The Breefing Room

The hub for industry news, interviews, tips, and more.
10 Marketing Trends for 2026
Industry Trends

10 Marketing Trends for 2026

Creators are rewriting the rules, and brands that pay attention are winning big. Find out what you can learn from the creator economy playbook to level up your marketing game.

January 30, 2026
10
min read
The Rise of Connected TV and Retail Media: What Agencies and Brands Should Know
Industry Trends

The Rise of Connected TV and Retail Media: What Agencies and Brands Should Know

As streaming and shopping collide, CTV and retail media are reshaping how brands reach consumers. Here’s what agencies and brands need to know about these fast-growing channels and how to use them together to drive smarter, more measurable campaigns.

March 5, 2026
8
min read
Industry Interview: The Born ID
The Breef Community

Industry Interview: The Born ID

Few studios approach branding with the same level of intention as The Born ID. Founded by cousins Greta and Lara, the studio has built a reputation for story-driven identities rooted in clarity, consistency, and experience.

March 23, 2026
10
min read
How Marketing Agencies Help Small Teams Prioritize the Right Projects for Q1
Working With Agencies

How Marketing Agencies Help Small Teams Prioritize the Right Projects for Q1

When everything feels urgent, focus becomes your biggest advantage. Here’s how marketing agencies help small teams cut through the noise, identify high-impact Q1 priorities and build a roadmap that sets the year up for smarter growth.

February 27, 2026
6
min read
Why Working With Vetted Agencies Saves Time and Money
More About Breef

Why Working With Vetted Agencies Saves Time and Money

Finding the right agency shouldn’t feel like trial and error. Here’s how working with vetted agencies helps brands avoid costly missteps, move faster with confidence and invest their time and budget where it counts.

