2 Iconic Features of The Popular Wes Anderson Style

Wes anderson color palette, font, and style

Wes Anderson is an auteur of films like Bottle Rocket (1996), Darjeeling Limited (2007), Fantastic Mr Fox (2009), The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014), and French Dispatch (2021). His films are popular and admired for their distinctive look, atmosphere, and sound.

The Wes Anderson style found fame on the Internet, too. One of the earliest examples of the trend on TikTok is a video by Ava William, which compiles dreamlike, sunset-orange filtered footage of her train ride. It has been liked more than 2.3 million times at the time of writing. Even Singapore’s Minister for Health, Ong Ye Kung, has filmed a Wes Anderson-style Tiktok video titled Mornings At Ministry of Health. These videos replicate Wes Anderson’s vivid and pleasing candy-coloured palettes, symmetrical frames and precise object placement.

This blog explores two iconic characteristics of Wes Anderson’s films and explains why his style and branding are so iconic and well-loved.

1. Wes Anderson Font

One hallmark of Wes Anderson’s films is his font choices. They are so popular that designers have compiled lists of fonts that look similar to the ones used by Wes Anderson! Good fonts are fundamental to effective and memorable design because they help subtly convey messages and themes. Wes Anderson’s retro font choices showcase his quirky and whimsical style. They also hint at the genre and mood of the film narrative.

Here are a few examples. Consider the flowing, cursive font used in Moonrise Kingdom, specially designed by Jessica Hische for the film. Vintage 60’s American typefaces inspired this font style. It elicits feelings of elegance and nostalgia.

Font styles evoke different emotions and meanings. For instance, the serif font used in Moonrise Kingdom has extra details at the end of each letter – the curlicues and ‘tails’ – often used by vintage or luxury brands. A soft, vintage-looking font is thematically appropriate for Moonrise Kingdom, which is a classy and nostalgic story about the tenderness of growing up. This font was later commercially released with the name Tilda.

Another example is the font used in Wes Anderson’s latest film about UFOs in a deserted 1955 American town, Asteroid City, starring Bill Murray and released by Focus Features.

The chunky, retro font fits the film’s science-fiction comedy genre. It is a straightforward sans-serif typography design without curlicues and represents a laid-back, friendly appearance.

Moving on, The Grand Budapest Hotel boasts an ornate, gold-trim font emphasising the hotel’s fairy-tale dollhouse quality. The designer, Annie Atkins, took heavy inspiration from 1930s Eastern European typefaces on metal signs.

Wes Anderson favours nostalgic fonts, which have become synonymous with his style. He is also consistent with his fonts in films – did you know that The Royal Tenenbaums depicted all text and printed material in Futura? It included books, signs, posters, the film’s credits, and the title, among other instances. Anderson is particularly fond of Futura and used it in nearly all his movies!

However, he also varies his fonts to hint at the mood and genre of the film. It’s an example of excellent branding! Great branding uses varying stylistic choices to subtly capture different themes and messages while retaining a consistent and recognisable look.

2. Wes Anderson Color Palette

Wes Anderson’s palette sets his films apart from others. His set design, colour grading, and detailed props make his films a visual treat. Anderson’s films frequently feature frames or scenes staged like cinematic tableaus. Campy colours and whimsical motifs inspired an Anderson Aesthetic Collection by MuralsWallpaper.

Wes Anderson’s use of colour is recognisable because he subverts traditional colour theory. His penchant for depicting sad events in bright, pastel-coloured hues is an example. His characters go through distressing or dark experiences while living in a world that resembles a children’s picture book. It lends a quirky and discordant, off-kilter personality to the film.

Consider the example of Wes Anderson’s 2014 film The Grand Budapest Hotel’s exterior introductory shot. It is a quaint pink hotel nestled amid dark and gloomy mountains. The unexpected colour scheme makes the hotel facade look striking and provides the perfect backdrop for the aesthetically pleasing mystery plot that ensues.

The Grand Budapest Hotel was widely applauded for its creative and visually arresting costume design. The instantly recognisable jewel-purple lobby boy uniform is regarded as one of the most iconic costumes in Wes Anderson’s oeuvre.

Pastel colours are a staple of the Wes Anderson palette. They have become a defining hallmark of the Wes Anderson brand – consider the pastel pink exterior of the hotel, the candy-coloured icing of the Courtesan au Chocolat pastry in The Grand Budapest Hotel, or the baby blue uniform of Owen Wilson’s character in The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), a film about an oceanographer.

Wes Anderson’s vibrant colour palette uses a rhythmic narrative tone to complement film beats and convey mood. His colour choices have even inspired a blog entirely dedicated to posting about colour palettes in his movies!

The following stills in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), a film about a dysfunctional family, showcase Wes Anderson’s attention to visual consistency in colour and design.

This frame has a consistent colour palette of rustic, warm, red-brown hues. The gold and yellow of the suit and sofa balance out the red walls. The couch, bookcase and lamp placement are nearly symmetrical. The two characters – Richie and Margot Tenenbaum – are seated at the centre of the frame, creating a visually pleasing and satisfying shot.

Red and yellow are important shades in this film and say something about each character. Elsewhere in the movie, these shades repeat themselves in character costumes. Margot dons an iconic yellow and gold-hued fur coat, and Chas wears an iconic red tracksuit. While red is vibrant and energetic, Wes Anderson uses it to express anger and pain in his films. It is an example of how brands use specific colours to represent motifs in their brand story!

Similarly, this frame uses symmetry and colour consistency. The white walls and clothing complement the pool’s pale, cool blue tones and glass panes. Two shorter children of similar height flank the taller father to create a symmetrical shot. Wes Anderson’s exact framing makes his films pleasant to watch and appreciate.

What can Brands Learn from Wes Anderson?

Wes Anderson’s use of colour, font, and other design elements has enabled him to create a ‘Wes Anderson Style’ that has become his brand. You can learn how to boost your brand by taking a few tips from his films.

1. Consistency Is Key

Define a design or visual element for your brand and stick to it. These graphic elements should embody your brand’s traits. Over time, people will subconsciously associate your brand with specific designs and styles. Consistency with your colours, font choices and narratives helps you build a recognisable brand.

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Stand Out

Wes Anderson’s films differ from the typical Hollywood blockbuster movies that dominate the box office. Despite this, he has a devoted audience who appreciate his style.

Instead of trying to brand yourself as the next big thing on the market, your business could establish a niche. You may not have instant mass appeal, but you will build a loyal audience base over time. These are the consumers who love your brand for all its eccentricities and quirks.

Conclusion

As we have seen, font, design, and colour palette are integral to Wes Anderson’s style and brand. Consider focusing on these aspects of your branding and create a recognisable brand image that helps you stand out!

August 2, 2023August 31, 2023

7 Marketing Mistakes That Helped The Industry Get Better

Marketing is an ever-evolving industry. Companies are constantly churning out new ad campaigns and taglines to make themselves heard. As such, it is common for some of them to make marketing mistakes.

Severe or not, these blunders can damage a brand’s reputation. No business wants to do that. It is not worth offending loyal and potential customers for an advertising campaign!

You’ve probably heard of common marketing mistakes. Perhaps, you’ve even laughed at the marketing efforts of a product or service. Or, some efforts are so bad they become good for publicity!

But mistakes lead to a positive transformation that benefits brands and consumers. The following article explores the 7 marketing fails that ultimately helped the industry improve!

7 Marketing Fails That Revolutionized The Industry

1. Sony PSP White Poster

In 2006, Sony released a Netherlands poster featuring a white woman grabbing a black woman’s chin. The tagline read, “PlayStation Portable White is coming.”

Sony explained that it was meant to highlight the color differences between the two PlayStation versions.

However, the poster was immediately criticized for its racist connotations and sparked widespread backlash. Many people called out the advertisement for using racism to sell a product.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Be aware of sensitive cultural tropes.
Avoid using racial stereotypes or offensive imagery in marketing campaigns.

