Industry Insights

Let’s talk about TikTok. You may love it, you may hate it, or you may just be confused. This video app grew to popularity in early 2020 and had its fair share of controversy. But there’s no doubt about it—TikTok is one of the most-used mobile apps ever. It’s addictively fun, with an algorithm that can predict exactly what kind of video you’ll most enjoy. But does that mean you need a TikTok account, and most importantly, do you need to advertise there?

If you have an e-commerce business, you probably want to make sales. If your website isn’t up-to-date or maintained properly, you’ll be missing out on customers and cash flow. Create an amazing first impression by providing users a personalized shopping experience. Keep your website and purchase process updated and fix problems that arise. A great e-commerce website isn’t just about using the best font or colors—it’s about using great content, providing a safe space away from fraud, and allowing customers to easily navigate your site.

The leadership around here at Genius Monkey has a saying they always reiterate: “The only way to see the future is to always be innovating and adjusting . . . not adapting. If you are adapting, it’s too late.” COVID-19 brought even more popularity to binge-watching, which dramatically fast-forwarded the streaming industry at an outrageous pace. People did adapt—to watching streamed content around the clock. So the marketing industry also had to adapt quickly.

Today, we’re talking about LOVE. But not the kind you see in a Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan movie. Yes, we love the romantic side of this special holiday in February, but if you know us, you know we gotta talk about what we love most—marketing, digital advertising, and all things programmatic. So today, we’re inviting you to our candlelit dinner table to talk about LOVE. We’ve created a L-O-V-E acronym for marketing that gives you advertising tips from our experts.

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, millions will gather in their homes—and at SoFi Stadium in California—to watch one of the greatest sports spectacles around: The Super Bowl. Super Bowl 56 is expected to be a big event, with perhaps more watching at home in lieu of COVID-19/Omicron surges in the past two months. Still, one thing we can all agree on is that the advertisements during the Super Bowl are some of the most creative and funniest to be seen.

Supply-chain shortages can really frustrate the flow of business. In the past year, we’ve seen more shortages than ever. According to CNBC, the supply-chain blockages in the production system, “have affected a variety of sectors . . . ranging from shortages of electronics and autos to difficulties in the supplies of meat, medicines and household products.” But shortages in the supply chain don’t mean you have to sit and twiddle your thumbs.

Did you know the story of The Tortoise and the Hare is actually an amazing marketing analogy? Most businesses want to be the Hare—speedy and instantaneous. But in the marketing world, where the race is a conversion cycle, the Tortoise wins every time. Why? Because the tortoise is patient, steady, and smart. We’re sharing our best tips for understanding the conversion cycle, what a typical conversion looks like, and how you can feel more confident in your marketing efforts, from first impressions to final clicks.

Last year, the pandemic turned the world upside down, and it’s not over yet. Marketing shifted, with brands trying new tactics to reach those staying home. Even now, digital changes happen unexpectedly, as new apps pop up, new trends appear, and new marketing strategies take hold. There’s never been a greater need for marketing professionals to be flexible or ready to pivot at any moment. The key to success is planning for what’s ahead.

From Freeform’s 31 Nights of Halloween to Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade (which has 50 million viewers), there is no shortage of big events to watch for this holiday season. A 2020 study from Unruly (interviewing Americans) revealed that during the winter season: 51% planned to watch more TV 58% planned to spend more time on the Internet 34% planned to spend more time playing video games Unruly researcher Nick Woodford added, “With more eyeballs on screens, it’s never been more important for brands to get their holiday campaigns right.

Much to the dismay of advertising and marketing agencies, when they hear that their client has a new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) or high-level marketing manager, they know that there is about to be a serious change. This news will ultimately mean that the new CMO, trying to make swift changes in the eyes of the rest of the C-suite in a radical departure from their predecessor, will clean house and look for a new direction.