When it comes to event promotion, one of the most impactful ways to make a splash is by partnering with influencers! These social media pros have a knack for creating buzz, drawing in crowds, and elevating your brand—making it look effortless in the process. Want to tap into their power and boost your event’s visibility…
Read On from How to Leverage Influencer Partnerships for Event Promotion
Today’s consumers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, demand honesty, integrity, and transparency from brands. Authentic branding involves aligning marketing with the company’s values and actions, which includes consistency, customer focus, and a clear purpose. Social media is the ideal platform for brands to demonstrate authenticity through real-time communication, fostering long-term consumer trust through genuine effort….
Read On from Building Brand Authenticity: How Transparency on Social Media Can Drive Engagement
With the variety of social media platforms available, it can get stressful on how best to properly utilize each. For consumer brands, developing an engagement strategy not only helps with driving authentic conversations, increasing conversions and customer retention rates, but also creating brand loyalists. With engagement rates four times higher than Facebook, here are four…
Read On from Why Brands Should Utilize Instagram for Engagement
So, you’ve dotted your i’s and crossed your t’s in getting your consumer brand ready to roll. Now, how do you get the word out there? Here are three marketing strategies to consider in order to start gaining visibility and brand recognition. 1. Social media. It should come as no surprise that this tactic is…
Read On from 3 Strategies to Implement When Launching Your Consumer Brand
As the year ends and the festive ambiance fills the air, December introduces a whirlwind of excitement in the realm of digital marketing. Amid the holiday cheer, this month witnessed spirited shifts in the industry, unveiling new data insights, platform updates, and features that mark the end of 2023. Continue reading for this month’s digital…
Read On from December Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
‘Twas the weeks before the holidays, when we heard from Jungle Scout, “Who was buying what?” We just had to find out. Popular products and spending were reported with care, With a glance into the New Year, and time to prepare. Consumers keep shopping for families and friends, Let’s take a closer look at…
Read On from Q4 2023 Consumer Report: Holiday Shopping Trends
This year, we witnessed a surge of innovative and impactful campaigns that captivated audiences worldwide. From unexpected collaborations to cutting-edge AI integration, brands demonstrated their prowess in connecting with consumers on a deeper level. Let’s unravel the brilliance behind the top 10 marketing campaigns that left their mark on the industry in 2023! Heinz…
Read On from Breaking Down the Best Marketing Campaigns in 2023
As quickly as the weather changes, so does the digital marketing landscape! From pivotal industry shifts and emerging data to revolutionary platform updates and features, November has proven to be a crisp month. Continue reading for November’s digital marketing and industry highlights! Social Media Updates Nearly 95% of Internet Users Use Social Media Platforms…
Read On from November Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
The world of digital marketing is ever evolving and this month was no exception as major platforms continued to reshape the digital landscape. In this blog, we’ll explore the key social media updates, shedding light on the latest features and noteworthy digital marketing insights from October! Social Media Updates Instagram Launches Collaborative Carousel Posting…
Read On from October Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Q4 is a highly anticipated time for consumers and businesses alike. As the holiday season kicks into full gear, so does the rush of shopping activity that can significantly impact the retail industry. In this blog, we’ll delve into the holiday shopping trends for this year for insight into how to navigate this crucial period…
Read On from Holiday Shopping Trends in Q4: Insights and Analysis
As the days grow shorter and the autumn leaves begin to fall, it’s time to reflect on the innovation, strategy, and industry developments that have emerged in the last month. Continue reading for September’s digital marketing and industry highlights! Social Media Updates 3 Important Social Media Trends of Note for 2023 There are several…
Read On from September Highlights: Digital Marketing and Industry News
As summer winds down and August comes to an end, it’s time for our monthly industry wrap-up! August was a hot month for the digital marketing industry. With new social media platform updates and features as well as insights on how to adapt to emerging industry tools and metrics, we’ve laid it all out for…
Read On from August Highlights: Digital Marketing and Industry News
Over the past 13 years, lotus823 has been successful at building a people-first culture that attracts engaged, passionate individuals who drive powerful results for our client partners. As an integrated marketing agency, we truly believe that there is no “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to reaching your goals. In celebration of our 13th anniversary in business,…
Read On from Celebrating 13 Years of Business: 13 Ways We Help Brands
As July ends, it’s time to round up the latest developments in digital marketing news! From the most recent social media updates to industry trends and campaigns, here is everything you need to know from the last month. Social Media Updates Meta Introduces “Threads” Meta’s Twitter alternative, “Threads” is the latest app to be…
Read On from July Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