2. Burger King’s ‘Women Belong In The Kitchen’ Tweet

In March 2021, Burger King UK tweeted, “Women belong in the kitchen,” as part of a campaign to promote its scholarship program for female chefs.

The one-liner tweet was intended to be attention-grabbing and empowering for aspiring female chefs. However, it backfired as it was taken out of context. Despite Burger King’s further comments clarifying the purpose of the tweet, the damage had already been done.

Many criticized it for promoting outdated gender stereotypes. It was also tweeted on International Women’s Day, which further fuelled the social media uproar.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Avoid using controversial or insensitive language in marketing messages, even if you intend to be provocative, humorous, or attention-grabbing.
Avoid perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes in marketing messages.

3. Audi’s China Wedding Commercial

This advertising mistake is an excellent example of how important cultural nuances are in marketing.

In 2017, Audi released a commercial in China that showed a bride being physically inspected by her future mother-in-law during a wedding. The commercial compared marrying a bride to shopping for a new car.

Chinese audiences criticized the advertisement for objectifying women and promoting old-fashioned gender stereotypes. Weibo users complained that Audi made misassumptions about traditional relationship dynamics in China. These assumptions were outdated and did not resonate with most people.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Be aware of cultural differences.
Do not assume or over-generalize the social values of your foreign target audiences.
Avoid perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes in marketing messages.

4. E-Pay 2019 ‘Brownface’ Ad

This advertisement was widely discussed in Singapore’s local forums and social media platforms. Local and international news organizations even published articles about it.

In 2019, E-Pay released an advertisement featuring a Chinese actor wearing brownface to promote their mobile payment service. The photograph was meant to depict the four races of Singapore. However, the Chinese actor intentionally darkened his skin tone and donned traditional costumes to portray a Malay and Indian person.

The advertisement was widely criticized for its racist undertones and careless portrayal of ethnic minorities in Singapore.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Avoid using racially insensitive imagery or language in marketing campaigns.
Be aware of how different audiences may perceive your messaging.
Be authentic and inclusive in your portrayal of diversity.

5. Adidas Boston Marathon Email

In 2017, Adidas sent a promotional email to Boston Marathon participants that included the subject line, “Congrats, you survived the Boston Marathon!”

The email was criticized for being tone-deaf, as the 2013 Boston Marathon had been the site of a terrorist attack that caused injuries and deaths.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Be aware of the historical and cultural context of significant events.
Avoid using insensitive language that might be offensive and trigger audiences.

6. Kendall Jenner Pepsi Ad

In 2017, Pepsi released an advertisement to promote unity and togetherness. In the video, Kendall Jenner hands a can of Pepsi to a police officer, which stops a street protest.

Many people criticized the advertisement for simplifying complex social movements and erasing the struggles and oppression faced by real-life protestors. Pepsi received backlash for trivializing crucial social justice movements.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Be aware of the social implications of your imagery and messaging.
Avoid using insensitive imagery that downplays and trivializes the real-life struggles of people.

7. ‘Every Singaporean Son’ Publicity Stunt by National Geographic

An advertising stunt by National Geographic in Singapore backfired. It was criticized by local netizens and even by the Government of Singapore!

In 2013, National Geographic promoted the second season of “Every Singaporean Son,” a documentary series about the National Service in Singapore.

The company hired local actors to assemble at Raffles Place. These actors were dressed in army fatigues. They portrayed a platoon of conscripted national servicemen. Public members were invited to the podium to shout drill commands to these ‘recruits.’

Netizens immediately criticized the stunt for downplaying the efforts and sacrifices made by conscripted national servicemen. They felt that these ‘soldiers’ were staged for entertainment.

Netizens were not the only ones who expressed their disapproval. The Ministry of Defense (MINDEF) stated they were unaware of this stunt. They condemned the improper and unapproved usage of the Singapore Armed Forces uniforms for an advertisement.

Marketing Mistakes to Avoid:

Be aware of the social and cultural meanings of nationally-significant events in foreign countries.
Seek approval from well-informed parties or authorities to ensure no sensitive or restricted imagery is used.

A Quick Summary

Marketing fails we have observed can serve as valuable lessons for other brands, showing them what to avoid in marketing campaigns.

Consider tone and timing
Consider political and social scenarios
Do not generalize cultural practices and traditions
Do not trivialize or downplay serious matters
Avoid stereotyping and affiliating religion to sell your products
Seek approval from relevant authorities
Be creative but remember to set the focus on the product
Be open to receiving opinions prior to publishment
Exercise caution when choosing to collaborate with influencers and celebrities

Marketing Mistakes can significantly affect your brand. Although these mistakes have negative consequences, they help the industry improve and evolve.

Remember these lessons as you strive to create authentic, impactful, and empowering marketing campaigns!

July 6, 2023August 30, 2023

Dress To Impress With AR and VR In Fashion Branding

Fashion is sophisticated and complicated, being at the forefront of creating trends and pushing boundaries to pursue beauty. Many praise the fashion industry for innovation and criticize its ethical standards.

You’re familiar with these challenges if you’re running a fashion business. But could AR and VR in fashion bring your business’s sustainability to the next level?

We say yes!

Contemporary fashion thrives on innovation and technology, and industry professionals like yourself know that technology is constantly changing. According to the Consumer Market Outlook, the lucrative fashion industry fetched around 1.46 trillion USD in 2020. To maintain this revenue, fashion brands must innovate.

So, what’s the next big thing in fashion tech? Experts have said it’s augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Using AR and VR in fashion sounds far-fetched, but the market already uses them.

We’ll show you a few splendid examples for inspiration here, so stick with us till the end!

How Do AR and VR In Fashion Work, Anyway?

If you’re reading this article and wondering what AR and VR are, here’s a summary. AR and VR are the technologies used to create alternative or enhanced digital reality. It includes adding digital elements to real world backgrounds (AR) or immersing customers in entire virtual worlds (VR).

More specifically, AR enhances the physical world by enhancing sight and sound. It highlights specific real world features or overlays digital elements on them.

Viewers can access AR technology on their smartphones through an AR app.

VR is a complete simulation experience in a digital world created from scratch. It introduces viewers to an all-rounded computer-generated artificial environment with interactive elements.

Users can see, hear, and interact with the virtual environment in real time. They use a virtual reality headset to engage with the VR world.

AR is generally more widely used than VR because of its high accessibility on smartphones.

But both AR and VR in fashion provide a unique and memorable customer experience for your brand. They enhance the shopping experience with awe-inspiring graphics and keep your customers engaged.

So why do AR and VR matter in fashion retail?

Fashion retail is going ‘phygital’; more customers interact with retail brands using a hybrid of physical and digital mediums. AR and VR help to bridge the gap between both forms. They offer virtual fashion experiences just as good as physical brand interaction.

AR and VR technology used in the market are changing how customers interact with brands.

3 Ways AR and VR In Fashion Will Impact The Retail Industry

1. Improved Sustainability

The fashion industry has faced criticism for its unsustainable practices and wasteful consumption. But not all is bleak because AR and VR in fashion could be the key to positive change for many fashion businesses.

Augmented reality in fashion industries helps reduce unnecessary product shipping. Customers can try products on before they buy them, reducing impulse purchases.

Globally, there will be less production and consumption of fashion products, decreasing the number of wasted apparel and resources. It’s better for the environment and a step in the right direction for fashion businesses.

2. Reduced Costs

AR and VR reduce unnecessary shipping costs so that you can save on freight charges. It also decreases spending on traditional advertisements like print and television because you can market online.

With AR and VR, you can take advantage of free social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. Use social media to host your AR technology and reach out to more customers at a much lower cost.

3. Increased Sales

Customers are more likely to purchase something when they know what they want. On traditional online shopping platforms, customers can only see 2D product images. They need help to visualize what the actual product looks like realistically.

With AR and VR, they can see and interact with a life-sized version of the product. Instead of estimating the color and size of a garment online, they can try it accurately with AR filters. AR and VR experiences give customers more accurate product information to make better decisions.

Using AR product marketing on e-commerce websites and social media platforms for luxury brands will significantly boost sales.

