Marketing Trends Archives - Page 2 of 24

Digital Marketing Tips You Need to Know

Desk with laptops open and people working

With social media consumption and habits changing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for any business looking to thrive. Enhancing your brand’s online presence, engaging audiences, and driving significant growth will help you stay on top of your game. These digital marketing tips are a great place to start. Explore some key insights we keep in mind to help our clients stay relevant and competitive in their industries.

Social Media Mastery

Mastering your social accounts is essential for building brand awareness and engaging your following. Social media platforms offer huge opportunities to connect with your target audience, promote products or services, and create a community around your brand.

- Consistency – Maintaining a consistent posting schedule will keep your followers engaged and informed.
- Visual Content – Use high-quality images, videos, and graphics to catch your followers’ eye. Keeping the same general design or theme for your content is a great way to gain recognition in people’s feeds.
- SEO – Ensure your content is optimized for social platforms’ search engines to increase visibility and drive organic traffic.
- The Influencer – Partner with influencers that align with your brand to reach a broader yet more engaged audience.

Telling Your Whole Story

Content marketing remains a cornerstone of effective digital marketing. By creating and sharing valuable content, you can tell your audience what your brand aligns with and what is important to you.

- Monthly Calendar – Plan your content so you have a steady flow of relevant and timely posts.
- Quality Over Quantity– Prioritize high-quality content that shows your audience who you are, what you stand for, and how you treat customers. Make it personal!
- Diversified Content – Post a mix of blogs, videos, infographics, and images to reach different segments of your audience.
- Engagement – Respond to comments, mentions, and messages to build a sense of community and trust. Don’t be afraid to show some personality with your followers.

Local SEO

You don’t have to rely on attracting local customers with just foot traffic. Optimizing your website’s online presence for local search can increase your visibility and boost sales.

- Google My Business – Double-checking your business’s information on Google My Business ensures that customers can find your website, hours of operation, and even reviews.
- Local Keywords – Incorporate keywords that locals are searching into your content, meta descriptions, and tags. You can also write blogs about common topics in your industry to help you rank on the search page.
- Encourage Reviews – Getting your customers to review you can help improve local ranking and get more customers through your doors or on your website. Word of mouth is the best way to attract people, so make sure you’re getting positive reviews and addressing any negative ones.
- Local Content – Develop content based on your area. Any local events, news, or activities to engage your community can help you to become part of the community in their eyes.

Extra Tips

If you’re not sure where to start with anything or just want to have a more comprehensive checklist, here are a few low-cost extra pointers we recommend.

- Website – Ensure your website is user-friendly, mobile-optimized, and reflects your brand’s identity. There are a ton of site builders you can use to get all 3 of these checked off in less than a day.
- Socials – Get a social account for the platforms that will reach your target audience. A lot of companies are migrating to short-form video, so TikTok trends may be in your future.
- Email Marketing – Like the site builders, there are platforms that offer email marketing for free or super cheap. Get current customers to sign up for your newsletter and you now have a new way of communicating (with a great ROI).
- Online Reputation – Regularly check reviews, tags, and comments to keep an eye on what people are saying about your business. Contrary to the saying, not all publicity is good publicity, so you want to monitor what you can.

By incorporating these tips into your digital marketing strategy, you can enhance your online presence from all corners. Remember that trends on the internet move fast, so the best advice we can give is to stay informed and adaptable with your marketing efforts. If you feel like you’re ready to step up your digital marketing game, reach out to us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com and follow us on socials to see extra tips throughout the month!

June 20, 2024

Peachy Prospects: Embracing 2024’s Color of the Year

Laurie Pressman, VP of Pantone, says that the inspiration for the Color of the Year is everywhere.

We may only be 9 days into 2024, but one thing is certain; this year is going to be peachy. At least according to the Pantone Color Institute, who announced in December that the Color of the Year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz. If you’re wondering how to use this campaign to your advantage, McConnell Marketing has some tips and tricks for you!

History of Color of the Year

Pantone announced their very first Color of the Year in 2000. Pantone 15-4020, better known as Cerulean Blue, was the shade of the new millennium. While the Color of the Year didn’t immediately catch on, as the world shifted more online, Pantone has unofficially become a trendsetter in more than just the graphic design industry. Cell phones, interior paint colors and the runway all turn to Pantone for inspiration on new shades of products.

“Anything and everything taking place in our culture during the year can influence our Pantone Color of the Year selections, with each source carrying a different weight from year to year depending on what’s taking place in our culture at that time.”

A decade ago, tech did not have a huge role in choosing a shade, however things have shifted gears. “Gaming, social media, augmented and virtual reality, and physical design itself are all influenced by our technology and the colors we can access in the digital environment,” she continues.

The sentiment for this year’s color was something we instinctively search for as humans; unity.

