_Editorial

How to Elevate the Role of CMO

By demonstrating how brand strategy contributes to business success, CMOs can align their goals with those of the CEO, becoming indispensable allies in driving market relevance and resilience.

The 10 Commandments of Retail

In their latest book, uber-famous Prof. Philip Kotler, the father of modern marketing, and Dr. Giuseppe Stigliano, Global CEO at Spring Studios, give us their view on the future of retail.

Who Is Trust E. Duck, Duck Tape’s Mascot?

Duct tape or duck tape? While the correct spelling for this adhesive is duct, its common mispronunciation has been trademarked under Duck Tape for Duck Brand’s line of branded duct tape.

The Future of the CMO in a Digital-First World

Taking the helm of the marketing department has never been for the faint of heart, but the opportunity to drive change and deliver growth is a unique position to be in. Not everyone in the C-suite can say as much. 

Abridged Identity

Until these systems start leveraging other bidstream signals for targeting, frequency capping and attributing performance, ongoing abuse of that first-class identifier will likely persist.

After Vizio, is Telly next?

Like everyone, the founders and owners of Telly have a price. Will the potential acquirer be willing to offer a price that everyone will accept?

Coke Spiced: An Immersive Taste Experience

Our mission is to champion responsible AI innovation. Combining technology with human creativity can create genuinely transformative and authentic advertising experiences.

Sonic Logo, or Sonic Trash?

Getting sonic branding right really matters, especially on Hollywood’s biggest night. In the world of compressed attention there’s never been more at stake.

9 Counter-intuitive Trends in AI

The world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is full of unexpected developments that often defy our initial intuition. The interesting part of what may transpire over the coming years are the trends that are counterintuitive.

How Customer Research Turns Insight into Impact

Understanding consumers is the foundation of effective marketing, not just a strategy. It is crucial for every team to collaborate and grasp the significance of research to enhance the impact of their work.

How AI is Used in KYC Processes

As digital platforms continue to innovate, the shift towards alternative verification methods reflects a broader trend of balancing security with user convenience.

2024 Should Be the Year of AI-Powered DPO

As the landscape continues to shift, DPO will give publishers the insights needed to take greater control of their advertising operations, optimise revenue and deliver better advertising experiences.

How AI is Revolutionizing Online Security in 2024

One thing the introduction of AI takes out of the equation is the one-size-fits-all all approach. Considering that everyone uses the internet differently, it was only a matter of time before customized and customizable solutions joined the fray, and it is increasingly possible to manage with AI. 

Tangible Tactics and the Future of Marketing

Promotional products remain a potent tool in the marketing mix, thanks to their unmatched reach and cost-effectiveness. However, as consumer expectations evolve, so too must the strategies surrounding these products.

Hamburger Helper Relaunches Iconic Mascot, Lefty

One of the last times we heard about Lefty was when Eagle Foods acquired Helper from General Mills in 2022. Lefty has been laying low since then, but it sounds like 2024 will be a big year for the icon’s triumphant comeback.

Five 2024 OOH Trends Shaping Up 2024

2023 was the year of Artificial Intelligence (AI). From redefining consumer engagement to enhancing campaign precision, AI’s impact on Out-of-Home (OOH) cannot be overstated.

Solving the Advertising Reach Crisis

The reach crisis facing advertisers is evident, but it doesn’t need to be a problem, providing advertisers and publishers explore technologies that will enable them to work closer together.

Balancing Art and Science Through Storytelling

Problem-solving could be the soul of the story. Or it could simply be a complex tale that involves a variety of angles meant to show the ways a brand can deliver what its audience wants and needs.

Design Evolution: Michelin Man

Let’s step back in time to 1898, the year the Michelin Man — AKA Bibendum — made his debut and look at some of his greatest design evolution hits.

CTV Advertising Factors for 2024 Campaigns

For political advertisers, the path to connecting with voters is clear – connected TV is key as voters have migrated and are engaged. The share of political spend on CTV/OTT is significant and is expected to grow. 

