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:

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.

The post 3 Reasons Why CPM Isn’t Everything: Focus on Results in Digital Campaigns appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

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.

The post 5 Reasons to Hire an Ad Agency to Get the Most Out of AI Resources appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

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.

The post Will a Green Screen Video Shoot Look Fake? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

In the past decade, the way people consume television has changed dramatically. Gone are the days of rigid cable schedules and bulky satellite dishes. Instead, streaming TV has taken center stage, offering viewers the ability to watch their favorite content anytime, anywhere. But what exactly is streaming TV, and why should businesses pay attention to it? At Mad Men Marketing, we believe in staying ahead of the curve when it comes to media trends. Let’s break it down.

Understanding Streaming TV

Streaming TV, also known as Over-the-Top (OTT) television, refers to content that is delivered via the internet rather than traditional cable or satellite services. Platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV allow users to stream live television channels, including news, sports, and entertainment, without requiring a traditional cable subscription.

Types of Streaming TV

Streaming TV can be divided into three main categories:

1. Live Channel Streaming Services – These platforms, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV, provide access to live broadcast channels over the internet, often with cloud DVR capabilities for recording shows.
2. Subscription-Based On-Demand Services (SVOD) – Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max allow users to access a library of content on demand for a monthly fee but typically do not include live channels.
3. Ad-Supported Streaming (AVOD & FAST) – Free, ad-supported streaming services like Pluto TV, Tubi, and Freevee offer live and on-demand content at no cost to viewers, funded by advertisements. FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) platforms provide live TV experiences similar to traditional cable but without the subscription fees.

Why Live Streaming TV Matters for Advertisers

The rise of live streaming TV has created new opportunities for brands to reach audiences in a more engaging and measurable way. Here’s why businesses should take notice:

• Highly Targeted Advertising – Unlike traditional TV ads, live streaming platforms allow advertisers to target audiences based on demographics, interests, and viewing behavior.
• Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) – Live streaming services use DAI technology to serve targeted ads in real time, maximizing relevance and engagement.
• Cross-Device Accessibility – Live streaming content is accessible on smart TVs, mobile devices, tablets, and computers, giving brands more touchpoints to reach their audience.
• Measurable Performance – Digital ad placements in live streaming TV offer real-time metrics on impressions, engagement, and conversions, allowing for data-driven ad strategies.

The Future of Live Streaming TV

With more households cutting the cord and opting for internet-based live TV services, the industry is only expected to grow. The rise of FAST platforms and hybrid subscription models means advertisers have more opportunities to engage with audiences in real time.

For businesses looking to expand their digital marketing strategy, live streaming TV advertising presents an opportunity to reach audiences in a way that is immersive, targeted, and highly effective. Whether through FAST platforms, live TV streaming services, or hybrid models, brands can craft engaging campaigns that align with modern viewing habits.

At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in helping brands navigate the evolving media landscape. If you’re ready to explore live streaming TV advertising, let’s talk! Reach out to us today to craft a strategy that puts your brand in front of the right audience at the right time.

The post What is Streaming TV? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Ad fatigue arises when users repeatedly see the same creative and begin to overlook it. When this happens, performance can decline, and costs often escalate.

• Frequency Awareness: Most social platforms provide frequency metrics to indicate how many times each user sees a specific ad. Performance tends to drop once this metric exceeds certain levels.
• Rotational Approach: Rotating various ad creatives helps keep content fresh and engaging, leading to improved long-term impact.

Practical Tip: Launch campaigns with at least three or four distinct ad variations to maintain audience interest and minimize the risk of burnout.

2. Enabling Effective Testing and Optimization

Multiple ad creatives allow for more robust testing to discover which elements resonate best with the intended audience. These data-driven insights foster continual improvement.

• A/B and Multivariate Testing: Testing different headlines, visuals, and calls to action provides clarity on the specific combinations that lead to higher engagement or conversions.
• Ongoing Refinement: Once the most successful variations are identified, redirect budgets toward those creatives while refining or removing weaker performers.

Practical Tip: Employ a structured testing framework. Launch two to three creatives for each audience subset, measure performance (e.g., CPC, CTR, conversion rate), and refine the campaign according to the results.

3. Connecting with Diverse Audience Segments

Target audiences can exhibit a wide range of interests, pain points, and preferences—even when they share a core demographic profile. Multiple creatives help address these differences more precisely.

• Personalized Messaging: Ads that mirror specific audience challenges or aspirations stand out in busy news feeds.
• Regional Adaptations: Cultural and regional nuances may call for distinct imagery or references to resonate more effectively.
• Persona-Focused Strategies: In-depth personas clarify each segment’s motivations, enabling more targeted ad copy and visuals.

