We don’t just remember the pain of stepping on a stray Lego brick when we think of the Lego brand. We think about a time when our imaginations ran wild and when we would play all day instead of work. “Lego’s strong connection to childhood memories has played a crucial role in its popularity. By consistently reminding consumers of the joy and creativity associated with Lego, the company has created a sense of emotional attachment that keeps customers coming back,” states this article. Today, it is a toy brand for children and adults.
Despite the company’s dominance, its journey hasn’t been without ups and downs. Lego’s story is a lesson in the power of listening to your customers, learning what they love and adapting to their needs to stay relevant in a constantly changing market.
Building the Lego Brand
The first building blocks of Lego’s empire were wooden toys. Among the most notable was the Lego duck. The story behind the duck reinforced the company’s motto, “Only the best is good enough.” When the factory nearly burned down in 1942, Lego realized that the best might require an alternative to wood–that’s when the Lego brick was born.
The Lego brick is a toy with limitless possibilities, with no right or wrong way to play with it. “Bricks made today will still fit with those produced over 60 years ago. That consistency and longevity have ensured that Lego sets get passed down over generations,” according to this article. But Lego isn’t just selling a toy; it’s selling an experience. Wanting to help prepare children for life, it has always found ways to mimic themes in real life, like urbanization in the 1950s, conflict between good and evil and human aggression.
When the Blocks Came Tumbling Down
But as we know, life isn’t all sunshine and stacked blocks. Despite its early success, the 1990s and early 2000s were less than kind to Lego. The company struggled financially, nearly facing bankruptcy in 2003. “Sales were down 30% year over year, and it was in $800mn of debt,” according to this article.
A major factor was a disconnect from its core audience; Lego lost track of which products were profitable and expanded its product line too broadly in an attempt to diversify. The shift into new product spaces diluted their brand identity and moved away from what customers loved most—the classic brick-building experience.
New Building Blocks For Success
It was time to clean up the pieces like a basket of Legos strewn about the room. Lego returned “back to brick,” focusing on what worked and reconnecting with customer needs and wants.
Targeting New Audiences
In a world where we constantly have to pay our bills on time, schedule appointments and clean our homes, we crave structure and guidance. Lego provides that structure with Lego for Adults, “adult-oriented” sets with clear directions that cater to their unique preferences. According to this article, Lego’s decision to target adults led to a 27% increase in revenue in 2021, proving that you don’t always have to reinvent the wheel. Tweaking existing products or marketing strategies to cater to different demographics and niche markets can get the results you’re looking for.
Introducing Strategic Partnerships and Pop Culture
We often discuss the power of injecting pop culture and trends into your marketing and have started sharing a monthly trends blog to help Bowe Digital customers do that. The Lego brand takes it a step further by securing licenses with brands like Harry Potter, Disney and Marvel. Not only does this create opportunities for Lego to turn iconic characters into brick form so that fans can recreate their favorite scenes, but also for it to make spin-off Lego movies and TV series.
Recognizing Storytelling Potential
By partnering with beloved franchises, Lego’s stories write themselves. “The Lego Movie wasn’t just a hit at the box office; it was a brilliant marketing move that brought the Lego brand into the mainstream consciousness. It turned Lego bricks into characters people cared about, deepening the emotional connection between the brand and its fans,” states this article.
By weaving stories into your marketing that align with your audience’s aspirations, challenges and dreams, you can engage them on a personal level and transform your brand into something more meaningful to them.
Community Involvement
Staying relevant requires consistent engagement with your community. By launching platforms like Lego Ideas, which encourages fans to submit their creations for potential mass production, Lego fostered a sense of ownership and pride. “For e-commerce marketers, this is a powerful reminder to involve your customers in the creative process,” Ptengine explains. It helps you learn what your customers want and makes them feel connected to your brand.
Lego also hosts conventions, building competitions and specialized AFOL gatherings, and implements inclusive policies to ensure no audiences are alienated from the brand.
