Over the last few weeks, the AI giants have announced some huge ambitions. Meta (Facebook) wants to run your adverts for you, OpenAI (ChatGPT) wants to close your retail sales without ever visiting the retailer’s website, and Adobe is schmoozing up with Google and OpenAI to plug its creative AI holes.

Worth a listen is the recent Diary of a CEO Podcast by Steven Bartlett entitled “AI Emergency Debate:These jobs won’t exist..”

What is agreed on the podcast is that an AI future is largely one that is difficult to imagine, simply because of the speed and velocity of these new platforms working together.

At LeonardoPower we have found that voice activation AI is evolving at lightning speed, and voice-activated AI assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa were leading the charge a few years ago. Since then, the cost and complexity of Voice AI bots has dropped considerably.

These virtual helpers are now part of our daily routines, from setting alarms to answering complex questions. As their popularity soars, businesses must adapt their websites to stay ahead of the curve.

Why Voice-Activated AI Matters

AI voice agents can assist website optimisation, it’s crucial to understand how these AI assistant’s work. They use artificial intelligence and natural language processing to understand and respond to spoken commands. This means users can ask questions, set reminders, control smart devices, and even shop online—all hands-free.

The appeal? Convenience and accessibility. Voice assistants simplify tasks and provide instant answers, making them indispensable in our fast-paced lives. As voice technology advances, it will play an even bigger role in how we interact with the digital world, boosting productivity and connectivity.

Interestingly, Americans and Gen Z are more likely to use voice activated commands than many British people, suggesting the cultural differences in how we engage with new technology.

The Immediacy of Voice Activated Agents

An AI Voice bot can receive incoming calls as well as making outgoing calls. It can answer the phone when you cannot and will transcribe all of the call, meaning that you can sift through genuine prospects and clients, compared to people trying to sell to you.

As soon as a person has filled in an online form, an AI Voice Bot can make a call as soon as a form has been filled in, calling that person back. They can ask simple questions and answer questions based on your business. By doing this you are catching a person in the “moment.” This is hugely important as this prospect is now firmly in the “sales funnel.”

Consider our busy lives when the average attention span is now 8 seconds and every person is interrupted by a meeting, email or ping every 2 minutes. See the MicroSoft Annual Work Trend Index: The Frontier Firm is born Microsoft’s 2025 Work Trend Index Report reveals the rise of the Frontier Firm, marking a new era of workforce dynamics – CEE Multi-Country News Center

AI Voice Applied to Healthcare

How difficult is it to get a GP appointment? What if the poor receptionists actually had ten AI Voice Bots that could answer calls, do first level triage and take patient’s details?

AI Voice is able to shoulder an almost impossible burden with outbound calling as well as handling incoming and customer care type calls.

Why Your Website Needs a Voice Makeover

With the rise of voice-activated AI, businesses should revamp their websites to remain competitive.

Ready to make your website voice-friendly? Research into keywords for voice search and craft content that easy to read aloud and provides answers to common questions. Implement technical considerations to provide context for search engines and voice assistants and finally focus on responsive design, simple navigation, and fast loading times to create a seamless user experience.

Looking Ahead

The future is bright for voice-activated AI. As technology evolves, businesses that embrace this shift will reap the rewards. The potential for enhanced user experiences and accessibility is immense. Stay adaptable, keep up with tech and user behaviour, and watch your website thrive in the voice-activated world.

At LeonardoPower we have provided a free Voice AI Bot called “Nikki” at https://aivoicepr.leonardopower.com if you sign up for free banking. Which is great for answering calls, meaning that you never miss one again. It’s ideal for anyone who is tied up “doing-the-do” and needs an extra pair of hands. It gives you a transcript of all the calls. Visit our new website to see more on LeonardoPower www.leonardopower.com Where science meets art.

Imagine this. Instead of writing a traditional article like this one, we shorten our article to a series of headlines and project them onto a famous skyscraper. Outside an advertising awards show. We tease the event. And we invite you and influencers along to it. You take pictures and film parts of the show. You then post it on social media. We film the entire stunt. Afterwards, we edit the vid into different cut-downs for different channels. That my friends is a brand activation in practice.