Nearly 80% of Burberry’s purchases in China happen on mobile devices. Experts predict that around 80% of luxury goods purchases will occur online by 2025.

So, the market for AR and VR in fashion is growing and has excellent potential for many fashion brands.

Augmented reality technology is also excellent for online retailers without physical stores. If you have an online business, customers can’t view your products in an actual store. They can use AR filters as a substitute dressing room to virtually try on your clothes before buying them.

Cool! Now Show Me Some Real-Life Examples Of AR and VR In Fashion

These are some of the most innovative uses of AR and VR in fashion. Take notes from these luxury brands to use their strategies for your business too!

Try Before You Buy

Computer-generated 3D imagery has come a long way since VR’s early days. Modern 3D virtual models are more advanced and look like actual products. It’s because AR and VR digitally simulate hyper-realistic colors and textures of clothing on virtual models.

Customers can virtually apply clothes on AR human models to see how it looks on a human body. Interestingly, they can even customize the human model to look like them. It’s one of the most convenient benefits of using augmented reality technology in fashion.

For instance, Gucci collaborated with Snapchat in 2020 to create a ‘try-on’ feature for shoes. Users could overlay AR shoes on their feet using the Snapchat application. Customers were able to try the shoes without going to the shop. They could buy the product if they liked the shoes in the filter.

ASOS also launched a 2020 AR feature on their app that allowed customers to try clothes on different body sizes. The application offered sixteen animated models of varying skin tones and body sizes. Customers could even test the outfits and human models in realistic outdoor environments.

You can launch small-scale AR filters to showcase your products on a social media platform. Users will have fun trying the clothing filters, and it’s excellent publicity for your brand too!

You can even create virtual fitting rooms offering a head-to-toe makeover for users’ virtual avatars.

Interactive Navigation And Display Screens

Earlier, we mentioned that fashion retail is becoming ‘phygital’, so remember to care for customers at your physical stores too.

Use AR and VR to improve your customer experience at the physical shop. Technology can track the shopper’s location in the store. When they access an AR app on their phone, it shows them a live navigation map. It’s helpful for customers visiting your shop for the first time.

Renowned fashion brands like H&M and Zara also use AR display screens to enhance customers’ shopping experience.

Some display screens include virtual fitting rooms, mirrors with 3D avatars, and touchscreen outfit selection. It attracts attention and enhances customer interaction with the brand.

FashTech To Expand Your Brand Experience

FashTech sounds like a big fancy word, but it simply means ‘fashion technology.’ It includes using AR and VR in fashion to expand customers’ brand experiences.

Use FashTech to expose your customers to more content from your brand. Big-label fashion brands like Coach use FashTech VR to give customers exclusive access to fashion show footage. The luxury brand installed virtual reality headsets in its stores. These headsets allowed consumers to browse looks from their latest runway events.

Fashion week runway shows are only available for a limited audience. But with VR technology, they’re made more accessible to everyone.

Customers experience a different aspect of your brand when you use VR. They can buy limited-edition products and even personally experience events in which your business participates.

You can use VR to give customers exclusive access to fashion week shows, limited-edition brand collaborations, and photoshoots.

Interestingly, VR allows you to build alternate fantasy worlds to complement different fashion themes. You’ll save production costs of renting a physical photoshoot location because you can create it virtually.

How about a virtual runway in a virtual showroom? Bring your customers to digital fashion shows without losing any of the real-life glitz and glamor.

A VR showroom lets your customers experience the feeling of walking down a runway, elevating the fashion experience. Isn’t that a grand idea for fashion week events?

AR and VR will revolutionize the fashion shopping experience for brands globally. Smaller fashion businesses can take inspiration from luxury brands’ strategies and launch mini AR and VR campaigns.

So, implement AR and VR in fashion marketing to elevate your customers’ experience of your brand and products. Dress them to impress, and you’ll also dress them for success!

Also read: How AR and VR are Transforming the Future of Businesses

June 19, 2023August 31, 2023

How AR and VR are Transforming the Future of Businesses

A few years ago, you might have considered VR and AR as expensive technologies inaccessible to many businesses. In 2023 and 2024, experts expect the VR and AR market to expand rapidly. It will become more accessible to most businesses and even individual households. Gone are the glitchy, low-resolution graphics and heavy headsets of early VR models. VR and AR developers have created high-quality, streamlined reality technologies that blur the lines between digital images and the real world. Advancements in technology have also made VR and AR equipment more affordable.

Why is this relevant to your company? Brands don’t just use VR and AR for entertainment and games. VR and AR are also powerful business tools, offering unique brand experiences to customers. Keep reading to learn about AR and VR transforming businesses with in-depth, immersive interactions in 2023.

How AR and VR Are Transforming the Future of Businesses

It may be the first time you’ve heard of AR VR technologies in business. You may wonder about the hype and how it can benefit your brand. VR and AR can significantly help the future of businesses by driving innovation, increasing efficiency, and enhancing customer connections. The virtual world offers excellent opportunities for enhanced product interaction and customer communication. It boosts your brand’s marketing versatility and builds stronger customer relationships.

AR and VR Transforming Businesses: Using Video To Drive Higher Conversion Rates

A survey by Viostream found that videos on landing pages increase conversion rates by 80%. Another Zappar 2018 report found that AR increases conversions by 70%. That’s a lot of conversions! Won’t you want that?

So, attract potential customers with attention-grabbing moving graphics in VR and AR. Use VR and AR videos to make unique brand content that speaks personally to customers. For instance, you could present customers with a first-person VR perspective of your product’s benefits. It could be a car test drive, dining at a restaurant, or a spa experience. You can make a creative and memorable first impression on customers with a VR brand introduction video.

Audiences are more likely to convert after seeing, hearing, and interacting with your products and services. Research also proves that visual and auditory immersion increases human empathy levels by showing them an individual perspective. Subjective and unique interactive experiences appeal to people emotionally, compelling them to take action.

Improving Customer Service And Experience

Virtual reality offers your customers the virtual experience of products. Customers can interact with virtual versions of products and services in real time and try them for free. With VR, product designers won’t have to make physical product samples. Thus, it reduces the production costs.

VR is most beneficial for products and services offered in retail and design. Customers can view retail products overlaid on physical environments with augmented reality (AR). They can try new product launches in an AR environment without needing to buy it. Or, they can experiment with different design variations without changing their environment physically. Your customers will appreciate AR technology as they can try the actual-scale product or service for free.

Product designers can also gather live customer feedback from VR tests and modify the products accordingly. For instance, during a VR product demo, product designers can monitor real-time user reactions and identify any new issues. They can resolve these problems when designing an improved version of the product. They’ll also be able to respond faster to your customer’s needs with data gathered from a virtual environment. VR makes your product design and development process more efficient. VR also increases meaningful interaction between customers and your business and makes customers feel more positive about your brand.

Furthermore, you can use VR technology to personalize customer service channels. Traditionally, customers could call the service hotline for help. How about making a VR environment for customers to chat with an avatar of your customer service officer? Even though it’s virtual, the sight and sound of a person humanizes your brand and personalizes customer service. Your customers will appreciate the added sincerity in your communication.

Marketing Across Different Social Media Platforms

You might already use Instagram and Facebook for your current marketing strategy. But with VR and AR, you can expand your brand’s content reach to appeal to younger potential customers. A 2022 study by Harris Poll found that 38% of Gen Z Americans had not used AR before but were interested in trying it. AR and VR are transforming the future of businesses by widening their content reach scope.

Younger audiences are more willing to experiment with VR and AR content on social media platforms. Younger audiences also enjoy visual video content, so use VR and AR to appeal to their preferences. Create VR and AR brand content with high-quality graphics and sound to immerse them in the experience.

For instance, people widely use TikTok AR filters as trendy visual effects. Experiment with custom-made product filters representing your brand and avail them on TikTok for customers to use. Or, create VR content in the Metaverse and introduce your brand to the Metaverse virtual community. With VR and AR, you can reach a bigger audience of potential customers across different platforms.

