Mad Men Marketing https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/ Interact, don't interrupt Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:34:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/cropped-cropped-cropped-MMM_Logo_FullColor_Stacked-32x32.png Mad Men Marketing https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/ 32 32 5 Top Trends in Content Creation Every Marketer Should Know in July 2025 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/5-top-trends-in-content-creation-every-marketer-should-know-in-july-2025/ Tue, 15 Jul 2025 14:11:24 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6877 The content creation landscape is evolving faster than ever. From AI-powered storytelling to snackable video formats, staying ahead of the curve means knowing what’s working right now. Here are 5 top trends redefining content in July 2025—and how to use them to your advantage. 1. Generative AI as a Creative Partner 🤖 Generative AI has […]

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The content creation landscape is evolving faster than ever. From AI-powered storytelling to snackable video formats, staying ahead of the curve means knowing what’s working right now. Here are 5 top trends redefining content in July 2025—and how to use them to your advantage.

1. Generative AI as a Creative Partner 🤖

Generative AI has moved from experimental tool to core strategy. Content teams are using AI to brainstorm creative angles, automate repetitive tasks, and refine tone for different audience segments.
But AI is a co-pilot, not the pilot. As Hootsuite reports, 69% of marketers say AI “helps them create significantly more content than they could without it.”

Key Takeaway: Use AI to accelerate workflows—but always add a human touch before publishing.

2. Short-Form Video Drives Results

Short-form content dominates engagement. TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts consistently outperform other formats. According to Lifewire, short-form videos generate more than twice the engagement of long-form clips.

Key Takeaway: Build content for short-form first, then repurpose snippets into longer content or multi-channel campaigns.

3. Meme Marketing Goes Mainstream

Memes are now a staple in digital engagement. According to Forbes, meme-driven campaigns can drive 60% higher engagement compared to standard ad campaigns.

Key Takeaway: Use meme marketing to add relatability, but review and test them internally to ensure they fit your brand’s tone.

4. Employee-Generated Content Boosts Trust

Authenticity is king. Brands that showcase real team members—sharing day-in-the-life stories, client wins, or behind-the-scenes moments—are building stronger connections with their audience. TRIBE reports micro and nano creators (under ~50k followers) deliver the most loyal engagement.

Key Takeaway: Encourage employees to share authentic moments and highlight their content to build a relatable brand voice.

5. Optimizing for AI Search & Voice Assistants

Voice search and AI-powered answers are transforming the way audiences discover content. According to a recent Semrush report, optimizing content for tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Alexa falls under Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)—and it’s becoming just as crucial as SEO.

Key Takeaway: Structure your content with clear headings, FAQs, and bullet points to improve its chances of being pulled into AI-generated answers.

How to Put These Trends Into Action

  1. Treat AI as a helper, not a replacement. Use it to ideate and automate—but polish the final content manually. 
  2. Lead with short-form video. Build 15- to 60-second clips as primary assets, then repurpose into long-form content. 
  3. Leverage meme marketing carefully. Keep it fun and authentic without straying from your brand voice. 
  4. Empower your team. Encourage employees to create content that shows your culture. 
  5. Prepare for AI-driven discovery. Make your content easy for voice assistants and AI bots to reference by structuring key insights clearly. 

Final Thought

In 2025, success comes from blending speed, authenticity, and smart technology. By embracing these trends, brands can create content that resonates, converts, and stays ahead of digital shifts.

Ready to take your content to the next level? Get in touch with our team and let’s create strategies that keep you ahead of the trends.

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Why Large Corporations Should Give Smaller Agencies a Chance https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/why-large-corporations-should-give-smaller-agencies-a-chance/ Tue, 24 Jun 2025 15:26:54 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6829 In today’s competitive business landscape, large corporations often default to the same rotation of big-name New York advertising agencies. The perception is that these juggernauts bring unmatched talent, creativity, and prestige to the table. But here’s the truth: those large agencies don’t possess any special abilities that a smaller, agile firm like Mad Men Marketing […]

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In today’s competitive business landscape, large corporations often default to the same rotation of big-name New York advertising agencies. The perception is that these juggernauts bring unmatched talent, creativity, and prestige to the table. But here’s the truth: those large agencies don’t possess any special abilities that a smaller, agile firm like Mad Men Marketing can’t offer—often at greater value and with better results.

