Ameritest

This is a question that is relevant at any time, but during a pandemic the subject takes on a particular kind of importance. Read our latest blog here. bit.ly/2UA5FR7

Because....humor right now = good. Thanks, BBC. Everyone stay safe by staying home. bit.ly/33TzRJS

An excellent article on the very real landmines out there when it comes to using celebs in the time of COVID. It's critical for brands to conduct research that illuminates the emotional landscape before going out there with branded communications. bit.ly/3dAAyMs

Our most recent blog addresses the divide between advertising research and brand health research....an unnecessary and troubling one. bit.ly/2JjESSm

As brands step up to help during this pandemic, today Anheuser-Busch InBev announced it will redirect $5 million that it normally spends on sports and entertainment marketing to the American Red Cross to support the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. bit.ly/33KNLOb

Many brands are not staying silent during this pandemic...a strategy we have repeatedly recommended. It's not only the right thing. These brands will be remembered for stepping up to help, and that will drive choice when it comes to purchase. bit.ly/2wAt4ID

A survey done last week by the AAAA helps put data behind the role brands need to be playing in the time of COVID-19. Connecting to branded memories helps give comfort to consumers during this very challenging time. bit.ly/3bl562Q

Brands are having to assess how they are communicating in the times of COVID-19. These decisions are difficult and expensive, but there is a higher cost for brands that do not account for the memories people will carry about how they responded.bit.ly/2xOxn3k

We are seeing during this challenging time that brands do more than deliver products; they deliver memories of a time before words like quarantine and COVID-19. Memory drives decision making, and we are experiencing that now as we seek small comforts. bit.ly/2QtKAoO

Since we can't be in close quarters to do production on our Brand Bytes podcast, here's one of listeners' favorites, "What Great Ads Can Tell Us About Great Branding." bit.ly/33qc2co

With everyone's St. Paddy's Day celebrations put on hold this year, Guinness is reminding us they signed a 9,000 year lease on their facility so they aren't going anywhere. It will have to be virtual consumption for now! bit.ly/38Tls15

Since the virus drove cancellation of the in-person up-fronts, for the first time NBCU plans to stream and televise its preso, allowing viewing by consumers and fans. Will this be the network equivalent of televised draft pics in sports?bit.ly/2Wb9oW8

Benjamin Moore makes use of the emotional sell in its new campaign, "See the Love." In its highly competitive space, Benjamin Moore is a brand with a lot of history, which can be a burden to carry competing with on-trend options. bit.ly/2THJXdc

bit.ly/2Q4EnPU Our recent postings on the power of visuals when it comes to delivering on brand strategy couldn't help but remind us of "The Force" from Volkswagen. Here we break down the visual narrative with our data. Still worth watching, and still insightful.

VW has a history of great visual storytelling, and now the brand is releasing “The Accountant,” a new movie-like campaign starring actors Paul Giamatti and Kieran Culkin. A great example of a brand staying to its brand strategy in expertly-crafted creative.bit.ly/2W2S99M

Has real time feedback made marketers short-sighted? Charles Young thinks so. The CEO and founder of Ameritest, Young argues that marketers should refocus on long-term goals. Find the full article on the ARF website, or contact us abby@ameritest.com. bit.ly/2TSqeX8

A fascinating article on Gen Z trends. It highlights the critical importance of employing strong visual diagnostics in a deep dive using creative research to learn how to better speak in the visual language of this youngest generation of consumers. bit.ly/2VSkUpo

International Women's Day may not be until Sunday but Apple has released its ad celebrating the female power players who use a Mac to create. Beyonce's "Flawless" as the background music adds another dimension, acting as one more character in the story. bit.ly/2vGbBOE

Target continues to innovate in the bricks-and-mortar space as other retailers close stores....and reminds us all of the value of a brand that is focused on long-term success... bit.ly/32Tt2aO

Headed to South-By? Join the ARF and Ameritest president, Abby Hollister, at SXSW on March 17th when she and other experts from brands, creative agencies and academia will share insights to help you influence behavior and build brands. Register here: bit.ly/2V7c8U6