Billy Ryan, Head of Analytics and Effectiveness at the7stars, shares his expertise on navigating the evolving landscape of media planning. He discusses how digital innovations and various platforms are reshaping advertising strategies. The conversation dives into AI's impact on search technology, focusing on user intent and brand visibility. Billy also highlights the transformation of media into shoppable spaces and the necessity for updated metrics that recognize the complexities of an abundant media environment. A must-listen for marketers!
The media landscape has shifted towards a more optimistic view of 'abundance,' prompting advertisers to adapt strategies for diverse consumer engagement channels.
Emerging retail platforms and AI in search are transforming advertising approaches, requiring brands to rethink planning amidst evolving consumer behaviors.
Deep dives
Planning in an Age of Abundance
The media landscape is evolving from a focus on fragmentation to a more optimistic view termed 'abundance,' which recognizes the growing variety of channels consumers engage with. Consumers are increasingly spending more time with media, particularly video, reflecting a significant surge in engagement since the pandemic. Notably, emerging advertising propositions from businesses are fostering competitive pressure, leading to a higher potential for effectiveness despite the variability in quality among offerings. This shift emphasizes the necessity for advertisers to adapt their strategies to leverage the increased availability and quality of media options in achieving their marketing objectives.
The Rewiring of Search Behavior
Search behavior is undergoing a significant transformation, with the rise of social media and retail platforms offering new opportunities for advertisers beyond traditional giants like Google. As TikTok and Amazon gain traction for product discovery, advertisers must evolve their planning strategies to accommodate these new formats and shifting consumer behaviors. Additionally, the growing influence of AI technologies in search is reshaping the landscape, leading to a need for planners to focus on understanding the implications of these changes for their clients. This evolution signifies not just a change in tools but a shift in the strategic thinking required to navigate a more fragmented search environment.
Commerce Media on the Rise
The trend of 'commerce everywhere' indicates a significant shift toward making every media touchpoint shoppable, enhancing opportunities for brands to engage with customers. The emergence of various retail platforms offering advertising opportunities is changing how brands interact with consumers in e-commerce environments. However, this growth poses challenges as budget allocations shift from traditional brand advertising to performance-driven commerce media, creating a risk of sacrificing long-term brand equity for short-term gains. Brands must innovate their approaches to protect their brand presence in commerce settings while ensuring effectiveness measurement adapts to this evolving landscape.
Discussing the biggest trends set to shape media planning and the wider ecosystem this year; planning in the era of abundance, the rewiring of search, and commerce media can help build brands. WARC's Paul Stringer talks to Billy Ryan, head of analytics and effectiveness at the7stars.