The Myth of Big Agency Superiority

Let’s dispel the myth. Large, well-known agencies are excellent at promoting themselves, but when it comes to delivering innovative, effective campaigns, their size can be a liability. With layers of bureaucracy, slow internal processes, and a tendency to prioritize awards over client ROI, many of these agencies sacrifice agility for appearances.

At Mad Men Marketing, we see firsthand how smaller agencies outperform “artsy-fartsy” giants by focusing on what truly matters: the client’s goals. We provide data-driven strategies, custom creative, and faster turnaround without the inflated price tag. Simply put, you don’t need a Fifth Avenue address to create award-worthy advertising that resonates.

The Hidden Costs of Big-Name Agencies

Working with massive New York agencies often means:

  • Higher costs for the same services. Large agencies pass along their bloated overhead to clients.
  • Slower timelines. What takes a boutique agency days can take a large agency weeks due to unnecessary red tape.
  • Overly conceptual creative. Big agencies sometimes prioritize flash over function, leaving you with beautiful ads that fail to convert.

By contrast, smaller agencies like Mad Men Marketing provide efficiency, clarity, and flexibility—qualities that make a real difference to your bottom line.

The Advantages of Working With a Smaller Agency

Large corporations that partner with smaller agencies often discover:

  • Personalized attention. You’re not just another account; you’re a priority.
  • More creative flexibility. Without corporate layers to slow things down, smaller agencies pivot faster and innovate more freely.
  • Cost efficiency. Your budget stretches further, often producing better ROI.
  • True collaboration. Smaller agencies work closely with clients, embracing feedback and fostering real partnerships.

At Mad Men Marketing, we combine big-agency experience with small-agency passion—without the ego, inefficiency, or excessive fees.

It’s Time to Rethink Your Advertising Partnerships

The next time your corporation seeks an agency partner, ask yourself: Are we paying for talent or just a logo? Are we getting innovative work, or are we funding an agency’s award submissions? There is immense value in breaking the cycle and giving smaller agencies a chance to prove themselves.

Mad Men Marketing is ready to deliver fresh thinking, measurable results, and the kind of service that big agencies simply can’t match.

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Why Mad Men Marketing Is Your Go-To Partner for Advertising on Fox One https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/why-mad-men-marketing-is-your-go-to-partner-for-advertising-on-fox-one/ Wed, 11 Jun 2025 20:09:59 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6819 Fox One Is Coming: Are You Ready for the Next Big Thing in Streaming TV? This Fall, Fox One is set to become the newest heavyweight in the streaming television landscape—bringing premium content, a built-in audience from the Fox brand, and a fresh advertising opportunity for brands ready to take advantage of it. At Mad […]

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Fox One Is Coming: Are You Ready for the Next Big Thing in Streaming TV?

This Fall, Fox One is set to become the newest heavyweight in the streaming television landscape—bringing premium content, a built-in audience from the Fox brand, and a fresh advertising opportunity for brands ready to take advantage of it.

At Mad Men Marketing, we’ve been ahead of the curve in streaming TV advertising for years. As Fox One rolls out in Fall 2025, we’re already helping businesses like yours craft effective, data-driven campaigns to dominate this new platform from day one.


Why Fox One Matters for Your Brand

Fox One isn’t just another streaming service. It’s backed by the trusted Fox network, known for hit shows, live sports, and a loyal viewer base. That means:

  • High viewer engagement

  • Target-rich environments for ads

  • Premium content inventory

  • Cross-platform reach (TV, mobile, desktop, and CTV apps)

With CTV (connected TV) ad spend expected to surpass $40 billion by the end of 2025, Fox One is arriving at exactly the right time for brands looking to scale.


