by Jim Sweeney | Dec 18, 2024 | Blog
In the days following the Nov. 5 election, former X users flocked to the new social media platform Bluesky. Their descriptions upon arrival made them sound like refugees who’d fled a war-torn country and found sanctuary.
Bluesky, they said, is everything Twitter used to be before Elon Musk changed it to X and turned it into a platform for right-wing disinformation. Bluesky, they rhapsodized, is safe, informative, educational and, well, nice.
The internet could certainly use more niceness, but is Bluesky a place for brands? It depends.
Certainly not if their intent is to advertise because Bluesky does not accept ads and its owners say they intend to keep it that way. Of course, that was Reddit’s policy once, too. According to the company, it plans to charge fees for users who create custom domains on the site and will eventually sell subscriptions for higher-quality video uploads or profile customizations like colors and avatar frames.
But it’s hard to just ignore Bluesky. Its growth has been phenomenal. Since opening to the public in February, it has grown to over 25 million users. Post-election, it has been attracting nearly 1 million new users a day. It has been the most downloaded free app. Naturally, those numbers have drawn the attention of brands.
Its vigorous policing of content and blocking of racist, hateful and offensive material also makes it attractive to brands. Of course, that degree of control will become harder to achieve as the number of users rises.
Some brands (Duolingo, Hulu, Netflix) are posting organically while others like Red Bull and Xbox seem to have secured handles, but haven’t begun posting. Bluesky does not yet have a verification process, so trolls also are snatching up some brand handles, which is an argument for consumer-facing brands to, at minimum, control their names. For now, though, the platform is mostly user-generated content.
Besides the advertising ban, brands face another challenge on Bluesky. The platform lets users design and control their own feeds, which means they can filter out anything they don’t want to see. For users, it means a cleaner experience; for brands, it means fewer eyeballs. They will have to work to earn engagement with users who might not welcome their presence on the platform.
Politics aside, Bluesky differs from rivals X, Threads and Mastodon in another significant way. It’s an open platform with an API that is accessible to developers, which means any decent programmer can use the same architecture to build new interconnected sites, across which they can share content.
There is also a possibility that Bluesky becomes a de facto platform for liberals and progressives while X continues its conservative MAGA trend under Trump buddy Musk. If that happens, brands and thought leaders would have to decide whether it’s the audience they want to reach and whether joining Bluesky would tag them as progressive, which could cause a backlash (see Bud Light).
Brands and thought leaders that left X over unhappiness with its new direction and objectionable content shouldn’t feel compelled to join Bluesky right away. They can rely on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and, of course, LinkedIn for messaging (see some best practice tips here.) Exceptions might be those who want specifically to reach a progressive audience or to signal their displeasure with the direction of X.
Marketers should, however, keep an eye on Bluesky to see if it continues its growth and makes any changes to be more accommodating to brands.
Below is a quick rundown of some Bluesky features. Keep in mind that the platform is still evolving, and these can change:
- Text posts have a 300-character limit.
- Users can self-label their posts, especially those containing sensitive content.
- “Starter Packs” are curated collections of accounts designed to help users find others with similar interests. One click allows users to follow or block all accounts within the pack.
- Users can customize their feed and viewing preferences.
- It includes an in-app music and video player.
- Bluesky offers custom domains, allowing users to personalize their handles with their domain names.
by Administrator | Dec 4, 2024 | News
Fifth acquisition joins growing platform of world-class health-focused businesses
WEST CHESTER, PA AND SCOTTSDALE, AZ, Dec. 4, 2024—Supreme Group today announced its strategic acquisition of Amendola Communications (Amendola), a recognized leader in providing integrated public relations, marketing, and social media services to healthcare, health tech and life sciences companies. Amendola will continue to operate under its brand name as a standalone organization within Supreme Group, with Jodi Amendola continuing to lead the organization as president.
“During the past two decades, we have considered the acquisitions of our client companies among our many successes, because it means you have built something of value that can be even more powerful as part of something bigger,” said Jodi Amendola. “Joining Supreme Group is a founder’s dream, as we will not only retain Amendola’s autonomy to deliver the same strategic approach and services our clients have come to trust, but we will also level up our offerings by tapping into the wealth of expertise of the other Supreme Group companies, including digital marketing, enhanced lead generation, creative design services, and PhD-level clinical expertise. It is the ideal fit for Amendola clients and our team.”