February 27, 2026
8
min read

Latest Articles

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Industry Interview: The Born ID
The Breef Community
Industry Interview: The Born ID
March 23, 2026
March 23, 2026
10
min read
the debreef. | When the Founder Becomes the Brand Strategy
the debreef.
When the Founder Becomes the Brand Strategy
March 13, 2026
March 13, 2026
4
min read
the debreef. | When the Product Becomes the Campaign
the debreef.
When the Product Becomes the Campaign
February 27, 2026
March 10, 2026
4
min read
Social Media Advertising for Brands: Choosing Platforms, Setting Budget and Measuring Success
Marketing 101
Social Media Advertising for Brands: Choosing Platforms, Setting Budget and Measuring Success
February 26, 2026
March 5, 2026
8
min read
The Rise of Connected TV and Retail Media: What Agencies and Brands Should Know
Industry Trends
The Rise of Connected TV and Retail Media: What Agencies and Brands Should Know
February 20, 2026
March 5, 2026
8
min read
Is Social Search the New SEO? How TikTok and Reddit Are Changing Discovery
Industry Trends
Is Social Search the New SEO? How TikTok and Reddit Are Changing Discovery
February 19, 2026
March 5, 2026
8
min read
How Marketing Agencies Help Small Teams Prioritize the Right Projects for Q1
Working With Agencies
How Marketing Agencies Help Small Teams Prioritize the Right Projects for Q1
February 19, 2026
February 27, 2026
6
min read
Brand Audit Checklist For Small Businesses: Identify Gaps Before You Rebrand
Marketing 101
Brand Audit Checklist For Small Businesses: Identify Gaps Before You Rebrand
February 18, 2026
March 5, 2026
10
min read
Starting the Year Strong: How to Reset Your Marketing Strategy in Spring
Marketing 101
Starting the Year Strong: How to Reset Your Marketing Strategy in Spring
February 18, 2026
February 27, 2026
8
min read
Spring Cleaning Your Marketing: What to Audit, Cut and Optimize
Marketing 101
Spring Cleaning Your Marketing: What to Audit, Cut and Optimize
February 17, 2026
March 5, 2026
6
min read
So You Need to Terminate Your Agency Contract: 101
Working With Agencies
So You Need to Terminate Your Agency Contract: 101
February 16, 2026
February 27, 2026
6
min read
5 Tips for Onboarding a New Creative Agency
Working With Agencies
5 Tips for Onboarding a New Creative Agency
February 13, 2026
March 5, 2026
7
min read
2026 Predictions: Why Agencies Are Essential for Brands That Want to Grow
Industry Trends
2026 Predictions: Why Agencies Are Essential for Brands That Want to Grow
February 13, 2026
February 27, 2026
9
min read
The Hidden Costs of DIY Branding (And How Agencies Prevent Them)
Marketing 101
The Hidden Costs of DIY Branding (And How Agencies Prevent Them)
February 10, 2026
February 27, 2026
7
min read
the debreef. | The Best Super Bowl Ads Start Before Kickoff
the debreef.
The Best Super Bowl Ads Start Before Kickoff
February 9, 2026
March 10, 2026
4
min read
Short-Form Video Dominance and What It Means for Your Marketing Mix
Industry Trends
Short-Form Video Dominance and What It Means for Your Marketing Mix
February 9, 2026
March 5, 2026
7
min read
From Celebrities to AI: What Stood Out in This Year’s Super Bowl Ads
Industry Trends
From Celebrities to AI: What Stood Out in This Year’s Super Bowl Ads
February 9, 2026
February 10, 2026
4
min read
Why Start Your Website Redesign Project in the New Year and How an Agency Can Help
Working With Agencies
Why Start Your Website Redesign Project in the New Year and How an Agency Can Help
February 7, 2026
February 27, 2026
6
min read
What Kind of Marketing Support Do I Need? A Guide to Making the Right Choice
Working With Agencies
What Kind of Marketing Support Do I Need? A Guide to Making the Right Choice
February 7, 2026
February 24, 2026
7
min read
How to Find a Marketing Agency at the Best Price
Working With Agencies
How to Find a Marketing Agency at the Best Price
February 6, 2026
February 27, 2026
8
min read
Stop Googling ‘Agencies Near Me:’ Here’s How to Find the Right Fit
Working With Agencies
Stop Googling ‘Agencies Near Me:’ Here’s How to Find the Right Fit
February 5, 2026
February 20, 2026
7
min read
Website Redesign Project Plan For Small Brands Without Losing SEO Or Momentum
Marketing 101
Website Redesign Project Plan For Small Brands Without Losing SEO Or Momentum
February 3, 2026
March 5, 2026
11
min read
The Small Business Guide to Social Media Posting
Marketing 101
The Small Business Guide to Social Media Posting
February 3, 2026
February 13, 2026
5
min read
Why Working With Vetted Agencies Saves Time and Money
More About Breef
Why Working With Vetted Agencies Saves Time and Money
February 2, 2026
February 27, 2026
8
