​In our marketing climate where social media algorithms change overnight and trends come and go in minutes, one digital marketing tool has steadily yielded growth for both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations: email marketing.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we know firsthand how a well-crafted email strategy can drive sales, deepen customer relationships, and keep donors engaged – even during tough times. Whether you are selling a product or service or promoting a mission, email marketing is not just an option – it’s essential.

Why email marketing still works
 
With all the talk about social media, it’s easy to forget about the original online marketing: email. The amazing thing about email is it is one of the few marketing channels you own. Unlike social media, where your content can be buried by algorithm changes, emails land directly in your audience’s inbox. That means your message reaches real people in real time.
 
The numbers back it up, too. Email marketing still consistently delivers one of the highest ROIs (Return On Investment) of any digital marketing channel, averaging $36 for every $1 spent, according to a Litmus study.
 
For businesses: Stay front-of-mind, sell smarter
 
In a competitive marketplace, visibility is everything. When customers are watching every dollar (like in our current economic climate), they’re more likely to buy from brands they trust and remember.
Email marketing keeps your business top-of-mind with regular, valuable communication. Promotions, product launches, behind-the-scenes updates — they all build loyalty and drive conversions over time.
Even in a slow economy, your audience still spends money — just more thoughtfully.
For nonprofits: Build trust, retain donors
 
For nonprofits, email is a lifeline. It’s your direct connection to the people who care about your cause. When budgets are tight and giving slows, staying in touch is more important than ever. Regular email updates keep donors informed, inspired, and invested.
 
Plus, email campaigns are cost-effective. You don’t need a big budget to run a smart, strategic email program. You just need a plan, and we’re here to help.

​Especially in uncertain times
When the economy wobbles, many organizations instinctively cut their marketing budgets. But history shows that businesses and nonprofits who maintain or increase visibility during downturns are better positioned for growth once the dust settles.
Email marketing offers a low-cost, high-impact way to do just that.
Instead of going dark, use email to:

• Share how you're adapting.
• Showcase value or impact.
• Offer reassurance and stay connected.

​Even if people aren’t ready to buy or donate today, consistent communication ensures they’ll think of you when they are.
It’s worth the investment
 
No matter your size or sector, email marketing is one of the smartest investments you can make. It doesn’t just sell – it nurtures. It builds relationships, reinforces your brand, and keeps your audience engaged long after the first click.
 
At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses and nonprofits create email strategies that cut through the noise, because your message deserves to be heard.
 
Ready to launch or level up your email marketing game? Let’s make it a BIG DEAL. Contact us now.
 
For marketing and event news and tips, follow BIG DEAL Company on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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

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.

Email and SMS marketing aren’t going anywhere—in fact, they’re
getting smarter and more personalized, thanks to AI and automation.
Businesses that tap into hyper-personalization are seeing more opens,
stronger customer connections, and better results.
See BIG DEAL's free printable for more information!

​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.

Is your marketing strategy truly engaging, or is it just another voice in a sea of digital noise? Traditional advertising is losing its impact in today’s noisy and crowded world. Audiences are bombarded with thousands of daily ads. This leads to consumer fatigue and dwindling engagement. Businesses need something more - something immersive, memorable, and emotionally powerful. That is where LIVE EVENTS come in!
 
Live events and experiences aren’t just “attention grabbers” - they create meaningful connections between brands and their audiences. Studies show that 91% of consumers develop more positive feelings toward a brand after participating in an event experience.
That’s a level of engagement digital ads can’t match!
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in crafting high-ROI live experiences that drive real business results. Whether you’re looking to build brand awareness, generate leads, or strengthen customer loyalty - investing in live events is one of the smartest movies your business can make!

The Power of Experiential Marketing

People remember experiences - not ads.
Think about the last time you saw an online ad. Can you recall the brand?
Now - think about the last great live event that you attended.
Chances are, the memory is still fresh, and so is the brand that created the experience.
 
Experiential marketing taps into emotion and engagement - two key factors in brand recall. A study by Freeman Research found that 77% of consumers say their trust increased somewhat or a lot following their interaction with a brand at a live event.  An increase in trust often leads to an increase in sales!
  
Live events allow people to interact with a brand in a multi-sensory way:

• Touch & Feel - Product demonstrations and hands-on activities
• See & Hear - Engaging visuals, speakers, and performances
• Experience Together - Shared moments create emotional brand connections

This level of engagement can translate into real business results. This makes live events one of the most effective marketing strategies available today.
 
Tangible Business Benefits of Live EventsIf you’re wondering, “Do events actually drive business growth?” - the answer is a resounding YES. Here is why:

Increased Brand Awareness
Events generate buzz. Whether through social media shares, press coverage, or word-of-mouth marketing, live experiences amplify your brand in ways that traditional ads can’t. People love sharing their experiences, and when attendees post about your event, you gain authentic exposure. It’s like having a paid influencer promote your brand, but this type of exposure is organic and free!

