Creating and distributing content is one of the most effective ways to build your brand and engage with your target audience. But, only if it’s done right. If your content primarily focuses on pitching your company, services and products, you need to rethink your strategy. Today’s consumer prefers to learn about products and services through articles, not advertisements. They want to be educated through online searches, not “sold.”
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If this season’s programming successes have taught us anything, it’s this: viewer options are increasing and preferences are changing, but audiences are still flocking to smash hits – both old and new.
This season has already surpassed the last in programming choices and hits. This may be due, in part, to the fact that broadcast networks are sticking with the genres and programs they’ve become known for: NBC-dramas, CBS-reliability, FOX-sports and one-hit programming like Empire.
Top Broadcast Show of the Fall Season
This is Us, NBC’s newest family show, came with high expectations and big promises. And, it delivered. It makes you smile, laugh and cry, with well-developed characters and equally well thought-out storylines reminiscent of NBC’s fan-favorite, Parenthood.
Since its premiere, This is Us has boasted strong numbers, blowing even projected and anticipated viewership out of the water (with help from heavy promotion on traditional TV and digital, a sizeable ad budget and a strong lead-in from The Voice). Renewed only a week into the opening season, This is Us is firmly positioned as the season’s “must see” show and a clear example of what viewers are looking for.
Canceled Shows
As always, there are shows on the chopping block. However, networks seem to be turning to ordering fewer new episodes rather than cancelling them outright. Part of the reason — although traditional TV viewership is down 38% from 2011, streaming video services are growing at a rate of 9% year-over-year. 2016 marked the first year that streaming video services were in 50% of US television households. So, it makes sense for networks to see which shows perform better with online and on-demand viewers. This strategy buys them time to evaluate DVR and online numbers, resulting in a more informed cancellation or renewal decisions.
| Network |
Full Season Pickups |
Too Soon to Tell Or Decreased Episodes |
| ABC |
American Housewife
Designated Survivor
Speechless |
Conviction
Notorious |
| CBS |
Bull
Kevin Can Wait
MacGyver
The Great Indoors
Man With a Plan |
Pure Genius |
| NBC |
This is Us |
Timeless
The Good Place |
| FOX |
Lethal Weapon |
Pitch
Son of Zorn
The Exorcist |
| CW |
|
Frequency
No Tomorrow |
Surprise of the Season
NFL ratings are still outpacing all other shows, but have seen an unexpected decline this season. I believe (along with many others) there are a multitude of reasons:
- The NFL has been slowly getting rid of what made the games fun to watch — touchdown dances and team celebrations
- More and more bad calls by referees
- Over commercialization of the game
- Lots of negative player stories
What Can We Learn?
All in all, the fall season numbers (as well as its fewer cancellations) have once again confirmed the power of quality television. In spite of increasing changes in how audiences are watching, they are continuing to tune into their favorites shows and will be for the foreseeable future. For more information on TV viewing trends and stats, click here.
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Every year during the holiday season, consumers are inundated with advertisements from millions of companies vying for their attention and money. With so much competition, why do businesses even bother? Because, if you place the right type of ad, it pays off. Big Time! In 2015 , brands reaped 113% more return on ad spend, thanks in part to larger increases in average order values (AOV).
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2017 is fast-approaching. And while you’re probably knee-deep in how to finish 2016 strong, now is also the time to start planning for what’s to come. Today, as many as 85% of small and mid-size companies make the mistake of operating based only on a budget. Without a well-designed marketing plan, you fail to establish guidelines and proper direction, as well as run the risk of being unable to successfully identify key performance indicators (KPI’s). To ensure your business can hit the ground running January 1st, you need to be asking (and answering) three key questions:
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Despite a changing landscape, evolving technology and the growing influence of digital and social channels, the formula for a great client-agency relationship goes back to the basics. It’s not enough to establish a relationship; a lasting partnership must be nurtured to foster growth and ensure longevity.
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It’s no secret that streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Instant Video have altered the way we watch our movies and TV shows. The rapid adoption of these services over the past few years has caused many media and advertising analysts to proclaim that traditional network and cable television is dead. No longer are people tuning in week after week to catch up on their favorite characters, or sitting through a half dozen commercial breaks per hour to find out what happens next.
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Brand identity. Many businesses treat it as little more than an afterthought, but a good identity — with a strong personality that customers love — is the foundation for longterm success. A strong brand will boost customer retention, increase purchase usage and can considerably lower your acquisition costs.
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The Digital Age has brought no end of new marketing opportunities and new perspectives on advertising. However, it hasn’t spelled the end of traditional marketing tactics, and in fact some longstanding strategies are even more effective today. Direct mail is one of them.
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We don’t blush when it comes to talking about money. Figuring out the optimum marketing budget for your business is important — it shouldn’t be a delicate conversation, it should be right out in the open. Clear communication about a budget helps set expectations for you and your marketing team, and is central to building an effective, goal-oriented marketing plan.
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Some things never go out of style. Other things are out of date almost the second they’re out of the store. In order to be effective, today’s marketing and advertising often requires a combination of traditional (direct mail, billboards, radio/tv), as well as newer and emerging tactics (social selling, highly targeted audience segmentation, experiential marketing).
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