Practical Tip: Create at least one or two unique creatives per persona or audience subset. Align visuals and messaging with the values and lifestyles that each group holds.

4. Showcasing Variety While Upholding Brand Identity

A common concern is that multiple variations might dilute a brand’s image. Adhering to established brand elements ensures consistency, even with diverse creative approaches.

• Unified Design Elements: Consistent brand colors, fonts, and logos help maintain a cohesive style.
• Varied Formats: Introduce different formats—such as short videos, carousels, static images, or user-generated content—to cater to diverse viewer preferences.
• Reusing Winning Assets: High-performing visuals or videos can be repurposed with fresh headlines and captions to extend their lifecycle while keeping content engaging.

Practical Tip: Craft a detailed brand style guide and distribute it to team members. Encourage creative experimentation within brand guidelines for a balance of consistency and variety.

5. Allocating Budget for Multiple Ad Creatives

While producing multiple variations can demand a higher initial investment, it often results in stronger long-term performance and returns on ad spend.

• Dedicated Testing Budget: Setting aside 10–20% of the advertising budget for testing enables efficient identification of the most effective creatives.
• Scaling Up Winners: Once top performers are found, allocate additional resources to those creatives and refine or pause underperforming ones.

Practical Tip: Begin with a modest but diverse pool of creatives, analyze performance indicators closely, and increase spending on ads that yield the best results.

6. Identifying the Sweet Spot

Although a fixed number of creatives does not apply to every scenario, the following suggestions can guide campaign planning:

• Three to Four Variations per Segment: This range generally provides enough diversity to combat ad fatigue and gather actionable insights.
• At Least Two Formats: Incorporating both static images and videos can capture broader audience attention and encourage higher engagement.

Just as offering different menu items at a dinner party ensures every guest finds something to enjoy, providing multiple ad creatives caters to a wider range of user preferences. Consistent updates, strategic testing, and data-driven optimization can help ensure each campaign remains relevant and cost-effective.

Conclusion

Variety in social media advertising is more than a recommendation—it is a proven path to better engagement, reduced ad fatigue, and deeper audience insights. Mad Men Marketing’s approach underscores the importance of using multiple creatives to stay competitive in an increasingly crowded digital marketplace. By developing diverse ads, regularly testing performance, and refining campaigns based on data, brands can maximize their impact across platforms.

Ready to elevate your social media campaigns with high-performing ad creatives?
Contact us to discuss customized strategies for reaching and engaging your target audience.

The post How Many Ad Creatives Are Needed for a Successful Social Media Campaign? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Facebook

Owned by Meta, Facebook remains a powerhouse in social media advertising due to its extensive user base and advanced targeting options. With over 2.8 billion monthly active users, it offers a vast audience for advertisers. Facebook Ads Manager allows you to target users based on demographics, interests, behaviors, and even life events. Additionally, Facebook’s retargeting options help you reach users who have previously interacted with your website or content, enhancing your chances of conversion and further optimizing your funnel.

Instagram

Also part of the Meta family, Instagram has become a favorite for brands looking to engage with a younger, visually-driven audience. With features like Stories, Reels, and Shopping, Instagram provides diverse advertising formats to showcase your products or services. The platform’s emphasis on visual content makes it ideal for brands in the fashion, beauty, food, and lifestyle industries. Even more, Instagram’s integration with Facebook Ads Manager ensures seamless ad campaign management.

LinkedIn

For B2B companies, LinkedIn is an invaluable platform. With over 774 million professionals, LinkedIn allows you to target ads based on job titles, industries, company size, and more. Sponsored Content, InMail, and Text Ads are popular ad formats on LinkedIn that can help you reach decision-makers and professionals in your target market. It’s an excellent platform for generating leads, building brand authority, and driving traffic to your website while targeting large groups of professionals with ease.

X (formerly Twitter)

X’s fast-paced environment is perfect for real-time engagement and brand visibility. With over 330 million monthly active users, X allows you to join conversations, promote your content, and engage with your audience through Promoted Tweets, Promoted Accounts, and Promoted Trends. It’s particularly effective for brands looking to capitalize on trending topics and engage with a highly interactive audience.

TikTok

TikTok has taken the social media world by storm with its short-form, engaging video content. With over 1 billion active users, TikTok is an excellent platform for reaching even younger demographics than Instagram. TikTok Ads offer various formats, including In-Feed Ads, Branded Hashtag Challenges, and Branded Effects, allowing brands to create authentic and viral content. If your brand can tap into creative and trendy content, TikTok can significantly boost your brand awareness with demographics that are otherwise suspicious of overly corporate content.

