Powerful capabilities and integrations empower retailers and brands to boost advertising ROI and elevate overall customer satisfaction

Lily AI, a leading retail technology platform specializing in AI solutions for retailers and brands, has announced the launch of the next generation of their product attribute platform with the release of the Lily app. This innovative app grants retailers and brands end-to-end control over their product attribute management and workflows. Upon logging in, users can seamlessly ingest products from their merchandise catalog, enrich them through Lily AI, and propagate the updated product data across their online touchpoints. This results in enhanced discovery, increased return-on-ad-spend (ROAS), and improved organic search performance.

Simplified Integrations

Thanks to the Lily app’s suite of integrations, importing and exporting optimized product data has never been easier. Users can connect their Google Merchant Center account, Product Information Management (PIM) system, or eCommerce search platform through one of Lily’s no-code connectors. This functionality empowers users to choose which products to enrich while providing a comprehensive reporting suite to analyze data enrichment activities. Out-of-the-box integrations with platforms like Google Merchant Center, Shopify, Bloomreach, Algolia, and more eliminate the need for manual configuration, customization, or updates for each destination system.

Key Features of the Lily App

The Lily app is designed to empower both marketers and merchants, offering several key features:

• Agnostic Catalog Ingestion: Users can ingest product data via API or flat file formats.

• Fully Automated Product Attribution: Automates the process of attributing product data for enhanced accuracy.

• On-Demand Activation: Enables users to activate Lily AI product attributes across Shopify, Google Merchant Center, Algolia, Bloomreach, and more.

• Automatic Retrieval and Enrichment: Retrieves and enriches new products from destination systems, ensuring timely activation.

• A/B Testing and Impact Measurement: Facilitates A/B testing and performance measurement across Google’s surfaces.

Leadership Insights

“For many retailers and brands, the initial excitement around Generative AI is fading, but they remain hopeful and are exploring how AI can generate real value,” said Purva Gupta, CEO and Co-founder of Lily AI. “While many have upskilled their internal teams, they have also relied on technology providers to leverage AI on their behalf. Today, I’m excited to deliver the latest version of our Lily app, which empowers our clients with easy-to-use self-serve access to the most accurate and high-quality AI-powered product attribute platform available.”

“When I meet with our customers, I often hear the term ‘automagically’ to describe their vision for product data enrichment and activation,” added Ahmed Naiem, President of Lily AI. “Now, with the Lily app, we’re empowering teams to submit product data, publish enrichments, and view reports all through a self-serve interface. The app truly excels with our Google Merchant Center integration, as it not only eliminates manual efforts in data preparation and transfer but also enhances the performance of traditional Search, Shopping, and Performance Max (PMax) campaigns, delivering 5-20% lifts in impressions and clicks.”

Lily AI’s latest app marks a significant advancement in product attribute management, providing retailers and brands with the tools they need to optimize their product data efficiently. By leveraging AI-powered solutions, businesses can enhance their digital presence, improve customer engagement, and ultimately drive sales.

Pipeline360, Integrate's media business, has unveiled new survey results from the "H2 2024 State of B2B Pipeline Growth" report. The survey indicates that approximately 50% of B2B marketers are struggling to meet their goals for the year. However, when teams align completely on Sales and Marketing efforts and adopt a Branded Demand approach—integrating content syndication and display advertising—80% achieve their goals, reflecting a 60% increase in success. This survey builds upon earlier research from the "H1 2024 State of B2B Pipeline Growth," conducted in collaboration with global research and advisory firm Demand Metric.

Key Challenges in B2B Marketing

The survey identified the top challenges faced by B2B marketers:

1. Budget and Resource Constraints: 48%
2. Economic Slowdown: 46%
3. Sales and Marketing Alignment: 44%

To cope with reduced resources, 62% of marketers are consolidating teams and job responsibilities, while 39% are increasingly relying on AI, and another 39% are utilizing contractors or agencies.

The Role of Generative AI

A significant 85% of B2B marketers are leveraging generative AI (GenAI), with 76% reporting satisfaction or high satisfaction with the results.

Importance of Sales and Marketing Alignment

The survey highlights the benefits of alignment between sales and marketing teams:

• 75% of aligned teams meet their goals to a great or very great extent (compared to 53% overall).
• 91% successfully reach their buying groups (vs. 74% overall).
• 85% express satisfaction with their lead generation processes (vs. 67% overall).
• 86% are pleased with the quantity of leads generated (vs. 64% overall).
• 86% report satisfaction with lead quality (vs. 69% overall).
• 76% meet lead generation goals to a great or very great extent (vs. 50% overall).

