Marketing Archives - Page 2 of 2 - McConnell Marketing

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.

Why Do Some Hotels Smell So Good?

September 19, 2025/in Hospitality News, Marketing Trends

Ever walked into a hotel lobby and thought Wow, it smells amazing in here? Or sank into the most crisp, perfectly soft sheets and wondered how they were so comfortable? You’re not imagining it. Hotels use psychology, scent branding, and thought-provoking design to create experiences that guests love and want to repeat.

The Power of Smell: Scent Branding 101

Scent is one of the most powerful senses when it comes to memory and emotion. Many hotels invest in signature fragrances for their diffusers, candles, and even detergents to make their spaces instantly recognizable and appealing to guests. The right scent can:

Create a sense of calm and relaxation
Trigger positive memories
Increase guest loyalty by making the experience memorable

Some luxury hotels even use subtle scents in hallways or elevators, so guests associate the entire property with a specific mood or feeling.

Sheets & Sleep: The Science in Comfort

It’s not just smell! Touch matters, too. Hotels know that the tactile experience of a room can make or break a stay. High-thread-count sheets, carefully laundered towels, and mattresses designed for long-term comfort all contribute to the overall experience. A few things that make hotel sheets feel so special include:

High-quality cotton or linen blends
Precise laundering techniques (softeners, starches, pressing)
Crisp folding and presentations that signal cleanliness and care

When a guest sleeps well, they’re more likely to leave positive reviews, return, or recommend the hotel to friends.

Beyond Scent & Sheets: Multi-Sensory Design

Hotels increasingly consider the full sensory experience:

Sound: Soft background music or calming ambient sounds
Sight: Clean, thoughtfully arranged rooms with cohesive color schemes
Touch & Smell: Luxurious linens, soothing lotions, subtle scents

Together, these elements craft an environment that feels not only comfortable, but curated. They all work together to create a place where guests want to linger and return.

What Hotels Teach Us About Experience Design

The lessons from hotel experiences can apply anywhere! Whether you’re running a small boutique hotel or just designing your home guest room, attention to scent, texture, and overall ambiance creates lasting impressions. The goal is simple: make people feel cared for, relaxed, and delighted even in the small and subtle ways.

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

7 Common Copywriting Mistakes on Your Website

August 19, 2025/in Marketing Trends

Your website is often the first impression a potential client gets of your brand–and that impression can either convert or repel a person. Clunky copy, vague headlines, or keyword stuffing might not seem like dealbreakers, but they could be quietly driving people (and search engines) away.

Let’s talk about common copywriting mistakes websites make that can hurt both user experience and SEO, and how you can fix them for good.

Too Much Fluff, Not Enough Clarity

You might be tempted to sound clever or poetic, but if copywriting mistakes like vague messaging can make people click away before they even know what you offer. Explain who you are, what you do, and why it all matters in a clear, digestible way.

Fix It: Lead with clarity. Use straightforward headlines, meaningful subheadings, and concise body copy. “We help hotels increase direct bookings through smart design and meaningful marketing,” not “A new era of hotel marketing awaits.” What does that even mean?

Keyword Stuffing or Ignoring SEO

Keywords definitely matter in the world of websites, but overloading with repetitive phrases will make it unreadable for humans and a red flag for search engines. This is one of the more technical copywriting mistakes, but it’s a big one you should be aware of.

Fix It: Focus on one or two key phrases per page and use them naturally a few times on the page. Optimize meta descriptions, headings, and alt tags with keywords without sounding robotic.

No Clear Call-to-Action

If users reach the end of your homepage and don’t know what to do next… you’ve lost them. Even if you’re just on a page talking about your brand’s story, the next “now what?” should be an obvious answer.

Fix It: Every page should have a clear, relevant CTA that leads them to the next step. Try and include a point of contact or an internal link on each page.

Too Much Jargon or Industry Speak

You know your business inside and out, but your dream client might not. Overusing acronyms or technical terms can leave site visitors confused and out of the loop, deterring them from sticking around. This copywriting mistake creates a barrier instead of a bridge.

Fix It: Write industry-specific content like you’re talking to your grandma. Use simple, friendly language that helps build trust.

Inconsistent Tone or Brand Voice

Unless your audience expects it, writing like a law textbook will turn readers away. Tone should match your brand! But it also needs to feel natural and in-character. It’s a delicate balance.

