Author Archives: Nick Westergaard

“I think 2016 is the year of the blog.” And Maddy Osman knows a thing or two about brands and blogging. That’s because she’s the force behind not one but two blog brands. Her lifestyle blog, Chicago Cheap Ass, helps … Read More →

In recent years, Super Bowl ads have become as watched as the game itself. We’ve come a long way since Apple’s 1984 ad first alerted viewers that there was still something to see during the game’s commercial breaks.

“Brands often fall flat when trying to be an Onion or a Buzzfeed.” As these irreverent powerhouses have taught us, humor can significantly impact your online reach. A mistake many make is trying to execute this potent mixture on their … Read More →

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed new features for brands on Facebook and Instagram. Facebook page managers can answer back in private and Instagram users … Read More →

“If you’re looking at risks, you’re going to want to quantify those risks.” Whether its upset customers, out-of-control advocates, or failed campaigns, marketers have their hands full when it comes to managing online brand reputation in the digital age. In … Read More →

“If you don’t embrace the new rules online you’ll be left behind if you aren’t already.” David Meerman Scott knows a thing or two about new rules. Over a decade ago his landmark book The New Rules of Marketing and … Read More →

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed a fun story: a Twitter feud between Wendy’s and Burger King, which provided a good reminder on why it’s … Read More →

Today brands of all shapes and sizes are creating content. However, there are also brands known exclusively for the content they create. Such is the case of the Harvard Business Review, the separate publication arm of the Harvard Business School. How … Read More →

On this week’s Social Sound Bite – recorded live at the KXIC studios in Iowa City – Jay and I discussed a new report just released from software provider Domo and CEO.com stating that 61% of Fortune 500 CEOs aren’t … Read More →

“It’s too possible to be personable.” Live streaming video via platforms such as Periscope and Snapchat have presented marketers with an amazing opportunity to deepen the relationships they have with their customers. However, many brands are apprehensive about this very public, immediate … Read More →