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Mastering Trends for Game-Changing Gen Z Marketing Strategies

Emmanuel Rojas
March 28, 2024

Gen Z, with its formidable purchasing influence and distinct consumption patterns, marks a critical demographic for marketers targeting future growth. Born from the mid-1990s to the early 2010s, they are digital natives, demanding authenticity, social responsibility, and custom experiences from brands. To captivate Gen Z, brands must offer genuine, socially aware, and personalized marketing strategies, ensuring brand loyalty and market expansion.

Unlike any generation before them, Gen Z individuals have been raised in a world where the internet is omnipresent, shaping their perceptions, behaviors, and values from an early age. Some key characteristics of gen Z are:

  1. Digital Natives.
  2. Financial Pragmatism.
  3. Global Outlook.
  4. Mental Health Awareness.
  5. Entrepreneurial Spirit.
  6. Socially Conscious.
  7. Preference for Authenticity.
  8. Tech-Savvy Creators.

Navigating Social Media Trends for Gen Z Engagement

To effectively engage Gen Z through social media, marketers must stay abreast of the evolving landscape. Currently, short-form video content, led by platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, dominates the preferences of this demographic. Such platforms offer a canvas for creativity and self-expression, resonating deeply with Gen Z’s desire for authenticity and originality. Additionally, the rise of influencer marketing cannot be overlooked. Gen Z trusts influencers who share their values and interests, making influencer partnerships a powerful strategy for brands.

Interactive and immersive experiences, such as AR filters and live streams, also captivate Gen Z by fostering a sense of connection and community. Furthermore, platforms that prioritize privacy and mental well-being are increasingly favored, reflecting Gen Z’s acute awareness of these issues.

Source: 2022 Global Crowd DNA Study

By tapping into these trends, and continuously monitoring the digital landscape for emerging ones, brands can craft social media strategies that not only reach Gen Z but engage them on a level that fosters lasting loyalty and advocacy.

Prioritizing Mobile-First Content to Connect with Gen Z

Gen Z’s strong attachment to mobile devices emphasizes the need for brands to prioritize a mobile-first content strategy. This demographic prefers on-the-go content consumption through smartphones, requiring optimized, fast-loading, and user-friendly designs.Vertical videos and responsive web design enhance the mobile experience for effective engagement.

In essence, by prioritizing a mobile-first content strategy, brands can significantly enhance their engagement with Gen Z, catering to their digital consumption habits and preferences, and establishing a strong, meaningful connection in a competitive digital marketplace.

Source: 2022 Global Crowd DNA Study

Identifying Core Values That Resonate with Gen Z

Understanding and connecting with the core values of Gen Z is paramount for brands aiming to establish a meaningful relationship with this demographic. This generation prides itself on its authenticity, social responsibility, and desire for inclusivity. They tend to favor brands that stand for more than just profitability, those that actively participate in social conversations, and make genuine efforts to contribute positively to society. Gen Z is highly aware and critical of performative activism; thus, brands must ensure their actions are sincere and backed by tangible contributions.

Environmental sustainability is another core value deeply embedded in Gen Z’s consciousness. They are inclined towards brands that adopt eco-friendly practices and demonstrate a clear commitment to combating climate change. By aligning brand values and operations with the principles of sustainability, inclusivity, mental health awareness, and social responsibility, companies can resonate with Gen Z on a deeper level. This alignment not only attracts Gen Z consumers but also fosters loyalty, as they see their purchases as an extension of their values and identities.

Crafting the Future Together with Gen Z

Mastering engagement with Gen Z goes beyond understanding digital habits; it requires alignment with core values like sustainability and inclusivity. By staying updated on social media trends, focusing on mobile-first content, and embodying values like social responsibility, brands can connect authentically. Success in marketing to Gen Z comes from listening, adapting, and innovating. Partnering with Gen Z offers the chance to build loyalty and contribute to a more inclusive marketplace. The future of marketing to Gen Z is bright with opportunities for positive impact alongside this forward-thinking generation.