Fix It: Read your copy out loud. If it doesn’t sound like how your customers talk, it probably needs to be revised.

Walls of Text With No Flow

No one wants to read a novel on your homepage. Dense blocks of copy are overwhelming and tend to get skipped. Might be a tough pill to swallow, but no one cares about your brand as much as you do.

Fix It: Get the point across with short paragraphs, headers, bullet points, and white space. Make your content skimmable and easy to take in.

Forgetting Mobile Users

This one may be more than a copywriting mistake. But is there anything more annoying than trying to load a website on your phone’s browser and the text is tiny, buttons are impossible to tap, and you’re scrolling back and forth to read a single sentence? Don’t be that website– unless you want to say goodbye to 62% of potential customers.

Fix It: Review and optimize your site for mobile formatting and make sure your CTA’s are tap-friendly.

The Takeaway

Your website copy could be tricky to nail down. You want to appease the search engines while also connecting with the people who keep your business running. There’s no perfect way to do it, but there is a wrong way. If you need help getting your copy right, we’re here to help. Contact us to get started!

Nostalgic Marketing: How the Past is Driving the Present

June 10, 2025/in Marketing Trends

With the speed of social media and connectivity provided by the internet, trends tend to fade in and out overnight, and technology is constantly changing. One timeless emotion is driving some of the most powerful marketing campaigns: nostalgia. From 90s inspired campaigns to a resurgence of retro products, nostalgic marketing is more than a passing trend. It’s a clever way to connect with consumers across generations.

Why Nostalgic Marketing Works

Nostalgia marketing taps into positive memories and emotions associated with the past. Studies show that nostalgia makes people feel safe, comforted, and connected. A powerful trio when it comes to influencing decisions. In uncertain times, brands that evoke “simpler times” often see greater engagement, loyalty, and emotional connection. The turn towards nostalgic marketing has been harnessed by brands in a few different ways. Some have rereleased products from the era. For example, Nike and Puma have both revived retro sneaker designs within the last year, while some products have been completely conceptualized with inspiration from the past. The rise in popularity of “dumbphones” has proven that people long for a simpler time when a phone was a phone–not a map, music player, camera, and anything else you can fit on it.

How You Can Join

First, know your target audience. Gen X-ers may not respond to Y2K trends the way Millennials do. Boomers? Bring up some 60s and 70s memories.

Vacation Sunscreen Products

Blend the old with the new in your approach. Think vintage style but with modern relevance. (Remember those classic retro editorial ads with limited imagery and clever copy?)

New Balance Editorial Ad

Let nostalgia tell your brand’s story. Instead of just using an old logo, frame it around a shared memory. Macaulay Culkin’s return in a smart home parody of Home Alone brilliantly merged childhood memories with modern tech, striking the perfect nostalgic chord.

Google Assistant’s Home Alone Ad

Stay authentic with your efforts and show that you understand and respect the reference material. People are protective of their childhood memories, so tread carefully. How did they reboot a cult classic like Mean Girls and never mention in the trailer that it was a musical? Audiences noticed. The YouTube comments were quick to call it out, and the marketing team caught backlash for misleading fans.

Mean Girls (2024) Trailer

The Takeaway

In a crowded market, emotional connection is the key to standing out, and few emotions are as powerful as nostalgia. When used thoughtfully, it can transport audiences, build trust, and create lifelong brand loyalty. The future of your marketing might just lie in the past. Need help with your marketing efforts? Contact us to see how we can help you connect with your audience.

The Marketing Shift Away from Social Media: Why Brands Are Focusing on Owned Channels

May 6, 2025/in Hospitality News, Marketing Trends

Arial view of heavy traffic coming to a 4 way intersection at night.

The marketing shift away from social media is no longer a trend—it’s a strategic move. As brands struggle with declining reach, rising ad costs, and unreliable algorithms, more businesses are turning to owned marketing channels like email newsletters, websites, and loyalty programs. These platforms offer greater control, stronger customer relationships, and better long-term ROI. Here’s why the industry is rethinking its dependence on social and investing in marketing strategies they actually own.

The Welcome Email

Social media platforms have been incredibly effective in helping brands grow. But cracks in the foundation are showing, and marketers are paying attention.

