The Setup Pulse: Trends CMOs Need to Know Right Now

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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.

Read about what’s being talked about this week!

 

Trending Topics

Trade Shows Are BACK!

Trade shows are making a triumphant return! The recent National Restaurant Association show was the busiest it has been since pre-COVID. We can confidently say that it’s clear that in-person networking and hands-on experiences are back in full swing. Get your booth game ready and capitalize on this resurgence.

 

Sustainability in Advertising

Have you considered the carbon footprint of your digital advertising? Forbes highlights a study showing that the U.K. digital advertising industry emits over 84,000 metric tons of CO2 annually. Sustainable practices in digital advertising are essential for environmentally conscious businesses aiming to stay ahead.

 

Is Everyone’s Opinion Important? Creativity Hold-ups

Creativity is inherently subjective, complicating Agency-Client relationships. Imagine getting regular input on a video project, then suddenly facing a complete halt due to differing opinions from higher-ups. Navigating creative freedom with feedback is crucial for delivering work that meets diverse expectations. Listening to differing perspectives is important for growth, but at the same time, maybe trust the hired experts on some decisions.

 

New + Noteworthy

Apple + OpenAI: Whispers of Romance in the AIr

Rumors suggest Apple and OpenAI are set to announce a major partnership to integrate ChatGPT into the iPhone’s operating system. This could significantly impact the AI landscape, potentially enhancing Siri or leading to new AI features. Stay tuned for this potentially game-changing development! 

 

Ad Of The Week

Not to make everything about Apple, but recently they released an ad called “Crush!” to introduce their new iPad Pro. Creatives responded in an outrage due to the ad’s lack of respect for other art forms. Apple quickly apologized in return. Whether you like or dislike an ad, you can always learn something from them. Did you think they missed the mark?

 
 

 Come back soon for the next “Setup Pulse” where we give you quick trend and campaign reports! If you want more in-depth industry content, including interviews by CMOs and Marketing Executives, subscribe to our Newsletter below!

Blog
Why Valuing Clients + Your Team Pays Off Big
Why Valuing Clients + Your Team Pays Off Big

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!

Pulse Report 10.21.24 
Pulse Report 10.21.24 

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.

‘Tis the Holiday Season to Gather... and Build Brand Loyalty
‘Tis the Holiday Season to Gather... and Build Brand Loyalty

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?

How Data-Driven Decision Making Transforms Agency-Client Partnerships
How Data-Driven Decision Making Transforms Agency-Client Partnerships

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 Case of “Dark Socials” - Tracking the Untraceable
The Case of “Dark Socials” - Tracking the Untraceable

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?

Travel and Hospitality Marketing: Prioritizing the Customer Experience
Travel and Hospitality Marketing: Prioritizing the Customer Experience

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.

6 Tips to Maximize Your Marketing Budget
6 Tips to Maximize Your Marketing Budget

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. 

Pulse Report 9.16.24 
Pulse Report 9.16.24 

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...

It’s Giving… Marketing to Gen Z
It’s Giving… Marketing to Gen Z

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.

What Marketers Need to Know About the Next Generation: Gen Alpha 
What Marketers Need to Know About the Next Generation: Gen Alpha 

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. 

Is Your Agency Missing the B2B Boom While Chasing the B2C Bust?
Is Your Agency Missing the B2B Boom While Chasing the B2C Bust?

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.

Pulse Report 8.26.24 
Pulse Report 8.26.24 

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...

The Expert’s Irony: Are Agencies Losing Their Own Game?
The Expert’s Irony: Are Agencies Losing Their Own Game?

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.

Talk the Talk: Mastering Workplace Communication + Collaboration
Talk the Talk: Mastering Workplace Communication + Collaboration

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.

The Good, The Bad, and The Mediocre: 2024 Cannes Lions
The Good, The Bad, and The Mediocre: 2024 Cannes Lions

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.

5 Ad Campaigns that Inspire Change
5 Ad Campaigns that Inspire Change

Being purpose-driven leads to stronger relationships with consumers rooted in trust, a positive perception of the Brand, excited employees and stakeholders who feel like their work has meaning, and more. By leaning into cause-driven marketing, Brands make a stronger impact, and gain more traction. Past studies show that consumers want Brands to care, especially when it comes to values that align with their own. 

Through our research and discussions, we were inspired to point out a few ad campaigns that use their influence for good. 

Here are five of our favorite marketing campaigns that amplify what it means to be purpose-driven:

Setup Pulse 7.8.24
Setup Pulse 7.8.24

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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 TikTok influencer marketing, AI + humans team up, the strength of paid media, and more…

A Marketer’s Career Journey: Transitioning from Agency to Client-Side Marketing
A Marketer’s Career Journey: Transitioning from Agency to Client-Side Marketing

Navigating the marketing industry often leads professionals to stick to either the Agency or Brand side, potentially limiting their growth opportunities. In our series, we delve into the experiences of marketers who have made the jump from one side to the other. Building on our previous exploration of transitioning from Client to Agency-side marketing, this time we interviewed Allison Turner, who has transitioned from Agency roles to becoming the Marketing Copy Manager at Floor & Decor on the Client side.

