Marketing Archives - McConnell Marketing

Social Media Updates to Know Before the Holiday Marketing Rush

August 4, 2026/in Marketing Trends

The holiday marketing season may feel like it’s still months away, but the biggest social media platforms are already encouraging businesses to start planning. From new lead generation tools to early holiday campaign strategies, these updates could make a real difference in how your business performs this season.

Snapchat Makes Lead Generation Easier with HubSpot Integration

If your business uses Snapchat Ads and HubSpot, managing new leads just became a lot simpler.

Snapchat has officially partnered with HubSpot to allow lead information collected through Snapchat Lead Ads to sync directly into your HubSpot CRM in real time. That means no more downloading spreadsheets, importing CSV files, or relying on third-party tools to move your data.

The result? Faster follow-up, fewer manual tasks, and a smoother experience for both your marketing and sales teams.

Pinterest Encourages Businesses to Start Holiday Campaigns Now

When it comes to holiday shopping, Pinterest users don’t wait until November to start looking for ideas…and neither should brands.

Pinterest is encouraging advertisers to launch holiday campaigns early to reach users while they’re still searching for inspiration and planning purchases. Whether you’re promoting gifts, seasonal services, holiday events, or special offers, getting your content in front of shoppers earlier can help build awareness before buying decisions are made.

If Pinterest is part of your marketing strategy, now is the time to begin planning your holiday creative.

Meta Releases Holiday Marketing Tips for Small Businesses

Meta has also shared its official holiday playbook for the 2026 season, with a few key recommendations for businesses looking to maximize their marketing efforts.

Their biggest takeaways include:

Launch holiday campaigns earlier than you think.
Use AI-powered Advantage+ campaigns to optimize ad performance.
Prioritize Reels to increase reach and engagement during the busy shopping season.

While these tools can help improve campaign performance, they’re most effective when paired with strong creative, clear messaging, and a well-planned strategy.

Don’t Wait Until the Holidays Are Here

One common theme ties all of these updates together: start early.

Whether you’re running ads on Meta, Pinterest, or Snapchat, planning your holiday marketing now gives you more time to test creative, optimize campaigns, and reach customers before the competition ramps up.

If your business is already thinking about holiday promotions, or you’re not sure where to start, our team can help build a strategy that fits your goals and budget.

Need help preparing your holiday marketing plan? Contact McConnell Marketing today to start the conversation before the busiest season of the year arrives.

Deanna Clement, Carson Lisko, and Angela McQuistion

Designing the Next Chapter: Angela McQuistion Joins the Firm’s Leadership Team

July 7, 2026/in Marketing Trends, McConnell Moments

There’s a unique kind of pride that comes with building a career in the place you call home. For us at McConnell Marketing, that local story just got a lot stronger.

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Angela McQuistion has officially stepped into the role of Partner, joining Carson Lisko and Deanna Clement to lead our agency into its next chapter.

This milestone represents a major strengthening of the creative expertise we bring to the Mahoning Valley, marking a true full-circle moment for our team.

The Power of a Shared Foundation

If you look closely at our new leadership trio, you’ll find a powerful common denominator: Youngstown State University. All three partners—Angie, Carson, and Deanna—are proud YSU alumni, each holding a degree in Graphic and Interactive Design. This shared creative foundation means we don’t have to waste time getting on the same page. We’re already there. This deep-rooted alignment allows us to collaborate seamlessly and, ultimately, dream bigger for our clients.

As Deanna puts it:

“When Carson and I bought the firm in 2023, our goal was to build a team that truly represented the talent we have here in the Valley. Bringing Angie on as a partner just made sense.”

Enterprise Expertise Meets Hometown Passion

For Angie, a Columbiana native, becoming a partner is the culmination of 13 years spent honing her craft right here in the Valley. Her journey originally started at YSU’s Graphic Services as a student designer, and she has since come full circle, returning to her alma mater as a part-time professor to mentor the next generation of local design talent.

Over more than a decade in the region, Angie has quietly shaped the visual landscape of our community. Her diverse background spans directing comprehensive design and branding strategies for key local sectors—including entertainment and gaming, higher education marketing, manufacturing, finance, healthcare, and major nonprofits. She brings that massive wealth of enterprise-level expertise directly into her new role as Partner, combining a high-level corporate design background with a deep love for the local community.