As the success of influencer marketing continues to rise, it’s critical to stay on top of ever-changing trends to get the most out of digital marketing strategies. It’s predicted marketers will collectively spend over $4.5 billion on influencers in 2023. Check out these 4 influencer marketing trends to tap into this year! Video Content …
Read On from 4 Influencer Marketing Trends Taking Over in 2023
With June nearly behind us, we’re bringing you up to speed on the most significant developments that have been shaping the landscape over the past month. From the latest feature updates on popular platforms to emerging trends and strategies that are reshaping the way brands engage with their audiences, we’ve got you covered. Continue reading…
Read On from June Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Another month comes to an end, which means it is time for another industry wrap-up! May has brought us changes in temperature and major updates to our favorite social media platforms. From GIFs in Instagram comments to AI-generated ads, here is everything you need to know that is new from this past month. Social…
Read On from May Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
While Pinterest can often fall through the cracks of a company’s social media marketing plan when put up against other platforms like Tiktok and Instagram, the “pinworthy” app still holds valuable advertising real estate. There is a unique opportunity with Pinterest as it serves as both a social media platform and a search engine. Knowing…
Spring sparks a new beginning for many individuals and the same goes for businesses. From new platforms being promoted, AI-generated Stories, and new Google updates, there has been a lot of movement this past month from our everyday social media and search engine tools. Read on for all the latest updates! Social Media Updates…
Read On from April Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
We made it through the first quarter of 2023 and the trend this month seems to be adding venerability and transparency to users. But it seems like each social platform has a different way of addressing this fad. Read on to learn about the ins and outs of the latest industry updates! Social Media…
Read On from March Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
TikTok has quickly grown into one of the most popular social media platforms for different generations alike, making it the perfect space to reach a large market of customers. With over 1 billion active users worldwide, the platform offers a unique opportunity of reaching multiple sets of demographics all in one place. Here are some…
Read On from Advertising on TikTok: Tips for a Successful Ad Campaign
While February is the shortest month of the year, it has been filled to the brim with social media changes and updates. Instagram is removing live stream shopping elements, TikTok is urging users to ditch anything ‘low vibrational,’ and Bing limits chat sessions to their new AI tools. Read more to find out what is…
Read On from February Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
It is December, which makes this our last digital marketing and industry highlights blog post for 2022! You’ve probably noticed your favorite platforms sharing your 2022 moments with you, like Spotify wrapped, Snapchat’s look back, and TikTok sharing their top creations of the year. To wrap up this year in a perfect bow, here is…
Read On from December Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
With 2023 just a few weeks away, now is the time to reflect on the year behind us. 2022 was filled with developments in apps, trends, and advances in technology. Here are the strategies that took 2022 by storm that will likely continue to see growth in the new year. Authenticity When it comes…
During the Halloween season, social media apps and search engines did something scary – they made changes and updates! Though change can be spooky, most updates are for the best, making work for social media managers and everyday users easier. Catch up on some of the latest news and updates from October below. Social…
Read On from October Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Experiential marketing allows customers to experience your brand’s products. According to an EventTrack research report in 2021, 40% of consumers said they felt more brand loyalty and 91% were more likely to purchase the product or service after participating in a brand experience or interaction. This type of marketing creates a memory that will stick…
Read On from Experiential Marketing 101: Everything You Need to Know
Exhibiting at a trade show is no easy task – whether virtually or in-person. Trade shows take months of planning, from pre-show preparations, like signage and booth theme to post-show follow-ups, like connecting with qualified leads. Read on to learn more about how you can stand out from other exhibitors at trade shows. Create…
Read On from How to Stand Out From Other Exhibitors at Trade Shows
September has brought us back into routine while social media and Google updates continue to change the game. If you are looking to keep up to date on the latest digital marketing and industry news, you’ve come to the right place. Continue reading on! Social Media Updates YouTube Tests New Channel Content Personalization to…
Read On from September Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Gen Z, those born between 1996 and 2015, now make up about 40% of the consumer market with approximately $360 billion in disposable income, according to Bloomberg. With this information in mind, it’s no surprise that Gen Z is a major audience for businesses to reach. However, with their natural skepticism, Gen Z can be…
Home is a place of comfort where every item contributes to the happiness and wellness of you and your family. Since the pandemic, homecare and comfort have become increasingly important as more people are staying home. HomePage News created a first annual Consumer Outlook Survey commissioned in partnership with IHA, which reached about 4,000 U.S….