min read
10 Marketing Trends for 2026
Industry Trends
10 Marketing Trends for 2026
January 30, 2026
January 30, 2026
10
min read
Top Skills to Look for in a Creative Agency Partner
Working With Agencies
Top Skills to Look for in a Creative Agency Partner
January 28, 2026
March 5, 2026
8
min read
SEO and Content Marketing 101: What Every Brand Should Know
Marketing 101
SEO and Content Marketing 101: What Every Brand Should Know
January 28, 2026
March 5, 2026
9
min read
The Role of AI in Marketing (And Why You Still Need an Agency)
Working With Agencies
The Role of AI in Marketing (And Why You Still Need an Agency)
January 28, 2026
February 6, 2026
7
min read
New Year Budgeting: When It Makes Sense to Allocate Funds Toward Agency Support
Marketing 101
New Year Budgeting: When to Allocate Funds to Agency Support
January 26, 2026
February 6, 2026
8
min read
New Year, New Product? Why Professional Creative Makes Launches More Successful
Marketing 101
New Year, New Product? Why Professional Creative Makes Launches More Successful
January 25, 2026
February 27, 2026
7
min read
the debreef. | AI is Everywhere, and Audiences Are Watching
the debreef.
AI is Everywhere, and Audiences Are Watching
January 23, 2026
March 10, 2026
4
min read
Kick Off Q1 Strong: How Agencies Help Small Brands Start the Year With Momentum
Marketing 101
Kick Off Q1 Strong With Agency Support
January 23, 2026
February 6, 2026
7
min read
2026 Marketing Trends Small Businesses Should Pay Attention To
Industry Trends
2026 Marketing Trends Small Businesses Should Pay Attention To
January 22, 2026
February 6, 2026
8
min read
The Value of a Fresh Creative Agency Perspective for Small Businesses
Working With Agencies
The Value of a Fresh Creative Agency Perspective for Small Businesses
January 17, 2026
February 27, 2026
7
min read
Packaging Design Process For Small Brands Launching Physical Products
Marketing 101
Packaging Design Process For Small Brands Launching Physical Products
January 16, 2026
February 27, 2026
11
min read
How to Vet a Creative Agency in 5 Simple Steps
Working With Agencies
How to Vet a Creative Agency in 5 Simple Steps
January 15, 2026
January 23, 2026
4
min read
What Top Brands Do Differently When Working With Agencies
Working With Agencies
What Top Brands Do Differently When Working With Agencies
January 14, 2026
January 23, 2026
5
min read
Why a New Year Website Cleanup Can Boost Conversions Fast
Marketing 101
Why a New Year Website Cleanup Can Boost Conversions Fast
January 12, 2026
February 6, 2026
8
min read
the debreef. | Making a Case for Hyper-Local Marketing
the debreef.
Making a Case for Hyper-Local Marketing
January 9, 2026
March 10, 2026
4
min read
How Agencies Help You Capitalize on Post-Holiday Customer Behavior
Working With Agencies
How Agencies Help You Capitalize on Post-Holiday Customer Behavior
January 8, 2026
February 27, 2026
7
min read
the debreef. | 2025's Most Telling Campaigns
the debreef.
2025's Most Telling Campaigns
December 19, 2025
March 10, 2026
4
min read
How to Evaluate a Creative Agency’s Portfolio: 7 Helpful Tips
Working With Agencies
How to Evaluate a Creative Agency’s Portfolio: 7 Helpful Tips
December 19, 2025
March 5, 2026
7
min read
The Smart Way to Set New Year Marketing Goals (With an Agency’s Help)
Industry Trends
The Smart Way to Set New Year Marketing Goals (With an Agency’s Help)
December 17, 2025
January 13, 2026
9
min read
AI Slop, Dead Internet Theory, and Why Your Content Actually Matters
Industry Trends
AI Slop, Dead Internet Theory, and Why Your Content Actually Matters
December 16, 2025
February 6, 2026
8
min read
Why Small Brands Benefit From Agency Support During the Holiday Crunch
Working With Agencies
Why Small Brands Benefit From Agency Support During the Holiday Crunch
December 10, 2025
January 15, 2026
7
min read
Why Agencies Are Essential for High-Quality Holiday Creative
Working With Agencies
Why Agencies Are Essential for High-Quality Holiday Creative
December 9, 2025
January 13, 2026
9
min read
New Year’s Eve Campaign Ideas Small Brands Can Execute With Agency Help
Marketing 101
New Year’s Eve Campaign Ideas Small Brands Can Execute With Agency Help
December 6, 2025
January 15, 2026
9
min read
the debreef. | Affiliate's Holiday Takeover
the debreef.
Affiliate's Holiday Takeover
December 5, 2025
March 10, 2026
4
min read
Holiday Marketing Mistakes Small Brands Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Marketing 101
Holiday Marketing Mistakes Small Brands Make (and How to Avoid Them)
December 3, 2025
December 12, 2025
7
min read
How to Make End-of-Year Spend Work Harder
Marketing 101
How to Make End-of-Year Spend Work Harder
December 2, 2025