Amendola is the fifth agency to join Supreme’s growing strategic platform dedicated to providing best-in-class marketing and communications services to a broad range of healthcare and life sciences companies. Supreme Group was formed following Trinity Hunt’s majority investment in the digital agency Supreme Optimization in March 2023.
Amendola was founded more than two decades ago by Jodi and Ted Amendola to help promote emerging digital health technologies with a very clearly defined purpose: To improve healthcare for all stakeholders. Over the years, the company has expanded to include healthcare and life sciences more broadly, while continuing to grow as a leading health tech agency. From Fortune 500 companies to startups, Amendola has consistently taken companies from virtual unknowns to household names, and its programs have contributed to successful funding efforts, profitable acquisitions and IPOs. Its senior level “A-team” helps to set the agency apart. The company’s 25 employees serve approximately 50 clients.
“When we learned about Amendola and its strong reputation and footprint, particularly in health tech, we knew the agency would fit in perfectly with the Supreme Group family of companies,” said Tom Donnelly, CEO, Supreme Group. “We’re impressed by Amendola’s entrepreneurial, results-driven focus, and excited to help take the team to the next level with the combined strength of our experienced Supreme Group executive team and the platform’s sister agencies.”
In addition to Amendola, the Supreme Group’s platform includes:
- Supreme Optimization, a full-service life science- and healthcare-focused digital agency (founded by Sheldon Zhai in 2012 to provide best-in-class services including paid advertising, SEO, content marketing, analytics and website development)
- Health+Commerce, an integrated marketing and public relations agency serving medtech, biopharma and digital health companies
- Clarity Quest, a health tech marketing and communications agency
- BioStrata, a UK-based agency offering comprehensive marketing communication services to the life sciences sector
Mike Steindorf, partner at Trinity Hunt, said: “Trinity Hunt is a growth-oriented private equity firm that builds world-class companies within healthcare. With Tom’s leadership as CEO and the supercharged platform of Supreme Optimization, Clarity Quest, BioStrata, Health+Commerce, and now Amendola, we are building something powerful in the life sciences and healthcare marketing and communications services business. We look forward to supporting and growing these companies and adding additional complementary businesses to the platform.”
California Counsel Group and Gabriel & Ashworth served as advisors to Amendola.
Headshots of Jodi Amendola and Tom Donnelly are available here and here.
About Supreme Group
Trinity Hunt-backed Supreme Group is a platform dedicated to providing best-in-class business and commercialization services to a broad range of life science and healthcare companies. Supreme Group’s portfolio companies include Supreme Optimization, a life sciences-focused digital agency; Clarity Quest, a health IT marketing agency; Health+Commerce, an integrated marketing and public relations agency; BioStrata, a UK-based agency offering comprehensive integrated services to the life science sector; and Amendola, an integrated public relations, marketing, and social media agency serving healthcare, health tech and life science companies. For more information visit www.supremegroup.io.
About Trinity Hunt Partners
Trinity Hunt Partners is a growth-oriented private equity firm with over $2 billion of assets under management focused on building leading business, healthcare, and consumer services companies. Trinity Hunt’s mission is to provide the talent and strategic, operational, and financial capabilities needed to build entrepreneurial services companies into market leaders. For more information, visit www.trinityhunt.com.
About Amendola
Amendola, part of Supreme Group, is an award-winning, insights-driven public relations and marketing firm that integrates media relations, social media, content, and lead gen programs to move healthcare, life sciences/pharma and healthcare IT decision-makers to action. The agency represents some of the industry’s best-known brands as well as groundbreaking startups that are disrupting the status quo. Nearly 90% of its client base represents multi-year clients and/or repeat client executives. Amendola’s seasoned team of PR and marketing pros understand the ongoing complexities of the healthcare ecosystem and provide strategic guidance and creative direction to drive positive ROI, boost reputation and increase market share. Making an impact since 2003, Amendola combines traditional and digital media to fuel meaningful and measurable growth. For more information about the industry’s “A-Team,” visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn.
###
Media Contact
Jodi Amendola
Amendola, part of Supreme Group
jamendola@acmarketingpr.com
by Administrator | Dec 3, 2024 | News
Jodi Amendola writes a regular column for the Forbes Agency Council. Click here to see her latest insights, or browse by topic to go directly to some of her past pieces.
Feb 18, 2025
Evolving Your PR Program In Times Of Change
Jan 21, 2025
Why Storytelling Is More Valuable Than Ever To Your Company In 2025
Jan 21, 2025
Why Storytelling Is More Valuable Than Ever To Your Company In 2025
Dec 16, 2024
4 Tips For Creating A Winning Email Newsletter
The internet-native generations are gaining power. Earning their trust will be a much greater challenge.