Mad Men Marketing: Streaming TV Is in Our DNA

We don’t just “do streaming.” We live and breathe OTT/CTV advertising. When you work with Mad Men Marketing, you’re partnering with a team that:

  • Has hands-on experience with top-tier streaming platforms

  • Builds custom audience targeting strategies using first- and third-party data

  • Designs high-impact creative that fits the platform and the moment

  • Delivers full-funnel attribution so you know what’s working—and what’s not

And now, with Fox One entering the market, we’re unlocking new inventory and new possibilities for our clients across every vertical.


What Sets Us Apart?

✅ Early Access & Beta Opportunities
We stay ahead of the pack by cultivating direct relationships with streaming platforms—giving our clients first-mover advantages like early ad placement access and exclusive beta inventory on emerging platforms like Fox One.

✅ Hyperlocal & National Reach
Whether you’re a local business or a national brand, we fine-tune campaigns to reach your exact audience with granular geographic targeting and real-time campaign optimization.

✅ Transparent Results
Our proprietary dashboard gives you real-time reporting across devices, letting you measure true ROI—not just impressions.


Ready to Dominate Fox One? Let’s Talk.

The launch of Fox One marks a massive opportunity—but only for brands that move early and partner smart. At Mad Men Marketing, we’re already helping clients plan, buy, and optimize streaming campaigns for this exciting platform.

If you’re looking for a proven streaming TV advertising agency that understands how to make your brand shine on Fox One, you’re in the right place.

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3 Reasons Why CPM Isn’t Everything: Focus on Results in Digital Campaigns https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/3-reasons-why-cpm-isnt-everything-focus-on-results-in-digital-campaigns/ Sat, 07 Jun 2025 16:01:58 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6842 In digital advertising, CPM (Cost Per Mille, or cost per 1,000 impressions) is often treated as a key performance indicator. And sure, it can be useful. But here’s the truth: a low CPM doesn’t automatically mean your campaign is successful, and chasing cheaper impressions can distract you from what actually matters. The bottom line, though? […]

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In digital advertising, CPM (Cost Per Mille, or cost per 1,000 impressions) is often treated as a key performance indicator. And sure, it can be useful. But here’s the truth: a low CPM doesn’t automatically mean your campaign is successful, and chasing cheaper impressions can distract you from what actually matters. The bottom line, though? CPM isn’t everything.

We know that the real measure of a campaign’s success is tied to results, not just reach. Here’s why CPM shouldn’t be the star of your performance reports, and what to focus on instead.

1. A Low CPM Doesn’t Guarantee Engagement or Conversions

CPM tells you how much you’re paying to get your ad seen 1,000 times. But impressions don’t equal action. You could have a rock-bottom CPM and still have no clicks, leads, or sales.

Let’s say you pay $5 CPM and get 100,000 impressions for $500. If that results in zero conversions, what did that CPM really do for you?

✅ Instead, focus on these metrics:

  • CTR (Click-Through Rate): Are people actually engaging with your ad?
  • Conversion Rate: Are those clicks turning into purchases, signups, or inquiries?
  • Cost Per Result (CPR): How much are you paying for the outcomes that matter to your business?

Those numbers tell a much clearer story about whether your budget is being spent wisely.

2. Audience Quality Matters More Than Impressions

High impressions at a low cost can look great on paper, but if you’re not reaching the right audience, it’s wasted effort. A highly targeted audience may come with a higher CPM, but those impressions are much more likely to convert.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Campaign A Campaign B
$3 CPM, broad audience $9 CPM, highly targeted
100,000 impressions 30,000 impressions
5 conversions 40 conversions

Which one looks better now?

Targeting smarter—not cheaper—leads to higher ROI. For more on how digital targeting is evolving, check out this Think with Google article.

3. Campaign Objectives Drive Smarter Decisions

When you’re goal-focused, you build your campaign around what matters most. Whether it’s generating leads, driving website traffic, or boosting app downloads, your strategy should be guided by your objective, not your CPM.