Brands

Beyond Billboards Strategies in Out-of-Home Advertising

Emmanuel Rojas
March 27, 2024

In the fast-paced world of advertising, out-of-home (OOH) strategies lead innovation, transitioning from traditional to digital. The Evolution of Out-of-Home Ads pays homage to billboards’ past and embraces digital mediums, expanding creative horizons and engaging with the audience more personally and in real-time. Next, we’ll explore OOH advertising.

Measuring the Impact of OOH Advertising

In the realm of Out-of-Home advertising, where vast and varied strategies stretch from billboards in bustling city centers to digital screens in tranquil suburban malls, the imperative to gauge their impact accurately has never been more critical. This necessitates a forward-thinking approach, combining traditional metrics with innovative technological solutions, such as geolocation data and AI-powered analytics. By doing so, advertisers can not only assess the reach and frequency of their advertisements but also obtain a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and engagement levels. This dual focus on quantitative and qualitative measurements paves the way for advertisers to refine their campaigns, ensuring they resonate profoundly with their intended audience, all the while optimizing return on investment. In this light, Measuring the Impact of OOH Advertising emerges not just as a challenge but as a golden opportunity for brands to underscore the effectiveness of their ad spend in an unequivocally competitive landscape.

Out-of-Home advertising is undergoing a significant shift, moving from a traditional emphasis on brand awareness to a more nuanced focus on driving conversions. This evolution reflects a deeper understanding of consumer behavior and the pathways to purchase. By integrating interactive technologies such as QR codes, NFC, and AR within OOH advertisements, brands are not just capturing attention but are also creating direct channels for consumer action. These technologies encourage instant engagement, allowing consumers to move seamlessly from viewing an advertisement to undertaking an action such as making a purchase, signing up for more information, or navigating to a website, thereby simplifying the conversion process. For advertisers and brands willing to innovate and adapt, this strategic pivot from awareness to conversion in the realm of OOH advertising represents an exciting opportunity to connect with their audiences in more meaningful and impactful ways, ultimately driving higher ROI and forging stronger customer relationships.

The surge in digital outdoor ads is evident. From 2016 to 2022, the number of digital billboards in the U.S. rose by 80% to 11.5 thousand. This trend attracts brands, opening up new promotion avenues. A 2022 survey found DOOH to be one of the most innovative media for advertisers in the U.S.

Strategically integrating advanced tech in Out-of-Home advertising goes beyond catching the eye; it’s about creating lasting connections. Augmented Reality (AR) turns billboards into immersive portals, blending physical and digital realms for engaging experiences. Digital billboards use programmatic ads for timely, relevant content, maximizing impact through personalization. These innovations in OOH advertising captivate audiences, strengthening the bond between brands and consumers.

Future Trends in OOH Advertising

Anticipating the future directions of outdoor advertising is essential for staying ahead in a competitive market. This section will explore emerging trends such as the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, the growing emphasis on experiential marketing, and the adoption of AI for predictive analytics in campaign planning. Through this forward-looking lens, we underline the evolving landscape of OOH advertising, poised to leverage technological advancements for even greater impact and engagement.

Out-of-Home advertising is evolving with innovative tech like AR and programmatic ads, enhancing brand creativity and consumer engagement. By measuring impact effectively, brands craft resonant campaigns for high returns. The future? Interactive, personalized, and AI-driven. OOH ads offer new ways for connection and conversion.

Blog

CGI: the capacity for brands to tell stories in previously impossible ways.

Emmanuel Rojas
March 21, 2024

In today’s digital age, advertising has evolved beyond traditional methods to embrace technology-driven visuals. Among these advancements, Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) has emerged as a powerful tool in marketing strategies. This blog post aims to explore the significance of CGI in marketing, shedding light on its purpose, advantages, and the ingenious ways forward-thinking brands utilize this technology to redefine advertising norms and set new standards of excellence in the digital age.

Understanding CGI Advertisements

CGI, or Computer-Generated Imagery, is visual content created using computer software. Unlike traditional methods, CGI offers flexibility, enabling advertisers to visualize concepts with realism or fantasy. It eliminates the need for costly sets, making it cost-effective in the long run. CGI also enhances storytelling capabilities, allowing advertisers to weave compelling narratives.

