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Loyalty programs that reward repeat business with point programs and other freebies are common. Whether it’s a “Buy-10-Get-1” punchard or a post-purchase discount code for your next shopping trip, they’ve blended seamlessly into our consumer lives. But can programs like purchase points really build and brand loyalty and create an authentic brand relationship?  In many […]

These days, just about every element of our lives exists in some form online. It’s where we learn, work, socialize, and, yes, shop. But somewhere between landing on a site and clicking “Add to Cart,” the shopping experience’s human element gets lost. And if the customer experience is jumbled, things go south even faster. According

Think about the websites you visit regularly. The brands you support and the products you choose to keep around the house or the office. What do they all have in common? Our guess: they’ve figured out how to leverage the user experience to keep you coming back.  Are those websites easy to navigate? Do they give you useful information? Do they make your life easier? Maybe these brands speak your language, or seem like they just get you. Are those products the best, the cheapest, or the easiest to use? These questions (and hundreds more) all relate to your user […]

Scrolling through Amazon or strolling down an actual aisle— packaging design affects our purchasing decisions. Packaging isn’t just a vehicle that gets products safely from store to home, it’s part of the product experience. And thoughtful packaging is one more creative way to tell your brand’s story. But it’s not just about attention-grabbing design. It’s about designing an experience that aligns with your audience’s values. These days that means minimal waste, sustainability, and creative engagement. The all-encompassing world of packaging design First, what do we mean by packaging design? It’s a big term that encompasses many different levels of decision-making. […]

Parler’s recent shutdown shows how much free speech protections are in the hands of technology. On January 9, Apple and Google removed Parler from the App Store and Android’s Marketplace. This move prevented new users from downloading the app. The following day, Amazon Web Services dropped Parler. A move that effectively disconnected the brand from the internet

We’ve all seen it by now. The slowly panning, wide-angle shot of empty streets and playgrounds. The tremulous, somber piano notes. And the word “unprecedented,” repeated ad nauseum. And we do mean “ad” in the most literal sense of the word. In a rush to strike the right empathetic tone, brands both big and small, national and local, fell into the trap of one-note ad campaigns. And who can blame them? When the pandemic hit, digital marketing agencies worldwide scrambled to pivot their messaging and keep their clients’ ad campaigns relevant.  So, yeah. 2020 had a definite vibe all its […]

If you’ve ever gotten a new pet, then you’ve likely experienced personalized marketing firsthand. From the moment that new dog, cat, or hamster enters your home, somehow, the algorithm has you pegged.  Suddenly, your social media feeds are flooded with ads for ergonomic water bowls, fluffy beds, and gourmet kibbles for your four-legged friend. You discover that puppy bow ties are a whole, thriving industry. Amazon knows you need a cat tower in every room of the house (and offers targeted discounts to make sure you get them).  And it’s not just the pet-specific brands that are going to pick […]

Imagine if life came with a script and stage directions. They could help you navigate social situations, guide you through difficult conversations, and even help you make big life announcements! While that’s sadly not available, you can create clear brand guidelines to keep your brand consistent, differentiate it from competitors, and guide your editorial and visual brand identities. And a marketing agency can help make it happen.    What’s the deal with brand guidelines anyway? Brand guidelines are internal documents or decks that companies can use to decide their brand’s overall direction. These guidelines help to inform visual and editorial […]