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Back-to-school season is upon us. Like students need to hit the books, businesses must hit TikTok and Instagram Reels to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're new to video marketing or a seasoned pro, now is the time to refresh your strategies and incorporate trends into your content to ensure you ace the year ahead.

Bowe Digital will be your teacher. We share an update on what’s trending each month on video and audio; all you have to do is get behind the camera. If you need help getting started on TikTok, check out our TikTok ebook. We also offer Studio Days, where our team will join you for 4 to 6 hours of video recording at a great price. 

Gen Z Writes the Script Video Trend

In our July trends report, we told you to grab your Gen Z coworker or simply take a page out of their book with a funny video edit like this one. It’s time to let them take the reins again because this new trend goes hard–no cap. Ask your coworker to write the script for your next video and incorporate all of their Gen Z lingo. Whether you’re giving a tour of your office or a property like this example or explaining why people need your product or service like this one, participating in this trend would be a colossal W in the eyes of your younger customers. 

Very Demure, Very Mindful Video Trend 

Thanks to this trend, we’ve learned that almost anything can be done in a very demure, mindful and cutesy way. It works for any industry and occasion, from the original video about workday makeup to boarding a plane and even eating Crumbl cookies. Show us the “classy” way to spin in your office chair, greet a client, eat lunch, etc. The possibilities are endless.

It’s Fantastic Audio 

Serious or sarcastic: pick your poison before using this trend. Some creators and brands use this audio from the movie Nacho Libre, starring Jack Black, to compliment their customers and shine a light on what’s going well at work, such as setting boundaries. Others are using it to highlight things that aren’t so fantastic. Check out this example.  

Olympic Salute Audio Audio

People are still riding the high of the 2024 Paris Olympics on TikTok and Reels, and you can, too! You may not be able to swing your body around the high bars, flip through the air on the vault or balance on the beam like the USA gymnastics team, but we’re willing to bet you can salute. For this trend, think about the minor things you do at work that make you feel super accomplished. It can be as simple as showing up each day, crossing a task off your to-do list or receiving a compliment or positive review from a customer. Just perform your tasks on video and follow them up with the gymnast salute like @stellarortho or @togetherxr.

That’s My Girl CapCut Template 

Use this CapCut template to hype up your favorite coworker or congratulate a teammate on something! Just add a picture or video of them and tell us what makes them “your hero” in the caption or by adding some text to the video.

Hugh Jackman Laughing CapCut Template 

With all the buzz around the new Deadpool & Wolverine movie, we’re not surprised this CapCut is trending. Use it to show something within your brand or the industry you work in that makes you break out into tears of joy and laughter.

Three Canva Tips and Tricks

Social media is evolving fast. Yet, it’s still a mix of the old and new. We always encourage our partners to include more videos in their marketing to increase engagement and appeal to younger audiences, but images and graphics are still important. These Canva tips can help you create scroll-stopping content to incorporate into your marketing strategy. 

Canva Speed Paint

This Speedpaint app is so fun for creating a cool story effect! Search for “Speedpaint” in the apps section of Canva. Upload an image. Watch the magic happen!!

Canva Carousel Hack 

Next time you go to create a carousel for Instagram, open your design in Canva. Go to file > view settings > show rulers and guides > custom. Type in the desired number of columns (slides) for your carousel *type 0 for margin and gap. Drop your pics or videos into each section. Export your perfectly divided carousel and post our schedule for IG.

Canva Color Pallet Hack

Go to colorhunt.co to search for a color palette and screenshot the one you like. Upload the screenshot to Canva and drag it on top of your design. Click on the image > more > apply colors to the page.

We’ll update you with new trends each month, so bookmark this page for future reference. If you want help incorporating trends into your marketing, contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

In today's world, where countless choices exist at every corner, it’s easy to feel lost in the marketing shuffle. But here's the secret sauce to standing out—do more. I touched on the idea of communicating more often in a recent webinar, and it’s a mindset shift I urge you to grab hold of. Whether you're a marketing rookie or an experienced pro, there's always room to step up your game and better connect with your audience.

