Category: Trends

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December 2023 Social Trends

December 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

Time Actionable #TrendAlert –

Spotify Wrapped just dropped on 11/29 and it’s the perfect time to highlight your brand’s perks or tap into your brand’s audience by creating your spin of a Spotify Wrapped.

Here are a few ways you can tap in:

  • List out your top SKUs. Example
  • Use it to relate to your audience. Example
  • Highlight your product benefits. Example

Hurry, test this trend before it’s too late!

#TrendAlert, CapCut Template –

You can use this audio with this template to show something in your industry that you’re not afraid of anymore but has slowly crept up on you.

Example:

Kevin: Me getting through the weekend without spending money. Old Man Marley: My favorite favorite brand has a sale.

    DECEMBER HOLIDAYS
 
  • December 3: First Day of Advent
  • December 4: National Cookie Day
  • December 7: First Day of Hanukkah
  • December 15: Last Day of Hanukkah
  • December 21: December Solstice
  • December 24: Christmas Eve
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 31: New Year’s Eve

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • The holidays are here and so are the tunes! Use this audio to showcase your products. EX

  • Use this sound to highlight something someone does, or you do that makes you want to do a happy dance. EX

  • Use this sound to highlight something big you did within your industry that you honestly do not regret. EX
  • BONUS: Use this CapCut Template and this audio to highlight a minor inconvenience in your industry. EX

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • Instagram is retiring Guides starting Dec. 15
  • Meta provides some handy tips on how to maximize your post-holiday promos
  • TikTok launches “Creative Cards” to provide content inspo
  • Instagram introduces new ways to create content in app

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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November 2023 Social Trends

November 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

#TrendAlert – Use this (on TikTok) / this (on IG) sound as a voice over with the following text:

1. Me, when you say [insert your product name], is the best [type of product] you’ve ever had.

2. Us when we see that our top-selling product is getting 5-star reviews.

3. When they ask me where all the [insert your product name] went.

#TrendAlert, CapCut Template – You can use this(IG)/(TT) audio with this template in various ways!

1. Highlight a feature that makes your product different from competitors.

2. Use it with its lyrics of “Surprise Surprise” to showcase something that was already known but needed to be said!

    NOVEMBER HOLIDAYS
 
  • November 1: World Vegan Day
  • November 2: Day of the Dead
  • November 12: National Happy Hour Day
  • November 15: National Recycling Day
  • November 17: National Hiking Day
  • November 23: Thanksgiving
  • November 24: Black Friday
  • November 25: Small Business Saturday
  • November 27: Cyber Monday

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • Use this audio to highlight your product with a video montage. EX

  • Use this audio to highlight the benefits that your products bring to the table.

  • Use this audio to promote why your product is the best!
    • Add in copy that includes its benefits
    • Make it founder forward – “When you create a product that [insert benefits]”

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • TikTok rolls out auto audio captions
  • Instagram tests out polls within comments
  • Youtube releases new display options for affiliate products
  • Tiktok now lets creators post videos from 3rd party platforms

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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October 2023 Social Trends

October 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

#TrendAlert – Use this (on TikTok) / this (on IG) sound to with the following text:

“I pay attention to things that most people ignore ([Inside the parenthesis, state something that your brand focuses and prides itself on]).”

Ex: “I pay attention to things that most people ignore (when a brand puts filler in their x because all they’re interested in is making money, not your health).”

#TrendAlert, CapCut Template – Use this audio and this CapCut Template with a picture of your product to hype it up! You can also include text on why your audience should purchase it!

Ex Text: Us because our product tastes too damn good!

    OCTOBER HOLIDAYS
 
  • October 1: National Pumpkin Spice Day
  • October 4: National Vodka Day / National Taco Day
  • October 16: World Food Day
  • October 22: National Nut Day
  • October 26: National Pumpkin Day
  • October 28: National Chocolate Day
  • October 29: National Cat Day
  • October 31: Halloween

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • This audio says “OMG I love this question, I think”, use it to answer one of your FAQs!

  • Use this audio to showcase how different your product is from the competition. Pair it with a video / photo of your product.

  • Use this audio to promote your product. Example here
    • First Slide Text: “I’m looking for a product that has [what your product offers”.
    • Second Slide Text: “It’s gonna be ME”.

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • Meta expands it’s paid verification feature to business accounts.
  • Meta announces a range of new AI and VR tools.
  • TikTok shares new insight on how businesses can maximize Ad effectiveness in App
  • TikTok introduces TikTok Shop

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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Branding and Packaging Case Studies

branding

Branding and Packaging Case Studies

Branding and packaging play a crucial role in the success of consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. These elements aren’t just cosmetic additions, they are strategic tools that directly impact a brand’s ability to stand out on the shelf, connect with consumers, and drive those sales!!

In a highly competitive marketplace, where consumers are bombarded with choices, effective branding and packaging can make the difference between a product’s success and failure. It’s about conveying value, building trust, and influencing purchasing decisions.

CPG brands must start with, and continuously leverage, quality branding to remain relevant and competitive in today’s fast-paced consumer landscape.

[[ Interested in branding and packaging services? Book a call HERE. ]]

Let’s take a look at some of our branding and packaging case studies for CPG brands…

 

MONARCH: NON-ALCOHOLIC SPIRIT

Services provided: 

  • Brand Strategy 
  • Visual Identity 
  • Packaging Design 
  • Creative Direction

Objective: To create a conceptual, non-alcoholic aperitif brand that’s meant to be enjoyed simply with no end result in mind.