AR and VR Transforming Businesses: Becoming A Convenient Substitute For Physical Interaction

The popularity of the Metaverse shows that consumers are excited by advancements in online digital interaction. AR and VR are transforming the future of businesses by enabling in-depth remote communication between customers and brands.

VR technology has good potential to substitute in-person meetings. You can host online work discussions with colleagues’ avatars in a virtual meeting room. Or, you could use VR simulations to train staff in remote locations, saving them the trouble of traveling. VR environments can improve communication between colleagues if many of your team members work from home.

A virtual environment is also an excellent alternative for customer Facebook groups. You could host a virtual public lobby for customers to discuss your products with fellow customers. It’s an ideal platform for customers from different locations to gather and interact with your brand.

AR and VR Transforming Businesses By Elevating Virtual And Offline Events

The pandemic familiarized many of us with the routine and convenience of online meetings. Indeed, virtual company events save space and physical resources, and you can invite more people.

But hosting events over video call can sometimes feel passive and dull. VR and AR technologies can greatly enhance your online events; your audiences won’t need to watch through a screen. They can enter a 3D interactive virtual event environment with a VR headset. It’s an exclusive, personal and hence memorable way to experience a subject. Usage of VR and AR isn’t only restricted to online events. You can also use AR during offline events to impress your audience. Set up live AR presentations during an offline event for commemorative footage, like a digital cake-cutting or tree-planting ceremony.

AR and VR Improving Business’s Training And Education

VR and AR can benefit employees too. Research has shown that VR and AR can improve information retention by 25% as compared to traditional learning methods. It is a unique and efficient way of learning, revolutionizing businesses’ staff training programs. You can even use VR and AR for customer product training events.

VR and AR headsets help students immerse themselves in training environments that simulate real-world situations. They can interact with the product or virtual environment instead of reading about it from hardcopy learning materials. VR exposes employees to a safe and realistic learning environment and better prepares them for the actual event.

Virtual training worlds are most useful for high-risk tasks that require extensive hands-on work. Some examples are emergency response services, medical emergencies, and repair operations.

Using digital learning materials and virtual worlds also reduces the cost of physical learning materials. Learning becomes more accessible to all employees with online or digital information, and you can conduct training remotely. Use VR and AR to transform mobile learning for your employees and save on your business’s training costs.

The future of VR and AR for business is very promising. You’ve learned how AR and VR are transforming the future of businesses and taking brand experiences to greater heights. You can deepen connections with your customers, improve staff training programs, and revitalize brand content. You’ll gain an edge over competitors by adopting VR and AR technology early, so don’t hesitate!

June 15, 2023August 31, 2023

Up-And-Coming 2023 Trends In Social Media Marketing

Social media spending rose in 2022 and will continue to grow in 2023 as marketing picks up after the pandemic. More people are staying connected online – Statista’s data found that 4.26 billion people used social media platforms in 2021! And that figure will keep rising, which is good for social media marketing in 2023! Marketers like yourself can look forward to rapidly developing technologies and feature updates on social media platforms. These developments will help your social media marketing keep up with changing consumer behavior and social media habits.

In times of frequent changes, it’s only natural for us to seek experts’ advice. And they answered that call. Many top marketers have shared their predictions on trends in 2023 for online social commerce. So, we’ve distilled it all into this helpful article for you – read on to learn more about those insights!

Social Media Marketing in 2023: Short-Form Videos Go Viral

Move over, horizontal wide-screen videos. The ideal video format in 2023 is vertical and under 15 seconds long. Short-form video content predominates most social media platforms, with TikTok as the frontrunner leading the pack. There are also Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts, and even Twitter. It’s nothing new, and it’s here to stay.

Experts say that the short-form video trend will continue to grow in 2023. Brands should capitalize on the popularity of short video formats when producing social media content. Short-form vertical videos are easy and cost-effective, with high organic reach compared to other content types. You can easily create a short vertical video using TikTok’s in-app editor or Canva. Short-form videos are arguably the best social media content format for marketers and content creators this year.

TikTok has poised itself to succeed in this area because of its first-mover advantage in the market. TikTok has also become the primary advertising platform chosen by content marketers, especially because of its large user base. More social media users are flocking to TikTok from other websites, causing engagement on the social platform to skyrocket.

Short-form visual social media content is an essential ingredient in viral social media marketing campaigns. In 2023, digital marketing will use faster informal and conversational marketing strategies. Business is no longer constrained to old-school, formal, and face-to-face agreements. Many brands and consumers are increasingly adopting a ‘digital-first’ attitude towards business and consumption.

With so much digital noise, viral social media marketing helps your brand stand out on social networks. Viral marketing uses funny and emotional content to make the audience feel and remember your brand better. Short-form videos are concise and memorable; they are ideal mediums for your brand’s content to become viral. So, start with something funny and relatable to evoke emotion in your audience. The best viral content keeps audiences engaged and entertained by offering a memorable interaction with your brand. It’s conversational and caters to what your audience wants to know, not what you want to sell to them.

Short vertical video content should also be cross-posted to other platforms: TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and Instagram. For instance, you could regularly publish Instagram reels and use other short vertical videos as regular posts instead of photos. Remember to post your video at the right time when most of your audience is online. It gives your post higher visibility and rewards your account with more engagement. Pin important featured posts to the top of your profile for new visitors.

Also read: Trendy Instagram Ideas For 2023

High Confidence Levels In ROI Of Social Media Marketing

The experts said it first: confidence levels in social media marketing are at an all-time high this year. In a 2021 survey by Hootsuite, 96% of marketers were confident in social media’s ROI (return on investment). Marketers believe social media marketing helps them engage their audience and increase conversions. Marketing budgets are yet to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels, but numbers show it’s steadily growing. As ad spending gradually increases, this trend will also hold true for social media marketing in 2023. For content marketers like yourself, 2023 is the time for your brand’s marketing strategy to shine.

Proactive & Targeted Engagement With The Audience

According to marketing pundits, brands should aim for proactive and targeted audience engagement for higher ROI in 2023. Social media channels are already saturated with content, and there’s stiff competition to cut through the noise. Brands that proactively and strategically target a specific audience niche will succeed in making their mark. You need more than just a content strategy to drive leads and sales. Your brand must be willing to do the legwork of personally reaching out to your consumers. It’s tedious and time-consuming, but proactive engagement gives you the most conversions.

Social media is an excellent tool for finding and developing sales prospects. Marketing experts recommend starting by creating content to attract your potential target audience. Once you’ve identified the right audience, select those who show interest in what you’re offering. Start creating content to target this specific group. Remember that your end goal is a sale because content creation drives your sales. You should aim to turn these interested audiences into potential customers.

Next, reach out to the interested prospects and engage them in personal conversation. Pay attention to their needs and offer helpful information to nurture a meaningful consumer relationship. The subsequent sale will be much more sincere and natural when you’ve earned their trust and respect. In the long term, you’ll build a loyal customer base of people who trust your brand to meet their needs.

Influencer marketing is one of the popular social media trends for 2023. Content creators aren’t as inaccessible as you think; most smaller creators earn less than USD 100 per post. You can engage more cost-effective micro-influencers if you own a relatively small business. Micro-influencers tend to have a smaller, more devoted following. Their content creation caters to a niche audience, so it aligns with your brand’s targeted social media marketing strategy.

And no, you don’t necessarily have to engage an influencer. Influencer marketing strategy increases brand awareness and trust among your consumer base. You can create authentic content for target audiences to increase brand loyalty. To learn more about influencer marketing, read our blog post on DIY influencer strategies to promote your brand!

You should also diversify your social media marketing strategy across various platforms to reach your target audience. LinkedIn is still best for B2B marketers due to its focus on work and business. TikTok is great for your B2C strategy and for engaging younger audiences. Experts predict that most brands will target these two large platforms for their social media marketing in 2023. More social media users are congregating on LinkedIn and TikTok after moving away from other platforms. It’s also because Twitter’s 2022 content guideline changes have driven brands and users away from the platform in 2023. Organic engagement could be cut back on Twitter, decreasing opportunities for brands to build their customer base there.

