Brands Social – Global Brands Magazine

New Ways to Create With Music and Collaborate With Friends on Instagram

Austin — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 05:09:54 +0000

You can now add music to your photo carousels.
With Collabs, you can now invite up to three friends to co-author posts and reels.
Creators can invite their followers to join in on fun prompts and challenges they create in Reels with the Add Yours sticker.

Instagram has introduce new, fun ways to share with friends and interact with creators through music, photos and reels on Instagram.

Soundtrack to Your Photo Carousels

Whether you’re sharing a collection of summer memories with friends or moments from your camera roll, you can now add music to your photo carousels. Building off our launch of music for feed photos, anyone can add a song to capture the mood and bring their carousel to life.

Invite Your Friends to Collab on a Post or Reel

Instagram opening up more possibilities with Collabs: now, you can invite up to three friends to co-author a feed post, carousel or reel. Once they accept, the content will reach each collaborator’s audience and appear on each account’s profile grid.

Have a private account? No problem — both private and public accounts can be added as collaborators on a post or reel. If your account is private, you can start your own post or reel and invite a collaborator as long as they follow you back.

Join In With Your Favorite Creators and Artists on Reels

With the Add Yours sticker, a creator or artist can invite their followers to join in on a fun prompt or challenge they create on Reels, and then hand-pick their favorite submissions to celebrate their fans’ creativity.

Anyone can create a reel to put their own spin on an Add Yours prompt for a chance to get recognized by its creator. You’ll get notified if a creator chooses your reel as one of their favorites, and others on Instagram can watch your submission when tapping on the Add Yours sticker if your account is public.

More Music on Instagram Coming Your Way

Music is a key part of how people express their creativity and interests on Instagram. We’re excited to bring our music library to more countries over the coming weeks. We’re also partnering with Spotify in Mexico and Brazil to feature 50 of the most popular songs from Instagram Reels with a new Reels Music Chart on Spotify.

Instagram is always working on ways to improve your Instagram experience. We’ll continue to build features that make it easier and more fun to create and share on Instagram.

Source: Meta

Cracking the Code:Why iPhone 14 Batteries are Running Out of Juice Faster?

Anna — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 16:29:51 +0000

The introduction of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro was met with a lot of buzz and excitement. People were eager to experience the capabilities of these sleek and high-tech devices. But as users started using them, a puzzling problem emerged – their batteries seemed to be running out of power more quickly than expected. In this article, we’re going to dig deep into this issue and try to understand what’s going on. We’ll explore what this situation means, think about the possible effects it could have, and consider what Apple might do to address this unexpected challenge. So, let’s dive in and uncover the mysteries behind the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro battery troubles that some users are reporting.

The Battery Puzzle- iPhone 14 Battery Issues

About 11 months after these iPhones were released, people started noticing something odd – their batteries weren’t holding up as well as before. Some folks saw their battery power drop by up to 10% in just a year. To put it simply, if you had a two-year-old iPhone 14 Pro, its battery health would drop by 15%.

Things get even more puzzling when you look at the numbers. Some smart folks, like those at Creative Bloq and tech expert Andrew Clare, noticed that the battery health in newer iPhones was way lower – around 80-90% – within the first year. But older models were doing much better.

People Are Talking- iPhone 14 Battery Issues

Tech enthusiasts aren’t staying silent about this. A person named Sam Kohl, who’s really into tech stuff, said the battery health in his iPhone 14 Pro was “unacceptable.” People heard him and joined the conversation, sharing their own battery troubles.

The big question is: Did Apple miss the mark with their promise of longer-lasting batteries for the iPhone 14 series?

Apple’s Silent Side and What We Expected-iPhone 14 Battery Issues

Apple is known for its knack for unveiling new innovations with fanfare, but this time, an unusual hush has settled in. This silence is sparking a growing sense of frustration among those who eagerly acquired the latest iPhones, hoping for improved battery longevity.

Within Apple’s rulebook lies a guideline: a “normal battery” should retain roughly 80% of its power even after undergoing about 500 full charge cycles. Sounds fair, doesn’t it?

However, here’s where the plot thickens – numerous users are witnessing their battery health diminish well before they even approach that 500-cycle milestone. This unexpected turn of events is leaving many scratching their heads and wondering if their high expectations were misplaced.

The Battery Cost Puzzle- iPhone 14 Battery Issues

This story gets more complex when you think about how much it costs to replace these batteries. At the beginning of the year, getting a new battery for an iPhone 13 jumped from $69 to $89. Now, replacing an iPhone 14 battery costs $99 if your warranty is up. That’s more than 40% higher than before.

Looking Forward- iPhone 14 Battery Issues

With the grand entrance of the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro, Apple stood at the precipice of innovation. The anticipation was palpable as users looked forward to the magic these devices could conjure. Yet, a hitch emerged – a battery conundrum that threatens to sway their reputation.

The question now hangs in the air: Will Apple rise to the occasion, openly address this glitch, and engineer a remedy? Or will they opt for silence, potentially disillusioning their devoted fanbase?

