Listen Here…No Hear!
Founder and Chief Idea Officer Dave Saunders is a little busy this week bringing his boat, The Tug Life, from Florida to its homeport in Urbanna, Virginia. This is Communications Specialist Kennedy Heidel putting all hands on deck to write this week’s Weekly Report. Hello!
As many of you know, our company began working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued to do so over the past two years. Our President and COO Molly Whitfield and Office Manager Mollie Banks have successfully hired 13 new staff members and completely onboarded them from the comfort of their snazzy at-home offices — myself included. Instead of having our creative hub be our Downtown Richmond office, we meet, crack jokes (usually at Dave’s expense), and strategize with clients and co-workers on Zoom.
I’m not complaining about having my favorite colleagues as the new little voices in my head – they sure beat the old ones – but it did make me start to consider noise just a little more.
Over the last several years, we have seen the growing popularity of audio media, including podcasts, streaming radio, and music. In fact, more than three-quarters of U.S. Internet users will listen to digital audio formats like podcasts and streaming music at least once a month this year. Audio advertising is the seamless delivery of an ad in that same audio format and as our industry has progressed, this type of advertising has evolved to become an amazing opportunity for brands to engage with new, untapped audiences.
Since the pandemic started, there has been a 42% rise in global podcast listening and marketers predict that total ad spend on podcasts will surpass $2 billion in 2023. Audio ads don’t have to fight for the attention of eyeballs or work within the confines of limited print space. They have additional benefits of granular targeting, engaged audiences, and lower cost for placement. Yes, humans are visual creatures, but a recent report found that audio ads have a higher recall rate (24%) than traditional display ads.
Audio ads offer a solution in the era of streaming and the need to stand out, opening up opportunities for brands and companies to connect to new ears — increasing your exposure and returns.
So with all that being said, does your brand need help getting heard? Madison+Main is here to listen.
I SAID DOES YOUR BRAND NEED OUR HELP?
Oh sorry, I forgot to take off my headphones.
MONDAY:
CLIENTS, CLIENTS, CLIENTS!
On Monday, a myriad of Main-iacs headed down to Hampton for an in-person meeting with our client Fort Monroe. The team had a great time visiting and strategizing for some upcoming projects we’re working on and even got a tour of their incredible historic venue. Shoutout to Communications Director Kent Brockwell and Creative Art Director Art Webb for leading the interactive discussion. Good work, team!
On the way back to Richmond that afternoon, the team stopped to visit another stellar client of ours — Williamsburg Landing! The team scoped out their incredible senior living facility for an upcoming digital campaign we’re working on. Look at these guys go (literally).
TUESDAY:
REDISCOVERING RICHMOND
On Tuesday, Accounts Supervisor Allison Nida and Art spent the day scoping out potential photoshoot locations for some upcoming projects we’re working on for A. Smith Bowman Distillery. Planning photoshoots is a lot of work — especially coordinating, concepting, establishing visual references, hiring models, and so much more. Planning a photoshoot yourself? Art says it best: “Make sure you have a clearly defined shot list so you make sure that perfect shot doesn’t slip through the cracks.” Just look at him, I would trust that face.
WEDNESDAY:
REALO DRUGS
On Wednesday, Account Executive Rochelle Sommer, Accounts Supervisor Allison Nida, Communications Director Kent Brockwell, and Creative Director Art Webb prepped for their journey down to New Bern, N.C. for an interactive CORE session with our latest client — Realo Drugs! It looked like it was wayyyy too much fun.
THURSDAY:
DEREK FAIR’S THRIVING THURSDAY
On this week’s Thriving Thursday, we learned about Senior Copywriter Derek Fair’s latest professional development effort. Derek downloaded the app Headspace, a resource that helps users practice mindfulness in their everyday life. Derek uses the app for guided meditation, sleep meditation, and breathing exercises — something I think we all should make time for during our busy schedules. Good job, Derek. I’m going to meditate because pinching people is frowned upon.
FRIDAY:
EARTH DAY ADVENTURE
On Friday, thanks to the incredible efforts of Jr. Copywriter Caitlin Sherman and Director of Business & Marketing Leanne Pillow the entire team hit Belle Isle for a day of English Ivy pulling and getting rid of other non-native invasive plant life at the park in honor of Earth Day! Looking for a way to give back to your community? Volunteer with Friends of the James Invasive Plan Task Force Project — take my word for it, ’twas a blast!
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Evolution of Freedom, The Music
Virtual
April 28 | 5:45 – 7:30 p.m.
Fort Monroe Authority and the National Park Service are hosting a free virtual event exploring music, culture, and personal ideas of freedom with their latest installment of Evolution of Freedom, The Music on April 28, 2022. The event will explore the origins of Powwow-Step, a revolutionary sub-genre of club music that intermingles indigenous music traditions and history, intertwined with a discussion between guests DJ Shub and Dr. Chris Scales.
The Art of Housing: A Benefit for Housing Families First at VMFA
Richmond, VA
April 28 | 6-9 p.m.
Housing Families First’s seventh annual signature event will highlight talented local artists at the most artistic venue in town- Richmond’s VMFA. Join them for delicious hors d’oeuvres and drinks in a fun and dressy-casual atmosphere. Come ready for a fantastic silent auction that will benefit their programs for families facing homelessness!
“Noise: A stench in the ear.“ — Ambrose Bierce