Social Media Customer Care = Higher ROI

While you’re busy out there growing your customer base, remember to care for your existing customers too. The social media marketing is competitive, and you shouldn’t lose customers at this point. Make a customer care program part of your brand experience; it benefits existing and potential customers, increasing ROI.

Social media is fundamentally a tool to enrich customer connections, not just a content broadcasting channel. Customers check out your brand for the content but stay for the relationships and impeccable customer service. Your brand should primarily use social media to connect with customers and grow their loyalty. Encourage sincere brand conversations and introduce a customer care program to get this done.

How do you implement a customer care program? Marketing specialists shared a few tips to help you begin. Browse your social media channels to identify where customer acquisition and retention happen most frequently. Next, create content that drives engagement, like asking for opinions and product input. Respond to audience queries as often as possible, and look where your brand is tagged online. Finally, develop excellent customer service to meet customers’ needs after the sale.

Customers want to interact with your brand digitally like they would in person. So, ensure you provide avenues for them to communicate with you directly; social media makes it more accessible. Leave your Instagram DMs open, and respond to comments often. Host an Instagram or Facebook live stream every month to answer frequently asked questions. These little moments of personable interaction in your social media marketing strategy help turn passing customers into brand devotees.

Alternative Realities & Artificial Intelligence

Social media trends for 2023 will see the continued rise of alternative realities and artificial intelligence (AI). You’re probably familiar with these terms: augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). Alternative realities are so prevalent and ubiquitous in digital marketing that AR and VR advertising is already considered mainstream. If you are yet to try any of these options, you’re missing out. But don’t worry because 2023 is still early enough to start. AR and VR are still growing in popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. Users are still experimenting and getting comfortable with AR visual content, so now’s the next best time to strike.

TikTok leads in this area because of its first-mover advantage and reliability in hosting AR and VR technologies. It already hosts AR filters and special effects that content creators can add to videos. TikTok’s existing infrastructure and extensive user database – projected to exceed 800 million by 2023, makes it appealing to marketers. TikTok wins the lion’s share of ad budgets for social media marketing compared to other social media giants like Instagram. So, consider getting your brand’s content out on TikTok to reach a newer and larger audience.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to be popular, with recent rapid advancements in AI content creation models. OpenAI research has given birth to projects like DALL.E (AI image generation) and ChatGPT (AI content writing), among others. AI is revolutionizing content creation, and brands should embrace it by using AI tools to enhance their content quality. Experts predict that adopting AI tools in marketing will become more widespread in 2023. The early adopters will have a strategic edge over other brands as they lead the forefront of AI-assisted marketing. So, consider revitalizing and diversifying your brand’s social media marketing strategy with AI-assisted content this year.

A Return To Facebook’s Roots With Community Development

Facebook re-embraces its origins with the resurgence of community development. Experts predict that 2023 is when Facebook’s obsession with vanity metrics in social media marketing finally fades out. In 2023, vanity metrics will give way to meaningful, smaller-scale conversations. Businesses quietly and sincerely build strong customer relationships to accumulate engagement metrics that matter. Online Facebook communities are engaging in more honest and heartfelt conversations with the brands they follow.

That’s good news for your social media marketing strategy. Your brand’s community is the bread and butter of your business, and conversations are how you grow that community. Create groups for customers to gather and talk to each other, and involve yourself by asking about customers’ concerns. When you care for your customers, they’ll have a reason to care for you.

Social Media Marketing In 2023 Is Full Of Possibilities

It’s a lot to take in. So many changes are ahead, and experts have offered exciting insights on what opportunities to seize. But there is also plenty of promise and hope. Remember their advice when you start planning this year’s marketing strategy. Bring your brand’s social media marketing to new heights in 2023 and embrace what’s to come. The future is yours to create, and we wish you all the best on your business journey.

June 8, 2023July 4, 2023

Is TikTok Going to Replace Google In The Future?

tiktok and google bannert art vector for website and header

TikTok is the fastest-growing video platform in the world. Its popularity spread like wildfire and it became an effective mass media platform. It has become a global tech giant, influencing trends from shopping to music.

The pandemic sped up the rise of TikTok as many people began spending more time online. A recent viral tweet in May 2022 questioned whether TikTok beats Google as a search engine. With its widespread reach and content, TikTok could compete with Google to be the world’s top search engine. But is TikTok going to replace Google?

TikTok: A Youthful Community

TikTok is commonly associated with younger users. Studies indicate that nearly 40% of users aged between 18-24 use TikTok to search for lunch. A survey of US users by Wallaroomedia found that 60% of American TikTok users are between 16 to 24 years old. Many of these young users are part of Gen Z, people born between 1997 and 2012.

Another study by Omnicore Agency estimated that 43% of the global TikTok audience are users ages 18 to 24. According to demographic insights from Statista, TikTok’s global audience comprises 21% women aged 18-24 and 15.5% men aged 25-34.

A Tik Tok Triumph

Elf Cosmetics’ #EyesLipsFace campaign on TikTok has been recognised as the most influential campaign by AdWeek. The campaign generated over 7 billion views, 5 million user-generated videos and 1.5 billion earned record breaking media impressions on platforms like Vogue, Buzzfeed and Forbes.

Elf cosmetics’ unique approach of composing its own music hit all the right notes which was then added to 300,000 spotify playlists forming a deeper connection with Gen Z.

There are several critical differences in how TikTok and Google work, which could explain why users increasingly prefer TikTok instead of Google.

Tik Tok vs Google : A Closer Look

The main reason would be a difference in format. Users actively search for something and type specific questions with keywords in the search box. Google lists the websites; users must manually browse content by opening those links in new tabs. Conversely, TikTok allows users to scroll through a seamless stream of TikTok videos in its search results. Users experience fewer interruptions when browsing TikTok than Google, leading to higher satisfaction levels. It is one area where TikTok is better than Google.

Some users who prefer TikTok have stated that subject matter experts usually provide content on TikTok, and these people are familiar with the subject and post videos on it. Compared to blog posts found in Google results, TikTok videos often have higher engagement in the form of comments. Users can verify the accuracy of the information presented in the video based on the likes and comments the post has gained.

Tiktok : A Rising Alternative

User satisfaction with Google services is also decreasing, which explains why TikTok is rising as a better alternative. It explains why engagement is falling on Google maps or search. Some users complained that Google’s search results now rank inaccurate information on the first page, and more accurate information is often hidden in secondary pages, making it harder to find.

Google’s Senior Vice President, Prabhakar Raghavan, addressed this trend at the Fortune Brainstorm Tech conference. He noted that users seek more immersive experiences instead of using keywords to discover content. Google confirmed these findings through studies done on young people in the US. You can bet on videos when it comes to immersive experiences for consumers. TikTok’s strength lies in providing users with engaging content discovery.

Users browse TikTok passively, seeking exciting videos without specific intent. Along the way, they discover a fashion trend or a dance challenge they like. It creates a positive content discovery experience; they enjoy and return to it spontaneously. Over time, as they find more exciting videos while browsing, their trust in TikTok increases, sure to find quality content on TikTok. It makes TikTok their primary choice when searching for information.

Winning the Attention Game with TikTok

Finally, TikTok also beats Google in providing more attention-grabbing, visual-based content. Humans respond 60,000 times faster to visual content than text. Attention spans are decreasing in the current visual economy, and Internet users seek quick and easy content. The short-form video format on TikTok satisfies global consumers. Video content captures Internet users’ attention much faster, providing quick and convenient entertainment.

Also read: How To Leverage Your Content Marketing Strategy In Instagram Reels And Tiktok

TikTok And SEO: Targeting Users With What They Want

Despite the differences, TikTok could be a key player in the future search engine optimization (SEO) strategy. Google is starting to index results from TikTok or Instagram. It means that content on these platforms can rank higher on search results.