January 14, 2026
6
min read
How to Prep Your Brand for Holiday Demand With Better Web UX
Marketing 101
How to Prep Your Brand for Holiday Demand With Better Web UX
December 2, 2025
December 11, 2025
7
min read
How a Creative Agency Can Help You Create a Holiday Gift Guide
Marketing 101
How a Creative Agency Can Help You Create a Holiday Gift Guide
December 2, 2025
December 11, 2025
6
min read
Industry Interview: Anggie Salazar of CROING
The Breef Community
Industry Interview: Anggie Salazar of CROING
December 2, 2025
December 2, 2025
7
min read
Holiday Campaign Planning: When to Bring in a Creative Agency
Working With Agencies
Holiday Campaign Planning: When to Bring in a Creative Agency
December 1, 2025
December 11, 2025
5
min read
Unlocking Growth Beyond Social Ads
Marketing 101
Unlocking Growth Beyond Social Ads
November 30, 2025
February 27, 2026
7
min read
How Agencies Help Small Brands Look Bigger Online
Working With Agencies
How Agencies Help Small Brands Look Bigger Online
November 28, 2025
February 27, 2026
7
min read
How an Agency Can Save a Behind Schedule Holiday Campaign
Working With Agencies
How an Agency Can Save a Behind Schedule Holiday Campaign
November 24, 2025
January 15, 2026
7
min read
Last-Minute Holiday Ideas for Small Businesses (That Actually Drive Results)
Marketing 101
Last-Minute Holiday Ideas for Small Businesses (That Actually Drive Results)
November 23, 2025
January 14, 2026
8
min read
2025 Holiday Marketing Trends for Small Brands
Industry Trends
2025 Holiday Marketing Trends for Small Brands
November 23, 2025
January 13, 2026
8
min read
Finding a Marketing Agency for Your Holiday Campaign Planning
Working With Agencies
Finding a Marketing Agency for Your Holiday Campaign Planning
November 19, 2025
January 15, 2026
6
min read
Q4 Creative Fatigue: How to Keep Assets Fresh When Every Brand Is Holiday-Heavy
Marketing 101
Q4 Creative Fatigue: How to Keep Assets Fresh When Every Brand Is Holiday-Heavy
November 19, 2025
December 11, 2025
5
min read
How the Smart Marketer Extends Q4 Gains into 2026
Industry Trends
How the Smart Marketer Extends Q4 Gains into 2026
November 19, 2025
December 11, 2025
min read
Why Marketing Agencies Excel at Managing Multi-Asset Campaigns
Marketing 101
Why Marketing Agencies Excel at Managing Multi-Asset Campaigns
November 17, 2025
February 6, 2026
7
min read
Search Everywhere: Why Optimizing Beyond Google Matters in Q4
Industry Trends
Search Everywhere: Why Optimizing Beyond Google Matters in Q4
November 17, 2025
December 12, 2025
8
min read
the debreef. | The Art of the Rebrand
the debreef.
The Art of the Rebrand
November 14, 2025
March 6, 2026
4
min read
Social Media Burnout Is Real: Here’s How to Beat It (Without Quitting Instagram)
Marketing 101
Avoid Social Media Burnout as a Small Business Owner (Without Quitting Instagram)
November 14, 2025
February 13, 2026
6
min read
How to Transition from Q4 to Q1 Without Losing Momentum
Marketing 101
How to Transition from Q4 to Q1 Without Losing Momentum
November 12, 2025
December 12, 2025
6
min read
How Often Should You Email Your Customers?
Marketing 101
How Often Should You Email Your Customers?
November 9, 2025
February 13, 2026
9
min read
Live Shopping Resurgence: How Gen Z Is Leading the Comeback
Industry Trends
Live Shopping Resurgence: How Gen Z Is Leading the Comeback
November 8, 2025
February 24, 2026
7
min read
the debreef. | What Halloween Campaigns Signal About Holiday Marketing
the debreef.
What Halloween Campaigns Signal About Holiday Marketing
October 31, 2025
March 6, 2026
4
min read
How Agencies Help You Stay on Top of Marketing Compliance
Working With Agencies
How Agencies Help You Stay on Top of Marketing Compliance
October 28, 2025
February 13, 2026
7
min read
What Brands Can Learn from the Creator Economy
Industry Trends
What Brands Can Learn from the Creator Economy
October 27, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
How to Align Creative Work with Brand Strategy and Identity
Marketing 101
How to Align Creative Work with Brand Strategy and Identity
October 24, 2025
February 27, 2026
9
min read
Choosing an Email Marketing Agency: 7 Tips for Success
Working With Agencies
Choosing an Email Marketing Agency: 7 Tips for Success
October 23, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
Small Business PR Strategy To Earn Coverage Without A Big Budget
Marketing 101
Small Business PR Strategy To Earn Coverage Without A Big Budget
October 22, 2025
March 5, 2026
10
min read
Out With the Old: Why a Branding Agency Is Your Brand’s Best Move
Marketing 101
Out With the Old: Why a Branding Agency Is Your Brand’s Best Move
October 22, 2025
February 6, 2026
