Should you trust your brand to artificial intelligence (AI) based on a process of biased elimination and suggestion? Or to, what we coined as, intelligent artisans (IA) who solve problems based on experience, expertise, research, and talent? AI VS IA. Here is what I discovered: if you go the FREE AI direction, nothing is really FREE. The no-cost logo is a lure for other … [Read more...]
Are QR codes poised for a come back?
I remember first learning about QR codes and thinking "finally, print and digital has merged". I especially loved the idea of using them on packaging. A brand could put forth engaging information about their product or provide access to videos with set up instructions, recipes, content details and the list goes on. The second place I could see using them was in-store on shelf … [Read more...]
Regional Retailers CAN Compete with Retail Goliaths
I have sat in forums surrounded by independent and regional retailers and listened to their disdain for Amazon—even though they probably frequent the site for their own family. Recently, my office manager was kicked off of Amazon. Yes, you read that right. How can you live without using Amazon? Guess what, she survived. There is life without Amazon. This blog explores 4 ways … [Read more...]
Retargeting (stalker) advertising: Does it work?
The white leather tennis shoes that stalked me. I wanted to write this blog based on the experience of shopping for some white leather tennis shoes. Of course, when I did a search for the item, advertising from Amazon came up first. I give them enough of my business so I started looking at prices. I noticed that Macy's was having a sale. I found a pair of Sperry white leather … [Read more...]
Candy-coated popcorn, peanuts, and an augmented reality app…
...that’s what you get in Cracker Jack® When I saw the latest "prize" in Cracker Jack® is an augmented reality app, I took note that it is driving kids to smartphones. It is an app called Blippar which is an augmented reality game for your smartphone. The "prizes" allow the user to open new aspects of a game from their phone. I was underwhelmed. I guess, however, the … [Read more...]
Is native advertising the answer to not annoying your customer?
Pop-up ads are universally loathed. We have become blind to banner ads. Retargeting ads are creepy. Television ads are an excuse to use the bathroom or fast forward. Autoplay videos can be embarrassing (especially at work). Let's face it, some ads are no less intrusive than an uninvited solicitor at our door. But what about native advertising? Native Advertising is one way to … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Dissection of a Band-Aid® Package
This Band-Aid package is a great example of how to tell a brand story Every element of this Band-Aid package is deliberate and communicates the Band-Aid brand story. I can tell that the brand and design team took their time and put a lot of effort into the creative. Most people will take that for granted, but if you are in this business, you can see the attention to detail. … [Read more...]
4 Obstacles to Succeeding Online and In-Store
I have been researching what obstacles brands face when trying to succeed online and in-store through my contacts on LinkedIn. It has been very enlightening and has confirmed some of what I already suspected and opened my eyes to other barriers. Most of the conversations started out with my contact saying either, "how long do you have to talk" or "you sure have opened a can of … [Read more...]
Can Digital Advertising Derail a Customer’s Intent to Purchase?
In the best of all worlds, advertising is served up to us when we are most interested and apt to buy. If it is, we aren't irritated by its presence but grateful for the opportunity to learn about or purchase a product that fills an immediate need. Unfortunately, this isn't the way it always works. This blog takes a look at the different digital advertising opportunities brands … [Read more...]
BOPIS puts the customer in control
My gut feeling about BOPIS (Buy Online, Pickup In Store) is that it is great for customers but not easy to execute for retailers. BOPIS is another omnichannel marketing process offering a frictionless purchase process for the consumer. Simply put, BOPIS puts the customer in control. This blog shows how this trend can challenge retailers and consumers as well as delight … [Read more...]