Brand Inspiration: Although ethereal in design, the intention for this not-so-boozy libation is to enjoy where you are. It is a moment of bliss created by nothing other than the partaker’s willingness to embrace it.

For the brand’s inspiration, we set our scene in a garden where you see a butterfly gently flap its wings and float around the flowers. It is a reminder to stop and appreciate the moment. The brand’s visual identity is an ode to this scene. Each flavor takes on a specific theme with a specific flavor profile – allowing you to be fully present when partaking.

Branding:

  1. Simplicity: Monarch’s essence lies in its simplicity. No lofty promises, just an invitation to revel in the present.
  2. Mindfulness: The brand’s very soul encourages mindful living, an antidote to our hectic world.
  3. Nature’s Elegance: The garden and butterfly evoke nature’s grace, harmonizing with Monarch’s calming presence.
  4. Indulgence in the Now: Monarch is more than a beverage; it’s a moment of bliss, born from your willingness to embrace it.
  5. Music and Experience: The Monarch playlist enhances the experience, offering a sensory journey that aligns with each flavor.

Packaging:

  1. Ethereal Design: The packaging design mirrors the garden scene, creating a tangible connection with Monarch’s inspiration.
  2. Flavor Themes: Each Monarch flavor carries a unique visual theme, enhancing the anticipation and enjoyment of the drinking experience.
  3. Present-Centric: The packaging communicates the brand’s focus on the present, encouraging a pause in the chaos.
  4. Uncomplicated Luxury: Monarch’s packaging embodies luxury without pretension, celebrating simplicity.
  5. Invitation: The packaging is an open invitation to sit back, sip slowly, and savor the moment.

HI, SKIN

Services provided: 

  • Visual Identity 
  • Creative Direction
  • Social Assets

Objective: To elevate the existing Hi, skin brand by creating a seamless experience that blends the interior design of the studios with all other customer touchpoints.

Brand Inspiration: From the terrazzo floors to the bold color palette, and even the fun music, this place is completely unique to any other facial studio. Taking inspiration from the one-of-a-kind interior design of the studios, we developed an identity that carries this uniqueness throughout all brand applications.

Branding:

  1. Unique Interior Design Integration: Elevating the Hi, skin brand meant seamlessly merging the distinctive studio interior design with all customer interactions. Step into a Hi, skin studio, and you’ll dive headfirst into an unforgettable experience.
  2. Studio-Inspired Identity: Our branding journey drew inspiration from the inimitable studio aesthetics, crafting an identity that extends this distinctiveness across all brand touchpoints. In collaboration with the innovative minds at Willa Creative, we elevated the brand experience, inviting individuals not just to greet their skin but to forge a lasting relationship with it.
  3. Playful Brand Personality: Our brand personality and messaging embrace a playful and welcoming tone. The use of circles, lines, and negative space layouts mirrors the very elements that grace the physical studio space, weaving the studio’s essence into every aspect of Hi, skin.

MAGICDATES

Services provided: 

  • Visual Identity Design
  • Product Naming
  • Creative Direction
  • Packaging Design

Objective: To reimagine and revamp the brand identity and packaging design by telling the unique story of MAGICDATES through its authentic values and voice.

Brand Inspiration: MAGICDATES draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern culture, where the date holds a cherished place in tradition and nostalgia. Founder Diana Jarrar’s own upbringing in Damascus, Syria, and her deep-rooted connection to both Syrian and Palestinian heritage serve as the brand’s wellspring of authenticity. By fusing the allure of dates with the power of storytelling, MAGICDATES not only honors ancient culinary traditions but also invites consumers to embark on a sensory journey, where every bite is a taste of culture, love, and cherished memories.

Branding:

  1. Authenticity: MAGICDATES embodies the authentic values and traditions of Middle Eastern cultures, celebrating the timeless appeal of dates.
  2. Cultural Connection: The brand leverages Diana’s background to connect with consumers through the rich heritage of Syria and Palestine.
  3. Storytelling: MAGICDATES uses its packaging to tell a unique story of culture, love, and food, fostering a deeper connection with customers.
  4. Emotional Appeal: The brand taps into nostalgia and fond childhood memories associated with dates, creating an emotional bond with consumers.

Packaging:

  1. Immersive Experience: The packaging design aims to immerse consumers in the brand’s story and inspiration.
  2. Artistic Collaboration: Zeindee Designs, an illustrator, collaborates with the brand to create stunning ingredient artwork featured across all product variations.
  3. Homage to Homeland: The packaging design incorporates layered landscapes inspired by the beauty of the Middle East, particularly the homeland of the sweet treat’s origin.
  4. Mosaic Patterns: Mosaic tile patterns adorn the packaging’s gusset, paying homage to the region’s artistic traditions.
  5. Line Differentiation: To help consumers easily distinguish between product lines, the original line features a daytime scene, while the chocolate-covered line showcases a night scene.

GWELL

Services provided: 

  • Creative Direction
  • Content Strategy
  • Social Media Content Creation
  • Imagery Direction

Objective: To create a curated social media direction that accurately reflects the brand’s personality and appeals to its target audience.

