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!

Strategy, Marketing Felicia Guthrie Strategy, Marketing Felicia Guthrie

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!

Read More
Strategy Felicia Guthrie Strategy Felicia Guthrie

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?

Read More
Strategy Candace Huntly Strategy Candace Huntly

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?

Read More
Strategy Felicia Guthrie Strategy Felicia Guthrie

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.

Read More
Strategy Candace Huntly Strategy Candace Huntly

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.

Read More
Strategy Candace Huntly Strategy Candace Huntly

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.

Read More
Strategy Felicia Guthrie Strategy Felicia Guthrie

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!

Read More
Strategy Candace Huntly Strategy Candace Huntly

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.

Read More
Marketing Felicia Guthrie Marketing Felicia Guthrie

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.

Read More
Marketing, Strategy Candace Huntly Marketing, Strategy Candace Huntly

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.

Read More
Marketing Felicia Guthrie Marketing Felicia Guthrie

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.

Read More