Pinterest

Pinterest is a visual discovery platform ideal for brands in the home decor, fashion, beauty, and DIY industries. With over 459 million monthly active users, Pinterest Ads can drive significant traffic to your website and increase sales. Promoted Pins, Video Pins, and Shopping Ads are effective formats for showcasing your products and inspiring potential customers. Pinterest’s unique search-based advertising can help you reach users who are actively looking for ideas, inspiration, and creative solutions.

YouTube

YouTube is the second largest search engine in the world, making it a powerful platform for video advertising. With over 2 billion logged-in monthly users, YouTube offers a massive audience for your ads. YouTube Ads come in various formats, including Skippable and Non-Skippable Video Ads, Bumper Ads, and Sponsored Cards, providing flexibility in how you present your content. Video ads can be targeted based on demographics, interests, and even specific YouTube channels or videos, allowing for highly precise audience targeting. YouTube is especially effective for building brand awareness and showcasing detailed product demonstrations or tutorials.

Which Platform is Right for You?

The best social media platform for advertising depends on your business goals, target audience, and industry. At Mad Men Marketing, we help you develop a tailored social media strategy that aligns with your objectives and leverages the strengths of each platform.

Ready to Elevate Your Social Media Advertising?

Partner with Mad Men Marketing and let us craft a comprehensive social media advertising strategy that drives results. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help your brand shine in the digital space.

The post What Social Media Platforms Are the Best to Advertise On? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Why Choose Amazon for Video Advertising?

Amazon isn’t just an e-commerce giant; it’s a massive advertising platform with a wealth of data that can help you target your ideal audience and enhance your funnel. Video ads on Amazon are highly effective because they appear across multiple touchpoints, including search results, product detail pages, and even on Amazon devices like Fire TV and a multitude of streaming platforms. This multi-faceted approach allows you to reach customers at various stages of their shopping journey.

Step 1: Set Up Your Amazon Advertising Account

Before you can start placing ads, you need to set up an Amazon Advertising account. If you already sell products on Amazon, you likely have access to this through your Seller Central or Vendor Central account. If not, you can create an account directly on the Amazon Advertising website.

1. Visit advertising.amazon.com.
2. Click on “Register” and follow the steps to create your account.
3. Fill in your business information, verify your account, and you’re good to go.

Step 2: Understand the Types of Video Ads Available

Amazon offers several types of video ads, each designed to serve different marketing objectives:

• Sponsored Brands Video: These appear in shopping results and are ideal for driving traffic to your product pages.
• OTT (Over-the-Top) Video Ads: These ads are displayed on streaming platforms, such as Fire TV, reaching viewers while they watch shows or movies.
• Amazon DSP (Demand Side Platform) Video Ads: These allow you to programmatically buy video ads across Amazon-owned properties and third-party websites. For now, a very select group of companies with large ad spends have access to the DSP. You can also get access, but you have to give the company providing access a percentage of ad spend. There is also a business background check involved. If you’re a small business or a single individual, this is likely not the path you’ll take.

Understanding which ad format suits your business goals is crucial for maximizing your ROI.

Step 3: Create Compelling Video Content

Your video content is the heart of your ad. To capture attention, your video should be engaging, concise, and tailored to your audience. Here are some tips:

• Keep it Short and Sweet: Amazon recommends keeping videos between 15 to 30 seconds long.
• Grab Attention Early: Hook viewers within the first few seconds with a strong visual or message.
• Highlight the Product: Make sure your product is front and center. Show it in use, highlight key features, and include a clear call to action.

Step 4: Set Up Your Campaign

Once your video is ready, it’s time to set up your campaign. Here’s how:

1. Choose the Right Ad Type: Go to your Amazon Advertising account, click on “Create Campaign,” and select the type of video ad you want to run.
2. Define Your Audience: Amazon allows you to target based on demographics, interests, purchasing behaviors, and more. Use this data to narrow down your audience.
3. Set Your Budget and Bids: Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your campaign. Amazon’s bidding system will allow you to set a daily budget and bid per click or impression.
4. Upload Your Video: Ensure your video meets Amazon’s specifications. For Sponsored Brands Video, the recommended aspect ratio is 16:9, and the maximum file size is 500MB.
5. Launch and Monitor: Once your campaign is live, regularly monitor its performance. Use Amazon’s reporting tools to track metrics like views, clicks, and conversions.

