
Marketing

Effective marketers aim for “the right product, price and message for the right customer at the right time.” Today, technology makes it possible for us to customize and distribute our offerings and messages to very specific, targeted audiences. However, if you don’t understand what drives customer behavior, you can’t develop the right marketing mix. One…
The debate of “art vs. science” in marketing is nothing new. However, as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and big data technologies rapidly improve, “science” is taking on new meaning and importance to chief marketing officers. Three out of four (73 percent) marketing executives see AI as critical to the future of the industry, according…
eBay announced last week a collaboration with media and entertainment company Mashable to create “shoppable” stories across the U.K. and U.S. According to a post on the eBay blog, the pilot partnership lets Mashable’s audience use eBay to shop, browse and purchase products matching those featured on the news site without ever leaving the Mashable site. More…
There are many ways to reach consumers today on social media, from celebrity endorsements to social media influencers highlighting products in sponsored posts. A newer tactic that's providing high-impact social influence over consumer purchasing decisions is rewards-based marketing. Consumers can often be motivated to share their favorite products with their friends and followers on social…
Data has become one of retailers’ most valuable assets, yet many still struggle to use it in a way that drives true value for their businesses. According to a recent survey of senior-level marketers, 47 percent of respondents think artificial intelligence is overhyped, and another 31 percent say the same about big data. Consumers, however,…
The 2017 holiday season was the strongest in nearly a decade for America’s retailers. From Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve, nearly three-fourths of the selling days showed positive year-over-year growth, with specialty apparel, jewelry and furniture racking up solid performances. This strong performance offers an opportunity for retailers to stay connected to their customers and continue the…
The spark of change has begun in the world of online shopping, and Generation Z is at the forefront of the metamorphosis. But who is Generation Z? Gen Z describes a group that's far from underwhelming. Individuals in this category include teens and those in their early 20s, born after the millennial age. Millennials, or…
Gift cards may not be new in the world of retail, but the ways shoppers and retailers are putting them to use is rapidly evolving, according to First Data’s 2017 Prepaid Consumer Insights Study. Customers and retailers alike are finding creative new ways to jump on the “branded currency” wagon. For shoppers, gift cards offer…
Every year, we ask, “What are the next big trends in e-commerce marketing?” While there have been some constants in recent years, the list for 2018 is long and diverse. Should you focus on artificial intelligence? What about marketing automation? Is your website optimized for all devices? Are your emails properly segmented, personalized and focused…
For the first time ever, consumers planned to do more of their holiday shopping online than in-store, according to recent research. Retailers had to be ready! Post-holiday they must understand how to use digital marketing to drive conversions and deepen their connection with customers. One of the most effective tactics for doing so is retargeting.…