New insights from LG Ad Solutions highlight growing opportunity for marketers to leverage Home Screen placements on CTV to expedite discoverability and path to purchase this holiday season

LG Ad Solutions has released its latest report, "Season’s Streamings: Holiday Shopping & TV Viewing Trends in 2024," highlighting significant trends in holiday shopping and TV viewing. The report reveals that a substantial portion of CTV users plan to begin their holiday shopping early, with a notable increase in spending expected this season.

Key Findings

• Early Holiday Shopping

  • Early Start: 37% of CTV users plan to start their holiday shopping in October or earlier, with 60% intending to start before Thanksgiving.
  • Increased Spending: 40% of CTV users plan to spend more this holiday season, with an average expenditure of $801 per person, marking a 14% increase year-over-year.

• Consumer Preferences for TV Ads

  • Specific Deals and Promotions: 91% of holiday shoppers prefer TV ads with specific deals or promotions.
  • Ease of Purchase: 71% want ads that facilitate easier purchasing of featured items.
  • Useful Information: 43% find TV ads helpful for holiday product and service information, with 72% open to scanning QR codes from TV ads for purchases.

• Shopping Behavior

  • Online vs. In-Store:
    • 86% of shoppers take advantage of online Black Friday deals.
    • 84% use Cyber Monday deals.
    • 70% shop in-store for Black Friday deals.
    • Early shoppers (before Thanksgiving) are more inclined to shop online (72%) compared to late shoppers (63%).

• Top Spending Categories

  • Clothing/Apparel: 64% of respondents plan to spend on apparel, up 6% YoY.
  • Gift Cards: 62% will purchase gift cards, a 4% increase YoY.
  • Increased Spending in Other Categories:
    • Appliances: +39% YoY
    • Travel: +26% YoY
    • Auto: +19% YoY

• Gender Spending Differences

  • Men: 52% plan to spend more on holiday shopping compared to the previous year.
  • Women: 30% plan to spend more, while 52% expect to spend the same amount as last year.

Insights from Industry Experts

• Tony Marlow, CMO at LG Ad Solutions

  • Emphasized the importance of leveraging the TV Home Screen for holiday advertising.
  • Noted the trend of increased retailer investment in CTV campaigns for effective audience engagement.

• Strategic Recommendations

  • Holistic TV Consumption View: Essential for key discovery and engagement moments.
  • Direct-to-Glass Strategy: Allows precise audience targeting and alignment with cultural moments, such as holiday movies.

The report underscores the growing impact of CTV and TV ads on holiday shopping behaviors. With consumers starting their shopping earlier and spending more, advertisers have a significant opportunity to engage audiences effectively through targeted TV advertising and CTV strategies.

New research from Cavell explores the latest trends in customer experience (CX) across the UK, Western Europe and US

The Customer Experience (CX) industry is rapidly adopting automation. However, new research by Cavell indicates that this shift won't drastically reduce contact centre agent numbers until after 2026.

1. Key Findings from Cavell's Q2 2024 CCaaS Market Evolution Report

• Research involved interviews with leading CCaaS and contact centre providers across the UK, Western Europe, and the US.
• Emphasis on understanding the future dynamics of contact centres.

2. Focus on Agent Assistance Over Full Automation

• Companies are experimenting with AI-powered systems.
• Main focus: Empowering agents with Agent Assistance platforms.
• No immediate drastic reduction in agent numbers as the industry remains cautious of full automation.

3. Trust Issues with Automation

• CX industry relies on agent confirmation to verify AI-recommended actions.
• Hesitation to trust automation beyond assistance roles.

4. Trends in the CCaaS Marketplace

• Technology convergence increasing competition between traditionally non-competing companies.
• Challenges in deploying AI-enabled integrated technology solutions.

5. Expert Insights

• Finbarr Begley, Senior Analyst at Cavell: AI and Automation are slower in reality than the hype.
• Companies prefer augmenting human actions with AI initially.
• Focus on keeping humans in the loop to prevent errors.

6. Market Projections

• UK CCaaS market value projected to reach $564 million by 2028.
• Forecasts on job impacts due to automation and growth in cloud contact centre solutions.

