SongBird Spotlight
Looking at brand and small business challenges through a creative lens. Check out our latest blogs and step outside of the box and into the spotlight!
Video-first marketing: Turning short-form clips into long-lasting loyalty
For a long time, videos, at least online, were treated as an afterthought, a nice to have, or maybe even not at all. Today, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have pushed short-form content to the forefront.
Why does short form content work? And how do you use it?
Human-led, AI-fed: Scaling content without losing your brand voice
To truly scale without losing your soul, you need a human-led, AI-fed strategy. Here’s how to balance the efficiency of tech with the heart of a human.
The role of empathy in content
Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably seen Punch, the adorable baby macaque that was abandoned by its mother in a Japanese Zoo and now carries around an orangutan plush from IKEA for comfort. We’ve felt sadness, relief, hope, and all the other feelings. Punch highlights the power of empathy, which is exactly what we’re digging into today!
The death of the “user”: Why 2026 is the year we start marketing to humans again
We seem to be moving away from a focus on algorithms and data, and back towards human connection. We’re not saying throw data out the window, but you should use it as a tool rather than the ONLY focus of your strategy.
The "vibe" economy & community building
We are becoming more and more connected as time passes, and yet, deeper meaningful connections can feel harder than ever.
This year, we’re moving away from blanket "broadcasting" and moving even more towards fostering deep-dive conversations to strengthen connections and communities. In 2026, there’s an opportunity to connect and engage on a deeper and more personal level, such as through Slack groups and Discord servers.
What does that mean for you and your marketing?
The trust deficit in the AI era: Why "human-made" is the new luxury
While AI offers unprecedented efficiency, it has also created a profound psychological shift in consumer behavior. We’ve kind of hit a bit of “algorithm aversion” and the most valuable currency any brand has isn’t necessarily data anymore – it’s the "human-made" signal.
What does that mean for your marketing strategy?
Tools we can't live without in 2026
When it comes to marketing in 2026, there are SO many tools at your disposal to help with your marketing efforts.
Today, let’s talk about a few of the tools that we can’t live without and why. And while we’ve probably talked about these tools before, it bears repeating.
Why your 2025 marketing strategy is obsolete (and how to pivot)
If your engagement is dipping or your revenues are plateaued or decreasing, your strategy isn't just "underperforming." It’s obsolete. Here is why the old ways are failing and how we are pivoting our clients for success in the 2026 landscape.
Setting "North Star" metrics: Moving beyond vanity results
Your North Star metrics should align with your overall mission and goals and they should also help guide your efforts. Beyond that, they should be measurable and reflect customer value.
So how do you figure out what your North Star metric should be? Here are a few things to consider
The 2026 growth guide: Top 4 marketing trends to watch out for
Let’s talk about some of the major shifts that have happened in the past year and what that means for your marketing this year. We all know that business and marketing are both in a constant state of change, so it’s important to stay on top of what’s happening to make sure your strategy is successful.
Here are the top 4 marketing trends we're watching and integrating into our client strategies right now.
Marketing highlights of 2025: A year in review
As the year winds down and we get closer to 2026, it’s the perfect time to look back at and review some of the highlights from 2025.
Ready, Set, Grow: Must-do marketing tasks before the ball drops
You’ve almost made it to the end of the year. While you have to get through the mad dash of the Holiday season still, it’s the perfect time to set your marketing strategy up for success in the new year. Don't let the ball drop on your marketing efforts! Here are the must-do tasks to tackle before December 31st.
The Naughty & Nice List: The best and worst holiday marketing campaigns of all time
The holidays are a major shopping season and with that comes plenty of holiday campaigns, some hit the right note, while others fall flat… or worse.
Let’s take a look at the best and worst holiday marketing campaigns of all time according to me, right now.
Building customer loyalty that lasts past January 1st
You can’t keep relying on flash sales and limited time offers (even though they are great at getting eyeballs on you). You have to look at taking those new relationships to the next level so it’s not just about the spike in revenue over November/December.
You’re not just selling a product; you’re launching a long-term relationship. Here are four essential strategies to convert those one-time holiday purchasers into lifelong loyal customers.
Top marketing tools you should carry into 2026
It’s mid-November, so you’re probably getting into or even just starting your holiday marketing, but it’s not too early to start planning for the future, 2026 will be here before you know it.
Starting off on the right foot can make a big difference, so we’re sharing some of our top marketing tools that you should carry into 2026!
From November to New Year: The secret to a seamless marketing Transition
Planning ahead doesn’t mean you have to execute right away. But it’s important to know what’s going to happen after your hot holiday season ends. The period from November 1st through early January isn't just about maximizing Black Friday revenue; it's about setting the stage for a strong start to the next year.
Here is the secret to a seamless marketing transition, ensuring you’re ready for success January 1st and into 2026.
Using social media to amplify your holiday promotions
This year, many Canadians will be heading in store to find the best gifts and deals, however, for many, social media remains an important part of their buying journey. The Deloitte Holiday Retail Outlook, reported that 42% of Canadians are planning to begin their holiday shopping online this year, so, if you’re a business owner, that means that you may want to consider how you can use social media to amplify your holiday promotions.
Holiday shopping: Boosting sales with Limited-Time Offers
Attention spans are short. The competition is fierce. You need people to need you enough to want to buy from you. So, how do you create a sense of urgency and excitement that transforms browsing into buying? The answer can be simple; Limited-Time Offers (LTOs).
LTOs are an effective marketing tactic because they tap into fundamental human psychology. By introducing a scarcity or time constraint, you create a fear of missing out (FOMO – yes, I am a Millennial who still uses this unironically), compelling your audience to act now rather than putting it off until tomorrow.
Strategically implemented LTOs can work for businesses across every industry. Here’s our guide on why LTOs work and how to execute them flawlessly to boost your sales.
Giving Back: Incorporating cause marketing
Consumers today expect more from brands than just quality products and customer service, they often want brands to stand for something. As the holiday season approaches, it isn't just the perfect time for giving, but it’s also an opportunity to give back too.
That’s where cause marketing comes in. Cause marketing is a partnership between a brand and a cause or nonprofit. This partnership benefits the brand, the cause, and society as a whole.
Let’s take a look at why cause marketing works and some tips for how to incorporate it into your marketing.
Your holiday marketing checklist starts now (Yes, really!)
Waiting until November to think about your Black Friday email, or until December to finalize your Christmas ad copy, means you might rush and make mistakes.
Here is your essential, early-bird holiday marketing checklist to ensure you capture maximum sales and attention this festive season.