7
min read
Why Marketing Consistency Is the Secret to Success
Marketing 101
Why Marketing Consistency Is the Secret to Success
October 21, 2025
February 13, 2026
8
min read
Finding a Social Media Marketing Agency: What to Look For
Marketing 101
Finding a Social Media Marketing Agency: What to Look For
October 21, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
How to Launch a Marketing Campaign: 8 Essential Steps
Marketing 101
How to Launch a Marketing Campaign: 8 Essential Steps
October 21, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
From Followers to Buyers: The Smart Marketer’s Guide to Social Sales
Marketing 101
From Followers to Buyers: The Smart Marketer’s Guide to Social Sales
October 20, 2025
February 13, 2026
7
min read
Navigating the Challenges of AI in Marketing with an Agency Partner
Working With Agencies
Navigating the Challenges of AI in Marketing with an Agency Partner
October 19, 2025
January 27, 2026
9
min read
the debreef. | Marketing Takeaways from Paris Fashion Week, the VS show + more
the debreef.
Marketing Takeaways from Paris Fashion Week, the VS show + more
October 17, 2025
March 5, 2026
5
min read
What Marketers Can Learn from the Anthropologie Rock Prank (A Case Study)
Industry Trends
What Marketers Can Learn from the Anthropologie Rock Prank (A Case Study)
October 15, 2025
January 14, 2026
8
min read
What a Great Agency Relationship Looks Like
Working With Agencies
What a Great Agency Relationship Looks Like
October 14, 2025
January 27, 2026
9
min read
Marketing Brainstorms: 7 Techniques to Fire Up Your Team’s Creativity
Marketing 101
Marketing Brainstorms: 7 Techniques to Fire Up Your Team’s Creativity
October 9, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
How To Find Your Perfect Content Marketing Agency Partner
Working With Agencies
How To Find Your Perfect Content Marketing Agency Partner
October 7, 2025
February 6, 2026
9
min read
KPIs for Startups: What Should You Be Tracking?
Marketing 101
KPIs for Startups: What Should You Be Tracking?
October 6, 2025
January 27, 2026
7
min read
Top Questions to Ask a Marketing Agency Before You Sign a Contract
Working With Agencies
Top Questions to Ask a Marketing Agency Before You Sign a Contract
October 2, 2025
January 14, 2026
9
min read
From Full-Service to Super-Niche: Finding Your Perfect Agency Match
Working With Agencies
From Full-Service to Super-Niche: Finding Your Perfect Agency Match
September 29, 2025
January 27, 2026
8
min read
Website Maintenance Checklist: What Small Businesses Should Handle Monthly And What To Outsource
Marketing 101
Website Maintenance Checklist: What Small Businesses Should Handle Monthly And What To Outsource
September 26, 2025
March 5, 2026
10
min read
Why Agency Support Matters in a Changing Digital Environment
Working With Agencies
Why Agency Support Matters in a Changing Digital Environment
September 26, 2025
February 13, 2026
9
min read
Marketing Agency Tools: How Agencies Choose the Right Tools for Your Business
Marketing 101
Marketing Agency Tools: How Agencies Choose the Right Tools for Your Business
September 25, 2025
February 13, 2026
9
min read
How to Scale Creative Without Growing Headcount
Marketing 101
How to Scale Creative Without Growing Headcount
September 23, 2025
February 6, 2026
8
min read
Why Industry Expertise Matters When Choosing a Marketing Agency
Working With Agencies
Why Industry Expertise Matters When Choosing a Marketing Agency
September 23, 2025
January 23, 2026
6
min read
The Creator Economy Is Your New Marketing Department
Industry Trends
The Creator Economy Is Your New Marketing Department
September 20, 2025
January 23, 2026
6
min read
Product Launch Marketing Checklist For Small Brands From Planning To Post Launch
Marketing 101
Product Launch Marketing Checklist For Small Brands From Planning To Post Launch
September 19, 2025
March 5, 2026
11
min read
Marketing to Gen Z: What Brands Need to Get Right in 2025
Industry Trends
Marketing to Gen Z: What Brands Need to Get Right in 2025
September 18, 2025
January 23, 2026
5
min read
Common Marketing Fails (And How to Avoid Them!)
Marketing 101
Common Marketing Fails (And How to Avoid Them!)
September 17, 2025
January 23, 2026
6
min read
Why Communication Is Key to a Successful Agency-Client Relationship
Working With Agencies
Why Communication Is Key to a Successful Agency-Client Relationship
September 16, 2025
February 13, 2026
8
min read
What to Expect in Your First Marketing Strategy Planning Session with an Agency
Working With Agencies
What to Expect in Your First Marketing Strategy Planning Session with an Agency
September 16, 2025
February 13, 2026
8
min read
Glossary

