Digital Dating: How We Market Ourselves

SethDigital Innovation, Mobile Technology Leave a Comment

We’ve all seen movies showing people from the 50’s dating.  A couple would share conversation over a milkshake at their local burger joint. People often dated their high school sweetheart or someone they met at their job during this time. At this point, media wasn’t frequently used to help people find their partner, but then came the 70’s.

In 1975, 31-year-old Marilyn J. Applerberg became the editor of a publication known as Single News. Instead of meeting at the local church or in a classroom, people started to meet at singles bars or discos and by putting personal ads in physical papers. Some people would have their picture and description written up in the paper, while others wrote what they were searching for in a partner. In the 80’s, film became the new tool for those searching for love. Single people would record a video introducing themselves and detail who they are looking for.

The explosion of the internet in the mid-to-late 1990s changed the dating scene forever. Services like American Online, Prodigy and Craigslist offered chat rooms where potential partners could instantly message each other. In 1995, Match.com was founded, and by 2007 it had become the second highest online industry for paid content. By 2010, different dating sites existed for every city, sexual orientation, race, hobby, and religion. Dating sites made it easier for people to find exactly what they are looking for. Aside from online dating, dating apps have been on the rise for the past ten years.

As apps and online dating sites evolve and big data become more powerful, the algorithms that make these sites tick get more sophisticated.  The owner of Match.come states that the only way to maximize your experience on dating sites is to be truly engaged in the process. Dating apps don’t necessarily use algorithms. The king of all dating apps, Tinder, reigns supreme because of how incredibly easy it is to use. You simply swipe left if you aren’t interested and right if you are. If the other person swipes right to you: it’s a match! This process allows you to be able to communicate through the app instantly. From there, you can decide if you will meet in person. Other apps like Bumble followed Tinder’s lead. This app still utilizes swiping, but only women can initiate a conversation. If there is no message sent within 24 hours, they disappear from your bank of matches. OkCupid mirrors traditional online dating profiles by providing prompts for you to answer. However, OkCupid recently added a quick match function that operates just like Tinder. OkCupid uses the information based off of your profile and the questions you answer to let you know how much of a match you are to other users.

Tons of people around the world are getting in relationships and even getting married to people they have met online, and the success rates are keeping these businesses alive. However, many people feel that these modern dating apps and websites are building a stale dating environment. In short, people feel like they have too many people to choose from and are innately becoming more selective with who they choose to date. This is mostly because when someone is asked exactly what they are looking for and they have their preferences locked into a profile, there is a misconception that there is a 100% perfect fit for them out there and if someone else has one trait they don’t want: they keep moving forward searching for perfection.

From all of us at Velocity Agency: we hope you all have a wonderful Valentine’s Day! Spread the love back to us by commenting your opinion and experiences with digital dating. We would love to hear your story!

 

Don’t Adjust Your Television

SethGraphic Design Leave a Comment

For years, the visual crackle of a struggling video stream was a  frustration for many people. Long before modern television and streaming video, people would curse out loud and move their rabbit ear antennas to get a better picture.

The glitch is the visual of a pixelated or off-register image. It has firmly become part of modern design culture and is defining the newest chapter in the art world’s fascination with distress, deconstruction and the allure of imperfection. Glitch designs have made their way through all aspects of culture last year and are becoming even more popular now.

Any designer knows that Shutterstock is the destination on the internet for stock footage. The glitch trend was one of the many trends that were predicted by Shutterstock in their annual Creative Trends outlook. Glitch images have risen 32 percent on Shutterstock. Most of the stock art service’s trends are driven by demand for a popular visual subject: including VR headsets, augmented reality and cybersecurity. Glitch is an overarching design aesthetic that has become part of almost everything in culture including fashion, branding, TV, film, packaging, and out-of-home campaigns.

