Lawmakers Advance Sweeping Nationwide Privacy Bill (mediapost.com)

Well, it’s (finally) 2021. As we crawl carefully, still masked, out of the shadows of 2020, there is still much unknown. One trend I’m trying to understand is which way the external agency vs. in-house agency pendulum will swing. Some suggest that the multilayered crisis that was 2020 now has in-house teams shrinking due to the economic implications. The answer to this is to outsource marketing and creative to agencies, and save employee salaries, while giving companies the ability to flex the work – and the budget – up or down as needed. Things being what they are these days, the ability to quickly pivot your dollars and your direction is critical. But, I’d argue that there are compelling reasons and opportunities to work with an outside agency beyond the fiscal remedy. Even companies that continue to maintain an in-house team can benefit greatly from working with an outside agency: to support an overloaded team, deliver a shot of creative adrenaline or stir up habitual thinking with a new perspective. Learn more at: https://www.jschmid.com/blog/3-hidden-truths-of-hiring-an-outside-agency/

Rising postal rates pose a significant challenge for industries that rely heavily on direct mail. However, increased costs don’t have to spell the end of your direct mail strategy. With a few strategic adjustments and considerations, brands can offset these higher rates while continuing to achieve their marketing goals. Here are some strategies to consider: 1. Optimize Mail Specifications - Postal rates often vary based on the size, weight, and format of your mail. By designing your mail pieces to fit cost-effective dimensions, you can reduce postage expenses. 2. Purchase Paper Directly from Midland - Paper costs can make up a significant portion of your direct mail budget. One effective way to manage these costs is by purchasing paper directly from Midland. 3. Utilize Postal Discounts and Programs - Take advantage of postal discounts and incentive programs offered by postal services. For example, USPS often has promotions that can help reduce costs. 4. Test and Analyze Campaigns - Regularly test various aspects of your direct mail campaigns—such as design, copy, offers, and targeting criteria. Use the results from these tests to refine and optimize future campaigns. 5. Invest in High-Quality Creative - Eye-catching, high-quality designs can significantly boost response rates. Unlike website or email designs, direct mail benefits from professional, compelling visuals and copy.

The Institute for Advertising Ethics (IAE) is expanding its role with a new program focused on the ethical use of environmental claims in advertising. The initiative, which expands on seminal discussions and webinars the IAE has hosted on potential ad industry liabilities related to greenwashing, is part of a new institute charter for greenwash prevention. The move expands on a variety of ethical education, training and certification programs related to advertising ethics, including the use of data, consumer targeting and messaging, and comes as the ad industry has been confronting liabilities for harmful marketing in other categories, including the opioid crisis.