Given how much TikTok influences consumer buying patterns, SEO professionals should capitalize on this trend. A survey found that 44% of TikTok users discovered new products through the platform. Users spend 14% more when TikTok content is part of their purchase decision. Some businesses could benefit greatly from posting content on TikTok if their products are marketed best through video. SEO professionals should consider adding short-form, vertical-format videos to their content strategies.

Google Still Has Its Place

All this isn’t to say that TikTok will replace Google. Google retains its spot as the world’s top search engine because of its broader range of content.

TikTok is better for video-based content with lower stakes. It could be craft or cooking content. Watching a video demonstration to learn a craft technique is more effective than reading a blog. There are also less severe consequences for the user if the TikTok video on crafting presents incorrect information.

Google : The Hub of Trustworthy Information

Compare this with content on financial planning or current affairs. Such topics have higher stakes because they affect important life events more. They also require accurate information from sources with more expertise and credibility. In such instances, turning to Google for information would be better. Google brings back multiple search results across various textual and visual formats. This forces users to compare information across different sources. While this seems tedious, it ensures the user filters out the most accurate and reliable information.

TikTok’s Viral Content Culture

Tiktok’s application interface encourages more content to go viral. Accurate information may spread fast, but so does inaccurate information. TikTok’s young and impressionable user base also means many young users risk exposure to viral but inaccurate information. It is one of the downsides of TikTok, it emphasises content discovery, not content filtering. A large number of internet users discredit TikTok due to this reason.

TikTok offers robust content discovery, while Google fulfils a user’s search intent. TikTok may excel in several areas where Google doesn’t. However, for good reason, Google has persistently ranked as the world’s primary search engine. Each platform fulfils a different purpose, and internet users can choose which one to use. Ultimately, it’s about deciding which platform is the best for the type of content a user wants.

May 31, 2023August 31, 2023

No Influencer To Promote Your Brand? Do It Yourself!

No influencer to promote your brand? Why not do it yourself? Brands and consumers have gone digital with their consumption and marketing, making the digital marketplace more lucrative and crowded. Businesses generate digital content daily and must compete with each other for consumer attention. Your brand is no exception because it needs to cut through the noise to stand out. Your business must adopt new advertising strategies to retain high conversions and advertising performance levels in the competitive digital landscape.

Statistics show that consumers prefer content over advertising. In Germany, about 50% of consumers install adblockers. 99.5% of digital advertising impressions are ignored by audiences and fail to create increased conversions. Research by Pulse Advertising has found that original creator and user generated content give brands an advantage over others. Many consumers seek authentic and original content over superficial traditional advertising.

Influencer marketing strategy is a powerful tool to harness the benefits of original content creation. It is because influencers produce native content that resonates well with potential consumers. Native content creation enhances your business’s marketing campaigns and creates increased conversions.

Remember to consider the importance of influencer marketing for business to generate interest in your products. Even if you don’t have an influencer to promote your brand, you can still use an influencer marketing strategy to succeed.

Why Do Brands Work With Influencers?

Collaborating with influencers helps brands to improve audience engagement and increase conversions. Interestingly, influencers enjoy the attention of their followers on social media. They have the ability to influence consumer behaviors and consumption patterns. Engaging a successful influencer with more than 250,000 followers creates the same impact as a celebrity endorsement.

Influencer marketing strategy is essential for successful digital marketing and sales. It is evident in the example of the American beauty brand Glossier. Over 70% of Glossier’s sales come from referrals and influencer shares from its Instagram ambassador campaign. Through this campaign, Glossier engaged many macro and micro-influencers who created original, relatable content to promote the brand. Glossier has now become a billion-dollar enterprise, even though it only started in 2014.

You don’t need to work with influencers to enjoy the same benefits. Your brand can use similar strategies to enhance its advertising performance and conversion rates. We’ll show you how to do so in this blog.

Know Your Target Audience

Influencers succeed because they have a target audience interested in their content niche. They establish relationships with their target audience by providing content that caters to them. For instance, micro-influencer mayzunewin from Myanmar owns a tour company, and her target audience is people who love traveling. She uses personal travel experiences on her Instagram account to share helpful advice with her followers. She builds a strong relationship with her target audience by creating content that appeals explicitly to travel lovers.

Similarly, identify and attract a target audience for your brand. Have a thorough understanding of your target audience’s needs and wants, and address them in your original content. Establish close relationships with your target audience to make your marketing strategy more focused and impactful.

Build Brand Loyalty By Increasing Trust

Micro-influencers’ authenticity and honesty help them gain the trust of their audience, turning a follower into a loyal fan. Similarly, small businesses should create strong brand loyalty to attract dedicated customers and increase conversions.

For instance, Glossier’s product team built brand loyalty by increasing the trust of their audience. The company promised to deliver products based on what consumers wanted. They created candid, transparent content that was true to the brand motto. They featured honest product reviews from many customers, shared product inspiration photos, and considered product ideas from customers. It increased customers’ confidence in the business’s honesty and reliability.

Build brand loyalty among your customers by creating authentic and honest content. Take customer feedback seriously and make content that is genuine to your brand image and values. Make customers feel involved and valued by being transparent about your production processes. It increases trust and brand loyalty among your customers, leading to increased conversions.

Engage The Youth And Increase Content Interaction

Creating exciting and engaging content is crucial because Gen Z comprises 40% of global consumers. Research from Marketing Charts shows that visual content can best engage Gen Z. They enjoy tapping, swiping, and clicking on interactive elements such as polls, stickers, and comments. They also want short, bite-sized content that creatively relays information. Influencer samseats collaborated with Feasty to link his Tiktok video content to the food app. His video was concise, presenting his recipes creatively, and was even visually appealing. The link lets users click and scroll to view the full recipe on the Feasty app.

Replicate this with your brand by producing interactive visual content that increases engagement and conversion among younger users. Include links, stickers, and filters to make your content more captivating and exciting.

Gen Z consumers also love content that is relatable and memorable. For instance, Bretmanrock is a Filipino beauty influencer famous among Gen Z audiences for his funny makeup videos. Some audiences have even turned his reaction videos into viral memes. His content is relatable and memorable because of his humor and wit.

Engage Gen Z audiences with content that has a strong sense of humor to make your brand approachable and charismatic. Produce content like memes, social media challenges, and comedy videos. Create a fun and memorable content consumption experience for your brand’s younger audience. Viewers might attempt the social media challenge or share your memes and videos with others. It improves content interaction and increases brand awareness. Your funny content might even go viral as a social media trend!

Also read: Enhance Your Brand Experience With AR/VR

Increase Brand Awareness Through Competitions And Giveaways

Influencers host giveaways and competitions to engage their followers and generate interest. Bretmanrock hosts giveaways encouraging his followers to vote on their favorite products and tag their friends. It spreads the content as his followers tag new audiences in the comment section.

Host public giveaways and social media competitions to generate interest in your page. Also, encourage audiences to leave their votes in the comments. Invite them to tag friends to bring more attention to your page and introduce your content to new people. It increases digital engagement and provides good publicity for your brand. With greater brand awareness, you will increase the number of likes and comments on your social media posts. It improves your social media page rankings and increases visibility as well.

You must pair your great product or service with a solid marketing strategy. Use an influencer marketing strategy to grow your brand and upgrade your advertising. Adopt the mindset of an influencer in this digital landscape to increase brand reputation, improve audience engagement and increase conversions. You can do all these and more, even without an influencer.

May 11, 2023June 13, 2023

Data driven marketing: An Entrepreneur’s Way To Success

Businesses no longer plan their marketing strategies based on assumptions or hunches. You need solid conclusive research information. Such data aid companies make sound and resolute business decisions, thereby gaining more profit and measurable success. Businesses offer solutions to problems, which should be in tandem with what consumers seek. It means that the answers should be of the intended value to your target consumer base. Else, the entire marketing effort will reap nothing. And that is why your business shouldn’t ignore this potent tool data-driven marketing.

Why Every Business Need Data-Driven Marketing?