Read On from Housewares Industry Trends & Highlights in 2022
As summer is ending and it’s the return of back-to-school, social media platforms and search engines are adding the necessary updates to ensure a successful end to the year. Here are all the digital marketing updates and industry news from the past month you need to know! Social Media Updates Platforms Respond to ‘BeReal’…
Read On from August Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Even though the summer is the time for people to relax and unwind, social media has not. Platforms such as YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok have not slowed down in terms of updates and new features. Here is all you need to know about the latest in digital marketing and industry news from this past month!…
Read On from July Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Does your team of in-house marketers need a strategy refresh or advice on the steps needed to optimize one of your many marketing needs? Whether you need a website audit, content calendar, brainstorm session, or just general input, continue reading to see how hiring a marketing agency can be an asset to your business through…
Read On from Why You Should Hire an Agency for Service Consultation
The weather isn’t the only thing heating up this past month! Social media companies are continuously trying to keep users interested by providing updates and making improvements to their platforms. Read on for all the important social media and industry news from June that you need to know about. Social Media Updates Elon Musk…
Read On from June Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
In 2022, the influencer market is projected to expand to a $16.4 billion industry. It seems like more consumers are turning to social media every day and unknowingly are being influenced to buy from trusted people on the platforms. 60% of marketers shared that influencer content out-performs branded posts. Continue reading to learn how to…
Read On from How to Vet Influencers: Tips and Best Practices
This past month we have seen updates on social media and in the digital marketing industry that will assist many companies in creating more brand exposure. Continue reading below to learn how these updates can have an impact on your business! Social Media Updates YouTube Announces Weekly Ad Frequency Capping, New Live-Stream Commerce…
Read On from May Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Everyday media and technology are changing. As always, it is important to stay up to date on the latest industry news to plan your marketing strategy ahead of time. Continue reading below to learn more about this month’s highlights in social media and industry news. Social Media Updates Elon Musk Buys Twitter –…
Read On from April Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
You have probably heard people say that trust is a vital component of relationships. Building successful relationships aren’t just important with friends and family, but also for businesses. And the relationship between a brand and its consumer base is one of the most meaningful relationships a business can nurture. Building trust among customers is one…
Read On from 4 Ways to Strengthen Customer Trust With Social Media
March was no ordinary month when it came to digital marketing and industry news. Being aware of the updates and affairs occurring in the industry allows you to be best informed when making decisions that can directly affect your brand. With so many things going on in the world, we know it can be hard…
Read On from March Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
With product launches having so many moving parts, a lack of resources leads to 95% of new developments to fail. If you want your product to be well received after its release, you need a groundbreaking launch that captivates everyone’s attention. But what does it take to make one successful? Read on as we uncover…
Read On from Marketing Do’s and Don’ts for Your New Product Launch
Affiliate marketing has become increasingly popular in recent years. The industry, today worth $12 billion globally, has expanded with over 80% of brands having an affiliate program. In this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about affiliate marketing. What is Affiliate Marketing and How Does It Work? Affiliate marketing is…
Read On from The Value of Affiliate Marketing and How to Get Started
Although the month may have been shorter, February is following the momentum that started the new year strong with plenty of interesting updates and affairs occurring in the industry. We want your brand to have the information it needs to be able to take charge of the decisions that matter most, so we have compiled…
Read On from February Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Brand ambassadors are a great tool to assist companies in their marketing efforts. Whether with a small or large business, brand ambassadors can help companies tap into their target market more by being a representation of the brand’s voice and promoting its products. In this post, we will explain what exactly brand ambassadors do and…
