Have you ever noticed that the moment you show even a slight interest in fitness online, your social media feed gets flooded by gyms like F45, Orange Theory, D1, or Chuze Fitness? You’re not alone. Corporate gym franchises overwhelmingly focus their advertising budgets on social media platforms, which, at first glance, makes sense. Social media ads allow precise targeting, quick adjustments, and immediate feedback. However, there’s one big problem: every gym is using the exact same playbook, targeting the exact same audience.

The Problem with Oversaturated Social Media Ads in Gym Advertising

The strategy of heavy reliance on social media ads creates an unintended echo chamber. Once Facebook, Instagram, or Meta tags you as someone interested in fitness, you’re bombarded by ads from multiple gyms, all essentially offering the same thing. This results in:

• Ad fatigue: People quickly become annoyed by repetitive ads.
• Diminished ROI: Rising costs per acquisition (CPA) and cost per thousand impressions (CPM) due to fierce competition.
• Loss of differentiation: Your gym’s unique value gets buried under an avalanche of similar messaging.

Why Diversification Matters in Gym Ads

The secret to standing out isn’t doing more of the same; it’s doing things differently. Diversifying your marketing approach ensures your message doesn’t blend into the background noise. Here are effective alternative strategies gyms should consider:

1. Local Partnerships and Events: Partner with nearby businesses, organize community events, or sponsor local sports teams. Physical community involvement not only builds genuine relationships but also fosters brand loyalty.
2. Influencer and Micro-influencer Campaigns: Authentic, targeted recommendations from respected local influencers can resonate deeply and appear more organic than repetitive corporate ads.
3. Content Marketing: Create valuable, educational content through blogs, videos, or podcasts. Helpful content positions your gym as an authority, increases organic SEO, and genuinely engages your audience.
4. Email Marketing: Tailored, segmented email campaigns can nurture leads more personally and effectively, cutting through the noise that saturates social platforms.
5. Streaming Media and TV Ads: Explore advertising through streaming media platforms like Spotify or streaming television services such as MLB TV, Hulu, YouTube, or Paramount Plus. These channels offer opportunities to target specific audiences with less competition and higher viewer engagement.

Franchise Owners, It’s Time to Innovate

If you’re a franchise owner, it’s essential to communicate with corporate leadership about the shifting landscape. Just because a social-media-centric approach worked five years ago doesn’t guarantee it’s the right strategy today, especially considering evolving consumer habits and increasing ad costs. Advocating for flexibility and diversification can position your franchise as forward-thinking and adaptable.

Independent Gyms: Seize the Advantage

Local independent gym owners have a distinct advantage: agility. You can pivot quickly, experiment with new advertising strategies, and genuinely reflect your local community in your messaging. While corporate franchises are bogged down by slow-moving corporate decisions, you can outpace them by diversifying early and authentically engaging your audience.

Final Thoughts

Advertising on social media still holds value, but putting all your marketing eggs into one basket limits your growth potential. Diversification not only helps you reach new audiences but significantly enhances your gym’s visibility and brand strength in an increasingly crowded marketplace. Step outside the digital echo chamber—your business depends on it.

The post Gym Advertising – It’s Time To Rethink It appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

If I have to look at one more terribly designed, mind-numbingly repetitive ad in a print-based coupon magazine mailed to my home, I might just lose it. These discount rags—MINT, Money Pages, Prestigious Living, and their equally uninspired counterparts—are the graveyard of bad advertising decisions.

Seriously, where do I even begin?

The Same Industries, The Same Ads, Over and Over

Flip through one of these publications, and you’ll see the same HVAC contractors, roofing companies, tree removal services, weight loss clinics peddling GLP-1 medications, garage door repair companies, and indoor air quality specialists—all stacked on top of one another, fighting for attention.

Instead of standing out, they’re advertising against their own competition in the same damn magazine, sent to the same audience. Brilliant strategy, right?

If You Have a Quarter-Page Ad, You May as Well Not Bother

Advertising in one of these coupon books only works if you dominate the space. A quarter-page or smaller ad? It’s lost in the mix, drowned out by full-page spreads and competitors flashing bigger discounts. At that point, why even bother? Save yourself the frustration and put that money to better use.

People Who Read These Magazines Want Cheap, Not Quality

The audience for these publications isn’t looking for the best company—they’re looking for the biggest discount.

That means:

• You’re either forced to slash your prices or create the illusion of doing so.
• Your brand becomes associated with discount-seeking customers, not loyal, high-value clients.
• The moment a competitor offers a better deal, your customer retention is shot.