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So what actually is the definition of a brand activation? ChatGPT defines it as a ‘marketing strategy designed to actively engage consumers with a brand, creating a memorable experience that drives awareness, interaction, and emotional connection’. It’s a decent definition for this recent advertising phenomenon. But for us, it’s an idea worth advertising. Something for your brand to shout about. And right now, activations are becoming more common. They’re taking full advantage of digital capabilities to propagate ideas online which in turn, amplifies brands organically for free. 30 years ago, a Tango ad on a Saturday night was talked about on a Monday morning in the school playground, or at the water-cooler. Today, it’s instant on Whatsapp, TikTok, Twitter and so on.  And great activation ideas that live online, always have the possibility of getting shared time and time again.

Here are some of my favourite brand activations from recent times including an app concept for Toyota that was the no.1 downloaded app in the country it was made for.

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American Outdoor Brand REI Closes For Black Friday

You read right. Sounds bonkers. But it was genius. True to their values, REI closed their doors on Black Friday. Instead of getting caught up in the chaos of the shopping day, they wanted their staff to #OptOutside, have a stress-free day off and enjoy the great outdoors. The feel-good news story was picked up by all the mainstream media outlets in the states, and the brand saw sales, brand warmth and employee retention increase off the back of this one activation.

 

Xbox made the world’s most dangerous billboard

Xbox wanted the world to know how tough their new Tomb Raider game was so they created an interactive billboard that played out like a live game show. Then they subjected the six people on the London billboard to the extreme weather conditions from the actual game. Fans streamed the show via Twitch, where they could even control the weather via their smartphone. Until only the grittiest contestant was left. The results were off the charts, from 450k+ views on Twitch, 2 million views on Facebook and 18 Cannes Lions.

 

IKEA created furniture truly for all

How? By flipping disability around and creating ThisAbles. Ikea found 1 in 10 people in the world live with a disability. So they hacked their most iconic IKEA products by developing 13 open-source 3D printed add-ons, each solving a different accessibility issue. Besides the 5M$ worth of earned media from PR, 4,625 people downloaded the 3D models. One of the great brand activations, that intrinsically links to their vision and genuinely make people’s everyday, wonderful.

 

Human-sized candles battle burnout

Education groups came together to launch Denmark’s Mental Health Day and create awareness about the increase of youth burnout. How? They crafted human sized candles and erected them all over the country to start a nationwide conversation. Each of the statues were made from wax that symbolised inaction leading to an entire generation burning out. They also targeted policy makers with small versions of the burnt-out youth, and produced a series of solutions to help address the growing issue.

 

Adidas created the world’s first liquid billboard 

The global sports brand discovered that 32% of women around the world feel uncomfortable swimming in public. In the Middle East, it jumps to a staggering 88%. So adidas created the world’s first swimmable billboard in Dubai, encouraging every woman in the city to dive in and become ambassadors for its new inclusive swimwear collection, regardless of their shape, ethnicity or ability. It sparked a global conversation across 60 countries about making swimming more inclusive as a sport for women.

 

Toyota faced down driver distraction

Put your phone down while you drive and pick up rewards. That was the simple award-winning idea for Toyota in Ireland.

The app topped the Irish app charts, received national TV, radio and press coverage worth nearly £350k. But above all Irish people drove over 13 million miles with their phones faced down. And Toyota showed how “built for a better world” made a real tangible difference in people’s lives.

 

Calm changed how we looked at suicide

People think they know what ‘suicidal’ looks like: crying, anger, despair. In the absence of these signs, nobody intervenes. With 125 people taking their own lives each week, long-term partners Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) and ITV, the UK’s largest commercial TV station, urgently needed to highlight the fact that ‘suicidal’ doesn’t always manifest the way people expect. So on the happiest day of the year, they created The Last Photo, a hard-hitting campaign that started a vital national conversation and empowered the UK to help prevent suicide.

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Act now on your next brand activation

The next time you brief your creative agency, think about what it is you’re really looking for. If it’s brand awareness, perception, resonance and share of voice, give your agency the license to think bigger. Creativity shouldn’t be squeezed into conventional media formats – let your brand break free and break the mould. That’s what garners coverage, reach and long-term legacy.

It’s where experiential meets content meets stunts meets brand amplification. And in today’s world, that means more bang for your budget. Just remember, the best activation ideas can be summed up in an attention-grabbing headline. If you nail that and get excited about making it happen, who knows? Your brand activation could be talked about for years to come. Building long-term brand awareness and advocacy, that’s some return on investment.

Drop us a line at https://saintnicks.uk.com/contact-us/ and let’s chat about how we can use brand activations to take your brand further.

The process of running a PPC campaign has been streamlined over the years thanks to improvements with automated bidding. You can turn it on, let machine learning calculate the right bid that aligns with the stated goals for your ads, and get decent results.

