advertising Archives | Tribu Digital Marketing Advertising firm in San Antonio, TX

For the 2nd Time, Tribu Appears on the Inc. 5000, Ranking No. 2,637 With a Three-Year Revenue Growth of 155 Percent

The Tribe on August 17, 2021

Inc. Magazine Reveals Annual List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000 – And Tribu’s on the List!

August 17, 2021 – Inc. magazine today revealed that Tribu, a digital marketing and branding firm in San Antonio, is No. 2,637 on its annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.

The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Intuit, Zappos, Under Armour, Microsoft, Patagonia, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“It’s extra special to be on this year’s list. For the second time in a row, we’re fortunate to be listed and that alone is quite a blessing, but this year feels sweeter because it includes Tribu’s 2020 performance – no doubt one of the toughest growth years, and toughest years in general, we’ve seen as a society. It’s the hard work and dedication of the ingenious Tribe at Tribu that is a large part of the reason we get to enjoy this honor. It’s also because of our customers, who we call our Tribe Partners. They believe in us, and that fuels us to build them some very mighty tribes.” – Sara Helmy, CEO

Not only have the companies on the 2021 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but this year’s list also proved especially resilient and flexible given 2020’s unprecedented challenges.

Among the 5,000, the average median three-year growth rate soared to 543 percent, and median revenue reached $11.1 million. Together, those companies added more than 610,000 jobs over the past three years.

“The 2021 Inc. 5000 list feels like one of the most important rosters of companies ever compiled,” says Scott Omelianuk, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Building one of the fastest-growing companies in America in any year is a remarkable achievement. Building one in the crisis we’ve lived through is just plain amazing. This kind of accomplishment comes with hard work, smart pivots, great leadership, and the help of a whole lot of people.”

Celebrate with us by viewing Tribu’s spot on 2021’s Inc 5000 list here.

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Find Sara (Tribu CEO) on Forbes.com in “16 Tips For Capturing Millennial And Gen-Z Attention” On YouTube

The Tribe on August 13, 2021

Made it to Forbes, y’all. Find us in 16 Tips For Capturing Millennial And Gen-Z Attention On YouTube. Our CEO, Sara Helmy, is quoted as Tip #4 “Be Authentic and Relatable”. Learn about compelling ways to captivate a youth audience with YouTube marketing and enjoy tips from some of our greatest thought-leaders in digital advertising today.

P.S. Perfect timing, because we just hammered out in-house videography and photography services at Tribu. 😉

7 Brands Doing Marketing Right During COVID-19

The Tribe on August 14, 2020

As marketers, we’re well aware of the need for advertising– for big brands, ads can be one of the best ways to communicate a company’s message on a wide scale. Of course, running advertisements can be tricky during major global events like the COVID-19 crisis. Customers are scared, and most don’t appreciate being blatantly sold to during a time of social and financial uncertainty. The majority of the brands we’ve seen handle this unprecedented moment with grace and ease have almost entirely taken themselves out of the equation, choosing to use their advertisements as a way to publicize the company’s stance and steps they’re taking to provide aid and support to people in need. Here are some of the best COVID-19 ads we’ve seen:

Apple:

pple’s Creativity Goes On ad features celebrities like John Krasinski and Oprah alongside heartwarming footage and images of real people going about their creative endeavors while remaining at home. The ad strikes an encouraging and positive tone while still feeling genuine

Dove:

Dove’s Courage is Beautiful ad showcases the names and images of real frontline healthcare workers, highlighting their strength and courage in the face of adversity. The ad is striking and attention-grabbing, and closes with a note stating that Dove is donating to the organization Direct Relief to support the very healthcare workers the advertisement highlights.

Uber

Uber’s Thank You for Not Riding ad is unique in that it encourages people to stop using their service. Featuring footage of people remaining home and empty streets, this ad remains touching and genuine while still serving as a reminder to stay home and follow social distancing rules.

Burger King

Burger King’s Stay Home of the Whopper is the only ad on this list that is still promoting a product. However, the video has been received favorably online because it stays true to the brand’s goofy nature while simultaneously sharing a reminder to stay home and promoting Burger King’s decision to donate Whoppers to nurses across the country.

Boston Globe

This advertisement, entitled Boston is Still Running, serves as a love letter to the city of Boston, featuring arresting photos and videos taken by Globe staff of the empty city. Narrated by hometown hero John Krasinski, the ad emphasizes the city’s patriotic spirit by urging them to do the right thing for their country and follow safety guidelines.

Google

Google’s When There’s Help, There’s Hope video utilizes their standard ad format of layering Google searches over photographs and videos of real people. The video is uplifting and hopeful, and has a genuine feel that resonates with viewers. The company also put out a series of additional videos thanking parents, healthcare workers, and teachers, each ending with a description of actions Google is taking to support those groups.