Oct 10, 2024
How Non-Promotional Data And Relevant Content Generate Media Attention
Here’s how to make your pitch stand out.
Sep 5, 2024
Crafting The Perfect Pitch And Making The Most Of Earned Media Placements
Earned media is an essential component of virtually any public relations campaign, but it has become increasingly challenging to obtain.
Jul 1, 2024
3 Tips For A Successful Podcast Guest Appearance
Podcasts are an excellent opportunity for executives to raise their thought leadership profiles, but a successful podcast appearance requires planning and preparation.
May 13, 2024
Know Your Sources: AI-Driven Research Results Can Be Sketchy, So Dig Deeper
While AI can generate some great-looking, easy-to-read content, as you dig deeper, you may find that flaws in the information make it nearly useless for your project.
Apr 8, 2024
Why Proofreading Is Still Essential In The Age Of AI
Although it’s become a bit of a cliché, that’s why a “human in the loop” is still essential when it comes to most applications of AI.
Jan 16, 2024
How Newsjacking Earns Coverage, Satisfies Clients And Builds Media Relationships
Newsjacking is a fast-paced, fun and exciting way to contribute to the news cycle while getting media coverage for clients.
Nov 16, 2023
Why Human Writers Are Superior To Generative AI
Generative AI simply isn’t as good as writers. It’s not as creative, not as imaginative, not as human.
Jul 26, 2023
Why It’s Essential To Avoid Buzzwords In Healthcare Marketing
Buzzword-laden marketing and communications materials are likely to turn off an audience, rather than motivate it to perform the desired action.
Jun 8, 2023
No, Press Releases Aren’t Dead: Here’s How To Maximize Their Value
Press releases work; they just need a little help to stand out.
Apr 3, 2023
Why Your Business Should Do More On LinkedIn
Is your business paying enough attention to your LinkedIn pages? Here’s why you should start doing so.
Dec 20, 2022
The Art Of Building Solid Client-Agency Partnerships
Here are some fundamental considerations that can go a long way in cementing a great union.
Sep 15, 2022
Always Be Ready: Get Prepared For Your Next PR Crisis
It is much easier to mitigate the impact of a negative event when there is already a strong communications plan in place.
Jul 27, 2022
Building Strong Media Relationships: It’s Not What You Think
Developing the strong media relationships necessary to pave the way to earned media is part art, part science.
Jun 17, 2022
Why Earned Media Is Crucial For Thought Leadership Brands
Earned media represents a valuable route for brands to share their messaging and promote their thought leaders.
Apr 3, 2023
Why Your Business Should Do More On LinkedIn
Is your business paying enough attention to your LinkedIn pages? Here’s why you should start doing so.
Dec 20, 2022
The Art Of Building Solid Client-Agency Partnerships
Here are some fundamental considerations that can go a long way in cementing a great union.
Sep 15, 2022
Always Be Ready: Get Prepared For Your Next PR Crisis
It is much easier to mitigate the impact of a negative event when there is already a strong communications plan in place.
Jul 27, 2022
Building Strong Media Relationships: It’s Not What You Think
Developing the strong media relationships necessary to pave the way to earned media is part art, part science.
Jun 17, 2022
Why Earned Media Is Crucial For Thought Leadership Brands
Earned media represents a valuable route for brands to share their messaging and promote their thought leaders.
Apr 11, 2022
5 Musts For B2B Marketing Content That Drives Leads And Closes Sales
Not all content will help you achieve your organizational goals.
Sep 28, 2021
How To Make Your PR & Communications Strategies More Data-Driven
To drive toward data-driven decision-making, it is first necessary to establish a data-driven culture.
Aug 16, 2021
3 Smarter Ways To Feed The Internet’s Insatiable Appetite For Content
Many organizations already have more than enough content for their marketing efforts. What they do not have is a strategy for using it in multiple ways and repurposing it to realize the full value.
Mar 26, 2021
Why The Most Memorable — And Powerful — PR Is Personal
Personal stories have the power to move people.
Apr 13, 2020
Outside Looking In: Why You Should Do A Marketing Audit
It’s easy to throw on our rose-colored glasses and give an answer liberally sprinkled with personal bias.
Feb 12, 2020
The Cycle Of Lead Generation, Buyer Journeys And Never Giving Up
The goal is to maintain relationships—many relationships—because there could be a chance for a sale later down the road.