Social Listening and Initiatives
Lego listens to its audience not just about products but also about the values they care about. As a result, they’ve committed to sustainable practices, aiming for all packaging to be renewable or recyclable by 2025 and all core products to be made from sustainable materials by 2030.
Lego’s customer-centric marketing strategy demonstrates the need for continuous learning and adaptation in business. By constantly gathering feedback and analyzing market trends, Lego has stayed relevant and your business can do the same. Once you know what your customers want, you can rebuild your story and create an emotional connection to your products, services and brand. The storytellers at Bowe Digital can help. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com. Learn more about our custom marketing services at bowedigital.com.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You’ve done the back-to-school shopping with your kiddos, teachers have shared their Amazon wishlists and set up their classrooms, and now it’s time to focus on you. However, just like the kids have ditched cursive writing for learning on laptops, you’ve traded in long commutes for remote work. Bowe Digital can help you become a remote-work pro, but today, we’re taking a page out of our teachers’ book.
Teachers, we salute you! Not only for educating our little ones but also for taking them off our hands for a while. We admire your organizational skills, patience and knack for making your classrooms both functional and inspirational.
While some of us may want to leave sharing Amazon wishlists to the teachers (they deserve it), these Amazon finds will help you revamp your home office space.
The Remote Worker’s Ultimate Amazon Wishlist:
Since you’re likely spending most of your workdays in it, a comfortable chair is non-negotiable. You can level up your existing chair with lumbar support pads and seat cushions like this CloudBliss seat cushion, or you can sit criss-cross applesauce like the kids with options like this aesthetic chair and this ergonomic one.
For the days you don't want to get out of bed, leave the couch or the pool lounger, portable desk stands like this LapGear Lap Desk can make it easier to work from wherever you want.
When the bus pulls up at the end of the day and the front door swings open, you can stay in the zone and block out the chaos (whether your work day is over or not - we won’t tell) with noise-canceling headphones. Try this budget-friendly option from JBL, or splurge on these Sony headphones.
In case working from home wasn’t hard enough, some people are adding walking from home to their resumes, too. Walking pads, or portable treadmills, have become a trend among remote workers on TikTok. You, too, can get your steps in while you work by purchasing a walking pad like this one. Of course, having a standing desk like this adjustable one by WOKA will make multitasking a bit easier.
No windows in your at-home office space? No problem. Achieve the perfect lighting for Zoom calls, video recordings and more with a clip on ring light. Try this dimmable option.
If you’re worried about your FBI agent watching your every move (if you know, you know), a sliding webcam cover like this one can help give you peace of mind and a little extra privacy when the cameras aren’t (supposed) to be rolling.
Whether you’re trying to savor your morning coffee or you're just too busy to drink it before it gets cold, a mug warmer can keep it hot. Try this wireless one.
…Because we think they should be part of every work from home uniform. After all, working from home allows you to be business up top and comfort down below. Here are a few cozy slippers you should add to your cart: Ankis Fuzzy Memory Foam Slippers, Men’s Memory Foam Slippers and Retro Smiley Face Slippers.
We hope you and your kids have an amazing school year! At Bowe Digital, we’re passionate about what we do and can work with any budget. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com to discuss your marketing goals! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.
Listen up! No, really. Pop on your headphones or connect to your car’s Bluetooth during your next drive because you don’t want to miss what Wayne Stanley had to say about marketing on the FNF Unplugged podcast.
The Fidelity National Financial Family of Companies’ Unplugged podcast was created to spark conversations with professionals across the country – exploring business topics and empowering personal growth in real estate, financial services and the title industry. In May, our Owner and Chief Inspiration Officer joined FNF’s marketing guru, Linda Grahovec, on the podcast for a two-part marketing series. Wayne has spent over 15 years in the marketing space. While his prior job experience and connections have helped Bowe Digital carve a niche in the land title industry, we work with small businesses ranging from mom-and-pop flower shops and small accounting firms to storage facilities, little bodegas, car washes and everything in between.