Postmates

Postmates’ Order Local video features a variety of celebrities listing their favorite restaurants in Los Angeles and urging viewers to join them in supporting local restaurants during a time of financial difficulty, allowing Postmates to uplift an industry without which it could not operate.

While all of these ads are, of course, unique to the brand that created them, they do have a few common threads: 1) using celebrities as a way to connect with the general public even more, 2) sharing an uplifting or supportive message, and 3) avoiding a direct sales pitch for their products. Ultimately, a strong brand knows how to deliver messaging that uplifts and comforts its consumers, and understands that intent and timing is everything.

Looking for a team of digital marketing experts to help you create a great campaign of your own? Let’s get in touch!

How Can You Reach An Audience Segment On Dating Apps?

The Tribe on July 24, 2020

You may not be spending time yet targeting buyers through apps like Tindr, Bumble, Plenty Of Fish — or the plethora of other free dating…

Let’s GROW Together in 2020 – digital marketing trends you should be using to grow your biz this year

The Tribe on January 3, 2020

Digital marketing trends you should be using to grow your biz this year.

The New Year is finally upon us, and as 2020 sets in, everyone is scrambling to put together their 2020 goals.

Usually, organizations take the time to set their growth goals for the new year, but few companies actually plan out the steps that need to be taken to achieve these goals. Whether it’s increasing revenue, expanding brand awareness, growing your team, or something else, we know your business is focused on making 2020 the best year yet.

As a way to ring in the New Year, Tribu has created a video series dedicated to helping you boost your digital marketing game to meet your 2020 goals.

Check out our first-ever video series, Grow 2020. Each video will be a quick, 3-minute video about a digital marketing trend your company should be exploring in 2020.

Check out this Video

Keep your eyes on our blog to see the next video – these tips will help take your business to the next level. If you’re interested in learning more information about how digital marketing can help you grow your business this year, let’s get connected.

Looking to grow in 2020? Let’s talk!

Always Be Helping: 5 things I’ve learned from Hubspot’s Pipeline Generation Bootcamp

The Tribe on October 29, 2019

For the last eight weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in Hubspot’s highly regarded Agency Pipeline Generation Bootcamp. In a nutshell, this virtual course is for Hubspot Agency Partners who are dedicated to generating more opportunities and growing their agencies.

The course is led by senior sales aficionado Dan Tyre, who has been selling for over 30 years. Dan’s effervescent approach to inbound marketing, sales, and lead generation made each class worthwhile. Since it would be nearly impossible to pack eight week’s worth of knowledge into a single blog post, here are the top five things I’ve learned from Hubspot’s PGB.

1. Video prospecting is on the rise!

Lights, camera, action! If you aren’t using videos to prospect, you’re falling behind. Videos are a perfect way to interact with your ideal customers – they’re engaging, increase click-through-rates, and increase conversion rates, too. In fact, marketers who use video grow their revenue 49% faster than marketers who don’t use video. Insider tip – send over a custom GIF with the video link (see below). Your prospect won’t be disappointed.

2. Always be helping.

In old school sales, pushy salesmen & women preached “Always Be Closing”. That tactic might’ve worked in the 80s and 90s, but seller-centric selling doesn’t work anymore. Helping your prospects is not only the right thing to do but saves you both time, money, and resources. Whether you send out free e-books, blog posts, or training programs – helping is key.

3. Focus on attracting prospects who fit your business.

With rapidly changing technology and new businesses on the rise, many markets are experiencing increasing levels of competition and saturation. In order to remain competitive, hone in on your ideal customer and prospect within that space. Pick two to five industries you thrive in and specialize in those verticals. Being stellar at a few things is much better than being average at all things, right?

4. Picking up the phone isn’t that bad.

While cold calling may be seen as a more traditional sales technique, it’s not completely useless. Warm calling, however, is substantially more effective. Before completing a warm call, find a way to contact the prospect via email, LinkedIn, or an acquaintance. If you’re genuine, authentic, and helpful in your conversations, your prospects will be interested in talking to you.

5. Prospecting is key!

Prospecting is one of the most difficult parts of the sales process for most salespeople. Studies show that 37% of salespeople report that they struggle with prospecting. Developing a solid prospecting strategy ensures you’re generating a steady stream of leads each month, which sets you and your company up for success.

Thanks to Dan and all of the knowledgable people at Hubspot, I’ve been able to learn an abundance in regards to pipeline generation, growth strategies, and so much more. If you have the chance to participate in the next Pipeline Generation Bootcamp – do it!