Think about a brand that recently grabbed your attention—what made you stop and take notice? Was it a unique product feature, a story that tugged at your heartstrings or an Instagram reel that made you LOL? Whatever it was, that brand went the extra mile to connect. 

So, why not steal a page from their playbook and push your marketing boundaries? Try new platforms, tweak your messaging and, most importantly, listen closely to your customers. They’re usually your best source of inspiration to do more and do it better. 

The Challenge of Doing More

I get it—it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the plethora of marketing strategies available today. It's not uncommon to get stuck in a rut, sending that one marketing email, posting a blog every now and then or just kind of winging it on social media. Think about what “more” looks like for your organization. What if you could crank things up a notch and get the results you’ve been dreaming of?

Start Small, Think Big

Every small business has a unique story to tell and a dedicated audience waiting to hear it. The beauty of “doing more” is that it doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your current strategy. Here are some baby steps you can take right now:

Consistency is Key

It’s important to remember that it’s not just about doing more; it’s about maintaining quality and consistency. If you’re all over the place, it might confuse your audience and diminish their trust in your brand. Consistency is key to keeping them engaged and coming back for more. When they know you’re a reliable source of fresh insights or engaging content, you become a thought leader in your industry.

Why This Matters

For small businesses, doing more with your marketing can mean more customers and keeping the ones you already have happy. By consistently showing your audience you care, you outshine competitors who might be a little, well, lazy.

Taking the Leap

So how do you get started? Easy—take one step at a time. Maybe it’s a killer new social media post or finally diving into that blog idea. Just start and watch how one small action can snowball into bigger things. Before you know it, those little wins will add up and take your brand to a whole new level. 

Don't wait! Seize the opportunity to elevate your marketing and stand out from the crowd. Bowe Digital can be your partner in achieving this. Whether you need a content calendar, social media makeover, compelling email campaigns or help starting a blog, our team has the expertise to help you do more.Contact Bradley Erb at bradley@bowedigital.com to discuss how we can tailor a plan that meets your unique needs. Visit bowedigital.com to check out our entire menu of services and learn how we can help your business grow.

Social media is one big social gathering, and like any get-together or event, timing is everything. Show up late to a surprise party, and you may ruin the surprise. Show up too early for a happy hour, and you won’t get the deals. Timing changes based on the event; the same goes for social media. You must find the sweet spot for each platform to get your content in front of the right people. Bowe Digital will help you get started. In this blog, we’re sharing the best times to post on social media using data from Hootsuite and Sprout Social

Tip: It’s not just about when you post but also what you post. Our team can create custom content that’s on trend, aligns with your goals and resonates with your customers. Visit www.bowedigital.com/services to learn more about our services.  

Facebook

Facebook is one of the oldest and most widely used social media platforms. In 2022, it saw a slight decline among younger users, but just like high-waisted jeans, it came back in style. The largest age group using the app today is 25-34-year-old males and females. However, it is also popular among older generations. Peak engagement times on Facebook tend to be mid-morning on weekdays, with the most popular days being Tuesday and Wednesday between 9 AM and 3 PM.  

“When it comes to getting seen on the Facebook algorithm, past performance and follower activity are both important. You also want to consider what time your target audience tends to scroll, paying attention to differences in time zones,” according to Hootsuite. This can vary based on your customer base and what they do for work. A teacher may be on before and after the school day, whereas an accountant may be more active during lunch breaks. Luckily, users check their feeds multiple times a day, so you have room to experiment. Keep in mind that posts containing images get the best engagement. 

Instagram

Instagram is a visual platform where timing can significantly impact your visibility. “Recency is a key ranking signal in Instagram’s algorithm. This means that audience behavior is an important factor in posting times,” says this article. Studies suggest that the best times to post on Instagram are typically between 10 AM and 2 PM during weekdays, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays extending to 4 PM. On weekends, the engagement tends to be higher from 11 AM to 1 PM. However, it’s not an exact science. While many brand accounts tend to do well posting early in the morning, certain industries may have more success in the evening. If you’re posting about merchandise, housing, entertainment or related products or services, you may be dealing with some late-night scrollers. Note that carousel posts perform the best for business accounts.