SEO – It’s Everyone’s Business

Critics have been saying SEO is going to die for the past ten years, but it’s evolved and matured to become a conductor of digital strategy – not just an add on.

Navigating the Inevitable Future of AI Influencers

As AI rises, it makes sense that people might assume that influencer marketing will be a casualty. Afterall, part of the appeal of following influencers on social media is that you start to feel like you know them.

Navigating the Marketing Landscape: Key Trends Shaping Success in 2024

2024 marks a crucial turning point for businesses, presenting both opportunities and challenges that will redefine traditional marketing approaches. Previous marketing tactics must evolve to remain effective and impactful, particularly in a time of heightened customer expectations and economic uncertainty.

Paying the Price of Being Small

Whilst an individual SMB share of this massive return figure, might be small, it can represent a significant cause of lost profitability.

How to Write a PR Crisis Management Plan

No business wants to face a crisis, but something will inevitably go wrong. In these situations, it is better to be prepared than caught off-guard, hence the importance of establishing a crisis response plan.

Search is on… TikTok, YouTube, Instagram

Where Google still leads, based on data from Rise at Seven, is on searches for activities nearby, including events and entertainment, ahead of both TikTok and YouTube.

Breaking Through in a Cluttered Super Bowl Landscape

The biggest sports event of the year – the NFL’s Super Bowl – isn’t just for die-hard football fans. It’s also a coveted, celebrated event for the advertising and creative community around the world.

New Year, New You: The Gym Mentality for Business

Right now, every fitness provider and personal trainer is claiming they can get you the New Year results you want. While going it alone can be daunting, it can be equally hard to find someone who truly understands your needs.

What Marketers Should Know About the Age of Constant Consideration

There has been much discussion in our industry about the collapse of the funnel. What we should be examining is the mindset of an emerging class of customer—one who rarely travels up and down a path from awareness to purchase but is always ready to make a decision about a brand.

The Case for Brands… and Why We Need Them Desperately

There are times where we should let brands do what they do best and there are other times where it’s incredibly rewarding to push forward. The challenge in branding is recognizing when these moments are, and seizing them.

2024: A Year for New Year Revolutions

In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to focus on the things outside of our control. Instead, we’d be better off focusing on the things we can control, such as enacting real change within our organisations by making culture a focus for the year ahead.

Reasons to Be Cheerful in 2024

Unless you spent 2023 hibernating under a rock you’ll know that it was a big year for AI – entering the mainstream and hitting the headlines. And 2024 is set to be even bigger.

Have a Holiday Boom, Not a Holiday Glitch

Multiple systems means multiple points of failure, and often a heavy investment in staff to get individual programs to talk to each other, share data and so forth.

The PR Power of ‘Barbie’

The PR power behind the “Barbie” film is epic. Visibly noticeable as it turned the tide of fashion, the Barbie craze is truly a revolution!

Tapping Into Future Customer Needs Using Strategic Foresight

The increasing number of online retailers, the growing adoption of early smartphones and internet connectivity, and the changing preferences of younger generations more inclined to shop online all pointed toward an e-commerce boom.

Scale, Social & AI: Sonic Branding in 2024

As sonic branding has become more recognized for its strengths, we no longer need to start with defining what sonic branding is and its potential to flex across a brand’s entire ecosystem.

Over 800% Increase in Junk Sites, But What Can Advertisers Do?

While the emergence of AI as an integral part of marketing comes with many positives, this has also led to a significant growth in so-called “junk sites,” with the technology making it easier for fraudsters to make money through illegitimate titles.

It’s Time to Change How We Buy TV Ads

The time has come for advertisers to shed the shackles of outdated metrics and embrace a future where every advertising dollar spent can be directly linked to tangible outcomes.

A Brighter Future for Video Advertising Vs. Search

2024 is a year where these innovations in video will deliver the initial seed of growth that could overtake search in the next 5 years.  If your brand is looking to prepare for the future, you should be gathering insights and testing these new formats now.

The Power of Influence to Influence Power

In my years managing talent, there were a few simple principles that I learned that have been valuable to my work in the social impact space. And it becomes even more critical in the social impact space where we’re asking influencers, creators and celebrities to give their time for free.