In today’s ever-evolving digital landscape, smartphones have seamlessly transformed from mere tools into indispensable companions. Consequently, the manner in which Apple addresses challenges takes on heightened importance. Effectively and transparently tackling these battery concerns serves not only to highlight their unwavering focus on customer contentment but also to reemphasize their dedication to providing cutting-edge technology. Each obstacle encountered provides a platform for companies to demonstrate their ingenuity and empathy, and Apple now stands at a pivotal juncture that has the potential to define their future trajectory.

And as we look ahead to innovations like the iPhone 14 ,Apple’s approach to these issues will significantly influence their narrative moving forward.

Warner Bros Issues Profound Apology for Offensive ‘Barbenheimer’ Tweets Amidst Japan’s Outrage

Anna — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 01:27:27 +0000

Warner Bros. U.S. recently found itself at the center of a social media storm after the official Barbie Twitter account shared memes depicting the iconic doll alongside imagery of atomic blasts from Universal’s film “Oppenheimer.” The controversial posts sparked outrage in Japan and drew strong public criticism from Warner Bros. Japan—an unusual move from a subsidiary towards its parent company. The situation prompted the studio to issue a formal apology in response to the growing #NoBarbenheimer movement on social media. As the fallout continues, Warner Bros. faces the challenge of repairing its image and ensuring greater cultural sensitivity in its social media engagements.

The controversy surrounding the Barbie Twitter account’s posts has ignited a firestorm of discussions on social media platforms, with netizens from around the world expressing their opinions on the matter. The images juxtaposing the iconic doll with atomic blasts from “Oppenheimer” have fueled intense debates about cultural insensitivity, historical sensitivity, and the responsible use of social media by major corporations.

The controversy began when social media platforms were flooded with fan-made “Barbenheimer” memes following the simultaneous release of two blockbuster films – one about Barbie and the other exploring America’s race to build the atomic bomb. Some of these memes juxtaposed playful Barbie content with imagery of mushroom clouds and atomic explosions, which critics argued trivialized the devastating nuclear attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

Warner Bros. Japan, the studio’s Japanese branch, publicly criticized the “inconsiderate” tweets from the official Barbie account and demanded a response from the U.S. headquarters. The hashtag #NoBarbenheimer gained traction in Japan as social media users expressed their distress over the perceived insensitivity of the posts. Critics argued that the use of atomic bomb imagery alongside Barbie trivialized the historical significance of the nuclear attacks, which claimed the lives of thousands of innocent civilians.

In response to the mounting criticism, the Warner Bros. Film Group issued an official statement expressing regret over the “insensitive social media engagement” and offering a “sincere apology” for the offense caused. The studio also confirmed the prompt removal of the controversial tweets from the Barbie account.

The “Barbenheimer” controversy has highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity in global marketing campaigns. The vast difference in historical context and the emotional impact of certain events in different regions should be taken into consideration to avoid unintentional offense. As Warner Bros. navigates the aftermath of this incident, the studio will likely reassess its social media strategies and ensure greater awareness of diverse cultural sensitivities in future engagements.

The #NoBarbenheimer movement has emphasized the perception gap between Japan and the U.S. regarding the use of nuclear weapons and the historical scars left by the atomic bombings. Many Japanese citizens grow up learning about the horrors of the atomic bombs, making the issue deeply significant in the country. The social media reactions were not intended to condemn the U.S. for its past actions but rather to raise concerns over how the Barbie account’s positive responses to a-bomb memes appeared to make light of such a sensitive historical topic.

The “Barbenheimer” controversy has been a powerful lesson in the significance of cultural awareness and sensitivity in global marketing campaigns. Warner Bros.’ quick apology demonstrates their recognition of the unintentional offense caused by the tweets and their dedication to learning from this incident. In response to the fallout, the studio is taking proactive steps to prevent similar occurrences and aims to regain audience trust. Moving forward, Warner Bros. is committed to conducting social media engagements that uphold cultural respect and foster better understanding among diverse audiences. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, the studio endeavors to pave the way for responsible and thoughtful social media interactions.

Ranking On ‘Page 1’ of Google Is Set To Get A Lot Harder – Here’s Why

Austin — Sun, 11 Jun 2023 12:33:32 +0000

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, securing a high ranking on Google is coveted and increasingly challenging for businesses. Constant algorithm updates and shifting user behavior have made it essential to adapt quickly and employ the latest strategies for continued success.

10 Reasons Why it’s Harder to Rank High on Google

While developing a search engine optimization (SEO) strategy is still necessary to rank high on Google, a few things are standing in your way from reaching Page 1. Here are 10.

1. User Experience

The significance of user experience in search engine ranking is increasing. If your website doesn’t load quickly or lacks a mobile-friendly design, you’ll lose points with Google. You’ll have to create a smooth user experience to hold onto that first-page ranking on Google.

