Categories
Advertising Blog Industry Trends Social Media

5 Trends Digital Agencies Should Keep An Eye On In 2022 

As we adapt to life post-pandemic, trends are there by our side adapting with us. Whether it was TikTok giving us a laugh in dark times or your Instagram page persuading you to buy that dress, let’s face it, life 10 years ago has definitely evolved. And it’s only the beginning. In 2022, we expect digital trends to be bigger and better than ever. We breakdown the top five trends you can expect to see in the new year.

1. Social Commerce

Have you ever been influenced to buy something you see on social media with an easy “link in bio” or “swipe up” option to complete your purchase? Well, in 2022 you’re about to see an uptick in social commerce. Social media is a mainstream form of shopping and that will continue to grow in 2022. “Brands are estimated to spend up to $15 billion on influencer marketing by 2022,” according to a report by Business Insider. The report goes on to say, “As social media becomes more entrenched in people’s lives and takes on more functional uses beyond communication, like shopping, the role of influencers is set to only grow. And as e-commerce and social media converge, influencers will become increasingly vital intermediaries, helping to connect brands with consumers on social media in highly resonant, authentic ways that can deliver immediate returns.”  

  1. Facebook Algorithm Changes

As Facebook continues its overhaul of trying to repair its public image, the change will also include a makeover of its algorithm. According to the Wall Street Journal, in 2017 Facebook began to base their algorithm off of ‘Meaningful Social Interactions” or MSI. The ‘MSI’ is measured by the interaction such as comments, re-shares and emojis, made by people you are close to. “If MSI is high, that means you’re not just a zombie passively scrolling and watching videos. You’re interacting, you’re engaged,” said ‘The Journal,’ podcast host Ryan Knuston. But this type of algorithm, according to Facebook’s Civic Team,  turned out to be fueling misinformation and toxic content.” After an extensive review, the Civic Team along with the Integrity Team proposed solutions. Fast forward to 2021, Facebook is taking on a different direction. In a report by Axios, Facebook said they will “expand some of the News Feed tests that put less emphasis on certain engagement signals, like the probability that a user will share or comment on a post. Instead it will begin placing a higher emphasis on other types of user feedback like responses to surveys.”

  1. Digital Audio Advertising and Audio Content 

According to a data report by InterDigital, video streaming will make up 82 percent of all internet traffic by 2022. This could allow a gateway for audio content in the upcoming year. Most people, according to experts, gather information through podcasts, streaming music or audiobooks. “50% of millennials and Gen Z listen to digital content while cooking, cleaning and other similar activities,” suggests a Hearst report. The article also suggests advertisers are following the trend, especially for direct-to-consumer brands that are popular on podcasts. According to Adam Pattison, UK Country Manager for Targetspot, “we don’t need to wait for the next big thing.” He says, “the future of audio is now – and it could well be visual.”

  1. Nostalgia 

It’s not just a TikTok influencer sporting those acid wash jeans you probably wore in 1994 or a song you were rocking to in 2004 on your iPod, nostalgia is a major trend we will probably see in 2022. According to an article by Advertising Week, “nostalgia can make humans more optimistic and have a positive influence on their actions. The report goes on to say that, “nostalgia was a highly common emotion. Results show that 8 in 10 say that they experience feelings of nostalgia at least occasionally and 4 in 10 say they do so often.” Research suggests that music was the biggest nostalgia trigger. Experts say when it comes to marketing, reintroducing images and themes from brands can help consumers think of the ‘good old days.”

  1. Typography

Get ready to see exaggerated letters with sharp angles, color and vibrancy in 2022. That’s according to Chris Algar, a senior designer at Design Bridge London, who believes 2022 will be the year for type due to streaming services.”Title sequences viewed across streaming platforms during lockdown will have most certainly inspired designers, from people binge-watching Killing Eve to more recently Squid Game. Both take very different approaches to typography but are linked through their captivating movement and amplified personalities,” he told the Creative Boom. 

