Something for everyone
Good afternoon! If you’re reaching for that second coffee, perfect timing - this week’s digest is here.
What’s Inside?
What’s happening in marketing right now? (Spoiler: A LOT!)
Food - because who doesn’t love it? Or maybe… not? (Find out why!)
A podcast you’ll want to rewatch (Yes, it’s that good.)
Marketing World: What’s Happening?
Global brands with a strong US presence are knee-deep in Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day marketing prep.
Super Bowl 2025: 18 Major Brands in the Spotlight
This year, 18 brands will take the stage during one of the most-watched TV events. While some might not be household names, you’ll definitely recognize Google and Nike:
Google launched 50 States, 50 Stories, a campaign featuring 51 ads highlighting small businesses and the power of AI in Workspace apps.
Nike is airing its first Super Bowl ad in 27 years, marking a major push to reconnect with consumers on the biggest advertising stage.
With an average of 123.7 million viewers, brands know they need to reach all kinds of audiences: die-hard football fans, halftime show lovers (Kendrick Lamar is headlining this year), and even those just watching for Taylor Swift’s boyfriend. I can’t wait to see how the new ad stats shake out!
Last-Minute Contracts: KitKat Joins the F1 Ride
2024 ended with a surprising move for F1 fans - Nestlé’s KitKat is officially joining the world of Formula 1 next year. Let’s be honest, they probably found a shared addiction… for red.
Food?
I’m loving the Swedish meatball and lingonberry combo - pure perfection. But no, I won’t be sharing recipes here.
Instead, let’s talk about something that’s affecting almost every household’s finances - whether you’re the one spending on beauty and fashion brands, or your girlfriend is.
The Return of a Classic Marketing Approach
As we wrap up 2024, we’re seeing an old trend making a modernized comeback in marketing. FOOD alongside everything…everywhere.
A textbook definition of sensory marketing could be:
"Sensory marketing is a strategy that engages consumers' senses - sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell - to create memorable brand experiences, influence perceptions, and drive purchasing behavior."
How Brands Use Sensory Marketing
Your brain makes instant associations when interacting with a brand - whether it’s the distinct crinkle of a Lay’s bag, the scent of fresh leather in a luxury store, or the sleek cold touch of an iPhone. These cues create emotional connections that keep you coming back.
And guess what? This saves brands millions in marketing costs because once you’re hooked, they don’t have to convince you to return - you already feel the connection.
Let’s scroll through some examples:
The Takeaway
We consume content everywhere - through print, digital ads, and even conversations with friends. Brands are constantly shaping how you see, hear, feel, and even taste their products.
So next time you reach for a familiar brand, ask yourself:
Is this really my choice, or did sensory marketing do its job?
Trust Me, It’s Good
We grew up watching movies where time travel meant physically jumping to the past or future - usually for just a brief moment. But what if time travel isn’t about physically moving through time, but bringing the future into the present?
In a recent interview, NVIDIA’s CEO Jensen Huang shared a thought that really stuck with me. A quantum chemistry scientist told him:
“Because of NVIDIA’s work, I can do my life’s work within my lifetime.”
He was able to achieve something that once seemed beyond his years - within his own lifetime. Huang thinks that’s real time travel. Do we agree?
Think about it:
Weather predictions? You’re seeing the future.
Traffic ETA? You already know how long it’ll take to reach your destination.
Technology isn’t just advancing - it’s reshaping our relationship with time itself.
Listen to the full episode here:
Or, if you’re not too familiar with all the buzz around this, I highly recommend watching the video! Cleo Abrams, a video journalist with a deep focus on technology and science, breaks it all down with clear explanations and engaging animations - making even the most complex ideas easy to grasp.
Hope you found something valuable in my very first newsletter (yay!), and I look forward to seeing you next week!
xoxo