Here’s how we help clients at Mad Men Marketing shift the focus:

  1. Define your primary goal (e.g., form submissions, e-commerce sales, store visits).
  2. Choose the right platform and format to support that goal.
  3. Use real-time analytics to optimize for performance, not just visibility.

Visit our Services page to see how we help brands build ROI-driven campaigns across digital platforms.

The Bottom Line

CPM is just one small piece of the puzzle. A great campaign isn’t built on how cheaply you can buy impressions;  it’s built on how effectively you can drive action. We don’t waste time chasing vanity metrics. We build campaigns that get results.

Want to rethink your digital strategy? Contact us to discuss how we can help you stop counting impressions and start making a lasting impression.

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5 Reasons to Hire an Ad Agency to Get the Most Out of AI Resources https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/5-reasons-to-hire-an-ad-agency-to-get-the-most-out-of-ai-resources/ Sat, 17 May 2025 13:25:28 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6809 Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. From data analysis to predictive algorithms, AI has the power to make your campaigns smarter and more effective. But here’s the truth: even the most advanced AI tools need human strategy and creativity to unlock their full potential. Here are 5 reasons to hire an ad agency […]

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Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the marketing landscape. From data analysis to predictive algorithms, AI has the power to make your campaigns smarter and more effective. But here’s the truth: even the most advanced AI tools need human strategy and creativity to unlock their full potential. Here are 5 reasons to hire an ad agency to get the most out of AI resources.

At Mad Men Marketing, we believe that combining AI’s precision with our team’s expertise and creativity is what sets great marketing apart. Here’s why hiring an ad agency is essential to make the most of your AI resources.

1. AI Alone Doesn’t Replace Human Strategy


AI can crunch the numbers and reveal important insights, but it doesn’t understand your brand’s unique voice or your audience’s emotional needs. That’s where an agency comes in. We take those insights and shape them into a campaign that truly resonates.

For instance, AI might show that your audience loves videos, but an agency can:

  1. Create video content that reflects your brand’s identity. 
  2. Ensure the content is tailored to your audience’s values and interests. 

This combination of data and human intuition is key to marketing success.

2. Experts Make AI Tools Work Harder for You


AI-powered resources—like automated ad bidding, predictive analytics, and AI-generated content—are powerful, but only if you know how to use them. That’s what sets an agency apart.

For example:

  1. Automated ad bidding (like Google Ads Smart Bidding) can adjust your bids in real-time to maximize ROI. 
  2. AI-driven audience segmentation can help your message reach exactly the right people at the right time. 

Want to learn more about how AI can elevate your campaigns? Check out this detailed overview by Forbes on the ways AI is transforming marketing.

3. You Get Access to Top-Tier Tools and Insights


When you work with Mad Men Marketing, you’re not just relying on a single AI platform—you’re getting the benefit of a full suite of cutting-edge resources and human expertise. We invest in the latest AI-powered tools, so you don’t have to.

Curious about the people behind the insights? Visit our Meet Our Team page to learn more about the creative minds shaping your campaigns.

4. Creativity Makes Your Brand Stand Out


AI can identify patterns, but it can’t create a story that moves people. At Mad Men Marketing, we blend data-driven insights with the creativity and empathy that only humans can provide. This approach ensures that your campaigns are not only effective but also engaging and memorable.

5. You Stay Ahead of the Competition


Marketing is always evolving, and AI is driving much of that change. An agency like Mad Men Marketing helps you stay on top of new trends and technologies. With us, you’ll always be one step ahead—ready to turn data into opportunities.

The Bottom Line


Working with an ad agency isn’t about replacing AI. It’s about making AI work smarter, faster, and more effectively for your brand. At Mad Men Marketing, we’ll:


✅ Use AI tools to amplify your reach.
✅ Craft campaigns that balance data with human creativity.
✅ Stay ahead in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

Want to see how we can help you harness the power of AI? Visit our Contact Us page to start the conversation.

