The efficiency AI brings to the table is too valuable to ignore. Tasks that once took hours like drafting content, creating rough visual concepts, analyzing data, or completing market research can now be done in minutes. For marketing teams and creative partners, this kind of speed is a major competitive advantage. Agencies and partners who refuse to adopt AI tools will quickly find themselves falling behind competitively to those who can move faster, test ideas more quickly, and produce more work with the same resources or less.
While AI tools have quickly become an important part of the creative process, the best results happen when humans lead the work. Think of AI as an assistant rather than the creator itself. Human creativity brings perspective, emotion, and real-world experience that AI simply doesn’t have. When creators use AI to support their ideas instead of replace them, the final work feels more authentic and intentional.
When I speak with clients and hear, “I made it with AI” I begin to cringe. Why? Graphic content from AI tools is trained on the same large pools of data and because of this its output has a similar look, tone, and structure. As more people use them the same way, the results feel repetitive and generic. This process is completely counterintuitive to the concept of “branding” that businesses spend much effort and money differentiating themselves in the marketplace.
There’s also an important strategic side to consider. When you rely heavily on AI to generate ideas, messaging, or creative direction, you’re using tools that are available to all your competitors. If your entire strategy comes from AI, there’s a real chance your competitor could end up with a version of the same solution. That’s why the thinking and strategy behind creative projects should stay human-led. In the end, the winning formula is a hybrid approach where AI powers speed and scale, while humans drive authenticity and connection.
The shift toward online shopping has forever changed the retail landscape, and it’s still evolving. Gone are the days when people would head to the mall. Now, nearly everything can be purchased online from the comfort of your own home! This convenience has taken a giant leap forward at the same time as the rise of social media. Your potential and current customers are shopping directly within the same app they socialize with friends, watch entertaining videos, and browse through posts.
Social commerce is more than just a trend; it’s a game-changer. Global retail E-Commerce sales are projected to grow to $6.8 trillion by 2028 and capture 24% of global retail sales, forecasts Forrester. If you’ve been considering selling on social media, now is the perfect time to start.
Social Commerce is a Selling Opportunity
Social commerce integrates eCommerce directly into social media platforms. Your products and services are instantly accessible to a broader audience. The entire shopping experience—from discovering products and researching them to making a purchase—happens right on social media. Currently, platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and TikTok offer built-in social commerce features for seamless “shopportunities” (as coined by Hootsuite) right where your audience spends the most time.
Why Should Social Commerce Matter to You?
The future of shopping lies in social commerce, and the numbers back it up. Researchers back in 2022 predicted e-sales would surpass $735 billion in the next three years. Since then, e-sales have surpassed this prediction and continue to grow significantly. Social commerce is not just about convenience; it’s about reaching your target audience in their digital comfort zone. With 81% of shoppers researching products on Instagram and Facebook, and 48% of Pinterest users prioritizing shopping, your brand’s presence on social media is crucial.
On social platforms, your catalog of goods is open for consumers to explore, discuss, and share. The feedback loop is immediate and honest, customers aren’t shy about telling you what they like or don’t like. Plus, you get access to clear data about your customers, enabling personalized interactions through comments and direct messages.
If one of your target demographics falls within the 18-to-34 age range, you know they’re already online and ready to shop while they scroll. In 2019, 48% of U.S. internet users in this age group made a purchase on social media, with 27% of those who hadn’t shopped yet, but expressed interest in doing so. That number has skyrocketed since then. Additionally, social media allows you to proactively reach specific groups of potential customers with paid ads.
Getting Started With Social Commerce
To dive into social commerce, you need to be prepared for an influx of questions and comments. Many businesses are using AI chatbots to handle repetitive questions and notify you when a more detailed response is needed. You should maintain the “social” aspect of social commerce, offering timely and personalized customer service.
It’s essential to stay engaging, authentic, and valuable to your customers. Listening to your customers’ feedback is easier than ever, so be sure to pay attention to suggestions, concerns, and especially reviews—93% of online shoppers say a review can make or break their decision.
Social commerce often involves impulse purchases. To really hit the ground running, price your items under $70; they tend to perform better. Most consumers are hesitant to make impulse buys over $100.