Running a successful PPC campaign, however, where you have an advantage over your competition, requires more effort and – crucially – a deeper understanding of the mechanics and key elements of Google Ads.

One such element is Quality Score and this is what we’ll be looking at in detail in this article.

Quality Score Defined

On the most basic level, Quality Score is a way of judging elements of a Google Ads campaign. It goes from 1 to 10, where the higher the number, the better the ad.

On a more granular level, Quality Score is used by Google to qualify how relevant a keyword has been using data from past ad auctions. An ad that has a keyword with a high quality score is deemed to be more useful, so that ad will have a better chance of ranking high for searchers using that particular keyword.

There are three major components that determine Quality Score.

Quality Score Components

Ad Rank and Quality Score

Quality Score in itself is not used to rank ads. Google specifically uses the Quality Score of an ad to see if it’s worth entering into ad auctions where ad ranking actually happens. An ad with a very low Quality Score will suffer, as it just won’t get entered into ad auctions, because Google finds it irrelevant and therefore not useful to searchers.

When Quality Score is combined with a bid, it produces something called Ad Rank. Ad Rank determines where an ad appears in the auction for a particular keyword. So, the better Ad Rank you’ve got, the higher up the paid listings that you’ll appear.

How to Improve Quality Score

While Quality Score is calculated automatically, that doesn’t mean you’re completely at the mercy of Google. You can still take actions that can affect Quality Score.

Ad Relevance – Segmentation and Structure

To ensure that your ads get shown to the right people, you want to have an orderly structure to your overall PPC campaign. Lumping too many different topics together into one campaign will lead you nowhere. The right move would be to implement segmentation, wherein you have multiple groups that have been split into granular themes targeting specific keywords.

Segmentation allows you to be more targeted in terms of your keyword usage within the ad copy itself. The more targeted your ad copy is to a particular keyword, the more relevant you are, the more clicks you’re going to get, and the more likely you are going to get a positive experience from someone who clicks on your ad.

Expected Click-through Rate – Keyword Match Types

It can be difficult to optimise expected CTR considering historical data plays a role in this factor. When you first start a campaign, how does Google know what your expected CTR should be? It will rely on its algorithms to come up with a guesstimate first, so you’ll have to wait for Google to collect real live data once your campaign is running to get a more accurate evaluation.

What you can do is make better use of keyword match types. Going broad with a keyword like “accountant” will result in a very low expected CTR. It would be much better to use an exact match type keyword like “accountants Bristol” since it targets a much more specific audience. You also need to be going through your search query report to make sure that any irrelevant keywords that are triggering your ads are being added as negatives.

Landing Page Relevance – Keyword Usage and Competitor Research

You can improve landing page relevance simply through good keyword usage. Make sure you’re covering all your bases by having targeted keywords in your page title, meta title, heading above the fold, subheadings, and in the copy. Consider synonyms and other words related to your targeted keywords as well when writing the copy for the landing page.

Another good practice is to look at the landing pages of your competitors. If they’re already established in their space, it’s likely they’re optimising their landing pages. Do competitor research to get an idea of what works for your industry.

Quality Score and Cost Per Click

Quality Score can affect how much you’ll pay per click on your ad. In effect, it’s like having either a penalty on your bid if your ad’s Quality Score is low and a discount if it’s high. You can get as high as a 50% discount on your ad’s CPC if its Quality Score is 10. On the other end of the spectrum, you can get penalised by as much as 400% if your ad’s Quality Score is 1. It quite literally pays to improve your Quality Score as much as you can.

Keys to Improving Quality Score

Quality Score contributes to how high your ads will rank and how much they will cost. Improving it results in a more successful, cost-efficient PPC campaign. Understand your audience, how your keywords match their search intent, and what actions you want them to take when they click on your ad. Keep those in mind, and you’ll be improving your ads’ Quality Scores with granular campaigns, keyword-targeted copy, and seamlessly connected landing pages.

Why B2B brands must rethink their messaging before they get tuned out

For the past decade, brand purpose has been the golden ticket in marketing. The playbook was simple: stand for something bigger than your product, weave social impact into your messaging, and watch consumers reward you with loyalty, engagement and increased revenue.

But here’s the plot twist: that strategy can backfire – if you don’t back up your claims.

The data nobody wants to talk about

Let’s start with the numbers:

This isn’t just a consumer trend – it’s hitting B2B hard. Buyers are becoming increasingly cynical about grand statements on sustainability, diversity and corporate responsibility. What they want now is proof, not platitudes.