“I’m just plain happy to help our clients,” Angie says. “This community inspires me, and I want nothing more than to see our local businesses, hospitality, tourism, and nonprofit sectors grow stronger. We have such a great story to tell in this corner of the world, and I love that I get to tell it through thoughtful and impactful design.”

Our “Secret Sauce”

In the agency world, it’s rare to see a leadership team comprised entirely of active creatives. Usually, agencies are managed strictly by business executives. At McConnell, we do things differently.

“Having three partners who are all designers by trade is our secret sauce,” Carson explains. “We don’t just manage the business; we are heavily involved in the work. Our agency is proof that you don’t have to leave the Mahoning Valley to find top-tier strategy and design.”

As proud residents of the Tri-County area and active members of the Regional Chamber, our focus remains exactly where it has been since Mark McConnell founded this agency in 1991: meeting people where they are. We are dedicated to ensuring that local businesses have access to world-class, enterprise-level strategy without ever losing that welcoming, neighborhood feel.

Looking Forward

Whether we are crafting large-scale regional tourism campaigns or building intentional, high-impact visual identities for local small businesses and nonprofits, we are here to help this community thrive.

With Angie officially on board as Partner, we’ve never been more excited to design what comes next.

Want to collaborate with our leadership team on your next branding, web design, or digital strategy project? Get in touch with us today—let’s build something great right here at home.

So…Are We Using AI Or Not?

May 5, 2026/in Marketing Trends, McConnell Moments

Let’s just say it: AI in marketing has gotten…loud. Every other post is either “AI will replace agencies” or “we’ll never touch it.” There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground. And clients are starting to ask the same question:

So… are you using AI?

The honest answer? Yes–and no.

At McConnell Marketing, we’re not “human-only,” and we’re definitely not “AI-first.” We’ve landed somewhere in between, and we think that’s exactly where we should be.

The Parts of Our Work that Stay Human

There are certain areas of marketing where we believe the human element isn’t optional; it’s essential. Brand identity is one of them. Creating a logo, building a visual system, and developing a brand voice. These aren’t just technical exercises. They require context, collaboration between our clients and us, and a deep understanding of the people behind the business. They require taste, judgement, and experience.

That’s why we don’t use AI in our creative work. This includes logo design, branding and visual identity, layout design, website design and development, and more. Not only are there ethical questions around how these tools are trained, but more importantly, they can’t replicate the kind of thinking that leads to truly distinctive brands.

For us, that kind of work has to start (and stay) with us: people.

Where AI Actually Helps

That said, ignoring AI altogether doesn’t make much sense either, at least not for us. Like any tool, its value depends on how you use it. We’ve found it most helpful in the less visible parts of our process: the areas that support the work but aren’t the work itself. Things like:

Organizing and analyzing data more efficiently
Cleaning up and managing large spreadsheets
Proofreading and tightening content
Helping us get unstuck when we’re staring at a blank page

Used this way, AI doesn’t replace original, creative thinking; it gives us more room for it.

It helps us move faster through the repetitive, behind-the-scenes tasks so we can spend more time on strategy, creative direction, and actually solving problems for our clients.

Why This Balance Matters

Here’s the reality: it’s never been easier to produce content. Which means it’s never been easier to produce forgettable content. We’re already seeing it when brands pump out high volumes of posts, blogs, and campaigns that all kind of sound the same.

The work that stands out right now? It feels intentional, has a point of view, and actually sounds like a real person. That doesn’t happen by accident, and it definitely doesn’t happen by handing off all work to what should be just a tool.

So, Where Do We Stand?

If we had to put a label on it: We’re human-led, with AI in a supporting role. We’ll keep using it where it helps us work smarter and more efficiently, but not in ways that replace original thinking or creative ownership. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t about producing more content faster; it’s about creating work that’s actually worth paying attention to.

If you’re looking for a marketing partner that keeps the work human, we’d love to connect.

Why Your Business Doesn’t Need to Be on Every Social Media Platform

April 9, 2026/in Marketing Trends

If you’ve ever felt like your business should be on every social media platform, you’re not alone. There’s a common belief in marketing that more is better: more platforms, more posts, more content, everywhere all the time. But the reality is, you don’t need to be on every platform to have an effective social media strategy.

In fact, trying to be everywhere can actually hurt your results.