Brand Inspiration: Gwell draws its inspiration from the profound belief that well-being should be an everyday privilege, not a distant aspiration. Founded on a personal journey of resilience and self-discovery, Gwell embodies the spirit of inclusivity, authenticity, and approachability. It aspires to disrupt the wellness industry’s high standards and unreachable price tags, instead offering functional snacks infused with humor, relatability, and a dash of playfulness. Gwell’s vibrant color palette and down-to-earth imagery reflect a brand that celebrates the beauty of individuality and promotes accessible wellness for all. In every bite and interaction, Gwell aims to inspire others to live better and embrace a balanced, wholesome lifestyle.

Branding:

  1. Brand Identity: This encompasses the overall personality,values, and mission of Gwell, which revolves around promoting wellness and making it accessible for all.
  2. FounderStory: Highlighting Fawziyya’s personal journey and the origin of Gwell’s products, which adds a human touch to the brand and conveys authenticity.
  3. Target Audience Segmentation: Understanding and catering to two distinct audience segments, health enthusiasts, and aspiring health seekers, is a critical part of the branding strategy.
  4. Uniqueness: Emphasizing Gwell’s unique approach to wellness compared to other brands in the industry, characterized by a laid back attitude.
  5. Playful Color Palette: The use of colors in branding to evoke a light-hearted and approachable image.

AFTER HOURS

Services provided: 

  • Brand Strategy
  • Visual Identity
  • Creative Direction
  • Product Photography Art Direction

Objective: To reimagine the idea of a ‘spiritual’ brand – stepping away from the boho, witchcraft, new age brand directions that overwhelm the market, and instead imagine an entirely different approach that speaks to an audience looking for a unique experience. 

Brand Inspiration: Basic Ritual Supply Co. draws its inspiration from the captivating duality of simplicity and boldness. Like the serene surface of a calm lake concealing the depth beneath, our brand combines straightforward accessibility with unapologetic uniqueness. We’re driven by the spirit of the ’90s, where nostalgia meets modernity, and where the ordinary transforms into something extraordinary. Our identity celebrates individuality and empowers practitioners to express themselves freely, all while making the world of crystals and candle magic refreshingly basic, approachable, and absolutely unforgettable.

Branding:

  1. Unveiling the Duality: Basic Ritual Supply Co. artfully balances the abstract and practical aspects of spirituality. Our brand makes the esoteric accessible.
  2. Simple and Iconic: Brand identity hinges on ‘basic’ elements. Typography, colors, and icons prioritize simplicity while incorporating distinctive details.
  3. 90s Nostalgia: Infused with ’90s nostalgia, our visual identity captures attention and resonates with individuals who embrace uniqueness.
  4. Color Palette: Our palette blends primary colors with vibrant accents, creating a harmonious yet attention-grabbing visual tone.
  5. Typography System: A clean sans-serif font is complemented by occasional script fonts, underscoring the brand’s duality and approachability.

BASIC RITUAL SUPPLY CO.

Services provided: 

  • Brand Strategy
  • Visual Identity
  • Packaging Design
  • Creative Direction

Objective: To create a conceptual beer brand that creates a unique experience for the alternative target audience.

Brand Inspiration: After Hours Alcoholic Beverage draws its inspiration from the laid-back vibes of the California beach lifestyle. It’s all about embracing the alternative, youthful spirit that comes alive when the sun sets and the night begins. The brand is punchy, captivating, and designed to resonate with those seeking unique experiences. With a conceptual approach that speaks to potential partners and a packaging that features vibrant beach-inspired graphics and bold typography, After Hours aims to be the go-to choice for those seeking a taste of the after-hours adventure.

Branding:

  1. Lifestyle Branding: The brand is centered around a California beach lifestyle, appealing to a youthful and alternative audience.
  2. Youthful Appeal: Designed to attract a young and alternative audience.
  3. Conceptual Branding: The brand is conceptual but has garnered significant attention.
  4. Attractive Visuals: The branding is captivating and attention-grabbing.

Packaging

  1. Vibrant Label Design: The label design is vibrant and eye-catching.
  2. Beach-Inspired Graphics: Graphics on the packaging draw inspiration from California beaches.
  3. Bold Typography: Typography on the packaging is bold and distinctive.
  4. Shelf Appeal: The packaging stands out on the shelf and attracts attention.
  5. Alluring Visuals: Visual elements on the packaging are alluring and enticing.

SHOFER

Services provided: 

  • Visual Identity Design
  • Creative Direction
  • Website Design
  • Social Media Content Creation

Objective: To build a brand identity and lifestyle around Storica’s newest wine, a fruity, dry rosé.

Brand Inspiration: Inspired by the vibrant and mystical tapestry of Armenian culture, SHOFER Rosé redefines the world of rosé wines. It celebrates the rich heritage of Armenian winemaking, blending tradition with a fresh, modern perspective. SHOFER invites wine lovers to explore a global community connected by a shared respect for ancient wine traditions, all while savoring the refreshing, red-berried flavors of Armenia’s finest grapes. With a timeless style and an immersive design, SHOFER Rosé encapsulates the essence of Armenia’s wine culture, inviting consumers to embark on a sensory journey with each sip.

