Results Spotlight: Meeting Your Audience on All Their Socials
In The News: Key trends reshaping marketing strategies this week, from HBO’s newest premiere to Chili’s latest dig at McDonald’s.
Let’s dive in.
Trend Spotlight: Did You See That TikTok?
Make Every Second Count
This year, short‑form content is expected to be the go-to way to capture hearts and drive action. But small businesses are up against the big fish on the internet, and it’s not easy swimming in the deep end.
With the massive reach of platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts, any business can show what they’re made of in mere seconds.
What’s Happening?
Content in a Flash: Whether it’s a quick tutorial, a behind‑the‑scenes peek, or a customer shout‑out, 71% of content marketing experts predict that short‑form video will be the most successful content format in 2025.
Creative Storytelling on the Move: Videos are no longer expensive productions reserved for big brands. Today, small businesses turn everyday moments into engaging stories. All you need is a phone.
Multichannel Momentum: Each platform offers its own flavor, from the casual vibe of TikTok to the polished edge of Instagram Reels, letting you tailor your message to where your audience is most active.
What’s at Stake?
Lost in the Scroll: If you stick to outdated content formats, you risk blending into digital noise. Customers crave quick, captivating videos that speak directly to their interests.
Missed Growth Opportunities: Short‑form video is a proven engagement driver. Fail to adapt, and potential customers will flock to brands that meet them where they are.
Wasted Potential and Budget: Traditional ad spending isn’t what it used to be. Investing in agile, creative video content can yield higher returns at a fraction of the cost.
What Should You Do?
- Embrace Bite‑Sized Creativity
Start small. Experiment with 15 to 60‑second videos that capture the essence of your brand. Show your personality, share quick tips, and spotlight customer stories. - Repurpose Your Content
Don’t reinvent the wheel for every post. Take your existing content and rework it into short‑form videos. Use a quick tour of your store, a flash demo of your product, or even a snippet from a blog post. - Engage on Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to just one channel. Publish your videos on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and even Facebook. Tailor your content: be succinct where needed and playful where appropriate. - Invest in the Right Tools
Quality matters, even in short‑form videos. Simple editing tools and clear visuals make a big difference. Spend a little time learning basic editing techniques (YouTube is your friend!). - Measure, Learn, and Adapt
Keep an eye on your engagement metrics. Which videos drive the most interaction? What resonates with your audience? Use these insights to double down on what works and adjust what doesn’t.
At Ugly Mug Marketing, we specialize in amplifying local voices to boost neighborhood brands. We understand that for small businesses, genuine community connections drive lasting success. Our approach is about creating real, down‑to‑earth engagement that sticks.
Ready to lean in to local connections?
Schedule a free consultation today and let’s start building the engaging video story your community will love.
News Roundup
- HBO’s “The Last of Us” Season 2 launched immersive brand collaborations that blend storytelling with tangible experiences.
- Chili’s opened a pop-up next to McDonald’s offering “financing” for fast food meals while promoting its cheaper Big QP burger.
- JCPenney unveiled its “Yes, JCPenney!” campaign featuring interactive billboards activated by QR codes.
- Amazon extended Prime Day to four days for the first time since 2015, offering deeper discounts of up to 40%.
- TikTok laid off US ecommerce staff amid a global governance restructure following performance concerns and executive exits.
At Ugly Mug Marketing, we focus on what works—not what wins awards.
Want to turn your website into your best salesperson? Book a free marketing strategy session and see how we can deliver results that matter.