Most businesses are active on social media. But ask yourself this: do you really know what’s working? Are your posts bringing in the right people?

A social media audit can help answer these questions for you. It gives you a clear view of your current performance, identify what needs fixing, and shows you what’s already doing well.

What is a Social Media Audit?

A social media audit is a detailed review of your business’s social profiles and performance. It answers questions like:

• Where are you posting?
• Who’s engaging?
• What kind of content gets results?
• Are you using your time and budget in the right places?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s more than counting likes or followers. A good audit connects your social efforts to business goals, like lead generation or brand awareness.

At MARION, we recommend doing a quick audit once a quarter, and a deeper review before launching new campaigns or changing your content strategy.

What You’ll Learn from a Social Media Audit

A social audit can tell you a lot more than you think. Here are some of the big takeaways:

Which Platforms Are Worth Your Time

Not every social platform delivers the same value. You might be putting effort into Instagram, but all your leads are coming from LinkedIn. Or you may find that X (Twitter) gets plenty of impressions but zero clicks. An audit helps you zero in on where your time and content are actually paying off.

What Content Performs Best (and Worst)

Not all posts are created equal. An audit helps you pinpoint which content types (videos, graphics, links, or simple text) resonate most with your audience. You’ll also see what’s underperforming, so you can stop wasting time on formats that fall flat.

Example: A local contractor may find that project before-and-after images outperform every other post type. That’s a sign to post more of them!

Who’s Engaging with Your Brand

Knowing your audience is key. With the right audit tools, you’ll uncover valuable insights about who’s liking, sharing, and commenting on your posts (their age, location, interests, and more). This lets you tailor content more effectively.

Where Your Followers Are Coming From

When someone clicks through to your site from a social post, that’s momentum you want to understand and build on. Are they coming from boosted posts, organic shares, or maybe even your profile links?

With this data in hand, you can pinpoint what’s creating action and what’s not. If your Facebook content is generating strong referral traffic while Instagram barely registers, it’s worth adjusting your content plan or ad budget accordingly.

If Your Branding Is Consistent Across Channels

Scroll through your social accounts and check:

• Profile photos and banners: Are they updated and aligned?
• Bios: Do they match your tone, services, and message?
• Post visuals: Are your fonts, colors, and styles consistent?

Tip: Your audit should include a branding snapshot for each platform. Uniformity builds trust, even across different audiences.

What Your Competitors Are Doing Better (or Worse)

Reviewing a few of your competitors’ profiles offers useful perspective. You might notice they post more often, but get less engagement. Or maybe they’ve nailed a tone of voice that gets conversations started. Seeing what others do helps you spot gaps or opportunities in your own strategy.

Common Issues a Social Media Audit Can Find

You might be surprised what pops up during a social media marketing audit. Here are some common problems:

• Inactive or duplicate profiles
• Off-brand visuals or outdated bios
• Slow or inconsistent response times to comments and messages
• Too much promotional content, not enough value or engagement
• Missing contact info, broken links, or incomplete profiles

These issues are easy to miss day-to-day but can drag down your performance long-term.

Get the Free Social Media Audit Checklist

Not sure where to start with your social media marketing audit? Use this quick checklist, it’s a simple way to get clarity before making major changes to your social strategy.

1. Review each profile photo, banner, and bio to make sure everything is current and on-brand
2. Check that contact info and website links are accurate and working
3. Look at the last 3 months of engagement: which platforms are performing best?
4. Identify which types of posts get the most likes, comments, and shares
5. Make sure you’re not only posting promotional content (add tips, updates, or behind-the-scenes moments)
6. Check that you’re using hashtags effectively to expand reach
7. Review your audience demographics: who’s actually engaging?
8. Check your branding across platforms: same tone, visuals, and messaging?
9. Take a peek at 2-3 competitors: what are they doing that you could learn from?
10. Choose one or two things to fix or improve this month – and repeat the audit quarterly!

This checklist gives you a fast, surface-level view of how your social media is doing. But there’s a lot more that goes into a thorough audit, including reviewing historical trends, analyzing paid performance, identifying content gaps, assessing follower quality, and measuring how your efforts stack up against industry benchmarks.

Want a deeper look at your strategy and how to make it work harder for your business? MARION’s digital marketing agency experts can do a full audit for you, pinpoint what’s working, and help you build a plan that gets results.

Need Help with Your Social Media Marketing?

If you’re frustrated with slow growth or not seeing the results you hoped for, maybe it’s time for a social media audit! MARION works with businesses across Texas to build smart, effective social media strategies.

Our social media marketing specialists will help you:

• Identify the right channels for your audience
• Create high-performing content
• Improve reach and engagement
• Track results

So, if you’re ready for more direction in your social media management, you’re in the right place!

Contact us today to get started

When the temperature rises, most people slow down…but your marketing doesn’t have to. Summer offers the chance to stand out while others are on autopilot. If your B2B business depends on staying visible and generating steady leads, this is the time to keep your audience engaged.

Here are 8 summer-friendly tactics to keep your brand active and top-of-mind.

1. Host a Summer Giveaway

It might sound obvious, but branded giveaways still work. Not the “stress ball in a dusty drawer” kind…give them something they’ll use when it’s 103 outside. Think insulated tumblers, cooling towels, portable fans. I once saw a contractor hand out branded can koozies at a local festival — simple, cheap, and everyone kept them. Genius.

Keep it simple: announce the giveaway, ask for an email or a follow, maybe a share to enter. Don’t overcomplicate it. People love low-effort wins, especially when it’s hot and their brain’s running on half speed.

One study even reported that 83% of consumers like receiving promotional products with an advertising message.

2. Create Content That Matches the Season (And the Mood)

Nobody’s in the mood to read a white paper right now. You know it. I know it. So don’t fight it. Instead, make your content quick, useful, and maybe even a little fun.

What are your customers dealing with during this stretch of the year?