Check out the Breef Glossary

In the marketing world, it feels like there’s a new term being thrown around every day. We’ve got you!

User-Generated Content (UGC)

Content created by users, such as reviews, testimonials, or social media posts.

Weather-wise Marketing

The idea that real-time weather data can give marketers a deeper understanding of their audience and support contextual messaging — as weather can impact a person's routine, experiences and even mood.

Cookie Deprecation

This year, Google Chrome is phasing out third-party cookies — resulting in marketers scrambling to identify alternative data solutions. The solution rising to the top of discussions? Old-school IP addresses.

Copywriting

If done right, it’s unforgettable. A goal-driven way of using smart + persuasive text to sell products. Using a carefully thought-out voice + tone, good copywriting can compel readers to take a specific action to drive conversion.

Ad Exchange

An ad exchange is a marketplace for automated buying and selling of ad inventory. Advertisers can connect to ad exchanges via demand-side platforms, target audiences and bid on space. Publishers tend to utilize supply-side platforms.

YTD Spend

A measure of how much money you’ve spent this year, from the very first day of your calendar year through today’s date.

Upfront

A pivotal event where television networks unveil upcoming programming and media buyers purchase ad space. Typically occurring in the spring, this week media giants like Warner Bros, Disney, Discovery, Netflix and YouTube have been pitching advertisers.

Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Promotion driven by satisfied customers sharing recommendations with others.

X

The new Twitter? Looks like it! Elon Musk rebranded Twitter to “X”, removing the iconic blue bird logo. This news was met with dissatisfaction from many, and confusion from others — we’ll be keeping an eye on how this rebrand affects the platform.

Transactional Email

Automated emails triggered by user actions, such as order confirmations or password resets.

White Label

A product / service created by a company or producer that is subsequently rebranded to appear as if it is made by another company.

Virtual Events

The new kids on the block. Events held in a virtual environment vs. a physical location. They can be live-streamed or recorded and are a great workaround to physical barriers such as distance, weather + health. 99.9% of the time, they are a lot of fun.

Viewability

A metric focused on ads being physically seen by users.

Videography

At the heart of every social media channel or website is great video. Created in-house or retrieved from a stock site, videography is strategically used to helps ensure a brand or product is defined (and memorable).

Variance Analysis

The analysis between planned and actual numbers — highly recommended when analyzing KPIs.

Variable Costs

The other side of the coin, as it were: costs that vary depending on how much you produce or sell. These might change according to all kinds of variables and inputs.

User Journey

The steps and interactions a user takes with a brand, from first awareness to conversion.

Network Marketing

A business model where salespeople earn commissions for selling products and recruiting others.

eCommerce

eCommerce is buying and selling products and services on the internet, with exchange of payment and data to complete the transactions.

Community

Can’t have a brand without it. The goal of building community not only fosters brand loyalty, but gives you the opportunity to tap into the perspective of the people that matter most — your customers! P.S. We LOVE our Breef community!

Brandformance

Merging the words “branding” and “performance”, brandformance is the idea that campaigns can (and should) be designed with the focus of establishing brand identity AND exceeding performance targets — i.e. building campaigns that work smarter across the funnel.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

A specific feature or benefit that makes a product stand out from competitors.

UI / UX

User interface design (UI) focuses on the aesthetic elements of a product, whereas user experience design (UX) is more concerned with the user journey. Both design concepts play a vital role in the success of a business.

Trending

Topics or content gaining significant attention and popularity over a short period.

Traffic

The number of visitors to a website, measured in total visits, unique users, or sessions.

Thumb-Stopping

Refers to digital content that catches a user's attention in a way that makes them stop scrolling and engage.

Target Market

A defined group of consumers that a business aims to reach with its products or services.

Target Audience

A specific group of consumers identified as the intended recipients of a marketing message.

Tags

Keywords or labels used to categorize or organize content on a website.

Supply-Side Platforms

Commonly known as SSPs, supply-side platforms are adtech platforms used to manage the distribution of ad inventory. Also referred to as sell-side platforms.

Subscription Economy

An ever-evolving business landscape where brands are leaning into subscription-based models — i.e. business models where customers are paying a reoccurring fee for access to products and / or services.

Sticky Content

Content that a user remembers after the fact — i.e. intentionally memorable content.

Soft Launch

The initial release of a product or service to a limited audience before a wider public launch.

SOW

Statement of Work. This is the final agreement outlining project goals and deliverables, keeping you and your client on the same page regarding deadlines, scope of work and expectations.

Sonic Logo

A sonic branding tool that is a short, identifiable auditory signature. An example? The familiar 'ta-dum' that plays when you open the Netflix app on your TV.

Social-First Content

What every brand needs a lot of! This strategy prioritizes campaign goals + assets based on your audience's behavior on social media. Social discovery is the primary goal. Breef Tip: Between video, photos, UGC…it’s a lot. An agency can help.