The B2B shift: From “we care” to “here’s what we’re doing”

The B2B landscape is changing fast, and purpose-washing is no longer a competitive advantage.

Old playbook: “We’re committed to a greener future.”
New playbook: “Our cloud infrastructure cuts energy costs by 32%, reducing carbon footprint and expenses.”

Old playbook: “We believe in empowering diverse voices.”
New playbook: “Our AI tool eliminates bias in hiring, improving candidate diversity by 45%.”

Old playbook: “We prioritise ethical supply chains.”
New playbook: “We provide full supply chain transparency so you can track every material back to its source in real time.”

B2B buyers don’t want big-picture promises – they want tangible benefits backed by data, case studies and real-world outcomes.

What works now: The new era of B2B copywriting

So, what should B2B brands focus on instead? Hard-hitting, proof-based messaging that delivers ROI, efficiency and outcomes.

1. Proof over promises

B2B buyers don’t need another mission statement, they need evidence. Instead of vague “we care” messaging, offer:

Example: Instead of saying, “We help businesses reduce waste,” say:
“Companies using our software cut operational waste by 47% in the first year.”

2. Make the customer the hero

Stop talking about how your brand is saving the world. Shift the focus to how your customer benefits.

Example: Instead of saying, “We’re committed to digital inclusion,” say:
“Our accessibility tools help businesses reach 20% more customers with disabilities.”

B2B buyers want to see what’s in it for them – so show them.

3. Drop the jargon, embrace the reality check

Too much B2B copywriting is bloated with corporate fluff. In a post-purpose world, direct, unfiltered and even slightly irreverent messaging is cutting through the noise.

Example: Instead of:
“We believe in leveraging innovative, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives for a more responsible future.” say:
“Your servers shouldn’t cost the planet. Our cloud platform runs 80% cleaner and 50% cheaper.”

4. Be transparent about what you’re not

In a landscape filled with big, vague promises, one of the most unexpected trust-builders is honesty about limitations.

Example:
“We’re not 100% carbon neutral – yet. But by 2026, we’ll cut emissions by 60% with these three initiatives.”

This level of self-awareness and credibility is what today’s B2B buyers actually trust.

Final thought: If you’re still writing like it’s 2019, you’re losing business

B2B brand copywriting must evolve beyond empty purpose-driven marketing. The new rules are simple:

The brands that ditch the old playbook first will be the ones that win in 2025 and beyond.

So the real question is – how fast can you adapt?

Think your brand copywriting could do with a refresh? Get in touch at marketing@proctorsgroup.com

How often do you turn to reviews for reassurance before buying a product?

Pretty often, I’d guess.

As consumers we rely on others for validation and reassurance before making a purchase – this is called social proof.

It’s proof that a customer or client had a positive experience of using your business. And, as people are considerably more careful with their money, it’s crucial to provide this evidence to support why they should choose you over others.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the types of social proof, why it should be an essential part of your marketing strategy and what aspects to avoid.

What is social proof?

Social proof is a social and psychological phenomenon whereby people copy the actions of others. When people are uncertain about a product or service, they look at others’ behaviours for guidance. In marketing, it shows that people see value in a service or product. This creates a feeling of validation and trust.

During your search for a product or service, you’ll most likely be thinking about its credibility and relevance. You’ll also consider if it is attractive, visually appealing, easy to understand, nearby and specific. These factors are called CRAVENS, which are principles of persuasion marketing.

Subconsciously people make decisions based on these principles and social proof is one of them.

So, what types can your business adopt? 

Types of social proof

Social proof can take many forms. Here are some of the main types to consider as tools to boost your business’ conversions:

Why are these effective?

As businesses continue to shift into the digital sphere, depending on word of mouth and personal recommendations alone has become an unfavoured marketing strategy.

Put simply, that’s why social proof is so important for your business. It gives potential customers and clients the trust and confidence they need to see before they choose to invest into your business over your competitors.

So, let’s delve into how the different types of social proof are effective at gaining your customers’ trust and generating greater leads.

Adding reviews and testimonials to your website’s landing page immediately provides the viewer with an understanding of someone else’s experience – which is hopefully a positive one! They serve as persuasive techniques that capture the viewer’s attention, increasing the likelihood of them exploring further and ultimately making a purchase.

In their study on customer reviews, Trust Mary found:

“When website visitors were shown customer reviews on the website, e-commerce conversion rate increased by 67% compared to customers who did not see reviews.”

Similarly, client case studies can effectively answer readers’ questions or concerns, offering insights that build assurance and credibility. These case studies and testimonials not only provide answers but also demonstrate how the product or service has successfully solved similar challenges for others.