7. SME Market Focus

• Increasing availability of off-the-shelf packages for SMEs.
• Growing attention on SME-focused solutions in the CX industry.

Automation is transforming the CX industry, but contact centre agents will remain crucial until after 2026. The industry's cautious approach emphasizes augmenting human actions with AI while ensuring accuracy and building trust. Market growth and technological advancements continue to shape the future of contact centres, with a significant focus on SMEs.

New capabilities enable salons, spas, medspas, and barbershops to reach clients instantly and directly with targeted SMS campaigns

Boulevard, a provider of a client experience platform for appointment-based, self-care businesses, has announced the launch of its new text marketing feature. This addition offers an efficient way for salons, spas, medspas, and barbershops to increase bookings, drive revenue, and enhance client engagement through targeted SMS campaigns.

Subtopics and Pointers

1. Importance of Text Marketing

• Essential for modern salon and medspa marketing plans.
• Provides a fast and efficient way to connect with clients.
• High open and click-through rates with fast response times.

2. Key Features of Boulevard's Text Marketing

• Executed directly within the Boulevard platform.
• Enables highly targeted SMS campaigns.
• Enhances the end-to-end client experience.

3. Unique Benefits of Boulevard’s Text Marketing

• Dedicated phone number for each business location.
• All communications sent from the same dedicated business number.
• Improves client recognition and response rates.

4. Two-Way Text Marketing

• Allows clients to respond to marketing texts as direct messages.
• Integrated with Boulevard Messages for seamless communication.
• Enables staff to promptly answer client questions.

5. Customization and Insights

• Tailor campaigns to targeted audiences using Boulevard’s audience builder.
• Create customized, on-brand messages easily.
• Access to meaningful campaign metrics and reports for optimization.

6. Automated Notifications and Client Communication

• Automated confirmation and reminder texts reduce no-shows.
• Customizable text language to match brand communication style.
• Helps build long-term client relationships and improve retention.

7. Boulevard’s Impact and Innovation

• Empowering the self-care industry since 2016.
• Used by over 30,000 professionals across 3,000 businesses in the U.S.
• Processes over $2 billion in payments yearly as a certified PayFac.

Boulevard's new text marketing feature is set to revolutionize client engagement for appointment-based, self-care businesses. By leveraging targeted SMS campaigns, businesses can boost bookings, drive revenue, and enhance the overall client experience. Boulevard continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions that empower professionals and redefine client interactions.

Brandtech firm Jellyfish has announced the appointment of Nick Fettiplace as the new Managing Director. This transition follows the departure of Rick Lamb, who played a crucial role in Jellyfish's acquisition by Brandtech Group.

1. Leadership Transition

• Nick Fettiplace steps up as Managing Director.
• Rick Lamb departs after five years, having significantly contributed to the company’s growth and acquisition.

2. Nick Fettiplace’s Background

• With Jellyfish for 13 years, previously Chief Solutions Officer.
• Co-founder of Weedoo Media, acquired by Jellyfish in 2011.
• Known for his role in leading global SEO and earned media teams.

3. Fettiplace's Vision and Goals

• Aims to support national, regional, and global commercial ambitions.
• Focus on reinforcing Jellyfish’s culture, identity, and heritage in the UK market.
• Emphasizes Jellyfish's unique and evolving nature.

4. Achievements and Aspirations

• Significant global growth over the past five years.
• Plans to reintroduce and showcase Jellyfish's offerings to the UK market.

5. CEO’s Comments on the Transition

• CEO Nick Emery praises Rick Lamb's contributions and character.
• Emphasizes the need for leadership that can drive revolutionary changes in marketing.
• Confident in Fettiplace’s ability to lead and innovate.

With Nick Fettiplace taking the helm as Managing Director, Jellyfish is poised for continued growth and innovation. Fettiplace's extensive experience and visionary goals will further strengthen Jellyfish’s market presence and support its global ambitions.

Our FDA approved and patented Air Purification Units Sure to Wow TikTok Shopping Enthusiasts. This press release highlights the strategic move by Kronos Advanced Technologies Inc. to leverage TikTok’s popularity, drawing parallels to other successful integrations by major companies and emphasizing the platform’s significant user base and engagement potential.