LinkedIn

Are you in the business of marketing to other businesses? Then LinkedIn is the social gathering place for you. The platform is a hub for professionals to connect, and 82% of B2B marketers see success. “While it used to be primarily professionals scrolling at 5 a.m., LinkedIn now has a lot of young professionals who are browsing in their leisurely time, too,” says this article. However, they may be clocking out of LinkedIn when they clock out of work. Studies show the highest engagement occurs midday on weekdays, especially on Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 10 AM and noon. When it comes to LinkedIn, posting different types of content throughout the day can be beneficial. If you have written content, try posting in the morning and save your images and videos for the afternoon. 

TikTok

The kids are using it, and you should, too! Gen Z, or the “TikTok generation,” is quickly aging into the market, and your business needs to meet them where they’re at when they’re there. If you’re looking for video ideas, check out our Trends Blog. After all, TikTok is the fastest-growing channel for product discovery.

“TikTok doesn’t always publish videos the second you hit “post,” …so you should post a bit earlier than the time you want your video to start showing up on peoples’ feeds,” according to Hootsuite. The best times to post often align with when people have free time, typically in the evenings and on weekends. Pushing your content out between 4 PM and 6 PM on Tuesdays and Fridays and 9 AM to 11 AM on Wednesdays and Thursdays can increase your engagement. Adding well-researched hashtags can make your posts searchable for longer.

X (formerly known as Twitter)

In our opinion, X is no longer the place for businesses to mix and mingle with customers due to its fast-paced nature, where tweets can quickly get buried in the feed. It’s better suited for news and trending topics, but we understand if you’re having trouble letting go. To maximize your reach, try posting on weekdays between 12 PM and 3 PM, as well as from 5 PM to 6 PM. Additionally, consider posting on weekends between 1 PM and 3 PM.

Remember, these times are based on general trends and averages. The most effective timing for your social media strategy will differ based on your target audience's demographics, location and industry. Experimenting with different times and analyzing the results on each platform will help you refine your posting schedule. If your followers span multiple regions or countries, you may need to schedule posts to cater to their local time zones. Social media management tools can be a valuable resource for automating posts at specific times and effectively targeting a global audience.


If you need help posting the right content at the right times, Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our custom marketing services at bowedigital.com.

Every legend began as a rookie. With the help of this month's trends report, you can hit your videos out of the park and gain new fans for your business! The great thing about creating video content is that you don’t have to be a pro. Plenty of people who go viral on TikTok or Reels start out with few to no followers. Your main goal should be to create content that is authentic, relatable and entertaining. Everything else will come with time and practice.

Bowe Digital is here to coach you through this season on social media and every season after. We’ll be sharing an update on what’s trending each month on video and audio, and all you have to do is get behind the camera. If you need help getting started on TikTok, check out our TikTok ebook. We also offer Studio Days, where our team will join you for 4 to 6 hours of video recording at a great price. 

The Only Thing That Can Calm Me Down Video Trend

We all get stressed at work. The question is who or what calms you down? You can participate in this trend with your favorite coworker or an office pet, like this example, or you can get more creative. Some people like @thatstheguyfromtiktok have put their twist on the trend, highlighting what things calm them down – like simply leaving the office or having a sweet treat

Normalize Naming Your Kid After Something You Love Video Trend

From the Stormi Kardashians to the Malibu Barbie Paytas-Hacmons of the world, people are getting more creative when naming their children. This video trend tells us to throw out all the rules and normalize naming our kids after anything we love–no matter how ridiculous. Examples like this one can work for any industry, and the best part is you don’t even have to be in the video if you don’t want to be. Check out this example that uses pictures only. This trend is all jokes, but if you decide to name your next kid Bowe Digital, you won’t hear any complaints from us!

Remember, you never know how long a trend may last, so take a look at these past trends.