Step 5: Optimize Your Video Ads

Successful advertising on Amazon doesn’t stop at launch. To get the best results, you need to continuously optimize your ads. Here’s how:

• A/B Testing: Test different versions of your video to see which performs best.
• Refine Targeting: Use performance data to tweak your audience targeting.
• Adjust Bids: Increase bids on high-performing placements and reduce them on underperforming ones.
• Monitor ROI: Keep an eye on your return on ad spend (ROAS) to ensure your campaign is profitable.

Conclusion

Advertising on Amazon with video can be a game-changer for your brand, driving increased visibility and sales. By following these steps, you can effectively create, launch, and optimize your video ads, reaching the right audience at the right time. At Mad Men Marketing, we specialize in helping brands navigate the complexities of digital advertising platforms like Amazon. Ready to take your video ads to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about our tailored advertising solutions.

The post Placing Amazon Video Ads: A Step-by-Step Guide appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

Understand the Basics of Lighting

Before diving into specific techniques, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals of lighting:

• Intensity: The brightness of the light.
• Color Temperature: Measured in Kelvin (K), this describes the color of the light. Daylight with a clear sky is between 5000K-6500K, while tungsten lights are around 2500K-3500K.
• Direction: The angle at which light hits your subject affects shadows and highlights.
• Quality: Refers to how hard or soft the light is. Hard light creates sharp shadows, while soft light produces a gentle transition between light and shadow.

Use Three-Point Lighting

Three-point lighting is a standard method used in video and photo production. It involves three primary light sources:

• Key Light: The main light that shines directly on the subject, providing most of the illumination and defining the subject’s shape.
• Fill Light: A secondary light placed opposite the key light to fill in shadows created by the key light, ensuring the subject is evenly lit.
• Back Light (or Rim Light): Placed behind the subject, this light helps to separate the subject from the background, adding depth and dimension.

Choose the Right Equipment

Selecting the appropriate lighting equipment is crucial:

• LED Lights: Energy-efficient and versatile, LEDs allow you to adjust both intensity and color temperature.
• Softboxes: These diffuse light, creating a soft, even illumination that’s ideal for reducing harsh shadows.
• Reflectors: Use these to bounce light onto your subject, filling in shadows without the need for additional light sources.
• Light Stands and Clamps: Ensure your lights are securely positioned and easily adjustable.

Positioning Your Lights

Proper positioning of your lights is key to achieving the desired effect:

• Key Light: Position it at a 45-degree angle to the subject’s front and above eye level to create natural-looking shadows.
• Fill Light: Place it opposite the key light, at about the same height, but at a lower intensity to avoid creating competing shadows.
• Back Light: Set it up behind the subject, elevated, and angled towards their back. This light should be subtle but enough to outline the subject.

Control Your Environment

The environment in which you’re shooting also plays a significant role:

• Background: Choose a background that complements your subject. Keep it simple to avoid distractions.
• Ambient Light: Be aware of ambient light sources such as windows. To maintain control over your lighting setup, you might need to block or diffuse natural light.
• Color and Reflective Surfaces: Consider the colors and surfaces in your shooting area. Bright or reflective surfaces can bounce light unpredictably, affecting your setup.

Adjusting for Different Subjects

Different subjects require different lighting approaches:

• People: Soft, even lighting is generally more flattering. Use softboxes or umbrellas to diffuse the light.
• Products: Highlight the product’s features with harder light to create defined shadows and emphasize textures.
• Large Objects: Ensure even lighting across the entire object. To achieve this, you may need multiple key and fill lights.

Test and Adjust

Always test your setup before the actual shoot:

• Take Test Shots: Capture test images or footage and review them to check for unwanted shadows, hot spots, or color imbalances.
• Make Adjustments: Don’t be afraid to move lights, adjust intensity, or add diffusion materials until you achieve the desired look.

Proper lighting is an art that requires practice and experimentation. By understanding the basics, using the right equipment, and carefully positioning your lights, you can create visually stunning content that beautifully highlights your subject. Remember, the key to mastering lighting is to keep testing and adjusting until you achieve the perfect shot. Happy shooting!

Ready to take your video and photo production to the next level? Contact us today to learn more about how our expert team can help you create stunning visuals for your brand!

The post How to Properly Light a Stationary Subject for Video and Photo Production appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

1. Understand Your Sales Funnel

Start by analyzing your sales funnel to understand how customers discover your business and make purchase decisions. This insight will help you identify which stages of the funnel require more investment to optimize the customer journey from awareness to conversion.