Branding:

  1. Brand Identity: SHOFER Rosé aims to establish a strong and unique brand identity that sets it apart from other rosé wine brands. The brand identity is deeply rooted in celebrating Armenian culture and heritage.
  2. Cultural Celebration: SHOFER Rosé positions itself as a wine brand that goes beyond style, focusing on substance by celebrating the vibrancy and mystique of Armenian culture. This cultural celebration becomes a central element of the brand’s identity.
  3. Heritage Respect: The brand values ancient winemaking heritage while presenting it with a fresh, modern perspective. This respect for heritage is a core tenet of SHOFER Rosé’s identity.
  4. Typography: The brand employs a classic thin-weighted serif font for a timeless and elegant style, consistent with the label design. The typography creates a cohesive and recognizable look for the brand.
  5. Color Palette: SHOFER Rosé’s color palette prominently features rosé pink, aligning with its product and creating a visual connection with the wine itself. Additional colors from the label design are used to maintain consistency.
  6. Logo Variations: The brand has developed four distinct logo variations, including a unique handwritten script version. These variations add versatility and character to the brand identity.
  7. Illustrative Elements: Elements from the label illustration are integrated into the brand and website design, reinforcing the idea of a journey to Armenia through the wine. This immersive approach adds depth to the brand identity.

EMBER & BEAM

Services provided: 

  • Brand Strategy
  • Visual Identity Design
  • Digital Marketing Material
  • Print Marketing Material
  • Packaging Design
  • E-commerce Website
  • Design and Development
  • Social Media Strategy
  • Creative Direction
  • Brand Consulting

Objective: To create a memorable candle brand that stands out in an increasingly saturated market.

Brand Inspiration: It draws its inspiration from the untamed beauty of Colorado’s rugged mountains and lush forests. Rooted in the belief that candles should kindle joy and make any place feel like home, the brand exudes simplicity, sincerity, and timelessness. It aspires to encourage customers to savor life’s simple moments with all-natural ingredients and candles named after specific times and places. The visual identity, characterized by a classic serif font and muted earth tones, mirrors the brand’s honest and inviting nature, ensuring a memorable and heartfelt experience for all who encounter it.

Branding:

  1. Design Inspiration: Draws from the rugged beauty of Colorado’s mountain terrains and dense forests.
    Logo: Features a classic serif font, offering a warm and inviting feeling. The stenciled effect in the letters adds a touch of nostalgia.
  2. Color Palette: Utilizes muted earth tones, echoing the natural world.
  3. Typography: Classic and inviting fonts complement the brand’s sincerity and simplicity.
  4. Messaging: Sincere, Down-to-Earth. Emphasizes natural ingredients and encourages customers to cherish simple moments.
  5. Candle Naming Strategy: Each candle is named after a specific time and place, inspiring customers to savor the present moment.

Packaging:

  1. Concept: A memorable, branded experience that resonates with the brand’s essence.
  2. Visual Elements: Incorporates branded details and captures the simplicity of life’s moments.
  3. Color Palette: Aligns with the muted earth tones of the overall brand, creating consistency

UNWRAPPED LIFE

Services provided: 

  • Creative Direction
  • Packaging Design
  • Package Sourcing

Objective: To design a packaging solution that reflects the brand’s mission of being free from single-use plastic without compromising quality.

Brand Inspiration: Unwrapped Life is a beacon of hope in the beauty industry’s sea of excess. Rooted in a profound commitment to sustainability, it’s a brand inspired by nature’s purity and the belief that true beauty starts with conscious choices. Unwrapped Life empowers individuals to embrace clean beauty without compromise, challenging the status quo with products that are as environmentally responsible as they are effective. Their inspiration lies in the simplicity of nature and the elegance of minimalism, as they redefine luxury, proving that the true essence of opulence resides not in extravagant packaging, but in the radiant results of their plastic-free, eco-conscious offerings.

Branding:

  1. Eco-Conscious Branding: Unwrapped Life positions itself as an environmentally responsible brand committed to reducing plastic waste in the beauty industry.
  2. Clean Beauty: The brand focuses on clean and natural ingredients, emphasizing a commitment to product quality.
  3. Luxury Perception Shift: Unwrapped Life challenges the conventional notion of luxury being associated with extravagant packaging, aiming to redefine luxury through product quality.
  4. Minimalist Branding: The branding leans towards minimalism, emphasizing simplicity and sustainability.
  5. Embossed Logo: The use of an embossed logo on the tin lid adds a premium and branded touch to the packaging.

Packaging:

  1. Eco-Friendly Packaging: The packaging is designed with sustainability in mind, with a focus on minimizing waste and being fully recyclable and compostable.
  2. Custom Inserts: The custom insert in the sliding box enhances product presentation and secures the tins.
  3. Color Coding: Differentiating product variants with colored bands on the outer box and inner tray aids in product identification and adds visual interest.
  4. Matte Finish: The choice of matte finishes on the kraft material contributes to a sophisticated appearance while maintaining recyclability.
  5. Reusable Tin: The design of the reusable tin is a key component of the packaging, allowing customers to use it repeatedly.

HUSTLE & CASHFLOW

Services provided: 

  • Brand Positioning
  • Visual Identity
  • Web Design &
  • Development
  • Print Design
  • Digital Marketing Material
  • Ad Design (Digital and Print)

Objective: To create a progressive financial brand and an educational platform that inspires millennial and BIPOC womxn to take a hold of their finances and build the life they desire. This brand will provide educational content that is current, approachable, and visually vibrant.