Obtaining awards and certificates which are visible on your website are another great way to indicate your success and affirm to the viewer that you’re a reputable business, making them more likely to choose you.

Data and statistics are a great way to quantify campaigns to prove their effectiveness. For example, throughout some of our case studies we highlight the increase in website users and page views our clients have seen since we rebranded or redesigned their website. This not only demonstrates the success of our clients’ campaigns, but also highlights the credibility of our trusted team of specialists at P+S.

Getting to grips with social proof might look like a walk in the park, but before you showcase those glowing reviews and testimonials, we’d suggest a few easy steps to take.

How to implement social proof in your business strategy

  1. First, you must recognise the needs and values of your customers and use this to inform your social proof. Whether it’s a focus on customer service, technical know-how or efficiency and reliability, it’s important to showcase feedback that echoes your customers’ voices.
  2. Second, decide on which social proof types you want to insert. These need to convey relevance, answer questions and counter objections. You want your social proof to display your company’s values as well as your customers’ experiences.
  3. Choose and refine the content of your social proof. Rotate the content and test for the best results. For example, use testimonials that use your key words or widgets that may catch the viewer’s eye.

Now, let’s not forget about an important part of all marketing strategies – the tracking and analysis.

How to measure the impact of social proof

Tracking your social proof is an important aspect of your marketing strategy. Staying aware of your customer reviews, testimonials and social proof engagement can help you stay informed on what your customers like to see.

Tracking conversion rates with Google Analytics or A/B testing is a smart way to measure changes. You can do this before and after adding testimonials or success statistics to your landing page. This helps you see if your social proof is improving your viewers’ experience.

While social proof showcases real-life success stories for your brand, you should avoid certain elements.

What not to include as social proof

Social proof needs to be honest and transparent.

If you’re creating fake statements and reviews, you immediately lose the trust of your viewers. And therefore, your likelihood of conversion rates.

Likewise, if you’re using sources that don’t reflect your customer and clients, it can seem disingenuous, and you risk losing your business’ authenticity.

On the other hand, neglecting negative feedback can also appear disingenuous, creating a disconnection from your customers. Addressing negative reviews demonstrates that you value your customer’s experiences through building trust and showing you want to do better.

So here’s the big question: Have we earned your trust and supplied all the evidence you need to enhance your website’s social proof?

How can we help utilise your social proof?

P+S has all the technical know-how to make your website social proof optimised.

Get in touch to find out more.

Email us at marketing@proctorsgroup.com

saintnicks has won two awards at the prestigious Transform Awards Europe 2025 for their work with Ascot Racecourse.

Gold: Best Expression of a Brand on Social Media Channels
Bronze: Best Use of Copy Style or Tone of Voice

The Transform Awards celebrate excellence in brand strategy and execution across Europe. saintnicks’ work with Ascot Racecourse brought to life the brand’s creative platform, Elegance at Play – combining social-first storytelling, a distinct tone of voice, and thumb-stopping, jaw-dropping content that captured the attention of both loyal racegoers and new audiences alike.

Speaking on the win, Fraser Bradshaw, CEO at saintnicks, said:

“We set out to create a truly ownable brand voice and world-class social content that matched Ascot’s stature as an iconic British institution. To see that work recognised is a brilliant moment for the team and a testament to the power of brave, collaborative thinking.”

 


Looking to go further?

If you’re after a creative brand agency that will go the extra mile for your brand, drop saintnicks a line. You can find out more about their brand, campaigns, content and digital expertise here, or reach out to their Client Services Director, Francois d’Espagnac.

Now that we’ve started another year, we’re looking ahead and considering what the New Year might have in store. While we can’t predict the future, we have spent a long time huddled around our crystal balls (our phone screens, we’re all chronically online) and here’s our menu of what we think will be trending for social media in 2025.

Bread course – Highlight your community

I can honestly say that seeing a group of influencers on a stunning island or enjoying a delicious three course meal with gorgeous table decor and generally, having a lovely, if not heavily facetuned, time has never convinced me to purchase a product.

I could talk about influencer marketing until the Rhode lipgloss cases sell out and I am in no way advising anyone to skip influencer marketing. I am, however, pleading with you to stop thinking that the only option is that influencer with millions of followers, charging eye watering amounts to read a script and pretend to care about your product or open the PR package, that you’ve spent ages planning, making, scrapping and repeating, in one video alongside other packages they’ve received to get lost in a pile of beige boxes slightly off screen. Apologies if that comes across harsh or oddly pointed but we are begging you to instead look at your comments section, at the audience already flying your flag and get them involved. Send them the PR package, invite them in to try your new menu and watch them SHINE.