Read On from 5 Benefits of Having a Brand Ambassador Program
Starting off 2022 strong, January brought forth plenty of new ideas and innovations to social media and digital marketing platforms. With new updates to be aware of plus current affairs ongoing in the industry, we want to keep you as informed as possible to enable you to make the best decisions for your brand. Keep…
Read On from January Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Without research, effective marketing is not possible because it is vital to the process as marketing research and data analysis should be the backbone of any marketing strategy. In market research, data is gathered and analyzed to learn and better understand a market. This information helps a business to make informed decisions regarding its customer…
Read On from How Custom Market Research Can Benefit Your Business
December did not disappoint in bringing forth plenty of new ideas in the digital marketing industry. From new social media features to take advantage of, to major ongoing business affairs, these updates may help play a role in making decisions that affect your brand’s marketing strategy. Read on to stay up to date with just…
Read On from December Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
As 2021 reaches its end, we can finally look back on the year and see what marketing tactics went well for brands. There are so many components to marketing that are important to cover, but you should make sure your brand, at minimum, is executing the below strategies as you will likely see these evolving…
Read On from Best of 2021 Marketing Tactics: Tapping Into Successful Campaigns
As 2021 wraps up, now is the perfect time to start planning out your content ideas for the new year. This is where having a proper content calendar comes in handy–essentially it is a tool used to plan, monitor, and streamline all content activity related to your brand. We have all used calendars, whether physical…
Read On from Planning for 2022: Content Calendar Best Practices
Throughout the month of November, Instagram launched new Story features to improve overall engagement, Pinterest introduced a new marketing hub just in time for the holidays, and Google made updates to their AdSense policy. Learn more about November’s social media and industry updates below! Social Media Social Media Comes for QVC Now more…
Read On from November Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Animal lovers through and through, our team loves assisting pet brands with building their visibility, credibility, and reputation. To drive brand awareness for our clients’ pet products, we target the best media opportunities and partnerships with well-known industry influencers. Want to take full advantage of the many benefits digital marketing provides in reaching relevant audiences…
In a fast-paced digital world, brand recognition and originality are not as simple as it once was. To stand out in the crowded marketplace, brands must focus on a combination of digital marketing and public relations efforts. An integrated marketing campaign is the perfect strategy that can help build exposure across a multitude of platforms….
Read On from The Ins and Outs of an Integrated Marketing Campaign
The race to CES 2022 is well underway! In less than two months, exhibitors, media, and industry professionals from across the world will be gathering in Las Vegas to debut the latest innovations in consumer technology. Before show day arrives, we shared some of the predicted trends and product debuts attendees can expect to see…
Read On from CES 2022: Show Predictions and Biggest Trends to Watch
Throughout the month of September, Instagram began testing new content features and Facebook outlined the impact of Apple’s data tracking app. We rounded up this month’s most important industry news to ensure your brand is caught up on all things digital marketing. Social Media TikTok Reaches a Billion Active Users, the Latest Milestone…
Read On from September Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Throughout the month of August, Facebook outlined new privacy limitations for advertisements, TikTok began testing a stories feature, and Google introduced new advertising precautions. Learn more about the latest digital marketing and industry news in our monthly roundup! Social Media Facebook Outlines New, Privacy-Focused Approach to Advertising, In-Line with Industry Shifts With the demand…
Read On from August Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Trade shows, virtual or in-person, allow for brands, industry professionals, and media to connect and debut their latest technology advancements. Last year, COVID-19 forced many trade shows, like the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), to host a completely virtual event consisting of virtual exhibits, presentations, and more. After the success of 2021’s virtual shows, many trade…
Read On from CES 2022: How to Prepare for a Digital Trade Show
