Archive for the ‘Social Marketing’ Category

Behind the Backlash Against Bud Light’s Transgender Influencer – The New York Times

Some conservative commentators and celebrities began calling for a boycott of Bud Light after the beer was featured in a social media promotion by a transgender influencer, Dylan Mulvaney, on April 1.

After Bud Lights sales slumped and the brand found itself thrust into the nations culture wars, Anheuser-Busch, the beers brewer, announced last week that two of its executives were taking a leave of absence. The company also said on Thursday that it would focus its marketing campaigns on sports and music.

Ms. Mulvaney is popular on TikTok, where she has more than 10.8 million followers and has been documenting her transition online. The controversy began on April 1, when she posted a video on her Instagram account, where she has 1.8 million followers, to promote a Bud Light contest.

Ms. Mulvaney, 26, celebrated one full year of her Days of Girlhood series in March with a live show at Rockefeller Center called Dylan Mulvaneys Day 365 Live!

Her Bud Light promotional post was less than a minute long and was mostly about a $15,000 giveaway that the company sponsored during March Madness. She mentions that the company sent her a tallboy can with her face on it to celebrate the 365-day milestone.

Ms. Mulvaney has become more popular in the year since she created Days of Girlhood. In October, she spoke with President Biden at the White House about transgender rights.

This success has met with personal attacks from public figures, including Senator Marsha Blackburn, Republican of Tennessee, and Caitlyn Jenner, the Republican transgender woman and former Olympian whose politics have made her a target of criticism from members of the L.G.B.T.Q. community.

Ms. Mulvaney has not spoken directly about the Bud Light boycott, but she addressed the hostility she has faced in an interview on the Onward With Rosie ODonnell podcast that was released on Tuesday. She is an easy target, she said, because Im still new to this.

I think going after a trans woman thats been doing this for like 20 years is a lot more difficult, she said.

She added, But what is their goal?

The calls for a boycott have not included a specific demand. And some of the most prominent voices backing it have attacked the transgender community in the past, including the musician Kid Rock, who posted a video of himself shooting a stack of Bud Light cases this month.

The criticism of Bud Light, amid other complaints about brand partnerships with transgender people, comes as Republican state lawmakers are proposing legislation that seeks to regulate the lives of young transgender people, restrict drag shows in a way that could include performances by transgender people, and require schools to out transgender students to their parents.

Anna Tuchman, associate professor of marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, has researched boycotts, including the calls for people to stop buying Goya Foods products in 2020 after the companys president praised President Donald J. Trump. Her research and other similar studies have found that such efforts tend to be short-lived and dont have a long-term effect.

Professor Tuchman said that, while people may be willing to change their behavior for a few weeks, it is much harder to convince people to change their long-term behavior.

Another obstacle in boycotts is finding replacement products.

Anheuser-Busch sells more than 100 brands of beer in the United States and is the largest beer brewer in the world.

One supporter of the boycott, Representative Dan Crenshaw, Republican of Texas, posted a video online to show that his fridge did not have Bud Light, but it did have beer from Karbach Brewing Company, which is also owned by Anheuser-Busch.

A buycott is when people buy a product to protest a boycott against it. Professor Tuchman found that during the Goya boycott the companys sales rose by 22 percent over two weeks before falling back to the baseline.

After the country musician Travis Tritt said that he would stop including Bud Light in his tour rider, Kevin John Wasserman, the guitarist for the Offspring who goes by Noodles, said that the band would include Anheuser-Busch products in its rider.

Before the boycott, Alissa Heinerscheid, vice president of marketing for Bud Light, said in an interview that the brand needed to be more inclusive.

The brand is in decline, Ms. Heinerscheid said on the Make Yourself at Home podcast in March. Its been in decline for a really long time. And if we do not attract young drinkers to come and drink this brand, there will be no future for Bud Light.

