This week at Zoek, we've got our eyes on a diverse mix of stories that show just how eclectic and fast-changing marketing can be. From the digital highways of Amazon and Hyundai's groundbreaking partnership to the retro vibes of Chili's and Boyz II Men, we're seeing brands rev up their engines in creative and unexpected ways. It's not just about partnerships, though. We're also diving into how companies like IBM are making bold moves to align their advertising with their values, reflecting a growing trend in the industry where ethics and marketing intersect.
Smart Cars and Smarter Shopping with Hyundai on Amazon
Amazon and Hyundai are striking a first-of-its-kind deal, shifting the gears of online shopping into a whole new lane. Picture this: in 2024, you'll be clicking 'Add to Cart' on not only some new books you've had your eye on, but your next car. That's right- Amazon and Hyundai are partnering up to offer an even easier way to search for a custom car near you.
Hyundai is also diving deep into the tech world with Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its go-to for cloud computing. They're aiming to be a data-driven powerhouse, with AWS's tech helping to streamline production, beef up security, and innovate in connected vehicle tech. Hyundai engineers are even getting special AWS training to stay ahead of the curve.
And for the tech-savvy driver, Hyundai's future cars will come with Alexa Built-in from 2025. Imagine having your home's Alexa in your car, helping you with everything from traffic updates to controlling your smart home devices. Hyundai aims to bring the convenience of your living room right into the driver's seat.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3R3Uf5a
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Threads Rolls Out New Privacy Toggle for Facebook and Instagram Sharing
Meta is introducing a new feature that lets you choose if your Threads posts appear on Facebook and Instagram. This update is part of a larger push to get more eyes on Threads by showcasing posts on its bigger platforms. It uses Meta's massive reach to boost Threads, but not everyone was on board with this.
Why? Some folks weren't too keen on their Facebook and Instagram friends stumbling upon their Threads posts. After all, we all have stuff we'd rather keep to ourselves or just not mix with our other social media lives. Meta heard this loud and clear and started testing an opt-out button earlier in the month. Now, it's here in the app's latest update. This means your Threads posts can stay put, with no unexpected guest appearances on your other feeds.
Meta's still keen on promoting Threads across its network, and many might not even use this new feature. But for those who value their social media boundaries, this toggle is a game changer. You'll find it in the "Privacy" section if you're using the latest Threads version.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3MPVcvg
Small Business Struggles Amid Inflation and Labor Challenges
Small business owners are navigating a tough economic climate, as reflected in the recent National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) survey. The NFIB's Optimism Index in October showed a slight drop to 90.7 points, continuing a trend below the 50-year average of 98. This decline underscores the challenges small businesses are facing, particularly with inflation and labor issues, which are causing a dampened outlook for the rest of the year.
The impact of these economic struggles is evident in various areas. About 22% of small business owners identified inflation as their main concern. Additionally, hiring remains a significant hurdle, with a significant portion of owners finding it hard to fill job openings. To address this, many plan to increase compensation, but this comes amid decreasing sales and profits, creating a complex financial landscape for these businesses.
These challenges are shaping how small business owners approach their operations. Many are cautious about expanding their inventories due to high labor and energy costs. On the bright side, there's a push towards creating new jobs and investing in business growth, despite the tough economic environment. This resilience is a testament to the determination of small businesses to adapt and survive in challenging times.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/47iCbd4
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Chili's and Boyz II Men Spice Up Nostalgia with TikTok Twist
Chili's is stirring up some serious '90s nostalgia by teaming up with Boyz II Men to bring back its iconic Baby Back Ribs jingle. The Grammy-winning group is lending their voices to the Chili’s classic, inviting fans to duet the jingle on the platform and adding a modern social media flair to this blast from the past.
The nostalgia doesn't stop there. Chili's is going all out with limited-edition merchandise, including a vinyl recording of the Boyz II Men cover and a '90s-styled tour T-shirt featuring the group. This marketing move cleverly ties in the jingle’s history with Boyz II Men's own '90s fame, especially since their album “Evolution” and the original jingle both hit the scene around the same time. There was even a past misconception that Boyz II Men originally sang the Chili’s tune, and now, that myth has become reality in a harmonious blend of history and present-day trends.
Chili’s marketing strategy clearly has its sights on Gen Z, aiming to reel them in with a mix of TikTok engagement and a hint of '90s charm. This approach reflects a broader trend where brands are tapping into nostalgia, combining it with modern marketing channels to appeal to both older generations who remember the original and younger crowds who love to discover retro cool.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3MQaz6Z
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A Fresh Marketing Approach for Bud Light
Anheuser-Busch InBev, the parent company of Bud Light, is facing a major shift in its U.S. marketing strategy. Benoit Garbe, the chief marketing officer, is set to leave by the end of the year after a challenging period marked by controversial marketing choices and declining sales. The company has announced that Kyle Norrington, currently the chief commercial officer, will take over the marketing responsibilities, including brand plans and portfolio strategy.
The departure comes after a significant backlash against Bud Light's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. This collaboration was part of a broader attempt to rebrand Bud Light, moving away from its traditional image. However, the campaign faced criticism, leading to a boycott that significantly impacted sales. Anheuser-Busch has reported a sharp 13.5% decline in U.S. revenue in the third quarter, with Bud Light sales particularly affected.
Despite these challenges, Anheuser-Busch is optimistic about rejuvenating Bud Light's image and regaining customer loyalty. Recent internal polls indicate that 40% of former Bud Light drinkers are open to returning to the brand. This change in leadership marks a new chapter for Anheuser-Busch as it navigates through a crucial period of transformation and recovery.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/3umIxd7
IBM Pauses Ads on X Amid Antisemitic Content Concerns
IBM has taken a decisive step by pausing its advertising on the platform X, previously known as Twitter, following a disturbing report. The report, conducted by Media Matters for America, uncovered that IBM's advertisements were being displayed next to antisemitic content. This discovery led to immediate action from IBM, aligning with its firm stance against hate speech and discrimination.
X, under the leadership of CEO Linda Yaccarino, is in the midst of a delicate balance. The platform aims to attract and retain advertisers, especially after Elon Musk's acquisition led to a pause in several advertising campaigns. However, this task has been complicated by an increase in controversial content. In response to the concerns raised, X has assured that the accounts responsible for the hateful content will no longer be able to monetize, and such content will be labeled as not safe for work, thereby limiting its exposure.
A group of 163 Jewish leaders, under the initiative X Out Hate, has urged major companies to withdraw their ad spend from X and for app stores to remove X, citing the platform's failure to adequately address the surge in antisemitic content and the consequent danger to the Jewish community. This development marks a critical juncture for X as it confronts content regulation challenges and the need for responsible leadership.
Read the original article here: https://bit.ly/47FUdpJ
Key Takeaways
This week's marketing mixtape brings to light the diverse strategies and bold steps businesses are taking in today's challenging environment. One key insight is the adaptability of businesses, especially small ones, in the face of economic headwinds. The NFIB survey shows us that despite struggles with inflation and labor, small businesses are determined to push through, highlighting the importance of resilience in uncertain times.
Another major takeaway is the evolving nature of brand partnerships and marketing approaches. Hyundai's collaboration with Amazon, for instance, redefines what's possible in e-commerce, while Chili's throwback campaign with Boyz II Men taps into nostalgia to engage with both new and existing audiences. Meanwhile, IBM's decision to pause advertising on X in response to antisemitic content signals a growing trend where brands are increasingly prioritizing ethical considerations in their marketing decisions.