The glitch trend has been a trend in edgy ads and magazine covers, but now it is at the forefront of product design. In the marketing world, it’s important to know what the appeal behind the top trends is. The glitch trend is so popular because it has the perfect balance of being futuristic and retro at the same time. Glitch design shows how art directors are both fascinated by and apprehensive about flawed technology. It is no secret that nostalgia plays a large role in its’ popularity as well. It reminds us of static on a TV or glitchy effects on an old Game Boy.

Many design specialists believe that these glitchy images represent a moment of defiance and rebellion. Science-fiction series have become increasingly more popular through shows like Black Mirror, Stranger Things, and Dark Net because they explore the internet and digital media-related themes. The glitch effect subconsciously takes the personification of technology away by reminding us that machines can still fail. When it comes to branding, glitch design shows imperfection and makes the consumers experience more real which has proven to be highly successful with marketing towards millennials.

At Velocity Agency, we have a highly skilled team of graphic designers that stay ahead of all of the design trends. We don’t only look at what is trending in marketing: we look to what is trending in all industries. If you are looking for New Orleans graphic designers, Velocity Agency has everything you are looking for and more.

Mardi Gras 2018 Goes Mobile

SethNew Orleans, Seasonal Leave a Comment

mardi gras 2018

Mobile apps have revolutionized the way that we do everything. From ordering food to getting a ride, and getting a dog walker – everything can be done right from your phone! Mardi Gras is an especially exciting time of year. However, not all the moments of Mardi Gras are fun. Getting stuck in traffic, hunting down a parking space, and a spike in car accidents can put a great deal of stress on parade goers. Fortunately, mobile apps and websites have changed the way we do Mardi Gras too.

Mardi Gras New Orleans Website

This website has all the information you want to know about Mardi Gras. It contains 70-something parades with times, start and stop points, a little bit of history and a printable route map.

Transit Tracker

The WDSU Transit Tracker App allows you to easily access all RTA routes throughout Orleans Parish. This app is great for tourists exploring the Crescent City and for locals planning their daily commute. The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority pulls real-time RTA GPS data to update every 30 seconds and show you the location of every vehicle.

Parade Tracker

Newly sponsored by WWLTV Channel 4, the Parade Tracker will be tracking 67 parades this year. This app covers more parades in more areas of the city than any other app available. The technology works by having real people with GPS devices to walk the entire parade route of every parade they track.

Air PNP

Air PNP is an app that may be the most useful to bring to a Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans. This app allows people to rent out their toilets to folks who just gotta go by including locations, photos, and reviews for bathrooms in private homes, churches, and businesses.

Waze

Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app where drivers can share real-time traffic and road info. This app helps drivers (and parade goers) save time and gas money on their daily commute.

Uber & Lyft

You probably already know about the huge presence of taxis in New Orleans, but Uber and Lyft can be summoned with just a tap on your phone. These apps let your driver know exactly where to go based off of location services. To make things even easier – you pay through your phone. Don’t try to find parking in the middle of all the madness during Mardi Gras! A bonus is that these apps usually offer a free ride if you are new to signing up.

Yelp

If you are in an unfamiliar area and want to know where to grab a great bite to eat, then Yelp can help. Yelp shows the ratings of all the restaurants near you with reviews from real people just like you.

Localeur

This app is more for those coming into New Orleans from out of town. Localeur is like Yelp with more of a focus on what locals enjoy so that tourists can get the “real” experience.

We simply can’t wait for Mardi Gras here at Velocity Agency. We want to share the best secrets to enjoying this wonderful time of year with everyone! We know that mobile apps help make life easier and even optimize our experiences in life. That’s why we have an innovative team actively creating them. From all of us here, we hope you have a Happy Mardi Gras!