Ms. Heinerscheid and Daniel Blake, who oversees marketing for Anheuser-Buschs mainstream brands, are now on leave, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

We have made some adjustments to streamline the structure of our marketing function to reduce layers so that our most senior marketers are more closely connected to every aspect of our brands activities, Anheuser-Busch said in a statement. These steps will help us maintain focus on the things we do best: brewing great beer for all consumers, while always making a positive impact in our communities and on our country.

On Thursday, the company said it would focus marketing efforts on sports and music and would assign senior executives to oversee those campaigns. One executive said during a call with analysts that the product should not be the focus of the debate.

L.G.B.T.Q. people in the United States have an estimated $1.1 trillion in annual purchasing power, according to a 2019 report by LGBT Capital, a financial services company.

Sarah Kate Ellis, the president and chief executive of the L.G.B.T.Q. advocacy organization GLAAD, said in an emailed statement that marketing featuring L.G.B.T.Q. people would continue. Companies will not end the standard business practice of including diverse people in ads and marketing because a small number of loud, fringe anti-L.G.B.T.Q. activists make noise on social media, she said.

Ms. Mulvaney, who hadnt posted on TikTok since the start of the controversy, returned to the platform on April 28 to address her fans and the backlash. What Im struggling to understand is the need to dehumanize and to be cruel, she said. She added that she hopes to return to making people laugh and sharing parts of herself that have nothing to do with her identity, and thanked supporters who may not fully understand or identify with her.

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Behind the Backlash Against Bud Light's Transgender Influencer - The New York Times

Reddit Shares New Tips to Help SMBs Create More Resonant … – Social Media Today

May is National Small Business Month, and to mark the event, Reddit has shared some new Reddit ad tips for small businesses, with a specific focus on how you can translate your social copy from other platforms into a more Reddit-friendly format.

And while Reddit may not be the first platform that springs to mind for your promotions, it could offer significant opportunities, with reach to over 100,000 dedicated, active communities, spanning a broad range of niches, and frequented by over 57 million daily active users.

Conduct your research, and it could be a gold mine of insight and connective potential. But you do have to understand the nuances of the platform, and how to communicate your ads.

On this, Reddit has provided six key tips to maximizing connection with redditors.

1. Communicate your brands vision and value proposition

Reddit says that brands need to keep entertainment value front of mind, while also being clear about what theyre selling, how to get it, and why.

Reddits shared this example of how youd translate a Facebook-like post into Reddit ads format.

Reddit advises that SMBs should look to enhance their value proposition, and highlight special offers, via short-sharp copy.

2. Don't be too formal

Reddit says that brands also need to ensure they speak the language of the relevant Reddit community theyre trying to reach.

When people connect on Reddit, they speak to other Redditors using honest, direct, but (typically) friendly language. The same goes for brands on Reddit. Switch up your ads by making some edits and speak to Redditors like you'd speak to a knowledgeable friend - with an authentic and conversational tone that rings true to your brand.

3. Tweak copy to include humor or cultural references

Reddit also notes that humor and cultural references are big winners in the app, and will help improve the appeal of your promotions.

Humor can be a great ice breaker, especially if you're trying to start a conversation or attract attention on Reddit. A well-timed, well-executed joke - particularly at your brand's expense - can win you points literally and figuratively.

Understanding the tone of the platform is key in this respect, which likely requires you to spend some time browsing through the relevant subreddits that you want to reach.

4. Reddit like a Redditor this National Small Business Week

That same advice carries over to this point Reddit says that its users appreciate brands that get to know the platform and its communities.

Investing time in reading, and engaging, can be a big help in maximizing your on-platform promotions, and ensuring they hit the mark with your target audience.

5. Experiment with longer headlines but dont over do it

Reddit says that headlines over 150 characters are generally less effective than shorter, more succinct copy.

Its best to strategically pair shorter headlines with engaging creative assets to tell the full story. Avoid writing in title case where every word is capitalized, or overloading your headline with emojis. Finally, consider using your brand name in the headline.

6. Strike a balance of copy and creative

Finally, Reddit advises that using powerful, stand-out visuals is key to maximizing ad response in the app.

