In May 2024, hundreds of feet in the air, a 45-foot image of influencer, author and celebrity chef Molly Baz holding lactation cookies over her breasts ascended in New York City’s Times Square. The ad was accompanied by three words: “Just add milk.” But it wasn’t long before the image—an ad for Swehl, the brand on a mission to give women better resources throughout pregnancy, postpartum and beyond—was flagged and removed. Despite the ad later being reinstated, the backlash to the censorship led to even more advocacy and reach than if their original billboard maintained its full run. The would-be crisis became a PR triumph.
Learning Lab
Develop a Marketing Plan
You’re going to need a marketing plan so you can get there. If you build it, they won’t necessarily come. In today’s market, it’s hard enough to set up shop and start peddling your wares. Two of the biggest mistakes business owners, particularly new ones, can make are...
4 Strategies for Early Holiday Shopping Season Prep
Early preparation for the holiday shopping season helps small businesses boost sales, overcome challenges, and stay competitive during the most critical sales period of the year.
What You Need to Know About Local SEO
Local SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is the process of optimizing a website or online presence to increase its visibility in local search results on search engines like Google. It's particularly important for businesses that operate in a specific geographic area,...
Considerations for Marketing During a Presidential Election Year
During a presidential election year, local businesses need to be mindful of the unique dynamics that can influence consumer behavior and marketing effectiveness. Here are key considerations: 1. Heightened Media Noise Increased Competition for Attention: The media...
All About Google Business Profile
One powerful tool that local businesses can leverage is the Google Business Profile. Formerly known as Google My Business, this free platform offers a range of benefits designed to enhance visibility, attract customers, and foster engagement. What is a Google Business...
SEO Changes: A Guide for Richmond Businesses
Keeping up with SEO is crucial because this world is moving fast. Recently, Google has made several changes that have made SEO different but still very important. Because of those changes, here’s an overview of what Richmond businesses need to know to stay ahead. The...
How to Use ChatGPT for Small Business
By now, everyone has heard of ChatGPT and how it will either drive everyone out of work or make their work-life balance easier and more fulfilling. Seemingly overnight, a cottage industry has sprung up around ChatGPT and similar chatbots. On the back of...
3 Ways Small Businesses Can Harness Customer Data
In the competitive landscape of small businesses, understanding your customers is key to success. By analyzing customer data effectively, you can uncover valuable insights that drive growth and foster lasting relationships. Here are three powerful ways small...
6 Rules for Persuasive Storytelling
from the Nielsen Norman Group, written by Rachel Krause, April 28, 2019 Summary: Stories build empathy and make the user needs and pain points memorable to your team. Effective stories speak the language of the audience, are rooted in data, and take...