 

Mardi Gras and Digital Marketing

SethNew Orleans, Seasonal Leave a Comment

digital marketing

Mardi Gras and digital marketing go hand in hand in New Orleans. By now, you’ve probably eaten more king cake than you ever imagined and have already put the pieces of your costume together. For many of us here in New Orleans, our events on Facebook are filled to the brim through Mardi Gras day. The world of social media has revolutionized the way we experience Mardi Gras. It has done this through apps that show the parade routes and events shared with various social media platforms. For those of us who would rather sit at home and experience it through TV – you can watch it streamed live.

When it comes to brands, there are many missed opportunities to expand and grow during Mardi Gras season. Velocity Agency believes in seizing every opportunity to help our clients grow, and we know Mardi Gras is the time to do so. Businesses in New Orleans should be stepping up their marketing efforts when Mardi Gras is around the corner. Just last year, more than 1.2 million people traveled to New Orleans to celebrate Mardi Gras. That number is three times the population of the city! Hotels alone can rake in over $52 million in just 12 days.

Here are three tactics that local businesses can do to amp up their business:

Facebook Ad Targeting

A Facebook status used to be much different than the Facebook statuses of today. They simply questioned what was on the user’s mind. Now, a Facebook status can do many things. Often, people traveling update their status to “Travelling to (city name here.)” With Facebook ad targeting, businesses can advertise their services directly to those people who make their status “Travelling to New Orleans.” This action makes advertising to tourists extremely cost-effective. These tourists may be near your business, see an ad pop up on their Facebook and lead them right through the door.

Mardi Gras Specials

It’s no secret that promotions and deals are common strategies to increase sales. However, with tourists, it’s a little different. Most people who are traveling do not plan on emptying their bank account. They often seek out Groupon deals, package specials, and one-time promotions to maximize their trip’s budget. Promoting a Mardi Gras special is an effective way to advertise. For example, if you are a restaurant, consider promoting a dinner special that comes with a king cake dessert. This special will entice tourists because they are not only saving money, but they are getting an exclusive taste of a New Orleans specialty at the same time.

Social Media

People all around the city are still going to be utilizing social media even with all the sights to see during Mardi Gras. A tourist may post a tweet that reads, “Where can I buy the best slice of #kingcake?” If you own a king cake shop, then you can simply answer them! Keep track of hashtags related to your business and also shared photos of your business. Be sure to thank users who are contributing to your conversations on social media. Don’t forget to share their posts to show other tourists how great your business is!

Velocity Agency has an experienced team that can take care of everything for you. From social media, media placement, paid advertisement, graphic design, animation and more. We can do anything and everything to make your brand stand out from the crowd. From all of us here at Velocity: we hope all of you have a fantastic Mardi Gras Season!

Virality is Not Always a Good Thing

SethMobile Technology, Social Media Leave a Comment

 

All of us share content on social media every day, but many of us don’t stop and take the time to think about where the content comes from. Outside of news stories and media platforms, there is something called a content creator. Ninety percent of marketing companies use content marketing as part of their strategy, but that doesn’t mean all the content they create is top-notching, compelling and valuable content.

In the world of social media, there are people who seek fame through the platform of their choosing including Facebook, Instagram, twitter, snapchat and more. People with successful accounts often make deals with companies in some ways. Some companies send free products to influencers in hopes that they will feature the product in the post. In other situations, a company might pay a social media celeb to wear or use a product in photos and tag the brand.

When it comes to going viral, content creators have gone to great lengths to achieve their viral stature. However, 2018 started off with a horrible example of going viral the wrong way. A popular and reckless Youtuber, Logan Paul, shared a video where he discovered and awkwardly laughed at the sight of a suicide victim in Japan’s Aokigahara forest.
The protocol for the outrage that spiked after the video is something very familiar resulting in an apology video. As outsiders, it would be safe to assume that this stunt killed Logan Paul’s career. Youtube released a statement stating the following: “It’s taken us a long time to respond, but we’ve been listening to everything you’ve been saying. We know that the actions of one creator can affect the entire community, so we’ll have more to share soon on steps we’re taking to ensure a video like this is never circulated again.”

