Midwestern agency adds Clifton in the role of Vice President, Media Strategy and Analytics
Across this country, businesses are all facing a new wave of challenges with a familiar resolve. Breaking through noise to remain relevant is incredibly challenging, but also rewarding. Consumers are evolving quickly: fragmentation is increasing at a rapid pace, and trends are hard to discern from shorter-term fads. We have a tremendous opportunity to make the connection between brands and their changing consumer, using data to listen to the moment.
This is no ordinary time; we get it. Whatever plans you had for your brand in 2020 have likely been thrown into disarray as your team works tirelessly to combat the economic and social effects of a global health crisis. And while no one quite knows what the other side of this pandemic will look like, there is one thing we can expect: change.
The news around the recently emerged coronavirus has filled marketers and communicators throughout the globe with concern about what their messages today will mean to tomorrow’s business. As a communications partner to brands with expansive and dedicated social followings, we at Hart have surveyed the evolving social landscape and offer our point of view for keeping the lines of communication open and active when others shut theirs down.
Go from “stop doing everything” to start doing something different.
The concept of authenticity is one that has long been debated, from water coolers to chatrooms. In a world where deep fakes are an ever-growing presence, and people believe reality and truth often exist independent of one another, how consumers value authenticity is a matter of increasing importance. In fact, an overwhelming 90% of millennials say brand authenticity is important, with nearly three-quarters of that group suggesting family and friends are the most authentic – that is, trustworthy – sources of social content.
For many prospective and current clients, the idea of having that big moment over social media can be extremely intoxicating. We all want to think we’re the ones creating the “viral moment.” But what happens when there’s a viral moment and you weren’t the one to start it? More so, what if the moment is happening and it doesn’t align with your company’s values?
Tomorrow, I’ll be participating in the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Retail Summit 2019. So, why does a marketer care about supply chain and logistics? Because your battle to provide great customer experience is either won or lost in the trenches of supply chain and logistics. A recent Harris Poll indicated that 48% of U.S. marketers believe brands have an excellent ability to provide an exceptional customer experience. However, only 22% of customers believe brands and retailers provide an exceptional customer experience.
If people could see only your social feed, how would they perceive your brand? What would they think or feel about it? Would they buy from you versus your competitors?
According to an Association of National Advertisers study released in October 2018, advertisers are using in-house agencies more, with 78% of ANA members reporting having some form of in-house agency in 2018, compared to 58% in 2013 and 42% in 2008. Still, many advertisers understand the various benefits of engaging an agency to help with their marketing efforts and pursue a relationship that fits the bill.
It’s no secret: older homeowners are driving today’s home improvement market. A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University revealed that households 55 and older account for half of all current home improvement spending. And as this audience ages into their 70s and 80s, researchers expect their investments in home modifications to soar even higher as they look to enhance accessibility.