During times of economic uncertainty, our first instinct is to look for ways to cut costs to keep our businesses afloat. While this might seem like a logical step to conserve resources, reducing marketing efforts during a downturn can actually do more harm than good.
 
In reality, continuing to invest in marketing during tough times can provide businesses with a competitive advantage, build brand loyalty, and position them for long-term success – just ask Procter & Gamble, who notoriously doubled down on marketing efforts when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and saw revenues surge compared with their competitors.’
 
Here’s why investing in marketing during times of uncertainty is more important than ever:

​Maintain visibility while competitors disappear
When businesses cut back on marketing, they also reduce their visibility to potential customers. If your competitors scale back their marketing efforts but you remain active, your brand becomes more prominent. Procter & Gamble benefitted precisely because other Fortune 500 companies went dark when the pandemic caused massive market uncertainty.
Customers who continue to search for products and services will see your company first, helping you gain market share that might have otherwise gone to your competition.

Build brand trust and loyalty
During economic downturns, consumers are more selective about where they spend their money. Businesses that continue to communicate with their audience, provide value, and demonstrate stability will build trust.
When people see that your company is still present and engaging with customers despite economic hardships, they are more likely to view you as a reliable and trustworthy choice – worthy of spending their hard-earned dollars.

Take advantage of lower advertising costs
Marketing channels, including digital advertising, social media promotions, and traditional media, often see lower costs during economic downturns. With fewer companies competing for ad space, businesses that continue advertising can benefit from reduced costs per click, impression, or placement. This means you can achieve better reach and engagement while spending less than you would in a strong economy.

Position your business for recovery
Economic downturns don’t last forever. When the economy rebounds, businesses that maintained their marketing efforts will be in a much stronger position than those that went dark. An unnamed client recently saw calls from new customers decline by 82% within 5 months of cutting marketing services due to uncertainty.

Keeping your brand at the forefront of consumers’ minds ensures that when they are ready to spend again, they will think of you first.

Strengthen customer relationships
Marketing isn’t just about selling – it’s about building relationships. During uncertain times, customers appreciate brands that provide valuable information, offer solutions, and show empathy. Content marketing, email campaigns, and social media engagement allow businesses to stay connected with their audience in a meaningful way, fostering long-term loyalty.
​

Adapt and innovate for changing consumer needs
Economic shifts often bring changes in consumer behavior. Companies that continue investing in marketing can track trends, gather data, and adjust their strategies accordingly. Whether it’s shifting to more digital channels, offering promotions, or refining messaging, staying active allows businesses to adapt to customer needs in real time.
 
During recessions, successful marketing can lead to increased market share, as seen with Starbucks, McDonald's, and Hyundai, who adapted their strategies to capitalize on consumer behavior shifts and maintain or grow their market position. 
Here's a breakdown of how these brands, successfully navigated recessions through smart marketing:

1. Starbucks:

• Context:

During the 2008 financial crisis, Starbucks faced a 28% drop in profits, but they pivoted to focus on building personalized customer relationships and embracing newer technologies like mobile apps. 

• Strategy:

They continued to open new locations, especially abroad (like in China), at a rapid pace, demonstrating a commitment to growth even during tough times. 

• Outcome:

Starbucks became the largest coffee retailer with a 40% market share by 2019. 

2. McDonald's:

• Context:

During the 2008 recession, McDonald's not only managed to stay afloat but also grabbed significant market share from competitors like Burger King and Yum Brands. 

• Strategy:

They implemented a value-focused menu (like the Dollar Menu) and a shrewd marketing strategy that involved taking advantage of cheaper TV ad rates. 

• Outcome:

McDonald's grew in 2008, with sales exceeding both 2006 and 2007, before the financial impact was felt worldwide. 

3. Hyundai:

• Context:

In 2009, the auto industry was struggling, and Hyundai USA strengthened its marketing efforts.

• Strategy:

They invested in Super Bowl and Academy Awards commercial slots and a customer-focused ad campaign.

• Outcome:

Hyundai's market share increased from 3.1% to 4.3%, while competitors experienced a 22% sales drop, and Hyundai increased vehicle sales by 5%. 

While cutting marketing costs may seem like a quick fix to protect your bottom line, it can have long-term consequences. Investing in marketing during economic uncertainty not only helps sustain your business in the present but also prepares you for future growth. The businesses that remain visible, build trust, and adapt to changing circumstances are the ones that emerge stronger when the economy bounces back.

At BIG DEAL Company, we specialize in creating impactful marketing strategies that help businesses thrive – even in challenging times. If you’re looking to maintain momentum and stay ahead of the competition, contact us today to learn how we can support your brand’s growth.

AI is Changing How People Search:

• 20% of users switched their primary search platform in the last year.
• 78% have tried Generative AI search tools.

