Debbie Laskey's Blog

Welcome to Debbie Laskey's insights and commentary about BRANDING, MARKETING, LEADERSHIP, SOCIAL MEDIA, EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT, and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCES. Debbie has worked in high-tech, the Consumer Marketing Department at Disneyland Paris in France, nonprofits, and insurance. Expertise includes strategic planning, brand development, marketing plans and audits, competitive positioning, websites, communications, public relations, employee engagement, customer experiences, and social media marketing.

Showing posts with label email marketing. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

A Tale of Customer Data, Email Marketing, and Fast Food

Do you know what's happening this week in the world of business? It's Customer Service Week, which means that organizations should make the extra effort to acknowledge the importance of customer service and its impact on profits. With that objective in mind, I'd like to share a recent customer experience.

I received an email from a doctor's office. The email served as confirmation for an upcoming appointment. While I definitely prefer an email confirmation rather than an intrusive phone call or text, this email stood out due to its poor customer service.

The email included the date and time for my upcoming appointment but also included the following sentence: "If this is your first visit, make sure to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out new patient paperwork."

Since I'm a long-time patient, and this upcoming appointment will probably be my tenth visit, that sentence should not have been included in the email.

The inclusion of that sentence made me wonder why the doctor's office doesn't have two different versions of its email appointment confirmations. Would it be too difficult to send one version without that sentence to existing patients?

In today's era of data overload, the doctor's office has my name, address, date of birth, insurance information, dates of previous appointments, and my medical records. So, when sending an email confirmation, it would have been simple to remove the sentence about "first visit/new patient paperwork."

According to RestaurantDive, "The problem isn't that you don't have data. It's that none of it connects."

And according to Joe Rospars, Founder and CEO of Blue State Digital, "Big data is about having an understanding of what your relationship is with the people who are most important to you - and an awareness of the potential in that relationship."

Lastly, here's an excellent example of looking at customer data and then taking action. Juan Castro of West for Elavon shared an analogy from the early days of fast food: "Chains used to sell burgers, fries, and sodas separately, until the data showed that customers were buying all three nearly every time. The combo meal is a business improvement from that observation."

Saturday, September 12, 2026

Does Your Brand Attract Brand Ambassadors?

Since a part of life is an overflowing email inbox, what can brands do to stand out so that their emails are opened?

I've shared a myriad of memorable email marketing campaigns here on my blog with subject lines ranging from "A Special Thank You Gift" to "We love your social profile!" to "Life is short. Buy the artwork" from an artist, to "Thank you for attending our musical, we want your feedback" sent within an hour of a show's ending from a theater, to a message from a wildlife conservation nonprofit "written by" William Shatner.

These emails stood out due to their subject lines, and as a result, I quickly opened them! However, for the hundreds, if not thousands, of other emails that find their way into my inbox, they are routinely ignored and/or deleted - except one.

Recently, I received an email from the kitchen accessories and cooking store brand Sur la table. Here was the subject line: "Be a Brand Ambassador. Cook. Share. Get Rewarded."

And here was the email's message:

"Calling all cooks and creators. Love creating food content? Apply to our brand ambassador program and earn up to 12 percent commission, gift cards, and exclusive opportunities with Sur la table.
Who You Are: You could spend an entire Saturday at Sur la table and not even notice; you love creating content almost as much as you love eating what you make; you have 500+ followers on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube; and you're over 18 years old and based in the United States.
How It Works: Fill out your profile, tell us about your cooking style, the content you create, and the platforms you're active on. Post what you're making, share kitchen moments, review products, and take on weekly challenges. Every action you take earns points toward your next reward. Unlock rewards at every tier. Every milestone pays out: gift cards, a growing commission rate up to 12 percent, and new levels of access."

In addition, Sur la table will provide brand ambassadors with content ideas, brand guidelines, approved hashtags, sample posts, and best practices for posting.

According to Envision Creative Art based in Maryland, "The best brands don't sell — they make you want to join the club. They don't chase customers. They build a vibe so clear, a message so magnetic, that people want in. It's not about pushing a product. It's about creating a world people want to be part of. If your brand feels like a community, not a transaction — you're doing it right."

What a wonderful way to attract fans who love to cook and also "live" on their social platforms - and it all started from an email.

What lessons can your brand learn from this unique brand ambassador program?

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Celebrate International Tartan Day with an Email Marketing Tip!

As I've written a number of times here on my blog, when done well, email marketing can be a successful way to reach your brand's target audience. However, due to the number of emails that arrive in everyone's crowded email box on a daily basis, how can one solitary email capture a reader's attention? It turns out that a well-written subject line plus surprising content may just do the trick.

According to Statistica, "People send and receive around 333 billion emails every single day. And that number’s only going up — by 2026, it’s expected to reach a staggering 392.5 billion daily emails. Daily email volume varies significantly by country, with the U.S. leading the pack at 9.7 billion emails sent daily. European countries such as Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, the UK, and France each send over eight billion emails every day." And according to CRMGroup, "Nearly 50 percent of consumers made a purchase directly from an email in the past year. This confirms email’s direct impact on driving sales."

Recently, I received an email with a subject line and content that stood out. However, before we get to the email, a quick note about today's significance: Today is International Tartan Day, a date that was founded to commemorate the anniversary of the repeal of the 1747 Act of Proscription that banned wearing a tartan. Celebrated annually in Australia and New Zealand on the 1st of July, it's an opportunity for people of Scottish descent to proudly show off their Scottish roots. Now, back to the memorable email.

_______

SUBJECT LINE: A Special Thank You Gift from Great Scot

EMAIL CONTENT:

Thank you for all the LOVE.

We've been genuinely overwhelmed by the love you've shown since the launch of the Greenland Tartan. It has travelled further and faster than we ever imagined, shipped to Royals, celebrities, and diplomats, and most importantly to so many true lovers of the Arctic, both in Greenland and all over the world.

And then something made us laugh (and nod in agreement). So many of you have said some version of: "Could the polar bears and huskies please come with it?" As in...wrapped up in your scarf with you, or curled up on your picnic basket!

So, by way of a thank you, for the next 7 days only, we're sending a very plush soft toy along with qualifying orders. Your choice of Murdo (the plush Arctic husky) or Magnus (the plush polar bear).