Leverage the powerful combination of copy and assets to reinforce your message and bring it home with an image or video that complements your call to action. If it complements your brand, try using imagery or video that is light-hearted and humorous.

These are some good notes, which could help you create better campaigns in the app, and connect with Reddit users. And again, while it may not be as big or popular as other social apps, what Reddit does have is very knowledgeable, engaged, and in many cases, influential users.

Connect with them, at the right time, with the right offer, and it could drive big long-term results.

You can read Reddits full SMB ad tips here.

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Reddit Shares New Tips to Help SMBs Create More Resonant ... - Social Media Today

Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) Announces … – PR Newswire

ALPHARETTA, Ga., May 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Helene Epstein, Dr. Kenneth A. Mundt, Kamili Wilson, and Von Wright to its Board of Directors.

Helene Epsteinis a freelance healthcare writer and longstanding member of the SIDM community. She has served on committees, panels, and various boards for medical research projects, healthcare organizations, public schools, and grant-givers. She is actively involved in the SIDM Patient Engagement Committee and a valued contributor as the author of SIDM's column Dx IQ which is focused on the organization's patient engagement efforts. Epstein is a graduate of New York University.

Dr. Kenneth A. Mundtis a career epidemiologist with a professional interest and experience in applying epidemiological concepts and methods. Currently, Dr. Mundt serves as Senior Principal Health Scientist at Cardno ChemRisk. He has designed, conducted, and published numerous epidemiological studies, performed critical reviews and syntheses of the published literature, and is active in the development of methods for integrating evidence across scientific lines of inquiry. Dr. Mundt specializes in the practical application of scientific concepts, methods, and evidence in evaluating causation, deriving health protective regulations, and for science-based evaluations for policy and decision-making purposes. Dr. Mundt received his Ph.D. in Epidemiology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Kamili Wilsonhas more than 20 years of experience in brand awareness and social marketing campaigns for Fortune 50 companies as well as non-profit leadership. Currently, she serves as AARP's Senior Vice President of Affiliate Integration Services. She served on the Executive Board of the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME), where she received the Edithe J. Levit Distinguished Service Award upon completion of her term. Ms. Wilson is also a former executive board member for the Arlington Retirement Housing Corporation (ARHC) and a former member of DoSomething.org's Corporate Advisory Board. Ms. Wilson is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

Von Wrighthas over 30 years of experience leading, growing and transforming organizations ranging from start-ups to Fortune 10 in the fields of technology, customer experience, strategy and marketing. Mr. Wright is also the founder of two companies where he has developed innovative teams and launched products. He is currently an independent Executive Coach and Consultant, and a Limited Partner and Senior Advisor to Zane VC, a venture fund that provides capital and mentoring to minority and women entrepreneurs. His personal experience with diagnostic error led him to start a healthcare business in 2014, join the board of a mental health organization in 2018, and become a passionate student of health science while advocating for healthcare transformation. Mr. Wright earned MBAs from Cornell University's Johnson School, and the Katholieke Universitat, Leuven in Belgium. He holds a Bachelor's degree from Wabash College.

"We are thrilled to welcome these highly accomplished individuals to our Board of Directors," said CEO Jennie Ward-Robinson, PhD. "Their impressive track records, deep expertise, and relevant experience, and will help us achieve our strategic objectives outlined in our new strategic plan, as well as drive growth for the organization and the field as a whole."

About SIDM

The Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) catalyzes and leads change to improve diagnosis and eliminate harm from diagnostic error. We work in partnership with patients, their families, the healthcare community, and every interested stakeholder. Members of theCoalition to Improve Diagnosisrepresent hundreds of thousands of healthcare providers, patients, and leading healthcare systems and organizations. Together we work to find solutions that enhance diagnostic safety and quality, reduce harm, and ensure better outcomes for patients.

ContactMedia Inquiries:Sophie Gibson, VIVO360, Inc., 404 784 4688, [emailprotected]

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Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine (SIDM) Announces ... - PR Newswire

Social Supply Co. Announces Acquisition by Inspira Marketing … – PR Web

With Social Supply Co.s incredible bench of talent, a state-of-the-art content studio, and an infectious passion and enthusiasm for winning in the digital space, we are taking our comprehensive integrated marketing agency to the next level...to help our clients win with consumers.