High-Quality Lead Generation
Did you know that 81% of event attendees have buying authority? That means that your event isn’t just bringing in random visitors - it’s attracting the decision makers who are ready to invest.
 
 Live events allow businesses to:

• Collect attendee data through sign-ups and interactions.
• Build face-to-face relationships with potential clients.
• Move a prospective client further down the sales funnel at a faster rate than digital-only campaigns.

 
Stronger Customer Loyalty              
Customers who experience your brand in person feel a stronger emotional connection. That’s why events are powerful for customer retention. A study by EventTrack found that 98% of consumers feel more inclined to purchase after attending a live event.
A great event can turn visitors and one-time customers into brand advocates. It does this by fostering a community around your brand, making the attendees feel valued and engaged. Investing in events isn’t just about short-term engagement - it’s about building long-term relationships that will drive loyalty and in-turn, revenue.

​Measuring Event ROI & Common Myths About Live Events 
We’ve covered the “why” behind live events. Now, let's take a look at how businesses can measure event ROI and debunk common myths about event investments.
 
ROI Breakdown - What Do Businesses Get In Return?
One looming question around live events is, “How do we measure success?”. The answer: Event ROI is highly measurable, and when done right, the returns are undeniable.

Sales and Revenue Impact.
Live events are one of the most profitable marketing channels. According to Freeman Research, businesses can see an average of 5:1 ROI from events - meaning for every dollar invested, they make five in return.
In a recent case study, B2B companies that incorporated live experiences into their marketing were found to generate twice as many leads as those relying solely on digital efforts.

Social Media & PR Value
Experiential events generate high-value user-generated content (UGC). This can boost a brand’s reach without incurring extra ad spend.
When attendees share event moments, they are providing organic promotion for the business. Think of this as free advertising with build-in trust.
This is evident in post-event stats. In general, events generate 20x more social media engagement than traditional digital ads.

Data & Consumer Insights
Live events offer a goldmine of real-time customer data. Through events, a business can track attendee engagement and interest levels in real-time. They can collect customer contact and lead information through email sign-ups and participation forms. Ultimately, companies can harness post-event surveys to refine future marketing strategies. With the right follow-up strategy, these insights can help turn attendees into long-term customers.
 
Common Myths About Event ROI (And Why They’re Wrong) 
There are a plethora of misconceptions when it comes to event marketing:
 
Myth: Live events are too expensive.
Truth: When factoring in long-term brand awareness, customer engagement, and direct sales, events provide one of the highest ROIs in marketing. Smart budgeting, sponsorships, and hybrid options make them cost-effective.

Myth: Virtual events will replace live experiences.
Truth: While virtual and hybrid events are valuable, in-person experiences drive deeper emotional connections.
A study by Bizzabo found that 95% of marketers believe live events create stronger brand engagement than virtual-only activations.
 
Myth: Event impact is short-lived.
Truth: A well-executed event continues to deliver returns long after it ends.
Follow-up email campaigns, content repurposing, and retargeting attendees can extend engagement for months.
The bottom line: If done right, events can pay for themselves many times over.

How to Maximize ROI from Your Events
Now that we’ve established that live events are worth the investment, let’s talk strategy. Here’s how to make sure your event delivers maximum impact:

Set Clear Objectives               
What’s your goal? Is it lead generation? Brand awareness? Sales conversions?
Defining success upfront helps ensure that every dollar spent is optimized for impact.

Design for Engagement
The more interactive your event, the higher the return:

• Consider using gamification as a way to engage attendees. This can include contests, giveaways, and other interactive experiences.
• Harness influencer partnerships. You can leverage industry leaders to expand your reach!
• Tailor your event experiences to your attendees’ preferences.

Post-Event Strategy Matters
The event isn’t over when attendees leave. Keep the engagement going through email follow ups and retargeting ads that nurture leads with post-event content.
Investing in a strong post-event strategy ensures that your event ROI continues to grow!
 
Future Trends in Experiential Events + Free Download
The event landscape is evolving fast, and businesses that stay ahead of these trends will maximize their ROI in 2025 and beyond.
 
Here are the top innovations shaping live event experiences:
Immersive Tech

• Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): Many brands are using AR/VR to create interactive brand experiences that transport attendees into digital worlds. Note - AR-powered experiences can increase attendee engagement by 70%.
• AI-Powered Personalization: We are seeing many events leverage AI to customize attendee experiences in real time, from networking recommendations to personalized content.

 
Sustainability is a must.

• Consumers are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly practices, and events are following suit.
• Sustainable materials: Eco-friendly swag and reusable decor are all the rage.
• Carbon-neutral events: More brands are measuring and offsetting their carbon footprints, and choosing to share this information during their events.