Kronos Advanced Technologies Inc., a leader in air purification solutions and indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring, is excited to announce the prelaunch of its e-commerce store, KronosAIR, on TikTok. This strategic move aims to leverage TikTok's popularity in the U.S. to reach a wider audience and engage with potential customers in innovative ways.

1. Strategic Use of TikTok for E-Commerce

• Launching KronosAIR on TikTok to capitalize on the platform’s immense popularity.
• Follows the successful integration of TikTok by companies like Starbucks, Disney, and HubSpot.
• Aims to create a dynamic shopping experience through engaging video content.

2. TikTok’s Growing Influence

• TikTok's rapid growth with over 150 million active users in the U.S.
• Significant user base comprising Gen Z and Millennials who prefer digital-first shopping experiences.
• TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users globally, surpassing Facebook and Instagram's growth.

3. Kronos’ Vision and Goals

• Greg Rubin, CEO of Kronos Advanced Technologies: Thrilled about launching on TikTok.
• Opportunity to showcase cutting-edge air purification products.
• Engage with a younger, tech-savvy audience in a fun and interactive way.

4. Features of KronosAIR on TikTok

• Variety of Kronos products, including FDA-approved air purifiers.
• Direct purchase through the app for a seamless shopping experience.
• Enhanced engagement through TikTok’s video content.

5. Innovative Micro-Influencer Program

• Kronos customers can become micro-influencers by setting up their own TikTok stores.
• Promote Kronos products and earn income through social media presence.
• Expands Kronos' reach through authentic, user-generated content.

6. Market Potential and Industry Insights

• Bloomberg: U.S. TikTok commerce sales expected to rise tenfold to $17.5 billion in 2024.
• Social commerce sales projected to more than double to $144.5 billion by 2027.
• Wellness brands perform well on TikTok, with significant sales in beauty and health categories.

Kronos Advanced Technologies’ launch of the KronosAIR store on TikTok marks a significant step in reaching and engaging a broader audience. By leveraging TikTok's dynamic platform, Kronos aims to enhance its market presence and drive sales of its innovative air purification products. This move not only aligns with current digital shopping trends but also sets the stage for future growth and consumer engagement.

Performance marketing software company Phonexa has announced a strategic partnership with SMTP, a renowned email service provider. This collaboration aims to enhance the capabilities of Phonexa's E-Delivery platform, empowering businesses with improved email deployment, delivery options, and higher conversion rates.

1. Strategic Partnership Overview

• Phonexa teams up with SMTP to enhance email marketing efforts.
• Combines SMTP's advanced email delivery solutions with Phonexa's marketing automation platform.

2. Enhancing Phonexa’s E-Delivery Platform

• E-Delivery is one of eight products in the Phonexa suite.
• Designed for optimizing email and SMS marketing through advanced automation and seamless integration.
• Integration offers enhanced deliverability and flexibility with multiple ESP options.

3. Benefits of the Integration

• Enhanced Deliverability: SMTP ensures high deliverability rates, reducing the chance of emails landing in spam folders.
• Scalability: Robust infrastructure supports high-volume email deployments effortlessly.
• Reliability: Proven track record guarantees consistent email campaign performance.
• Flexibility: Clients can choose the best ESPs for their needs, optimizing deliverability and campaign effectiveness.

4. Statements from Leadership

• Jeffrey Schaffer, COO of Phonexa: Emphasizes commitment to efficient and reliable email marketing solutions.
• Alaa Gedeon, SVP of Revenue for SMTP: Highlights the partnership's alignment with quality and support for scalability and deliverability.

5. MailCon Conference Announcement

• Partnership announced during MailCon in New York on July 28.
• MailCon: Largest in-person gathering and conference for email marketers, owned and operated by Phonexa.

The partnership between Phonexa and SMTP represents a significant advancement in email marketing capabilities. By integrating SMTP’s solutions into Phonexa’s E-Delivery platform, businesses can achieve higher engagement, improved deliverability, and scalable email marketing efforts. This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to providing top-tier marketing solutions.