 

Categories
Blog Industry Trends

TikTok’s Integration into the Recruitment Industry

TikTok was the world’s most downloaded app in 2020. Since then, its prevalence within society has only grown. It has affected the music industry, food industry, fitness industry, and more. As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, creators are actively finding ways to enhance the platform’s utility and integrate it further into our lives.

Recently, this was achieved through the launch of “TikTok Resumes,” a pilot program designed to establish TikTok as a channel for recruitment and job discovery. Since many users were already using TikTok as a way to both give and find advice on things such as interviewing and resume writing, creators decided to build on this career-related angle. 

TikTok partnered with select, sought-after companies such as Target and Chipotle, encouraging job seekers to apply for open positions via creative video resumes showcasing their skill sets and experiences. According to TikTok, over 800 videos were submitted during just the first 48 hours of the program launch.

While the initiative received abundant praise, with individuals stating that it allows applicants to display their personalities in ways a paper resume couldn’t, others are questioning the fairness of this job application method. For example, Bloomberg published an article raising concerns surrounding the rising popularity of visual resumes:

  • Video resumes “open the door” to appearance-based discrimination due to the decreased anonymity of applicants. 
  • Low-income individuals with limited access to technology and older generations who aren’t as well-versed in technology are both at a disadvantage from creating these sorts of videos. 

Contenders argue that the “playing field” in the job market has never been completely equal to begin with.

What do you think about video resumes being the potential future of job recruiting? Although the continuation of the “TikTok Resumes” program has yet to be determined, it is important that we stay on top of how technology is increasingly affecting our industries and our world. 

 

Do you or your business need help navigating the evolving world of social media? Contact us today. We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet, and DM away!

 

Categories
Blog Industry Trends Noisy Trumpet Social Media

How Noisy Trumpet is Staying Ahead of the Curve

At Noisy Trumpet, we work diligently to provide the best customer service and top-tier public relations and digital marketing solutions. As we continue to elevate the quality of work we provide, we also understand the necessity of keeping a pulse on the world around us. That is where our “Trends Watch” team comes into play. This is a newly developed internal team that several Noisy Trumpeters volunteered to participate in.

The premise of the group is for each member to focus on their own distinct category/topic of interest, gather information/images/videos of what the trend is, and then share it with the larger Noisy Trumpet team. We’ve found that while presenting these trends to the team, this sparks conversation and facilitates the brainstorming process on how we can incorporate these trends into our client work. We understand the importance of being a well-rounded agency, and the “Trends Watch” team is another tool that we will utilize to provide the superior support that we are recognized for, and our clients expect. Check out some of our favorite trends below:

Allow us to assist your company in staying on top of what’s happening in the public relations, digital marketing world, and beyond! Would you like to connect with us? Contact us today. We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet or DM away!

Categories
Blog Industry Trends Noisy Trumpet

Trending at Noisy Trumpet

Noisy Trumpet is moving into March with some exciting news! We are happy to announce our new client, J. Philippus Art Studio & Gallery, a local teaching art studio and gallery. Noisy Trumpet will oversee their digital marketing and public relations needs. Specifically, a brand refresh, website development and digital advertising efforts. We look forward to this new partnership, and can’t wait to show you all the great things we have in store! In the meantime, check out the new logo we’ve created.

March is also National Reading Month. In celebration, our client SA YES is unveiling THREE “Little Lockers” this month. These “Little Lockers” will provide art supplies and outdoor activities in the summer, and books on a variety of topics throughout the school year in South San ISD, Edgewood ISD, and Del Valle ISD. Stay tuned for photos of the unveilings to be featured on our upcoming blog!

In addition, our client Thomas J. Henry recently launched the “Keep Texas Safe” campaign which brings to light and opposes two new proposed bills (HB 19 and SB 207). If passed, these two bills will infringe on Texans’ constitutional right to a fair personal injury trial, and make Texas roads more dangerous for drivers. Since Monday, March 8, 3,000 constituents have signed a petition against the bills on change.org. In support of the campaign, Noisy Trumpet assisted with media relations, coordination and monitoring. To date, the campaign has secured 40 broadcast and online media hits, resulting in over 55.5M impressions. To learn more about the “Keep Texas Safe” campaign please visit: www.keeptexassafe.com 

Do you or your company have a project Noisy Trumpet can assist with, or do you want to stay informed on our latest agency trends? Contact us today. We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet, and DM away!