Examples:

• A construction company might publish a blog on “Keeping Cool on the Job: Essential Tips for Summer Construction Work.”
• A tech company could create a video series on “Optimizing Your Home Office for Summer Productivity,” showcasing ways to stay comfortable and efficient while working from home during the heat.
• A healthcare provider might share an infographic on “Hydration Hacks: Staying Healthy in the Summer Heat,” offering tips on staying hydrated and the benefits of their hydration products or services.

And don’t be afraid to share a little personality. You’re not writing a textbook here…you’re trying to connect. A little levity goes a long way this time of year.

3. Summer-Themed Promotions

You don’t need a full-blown campaign to offer a good summer deal. Toss out something limited-time, give it a fun name like “Too Hot to Think Promo” or “Summer Slowdown Special,” and send it to your list with a quick note.

Something like: “We know things feel slow right now. Here’s something to make your life a little easier.”

It doesn’t need to be clever or complicated. In fact, the more human it sounds, the better it performs. Summer is all about energy conservation, for your customers too. Make sure to promote these deals through email and social media marketing.

4. Outdoor Events and Sponsorships

Summer is the season for outdoor events. Consider sponsoring local events like festivals, fairs, or sports games. Not only does this increase brand visibility, but it also shows your support for the local community. Set up a booth or tent with branded giveaways and information about your business.

As a matter of fact, 9 out of 10 marketers agree that experiential marketing boosts compelling engagement.

5. Share a Bit of the Human Side

People like doing business with companies that feel… well, like people. One of the easiest ways to make that happen? Show off your team’s summer vibe.

Post some behind-the-scenes shots. Team BBQs, vacation snapshots, bad sunburn stories (ok, maybe not the last one). Or have your employees share their favorite summer snack or weekend activity.

It takes 10 minutes, and suddenly your business feels less like a logo and more like a group of real folks your audience can relate to.

Examples:

• Share a series of social media posts featuring your team’s vacation snapshots and stories. This humanizes your brand and gives your followers a glimpse into the lives of the people behind the business.
• Encourage your customers to share their vacation photos with your products and feature these images in your email newsletters or on your website. Offer a small incentive, like a discount on their next purchase, for participating.

6. Ask Your Customers to Share

Here’s the thing: user-generated content performs better than most brand posts. And summer gives you the perfect excuse to ask for it.

Run a social media campaign and start a hashtag (keep it short). Ask customers to post pics using your product or service in their summer routine. Give them a reason to join in — small discount, feature on your feed, bragging rights.

Once you get a few entries, repost them. People love seeing their content shared, and it gives your feed more depth than stock images or “corporate updates.”

7. Give Your Emails a Seasonal Refresh

A quick update to your email visuals and subject lines can make a difference. Highlight limited-time offers, useful tips, or seasonal use cases. Add a fun summer recipe or quick poll for interaction.

Emails that feel timely are more likely to be opened and shared.

Examples:

• An office supply company could do a newsletter featuring “Top 10 Office Gadgets to Keep You Cool This Summer.”
• A software development company might create an email marketing campaign titled “Stay Productive in the Heat” with tips on using their tools to maintain efficiency during the summer months.
• A commercial cleaning service could offer “Summer Cleaning Specials” through their email campaigns, emphasizing how a clean, cool workspace can enhance productivity.
• A food supplier could send out a summer-themed recipe newsletter showcasing “Cool and Refreshing Office Snacks” that use their products.

8. Refresh Your Visuals

You don’t need a full redesign. Just update your homepage banners, rotate in some warm-weather photos, and change your social profile headers.

It shows people your business is active and paying attention. It’s a small detail, but it adds up — especially when everyone else looks frozen in time.

Even swapping in an image of someone holding a cold drink or working outdoors can make your brand feel more relevant. It’s an easy win.

Don’t Let the Texas Heat Slow Your Business Down

Everyone’s tired, inboxes are lighter, and meetings start getting pushed to “after Labor Day.” That’s your chance. When your competitors go quiet, your voice carries further.

If you’re short on time or ideas, our outsourced marketing agency has your back. At MARION, we work with businesses across Texas to keep their marketing active — even during the dog days of summer. Let us help you beat the heat with our digital marketing services in Austin and Houston, Texas.

Need help with your campaigns, content, or getting something out the door before the heat hits triple digits again? Let’s talk.

It isn’t news that B2B manufacturing marketing is difficult. After all, your manufacturing marketing strategy has to bridge the gap between you, distributors, wholesalers, and users in an effective and cost-efficient way.

Targeting the right decision makers at the right time is a complex task that B2B marketing strategies need to address. Fortunately for you, there are ways to target a highly qualified audience with very granular messaging. How exactly?

Digital marketing for manufacturing companies.

How to Market a Manufacturing Company

Whether you’re relying on a marketing department in a manufacturing company or a marketing agency for the manufacturing sector, your whole marketing plan starts with a strong brand identity. Positioning your business is easier after you engage in research and discovery about your history, process, people, and differentiation.

Searching for the right digital marketing partner for manufacturers? Schedule a free consultation with MARION today to learn how we can help grow your B2B marketing operations!

Being in the manufacturing industry can look very different depending on your product, but can actually be boiled down into five main groups. Use this table to identify which main group and industry sub-group your operation belongs to.

Data pulled from McKinsey

Once you’ve developed your brand identity and decided how to position your company in the minds of your distributors and users, you can begin to set marketing goals. In many cases, your goals will involve financial targets that are closely tied to your mission statement. Then, figure out which strategies you’ll target to achieve those goals.

The rest of this article will cover the five digital marketing tactics that are highly effective for manufacturer growth.

Digital Marketing Strategies for Manufacturers

The most complicated part of a digital marketing strategy for most manufacturers is presenting the right message to decision-makers. Internet marketing for manufacturers helps to effectively target B2B decision-makers with little budget waste.

These five B2B manufacturing marketing strategies can each be used to grow your market share in a cost-efficient manner.

1. Content Marketing
2. SEO Marketing
3. PPC Marketing
4. Social Media Marketing
5. Marketing Automation

Look at each of the strategies, and decide on which method will best help you realize your goals.

