Last month some of the AIM team were able to attend the CJU event in Santa Barbara, California and we’re still reeling from it all. Not only were we proud to help our client Publisher Clearing House take home an award this year, but we were also able to gather incredible insights into the industry from leaders in our field.
Now that we’ve had the chance to thoroughly digest everything we learned and bring our team up to speed, we believe it’s the perfect opportunity to share this valuable knowledge with those who couldn’t attend. So, please sit back and enjoy AIM’s hot takes from CJU24.
Hot-Button Topic: AI in Performance Marketing
- AI EMPOWERMENT: AI is transforming tasks like reporting, brand safety assessments, and influencer matching. By automating these processes, teams can make more informed decisions and reduce personal biases. This technology streamlines workflows and uncovers new opportunities, enabling organizations to analyze data quickly and accurately. Ultimately, AI allows teams to focus on creativity and strategy, driving innovation and growth in their marketing efforts.
- AI AND TIME EFFICIENCY: AI frees up valuable time for human-driven innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking by automating routine tasks and data analysis. This allows team members to focus on high-impact activities that require human insight, fostering a culture of creativity and enabling quicker adaptation to market changes. Ultimately, this balance between AI efficiency and human ingenuity drives business growth and provides a competitive edge.
- PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION: Using AI to analyze brand logos, tone, and content authenticity, companies like Influential are better-aligning creators with brand goals, leading to better performance.
Influencer Marketing Strategies
- ORGANIC INFLUENCERS: Engaging influencers already speaking about your brand yields more authentic, high-engagement partnerships.
- LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS: Investing in longer influencer partnerships creates credibility and fosters stronger results.
- NICHE VS. BROAD INFLUENCERS: Both large, broad influencers and smaller, niche influencers are essential. The former provides reach, while the latter offers deeper engagement with loyal audiences.
- CREATIVE FREEDOM: Provide influencers with guidelines but allow them to inject their own voice for authenticity.
Be in the Know: Q4 Trends
- TM+ BIDDING ANTICIPATED TO INCREASE: With the Google updates that took place this year, be on the lookout for rogue bidders this season.
- PAID MEDIA SPEND INCREASING IN DECEMBER: Due to the impact of the U.S. election and broader economic concerns influencing consumer behavior, more conservative paid media spending is expected in October and November, with an increase likely following the election.
- CONSUMER BEHAVIOR REMAINS CONSISTENT YoY: Early shopping is expected due to Amazon Prime Days next week (October 8-10th). However, brands are maintaining conservative spending strategies amid the election season. Consumers are informed more than ever and increasingly brand-agnostic.
And, of course, exciting things are happening at CJ…
- CJ’S OFFERS & CASHBACK SCRAPING TOOL: This industry-first technology is creating efficiencies and highlighting new opportunities with analysis that many brands are finding invaluable.
- CJ’S ACQUISTION OF INFLUENTIAL: A global leader in influencer marketing, this acquisition allows companies and agencies to supercharge their influencer initiatives.
As we dive deeper into these insights as a team, we hope these highlights serve as a valuable resource for you. A big thank you to CJ for putting on such a great event, we can’t wait for CJU 2025!
If you would like to learn more about new trends in the industry and how they can work for your program, contact an expert today!