Categories
Advertising Blog Industry Trends Social Media Web

10 Marketing Resolutions to Make 2021 a Success

We’ve said our goodbyes to 2020 and we’re welcoming the new year with high hopes! Now is the perfect time for businesses to set new goals and resolutions that will take them to the next level. To help, Noisy Trumpet has compiled a list of resolutions we recommend you follow to enhance your strengths and maximize results.

  1. Stay up to date with the latest industry trends
    The marketing world changes every day. We recommend reading the latest books/articles published in the field, attending webinars/training, and connecting with fellow industry experts. (Hint: You don’t have to go too far! Hit like on our social pages, or send us a message to chat.)
  2. Embrace the art of delegation
    It’s important to recognize that one person alone can’t, and should not, do everything. Build trust with your team and allow them to use their skills to support you. Delegation is key to a healthy work-life balance.
  3. Maintain consistency
    If you’re planning an event, campaign, or any initiative, make a calendar plan and stick to it. The deadlines you set for yourself will be the key to your success. Working with an agency or partner will help keep you accountable.
  4. Push the boundaries of your PR strategy
    We speak from experience. Noisy Trumpet is always looking for new, exciting thought leadership opportunities for our clients outside of the traditional PR tactics. Taking the risk has always led to amazing results.
  5. Refresh your website design
    Every website should be updated at least every 3-4 years to keep up with the latest website, tech, and SEO trends. If you aren’t sure what areas need improvement, a quick website audit from an expert web team, like our own, can help you gauge the time, cost, and effort needed.
  6. Reevaluate your investment in Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising
    It’s time to ask: Are you reaching the right audience with a Google Search campaign? What’s changed with the keywords and searches people are using? Work with a top-rated Google Ads Partner like Noisy Trumpet if you’re not sure where to start.
  7. Dive into new social media trends
    There’s always something new and fun on social media. Test out as many trends as you can in 2021! Who knows, you could go viral.
  8. Explore new advertising platforms and tools
    There are many avenues to push your message through advertising. Don’t be afraid to try new advertising platforms like CTV, Spotify, Snapchat, and many more, that could better align strategically with your campaigns and goals.
  9. Continue to support each of your team members
    We like to believe our Noisy Trumpet team is proof we are stronger together. Open the lines of communication within and outside your marketing team. When your entire business supports each other and communicates, you will not only work harmoniously but also produce maximum results.
  10. Give back to the community
    Make deeper connections with the community you serve by giving back to the nonprofits that do so much for our city. You’ll find oftentimes your actions are rewarded with well-deserved recognition.

What are your digital marketing resolutions for the new year?

Noisy Trumpet is a San Antonio-based, digital marketing and public relations agency with the skills and expertise to help you not only strategize your resolutions but also keep them. Send us a message to start planning your success.

Categories
Blog Industry Trends Public Relations Social Media

How to Navigate COVID-19’s Media Shift

The spread of COVID-19 is having a major impact across all industries in San Antonio and across the globe. While we have not experienced a crisis exactly like the coronavirus in recent history, we have persevered through other crises that led to heightened levels of anxiety.

Noisy Trumpet understands the situation companies are in during these unprecedented, uncertain times. The marketplace has changed dramatically and consumer behaviors are evolving. During this crisis, Noisy Trumpet is helping clients navigate the changing marketplace and continue to connect with their target audiences through a variety of digital marketing and PR tactics so that they can continue to thrive despite “the new normal.”

