Fact: In 2024, basically everyone is a content creator, but not everyone is a “content creator” — at least not in the sense we’re talking about here.

Imagine you have hundreds of files in a folder labeled “Important Files.” Some of the files are named by date, some by subject, and some by author.

The first step in any successful project is drawing up a game plan with a clear objective. It's one of the reasons marketers love creative briefs.

Welcome to Creator Columns, where we bring expert HubSpot Creator voices to the Blogs that inspire and help you grow better.

Welcome to Trends, a weekly newsletter with the zestiest business trends and actionable insights for entrepreneurs.
So you’re cruising along on Instagram, and see an ad for a newsletter that grabs your attention.

A great graphic design portfolio doesn’t do the work for you, but as an ever-running marketing tool, it can change your life by reeling in new opportunities.

Part of the reason I went into marketing is because I love creating. It’s also why the topic of the best AI for images intrigues me. 

Whether commuting by car, bus, or train, I find myself watching the world — and billboard ads — go by. Billboard advertising has come a long way, from signs painted on barn roofs to sleek, powerful advertisements and multimedia sensations.

I’ve been breathing life into email campaigns since 2007 when the iPhone was the newest thing on the block. Even though the learning resources for email marketers have evolved since then, I still have countless re-engagement email examples in my inbox which don’t prompt me to, well, re-engage.

Of surveyed consumers, 56% have made a purchase from a company after reading their blog, and 10% of marketers who use blogging say it generates the biggest return on investment.

I can honestly say that, so far in my career, I’ve never witnessed such a high competition for marketing roles on LinkedIn, both full-time and freelance, as now.

The words “marketing budget” might strike fear into the heart of any marketing leader, but it's non-negotiable when creating a marketing strategy for your company. In fact, when budgeting season rolls around, I hunker down.

Guess what’s common among the top organizations like Apple, Microsoft, and Amazon? An effective communication plan.

I run HubSpot's Marketing Daily Newsletter, so I know quite a bit about email marketing and why an email marketing platform is one of the first additions to a marketer's tool belt.
Email marketing is an effective way to engage and nurture leads into loyal customers. It's also extremely cost-effective — some studies show an ROI of $40 for every $1 spent.
Leveraging email marketing can be difficult, especially if you're trying to grow your list or manage the massive list you already have. Fortunately there are plenty of email marketing services available to help.
Here are 18 of the best ones I've found. I've even tested a few. Let's dive in.

ChatGPT this, ChatGPT that. Well, I’m here to add to the AI noise (but in a good way, I promise).

This week on the
Marketing Update on HubSpot.tv, Mike and Karen discussed a couple of crazy, out-of-the-box marketing campaigns.
Domino's Goes Real Time
The first example came from Domino's Pizza. Back in April 2009 on the Marketing Update, we talked about how Domino's was taken by surprise by an unfortunate YouTube video . We've also discussed the company's reinvention through a series of innovative marketing campaigns including a brand new pizza recipe . Now Domino's has gone one step further and taken its marketing efforts real time by allowing live Twitter comments from its customers to be displayed on a billboard in Times Square. 

Consumer trends are changing all the time, reflecting the “never-sleeping” nature of markets and society.

Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.
Employers in today’s global marketplace want leaders who are adaptive, passionate, innovative, and critical thinkers.

I‘m going to be fully transparent here. As I write this blog post, I’m on a train to the other side of my state. If you're a busy marketer or content creator like I am, chances are you’re always on the go for your next project (figuratively or literally).

Welcome to Creator Columns, where we bring expert HubSpot Creator voices to the Blogs that inspire and help you grow better.

Being a small business is both easier and harder than ever. Yes, the competition is tough, but there have never been more AI tools that can help you in almost every segment of your business.

Quick riddle for you: What do you have in common with podcast hosts, YouTube sensations, TikTok stars, and Instagram influencers? Stumped? Okay, okay. I'll tell you the answer.

The reign of keyword dominance is over. How SEO is changing is about to totally rewrite the rulebook. We’re now in the world of AI, chatbots, zero-click searches, and video content.

I’m usually pretty irritated when I’m watching something and a pop-up blocks my view. I try to hit that x like I’m playing whack-a-mole. But when I’m scrolling through social media and see something that tells a story or makes me laugh, I’ll stop and watch no matter who posted the content — a person or a brand.

Remember the first time you noticed Google's logo change into an entertaining piece of craftsmanship? For me, it was back in my awkward middle school days. My friends and I thought it was quirky, cute, and pretty darn amusing.

As a youngster, way back in 2010, I remember watching a YouTube video that fascinated me.

Every time I visit my favorite coffee shop, the barista gives me a smile, nods, and brings my go-to order in a few minutes. It’s a relationship built on trust and loyalty. Imagine if all your customers felt the same about your brand.

It’s been a few years since I applied for my first internship, but I still remember the difficulties I encountered. After I finally crafted an eye-catching resume, I faced the daunting prospect of creating an internship cover letter for every application; I honestly didn’t know what to include or the tone I should strike.

Advertising communicates the value of your product, services, and brand to the world. The best ads spark interest and ignite a desire for what you offer, build brand awareness, and drive sales.

The first time I managed a marketing budget, I was handed a dollar figure and asked to accomplish X, Y, and Z with it. The following year, I was asked to do more with a slightly smaller budget. Sound familiar?

Whether you’re delivering a huge presentation or hosting a webinar, a touch of humor works like a charm to delight your audience. Plus, a joke here and there can convey a fun and creative company culture.

Research shows that company swag can be a highly effective tool for boosting engagement. In fact, in one recent study, 61% of survey respondents agreed that promotional products help build brand awareness, and 58% reported that they loved getting swag.

As I‘ve moved up in my marketing career, I’ve realized how important it is to be on the same page as the CEO.

Your website homepage is your company’s first impression for most customers, and first impressions are everything. Your landing page needs to make a killer first impression to encourage potential customers to stick around and engage.

If you’re looking for a video marketing guide, you’re not alone. Of all businesses, 90% use video marketing as part of their overall digital marketing strategy. And 68% of marketers who aren’t using video plan to build a video strategy in 2024.

Early in my career, I was intimidated by executive summaries. They sounded so corporate and formal. But, proper name aside, they’re really just the elevator pitch or the TL;DR (too long, didn’t read) of a document.