The Purpose of CGI Advertisements in Marketing Strategies is to enhance brand image and identity, captivate audiences, demonstrate product features, differentiate from competitors, and create memorable brand experiences. It has fundamentally altered the landscape by providing a medium through which the line between reality and imagination is blurred but often completely erased. The capacity to create hyper-realistic or fantastically imaginative environments and characters enables brands to tell stories in previously impossible ways. This captivates audiences and resonates on a deeper emotional level, enhancing brand recall and loyalty. Brands such as Maybelline with the Sky High Mascara Express, Nike’s with “Write The Future”, or Mattel with the giant Barbie on Dubai have expertly harnessed the power of CGI to produce advertisements that are not just viewed but experienced. 

These industry giants utilize CGI to construct narratives that strategically align with their brand identity while pushing the boundaries of traditional advertising. By vividly bringing their unique visions to life, these trailblazers have set a high bar for creativity and innovation, demonstrating the unique potential of CGI to revolutionize the way brands interact with their consumers, capture attention, amplify brand reach and engagement, transform advertising metrics, and influence consumer purchasing behavior.

Cost-effectiveness of CGI Advertising

In addition to its creative versatility and effectiveness in engaging the audience, CGI presents compelling advantages in terms of cost-efficiency and sustainability. Traditional advertising methods, such as photo shoots and physical sets, often come with considerable financial and environmental costs—from the logistics of location scouting to the wastefulness of constructing temporary sets. CGI sidesteps these expenses and environmental impacts by bringing these visions to life digitally. 

This service helps brands allocate resources efficiently, aligning with consumer preference for eco-friendly practices. Investing in CGI optimizes marketing budgets and supports advertising sustainability, boosting a brand’s financial health and eco-reputation among consumers. A win-win in today’s competitive market.

Future Trends and Challenges

Anticipated advancements in CGI technology will push the boundaries of advertising creativity. Challenges include maintaining authenticity and addressing regulatory considerations.

CGI advertisements represent a seismic shift in marketing, offering brands opportunities to captivate audiences and drive engagement. As technology evolves, CGI continues to lead the way towards new frontiers of creativity and innovation in advertising. 121 Corp excels in leveraging CGI for brands, creating engaging content and resonating narratives. Expert in tech and regulations, we drive innovation in marketing strategies. Trust us to lead the way in CGI ads!.

Blog

Non-Traditional Shoppable Experiences: Unleashing Innovation in E-Commerce

Emmanuel Rojas
February 27, 2024

In the bustling world of digital innovation, the horizon of e-commerce never stands still, forever being reshaped by the hands of technological advancement. As marketers, entrepreneurs, and business leaders, we stand at the precipice of the digital consumer revolution, where shopping is just one click, touch, or voice command away. However, the ‘traditional’ one-dimensional way of retail is rapidly becoming outdated in the face of new, immersive, and interactive shopping experiences.

The race to capture the ever-fragmenting attention of consumers and differentiate brand offerings has accelerated a revolution in e-commerce. The future of shopping is here, and it is dynamic, immersive, and above all, innovative. Let’s explore the cutting-edge strategies and powerful technologies that are redefining the very essence of shopping.

Augmented Reality (AR) Shopping: The Personalized, Interactive Frontier

As Augmented Reality (AR) blends the digital footprints with the physical world, it carves out a new dimension for consumer engagement. In the realm of e-commerce, AR has the singular power to offer hyper-personalized, interactive product experiences that were hitherto unimaginable.

Smartphone applications and web plugins have democratized AR shopping, making it accessible to even the most casual online shoppers. From trying on virtual clothes to visualizing furniture in a room, AR expands possibilities—bridging the gap between the digital product image and physical consumer space.

For customers, AR shopping is a game-changer, reducing uncertainty around size or suitability of products and enhancing consumer confidence. On the retailer side, AR facilitates a deeper level of consumer insight through analytics on virtual try-ons, leading to improved product design and inventory management.