Consumer Behaviors and Media is Shifting; Your Marketing Strategy Should Too

With much of the workforce now working from home, there have been major changes in media consumption habits. People are spending more time on digital channels than ever before. These changes include:

  • A 200% increase in Connected TV (CTV) consumption since March 1st, 2020.
  • 80% of consumers say they consume more content since the outbreak.
  • 60% of consumers who are staying indoors are also watching films, news, and general programming via connected devices.
  • Audiences at home are consuming media at a 60% higher rate.
  • 44% of consumers say they are spending longer time on social media.
  • There has been an 18% increase in total ad call volume compared to March 2019.
  • Email open rates have risen by up to 25% week-on-week in retail.
  • CTV news viewership has increased nearly 50% since the outbreak began.

This change in media consumption presents a unique opportunity to tap into digital marketing and PR tactics while users’ attention is captured. From PR campaigns and content creation to social media and digital advertising, Noisy Trumpet specializes in creating powerful marketing solutions that drive results for our clients. We are monitoring these changing trends to help our clients create a road map to success.

To help your company navigate through these challenging times, below are five tips to incorporate into your marketing strategy in light of  COVID-19.

1. Stay Positive

For many of us, this is a time of unease with the coronavirus and news changing rapidly. It is important to stay positive, not just for your own wellbeing but also for your brand. Brands who continue to be a resource and produce positive content are able to cultivate loyal customers. This crisis will end, and when it does, it is important that consumers see your brand as one that was present and supportive during the difficult times. Be honest and genuine in your communication. Highlight your community presence – more than ever consumers want to purchase from philanthropic companies who are giving back to their communities.

Noisy Trumpet supports the San Antonio Food Bank

2. Keep your Brand Presence

Some companies may feel the pull of economic pressures and decide to cut their marketing and communications budgets. This is unfortunate since now more than ever, audiences are house-bound and consuming media at rapid rates. Even if you have to pivot your messaging from earlier plans, keep up your brand presence across all channels and mediums.

Influencer Marketing Hub surveyed 35,000 consumers about their views on brands advertising through the COVID-19 crisis. Only 8% thought brands should stop advertising. However, your messaging should pivot with the changing times. Re-brand materials with a softer, more positive message that shows your connection to the community. 75% of consumers think brands should inform people of what they’re doing, but keep in mind 74% think companies should not exploit the situation. Use this time to strengthen brand awareness by providing your community with online resources and content. Ignite genuine conversations with your consumers. We’re seeing clients support their consumers by sending personalized video messages, providing at-home workouts, and much more – even if it doesn’t contribute to the bottom line right now. When this time is over, consumers will remember the brands that sustained communication and showed empathy during this difficult time.

Noisy Trumpet assists SA YES in providing resources for at-home learning

3. Think Outside the Box

Social behaviors have changed and right now that is ok. Because large gatherings and special events are not possible, we have seen cancelations of major events such as South by Southwest, nonprofit galas, and even the postponing of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. These cancelations can be devastating to the organizers and attendees alike. We encourage organizers to think outside the box and find ways to keep your audience connected. If customers can’t come to you, bring your service or product to them digitally. Rely on digital marketing to help create an online alternative that will engage your customer base and keep your company on the forefront. This could include tactics like leaning more heavily on e-commerce storefronts and virtual events.

During this crisis, Noisy Trumpet has been able to help one of our nonprofit clients shift from a 1,000-guest gala to an online auction. The nonprofit depends on donations raised at their annual event to support their operating budget for the rest of the year. Through digital marketing, Noisy Trumpet was able to promote the online auction and secure over 90% of the donations they typically receive at their in-person event – at significantly less cost to them. 

Noisy Trumpet helped transition San Antonio Sport’s Hall of Fame Tribute to an Online Mega Auction

4. Email and Post it – Engage your Audience

The cadence of consumer lives has changed. In the past, digital research could tell you the best days and times to send certain correspondence. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, consumers’ days are not as scheduled – people are checking emails and social media accounts at all hours of the day. We encourage companies to continue sending e-blasts and keep customers engaged. People have more time on their hands right now and email open rates have increased up to 25%, with daily email open rates generally increasing by 5-10% each week.