Because businesses seek sustainability and profits, customer data from various research-backed sources is a boon for companies. Consumers are constantly bombarded with multiple advertisements and campaigns, so it is crucial to hone in on a data-driven strategy. No longer are companies going by the guesswork of what products or services buyers want. They have realized that their marketing strategies must be more optimized to learn about their target customer needs. That has to be at the right time and will eventually help expand their customer base. Let’s examine why businesses are hopping onto the data-driven approach bandwagon.

Know They Customers

consumer behaviour is one of the reason why businesses are hopping onto the data-driven approach

Every business has its unique ways of understanding its consumers. Understanding customers is the key to getting your hands on the market’s nerve. You cannot arrive at any strategy without knowing your customers. That’s the basic requirement and you must have an in-depth understanding of your customers.

Interestingly customer behaviour is never constant, so strive to be updated about their likes, online/offline buying patterns, needs, other factors. All this information would help tailor the suitable marketing campaigns for a more consumer-centric approach. Analytics tools are valuable for studying derived data and understanding your target market. These metrics identify businesses’ opportunities and highlight areas where they should improve. Therefore, know your customers to map out your strategy well.

Personalized Channels

Data may show more than just the preferences of target customers. Customer data will also give you a profound understanding of your targeted audience’s behavior. Additionally, it could recommend the best platform for any brand to find its target audience and engage them optimally. With this knowledge, they might place the message at the right place and time. For example, Gen X and Y are more active on social media such as Instagram, Snapchat or Discord, whereas Gen Z is more active on Facebook. Of course, older audiences are comfortable with print communication mediums, such as magazines or newspapers. Once your target audience characteristics are identified from here, you can zero down on more effective strategies. It will fetch you more from the time, money and effort you invested and all of these increase sales.

Learn more about: Why should brands consider short videos as part of their content strategy?

Campaigning for Success!

The marketing teams would then focus on promotional campaigns using relevant information from their data collection. The advertising strategy would be well planned with crucial data points from various data sources. This will ensure that the promotion meets its expected goals and stays within your budge. Marketers have a far better idea about the content and timing of marketing messages. The do that with well-examined data. When you know what your consumers require – products or services; content and campaign will resonate well with them. In this way, the appropriate message reaches the right group of people and in the proper time. These campaigns are of their interest, and they boost customer interactions with optimal engagement. Thereby, it creates value by providing a solution to their need. Thus, it establishes a trust chord.

Better Customer Experience

customer experience is one of the reason why businesses are hopping onto the data-driven approach

There is no shortage of products or services, and despite that, why will customers purchase what you offer? When you hover over this thought, you will find the acute solution – customer experience. It is the experience that customers use to differentiate between different brands. Businesses can use data to know their customers in and out. This will help them to zero down on offering the right products or services with precision,

Marketing teams would benefit from customer value analytics data. The data, it can identify ways to shorten the sales cycle without sacrificing individualized service. Big data and in-depth customer analytics allow marketers to design more effective campaigns with individualized messaging. It improves customer experience by making it consistent. Customers receive the same whether they contact a business via social media, phone, or in-person interactions. Brand trust and improved brand perception follow more user engagement and credibility, which eventually results in more sales, loyalty, and advocacy.

Continuous Upgradation of Brand Image

Data-driven marketing strategies allow you to create more targeted content, which people appreciate and thus boost engagement. Users are more inclined to like, share, and engage with your material when it addresses their needs. That’s the brilliance of marketing messages. Brand trust and improved brand impression correlate with higher user engagement, which eventually results in more sales, loyalty, and advocacy. Big data tells how users interact with your business by tracking websites, social media platforms, and customer digital footprints. When managing your brand’s reputation or enhancing its image, big data is a big help. Data solutions fundamentally mean that businesses can keep an eye on their social proof and react to problems that can be promptly fixed.

Stronger Connections

Customers will benefit from well-planned campaigns because they provide what they seek. Data-driven marketing helps you to create more targeted content. It strikes the right cord with the audience; they appreciate it and engage more. They will come back to you for more. Gradually and after a few cycles, they see you as comfort. That’s how connections work; once you can establish a meaningful relationship with your customers, it becomes an effortless process. That’s how data-driven marketing strategies magically satisfy customer demands and build a stronger bond between the brand and its customers.

Loyalty = Profitability

Loyal customers are your best brand ambassadors. With consistent influences, quality and commitment to customer satisfaction, loyalty comes with ease. It fetches your brand sustainability; isn’t that every business strives for? You can lose new and existing clients if you miss quality or fail to respond to customer needs. While devoted clients are willing to stick around for the long haul, neglecting them for too long will force them to go. So use data optimally to know your customer base, track their changing buying behaviors, and plan and execute accordingly.

Be aware of the competition

You can use the same technology for social monitoring to track and evaluate the marketing tactics of your competitors. Such a measure will help you to manage your reputation online, and you will be able to learn more about your target audience. Another reason for using big data analytics tools is finding creative ideas, improving current procedures, and learning from peers’ mistakes.

Data-driven marketing is necessary for the current marketplace. It is primarily because of rapidly rising customer expectations, diversifying communication platforms, stringent market competition and more. Businesses that use data effectively in every marketing campaign can boost sales and revenue, enhance client loyalty and sustain the outcome. Marketing efforts to reach its targeted demography would be more probable. The more businesses utilize data for their marketing efforts, the better they can tailor client experiences, maximize spending, and increase ROI, because they would have substantial scientific information to know what works and what doesn’t.

June 10, 2022July 29, 2022

Why should brands consider short videos as part of their content strategy?

What is video marketing?

Using videos to promote and market whatever you are offering is video marketing. As with all other marketing facets, video marketing also boosts customer engagement, enhances customer retention, and informs the targeted groups about the latest launch, upgrades, offers, and more, besides increasing sales.

The growth of video marketing

Video is excellent at influencing consumer choices, immensely effective at engaging audiences and thus a powerful tool for brands to garner more business volume. Create a piece of content, one in text form and one in video form. If the latter is engaging, informative and helpful, you can bet it will triumph.

Today, more than 80% of the companies worldwide are using video marketing to give their brands a voice, gain trust and enhance their authentic appeal. Since videos are visually appealing, you can play them in a loop, save and refer to them anytime; they are an excellent asset for your marketing efforts.

Want to start video marketing this year? Here are 135 Video Marketing Statistics You Can’t Ignore in 2022!

Here are some other interesting stats about video marketing:

Quite an eye-opener, right?

Next, let’s find out which types of videos you can use.

Which are the different types of promotional videos you can use?

While there are several types of videos you can use, the most common types are explainer and corporate videos.

Other types you can use are:

Video ads
Tutorial videos
Video interviews
Animated videos
Vlogs (video blogs)
Video testimonials
Presentation videos
Product demos and reviews

By now, you have seen what video marketing is and what are the different types of videos you can use. But still, why should you use them in your content marketing strategy?

That’s up next!

Why should you include video marketing in your content marketing strategy?

If you have seen the stats we have included above, it is evident that using videos for content marketing is essential. Down the line, it will become even more so.

But what is it that makes videos important for your content marketing?

Here are the 8 most important reasons that will explain to you its importance!

What is a short-form video?

Short-form videos are those that are between 1 to 10 minutes long. While customers of all ages respond positively to short videos, it is significantly more appealing to people between 25 and 34. Interestingly, for consumers below 24 years, short videos are their primary source of information.

How short should videos be?

The more you look for a piece of advice on this, the more differing views you will get. The result? You won’t know how long your videos should be! That’s why we won’t give you any definite length, but we can suggest you make your videos “snack size.” Make it long enough to explain a straightforward concept without boring your viewers.

Then the attention span of your customers is getting shorter, so take that into account as well. Blame the constant barrage of AV content all around us. But how long should your videos be? It can be between 10 seconds to 10 minutes. Generally, the smaller it is, the better, is the case. You still need to provide information and have an effective, compelling Call to Action.

What type of content can you include in these videos?

You can mix, match and create any short video. Either way, you have to be creative to stand out. Here are some ideas!

Explainer videos
Behind-the-scenes clips
Customer testimonials and interviews
Subject matter expert interviews
Teasers of upcoming products, services and new centres
Live-streams of events

They are great, but the point is, what will you get by using short-form videos?