Although it seems that YouTube is planning on taking action against Paul, it is uncertain with their vague statements what exactly will happen. Also, Logan Paul made forty-thousand dollars from the banned video alone. Paul’s video reached six million views before he deleted it and posted an apology on Twitter, in which he said that he didn’t post the shocking footage for views but because he thought it would make a positive ripple on the internet and raise awareness for suicide and suicide prevention.

In the marketing world, campaigns often go viral because of a negative response as well. There is an increase in negative virality on the internet, and it has affected the online reputation of many brands. Although people prefer reading positive stories, it’s the anger that serves as a driving force to make us share a negative story, and this leads to the outrage that we frequently come across on social media.

Here at Velocity, we know good content when we see it. Our experienced social media managers provide, share, and research quality content for all of our clients to build phenomenal social media presences. What makes Velocity Agency special is that we not only share content, we make content through film, sound design, animation and more. If you are looking for the best team to handle your marketing in 2018, Velocity Agency is ready and prepared.

Velocity Agency’s Family Values

SethCompany Leave a Comment

People can do amazing things when they combine their powers. At Velocity Agency, we believe in teamwork. Unfortunately, many other companies think that they work as a team even when they don’t see each other at all. We know that by understanding who our team members are, knowing their strengths, and forging an environment where everyone works in harmony, we can achieve your marketing goals.

Here are the reasons why Velocity Agency stands apart from the rest:

Company Outings

The brain is a complex muscle with thousands of neurons and tiny nerves. Mental workouts and brain games strengthen psychological power. However, it’s essential to give the central processing organ adequate rest and allow it sufficient time to recover. Company outings reinforce a positive company culture that meets employees’ physical and mental needs. Outings result in a highly engaged workforce that contributes to the company’s overall growth. In our line of work, our creativity must be recharged as well. Team outings allow the brain to relax and promotes creativity, collaboration, and overall productivity. Velocity Agency believes that getting to know each other and having more familial values tightens our bond and team cohesion. In 2017, Velocity Agency went to Ruth Chris’s Steakhouse, Dave & Buster’s, and a Halloween brass band show at RF’s in the French Quarter.

Synergy

Sometimes, entire marketing teams will work remotely. We believe it’s important to be at the same place at all times. This creates a work environment where creativity is nurtured and cultivates synergy. Leveraging synergy means that every team member uses their own superpower in harmony with the rest of the team to reach the same goal. At Velocity HQ, we work in close quarters. Instead of sending emails here and there, we communicate clearly in person. The physical layout of our office maximizes productivity and gets our team involved.

Holiday Festivities

Traditions are important, and nothing is more important than to establish holiday traditions in the workplace. A holiday celebration builds positive morale which results in increased employee motivation. We recognize every birthday because every employee deserves to feel special. This past year, we had a Halloween desk decoration competition and watched as our office turned into a creepy and spooky atmosphere. This competition sparked creativity, teamwork and collaboration. Since Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and share, we hosted a company potluck with a smorgasbord of delicious food and spirits. Of course, no Christmas party is complete without stealing gifts from each other, so we hosted a White Elephant party, and things got pretty tense.

If you are looking for a team that’s more than just a disconnected company going through the motions to help elevate your brand, then the Velocity Agency family is right for you! We’re ready to tackle it all. Most importantly, we will have fun while doing it.

Why Do People Buy Things?

SethResearch Leave a Comment

There was once a time where the ultra-wealthy were the only people who had lots of things. Clothing was custom made by a tailor, art was commissioned or passed down from relatives, and dinnerware was considered an heirloom. Normal people had fewer possessions because they only had the basics in order to survive. It may be astounding to think that shopping in the early 20th century was very different from what we know today. A Saturday spending spree at the mall was completely unheard of in 1900. However, once the fun of shopping started to catch on, consumer psychology and marketing as we know it was born!