Algo Dependency – The dreaded algorithm. The bane of social media, and also the reason we have 19-year-old content creators making more than surgeons and lawyers. Organic reach has declined across platforms, and a post might only reach a fraction of your followers unless you pay to promote it. Brands are tired of being at the mercy of ever-changing algorithms.
Platform Volatility – From sudden outages to complete shutdowns (RIP Vine), putting all your content eggs in one basket is risky. Plus, policy changes can impact what you say and how you say it.
Rising Costs & Declining Returns – Advertising on social media is getting more expensive, all while the results are becoming harder to track and count on. For small businesses, especially, this makes it hard to justify the spend.
Data Ownership Concerns – You don’t truly own your audience on social media. If a platform decides to ban your account, shadow ban your content, or change its rules, your entire customer base could vanish overnight.

The Rise of Owned Marketing Channels

The shift away from social platforms and toward owned channels gives brands access to their audience, more control, and better long-term value. Here’s why marketers are reinvesting in them.

You Own the Data – With email lists and loyalty programs, you collect first-party data that’s more reliable and actionable than the insights social platforms provide. This becomes critical as cookies are phased out and privacy regulations tighten.
Higher Engagement Rates – Email newsletters outperform social media in both open and click-through rates. Subscribers have opted in–they want to hear you.
Better Personalization – Owned channels allow for hyper-personalized messaging based on user behavior, purchase history, preferences, and location–something social media can’t do as effectively.
Long-Term Relationship Building – Loyalty programs and email nurture sequences help brands stay top-of-mind and reward repeat engagement. That kind of ongoing value is harder to achieve through fleeting social interactions.
Content Longevity – Content on websites and in newsletters lives longer than a 240-hour Instagram Story. It can be repurposed, re-indexed by search engines, and discovered by new customers over time.

Where to Invest Instead of Social

If you’re looking to shift away from social media, here are the best channels to build out:

Email Marketing – Still one of the highest ROI channels, especially when segmented and automated.
Newsletters – Great for consistent engagement and value-driven content.
Branded Website or Blog – Your central hub for SEO-rich content, lead generation, and e-commerce.
Loyalty Programs – Rewarding repeat customers fosters deeper brand affinity and increases lifetime value.
SMS Marketing – Permission-based and highly direct, SMS is gaining traction in retail, hospitality, and service industries.

Fostering the client relationship with a guided journey and these email automation examples is a great place to start or refresh your email efforts! Need some further assistance? We help brands turn their email lists into real revenue–without sounding robotic or salesy (or annoying). So whether you’re just starting or need help optimizing, we can build email automations that convert. Let’s chat! Call us at 330-286-0487 or email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com to get in touch!

5 Email Automation Examples Every Business Can Steal (And Actually Benefit From)

April 16, 2025/in Marketing Trends

If you’ve ever signed up for a promo, booked a service, or abandoned a cart online, chances are you’ve experienced email automation in action. The goal is to get you to come back and keep that brand at the forefront of your mind. And while it may seem advanced or time-consuming or even expensive, the good news is, it’s none of those things. Email automations are a game-changer for businesses of all sizes and help drive more direct sales, build stronger relationships, and stay on top of mind without lifting a finger. Here are 5 email automation examples that you can steal, tweak, and start using today.

The Welcome Email

The Goal: Make a good first impression. When to Send: Automatically sent when a person signs up for something, books a service, or downloads a freebie. Why It Works: It sets expectations, introduces your brand voice, and gives new contacts a reason to stick around. Try This:

Share your origin story or mission in a way that builds trust and humanizes your brand
Offer a first-time discount
Link to a helpful blog or FAQ

Example: Hey! We’re [BRAND] and we’re so happy to have you here! Whether you’re looking for new email marketing, social media support, or a whole rebrand, we’re here to help. Want to schedule a free consultation call?

The Abandoned Booking or Inquiry Follow-Up

The Goal: Don’t let almost-clients/customers slip away. When to Send: When you have an initial inquiry or interest, but they don’t actually complete the full customer journey. Why It Works: Acts as a nudge when someone may be feeling hesitant to complete a booking or purchase a good. Try This:

Keep it friendly and low-pressure
Include a link to complete the process or re-engage
Add social proof like a customer testimonial

Example: Still thinking it over? We’d love to help you choose the right package. Spots fill fast, so now’s a great time to lock yours in!