If your only value proposition is being the cheapest, then congratulations, you’ve just become the Dollar Store version of your industry.

What Should You Do Instead?

Ditch the coupon books and invest in smarter, high-return marketing channels. Instead of burning cash on ads destined for the recycling bin, try:

• Google Local Service Ads & PPC Campaigns – Be the first business people see when they actually need your service, not when they’re absentmindedly flipping through junk mail.
• SEO & Content Marketing – A well-optimized website and strong local SEO can ensure your business ranks higher without throwing your profit margins in the trash.
• Social Media & Retargeting Ads – With Facebook, Instagram, and Google retargeting, you can target real potential customers, not just bargain hunters.
• Streaming & OTT Advertising – If you really want visibility, streaming ads on platforms like Hulu, YouTube, and Roku will actually get seen by engaged audiences—unlike that coupon book collecting dust on a kitchen counter.

Final Thought: Buy Better Toilet Paper Instead

If you were even considering throwing money into one of these print coupon books, do yourself a favor—spend it on better toilet paper instead. At least then, you’ll get some actual use out of it.

Or, if you actually want to invest in marketing that works, contact Mad Men Marketing today. We’ll help you put your budget where it actually drives results, not where it ends up in the trash.

The post Discount Coupon Magazines Are Hot Trash appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Billboards are everywhere, and if you’ve ever driven down a major highway, you’ve likely noticed a trend—personal injury attorneys dominate this outdated advertising medium. In fact, one could argue that if it weren’t for this particular industry, the entire billboard sector might collapse. But why do lawyers cling so tightly to billboards? Is it a misguided attempt at brand recognition, or just an ego-driven need to see their own faces plastered across the skyline?

The Appeal of Billboards for Personal Injury Attorneys

1. The Visibility Factor (Even If It’s Ineffective)
Law firms that invest in billboards believe that sheer exposure will lead to business. But visibility doesn’t equal engagement. A driver speeding down the highway at 70 mph has mere seconds to register an attorney’s name and phone number, and the chances of that driver immediately needing legal representation at that moment? Almost zero.

2. Ego Over Strategy
Many lawyers love seeing their own faces on billboards, as if their larger-than-life presence alone will inspire trust. But advertising should be about connecting with clients, not fulfilling a personal need for recognition. Consumers don’t hire attorneys because they’ve seen the same headshot 50 times on their daily commute—they hire based on trust, reputation, and credibility.

3. Lackluster Creativity
Legal billboards are infamous for their uninspired creative. Whether it’s a serious-looking attorney with crossed arms and a phone number in massive font, a particular Tampa lawyer harkening back to his good old days at college in EVERY SINGLE AD (even though it was probably more then 30 years ago), or a cringeworthy pun, the result is the same: forgettable. The best advertising evokes emotion and action—billboards for attorneys, on the other hand, rarely achieve either.

The Bigger Problem: Outdated Advertising and Neglected Digital Presence

While lawyers continue to dump money into billboards, many of their websites remain outdated, slow, and difficult to navigate. A poorly designed website sends a clear message to potential clients: If you don’t care about your own digital presence, how much will you care about their case?

Smarter Advertising Strategies for Attorneys

Rather than burning cash on overpriced, ineffective billboards, law firms should focus on data-driven digital marketing strategies that actually generate leads and build long-term brand authority:

• Google Search Ads & Local Service Ads – When people need a lawyer, they don’t scan billboards. They Google it. Investing in Google Local Service Ads ensures that law firms appear when and where potential clients are actively searching.
• SEO & Content Marketing – A professionally designed website with well-optimized legal content helps law firms rank higher on search engines and establish authority.
• Social Media & Video Marketing – Personal injury attorneys should leverage YouTube Video Ads and social media platforms to connect with potential clients in a more engaging, memorable way.
• Retargeting & Email Campaigns – Digital advertising allows law firms to re-engage potential clients who have visited their website but haven’t taken action.

Conclusion: Stop Wasting Money, Start Building a Better Brand

Personal injury attorneys have relied on billboards for far too long, but in today’s digital-first world, that approach is inefficient, outdated, and costly. Instead of pouring money into roadside ads with uninspired creative and minimal engagement, law firms should invest in smarter, measurable marketing strategies.

At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in creating customized digital marketing strategies that actually convert leads into clients. Don’t waste your budget on billboards—contact us today and let us help you build a brand that truly stands out.