PART 1
In part one of the two-part series, Linda and Wayne discuss the importance of setting SMART marketing goals and explain how they help to shape your overall marketing strategy and guide your marketing plan (emphasis on guide because it should be flexible). Don’t worry…Wayne starts by defining what each is and what factors to consider. For example, who can give you more business this year? Versus who can give you any business at all this year? It’s okay to think big as long as you start small and uncover which individuals or groups you should focus on.
Sounds good, right? But if you don’t have a dedicated sales or marketing team, you’re probably wondering who this responsibility falls to. The two marketing experts go over the biggest obstacles in marketing and share ideas on how to get through them. Wayne touches on topics from your team’s role in market research, the budget-friendly tools and solutions available to you, how to take action on your ideas and the importance of testing messages, using the analogy “your marketing isn’t a gumball machine.” You can’t put a quarter in and expect to get the flavor you want on the first try. Marketing takes time, and your audience’s flavor preferences are constantly changing, so being able to pivot is key.
Listen to the full podcast here.
PART 2
It's time to start thinking beyond your website and focus on visuals in other mediums. In part two of the marketing series, Wayne talks about what’s working in today’s market and what’s not. He states that the four biggest marketing wins he’s seeing right now are marketing emails, LinkedIn posts, videos and public relations. But what kind of content works for each? And how often should you be sending them to your customers? Wayne shares the answers to these questions as well as the tools making content creation and design more accessible for non-marketing professionals. Those tools include Chat GPT (use with caution), Canva, Pixabay and his personal favorite, Gratisography.
Linda also sparks a conversation about how a business decides to hire someone internally versus hiring a company like Bowe Digital. While there’s no clear formula, it all ties back to your marketing goals and what you want to accomplish. Think about your work culture. Will an internal marketing person get pulled in different directions and put marketing on the back burner? Are you going to edit the “happy” to “glad” to get things just right? If so, is an external company willing to work shoulder-to-shoulder with you? What will the working relationship look like? Asking and answering these questions can help you make the right decision for your business. However, in most cases, an outside agency will probably be more cost-effective.
Listen to the full podcast here.
Also, here's a quick bonus read: https://bit.ly/3N8q7Cr!
Wayne Stanley and the rest of our Bowe Digital team are passionate about marketing, and we don’t believe in gatekeeping. Whether you work with our team or not, we’re always happy to discuss your business goals, talk about what’s happening in the market and help you brainstorm ideas. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com and start putting your big ideas into action! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.
Thanks to modern technology and a shift in work culture, many of us now have the freedom to work from anywhere, whether it be a cozy office, a hip coffee shop or a sun-soaked beach. As businesses try to maintain productivity and culture in this new work environment, we want to help!
At Bowe Digital, remote work is all we know. Our entire team has been working remotely since getting our start in 2017. We’ve also grown in distance, adding team members who live outside of Indiana. Everyone at Bowe has become a pro at working from home. So, grab your laptop, put on some pants (or don’t…we’re not judging), and join me on a journey through what we’ve learned.
Video is your friend.
Bread is bread. Who cares if it’s sliced or not? Instead, video is the best thing since face-to-face meetings. Video content has layers and reaches the emotional part of our brains. It’s been said that a one-minute video is worth 1.8 million written words. So if you’re not using it, you should be!
At Bowe Digital, we use video internally and externally, and we opt for Zoom meetings whenever we can. Getting your faces out there helps grow connections within your team and reminds your customers that real people are behind every transaction they have with you. I know video can be scary. We weren’t all born to be TikTok stars (Thank God), but here’s a reminder that you are your own harshest critic. If you’re brave enough to talk to people in the world every day despite your hair not being perfect, stuttering over a word or two or just not liking the sound of your voice, you’re brave enough to do it on video. Start by sending a BombBomb video to a friend or hopping on a quick Zoom call with a colleague.