Is Somebody Gonna Match My Freak Audio

We’re all freaks in one way or another, and despite the somewhat scandalous song choice, this audio trend has become quite wholesome. Even Love on the Spectrum star Connor Tomlinson has used it. Check out his example. Then try lip-syncing the words yourself and add text over the top about one of your quirks. It can be anything you do differently than your coworkers or customers, in or outside of work. 

Just Here For the Zipline Audio

If your company offers extra perks like a really great drink fridge or snack bar, catered lunch or a four-day workweek, this could be the perfect trend for you. The audio pokes fun at anyone showing up somewhere for the “wrong reasons,” so think about what motivates you to go to work other than the work itself and recruit one of your teammates to film it with you, like this

A Picture From Every Month CapCut Template

It feels like we blinked, and it was June. This CapCut is a great way to commemorate the year so far, but you must act fast! All you have to do is gather one picture from each month of you and your team around the office, at conferences and events or team outings. Pro tip: The dates don’t have to be exact. After all, no one but you will know. 

I Am So Talented CapCut Template

Be your own hype person and use this CapCut to show off something you’re an expert at or anything, small or big, that you’re proud of. Here’s an example.

What’s Bowe Up To? 

Celebrating seven fantastic years of helping small businesses tell their stories through custom marketing. Shout out to all our supporters!! Here are seven things we’re proud of and doing differently this year:

We’ll update you with new trends each month, so bookmark this page for future reference. If you want help incorporating trends into your marketing, contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

We’re dropping this month’s trends like they’re hot (because they are). To get in on the action before they cool down, you need to understand that TikTok and Reels work differently. Trends make it big on TikTok before gaining popularity on Reels, and longer Reels can negatively affect your performance.

However, the best thing you can do is try. Bowe Digital is here to give you a road map to popularity. We’ll be sharing an update on what’s trending each month on video and audio, and all you have to do is get behind the camera. If you need help getting started on TikTok, check out our TikTok ebook

Who You Think You’re Emailing Video Trend

What you see isn’t always what you get, especially with a remote team. Work-from-home culture has some of us swapping office desks for living room couches and dressing business professionally up top while staying cozy on the bottom. This trend pokes fun at the two opposing images we present. Try it out by showcasing a professional photo of yourself, representing the image your client imagines they're emailing, followed by a glimpse of your real personality, in or outside of work, like this example.

Dramatic Transition Video Trend

These transition videos are popping up everywhere, and for good reason. They’re great for showcasing your business, product or services, like this new pot-throwing transition video, but some take physical dedication. Try this video transition if you don’t mind getting a little wet. Not afraid of a little bruising and battering? Try a transition like this one

Remember, you never know how long a trend may last, so take a look at these past trends

A Croissant Won’t Solve Your Problems Audio 

You don’t have to get literal when using this sound; just focus on the concept that two is better than one. Two of your products, two fun coworkers or two office pets–get creative and just make sure to change the overlaying text to match whatever you’re talking about. 

3,2,1…GO! Audio

Using this sound in your TikTok and Reels is as easy as dancing along to it around the office like these teammates or recording yourself completing a task and adding the sound in the background. 

The Conscious Baby CapCut Template

Who wants to go to the Four Seasons Orlando? The adorable baby, who is being referred to as “the conscious baby” because of her quick response and apparent awareness, has officially been turned into a CapCut. To use it, just think of any question that would have you shooting your hand up and shouting “Meee!!” like this new baby influencer.

King Charles CapCut Template

Get the royal treatment and showcase a new product, service or website with this CapCut. Here’s an example

What’s Bowe Up To? 

Our team is still basking in the glory of being named one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana for the third year in a row. How would we describe Bowe Digital? See for yourself by watching this video. We might make it look easy, but here is what ACTUALLY goes on behind the scenes when recording a video at Bowe Digital. We can help you make it look easy, too.


We’ll update you with new trends each month, so bookmark this page for future reference. If you want help incorporating trends into your marketing, contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but they never said you had to take the picture yourself. In today's digital age, images are a crucial component of your marketing. From blog posts and websites to social media and flyers, pictures can make the difference between someone stopping to look and read your content or scrolling by. 