The post Lawyers’ Love Affair With Billboards appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

For decades, conventional radio has been a dominant force in advertising, reaching commuters in their cars and workers in their offices. However, as technology evolves and consumer habits shift, traditional over-the-air radio is losing its effectiveness. If you’re still investing heavily in radio advertising, it’s time to reconsider your strategy and explore better digital marketing solutions.

Why Traditional Radio No Longer Delivers

1. Limited Engagement and High Tune-Out Rates

People often listen to radio passively, using it as background noise while driving or working. Unlike digital advertising strategies, where users actively engage with content, radio ads are easy to tune out. The lack of visuals also makes it harder to create a lasting impression.

2. Segmented Audiences and Volatile Listenership

Radio audiences are highly fragmented, divided across numerous stations, genres, and time slots. This segmentation makes it difficult to achieve broad reach without significant investment. Additionally, listenership peaks and valleys can make it challenging to predict ad performance, unlike targeted digital marketing campaigns that provide measurable results.

3. No Visual Component for Better Recall

Audio-only ads are inherently less memorable than ads that combine sight and sound. Without visuals, it’s harder to establish brand recognition, reinforce messages, or create a compelling call to action. Streaming video advertising offers a more engaging and effective alternative.

4. Lack of Immediate Actionability

Unlike Google Search Ads or YouTube Video Advertising, which allow users to click and engage instantly, radio ads rely on listeners remembering your brand later. In a world where instant gratification is key, this delay significantly reduces conversion rates.

Better Advertising Alternatives for Modern Businesses

If you’re still relying on traditional radio, consider shifting to more effective digital advertising channels that offer better targeting, measurable results, and greater engagement:

1. Streaming Radio & Podcasts on Spotify

Streaming services like Spotify allow advertisers to target specific demographics and interests, making ads more relevant and impactful. Podcast advertising also offers high engagement rates, as listeners are more likely to trust and respond to host-read ads.

2. Streaming Television (Connected TV & OTT Advertising)

Connected TV (CTV) and Over-the-Top (OTT) advertising reach audiences across multiple devices—smart TVs, computers, tablets, and mobile phones—combining the power of sight and sound for maximum impact.

3. Google Search & Local Service Ads

People searching on Google are actively looking for solutions, making Google Search Ads one of the most effective ways to capture high-intent leads. Local Service Ads are another great way to target customers in your specific geographic area.

4. YouTube Video Advertising

YouTube Advertising combines visual and audio elements, offering a more immersive ad experience. With billions of users, it provides unparalleled reach and targeting capabilities based on user interests and behavior.

Let Mad Men Marketing Build Your Custom Media Plan

Traditional radio advertising is becoming less effective in today’s digital world. If you’re looking for a smarter, results-driven approach, Mad Men Marketing can help. Our team specializes in custom-tailored media plans that maximize your advertising investment and drive real business growth.

Contact us today to explore the best digital advertising solutions for your business!

The post Radio Ads Are Dead appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

The Problem With Billboards

1. Lack of a Captive Audience
   Unlike digital marketing or even traditional media like television and radio, billboards never provide a captive audience. People driving past an advertisement are often distracted or focused on the road, making it nearly impossible to capture their full attention.
2. Impressions Are Fleeting
   With digital billboards constantly rotating ads, your message is visible for mere seconds. This reduces the likelihood of retention and significantly diminishes the impact of your campaign. Static billboards are no better—while they may be visible for longer, they quickly blend into the background and become part of the everyday scenery.
3. Overpriced and Inefficient
   Billboards demand a premium price for placement, yet their return on investment (ROI) is difficult to measure. Unlike digital marketing, which provides trackable engagement metrics, billboards leave businesses guessing about their effectiveness. If your advertising budget is limited, investing in a medium that lacks measurable results is a risk you cannot afford.
4. Lack of Immediate Actionability
   Most people are not in a position to take immediate action when they see a billboard. Whether they’re driving or commuting, they can’t just stop and make a purchase or visit a website on the spot. Contrast this with digital ads, where users can instantly click to call, visit a website, or complete a purchase.

Smarter Alternatives for Your Marketing Budget

Instead of pouring money into an outdated medium, businesses should focus on advertising strategies that provide measurable results, better audience targeting, and higher engagement rates. Some effective alternatives include:

– Search Engine Marketing (SEM) & Pay-Per-Click (PPC) Advertising: Get your brand in front of potential customers actively searching for your products or services. – Social Media Advertising: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn allow precise targeting based on user behavior and demographics. – Content Marketing & SEO: Creating valuable content and optimizing for search engines ensures long-term visibility and organic traffic growth. – Email & SMS Marketing: Engage with your audience directly through personalized campaigns that drive conversions.