A lot of us could argue that when we purchase an article of trendy clothing it’s not because we absolutely need it. It’s because we want it. However, human nature makes us think we do in fact need certain items for different reasons. The classical definition of marketing is “to connect customers with products.” As marketers, we need to identify those needs and connect the consumer to the product that will resolve those needs. People buy things that don’t need all of the time, and there are many reasons behind their motivation.

Utility

Customers buy because they are interested in two things:

  • Getting rid of a problem they have and don’t want.
  • Getting a result that they want and don’t have.

Think about those new running shoes you bought last year even though you had an older pair. These new shoes were said to have less impact on your joints and tone up your body. Therefore, you bought them because you want to lose weight and get a better result.

Credibility

Customers buy from people they trust. If a customer sees the utility in what you are offering for sale, then they wish to see credibility next. The internet has made this simpler with ratings and reviews on various web pages and social media outlets.

Relevance

People want to make sure that your product or service is suitable for their current needs. This is the most crucial phase of the three reasons why people buy. For example, the height of the UGG boot trend may have been pretty ugly to look at. However, with celebrities sporting them with every outfit, people still purchased them.

Velocity Agency knows what consumers are looking for and have a flawless track record of success with our clients. No matter what your product or service is, we know how to employ utility, credibility, and relevance to your product and service. If you are looking for an experienced marketing team that will help boost your brand, then come to Velocity Agency.

The Best Ads of 2017

SethAdvertising Leave a Comment

2017 has been a tough year but a year of remarkable creativity and inspiration. The best advertisements of the year resonated well because of their challenging themes and unique angles. As we enter 2018, let us reflect on the best ads of 2017.

Halo Top – “Eat The Ice Cream”

The past few years, we all have been very interested in apocalyptic themes. From zombie movies, The Hunger Games book series that have been made into movies, and just plain creepy end of the world thematic elements in everything we are watching: we love the adrenaline rush. Halo Top produced an ad with the scene of an elderly prisoner being force-fed ice cream by a robot with upbeat old-fashioned ice cream music playing in the background. Since 2017 was also a year full of love for horror films and tv shows, this advertisement struck a chord.

 

Procter & Gamble “The Talk”

Procter & Gamble’s two-minute spot shows black parents through the years having “the talk” with their children about growing up black in the United States. The music in the background is minimal and moving, and the acting skills deliver raw emotion. P&G states that the ad is not a political statement but a reflection of real life because they are actual conversations that black families have had for generations. The goal was to expand the talk about bias beyond the black community and inspire a world with equal opportunities.


Instagram – “Stories are Everywhere”

Instagram is winning the world of social media, and their marketing campaign this year was also a winner. The campaign went well beyond digital and showed film footage mixed with Instagram stories. This celebrated the creative process and used the same tools being advertised to craft the message. This sent a message that the moments that we experience every day is art.

Heinz – “Pass the Heinz”

There are many brands of ketchup, but Heinz wanted to make sure that you choose their brand. In the TV series Mad Men, Don Draper fictionally pitched the campaign and the work finally ran as print and outdoor ads in New York City. This ad utilized the footage of the show as well as being powerful because of the ad being void of ketchup itself.

 

Volvo -”Moments”

This ad is incredibly cinematic and one of the most eye-catching automotive ads of all time. It captures a woman’s entire lifetime in three minutes to put an extra emphasis the car’s safety features.

One common thread throughout all of these ads is the powerful storytelling. The best advertisements not only promote brand awareness but tell a story in a way that connects with the audience and inspires them. At Velocity Agency we pride ourselves on our ability to tell compelling stories through our campaigns. If you want 2018 to be the best year for your brand, let us tell your story for you.

Graphic Design Trends in 2018

SethGraphic Design Leave a Comment

In this era of digital art, graphic designers must stay ahead of design trends to remain relevant. What may have appeared cutting-edge over the past few years may look entirely outdated in 2018. 2018 is projected to be the year of crazy designs, imagination and experimental art. You may have already seen elements of these graphic design trends slowly creeping onto album covers, advertisements and banners. At Velocity Agency, we are continually monitoring current trends and planning to keep up with what’s hot.