In contrast, teams not using content syndication or display advertising see significantly lower success rates:

• Only 42% can reach their goals (vs. 53% overall).
• 65% manage to connect with their buying groups (vs. 74% overall).
• Just 34% achieve their lead generation goals (vs. 50% overall).
• 55% are satisfied with their lead generation process (vs. 67% overall).
• 55% express satisfaction with the quality of leads (vs. 69% overall).
• 57% are pleased with the quantity of leads (vs. 64% overall).

Lead Generation Channels

The survey found the most popular channels for lead generation to be:

1. Email Marketing: 63%
2. Social Media: 61%
3. Influencer Marketing: 49%
4. Digital Display Advertising: 47%
5. Content Syndication: 34%

Despite 78% satisfaction with the quality of leads generated from content syndication, 35% of respondents cited poor lead quality as a reason for not utilizing this channel.

"Lack of alignment between Sales and Marketing creates silos in branding and demand, leading to ineffective use of available tools," stated Tony Uphoff, President of Pipeline360. "Our findings suggest that to thrive in today's competitive market, B2B marketers must move away from unbranded leads and invest in a Branded Demand approach that ensures reach, high-quality leads, and a significant pipeline impact."

This Collaboration Aims to Transform the Buying Process for Venue-Based Media, Opening New Opportunities, Making More Accessible for Broader Range of Advertisers

Lemma, a leading omnichannel platform for emerging media, and Taiv, an AI-powered innovative video technology company, have announced a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing venue-based and connected TV (CTV) advertising. This collaboration combines Lemma’s advanced programmatic capabilities with Taiv’s cutting-edge technology for high-impact video ads in bustling bars and restaurants.

Transforming Venue-Based Advertising

This partnership represents a significant leap forward in the advertising industry, introducing innovative solutions and a fresh approach to audience engagement through high-profile, venue-based media. By integrating the Lemma Supply-Side Platform (SSP), media buyers will gain access to Taiv’s exclusive inventory through private marketplace deals featuring familiar 15 or 30-second video creatives. This collaboration simplifies the expansion into new advertising channels, allowing buyers to seamlessly incorporate venue-based media into their programmatic strategies with minimal disruption.

Enhanced Advertising Experience

Taiv, known for its AI-driven technology, enhances the advertising experience on large screens in premium venues such as sports bars and restaurants. By integrating with Lemma’s advanced programmatic platform, Taiv will provide media buyers with enhanced access and flexibility, allowing them to incorporate venue-based media into their existing campaigns more effectively.

Streamlining the Buying Process

The collaboration aims to streamline and elevate the buying process for venue-based media, offering unmatched clarity and efficiency. By focusing exclusively on venue-based media, this partnership avoids the typical overlaps with CTV or Digital Out-Of-Home (DOOH), ensuring that Taiv’s inventory stands out with precise, targeted opportunities for media buyers, free from the complexities of traditional media classifications.

Quotes from Leadership

“Our partnership with Taiv opens new horizons for media buyers by integrating venue-based media seamlessly with programmatic buying. This collaboration offers a unique opportunity to engage audiences on some of the most visible screens in high-traffic venues, merging the strengths of both CTV and venue-based media into a cohesive strategy,” said Angelina Marmorato, AVP of Sales and Partnerships, North America at Lemma.

“Partnering with Lemma is a game-changer for the venue-based media industry. By integrating Taiv's AI-driven video technology with Lemma's powerful programmatic capabilities, we’re transforming business TV to be more engaging, profitable, and easier to manage. This collaboration empowers advertisers to seamlessly reach audiences in dynamic, impactful ways while simplifying and enhancing the media buying process,” said Tony Siconolfi, Chief Revenue Officer at Taiv.

StreamText, a leader in real-time captioning solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its latest innovation: cloud encoding for video. This new feature enables users to seamlessly integrate captions from a StreamText event into an RTMP video stream, enhancing video content with accessible, real-time captions.

Simplifying Captioning for All Users

The cloud encoding service is designed with simplicity in mind, empowering both technical and non-technical users to enhance their video streams effortlessly. “We created this solution with ease and control in mind,” said Nick Wilkie, CEO of StreamText. “Our goal is to offer a service that not only simplifies the captioning process but also keeps our clients in control of their customer relationships—something other platforms don't always prioritize.”

Benefits of StreamText's Cloud Encoding for Video

• Easy to Use: The intuitive interface is accessible to users with varying levels of technical expertise, making it ideal for captioning firms, video production companies, event organizers, and individual captioners.

• Customer Control: StreamText prioritizes client relationships by not collecting or using customer contact information, ensuring that relationships remain protected.

• Compatibility: The CC encoding works with virtually all captioning software, providing flexibility for any workflow.