Here's how it works: Purchase a Greenland scarf or a picnic blanket, then add your free friend. Next, enter discount code ARCTIC at checkout - and we'll tuck them into your parcel.

_______

The subject line caught my attention, and as a previous customer (who purchased the Pink Ribbon Tartan), I opened the email. After I read it, I had to smile. While I had not purchased the advertised Tartan scarf or blanket - and did not intend to do so - I appreciated the marketing promotion for its creativity and add-on that was guaranteed to be enjoyed by both children and adults.

The brand, Great Scot, sells tartans and tweeds from Scotland, and according to its website, "For many people, tartans and tweeds hold sentimental value, often being passed down through generations. They are not just textiles but carriers of personal and family histories." So, the complimentary addition of an appropriately-themed plush toy to a purchase was a great idea. Big applause to Great Scot for this marketing campaign!

What can your brand learn and apply from this brand's effective email marketing?

Monday, April 6, 2026

Email Marketing Secrets from World Wildlife Fund!

Awhile ago, I received an email from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) asking me to help choose a cover for the nonprofit's 2027 calendar. As a lifelong supporter of wildlife conservation and also a donor to this particular nonprofit, I looked at the choices and made my selection. Then, I forgot about the email.

What a surprise to receive an email several weeks later with this message:

Hi Debbie,
Over 30,000 WWF supporters - including YOU - recently voted for their favorite wildlife photo for WWF's 2027 calendar. We've counted all the votes...thank you for voting and for everything you do for nature.
Then, an image of a large question mark appeared with a message: CLICK TO SEE THE WINNING PHOTO.

Once I clicked on the link, here was the message:

AND THE WINNER IS...
With over 15,000 votes, the winner is the photo of the sea otter mother and pup! Thanks to all of the supporters who recently voted for their favorite wildlife photo for WWF's 2027 calendar. As a special thank you for going the extra mile, you can choose to receive WWF's 2026 calendar AND our 2027 calendar when it's ready later this year.
(And of course, there was a donation request included.)
Will you help protect vulnerable wildlife and their habitats with your generous donation today?

Since everyone's email box and texts are overwhelmed with "noise" and useless content, it's incredibly challenging to stand out AND BE READ. So, when an organization, especially a nonprofit, stands out by engaging its fans/followers/stakeholders, it's a noteworthy accomplishment. Big applause to WWF for this campaign!

What can your brand learn and apply from this brand's effective email marketing campaign?

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Will Your Brand Celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Today, on St. Patrick's Day, there's nothing as green as the Chicago River. However, many brands choose to stand out by adding green to their logos or email communications, by creating green products for the day, or by doing something totally out-of-character to celebrate.

Here are some brands that joined the St. Patrick's Day celebrations:

SUR LA TABLE

In an email, this cooking supplies and cooking class brand promoted its green product line with the message, "Lucky finds, going green, from deep emerald to soft sage - refresh your kitchen with a verdant look."

SEE'S CANDIES

This candy brand added green and shamrocks to its packaging.

KRISPY KREME

This doughnut brand added green to its doughnuts as well as its packaging.

ORLY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

This nail polish brand created green nail polish.

And let's not forget what Sherwin-Williams (the paint brand) shared on Instagram last year: "St. Patrick's Day: No luck needed. Find your next paint color with help from our Color to Go samples."

As I often say, "Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable."

So, will your brand "go green" next year on St. Patrick's Day?

Monday, March 16, 2026

Did your brand promote the Oscars?

Like everyone, I receive a ton of promotional emails on a daily basis. However, as a marketing professional, when I see an email that clearly demonstrates a clever strategy, I take notice.

Yesterday, most eyes were focused on the 98th Annual Academy Awards presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Winners receive Oscars, "the most recognized trophy in the world."

So, since the topic on most people's minds was the Oscars, emails referencing the Oscars would definitely stand out. And one in particular did: Talbots sent an email early Sunday morning before the big event with the event's famous line, "And the winner is..." at the top of the image.

Here's an introduction to the brand from its website, "Talbots began from an inspired commitment to provide women with timely and timeless style, extraordinary quality and memorable service. We are the original New England lifestyle brand for women who love looking well put together, with sizes for every body. In 1947, Nancy and Rudy Talbot, two entrepreneurial New Englanders, created a clothing catalog with a highly dedicated and passionate following - treasured for its spirited voice and modern classic style. Soon they moved into a historic house in Hingham, Massachusetts, a quaint and picturesque town on the South Shore outside of Boston, where they painted the front door a welcoming red to signal hospitality. Today, Talbots is a dynamic women-led fashion brand offering smile-worthy style for every area of life."

According to CRMGroup, "Nearly 50 percent of consumers made a purchase directly from an email in the past year. This confirms email's direct impact on driving sales."

While I may not have made a purchase from Talbots yesterday, I can definitely appreciate the email campaign, because as I often say, "Brands that can align their products or services to an event, holiday, or trending news that everyone is talking about have the potential to be memorable."

So, what can your brand learn from this brand's effective email marketing campaign?

Friday, March 13, 2026

Recent Marketing News: Logos, Green Velvet Chairs, Burgers, and More

During the last couple of weeks, there were news stories that reflected brand identity, brand experiences, brand messaging, brand storytelling, email marketing, logo design, personal branding, product packaging, product pricing, and more.

MESSAGES BEHIND NPR'S NEW LOGOS

For the first time in its 56-year history, National Public Radio (NPR) has altered its logo. The news source explained on its website on March 2nd, "NPR is standing up for the public's right to ask hard questions in a national campaign dubbed "For your right to be curious." At NPR's headquarters, on billboards in New York City, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., and across social media, NPR's three iconic letters transform into "how," "who," and "why" — a bold declaration of its commitment to fight for Americans' right to ask questions both big and small. The campaign brings forward questions — many from listeners – and connects directly to the NPR programs that answer them. The questions are real and urgent to the moment we're in, from "How does AI affect my electric bill?" to "Why are groceries still so expensive?" to "How is my farm going to survive?"

The campaign follows a year of sustained political attacks against NPR, including Congress' rescission of $1 billion in funding for public media. The questions serve as a rallying cry to solidify the permanence of NPR's mission of providing trustworthy, reliable journalism that helps us understand our world — and show that curiosity can't be silenced. More than 240 NPR Member stations foster curiosity in communities in every corner of America. Backed by a 46 million weekly audience, the NPR Network is committed to rigorous, independent journalism and to creating a more informed public."

