Over the past decade, the Internet has become one of the most powerful tools for entrepreneurs. In fact, there are companies that provide products and services solely over the Internet. Regardless of what industry you’re in or what you offer your customers, you need to take the Internet seriously when it comes to marketing. More specifically, you need to take advantage of social media. As of 2021, approximately 77 percent of Americans have a social media profile. This means that you forego thousands (or even millions) of dollars in business if you don’t up your brand’s social media game. Not sure where to start? Don’t …

Today’s consumers are wielding their buying power to benefit society and the Earth. This sense of “consumer responsibility” outperforms other purchasing motivations such as coupons, discounts, and sales. That’s why cause marketing works. 56 percent of customers report actively searching out and spending extra money on products from companies committed to social value. They’ll also pay more for organic products and those that prove environmentally friendly. But what is cause marketing, and how can you make it work for your business? Read on for the insider’s guide to cause-related marketing that works. The Age of Social Responsibility Whether you’re a marketer or a small business …

A brand must have a very unique or one-of-a-kind product or service to not have to worry about the competition. Most don’t have that luxury. To remain competitive and ahead of the competition businesses need a creative marketing strategy. There are plenty of companies that offer products and services that are similar to theirs. Yet, have remained relevant in their fields because they were able to capitalize on their uniqueness. Just think about all the fast food restaurants and soft drink companies. Building a strong brand that is easily recognizable is hard work. Not only do you need to build brand awareness but also make …

As the average business is set to spend around $75,000 this year on digital marketing, there are lots of other marketing strategies to consider. When you’re headed out to a trade show, marketing means a lot of different types of strategies. Marketing at a trade show will require talking to people, giving presentations, and running your booth. Here is everything to know about how to turn your next trade show into a marketing goldmine. 1. Make a Plan Your team should start thinking about how you’re going to market yourselves at your next trade show as soon as you sign up. Since you know months …

If you’re about to plan a digital marketing campaign, you’re in the right place. Did you know, as little as 22% of businesses are happy with their conversion rates? We want to change this. During this article, we’re revealing some sage advice that’ll help ensure you get the best results. What’s the Point in Planning a Digital Marketing Campaign? You might be thinking, “What’s the point in spending time and effort planning? Why can’t I dive straight in?” Well, yes you can choose to go down that route, but we strongly suggest you don’t. The planning process ensures you conduct some much-needed research, think through …

Let’s face it. You’re far too busy to wear all the hats in your business. But, it’s not always an easy feat to hand over the reins either. However, you can’t take shots in the dark when it comes to your marketing strategy. Outsourcing is a necessary aspect that can’t be avoided if you want to run a thriving, successful business. In a 2017 study, 37% of American small businesses said they’re willing to outsource. This not only stresses how common it is – but also, how necessary. Marketing should be the focal point of your monetization strategy. And that’s where outsourcing to marketing agencies …

A great way to promote your business is to promote someone else’s. As strange as that may sound, it’s true. When your company partners with a charitable organization, you’re not just raising money for those in need. Social cause marketing is one of the best ways to prove your business stands by your code of ethics and wants to do good in the world. So, what is a social cause, exactly? Some examples of social causes include: Fighting poverty Preventing bullying Civil Rights Advocacy LGBTQ+ advocacy Fighting for or against immigration Raising money for life-saving medical research Helping the homeless, etc. And what better way …

Remember the time when people claimed that print was dead? Well, those people were simply wrong. Sure, without a doubt, we live in a digital age. But print still has its place. In fact, it’s clear that print media has many advantages when it comes to both news reporting and advertising. For one, research shows that the majority of people feel that print marketing is more trustworthy than other types of marketing are. The ideal situation for any business owner interested in marketing their products and services is to use the smart combination of digital and print communication to maximize their branding efforts. In the …

Curious about cause marketing campaigns? Did you know that cause sponsorship is predicted to reach more than $2.14 billion in 2018? Furthermore, 78% of people between the ages of 18 to 24 will choose an ethical product over its non-ethical competition. Even when that product is more expensive. In today’s digital world, competition is high. Yes, consumers still prefer products that are high quality and low cost. But unlike 20 years ago, consumers also take into account the company’s environmental impact and causes they support. If you want to take a look at successful cause marketing examples, we’ve created a list for you. In the …

Did you know that companies who don’t clearly support a good cause are likely to lose their customers to competing businesses that do? We are living in an era of social responsibility where consumers want to make sure the money they are spending is doing more than increasing your bottom line. If you’re looking for ways to become more socially responsible as a business owner, it’s time for you to start your first cause marketing campaign. There’s quite a bit to learn, but that’s what we’re here for. So, keep reading – we’ve got you covered. What is Cause Marketing? Because of the digital age …

Every company likes to be recognized for its achievements and long hours dedicated to their clients. Luckily, that possibility has become a reality for us here at the MAD Group in San Diego. We are excited to announce that our company has been recognized by Clutch, an independent third party reviewer of B2B companies around the world, as a top San Diego branding agency in their press release. This achievement makes us especially proud because of the way it was earned. The main way Clutch conducts their research is by calling previous clients and publishing their feedback as a review on each company’s profile. Our …