The Problem with “Being Everywhere” on Social Media

One of the biggest misconceptions in digital marketing is that more platforms equal more visibility. While that sounds logical, it often leads to:

Inconsistent posting
Lower-quality content
Confusing or diluted messaging
Burnout for your internal team

Each social platform operates differently. What works on TikTok likely won’t work on LinkedIn, and what performs well on Instagram might fall flat on Facebook. When your team is stretched across too many channels, your content becomes reactive instead of strategic, and your audience can tell.

Know Where Your Customers Actually Spend Time

An effective social media strategy starts with one key question: Where is your audience already spending their time online?

Your ideal customers are not evenly distributed across every platform. Instead, they tend to cluster based on demographics, behaviors, and preferences:

LinkedIn is ideal for B2B marketing, professional services, and thought leadership
Instagram and TikTok are powerful for visual storytelling and reaching younger audiences
Facebook still plays a major role in community engagement and local marketing

If your audience isn’t active on a platform, your efforts there won’t generate meaningful engagement, leads, or ROI.

Why a Focused Social Media Strategy Performs Better

When you narrow your focus to the right social media platforms, everything improves.

Stronger content: you can create platform-specific content that actually resonates instead of repurposing the same post everywhere
Higher engagement: you’re meeting your audience where they already are, which naturally increases interaction
Clearer brand voice: consistency becomes easier when you’re not juggling 5+ different tones and formats
Better use of your marketing budget: whether you’re investing time or money, focused efforts deliver stronger returns

In short, a targeted social media marketing strategy will always outperform a scattered one.

How to Choose the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business

If you’re ready to focus your efforts and be intentional rather than try to be everywhere, start here:

Identify your ideal customer (age, industry, interests, behaviors)
Review your current analytics and determine where you’re already seeing engagement
Look at competitors or similar businesses to determine where they’re gaining traction
Consider your content strengths (video, photography, written insights, etc.)

It’s Okay to Not Be on Every Platform

There’s a lot of noise in the digital marketing space telling businesses they need to “keep up” with every new platform.

You don’t.

Choosing not to be on a platform isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategic decision. If a channel doesn’t align with your audience or your capacity to maintain it well, it’s not worth the investment (hence why we stopped posting on X a few years ago). A strong, consistent presence on 2-3 platforms will outperform a weak presence on 6+ every time.

At the end of the day, success in social media marketing comes down to not about how many platforms you’re on, but rather how effectively you show up on the right ones. When your strategy is aligned with your audience, your content becomes more meaningful, your engagement grows, and your brand builds real momentum.

If you’re tired of guessing where to show up (or struggling to keep up with multiple platforms) we can help. At McConnell Marketing, we help businesses identify the channels that will work best for their business, create intentional content, and build social media strategies that drive real results. Let’s simplify your strategy and make it work for you. Contact us today to start the conversation.

Small Stories, Big Impact: Unlocking Your County’s Hidden Gem History for America 250

March 13, 2026/in Tourism Bureau Marketing

As your county prepares for the nation’s 250th anniversary, the key to success isn’t repeating high-school history; it’s revealing the authentic, local legends that modern travelers are desperate to discover.

As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, it’s easy for County Visitor Bureaus (CVBs) to feel overwhelmed. There is an expectation to do “something big,” but competing with national-scale events or capital cities for tourist attention seems impossible. We have a different perspective. The magic of America 250 won’t be found in the familiar history books; it will be found in the unique, untold stories hidden in your own backyard. Today’s travelers—especially Gen Z and Millennials—increasingly seek authenticity, diverse voices, and “hidden gem” experiences. They don’t just want to visit a site; they want a story they can connect with and share.

Here is how your CVB can leverage creative storytelling to make America 250 a monumental tourism driver.

Elevating the Unsung Hero Over the State Founder

Every county has a state founder or a famous historical marker, but those are rarely the stories that capture a modern traveler’s imagination. Success in 2026 requires digging deeper into the unsung heroes, the local trailblazers, the innovators, the artists, and the everyday people who built the character of your community. When we worked on the Sandusky County Visitor’s Bureau Travel Guide, we focused on creating a travel guide that went beyond typical history. By centering your marketing around relatable, human-interest stories rather than rigid timelines, you create an emotional connection that turns casual history buffs into passionate county ambassadors.