What does this mean for you; An average person will never receive an ostentatious PR package or be invited to a launch party and, in my humble opinion, that’s a Shakespearean level of a modern marketing tragedy that you can remedy. Seeing brands highlight their community members and give back to those that support them will get you on new radars, get your current community further down your marketing funnel and position you as a brand that makes people feel good. 

Starter – Employee generated and founder content

Think Currys. Not the food, the retailer. Specifically, their socials. With me?

This year Currys gave social media a masterclass akin to an action movie character lighting a match, throwing it behind them causing a massive explosion as they walk off in a leather jacket and pair of sunglasses accompanied by a Hans Zimmer soundtrack. If, somehow, you aren’t on the same wavelength as me I am, of course, talking about THIS video. It’s genius. It’s magic. It’s their team that makes it.

This is your year of working with your team to create content – whether that’s participating in trends, vox pop interviews with them or full on acted skits. Your team is crucial to your business, in hospitality especially, they can make or break a customer’s experience and the same is true on social media, they humanise a businesses socials which resonates with audiences.

If you’re a founder and thought getting your team in front of the camera sounds like a great idea and, as you’re reading this, you’re mentally planning the amazon basket of equipment to arm yourself, ready to stick your phone in their faces whilst they do the apple dance. Firstly don’t forget to thank us for the inspiration, we appreciate the compliments. Secondly, what made you think you were safe? Turn that phone camera around! Unless one day you woke up and accidentally opened a business that you now want to attract people to, there’s a driving force behind you, dare I say a passion and people want to hear it.

*if you’re looking for more genius content as inspiration our queen of content Nay has created some oscar worthy levels of skits please see here, here and here.

Main course – Your SEO strategy needs to include TikTok

TikTok replacing Google. Instagram removing the ability to follow hashtags. The picture is clear as day. Hashtags are out and SEO is in! Hashtags have served us well but, whilst they’re still a helpful tool, it’s time to down your hashtags and up your SEO game. Optimising your social media captions for keywords will be a necessity in 2025, it will be  (read; already is) imperative to include keywords in your captions that are likely to get your content to show up when users search for content on their favourite social channels.

TikTok is widely becoming adopted as the search engine by all age groups. Why? Consumers are becoming more and more impatient and want fast results for their queries and they want something they can trust, enter content coming directly from creators highlighting authentic reviews and recommendations.

What does this mean for you; Research what your target audience is searching for, what keywords your competitors are using and implement them into your captions. It’s important to remember that views and likes AREN’T a ranking factor for TikTok search, the better the SEO the more likely we’ll be recommended in searches.

Many people post content on the platform, and they expect to get quality results instantly. One of the major benefits of TikTok is how keywords can work to generate views in the millions by ranking in search. In this context, SEO would aim to optimise your TikTok content for views, so they can connect you to more people who want to watch your content.

Dessert – Going viral is so last year

Over the past few years, the way we interact with social media and what we’ve come to expect from content has changed and, as a result, content aimed at trend-chasing has steam rolled its way over original storytelling. We’re not here to blame anyone for this cough TikTok but we think social media consumers are craving more accounts.

Whether you’re logging onto TikTok or scrolling through Reels, we guarantee you’ll see companies from all different sectors trying to claim their space on whatever is trending. We completely understand that a lot, if not all, of the intent is to appease algorithms and tries to boost visibility, it could be doing more harm to keeping viewers.

Our prediction (and hope) for 2025 is that organisations will return to focusing on their long-term strategies and original storytelling and stop being distracted by quick-hit trends.  Think of your content like fishing. You cast the net by adopting trends but once you’ve caught the fish you need a tank to keep them in, this is the rest of your content. Maybe this is time to get your team camera ready with EGC, the heritage and influences of your brand, stylised videos of your products or other series you come up with.

Strike a balance between leveraging trends to attract attention and creating original, long-form content to retain your audience. Build a cohesive narrative that resonates with your brand’s mission and values.

Cheese board – Zero-click strategies

It’s hard to believe but it’s true, 2025 could be the year we see an end to link in bio or at least, the beginning of the end.

