Marketing Forecast from Ad-ology

March 20 2012 | Kathy Crosett

Media companies may be holding their breath about the future. After the ad market came roaring back in Q4 2010, the growth rate steadily dropped throughout 2011. In Q4 2011, the ad spending growth rate fell into negative territory. While 2012 is expected to be a good year because of the Olympics and the elections, there is concern about the future.

March 19 2012 | Jessica Helinski

Ad-ology Research recently updated their Industry Marketing Insights report for Community Banks. The following are the predicted Top 3 Opportunities/Challenges from the report for this industry for the upcoming 12 months:

March 19 2012 | Shannon Bryant

U.S. demand for decorative laminates is expected to grow 5.5% per year to 12.4 billion sq. ft. in 2015, a rebound from the declines of the 2005-to-2010 period, according to a new study from the Freedonia Group. Continued improvement in the housing market, lower unemployment and greater credit availability will boost demand for laminates across the board in all major applications: cabinets, furniture, flooring, wall panels and countertops.

March 19 2012 | Kathy Crosett

Some research shops measure activity in the marketing world by inbound and outbound efforts. Inbound channels, especially blogs, social media and search engine optimization are making fast progress at smaller firms. These enterprises are finding that inbound channels cost less and are more effective at turning new leads into customers.

March 19 2012 | Kathy Crosett

Whether they’re online or on paper, shoppers faithfully check weekly circulars for specials at the supermarket. Even as we emerge from recession, consumers are continuing to buy private label products. To boost sales of branded products, marketers are increasing their use of traditional ad circulars.

March 16 2012 | Shannon Bryant

Ethnic food preparation and consumption has been on the rise over the past several years and is expected to continue growing. Authenticity is the most important factor to the majority of consumers who buy or eat ethnic food. Growing consumer interest in healthy eating and convenience food is also driving sales in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern categories.