At Bowe Digital, we understand that many companies don’t have the resources or budget to hire a photographer or purchase premium stock photos (in this economy!?). When it comes to capturing original content of your team and customers, your iPhone can usually do the trick, but for the times you miss the photo op or can’t find an image that fits exactly what you’re looking for, there are other free alternatives! In this guide, we'll explore the best websites where you can avoid copyright issues and find high-quality images for free.

1. Unsplash: Unsplash is a treasure trove of high-resolution images that are not only stunning but also free to use for personal and commercial purposes. Whether you're working on a blog, website, or marketing campaign, Unsplash has you covered.

2. Pixabay: Pixabay is a versatile platform offering a wide variety of photos, illustrations and vector graphics. With a vast collection of high-quality images, it's a go-to choice for designers and content creators.

3. Pexels: Pexels is another top pick for free stock photos and videos. Its user-friendly search feature and extensive content library make it an excellent resource for all your visual needs.

4. Burst by Shopify: Burst is a fantastic resource for entrepreneurs and e-commerce enthusiasts. It provides high-resolution photos perfect for showcasing products and building business-related content.

5. Freepik: Freepik offers a massive selection of free vectors, photos and PSD files. While many resources are free, some may require attribution, so be sure to check the licensing terms.

6. Canva: Besides offering free images and illustrations, Canva provides a powerful design platform. This all-in-one solution is perfect for creating eye-catching visuals and marketing materials.

7. Gratisography: If you're looking for quirky and creative images that stand out from traditional stock photos, Gratisography has you covered. Their unique collection is a breath of fresh air.

8. Life of Pix: Life of Pix is the place to go for artistic and high-quality photos. These visuals are perfect for blogs, websites, and social media posts that demand something extra special.

9. Kaboompics: Kaboompics offers beautifully styled photography, making it an excellent resource for bloggers and social media enthusiasts. Their images can add a touch of elegance to your projects.

10. Reshot: For high-quality, non-stocky images that grab attention, Reshot is the place to explore. Their unique collection can make your projects stand out from the crowd.

11. Picjumbo: Picjumbo offers a diverse collection of free photos for personal and commercial use. With a wide range of categories, you're sure to find the perfect image for your project.

12. Public Domain Pictures: As the name suggests, this site is a goldmine for public domain images, meaning they're free for any use. It's a valuable resource for those who want to avoid licensing hassles.

It's important to remember that while these websites offer free images, licensing terms and attribution requirements may differ. If you plan to use the images for commercial purposes, it's essential to check the licensing terms and, when required, provide proper attribution to the creator.


Less words, more pictures! Start incorporating more eye-catching visuals into your marketing. Looking for something a little more custom? Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

Today, we're diving into the world of emoji marketing, where little icons have the power to clarify your messages and make your brand stand out amongst all the digital noise. Buckle up, because we're about to discover how these tiny symbols can pack a punch for your business.

The Emoji Explosion

Before we jump headfirst into emoji marketing, let's take a quick trip down memory lane. Remember when emojis were nothing more than cute smiley faces and hearts? Well, those days are ancient history. Emojis are now a part of our daily digital conversation. People don't just use them for fun; they use them to express their feelings and reactions, and even as substitutes for entire sentences. 

Emojis: The Universal Language

Why are emojis so awesome for marketing? They speak a universal language. Whether you're chatting with someone in New York, Tokyo or Timbuktu, a 👍 can mean the same thing: "Good job!" or “Sounds good!” That universal understanding allows you to break down language barriers and connect with audiences from all corners of the globe.

Adding Flavor to Your Brand Voice

Emojis are like 🧂 for your content. They let you infuse 😆, 😮, or 😎 into your marketing messages and give more context to your audience so that nothing gets lost in translation. "I'm fine" with a 😀 feels worlds apart from "I'm fine" with a 😐, 😞.  or even a 🙃.

