Negative messaging now permeates too many companies' approach to external and internal marketing, employee engagement strategies, and even investment and financial advising. The same fear-driven formulas that inflamed voter turnout are now being repurposed to spark customer acquisition, drive shareholder urgency, and gain competitive advantage.

It has been all but impossible to ignore the whirlwind of messages and marketing tactics leading up to the 2024 US presidential elections. So it’s understandable if your head is spinning. Aggressive campaigns are spending billions of dollars in order to draw lines of “us” vs. “them”. They figure that the more we are pitted against one another the more likely we are to go out and “vote against the villain”.

Originally published by Justin Butler on LinkedIn on October 30, 2024. Marketing without knowing your audience is like investigating that spooky noise in a dark basement - a very, very bad idea. Many brands have made the fatal mistake of reducing their audience solely to data points, ignoring the people behind the numbers and causing some costly collateral damage in the process. With Halloween approaching, let’s reflect on some spine-chilling marketing blunders, as well as id

Originally published by Justin Butler on LinkedIn on April 30, 2024. In the tumultuous landscape of an election year, where fear-mongering and negative content will dominate the digital space, a 2024 mindful marketing strategy that hinges on positivity will stand out from the crowd. Let’s explore how–no matter your industry–you can adjust your marketing voice and content to positively stand out from the competition and make even more meaningful connections with your customers

Originally published by Justin -JB- Butler on LinkedIn on March 7, 2024. When it comes to diversity in marketing, brands are finally catching on to the fact that showcasing different perspectives and demographics is key. However, far too often what we see are brands simply replacing “diversity” with “minority”, putting on visual band-aids that miss the mark. Diversity in marketing goes far beyond just a splash of color here and there. It's about embracing unique perspectives

Originally published by Justin -JB- Butler on LinkedIn on December 6, 2023. In the era of digital communication, marketers have a unique responsibility to navigate the holiday landscape with sensitivity and empathy. The holiday season, traditionally a time revolving around social connections, has evolved into a consumer-driven phenomenon. Amidst the festivities, digital marketing plays a crucial role in tapping into the holiday sentiment and shaping consumer behaviors. In fac

Originally published by Justin -JB- Butler on LinkedIn on November 20, 2023. For effective communication of your brand's message, gaining the trust of your audience is paramount to your success. To achieve this trust, it is crucial to understand two key points: your AUDIENCE and your PLATFORM. Understanding both sides of this conversation is imperative regardless of what industry you are in or who your audience is. These questions should be asked every time you develop a mess

Originally published by Justin -JB- Butler on LinkedIn on February 13, 2023. For all of the effort you may put into advertising, there's one valuable asset you cannot buy: positive reviews. Did you know that the average customer reads at least ten reviews before deciding to trust a business with their hard-earned money? Even one bad review can make potential customers hesitate or take their business elsewhere. But sometimes, these reviews aren't always accurate. In fact, they