2. Artificial Intelligence

Google’s AI, RankBrain, has changed the game. It evaluates how closely your content meets users’ needs and adjusts rankings accordingly. Consequently, targeting specific keywords isn’t enough anymore, as Google cares whether or not a site accurately matches a user’s query.

3. Increased Competition

The internet continues to grow, with millions of new web pages added daily. This means more businesses than ever are vying for the coveted spots on Google’s first page. As a consequence, there are many people who won’t get a first-page ranking on Google without a bit of help.

4. Featured Snippets

These days, users can often find answers directly within Google’s search results through featured snippets. Your website might rank highly for a keyword but still lack visibility if your content isn’t chosen as a snippet. This problem will get worse once Bard becomes available.

5. Voice Search Optimization

More people are relying on voice searches via virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, leading to an increase in conversational queries posed as casual, unstructured questions. In this new landscape, perfecting traditional SEO may not be enough to dominate search rankings.

6. Rich Media

Engaging content like videos and infographics now play a significant role in garnering top search engine rankings. Merely writing well-optimized text articles won’t suffice any longer, as customers prefer to get most of their information from a long-form video or podcast.

7. Social Signals

Google pays attention when people share or engage with your content on social platforms like Facebook and Twitter, as it contributes to your SEO ranking. Neglecting the role of social media in SEO success will disadvantage your chances of achieving first-page ranking on Google.

8. Local SEO Importance

For small businesses operating locally, competing against global giants can be tough. Ensuring you focus strongly on local SEO with geographic-specific search terms may be the only way to truly optimize your website results. This is true even if you only sell products or services online.

9. Emerging Markets and Languages

As internet availability continues to expand, new language markets emerge alongside. Your website may need to adapt its content and optimization strategies for these languages to stay competitive. You’ll need to focus on countries with a high internet penetration rate, like the UAE.

10. Adapting to Updates

Google’s algorithm updates are continuous and unforeseeable. Neglecting adaptations in response can potentially push you out of the top rankings. To maintain a first-page ranking on Google, create a flexible plan of adaptation that can respond as algorithms evolve.

In Conclusion…

As we’ve explored the challenges of obtaining and maintaining a high ranking on Google, it’s crucial not to be discouraged by the ever-changing landscape. Embrace the opportunity to stand out in this competitive digital world by staying vigilant and adapting your strategies as needed

Chipotle’s Genius Marketing Move

Austin — Tue, 09 May 2023 10:05:57 +0000

GBM Insights

On National Burrito Day, Chipotle launched a campaign on social media to help increase its sales.
This helped the brand earn its second highest digital sales of all time.
This strategy also helped the brand reach a new one-day volume in sales through social media.

Using Social Media The Right Way

Chipotle usually capitalizes on buzzy trends like the metaverse or cryptocurrency to give away free food to its consumers during National Burrito Day. However, this year, the brand switched its strategy back to basics and focused its efforts on Twitter for a candid giveaway inspired by its fans that resulted in record-breaking success.

On April 6, Chipotle gave away 10,000 free burritos via text-to-win codes on Twitter, with an additional surprise of 500 codes to users, along with free delivery on $10 orders. Although not the most flashy campaign, the effort has become Chipotle’s second-largest digital sales day of all time and its highest one-day volume on social media of any activation ever, all while staying true to its longtime goal surrounding the holiday. Tressie Lieberman, Vice President of Digital Marketing and Off-Premise for Chipotle, said that their overarching strategy is to supercharge the super fans, and the brand believes its fans are different, passionate about the brand, and try to give them things that they want to talk about and share with their communities.

Demand surrounding the campaign skyrocketed, with each round of text codes dropped by Chipotle claimed in less than a minute, over 1 million SMS messages sent, and over 150,000 social media messages from consumers asking for a free burrito. The latter is one of the top questions the brand receives on social media for the holiday each year, which is what inspired the effort in hopes of making a lasting impression.

To promote the offer, Chipotle partnered with social media mogul Alix Earle, currently the top-ranked influencer among teens, who shared the deal on TikTok. Demand for the giveaway was similarly felt, with all free burritos on the delivery app claimed in 12 hours.

Exterior of a Chipotle Restaurant. Picture courtesy Chipotle

While Chipotle has previously launched campaigns that called on flashy marketing trends, its latest burrito celebration is more straightforward. For example, the brand last year launched a Chipotle Burrito Builder experience on Roblox that gave out free entree codes. In 2021, it capitalized on Bitcoin hype with a themed contest that awarded consumers with cryptocurrency and a total of $100,000 worth of free burritos.

Still, social media has become a tried-and-true avenue for connecting with consumers for Chipotle, and is also an asset for boosting its rewards program, which currently has 33 million members. CEO Brian Niccol, when discussing the company’s Q1 earnings, pointed to a boost in loyalty members stemming from its new Freepotle rewards perk, an effort that launched in January to award members with free food drops throughout the year and was promoted with a TikTok and Instagram giveaway. The brand also recently unveiled a new menu concoction following its virality on TikTok.