Snackable Content

Refers to content that is short, to the point and easy to understand. Most often used when referencing content that will be viewed through a mobile experience.

Social Listening

The process of monitoring and analyzing the conversation and sentiment that is occurring online about your brand in order to learn more about your audience — and potential future audiences.

SMS Marketing

Simply put, text messaging. An opt-in marketing channel used to communicate with leads + customers to keep brands top of mind and drive repeat sales / interactions. Very successful with core, repeat customers. How will SMS save the day? Conversion + revenue.

Sitemap

A file or page listing all the URLs on a website to help search engines index it effectively.

Short-Attention Economy

The short-attention economy is the lack of human capacity to engage in focus for long periods. Attention spans are getting shorter, and consumers are looking for results ASAP.

Shoppable TV

A shopping experience that allows consumers to make purchases on their TV — often through QR codes or features that have been added to streaming platforms. For example, Peacock's AI integration that allows users to shop for products that they see in a shows.

SERP (Search Engine Results Page)

The page displayed by a search engine in response to a user's query.

SEO

It’s complex, and stands for "search engine optimization.” SEO is the art + science of improving a site's visibility to help it rank higher on a search engine's unpaid results page through use of strategic content, key words, meta descriptions and links.

ROI (Return on Investment)

A financial metric evaluating the profitability of an investment.

Return on Ad Spend (ROAS)

A measure of revenue generated for every dollar spent on advertising.

Revenue Forecasting

Like the weather, but better. The process of estimating future revenue. Usually takes into account past revenue trends, market conditions and other factors to predict how much money a company is likely to earn in the future.

Return on Investment

Is it worth the money? Find out with this classic metric, which is calculated by dividing an investment’s return (total value minus cost) by its cost. If this percentage is positive and high, your investment is likely pulling its weight.

Responsive Web Design

Designing websites to ensure they automatically adjust and optimize across various devices.

Retargeting

Retargeting, also called personalization, is aimed at directing an internet user back to a website they left via tracking browsing behavior to deliver customized advertising. Cookies, for example, can be used to deliver ads to users after they leave a website.

Responsive Emails

Emails designed to be visually appealing and functional across all devices, especially mobile.

Remarketing

A marketing strategy that targets ads at users who have previously interacted with your website.

Reputation Management

The practice of shaping public perception of a business or individual by monitoring and managing feedback.

Referral

When an existing customer recommends a product or service to others, often incentivized by rewards.

Rawthentic

A buzzy portmanteau that you've likely heard only recently — the idea of 'rawthentic' marketing emphasizes the cultural shift to raw, authentic and unfiltered content winning with consumers (over highly produced, polished content).

Purpose Marketing

A marketing strategy where efforts are focused on promoting a brand's core values, mission and social responsibility — aligning with causes or principles that resonate deeply with their audience.

Public Relations

Making sure your brand is seen, heard and validated. Getting the word out about a business or an individual to shape public image + reputation. Breef Tip: PR is a long game. You’ll need a strategy, strong message and relationships.

Project Scope

A high-level overview of a client’s needs inclusive of goals, timing + key considerations.

Programmatic Advertising

Automated media buying — i.e. purchasing ads using automated tech and algorithms. The benefits? Low-cost, large-scale reach and real-time data.

Production

Overseeing a campaign, event or photoshoot from A-Z. Those in production work closely with creative directors to execute designs and marketers to make sure their strategy comes to life. They help with everything from casting to location scouting and run-of-show.

Product Marketing

The process of promoting and selling a specific product, focusing on positioning and messaging.

Privacy Sandbox

Google's post-cookie advertising platform. Though the timeline of cookie deprecation continues to change due to the intricacies involved in the data shift, the current expected rollout is mid-2025.

Podcast Advertising

An audio-first channel that can reach niche audiences and increase brand awareness. As modern "talk radio," podcasts serve content about specific topics + subjects to high-intent listeners.

Priming

A subconscious reaction to something (an ad, social post, email, etc.) that influences or triggers conscious behaviors (i.e. making a purchase, engaging on social, etc.). Crucial in the customer journey to ultimately making a purchasing decision.

PMax

I.e. Performance Max campaigns, PMax is an automated campaign type within Google Ads, that uses AI to drive conversion across channels — including Search, Display, YouTube, Discover, Gmail and Maps.