Using Design to Make History Feel Modern (and Instagrammable)

History has a branding problem; it is too often viewed as dusty, slow, or irrelevant to younger audiences. A great narrative is only half the battle; the other half is design support that bridges the gap between the past and the present. For America 250, this means moving beyond the standard red, white, and blue. Think vintage-inspired travel posters, stylized maps, or highlighting local spots for Instagram-worthy shots, like SCCVB highlighting their many wonderful murals in a full spread on their travel guide.

Activating User-Generated Content

You don’t have to uncover every historical story on your own. Often, the most compelling narratives are held by the residents who have lived in your county for generations. Consider initiating “Community Storytelling Roadshows” or creating a simple, user-friendly digital archive where residents can submit local legends, old photos, or oral histories. This strategy turns your marketing campaign into a community-led movement, providing you with a constant stream of authentic content and powerful human element testimonials that are impossible to fabricate. These user-generated images were a key part of the ad campaigns we created for Mahoning County’s Visitor Bureau.

Mapping Your County to Ohio’s Signature Trails

While your stories are local, your audience is regional, and the state of Ohio has already built the roadmap to reach them. The America 250-Ohio Commission has developed a series of signature trails ranging from the Air & Space Trail and Ohio River Trail to the Underground Railroad and Firsts in Innovation routes. Our strategy involves auditing your county’s specific landmarks and story-mapping them directly into these pre-existing state frameworks. By aligning your local assets with these high-visibility state trails, we help you capture pass-through tourism and ensure your county is a mandatory stop for travelers following the official state-wide 2026 itinerary.

America 250 is not just an anniversary; it is a profound marketing opportunity to redefine your county’s identity for a new generation. If you are ready to find the “hidden gems” in your community and turn them into a high-impact tourism campaign, we want to help.

See our work on the Sandusky County Travel Guide

See our work for Mahoning County Visitors Bureau

Explore our full range of CVB Marketing Support

Contact us today to start your America 250 Strategy

Enter Micro-Interactions: How Small Animations Create High-Converting Websites

February 2, 2026/in Hospitality News, Marketing Trends, Tourism Bureau Marketing

While a massive overhaul sets the foundation for a brand, the real magic lies in the details that follow. Micro-interactions are the subtle animations that turn a high-end redesign into a living, breathing experience. By mastering these small moments of feedback, you can elevate a structural transformation into a seamless conversation that builds lasting trust.

Stop Ghosting Your Users

There is nothing more awkward than a digital wimpy handshake. When a user clicks a button and nothing happens, their brain does not think the server is just busy. Instead, it assumes the site is a graveyard, and they are being ignored. Micro-interactions act as the visual confirmation that prevents users from rage-clicking your UI into an early retirement. By giving a button a subtle press or a loader a smooth spin, you provide the instant validation people crave in an era of shrinking attention spans.

The Art of the Invisible Tour Guide

Think of micro-interactions as the silent butler of your website. They are there when you need them, but never shout in your face. Instead of cluttering your layout with desperate arrows like it is a 2005 Geocities page, you can use motion to guide the eye. A gentle wiggle on a notification bell or a sleek hover effect tells the user exactly where to look next without requiring a manual. In 2026, if your design does not move, it is not minimalist. It is just paralyzed.

Digital Dopamine and the Ooh Factor

Every designer has access to the same clean fonts and grid systems. If you want to move from generic templates to a brand people actually remember, you need to weaponize delight. A clever loading animation or a fun icon explosion is not just eye candy; it is personality. It is the difference between a cold ATM transaction and a high five from a friend. These tiny hits of dopamine build a subconscious bond with the user that makes your site feel less like a tool and more like an experience.

Don’t Make It Weird

While we love a good animation, there is a fine line between delightful and nauseating. Nobody wants to wait three seconds for a menu to do a backflip every time they try to navigate. The goal is to be fast and functional. This means the interaction should happen in the blink of an eye, usually under 500ms. If your animation is so long that the user has time to contemplate their life choices, you have failed. Keep it snappy, keep it purposeful, and keep it tasteful.

Great redesigns provide the foundation, but motion provides the heartbeat. If your site feels more like a static brochure than a dynamic experience, it is time for a professional facelift. Contact the web experts at McConnell Marketing to bring your digital presence to life. Still on the fence? Explore our library of design case studies or take a look around our own site to see our favorite micro-interactions in action.