The brand’s promotion for National Burrito Day helped to boost awareness and generated a massive amount of digital traffic, Lieberman said, which has a domino effect when it comes to loyalty enrollment. The effort also served as a reminder that marketing campaigns don’t need to be complex to be successful, and that listening remains a valuable tool. According to Lieberman, the best campaigns are simple, easy to understand, and talk about. The brand always looks at the lens of simplicity when thinking about how a fan is going to talk about the promotion they are running.

Generating buzz

According to Chipotle’s Chief Marketing Officer, Ashley Lieberman, the company’s top priority in developing its burrito day strategy is to meet consumers where they are through a community-focused and shareable effort. This is seen as a key aspect of driving virality, which is important for the success of the campaign. Despite Twitter’s ongoing issues and the broader advertiser pullback, Chipotle has continued to track high engagement rates within the app.

However, the festivities for the holiday were not designed with one specific platform in mind. Lieberman stated that each platform has its own reason for being, and the idea is thought of first before the platform is chosen where it will work best.

For an activation revolving around live text code drops, Twitter makes more sense logistically compared to other platforms such as TikTok. This is because Twitter is more adept at real-time engagement. Chipotle’s social listening team has also maintained a strong presence on Twitter to reply to consumer questions and feedback. This allows the team to build a quick-to-reply muscle that was critical for such an effort

According to Lieberman, winning over consumers means thinking of marketing plays less as a hardcore sales tactic and more as a meaningful approach through the perspective of the consumer. It’s an incredibly important part of connecting with consumers today, she says. People don’t want to be talked at; they want to be seen and heard.

Consumer Interactions with Beauty Brands Are Changing Thanks to Technology.

Austin — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 09:44:22 +0000

GBM Insights

Big brands such as Estee Lauder and Macy’s are trying to incorporate modern technology such as AI in their marketing.
Companies like TikTok are also drastically influencing consumer purchase behaviour.
For companies to get a better understanding of consumer purchase behaviour, Data Insights derived from AI is the next big step that companies need to focus on.

Redefining buying behaviour.

According to Ophelia Ceradini, Vice President of Digital Technology and Innovation at The Estée Lauder Companies, the post-COVID landscape has seen the emergence of new technologies such as AI and virtual try-ons, which have significantly improved the consumer experience. Speaking at the National Retail Foundation’s (NRF) Big Show, Ceradini noted that the relationship between brands and consumers is rapidly evolving. Despite the return of consumers to physical stores, they still desire a seamless online and offline identity.

Ceradini emphasized the importance of using consumer data to provide a personalized experience that makes them feel like a single person, rather than treating their online and offline identities as separate entities. Joining Ceradini on the panel were Nicolette Bosco, Vice President and Divisional Business Manager for Beauty at Macy’s, and Kelly Kovack, Founder and CEO of BeautyMatter, who served as the moderator of the discussion titled “Beauty’s Blush with Technology.”

The trio delved into how technology is transforming the beauty industry, including the impact of AI and the challenge of keeping up with trends. In essence, the panel discussed how beauty companies need to adopt new technologies to meet the needs of modern consumers and provide a seamless and personalized shopping experience across all channels.

A Macy’s outlet

The Need for AI

Despite the increase in both online and brick-and-mortar sales, the rate of merchandise returns has remained steady or even decreased, indicating a more satisfied consumer. This shift can be attributed, in part, to technology, specifically software that enables virtual try-ons. With this technology, consumers can make informed purchasing decisions, as they are better able to visualize the product before making a purchase.

However, technology also presents marketers with unique challenges, particularly when it comes to catering to diverse body types and ethnicities. Panelists emphasized the importance of ensuring that all customers are seen, especially in the beauty industry. To this end, companies like Estée Lauder have made a concerted effort to develop virtual try-on technology that caters to every type of eye shape.

According to Ceradini, when brands use technology to provide value for consumers, a virtuous cycle is created. Consumers become more comfortable sharing their data with the company, which, in turn, allows marketers to further optimize their messaging and activations.

On the retail side, a more individualized experience has also proven beneficial. For example, Macy’s has introduced an auto-replenishment system that enables consumers to set how often they want a product sent to them. As Bosco explained, “once you’ve found something that you absolutely love, you can go on and set it and almost forget it.”

Overall, it is clear that technology is transforming the retail and beauty industries. As companies continue to leverage new technologies to provide personalized experiences for consumers, the potential benefits for both the customer and the brand are significant.

Beauty experts, take charge

As the beauty industry continues to evolve, both retailers and brands are placing a greater emphasis on empowering beauty advisors, according to insights from industry experts at the National Retail Foundation’s Big Show. By providing customer-facing employees with the tools and knowledge to keep up with the latest trends, they can better assist consumers in finding what they are looking for, even if the brand itself has not yet had time to pivot.