 
The Power of Hyper-Personalization

• Forget the one-size fits all event. Businesses are now using data-driven personalization to craft experiences tailored to individual preferences.
• Examples of personalized event activities include:
  • AI-powered matchmaking for networking
  • Personalized event schedules based on an attendee’s interests
  • Real-time event content recommendations

Big Deal Company keeps a finger on the pulse of all things in event trends. When we meet with our event and marketing clients, we come armed with statistics and event ideations that support these trends. Our team of experts have put together a free resource to help businesses stay ahead of the competition in the world of live events. In this guide, you’ll discover the latest trends in experiential events and ideas to boost your own event ROI. ​

The evidence is clear - Live events are one of the most powerful marketing investments a business can make. They drive brand awareness, lead generation, and customer loyalty. Events create highly shareable moments that amplify reach, and they provide measurable ROI, making them a smart business decision all the way around.
 
At Big Deal Company, we specialize in high-impact event experiences that deliver real business results. Whether you’re planning a corporate summit, a product launch, or an interactive brand activation, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable.
 
For more information on what we do, visit our capabilities webpage. You can also keep up with all of our events and campaigns via our social media channels - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
 
 
Reference List

• Event Marketing Institute. (2023). EventTrack: The Power of Live Brand Experiences.
• Bizzabo. (2023). Event Marketing Statistics Report: Insights into the Future of Events. Retrieved from https://www.bizzabo.com/blog/event-marketing-statistics
• Freeman. (2023) The Impact of Live Events on Business Growth. Retrieved from https://www.freeman.com
• EventMB. (2023). The State of Experiential Marketing: How Events Drive Engagement. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com
• EventMB. (2022). The Rise of Immersive Experiences in Event Marketing. Retrieved from https://www.eventmanagerblog.com/immersive-experiences

Content Marketing Simplified
​A Quick Guide for Businesses & Nonprofits

​Supporting Non-Profits: Over 20 Fundraising Events
In 2024, Big Deal Company continued to strengthen its commitment to philanthropy by designing and executing over 20 non-profit fundraising events. From galas to golf tournaments, these initiatives were instrumental in helping local organizations achieve their fundraising goals while inspiring hope and unity.
 
Additionally, we launched and supported four end-of-year fundraising campaigns, maximizing impact during the holiday season, providing crucial support to our non-profit partners. These campaigns underscored our belief that businesses can drive meaningful change.

​Business and Community Collaboration
Big Deal Company provided planning and logistics support for nine large-scale Northern Colorado business events for BizWest. Our team ensured seamless execution and memorable experiences for all attendees.
We supported countless grand opening events, company retreats, ribbon cuttings, and rebrands!

​Expanding Our Digital Footprint
This year, we authored over 50 blogs for just our own company website and countless others for our clients. These blogs covered a wide array of topics, showcasing our versatility and deep understanding of industry trends. By consistently delivering high-quality content, we were able to expand our digital presence and we have been able to provide valuable resources for businesses and individuals alike.
 
Record-Breaking Events
Among the hundreds of events we managed this year, one stood out for its sheer scale. The Grand Opening of the new FNL Airport Terminal brought over 1500 guests together! The success of such a large-scale event highlighted our ability to adapt, innovate, and execute with precision, even under the most demanding circumstances.

​Across the US
While our major footprint is in Colorado and Wyoming, in 2024 we supported clients in Las Vegas, Michigan, California, and Georgia. We travel for events and our marketing expertise can support businesses in any area! We already have out of state projects booked for 2025!

Our Core Focus: Communications, Experiences, and Community
At Big Deal Company, our mission revolves around these three core areas:

• Communications: Crafting clear, impactful messaging that resonates with audiences.
• Experiences: Designing events and initiatives that leave lasting impressions and memories.
• Community: Building bridges and fostering connections that strengthen the fabric of Northern Colorado.

By combining these pillars with our creative problem-solving skills, we delivered unparalleled value to our clients in 2024.
 
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we prepare for 2025, Big Deal Company is excited to build on this year’s success. We are eager to:

• Host even additional signature events that bring people together.
• Deepen our relationships with non-profits, businesses, and community organizations.
• Expand our client base and explore new business opportunities.
• Continue leveraging our expertise in communications, experiences, and community-building to make a difference.

Our team is ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the new year, driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence.
 
2024 was a year of growth, impact, and unforgettable moments for Big Deal Company. From our signature events to record-breaking community gatherings, our efforts have touched countless lives and strengthened our community ties. We are grateful for our clients, partners, and the Northern Colorado community for making this year so remarkable. Here’s to more events, more connections, and more success in 2025!
 
Stay Connected with Big Deal Company
We invite you to be part of our journey as we step into an exciting 2025. Reach out to our team to learn more about our services or discuss your next BIG idea. Don’t miss out on the latest updates - sign up for our newsletter and stay informed about our events, tips, and success stories.
 
Follow us on social media to join the conversation and connect with a growing community that values impactful experiences and strong community ties.
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