Brand Inspiration: It draws its inspiration from the vibrant tapestry of pop culture, the rhythmic beats of music, the unstoppable force of female empowerment brands, and the personal journey of its founder, Nyibol. With a mission to empower millennial and BIPOC womxn, this brand’s vision is a fusion of modernity and timelessness, captured in dynamic typography and bold colors. It symbolizes the evolution of personal finance, aiming to be a relatable best friend in the financial world rather than a traditional banker. Hustle & Cashflow thrives on celebrating individuality, embracing feminism, and inspiring confidence on the path to financial independence.

Branding:

  1. Brand Vision: Empower millennial and BIPOC womxn to achieve financial independence. Pop culture, music, female empowerment, and the founder’s personal story. Relatable, approachable, like a trusted friend.
  2. Visual Identity: Modern, feminine, and empowering. Bold color palette. Dynamic typography. Unique brand imagery. Unapologetic bold serif in the wordmark. Abstract letters in the wordmark.
  3. Target Audience: Millennial and BIPOC womxn. Focus on Canada. Addressing gaps in financial education and representation.
  4. Competitor Analysis: Existing brands use sterile content, dry copy, intimidating language, and gimmicks.
  5. Core Message: Hustle & Cashflow is the modern womxn’s guide to personal finance.

Testimonials of the work:

Branding for a Nutrition Brand:

“Working with Here and Now Creative Co felt super natural, personal, and specific to what our brand is all about. I feel like we got more value than we paid for.”

Branding for Investment Company:

“This was the first time I had ever worked with a branding and strategy company, and we loved that they were an all-female team. What really stood out about Here and Now was that they listened and heard us out. It was a wonderful experience.”

We also felt that they were really creatively inspired. They didn’t show us anything that we had already seen before. Everything stemmed from their own design and impressively captured who we were as founders.”

Branding for Skincare Company:

“Here and Now did everything professionally. They never took over, and they only tried to guide me — they listened to everything I wanted and implemented it well.”

Branding Services for Snack Company:

“I loved their reassuring energy and confidence. I felt like they were really going to make sure I got what I’ve envisioned. They were SO patient and great at taking feedback. Big branding agencies often have a lot of ego attached to their process. I loved that they’re a small team and I got to communicate with both of them every time. They were a small agency with tremendous skills and expertise!“

We’re delighted to provide branding and packaging solutions tailored to consumer packaged goods brands. Our goal is to deliver practical, effective solutions that enhance your product’s identity, is results-driven, and chock full of market appeal. Let’s work together to make your brand stand out on the shelf and ultimately increase those sales!. 

Any questions? Book a call

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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Celebrating Five Years of Growth and Success: Lessons from Building Our Consumer Goods Marketing Agency

Celebrating Five Years of Growth and Success: Lessons from Building Our Consumer Goods Marketing Agency 

We’re raising a toast to our five-year biz anniversary, y’all. Time flies when you’re making dreams come true! (That is, ours AND our clients of course!) 

And, man how it’s FLOWN by… During those early days you could find us coworking out of our favorite local coffee shop, Cosmic Coffee, cranking out work while sipping on lattes and riding on the buzz of the fellow work-from-homers, contractors, and creatives using the same space to help make their dreams come true (or less dramatically, simply just getting shi* done).

Now, we’re surrounded by a talented team of hardworking marketers, have helped dozens of brands generate millions in revenue, and work on the same amazing brands, albeit a few more on our roster.

What started as a theoretical question over a sushi lunch break from our previous day jobs has evolved into a thriving, growing agency, and we’re thankful for the journey.

As we reflect on the past five years, through all the failures, successes, and overall growth – we’re excited to share some insights that have shaped who we are and how we work today:

**1. Embrace Innovation and Adaptability

The only constant in digital marketing is change. Whether it’s adopting new strategies or marketing channels, keeping up with emerging trends, or exploring AI technologies, our ability to pivot and evolve has been vital in achieving results for our clients.

**2. Building a Strong Team is a Non-Negotiable

From just the two of us to a powerhouse team, our agency’s growth has been propelled by the incredible individuals who share our vision and live our mission to build better CPG brands. Investing in the right talent and nurturing a collaborative work environment can make all the difference.

**3. Relationships: Cultivate, Nurture, Thrive

At the heart of our success lies the relationships we’ve cultivated with not only our clients, but the strong network of CPG professionals we’re lucky enough to surround ourselves with in our hometown of Austin, TX. Taking the time to truly understand the journey, values, and goals of our clients and course members has helped us lay the foundation for impactful marketing strategies, and being a part of this tight knit consumer goods community has truly allowed us to grow year over year.

**4. Harnessing the Power of Systems and Training

One of the most significant lessons we can share is the importance of setting up systems and providing comprehensive training for our team. When we launched, we stressed the importance of standardized processes to streamline workflows and ensure consistency in our deliverables especially as our team grew. Developing a range of highly effective systems and standard operating procedures (SOPs) have become integral to our efficiency and training.