Strategic acquisition will enhance Pathlab’s services to midsize agencies through MiQ's best in class partners, technology, and people

Global programmatic media partner MiQ has announced its plans to acquire Pathlabs', a Media Execution Partner (MEP) known for delivering end-to-end digital media execution services to independent agencies. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in MiQ's growth, enhancing its ability to deliver programmatic excellence across the digital advertising ecosystem.

1. Pathlabs: An Overview

• Founded in 2021, headquartered in Missoula, Montana.
• Offers end-to-end digital media execution services for independent agencies.
• Supported by a 100-person team, managing planning to reporting of performance-based, paid advertising campaigns.

2. Strategic Fit and Opportunities

• MiQ’s technology and agnostic partnerships blend with Pathlabs' market expertise.
• Enhanced programmatic capabilities for clients of all sizes across the U.S.
• Unlocks opportunities for midsize independent agencies.

3. Addressing Industry Challenges

• Importance of innovative and reliable managed services providers in a fragmented digital advertising landscape.
• MiQ's expertise and technology investments help advertisers navigate complexities and achieve their goals.

4. Leadership Insights

• Charlie Neer, co-CEO of MiQ, U.S.: Sees tremendous opportunity in the independent agency market with over $25 billion in digital ad spend.
• Erin Madorsky, co-CEO of MiQ, U.S.: Emphasizes the enhancement of client offerings, insights, and success through this acquisition.
• William Lapointe, CEO of Pathlabs: Highlights the empowerment of clients with advanced tools and talent through the partnership with MiQ.

5. Integration and Future Prospects

• Pathlabs retains its brand identity and operates as an independent business unit under MiQ.
• Follows MiQ's previous acquisitions of Grasp, Samba, and AirGrid.
• Reinforces MiQ’s commitment to enhancing the programmatic experience.

The acquisition of Pathlabs by MiQ signifies a strategic move to enhance programmatic media services for independent agencies. By combining Pathlabs' deep market expertise with MiQ's cutting-edge technology and global partnerships, this partnership aims to deliver unmatched programmatic capabilities, driving success and extraordinary results for clients.

Beamr and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to Demonstrate Optimization of High-Quality, High-Resolution Videos Rendered from 3D models at SIGGRAPH 2024

Beamr Imaging Ltd., a leader in video optimization technology, has announced a collaboration with Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) to demonstrate the optimized production of large, high-quality videos rendered from 3D designs. The demonstration will take place at SIGGRAPH 2024, the premier conference on computer graphics and interactive technologies, held in Denver, Colorado, from July 28 to August 1, 2024.

Subtopics and Pointers

1. Importance of High-Resolution Videos for 3D Designs

• Essential for capturing intricate details, textures, and geometries.
• High-resolution necessary for accurate light and shadow representation.
• Challenges with large video file sizes for delivery and viewing.

2. Beamr’s Optimization Solution

• Beamr Cloud video optimization service supported by OCI.
• Demonstration showcases reducing a large video file to one-fourth of its original size.
• Optimization of a video from an OpenUSD-based scene developed on NVIDIA Omniverse.

3. Technology and Demonstration Details

• Beamr’s patented content-adaptive-bitrate technology (CABR).
• Efficient optimization without compromising video quality.
• High-performance video services accelerated by NVIDIA L40S GPUs.
• Available for OCI customers in the Oracle Cloud Marketplace.

4. Benefits for Users

• Easy connection of video libraries.
• Automatic optimization of videos at scale.
• Improved efficiency in sharing complex 3D visualizations with stakeholders.

5. Event Information

• Demonstration at Oracle booth at SIGGRAPH from July 30-August 1, 2024.
• Overview of the collaboration between Beamr Imaging and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure.
• Expected impact and future implications for video optimization in 3D design workflows.

Beamr Imaging and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure's demonstration at SIGGRAPH 2024 highlights the cutting-edge capabilities of video optimization for high-resolution 3D designs. By reducing file sizes without compromising quality, this collaboration offers an efficient solution for delivering detailed and high-quality visualizations.