Photography

Smile! Created in-house or retrieved from a stock site, photography is strategically used to curate a specific look and feel that helps ensure branding is defined + distinct.

Personalization

Personalization, also called retargeting, tracks a user's internet-browsing behavior to deliver customized advertising. Cookies, for example, collect user information on websites which can be used to deliver ads to users after they leave a company's website.

Persona

A fictional character that represents the characteristics of your larger target demographic — incredibly helpful in identifying your audience's wants and needs.

Pay-per-click (PPC)

A digital advertising model where advertisers pay each time a user clicks on their ad.

Paid Social

Show me the money, honey!’ A form of digital advertising that relies on social platforms and advanced targeting to reach custom audiences, expanding the reach of a brand and its core offering.

Paid Search + Display

Pay to play’ with Google? Kinda. But really, it’s intent-driven digital marketing strategies that allow advertisers to pay to place a targeted ad at the top of a specific search results page.

Paid Media

Advertising that businesses pay for to promote their content or products.

Packaging Design

The best packaging makes us swoon. The design of the physical container that holds a brand's product and helps enhance the customer experience. Ideally, the product's appearance matches the brand's positioning.

Owned Media

Marketing channels fully controlled by a business, such as blogs, websites, or social media pages.

Organic Search

Traffic that comes to a website from unpaid search engine results.

Organic Social

OG social media. Any "free" content posted on social media to drive brand awareness + engagement with current followers. More time and effort is invested to achieve longer-lasting results.

Organic Reach

The number of people who see your content naturally without paid promotion.

OOH

The acronym for "out-of-home advertising" — refers to any type of advertising that users experience outside of their home. Examples include billboards, signage and public activations.

Omnichannel Marketing

A seamless and integrated customer experience across all marketing and sales channels.

Omnibuyers

A consumer who shops when they want, how they want and where they want. Today's shoppers value quick and effortless experiences across channels — marketers who are rethinking their strategies to meet the needs of these shoppers are driving big results.

Narrowcasting

Broadcasting tailored content to a specific segment of the audience.

Meta Description

A brief HTML tag that describes a web page's content, displayed in search engine results.

Media Planning

The process of selecting media platforms to reach the target audience effectively.

Marketing Strategy

Basically, your guide/map/roadmap. It’s a business' overall marketing game plan for reaching + retaining customers. Strategies can be innovative, or they can be previously tried + tested. Make sure your strategy covers the ‘w’s’ - who, what, when, where and why.

Marketing Tech Stack

A group of technologies that marketers leverage to optimize marketing activities.

MarTech

The technology and software tools used to execute, manage, and measure marketing strategies.

Marketing Mix

The combination of product, price, place, and promotion strategies used to market a product.

Marketing Funnel

The stages a customer goes through from awareness to purchase.

Marketing Campaign

A hero moment. A blast around your brand / product. Basically, a strategic + organized effort to promote a business through multiple mediums. Most brands plan a few campaigns per year and bring in agencies to help.

Market Research

The process of gathering information about target markets or customers.

Makegood

Makegood is rerunning an ad or providing additional ad inventory when the original slot underperformed versus provided ratings. A related term is audience deficiency unit: ad inventory provided to the advertiser to fulfill the original rate guarantee.

Loyalty Programs

A strategy used to encourage customers to become (or continue to be) repeat customers. Common loyalty programs include rewards, points, discounts and insider perks.

Lions Creators

This year Cannes Lions is introducing Lions Creators — an event happening alongside the main festival, dedicated to providing learning and networking opportunities all about creators and the creator economy.

Geotargeting

Delivering targeted content to consumers based on their geolocation — critical to ensuring you're reaching your target audience.

Leads

Potential customers who have expressed interest in a product or service.

Lead Magnet

An incentive offered to prospects in exchange for their contact details.

Landing Page

A standalone web page created for marketing purposes, often to capture leads.

Channel Mix

The combination of channels a brand or company uses to communicate their messaging to their audience.

KPI

A fancy way of saying goals. Short for "key performance indicators," KPIs are used to track a business' performance over time against its strategic goals.

Keyword Density

The ratio of a keyword’s frequency to total content words.

QUESTIONS OF THE MONTH

What are your ‘hero’ marketing channels?

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How important is understanding customer data and analytics in your role?

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What’s your favorite workplace tool?

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Rate the marketing tool:
Capcut

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What’s a piece of advice you have for emerging marketers?

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