**5. Continuous Learning and Evolution

The past five years have been one long learning experience. Staying curious and committing ourselves to personal and professional growth is something we try to instill in all of our teammates. Whether it’s taking an occasional course (we provide a $1k yearly stipend to anyone who wants to take a course), seeking out mentorship, or devouring the latest marketing news like we haven’t eaten a good meal in days, our dedication to evolving alongside this fast paced industry has been instrumental in getting us to five years (and beyond)

–

And with all of that – we’re happy to offer you our meticulously crafted systems and SOPs to help train YOUR teams and elevate your marketing game so that you can celebrate your continued success.

Something that was lacking in some of the in-house positions we’ve had was proper training and (any) systems – so if you’re finding yourself in the same boat, check out our collection of training materials so that your marketing teams can feel set up for success.

The lessons we’ve shared here are a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of all the people we’re lucky enough to work with and alongside.

To our clients, team members, and partners, thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to five years of growth, and to the next five.

Alison + Karin

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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September 2023 Social Trends

September 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

#TrendAlert – Use this sound to show the top FAQ your brand gets, then answer it! A few ideas include: 

1. Where can I learn more about [your product]?

2. What are the benefits of using [your product]?

Don’t know your top FAQ? Be sure to check your comments + DM’s to get inspo!

#TrendAlert, CapCut Template – Use this audio and this CapCut Template to show how happy using your product makes you feel! Ex Caption: POV: Me when I open my first bag of [insert your product]. See an example.

    SEPTEMBER HOLIDAYS
 
  • September 1: National Food Bank Day
  • September 4: Labor Day
  • September 6: National Read a Book Day
  • September 11: International Chocolate Day / National Peanut Day
  • September 15: Hispanic Heritage Month Begins
  • September 29: National Coffee Day

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • Use this audio for background music to show off your product or a compilation of photos or videos from your camera roll
  • Use this audio to show off how good your product pairs with other products [EX: Puffs with Ice Cream!]
  • Use this audio to highlight product features [EX: Busting myths, stating that it doesn’t have toxic ingredients, etc]

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • Instagram releases a new music feature
  • Beware of this “Meta Support” Scam
  • Threads is launching a new way to see liked posts
  • TikTok is testing full lenght podcasts 

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

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August 2023 Social Trends

August 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

#TrendAlert – Creators are using this audio and this CapCut Template to showcase their recent camera roll. Use this trend to show pictures of your products in different backgrounds (ex: at a park, on a hike, etc.) Or, use this template to showcase the different SKUs in your product line.

#TrendAlert – Creators are using this audio to show what they have been obsessed with lately.

Use it as a product feature; this can look like a video of your product in different settings or videos of different SKUs in your product line.

    AUGUST HOLIDAYS
 
  • August 8: International Cat Day
  • August 9: National Book Lovers Day
  • August 15: National Relaxation Day
 
  • August 19: World Photo Day / World Humanitarian Day
  • August 26: National Dog Day / National Women’s Equality Day

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • Use this audio to show how you unwind from a long day. Ex: Us getting another bag of [your product].

  • Use this audio as a comeback when someone says they haven’t tried your product. Tip: add the benefits of your product in caption.

  • Use this audio to showcase what sets your [ product / brand ] apart from the rest.

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • Meta’s Threads app introduces a following tab.

  • TikTok rolls out text-based posts in-app.

  • You can now add up to 3 collaborators in IG Collab posts.

  • TikTok launched a new way to refresh your For You Page (FYP).              

 

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

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How to Execute Killer Holiday/BFCM Promos

promos
promos

How to Execute Killer Holiday/BFCM Promos

 

Turkey Day is right around the corner (YES, in the marketing world it is!), so it’s time to start preparing a killer Black Friday, Cyber Monday (BFCM) marketing plan. That’s right – it’s not too late to improve upon any existing plans you have in the queue or start a campaign from scratch.

And instead of winging it, we want to make it easy for you. We’re going to walk (or Turkey Trot) you through step-by-step on how to decide on your promo offer AND how to execute it.

Let’s get right into it!

How to decide on your promo offer:

 Step 1:  Test promo offers ahead of time for big sales seasons  

  • Don’t start with a Black Friday promo offer cold turkey! We don’t recommend testing new offers on Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Testing a new offer can be a hit or miss, so do it ahead of time! For example, if you want to run a tiered offer for BFCM, we’d highly recommend testing a smaller threshold offer during a different holiday sale (for example:  Labor Day) to determine which tiers would work best. Then, you can replicate the offer later on with different pricing thresholds. 
    • If you have a new business and don’t have much sales data to work off of, you can start with building email leads and test segmenting offers. To determine what’s going to work with your audience you can run an email A/B test with a % off offer vs. a $ off offer. The winner of this test can help you determine which type of offer would be good to move forward with.

Step 2: Determine your Promo Profit 

  • In order to give your customers a juicy discount, you’ll need to determine your Gross Profit Margin first. To get this, use the formula: (Net Sales – COGS) / Net Sales. Then, you’ll need to pull your average order value (AOV). Once you know your Gross Profit Margin and AOV, you can play with various offers such as percentages or dollars off and see which offer will fit within your profit margins. 
    • If you don’t have a true idea of what your AOV is, you can instead base this profit margin off of COGS alone to help determine what’s doable for your brand.

