Proliferation

May 06
0

What Social Media Site Is Best for Your Business?

By | advertising, digital marketing, SEO, Social Media, Utah | No Comments

The most successful digital marketing agencies in the country know that no two clients are the same.

 That’s true when it comes to branding, voice, marketing, advertising and also choosing the appropriate social media channels for your client. Channels like Facebook and Twitter are pretty universal to have for all clients, but some companies might thrive greatly by posting videos on their YouTube account or by having boards on a company Pinterest.

 How you find out what social media site is best for you is pretty simple: Find out what your voice and demographic is, and see what site best facilitates your mission.

Nov 14
0

Is the New iPhone on its Way to Being New Coke?

By | advertising, commercials, marketing | No Comments

Introducing, the newest member of the iPhone family — it’s the only phone on the market that will literally force you to buy Bluetooth headphones. Heck, why stop there? While you’re at it why not buy a new car stereo with Bluetooth capabilities so you’ll be able to charge your phone and listen at the same time as you roll down Utah roads?

It’s no secret that the iPhone 7 is getting mixed feedback. We were all expecting innovation that would make Steve Jobs proud. Instead, we felt the sting of an insult as they made us all aware that our technology is outdated and we’re behind on the times.

The cherry on top is the fact that users are finding their headphones crashing since the newest iOS update. As technology continues to grow, advertising agency employees are anxious to see if Apple’s courage is warranted or if this change will fall into the same category as the epic embarrassment that was “New Coke.”

The “New Coke” Debacle

Take a step back in time when Coke decided to take a risk with a new formula. Their advertising agency had the task of creating a campaign that displayed their courage. Sitting in the number one seat for soft drinks, they felt comfortable with their decision.

After 77 days of protests from their loyal followers, and jabs from Pepsi — whose product took over the number one spot — they admitted it was a mistake brought the old formula back. As an ode to the memory of these dark times, any time a product is classified as an astronomical failure they’re given the title of “New Coke.”

Is iPhone Following in Their Footsteps?

Over the years there isn’t an advertising agency who has been able to beat the brand of exclusivity associated with Apple. Their followers are comparable to the devoted Coke fans that were behind bringing original Coke back. In a world where only the strong survive, the headphone jack that’s survived for decades is putting up a fight.

Only time will tell if the innovation sticks or if the insult “New Coke” is replaced by “iPhone 7.”

Nov 13
0

The Highs and Lows of “Doctor Strange” Advertising

By | advertising, Entertainment, Product placement | No Comments

If you feel like you’ve spent your life looking at the world through a keyhole, trying to broaden your view, you might find that you have something in common with “Doctor Strange.” If you’re someone who has worked at an advertising agency, you’ll find the product placement surrounding“Doctor Strange” hilarious.

 As less people are watching network television and are instead streaming their favorite television series, less people are seeing advertisements for new movies and materials. A creative approach is needed to reach audiences, thus product placement has returned. When it comes to “Doctor Strange,” we witnessed both a success and a failure.

“General Hospital”

 Product placement can be downright painful. Brands are thrown into movies by many an advertising agency with the label facing outward in a forced position. “General Hospital” attempted a new form of product placement, where they worked “Doctor Strange” into the script.

 We open on a man and woman talking seriously; you’d imagine he’s about to profess his love for her. Instead, seemingly out of the blue we are hit with a, “You know Doctor Strange is about to hit theaters pretty soon…” and a, “You may be surprised to hear this, but… If I can’t see that movie with you, I don’t want to see it.”

 The reactions were immediate. It felt like a moment in “The Office” when they made eye contact with the camera so you understood the hilarity. This product placement, however funny, would be deemed a failure from Utah to the Big Apple.

“Huawei’s Honor”

 One of the more subtle attempts at product placement was for the Honor 8. Doctor Strange drives a $237,250 Lambo, but uses a $399.99 Chinese smartphone — somehow the two don’t add up. The brand Huawei recognized that they lacked brand awareness overseas, leading them to partner up with labels like Marvel.

There isn’t an advertising agency that wouldn’t be proud of this one. The subtlety in placing the Honor 8 on billboards throughout the movie increased the position in their target market’s minds (18 to 34 year old men and women).

 Hats off to you for your sly moves, Huawei!

Oct 24
0

Advertising for Self-Confidence

By | advertising, Utah | No Comments

If you’ve ever accidentally started a movement by not wearing makeup, you know what it feels like to be Alicia Keys right now. It all started with a simple letter for Lena Dunham’s Lenny Letter. Her focus on natural beauty has left every advertising agency from Utah to Pluto scrambling to follow suit.

Alicia Keys and the Movement

Fifteen Grammys in a 20-year career — Keys has always been a great example of empowerment. She is the epitome of equality and #BlackGirlMagic. Through admitting that she’s struggled with self-esteem issues during this wildly successful career, we love her even more (if that’s possible). By being honest about the way she hid her true self, intelligence, thoughts and feelings, she’s been able to reach women of all ages.

