Articles

Giving due respect to the creative process

The creative process is different for everyone. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you define your creative process.

Numbers + the color blue: Creativity's role in financial services

Color can make all the difference in the way you market your organization. We discuss why the color blue, specifically, is so widely used in the financial industry.

Explaining content + the 5 steps to create it

Content is key to successful marketing efforts. We explain what content is and outline steps to creating quality over quantity.

7 automated email workflows to consider for your business

With the high success rate of email marketing, teams are inundated with work. Here are seven ways to help free up bandwidth by implementing automated email workflows.

Marketing when you've been punched in the mouth

In the marketing world, it's always a good idea to have a plan. But even the best-laid plans can go off the rails. Here are three strategies to keep in mind when your careful planning takes a hit.

The power of proofreading

Whether in print or published online, proofreading can make all the difference in how your content is received. We discuss the power of proofreading and why it is an essential step in the creative process.

The ultimate guide to marketing automation

We’re walking you through everything you need to know about what marketing automation is, workflows you can implement, and potential roadblocks to be aware of.

A picture is worth a thousand words: Make your social content accessible

Social media has grown exponentially over the years, so it only makes sense that it should be widely accessible. We discuss how social media has adapted and become more accessible to a growing audience.

Start planning for 2023

It’s time to start preparing your marketing plan for 2023. We discuss 4 steps that will guide you to a strategic plan that is sure to deliver results.

The new normal: Why your organization should adopt a hybrid sales model

The traditional approach to B2B sales is quickly becoming a thing of the past. We discuss how the hybrid sales model is the way of the future and why you should consider the switch.

No matter how simple, the human brain loves a message in motion

With the technology available today, it's no question that video has become a staple in the marketing world. Learn how much of an impact video can make to your marketing strategy.

Considering a jump on the logo refresh bandwagon?

Is your logo due for a refresh? Here are some important things to consider (and avoid) when upgrading your organization’s logo.

5 essentials for automated marketing

If you’re looking to improve engagement and boost the efficiency of your marketing campaigns, automated marketing is the way to go. We discuss five elements you’ll need to make the most of your marketing automation.

A quick hit on short-form video

The attention span of today's audience is a few seconds, at best. Learn how you can make a lasting impression with the use of short-form video.

It's time to change how we think about SEO

For years, organizations have been trying to crack the code to perfecting SEO. Instead of listing sleight of hand tricks, we discuss how you can gain exposure through the quality of your website and the content that lives there.

5 key considerations for media buying right now

Media is in a constant state of change; and as new trends emerge, it’s important to be in the know. These five factors will make all the difference in your next media buy.

Riding the wave of algorithm-based copy creation

As Google moves its advertising customers from expanded text ads into responsive search ads, we explore why the change is important and how you can use it to benefit your campaign.

Q+A: How Google Analytics 4 uses less data, better

Technology and privacy concerns are changing the way marketers collect and analyze data. ddm interactive manager Paul DeLeeuw discusses how Google Analytics is changing, and what that means for marketing.

Attack your company’s hiring problem with a recruitment media campaign

Finding the right person to hire can be difficult. We list best practices in how clever companies are using their marketing channels to find candidates.

Cookieless highway leaves plenty of room for maneuverability

As data availability faces new limitations, marketers are seeking alternate avenues for retargeting. We examine four areas of focus in response to these industry changes.

Q+A: Essential care of your email audience

Automated email has become essential to marketing business. ddm Automated Marketing Manager Christa Savickas discusses key factors into growing and maintaining an email list.

Design world adjusts as Adobe shifts on colors + fonts

Adobe is making waves in the design industry with two substantial shifts. We walk through these changes and explain how they could impact your marketing.

How to effectively market to millennial (Gen Y) and Gen Z investors

Millennials and Gen-Zers are the next frontier for financial marketers. We explain how to effectively reach them to address their unique needs.

The hidden benefit of a solid brand identity: crisis protection

A crisis might catch your company off guard, but how to respond to a crisis shouldn’t. We explain why a solid brand identity will help you weather any storm.