Invest Wisely—Go Digital

If your business relies solely on billboards for advertising, you may be setting yourself up for failure. At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in data-driven, digital-first marketing solutions that deliver real results. Don’t waste your budget on an outdated medium—let us help you build a marketing strategy that works.

Contact us today to learn how we can maximize your advertising investment and take your brand to the next level.

The post Why Billboards Are A Waste Of Money appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Before diving into my top pick, here’s a quick rundown of a few standout commercials that deserve an honorable mention:

• Ritz Crackers featuring Aubrey Plaza (and friends) – A quirky, star-studded ad that brought humor and charm.
• Stand Up to Hate with Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady – This ad was in my top three for its strong message and creativity, punctuated perfectly by Snoop’s delivery at the end.
• WeatherTech’s Old Ladies – If Liquid Death can make water exciting, WeatherTech made rubber floor mats amusing in an unexpected way.
• Ram Trucks’ Goldilocks – A testosterone-fueled reimagining of the classic children’s tale, blending ruggedness with nostalgia.
• Angel Soft’s Bathroom Break – A clever, well-timed spot that capitalized on a natural Super Bowl moment.
• Post Malone’s Bud Light Cul-de-Sac Party – Another entry in the Bud Light playbook that delivered good vibes and brand recognition.
• MSC Cruises with Drew Barrymore and Orlando Bloom – Highlighting the cultural divide between the U.S. and England with humor and elegance.
• Super Boston Dunkin’ Ad – Ben Affleck’s return to Dunkin’ was packed with heavy Boston accents and familiar faces, making for a crowd-pleasing hit.

My Favorite Ad of the Night

The standout ad for me was Meta’s collaboration with Ray-Ban, featuring their new smart glasses. The commercial kicked off with Chris Pratt using the Meta AI within the glasses to inquire about some artwork he’s observing—a banana duct-taped to a wall. The AI informs him that the piece is valued at $6.2 million.

The scene then shifts to Chris Hemsworth, who is casually eating the infamous banana. Though he’s also wearing the Meta glasses, he doesn’t seem to be using them—though, let’s face it, he can make anything look stylish. Pratt, in shock, exclaims, “That’s a 6.2 million dollar banana!” to which Hemsworth replies, “Are you kidding?”

Their ensuing scramble to replace the banana leads them to a sleek, well-stocked refrigerator, revealing that they are actually inside a private collection rather than a museum. Enter Kris Jenner, the art’s owner, who sternly asks, “Who eats art?!” In an attempt to deflect, Pratt and Hemsworth bumble their way into demonstrating the AI’s functionality: “I think you’re supposed to say, ‘Hey Meta, who eats art?’ and then Meta would say Chris Pratt,” as Pratt points at a Hemsworth in shock. The ad closes with Jenner deadpanning, “Hey Meta, call my lawyer,” before the Meta and Ray-Ban logos appear, along with the glasses’ $299 starting price.

Why This Ad Stood Out

This commercial wasn’t just funny and packed with pop-culture relevance; it showcased a product that could genuinely change consumer technology in a meaningful way. Much like the rise of smartwatches, these AI-powered glasses have the potential to redefine how we capture and interact with the world around us.

For younger generations who document their lives on social media, or for influencers who rely on seamless content creation, these glasses streamline photography, video recording, and AI-driven assistance. The ability to take natural, unobstructed mirror selfies, capture videos effortlessly, and receive instant answers makes them a game-changer. Given their stylish design, reasonable price, and practical functionality, these smart glasses could become a major hit in the wearable tech industry for years to come.

Elevate Your Brand with Mad Men Marketing

Super Bowl ads prove time and time again that great storytelling, creativity, and cultural relevance drive brand success. If you want to make an impact with your advertising, whether it’s through engaging digital campaigns, compelling TV spots, or innovative branding strategies, Mad Men Marketing can help. We specialize in crafting powerful, results-driven marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences and elevate brands to the next level.

Let’s create something unforgettable together. Contact us today to start shaping the future of your brand’s advertising strategy.

The post Evaluating the Best Super Bowl Ads of 2025 appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

• • Choose a space that is well-lit with as little background noise as possible.
  • Avoid spaces where you will be back-lit, such as sitting in front of a window or a lamp, as this could cause you to be silhouetted and difficult to see. Position yourself to keep your main light source in front of you.
  • Also, avoid spaces where there would be distracting clutter in the shot.

2. Framing your shot

• • Position the camera at your eye level to avoid shooting yourself at high or low angles, and keep yourself centered in the frame.
  • Use a tripod to keep your camera steady. Some selfie sticks come with a built-in tripod. If you don’t have this equipment available, then propping up the phone on a flat surface can work.