Need help growing your business? Let’s grow together. Contact us now to get started!

Marketing New Hire vs Marketing Agency: Three Questions to Determine Where Your Budget is Best Spent

The Tribe on October 13, 2019

As a growing business, you’re always looking for ways to get the word out about your service or product. One of the most common ways to help increase brand awareness is by boosting your company’s marketing efforts.

If you don’t have an established marketing department, you might consider creating a new marketing-related position within your company, such as a Marketing Director or Marketing Manager. You also might consider outsourcing your needs to a marketing agency. Both agencies and new hires have pros and cons to consider, but ask yourself these three questions to determine where your budget will be best spent.

What are your marketing needs?

Are you only looking for someone to manage your social media channels on a daily basis, or rather, a team who can overhaul your entire marketing strategy? Agencies are a resource that come to the table with diverse skills and expertise in a variety of different areas: pay-per-click advertising (PPC), search engine optimization (SEO), analytics, website design, branding, social media management, and more.

An agency also has the tools, platforms, and manpower to make the most out of all of your marketing efforts, which saves you time and money in the long run. Agencies have built up a knowledge base of experience with other companies and are able to provide a level of expertise that a single employee simply can’t produce.

What is your timeline?

Depending on what your marketing goals are, specific timelines might be set in place for when you need (and expect) to see results. For example, your competitor has just invested in a full brand refresh. They’ve come out with a fresh new logo, a cutting-edge website, and brand new specials and offerings…so what’s your next move?

You could invest several months of time and research on posting a marketing-related job, conducting interviews, onboarding and training a new employee. You also could research and hire a marketing agency that could hit the ground running within a few days. The choice is yours!

What are your goals?

Is your goal to increase revenue? Scale your brand? Increase brand awareness? Agencies can help save a lot of internal time and effort, allowing you to reach your goals in a timely manner. At Tribu, we work with our Tribe partners to establish SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. Each marketing initiative is aimed at tackling one of those goals, whether it be a long-term marketing campaign or a short-term email blast. Larger, more complex marketing initiatives will often require a team of specialists who can deliver results and help achieve company goals.

While both new hires and agencies have advantages and disadvantages, full-service agencies can help companies achieve their marketing goals in a timely manner.

Do you have a project in mind? Let us help you bring it to life!

Text Marketing – The Benefits and Why You Should Utilize It In Your Campaigns

The Tribe on September 6, 2019

Launching a new product or service? Have an exciting business update? Got a promo code or a special offer you can provide for your audience? What better way to get the word out than a text, where the recipient will receive an instant notification on their phone.

Here are just a few reasons why you should incorporate text marketing into your campaigns.

Fast Announcements

When it comes to text marketing, there is very little prep time. You don’t have to wait on print materials or approvals from the service provider – you can write a short announcement, attach a website link if needed, and hit that send button with no regrets.

There’s Less Competition

Unlike emails that can get lost in cluttered inboxes and digital advertisements that have to go up against competitors with bigger budgets, text marketing is an advertising method that allows you to capture more attention from your audience.

Higher Open Rate Than Emails

According to Campaign Monitor, Text Marketing has a whopping 98% average open rate, compared to just 20% from Email Marketing. However, this does not mean one method should be chosen over another. Each with their own benefits, both emails and texts can work together to create a strong, comprehensive campaign.

Flexible Payment Options

Most Text marketing services, such as SlickText or EZtext, offer flexible pricing plans. You can either pay as you go, subscribe to a monthly. With certain services such as Slicktext, there is also the option for you to upgrade and downgrade your plan as you see fit.

High Return on Investment

Because there is very little prep time and the open rate is so high, text marketing allows for a fast turnaround and a strong return on investment. It’s a cost-effective strategy for you to get your marketing message out to your audience, quickly and cheaply.

Here at Tribu, we can take care of all of your text marketing needs. Need help with your comprehensive marketing campaign? Reach out today!

Sustainable Brands – Creating a Positive Impact for Your Business and the Planet

The Tribe on September 5, 2019

Every year climate change and protecting our planet becomes a more pressing issue in the news. Unexplainable natural disasters and increases in temperature variation have made protecting our plant a bigger priority for the everyday consumer. Many people have pointed the finger at businesses to take responsibility for the impact their supply chain has on the environment. Here are some examples of brands pioneering this positive change.

Patagonia

Patagonia is one of the first brands I was introduced to that was environmentally conscious. Since the company’s inception, they have put the plant first. From their operation to their product, Patagonia is “in business to save our home planet.”

Adidas

Earlier this year, Adidas announced their goal is to produce zero plastic waste by replacing the use of virgin polyester with entirely recycled polyester by 2024. Adidas’s innovation team also announced the design of Loop, a shoe made from 100% recyclable materials.

