Last week, Instagram dropped Reels, a new way to record 15-second clips set to music. If this sounds a bit familiar — you’re right. As the potential TikTok ban looms over the US, Instagram has released their Reels feature, which may just take the trending app’s place — or, at least, it’ll try. Why is IG Getting in the Game? …
People Are Changing Their Go-To Brands — But What Does this Mean for Your Brand?
Almost half of consumers have changed their brand preference during the pandemic. How can you position your brand to become the go-to for new audiences and reinforce your relationship with your loyalists? Why are preferences changing? According to a report from Ketchum, 45% of consumers have changed their preferred brands during the course of the pandemic. The pandemic has changed …
E-Commerce as Entertainment: Shoploop by Google Moves to Change Online Shopping
With the announcement of Shoploop, Google has officially added its name to the growing list of video-centric platforms making headlines. Unlike entertainment giants TikTok (which might get banned in the US) and Instagram (which is making moves to replace TikTok), though, Google is making moves in the e-commerce space — or, more accurately, the e-commerce-as-entertainment space. Last Thursday, Area 120 …
How Brands Like Burberry Are Changing Brick-and-Mortar Retail
Burberry is joining Nike and other large brands in testing social retail stores. The brand is taking the brick-and-mortar experience to the next level by connecting the physical retail store with an online experience. Consumers can now interact with the store in person and on social media, earning social currency and rewards as they browse and explore. Social retail allows …
Will The TikTok Ban Actually Happen and What To Do About it
Despite calls over the weekend to ban the popular social media app, it’s Monday afternoon on August 3, 2020 and TikTok is still intact in the US. Why Ban TikTok? While the true reason for removal of the platform from app stores in the US is still widely debated, the best explanation we’ve found is the extreme amount of personal …
Lower Barriers for Small Businesses as Google Eliminates Commission Fees on Shopping Platform
Google is creating an easier path for sellers to be present across multiple channels. By removing its commission from “Buy on Google,” Google has made it a better opportunity for businesses to sell on its platform. With its prior model, Google’s commission acted similarly to Amazon’s fees. Depending on what you sell on Amazon, you can expect to lose about …
Walmart-Shopify Partnership Creates Opportunity for Brands With Shopify Stores
Walmart is in a position to have an advantage over Amazon as they continue to develop their online marketplace. Last month when Walmart announced their partnership with Shopify, they shared plans to onboard 1,200 new sellers before the end of 2020. The partnership comes as part of Walmart’s strategic priority to grow the number of sellers on the platform. While …
Does a Subscription Model Make Sense for My Business?
In the past decade, subscription models have charmed us with everything from movie rentals to grocery and alcohol delivery. But how have subscription models disrupted the traditional retail space — and how do you decide if a subscription model makes sense for your business? Retail subscription services are broken down into two basic categories: Curated subscriptions, which send new products …
Social Media Marketing: Should I Take a Stance on Controversial Issues?
We live in a rapidly changing world — and every change is a trust-building exercise between brands and their audiences. As a brand, your social media speaks to who you are and what you stand for. Whether it’s a crisis (like a global pandemic), or a movement (#BlackLivesMatter), changes in the societal landscape are an opportunity to be a part …
6 Steps to Getting More Online Reviews
6 Steps to Getting More Online Reviews No matter your industry, reviews play a crucial role in establishing trust with potential customers. Whether you’re growing your consultation client base, launching a new product, or building a distributor network, when a prospect wants to learn about your brand, they’re going to check the reviews. Plus, online reviews are an opportunity to …