Social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have seen a rise in usage as well. People are using social media to help them stay connected with family and friends, get news updates, and consume entertainment. Viewership is at an all-time high and yet, according to Influencer Marketing Hub, 74% of brands are posting less on their company’s social accounts. Don’t hesitate to engage your audience on social media! Post relevant information, use video and make it personal. Involve your audience in polls, highlight the best local take-out, or ways you are paying it forward.

Now more than ever, your audience wants to see that we are all living a shared experience. They have the time to read your emails and content so email and post it.

Noisy Trumpet supports Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center’s Family Meals To-Go

5. Now is the Time

If your company has not yet taken the leap into the digital field, now is the time.

Audience and attention rates are at an all-time high. Time online – including online shopping – is increasing. Now is the time to help users find your products and services and to choose your company over competitors by getting your name out there. But you can’t do that if your social presence is lacking or your website is hard to find, outdated, or nonexistent.

If you have a digital presence, now is the time to step up your marketing efforts.

Remind consumers why your product and services are still relevant and needed. Even though times are constantly changing, your business is still important and your customers are restless at home. Keep up your SEO strategy by continuing to post relevant content. When normalcy resumes you want to make sure you are still at the top of Google’s SERPs. Take it a step further and do an SEO audit to make sure your strategy is still applicable.

Talk to your agency about expanding to newer advertising options like Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT). CTV and OTT provide users a different way to watch TV across multiple types of screens with no cable or satellite subscription required (like Apple TV, Roku etc.). Currently, consumers are seeking digital entertainment options and streaming services. From March 16th through the 22nd, viewers spent about 40% more time streaming both ad-supported and subscription TV compared to the previous week, according to data from Vizio Inc. CTV and OTT are able to align your brand with a highly engaged audience based on their consumption habits.

We’re Here to Help

Changes in media consumption can be daunting for all businesses. Regardless of how your company has been affected, you may have questions or need support. Noisy Trumpet has always been a community first agency and we are here to help you navigate these new media trends and help your company bounce back. Please email us at fran.yanity@noisytrumpet.com or call 210-582-0505.

Categories
Blog Industry Trends

How Noisy Trumpet is Embracing the New Normal

Today’s current climate has affected all of our clients differently, but Noisy Trumpet has remained a constant resource for any support or service they may need. As a result of precautions set forth by the impact of COVID-19, the Noisy Trumpet team is currently working remotely and is well equipped with the necessary tools and resources to make the transition as seamless as possible.

The agency remains open, fully operational, and present for new and existing clients. In order to keep consistent communication and team morale at the forefront, our team is participating in weekly video conferencing calls that help provide a sense of connectivity from remote locations. In addition, we are staying abreast of the latest industry trends by participating in webinars, reading trade publications, and sharing useful resources with one another. We are using this time to re-examine our current marketing assets and collateral while honing our skills to better serve our clients’ needs.

Ultimately, we’ve pivoted several of our public relations and digital initiatives, tailoring our efforts to best serve our clients in whatever capacity that may be. Here are some of the ways Noisy Trumpet is continuing to deliver exceptional services with measurable results:

Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center

Located just outside of San Antonio, Texas, Olympia Hills is recognized as one of the best golf and event venues in the area. Initially, Noisy Trumpet was tasked with a public relations push focused around the venue’s golf operations. As a result of COVID-19, the course was shut down indefinitely, and we quickly shifted our focus to capitalize on areas of the venue that were still operational, namely their dining offerings. Olympia Hills is providing Family Meals To-Go to better serve their community through carryout dining options and free delivery service to senior citizens. Noisy Trumpet is supporting these initiatives through social media promotion and traditional media outreach while identifying curbside and to-go forums to highlight Olympia Hills’ new services. The venue has also partnered with the “Pharm 2 Table” fundraiser, an initiative started by a friend of Olympia Hills, Jeff Harrison. The initiative is raising funds to supply family-style meals to first responders free of charge to thank them for their service.