However, staying on top of trends is still crucial for both retailers and brands. According to Ophelia Ceradini, VP of Digital Technology and Innovation at The Estée Lauder Companies, brands must attempt to predict what they can and adjust their advertising strategies when necessary. On the retail side, maximizing the potential of available inventory is key, as noted by Nicolette Bosco, VP of Divisional Business Manager for Beauty at Macy’s.

Empowering floor beauty advisors with access to the latest trend information is an effective way to meet consumers where they are, but it’s equally important to communicate where the latest, trendy products can be found. “But then really pivoting the market to tell consumers, ‘Hey, we have it here,'” said Bosco.

Overall, these insights highlight the importance of balancing technology with the human touch in the beauty industry. By providing consumers with personalized experiences and empowering beauty advisors with the tools and knowledge to succeed, retailers and brands can keep pace with the ever-evolving trends and demands of today’s beauty consumer.

The Bud Light Controversy and What You Need to Know.

Austin — Fri, 14 Apr 2023 10:43:06 +0000

On April 1^st, Bud Light and social media influencer, Dylan Mulvaney announced a new partnership. The partnership seeks to establish a positive bond with the LGBTQ community.
Dylan’s face was printed on Bud Light cans and distributed across the country and as such, an outrage was sparked.
Several people in the right-wing community took to social media to express their displeasure with this new partnership while others have been supporting the partnership.

LGBTQ community or not, it is still beer, so why does it matter?

In early April, Dylan Mulvaney, an influencer, received a few beers from Bud Light as part of a paid sponsorship deal. Mulvaney shared a video of herself dressed as Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, using the beers to celebrate both March Madness and her first year as a woman. One of the cans featured Mulvaney’s image, and it was part of a sweepstakes challenge where people could win $15,000 from Bud Light by submitting videos of themselves carrying a lot of beers.

However, this promotion sparked outrage among some people, not because of the choice of Holly Golightly’s drink preference (which was the White Angel, a vodka and gin mix), but because Mulvaney is transgender. Anti-trans sentiment has become a significant issue in America’s culture war, with conservatives targeting trans people in areas such as children’s rights, drag shows, driver’s licenses, and healthcare. This sentiment has infiltrated conservative media and legislation and is even seeping into the mainstream.

Bud Light has become a target in the ongoing controversy surrounding trans rights. Celebrities like Kid Rock are openly denouncing the beer, while Travis Tritt has announced that he will no longer include the brand on his tour. This has led to a wave of calls for a nationwide boycott of the country’s most popular beer, which some may find hard to take seriously. Nevertheless, it speaks to the current state of affairs in the United States.

This is likely not a significant issue for Bud Light.

An Arkansas liquor store owner who wished to remain anonymous to avoid being targeted by anti-“woke” groups reported a 20-25% decline in Bud Light sales since the recent controversy. However, he doesn’t expect the backlash to be long-lasting, noting that many consumers will likely return to drinking Bud Light once the news cycle ends. In general, boycotts tend to have minimal impact on sales, as most people don’t follow through with them.

Bud Light’s parent company, Anheuser-Busch InBev, has a vast portfolio of brands and is valued at over $100 billion. While the company’s stock price has remained relatively stable, there have been concerning incidents. Vox received several emails threatening bombs placed at various Anheuser-Busch locations, prompting the company to work with local law enforcement to ensure the safety of its employees and facilities.

Dylan Mulvaney with the new Bud Light cans.

According to Dave Infante, a beer columnist for VinePair and the publisher of the drinks newsletter Fingers, Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Bud Light, is a global conglomerate with a diverse portfolio of brands. Coordinating a sustained boycott against them that would pressure the company to withdraw its support for transgender people would be a challenging task, requiring a significant amount of coordination and discipline that the right-wing in America does not typically display. Although there may be some temporary fluctuations in sales, the company’s overall orientation and goals are unlikely to be affected. If they were to back down, it would be because they lost their nerve, not because they lost sales.

What the Bud Light controversy is about

On April 1, Dylan Mulvaney, a 26-year-old influencer with a sizable online following, posted a video featuring Bud Light beer cans and their sponsorship. While such partnerships between companies and influencers are not uncommon, Bud Light’s ad budget is massive and this particular campaign was relatively small. Despite this, the post quickly gained traction in conservative circles, with right-wing commentator Ben Shapiro criticizing the collaboration on his show. Though Shapiro is not a fan of Bud Light, he nevertheless took issue with the perceived promotion of transgenderism, saying, “Our culture has now decided men are women and women are men and you must be forced to consume products that say so.”

The ’90s rocker Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting a few cases of Bud Light, which I assume he paid for himself. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) posted a picture of a Coors Light case in the back of her vehicle and captioned it, “Fuck Bud Light and Fuck Anheuser-Busch,” saying, “Have a terrific day.” Marjorie Taylor Greene said. The caption read, “I would have bought the king of beers, but the king of beers changed its gender to the queen of beers.”

Country singer Travis Tritt said he would drop Anheuser-Busch from his tour and seemed to blame Bud Light’s Mulvaney deal on Europe.