Emojis allow your brand to be relatable and human. Whether you're a tech giant or a local bakery, emojis help you connect with your audience on a personal level. They're like the digital equivalent of a friendly nod and a warm smile.

Storytelling in Symbols

Emojis aren't just cute, they're tiny storytellers. 📖 When used creatively, they can convey complex narratives in the blink of an eye. Think about how Apple introduced its iPhone X with a single tweet featuring only the Face ID emoji. 🤳That one tiny image told a massive story – facial recognition, privacy and cutting-edge tech. No need for paragraphs of explanation; the emoji did the talking.

Standing Out in the Inbox

Now, let's chat about email marketing. We all know inboxes are crowded places, and making your email pop is a serious challenge. This is where emojis come to the rescue. According to this article, “The open rate of emails with emojis in the subject line is up to 56% higher compared to the plain subject lines.”

If you're promoting a flash sale, for example, try something like "Last Chance! 🏃‍♂️💨" The running emoji adds a sense of urgency, and the arrow emphasizes the need for speed. It's like a virtual kick in the pants, motivating your subscribers to open that email.

Hashtags and Emojis: A Power Couple

Hashtags and emojis go together like peanut butter and jelly. 🥪 Combining relevant emojis with your hashtags can give your posts a massive boost. Let's say you're sharing some fitness tips on Instagram. You could use #FitnessFriday along with emojis like 💪🏋️‍♀️ to increase your visibility and engage your audience.

The Emotion Connection

Emotions drive our decisions. When you use emojis that tap into the feelings your brand wants to evoke, you're creating a direct emotional connection–the secret sauce of branding. Not convinced that emojis can make that big of an impact? This article states, “44% of users are more likely to purchase products advertised using emojis.”

Emoji Surveys and Feedback

Want to get feedback from your audience? Make it fun with emoji surveys. Instead of asking for written reviews, ask your customers to rate their experience with a few choice emojis. For example, an e-commerce site could send out a survey asking, "How was your shopping experience today?" and include a row of emojis, from 😡 to 😃. It's quick, easy, and lets you gauge satisfaction instantly.

Challenges and Caution

Of course, like any marketing strategy, using emojis comes with some challenges. You need to know your audience well to ensure that the emojis you use resonate with them. Also, overusing emojis can make your content look unprofessional, so find the right balance.

And, remember that not all emojis are created equal. Some emojis might carry unintended connotations 😬, so do your research to avoid any potential mishaps.

Whether you're creating a social media post, sending an email or running a marketing campaign, emojis can be your secret weapon to getting more engagement. Need some help getting started? Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

Over 100 million people will tune in for Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday night to watch the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers. But we’ll let you in on a secret: it’s not because of the Chiefs' recent rise in PR – people will watch no matter who’s playing the game. The Super Bowl is one of the most viewed events every single year. What makes it so successful? There’s something in it for everyone. From the big game and halftime performances to highly anticipated commercials and spin-off events like the Puppy Bowl, there’s a lot you can learn, and Bowe Digital is here to help.

The Big Game

The Super Bowl is the grand finale of the 2024 season, and each element brings in a new audience. Football fans will watch the game to see how it all ends, Swifties will tune in for a glimpse or two of Taylor on the big screen, fans who’ve Got It Bad for Usher will stick around for his halftime performance and the people who “just hope both teams have fun” will welcome the excuse to gather with friends and eat football shaped appetizers. 

As game day approaches, the Chiefs and 49ers will study each other's game tapes and highlight reels. Sunday night, they’ll put on their uniforms, proudly displaying their team logos as they battle it out, and fans will do the same. 

Here’s what you can learn:

The events you attend may not be as big as the Super Bowl, but there’s no reason you can’t rep your team. Don’t miss an opportunity to show who you play for by wearing company gear whenever you’re on the go. Prep for events by creating a highlight reel or elevator pitch about your products or services and push it out on all platforms (use video!). Lastly, and this one might seem obvious, be friendly. Follow Jason Kelce’s lead by being so likable that even the other team’s fans cheer you on.

