Creative marketing communications firm Bozell received 9 industry awards, including two Pinnacles, at the 2020 American Marketing Association (AMA) Omaha Pinnacle Awards on Monday. A complete list of awards won are as follows:

Sorry, millennials, your reign is over. Alas, it was short-lived, and we’ll always remember you for your avocado toast, but a new generation stepped up to the plate: Generation Z. Gen Z, born between 1995 and 2015, grew up in the Internet age. They think mail has always been digital and video chats were second nature to them even before COVID-19. They are confident, empathetic, diverse, independent and adaptable. And, even though many of them may only be kids, they know the power of their own voice and are compelled to use it when they feel wrongs are happening in the world.

Ever wonder why your ads are not converting as much as you’d like? Or why your visitors are not staying on your website for very long? In this episode, senior UI/UX designer Justin Henriksen explains why it doesn’t matter how great your advertising is if you’re not thinking through the UI and UX on the other side of the ad. He helps us understand the difference between the two, as well as how both should work together to create a “holistic customer journey” that will support your business objectives and keep your customers happy.

Read More

But Who Really Means It and Who’s Just Masking a Lame Attempt to Get Our Money?

That’s a huge new thing. I get numerous emails every day from companies claiming to be experts that want to help us through this pandemic – but who really means it?

Many do. My bank and law firm, and even my CPA firm send me critical information on what grants and loans are available and what rules are in place, and this is ongoing communication since things are changing constantly. Although they never claim to be experts as so many do, their guidance and advice are invaluable.

“We’re in this together.”

“In times like this.”

“Now more than ever.” 

“We’re here to help.”

Not long after the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S., we became bombarded by TV commercials and Facebook ads from various brands saying these same phrases. Over and over. So much so, that one of my co-workers pointed out we could be playing advertising bingo every night with all of these now mundane phrases.

COVID-19 has instilled fear in everyone worldwide, and drastic measures are being taken to ensure the highest level of medical safety and keep this dreaded disease from spreading. The basic tenet behind these measures is known as social distancing – i.e. stay at home alone unless you need to shop for the basics to survive, and then plan carefully so you can get in, get what you need and get right back out and home again.

CEO Kim Mickelsen’s interview starts off with some really fascinating insights into the challenges, strategies, positioning and execution of two very iconic campaigns – Pork The Other White Meat and Milk Mustache. Then she gets into how the breadth of the competitive landscape and the buying experience in general has changed drastically, so it’s all the more important to know who you are as a company/brand and understand how you need to position yourself in this “new normal of business.” 

Creative Director Dan Cooper discusses the age-old ad agency stereotype – that it’s creative versus account service and blood will be shed. He quickly puts the dated myth to rest, detailing the importance of each discipline within an agency working together, learning from one another and being open to different perspectives and solutions. Because, that’s how you truly get the best result in the end.

From his favorite VHS tape as a kid to his love of streaming live episodes of The Bachelor, Director of Communications Mike Gilloon takes us on a journey of the ever-changing landscape of media. Over the last 10 years, there’s been a drastic change; people are now able to consume and watch content in many different ways. But what may seem like a challenge also presents opportunities for marketers to target a very specific consumer. And no matter how much new technology becomes available, the basic wants and needs of human beings remain the same – they still want person-to-person connections and experiences that make them feel alive. 

Here’s why you’ll never look at blogs the same again.

What’s his story? What’s her story? What’s your story? Hey, want to hear a good story?

Of course you do. We all want to hear a good story. We have since we were children.

Oh, the Places Your Brand Will Go: Why Parents Should Read to Their Children, and Why Your Business Should Care

Here’s a fun stat: Kids who are read one short book per day enter kindergarten hearing 290,000 more words than kids whose parents didn’t read to them. Read More