This journey highlights how working on both sides can enhance a marketer's skills and adaptability, making them more equipped to handle diverse tasks and challenges.

The Setup Pulse: Trends CMOs Need to Know Right Now
The Setup Pulse: Trends CMOs Need to Know Right Now

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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 trade shows, sustainability, creativity, OpenAI partnerships, and more…

The Broken Agency Search Model: How to Make It Right
The Broken Agency Search Model: How to Make It Right

Traditional Agency searches are often long and expensive, involving high fees and months of vetting. Discover how Setup simplifies the process, delivering highly qualified Agencies in just a week—at no cost to the Client.

A Marketer’s Career Journey: Transitioning from Client to Agency-Side Marketing
A Marketer’s Career Journey: Transitioning from Client to Agency-Side Marketing

Transitioning from Brand-side to Agency-side marketing can be both rewarding and challenging for marketing leaders. This shift offers unique opportunities to enhance strategic thinking, creativity, and versatility while navigating the fast-paced dynamics of managing multiple Clients. Drawing on insights from marketing experts like Cami Albrecht and Elaine Fowler of Sagepath Reply, this blog provides essential advice for successfully making the switch and leveraging the benefits of both career paths.

5 Client-Side Marketing Challenges
5 Client-Side Marketing Challenges

Each year, we conduct the Marketing Relationship Survey with both Client-side and Agency-side marketers to uncover the latest insights on marketing challenges, innovative solutions, and industry preferences. This allows us to identify key marketing gaps and provide strategic solutions that simplify and enhance marketers' efforts. Reach about last year’s Marketing Relationship Survey. 

What challenges are Clients currently facing alongside their agency partners in 2024?

What Challenges do Agency-side Marketers Face?
What Challenges do Agency-side Marketers Face?

Agency leaders and marketers in general are dealing with worldwide challenges like adapting to and adopting advanced technology and social platforms, budget constraints and showcasing marketing’s ROI, and navigating data privacy changes. 

The 2023 Marketing Relationship Survey revealed that Delivery and Business Development remained a key challenge for Agency-side marketing leaders in the last year. 

Setup Pulse - 5.13.24
Setup Pulse - 5.13.24

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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 the the guts it takes to start a marketing agency, Gen Z spending, AI beer, data privacy, and more…

How Client-Side Marketers Find Marketing Agencies
How Client-Side Marketers Find Marketing Agencies

According to the 2023 Setup Marketing Relationship Survey, Word-of-mouth and Referrals consistently remain the most frequent methods Clients use to find new Agency Partners. 

This has been the case for the last five years of the Marketing Relationship Survey. 

What does this mean for Clients + Agencies? How can they optimize their efforts with this knowledge?

Setup Pulse - 4.29.24
Setup Pulse - 4.29.24

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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 the new Chief AI Officer role, latest news on the TikTok ban, X’s streaming services, dogs flying, super heroes coming to life, and more…

The Evolution of Marketing: How AI is Reshaping Marketing in 2024
The Evolution of Marketing: How AI is Reshaping Marketing in 2024

In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, it might feel impossible to keep up. Staying ahead of the curb is as important as having your morning coffee – miss it, and you might find yourself dozing off at the wheel. 

You can’t go anywhere without hearing people talk about Artificial Intelligence (AI), but it isn't just a fancy buzzword; it's critical to making sure you aren’t missing key opportunities. Elaine Fowler, Director of Market Strategy, Experience & Marketing at Sagepath Reply, shares how marketers can best optimize AI to improve their marketing strategy.

Which Agency Services Are Clients Using the Most?
Which Agency Services Are Clients Using the Most?

According to the Setup Marketing Relationship Survey, Clients leaned more heavily into content creation and video in 2023 than previous years by 15%. Since video content is more accessible to all types of people and is easier to consume and understand in short bursts, it makes sense that Clients would take advantage of platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. What other disciplines have been a brand priority?

Setup Pulse - 4.15.24
Setup Pulse - 4.15.24

Welcome to the Setup Pulse for Brands and 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 the new CBO role, how brands reacted to the Eclipse, AI news, and more…

Client vs. Agency Side Marketing: Understanding the Different Career Paths
Client vs. Agency Side Marketing: Understanding the Different Career Paths

Marketers graduating from college often ask me whether they should pursue client- or agency-side opportunities for their initial job out of college. I tell them that in the long term, it is always best to get experience with both, but initially, a stint on the agency-side provides more opportunities to learn about different marketing roles, industries, and experiences than the client-side.

Joe Koufman, Founder and CEO of Setup, the matchmakers bridging the gap between agencies and brands, and Andrea Striebel, the VP of Marketing for Floor & Decor, share their thoughts on agency- vs client-side careers.

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