1. Content Marketing for Manufacturers

In a 2018 survey of industrial marketers, 86% of respondents said they were using content marketing. Fortunately for you, only 22% of those manufacturing content marketers considered their organization to be “sophisticated” or “mature” at this skill. This Content Marketing Institute data indicates that you still have time to catch up if you aren’t leveraging the power of content marketing yet.

Content marketing strategies can take many different forms. Whether you’re distributing content through email marketing, social media marketing, or organic search, you can attract the right users by creating valuable content assets for your end users.

For example, a midstream pump manufacturer can use content marketing in Houston to write a blog post about the physics behind torque-speed curves to help midstream users determine how to select the right pump for their next application.

Solving Pain Points Through Strategic Content

The key to successful content marketing for manufacturers is identifying the pain points of your target audience, then building content assets that can ease that pain. If an industrial user isn’t sure how to choose between you and your competitors, put together a comprehensive list of performance factors for your product. If a heavy equipment user is struggling to choose between you and your closest competitor, write a detailed comparison piece to highlight the areas in which you come out on top.

By creating free value-added content for your potential customers, you can position your brand as an authority in your industry.

Contact MARION for help with B2B manufacturing content marketing in Austin or Houston today!

2. SEO for Manufacturing Companies

Manufacturing SEO is the practice of optimizing your website so that you show up at the top of search engine results when users are searching for the products you offer. For example, if you’re a chemical manufacturer, you want your surfactant web page to show up when a potential customer Googles “surfactant suppliers.”

According to a recent study, organic search helps to generate nearly 53% of B2B revenue. This means that successful manufacturing search engine optimization can be the key to meeting and exceeding your marketing growth goals.

The Role of Web Design in SEO Success

Keep in mind that an SEO-friendly web design is paramount to ranking well in search results. If your website looks like it’s from the 2000s, users may hit the back button and visit your competitor’s site instead. It’s like showing up to a business meeting or interview in sweatpants. Doing some competitor research, customer interviews, and user testing will help you develop the best manufacturing website design possible.

Aside from design, the content on your website is highly important to your SEO for B2B manufacturing. Like we mentioned in the first section, by creating content that addresses the pain points of your target users, you can rank highly in the search results and generate more revenue today.

If you’re interested in trusting your organic growth to an SEO agency in Austin or Houston, contact MARION today to schedule a free consultation!

3. PPC Advertising in Manufacturing Industries

Over the past decade, several types of digital marketing campaigns have improved the scalability of manufacturing advertising. Before the internet, manufacturing outfits had to rely on direct mail, cold calls, and costly trade shows to generate new opportunities. While there are benefits to relationship-based selling once the ice has been broken, gaining that initial exposure is difficult.

Today, pay-per-click advertising for manufacturers allows you to target psychographically. You can serve an ad that targets a potential customer’s exact need for mere dollars. This flies in the face of trade events where the barrier to entry can be tens of thousands of dollars.

An Example of PPC in Action

For example, a powder coating manufacturer can run pay-per-click ads that appear when a search engine user looks for “high temperature powder coating.” When an interested potential customer clicks on your ad, it will cost you around $2. Depending on the size of your average sale, the profit margin on PPC for manufacturers can be massive.

If you’re interested in running pay-per-click in Houston or Austin, contact the strategists at MARION today to set up a free consultation.

4. Social Media for Manufacturers

“My ideal customers aren’t on social media.”

Without fail, we hear this from industrial and manufacturing businesses about once per month. As of 2023, there are:

• Over 950 million professionals on LinkedIn
• Around 2.9 billion active users on Facebook
• Around 353 million Twitter users worldwide

Without a doubt, your target customers are on social media. Whether or not they are in the mindset to buy while browsing social media is a different story. When it comes to social media marketing for manufacturing, the most relevant platform for a high return on marketing investment is LinkedIn.

LinkedIn

50% of Americans with a college degree use LinkedIn. This makes using LinkedIn for B2B marketing a no-brainer. Not only is LinkedIn a great place to post organic updates that your connections can see in their timeline, but its ad targeting capabilities grow more and more advanced each year.

Effective advertising on social media depends on the niche audience that you’re targeting. LinkedIn allows you to target by:

Once you’ve refined your LinkedIn ad targeting options to reach the right decision-makers, you can begin generating a return on your manufacturing social media marketing efforts.

If you’re interested in exploring social media marketing in Houston or Austin, contact MARION to set up a free consultation with one of our strategists today!

At MARION, we pride ourselves on staying ahead of marketing trends to position your brand as an industry authority. Whether it’s designing campaigns that resonate with your audience or optimizing your digital presence to generate measurable results, our strategies are built to help your business thrive.

5. Marketing Automation for Manufacturing

Manufacturing outfits are moving to robotic process automation in an attempt to optimize costs and production. Doesn’t it make sense that your OEM digital marketing strategy makes use of automation too?

How Marketing Automation Simplifies Industrial Marketing

Digital marketing for industrial companies becomes dramatically easier when paired with the right marketing automation platform. Automation allows you to:

• Seamlessly track qualified leads.
• Identify which marketing messages are most effective.
• Score which marketing materials have the best impact on your bottom line.

By identifying which B2B manufacturing marketing materials have the highest conversion impact, you can focus your efforts for compounding returns and overall business growth.

Choosing the Right Platform for Your Strategy

The strategy behind marketing and manufacturing automation will largely depend on the platform you choose. While our sales and marketing teams generally recommend using HubSpot, we can work with several different automation platforms to help you reach your goals.

How to Choose a B2B Manufacturing Marketing Agency

Now that you’ve been exposed to several digital marketing strategies for b2b manufacturers, you can choose the strategy or strategies that best match your B2B manufacturing marketing goals. Depending on whether you’re interested in mostly branding, SEO, web design, or outsourced marketing, the following resources will help guide you through the process of choosing a marketing partner:

• How to choose a marketing firm – this is best if you need a bit of everything
• How to choose a web design company – this is best if you only want a website
• How to choose an SEO agency – this is best if you need ongoing search marketing
• How to choose a branding agency – this is best if you need help positioning your business and creating collateral

The general process for choosing a marketing team will follow the same steps.

