News and Analysis
Times are Changing: Meta’s AI-Powered Features Bring In New Era for Advertising Tech
In a move that could potentially reshape the adtech landscape, Meta has announced its latest foray into the world of artificial intelligence for advertising. The company formerly known as Facebook is set to roll out a suite of new generative AI features that can create ad backgrounds, expand images, and generate multiple versions of ad […]
BOOM: The Designer and Basic Milkshake
Despite many consumers’ focus on healthy and lactose-free beverages, a new MULO (multi-location) trend is picking up steam (or should we say whipped cream?). Milkshakes first came on the scene in 1885, and were made with booze. Ironically, the boozy milkshake is now having a moment again! In 1922, Walgreens began serving milkshakes and the […]
Macy’s Goes From Malls to Micro-Mini Model
Are mega department stores like Macy’s becoming a thing of the past? Although big box multi-location (MULO) stores in some categories like home improvement and groceries still make sense, the mall-based department stores may be due for a reconfiguration. Macy’s just announced that it is opening 30 small format stores. Leveraging the timeless reputation (founded […]
Commentary
Now’s Not The Time To Cut Back On Marketing. Here’s What To Do Instead
Businesses that withdraw from marketplace visibility have a much harder time, and find it far more expensive in the long run, to regain customers once they start re-engaging, with market share declining even after they resume advertising. So, while cutting back marketing spend can help address some short-term bottom-line issues, it will create significant challenges to long-term sustainability.
New Year, Same Challenge: Content is the Key to Another Digital Holiday Season for Retailers
With the Delta variant bringing a second unwelcome wave of apprehension and disruption, the vision we all looked forward to a year ago — the return to a normal holiday season — is dissipating before our eyes. Online shopping will be the main go-to again this time around, with businesses and consumers facing many familiar, and a few unfamiliar, factors this year.
Privacy versus Paid Content: What Are We Willing to Sacrifice?
To the naked eye, technologies and laws allowing consumers more control are absolutely and unequivocally good. Who would oppose privacy protection laws and self-imposed regulations apart from those who are exploiting the lack of privacy, right? But what is the end goal we are trying to achieve, and what is the price we are “paying” in the process?
Latest Posts
Merchants React to New Data Theft Concerns
As more digital marketing and customer management solutions come online, security breaches are happening with increasing frequency. The threat is becoming a real issue for merchants, who are now faced with growing concerns among consumers and tightened privacy restrictions from government controllers.
LBMA: Smart Shopping Carts and DOOH Measurement
In this episode of Location Weekly, the Location-Based Marketing Association covers Facebook rolling out birthday gifting, India’s Neareo releasing a suite of tools for digital engagement, Talon and MadHive partnering to link DOOH and OTT audiences, and Singapore’s Cellarbration using government digital IDs to verify alcohol purchases from vending machines.
Sales Tech Fuels Frictionless Customer Experiences
Sales tech took a leap forward during the pandemic. Sales teams needed new ways to communicate, both with their coworkers and with customers, who were accessing digital channels at unprecedented volume. Sales tech emerged to meet the market need, helping sales reps manage customer relationships, provide more personalized customer experiences, and coordinate with their colleagues.
Google Local Search Trends II: Verticalization
This is the second in a series of four articles covering the themes behind many of Google’s recent local search feature releases and interface updates. In the first installment, I discussed Google’s increasingly personalized or customized search results, marked by content pulled from GMB profiles, the business website, and Google users, and matched to specific queries so that each SERP is unique. In this second installment, I’ll be talking too about interfaces that differ according to what you’re searching for, but in this case the differences are verticalized.
How Not to Grow Your Brand’s Social Following
While establishing your brand across multiple social media platforms is an investment, in both time and resources, it’s typically at a lower cost than almost all other marketing tactics. The key to success, of course, is to use it correctly. Social media cannot and should not be an afterthought: To realize the full value of this game-changing tool, companies should make it a priority—and stay active.
Convenience Stores Adapt Marketing Efforts for EV Era
The market for electric vehicles is growing steadily, with automakers like Tesla, Ford, and VW helping to boost demand across much of the country. As consumer habits in the auto industry evolve, and the share of fossil fuel-powered cars on the road decreases, gas stations and convenience stores are adapting their marketing strategies for a new electric-first future.
GoDaddy’s Marketing Planner Helps SMBs Prepare for Holidays
The holidays are still months away, but GoDaddy is betting that more small and mid-size businesses will be taking a proactive approach and starting their seasonal marketing campaigns earlier this year than in the past. The company recently launched a new marketing planner designed to make it easier for businesses to keep track of holidays and promotional opportunities.
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