Virtual Reality (VR) Shopping: The Bespoke Immersive Escape

Virtual Reality (VR) constructs a simulated three-dimensional world, beckoning consumers to immerse themselves in a bespoke shopping universe. It’s a step beyond AR, offering a complete sensory experience that fosters brand loyalty like never before.

From virtual showrooms for luxury goods to tailored shopping experiences in VR marketplaces, the applications are manifold. VR transcends physical barriers to deliver exceptional shopping experiences.

However, for those who can access VR, it leads to higher purchase intent, conversion rates, and an immersive brand experience that’s second to none.

Social Commerce: The Community-Driven Shopping Spree

Social commerce takes the conversation where it naturally flows: social media. By integrating shopping capabilities within social platforms, it harnesses the power of community and user-generated content to drive sales.

Platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are not just for browsing—they are now interactive storefronts. With features like in-app purchasing and shoppable posts, social commerce is turning casual browsers into active buyers.

Voice Commerce: The Conversational Conversion Channel

The rise of virtual assistants like Amazon’s Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri has paved the way for a new dimension in e-commerce: voice commerce. It simplifies the shopping process, allowing customers to make purchases with a voice command.

Voice commerce is growing rapidly, with a predicted climb to billions in sales by 2023. This growth is propelled by the speed and convenience it offers, making it a natural fit for the ethos of instant gratification that characterizes the digital consumer.

By leveraging AR, VR, social commerce, and voice assistants, retailers can provide customers with the unforgettable experiences they crave. But at its core, each of these innovations pivots on personalization, interactivity, and user-centric design. When implemented thoughtfully, they not only encourage more conversions but also foster stronger, more loyal customer relationships.

The NOW Gen at CES 2024 encapsulates the spirit of this digital transformation. Here, we celebrate the pioneers and visionaries who drive the unprecedented acceleration of e-commerce. As we stand on the brink of a new shopping era, one with endless opportunities for brands to connect with consumers, we call upon businesses to embrace these unconventional yet powerful tools, to redefine their online presence, and to craft shoppable experiences that truly resonate with the NOW generation.

Blog

The Future of Social Media Marketing: Trends and Insights for 2024

Emmanuel Rojas
January 9, 2024

The Rise of AI Marketing

AI in social media marketing has one promising application: predictive analysis. For instance, analyzing click-through rates, shares, likes, and comments helps identify the most resonating content. By leveraging AI to analyze historical data and identify patterns, marketers can predict consumer behavior and future trends. This predictive capability empowers marketers to plan content strategies and make data-driven decisions, leading to effective campaigns, optimized budgets, and improved ROI. The integration of AI in marketing strategies is not just a trend; it’s becoming a necessity.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial for marketing professionals and social media enthusiasts to stay ahead of these trends and harness their transformative potential. This blog post will cover the future of social media marketing, shedding light on emerging trends and offering valuable insights to thrive in this dynamic environment.

With AI, marketers can automate routine tasks, allowing them to focus on strategic aspects. But that’s not all! AI algorithms can analyze user behavior to create personalized experiences, making content more relevant and engaging.

Indeed, the potential of AI in personalizing user experiences cannot be overstated. AI algorithms are capable of processing vast amounts of user data—including previous interactions, browsing history, click patterns, and even keystrokes—to learn more about individual preferences and behaviors. This deep understanding of user behavior allows AI to create highly customized content, from personalized product recommendations to individually tailored email content.

Furthermore, AI can dynamically adjust the content based on real-time user behavior. For example, in social media networks like Facebook, X or Instagram, if a user shows a preference for a particular type of social media post, the AI could automatically prioritize similar content in their feed. This adaptive personalization not only enhances user engagement but also builds a stronger connection between the audience and the brand. In essence, AI’s ability to deliver personalized experiences is heralding a new era of social media marketing—one where every interaction is tailored to the unique needs and preferences of the individual user.