H&M

H&M is actively working to integrate sustainability into its business. They created Conscious, a product line made from organic and sustainable materials. H&M also created a global garment collecting initiative. Customers can drop off their unwanted clothes and receive a 15% discount off their next purchase. These clothes are then recycled for a new life.

Adopting sustainable practices not only positively impacts the planet but also establishing your business as a pioneer of change. Making the investment to become environmentally and socially responsible will set your business apart from competitors and can help you win over new customers.

Do you have a project in mind? Let us help you bring it to life!

Did you see that?! Pro tips to maximize your Billboard impact

The Tribe on August 13, 2019

Is it a bird?! No.

Is it a plane?! No.

It’s a billboard! A great one.

Do you ever find yourself driving up the highway and stopping to glance at a billboard for a few seconds? Sometimes you might find them irrelevant, but there are many times when the billboard is SO good that you can’t stop thinking about it. That is exactly what the goal of every billboard should be.

As creators of stellar graphic design (you can check some of our work here) we often find ourselves surprised at the clever, yet genius, billboards out there. Although individuals are exposed to hundreds of billboards every year, there are a few tips that will definitely help you maximize your billboard’s impact.

Readability is crucial

One of the most important aspects of a billboard is making it easy to read. The phrase “short and sweet” applies perfectly to this scenario, since these massive signs will just be observed for a couple of seconds. As a designer, you want to create a billboard that is able to capture someone’s attention and reach its initial goal in a couple of quick phrases. On average, the number of words that should be on a great billboard and can be easily read on around 10 seconds is around six words or less.

Similarly, you must stick to fonts and designs that are easy to read and understand from a distance. Although new fancy and artsy fonts are created every day, you should be inclined to stick to fonts that are aesthetically nice but are still simple and legible.

You should ALWAYS remember that you want it to be easy to read since your audience are mostly going to be drivers. Grabbing attention is the main goal, but there should always be in a manner that avoids long distractions that can become a driving hazard.

Images and Colors are KEY.

Just like picking an ideal font for your billboard’s text, you should also rely on high-resolution images. Your photos and graphics should be understandable from a distance away, and having blurry images is a definite no.

At the same time, colors play a big part in the success of your billboard. Having a color palette for your design or campaign creates a more appealing look that helps convey your message. Choosing bold colors that are readable from a distance is the best way to go, most of the time relying on neutral colors such as black, white, blue and red.

Make it clever! Be original.

Being original is definitely a given. People find themselves looking at thousands of different ads and billboards every year. Most of the time, these are easily forgotten, but having a memorable billboard will be effective in the long-run.

When creating a billboard, you want the message to be conveyed while still being entertaining and sparking interest in your viewer. By having a unique premise, many times including cool visuals or the use of humor, your business will quickly get noticed and stick to the back of the person’s mind.

Nowadays we even have the option to incorporate moving parts, animations, 3D images and pop-ups into our billboards. By thinking outside the box and being original, you avoid being classified as “just another billboard” and can actually generate reactions from your audience.

Make it Local

As Texans, we LOVE local southern flavor in anything around us. However, this also applies to any other city or area. If the billboard design you are creating is tailored to a particular audience or location you might as well incorporate local characteristics and likings into your design.

You want to make your billboard memorable, make it stick. By personalizing your content to something your audience is already familiar with, you will be able to quickly get their attention and want them to find out more.

Build brand awareness!

The ultimate goal of ANY billboard is always to have viewers seek more information about your business or message. Whether it is a phone number, website, or simply a name that they can Google, your audience should know where to go if they want to find out more. This helps build awareness and aims to get more attention directed towards your brand.

By having a memorable billboard that viewers want to take action on, you’re raising brand awareness and having your business noticed. Similarly, an important goal is to get brand recall, that is getting viewers to associate your brand with what your main purpose is. Having consistent advertisements and billboards helps generate brand recall and without a doubt, your audience will know who your brand is by simply glancing at the billboard for a few seconds.

A great example is our beloved Texas staple, Buc-ee’s. With their short, yet clever billboards they always reach their goal of generating brand awareness and having drivers stop at their locations. Their logo and color palette have become so well-known, that by simply glancing at their billboard viewer’s eyes are immediately directed towards the number of miles left to make a Buc-ee’s stop.

Although we’ve become so accustomed to seeing advertisements on social media, billboards are still extremely effective. These are just some ways in which you can maximize your billboard’s impact and reach your campaign’s end goal to the fullest. Correspondingly, the examples shared above are just a few of the numerous fantastic billboards out there.

Tribu is ready to help – get in touch with us today!