How to execute:

Step 1: Set clear goals (and debrief from last year’s promos)

  • It’s so important to look back at your previous promos (if you ran them) to see how they performed and what you can improve on. During debrief from last year’s promos, we found that our top performing promos are:
    • Tiered
    • Bundles
    • Free gift w/ purchase
    • Seasonal, small-batch, and limited edition offerings 
  • We set primary goals of a percentage increase in YoY sales and secondary + tertiary goals (that help us reach our primary goal) of:
    • Increased AOV % via ads
    • Increased ROAS % via ads
    • Increased email revenue %
    • Increased email CTR %

Step 2: Make an irresistible offer

  • Don’t forget a vital step BEFORE you deliver your irresistible offer… SERVE your audience!! Give them value, establish trust, and provide the best user experience possible, not just once, but in the months leading up to your big promos. Then you can hit ‘em with that juicy promo! (See Step 1 for promo ideas!)
  • Consider an early bird campaign because:
    •  1. People love feeling like they’re VIP/getting something exclusive and
    •  2. Get those sales in before folks get picky with where they’re spending their money.
  • Research and decide on your web stack or web apps that you’ll need for the promo.
    • Examples: an announcement bar, a cart upsell app, a sales page builder, etc.
      • If you’re running a tiered discount, try this helpful Shopfiy app: Tiered Discounts– it does operate using codes but it applies it to the cart automatically and stacks to create awesome tiered discounts.
        • We’ve found that the mid-tier code usually gets the most redemptions and the higher and lower tier codes aren’t used as much – this can help with AOV if your pricing thresholds are set higher!
      • For bundle discounts, we like to use Bundler – this allows you to create mix & match bundles AND stack discounts on top of them.

Step 3: Create scroll-stopping content

  • Give someone a reason to stop and read/watch your content! Use bold colors and clear headlines that detail the main reasons why someone would want to take advantage of the offer.
  • Draft up several emails, social posts, and social ads to support the promo campaign (the amount of each will vary depending on your audience size and what you’re currently doing).
  • Another thing to consider is how the offer is presented. This can make or break the potential of getting a sale. For some, 15% off is less attractive than a $ off offer! Testing, like we mentioned, will help you determine what your audience responds best to. 
  • Creating a sense of urgency is also the tur-KEY (When will we stop with these? It’s hard to say.) to your promo messaging! Someone is more enticed to buy if they know a sale ends in 24 hours vs. a week long sale. Keep hyping that scarcity and time limit until the sale is gone for good! 
  • An app like Countdown Timer Ultimate can really get the message across that this sale is ending SOON! Add this to your main website page, cart, and product pages to create that sense of urgency.

Step 4: Test everything!

  • Ensure that your website is optimized, and fast! You can run a speed test (for free with Google’s PageSpeed Insights) and install an app, like Lucky Orange, to see if there are any site issues that could bring down your conversion rate.
  • Audit your email automations, ad campaigns, and social to ensure that everything is firing correctly & email deliverability is good, ads are optimized, and social bio descriptions are optimized for search and clicks to website.
  • Make sure your promos are SIMPLE and CLEAR! 
    • Provide your audience with promo details when applicable (start and end date, codes needed, products included, etc.) Try to utilize automatic discounts or sitewide sales at a static discount to avoid the probable misspelling or user error that comes along with using promo codes.
  • Test the checkout flow and press GOOOO!

By implementing the strategies above, we increased sales 80% YoY for a beauty brand we work with and we’re looking to make some more gravy this year!

If you’re looking for even more tips and tricks to make your holiday promos the best ever, our *new* BFCM Kit makes it easier for your business to have its most profitable holiday promo yet! The BFCM Kit includes social, ads, and email templates, promo checklists, and a total BFCM execution plan.

Let’s make Q4 the best sales quarter yet (without all the stress)!

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!
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July 2023 Social Trends

content

July 2023 Social Trends

POSTS + tiktoks

content

#TrendAlert –

Many combine this audio with 2 TikTok Filters: Bold Glamour Effect + Striking Face Effect to show: “How I think I look VS. How I actually look”. You can use this trend with your products! Example:

How I think I look eating [Product] VS. how I look.

#TrendAlert

This trend includes audio that says: “Vibes are always happening, here is a vibe…here is a vibe”.

Use this audio to showcase the variety of products or the different ways you would use your product.

content
    JULY HOLIDAYS
 
  • July 4: Independence Day
  • July 7: World Chocolate Day
  • July 11-12: Amazon Prime Day
  • July 16: National Ice Cream Day
  • July 17: World Emoji Day
  • July 27: National Intern Day

   TRENDING VIDEO AUDIO

  • This audio is great if you are looking for upbeat background music. Example
  • This audio says “The Problem is this… I can eat like 5 of these back to back”. Use it for your products!
  • This audio is great for background music, or you can utilize it when sharing a list. Example.
  • This audio is great to use in the background while you show BTS content or your products.

   SOCIAL NEWS AND UPDATES

  • Instagram is testing a new AI Chatbot experience in DMs.
  • Instagram will now allow users to download Reels directly in app.
  • 5 tips to optimize your IG Broadcast Channel
  • TikTok launches interactive add-ons to drive engagement in promotions                
 

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

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Listicle of Our Favorite Holiday Promos

Listicle of Our Favorite BFCM and/or Holiday Promos

Holiday planning in July? You betcha! July is a GREAT time to start planning a successful holiday promo execution! Q4 can be a stressful time for everyone looking to wrap up the year strong, so we want to help get you started (early!!) on executing your perfect Black Friday Cyber Monday (BFCM for short) or holiday promotions.