AI tools can sift through vast data sets, draw meaningful insights, and predict trends. This wealth of analytics helps marketers make informed decisions and refine their social media strategy.

Contrary to popular belief, AI tools are not only generative. They also play a crucial role as assistants in the idea and concept development stages of creative projects. AI can expedite brainstorming by analyzing vast amounts of data, identifying patterns, and generating innovative suggestions. However, the ultimate creative concept still relies on human expertise. The human element adds nuance, emotion, and unpredictability that AI currently cannot replicate, combining the strengths of both AI and human creativity in the final product.

At 121 Corp, we’re not just keeping pace with the AI revolution – we’re defining it. AI assistants are already an integral part of our dynamic suite of solutions, revolutionizing how we analyze data, streamline tasks, and deliver results. These digital allies enable us to “craft bespoke excellence at the speed of now,” reinforcing our reputation as a leading, forward-thinking solutions provider. With AI assistants, we’re not just generating ideas – we’re unlocking possibilities. They are our partners, working alongside us to ensure that your vision is realized in remarkable, tailored, and ongoing ways. So, how do we support this promise? By embracing the convergence of human expertise and AI innovation, we’re creating a new standard in service.

Creativity

Transforming Marketing with CGI Advancements

admin
May 11, 2023

As the world continues to evolve, so does how we approach marketing. In today’s digital age, CGI, or computer-generated imagery, has revolutionized how we create content and tell stories.

CGI work has been around for decades, but it wasn’t until recently that it became more accessible and affordable. According to the Nashville Film Institute, this technology is used in architecture, engineering, virtual reality, art, and advertising. It involves using computer software to create images, animations, and visual effects that look realistic and lifelike. 

This technique allows marketers to create visually stunning content that captures their audience’s attention. It can be used to create everything from product demos to explainer videos, and it can be used across a wide range of industries. The ability to create realistic and immersive content has made CGI an essential tool for marketers looking to stand out in a crowded marketplace.

Technology constantly evolves, and significant advancements have occurred in recent years. One of the most exciting developments is the use of real-time rendering. This technology allows instant feedback, meaning changes can be made on the spot. This has made it easier and more efficient to create CGI content.

Another significant advancement in technology is machine learning and artificial intelligence. This technology allows for more accurate and realistic visual effects, meaning CGI work can look even more lifelike. This has opened up new possibilities for marketers looking to create immersive experiences for their audience.

According to a report from eMarketer, nearly 75% of U.S. internet users search for visual content when purchasing. Creating compelling visual content for your consumers is a task that can become easier when you take advantage of these techniques. 

There are many benefits to using CGI work in marketing campaigns. One of the most significant benefits is that it allows marketers to create more engaging and memorable content.

CGI can also help create more cost and time-effective content than traditional media. In an article by Creative Review, it was mentioned that this technique is powerful because it can facilitate the customization of more efficient campaigns. 

This can be especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have a large marketing budget. Also, last-minute changes can be done through CGI replacement, which is time-efficient and less costly than re-shooting a video. 

When choosing a CGI service for your marketing needs, it’s essential to consider your goals and budget. Many different CGI services are available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. For example, some services may specialize in creating realistic product demos, while others may be better suited for creating engaging animations or replacing assets seamlessly.

It’s also important to consider the quality of the work and the level of customer support the service provides. Look for a service with a portfolio of high-quality work and a team of experienced professionals who can help bring your vision to life.

If you’re considering incorporating CGI into your marketing plan, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it’s essential to clearly understand what you want to achieve with your CGI content. This will help you to create content that is tailored to your target audience and that aligns with your overall marketing strategy.

Working with a team of experienced professionals who can help guide you through the process is also essential. This may include 3D artists, animators, and post-production specialists.

The future of CGI in marketing is exciting, with many new opportunities on the horizon. As technology evolves, we expect to see even more lifelike and immersive CGI content. This will allow marketers to create more engaging and memorable experiences for their audience.

One area where we can see significant growth is in the use of augmented and virtual reality. These technologies allow for even more immersive experiences, and they have the potential to revolutionize the way we create and view content.