Commercials Worth Watching

One of the only times people will watch commercials without complaining is during the Super Bowl. Some successful ones include Kia’s robo-dog commercial highlighting their electric vehicles, Heineken’s commercial with Marvel Studios, and Best Buy’s ‘Asking Amy’ commercial, which aired during the peak of her show Parks & Recreation. What do they all have in common? They mimic the trends happening in real life–whether in pop culture or the world. Heineken, for example, chose to promote their non-alcoholic beverages despite being known as an alcoholic beer brand. They recognized that their audience was becoming more health and wellness-oriented and followed suit. These brands also decided to take a light and comedic approach despite difficult things happening in the world around the time they aired.

Here’s what you can learn:

It’s okay to try different things and target different groups of people. Not every email, post or blog needs to resonate with your entire audience. Play with pop culture, humor and nostalgia. Post a Drake meme like this one from Title Success and an educational video like this one from Southern Loan Servicing and see what happens. 

Always pay attention to the world around you and create contextually relevant content that people can relate to in the moment. For example, if you’re seeing a climate change trend in the news, take the opportunity to highlight the green initiatives or projects you’ve worked on. Use your best judgment when it comes to tone.

The Puppy Bowl

None of the football, all of the hype. On February 11, the same day as the big game, you can watch a feel-good competition between Team Ruff and Team Fluff to win the Lombarky trophy. While the televised event really just consists of adorable puppies and kittens running around aimlessly, it has a greater purpose. Animal Planet capitalizes on the attention that the Super Bowl generates to shine a light on animal adoption. All “players” are adoptable, and the event boasts a 100% adoption rate.

Here’s what you can learn:

Yes, it helps that puppies and kittens are adorable, but we think you’re pretty cute yourself. If a trending event or topic doesn’t seem directly related to what you do, you can still spin it to work for your company and draw more attention to your business. 

Let Super Bowl LVIII inspire you to try some super marketing tactics at in-person events, on social media and in your marketing collateral. Bowe Digital is here whether you need us to cheer you on from the sidelines or join your team to get you to the endzone with custom marketing. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

Start off 2024 by increasing your marketing efforts. If you can’t afford a marketing company like Bowe Digital right now, that’s okay. We work with budgets of all sizes and try to be as flexible as possible for our customers, but humans are expensive. AI, like ChatGPT, is not. 

However, ChatGPT isn’t perfect. The Roomba runs into walls, Alexa will respond to her name even if it’s coming from the TV, (Schitt’s Creek fans get it) and ChatGPT lacks human creativity and causes occasional plagiarism problems. Still, it can be a great tool to use if you don’t have the budget for a marketing team right now or are just getting started.

Tips for Writing Effective ChatGPT Prompts

Writing for robots is a lot like writing for humans. The more information you give them, the more you’ll get out of it. Combine the following tips to come up with a single set of instructions.

Start by defining your project. Whether you're seeking content for an email campaign, social media ideas or a witty blog, a well-defined description, including the purpose of the project and intended audience, will set the stage for a more focused response.

Give ChatGPT All the Deets. Tell ChatGPT its role, providing a point-of-view for the AI tool to write from. Include any background information, statistics or facts, along with any key elements you want to be incorporated. 

Bring Your Vision to Life. “Your prompt should specify how the output response should be generated, including the tone, length, style and structure, as well as research that needs to be conducted,” as stated by Coursera. You should also include any additional rules and restraints.

Now, Let’s Put What We’ve Learned Into Action with Three Example Prompts.

1. Email Drip Campaign for Your Company

Prompt: "Craft a compelling email drip campaign from a [insert type of company], encouraging past customers to choose our [insert type of product or services] again. Highlight the benefits of repeat business and the ease of working with us. Keep the tone friendly and informative with a call to action at the end, and limit each email to 100 words."

2. Social Media Ideas and Captions for Your Job Title

Prompt: "Generate 10 creative social media post ideas and catchy captions for a [insert job title] to use, targeting [insert target audience]. Incorporate humor, if possible, and focus on promoting [insert product or services], sharing industry news, and engaging the audience. Consider using a mix of visuals and text to maximize social media impact."

