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Four User-Generated Content Strategies that Worked
User-Generated Content (UGC) is defined as any type of content that has been created and put out there by unpaid contributors or, using a better term, fans. It can refer to pictures, videos, testimonials, tweets, blog posts, and everything in between, and is the act of brand promotion by users rather than the brand itself[1] Many companies are testing out different forms of UGC to build brand awareness and engage with their tribe. These campaigns don’t always succeed, but let’s take a look at four that have.
10 Tips for Time Management Within the Workplace
On average, we spend 8 hours a day at work. We show up at 9am, and leave by 5, that’s 480 minutes, or 28,800 seconds! Yet we complain that there is never enough time in the day. We’re rushing to complete tasks at 4:30 because we desperately want to leave on time. Soon enough, we realize it’s 6 p.m, and we still have work to finish, that we later put off and say we’ll get to tomorrow. It’s a vicious cycle that occurs in every workplace, regardless of what industry you’re in. It’s up to you as an individual to […]
5 Simple Ways to Keep Your Digital Files Organized
We all know how it goes. You get busy and as your workload piles up, so do your client folders. You’d almost be forgiven for having a hard time locating a specific folder. Sometimes, however, we don’t have time to search through our desktop to find something specific for a client. Here are 5 ways to keep your digital files organized to save everyone’s time.
Norman Doors and Six Fundamental Principles of Interaction
Don Norman, whose work mainly involves the advocacy of user-centered design, was so frustrated with his inability to use poorly designed everyday objects, such as light switches and water taps, that he decided to write a book called The Design of Everyday Things, which addresses these kinds of issues. He also came up with six fundamental principles of interaction design.
The 6 “STEPPS” to Creating Digital Content that Goes Viral
A few weeks back, Connor, a Brand & Mortar colleague, introduced me to a book, Contagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah Berger. Connor’s recommendations—whether they’re lunch options, video games, or craft beer—are usually pretty solid. He hasn’t steered me wrong yet. So, when he told me about a marketing book that he swore would alter my preconceived notions about online advertising, I took his endorsement to heart. Little did I know that Connor’s persuasive word-of-mouth recommendation would have a lot to do with what I was about to read.
8 Ways to Effectively Promote Your Content on Social Media
Digital marketing is marketing. No brand can succeed without a strong online presence. Are you looking to improve your business’s content marketing strategy? Social media platforms are great for promoting your brand and sharing information about your company with online communities.
Mood Boards: Essential Visual Aids for Creative Projects
A mood board (or inspiration board) is a physical or digital collage of ideas. It is used in all creative fields including interior design, product design, fashion, and graphic design. A mood board, such as Pinterest, is a tool that presents a quick visual representation and first-round benchmark of any visual and creative project.
Digital Communities are Modern-Day Convention Centres
A Recognizable Marketing Scenario The convention hall buzzes with the excited voices of eager attendees. Laneways are packed as vendors vie for the attention of thousands of passing strangers. The largest of the booths attracts droves of visitors as faces washed in neon gaze longingly at idealized works of plastic and innovation. Booth attendants skip between convention-goers, striking small conversations, collecting emails to add to their growing database. Days later, when the bright lights of the convention go dim for the final time, as bags of free merchandise pile in the empty halls, vendors scurry back to their desks and […]
The Pursuit of Excellence in Creative Advertising Campaigns
The father of advertising, David Ogilvy, once said, “In the modern world of business, it is useless to be a creative, original thinker unless you can also sell what you create.” He couldn’t be more right. At Brand & Mortar, we consider ourselves lucky for working at the intersection of creativity, business and technology, doing what we love the most: selling our client’s brand by creating original advertising campaigns and marketing strategies.
5 Influential Design Trends of 2016/2017
FLAT DESIGN Flat design is not necessarily a new trend as the style first originated from the retro logos of the 1940s to 1960s. Flat design has resurfaced recently and is definitely a hot trend that’s been dominating. The simplicity of flat design allows for even simple colours and shapes to become striking, bold and vibrant identities using very few streamlined elements. Big players such as Microsoft, Apple, and MasterCard have also transitioned from their 3D logos of the 2000s to a more simple flat designs that are fresh and minimal. A huge reason for the revival of flat design […]