In her own words, this movement isn’t “anti-makeup,” rather a “you do you” kind of attitude. She was brave enough to attend the MTV VMAs fresh faced, making it easier for the average woman to brave the grocery store without her face on. I’d go as far as suggesting that confidence is the true movement — she never once seemed out of place, even in pictures with Queen Bey herself.

Dare to Bare

The latest no makeup movement is hardly the first of its kind. Over ten years ago Dove’s advertising agency released the “Campaign for Real Beauty,” promoting the use of real people instead of photoshopped models. Their efforts didn’t stop there, as they released videos displaying “The Evolution” behind retouched ads.

As the pace picks up, we see celebrities going out of their way to expose over-edited photos (you go Zendaya!). American Eagle has gone as far as encouraging women to upload un-retouched photos of them as part of the “The Real You Is Sexy” campaign.

We are at a tipping point for women. Empowerment is all around us, and the advertising agency employees who catch on will go down in history for creating timeless content. May the odds be ever in your favor as you take on this newest endeavor.

Oct 17
0

Registering to Vote Advertisements

By | advertising, marketing agencies | No Comments

This election season has brought on a turbulence that we have never seen before. Marketing agencies around the nation are taking the opportunity to encourage people to get out and vote, regardless of the stance. The millennial crowd has long since been the target of this plea, leaving many celebrity A-listers prepared to do whatever it takes.

A History of Voting Campaigns

With the help of marketing agencies, celebrities do their best to create social and political movements. “Rock the Vote” was introduced in the 1990s. This movement was described as a progressive-aligned group whose mission is “to engage and build the political power of young people.” After seeing the impact that a celebrity voice can have, Diddy created the “Vote or Die” campaign of 2004. The campaign was even featured on an episode of “South Park.”

This Year’s Efforts

This week we have been faced with not one but two celebrity super groups who are urging us to get out and vote. Hollywood is typically known for leaning left, and the “Save the Day” group proves that. People like Robert Downy Jr. and Neil Patrick Harris got on camera to voice their concerns and shout the plea of “register to vote and make your voice heard on election day.” Though they make their political stance very clear, this advertisement is highlighted with humor at the promise of Mark Ruffalo doing a nude scene.

The second group of celebrities promotes the “Vote Your Future” campaign. People like Leonardo DiCaprio and Julia Roberts got together for a more generic piece that asks young voters to figure out what they care about and vote for it. Their movement was more about sharing what matters to them and why they will vote. They took a page right out of the handbook of top marketing agencies and made it social media accessible.

Regardless of what side you’re on, the obligation to be part of the decision is now stronger than it ever has been. If you haven’t heard it enough, get out there and make your voice heard.

Oct 10
0

Making Your Videos Stand Out on Social Media

By | advertising, Social Media | No Comments

As advertising and marketing evolve, it is important that as an advertising agency, we evolve as well. The old days of lengthy content are gone. In their place stands short articles, catchy photographs and attention-grabbing videos. We, as an innovated advertising agency, have responded to the call, and have begun producing content so catchy that you’re bound to want to copy it.

There are hundreds of articles online that claim that a serious advertising agency should do this or a smart advertising should do that, but these claims are often unfounded. The tried and true methods propagated here though have not only seen proven success but outstanding results, as well.

Keep It Short

When creating video, only make the video as long as it needs to be. Do not waste your viewer’s time, or they will likely quit watching halfway through. Make sure that your content is engaging and that the views have a compelling reason to keep watching, from start to finish.

Closed Captions Are Key

The vast majority of videos online are watched without sound, so captions are key. If you want to keep your audience, give them captions that not only keep them informed, but make them want to turn the sound on. Closed captions also keep your videos accessible to a wider audience, which is a great thing.

Auto Play

Very rarely do viewers click directly on a video, so auto play is a surefire way to get people’s attention and keep it. When uploading your video, make sure to upload it so that it will auto play and when creating the video, make the first content to be seen, catchy.

Hashtags

Perhaps your video contains lots of hiking spots in Utah, and your company wishes to promote outdoor recreation in Utah. By developing a hashtag that not only pertains to Utah, but also links the video to the viewers, you give your content the chance to expand and reach and even wider audience.

Ultimately, as an advertising agency or small company, the more you do to plan and prepare for your video before you launch it, the more successful it will be.

Sep 21
0

Fusion 360: The Michael Phelps of Digital Advertising

By | advertising, digital marketing, marketing agencies | No Comments

Michael Phelps has 23 individual medals, 13 of them are gold. He is one of the greatest Olympians of all time. We are especially big Phelps fans because we too have won a ridiculous amount of awards. In fact, Phelps only has us beat by one medal. Soon, we’ll have more awards than Michael Phelps. That may sound braggy, but is it bragging if it is true?

