**Due to a change in content strategy at DMS Insights, bylines are no longer used and most of the older content has been removed. Sarah’s stories have been recreated below, exactly as they were published.**
Black-owned businesses across the country continue to grow. According to BlackBusiness.com, “New York state has the most black-owned businesses — 204,093 — which is 10.6% of the businesses in the state, followed by Georgia, Florida and Texas. However, Washington, DC has the highest percentage of black-owned businesses in the country with 28%.” And, although COVID-19 has led [...]
Last fall, LinkedIn launched several new tools for marketers offering better targeting and measurement. The social media platform announced further updates in a blog post on June 2: “Today, we’re taking the next step in this journey by introducing new capabilities to retarget by actions, as well as updates to the LinkedIn Audience Network, to [...]
As the economy ramps back up over the summer, one industry that will take some time to find its footing is travel. Many companies have canceled all non-essential travel, conferences are on hold and many people are still reluctant to travel for leisure. In response, several rural areas around the country have started considering how [...]
Transgender, gender non-conforming and non-binary consumers are starting to factor into how advertisers’ market and target many of their products and services. This inclusive approach is particularly important for brands targeting Gen Z and Millennial consumers. For these generations, half believe society isn't accepting enough “of people who don’t identify as either a man or [...]
Most people want the fastest resolution possible when speaking to a customer service representative, particularly if they’ve called under duress because something hasn’t gone right. But, during coronavirus, many brands saw their call volume go up, finding that consumers were more anxious than usual and needed reassurance from human voices. Brands that can offer welcome [...]
On June 5, IAB Tech Lab released a standard solution for brands and publishers required to meet California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regulations. Enforcement of the CCPA goes into effect on July 1. How Does The IAB Solution For CPPA Work?The IAB solution for CCPA is a plug-in that works directly with publisher websites. According to [...]
There are nearly 7,000 insurance companies in Europe and the UK. And, despite the fact that insurance is a need-based industry, the competitive insurance marketplace makes it critical that brands get out in front of consumers with memorable campaigns that resonate with insurance shoppers. Three insurance companies across the pond recently modernized and differentiated their [...]
Recently, Social Media Today reported that Facebook users were seeing information panels on Facebook when doing a search in the social media platforms. The Facebook panels are similar to Google’s knowledge panels, pulling information from Wikipedia. At first the knowledge panels seemed to only be for European Facebook users, but now they appear more widespread.What [...]
Many brands are moving toward a more inclusive skin tone spectrum when creating their products. In some cases, brands were created specifically for consumers who were unable to find what they needed to match their skin tones. In other cases, brands are playing catch up and trying to thoughtfully offer options for more diverse audiences.Band-Aid [...]
In 2016, Millennials accounted for 82% of women becoming mothers, and more than a million Millennial women have given birth each year since then. And, though some Millennials grapple with whether to enter into motherhood, one thing most new Millennial parents are sure of when they take the plunge is wanting cool tech to help [...]
Over the last several weeks, brands and businesses have been working on different strategies to make their own companies become more diverse and inclusive. For many companies, diversity initiatives include elevating black-owned brands and black creators, using the larger platforms and audience reach of the well-known brands to scale brand awareness and customer acquisition for [...]
Everyone is familiar with the sensational, sometimes unscrupulous wording that some advertisers use to get clicks, often saying little about what’s being advertised and designed specifically to capture attention and get viewers to take immediate action. These kinds of clickbait ads are going under the knife, as Google moves to put a stop to misleading [...]
It’s safe to say that the pandemic has brought with it a fair share of surprising trends born out of necessity, from virtual graduations to mask fashion, but the latest trending item may be the least expected. AdAge reports that disposable urinal bags are one of summer’s must have items, as people get back out [...]
Summer is here, and it’s time for ice cream and popsicles. There’s a lot of chatter across the internet about how this summer is going to be more reminiscent of past summers, when kids rode their bikes everywhere and only came in when the streetlights turned on. What better way to celebrate that return to [...]
Snapchat recently unveiled a range of changes to functionality, navigation and offerings of the social media app at their annual (and virtual) Snap Partner Summit. Snapchat, which reaches more users aged 13-34 than Facebook or Instagram, is likely trying to refine their navigation as they add new features to reach and monetize broader audiences.What Is [...]
On June 16, Facebook launched what they are calling “the largest voting information campaign in American history.” With the goal of registering more than four million voters, the voting information campaign includes the Voting Information Center, which offers a number of initiatives and information outlets for Americans interested in learning more about voting, the election [...]