• Cost-Efficient: There are no monthly fees, hidden charges, or licensing requirements—clients only pay for what they use.

Commitment to Accessibility

With this new cloud encoding service, StreamText solidifies its commitment to making captioning accessible, secure, and efficient for all users, helping businesses create inclusive video experiences with ease. For more information on how StreamText's cloud encoding can benefit your captioning needs, please visit StreamText.net.

Claritas, a trailblazer in data-driven marketing solutions, has announced an exciting new partnership with AudioStack, a leader in AI audio production. This strategic collaboration aims to transform the landscape of AI-driven audio marketing by integrating both companies' cutting-edge technologies and unparalleled expertise.

Enhanced Audience Targeting and Personalization

The partnership will leverage synergies between Claritas’ deep consumer insights, advanced data analytics, and patented AI technology and AudioStack’s state-of-the-art AI-powered media creation infrastructure. This integration will deliver enhanced audience targeting, creative optimization, and dynamic content adaptation, setting a new standard for personalized audio experiences.

By merging Claritas' robust AI-driven creative optimization with AudioStack's innovative audio content creation, this partnership enables the production of highly targeted and personalized audio content. Detailed consumer demographics, behaviors, and preferences provided by Claritas will allow AudioStack to fine-tune its audio offerings to meet specific listener needs effectively.

“This partnership with AudioStack helps scale the GenAI and overall AI capabilities Claritas offers to help marketers drive more effective and efficient marketing strategies,” said Mike Nazzaro, CEO of Claritas. “By combining our understanding of consumer behavior with AudioStack's expertise in audio technology, we can offer marketers unparalleled tools to engage their audiences.”

Improved Creative Optimization

The collaboration will see Claritas' AI-driven creative optimization applied to AudioStack’s audio content creation processes. This ensures that audio ads, podcasts, and other content are not only engaging but also designed to drive better results.

With access to real-time data and insights from Claritas' platform, AudioStack can dynamically adapt audio content to individual listener preferences and behaviors. This data-driven approach guarantees that every piece of audio content resonates deeply with its intended audience.

Silke Zetzsche, Global Commercial Director at AudioStack, commented, “This groundbreaking partnership with Claritas is putting DCO on its head. We're essentially starting with a white canvas instead of a traditional decision tree, creating several creative assets based on the activation brief, then letting the AI optimize, and then ingesting campaign learnings back into the re-creation of additional creative assets on the fly. This always-on audio strategy focuses on only the best-performing creative variants and uses the learnings to re-create additional versions to increase performance and improve campaign health overall.”

Synergies in GenAI Applications

One of the most promising aspects of the partnership is the potential for GenAI applications. Combining Claritas’ audience targeting, campaign execution, and measurement expertise with AudioStack’s prowess in audio content generation means the development of highly personalized and engaging audio content powered by AI.

Marketers will benefit from more effective, personalized, and measurable audio campaigns that harness the strengths of both companies in AI, data analytics, and audio technologies. These advancements will allow clients to achieve their marketing goals more efficiently in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The combined expertise and technology of Claritas and AudioStack signal a new era for AI-driven audio marketing. Businesses looking to enhance their marketing strategy with innovative, data-driven audio content now have a powerful solution at their disposal through this groundbreaking partnership.

UserTesting, the leading provider of human insights for innovators, has announced the appointment of Johann Wrede as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Wrede brings over 25 years of experience in customer databases, CRM, and CX solutions. His role will focus on strengthening UserTesting's market presence, enhancing customer engagement, and positioning the company as the premier platform for human insights.

• Johann Wrede's Background:
  Wrede has extensive expertise in developing, selling, and marketing CRM and CX solutions, previously holding senior roles at companies like Emburse, Xactly, SAP, Cisco, and IBM.

• Strategic Role at UserTesting:
  As CMO, Wrede will lead the company’s global marketing strategies, including:

  • Demand generation: Driving qualified leads and expanding UserTesting's customer base.
  • Brand strategy: Strengthening UserTesting’s position as the go-to human insights platform.
  • Product marketing and corporate communications: Showcasing the platform's value and amplifying its reach.
  • Customer advocacy: Enhancing customer satisfaction and co-creation opportunities.

• Vision for UserTesting:
  Johann Wrede expressed his enthusiasm for joining at a pivotal time, stating his eagerness to elevate the company’s global brand and accelerate its growth. His leadership will be critical in shaping the future of customer experience innovation.

• Leadership Endorsement:
  Jamie Anderson, President of Global Field Operations at UserTesting, praised Wrede’s track record of building market-leading brands. Anderson emphasized that Wrede's leadership will be instrumental in fostering innovation and empowering businesses to co-create better customer experiences.