Consider who your audience is and what they would think if they received a printed piece that is more casual versus more professional. If your business is an art gallery or has an upscale clientele, it may be better to use a professional printer. On the other hand, a taco shop that has a temporary, over-the-counter promotion using flyers may not require a professional printer. Also, if you are printing small quantities of a hundred or less or if you need your prints quickly, a professional printer might not be the way to go. Set up time and costs are expensive for professional printers. Lastly, …

Although you can find a high level of creative website design in San Diego, consumers, business executives and business owners need to be careful when considering how effective a website will be when it is launched. Effective website design in San Diego and across the globe is built on two primary objectives: First, to connect with the viewer emotionally, and second, to be coherent in thought and functionality so that the viewer is prompted to take an action. Believe it or not, most website designers, programmers and business leaders become so immersed in the making of the website that these two basic objectives are forgotten. …

Small Business is making a comeback in America these days. With the help of affordable technology, a small business can offer some of the same services and products as larger businesses, while still offering it at a high level. With proper small business marketing, a small business can get the attention it deserves and win over clients that would traditionally buy from larger businesses. The key is to start out by being a big fish in a small pond. Look for the areas you can compete in that are underserved; then serve them well. Simultaneously, start focusing on a small business marketing approach that lets …

Does your company brand represent you for who you are? Are you better than your company brand leads you to believe? If you are like most companies, you represent yourself poorly compared to the quality of service you provide. You don’t have articulate brand messaging that reveals to consumers your unique qualities; you don’t have a website or marketing materials that reflect your company’s personality and character; your marketing and advertising approach doesn’t align with who you want to be; and your overall brand has been pieced together reactively as opposed to a proactive, methodical formation. Many marketing directors or business owners will think of …

Every morning, I wake up to a pot of Hulk Hogan-strong coffee and quaff it while brewing equally strong plans for the workday ahead. Then I sit on my old motorcycle and hope it starts so I can turn those plans into actions for my clients. I open fuel lines and the choke, turn levers, twist keys and flick switches. I don’t know how much you know about old motorcycles, but they can be… temperamental. What I’m coming to find, morning after morning, is that no matter what – a lightbulb, the spark, the cold or hot air, me or the machine – whether it’s …

Reflecting on our formative years – those incipient, gradual steps from conceptual development to class-clownishness, creative growth to rhyming remedies for the mysterious afflictions of cooties – it became clear that many of our schoolhouse dogmas have proved, with age and experience, to be so, so backwards. Take this find, for instance. Remember being forced to draw desiderata like this in elementary school? And worse, being forced to abide by them, knowing full well they were inhibitive? How shortsighted. How restrictive. How one-tracked… Looking back, we realized we forgot how conformist reading was in grade school. Ironically, what practices had been deemed “real reading” are, …

Are you penny wise and pound foolish? A lot of companies are when it comes to their website. If you want a cheap business website, designing your own is definitely the way to go. Even if you don’t know any code, you can pick from an abundance of free and cheap WYSIWYG website creators and have your own personalized website within a few hours. Unfortunately, these platforms are not consistent from browser to browser, nor across platforms like desktop and mobile. As of this past April, Google changed its algorithms to lay heavy emphasis on mobile websites; if your website isn’t mobile friendly, you won’t …

This DIY SEO Tip Still Works Every small business is chasing the golden ticket to SEO. In such a competitive environment, with Search Engine Optimization playing an imperative role in reaching audiences, figuring out how to get on the first page of Google and other search engines is no easy feat. Even large companies with dedicated marketing teams work constantly to maintain or elevate their Search Engine Results Page (SERP) ranking. As SEO and the understanding of relative algorithms have evolved, so too have the tactics for getting that proverbial golden ticket, landing that proverbial big one – the coveted first page. Early SEO Strategies: …

The quality of branding agencies in San Diego rivals the best in the country. Some of the finest professionals from all over the world live here and produce work at a very sophisticated level. We have worked with New York and San Francisco agencies and understand the quality they produce. You can feel confident that when you choose a top San Diego branding agency, you are on par with the best. We are proud to be amongst the very best, recognized as a top branding agency in San Diego by Clutch.com, who have interviewed our clients and competitors. What Makes Our Branding Different? We are …

If you are one of the top companies in your market or area of expertise, it’s most likely because you have provided great value and service. It’s also likely that your closest competitors have done the same. This then brings up an important question: if all things are relatively equal amongst competitors, ie. product, service, price etc.— why should your clients choose you over your competitors? Now, you must think this is a trick question, but it is not. At MAD Group, we believe the emotional connection your clients have with you or your brand, or both, is the differentiator. We irrationally buy Apple computers …

Even the best in-house advertising departments seek advice and specialized skills from advertising firms. Many in-house teams are overwhelmed and underappreciated for their day-to-day responsibilities. This is where a local San Diego advertising agency can lend a hand, or tackle big-picture marketing activities. We’re your dedicated San Diego advertising agency that will lighten your load and add perspective. If you have a new product launch; the brand needs to be updated and refreshed; the company is adding new markets or shifting its position in the marketplace; or if you just need to contract out specialized marketers that will work with your team to do what …