Have meetings often.
Internal Meetings
Just because you’re remote doesn’t mean you have to meet with your team every day. If it can be sent in an email, just send an email. However, internal meetings are a time to connect, grow and get on the same page. Use small group meetings to think strategically, talk about your customers and break down what’s working and what’s not. Use full team meetings to share company news, complete training sessions and update each other about your week. At Bowe Digital, we try to keep it fun by giving different people the chance to lead and asking questions that range from “What’s your favorite thing about Spring?” to “Would you rather burp glitter or fart glitter?”
External Meetings
When it comes to your customers, you should be setting clear expectations. Remote or not, communication is the key to a successful partnership. Ask your clients about their preferences – do they want to hear from you over email, the phone or a Zoom call? Once you know that, set up a recurring meeting. The goal is not to waste people’s time, so do your research before every call. It’s also wise to set an expectation about how quickly customers can expect a response from you outside of scheduled meetings.
Take advantage of online tools.
We’re not above having one hundred tabs open, but we suggest those tabs consist of tools to keep your assignments, communication and schedule in order. Some of the tools our team uses daily are Monday.com, Gmail, Slack, HeyOrca and Canva.
Show your appreciation for each other.
Celebrate each other's wins! I may be biased, but I have a kick-ass team, and their kick-assery goes beyond the great work they do. Never hesitate to lift your employees and colleagues up and thank them for the little and big things they do daily. At Bowe Digital, we have #teamlove and #partnerlove channels on Slack, dedicated to sharing good news from our partners and giving each other well-deserved kudos when they’ve done something great.
Make time for non-work related fun.
Follow the advice of Wiz Khalifa (a very reputable source, obviously) and “Work Hard, Play Hard.” There’s no post-work drinks or lunchtime chatter when you work remotely, so it’s important to carve out time for fun. In our experience, that’s how you really get to know and trust one another.
Our Bowe Digital team has bonded over many gut-wrenching losses while competing in March Madness this season, enjoyed mimosas and brunch together on Zoom and made the most of our in-person meetings. We’ve gone to Indianapolis Indians baseball games with our families, celebrated more Bowe babies than I can count and learned who can carry a tune…and who can’t at Karaoke. Through these experiences, we’ve become less like a team and more like a family, and family can go the distance in remote business. I would know; I work with my mom.
Be a pro like Bowe. At Bowe Digital, we’re passionate about what we do, and we work with any budget. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com to discuss your marketing goals! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.
After a long or stressful day at work, sometimes you just need something strong to help take the edge off. So take a seat at the Bowe Digital bar, and order a drink. We’ll mix it up; your drink choice will say a lot about your business’s marketing.
Today’s Cocktail List:
Old Fashioned
Wayne’s Hot Tip: Wayne’s tip for the best Old Fashioned, beyond great bourbon, is the cherry and he loves this brand most.
It’s in the name…Old Fashioned. An Old Fashioned is a straightforward and strong drink with no surprises. For many people, it does not go down easy, which is not a good thing when it comes to drinking or marketing. Old-fashioned marketing is as plain as the water that goes into the drink. It does not change with the times and isn’t as popular with younger crowds. If you’re not using social media or incorporating video and eye-catching graphics into your marketing, this might be the drink for you.
However, we recommend you keep browsing the list for a new cocktail.
Whiskey Sour
The Whiskey Sour is loved by some and hated by others. It’s controversial for its sour taste and that optional egg white (because why??). It’s a risk, which in marketing doesn’t always pay off. However, it works better in some industries than others. The fast food restaurant Wendy’s, for example, has seen success from its sassy personality on Twitter, which you can find examples of here. The restaurant bravely roasts its customers and competing companies, which earns them varied responses. If this sounds like your marketing, then we suggest you chug, in case it goes too sour!