2. Set Clear Marketing Objectives

Define what you want to achieve with your marketing efforts. Are you looking to increase brand awareness, boost sales, or enter a new market? Your objectives should be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

3. Analyze Past Marketing Performance

If you’ve run marketing campaigns in the past, assess their performance to determine what worked and what didn’t. This analysis can help you allocate your budget more effectively, ensuring better returns on investment.

4. Consider Your Industry Benchmarks

Research what similar businesses in your industry are spending on marketing. While it’s not necessary to match your competitors dollar for dollar, understanding industry benchmarks can provide a helpful context for your budgeting decisions.

5. Choose Your Marketing Channels Wisely

Different marketing channels offer varying returns on investment. Consider your target audience, marketing objectives, and past performance data to select channels that will offer the best ROI for your business.

6. Allocate Your Budget Across Channels

Divide your marketing budget across chosen channels based on their expected performance and your business priorities. Be flexible and willing to adjust your allocations as you monitor campaign performance and market conditions.

7. Monitor, Measure, and Adjust

Review your marketing activities’ performance against your objectives regularly. Be prepared to reallocate funds from underperforming channels to those delivering better results.

8. Factor in Operational Costs

Remember to account for operational costs related to marketing, such as software subscriptions, agency fees, and employee salaries. These costs should be a part of your overall marketing budget to avoid underestimation.

Establishing Your Marketing Budget

A rule of thumb is to allocate a percentage of your gross revenue to marketing. New businesses might spend between 12% to 20% of their gross revenue on marketing, while established businesses might allocate between 6% to 12%. However, the right percentage depends on your industry, size, and growth stage.

Determining the right marketing budget for your business involves a blend of strategic planning, industry insight, and ongoing evaluation. By following these steps, you can create a marketing budget that supports your business goals and maximizes your return on investment.

Done all that? Now what?!

Once you’ve done all of that, it’s time to put your newly minted budget to work! Reach out to our full-service ad agency, and let us help you craft the killer campaigns & strategies you and your business deserve. 

With our knowledge of and experience with crafting impactful marketing strategies that drive results, we can help you optimize your marketing spend in order to get the ROI you need. Contact us today at 904-355-1766.

The post How to Determine a Marketing Budget for Your Business appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.

But what exactly is a hype video, and how can it help in selling your product or service? Let’s dig in!

The Power of Hype Videos in Marketing

Hype videos are short, dynamic videos designed to generate excitement and anticipation for a product or service. They are more than just advertisements; they are a storytelling medium that combines interesting visuals, compelling narratives, and, often, an emotive soundtrack to create a buzz around the offer being presented.

1. Creating an Emotional Connection

As emotional beings, we often make purchasing decisions based on how a product or service makes us feel. A well-crafted hype video taps into these emotions, creating a connection between the brand and the audience. Whether through excitement, joy, inspiration, or even nostalgia, an effective hype video speaks directly to the hearts of its viewers.

2. Showcasing Your Product in Action

Hype videos provide the perfect platform to showcase your product or service in action. Unlike static images or text, a video can demonstrate the functionality, features, and benefits of what you’re offering in a dynamic and engaging way. This not only informs potential customers but also helps in building trust & authenticity.

3. Increasing Brand Visibility and Reach

In the age of social media, engaging, shareable content is king. Hype videos, with their high-energy and engaging content, are more likely to be shared across social platforms, thereby increasing your brand’s visibility, awareness, and organic reach. A viral hype video can put your product in front of millions of potential customers with minimal cost to yourself and your business.

4. Standing Out from the Competition

In a crowded market, differentiation is key. A creative and well-produced hype video can set your product or service apart from your competitors, allowing for an opportunity to highlight what makes your offering unique and why it’s the best choice for your customers.

5. Driving Action and Conversion

The ultimate goal of any marketing effort is to drive action – be it visits to your website, inquiries about your service, or direct sales. A compelling hype video not only raises awareness but also encourages viewers to take the next step. By including a clear call to action, your hype video can significantly increase conversion rates in ways that are interactive and not intrusive.

Conclusion

A hype video is a powerful tool in your marketing arsenal. It can create emotional connections, showcase your product, enhance brand visibility, differentiate you from competitors, and drive conversions. In a digital world where attention is the most valuable currency, a well-made hype video can be just what you need to elevate your product or service above the noise.

Remember, the key to a successful hype video is understanding your audience, crafting a compelling narrative, and maintaining high production quality. With these elements in place, your hype video can be an influential factor in boosting your sales and growing your brand.

Want to get HYPED? Give us a call at 904-355-1766 or contact us today!

The post How Can a Hype Video Help You Sell Your Product or Service? appeared first on Mad Men Marketing.