The power of print: There is a worthwhile marketing magic beyond the screen

If your marketing strategy only incorporates digital assets and channels, you could be missing out. Print materials offer buyers a unique touchpoint that isn’t easily replicated.

How to effectively market to Gen X investors

Financial marketers have a huge opportunity to reach Gen X investors—all 65 million of them. What you need to know about communicating to and reaching them.

Website accessibility: How to make your website accessible for all

Following website accessibility guidelines isn’t just about improving the experience for some, it improves the experience for all. We’re sharing the practical adjustments you can start making.

The secret to high-performing emails is to nail these 5 basics

The most effective emails aren’t always the flashy ones. We find that paying attention to five foundational elements leads to much greater success.

Take B2B marketing to the next level with influencers + storytelling

Influencer marketing isn’t just for B2C anymore. B2B organizations are expanding reach and generating new leads through influencer strategies.

Elements of high-performing B2B social media posts

We examined some of the top B2B social media posts for ddm and our clients and discovered there are four content types that perform best.

How different generations invest + what it means for marketers

Financial marketers ignore millennials and Gen Z at their own peril. Each generation invests differently than the next, but all are critical to growth.

Content + the funnel: The best format for each stage

With so many types of content out there, which do you choose? We explain which content types buyers resonate with most along the funnel.

Customer satisfaction: Why you should care + how to measure it

Know for certain whether your customers are happy by launching a customer satisfaction survey. We walk through the elements of a successful survey strategy.

How to keep marketing personalized in an era of innovation + automation

ddm President Jordan Buning outlines the importance of integrating empathy and humanity into key marketing opportunities.

How Adobe MAX inspired ddm designers + raised the bar

ddm designers explain what they learned from the 2021 Adobe MAX virtual conference.

Creating the perfect blend of organic + paid social media

Struggling to see results from your organization’s organic social posts? Try supporting them with a paid strategy.

Email marketing audit: how to analyze + optimize your campaigns

Whether you’re new to email marketing or have been doing it for years, an audit can reveal opportunities for improvement.

Thought Leadership with Red Cedar Investment Management

The challenges, opportunities, and trends impacting the investment management industry.

How financial organizations can successfully implement content marketing

Content marketing helps position financial organizations and wealth managers as experts who are trustworthy and credible.

How investment managers can better understand their buyer’s journey

Understanding what your buyers need and how they move through their journey will inform marketing efforts.

The 5 must have items in your financial marketing tool kit

The way financial firms interact and communicate with potential clients has changed dramatically. These five must-haves will guide your efforts and focus your strategy.

The cold call is dead; the informed call has emerged

Do prospecting calls leave you with an icy feeling? Ditch the cold call mentality of the past and warm calls up with data.

Accelerated revenue growth through sales + marketing alignment

Four key challenges are impacting sales teams' ability to reach or exceed revenue goals. We explain marketing's role in overcoming them.

Start planning for 2022

Now is the time to start developing your marketing plan for 2022. These 4 simple steps will guide you to a strategic plan that delivers results.

7 types of automated email workflows + the benefits

With the high success rate of email marketing, teams are inundated with work. Help them and free up bandwidth by implementing automated email workflows.

How B2B organizations can succeed using content marketing

Content marketing isn’t just for B2C organizations. B2B companies can thrive with a solid content marketing strategy. We show you how it’s done.

Website Fundamentals Series: Optimization

Having a speedy website is about more than just load time. We're taking a deep dive into why website speed matters and how to make yours faster.

How healthcare organizations can identify and feature hidden media stars

Finding and convincing physicians to participate in media opportunities can be a challenge. However, there are ways to make participation easy, successful, and repeatable.

Avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes with website planning + design

Does the thought of building or redesigning a new website make you feel like this guy? The 21st century has arrived and with it, planning processes to make your website a success.