According to Mishka Pitter-Armand, chief marketing officer at NPR, "Curiosity is the fuel of a functioning democracy. NPR is essential civic infrastructure built to protect the right to inquiry. As a cornerstone of American life for over 50 years, this work is our pledge to the public: we will continue to provide the trusted context you need to explore the world, encouraging every American to keep listening and asking the hard questions."

Greg Hahn, co-founder and chief creative officer with Mischief, the agency that worked in partnership with NPR to create the campaign, explained, "NPR's power lies in the questions that come from our curiosity and the interesting, unexpected ways journalists help answer them. With a simple reframe, we sought to link the iconic NPR brand with the words so often at the initial spark of curiosity." Mischief explains its mission as follows: "Mischief creates work that makes a stir, because the riskiest thing a brand can do is be ignorable."

STARBUCKS WELCOMES NEW GREEN VELVET CHAIRS

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol's mission to entice customers to linger in cafés instead of just grabbing mobile orders and leaving takes another step forward with the introduction of new plush chairs and ceramic mugs. These updates aim to rekindle the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that once defined Starbucks' in-store experience. The new green velvet Starbucks chair — set to debut in select renovated and newly opened locations by the end of the year — is a nod to the overstuffed purple armchair that Starbucks cafés were known for throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s before disappearing in 2008." In addition, new ceramic mugs will also be unveiled and tested at select Los Angeles and New York City coffeehouses, with a broader North American rollout planned for later in the year, and global availability beginning in 2027.

NEW US POSTAGE STAMP

ABC News reported that an upcoming US postage stamp would feature a compilation of modern and historic bison from Yellowstone National Park. Photographer Tom Murphy has been capturing Yellowstone wildlife for 45 years and was contacted to submit photos for the new stamp. According to the US Postal Service (USPS), bison, also commonly called buffalo "are uniquely tied to American history." While millions of bison decreased to nearly becoming extinct, efforts to replenish herds at Yellowstone and other refuges have restored wild herds. In 2024, the population estimate was 5,400 in 2024, according to the National Park Service.

WORLD WILDLIFE FUND'S SPOKESPERSON AND FAMOUS TAGLINE

March 3rd was "World Wildlife Day," and on that date, I received an email from actor William Shatner. While known for many roles, without a doubt, he is best known as "Captain Kirk" from the 1960's television show and cult classic "Star Trek." As a result, his participation in this awareness and fundraising campaign was not a surprise.

The email read: "Hi! You may know me from my portrayl of Captain Kirk, the "Star Trek" character who explored the universe and made connections with diverse life forms and cultures. In 2021, I had the opportunity to actually travel into space, and it changed the way I see our planet. I saw its vibrant beauty and fragility in contrast to the endless darkness of space. After that experience, I dedicated myself to protecting nature for future generations. Today is World Wildlife Day, the perfect moment to celebrate the extraordinary diversity of life on Earth and make a promise to protect it...Together, we'll protect the Earth so that wildlife and people can live long and prosper." In case you don't remember, that ending was a famous line from "Star Trek."

GRAETER'S ICE CREAM BRAND REFRESH

QSR Magazine reported, "Graeter's Ice Cream is stepping into a new era with an updated look. The brand celebrated its 155th birthday last year with a refreshed design that honors its legacy while highlighting the premium, flavor-forward ice cream that has sustained it for more than a century and a half. The story begins in 1870, when Louis Charles Graeter arrived in Cincinnati seeking opportunity and found it in ice cream. At the time, there was no mechanical refrigeration. Freezing meant muscle, patience, and a careful balance of ice, salt, and water. Louis sold his ice cream at a street market, eventually opening a storefront after earning a loyal following.

The brand's first big turning point came after his death when his wife, Regina, took the helm, says Richard Graeter, the fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's Ice Cream. Assuming leadership was an uncommon move for a woman at the time, but Regina made a pivotal choice during her tenure. She expanded the business, opening new stores while steering it through the Spanish flu, the Great Depression, and World War II. At the same time, she resisted industry shifts that would have fundamentally altered the product.

Graeter's footprint has stayed in the middle of the country, where the company has concentrated growth and preserved quality control. After building up excess manufacturing capacity in the late 2000s with the new facility, the brand expanded into grocery stores, starting with Kroger in Cincinnati. Over subsequent years, it added distribution in Columbus, Louisville, and Indianapolis. Around 70 percent of the business comes through the physical ice cream shops, with a quarter from grocery and the remainder from direct-to-consumer shipping. Both the restaurant and CPG footprint remain regional, with national DTC shipping supplementing fans beyond the distribution radius.

Graeter's runs a robust "bonus flavor" program, releasing new flavors every three weeks during the summer. Many are playful, hyper-local, or tied to cultural moments, such as the Cincinnati Zoo's Fiona the Hippo, the Flying Pig Marathon, or Kings Island's Beast roller coaster. Some become cult favorites, others disappear by design. Limited runs allow experimentation without diluting the core lineup, anchored by Black Raspberry Chocolate Chip, which still accounts for roughly 20 percent of sales. Specialty flavors collectively represent Graeter's second-largest segment.

Collaborations further extend that philosophy. Graeter's has partnered with local universities, charities, breweries, and even Skyline Chili, producing a chili-spiced ice cream reflecting Cincinnati pride. Bourbon-inspired flavors, made with family-selected barrels, reinforce a sense of craftsmanship. And the insistence on premium inputs—real vanilla beans, high-end cocoa, and oversized chocolate chunks—supports a higher price point without feeling inaccessible.

The branding update was never about a wholesale reinvention. The goal was to better communicate the product's quality, especially in retail settings. The process was cautious: food brands carry deep emotional ties, and Graeter's was determined not to disrupt recognition or trust. The refresh retains Graeter's iconic script logo while refining it for modern use. The brand returned to its signature maroon, introduced elegant patterns, and added a crown icon referencing both Cincinnati's "Queen City" nickname and Graeter's place in ice cream royalty. The tagline, "Taste the Graetest," reinforces the emphasis on craftsmanship and flavor."