Margarita
Heather’s Hot Tip: If you’re like Heather, you want a Marg with less sugar. She suggests you skip the pre-mix stuff. The best marg is tequila, fresh lime juice and a tajin rim.
The Margarita is fun; it has no rules. Like great marketing, it can be customized to the customer likes. We can make them sweet, skinny or spicy. We can salt or sugar the rim, offer different flavors and put them in any glass you’d like. Not a tequila drinker? Try vodka. If your marketing is one-of-a-kind and tailored to reflect the likes and dislikes of your audience, then cheers! This is the drink for you and for us, too!
At Bowe Digital, the margarita is our specialty. We can make it any way you’d like. Our team of experts stays up-to-date on trends and knows what works to make a perfectly balanced marketing strategy that isn’t old-fashioned or too sour. Contact me, Bradley Erb at bradley@bowedigital.com to mix up a custom marketing plan that’s unique to your business! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.
People want to feel special, and that’s what custom does. Whether it’s a custom designed cake, custom engraved gift, or custom built home, these one-of-a-kind solutions work to win people over.
Why pay for custom marketing? The same reason you pay for anything custom: you love it and want everyone else (your customers) to love it too! Custom marketing is your chance to stand out from the competition. It shows your customers that you know them and that your posts were made just for them.
Cut Through the Noise
Marketing is everywhere. Most Americans are exposed to 4,000 to 10,000 ads each day, according to this article from Forbes. However, that doesn’t mean everything we see or hear sticks. Hundreds of companies are offering the same products or services while marketing them in similar ways. It becomes noise, and only the most eye-catching and unique ones are heard. For small businesses, it’s even harder, but custom marketing can help.
Kids are notoriously harsh critics. They’ll tell you that you look fat one minute and that your food tastes awful the next, so we’ll use them as an example. Picture your kid going to the school bake sale. You send them with a pack of those thickly iced store-bought cookies (you know the ones). Other parents send their kids with sheet cakes and plastic-wrapped cupcakes. All but one, that is. Jeremy’s mom sends him with a 2-tiered custom cake designed around 2022’s most trending movie, Encanto. The bake sale ends, and your child comes home…can you guess what happens next? You hear about Jeremy, Jeremy’s mom, Jeremy’s cake and Encanto until your ears bleed! Yep, custom works any way you slice it, whether it’s a cake or marketing. It makes a lasting impact on people, and everything else fades away.
Audience Targeting
With custom marketing, you’ll reach individuals who are actually interested in your service and products without wasting money on those who aren’t. By using custom services like geo-fenced paid ads, you can target the specific geographic areas you want to hit. You can also curate your marketing materials to reflect the likes and dislikes of your customers. If your audience likes being active, you’d show them custom sneakers over a custom cake, creating opportunities for personal connections.
Consistent Branding
Quality marketing translates to quality products and services in the minds of your consumers. Not only does that mean having custom designs and content but also consistency. Your audience will come to expect your posts in the good times and especially in the hard times. It reminds them that you’re available to them and still investing in your business which means you’re still investing in them. Platforms like HeyOrca can help you schedule social media posts months in advance.
Remember, consistency doesn’t mean that there can’t be surprises. You can always find new ways to shake things up and grab people’s attention. At Bowe Digital, we’ve started incorporating trending topics into our marketing. Whether it’s the corn kid letting everyone know Bowe Digital has the juice or looking at the marketing in Netflix’s Emily in Paris, custom allows for creativity, relevance and excitement in your marketing.
Leave it to the Professionals
If you’ve ever watched Netflix’s Nailed It, you know what can happen when you tackle a new task on your own for the first time – disaster. It’s best to leave custom cakes to the bakers and custom marketing to the marketing professionals. Nobody does custom like Bowe Digital. We’ll tell your story for you and get creative when you can’t, all while moving at your pace and according to your brand image. Contact Bradley Erb on our team at bradley@bowedigital.com for marketing that’s uniquely yours! Learn more about our services at bowedigital.com.