What This Means for Your Brand:

• AI chatbots & search summaries (think Google’s AI overviews) are becoming the first stop for answers.
• SEO must evolve to ensure your brand stays discoverable

​Choosing between in-house and outsourced marketing is a crucial decision that impacts your brand’s growth, efficiency, and ROI (return on investment). Each approach offers unique benefits, and the right choice depends on various factors, such as budget, scalability, and creative needs.
 
At Big Deal Company, we understand that marketing is more than just strategy - it’s about creativity, connection, and delivering results. As a leading marketing collective, we specialize in high-impact campaigns, event planning, and brand growth strategies. Whether you’re looking to build an internal team or leverage expert outsourced marketing services, we help businesses navigate the best approach to achieve their marketing goals. Let’s dive into the benefits of both in-house and outsourced marketing to help you and your business make an informed decision.

In-House Marketing
Pros:

• Deep Brand Understanding - Your team lives and breathes your brand, ensuring messaging aligns with our company’s voice and values.
• Direct Communication - Immediate feedback and collaboration lead to quick decision-making and adaptability.
• Complete Control - You oversee all strategies and executions, providing alignment with your exact standards and objectives.

Cons:

• Higher Costs - Salaries, benefits, training, and tools add up, making it a significant investment.
• Limited Skill Sets - Your team might lack specialized expertise, requiring additional training or hires.
• Scalability Challenges - Expanding or reducing the team based on project needs can be slow and costly.

Outsourced Marketing
​Pros:

• Access to Experts - Agencies offer specialized skills across various marketing disciplines, ensuring high-quality execution.
• Cost-Effective - You pay for services as needed, avoiding the overhead associated with full-time employees.
• Scalability and Flexibility - Easily adjust the level of services based on your current needs without long-term commitments.

Cons:

• Less Brand Familiarity - External teams may require time to fully grasp your brand’s nuances and values.
• Communication Delays - Working with external partners can sometimes lead to slower decisions and implementation (due to delays on both sides!).
• Potential Misalignment - There’s a risk that the agency’s vision doesn’t perfectly align with your brand’s goals.

Financial Considerations
Hiring an in-house marketing team involves significant costs, including salaries and benefits. For example, hiring a marketing manager, content creator, SEO specialist, and designer can collectively cost over $150,000 (conservatively) annually.
 
Engaging an agency like Big Deal Company can be more economical. Monthly retainer rates for comprehensive services like SEO, PPC, and content marketing can total around $7500 or less, offering a broad range of expertise without the long-term financial commitment.
 
Creation and Ideation
In-house teams will have an intimate understanding of your brand. They will have an easy time fostering ideas that align well with company culture and objectives.
 
Outsourced agencies can bring fresh perspectives to your vision and goals. Contracted agencies typically have teams that can draw on diverse experiences across industries, which can lead to innovative and creatively unique campaigns.

​Which One Is Right for You?
The best choice depends on your business’s size, budget, and marketing goals. If you need a hands-on team that fully embodies your brand or you deal with sensitive information that needs to reach niche audiences, an in-house team might be the way to go. If you want access to top-tier expertise that is always on top of the latest trends and that can provide flexibility and cost savings, outsourcing could be the smarter move.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we specialize in bringing creativity to life - whether through unique marketing strategies, innovative campaigns, or unforgettable events. We’re purveyors of fun, passionate about growth, and dedicated to making every client a priority. If you’re looking for a marketing partner that delivers results with energy and originality, let’s make something amazing together!
 

I​n today’s fast-evolving marketing landscape, reaching your audience wherethey are - across email, social media, and owned media - is crucial. Multi-channel engagement means delivering a cohesive message through everyplatform, building brand trust and driving conversions.

Download our FREE guide below.

​7 Ways to Leverage Cause Marketing For Your Business
In today’s socially conscious marketplace, brand values matter more than ever to your customers and clients. Cause marketing, which ties your brand to a social or environmental cause, not only enhances your corporate image but also promotes customer loyalty and engagement. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe in the power of purpose-driven events and marketing strategies.
 
Here are 7 tips to effectively leverage cause marketing for your business:
 
Choose a Cause That Resonates with Your Brand
 
The first step in successful cause marketing is to choose a cause that aligns with your brand’s mission and values. Ideally, your customers should see a natural connection between your business and the cause you’re supporting. For example, if you’re in the fitness industry, partnering with a health-related nonprofit would be a strong fit, while a mortgage lender might partner with a housing charity.

Partner with Nonprofits
 
Forming a true partnership with a nonprofit (or a few) provides credibility and mutual increased marketing reach, allowing you to tap into the nonprofit’s existing audience while they tap into yours. Nurturing a deeper connection with just a few organizations gives you the opportunity to learn about how you can make the biggest difference for them, and this involvement can also be featured in your marketing to promote your business.
 
Incorporate Your Cause into Events
 
Events offer a powerful platform to highlight your cause marketing efforts. Whether it’s through charity fundraisers, awareness campaigns, or volunteer-driven activities, make the cause a central theme of your event. This not only raises awareness but also engages attendees in a meaningful way, bringing you opportunities for more business.
 