According to Richard Graeter, the fourth-generation president and CEO of Graeter's Ice Cream, "In our family, the one thing that is sacrosanct is the product. You cannot compromise the product, because life is just too short to eat shitty ice cream."

WAHLBURGERS ANNOUNCES "BROTHERS' COMBO"

FSR reported, "Three brothers, three personalities, and one legendary combo delivering big flavor and exceptional value for guests and fans alike. Wahlburgers, the iconic burger brand founded by brothers Mark, Donnie, and Chef Paul Wahlberg, has launched the limited-time "Brothers' Combo," bringing together the brothers' signature burgers with fries and a drink at an accessible bundled price designed to give guests more of what they love for less. Inspired by the flavors they grew up with and their shared passion for comfort food done right, each gourmet burger delivers a taste of family, nostalgia and friendly competition, all made with 100 percent Certified Angus Beef on a toasted brioche bun. Guests can choose from one of three signature burgers, each selected by one of the brothers, served with fries and a soda or a housemade shake, starting at $12."

Chef Paul's Choice: The Our Burger, the Wahlburgers' signature burger, includes a Certified Angus Beef patty, government cheese (American cheese given this nostalgic nickname as a nod to the brothers' humble upbringing), lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Chef Paul's signature Wahl Sauce.

Donnie's Choice: BBQ Bacon Burger, Donnie calls his favorite burger a "bacon lover’s dream." The BBQ Bacon Burger features crispy bacon, fresh jalapeños, housemade BBQ sauce, white cheddar cheese, and avocado on a Certified Angus Beef patty.

Mark's Choice: Mark's burger pays homage to the brothers' hometown of Dorchester. The O.F.D. (Originally From "Dorchestah") is a throwback to nights around mother Alma's dinner table, and features Swiss cheese, bacon, sautéed mushrooms, and tomato jam on two Certified Angus Beef patties – or mix it up and get it Mark's way with nostalgic government cheese.

Chef Paul Wahlberg said, "Every bite tells a story. We grew up as a family of nine, raised by our mother, Alma. You can literally taste the flavors we grew up with that have inspired us throughout our lives. It's another way to showcase the deep pride we have for our hometown. Every burger is incredible...but of course, mine is the best."

NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY AT IHOP

International House of Pancakes (IHOP) designated the first Tuesday of March as its annual National Pancake Day. This meant that on March 3rd from 7am until 8pm, guests received a free Short Stack of Buttermilk Pancakes when they dined at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide. In addition, every $1 donated in IHOP restaurants on March 3rd went to local Feeding America partner food banks. As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,793 IHOP restaurants around the world, including restaurants in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and 13 countries outside the United States.

DENNY'S CELEBRATES DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

FSR reported, "On Sunday, March 8, we spring forward for Daylight Savings Time and lose an hour of precious time. Denny's is going to make that lost hour a win with FREE coffee. While most will receive a coupon for one free coffee, one lucky guest will receive FREE coffee for a whole year! Here are the details: On Sunday, March 8th from 2AM to 3:15AM local time, Denny's Rewards members are invited to visit Dennys.com/LoseHourGainCoffee to submit their email address and receive a coupon for a free cup of coffee AND a chance to win free coffee for a year. This offer is available for just 15 minutes. Not a Rewards member yet? Sign up asap at www.dennys.com/reward. Download the Denny’s app on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to get in on the action."

SUBWAY CELEBRATES NATIONAL MEATBALL DAY

Restaurant News reported, "On March 9, join the world's first Million Meatball Monday and make any six-inch Sub of the Day or Meal of the Day a footlong for free. Subway Seeks to Serve 1 Million Meatballs on National Meatball Day with Free Footlong Upgrades. This year, the stars – and the meatballs – have aligned and Subway's popular "Meatball Monday" deal just got a whole lot meatballier. On March 9, National Meatball Day, Subway is allowing in-the-know consumers to upgrade every six-inch Sub of the Day and Meal of the Day to a footlong for free as it endeavors to sell 1 million meatballs in a single day."

Dave Skena, Subway's Chief Marketing Officer, North America, said, "With the calendar coincidence of National Meatball Day falling on Meatball Monday this year, Subway is rolling out the red sauce for meatball lovers with a one-day-only deal that’s bound to make history. But we need your help to make March 9 the world's first Million Meatball Monday, and to sell more meatballs than every Scandinavian furniture company combined."

Hey IKEA, are you listening, and how will you respond?

WENDY'S HIRES "CHIEF TASTING OFFICER"

Will this new role be added to the C-Suite? Forbes reported, "Wendy's is hiring a "Chief Tasting Officer" to eat fast food on their couch and make video reviews with no experience or qualifications required, offering $100,000 for the position as it capitalizes on the rivalry between burger chains. The job listing, which was posted on a dedicated website outside Wendy's corporate domain, is authentic, a representative for the firm confirmed to Forbes. The only requirements being: "A human mouth. A pulse. Opinions. Creativity. Taste." The position is mostly remote, with light travel to local Wendy's locations required, and candidates must be willing to start ASAP. Candidates must be comfortable being on camera, but no formal experience is required. Candidates must simply submit a creative video to apply. And according to a company statement, the job is aimed at one lucky fan who cares more about burgers than climbing the corporate ladder."

APPLE LAUNCHES IPHONE 17E

On March 2nd, Apple announced a lower-priced version of the iPhone 17, expanding its smartphone lineup. According to CNN, "Launching on March 11th and starting at $599 (which is $200 less than the iPhone 17), the iPhone 17e is a pared-back version of the pricier iPhone 17. The phone has the same processor but a slightly smaller screen. It also has one camera instead of two and lacks the Dynamic Island bar for showing information from apps. The iPhone 17e will be available in black, white and pink, and includes more storage space than its predecessor. It also includes a new version of Apple's cellular modem, which it says is twice as fast as the one in the iPhone 16e."

TARGET'S TURNAROUND STRATEGY

CNN reported, "Target's new CEO Michael Fiddelke, who began his career at Target as an intern in 2003 and rose up the company's ranks, said that Target will improve its products and redesign stores. Unlike Walmart, which is known for the best prices, or Amazon, which has stood out with convenience, Target wants to create a fun, treasure hunt atmosphere in stores where shoppers come in to find what's new. The company plans to expand into new items in food, beauty, apparel, and home furnishings. These categories are critical to Target both as money makers and to help the company stand out from competitors. Target also plans to launch partnerships with niche vendors. In Target's beauty section, for example, the company is putting the trendy Supergoop sunscreen brand on shelves for the first time. And it's also adding more sports and games merchandise for kids."

