Reports: Shoppers are buying, social pushing more purchases

Two new reports indicate that while all restrictions surrounding the Coronavirus may not be over, people are ready - and willing - to start shopping again. This could come as a relief to retailers big and small who have been beleaguered over the past two months as all but necessity-deemed merchants had to shutter their physical stores. >>

Internet

Studies highlight security issues for brands

Although some restrictions are lifting and more businesses are opening during the COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of businesses say they'll continue supporting the option of employees to work from home. The problem? Many businesses are ready for long-term work-from-home options and this could put their business at risk to hackers, phishers, and other nefarious types. >>

Advertising

Study: People want brands to listen to them

A growing number of consumers want brands to listen to them. That is a key takeaway from new Disqo data which finds, among other things, that more than 90% of consumers feel brands should listen to their opinions, and they're willing to do a little of the legwork to make their own voices heard. >>

Ecommerce

How adding emotion into AI can produce better CX

More and more consumers are turning to text and social media to solve customer experience and customer service issues. To help solve issues in a timely manner, many businesses have added Artificial Intelligence to route communications and even solve more minor issues. The problem is that AI can leave some feeling more frustrated. That's why, according to one expert, brands need to change AI to AEI - Artificial Emotional Intelligence. Here's how. >>

Loyalty Marketing

Study: Digital incentives key to engagement

Americans like their rewards. This has been known throughout the ad industry for decades, but new data out from MasterCard finds that digital rewards are just an important to many consumers as physical rewards. >>

Internet Marketing 101

7 Critical Rules for Amazing Team Formation

This article will tell you more about the rules that should be followed if you want to build a great team. >>

Social Marketing

How COVID-19 has halted Influencer marketing - and what to do about it

Over the past 18 months influencer marketing has gone from a new 'let's give this a try' to a full-blown advertising strategy for many brands. But, with the pandemic continuing to rage across the globe, influencer campaigns have all but stopped as consumers stop going to restaurants, planning trips, and focusing on immediate needs when they shop. What can brands do to re-purpose the influencer spend? We asked a digital expert. >>

Advertising

CPG brands: How to adapt to cookie-less marketing

Over the past five months, we've heard more about cookie-less advertising and how marketers can adapt post-cookie, especially with Apple and Google announcing plans to phase out data cookies. But much of this focus has been on the impact of going cookie-less to verticals like apparel and home goods. What about CPG brands? They are just as dependent on cookies and consumer data to engage. >>

Search Marketing

Study: Searches going brand-less

While consumers have increased the amount of time they are spending online in recent weeks, they haven't changed other digital habits. Case in point: how they search. According to Google most consumers begin digital searches for products or travel purposes without brand names in mind; during the COVID crisis, people continue to search without a destination (or brand) in mind. >>

Ecommerce

Reports highlight importance of experience

It is no secret that more people are buying more things - from groceries to tennis shoes to gaming equipment - online during the COVID-19 pandemic. But not all merchants, grocers, restauranteurs, or brands are making a great impression - and that may be bad for business post-COVID-19. >>