Agency Insights

As was recently reported, in advertising, the connection between brand and customer requires – no, demands – greater transparency in the avenues of communication. The mantra of “quality over quantity,” is being infused throughout all methods of marketing, including social media, where it is especially relevant – and much needed at this time.

In advertising, everything is primarily related to digital. Websites, digital ads and social media posts created to promote a brand have become standard. Traditional mediums (e.g., print, television radio) remain relevant in some circles, but don’t receive as much focus as digital. What some might forget, however, is that newer forms of advertising can be combined with traditional forms to create a powerful effect – and in more ways than one. Take out-of-home (OOH) advertising, for example.

The year 2019 is off and running. As times, tastes, and trends evolve rapidly and have the potential to change direction on a dime, the only reliable prediction is based on the adage: “The only thing constant is change.” Where advertising is concerned, there are many projections as to what this “constant of change” will present over the course of the year. Here are three of them, all with one common theme: building a stronger relationship between a brand and its customers.

People scramble through crowds to purchase that last gift. They hurry to meet family and friends to celebrate. Moods run from festive to feeling rushed. It is, after all, the holiday season. Amid all of the preparation and anticipation, it’s been said this is a time of year not only to celebrate, but to reflect. And one topic worthy of reflection was on the minds of many marketers and advertisers this past year. That topic is transparency.

The holiday shopping season is slightly past the halfway point. The push is on for brands and retailers to get the word out about last-minute merchandise and great sales via email. One question: Are the emails sent out actually getting seen?

The vast array of marketing options any given brand has at its fingertips have never been more diverse – and the winter holiday shopping season can be viewed as a barometer for how well these tools perform. One such example for 2018 is the social media giant, Instagram.

As November draws to a close, and with Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday already distant memories, the competition for sales in the holiday shopping blitz continues to rise full force. And with each passing year, the increasing number of digital options by which to sell and purchase makes this season even more overwhelming – for marketers as well as customers.

Thanksgiving is this Thursday, when many will celebrate and feast with family and friends. Then, on Black Friday, shoppers who have strong constitutions and determination will gather en masse before the crack of dawn in front of their favorite big box stores to take advantage of any and every sale within sight. The high voltage energy and anticipation which accompanies Black Friday might make the following day seem anticlimactic. But let’s give some attention to Small Business Saturday®.

Facebook has been through the wringer. Consider: The recent election may have stirred memories of the infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal. Then there was a data breach last month. It would seem  Facebook has “lost face” in some circles. And while it is unlikely that brands which post on this or other social media sites will abandon this avenue of marketing, it may be time for a refresher course in the power of advertising (brands, not politics) on social media – especially at this time of year.

Image Credit: MarketWatch