Inside Metro Health - University of Michigan Health's COVID-19 communication strategy

Metro Health - University of Michigan Health’s COVID-19 communication strategy successfully navigated patients through changing care options.

How to use Continuous Improvement to optimize your website

You wouldn’t let your house fall into disrepair. Don’t let your website either. Having a great website is about more than just a successful launch. It needs consistent maintenance. Here's one way to approach it.

Use your buyer's journey to level up marketing efforts

Having a buyer’s journey is one thing, but using it to truly elevate marketing is another. Take your efforts to the next level by diving deeper into buyer’s journey insights.

How to create a buyer's journey (template included)

Building a buyer’s journey doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be thorough. The better you understand you buyer and his/her needs, the more targeted and helpful your marketing efforts will be.

What a buyer's journey is and why you should have one

One of the best tools you can have in your toolbox as a marketer is a buyer’s journey. The better you understand your buyer, the more focused your efforts will be.

2021 Digital Healthcare Report: Patient Perspectives

Is digital healthcare a revolution or an evolution? Our exclusive research reveals what Midwest healthcare consumers think about digital healthcare and how the pandemic influenced their preferences.

Email list maintenance and how it can help with lead generation

Successful email marketing is about more than just building a large list, it's about maintaining it too. Maintaining and segmenting lists regularly bolsters lead generation efforts.

How to choose your key performance indicators (KPIs): A roadmap to success

To achieve your business goals, you need a detailed map to get you there. Choosing the right KPIs helps set a clear path with landmarks along the way.

How to use social media for B2B lead generation

Your B2B organization CAN generate leads using social media. We’re sharing why and how we use social media lead generation strategies for ddm and our clients.

Trouble? Shoot!

Even if your website is functioning at peak performance, occasional issues are inevitable. Make sure fixing them doesn’t drain time and resources. Help troubleshooters identify the problem quickly and efficiently.

Supporting sales in a time of hybrid communications

ddm joins the Investment Management Education Alliance (IMEA) for its investor education podcast.

5 questions to ask yourself about your digital advertising agency

Digital ad spend is rising across all industries. Make sure your current or potential advertising partner is using that spend wisely.

Mutual fund fact sheets: Should you automate?

Is your team bogged down with the painstaking work of building mutual fund fact sheets by hand? Reclaim that time and focus on more strategic tasks by implementing automation.

Market research: A map for your marketing plans

Don’t be so wary of the cost of market research that you miss out on the valuable insights. It’s more affordable than you think.

How to build an effective brand hierarchy for multiple brands

A strategic brand hierarchy is key for customer clarity. See how we established a hierarchy for a global workplace solutions manufacturer. 

Designers reveal what you should know about marketing design

ddm founder Kurt Dietsch says, “Good listening skills are a creative necessity.” He also talks about the role clients play in helping craft compelling design.

7 tips for planning + designing outdoor advertising

Ready to launch your next outdoor campaign? We’re sharing tips and insights for planning and designing successful outdoor ads.

Telehealth is changing the way FQHCs deliver care

Telehealth is the ideal complement to in-person care delivered locally at Federally Qualified Health Centers, but it's not without challenges.

Traditional + digital media: Why you need both

The battle between digital and traditional media tactics shouldn't be a battle at all. Healthcare marketers need both to be successful.

The state of healthcare in 2021 and beyond

We talk with healthcare executive Joshua Troast about the current state of healthcare and where it's headed in the future.

Social media marketing for physicians

Harness the power of social media connections and interactions to grow and engage your patient audience.

How ddm helped SoundOff Signal develop a custom virtual trade show

The pandemic forced trade shows to go virtual, but it wouldn’t be for long. We developed an interactive solution for SoundOff Signal that served its virtual needs and will adapt as in-person events return.

Simplify your email newsletter with marketing automation and RSS feeds

Building an email newsletter doesn’t have to be a time consuming process. See how we automate content for clients using RSS feeds.

Your ultimate guide to marketing automation

We’re walking you through everything you need to know about what marketing automation is, workflows you can implement, and potential roadblocks to be aware of.