1. Determine if the agency understands your business.
2. Analyze the team and their past success. Do they have a portfolio or case studies?
3. Do you get along with your future point of contact? This will affect the success of your partnership more than you know.
4. Does the agency seem to have a curious spirit?
5. Can the agency adapt to different circumstances?
6. Are you able to effectively communicate with the agency?

MARION Makes Digital Marketing for Manufacturers Easy

For over 40 years, MARION has been a trusted partner to local manufacturers, helping them navigate the evolving marketing landscape. Our extensive experience in industries like Energy, Chemicals, and Industrial Equipment means we bring unparalleled technical expertise to every project. From contract manufacturers to large-scale industrial operations, our local team understands the unique challenges you face and is equipped to deliver solutions that drive sustainable growth.

Our approach to digital marketing is rooted in aligning sales and marketing efforts to maximize lead generation and customer loyalty. By combining inbound marketing strategies with targeted paid campaigns, we help you attract more website visitors from your target market and convert them into long-term customers.

Ready to see the difference MARION can make? Explore our portfolio and case studies to view examples of our work, then contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Let’s discuss how we can support your goals for lead generation, customer loyalty, and sustainable growth in today’s competitive market!

Contact us today to set up a free consultation, and discover if we’re a good fit for your goals!

For decades, Texas has been synonymous with wide-open spaces, country music, and, of course, western fashion. But in 2024, our unique style has truly taken off. From fashion trends to chart-topping country albums, western wear is making its mark across the nation.

Native Texans vs. National Trendsetters

For native Texans, western wear has always been a staple. Cowboy boots, denim, and fringe have never gone out of style here. But what used to be a symbol of Texan pride is now being embraced by fashionistas in places like New York, LA, and beyond. It’s more than just a look; it’s a lifestyle, and it’s resonating with people everywhere.

This isn’t the first time Texas-inspired trends have caught on nationwide, but 2024 is seeing a full-on surge. Just how Barbiecore dominated with its bold, pink aesthetic, Cowboy Core and western fashion have become the must-have look for 2024. It seems like every other TikTok or Instagram post is full of jean jackets, cowboy boots, and Stetson hats.

Music Icons Go Country

It’s not just in fashion that Texas influence is expanding. Artists like Post Malone and Beyoncé have taken note, releasing country-inspired albums that are winning over fans across the globe. These artists are blending the lines between country and pop, turning what used to be niche genres into mainstream hits. And with their massive influence, they’re bringing western culture with them.

I’ve lost count of how many people I know who weren’t into country music but suddenly have these albums on repeat. From the rodeo-inspired outfits in music videos to the boots and hats sported at concerts, the Western trend is bigger than ever, and it’s thanks to stars who are embracing their Texas roots or jumping on board with the cowboy aesthetic.

Western Influences Everywhere

Western culture isn’t just limited to fashion and music — it’s showing up in other areas of pop culture too. From interior design to film and TV, the rugged, nostalgic feel of the west is everywhere you look.

Home decor has leaned into the rustic charm of the west, with people decking out their spaces with leather accents, wooden furniture, and Southwestern patterns. Western films and series, like Yellowstone, are also fueling the fire, portraying a romanticized version of life in the west that’s appealing to a broader audience.

Western-inspired sting is another area seeing major growth. Brands are tapping into the trend by using rugged landscapes, cowboy imagery, and themes of freedom and independence in their campaigns. Whether it’s a luxury brand releasing a western-themed collection or a food company promoting Texas BBQ, the cowboy lifestyle has gone fully mainstream. You can’t scroll through your feed without seeing some new ad about it.

What This Means for Brands

With western wear and cowboy culture trending, brands that tap into this craze can find exciting new ways to connect with consumers. Much like Barbiecore in 2023, Cowboy Core has a cultural momentum behind it that can translate to campaigns across industries. Whether it’s incorporating rugged visuals into your advertising, using cowboy-inspired themes for product lines, or collaborating with influencers who embody the trend, there are endless ways to ride this wave.

The Takeaway: Texas Culture Goes National

What was once uniquely Texan is now a national phenomenon. The rise of western wear, cowboy culture, and Texas-inspired trends proves that the spirit of the Lone Star State has never been stronger. As brands continue to embrace this mainstream shift, it’s clear that Texas has officially gone nationwide (and we’re all better off for it!)

So, whether you’re a native Texan or just love the lifestyle, one thing is certain: Texas is here to stay, and it’s bigger than ever.

Partner With A Trusted Texas Marketing Agency

Interested in how your brand can tap into the latest trends? At MARION, we specialize in creating marketing campaigns that truly resonate. Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can help your business stay relevant!

Ever wondered how to use the power of social media to connect with your local community and boost your business? One strategy that has gained a lot of traction is hyperlocal social media marketing. This approach focuses on reaching potential customers within specific locations, allowing brands to tailor their messaging and promotions to local communities.

What is Hyperlocal Social Media Marketing?

Hyperlocal social media marketing involves targeting potential customers within a particular geographic area — such as a neighborhood, city district, or even a single street. The goal is to deliver highly relevant and personalized content to individuals based on their location, interests, and behaviors. With social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, businesses can reach local audiences with precision and efficiency.

The Rise of Hyperlocal Marketing

The rise of hyperlocal marketing can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, consumers are increasingly relying on their phones to search for local businesses and services.

According to a study by Think with Google, near me searches have increased by over 500% in recent years, highlighting the demand for local information. Additionally, social media platforms have evolved to offer high-level targeting options that allow businesses to reach users based on their location, making hyperlocal marketing more accessible and effective than ever before.

Connect with the team at MARION to learn about our social media marketing agency in Houston.

Benefits of Hyperlocal Social Marketing

Hyperlocal social marketing lets you connect with the people who matter most — your local community. From personalized promotions to community engagement, this marketing strategy offers a ton of perks that can take your business to the next level.

Targeted Reach and Relevance

Hyperlocal marketing enables businesses to target specific neighborhoods or communities where their ideal customers are. This targeted approach ensures that marketing messages are relevant and resonant, increasing the likelihood of engagement and conversions.