Several consumer packaged goods (CPGs), including Uncle Ben’s, Aunt Jemima, Mrs. Butterworth’s and Cream of Wheat, have recently been under scrutiny for what many consider branding that relies on historically racist stereotypes and imagery. In response, the parent companies of these heritage CPG brands will be taking redesigns under review or preparing for complete overhauls [...]
The ongoing Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests across the country over the last month have led to a number of responses from brands, some more effective than others. Many people agree that this moment is different and requires a more thorough understanding of the issues and a studied and sincere approach. A simple tweet of [...]
Recently, Google launched Keen, a platform similar to Pinterest, on which users can create and share boards about their interests and hobbies. The app is the latest from Google’s Area 120 team, an internal incubator that creates experimental apps and services. Keen is likely meant to step into the Pinterest space, as Pinterest gains some [...]
The last several months have been an interesting time for streaming services. The quarantines offered benefits to some streaming platforms and were a detriment to others, but consumers continue to subscribe to new services, including Disney+ and HBO Max. Moving forward, post-quarantine subscription growth will require streaming brands to innovate and consider new ways to [...]
On June 25, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made an important ruling regarding automated text messaging platforms. Stemming from a petition by P2P Alliance, the FCC ruling could be a positive point of clarification for brands that use text messaging as a part of their digital marketing strategies. What Did The FCC Rule About TCPA? The FCC [...]
When it comes to search, Google is the only game in town for most internet users, wracking up more than 2 trillion searches per day worldwide and capturing 92% of the mobile search engine share. However, it is not without its critics, particularly when it comes to issues of privacy and market share.Sridhar Ramaswamy, who [...]
Beginning this summer, search results for shopping queries on Google will include free product listings, instead of paid ads. Google has recently made several similar changes to their shopping search functions, likely in a bid to stay competitive with ecommerce giants like Amazon.Why Is Google Changing Paid Search Ads To Free Shopping Listings?In the latest [...]
Typically, back-to-school (BTS) shopping is a very important retail season for marketers, brands and retailers. In 2019, more than $26 billion was spent on BTS shopping, which is inclusive of everything from clothes to school-based technology. This year will be different. The ongoing coronavirus crisis could mean that kids don’t go back to school across [...]
Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, most industries — especially travel — have had to be nimble, to pivot and realign their priorities, their strategic marketing plans and, in some cases, their whole approaches to doing business. According to the U.S. Travel Association, “In the week ending June 27, the travel economy witnessed its ninth-consecutive week of [...]
The boycott of paid advertising to Facebook, Instagram and other Facebook brands, started by Stop Hate For Profit in June, has grown faster than even organizers expected. The recent racial justice protests, coronavirus mismanagement and the upcoming election inspired the launch of the boycott, and likely influenced the more than 400 brands that have committed [...]
Social media platforms and ecommerce are a perfect match, particularly during a time when social media usage is increasing and consumers are shopping online more. Facebook, Instagram and YouTube are creating more ways for consumers to buy as they scroll through their feeds and watch videos, and brands are taking advantage of these improved customer [...]
Teenagers around the country suddenly became foreign policy experts when word got out that TikTok might be on the chopping block. As one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world with 2 billion users, TikTok’s bite-sized videos are wildly popular with Gen Z. However, TikTok’s ownership by Chinese tech company ByteDance could make [...]
It’s always timely to talk about the importance of mobile engagement. Though desktop use has seen an uptick in usage during quarantines, there were 31 billion new app downloads in Q1 of 2020, and mobile remains a fundamental part of how consumers research, interact with and buy from brands. Brands that have healthy, evolving and [...]
Prior to the quarantines, “are you listening to any good podcasts?” was typical watercooler chatter. But, like so many industries, changes in consumer behaviors — less commuting, AKA podcast-listening time — caused a downturn in the popularity of the once ubiquitous entertainment. According to AdWeek, “audience growth for [podcast] titles across the board dropped by [...]
Reels, an Instagram feature similar to TikTok, is expanding to other countries after testing in Brazil. Although Instagram Reels isn’t yet in the U.S., the expansion of Reels could be significant for advertisers considering their digital marketing strategies, especially given recent news about TikTok possibly being banned in the U.S. What Is Instagram Reels?Reels, like TikTok, [...]
“Two Lysol products have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use against the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. The products are Lysol Disinfectant Spray and Lysol Disinfectant Max Cover Mist, both approved last week for use on hard, nonporous surfaces,” reported Healthline on July 6. Lysol has been a popular brand throughout the coronavirus pandemic, [...]