Throughout July, Instagram introduced ads on Reels and Pinterest became certified by Trustworthy Accountability Group (TAG). Social media apps weren’t the only platforms to introduce new updates this month, though. Microsoft recently launched multimedia ads, while Google delayed the phase-out of third-party cookies. Learn more about the latest updates in our industry roundup below! …
Read On from July Highlights: Digital Marketing & Industry News
Does your brand take the time to interact with its followers on social media? An effective social media marketing campaign is inclusive of both creative social media posts and ongoing interaction with your followers or otherwise known as community management. It’s these interactions and engagements that help your brand establish a positive tone for its…
With over 2.7 billion users, Facebook is the largest social media platform in the world, so incorporating a Facebook ad plan into your marketing strategy is a no-brainer. This week, we’ve rounded up some best practices for advertising on the platform to help you get started! Find Your Target Audience One of the first…
February was an interesting month in marketing, with Super Bowl campaigns looking different than previous years and social media updates that took us by surprise. LinkedIn began developing their Freelance Marketplace, TikTok implemented new methods to help stop the spread of misinformation, Pinterest announced a major revenue increase from shopping ads, and Instagram made it…
Read On from February 2021 Highlights: Important Industry News of the Month
As one of the most-used social media platforms for over a decade (with an estimated 1 billion active users), Instagram remains one of the most effective tools for digital marketers to captivate diverse audiences and help brands grow. Recently, the worldwide app sensation has adapted to accommodate the latest video-content trend with a new feature,…
Read On from Instagram Reels: Your Guide to Instagram’s Latest Feature
As one of the world’s most popular social media platforms in 2020, it is no question that your brand should consider advertising on TikTok. This platform is known for its short clips, viral content, and robust Gen Z audience. With a wide variety of comedic and creative content to watch, users can be found scrolling…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: TikTok
It is every digital marketer’s dream to create content that goes viral. While the odds of going viral are slim, it is highly effective for your brand to join in on trending topics online. By incorporating timely and engaging content, you’re able to show off your brand’s personality allowing consumers to connect on a deeper…
Read On from How to Use Viral Trending Topics to Your Brand’s Advantage
Throughout June, Spotify began testing interactive podcast ads, Instagram expanded commerce access to business and creator accounts, respectively, while TikTok released a new brand and platform for marketers on the app. Learn more about the latest updates in the industry roundup below! Social Media Spotify is Testing Interactive Podcast Ads With ambitions to become the…
As the international app sensation TikTok continues to soar with over 800 million active users worldwide, businesses with an audience on the platform are engaging directly with their target markets in new and exciting ways. Whether brands choose an organic approach, or take advantage of paid advertising options, TikTok is proving to be a great…
In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are reflecting on how brands are taking the lead to create a more sustainable future. While continuing to give consumers what they want, companies of all industries are becoming more eco-conscious. Learn more about the latest environmentally friendly trends of some of our favorite brands,…
Read On from How Brands are Working to Become More Sustainable
With 322 million monthly users, there is certainly a population to be reached by marketers on Pinterest. Considering we’ve already covered our top tips for marketing on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Snapchat there was no way we were going to neglect the opportunities that lie within Pinterest. Unlike many other social media platforms, Pinterest acts…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: Pinterest
Looking to incorporate Snapchat ads into your marketing strategy, but not sure where to begin? Not to worry, we’ve got it covered! We are adding to our collection of social media advertising best practices with Snapchat. With over 300 million active users, there is certainly a population to be tapped by marketers on Snapchat. Like…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: Snapchat
As illustrated through our previous blog posts on social media advertising on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, social media has created a multitude of opportunities for businesses to reach consumers through a more casual medium, and now LinkedIn has hopped on the bandwagon. Although initially created as a platform for networking among business professionals, LinkedIn has…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: LinkedIn
