What’s happening? On July 1, more than 500 advertisers joined Stop Hate for Profit’s month-long Facebook boycott aimed at stopping racism, antisemitism and hate on the world’s most popular social media platform. Founded by a coalition of partners including the Anti-Defamation League and the NAACP, the Stop Hate movement asked brands to suspend Facebook advertising … Brands, Facebook and the Stop Hate for Profit boycott
What’s happening? George Floyd’s untimely death at the hands of police – and countless other Black Americans like him – are fueling longtime concerns over racial injustice. The events and resulting protests have created a climate in which the broader issue of systemic racism is being acutely scrutinized. The way forward requires a commitment from everyone … Brands can play key role in anti-racism movement
What’s Happening? Due to the uncertainties of the coronavirus, consumer shopping behavior continues to pivot from in- store experiences to digital ones, with both large and small retail businesses struggling to stay afloat. Many businesses have had to adapt their business models rapidly and shift to an almost all-digital selling mode. Facebook’s timely new rollout … How to make the most of Facebook’s new Shops feature
What’s happening? As retail locations remain closed or operating in limited ways and consumers in most states continue to shelter in place, Pinterest announced this week a new shopping feature for users of the visual discovery engine. “Shopping Spotlights” serves users shopping ideas curated by influencers, magazine editors and other tastemakers. Early Spotlight curators include guest … What Do Consumers Want? Ask Pinterest
Over the last month and a half we’ve highlighted various ways businesses might reconsider their marketing approach during – and even after – the COVID-19 crisis. From shifts in search behaviors and content preferences to new media and channel opportunities and tried-and-true communication strategies that still hold, there’s a lot of information to process, and … Four Lessons from Brands That Are Getting It Right
What’s Happening? Impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on consumer mindsets and behaviors are evolving rapidly and require quick, critical shifts in marketing approach and messaging. From channel usage to content preferences, it seems every week there’s a new development that requires strategic action from marketers. In a customer-first marketing approach, understanding how consumers experience your … Understanding Customers Is Crucial Amid COVID Chaos
What’s happening? As brands, marketers and consumers continue to grapple with the impact of COVID-19, adapting to the ever-changing circumstances has been challenging for many. But even as consumer needs have shifted, one thing has remained constant: people are relying more than ever on search engines like Google to find important or useful information, from researching facts on the disease to finding DIY tips or streaming suggestions. What does this mean? … Navigating the Search Landscape During COVID-19
What’s happening? New data from MindShare’s US Consumer Tracking Study shows the first signs of COVID-19 consumer burnout. Five weeks into the pandemic, the percentage of Americans who are aware of brands helping with the crisis has fallen sharply – to less than 50% – after four weeks of steady increases. At the same time, … Brands Should Pivot to Avoid Consumers’ COVID Fatigue
What’s happening? On March 19, 2020, California was the first state to implement stay-at-home orders to protect against the spread of coronavirus. Other states quickly followed suit – as of today, all but seven states have stay-at-home orders in place. As a consequence, a record number of employees among those that haven’t been furloughed or laid off are working from home. According … Shifting from B2B to B2H: Follow the Golden Rule
What’s happening? The nature and magnitude of the coronavirus is unlike anything any of us have seen in our lifetimes. The ripple effects have touched every part of society, from global politics to the economy to the way we interact. Virtually every company or organization has been impacted as well, either directly or indirectly. And communicators are struggling to get messaging out … With Unparalleled COVID-19 Crisis, PR Basics Still Rule
What’s happening? With COVID-19 driving millions of people indoors to wait out shelter-in-place orders, we’re continuing to see enormous shifts in media consumption habits. In addition to increased viewership for regular TV and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, the March 2020 Strike Social Study also shows total watch time of YouTube videos increased tenfold in the U.S. What does this mean? With such a dramatic increase, it appears that not only are … YouTube Viewing Shifts May Be Opportunity for Brands
What’s Happening? As the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic define our “new normal,” many brands are adjusting their approach to reflect today’s realities. Some are taking a cause-marketing approach by supporting local relief efforts, while others are pulling back from efforts that might seem insensitive – like KFC’s “Finger Lickin’ Good” campaign. What does it mean? Just as brands should be rethinking how to reach consumers with new media consumption habits, as discussed … Finding Your Brand’s Voice Amid COVID-19