AI, Web3, and ChatGPT: What it means for you and me
If you have gone online in the past two years, you have undoubtedly seen the rise of Artificially Intelligent (AI) generated marketing, cryptocurrencies, and chat bots with the answers to seemingly any question or problem.
Although there was a clear shift from last year’s Web3 and cryptocurrency heyday to today’s sexy new artificial intelligence chatbots (ChatGPT and Google’s Bard being the industry leaders), Web3 veterans have made it clear that they aren’t going anywhere.
There was a time, not long ago, when brands from all over the world were focusing a lot of attention and effort on NFTs and cryptocurrencies as the potential next marketing boom. Then one day, some of the biggest companies in that space either went completely under (FTX) or had massive layoffs (Coinbase, Crypto.com). This was the writing on the wall for some of these companies, and they realized that maybe they were TOO early.
With a looming recession, brands from all over the world have started cutting costs. Per the Wallstreet Journal - huge companies like Alphabet (Google), Meta (Facebook), Twitter, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs have all announced layoffs so far in 2023.
So what does this mean for marketers?
Wait and see. That’s what it comes down to for some top level marketers. AdAge said that Walmart U.S. Chief Marketing Officer William White and Clorox Co. CMO Eric Schwartz put a premium on being nimble. This recession has been forecasted by many and seems almost an inevitability at this point. However, no one seems to know exactly when it will happen. This means that giving yourself the ability to roll with the punches and react to things as they come up will allow you to navigate these trying times a bit more easily.
One way marketers are trying to remain nimble and free flowing is by leveraging the new ways that AI can help marketers. Whether that is by having AI create some images that fit the story you are trying to tell, having it write a full article with little to no instruction, or having it create a full-out marketing campaign in just a few seconds, AI can take some things off your plate and let you focus on the bigger picture.
Although I may have only touched briefly on Web3 in this article, I fully believe that the issues we are currently seeing around NFTs and Cryptocurrencies are growing pains that are brought on by necessary concerns and conversations amongst some of Web3’s staunchest supporters. I am personally excited to see where we will be in even six months from now in terms of Web3, and I recommend that you all keep your ear to the ground to figure out how you can capitalize on the next big trend that emerges.
While our previous blogs recapping the Marketing Relationship Survey highlight key communication tactics and needs to sustain and improve the Agency-Client relationships, today we’re simply asking: What kind of work is getting noticed and needed by Clients, and what should Agencies prioritize?
In the 6th annual Setup Marketing Relationship Survey, we uncovered that 40% of Clients intended to switch Agencies in the next 6 months. Although this is significantly less from previous years, the sentiment remains the same: Clients desire more from their Agency partners. This blog breaks down exactly what Clients desire from their Agency partners and how the two parties can work together to create harmonious relationships.
The Setup Marketing Relationship Survey revealed that 40% of Clients surveyed will switch Agency partners in the next six months. This is consistent with our 2023 survey results where Ad Age concluded that more reviews may be coming. Why are reviews coming and what could make the Agency-Client relationship stronger?
The marketing world is always changing, but the core principles of great leadership stay the same. To help you navigate this evolving landscape, we’ve gathered insights from some of the top CMOs in the business from our featured 2024 CMO Spotlight interviews. These ten lessons are just as relevant now as they’ll be in 2025, offering practical advice on leading with impact and staying adaptable in a fast-moving marketplace.
Spotify Wrapped, launched in 2016, has significantly contributed to Spotify's growth by engaging users through personalized listening data and encouraging social media sharing. There are a number of Brands that have created cultural touchstones that create hype and consumer anticipation. How can you implement these learnings into your own marketing strategy?
When Wicked debuted in theaters in 2024, it didn’t just break records—it created a cultural moment (some would say it defied expectations). With a jaw-dropping $164 million opening weekend surpassing other notable Broadway film adaptations like Les Miserable and Mean Girls, the beloved story featuring some of the world’s biggest stars was immediately a box office triumph and a marketing masterpiece. Behind its success was a multifaceted strategy picking out the perfect partnerships that not only thrilled fans of the original, but also reached entirely new audiences of all ages and preferences (even the musical haters).
Black Friday has undergone a dramatic transformation since its chaotic in-store origins in the 1960s. Once synonymous with one-day-only doorbuster deals and frenzied shopping, the event is now a weeks-long digital phenomenon, shaped by evolving consumer behavior, economic pressures, and innovative retailer strategies, not to mention some potential trust issues with consumers. Here’s a comprehensive look at how Brands and consumers are navigating Black Friday 2024.
Last week, Setup hosted a LinkedIn Live event led by Setup Founder & CEO, Joe Koufman, that featured Courtney Lewis, the CMO of The Variable, and Elicia Azali, the CMO of Beazer Homes, to unveil the 2024 Setup Marketing Relationship Survey – an annual report that delves into the dynamics between marketing Agencies and Clients. This year’s results, drawn from over 400 responses across industries, spotlight the evolving priorities, challenges, and opportunities in these relationships.
In support of our vision to connect marketers with the best people and resources, we’ve hosted a Happy Hour for the Atlanta marketing community at our office for the last two years. Partners, community members, and Clients all join together to laugh, chat, and learn more about one another.