Jan 2, 2020
Three Ways To Make Your PR Campaigns More Data-Driven
PR has always been very difficult to quantify, let alone track. Fortunately, today there are tools you can leverage to measure, track and assess.
Nov 19, 2019
How To Think (And Act) Like A Thought Leader
Thought leadership content programs have become an essential part of PR plans these days.
Oct 14, 2019
The Art Of Thought Leadership
If you have great knowledge and ideas to share with your industry, and you convey them well (and often), you, too, can win the battle for the hearts and minds of customers and prospects.
Aug 9, 2019
How Social Media Can Make Or Break Your Business’s Reputation
Just because you’re not facing a major, in-your-face crisis doesn’t necessarily mean all is well on the social media front.
Jul 10, 2019
Four Questions To Ask Before You Hire A PR Agency
Is your organization ready to hire a PR agency?
by Administrator | Dec 2, 2024 | News
Check out these recent interviews with Amendola’s founder Jodi Amendola that delve into what’s trending in healthcare, health tech and life sciences PR and marketing, including hot tips on what it will take to succeed in today’s challenging market.
➡ HISTalk interview with Mr. HISTalk
➡ Behind the Mask podcast with Ed Marx
➡ What’s My Tagline podcast with Carol Flagg
➡ Digital Health Insights podcast with Frank Cutitta
➡ Perspectives: Working with a PR Agency–How to Make the Most of the Partnership
by Janet Mordecai | Oct 30, 2024 | Blog
A lead magnet is an attractive offer to get leads and collect contact information. It’s essential for reaching and building relationships with potential customers. Lead magnets offer something valuable to your audience and may take the form of eBooks, whitepapers, case studies, checklists, webinars, and similar downloadable assets.
What Defines a Good Lead Magnet?
Not all lead magnets will deliver the results you want. While it might be tempting to compile a checklist or reading material quickly, the actual effectiveness of a lead magnet lies in the value it provides to your audience. Below are critical aspects of a high-converting lead magnet:
Tailored to your audience’s needs
My colleague Chris Nerney wrote The Key To Writing Marketing Copy That Gets Results to emphasize the importance of knowing your audience. Tailor your lead magnet to the problem your target demographic is trying to solve. A successful lead magnet addresses a pain point or challenge specific to your target audience, making it highly relevant and engaging.
Provides Immediate Value
Emphasize the distinct benefits and practical insights your lead magnet offers. A lead magnet should deliver immediate value to your audience, inspiring them to share their contact information. This fosters trust and enhances the chances of continued engagement and potential customer conversion.
Establish credibility
Lead magnets like industry reports, studies, and eBooks help position your brand as an authority. Support your insights with data and research to reinforce your expertise.
Easy-to-consume format
Choose an easy-to-digest format like a checklist, short guide, template, infographic, or quick video. If you present the information in a readily digestible way, users are more likely to engage with it quickly and see immediate value, leading to a higher conversion rate.
Compelling title and description
Use strong language that captures attention and communicates the value of the lead magnet. A lead magnet needs a strong title and description since it’s the first thing potential customers notice. A clear, compelling message highlighting the value and benefits can significantly influence their decision to download, ultimately attracting more leads to your business.
Professional design
Ensure your lead magnet looks visually appealing and aligns with your brand identity. A well-designed lead magnet boosts credibility and trust, encouraging potential customers to engage and share their contact information. It showcases your expertise and the value you offer, leading to higher lead generation and a more robust brand perception.
Limited access
Create a sense of urgency. Offer time-limited access or exclusive bonus content. A lead magnet with time-limited access or exclusive content creates urgency by using the “scarcity” effect, tapping into FOMO and prompting immediate action to secure the offer before it’s gone.
Include a compelling CTA
Clearly state what the user needs to do to access the lead magnet (e.g., “Download Now”). Strong call-to-actions (CTAs) drive engagement with your lead magnet. Make it easy for your audience to act by clearly stating the value they’ll gain from downloading or signing up for your offer.
Ensure it’s easy to share
A lead magnet should be shareable to increase its reach and attract more potential leads. Users sharing valuable content with their networks amplify your exposure, bringing in new prospects at no additional cost.
In Conclusion
Lead magnets are essential for capturing and nurturing leads by offering value in exchange for their contact details. Experimenting with different formats and promoting your lead magnet across various platforms is crucial for maximum reach. Platforms like HubSpot offer templates to jump-start your success.
Page 2 of 7«12345...»Last »