New Year, New Design Trends: What Will Dominate 2026 Mood Boards?

January 8, 2026/in Marketing Trends

The new year is always a time for reflection and forward-thinking, and here at McConnell Marketing, we’ve been eagerly discussing what the world of design will look like in 2026. Will AI take over, or will human creativity reclaim its crown? We asked our team for their predictions, and the results paint a fascinating picture of the visual landscape ahead. Get ready to update your mood boards!

Here are our top 5 design trend predictions for 2026:

1. The Human Touch: A Return to Imperfection

Deanna’s Prediction: “I’m assuming we will lean into Human-Made trends as designers respond to the influx of instant click designs driven by AI. I assume we will see some hand-cut, grainy, messy designs. At least I hope we do!”

As AI-generated designs become more prevalent and often, more polished and perfect, there’s a strong counter-movement brewing. Designers and consumers alike might crave authenticity and the charming imperfections that only a human hand can create. Expect to see a rise in textures like hand-cut paper, rough edges, deliberate graininess, and a more “collage” aesthetic that celebrates the process of creation. This trend is a defiant nod to human ingenuity in an increasingly digital world.

2. The Comfort of Analog: Nostalgia as Trust

Carson’s Prediction: “I’m thinking we’re going to lean heavily into the return of Analog/nostalgic design. People want something that feels trustworthy, and with the heavily saturated junk we see online, in commercials, etc., it’s hard to trust anything.”

In an era of information overload and digital noise, there’s a deep-seated desire for things that feel real, tangible, and reliable. Analog and nostalgic design elements offer a sense of comfort and familiarity. Think vintage-inspired typography, muted color palettes reminiscent of old photographs, retro illustrations, and design layouts that evoke simpler times. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about building an emotional connection and conveying genuine trustworthiness in a crowded marketplace.

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3. The AI Evolution: A Balancing Act

Angie’s Prediction: “I think we’ll see a balance of a fight for these human-made designs, but also a huge influx of AI designs as the technology continues to evolve.”

This prediction acknowledges the dynamic tension in the design world. While there’s a longing for human-made artistry, the undeniable power and accessibility of AI tools cannot be ignored. 2026 will likely see designers both embracing AI for efficiency and exploration, while simultaneously pushing back with uniquely human creations. We’ll witness sophisticated AI tools generating innovative layouts, illustrations, and even entire branding packages, but the most impactful work will likely be a hybrid, where AI assists, but human creativity guides and refines.

4. Sustainable & Eco-Conscious Design

Beyond aesthetics, the ethical and environmental impact of design will continue to grow in importance. 2026 will see a stronger emphasis on sustainable design practices, from the choice of materials in physical branding to the digital footprint of websites. Expect designs that visually communicate eco-friendliness through natural textures, earthy color palettes, organic shapes, and minimalist approaches that reduce visual clutter and promote mindful consumption. Transparency in sourcing and production will also be a key visual element.

Whether it’s luxury hospitality or sustainable retail packaging, the goal is the same: meaningful connection. Our work for The Ritz-Carlton, Maui Kapalua shows how intentional design can turn a simple sustainability requirement into a tangible brand asset that resonates with the modern, eco-conscious consumer.

5. Bold Typography & Experimental Layouts

As digital spaces become increasingly crowded, designers will look for ways to make content stand out immediately. This means a surge in bold, attention-grabbing typography, often taking center stage as a primary visual element. Paired with this, we’ll see more experimental and asymmetrical layouts that break away from traditional grids. This trend is about creating dynamic, engaging experiences that captivate users and guide their eyes through information in fresh and unexpected ways.

What are your thoughts on these predictions? Will 2026 bring a tidal wave of AI-driven work, or will we reclaim our creativity with hand-crafted charm? We’d love to hear your insights!

Contact McConnell Marketing Today to Discuss Your Design Needs for 2026 and Beyond!

Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer Has the Internet… Confused? Delighted? Mildly Disturbed?

December 8, 2025/in Marketing Trends

Every year, brands, designers, and trend forecasters anxiously await for Pantone’s Color of the Year announcement. It’s the moment that sets the tone for everything from fashion to packaging to home interiors. But this year, Pantone made a bold move, one that has both designers and the entire internet spiraling into a uniquely 2026 brand of chaos.