Glitchy

Maybe it’s the resurgence of the 80’s and our fascination with nostalgia, but the glitch effect has already started appearing all around us.

Tarnished

Distressed clothing has already been the top fashion trend of 2017. Have you seen lots of ripped pants and holey t-shirts, lately? Contemporary graphic designers have pined over the “art of destroying.” This includes anything from splashing, ripping, breaking, and scratching the design.

Color Channels

The representation of distorted reality is highly influential on viewers. You may see this graphic design trend and may not be able to look away. This technique allows designers to create an illusional effect.

Double Trouble

Double exposure within the artwork is excellent for communicating several motifs at once. Therefore, a double exposure duotone may express futurism to show the advanced capabilities of the brand. Fashion brands are taking advantage of the double color light. This effect transforms minimalistic compositions into modern looking ones.

Typography

Typography isn’t going anywhere, but the way it is expressed will change. Typography will continue to get more imaginative and creative. While cropped typography was hot in 2017, the same principle behind the “ruined” aesthetic applies here too; parts of letters will be erased. Be prepared also to see typography as real-life elements.

Negative Space

Negative space refers to empty space in a design which forms a distinctive shape. Negative space draws the eye to the design in a way other forms of graphic design cannot. This effect is also being used with typography as well.

Bright Colors

You’ve heard the term “millennial pink, ” but 2018 will be all about bright colors. Bright colors will make the design pop and put brands in the spotlight.

One Color

More and more product presentations are using the same background color as the product that is presented. This technique is reminiscent of pop art in the 1960’s and pleases the eye.

There are way more graphic design trends expected to take over 2018, and here at Velocity Agency, we want all of you to know about it. Keep checking our blog for more exciting trends that will push brands further than ever before! You can check out the latest design trends and more at Design Rush.

Generation Z: What to Know When Devising Your Holiday Marketing Plan

SethMarket Information, Seasonal Leave a Comment

Just when you have figured out how to appeal to millennials, there’s a new generation in town: Generation Z. Currently, Generation Z is made up of ages 2 to 19. Most of this generation has used the internet since a very young age. They are comfortable with technology, and for them, communicating through social media is the norm By 2020, Generation Z will account for an astounding 40% of all consumers. However, few brands have considered how to go about appropriately communicating to this demographic.

This generation is the most technologically fluent generation thus far. Therefore, they recognize the value of their attention. They don’t like to sit through ads and they don’t give heavily sponsored content the time of day. This generation wants resources that give them exactly what they are looking for. Here are some facts about Generation Z that will help you appeal to them this holiday season.

Online Celebrity vs. Pop Stars

Retailers must be aware that this generation is less influenced by Hollywood and more influenced by everyday people who have built their brands. This includes YouTube stars and their peer’s reviews.

Realistic Expectations

Gen Z does not expect perfection in advertising and would rather brands reflect reality. This generation does not buy into fake perceptions of beauty and is all about crafting their unique image.

Social Media

This generation uses their social media with a purpose to find organization in their virtual lives, and they utilize different platforms for different reasons. Brands should inspire creativity so they can create a personal connection on visual platforms.

These are great things to keep in mind, but it’s important to know how they spend their money. Gen Z is more likely than the average holiday shopper to use retailer’s online wish lists and gift registries to help with their holiday planning. Gen Z’ers will do all of the research that they possibly can before purchasing. 8 in 10 of this generation researched items costing less than $50.00 this past year. Lastly, this age is very familiar with return policies and 8 in 10 made returns last year. That number is higher than any other generation. Always keep in mind that this generation will leave a review after purchasing any product.

Here at Velocity, we know that all generations need to be planned for in your marketing strategy. If you are having no luck reaching customers you want, then we have a team here to help.