DUCHESS OF SUSSEX PARTS WITH NETFLIX

CNN reported, "Meghan Markle and Netflix are ending their partnership on her lifestyle brand. The Duchess of Sussex developed her As Ever brand with the streaming giant, launching last year with her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan." The brand has grown to include household items such as jams, teas, wine, and honey and is expected to continue beyond the partnership."

A spokesperson for As ever said in a statement, "As ever is now ready to stand on its own. We have an exciting year ahead and can't wait to share more."

Netflix shared its own statement, "As it was always intended, Meghan will continue growing the brand and take it into its next chapter independently, and we look forward to celebrating how she continues to bring joy to households around the world."

Time will tell how/if the break-up will impact Meghan's personal and professional brands.

TGI FRIDAYS IN KENYA

Nation's Restaurant News reported, "TGI Fridays continues its focus on international growth as the casual-dining company announced its first foray into sub-Saharan Africa. Fridays has a new development agreement with PrideIn Hotels and Resorts in Kenya, with a plan to open 10 new restaurants in the market. This is part of a larger strategy for the company, which declared bankruptcy two years ago and closed more than half of its U.S. restaurants, to grow to 1,000+ restaurants globally. The brand has also signed development agreements to expand in Peru, Mexico, India, and the Maldives."

Hasnain Noorani, Group Managing Director of PrideInn Hotels and Resorts, said, "This is more than a restaurant launch. It is about creating new lifestyle experiences and reinforcing Kenya's position as a destination ready for global hospitality brands."

CRAZY MOUNTAIN BEER

Drinks Intel reported on March 9th, "The trio behind the Casamigos tequila brand, George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman, have teamed up again, this time with a non-alcoholic beer heading to the US. Crazy Mountain, which has gone on sale this week, is being positioned as a "premium non-alc lager-style brew." Available online for domestic delivery, the new-to-market brand consists of two SKUs: Original and Lime, both of which prominently state that they are "Made in America," although more specific details about the source brewery were not disclosed. A 12-pack of 35.5cl cans carries a price point of US$27.98. The three friends, who created Casamigos in 2013, sold the higher-end tequila to Diageo four years later for an initial $700m, rising to $1bn based on a performance-linked earn-out over ten years."

FEE INCREASE AT LA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX)

NBC Los Angeles reported on March 9th, "Traveling to or from LAX using a ride-hailing or limousine service could be getting more expensive, with city leaders set tomorrow to consider a hike in fees such companies pay for airport access. The Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting on March 10th to consider the increases, which are ultimately aimed at decreasing traffic in the LAX central terminal area and eventually encouraging use of a people-mover system when it opens later this year or in 2027."

According to a Los Angeles World Airports report to the commission, "The fees Los Angeles World Airports charges to FHVs (for-hire vehicles) have not changed in 10 years and no longer reflect the value of the airport market, especially given the multibillion-dollar investments in LAX landside access, terminals, and other facilities and amenities. LAX is the busiest origin-and-destination airport in the world, but its fees are significantly lower than those of its domestic peers like San Francisco International Airport, Boston Logan International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and others. In addition, the current fee structure needs to be adjusted in order to ensure that some providers not currently paying any drop-off fees begin to do so."

UPDATE: On March 10th, ABC7 reported, "Using Uber or Lyft to get to or from the Los Angeles International Airport is going to cost more. On Tuesday, March 10th, the Board of Airport Commissioners approved hiking fees for all rideshare services. Under the increase, pickup and drop-off fees at LAX for taxis, limousines, and rideshare vehicles such as Uber and Lyft would go from $4 to $6 at the rideshare lot and from $5 to $12 at the main terminal. Officials say this move is aimed at reducing traffic in the airport's central terminal and that the long-term goal is to encourage travelers to use the SkyLink trains, or people mover, once it opens."

Uber criticized the proposed increases, saying the changes amount to a 140 percent hike, "Raising the LAX rideshare fee from $5 to $12 at the curb would punish travelers, working families, and seniors who depend on affordable, reliable transportation. Uber supports improving LAX, but not on the backs of the people who keep it running."

WHITE HOUSE GIFT: FLORSHEIM SHOES

The Independent reported, "Donald Trump is reportedly handing out his favorite brand of affordable dress shoes to all his courtiers — and many are "afraid" not to wear them in front of him. The Wall Street Journal reported on March 9th that the fashion-conscious president has been foisting Florsheim leather oxfords on aides, officials, and visiting VIPs after taking a shine to the Wisconsin-based shoemaker. Recipients have reportedly made sure to wear them when Trump is near, apparently sometimes reluctantly. At around $145, they aren't exactly haute couture...Thomas Florsheim Jr, the CEO of Florsheim's parent company, said he was not aware of Trump's preferences and declined to comment further."

ICONIC "BRADY BUNCH" HOUSE

The Smithsonian Magazine reported, "It's an unassuming mid-century house in Los Angeles featuring tan siding, stonework, and blue double doors. But for fans of "The Brady Bunch" TV show, it's an icon. The home's exterior was frequently featured on the family sitcom, which aired from 1969 to 1974. Now, the house is an official Los Angeles landmark. On March 4th, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to add the house to the city's list of Historic-Cultural Monuments. Located on Dilling Street in L.A.’s Studio City neighborhood, the house was designed by architect Harry M. Londelius and built in 1959. And in 2018, HGTV purchased the house for $3.5 million and performed a massive renovation. The network produced a four-part miniseries called "A Very Brady Renovation." It featured grown-up "Brady Bunch" cast members demolishing the home's interior, which Drew and Jonathan Scott, the hosts of "Property Brothers," then helped refurbish. By the show’s conclusion, the structure matched the home seen on television - inside and out."

COVID ANNIVERSARY

This month six years ago, the world changed. Our lives revolved around new terminology: "covid pandemic," "corona virus," and simply "the pandemic." Face masks, hand sanitizer, and stocking up on toilet paper become the new normal.