Family Meals To-Go provided by Olympia Hills Golf & Event Center

San Antonio Sports

San Antonio Sports is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the community through the power of sport. San Antonio Sports’ “Hall of Fame Tribute,” the organization’s largest annual fundraiser, set for March 28 was canceled and postponed to February 2021. The event attracts over 1,000 attendees and secures more than $400,000 worth of auction items. With our help, San Antonio Sports successfully transitioned to an online mega auction with hundreds of items to bid on including sports collectibles, gift cards, travel packages, and more. In addition, Noisy Trumpet is supporting San Antonio Sports’ i play! afterschool program, which ignites a love of sport in 3rd through 5th graders, while teaching them life lessons about active living, good nutrition, and strong personal character. The program currently serves 1,450 children in 58 elementary schools in San Antonio. Although the program is at a halt, San Antonio Sports is continuing to provide sports and fitness opportunities for children by sharing resources for them to stay active and healthy at home. To support this mission, Noisy Trumpet developed a special “Stay Active, Stay Healthy” coloring sheet and infographic to help keep kids moving during quarantine, and has connected with local media outlets to share this initiative. On social media, we’re asking influencers to post a video of them exercising or re-post the infographic with the hashtag #iStayActive.

San Antonio Sports and i play! afterschool present “Stay Active. Stay Healthy.”

SA YES

SA YES is a nonprofit organization with a simple purpose: to provide free school supplies to Title 1 elementary students that need assistance. During this unprecedented time, SA YES is continuing to work diligently on securing resources and supplies for students. Unfortunately, their two largest annual events, the Taste of Education Dinner and Golf Classic Tournament have been canceled, which represents over 51 percent? of their budget. SA YES has shifted their focus to the immediate needs of the audience they proudly serve, the children. Our team is supporting SA YES by helping them compile a list of at-home resources for parents and children to help sustain education during this time. We have also developed the following interactive challenges to keep students active while maintaining social distancing:

Sidewalk Chalk Challenge

  • Kids are encouraged to go outside and draw or write
    words of encouragement on the sidewalk with chalk.
  • With parental permission, post photos of the artwork on Twitter @SAYES_ORG or Facebook @SAYESORG using the #sidewalkchalkchallenge

Kids Coloring Challenge

  • Kids are encouraged to draw their favorite subject in
    school, sport, favorite book character, or a picture of you and your best friend.
  • With parental permission, post photos of the artwork
    on Twitter @SAYES_ORG or Facebook @SAYESORG using the #SAYESColoringChallenge.

SA YES Sidewalk Chalk Challenge

Let our expertise keep your business at the forefront, no matter the climate.
Contact or stay social with us! We’re just
one call, like, follow, retweet, and DM away.

Categories
Blog Industry Trends

COVID-19’s Impact on Local Nonprofits

COVID-19 has significantly affected nonprofit organizations in various ways, presenting them with unique, unprecedented challenges. For many, this includes the cancelation of annual fundraising events which leaves these organizations without the necessary funding to support their mission. Noisy Trumpet is a community first agency and values the positive impact nonprofits make. We have provided ways you can support a few of the nonprofits we proudly work
with so that they can continue to serve and strengthen our community.

San Antonio Sports

San Antonio Sports has been working to transform
our community through the power of sport for many years by providing free sports
and fitness programs that inspire children and their families to live active, healthy lives. The annual “Hall of
Fame Tribute,” their largest fundraising event, has been canceled and transitioned to an online auction with plenty
of exciting items to choose from including gift cards, sports collectibles, trips and much more. To support
the i play! afterschool program and the children they serve, participate in their online mega auction that is open now through April 3, or simply donate at sanantoniosports.org/donate.

SA YES

SA YES, the largest distributor of school supplies in South Texas, supports Title 1 elementary school students in San Antonio through educational
outreach of free school supplies and technology grants. Their annual Taste of Education and Golf Classic, which represented a large portion of their annual budget, has been canceled. To help ensure that SA YES can assist students who will be in need of school supplies in the
coming school year, donate online by visiting sayes.org/donate. Also, be sure to check
out their list of online resources and ideas to help continue your child’s education at home at sayes.org/news.