We’ll look at that next.

Benefits of short-form videos

Short videos can work wonders for you.

Having YouTube videos can land you in higher ranks on Google results
Google looks kindly and can reward websites with videos with higher ranking
Adding videos to your marketing email and adding “video” in your subject line increases opening rates
Videos are great at engaging customers and creating and enhancing brand identity. It engages audiences with your products, services and marketing campaign, increasing your conversion rates.

Short-form video marketing can indeed be powerful. It is flexible in terms of time and monetary investment, and you can personalize videos according to your needs. Before creating videos, get clarity about your goals, target audience, and what you want them to do after watching the videos.

January 21, 2022February 11, 2022

Personal Branding vs Corporate Branding

Corporate and Personal Branding

Is there a difference between the two?

Yes and no.

Branding over time

The concept of ‘brand’ first originated amongst farmers and ranchers to designate the cattle which belonged to them. The branding technique was used throughout history in several countries, and the method is still used today. Branding cattle helped one to identify cattle among others.

Gradually, it gained corporate meaning as well. Corporate branding started with its logo and gradually evolved to include the entire company, its activities, corporate individuals, products and services. In other words, the concept has taken a holistic and more inclusive meaning. By holistic brands, we refer to identifying an individual or an entity by the attributes of their brands, their intrinsic values.

Corporate brands

A corporate brand is a collection of a company’s customer’s perception, purpose, values, performance, corporate social responsibility and market dominance, to name a few. It is an aggregate of what its customers perceive and think about a company. For instance, Tata is known for its wide range of services, products, and corporate social responsibility activities. It is a valued entity not just in the corporate sector, its peers and industry but even for society.

Additionally, a corporate brand also refers to how valuable its products and services are. For instance, Maggi is quite a prominent brand in the instant food industry.

Sometimes, brands become more well-known or prominent than the company itself! Take the Xerox machine, for instance. The Xerox Corporation manufactures it. But their product is so well known that the device is synonymous with photocopying. Very few people know the name of its manufacturing company.

Again, consider the brand Dettol. It is known worldwide as an antiseptic, and this product is available in almost every home due to affordable pricing, marketing, and a host of other variables. However, how many people know the name of its manufacturing company?

For some customers, sporting certain branded items like a Rolex watch or a BMW car show off their status. People love to own products from premium brands to upgrade their lifestyle and position in society.

Personal Brands

A personal brand is similar to a corporate brand, but it is certainly not the same thing.

It is similar because it comprises values, purpose, community service, and market dominance. Just like well-known corporate brands like Dettol and Xerox have high perceived values. An individual with valuable abilities is held in high regard. Take motivational speakers, for example. There are many motivational speakers, but the ones at the top have the highest perceived value, and this is due to their skillsets, their public image – that’s their brand.

One unique thing about personal brands, as opposed to corporate brands, is developing into a devout following. Take personalities like Michelle Obama, Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and others. Personal brands influence public opinion, individual’s life and living. People with branded identity have followers who value every word from the influencer; they wait for their next action.

What is the difference between a Personal Brand and a Corporate Brand?

Image source: https://keydifferences.com

By now, you have looked at corporate and personal brands. While elaborating on them, we have even touched upon the differences.

But there are certainly more differences!

Most corporate organizations are very conscious of their corporate identity and pay great attention to it. They invest significant resources for building its image according to their agenda, increasing its popularity and creating a desire to own it. Different companies have a dedicated department for their branding.

On the other hand, most people tend to ignore their personal brand.

The biggest difference is that most people are unaware that branding involves attention, strategy and commitment. Companies know it, but people either know it or tend to overlook it.

Now that you know about the difference between the two, the next logical question is…

Should you focus on personal branding or business branding?

It is recommended that you begin with developing a personal brand. This is because if you start by building your personal brand, you’ll define your mission, values, vision and message. You’ll also know to whom you are offering your products and services and why. And as you can see, some of these elements overlap with business branding as well.

Thus, developing a personal brand is the primary step to creating a corporate brand.

As you define your mission and vision and build your personal brand, you start off on the right foot. Your business or company is an extension of yourself. It is also easier to start off by creating a personal brand because, in the beginning, your business or company does not have a personality. When you focus on creating a personal brand, you lend it character.

But creating a personal brand demands a clear vision and persistence, and it may expose your brand to more vulnerability. During adverse situations, there is nothing you can hide.

If this is not something you want to go for, you can create a corporate brand.

To begin with, you need to create an appealing story around the brand and personality of your company or business. It will interest your target audience to know about your brand. This can include making an avatar, a cartoon, or something similar.

Regardless of your path, the content you create should be informative, practical, engaging, and unparalleled. You can’t build a successful brand overnight; it takes years of consistent effort.

Where to begin?

Start by asking yourself these questions:

What is your purpose?
What are you here for?
What do you want to achieve?
Why are you offering this product or service?

What’s next?

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Should you build a corporate brand first to earn money?

If you hate the thought of being a public person or an online leader, then yes, start with business branding.

Personal brand building can be more effective, though, and it certainly brings revenue faster. Besides, it brings in sustainability. We recommend creating a personal brand and transforming it into a corporate brand.

1. Wes Anderson Font

2. Wes Anderson Color Palette

What can Brands Learn from Wes Anderson?

1. Consistency Is Key

2. Don’t Be Afraid To Stand Out

Conclusion

7 Marketing Fails That Revolutionized The Industry

1. Sony PSP White Poster

2. Burger King’s ‘Women Belong In The Kitchen’ Tweet

3. Audi’s China Wedding Commercial

4. E-Pay 2019 ‘Brownface’ Ad

5. Adidas Boston Marathon Email

6. Kendall Jenner Pepsi Ad

7. ‘Every Singaporean Son’ Publicity Stunt by National Geographic

A Quick Summary

How Do AR and VR In Fashion Work, Anyway?

3 Ways AR and VR In Fashion Will Impact The Retail Industry

1. Improved Sustainability

2. Reduced Costs

3. Increased Sales

Try Before You Buy

Interactive Navigation And Display Screens

FashTech To Expand Your Brand Experience

How AR and VR Are Transforming the Future of Businesses

Improving Customer Service And Experience

Marketing Across Different Social Media Platforms

AR and VR Transforming Businesses: Becoming A Convenient Substitute For Physical Interaction

AR and VR Transforming Businesses By Elevating Virtual And Offline Events

AR and VR Improving Business’s Training And Education

Social Media Marketing in 2023: Short-Form Videos Go Viral

High Confidence Levels In ROI Of Social Media Marketing

Proactive & Targeted Engagement With The Audience

Social Media Customer Care = Higher ROI

Alternative Realities & Artificial Intelligence

A Return To Facebook’s Roots With Community Development

Social Media Marketing In 2023 Is Full Of Possibilities

TikTok: A Youthful Community

A Tik Tok Triumph

Tik Tok vs Google : A Closer Look

Tiktok : A Rising Alternative

Winning the Attention Game with TikTok

TikTok And SEO: Targeting Users With What They Want

Google Still Has Its Place

Google : The Hub of Trustworthy Information

TikTok’s Viral Content Culture

Why Do Brands Work With Influencers?

Know Your Target Audience

Build Brand Loyalty By Increasing Trust

Engage The Youth And Increase Content Interaction

Increase Brand Awareness Through Competitions And Giveaways

Why Every Business Need Data-Driven Marketing?

Know They Customers

Personalized Channels

Campaigning for Success!

Better Customer Experience

Continuous Upgradation of Brand Image

Stronger Connections

Loyalty = Profitability

Be aware of the competition

What is video marketing?

Which are the different types of promotional videos you can use?

Why should you include video marketing in your content marketing strategy?

What is a short-form video?

How short should videos be?

What type of content can you include in these videos?

Benefits of short-form videos

Corporate brands

Personal Brands

What is the difference between a Personal Brand and a Corporate Brand?

Should you focus on personal branding or business branding?

Where to begin?

What’s next?

I am interested in

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