TESLA SUES CALIFORNIA DMV

In January, Car & Driver reported that after the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) threatened to strip automaker Tesla of its dealer license, the automaker changed the way it markets its drive assistance features. California had previously ruled that the "Autopilot" and "Full Self-Driving" names misrepresented the systems' capabilities, violating state law. So now, "Full Self-Driving" will carry the suffix ("Supervised") in all marketing material, while "Autopilot" has been renamed "Traffic Aware Cruise Control."

However, in early March, CreativeBloq reported, "Now, in an unexpected twist, Tesla is suing the DMV, calling the ruling "factually wrong, legally flawed, and unconstitutional." In a new legal complaint, Tesla suggests the DMV "wrongfully and baselessly labels Tesla a false advertiser for marketing its industry-leading advanced driver-assistance systems("ADAS") under the brand names "Autopilot" and "Full-Self Driving Capability." In response to the legal challenge, the DMV told CNBC, "An Administrative Law Judge found that Tesla broke state law by misleading consumers with the term "autopilot." Tesla agreed to stop this practice, and now they're challenging it anyway. DMV is committed to protecting the traveling public and will defend the Administrative Law Judge's findings and decision in court."

What other recent marketing buzz caught your attention? Since there's always something happening that impacts marketing, read #DebbieLaskeysBlog for the scoop!

Image Credits: NPR, USPS, and Denny's.

Read about IKEA's meatballs:

https://www.ikea.com/global/en/stories/our-roots/meatball-40-years-251024/

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Why Are Email Subject Lines Important?

We all receive so many emails on a daily basis, that, to be honest, how many do we actually read? There are emails from stores we never visit, people we never contact, and spam we delete without opening. So, how can a brand stand out in a crowded email box?

According to CRMGroup, "Nearly 50 percent of consumers made a purchase directly from an email in the past year. This confirms email’s direct impact on driving sales."

Without a doubt, subject lines must quickly grab the recipient’s attention. Think of a subject line as similar to a book's cover in that it strikes a balance between being informative and intriguing.

Have you received any recent emails with memorable subject lines? A few weeks ago, I received an email with the following subject line and content:

SUBJECT LINE: Life is short. Buy the Artwork.

EMAIL CONTENT:

Life is short. Trim the tree. Buy the artwork.

30 percent off all Gray Malin Photography. Shop Now.

The subject line caught my attention, and I opened the email. While I read the email content and then clicked through to the website, I was immediately intrigued. While not a customer yet, I added this brand to my bucket list for a future purchase.

According to the brand's website, "Gray Malin is a modern day fine art photographer and New York Times best-selling author based in Los Angeles. Shooting from doorless helicopters, Gray has been a trailblazer in aerial beach, ski and park photography, and has photographed conceptual collections at historic properties including The Beverly Hills Hotel, The Plaza Hotel, Plaza Athèneè and The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach. Gray has an extraordinary ability to transport his audience to breathtaking destinations around the world with his distinct visual style. He invites you to Make Every Day a Getaway."

The photos were amazing (especially the ones of France since I'm a Francophile!) — the dogs are guaranteed to make you smile — but it was the email subject line that initially grasped my attention.

So, what can your brand learn and apply from this brand's effective email marketing?

Image Credits: Gray Malin.

Check out more stats about email marketing:

https://www.sixthcitymarketing.com/email-marketing-stats/

Meet Gray Malin and his fabulous photos:

https://graymalin.com/pages/meet-the-brand

Saturday, September 2, 2023

How a Positive Customer Experience Erased a Mistake

I don't know about you, but I receive tons of emails from companies. Some I've purchased from, others I have not. The bottom line is that I get too many emails, so when I receive some in error, I get annoyed.

This past week, I received two emails from a company that I purchased items from. Based on the content of the emails, I realized that they were order confirmations from last year. Since I had purchased the items last year, I knew that the emails were not spam, but of course, you can never be too sure.

Since there were two emails, I decided to call the company. As I was preparing myself for what might be an upsetting situation - what if the company was in a state of flux and had charged me again for the same items I purchased last year? - I heard this message:

"Thank you for calling. If you are calling because of some odd emails you received, please accept our sincere apologies. We have upgraded our systems, and some customers received email confirmations of previous orders in error. Again, this was done in error as we upgrade, and we are very sorry. Please ignore the emails. If you are calling for another matter, please hold for a customer service rep."

All I can say is WOW. While this company was unable to stop the emails from being sent in error, someone had the good sense to record a voice message that would IMMEDIATELY address the situation when a customer called to inquire about the emails.

Crisis averted, and averted in the best way possible.

Of course, to add a little extra goodwill to this situation would be to send all customers a coupon for a 10 percent off a future purchase. That might result is some unexpected sales.

How would you have handled this situation?

Image Credit: YourDictionary.com.

Monday, July 24, 2023

Is Your Brand’s Email Marketing Effective?

Do you know what today is? On this date, I’m celebrating COFFEE DAY with an analysis of email marketing, but first, some history about the beginning of instant coffee and its branding.

According to TodayIFoundOut.com:

“Although instant coffee had been around before this date, the instant coffee we know and love was introduced on July 24, 1938. The Nescafe (a combination of the words “Nestles” and “café”) brand was the result of a more sophisticated coffee refining process than earlier versions of the product. The instant coffee odyssey began in 1901 with Japanese-American chemist Satori Kato, who introduced his version at the Pan American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. It was received well enough that in 1903, he formed the Kato Coffee Company. In 1906, an English chemist, George Constant Washington, created what he dubbed “a refined soluble coffee,” and began selling it under the name Red E Coffee.

By 1930, the Brazilian Coffee Institute asked Nestle to consider entering the instant coffee market but with a better tasting product than anything that was available. Brazil allegedly believed that an instant coffee that tested better with consumers would increase coffee sales. By 1937, a scientist, Max Mortgenthaler, had perfected a method of spray drying the coffee and adding carbohydrates as a stabilizer. These techniques led to an improvement in the taste of instant coffee.”

Recently, I received an email with the subject line as follows: Let’s Grab a Coffee. Once opened, the email read as follows: What to wear where, coffee date, grab a latte with the girls in effortless light layers you love.” Then there was a button to click: SHOP NOW.

