Victoria Gomez|Jul 9, 2019

It’s no surprise that digital trends are constantly changing and some brands are aggressively paving the way we use online platforms. This month, we’re highlighting some outstanding tech pioneers who are innovating and revolutionizing new practices in the digital age.

TRENDS TO WATCH

Smartphones Are Officially The King Of Media

U.S. adults this year will spend more time using their mobile devices than they’ll spend watching TV (about 70% of that time will be spent on smartphones). Digital video streaming is also on the rise (up eight minutes from last year). As a result, streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon and platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, and Twitter are making changes to their models to implement ad-supported video programming. These trends should influence future marketing and advertising strategies geared towards mobile to reach audiences most effectively. (via AdAge)

There’s A New One-Stop Destination For Booking Travel

Google’s plans to enter the travel business are officially becoming a reality. To set itself apart from competitors, the search giant is combining the power of all its travel-related products (Google Flights, Google Trips, + Google Maps), into a single destination called Trips. The new platform will allow users to organize all travel planning into one comprehensive itinerary, complete with the ability to edit and adjust different trip elements across devices as they go. Google Trips can now be used across mobile and desktop devices. We can’t wait to see how this new player will affect direct bookings. (via Afar)

Simpsons

CAMPAIGNS TO WATCH

Turning Popular TV Shows Into Reality = A Recipe For Success

Banking on nostalgia has proven to be an invaluable strategy for brands looking to engage and attract today’s consumers, especially millennials. Ikea’s new “Real Life Series” campaign is the perfect example. The Swedish furniture chain recently recreated some of the most famous TV show’s living rooms using IKEA’s own furnishings. Since launching the ads, Ikea has experienced an 50% increase in digital traffic, proving there’s a direct line between appealing to fans’ heartstrings, creating a valuable viral moment and showcasing your products. (via AdWeek)

Burger King Tackles A Long-Time Consumer Problem And It Pays Off

One of the best ways to get a customer’s attention is to either solve their problem or make their life easier. This is exactly what Burger King did with their latest marketing stunt, the Traffic Jam Whopper. The popular food chain enlisted couriers on motorcycles to deliver meals to customers who were stuck in rush hour traffic. The campaign, which included out of home advertising, partnerships (Waze, Google Maps), and social media, also garnered significant editorial coverage for its creativity. The burger giant also saw success at the cash register with daily delivery orders increasing by 63% and daily BK app downloads jumping 44%. (via Delish)

Dinner

BRANDS TO WATCH

The Digital Company Is Going Offline (Yes, You Read That Right)

Bumble, the app that gives women the upper hand in the “swipe right” online dating world, is opening a cafe and wine bar for people to meet up. With the goal of engaging its expanding audience by offering them experiences and curated programming, the brand serves as yet another example of how a digital app can enhance customer loyalty by reaching consumers offline and rethinking the power of brick & mortar to take a step towards owning the entire customer journey. (via Bloomberg)

Want To Grab Gen-Z’s Attention? There’s An App For That

TikTok, the short-form, video-sharing mobile platform hit one billion downloads in its first year. For Gen-Z, a generation that grew up on the internet/smartphones, the app has become a fast-favorite as it offers quick, snackable bites of content that are both addictive and highly entertaining. Brands from Chipotle and the UN to the San Diego Zoo and the NBA—have signed up on the platform and are creating content (as individual users, not official advertisers). Other brands who learn how to speak TikTok’s specific language also have a chance of catching the attention of a demographic that hates advertising more than anyone else. (via CNBC)


Contact rbb Communications’ pros to discuss how your brand can stay ahead of the digital game.

 

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