The Bud Lash is a whole thing, as is the backlash to the Bud Lash. Radio host Howard Stern said he was “dumbfounded” by the whole hullabaloo and asked on his show, referring to Kid Rock and Tritt, “Why do you care so much?” Country singer Zach Bryan – who seems to be pretty politically cool – was relatively light-hearted in his criticism of Tritt on Twitter: “I just think it’s completely wrong to insult transgender people because we live in a country where we can all be who we want to be,” he wrote. Bryan also assured Tritt he would “drink enough [Jack Daniels] for both of us”, as Tritt seems to have discovered some time ago that the liquor company has partnered with RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Anheuser-Busch, which is getting a lot of media coverage out of this, seems to be largely riding the wave, even if the backlash, albeit probably from a small group of people, has been fierce. There was a rumour that the company had sacked its entire marketing team, but that rumour is made up. There was also a rumour that the Mulvaney cans were for sale to the public. This is not the case. However, Bud Light has made a limited run of the She/H cans that are now popping up on right-wing social media available for Pride 2022 in Canada, which is no big deal. The company cancelled an event in Missouri last week because of safety concerns for its employees.

“Anheuser-Busch works with hundreds of influencers to connect with audiences across diverse populations in authentic ways,” a spokesperson told Vox in an email. “From time to time we produce unique commemorative cans for fans and for influencers, like Dylan Mulvaney. This commemorative tin was a gift to celebrate a personal milestone and is not for sale to the general public.”

Whether you like it or not, Bud Light is here to stay

There is no way to determine whether or not this current boycott will make a significant impact on Bud Light’s sales, but I suspect that it will not have much of an effect. A boycott has a tendency to damage a company’s reputation more than it damages its bottom line, and here, it is not entirely clear to what extent it is actually damaging a company’s reputation, if at all.

A lot of the big beer companies, such as AB InBev, Molson Coors, and Constellation Brands, are constantly searching for new markets and niches in which to expand their portfolios of existing beer, Infante explained. There is a great deal of difficulty in finding growth for these brands – Bud Light has been losing barrels of volume for years now. It is past its prime; it will no longer be the largest beer in the country for a very long time to come.” he said. “This is standard-issue pinkwashing stuff. They’re looking for ways to quote-unquote align their values with customer segments that they think maybe they can still find some loyalty in.”

Appealing to the queer community is not a new tactic for companies, as even Pride Month has become a commercialized event. Bud Light is well aware of this fact. Following the recent controversy, a podcast interview with Alissa Heinerscheid, the Vice President of Marketing at Bud Light, has been circulating. In the interview, she admits that the brand is struggling and that her goal is to attract young drinkers to save the brand from further decline. She also mentioned wanting to update Bud Light’s image, which has been perceived as “fratty.” Some right-wing media outlets have used Heinerscheid’s comments to suggest that Bud Light wants to abandon its typical white male customer base, but this is not entirely accurate. Bud Light has been losing market share to craft beers, Michelob Ultra, Modelo, and spirits for quite some time now. As a result, the company is looking for new customers in any demographic it can find. As Dave Infante points out, “The reality is much more simple — it’s that the white male customer who used to drink a lot of Bud Light doesn’t anymore, and Bud Light has no choice but to find people who do. There’s just no growth for Bud Light in its traditional core audience the way it used to have and used to be able to rely on.”

Appealing to the queer community is a common practice for companies looking to expand their customer base. The commercialization of Pride Month is evidence of this trend. Bud Light is no exception to this rule, but its latest partnership has caused controversy. While the brand’s reach is significant, the partnership with influencer Mulvaney is relatively small compared to other ad campaigns, like the Super Bowl.

The right-wing media has spun Bud Light’s marketing efforts to attract younger drinkers away from its “fratty” image to suggest that the brand wants to alienate its traditional white male demographic. However, the truth is that Bud Light has been losing ground to other beers and spirits and needs to find new customers.

Some of the brand’s traditional core audience feel betrayed by Bud Light’s alliance with the trans community. They feel like the brand has gone “woke,” and that the country’s culture is changing in a way that makes them uncomfortable. However, it’s worth noting that AB InBev, the company behind Bud Light, is hardly a pro-trans advocate. The Mulvaney partnership is ultimately about generating profits, and the company has made donations to anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans politicians.

Corporate decisions often serve as flashpoints in America’s culture wars, but it’s important to remember that corporations are primarily motivated by profit.

Dove Takes a Stand Against Social Media

Austin — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:28:20 +0000

Dove’s new social media campaign is aimed at promoting mental health awareness among teenagers.
The content on social media is very misleading and as such, can bring about different complexes in its user base.
Dove’s new campaign explores a 3 minute movie which talks about the dangers of social media and the protagonist of the ad who’s mental health has been affected by social media.

The fight for mental health

Dove Self-Esteem Project, a long-standing initiative, has launched a new campaign that seeks to go beyond the actions of brands and consumers in addressing the negative impact of social media on mental health. The campaign instead emphasizes the importance of legislative action in safeguarding young people from the harmful effects of social media.