However, that was it. This was a wonderful opportunity for brand-building around the color of coffee, perhaps, by showcasing clothing in different coffee shades. This was a missed opportunity to partner with Pantone, the color brand. This was also a wonderful opportunity to promote the concept of meeting for coffee, whether for groups of friends or family or for reading groups, sports groups, travel groups, etc. This was also an opportunity to partner and/or co-partner with coffee brands or coffee houses for the day. This was a missed opportunity to partner with Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Dunkin, etc. And lastly, this was an opportunity for the clothing brand to create brand ambassadors to promote clothing in coffee colors on their social media sites.

What other branding opportunities did this clothing brand miss with this brief email? Chime in after you’ve had your morning cup of joe.

Image Courtesy: Chico’s.

Monday, November 28, 2022

Digital Engagement Tips to Attract Customers and Fans

To quote Matthew Kobach (@mkobach), "Twitter is a key that unlocks thousands of doors, some of which you never even knew existed." As a member of the Twitterverse for 13 years, I always enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. I recently re-connected with Susan Friesen from British Columbia, Canada, and invited her to appear a second time here on my Blog in a Q&A discussion about digital marketing and engagement. Highlights of our conversation follow a brief introduction.

Susan Friesen is the founder of eVision Media. In her capacity in that role, she recognizes that many business owners waste too much valuable time, money, and energy either hiring the wrong people to do their website and online marketing or trying to do it all themselves...and getting nowhere as a result. When working with clients, she has a proven, personalized, multi-pronged strategy that covers all of the critical aspects that must be done correctly to avoid these costly lessons. Susan can be found online at https://www.eVisionMedia.ca; on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/susan.evisionmedia; on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/eVisionMedia; and on Twitter @eVisionMedia.

QUESTION: What is your favorite marketing buzzword, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: Right now it's brand positioning. Positioning a business brand in the marketplace is increasingly becoming an absolute necessity. The competition is fierce and the best way to be "The" choice is to work hard at creating a positive and memorable brand.

QUESTION: What marketing buzzword do you find most annoying, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: I'd have to say guerilla marketing. It's just so 2000. The old model of push marketing is long dead, but a lot of "Gurus" still preach it. Yes, there could be some immediate results, but it's not a sustainable business model and leaves an overall negative impression, especially when done badly.

QUESTION: One way to continue engagement with customers and fans is email marketing. How do you do this successfully, and what are some e-newsletter tips?

SUSAN FRIESEN: For the past several years, we have consistently sent out a value-based newsletter every Thursday. Without exception! And it's paid off in spades. Our newsletters include a new blog article written specifically for our target audience (Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners) that they find relevant and informative on their business-building journey. As a result, we have a very low unsubscribe rate.

But not only that, we stay top of mind with our existing clients who often are reminded of an update or promotion they need to do and reach out to have us take care of it. We also get new clients who may have been on our list for years and are ready to have us help them. My biggest tips are to be consistent with weekly send outs and make content about your reader and provide value. Don't make it a sales pitch!

TWEET THIS: Make content about your reader and provide value. ~@eVisionMedia #MarketingTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What are some websites you admire, and why?

SUSAN FRIESEN: Ours of course! (https://evisionmedia.ca/) Aside from that, I enjoy www.MindValley.com and the mission they are on to make the world a better place, one human at a time.

In my line of work, I come across hundreds of sites, and sadly, way too many are not designed or built in a way that positions them favourably with their ideal target audience.

QUESTION: What are some brands whose social pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) you admire, and why — in other words, why are they effective with customers and/or fans?

SUSAN FRIESEN: I tend to follow more small businesses rather than big corporations. Melody Beattie has a very inspirational and motivational social presence. Dr. Berg offers a plethora of informative videos on health. Mari Smith, a Facebook expert, is always charming, informative, and entertaining. Same with Social Media Examiner - very informative and very clear on their brand positioning.

Here are the links mentioned above:
* https://www.instagram.com/authormelodybeattie/
* https://www.facebook.com/writermelodybeattie/
* https://www.facebook.com/drericberg
* https://www.facebook.com/marismith
* https://www.socialmediaexaminer.com/

My thanks to Susan for sharing her marketing insights and for appearing here on my Blog.

Image Credit: Georgie Cobbs via Unsplash.

Check out Susan's previous appearance here on my blog from November 2021:
"The Importance of Brand Identity"
https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/11/the-importance-of-brand-identity.html

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Social Media Is All About Connection, Trust and Strategy

To quote Matthew Kobach (@mkobach), "Twitter is a key that unlocks thousands of doors, some of which you never even knew existed." As a member of the Twitterverse for almost 13 years, I always enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. I recently connected with Deb Coman and invited her to appear here on my Blog in a Q&A format. Highlights of our conversation follow a brief introduction.

Deb Coman is a content conversion strategist who empowers service-based business owners to create trust-building content that generates sales, referrals, and collaborations. Deb hosts a weekly Twitter Chat called #SocialTrust Mondays at 3pm Eastern time on Twitter and was featured by BuzzSumo in its Top 100 Content Marketers to Follow Right Now. Deb’s Content Conversion Lab and private services help clients simplify their marketing with actionable steps that build trust and create alignment, consistency, and connection. Visit her website at http://www.DebComan.com, at www.LinkedIn.com/DebComan, and on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram @DebComanWriting.

QUESTION: You begin your Twitter profile as follows, “Meaningful connection thru trust-building content strategy." Can you please explain?
DEB COMAN: Content is an outstanding way to connect with people. When we understand how it builds trust, we create content that brings value and meaning that establishes and nurtures relationships. It’s only through these relationships that we create opportunities for sales, referrals, and collaborations. Engaging with and creating meaningful conversations is step one in the process.

QUESTION: You talk about the “4C Method” for creating email content. Can you please elaborate?
DEB COMAN: My 4C Method for creating content has four trust-building steps:

(1) Clarity: Start with CLARITY about your message: who it’s for, what they need, and how you provide the solution.
(2) Connection: Create content with an intention of CONNECTION, not a sale. Be of service. Add value. Build trust.
(3) Consistency: CONSISTENCY builds trust and relationships. Be consistent with your content in frequency as to how often you post, blog, and send emails. Be consistent and aligned in your message.
(4) Conversion: Move conversations from social media feeds, blog comments, and email campaigns to a one-on-one conversation to explore what’s possible for CONVERSION in the way of collaborations, referrals, and sales.

