The COVID-19 pandemic has put the U.S. economy through the wringer, and the impact has sent shockwaves through the agency world. According to the Interactive Advertising Bureau, 46% of media buyers, planners, and brands were forced to adjust their ad spend this year — and 24% of them halted spending altogether. 

Last week, we hosted the first in a series of webinar summits based on our Rise | Set agency newsletter. Google delivered a compelling presentation, “Helping CMOs in Today’s Uncertain Market.”

As many of you have seen in the news these past weeks, many voices have called for businesses to remove their ad business on Facebook and other social media platforms during the month of July in response to the civil rights movements occurring across the world, stating that “Facebook has not done enough to stop racism across its platform”.

Generator is proud to welcome two companies to our client roster this month. Quantic School of Business and Technology offers accredited MBA programs delivered on computers and mobile devices in bite-size, interactive lessons.

Are paid cable and linear TV on the way out? The numbers would certainly suggest it. There has been a massive migration from linear TV packages to subscription-based services, with more than 6 million cable and satellite subscribers cutting the cord in 2019. By 2021, an estimated 50 million people will abandon their cable and satellite subscriptions. In response to this shift, numerous broadcast companies have released their own digital offerings: Disney+, Apple TV+, CBS All Access, HBO Now, and countless others.

As I watch the news about Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the havoc it's causing around the world, it makes me wonder if it will send the U.S. and the other economies of the world into a recession. Several WhatsApp groups that I am part of were active all week about the disruption to business as usual. Today it hit home when I had two speaking events in April canceled.

With billionaire candidates controlling traditional spend, brands must test new ground to cut through the clutter.

Each year, it seems like the list of marketing conferences grows exponentially, which isn’t a bad thing. After all, they serve as an effective means for keeping abreast of what’s trending in the industry.

Most executives agree that customer experience (CX) is critical to maximizing profits and driving loyalty in 2020 and beyond, according to a PwC report on the future of CX. A hot topic of corporate conversation in 2019, CX will continue to be a strategic directive for consumer-facing companies in every industry.

With a little planning, you can tweak your campaigns to extract the most data, brand loyalty, and sales.

CCPA is effective as of January 1, 2020. The following resources are crucial to understanding if your business and your consumers’ data are protected under these new regulations.

Retailers stand to benefit substantially from the holiday shopping season, so act on your holiday marketing strategy early.

As the last leaves drop here in NYC we’re excited to launch fourth quarter campaigns for two new Generator clients this year, Baker College and Eclectic Products. We have a rich heritage working in the higher education sector and thrilled to add Baker College to our roster. Eclectic Products brought samples of their adhesive brands to our first strategy meeting, making for a lively session as we played around with Glaze Coat and Unicorn Spit!

The warning signs of a recession are everywhere. Economic growth is down to 2.6% from 2.8% last year, according to the National Association of Business Economics. Treasury yields are down, freight shipments are slowing, and 60% of economists surveyed by the NABE expect a recession by the end of 2020.

We’re pleased to be able to assist our client, the American Red Cross, raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Dorian. The American Red Cross does exceptional work in disaster relief.

Looking to increase cash flow by boosting online sales? Think about taking advantage of Black Friday in July sales. Traditionally held around the middle of July, such sales offer businesses a chance to increase online sales.

Whether you are leading a small or midsized business or an industry titan, effective marketing is vital for growth. Unfortunately, smaller companies must compete for the same shortened attention spans, interest, and page views as much larger competitors.

Modern marketing isn’t just a competitive industry — it’s an arms race. In an ocean of statistical forecasts, models, tools, and vendors, marketers scramble to connect the dots between consumers' physical and digital behaviors.

In business, capturing customer attention is half the battle. Few have done that more successfully lately than Randy Freer, Hulu's CEO. Under his leadership, Hulu has grown faster than any other streaming service. Last year, it increased its customer base by almost 50%, acquiring 8 million new customers.

Atten-hut! Barry’s Bootcamp, the original strength and cardio interval fitness experience, has enlisted Generator to manage digital investments across all platforms; display, search, social, and mobile. We’re excited to be working – and working out – with Barry’s to grow their business and help consumers get fit and healthy.