At the core of the campaign is a three-minute film entitled “Cost of Beauty: A Dove Film,” which tells the story of Mary, a young woman who developed an eating disorder as a result of being exposed to toxic beauty content on social media. The film uses a rendition of “You Are So Beautiful” to convey the emotional weight of Mary’s story and to drive home the message that many individuals are struggling with similar issues. The film concludes with the stories of real-life survivors of mental health issues and their parents.

The Campaign for Kids Online Safety is rooted in Dove’s latest research, which shows that social media has a detrimental impact on youth mental health, with 8 in 10 experts stating that it is fuelling a mental health crisis. Furthermore, 80% of young people believe their peers are addicted to social media, and more than half report that it makes them feel anxious.

Picture courtesy- Dove

The issue is particularly severe when it comes to body image and related behaviours, which is the focal point of Dove’s efforts. Seven in 10 young people between the ages of 10 and 17 have been exposed to social media content that encourages weight loss or body transformation. Additionally, more than half of young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have been exposed to content that promotes restricted eating or disordered eating behaviours.

In collaboration with body-positive musician Lizzo and two advocacy groups, Dove aims to promote the KOSA bill, which previously made it out of committee but failed to clear the Senate, possibly due to pressure from Big Tech, according to co-sponsor Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. The KOSA bill seeks greater transparency from social media apps and algorithms, as well as a duty for social media platforms to prevent and mitigate several harms to minors.

This campaign follows previous Dove initiatives such as “Selfie Talk” and #NoDigitalDistortion, both from 2021. While those campaigns aimed to encourage conversations and individual actions, the Campaign for Kids Online Safety takes things a step further by pushing for systemic change.

Dove’s CMO, Alessandro Manfredi, highlighted the urgent need for change in light of the harm caused by toxic content online, stressing the importance of supporting a safer environment on social media to protect young people’s mental health. Dove’s campaign acknowledges that individual interventions are not enough and emphasizes the need for systemic change to safeguard young people’s mental health.

Key Factors To Consider When Forecasting Sales

Austin — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 00:01:17 +0000

Analytical business tools are one of the main elements that ensure the efficient operation of the enterprise. They are especially relevant in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and the instability of the global economy. These tools include sales forecasting.

The importance of sales forecasting

Sales forecasting is the determination of the possible number of purchases by representatives of the target audience for a specified period. This analytical tool allows you to control the enterprise’s budget, calculate future profits, and develop brand promotion tactics.

What is sales forecast importance? With the help of an analytical tool, you can set goals. You will not be guided by your desires or guesses. At best, this approach will disappoint you, and at worst, it will lead to dangerous losses. The sales forecast is based on an assessment of the enterprise’s past performance and its actual potential.

With the help of a well-written sales forecast, you can:

allocate resources taking into account demand, season, and possible drawdowns;
plan future purchases;
prevent excess or shortage of goods in the warehouse;
optimize costs.

Key factors you need to consider

When forecasting sales, you need to take into account the previous enterprise’s results, the state of the sales funnel, and market trends. The accuracy of the result depends on the reliability of the initial information and the correctness of the formulation of conclusions.

How to estimate sales? There are two types of forecasting methods: subjective and objective. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

Subjective sales forecasting methods include:

Customer expectations. The key purpose of this tool is to get to know the target audience of the brand and its preferences better. But do not forget that interest in a product does not always end with its purchase.
Opinion of sellers. Specialists working with clients are well-versed in the peculiarities of the seasons and sales volumes. They can help with sales forecasting, but considering their experience alone is not enough.
Assumptions of top managers. Senior employees are generally aware of actual sales figures and patterns of their fluctuations. The opinion of top managers is more objective, but it also cannot guarantee absolute accuracy.
Evaluation by professional analysts. Staff and invited experts conduct profile research and formulate a sales forecast based on it. However, even this method cannot be called accurate since the conclusion depends on the competence of a specialist.

More reliable are objective methods of sales forecasting — market testing, analysis of time series, and annual charts. These methods are suited for businesses that have been operating for a long time and planning to introduce new or improved products.

External factors that influence a sales forecast

You can make every effort to develop the enterprise and increase profits. But do not forget about the existence of external factors affecting sales forecasting. These include:

Current legislature. Laws may be related directly to your industry or the market as a whole. It is impossible to resist official innovations, which means that you will have to adapt.
State of the economy in the country and the world. The more unstable the situation, the more effort you will have to make to maintain the required level of sales.

Competition and demand in your industry. The emergence of competitors with a more favorable pricing policy and changes in customer preferences affect sales.

Internal factors that influence a sales forecast

The volume of sales can change due to not only external but also internal reasons. Major factors in sales forecasting include business policy, turnover rate, marketing strategy, quality, and the cost of your products. If you want to join the leading industry representatives, look at all the listed components.

Summary

A sales forecast is not a prediction but a professional business tool. It will be helpful for enterprises of all industries.