Enhanced Customer Engagement

Engagement is #1 in building relationships with customers. Hyperlocal social media marketing encourages interaction with local audiences through localized promotions, events, and community-focused content.

Cost-Effective Advertising

Hyperlocal marketing can be a cheaper alternative to broader advertising campaigns. By focusing resources on specific geographic areas, businesses can optimize their advertising spend and maximize ROI. Social media platforms offer flexible budgeting options that allow businesses to set precise targeting parameters and track campaign performance in real time.

Implementing a Hyperlocal Social Media Strategy in 10 Steps

Looking to implement a successful hyperlocal social strategy? Try out these tactics.

1. Localized Content Creation: Create content that is tailored to your local audience’s interests, events, and community activities. Highlight local landmarks, businesses, and events to resonate with your target market.
2. Geo-targeted Advertising: Use social media advertising platforms to target specific geographic locations. This lets you reach users based on their proximity to your business, increasing relevance and driving foot traffic.
3. Community Engagement Campaigns: Launch social media campaigns that encourage participation from the local community. This could include contests, giveaways, or community-driven initiatives that foster interaction and brand affinity.
4. Utilizing Location-based Features: Leverage social media features like geotags and location-based hashtags to increase visibility among local users. Encourage customers to check-in or tag your business in their posts to boost local awareness.
5. Collaborations with Local Influencers: Partner with influencers or micro-influencers who have a strong presence within your target area. Their endorsement can help spread your message and reach a more targeted audience.
6. Local Event Coverage: Provide real-time coverage of local events, festivals, or other happenings through social media posts and stories. This shows everyone your brand’s involvement in the community and keeps your followers from scrolling past.
7. Engaging with Local Groups and Pages: Join and actively engage in local community groups or pages on social media platforms. Contribute valuable insights, answer questions, and participate in discussions to establish your brand as a trusted local resource.
8. Customer Testimonials: Reviews are powerful tools for generating positive word-of-mouth within your local community. When people see positive experiences and recommendations from their neighbors, they are more likely to consider and trust your business.
9. Promoting Local Partnerships and Collaborations: Showcase partnerships with other local businesses or organizations through collaborative content. This demonstrates your commitment to supporting the local economy and strengthens relationships within the community.
10. Offering Location-based Promotions: Create special offers or promotions exclusive to residents of specific neighborhoods or ZIP codes. This encourages local customers to visit your business and increases brand loyalty.

Embrace Hyperlocal Marketing with MARION

Hyperlocal social media marketing offers businesses a powerful tool to connect with local audiences and drive meaningful interactions. By targeting specific geographic areas and tailoring content to local interests, businesses can enhance customer engagement, optimize advertising spend, and strengthen brand presence within their communities.

Ready to take your social media marketing to the next level with hyperlocal strategies? Contact MARION today to explore how we can help you use the power of social media marketing to connect with your locals. Let’s make your brand the talk of the town!

Raised in the era of smartphones and social media, Gen Z is known for its tech-savvy nature and short attention spans. However, there’s a powerful tool that marketers can leverage to capture the attention and loyalty of this generation: nostalgia.

How Nostalgia Can Win Over Gen Z

Nostalgia marketing involves tapping into sentimental feelings and memories from the past to evoke positive emotions and connect with consumers. While one might assume that nostalgia primarily resonates with older generations, it turns out that Gen Z is also susceptible to the allure of nostalgia-driven marketing strategies.

Why Nostalgia Marketing Works

Gen Z may be young, but they have a deep appreciation for cultural references and trends from previous decades. Here’s why nostalgic marketing is effective with Gen Z:

• Escape from Digital Overload: Despite being digital natives, Gen Z craves authenticity and genuine experiences. Nostalgia provides a break from the constant bombardment of digital content by invoking familiar and comforting memories.
• Emotional Connection: Nostalgia triggers positive emotions associated with past experiences, making brands that use nostalgia more relatable and trustworthy to Gen Z consumers.
• Desire for Authenticity: Gen Z values authenticity and sincerity in brands. Nostalgia marketing can help brands convey authenticity by tapping into shared cultural experiences.

Nostalgia Marketing Strategies for Gen Z

Looking for nostalgic marketing strategies tailored for Gen Z? We’ve got you covered.

1. Incorporate Retro Design Elements

Use vintage-inspired visuals, fonts, and color schemes in your branding and advertising. Think ‘90s-inspired graphics or retro video game aesthetics to capture Gen Z’s attention and evoke nostalgic feelings.

2. Resurrect Iconic Brands or Characters

Bring back beloved brands, products, or characters from the past in a fresh and modern way. For example, reviving classic cartoons or iconic snack foods can generate buzz and excitement among Gen Z.

3. Tap into Throwback Trends

Identify popular trends or cultural moments from previous decades and incorporate them into your marketing campaigns. Whether it’s ’80s music, ’90s fashion, or retro gaming, aligning with nostalgic trends can resonate with Gen Z’s appreciation for vintage culture.

Examples of Successful Marketing Campaigns that Leveraged Nostalgia

Check out these incredible examples of successful nostalgia-driven campaigns that captivated audiences and left a lasting impression — these marketers nailed it!

Barbie: “Barbie” Movie Sensation

Barbie, the iconic doll brand, made a nostalgic comeback with the announcement of a live-action Barbie movie starring Margot Robbie. The film aims to reimagine Barbie for a modern audience while paying homage to the nostalgia associated with the beloved toy brand. By capitalizing on the emotional connection that millennials and Gen Z have with Barbie, the movie is poised to generate excitement and engagement among younger audiences.

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Pokémon: “Pokémon GO” Phenomenon

Everyone remembers the summer of 2016 when the release of “Pokémon GO” took the world by storm. The app appealed to a wide range of players, including Millennials and Gen Z. The augmented reality mobile game allowed players to capture and train Pokémon in real-world locations, tapping into the nostalgia of the original Pokémon games and TV series from the late ’90s and early 2000s. The game’s success demonstrated the enduring appeal of nostalgic content among younger audiences.