3. Front or back-facing camera

The back-facing camera on your phone will provide higher quality video due to a better lens and higher megapixels. But if you prefer to be able to see yourself as you shoot, then you can use the front-facing camera.

KEEP IN MIND: As you’re shooting, keep eye contact with the lens as if it’s the person you’re talking to.

4. Hitting the record button

• • Give yourself a couple of seconds after you hit the record button to start talking. This will give the final video editor room to splice in your video and transition between others.
  • Be sure to smile before you start talking and after you finish.
  • Speak clearly and avoid muttering or trailing off as you talk.

5. Some more helpful tips

• • Keep water on hand (but make sure you can’t see it in the shot) for when your mouth or throat get dry.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry that can make noise, like bangled bracelets.
  • Don’t be too hard on yourself. Most people get nervous being on camera and it can take multiple tries to get it right!

The post 4 Tips for Shooting Video of Yourself on Your Phone appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

I think everyone knows what streaming TV is, but in the very basic terms, it is the digital distribution of any video content that is consumed on TV screens. Some popular platforms are Disney+, Netflix, Prime and for this article, Hulu.

I am focusing on Hulu because they are the first service to offer local insertions in their programming. This is huge for local advertisers! According to Nielsen, adults 18-34 traditional TV ratings have declined 69% since 2017. So in 4 short years, 70% of adults under 35 years of age, are no longer watching traditional, local news station content over the air, or through traditional cable service providers. I for one have been a huge fan of “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu, and when a platform has successful content such as this, it increases usage in large numbers. As an example, I am now watching the Hulu platform almost daily at some point, whereas before the show, I did not.

So why is this important? Because like me, Hulu viewership is up in a big way.  As Hulu puts it, we are starting to see GENERATION STREAM come to maturity and they consume their content almost exclusively on a streaming service. In fact, Hulu’s research points that ads on their platforms are 151% more engaging than linear TV. There are many reasons for this, but their limited content breaks and non-traditional approach to breaks in general, makes for a better user experience.

The new Hulu self-service option to buying and inserting ads locally in their programming, for as little as $500, is something I hope local companies will take advantage of!

The post Advertising Locally on Streaming TV appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Because many companies see the World Cup as an opportunity to showcase their business on a global scale, the creative is top-notch.  This may be one of the reasons that the ads resonate with women more than with men, although the viewership skews more male than female.  

In an event that showcases superstars like Messi, Suarez, Neymar, and Ronaldo…this is your opportunity to make your business the hero.  YOU'RE the superstar.  Now is not the time to do a human interest piece that tugs at your heart strings.  Promote the brand early.  

Unexpected ads that work within the context of the World Cup seem to gain traction among viewers.  The popular ” I believe that we will win” chant that the USA has adopted, might be a good example of how a business might pair nationalism, fanaticism, and product placement if it fits with the brand.  

Celebrity endorsements are hit and miss.  It would take a global superstar with incredible recognition for this to work they way people are accustomed.

Finally, clarity of vision is paramount.

So, there you have it!  Take these tips and corner kick them to your best play-maker for a game-winning header and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

The post Guide To World Cup Advertising Success appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Typically, when this topic is discussed, proponents of net neutrality mention how consumers will not be given equal access to internet content such as streaming services unless the website or the consumer pays for it. They argue that smaller websites who cannot pay outrageous fees to keep their content accessible will fail. Freedom of internet speech will be given only to large corporations with enough money to pay for it. This is true, but not the only problem. All small businesses, not only those in entertainment, will be hurt if the internet is not kept open and accessible.

Smaller marketing firms, and by extension other small businesses, will be hurt tremendously if net neutrality ceases to exist. Small businesses often rely on the internet as a cost-effective form of advertising. The internet allows small businesses to reach people around the world at a much cheaper rate than traditional media. If net neutrality is abolished, small businesses will no longer be able to compete against large corporations for cheap ad-space on the internet. Large corporations will have the money to advertise on sites that are more accessible to consumers. 

In short, this is a very big deal.  Just ask Netflix…who had a brief fallout with Comcast…their streaming content was streaming noticeably slower until they reached a compromise with the internet service provider.  Lo and behold, in February, they began to see an immediate improvement (or perhaps just restoration of where it once was) in streaming speed.  Netflix was literally held hostage by Comcast until its demands were met.  It's naive to think they playing field will ever be completely level, but steps should definitely be taken to ensure that we're doing all we can.

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