This process involves specialists of all levels, from salespeople to top managers. To obtain the desired result, all team members need to evaluate each sales stage, record all the data, and choose the best forecasting methods.

The Impact of TikTok on Business: Is It Irreplaceable?

Austin — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 09:38:34 +0000

Social media – A known phrase by millions of people and is a digital buzz. Now the world revolves around social media; no one can deny it! Is it irreplaceable? Social media is now revolutionizing the landscape of the digital world. It has taken the world by storm. Irrespective of all the niches like businesses, entertainment, marketing, etc., social media is helping out people to promote themselves.

Nearly 69% percent of marketers use social media to build brand awareness. Moreover, roughly 59% (i.e., 4.70 billion) of the world’s population uses social media. It proves the scope of social media on businesses. Have you ever thought about how social media has penetrated the business world? What are all the changes social media has done to the business markets? Want to be a part of it? Then you shall try using Trollishly and shall enhance your business.

If you are unaware, continue reading the article to learn more!

Social Media and Businesses

In today’s world, social media and business have an irresistible bond. The key driver to capturing the audience’s hearts is to use social media effectively. What if it happens? With proper strategies, you shall generate new leads and seamlessly take your business to the next level.

Some of the most prominent social media platforms that businesses using out are,

Facebook
YouTube
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Google+

Instead, businesses may encounter both positive and negative feedback from social media users. Companies may build meaningful relationships with customers through social media. To solidify brand identity, it is essential to use social media.

Why TikTok?

You may wonder why TikTok is given much importance in online marketing. The answer is quite simple. Although, at the advent of TikTok, it remains a funny and entertaining platform, later, it had a significant impact on the business. Even the more prominent brands are leaping onto the TikTok and are shining among the competitors. In addition, companies are driving more sales through the TikTok platform.

Apart from the above, the app quite has several benefits for businesses. Here are the following,

International Audience – TikTok quite has a vast audience base. It is an easy opportunity to connect with audiences from new countries. You can reach the global markets on TikTok by creating TikTok videos. Moreover, you should buy TikTok likes and reap the benefits for further reach.

Prioritize Video Marketing – Now, the trend is video marketing. Most businesses have already been popular in creating videos. TikTok is a great way to expand your audience reach. In addition, if you want to get more fame on the platform, you should consider video marketing

Easy to Connect With the Audience – Using TikTok features, it is easy to communicate with the audience. With comments, TikTok Live, duets, stitches, etc., increasing your interactions on the platform is easy.

Impacts of TikTok on the Businesses

By using TikTok, you shall target your audience specifically. If your competitors are using it effectively, you have to know that it seriously impacts the audience. TikTok is the only platform focusing on the Gen Z group. But, it is also serving as one of the best marketing channels. So before the market becomes oversaturated, you shall stay ahead of the competitors.

1. Influencer Marketing

Now the TikTok platform is flourishing with influencers. For brands, influencers serve as a backbone for their growth. So TikTok is the platform that helps brands to connect with influencers. Even they are affordable and significantly support your brand growth. For example, the influencers and the brand shall post the same content so that the reach would be higher and higher.

2. TikTok Advertising

Even though TikTok is not a fully-fledged platform for advertisements, it shows plenty of options for advertising. There are five popular advertising types that brands shall leverage and create ads. Moreover, even with small amounts, the brands shall do TikTok advertisements and promote their business. Furthermore, you should try using Trollishly and improve your online presence.

3. Original and Engaging Content

TikTok’s content is original and engaging. So the audience finds the TikTok content is quite authentic. If brands generate a significant presence on the TikTok, there are high chances of becoming popular on the platform. Sometimes, the brand’s marketing goal would align differently from the platform strategy. But in TikTok, the case would be much different, whereas any business niche shall utilize TikTok to the fullest.

4. TikTok Features

After the advent of TikTok, many people have become addicted to the features of the TikTok. The duets and stitches have become the most popular and significantly impacted the audience’s minds. So many marketers are using it to gain fame. Moreover, if your content is excellent, you shall substantially impact the TikTok platform

5. Networking

Through TikTok, you shall network with more people. So you can create more impact on the audience. The more the audience watches your video, the more engaged you are. Sometimes, word of mouth helps boost your business. So you shall engage with other TikTok users too

6. TikTok Trends

As you know, TikTok trends are not only trending on the TikTok but also on other platforms. So if you are a business marketer, you must be more careful about the trends. You have to notice which trends are blooming and which are not. If you get with the trends, you shall win your competition on the platform. TikTok trends change daily, so keep your eyes on the TikTok for you page.

Wrapping Up

In recent years, TikTok has enormously impacted marketing, branding, business, etc. So you have to be creative, experiment with different types of content, and check which affects the audience the most. You might get surprising results. So marketers make use of the impact that TikTok has created. TikTok is never diminishing, and it always has supported business growth. Similarly, business growth is a slow process, so be patient with your success. If you find the article worth reading, leave your comments below.