The Future of Data Driven Marketing Decisions

Marketers are constantly seeking new ways to leverage insights to inform their strategies. The ever-evolving data driven marketing landscape is the latest frontier for marketers, presenting challenges and opportunities alike.

Retail’s Crystal Ball: 3 Trends Shaping Tomorrow’s Stores

While consumers continue to seek cutting-edge technology across channels, prioritizing experiences exclusive to the physical realm gives retailers a significant advantage in drawing more customers to their brick-and-mortar establishments.

Why Buyers Should Use Bid Shading

Bid shading is a feature that enables buyers to leverage historical and predictive data to influence the bid price in a programmatic ad auction.

Why AI Needs a Branding Exercise

AI should function as a tool, not a replacement for individual thought, individual workers. Think of how the internet transformed the workplace, phasing out the inherent necessity for fax machines, printers, and more.

Industry Views from the AI Safety Summit

As AI continues to dominate and concerns over safety ramp up, we spoke to four advertising and marketing experts on what’s next for AI – is it hindering or helping innovation and how it can be incorporated into advertising, marketing and business strategies in 2024?

How Amazon Ads Is Supporting Entrepreneurs

It’s a misconception that only big brands advertise on Amazon. Amazon Ads products are designed for everyone, including small businesses, and have helped these businesses grow their sales.

Transformative Strategies in Influencer Marketing

In today’s rapidly evolving influencer marketing landscape, the ability to stand out requires a blend of innovation, community engagement, psychological insight, and the timeless power of storytelling.

Advertisers Demand Accountability. When Will Ad Tech Comply?

We can solve the challenges of campaign quality, data breaches and violations of privacy through rigorous processes and certification. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s worth the protection against the risk of a billion-dollar problem that can affect tens of millions of people worldwide. 

Black Friday Is No Longer Just a Date

Black Friday, like Christmas, isn’t only one day of the year. It’s one of the biggest yearly opportunities for brands and it’s time for advertising around the event to begin reflecting that.

Achieving Customer-Centricity in 2023: The CMO’s To-Do List

Becoming customer-centric and data-driven requires dedication, but the long-term rewards for your business are significant. Embracing a coherent, first-party data plan will help you to truly understand and serve your customers better.

AW360 Q&A with Stephanie Blake, CEO, Skylight

Advertising Week New York delegates already know how special the PENN DISTRICT venue is as it played host to the biggest Advertising Week event ever. We sat down with Stephanie Blake, CEO of Skylight, the company behind the PENN DISTRICT.

The Renaissance of Targeted Advertising

Rapid technology evolutions in targeted advertising are empowering video service providers to redefine viewer engagement and boost their revenue. Let’s take a deeper look.

5 Stats to Know in Building an Elite Global Affiliate Program

Those looking to expand should undertake the initiative as much more than a side project; it will require extensive regional research, strategic prioritization of the partnerships and geos that will help you get traction, and an understanding of the privacy landscape to carve a piece of the growing global affiliate revenue pie.

Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know

Businesses are being forced – by their customers, by their governments, by their shareholders – to invest in sustainability, to reduce emissions and inequalities.  This system change is only going in one direction, with pressure groups and punchy start-ups pointing the way that individual consumer and employment choices will follow.

Where Retail Media is Heading in 2024

Understanding how retail data can benefit strategy and define the marketing mix will be unique to each brand, but those that adopt early and build a knowledge base have the opportunity to succeed.

Digging Deeper Into Advertising’s Lost Half

To demonstrate the power of optimizing in-campaign, we studied several campaigns that underperformed and estimated the approximate amount of increase in brand lift if the campaign prioritized the best-possible optimization.

How Creator Marketing Can Add Fuel to the Social Commerce Fire

Creators are playing the role of virtual sales-floor associates, not only promoting products, but reviewing and testing them, and letting customers know about discounts through entertaining, relatable content that viewers engage with and share, further extending reach. 