The Color of the Year is Cloud Dancer.

And Cloud Dancer… isn’t really a color. It’s an off-white. A slightly warm, barely-there, whisper-of-a-shade that has quickly become the main character of this week’s memes. Think: the color of boiled chicken. The glow of a refrigerator light at 2 a.m. The exact shade of “we ran out of paint halfway through.” Or, as the internet has lovingly dubbed it, “Hellmann’s Chic.”

Yet behind the mayonnaise-level mayhem, there’s something undeniably interesting about Pantone leading with a near-non-color. In a digital world full of bright neons, maximalist palettes, and AI-generated visuals screaming for attention, Cloud Dancer offers… a pause. A palette cleanser. A chance for brands to rethink how minimalism, breathing room, and simplicity can communicate a message.

What Cloud Dancer Means for Brands & Design in 2026

While the memes have their moment (and we fully support the creativity, especially the now-iconic comparison to a boiled chicken breast), Cloud Dancer does have strategic potential:

It pairs with everything. As far as neutrals go, this one plays well with bold typography, saturated accents, and highly visual product photography.
It leans into warmth. Unlike stark whites, this shade has a softness that can make tech, hospitality, and lifestyle brands feel more approachable, something we at McConnell Marketing are leaning into with a few website designs, specifically, we’re working on at the moment (stay tuned for the reveals!).
It signals a shift. Trend cycles are swinging away from clutter and sensory overload. Cloud Dancer reflects a desire for calm, clarity, and intentional design.

A Win for Minimalists Everywhere (and for Your Eyes)

For those of us in marketing, Cloud Dancer is a reminder: sometimes the simplest solutions have the most impact. In a world of endless scrolling and visual overstimulation, an off-white may be exactly what stands out.

Even if it did get roasted online for looking like:

hospital hallway paint,
the inside of a marshmallow,
or the default PowerPoint background that everyone forgot to change.

How McConnell Marketing Sees It

We’re taking Cloud Dancer as a blank canvas, literally. It’s a chance to reimagine brand palettes, explore subtlety, and embrace design choices that give content (and consumers) room to breathe. Whether you love the color or are still laughing at the seemingly endless memes, one thing’s for sure:

Pantone got everyone talking.

And in the world of marketing? That’s the brightest, boldest color there is.

Ready to Bring Cloud Dancer Into Your Brand?

Whether you’re leaning into Pantone’s minimalist moment or simply want to refresh your visual identity for the upcoming year, our team at McConnell Marketing can help you make Cloud Dancer (or any color) work beautifully for your brand. Reach out today and let’s create something striking.

Our New Website Proves It: Relax, We’ve Got Your Marketing Covered

October 28, 2025/in Marketing Trends, McConnell Moments

We are thrilled to announce that the digital doors to our new McConnell Marketing website are officially open; we’re so glad you’re here! This isn’t just a fresh coat of paint; it’s a complete digital overhaul designed to better serve you: our clients and future partners.

The entire new experience is built around one simple promise: “Relax, we’ve got you.”

Focused Expertise for Your Industry

Our primary goal with this redesign was to make it effortless for you to find the exact help you need. The new site is now clearly structured around our three main focus areas where we deliver the most impact:

Hospitality Marketing: Elegant, brand-forward hotel marketing tailored for your property.
Tourism Marketing: Flexible expertise in attracting visitors for destinations, bureaus, and attractions.
General Marketing & Design: Comprehensive services, from website development and graphic design to content and SEO, tailored for small-to-large businesses across all sectors.

A Modern Vibe, Built In-House

If you’ve spent any time on our new site (we hope you have!), you’ll notice a distinct shift in our brand aesthetic. We’ve subtly refined our signature color palette, transitioning from the vibrant McConnell lime green, which has been a staple for roughly 30 years, to a calmer, more subtle mint green, complemented by elegant accents of beige, grey, and white.

The sleek, modern design is supported by advanced functionality, featuring custom coding, unique animations, and an architecture built for speed and discovery. Beyond the design, we built the new site with enhanced SEO baked into every page, ensuring it ranks high and performs flawlessly.

And here’s something we’re especially proud of: This entire site was designed and built 100% in-house by the McConnell Marketing team.