Before we dive into brie and chutney, I need to tell you that zero click strategies don’t really exist for most businesses – sorry but that’s off the menu for you. Instead, you can have a healthy serving of minimal-click strategies. Minimal-click content strategies involve delivering all your valuable information in, you guessed it, the minimal amount of clicks. If you’re a brick and mortar venue this is tricky but not impossible. However, because you’re keeping users in the app if you master minimal click strategies the algorithm will worship the ground you work on.

If you’re a hospitality business, an example of a minimal-click strategy you could implement is posting regular content of the food and the atmosphere of your venue whilst using the one and only third-party app Instagram has approved, Manychat. You’ve probably already seen ManyChat in action — usually a creator or business will say drop a ‘👋’ below, and I’ll DM you a quick demo!

What does this mean for you;  For you this could be comment the word ‘Menu’ in the comments and we’ll DM the menu. ManyChat enables you to automate this process and, if that wasn’t enough, you can add a further step in the process and send a timed follow-up message with a link to your booking portal. That’s only really a one click journey to take the customer from browsing your page to booking a table. Modern day marketing magic!

As your feast of our 2025 social media trends forecast comes to close, remember this: the digital landscape is constantly evolving, but at its core, social media is about connection. Whether you’re spotlighting your community, crafting authentic stories, or fine-tuning your SEO, the key to success lies in understanding and adapting to your audience’s needs. So, grab yourself some food that isn’t metaphorical, take these insights, and step into the year ahead with creativity, strategy, and your audience at the forefront of your mind. Here’s to making 2025 your most engaging year yet!

Duchess Media was born from our love of Bristol’s incredible hospitality scene, and over the last decade we’ve not only worked with many of the city’s best indie bars, restaurants and venues, but we’ve also become the go-to marketing and PR agency when it comes to helping nationwide restaurant groups integrate seamlessly into Bristol’s scene.

With such a vibrant community and celebrated food scene, Bristol is a city that prides itself on championing independent businesses, with locals who are passionate about supporting small, homegrown brands. For larger groups entering the city, it’s essential to respect this ethos by building genuine connections with local suppliers, charities, influencers, and brands to genuinely become part of the fabric of the community. That’s where we come in.

WHAT WE DID…
Bristol welcomes newcomers who bring genuine passion to the city’s food scene – but it’s easy to get it wrong. With over a decade in the industry we’ve seen the good, the bad and the ugly from brands trying to make it in Bristol, and we’ll always be brutally honest on what works, and what really hasn’t – e.g. avoid the word ‘Brizzle’ at all costs!!

That’s why we work as consultants, guiding clients every step of the way to ensure they fit right in. From connecting brands to the right people to creating and delivering impactful PR activations, we handle it all.

THE RESULTS

By helping our clients navigate the unique dynamics of Bristol, we’ve been able to position them as welcomed additions to the city. Whether it’s building strong relationships with local influencers or establishing meaningful partnerships with suppliers and charities, we’ve helped our clients gain the trust and support of the Bristol community.

The key with Bristol is to really want to be part of what our incredible hospitality industry has worked so hard to create – rather than just wanting a slice of it. The businesses who thrive here are those who get amongst it, get involved in local initiatives and most importantly, get to know their neighbours, because after all – it’s all about community!

If you’re looking for an expert PR, events and marketing agency, which specialises in hospitality and lifestyle, to handle your restaurant or venue launch in Bristol, the South West or beyond, give us a shout as your go-to experts!

With over a decade of connections across the city and experience in countless brand partnerships, we know exactly how to facilitate these relationships and ensure a smooth, authentic transition into Bristol life. We’ve done this successfully for brands like Wingstop, Rosa’s Thai, Treetop Golf, and Six by Nico, tailoring our approach for each client.

WHAT THEY NEEDED…

Every client has their own unique requirements, but the core of what we offer remains the same: connecting them with the right people to help them establish a meaningful presence in the city. From engaging with key press, influencers, and tastemakers to creating opportunities for collaboration, we craft strategies that fit each brand’s needs.

For most launches, we take the reins on event planning, from building an invite list of the perfect guests to managing logistics on the day. We know that local lifestyle and foodie influencers are instrumental in creating buzz, and we’ve spent years cultivating relationships with the biggest names in Bristol’s Instagram and TikTok scenes.

We also make introductions to local suppliers and charities, helping brands show their commitment to supporting the community and its economy. These partnerships demonstrate a willingness to integrate authentically, which Bristol locals appreciate.

A perfect space for Glastonbury rehearsals, pre performance event, recording, filming.

Distillery II Studios – 40 mins from festival site – easy access from M4/M5 – PA / lighting rig – ground floor level access – ample parking.