Whether you’re an Agency or Brand marketing leader, or the point person (Account Services/Project Manager) in an Agency-Client relationship, it’s important to make people feel valued. We’ve compiled notes from countless conversations on what makes a relationship sustainable, and what can ruin it. Check it out!
Setup CEO + Founder, Joe Koufman, spoke with Ben Boyd, the Chief Communications Officer at Chobani, about designing your own career path, the importance of empathy and understanding as a leader, and more.
Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands + Agency marketers alike! Every other week, we’ll provide three trending topics in the Marketing industry, as well as a new story that you will want to get your eyes on. This week we talk about tech-savvy Brands, Heinz's misstep, the Marketing Relationship Survey results, and more.
The holiday season means show time for a number of industries, meaning Brands need to be on their A-game. With fierce competition and distractions abound, how can your company leave a lasting impression during the holidays to maintain Brand loyalty during the holidays and beyond?
At Setup, we regularly conduct Agency Assessments where we interview Agencies and their past and current Clients about an Agency's performance, strengths, and weaknesses. Surprisingly, when the results are presented, Clients tend to comment about a lack of data-driven practices, or a need for more.
If data-driven decision making is so impactful, then why are some companies lacking in data usage?
The user's ability to share content privately (or otherwise known as "Dark Social") creates a blind spot for most digital marketers, almost embodying the same effectiveness as a TV spot or a billboard on the street. So how can marketers track the clues to measure what is behind closed doors or hidden in the shadows?
The fluctuating economy leading to job and spending uncertainty, shifts consumer preferences in ways that significantly impact marketing strategies - especially in Travel and Hospitality. To stay ahead, Brands need to rethink how to engage with customers to maintain their loyalty and their business. Here are some strategies to keep in mind as marketers prepare for the holiday season and approach 2025.
With economic uncertainty, shifting consumer expectations, and evolving digital trends (AI, anyone?), it has become more of a challenge to sort budgets. Last year’s numbers may not be a great indicator of future success. One thing is certain, however: demonstrating the ROI from marketing efforts is crucial for brands to stay competitive.
Check out key budgeting challenges that marketers often face and practical solutions to help marketing leaders craft a stronger, more agile budget.
Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and Agency marketers alike! We provide three trending topics in the Marketing industry, as well as a new story that you will want to get your eyes on. This week we talk about Client team layoffs + increased budgets for Agencies, sprint models, football season + more...
Gen Z is expected to have $2.7 trillion in global spending power, and its influence will only grow, projected to reach $12 trillion by 2030. They currently make up about 25% of the worldwide population. While Millennials have more established careers and spend more, Gen Z has the power to shape trends and is increasing its purchasing power as it continues to take over the workforce.
Gen Z is a big deal, and marketers need to pay attention.
Although Generation Alpha is not yet old enough to be purchasing leaders, this tech-savvy generation was the first born into a digitally established world, and their influence may cause marketers to change priorities and adapt to new tactics.
Many Agencies focus on B2C tactics but could be missing out on untapped B2B opportunities. Learn how you can apply the same powerful B2B strategies you use for Clients to fuel your Agency’s growth.
Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and Agency marketers alike! We provide three trending topics in the Marketing industry, as well as a new story that you will want to get your eyes on. This week we talk about being ~demure~, Heinz's standout ads, the DNC branding + more...
Connection in a post-Covid world is different. Most teams are remote and trying to rebuild the remnants of culture’s past. Our August #MarketersBreakfast was aimed to cure this slump by focusing on the tools leaders need to build better and more healthy communication practices to unite their teams and improve their organizations.
Agencies excel at helping businesses grow, but many fail to apply their own successful strategies internally. Explore why Agencies often struggle with their own growth and how to change that.
Setup CEO + Founder, Joe Koufman, spoke with Trish Nettleship, the Chief Marketing Officer at NCR Voyix, about understanding your “why,” the power of relationships and listening, passion, and more.
People overall are not feeling heard or understood. When that happens, team members don’t feel valued, and they usually leave a place of employment or end a partnership. We provide suggestions to improve culture, collaboration, and communication for marketing leaders, including our Team Building service.
Wendy’s paved the way for social media Brand voices and campaigns everywhere. What other Brands are rising to the occasion and what are they doing to stand out?
Setup’s Manager of Strategic Partnerships listed his favorite Cannes Lions campaigns from Coca-Cola to Pop-Tarts and more, and the takeaways for marketers.
Setup CEO + Founder, Joe Koufman, spoke with Dan Csont, the EVP & Chief Marketing Officer at Corpay, about leveraging every opportunity to gain experience in your career, the evolution of U2, the power of understanding people as a leader, and more.
Choosing the right marketing Agency in 2025 is about more than finding a vendor—it’s about building a partnership that can adapt to your needs, communicate effectively, and drive long-term results. Start with clear goals, leverage trusted referrals, and prioritize compatibility and communication. Remember, the right Agency won’t just execute campaigns—they’ll act as an extension of your team, helping your Brand navigate challenges and seize opportunities.