We’ve discussed best practices for social media marketing and advertising. However, how often do businesses actually follow these practices? We are going to take a look at some of the brands that stand out on social media, and what about their social media presence makes them so special. Image Source Wendy’s: Add some personality and humor…
The rise of social media has presented new opportunities and challenges for businesses. Utilizing these platforms to connect with consumers to spread the word about your brand has been known to be very effective. However, 60% of consumers no longer trust social media companies. Consumers once considered social media platforms to be a reliable source…
Read On from The Best Practices to Build Trust on Social Media
Marketing projections for 2019 only further emphasize an increase in the role of social media for marketers. Considering we’ve already covered all things Facebook and Twitter, we’re adding to our collection of social media advertising best practices with Instagram. As a platform with over 1 billion users, Instagram has become a mecca for brands looking…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: Instagram
There are a lot of tips and tricks to consider when your business is diving into social media marketing, such as “which hashtags should I use?” or “does this picture clearly match the message I am trying to send?” There is a method, though, to all of the social media marketing madness that often requires…
Social media seems to have taken the world by storm within the last several decades, and advertising is certainly no exception. As a modern-day marketer, it can be easy to get caught up in the seemingly countless platforms to promote your business, which is why we’ve created a series to better assist you in utilizing…
Read On from Social Media Advertising Best Practices: Facebook
Last month in our post, “How to V.E.T. Influencers: Voice, Engagement, & Tangible Results,” we discussed the importance of vetting influencers before initiating a collaboration. Today, we’ll dive deeper into the different types of influencers and how to quantify their value. The realm of trusted marketing tactics has drastically shifted from traditional forms of advertising…
While influencer marketing is more popular than ever in today’s market, the idea has been ingrained into society even before the days of social media. Back in 1944, the two-step flow of communication reasoned that opinion leaders (influencers) share their beliefs, ideologies, or thoughts with individuals (followers) who are consequently impacted by them. When this…
Read On from How to V.E.T. Influencers: Voice, Engagement, & Tangible Results
Amidst a major data breach, Facebook is facing the reality of strengthened regulations regarding users’ privacy. The purpose is to make users aware that when they agree to allow third-party applications access to their profiles, their information is shared with outside websites and apps. New regulations aim to enable users to pick and choose who…
Read On from Possible Facebook Privacy Regulations for Businesses & How to Navigate
In July 2017, Amazon launched Amazon Spark, a product discovery feed that works as an in-app social media platform. Spark is somewhat exclusive, with capabilities only available to Prime members currently (although non-Prime members can view the feed), and has been slow to make its way to the limelight. But now, months after the launch,…
From Kylie Jenner’s tweet causing a major drop in stocks, to large employee layoffs meant to “streamline and unify” the engineering team, Snapchat finds itself in the tangles of a brand crisis. The platform’s latest update has left many users turned off and frustrated. The new layout meshes stories with individual snaps and completely separates…
LOTUS823 & CMI CORPORATION ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
May 12, 2025
An End-To-End Marketing & Sales Solution for Suppliers and Brands lotus823 is excited to announce its partnership with CMI Corporation. This new partnership combines the capabilities of CMI, which is to link brands and suppliers with retailers, with the full-service public relations and marketing capabilities of lotus823. CMI works with retailers such as, but...
Read On from LOTUS823 & CMI CORPORATION ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
May 9, 2025
Introducing a A New End-To-End Marketing & Sales Solution for the Music Industry & Beyond We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Sound Strategy Marketing. This new partnership forges a bond between a traditional manufacturers’ rep firm, Sound Strategy Marketing, LLC, specializing in MI, Pro Audio, DJ, and CE, with the full-service public relations...
Read On from LOTUS823 & SOUND STRATEGY MARKETING ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Media Training for Trade Shows: Why It’s Important
March 25, 2025
You invest a lot into trade shows. The significant time coordinating and planning the logistics. The money spent on elaborate booth builds and attendance. The travel for your employees. Have you invested in preparing your team to speak with the media who attend? Media training for trade shows is often an overlooked preparation tactic. A...
Read On from Media Training for Trade Shows: Why It’s Important
