Strategy and Consulting
How to Ride Trends Without Losing Your Brand Identity
Let’s talk about trends—you know, the latest TikTok dances, Instagram aesthetics, or even seasonal food crazes. Here in San Diego, where everyone’s got a pulse on what’s cool, it’s tempting to hop on every trend you see. But not every trend fits every business, and chasing them all can make your brand look lost or…
Read MoreKeeping Your Brand Authentic in San Diego: Here’s What Works
Today, let’s talk about something we all wrestle with: staying authentic as a brand, especially here in San Diego. You know how locals are—laid-back, smart, and super tuned in. They can spot a fake a mile away. Whether you’re slinging burritos in Mission Beach or running a boutique in North Park, staying true to yourself…
Read MoreMarket Research: How San Diego’s Local Shops Can Beat Big Chains
San Diego’s small businesses are the heart of the community, but with big chains on nearly every corner, you need more than just a “we’re local” sign to stand out. Big companies may have more money to spend, but you’ve got something they don’t—deep connections to your local customers. Market research is the key to…
Read MoreAdvertising Concepts Every San Diego Business Owner Needs to Understand
Running a local business in San Diego isn’t just about keeping the lights on – it’s about standing out in a city where new places pop up every day. Many of our clients here at CMC feel like they need a massive budget and a fancy marketing degree to get noticed. But here’s the truth: …
Read MoreWhat is OTT Advertising? And Why It’s Worth Your Ad Spend
OTT, or “over-the-top,” refers to video content delivered via the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV. Think Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming platforms. OTT advertising simply means running ads within these streaming platforms. Your ads might play before the show, between episodes, or even on your viewers’ home screens as they browse for something…
Read More6 DIY Facebook Ad Mistakes That Can Wreck Your Campaign
Listen, we get it. Facebook ads seem like a marketing holy grail — a chance to reach exactly your target customer and watch the sales roll in. But when you dive in headfirst without a solid strategy, it’s easy to end up throwing money at Mark Zuckerberg with nothing to show for it. If your…
Read More8 Wildly Creative Video Ads to Inspire Your Next Campaign
Want to try video marketing but not sure how it’ll fit into your business or brand? Here’s a thought – instead of fitting in, we recommend thinking outside the marketing playbook. We’d love to brainstorm creative media advertising ideas with you, but in the meantime, let’s get those creative juices flowing. These 8 brilliant video…
Read MoreWhat are PPC Ads, and Are They Worth It for San Diego Businesses?
Many businesses struggle to crack the code on paid ads. It seems easy enough: pay for ads online, hope your customers see them, wait for the sales to roll in, rinse and repeat. But here’s the thing—running paid ads takes a lot of finesse and technical know-how. This is especially true for one of the…
Read MoreThe Science of Storytelling: How Brand Stories Can Make Ads More Powerful
We’ve all been there: bombarded by ads that wash over us like white noise. But what makes some ads cut through the clutter and stick in your mind? The answer might surprise you: it’s all about storytelling. Neuroscience backs this up. For instance, this study found that stories light up areas of the brain responsible…
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