Where to begin? We got you! 

Step 1: Set clear goals (and debrief from last year’s promos if you ran them)

Step 2: Make an irresistible offer

Step 3: Create scroll-stopping content

Step 4: Test everything!

Now to get your ideas flowin’ we’ve listed some real life examples of CPG brands that executed some killer holiday promos.

MaryRuth’s Organics: A straightforward BFCM campaign!

MaryRuth’s Organics has some quality e-commerce focused marketing… If you haven’t already, scour their website, sign up for the email + SMS, check out their ads in the Facebook Ads Library, follow them on social, and take a look at the robust work they do with affiliates and influencers. Guaranteed you’ll learn something!

In 2022, they employed a straightforward 25% off sitewide discount and sent emails daily. Outside of the 25% off sitewide – they boasted UP TO 30% off sitewide in all subject lines and some headlines to promote their discounted bundles. Bundles are great for increasing AOV and promoting during holiday shopping since it allows people to try multiple different flavors and/or products (or share the variety with their loved ones).

4 email subject lines:

Email 1:

Email 2:

Poppi: CANCEL Black Friday (but not really at all)

Poppi put a little spice on their BFCM promo by saying they were CANCELING it. But not really because the founder explains in this video posted on Tuesday, November 15 (Black Friday was on November 25) that they’re still providing a sale but making it *exclusive* to email and SMS subscribers… More sales AND more email + SMS opt-ins? YES, please!

But then, to no one’s surprise, they still did a Cyber Monday 30% off deal.

Important note: you can see from some of those comments that Poppi didn’t complete our “step 4: test everything” well enough… Looks like the instructions on how and where to get the 30% off for Cyber Monday weren’t clear and that likely lost them some sales (and created more customer service inquiries than expected). Don’t forget to include all terms in your marketing assets, test the promo on your own website (and have others test it, too), and make it as EASY as possible for people to purchase!

OUR PLACE: Give back while getting sales.

If you’re a brand that has several sales a year and you’re not keen on sharing an additional discount during BFCM, consider a Giving Tuesday campaign like Our Place did last year!

For every purchase made on their site from Giving Tuesday (November 29) through the end of the year, they donated meals through three different food banks. Not only are they living up to their mission of “connecting across the kitchen table” – they’re also getting those sales.

The holidays are all about giving – and if you have a really strong community and a lot of retargeting opportunities (retargeting your leads and audiences who *already* know your brand via channels like email + advertising) – then a campaign like this can be quite the money maker.

Ritual Supplements: Keep the party going through the New Year! 

The holiday season + new year is HOT for people focusing on their wellness, and Ritual jumped on that by sharing back to back promos.

They launched their BFCM deal early (November 18, the friday before Black Friday) and promoted bundling (again, to increase that AOV! ← which is great for established brands but may be harder for emerging brands that don’t have an established sales and customer base yet). They offered 40% off when someone bundled with one of the SKUs, which also likely helped drive trial to one of their newer, popular products, Symbiotic+! 

Then on *actual* Black Friday through Cyber Monday – they posted daily to promote the bundle deal utilizing Reels (for potential higher reach) + a meme.

Butttttt it doesn’t end here!

On Christmas day, Ritual took a break with a “BRB post”, but came back swinging on the 26th with their New Year’s 30% off sale to promote new subscriptions! Keepin’ those good vibes and sales going.

 

Trouva: Create a gift guide
“Gift guide themed emails see a 48% higher transaction rate than purely promotional emails,” (Campaign Monitor). This!

Put together a compelling gift guide based on any number of details, like gender, price point, or product color. Don’t forget to have fun with it to set your post apart from the crowd! Here’s a short list of some of our favorite gift guide titles from PopSugar:

“13 Unique Gift Ideas For the Dad Who Says He Wants Nothing”
“30+ White Elephant Gifts So Cute, Everyone Will Be Fighting Over Them”
“Psst, Santa — All We Want For Christmas Are These Sweet Treats From Target”

Here’s an example from Trouva (a curated marketplace for brick and mortar independent shops) of a gift guide based on sustainable products.

Trouva

Cards Against Humanity: Make a statement

Okay – this one’s a little crazy, but hear us out!

Back in 2013, Cards Against Humanity took the opposite approach to BFCM. Instead of decreasing their prices, they increased them by $5 across the board.

Cards Against Humanity

“Amazon [was] hesitant, but green-lit the price-rise and sat back incredulous as the card game’s sales actually increased year-on-year. The ‘sale’ was widely shared on Twitter and Tumblr, was the top post on Reddit and was widely covered in news outlets the world over,” (Our Social Times).

amazon data

———

It’s the mostttttt wonderful time of the year* why not make it even better by watching more SALES roll in. 🤑

And if you’re ready reading this and are HYPED to kill your BFCM or holiday promos but need help executing – book a call with us HERE to see how we can help you! 

We only have THREE agency spots available for new clients in Q4 – so book a call ASAP if you’re wanting to see those sales 📈.

Any questions? Drop ‘em in the comments for us!

Ready to create a 7-figure Consumer Goods Brand without wasting money on strategies that don't work?

Then it's time you join the Consumer Goods Growth Course & start driving the results you've been wanting!

Book a call with us now & learn how you can start making consistant, 7-figure sales!

Book a call!