With Johann Wrede at the helm of its marketing efforts, UserTesting is poised to expand its influence in the human insights space and drive growth through deeper customer engagement and global brand elevation.

Nicholas Zangler to Lead Viant’s Investor Strategy

Viant Technology Inc. has appointed Nicholas Zangler as Vice President of Investor Relations. In this role, Zangler will lead the company's investor relations strategy, enhancing its visibility and strengthening relationships within the investor community. He will serve as the primary liaison between Viant and investors, ensuring transparent and consistent communication about the company's vision, strategy, and financial performance.

• Nicholas Zangler's Experience:
  Zangler brings over 15 years of experience in sell-side equity research and investor relations. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including AdTech, media, retail, and healthcare.

  • Most recently, Zangler was an equity research analyst at Stephens Inc., where he covered Technology, Media, and Telecom (TMT) industries, focusing on AdTech and connected TV (CTV).
  • He has also held a leadership position in investor relations at Walgreens Boots Alliance.

• Strategic Role at Viant:
  In his new role, Zangler will focus on:

  • Investor engagement: Strengthening relationships with investors and broadening awareness of Viant's capabilities.
  • Clear communication: Serving as the point of contact for investors and equity research analysts, ensuring clear communication of the company’s financial performance.
  • Market differentiation: Highlighting Viant’s position as a buy-side only, demand-side platform (DSP) in the AdTech space.

• Leadership Endorsement:
  Larry Madden, Chief Financial Officer at Viant, emphasized the importance of Zangler’s experience in CTV and AdTech, stating that his leadership will be crucial to advancing Viant’s growth strategy and communicating its unique value proposition to investors.

• Zangler’s Vision for Viant:
  Nicholas Zangler expressed his excitement about joining Viant during a period of innovation, particularly with technologies like ViantAI. He looks forward to building strong investor relationships and showcasing Viant's potential for continued growth and market leadership.

Nicholas Zangler’s appointment as Vice President of Investor Relations will help Viant strengthen its connections with the investor community, further driving the company’s growth and enhancing its leadership in the AdTech and CTV sectors.

KERV Interactive, the leader in AI-powered video analysis, performance, and monetization, has announced the appointment of Lauri Baker as Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships. With over 25 years of experience in adtech, strategic partnerships, and digital innovation, Baker will play a pivotal role in expanding KERV’s partnerships with agencies and brands, accelerating revenue growth, and guiding the company's strategic direction.

• Lauri Baker’s Background:

  • Baker has held leadership roles at Discovery, Verizon Media, and HuffPost Partner Studio, where she co-founded one of the earliest branded content studios.
  • Most recently, she served as SVP of Strategic Partnerships at Infillion.
  • Named one of NewsCred’s 50 Most Influential Content Marketers, she also serves on the IAB Video Leadership Board.

• Role at KERV:
  In her new role, Baker will report to CRO Jay Wolff and focus on:

  • Strategic partnerships: Strengthening and expanding relationships with brands, agencies, and publishers.
  • Revenue growth: Accelerating KERV's growth by leveraging innovative AI-driven video solutions.
  • Technology and creativity: Leading the convergence of content, commerce, and data-driven advertising experiences.

• KERV’s Recent Innovations:
  KERV has made significant strides in enhancing its product offerings and partnership network, including:

  • Programmatic solutions: Expanding availability through partners like Magnite.
  • Interactive, shoppable CTV experiences: Collaborating with major partners such as Digitas, Disney, Vevo, and VIZIO.
  • Shoppability and contextual targeting: Partnering with NBCU for 'Must Shop TV' and globally with Paramount ANZ.
  • AI advancements: Processing over 1.3 million videos to ensure brand safety, contextual relevance, and actionable moments for advertisers.

• Leadership Praise:
  Gary Mittman, CEO of KERV, highlighted Baker’s expertise at the intersection of technology, data, and creativity, noting her key role in driving innovation where content and commerce converge.
  CRO Jay Wolff also emphasized Baker’s strong leadership in growing revenue and orchestrating collaborative sales teams, predicting her impact will further push the boundaries of dynamic, interactive video experiences.

• Baker’s Vision for KERV:
  Lauri Baker is excited to join KERV during a period of digital transformation. She emphasized the importance of KERV’s advanced AI and image-recognition technologies in creating seamless, shoppable video experiences and engaging consumers in meaningful ways. Baker looks forward to scaling innovative solutions and delivering measurable results for KERV’s partners across all platforms.

Lauri Baker’s appointment as Senior Vice President, Head of Partnerships, positions KERV Interactive for continued growth and innovation. Her expertise will be instrumental in scaling KERV’s solutions and driving impactful partnerships with brands and agencies.