Together, we’ll turn AI insights into marketing magic—one campaign at a time.

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Gym Advertising – It’s Time To Rethink It https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/gym-advertising-its-time-to-rethink-it/ Wed, 30 Apr 2025 07:43:07 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6731 Why Corporate Gym Advertising Needs A Massive Overhaul 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, […]

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Why Corporate Gym Advertising Needs A Massive Overhaul

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.

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5 Ways To Unfuck Your Marketing https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/5-ways-to-unfuck-your-marketing/ Wed, 23 Apr 2025 07:05:08 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6719 5 Ways to Unfuck Your Marketing & Advertising Marketing and advertising can make or break a business. Yet, so many companies continue to sabotage their own success by making avoidable mistakes—whether it’s chasing shiny new trends, skimping on their budget, or refusing to trust experts who actually know what they’re doing. If you’re serious about […]

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5 Ways to Unfuck Your Marketing & Advertising

Marketing and advertising can make or break a business. Yet, so many companies continue to sabotage their own success by making avoidable mistakes—whether it’s chasing shiny new trends, skimping on their budget, or refusing to trust experts who actually know what they’re doing.

If you’re serious about fixing your marketing and advertising, here are five brutally honest ways to unfuck it.

1. Know What You Know—And More Importantly, Know What You DON’T Know

Look, just because you watched a YouTube video on marketing doesn’t mean you’re a marketing expert. You wouldn’t build a house because you saw a tutorial on home construction, so why would you try to DIY your marketing and advertising?

There’s a reason successful businesses hire professionals. Strategic media placement, ad targeting, creative development, and branding all require expertise, experience, and data-driven decision-making.

If you don’t understand how to craft an effective marketing campaign, when and where to advertise, or how to build brand recognition—then defer to the experts. Winging it is not a strategy.

2. Stop Chasing Shiny New Trends Without a Strategy

Every year, some new marketing trend emerges that businesses feel obligated to jump on. Sometimes it’s TikTok. Sometimes it’s AI-generated content. Sometimes it’s influencer marketing.

Here’s the reality: Not every trend is right for your business.

Just because it’s possible to market your business on a new platform doesn’t mean it’s profitable or even relevant to your audience. Before you start throwing money at the next big thing, ask a professional if it makes sense for your business.

3. Stop Trying to Do Marketing on a Shoestring Budget

This might be tough to hear, but if you’re not budgeting properly for marketing and advertising, your business is already screwed.

Marketing is not an optional expense—it’s the engine that drives customer acquisition, brand awareness, and sales. If you only invest in marketing when sales are slow, you’re already too late.

Businesses fail not just because they lack sales, but because they are underfunded and unable to sustain growth. If you’re cutting corners in marketing, you’re crippling your business before it even has a chance to thrive.

Make marketing a priority. Budget for it. Plan for it. Invest in it. Every single month.

4. Build a Brand That Doesn’t Look Like a Cheap Afterthought

Branding is more than just a logo—it’s the identity of your business. And yet, so many companies treat it like an afterthought:

  • Using random fonts and colors with no consistency
  • Slapping together a logo from Fiverr that looks like it was made in 30 seconds
  • Using stock photos that don’t reflect your brand personality

Your brand should be intentional, cohesive, and professional. Every piece of your marketing—from your website to your business cards to your social media presence—should reflect the same high-quality, well-thought-out identity.

If your branding looks cheap, inconsistent, or amateurish, that’s exactly what your audience will assume about your business.

5. Stay in Your Lane (And Leave Your Ego at the Door)

Not everyone is cut out to be the face of their brand—and that’s okay.

Some business owners insist on starring in their own commercials, video ads, or social media content, even when they have zero charisma, terrible camera presence, and no ability to communicate their message effectively.

If you aren’t good on camera, don’t force it.

There are better ways to showcase your brand without making yourself the centerpiece. Let professionals handle the visuals, voiceovers, and ad creatives. Focus on running your business, not feeding your vanity.

Conclusion: Fix It Before It Fails

If your marketing isn’t working, it’s probably because you’re doing it wrong.