When selecting a CGI service, looking for experience working with clients in your industry is important. This will ensure they understand your unique needs and can create content that resonates with your target audience.

It’s also essential to choose a service that offers a range of services, including 3D modeling, animation, and post-production. This will ensure you have access to all the tools you need to create high-quality content.

Technology revolutionized how we approach marketing, providing a powerful tool for creating engaging and immersive content. As we continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more opportunities for CGI in marketing. Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, incorporating this technique into your marketing plan can help you stand out in a crowded marketplace and connect with your audience meaningfully.

Creativity

Data at the service of creativity

admin
August 3, 2021

The marketing sector is undergoing enormous transformations at the moment, with creativity blending with statistics to achieve precise outcomes. Traditional marketers, on the other hand, find this combination perplexing. After all, creativity and data are two opposites of the same coin.

You’ll be surprised to learn that the bulk of the decisions you believed were based only on creativity are supported by data as well. Analyzing significant trends, determining what appeals to the public, and developing a product in reaction to all of this is essentially data-driven. Let’s find out how these two different features get along.

Data-Supported Creativity

The majority of marketers feel that technology and creativity will become increasingly important in developing effective marketing campaigns. However, there are many unsolved concerns about how companies might profit from this merger.

According to a McKinsey analysis, firms that have combined these two areas are more successful than those still struggling to combine creativity and data. Other reports support that marketers believe that creativity and technology will be equally important in building effective marketing strategies.

Integrators’ creative functions are becoming more data-driven, while data-driven tasks are becoming more creative. Customer experience and consumer insights are two areas where we see this most clearly. Marketers who combine creativity and analytics create more significant development than others who don’t.

Overall, marketing is all about how a product interacts with customers. It is, in some ways, about customer involvement. Marketers can engage people in a way that assures results by combining creativity and data. Furthermore, technical developments in data analysis may accelerate marketing or creative processes by providing marketers with valuable insights from targeted customers. 

Competing in a data-driven world

Consider Spotify, which harnessed the power of data and utilized it to fuel an innovative marketing strategy. Spotify was able to usher in a new age of song-listening experience by leveraging available user data. They were able to construct their data-driven campaigns, which used outdoor billboards to provide goals for the future year, using the available statistics.

This data-driven marketing effort was not only timely, but it also drew the attention of a large number of people, making it a huge success, and the previous is known as data-led marketing.

Organizations like Spotify should not wait any longer to combine data with c o-reativity. However, this should be done in such a way that both of them complement each other. Remember that pushing this connection will never work since the goal is to strike a healthy balance.

Data Should Boost Creativity (Not Replace It)

The market is becoming increasingly competitive. Every day, businesses aim to differentiate themselves from the competition by devising novel ways to get their voices heard. However, sometimes more than just the ideal team members are required to break through the throng and have your message received the way you want it.

Marketing firms have the opportunity to peel back the layers and get to the heart of critical consumer data by using machine learning or other comparable technology. With the correct data comes insight, and with the proper insights, marketers have a good chance of creating accurate ads that are creative.

As additional technical improvements in the marketing, more and more businesses will follow the technique of making critical data useful. After all, the most engaging marketing initiatives are built on meaningful data about a particular target. This is where the connection between data and creativity may assist businesses in discovering new correlations.

In conclusion

Without data-driven insight, digital marketing services are like trying to hit a target while blindfolded. Given this, firms and marketing firms must craft messaging with their customers in mind, and data may assist in this process. The wonderful thing about creativity is that everyone has different preferences. This indicates that if one group enjoys something, it does not follow that the same thing will be well-received by another set of people, data that is provided while making a targeted campaign.

Marketers must grasp this to develop a better ad experience and, as a consequence, generate campaigns that will resonate with at least a more significant portion of the public.

A marketer must create individualized, memorable experiences that foster consumer loyalty. This is only achievable if an ad piece hooks its readers by appealing to their passions, interests, and concerns. This cannot be accomplished by putting statistics against creativity; rather, combining these two aspects will yield ideas worthy of acclaim. The future of marketing requires both technology and creativity.