Using social commerce is critical for certain kinds of businesses. Don’t be left behind. Many retailers are even closing down because they can’t capture the engagement of younger consumers who crave an easy, convenient, and personalized shopping experience. Stay relevant and deliver the experience they want. That’s good marketing.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’re here to help you set up your social commerce shop and craft compelling posts to drive engagement and sales. Don’t miss out on the future of shopping—contact us today to get started! Your customers are already online and waiting; let’s make sure your products are there too.
Once upon a time, in a busy trade show, there was a little branded pen named Penny. She sat on the display table, surrounded by countless brochures and business cards. At first, Penny felt small and insignificant among the towering booths of big companies with elaborate displays.
But soon, curious attendees started picking her up, jotting down notes. With each person she met, Penny proudly represented her company, showcasing its logo subtly, yet impactfully.
What are the benefits of purchasing promotional items?
Promo items are an excellent way for businesses to stand out and present themselves in a unique and fun way while increasing your overall brand awareness. Nearly 85% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company after receiving a promo item, a prime example of a foot-in-the-door persuasive method. This is when a small request is initially made to get a person to later agree to a more extensive request.
Accepting the promotional item will encourage your target audience to make a purchase. By selecting an item that your customers will use regularly, you increase the likelihood that they will think of your company each time they use it.
How do I pick out the best promo items for my business?
To find something your audience finds helpful, ask yourself a few questions.
What are you promoting?
This question may seem pointless, but it helps to know the goal. Are you just promoting your business as a whole, or do you have something more specific in mind, like a product, service, or event?
2. Why do you need to promote it?
Is there a specific reason behind your planned promotion? Your business could always use more exposure, but is there a particular message you want to relay? The answer will help guide you in finding the best product that meets your needs.
3. Who are you trying to reach?
Understanding your ideal customer is essential. You should choose your item with their lifestyle in mind and develop a message that resonates with them.
4. Where do you want your brand message to be seen?
Consider where your audience will use these items. Is this a seasonal effort? Give a baseball cap or a heavy stadium blanket. If you want your item kept in an office, you’ll want to find something we always use, like Post-it Notes, pens, or chargers.
Promotional items should be designed with your audience in mind, thoughtfully planned, strategically placed, and with motivation. Our very own promotional consultant, Sasha Hecker, can help you achieve this.
Sasha is resourceful, organized, experienced, and a pleasure to have as part of our team! She will help you find the correct promotional items for your business and will also help you order them with plenty of time for your event.
We decided to gain more insight by asking Sasha a few questions.
What is the average time from order to delivery?
VIA Marketing is an ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute) member, and our partner vendors are based locally and worldwide.
When picking the best item for your company, timing is one of the top things to consider. If you need it sooner than later, we will ensure your item is expedited, produced and shipped locally to save you time. Please allow plenty of time before your event to ensure you have the best options available.
Can I get a sample product before ordering?
Most likely, but it depends on the vendor and the amount of time before your event. If the vendor doesn’t provide samples or you don’t have enough time, you can see a virtual sample on the website before ordering.
What company do I get Promotional items from?
To procure the best of the best products for you, VIA has a network of partner suppliers who offer a wide array of promo items, so you are sure to find any customized item you may need. From full-color mugs to Stanleys, or submarine pens and color-changing pencils, there are times available specific to your brand and the customers you want to attract. You can find these under the promo items tab on our website.
What factors account for the pricing of these items?
Every product has different price options depending on the manufacturer. Be careful because shipping costs a pretty penny, and the two dollars you save on getting an item from overseas might be more expensive than you think.
Look through your options to get the best price. It’s also important to note that the more you order of each item at a time the cheaper the price per unit will become.
What if I want to order some promotional items?
Knowing what items to choose from and at the best price can take time and effort. That’s why our promotional consultant, Sasha, here at VIA, can ensure your promo is ready!
Please know that our success is your success. You have consistently been the catalyst to assist us with marketing for any event whether it’s vendor items, letters, ideas, thoughts, and your ability to meet whenever the need calls. Please know our appreciation runs deep for you, and you are an absolute GREAT partner.
-Nick Neal, Geminus Vice President of Community Services
Contact VIA Marketing Before You Embark on Your Next Expedition
Serving all cities in Lake County Northwest Indiana and Porter County Indiana including Merrillville, Crown Point, St. John, Highland, Dyer, Portage and the Chicago area.