Devils River Conservancy

The Devils River Conservancy (DRC) is
committed to treasuring, preserving and protecting the Devils River, its springs, and the lands within its water
catchment area. The DRC recently launched the Devils River Advocate Membership Program that allows you to support their conservation efforts while
enjoying exclusive membership benefits such as discounted apparel, exclusive event invitations, discounts to select partners and much more. Sign up
and become a member today or visit their donation page to contribute to their mission.

Robin Hood 210

Robin Hood 210 is a community initiative of
Noisy Trumpet. This online marketplace sells gift cards and merchandise, all proceeds directly support nonprofit organizations
in the San Antonio area. The next campaign will launch in May 2020 benefiting the Brighton Center, an organization that
provides developmental and educational services to children of all abilities here in San Antonio. Be sure to follow Robin Hood 210’s
Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram for important
updates.

Noisy Trumpet continues to support our clients during this difficult time and looks forward to interacting with our community once again.
To expand your mission, contact us today. We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet, and DM away!

Categories
Advertising Blog Industry Trends Social Media Web

Marketing in the Digital Age

The way we market changes with society and advances in technology. The question is always –
how can we promote products and services? While the last 10 years have brought the greatest technological growth
along with digital marketing campaigns, it’s important to note that traditional mediums, such as television, radio,
print and out-of-home, are still powerful. Your overall marketing strategy should take an integrated approach and
include a combination of traditional and digital elements to reach consumers more effectively. However, as online
marketing continues to grow, it’s important to tap into new media forms. Our Founder and CEO Fran Yanity had the
opportunity to touch on and discuss many aspects of digital marketing with Our Lady of the Lake (OLLU) college
students. We’ve gathered some major takeaways from her presentation to help you understand the importance of digital
marketing.

Digital Channels

Whether you have a $500 or $10,000 monthly advertising budget, you want to get the biggest
bang for your buck. Choosing the right marketing channels will help maximize your return on investment (ROI) and
reach your goals. Some of the most effective marketing channels in 2020 include:

  • Pay-per-Click (PPC) Advertising – Google Search ads will
    help you connect with users who are searching for products and services that you provide right at the moment
    they are looking.
  • Social Media – Social connection offers valuable community
    building opportunities; however, it is important to choose the right platforms that make sense for your
    brand and customers.
  • Website – Your website may, in fact, be the most important of
    all channels. It should offer a good first impression and clearly represent your business, so users are able
    to find what they are looking for when they are looking.
  • Content Marketing and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
    Content marketing and solid SEO helps demonstrate your authority and expertise through high-quality content,
    thus helping you reach your target audience with information they need and want.

Although there are other marketing channels that are successful, those mentioned above have
proven to be some of the best and most cost-effective.

Process for Digital Marketing

In order for a marketing campaign to be successful, it is important to have a clear goal in
mind. What do you expect from your marketing campaign? Identifying your key performance indicators (KPIs) and
measurable metrics is essential. This, as well as understanding your audience, will help you start to build your
campaign strategy.

Not all social media and marketing channels are suitable for every campaign, so it’s
important to take a step back and think about what would be most effective for what you are trying to achieve. Look
at all possible channels and tie it back to your end goal. It’s OK not to run a campaign on multiple channels
especially if the budget is small. However, it is important to remember that if you do use a multi-channel approach,
you should tailor your content to fit within the platform.

Before launching any digital marketing campaign, it’s necessary to have somewhere users can
go after they click or see an ad. Most times, you would direct people to your website but it is important that users
go to a landing page that grabs their attention and compels them to take action. The landing page and your website
should have the appropriate pixels and tracking codes in place (like Google Analytics) to ensure accurate tracking
of page performance, conversions and attributions.

Without proper planning and measurement, your marketing campaign might not be successful.
Optimizations need to take place throughout the campaign as you learn more about your audience and what is
performing best to ensure that budget is allocated where it drives action. Marketing campaigns are extremely
valuable when you go through the process and make sure you set up everything accordingly.