121 is the Fastest day-to-day Design and Content Studio for many global Fortune 500 companies. We adapt and implement your global campaigns to suit and comply with all your outlets’ requirements while also aligned with your brand’s equity delivering high-quality solutions at superior Speed while remaining cost-effective; from Social & E-comm content, graphic design, digital implementation to integrated production, using both data and creativity to boost your global campaigns.

121 will work with you to grow your brand while giving you peace of mind. We aim to help you achieve your brand’s objective, not to compete against your creative, strategic, or In-House agencies. We genuinely believe that we can play a significant role in your success.

Creativity

Designing for the Shelf is not enough

admin
June 1, 2021

Nowadays, a ferocious competence takes place, old tactics seem obsolete, and you need to have more than a big name to outperform in the market; the rise of products in the United Kingdom against regular brands pictures the state of affairs. So, which differentiators are making people choose one product over the other? Take note.

The power of Influencers.

As recently in the UK’s household market and not precisely the cause of a direct influencer marketing strategy, or because they are getting paid for, influencers are backing own-label brands with their product reviews; This has impacted positively sales for own-label products thanks to Mrs. Hinch and the young people demographic who watch her reviews.

Influencer marketing is nothing new, with big brands from all markets capitalizing on the reputation of social media personalities on a range of channels, such as Tik Tok or Instagram, to attract a broader audience, which can be an excellent opportunity for your brand.

All it takes is the proper collaboration with a relevant influencer, and your product will soar to new heights.

Emotional connection, building a stronger bond.

The key for your business and brands to grow is to make your product matter in peoples’ lives and preserve those values you have. Premiumization and personalization happen by adding value to your product, reflecting in the community loyalty.

For example, Xiaohongshu, a thriving lifestyle community platform with over 300 million users, started sharing the products they were buying overseas, usually luxury products. Over time, this developed more and more into a larger community and a place to purchase products.

And it’s a great example of how successful brands that make that emotional connection in consumers’ lives are those that combine community and personalization. However, brands must take care of their premium side, as well as their reputation because they can become tomorrow’s commodity.

Personality and Humanized brands.

Your brand’s Personality is essential when you have many competitors; as humans, outstanding personalities attract us; if a brand lacks one, it will remain an average one; if it does, it will induce brand loyalty, and for instance, people will not be influenced by competence even if there’s a better price in between.

Hone your brand’s personality public perception according to the five types of the brand personality framework and don’t miss the opportunity to make it stand out; for example, Tik Tok falls under the umbrella of excitement, and Apple in the sophistication one.

Brand experience & authenticity

If a Brand is like a person, then its experience refers to the relationship you have with customers, how you interact with them in the long term, and the holistic perception this brings, which eventually translates to commercial ROI.

However, stick true to your brand’s authenticity; for 86% of consumers, authenticity is important when deciding what brands they like and support.

Lego consistently creates a fantastic experience for customers before, during, and after their transactions has earned the honor to be one of the top authentic brands.

Price & E-commerce solutions

Although the price might remain an obvious differentiator, the price differential is particularly noticeable for people looking for coupons, bogofs, and all kinds of discounts; however, they still look for quality, so the price-quality ratio remains at peoples’ top mind;

People might choose own-label products over brands, but the price difference is not that big; this can affect the product; however, many people choose, while rushing so they don’t have time to focus on other differentiators brands have to offer other than price.

Following the sustainability trend.

Eco-friendly and sustainability-related consumer items are currently growing roughly six times faster than other brands, and 73% of global consumers indicated they would definitely modify their consumption patterns to decrease their environmental effect.

In the UK’s Household market, sustainability is one of the two key drivers for growth across the toilet tissue category this year.

More than half of customers (52%) feel they emotionally connect to items or organizations they consider sustainable. Brands like Adidas make this a definite trend with its most recent “Run for the Oceans” program.

You must feed your e-content daily and provide originality to your brand; it must feel like a person and not a robot; You must be relevant and, at the same time, have a personality: we can arrange that and give a change of look; if designing for the Shelf is not enough, we are that powerful tool that helps global brands have an impressive amount of content. 