From Carson, Firm Partner: “Our new website represents who we are today: focused, modern, and driven by great design. The entire process, from mockups to final coding, was handled by our talented team, highlighting the high-level digital expertise we bring to all of our clients’ projects.”

Design is Our Engine

Our in-house capabilities allow us to control every detail of the user experience and ensure the final product is both beautiful and highly effective.

From Deanna, Firm Partner: “Design isn’t just a service we offer, it’s what fuels us. With three full-time, passionate designers on our team, we live and breathe the creative process. This new website is a testament to the idea that thoughtful, strategic design is the foundation for every great marketing campaign.”

Another thing to note is that this sleek, modern design is supported by advanced functionality, featuring custom coding and unique animations.

From Angie, Account Manager & Senior Designer: “We approached the build with an absolute focus on user experience. The navigation bar, for instance, is the first thing a visitor sees, so we designed it to be intuitive, clean, and unique. The videos and custom animations shown throughout the site demonstrate our technical skill and reinforce the message that we are an approachable team you can trust to handle your most important digital assets.”

When you choose McConnell Marketing, you’re not just getting an agency; you’re partnering with a team that has the digital design and development chops to build high-performance assets from the ground up.

Ready for Your Own Digital Refresh?

Whether you’re struggling with outdated design, poor user experience, or low search rankings, your website is your most critical marketing asset.

To help you get started, we’ve created a free practical guide to freshen up your website and move it confidently into the modern web. If those ideas spark a larger vision for your project, we’d love to chat. Contact us today to schedule a discovery meeting. Let us handle the heavy lifting and put our expertise to work for your business!

Mandarin Oriental named World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brand in 2025 by Luxury Travel Intelligence

September 30, 2025/in Hospitality News, Marketing Trends

Since opening its first property in Hong Kong in 1963, Mandarin Oriental has built a reputation for being one of the most detail-oriented hotel brands in the world. Its portfolio now spans 40 hotels and residences in 26 countries, all of which highlight the same, unwavering commitment to the guest experience.

This attention to detail isn’t just an aesthetic refinement. It is a philosophy that is at the heart of every guest touchpoint. How the staff anticipates needs, how the space is designed, and how the brand’s identity remains consistent from one location to another. It is what fuels the loyalty of guests, who know they can expect the same meticulous level of hospitality whether they are staying in New York City, London, or Milan.

Mandarin Oriental New York

One of Mandarin Oriental’s flagship properties is located in New York City. In a destination where hospitality competition is at its peak, the smallest part of the guest experience is all a part of a bigger picture. We’ve had the privilege of working with this property directly, supporting their marketing efforts for over 14 years by producing a myriad of projects from custom sell sheets and brochures to high-end restaurant menus and holiday e-cards.

At first glance, printing business cards may seem like a small task, but with Mandarin Oriental, nothing is small. Their branding guidelines are meticulous, with very precise rules around typography, spacing, paper finish, and color tones. Every business card is more than just contact information. It is a solidification of their commitment to the brand’s luxury standard.

Every project gives us an inside look at how deeply Mandarin Oriental protects (and elevates) its identity. Even in the details that are often overlooked, their commitment to excellence shines through and makes their guest’ experience memorable.

Behind the Scenes of Excellence

For people curious about what drives this level of card, Mandarin Oriental recently offered a look into the process with their documentary Inside the Dream. The film highlights their guest-centered brand philosophy, showcasing the planning behind every interaction. Viewers see how they don’t just provide service, they cultivate a bespoke experience rooted in anticipation, empathy, and precision.

It’s a rare opportunity to witness the inner workings of a brand that redefines hospitality and proves why Mandarin Oriental deserves to top lists like LTI’s.

The Details Matter

For luxury brands, details are everything. They signal to guests that nothing in their stay has been left to chance. It is all meticulously curated and considered. From the weight of the stationery in rooms to the cadence of the staff’s greeting, Mandarin Oriental has mastered the art.

Our work with their New York City property brought that philosophy to life in a very tangible way. It was a reminder that every size detail tells a larger story of excellence.

That’s why the brand continues to earn recognition and wow guests and institutions like LTI. Their success isn’t solely about upscale amenities: it’s about creating a foundation of trust and consistency in world-class hospitality.

Need some more ideas on how to make your property stick out from the rest? Email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com to get started.

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