QUESTION: What is your favorite social media platform for your personal branding, and why?
DEB COMAN: I love Twitter where you can find me at @DebComanWriting because it’s the easiest platform to create connection and build trust with content. I’ve been hired, referred, featured as an expert, and made long-term meaningful (and profitable!) business connections that started with a single tweet or reply. (Connect with me there to see how it’s done).

I host a weekly Twitter Chat called #SocialTrust Mondays at 3pm Eastern time featuring guest experts and topics to help service-based small business owners and brands stand out and build trust online. This Twitter Chat is designed to be an easy way (even for Twitter newbies) to participate and gain visibility and connections. It’s followed by an audio conversation on Twitter Spaces.

QUESTION: If a business brand were going to dedicate all of its attention and resources toward ONLY one social media platform, which would you recommend, and why?
DEB COMAN: With over 211 million active daily users, your ideal audience is likely on Twitter. If you have a presence there or are able to quickly get up to speed with the basics, you can create opportunities for your business on Twitter.

If you’re not comfortable learning how to use Twitter, it’s important to find the platform where your ideal audience not only hangs out but engages and where you are not only comfortable, but have a strategy.

Success on social media requires these 3 things:

(1) Your ideal audience is present and active.
(2) You’re comfortable creating high value content that suits the platform.
(3) You have a content strategy like the 4C Method that leads to conversion.

TWEET THIS: Find the platform where your ideal audience not only hangs out but engages. ~@DebComanWriting #SMTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: What three tips would you give to a business brand to conduct an effective and successful email marketing campaign?
DEB COMAN: For an email marketing campaign (and any other content) to be profitable, you need to:

(1) Define a specific intention or outcome for the content.
(2) Choose a topic that demonstrates you have the solution to a problem they’re ready to solve.
(3) Establish your credibility and trust by sharing stories, results, and client outcomes.

With all your content, strive to be yourself, share as much of your personal story as you’re comfortable with, and seek to connect and engage with your audience as you build trust and deepen relationships.

TWEET THIS: With all your content, strive to be yourself. ~@DebComanWriting #SMTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

My thanks to Deb for sharing her social media insights and for appearing here on my Blog.

Image Credit: Daniel Olah via Unsplash.

Wednesday, April 8, 2020

How Has Your Brand Reacted to the #COVID19Pandemic?

Life has changed dramatically over the last few weeks since the COVID-19 crisis hit the United States. Also referred to as the coronavirus pandemic, most Americans have been directed to stay-at-home to minimize the risk of catching or spreading the virus. As a result, non-essential businesses closed their doors - which has led to an eruption of email marketing campaigns so that brands can stay in touch with their customers and fans.

Has your email box been overflowing? Mine certainly has. I have received emails from brands I regularly support - retail brands as well as nonprofit brands, as well as brands that I may never have communicated with via email.

The following resembles the content of the emails that I've received:
BRIGHTON - jewelry brand: Brighton your day. Faith. Hope. Love.

TALBOTS - clothing brand: A love note from your Talbots family - while our retail stores are temporarily closed, we'd love for you to still visit us online.

LOVEPOP - greeting card brand: At Lovepop, our mission is to create one billion magical moments by helping people connect with those that they love. In today's situation of isolation and social distancing, this feels more important than ever.

SKIRBALL - museum brand: It's an unprecedented challenge to serve as a place of meeting when we cannot meet in person. We look forward to welcoming you back. Until that time...we're all in the same boat! By staying safer at home for the common good, let's navigate this storm together. We invite you to #SkirballAtHome. We've compiled new content and resources to help during this time.

LINCOLN - car brand: Doing what we can, where we can. That's the Lincoln way. Nothing is more important than your well-being. And now more than ever, your home is your sanctuary. So, as the COVID-19 virus presents new challenges every day, we're taking steps to minimize direct contact, while making your Lincoln ownership experience as easy and flexible as possible.

CANINE COMPANIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE - nonprofit brand: When the world needs love, our dogs are there. Staying paws-itive during ruff times. (This nonprofit even provided a link to its puppy cam!)

According to Jeff Beer of FastCompany:

"There seems to be three tiers of brand emails at this point. First, the service message. This is the most important and helpful, the ones that inform us about a change in service, an updated policy, or a relevant discount. It’s the Gap telling you about store closures. It’s airlines keeping you posted on travel restrictions and flight updates. Tier Two is the Brand Friend. This is where brands who have built a direct line of communication with customers feel obligated to at least acknowledge the situation, even if it’s just to say hi with a “We’re all in this together.” The third tier is the seemingly completely random, we-just-happened-to-have-your-email-thanks-for-buying-our-cat-food-three-years-ago message."

In addition, marketing and advertising are changing almost daily. More from Jeff Beer of FastCompany:

"As the spread of COVID-19 began to rapidly increase, sports leagues like Major League Baseball and the NBA began suspending play, and the NCAA made the move to cancel the March Madness basketball tournaments. Ford had planned to boost ongoing campaigns around its Escape and Explorer models with ads during March Madness but now had to alter its approach, and quickly created two new ads that addressed the crisis, launching them just days later. In those spots, the company said that if customers were impacted by COVID-19 and were financing or leasing through Ford Credit, they should contact the company about payment relief. It’s a move that the company routinely does around regional emergencies, like hurricanes and wildfires — but typically doesn’t advertise."

So, what has your brand done or will do to make an impact during this crisis? What message has your brand communicated? If your brand does something truly memorable, it might just be regarded as a defining moment for your brand and will be remembered long after the pandemic ends.
___________________________________________________________

Follow along by AdAge: A regularly-updated list tracking marketers' response to coronavirus
https://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/regularly-updated-list-tracking-marketers-response-coronavirus/2244251

See an appropriate cartoon by Tom Fishburne (@TomFishburne on Twitter):
https://marketoonist.com/2020/03/communicate.html

From FastCompany: Why every brand you’ve ever bought something from is sending you coronavirus emails
https://www.fastcompany.com/90479646/why-every-brand-youve-ever-bought-something-from-is-sending-you-coronavirus-emails

From FastCompany: ‘We’re all in this together’? Why brands have so little to say in the pandemic
https://www.fastcompany.com/90483063/were-all-in-this-together-why-brands-have-so-little-to-say-in-the-pandemic

Image Credits: Brighton, Twitter, Budweiser, and Walmart.