Let us take a look at our advertising agency here in Utah. Fusion 360 has been pulling in awards since the company’s inception fourteen years ago. Fusion 360 has raked in 18 Telly awards, three Emmy awards and one Webby. We do not see Michael Phelps with any Emmys.

Not only is Fusion 360 one of the premiere digital marketing companies in the country, it is the number one premiere advertising agency in the state of Utah. What does it take to be this awesome you may ask? Well, while Phelps may pride himself on swimming, does he play 19 games of ping pong a day? Utah’s number one advertising agency consumes 86 cans of soda a day. Maybe if Michael Phelps consumed sodas like we do, he would have more medals.

Phelps dropped the 200 Meter at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Fusion 360 never drops the ball. Never.

Being Utah’s Number one advertising agency is not easy. However, we are up to the challenge. Yes, Michael Phelps is one of the greatest Olympians in history. Medal count: Phelps —23. Fusion 360 — 22.

If Phelps was our older sibling we would be bragging about how we almost beat him. I think it is safe to say Fusion 360 is the Michael Phelps of advertising agencies, not just in Utah, but also in the entire United States. See you in the medal count, Phelps!

Sep 07
0

How to Offer Useful Feedback to Your Advertising Agency

By | advertising | No Comments

As the premier advertising agency in Utah, we work with a variety of clients. We love our clients. We wouldn’t exist without them. Productive feedback and communication is key to successful advertising. We love when our clients give us feedback because it helps us realize their visions and meet their needs.

We have heard tales from other agencies, though, of clients whose feedback wasn’t exactly helpful. Here are a few professional tips for how you, as the client, can offer the most helpful feedback to your advertising agency.

Know What You Like

When you approach your advertising agency with feedback, make sure you know what you want. It is easy to say, “I don’t like this.” That’s not the most helpful feedback, though, because it leaves your agency thinking, “So, what don’t you like about it?” and “What do you like?”

If you don’t like something, have specific reasons why you don’t like it. Explain the exact elements that concern you, and don’t forget to offer up something positive as well. People will be more responsive to making change when they feel that their initial efforts were valued.

Have a Plan

If there is something you don’t like, offer a solution or a direction to achieve what you do like. For instance, if a design came back in a shade of royal blue, don’t just say, “We do not like royal blue.” Instead, say, “Royal blue really isn’t our thing. We prefer to use a solid navy. Could you make this navy?”

Back It Up With Numbers

If you want to make major changes, it’s helpful to have some data to back up your thoughts. It could be as simple as past customer feedback surveys or an industry trend report. Professionals love numbers, and they’ll want to create products that work with the data, not against it.

Be Open to Advice

At the end of the day, always be open to advice. Your advertising agency may create a product that is different than anything you’ve ever done before. Your reaction may initially be, “I don’t like it,” but give your agency a chance to explain its reasoning. Sometimes, it takes stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new to beat the competition.

Aug 29
0

The Wonderful Women of Advertising

By | advertising | No Comments

Since its onset, advertising has remained an every-changing industry. Though Madison Avenue once wasn’t a place for women, that paradigm continues to change. The anti-feminist culture behind old advertising tactics is no more.

Women continue to bring new ideas and perspectives to what was once thought of as a man’s world. Confident women are now spearheading digital marketing firms and pushing cultural boundaries.

However, if it weren’t for the pioneering women of the past, we may have been doomed to be “damsels in distress” forevermore. So without further ado, we celebrate a few of the women who helped shape advertising into what it is today. Here’s to a future of endless innovation.

Helen Lansdowne Resor

Resor was determined to change things from her work environment to her life. She was active in the suffrage movement and fought to push boundaries that men had placed around her. Resor confidently led an entire department of women copywriters at J. Walter Thompson’s firm. She used sex and feminism in her work, and was the first woman to be successful in national ad campaigns. Modern digital marketing firms admire the footprint she left in the industry.

Caroline Jones

Living in a nation that was still in turmoil over racial boundaries, Miss Jones did everything in her power to break race and gender barriers. She started as a secretary and copywriting trainee who worked her way up to the position of Creative Director. Jones started her own agency. As the executive vice president and Creative Director, she saw success with campaigns for McDonald’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken and American Express.

Jane Maas

Mass is considered to be one of the founding mothers of advertising. If it weren’t for her work, digital marketing firms wouldn’t be what they are today. Maas was the brains behind the “I Love New York” tourist campaign that has grown to be legendary. With over 47 creative awards and five published books under her belt, she continues to inspire new generations of women to take on the challenges of the world of advertising without fear.

WOMEN-IN-ADVERTISING

Aug 15
0

Avoiding Poor Taste in Advertising

By | advertising, Utah | No Comments

Advertising agencies in Utah and throughout the rest of the United States are always trying to push boundaries. We want to do things that no other agency ever has before. Agencies have to be careful, though, that in their quest to be creative and innovative they don’t go too far and produce advertisements that are in poor taste.