How Thought Leaders Can Stand Out in the Age of AI

Business professionals dedicate years — often decades — of their lives to becoming thought leaders. Why on earth are so many willing to throw away their credibility by allowing generative AI software to write content for them?

The Death of Freemium (Sponsored by Advertising)

It’s not the first time the ad industry has been under pressure though and disruption is often necessary to drive evolution. It remains to be seen what the next few years for ad-based freemium hold but one thing’s for certain, it won’t look the same as it does today.

5 Reasons Brands are Investing in Immersive Commerce

By investing in iCommerce, brands are interacting in a more engaging and collaborative way. This drives deeper customer engagement, which then fuels higher conversions, new revenue streams and improved ROI within this new set of behaviors for GenZ. 

Programmatic Remains ABM’s Next Frontier

There is no better time for a change like this to come along at the DSP level. With many B2B companies trying to do more with less right now, anything that adds efficiency and potentially boosts performance is welcome.

The Supermodel’s Guide to 50+ Marketing

Avoid ageist stereotypes and biases and meet 50+ consumers where they are with a holistic approach that taps into 50+ adults’ wide-ranging information needs, engaged lifestyles, and willingness to invest in themselves, and you’ll enhance your brand’s connections with this dominant demographic in business-building ways.

Steal My Reels Strategy

Your creative is the key to unlocking performance in Reels – one of Meta’s fastest-growing…

The Perfect Union: The Marriage of Creativity and Functionality

By harnessing the power of creative design, storytelling and innovation, coupled with seamless functionality, businesses can deliver exceptional user experiences that drive conversions, foster brand loyalty, and ultimately lead to long-term success.

Why Meaningful Attention Matters

Meaningful attention offers the possibility of finally getting inside the head of the shopper. We can’t afford to ignore it.

The Power of Brand Building for SMBs

If you’re looking to generate further virtual buzz outside your shop window, Amazon Ads solutions, such as Sponsored Products and Sponsored Brands, can help.

5 Top Strategies for Maximizing Marketing ROI

The big landscape theme for marketers today is the accelerating rate of change in all aspects of reaching customers. Media, customer touchpoints, distribution channels, and the appropriate and effective messaging about your brand are all in a constant state of flux.

awapac 2023 trends report

AWAPAC 2023 Trends Report

Exclusive advertiser insights on the challenges, opportunities and future of Connected TV advertising as a performance channel.

Nielsen Creator Report

In the categories of fashion, lifestyle and gaming, the study found that Black creators generate 10.5x the media value of their non-Black creators. You can find the full study here.

Group Black Impact Report

This first Impact Report describes the progress we’ve made towards that mission across a range of stakeholders from the period of June 2022 to June 2023.  

Changemakers: Logitech on Reaching Relevant Audiences

Seeing young-adult audiences gravitate toward more personalized and colorful products ranging from the clothes they wear to the phone cases they carry, Logitech realized there was an opportunity to create products that connect with these consumers.

The Future of Viral Content

In an AI world saturated with artificially generated content, relatable human experiences will be one of the few things able to cut through the noise. 

Amazon Ads Streaming TV Research Report

Commissioned with Opinium, the Amazon Ads Streaming TV Research Report investigates the challenges and opportunities for advertisers in the UK streaming TV space.

Audiomob

Group Black profile of Audiomob

Cxmmunity

Group Black profile of Cxmmunity

Reach TV

Group Black profile of Reach TV

Group Black: Culture in Cannes

It is no secret that traditionally, the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity has exhibited a lack of diversity. So, in 2022, Group Black set out on a mission to change that. And 2023, they returned to the festival on a mission to bring even more inclusivity to the beach than ever before. 

The Powerful Role of Advertisers in Creating Good Growth

The power of brand to influence consumer behaviour is well acknowledged, but how can advertisers help their clients tell compelling and evidence-based stories to encourage people and businesses to make more sustainable choices?

All Advertising is Performance Advertising

The evolution of targeting and measurement capabilities in TV advertising has provided marketers with an opportunity to execute campaigns with greater precision and measure their true performance.