The good news? Mad Men Marketing is here to help. We cut through the bullshit, build real strategies that actually drive results, and help businesses stop wasting time and money on ineffective marketing.

Ready to unfuck your advertising? Contact Mad Men Marketing today and let’s do this the right way.

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Will a Green Screen Video Shoot Look Fake? https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/will-a-green-screen-shoot-look-fake/ Thu, 17 Apr 2025 20:49:52 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6772 Green screen (or chroma key) technology has come a long way since the early days of cheesy weather forecasts and sci-fi flicks with questionable production value. Today, it’s used everywhere—from Hollywood blockbusters to corporate explainers—and when done right, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between real and virtual. But one factor makes or breaks […]

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Green screen (or chroma key) technology has come a long way since the early days of cheesy weather forecasts and sci-fi flicks with questionable production value. Today, it’s used everywhere—from Hollywood blockbusters to corporate explainers—and when done right, it’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between real and virtual. But one factor makes or breaks that illusion more than anything else: lighting.

We hear this concern from time to time:
“Will a green screen video look fake?”
Our answer? Not if it’s lit correctly.

Why Lighting Is the Secret Sauce

Green screen magic doesn’t happen in post-production alone. It starts on set. Without properly matched lighting, your background might look pristine while your subject feels off—misplaced shadows, a weird glow, or a lighting mismatch that viewers subconsciously notice.

✅ The key to realism is this:
Your subject must be lit as if they’re in the environment you’re compositing into. If your digital backdrop features warm afternoon sunlight, you better believe your subject needs to be lit from that direction, with similar warmth and intensity. StudioBinder breaks this down with diagrams and lighting tips to help bridge the gap between virtual and believable.

3 Must-Know Tips for Realistic Green Screen Lighting

1. Even Lighting on the Screen

Uneven lighting causes hotspots and shadows—making it harder for software to key out the green cleanly.
👉 Use softboxes or LED panels with diffusion to get an even wash across the background. Litepanels offers a great breakdown on using soft, consistent lighting to avoid keying headaches.

2. Separate the Subject

Don’t glue your subject to the screen. Keep at least 4–6 feet of distance to reduce green spill (that ghostly green glow on skin and hair). Backlights or rim lights can help define edges and make the person pop.

3. Match the “Scene” Lighting

You need to match the lighting of the fake scene to your real subject. If your background is a bright beach, you’ll need to mimic high, natural sunlight. If it’s an office, softer and diffused lights may be better. Check out PremiumBeat’s practical guide on chroma key fundamentals to see this principle in action.

When Green Screen Goes Right

Think green screen always looks fake? Tell that to Disney+. The Mandalorian famously uses virtual sets and LED backgrounds combined with strategic lighting to create some of the most visually stunning environments on TV—without leaving the studio.

The takeaway? Lighting sells the scene.

Partner with Pros Who Know the Difference

At Mad Men Marketing, we bring a film-first mindset to every green screen shoot. Whether you’re creating digital ads, corporate videos, or social media content, we understand how to light, shoot, and composite with precision—so your final product feels seamless.

👋 Meet our team of video specialists, producers, and post pros.
📩 Have a green screen idea in mind? Contact us to get your next video project rolling.

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Discount Coupon Magazines Are Hot Trash https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/discount-coupon-magazines-are-hot-trash/ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 07:42:19 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6716 Why Print-Based Coupon Magazines Are a Complete Waste of Your Advertising Budget 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 […]

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Why Print-Based Coupon Magazines Are a Complete Waste of Your Advertising Budget

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.

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Lawyers’ Love Affair With Billboards https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/lawyers-love-affair-with-billboards/ Wed, 09 Apr 2025 07:03:17 +0000 https://www.madmenmarketinginc.com/?p=6714 Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Love Billboards? And Why They Should Rethink Their Strategy 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 […]

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Why Do Personal Injury Lawyers Love Billboards? And Why They Should Rethink Their Strategy

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.

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