DIGITAL BLOG

We've all be there - clicking a link, waiting a beat too long, and bouncing before the page even loads or landing on a site that looks like it hasn't been updated since 2009. Whether you're a brand, business, or creative, your website is your first impression. And in a world where attention spans are shorter than ever, people decide whether to stay or go within seconds. Literally. Here are 7 ways your website might be turning visitors away and how to fix it:

Real Talk: Summer vacation is halfway over. The sun's hot, your iced coffee budget is out of control, and your customers? They're either poolside or in panic mode about back-to-school. Before the chaos hits this Fall, here are 5 super doable marketing to-do's you can knock out in one afternoon.

Earlier this spring, we partnered with a local events team to help promote one of their most-loved tasting festivals, think wine, beer, music, food, and vendors. Our job? Help them get the word out, get people excited, and most importantly get people to buy tickets. We had just a few weeks, but thanks to smart targeting, eye-catching creative, and a digital game plan that actually works—we made it happen.

June 30th is National Social Media Day, a celebration of the platforms that have transformed how we connect, communicate, and do business. 

Discover how Netflix is using AI to create smarter, more personalized ads and what this shift means for the future of digital advertising.

Duolingo. The name conjures images of a quirky green owl, playful social media interactions, and the satisfying ding! of a completed lesson. They've built a massive following, not just for their accessible language learning app, but for their undeniably fun, interactive, and often hilariously trendy online presence. But things have taken a sharp turn. Earlier this year, Duolingo's CEO announced a significant shift in the company's core identity: they are now an AI-first company . For those unfamiliar, being "AI-first" means that an organization prioritizes artificial intelligence as the central driving force behind its business decisions, operations, and the very development of its products and services. AI isn't just a tool; it's the foundation upon which the company is built and innovates. On the surface, the benefits seem clear for the company. It promises increased efficiency and potentially a smoother, more streamlined user experience. However, this strategic pivot hasn't been met with open arms by Duolingo's loyal fanbase. In fact, it's stirred up a considerable amount of anger and disappointment. The core of the issue lies in the perception of authenticity. For a brand that cultivated such a vibrant and human-feeling online persona, the move towards AI-first feels like a cold, calculated decision. It signals to users that the company might prioritize algorithms over people, potentially sacrificing the very elements that made Duolingo so engaging and relatable. The reaction from longtime users has been swift and decisive. Reports are flooding in of individuals ending their hard-earned Duolingo streaks and deleting the app altogether. Others have left snarky remarks on Duolingo’s TikTok page comments . The emotional connection built over months and years of learning alongside the quirky owl now feels… less genuine.

As digital marketers, we're constantly seeking ways to sharpen our skills, whether it's diving into the latest SEO strategies, crafting compelling email campaigns, or mastering the intricacies of Google Analytics. But the rapid evolution of the digital universe demands we look beyond the traditional. The rise of AI is no longer a distant future; it's the present, and it's rapidly changing the game. That's why Google's recent announcement of free, in-depth AI courses is such a monumental development, offering a direct pathway to understanding and leveraging this powerful technology. The digital marketing arena is fiercely competitive, and continuous learning is the key to staying relevant. While certifications in SEO and analytics remain valuable, the next frontier lies in understanding and applying Artificial Intelligence. Recognizing this pivotal shift, Google has generously opened the doors to AI education with the release of its own free courses. This isn't just about adding another line to your resume; it's about gaining a fundamental understanding of the tools that will define the future of digital marketing. The diverse range of courses offered includes: " Introduction to Generative AI, " " Introduction to Large Language Models ," " Introduction to Responsible AI ," " Introduction to Image Generation ," " Encoder-Decoder Architecture ," " Attention Mechanism ," " Transformer Models and BERT Model ," " Create Image Captioning Models ," and " Introduction to Vertex AI Studio ."

The FTC's Case Against Meta The intense battle between the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta over allegations of monopolistic practices has the potential to reshape the landscape of social media and big tech as we know it. In a move that would later become central to the FTC's case, Meta purchased Instagram for $1 billion in April 2012, followed by WhatsApp for $19 billion . Then, in December 2020, the FTC, in conjunction with 46 states, filed a lawsuit against Meta alleging illegal monopolization. This lawsuit specifically focused on the acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp, arguing that Meta employed a "buy or bury" strategy to eliminate potential competitors. While the initial complaint faced difficulties and was dismissed, an amended complaint was subsequently filed, and the case eventually went to trial in April 2025.

Founded in 2012, PrettyLittleThing quickly became a go-to online fashion retailer for bold, trend-driven styles at affordable prices. The brand, a subsidiary of Boohoo Group, became a staple for Gen Z and millennial shoppers with its glam aesthetic, flashy campaigns, celebrity collaborations, and emphasis on inclusivity. Known for its bodycon dresses, bright colors, and head-turning designs, PLT made its mark by leaning into the fast-fashion space with unapologetic confidence and a strong, recognizable voice.  From Loud & Proud to Quiet & Confused PrettyLittleThing built its reputation on being loud, unapologetically fun, and fiercely Gen Z. Think neon bodysuits, rhinestones, and festival-ready fits that screamed “main character energy.” But in a surprising shift, PLT’s rebrand introduced minimalist designs, earthy tones, and a stripped-back website that looked more like a luxury boutique than a fast-fashion powerhouse. According to The Cut , the rebrand didn’t just confuse customers—it alienated them. PLT fans were quick to note the lack of size inclusivity, dramatic changes to product styles, and a tone that no longer felt “for them.” As one viral comment pointed out, “PrettyLittleThing is now PrettyConfusedCustomer.”

ChatGPT Search vs Google: Who's Winning the AI Search Battle? Towards the end of last year, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Search, a search tool designed to provide users with instant, concise answers while linking to sources. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT Search eliminates the need to sift through multiple web pages. However, its biggest drawback is that it provides a limited number of sources, potentially leaving out valuable information. ( Source ) Google quickly responded by integrating its AI model, Gemini, into search results, offering "AI Overviews" that provide summarized responses with source links, while still keeping traditional SEO-driven results. ( Source ) Is ChatGTP Search a Google Killer? Despite its growing popularity, ChatGPT Search is nowhere near overtaking Google. Here’s how they compare: Google Search: Over 5 trillion searches in 2024 (about 14 billion per day ), with a 93.57% market share ( Source ) ChatGPT Search: Estimated 37.5 million queries per day , making up just 0.25% of the market ( Source ) For now, Google remains the dominant search engine, handling 373 times more searches than ChatGPT in 2024. The Challenges of AI-Powered Search While AI search tools offer fast and direct answers, they come with limitations: Lack of Multiple Sources: Unlike Google, ChatGPT often references just one source per answer, making it harder to verify information. Limited Location Accuracy: ChatGPT can infer general location from an IP address but doesn’t actively track users like Google Maps, leading to less accurate local search results.

Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand, Skims, isn’t just a fashion statement– it’s a marketing masterclass. Since its launch, Skims has skyrocketed to a $4 billion valuation , proving that smart marketing and strong branding can turn any company into a powerhouse. But what exactly makes Skims so successful? Let’s break it down and see how you can apply these genius tactics to your brand.