McDonald’s: Grimace Revival

McDonald’s recently brought back Grimace, the beloved purple character from its iconic advertising campaigns of the past. By reintroducing Grimace in digital and social media marketing, McDonald’s taps into nostalgia while appealing to Gen Z’s love for retro pop culture.

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Discover the Next Generation of Marketing with MARION

Ready to implement nostalgia marketing campaigns that resonate with your audience? MARION is here to help! As a leading digital marketing agency in Houston and Austin, we specialize in creating innovative and impactful campaigns that capture attention and drive results. Ready to connect with consumers through the power of nostalgia?

Contact us today to find out how we can tailor our services to elevate your brand’s presence.

The TikTok ban situation in the US involves government concerns about security and privacy, leading to proposed legislation and state-level actions to restrict the app. While TikTok has responded to global bans and made efforts to address concerns, opinions among the public are split right down the middle. As the dust settles, the ultimate fate of the ban remains up in the air.

Impact of the Ban on Marketing Strategies

The looming threat of a TikTok ban presents marketers with many hurdles to overcome, touching every aspect from advertising to audience engagement and influencer collaborations. Here’s how this potential ban could shake up marketing strategies:

• Loss of a Major Advertising Platform – TikTok has become a dominant advertising platform, allowing marketers to engage a broad and active audience. If TikTok were to be banned, brands would lose access to this effective channel, prompting them to reconsider ad budgets and shift resources to other platforms.
• Shift in Audience Engagement – TikTok’s popularity among Gen Z and millennial demographics means a ban could alter how audiences engage with content. Marketers may need to adjust target demographics and digital content strategies to resonate with audiences on different platforms.
• Changes in Content Distribution and Influencer Partnerships – A TikTok ban would disrupt content distribution and influencer collaborations. Brands invested in TikTok marketing campaigns may need to collaborate with influencers on other platforms, while content creators may need to distribute their content across multiple platforms to maintain visibility.

Adapting to the New Landscape

In light of potential TikTok restrictions, marketers must be proactive in adapting their strategies to navigate the evolving digital landscape. Here’s how:

Step 1: Exploring Alternative Platforms

As the saying goes, “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” In the wake of a TikTok ban, marketers must explore alternative platforms offering similar features and audience demographics. Platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat Spotlight present opportunities for brands to reach and engage with their target audience through short-form video content.

Step 2: Diversifying Social Media Strategy

Reducing reliance on a single platform is key to safeguarding your marketing efforts against potential disruptions. Diversify your social media strategy by expanding your presence across multiple platforms — Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, etc.

Step 3: Investing in Content Creation for Emerging Platforms

It’s important for marketers to stay ahead of the curve by investing in content creation for emerging platforms. Keep an eye on emerging trends and platforms that show promise for future growth. Experiment with new formats, engage with early adopters, and test different content strategies to determine what resonates with your audience.

Strategies for Maintaining Audience Engagement

By embracing change and remaining flexible in your approach, you can handle any challenges posed by platform restrictions and continue to connect with your audience in meaningful ways.

Leverage user-generated content on other platforms.

By harnessing the power of user-generated content (UGC), you can maintain authenticity and trust with your audience while expanding your reach beyond TikTok.

• Encourage your audience to create and share content related to your brand on platforms like Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or Triller.
• Consider running UGC contests or challenges to incentivize participation and keep your brand top of mind.

Focus on community building and engagement.

In the absence of TikTok, prioritize community building and engagement on other accessible platforms. Platforms like Facebook Groups, Discord, or Twitter offer opportunities to foster meaningful connections with your audience.

• Create dedicated groups or channels where followers can interact with each other and with your brand.
• Host live Q&A sessions, discussions, or virtual events to keep the conversation going and strengthen your relationship with your community.
• Remember to listen to your audience’s feedback and adapt your content strategy accordingly.

Utilize cross-platform promotions.

You can also maximize your content’s visibility by implementing cross-platform promotions across your social media channels.

• Share your brand’s content on alternative platforms like Twitter, Facebook, or LinkedIn to drive traffic and engagement.
• Tailor your promotional efforts to fit each platform’s audience and format, ensuring that your content resonates with the specific demographics and preferences of each platform’s user base.

The Takeaway

The possibility of a TikTok ban presents a unique challenge for marketers — but it’s also an opportunity to demonstrate agility and innovation in your digital marketing strategy. As the social media world continues to evolve, we as marketers must remain informed and proactive in response to changes.

So, follow relevant hashtags, set up Google alerts, and stay up-to-date with industry news to ensure you’re equipped with the latest information. Keep an open mind, experiment with new strategies, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box!

Keep Your Brand’s Momentum Going with MARION

Don’t let this potential TikTok ban derail your marketing efforts. Stay agile, stay informed, and stay ahead of the curve to ensure your marketing efforts remain effective in an ever-changing digital landscape — partner with MARION to explore alternative platforms and maintain audience engagement. Reach out to us now to discuss your strategy.

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With its widespread popularity and huge fan base, it’s no surprise that March Madness presents a prime opportunity for companies to connect with consumers on a personal level and drive meaningful engagement. In this blog, we’ll share insights into why March Madness is a fantastic business opportunity and provide examples of successful marketing campaigns to inspire your own strategies.

Why March Madness Matters

To some, March Madness is just about basketball. But to marketers, it’s a once-a-year phenomenon that captivates the eyes of millions of prospects across the country.

According to statistics, the NCAA generated nearly $1.3 billion in revenue for 2022-23 alone, underscoring its significance as a marketing powerhouse.

Examples of Successful March Madness Marketing Campaigns

Buffalo Wild Wings

The popular sports bar chain launched its “B-Dubs Bracket Challenge,” inviting customers to predict tournament outcomes for a chance to win prizes. This campaign not only drove foot traffic to Buffalo Wild Wings locations but also increased brand engagement online.