How to Spot Holes in Your Integrated Marketing Strategy

Integrated marketing remains one of the most reliable ways to ensure that you steward your marketing funds, bring in the most leads to your sales funnel, and drive up customer loyalty. Don’t wait to start seeing results.

The Real Risk Is Not Trying

It feels like our industry is losing its optimism and succumbing to a postmodern form of cynicism. We are allowing our distrust in tech and other companies that have misused it to drive our vision for how it could be used creatively.

More Than A Celebrity – Tony Hawk

Advertising week recently sat down with Tony to discuss with him his approach towards skateboarding, facing his fears on and off the board.

AI and Web3 – Dance Partners Towards a Customized Future

For marketers looking to capture the next frontier of creativity and effectiveness, it’s not about choosing to use AI or enter into the metaverse, it’s about dancing with these technologies and imagining new worlds where there’s no boundary on what’s possible.

Tour de France – A New Arena for Marketers?

What with the recent release of Netflix’s latest sports series ‘Tour de France Unchained’, and the conclusion of the Tour 2023 this weekend, it might be time for brands to start considering whether they’re making the most of an excellent marketing opportunity. 

Unlocking the Metaverse: A Programmatic Guide

According to a 2022 report, 87% of U.S. consumers believe the metaverse will play a significant role in the way they interact with brands and 69% of marketers stated they were looking to build more experiences in metaverse-like environments in 2023.

We Need to Talk About Trust

From police forces to politicians to TV presenters, trust in the establishment has sunk to an all-time low. Mike Foster, founder and strategic creative director at Straight Forward Design, asks how brands can step into the breach.

WTF Is a Digital Twin of a Customer?

Marketers were once able to rely on third-party cookies and other identifiers but, as these fade away and privacy regulation grows, they need to consider ways to continue delivering relevant advertising while ensuring they keep customer data safe.

The Power of Audio as a Full-Funnel Channel

With the global digital audio advertising market expected to leap beyond $10 billion in spending this year, it’s clear that advertisers are waking up to the success that digital audio formats can deliver for their businesses.

Q&A with Pierre Naggar, Director of Sales, UK at MINT

We sat down with industry veteran Pierre Naggar, Director of Sales, UK at MINT to discuss the key challenges for brands in managing digital advertising workflows, why brands should focus on campaign metrics vs audience data, and why AI is not coming for your job.

Conversations with Chris Paul

NBA Star Chris Paul sits down with HBCU students from across the country to discuss his upcoming book, Sixty-One: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court.

GA4: The Countdown Is On

It’s a bit late now to be considered an early adopter, but there’s still time to switch over to GA4 before Google forces everybody to.

Double Trouble: How to Avoid PPC Pitfalls

As well as Google’s own algorithm changes, there are also developments in third-party cookie regulations that marketers need to be aware of, and the developing capabilities of AI.

Claritas: The 2023 U.S. Asian Market Report

Mining the quantitative and qualitative data on Asian American consumers can result in the understanding needed to engage this coveted population segment in an authentic manner.

The Rise of the Creative Technologist

By identifying problems and using the appropriate technology as a tool to solve them, there is the opportunity for brands to deliver innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what is possible.

Is Your Sonic Identity, or Lack of, Sabotaging Your Goals?

A sonic identity is the essence of your brand translated into sound. It’s the idea that sound or a set of auditory elements are essential to distinguishing your brand and building a preference for it because it has something interesting to say or add, and is worth paying attention to.

Why the Future of Work Depends on VoIP

As a more flexible, feature-rich, and cost-effective solution, cloud calling is poised to carry enterprises into the next phase of hybrid work and empower tomorrow’s businesses to perform at their best.

The Magic of Pitch Theatre

While most of us are now comfortable being back in the room, the halfway house of hybrid chemistry meetings and pitches seems here to stay.

Unlocking Creative Effectiveness With AI

With advertisers increasingly vying for consumer attention in a saturated market, finding a competitive advantage is essential for brands to stand out from the crowd. 

Data Detachment

People are hyper-conscious of privacy – but are not always changing their habits