Safety Cookie-less Future explore essential protection measures