Capital One

The financial services company has become synonymous with March Madness through its sponsorship of the Capital One NCAA March Madness Bracket Challenge. By offering cash prizes and exclusive experiences, Capital One successfully capitalized on the tournament’s excitement to promote its brand.

Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola® Zero Sugar launched the “Debate the Goatness” campaign during NCAA March Madness. The campaign encouraged basketball fans to debate who they believed was the greatest of all time (GOAT) player in college basketball history while enjoying a Coca-Cola Zero Sugar. Fans were encouraged to share their opinions on social media using the hashtag #DebateTheGOATness, sparking lively discussions and engaging with the tournament’s excitement. This social media campaign effectively integrated Coca-Cola Zero Sugar into the March Madness conversation while leveraging the passion of basketball fans to drive brand engagement and awareness.

Ideas for Capitalizing on March Madness

1. Themed Promotions: Create March Madness-themed promotions or discounts tied to game outcomes, halftime scores, or buzzer-beaters to incentivize customer participation.
2. Host Viewing Parties: Organize viewing parties at your business location or partner with local venues to create a festive atmosphere where fans can gather to watch games together. Virtual viewing parties are an option as well!
3. Bracket Contests: Launch a bracket challenge for customers, employees, or social media followers, offering prizes for accurate predictions or creative entries.
4. Social Media Engagement: Hop on your social media platforms to share behind-the-scenes content, live updates, and interactive polls related to March Madness, encouraging fans to join the conversation.
5. Collaborate with Influencers: Partner with sports influencers or local personalities to promote your brand during March Madness, leveraging their reach and credibility to connect with a broader audience.

March Madness presents many opportunities for businesses to showcase their creativity, engage with customers, and drive sales. By drawing inspiration from successful campaigns and implementing innovative strategies tailored to their target audience, brands can capitalize on the excitement surrounding the tournament and elevate their marketing efforts to new heights.

Win the Marketing Game with MARION

Ready to score big with your marketing campaigns in Texas? Let MARION be your strategic partner in reaching your marketing goals and objectives. From creative campaigns to comprehensive digital marketing solutions, we have the expertise and resources to help your brand stand out in the competitive landscape.

Contact us today to learn more about our tailored marketing services in Texas and beyond.

’Tis the season to be merry and strategic! In this holiday marketing guide, each day brings a new idea to elevate your brand’s presence during the most wonderful time of the year.

1. Update Your Website’s Landing Page with A Holiday Theme

Give your website a festive makeover and update your landing page with holiday-themed visuals, banners, and colors to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. Incorporate holiday promotions, exclusive deals, or limited-time offers prominently on the page to capture the attention of potential customers.

A visually appealing and holiday-themed landing page enhances the user experience and signals to visitors that your brand is in tune with the festive spirit.

2. Create Holiday-Themed Social Media Ad Campaigns

Utilize holiday-themed visuals, incorporate seasonal hashtags, and tailor your messaging to evoke emotions associated with the season. Social media platforms provide a dynamic space to showcase your brand’s personality while tapping into the joyful sentiment of the holidays.

1. Start by setting clear campaign goals.
2. Craft compelling ad copy and visuals with a festive touch.
3. Target your audience strategically based on demographics and interests.
4. Optimize ad placements for the best results.
5. Monitor performance and adjust as needed.

3. Get into the Festive Spirit with Holiday Blog Content

Use your blog to highlight your brand’s values, share behind-the-scenes glimpses of holiday preparations, or provide valuable insights related to your industry during the festive season. Think heartwarming stories, seasonal tips, and entertaining holiday traditions. Don’t forget to include SEO-friendly keywords related to holiday shopping and gift-giving to attract organic traffic.

4. Target Holiday Shoppers with Pay-Per-Click Ads

Another holiday marketing strategy is to utilize targeted Google Ads campaigns that align with popular seasonal search queries. By targeting your audience with PPC ads, you maximize visibility and increase the likelihood of converting potential customers into festive buyers.

How to sleigh your holiday marketing PPC game:

1. Select festive keywords relevant to your products or services.
2. Target specific demographics interested in holiday shopping.
3. Craft compelling copy with holiday-themed CTAs for that festive touch.
4. Highlight special offers or discounts to entice holiday shoppers.
5. Keep a close eye on performance and adjust as needed for maximum impact.

5. Create Personalized Gift Guides

Personalized gift guides simplify the shopping process and showcase your brand’s understanding of individual customer needs during the holiday season.

Start by segmenting your audience based on preferences, interests, or demographics, and create tailored gift suggestions for each category. Feature these guides prominently on your website or in email marketing campaigns to assist shoppers in finding the perfect gifts. Incorporate a range of products at various price points, making it easy for customers to navigate and discover items that resonate with their gift-giving intentions.

6. Elevate Your Holiday Ads With A/B Testing

Experiment with variations in ad copy, imagery, and calls-to-action to identify which elements resonate most effectively with your audience. Test different promotions or incentives to determine which drives higher engagement and conversions. Analyze the results of A/B tests to refine your holiday marketing PPC strategy continually.

Here’s how to make your ads shine:

1. Test different ad copies to discover what resonates best with your audience.
2. Experiment with various visuals to find the most eye-catching and festive imagery.
3. Use A/B and multivariate testing with different CTAs for a compelling and action-driven approach.
4. Monitor metrics closely to see which variations drive the best results.
5. Implement the winning elements across your holiday campaigns.

7. Leverage Email Campaigns to Boost Your Holiday Traffic

Maximize engagement, drive traffic, and boost sales as you share the joy of the season directly to your audience’s inbox.

Here’s an idea: Launch a “12 Days of Deals” email campaign to seamlessly elevate your festive strategy. Delight your subscribers with daily discounts, exclusive offers, and limited-time surprises, creating a sense of urgency and excitement.

8. Share Your Favorite Client Reviews

Celebrate the season by sharing “Customer Stories of Joy.” This holiday marketing strategy involves highlighting real experiences that resonate with the joy your product or service brings. Engage your audience and spread the holiday cheer!