CARLSBAD, Calif. (PRWEB) May 01, 2023

Social Supply Co., a social media first digital marketing agency, announced that it has been acquired by Inspira Marketing Group, a purpose-driven brand activation agency with offices in Connecticut and New York. The strategic acquisition establishes a coast-to-coast presence and expanded digital marketing capabilities for Inspira with the addition of Social Supply Co.s comprehensive digital content studio in Southern California.

In 2014, Social Supply Co. was born from the need to support action sports brands with organic social, social-first content creation, and audience management. We quickly grew into the social adjacent channels of e-commerce support, influencer management, and diverse content creation, said Brett Sirianni, founder and CEO of Social Supply Co., The journey into our teenagerhood has been epically fun, challenging, and rewarding, so joining forces with the agency we wanted to be when we grew up is our perfect next step. I am beyond excited to be immersed into an expanded world of marketing with the truly fun, brilliant, and genuine people at Inspira.

As the newest member of Inspiras senior leadership team, Sirianni will serve as Chief Digital Officer and help to guide the integration of the agencies and overall digital strategy for Inspira and its clients. Social Supply Co., will operate fully under the Inspira brand, allowing it to spread its digital expertise into the automotive, financial, technology, and food and beverage markets.

With Social Supply Co.s incredible bench of talent, a state-of-the-art content studio, and an infectious passion and enthusiasm for winning in the digital space, we are taking our comprehensive integrated marketing agency to the next level, said Jeff Snyder, Inspiras Chief Inspiration Officer. Today is an exciting day for our combined teams and its an immediate value add to our clients as we expand our capabilities to include organic and paid social, influencer strategy, and social content creation to provide truly holistic, integrated marketing to help our clients win with consumers.

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About Social Supply Co.Based in Carlsbad, CA, Social Supply Co. is a social media marketing agency focused on content and analysis-driven strategy to produce authentic social experiences for clients in the fashion, beauty, and quick-serve restaurant markets. Deeply seeded in the digital marketing field, Social Supply Co. is fueled by a passionate and focused team that has built a reputation by living and breathing what they do. Originally established in 2014, Social Supply Co. was formally acquired by Inspira Marketing Group on May 1, 2023, and will operate under the Inspira brand as a fully integrated entity.

About Inspira Marketing GroupBased in Norwalk, CT, Inspira Marketing is a purpose-driven brand activation agency, driven by EQ x IQ. Delivering scalable, results-driven, creative solutions for a diverse roster of clients in the automotive, CPG, financial, technology, and food and beverage, fashion, beauty, and quick-serve restaurant markets, Inspira Marketing specializes in Brand Storytelling, Experiential Marketing, and Field Team Activation, and devotes a portion of its profits to finding a cure for pediatric cancer. This combination of excellence and purpose has been recognized with a list of impressive awards, most recently including Ad Ages Best Places to Work, Hartford Business Journals Best Places to Work, Chief Marketers CM200 Award, and Event Marketers Top 100 IT List. To learn more, visit http://www.inspiramarketing.com.

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Social Supply Co. Announces Acquisition by Inspira Marketing ... - PR Web

How to tell your brand’s sustainability story online, in social media – New Hope Network

Recently, New Hope Networkreleased a special report,Sustainability Marketing: How to amplify your brand's commitment, with surveys and data onhow consumers want to learn about brands' efforts and transparency regarding their sustainability stories.

This special report dives into best practices compiled from industry experts' interviews on marketing challenges and opportunities around CPG brands' sustainability efforts. Consumers gather their information via a brand's social media and web platforms. They feel more connected when they learn more about a brand's mission. The founders of soup brandSouperGirl saythey find the best engagement when they post videos featuring its founder and team members speaking directly and passionately about their food justice efforts.