By most standards, 2020 has been a difficult year. However, the ability to bring joy by offering convenient and comfortable services during tough times has helped catapult some brands to new heights. Whether by being trusted voices of authority or offering time-consuming hobbies, brands that found success during the first half of 2020 were able [...]
Like Google, and many social media platforms, Bing Shopping has recently updated several of its shopping-focused features to facilitate easier online shopping. According to Bing, the addition of visual search to product ads, will “significantly improve the product search experience of our shoppers. And the improved product discovery better enables the businesses on our platform.”How [...]
The Facebook New Product Experimentation (NPE) team has released an app called Forecast that essentially crowdsources answers to questions posed both by members and invited experts. Facebook Forecast is the latest in a string of new apps from Facebook’s NPE team, all of which seem focused on tapping into rising usage and getting ahead of [...]
Most blockbusters have delayed their openings until the fall, but that hasn’t stopped movies like the much anticipated Wonder Woman 1984 from kicking off promotional campaigns and activations to keep fans ready and waiting for the day when it’s safe to go to the movies again. Partnerships and original content can help brands build anticipation [...]
Twitter is big. Instagram is bigger. Worldwide, Twitter has more than 166 million monetizable daily active users (mDAU/users who see ads). Instagram has a billion. And, although both social media platforms have specific identities in the eyes of users, Instagram has recently been encroaching on Twitter as a source for news, with use of Instagram [...]
As technology around car manufacturing has gotten more sophisticated and the needs of consumers around car ownership have evolved, so has car insurance. Usage-based insurance (UBI) capabilities are on the rise across insurance carriers, offering personalized premiums for drivers and an additional insurance product for carriers. What Is Usage-Based Insurance?According to the National Association of Insurance [...]
The recent release of a Burger King commercial focused on the bodily functions of cows, and their impact on global warming, is just the latest purpose-driven campaign from fast food and quick-service restaurants. When brands effectively incorporate social responsibility into their campaigns and messaging, it can have a lasting impact on how their brand is [...]
The implementation of buy one gift one purpose-driven marketing campaigns from retailers helped brands recalibrate during the disruption of Covid-19. Brands able to connect with consumers, be authentic and align their corporate social responsibility with current events are often able to increase engagement, gaining new customers and encouraging loyalty. With The Right Messages Delivered At The [...]
Snapchat recently announced that, starting soon, several brands will have their own profile pages on the social media platform, with 30 brands likely to join the beta test in the next six months. The Snapchat brand profile page launch comes at a time of unforeseen growth in ecommerce usage and a slew of tech and [...]
The windows and doors market is a $160 billion industry, and windows are among the home improvement projects with the highest ROI. Inside a competitive environment that requires differentiation in order to capture consumer attention, window brands have evolved to include a number of different materials, price options and frequent promotions.Andersen Windows Debuts New Look [...]
Apple’s SKAdNetwork, which will kick off with the release of iOS 14 in September, could mark the new standard for mobile app install attribution. The latest update continues Apple’s efforts to maintain the privacy of their users, and it will likely require advertisers to adjust how they measure success and serve ads.What Is Apple’s SKAdNetwork?Apple’s [...]
Ethnic studies, which includes the interdisciplinary study of marginalized communities including African Americans, Latinx, Native Americans and Asian Americans, was first introduced at San Francisco State University (SFSU) in 1969, with the formation of The College of Ethnic Studies. The College of Ethnic Studies at SFSU was the only one of its kind in the [...]
Location-based marketing is an integral part of many marketing campaigns. Retail and restaurant brands in particular implement location-based marketing to reach consumers looking for deals and who are ready to buy. By understanding the difference between geotargeting and geofencing and seeing how brands effectively deploy these tactics, businesses can begin to implement more focused digital [...]
The recent trend in automotive is car logos going 2D. Car brands are adopting logos that are more flat and flexible for use across advertising materials, especially digital. Car insiders note the redesigns signify car brands are interested in being recognizable and user-friendly across digital platforms, instead of flashy — particularly as smart tech becomes [...]
With all the talk of the new normal, there is much still unknown about the future, particularly what the country will be up for in the fall, including school, sports and celebrations like Halloween. Fearing a loss of their biggest revenue season, many candy brands are trying to get ahead of the Halloween excitement with [...]
Last year, 45% of mattresses sold were purchased online, and 12% of all mattress sales were with direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands. The competition among DTC mattress brands has increased as more and more DTC mattress companies open. A crowded market, particularly for a big ticket item that often can’t be tried out before purchase, requires that [...]