Webinar replay: Media planning in 2021 – Overcoming 2020’s volatility

We’re taking a look back at the trends that emerged in 2020 and how they can propel you forward in building a successful 2021 strategy. We’ll explore how to pivot quickly, why you shouldn’t table your media plans, and how to capitalize on efficiencies and track performance.

Infographic - How to develop an integrated media strategy

Our custom infographic guides you through the four key elements of developing a successful integrated media strategy.

ddm marketing + communications publishes white paper on integrating media and content strategies

Full-service marketing firm continues to provide thought leadership expertise to B2B and B2C clients across the country.

How to nail your brand launch or rebrand

Considering a brand launch or a rebrand this year, or even next year? Before you even think about it, read through our three-step process and key challenges to avoid.

Planning for the uncharted: How to approach your 2021 media strategy

Struggling with your media plan? We’re sharing our ultimate guide to building a successful integrated media strategy in 2021.

Native advertising: How to create a native ad that really works

We’re sharing exclusive insights and advice for creating native ads from our partner Nativo.

2021 priorities for digital marketing teams

We have a pulse on the digital marketing priorities executives have in 2021, and are breaking down the highlights.

Running a successful ecommerce digital campaign

When the goal is online sales, a strategic omni-channel approach delivers.

The heart of the matter

ddm's president Jordan Buning shares his thoughts on lessons marketers learned in 2020.

Say it simple, would ya?

Our trusted copywriting partner Adam Barr shares why simplicity in brand messaging can lead to better engagement with audiences.

Keep your website maintained with continuous improvement worksheet

We're showing you how to evolve and improve your website over time so it doesn't fall into disrepair.

If you give a website a cookie

In honor of National Cookie Day, we're letting you in on the secrets of that other kind of cookie: the web browser cookie.

An inside look at designing a college mascot

When Southwestern Michigan College asked ddm to help update its roadrunner mascot, we eagerly accepted the challenge.

Developing an effective digital + traditional advertising strategy for healthcare

Don't just have a media plan, develop an effective one. We break down key elements and considerations.

Internal and external collaboration is key to new website success

Metro Health – University of Michigan Health partners with ddm to overhaul its website and create a more cohesive and patient-centered online experience.

Choose a marketing firm that values the past and looks to the future

Marketing trends are constantly evolving and as a marketing firm, we are too.

Healthcare focus: Integrating media and content strategy

Content marketing and media placement are becoming increasingly intertwined throughout the healthcare industry.

Three tips for creating content like a journalist

Lend credibility, interest and purpose to your marketing storytelling with these tips.

Physician engagement = increased satisfaction and success

Physician engagement strategies are vital for a health system’s success. A highly-engaged physician equates to quality patient care, lower costs, increased efficiency and improved patient safety.

ddm marketing + communications nominated for best native advertising platform award

ddm is being recognized for its ongoing commitment to optimizing both user and business-side experience.

On the hunt for the Holy Grail of sales tools

Maybe it's the Holy Grail. Maybe it's just good technology. But we're detailing one way we consolidate large volumes of sales data using a singular tool.

Your #1 salesperson: your website webinar replay

Is your website your #1 salesperson? It should be! Learn how to improve your website’s ability to capture leads and empower sales.

Email deliverability - Are your email marketing efforts working?

One out of five marketing emails never makes it to the recipient's inbox. We're providing tips to ensure your emails are delivered and explaining how your sender reputation score influences deliverability.

Stepping toward transformation

The changes and disruptions organizations are currently experiencing could be stepping stones to positive transformation.

3 marketing tactics that drive new patient volume

Given primary care’s significant financial impact, it should be a key part of any hospital or medical group marketing and growth strategy.

How to build an effective SEO strategy

While technical aspects of SEO are important, we want to drive home the value content optimization has on SEO.

15 questions that lead to better, more compelling social media writing

We’re letting you in on the secret of how our writers bust out of writing fatigue to craft compelling social media content.