3. Blog Post to Inform Your Customers About an Industry Topic

Prompt: "From the perspective of [insert company], create a 500-word blog post about [insert topic]. Incorporate humor, if possible, and include a quote from [insert resource] that supports the main ideas in the blog, which should be about [insert idea] and [insert idea]. Keep it engaging and relevant for industry professionals."To avoid filtering and plagiarism issues, always run your content through AI detectors like this one and platforms like Grammarly. For custom marketing from a company that knows your brand and you, work with the humans at Bowe Digital. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.

Worlds collided on Sunday as 12-time Grammy winner Taylor Swift cheered on two-time Super Bowl champion tight end Travis Kelce at the Chiefs game, where he made seven catches and scored a touchdown in their 41-10 victory over the Bears. Now, the internet is divided over the unlikely pair, who are rumored to be dating, and it has both the Swifties and football fans wondering if sparks are really flying between the two.

Naturally, Bowe Digital is more worried about what this budding relationship means for their prospective brands.

Taylor’s Version 

Taylor is notorious for her chart-topping breakup and love songs inspired by her star-studded list of exes. While her songs are wildly popular, it’s the marketing tactics behind them that sell out concert stadiums and create buzz on social media. 

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour generated 5 billion dollars in revenue using six main tactics we can all learn from. They offered exclusive items only available for purchase at the concert, followed organic community trends – cue the friendship bracelets (this will be important later!), listened to fans – adding more tour dates due to high demand, left hints on Taylor Swift’s website and social media, leaned into Taylor-themed side events and spread out the love on social, featuring things like ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos on TikTok, Stories during the concert and Instagram photo carousels days after. 

Taylor and her team also recognize the value of repurposing successful content. Knowing how much her fans loved the album Sparks Fly, she wrote Sparks Fly (Taylor’s Version). Likewise, following the success of her tour, her team repurposed it into a movie experience. 

Catching Kelce

Travis Kelce has been in the NFL for 11 years. In 2016, he scored a role on his dating show called Catching Kelce, but it wasn’t until the 2023 Super Bowl, where he faced off against his older brother Jason Kelce and won, that he started to gain the attention of people everywhere. Following his Super Bowl win, Travis was invited to host SNL, has starred in commercials, tried his hand at some modeling and most notably, started a podcast with his brother called New Heights with Travis and Jason Kelce. The football player capitalized on his newfound fame to build a lasting brand and now has the #1 most popular sports podcast on Spotify.

In Their (Chiefs) Red Era

So, how are Taylor and Travis helping each other score? First, let’s talk about how the two got together. A long-time fan, Travis attended one of Taylor’s concerts during her Eras Tour and brought a friendship bracelet with his number on it, proving just how good of a marketing tactic it was (we told you this would be important). Sadly, he didn’t get the chance to give it to her, but he shot his shot again and scored her attendance at the Sunday night game. 

Taylor and Travis are the best at what they do in their perspective fields, but little overlap exists. Their relationship exposes them to new audiences, with Taylor making her ESPN debut and Travis being discovered by Swifties everywhere. However, it does seem like Travis and the Chiefs got the better side of the deal. “Since Sunday’s Chiefs-Bears game, there’s been a 400% spike in Travis Kelce jersey sales, Kelce’s podcast ranks #1 overall on Apple, Kelce adds 383K Instagram followers, 24.3M viewers watched the game, 3x increase in ‘Chiefs’ searches on the web, 3x increase in Chiefs’ sales on Stubhub and Chiefs sold more tickets in a single day since the start of the season,” according to this Instagram post from Front Office Sports.

Whether this means we’ll see more football jerseys at the next Taylor Swift concert or sparkly outfits at the Chiefs game, we’re here for it. All we can hope for is more touchdowns, new songs and great marketing. Like Taylor and Travis, give people something to talk about by working with Bowe Digital. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com to discuss your marketing goals! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.