Related: How brands can use packaging to start sharing sustainability stories

Modern consumers appreciate genuine and transparent storytelling that delves into the details behind sustainability claims. The Sustainability Marketing report examines how U.S. consumers discover new products and educate themselves about sustainability. A key finding is that openly discussing a brand's sustainability strategies, although daunting, is crucial to establishing trust with today's consumers. For example, when you look at a brand like GoodSam's Instagram page (pictured), you can immediately tell that sustainability is central to the brand's mission.

Looking at Spinster Sisters Co.'s website (pictured), you can find their yearly impact report published publicly. Consumers applaud the brand's work to track and measure their impact. Putting it online, allowing anyone to look and dive in, builds trust through transparency. And backing it up with data like Spinster Sisters does is important. Brands need to be aware of marketing guidelines when making environmental claims. The Federal Trade Commission'sGreen Guides are currently under review, and tackling greenwashing is a significant touch point.

In a recent interview, Fred Hart, creative director of Interact Brands, said, "The wonderful thing about building a brand today is there are different channels to get out different messages." For example, online channels are a great way to share a brand's sustainability story more thoroughlythan they could on the packaging, which has limited real estate. "When it comes to some of these social channels, use those as outlets to educate consumers on your brand's mission," Hart said. Doing so will help consumers feel more connected to a brand and create loyalty.

Read on to see more examples and hear from brands on how they leverage online platforms to tell their sustainability story.Some responses have been edited for length and/or clarity.

Sustainability is not just a part of Neutral's marketing strategy, but what the brand is built on. It's engrained in everything they do. Neutral makes it easy for consumers to learn more about the brand's sustainability efforts on its website through appealing infographics and concise messaging that is easy to digest.

In April, Neutral launched a campaign called "Milk for a Planet Worth Saving," which appears on Neutral'shomepage, social mediapostsand videos from consumers and celebrities such asHeather Morrisand John Legend.

Through social media, Neutral gathers real-life #planetworthsaving video testimonials by inviting consumers to post an Instagram reel with the tag @eatneutralto answer the question, "Why do you believe the planet is worth saving?"

Partnerships with coffee shops has been great at generating awareness ofThe Planting Hope Co.'s sustainable Hope and Sesame Milk. Here,A coffee shop customer @theroasterspack discovers Hope and Sesame and shares their find on TikTok.

When asked, "When do you begin telling your sustainability story, and how is it a part of your marketing strategy?" GoodPop replied,"It's important to us that our products are, first and foremost, incredibly deliciousit's easier to educate someone about your initiatives if they love your product first!Then you flip the box and explore GoodPop's purposeour entire back of the pack is dedicated to all the good we do.

"We use the same strategies across our social channelsflavor profile and beautiful packaging are focused on first. Then we dig deeper into what makes us a better business as a certified B Corp and what our 501c3, the Pledge Good Foundation, does in your community."

GoodPop uses the collaboration feature on Instagram to announce that it is now Plastic Neutral. GoodPop can interact with the community by answering questions like "What does plastic neutral mean?".

When implementing a sustainability marketing strategy, it is essential to avoid greenwashing. The team at GoodPop believes thatit's important to be specific about what they are doing, and being able to measure it in some capacity is key.They avoid greenwashing by not talking about efforts vaguely. Instead, they suggest showing people your impact with actionable numbers they can understand. GoodPop explains that it is easier for people to understand the impact of "GoodPop provided X number of meals through the Central Texas Food Bank" vs. "GoodPop donated $$ to X foundation."

The GoodPop team also advises,"We make sure to share the same key message across all channels.Our assets may vary, but the core message should always be consistent.We aren't perfect at this and are always improving. And staying consistent with our effortsmeaning, don't do something that is a short-term fix.Sustainability is a journey, and you have to stick with it and build those relationships with your partners that can help you get there."

To learn more about sustainability messaging strategy informed by generation and natural channel shopper insights, check out theSustainability Marketing Special Report:How to amplify your brand's commitment.

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How to tell your brand's sustainability story online, in social media - New Hope Network