The Post-Service Thank You & Review Request

The Goal: Turn happy customers into marketing. When to Send: After a customer has completed their journey with you. Why It Works: It shows appreciation for their input and gives them the perfect timing for a positive review. Try This:

Include a personal thank you
Link directly to a place to review
Offer a referral bonus or discount for sharing/reviewing

Example: Thanks for choosing us, [NAME]! Your feedback helps us improve our services. Leave a quick review and get X% off your next purchase.

The Seasonal or Loyalty Promo

The Goal: Send timely offers without blasting your entire list. When to Send: On certain dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, or based on customer activity. Why It Works: It feels more personal and relevant. Try This:

Reward repeat clients with a special offer
Send seasonal packages that match your service (spring cleaning, holiday deals, birthday gifts, etc.)
Automated birthday greetings with a special code

Example: Happy Birthday, [NAME]! Here’s 20% off any service this month. You deserve it!

The Re-Engagement Campaign

The Goal: Wake up the cold side of your list. When to Send: When/if some of your list hasn’t opened or clicked in a while. Why It Works: It filters out cold contacts (which boosts your open rate and decreases your bounce rate) but not before giving you a second chance to win them over. Try This:

Acknowledge the silence with a playful tone
Highlight what’s new or what they missed
Offer an incentive to come back

Example: It’s been a while, huh? We’ve missed you, so here’s 15% off if you’re ready to give us another chance!

Fostering the client relationship with a guided journey and these email automation examples is a great place to start or refresh your email efforts! Need some further assistance? We help brands turn their email lists into real revenue–without sounding robotic or salesy (or annoying). So whether you’re just starting or need help optimizing, we can build email automations that convert. Let’s chat! Call us at 330-286-0487 or email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com to get in touch!

The Psychology of the Email Subject Line: Why We Click (or Don’t)

April 9, 2025/in Hospitality News, Marketing Trends

In the overcrowded space of your subscribers’ inboxes, strong email subject lines are key to standing out. It’s the first impression, the hook, and the main reason your email gets opened or ignored.

What makes an email subject line stand out? The answer lies in psychology. Understanding how people think and make decisions is the way you can start writing email subject lines that really stand out.

Curiously Clicking

People are naturally drawn to the unknown. Subject lines that pose a question but don’t provide the answer make recipients want to learn more!

“This is what most companies get wrong with social media.”
“Are you making these common 3 mistakes?”

The psychological pull is called the curiosity gap and it’s a pretty powerful tool. Just make sure your content actually delivers on the intrigue to avoid disappointing your audience.

FOMO and Urgency

Creating a fear of missing out (FOMO) or a sense of urgency pushes people to act fast. This works best when it’s actually true.

“48 hours left to get your free gift.”
“Last chance to buy until next Spring!”

Time-sensitive language kicks in our need to avoid loss and not miss out on what our peers have.

Personalized and Tailored

Email subject lines that include your recipient’s name or address them directly are a great way to get them to open. Most email marketing platforms offer a feature to pull names from their contact form, so it’s very simple to do!

“[NAME], we missed you at our event last week!”
“5 buys with [NAME] written all over them”

These personalized subject lines are 26% more likely to be opened than those with generic greetings.

When in Doubt, Test it Out

There are a few ways you can test out email subject lines for the same campaign so that you can see what is really working for you.

Split your email list in half and send each a different subject line; note which performs better and stick with a similar one for your next email.
Resend the same email to people who haven’t opened it yet, but with a different subject line the second time around. (Again, most email marketing platforms have features that allow you to segment your list by opens.)

As with everything, finding the perfect subject line can be trial and error, so it doesn’t hurt to combine both of these practices for a single campaign.

Don’t forget, the perfect subject line blends creativity with a good dose of psychology. It’s all about the balance! If you’re still looking for tips, here are some great tools for testing and improving your email subject lines: SubjectLine.com Testing Tool and CoSchedule’s Email Subject Line Tester are both free to try and offer great insight.

Need help improving your email campaigns? We’re here to help! Call us at 330-286-0487 or email us at info@mcconnellmarketing.com to get in touch!

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

November 16, 2023/in Marketing Trends

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!

Elevate Your Brand with Custom Holiday Marketing Materials from McConnell Marketing

October 9, 2023/in Marketing Trends

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!

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