9. Run A Holiday Themed Social Media Contest

What better way than with a jolly good social media contest? Get your followers in the festive spirit by organizing a holiday-themed extravaganza. Whether it’s a “Caption the Claus” challenge or a “Festive DIY Decorations” competition, try to encourage user participation and creativity.

Spice it up with seasonal hashtags and exciting prizes. The goal? Elevate engagement, boost your social media presence, and gift your audience a merry time they won’t forget. Get creative with your holiday marketing and watch your community shine!

10. Step into the Holiday Marketing Sleigh with Google Ads

Unwrap the full potential of your holiday marketing with the magic of Google Ads! Here’s how:

1. Pinpoint your ideal audience with precise demographics and interests.
2. Craft festive ad copy that captures the holiday spirit and entices clicks.
3. Optimize for holiday-themed keywords to boost visibility.
4. Set a jolly budget, monitor performance, and adjust for optimal results.

11. Sprinkle Some Holiday Magic into Your Brand by Changing Your Logo

Deck the halls (or rather, your logo) with boughs of holly, a Santa hat, or a sprinkle of snowflakes. Infuse a festive vibe into your corporate identity and let your logo join the holiday cheer.

Then, share the revamped logo across your digital platforms for all your followers to see. It’s a fun and visual way to let everyone know your brand is not just on the nice list but is also celebrating the season in style. After all, who doesn’t love a fun logo?

12. Plan Ahead for The Upcoming Year, Reflecting on Your Holiday Strategies for Improvement

Last but not least, let’s pave the way for a successful new year! Reflect on this holiday season’s strategies, learn from the festivities, and plan ahead for an even brighter and more impactful year ahead.

MARION is Your Year-round Digital Marketing Ally

Ready to turn your holiday marketing into year-round success? Let’s turn your visions into victories and make the coming year a celebration of continual growth and prosperity.

Connect with MARION today!

Many business owners use social media platforms like Facebook to engage with their audience and gain brand exposure. But with any online endeavor, there are risks involved. Fake Facebook messages can pose a significant threat to your business’s reputation, finances, and customer trust. Learn how to detect and protect your business from potential scams.

Examples of Common Facebook Messenger Scams

Fraudulent messages on Facebook can come in many forms — phishing attempts, fake offers, requests for sensitive information, etc. Scammers may even impersonate your brand or employees to exploit unsuspecting customers or compromise your business’s security. Recognizing these risks is the first step in guarding your business against potential threats.

Facebook scammers are continually evolving their tactics as the years go by. Here’s what to look out for.

• Phishing Scams: Scammers create fake login pages or apps that mimic Facebook’s official login to steal your credentials.
• Impersonation Scams: Facebook scammers impersonate friends, family members, or coworkers to request money or personal information.
• Survey Scams: Users are asked to participate in surveys that collect personal information or lead to malicious downloads.
• Tech Support Scams: Scammers pretend to be from Facebook or another trusted tech company and offer assistance resolving a non-existent issue for a fee.
• Investment Scams: Facebook scammers promote fake investment opportunities that promise high returns, convincing users to invest money.
• Charity Scams: Scammers pose as charitable organizations, soliciting donations for fake causes.

REMEMBER: Never share personal or financial information with unknown individuals or engage in suspicious requests. If something seems too good to be true or raises suspicions, report it to Facebook and avoid further interaction. Here’s how to report a message on Facebook.

How to Protect Your Business from Facebook Scams

In the digital age, businesses rely on Facebook for customer engagement and communication. However, the platform is not immune to fraudulent messages and scams. To safeguard your business from such threats, follow these steps:

1. Educate Your Team

Ensure that your employees, especially those responsible for managing your Facebook page, are well-informed about the risks associated with fraudulent messages.

Train your team to recognize potential scams, suspicious links, and phishing attempts.

Emphasize the importance of not sharing sensitive information through Facebook messages.

2. Secure Your Account

Activate two-factor authentication (2FA) for your Facebook account. This adds an extra layer of security and makes it harder for unauthorized users to gain access.

Utilize Facebook’s business verification process to confirm the legitimacy of your business page. Verified pages have a higher level of trust.

3. Monitor Messages

Regularly check your business’s Facebook messages. Be vigilant in reviewing the content and the identities of the senders.

Consider using automated tools to filter messages and flag potentially harmful content.

4. Verify the Sender

Always verify the identity of the message sender. Look for mutual friends or prior interactions with your page.

If a message appears to be from an employee or a client, double-check the authenticity of the message through another trusted communication channel.

5. Be Cautious of Links and Attachments

Never click on suspicious links or download attachments from unknown sources.

Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it seems dubious, refrain from opening the link.

6. Beware of Phishing Attempts

Exercise caution when a message requests personal or financial information. Scammers may use urgent or enticing language to lure you into their trap.

Avoid sharing sensitive information via Facebook messages. Legitimate organizations would typically use more secure communication methods for such requests.

7. Report Suspicious Activity

If you encounter fraudulent messages or accounts, report them to Facebook immediately. Reporting helps Facebook take appropriate action against scammers.

8. Stay Informed

Keep yourself and your team updated on the latest Facebook security features and potential threats. Facebook often releases security updates, and knowing what you’re up against is the best line of defense.

9. Limit Admin Access

Restrict the number of people with admin access to your Facebook page. Grant this privilege only to trusted employees to minimize the risk of unauthorized changes or fraudulent activity.

10. Review Message Requests

Facebook allows message requests from people who are not on your friends list. Be cautious when accepting such requests, as scammers often use this feature to target businesses.

11. Be Cautious of Unsolicited Offers

Approach unsolicited offers with skepticism. If a deal seems too good to be true, it likely is. Verify the legitimacy of any business proposition.

12. Develop a Response Plan

Create a clear plan for how your business will respond to fake Facebook messages, including communication with affected clients, submitting a report, and improving your security measures.

Protect Your Digital Presence with MARION

At MARION, we understand the importance of a strong online presence for your business. If you’re looking for expert social media management services in Houston and Austin, we can help you navigate the digital landscape. Our experienced team is dedicated to enhancing your online reputation and engagement.

Contact us today to learn more about how to protect your business from Facebook scams.