Contact – Andy Leese – andy.leese@distillermusic.com – +44 7955 273307

Why a Business Should Consider Creating a Brand Film

Creating a brand film is an incredible opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience on a deeper level. In today’s fast-paced digital world, a well-crafted brand film can tell your story in a way that resonates emotionally, showcasing not just what you do, but why you do it. This powerful visual medium allows you to highlight your values, mission, and unique offerings while engaging potential customers in an impactful way. Think of it as a compelling narrative that not only builds brand awareness but also fosters trust and loyalty among consumers who are looking for authenticity.

Also, with the rising popularity of video content across social media platforms, having a brand film can significantly increase your reach and visibility. By sharing your story through this dynamic format, you’re not just promoting products or services; you’re creating an experience that invites viewers to be part of your journey. Ultimately, investing in a brand film is about crafting memorable moments that leave lasting impressions – helping you stand out in a crowded marketplace and truly connect with your audience.

Understanding the Brand Film Production Process

The creation of a brand film unfolds in three essential stages: pre-production, production, and post-production. The pre-production phase presents the opportunity to dive deep into understanding a brand’s vision and goals. This is a time to brainstorm ideas, develop scripts, and plan every detail – from casting talent to location scouting- ensuring everything aligns perfectly with the brand message. Moving into the production stage, it becomes all about bringing those ideas to life, capturing stunning visuals and audio that resonate with the brand’s audience. Finally, comes the post-production stage; this involves editing the footage, adding sound design and visual effects that elevate the brand’s story. By following this structured approach to brand film production, you can create captivating content whilst ensuring it effectively conveys your unique narrative to your target audience.

The Key Factors That Influence the Timeline for Your Brand Film

When it comes to managing a project, several key factors come into play that can significantly influence the outcome. First and foremost, establishing a clear project scope is crucial; it sets the foundation for what needs to be achieved and helps keep everyone aligned. Client feedback loops are equally important, as they ensure that things are on the right track and allow for adjustments based on insights. Changes in creative direction can sometimes arise, but with open communication and flexibility, an experienced production company will be able to adapt while still meeting deadlines. Additionally, resource availability plays a vital role in planning – knowing what tools and talent are out there enables an effective execution of the creative vision. Lastly, logistics around filming locations shouldn’t be overlooked; coordinating these details early on helps avoid potential hiccups later in the process. Keeping all these elements in check, enables a smooth workflow that leads to great results for clients while fostering a collaborative environment that inspires creativity.

Breaking Down Each Stage: Pre-Production to Post-Production

There are several key steps to bringing a brand film to life. It all starts with scripting and storyboarding, working closely with a brand to craft a compelling and memorable narrative. Once the script is locked down, the next phase is finding the perfect faces and voices that embody your brand’s essence. Seeking out settings that enhance your story and create an authentic backdrop for your brand film shouldn’t be underestimated. Filming days can be scheduled, dedicated to capturing every important moment and making sure everything aligns with the creative vision. After shooting, the editing process usually begins – this is where the footage is carefully pieced together to create a polished final cut that genuinely reflects your brand’s message. Each step of this process is designed to tell a brand’s unique story in a way that connects, captivates and engages viewers.

The Importance of Collaboration

In terms of brand film creation, the average turnaround time can vary significantly based on the project’s scope and complexity. Typically, a quick turnaround project might take anywhere from a few weeks to a month, allowing brands to get their message out swiftly without sacrificing quality. However, for those looking for something more comprehensive – complete with detailed storytelling and high production values – the process could extend to several months. This is where understanding your goals becomes crucial; knowing whether you need a rapid response or an in-depth exploration can help streamline the approach. We’ve had clients who opted for both styles: one brand needed a lively promotional video in just two weeks for an upcoming event, while another invested several months into crafting an intricate narrative that highlighted their mission and values through animated storytelling. Ultimately, whether you’re seeking speed or depth in your brand film creation, we can help guide you through each stage.

Ready to Create Your Brand Film? Start Planning Today.

Creating a brand film is an exciting journey which can add genuine value to your business. If you’re ready to elevate your brand’s story through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, an engaging brand film could be the answer. Whether you’re looking to attract your audience on social media, enhance your website, or create memorable content for a live event, a well-crafted brand film can make a great difference. At Vivid, we believe that every brand has a unique story waiting to be told. With our expertise in film, motion design and animation, we’d be happy to help you articulate your story in a way that resonates with your audience. Let’s collaborate and bring your vision to life. Reach out today, and let’s start crafting something extraordinary together!