From Social & E-comm content, graphic design, digital implementation to integrated production, 121 will work with you to grow your brand while giving you peace of mind. We aim to help you achieve your brand’s objective, not to compete against your creative, strategic, or In-House agencies. We adapt and implement your global campaigns to suit and comply with your outlets’ requirements while also aligned with your brand’s equity. We can play a significant role in your success.

Brands

Creativity: The non-negotiable ingredient

admin
October 29, 2020

Creativity! What is creativity exactly? Agencies worldwide take the challenge to take Fortune 500 companies’ brand materials and communication to the next level. Creativity is one of those things that not everyone can actually put into words. So, what does it mean to be creative?

Bestselling author and journalist Daniel Pink says Creativity is “Giving the world something it didn’t know it was missing.”

Steal Like an Artist author, Austin Kleon defines Creativity as “Taking what’s in front of you and everybody else and making something new out of it.

Today we associate Creativity with so much more. We think about imagination, ingeniousness, Innovation, invention, and originality. As Entrepreneur magazine states, Creativity is the best solving tool there is, and we agree entirely. Advertising is about reaching your target audience with audacity. Consumers want to see ads they actually like. We all love a good campaign. It makes us want to share it and participate in it.

CPG Power brands are cautious about messing with their brand’s equity. Implementation must be done creatively but without disturbing the brand’s guidelines.
This is why brands develop strict brand books so that every agency that manipulates their materials doesn’t generate different materials that don’t go along well. Can you imagine hundreds of agencies deforming a power brand’s logo? It would be too painful to watch!

Creativity on Adapting Global Campaigns (without losing a brand’s identity)

Global advertising and creative agencies such as IPG, GROUP M, Publicis, WPP Group, Dentsu, among others, take months to develop truly mindblowing campaigns. However, implementation agencies are in charge of adapting global campaigns into regional and seasonal materials.

Creativity shouldn’t be lost on adaptation. On the contrary, a good dose of it should be injected into materials. Ask our designers. We have loooots of fun delivering attractive pieces of content.

Old Spice, a Procter & Gamble brand, is known for its irreverent campaigns. The iconic “Hello Ladies” has resulted in hundreds of campaigns that will always give you a good laugh. We know we do. We have a lot of fun while adapting and developing engaging ad materials for social and e-comm channels.

Mucinex, Reckitt Benckiser’s flu remedy, is most certainly a fun brand to work with thanks to Mr. Mucus, the star we love to dismiss from their ads. KY, also from RB, is vibrant and creative. Having both a line for women and men makes them stand out because of their bold and unapologetic communication. Consumers find it genuine and playful, good to know, considering the nature of their brand.

Effective implementation is about providing artistic value on adaptation material, adding verbal, visual, and creative sound elements to elevate a brand’s communication. Creativity is not always valued at first. However, taking it into account will make campaigns more appealing as they roll out, and consumers get to appreciate our work.

Speed and Agility: A match made in heaven

Agility & Speed are not the same. Being agile means always in a position to take account of market changes and act on them. Speed is something we were born with, not be that braggy. Improving a consumer’s omnichannel experience over time is something brands should consider. Marketing teams must take so much change into the equation.

Brand Managers and Marketers require their agencies to deliver on very, very, veryyyyy short notice. Let’s just say we’ve developed entire product range adaptations in less than 24 hours. Its an arduous task, but we are ready to get our hands busy.

The world, as we knew it changed. Today brands require creativity if they want to stand out on social media, A+ pages, and every major e-commerce platform. Online Seasonal Sales have stolen the spotlight from brick and mortar stores. 

At 121, we swear by our speed, our reputation precedes us as we are a reliable partner delivering POS and Packaging design as well as Web Solutions. Today we do so much more than that. 2020 propelled us immensely into the world of content. Social and e-comm are booming right now, and our clients started demanding astonishing amounts of it in a blink of an eye. Let’s make great things happen!

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