Engage Your Employees
 
Encourage employee participation in your cause marketing initiatives. This could be through volunteer programs, donation matching, or company-sponsored charity events. We’ve seen clients partner with a nonprofit to have their employees volunteer for a full day during work hours, while being paid their usual work salary by the company. Employee engagement strengthens your company culture, demonstrates your commitment to the cause, and provides word-of-mouth marketing.
***HOT TIP: You can download the BizWest GIVING GUIDE to research contact information for non-profits you are interested in supporting.
 

Offer Donation Matching
 
Incentivize your customers to donate by offering to match their contributions. For example, you could match every dollar donated by your customers up to a certain amount. This not only encourages more donations but also shows that your business is committed to making a significant community impact, not just improving your bottom line. (Example: United Way's Workplace Giving)
 
Use Social Media
 
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word about your cause marketing efforts. Share stories, updates, and results across platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Tag nonprofits you support to promote their cause and boost engagement for your content. Cross-post the latest news from your nonprofit partners’ page – many will return the favor.
 
Measure and Share Your Success
 
Finally, it’s crucial to measure the success of your cause marketing campaigns and share the results with your audience. Whether it’s the amount of money raised, the number of lives impacted, or the growth in customer engagement, transparency builds trust and encourages continued support. Feature these numbers on your social media, your company website, at company events (both internal and public-facing) and anywhere else you advertise.

***HOT TIP: United Way of Larimer County has a 211 tip service that lists out all non-profits by services they offer: 211 TIPS
 
Cause marketing is more than just a trend; it’s a powerful strategy that can elevate your brand while making a meaningful difference in the world. At BIG DEAL Company, we’re here to help you craft events and marketing strategies that drive both social impact and business success.
 
If you need help planning your next cause-driven event or campaign, contact us to learn how we can support your vision.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

​The art of storytelling has emerged as a powerful tool for small businesses to effectively market their products or services. Storytelling in marketing simply means using a story, or narrative, to communicate your message to your audience. Read on to find out how brand storytelling can enhance your small business marketing.

Creating Emotional Connections
Storytelling is a means of connecting with your audience as you exchange information with them. It makes business communications relatable and memorable. When done well, it creates an emotional connection to your brand.
 
Emotions play a vital role in decision-making, and storytelling is a powerful tool to evoke emotions in your audience. Through compelling narratives, small businesses can evoke a range of emotions, such as joy, empathy, or inspiration. When customers emotionally connect with a brand, they are more likely to remember it and choose it over competitors.
Sharing stories about how the business positively impacted a customer's life or helped them overcome a challenge creates a strong emotional bond. Testimonials and case studies are excellent examples of storytelling that showcase real-life experiences and the emotional connection a customer has with a product or service.

Encouraging Engagement
Engagement is crucial for the success of any marketing strategy, and storytelling helps in fostering a sense of community among customers. By sharing stories and encouraging customers to share their own experiences, small businesses can create a network of engaged customers who actively support and promote the brand.
Utilizing social media platforms to share stories and encourage discussions allows businesses to connect with their audience in a more interactive and engaging way.

​Humanizing Your Brand
One of the fundamental ways storytelling enhances small business marketing is by humanizing the brand. Sharing stories about the people behind the business, their struggles, triumphs, and motivations – when appropriate – helps to create a genuine and personal connection with the audience. It transforms a faceless entity into a relatable and empathetic one, ultimately fostering trust and loyalty.
For example, sharing a story about the founder's passion for the business and how it all began can resonate with customers who appreciate the dedication and hard work that went into building the brand.

Building Trust
Genuine authenticity and trust play crucial roles in the realm of marketing. When customers have confidence in your brand, they're inclined to engage with your business, advocate for your offerings, and foster enduring brand loyalty over time.
 
Establishing trust with your target audience hinges on delivering an authentic message. Your brand narrative should remain faithful to your true identity, avoiding fabrication or exaggeration. Transparency and authenticity signal your brand's commitment to honesty and openness in its operations, cultivating customer confidence and reinforcing their connection with your brand.
 
Yielding Better ROI
Storytelling harnesses the profound influence of human emotions, rendering your brand more relatable and dependable. We tend to choose brands we are familiar with, fond of, and trust. Consequently, brand storytelling yields a superior return on investment.
Customers relish the opportunity to see themselves as heroes or trendsetters, significantly increasing their likelihood of choosing your brand over those that unabashedly self-promote.

 
By humanizing the brand, creating emotional connections, establishing a unique identity, educating the audience, and fostering engagement, storytelling can significantly enhance small business marketing. In today's competitive business landscape, storytelling has emerged as a vital tool for small businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

BIG DEAL Company’s experienced small business marketing team is ready to tell YOUR brand’s story.
 
For more business marketing tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.