Digital Trends in a Changing Landscape

Over the last couple of years, marketers have seen an increase in the amount of advertising
done programmatically. One of our
previous blogs
discusses why the automated buying and selling of online advertising has seen a boom – included in this mix are
connected TV (CTV) and over-the-top (OTT) networks. In 2019, the number of smart TV’s and OTT devices in
households exceeded 1 billion. This will probably continue to grow over the next few years so it should be considered as part of your overall
marketing strategy.

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
will play a huge role in mobile advertising, moving forward. These trends have already started to emerge in
advertising campaigns, specifically with games (like “Pokemon Go”) because it offers an immersive and entertaining
experience. It allows marketers to reach consumers in new ways.

Getting your message across and influencing consumers to purchase a product or service can
be challenging if you don’t define your audience. Marketers utilize information that is collected from various
tracking mechanisms to help fine-tune and deliver a digital campaign to the right people. The collection
of data
is important to ensure that the content is more engaging and
efficient. It comes from many sources including smartphones, cameras, apps, websites you visit etc. Data
collecting techniques continue to change as have regulations to ensure privacy, but at the same time give
marketers the tools they need to gain insights about their target demographics.

Looking for an agency that can deliver an impactful and successful campaign? Contact us today.
We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet and DM away!

Categories
Blog Industry Trends Social Media

Super Bowl LIV: Best Social Media Strategies

This year, there were 43.9M total social media interactions across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram regarding Super
Bowl LIV. With this kind of engagement<, advertisers can no longer afford to limit
their efforts to just a commercial. Brands are increasingly incorporating social media into their Super Bowl
campaigns because it offers a cost-effective opportunity to be a part of the conversation. So how exactly are
companies utilizing Twitter and other platforms to enhance their advertising strategy? Here are a few of the most
effective ways our team saw brands use social media ahead of the big game.

Pre-Game Teaser (Planters)

This year, several brands released teasers for their ads prior to Super Bowl LIV. That’s
because it generally results in more online buzz, anticipation, and brand awareness among consumers. Marketers also use it as a tool to gauge their audience’s reaction before the full ad is seen. While some critics are skeptical of the effectiveness of this approach, Planters proved this tactic can be successful. Weeks prior to the game, they leaked a teaser via Twitter that announced “Mr. Peanut’s” funeral would air during the game. This resulted in more
than 3M
views on YouTube in just two days. That coverage was worth $13.7 million in equivalent brand value, far exceeding the cost of airtime. In addition, other brands jumped in to pay their condolences via Twitter, which gave Planters
increased exposure and built anticipation for their Super Bowl ad.

Effective Use of Hashtags (Olay)

Olay’s #MakeSpaceforWomen campaign encouraged users to share the hashtag and in turn,
Olay would match donations with each retweet and hashtag mention it received. The ad initially received 20K mentions
after its launch in mid-January, but gained 90K more during the game. Overall, the campaign reached over 188K brand engagements in two weeks. Olay even earned Twitter’s “hashtag” award for the most creative and effective brand hashtag of the night and received a spot on the U.S. top trending list. Inviting people to engage in your campaign,
especially when it allows them to directly make a difference, can help build your brand’s reputation.

Audience Choice Approach (Bud Light & P&G)

Prior to the game, some brands used an audience-choice approach. For example, Bud Light created an opportunity for fans
to pick which Post Malone ad they wanted to appear in the Super Bowl. Viewers could cast their vote by commenting
either #PostyStore or #PostyBar on Twitter and Instagram and Bud Light would air whichever hashtag received the most
engagement. In just two weeks, Bud light received 98.2K brand engagements on social media.

Using Twitter to promote their “WhenWeComeTogether.com” site, Procter & Gamble took a similar approach by letting consumers vote through an interactive website to determine which brand mascots would end up in
their ad. “Brands that listen carefully to their audiences when creating advertising, invite feedback on the
concepts created and demonstrate that these opinions matter, can build a greater degree of trust, relevance and
transparency in their brand communications,” says Will Grobel, a Director at Deloitte Digital.

Looking for an agency that knows how to build brand engagement on social media?
Contact us today.
We’re just one call, like, follow, retweet and DM away!