“In seeking a hue that echoes our innate yearning for closeness and connections, we chose a color radiant with warmth and modern elegance. A shade that resonates with compassion, offers a tactile embrace and effortlessly bridges the youthful with the timeless,”

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of Pantone

How to Use Peach Fuzz

So how are some brands embracing the warm fuzzies this year? Polaroid is releasing instant film packs with a Peach Fuzz border, Motorola has announced 2 limited edition phones in the color and UltraFabrics released interior color palettes and virtual campaigns that show customers how to tie Peach Fuzz into their homes. Three very different companies in very different industries (along with so many others) are leaning into the Color of the Year with limited collections that tie into emotional marketing with the meaning behind Peach Fuzz.

Social media campaigns that feature established trends are easy to adopt. Here are a few ways you can use Peach Fuzz. Try these by themselves or combine them:

A cross-platform social media campaign – A few photos featuring the Color of the Year and sharing stores of how your company has brought people together and embraced connection.

Temporary Rebrand – Change your social media profile photos to a shade of Peach Fuzz for a week or two.

Product Mockups – Turn one (or some) of your products Peach! Just for fun of course; this is a more affordable way to join the big global companies without actually redesigning your product.

Interactive Campaign – Include a hashtag and interact with posts to foster your community. Invite your audience to share stories of what it means to connect with the people around you.

As with any campaign, analyze your performance and discuss what could have been done better and plan for next year.

The great thing about Pantone’s Color of the Year is that it occurs annually and is a great way to get more engagement. While we don’t know 2025’s shade, using your Peach Fuzz campaign as a template can get you ahead of the curve when the announcement comes.

If you or your business needs help with your marketing efforts, contact us at 330-286-0487 to get started. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

January 3, 2024

Marketing Trends, McConnell Moments

Reflect, Relax and Recharge with the McConnell Marketing Team

As 2023 wraps up, McConnell Marketing is taking some time for themselves before the new year rolls in. Reflecting on the last year, relaxing to enjoy the holidays, and recharging for 2024. The year 2023 marked a pivotal moment for McConnell Marketing, witnessing the transition of leadership as Katie Swain and Megan Magnetta gracefully handed over the reins to Carson Lisko and Deanna Clement. This significant shift sets the stage for new perspectives and opportunities, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting developments that lie ahead.

What accomplishments are you giving yourself credit for this year?

Carson: Securing McConnell Marketing alongside Deanna represents a significant personal achievement for me, an ongoing journey of learning and growth. This experience compelled me to embrace risk and venture beyond my comfort zone.
Deanna: My acquisition of McConnell Marketing is my proudest achievement thus far. It has created a lot of excitement and new opportunities. I can’t wait to see what the next year holds.
Angie: I’m proud to have joined the McConnell team this year! Also, I traveled back to the city where I was born, Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the first time since 1996.
Megan: Biggest accomplishment has been letting go of the reins of McConnell Marketing and watching Deanna and Carson take ownership with such grace and confidence. It’s been an honor to work alongside them for so long and I’m excited to see what the future brings for McConnell Marketing.
Katie: I have been learning to ride and take care of my horse Tucker. We went to our first horse show in December. It didn’t go great, but I stuck with it, stayed on, humbly walked off, laughed and had a blast cheering on my sister who did amazing. It was a day of lessons: learning new things takes time and humility, encouraging someone is more fun and rewarding than most anything else, it’s good to laugh, especially at yourself, being in the arena is hard, much harder than being in the stands (both with horses and in life)!
Aly: I am most proud of how much I’ve leaned into my creative side this year! I started making art with no expectations of a final result and have been enjoying it so much more. It has really helped me go with the flow and not be so self critical.

Where do you find yourself when it’s time to unwind and relax?

Carson: I love curling up with a big bowl of popcorn and a good book when I need to relax (current read is Fourth Wing, upcoming is Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros).
Deanna: I eat my nightly Yasso Bar and watch Vanderpump Rules. If I’ve had a rough day, I like to unwind by aggressively serving tennis balls.
Angie: I like to read to relax. I’m currently reading Emma by Jane Austen. I also find creating art and meditating helps me relax immensely.
Megan: Relax with a hot bath and a glass of wine. Of course you have to have lots of bath salts, bubble bath and great music.
Katie: Go for a long walk with friends, my husband Steve or alone with my furry friend Millie.
Aly: Reading, lounging, walking my dogs, or cooking. It depends on if I feel like being still or using my body!

Did you have any resolutions for 2023 that fell off the radar?

Carson: I would have loved to travel somewhere we haven’t been before but didn’t get the chance to. Next year though we will be traveling to Milan, Italy and I could not be more excited!
Deanna: I wanted to make a children’s book for my kids and didn’t make the time, I want to set out to do it in 2024.
Angie: I minored in printmaking when I went to YSU, but I haven’t created any prints since graduating. I have this woodblock that I want to finish carving, roll it up with ink and try to print it at home this year, but I keep putting it off. To make time for it in 2024, I think I’ll set aside time each weekend to work on it for 30 minutes at a time to slowly but steadily make progress.
Megan: Travel to new places. Throughout 2023, I revisited some of my old favorites, but I’d like to discover new places in the new year.
Katie: I wanted to spend less time reading nonsense on my phone and more time reading good books. Before 2024, I’m going to take off apps on my phone that are distracting.
Aly: I had all intentions of joining a book club, but ultimately never got around to it because of my schedule. I think I’d be open to doing an online book club in 2024 so that I can interact without the pressure of time constraints.

Where will you be when the ball drops?

Carson: That is TBD! Maybe my husband and I will go out and do something fun since we’ll have a babysitter this year!
Deanna: I will probably be at home with family.
Angie: I will be at my house with my husband surrounded by our friends!
Megan: Celebrating at home with friends and family.
Katie: Gosh probably in bed, or close to it.
Aly: I will toasting a glass of bubbly with my family!

If you’re celebrating at home or out with friends and family, we hope you are welcoming the New Year with joy and excitement! Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday!

December 18, 2023

Marketing Trends

Evolving Trends in Holiday Marketing: Navigating Gen Z’s Shopping Landscape in 2023

As the holiday season approaches, it’s important to recognize the way businesses market their products has drastically changed. We can see this shift especially in how younger buyers, specifically Gen Z, engage with marketing efforts. McConnell Marketing has recognized the immense impact of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram on the preferences of young buyers and today we’re giving you some insights into these new trends.

Rethinking Traditional Methods

The traditional reliance on Google and print ads for reaching younger consumers, while still useful, is no longer as effective with younger audiences. The focus has moved to TikTok and Instagram, where influencer marketing, peer trust and the simplicity of direct purchasing links have significantly influenced the preferences of the younger demographic.

Influencer marketing, whether through macro or micro influencers, has become pivotal in driving the purchasing decisions of Gen Z. Sending products to influencers who genuinely recommend and provide direct purchase links has become a potent tool for brands targeting younger buyers.

Social Media’s Role in Shopping

Maintaining a robust social media presence is crucial. Leveraging Instagram and TikTok ad buys has allowed businesses to seamlessly integrate themselves into the feeds of their target audience. These platforms have transformed into virtual shopping hubs, merging entertainment and commerce effectively.

The resurgence of Pinterest among younger demographics, particularly among 13-17-year-olds, is noteworthy. Brands can capitalize on this renewed interest, as younger users are actively showcasing brands and products, making Pinterest a valuable marketing channel once again.

MyGemma, a brand specializing in luxury items, expects that 15% of its total revenue for 2023 will come from the live streams across TikTok, Instagram and Whatnot. Their success underscores the increasing importance of these platforms in driving sales and revenue.

Adapting to Changing Trends

McConnell Marketing emphasizes adaptability as the key focus for businesses. Those pivoting towards social media, embracing influencer marketing and revisiting platforms like Pinterest are best positioned to resonate with the evolving shopping behaviors of younger demographics.

As the marketing sphere experiences a transformative shift, we urge businesses to embrace social media and influencer marketing to connect effectively with Gen Z. Staying agile and aligning with these emerging trends will ensure a prosperous holiday season in 2023 and beyond!

If your business needs assistance applying these trends to your marketing efforts, contact us today at 330-286-0487 or email us to get a custom quote. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

November 16, 2023

Marketing Trends

Elevate Your Brand with Custom Holiday Marketing Materials from McConnell Marketing

Tis’ the season! Even though it’s only October, it’s time to start preparing for the holiday season. At McConnell Marketing, we believe in the magic of the holiday season, not just as a time for giving and celebration but also as an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with their customers in meaningful ways. Over the years, our team has created a variety of holiday marketing materials and today we’re going to share some of our favorites with you!

1. Holiday ECards and Newsletters

During the holidays, people are more open to businesses and their messages. Holiday ecards and newsletters let businesses engage with customers in a festive and personal manner. This helps strengthen the brand’s bond with customers on an emotional level. Are you ready to reach your audience with digital holiday cheer? Request a quote today.

2. Printed Holiday Cards and Envelopes

Sending out customized printed holiday cards and envelopes sends a positive message about your brand. It shows that your business values its customers and is willing to make them feel appreciated. This can boost your brand’s reputation and build customer loyalty. Get a quote for your custom holiday cards today.

3. Social Media Content Creation

Creating holiday-themed content on social media is crucial for increasing your brand’s visibility during the holiday season. Holiday posts tend to be shared and engaged with more, expanding your reach and attracting new customers. Consistent and appealing social media content also keeps your brand top-of-mind. Contact us today to get the most out of your social accounts.

4. A Complete Holiday Package

Our complete holiday package offers a comprehensive holiday marketing approach. We combine digital (ecards and social media) and traditional (printed cards, envelopes and flyers) marketing channels as well as event promotion tactics to create an effective strategy. This package ensures your brand’s message reaches customers through multiple channels, maximizing its impact. Are you looking to elevate your holiday social media marketing this year? Reach out to us today for a custom quote.

These holiday marketing materials are crucial and valuable tools for businesses during the holiday season. They help with customer engagement, branding and sales, all while saving businesses time and presenting a unified marketing effort.

If you or your business needs help creating any of these or other holiday marketing materials, contact us today at 330-286-0487 or email us to get a custom quote. Also, don’t forget to follow us on all of our social platforms. Stay up to date on our monthly newsletters, full of more helpful tips and tricks!

October 9, 2023