Learn how any kind of business can grow amid the digital grocery craze Note: A similar version of this article is featured on RetailTouchpoints.com . If you’re a food, beverage, or CPG brand, you already know how important it is to reach consumers buying groceries digitally.  But are you fully capitalizing on the expansive opportunities this space offers? A powerful sales converter Grocery e-commerce isn't just growing—it's transforming the entire digital media playing field. In fact, EMARKETER projects that digital grocery sales will account for 19% of all US e-commerce sales in 2026, surpassing apparel and accessories as the largest e-commerce category. But the opportunities here go way  beyond last-click and CPG. Dream bigger! Brands of all types are partnering with grocery retailers to serve their full-funnel marketing objectives; it just takes a bit of creativity (and the right media agency!) A brand marketer's complete guide to retail media buying for sustained business growth Beyond the sale, building long-term relationships Grocery consumers are loyal and consistent , often buying from the same retailer twice per week, so if you invest in building your brand’s equity, you can keep them coming back for years to come.  McKinsey research confirms this trend, finding that 75% of consumers have maintained the same primary grocery retailer throughout the past decade. This loyalty represents an untapped reservoir of lifetime value for brands that can establish themselves in consumers' regular shopping routines. Understanding the grocery ecosystem Food and beverage sales are just one-half of the grocery market.  In 2024, they will account for 51.9% of digital grocery sales, with remaining sales coming from non-food items (pet food, household cleaning products, personal care products, and other household consumables) . This diversification means brands across multiple categories can benefit from grocery e-commerce strategies. The National Retail Federation reports that consumers who purchase groceries online spend an average of 44% more annually than in-store-only shoppers, highlighting the value of these digital customers. And grocery chains offer a growing array of digital advertising and out-of-home opportunities, from in-store audio to in-app ads that can be targeted directly to consumers who frequently buy a competing brand. Learn how we made Premier Nutrition a winner for Best Retail Media Campaign. Here are a few research-backed media campaign ideas to get you started: Grocery e-commerce marketing ideas for brands Plan for click-and-collect  shopping 31% of online shoppers surveyed by the Food Industry Association (FMI) in 2024 preferred to order groceries for curbside pickup, up 4% from 2023, overtaking same-day home delivery. Run brand collabs, sales, or promotions that can be redeemed online on or in-store.  Exverus Media's multichannel sweepstakes for Stella & Chewy's drove in-store traffic and collected zero-party data via mobile. Partner directly with retailers , not just third-party delivery apps While Instacart, UberEats, and other 3P services spiked in popularity during the pandemic, consumers now predominantly place digital orders through the retailers themselves, and that trend is expected to continue through 2026. Catch consumers during pre-shopping Pre-shopping includes creating lists, browsing circulars, visiting retailer websites and mobile apps and utilizing social media and other online resources. This planning phase represents a critical window for influencing purchase decisions before consumers even begin adding items to their carts. Notably, Boomers are the most active pre-shoppers, with nearly 60% engaging in pre-shopping. Our Prime Day media plan won Best Path to Purchase for successfully bridging social media with e-commerce. Non-endemic advertising is a major growth opportunity Retailers are seeking ad revenue from brands they don’t carry in stores. If a shopper buys diapers, for instance, there’s a good chance they’ll also be in the market for baby products that a grocery chain doesn’t carry, like baby clothes. Albertson’s has partnered with Rokt to offer shoppers deals on Hulu, Uber, Ticketmaster, and more. Take advantage of Walmart Connect ’s robust offerings Walmart’s retail media network has built an impressive offering for brands beyond retail-search. It now includes the offsite Walmart DSP in partnership with The Trade Desk, integrations with Social platforms and CTV inventory, Display ads  in the shopping app, and data clean rooms for deeper reporting insights.  Fun fact: Exverus is now a Walmart Connect Premium Partner! This gives us exclusive access to more growth opportunities for our clients. Let’s learn more about how your  audience likes to shop so you’ll be top of their list.

Habit Burger & Grill takes direct aim at competitors in Los Angeles with OOH media bought by Exverus August 13, 2025 (LOS ANGELES, CA) -- Exverus by Brainlabs has been named media agency of record for Habit Burger & Grill , a popular “better burger” chain headquartered here in Southern California and looking to expand nationwide. The brand previously worked with Connect, a Publicis Groupe media agency affiliated with Spark Foundry.  “We were looking for something quite bespoke,” Jack Hinchcliffe, chief marketing officer of The Habit, told ADWEEK . "One of the things that was important for us was appointing a West Coast agency. Outside California, it really is an awareness challenge. Within California…it’s really about staying top of mind and continuing to drive that unprompted brand awareness." Media Director Georgia Schreiner (2023 AdAge Media Planner of the Year) will oversee media planning, buying, and strategy for Habit Burger & Grill; she also oversees the Theralogix supplements account. “It’s so easy for consumers to just see another burger chain out there and not really understand what the brand stands for,” Schreiner told ADWEEK. “How do we make consumers understand that as well? And how do we do that through things that we know consumers love and make them feel connected to a brand?” Read more about the partnership and the first campaign together in ADWEEK ! About Exverus Founded in 2014, Exverus by Brainlabs is a Los Angeles media agency elevating growth-stage brands through full-funnel media planning, traditional and programmatic advertising, retail media & e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. Our data-driven media plans combine precise market research with creative ideas to confidently allocate every ad dollar for the maximum return. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth", Exverus by Brainlabs is dedicated to transparency and long-term client trust. Learn more at exverus.com . About Habit Burger & Grill Born in sunny Southern California in 1969, Habit Burger & Grill is known for Charburgers cooked-to-order over an open flame. But the menu extends far beyond burgers—it’s a celebration of Californian-inspired flavors. Alongside the brand's signature Charburgers is a meaningful array of handcrafted sandwiches, crisp salads, and creamy shakes, ensuring there's something for everyone. Habit Burger & Grill has earned notable recognition, with its Double Char being ranked #1 by USA Today 10Best, its Tempura Green Beans also reaching a #1 rank in USA Today 10Best, the brand being named Best Fast Casual Restaurant, and its Chicken Club recognized as the best grilled chicken sandwich by The Daily Meal. The brand was also featured in Newsweek’s “America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains 2023” and included in Thrillist’s roundup of “Underrated Burger Chains that Need to be in Every State!” Habit Burger & Grill has since grown to over 385 restaurants across 14 states and internationally—continuing to serve up bold fresh flavors, made-to-order. Learn more at habitburger.com .

With 3-year revenue growth of 73.5%, this marks Exverus' third time on the list The Inc. 5000 honors the fastest-growing private companies in America. NEW YORK, August 12, 2025 -- Inc., the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future, today announced that Exverus by Brainlabs is on the annual Inc. 5000 list, the most prestigious ranking of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list provides a data-driven snapshot of the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Under Armour, Timberland, Oracle, and Patagonia.  "2025 has been a historic year for us at Exverus," says Co-Founder & Executive Director Bill Durrant. "We've grown our full-time staff to 50+, partnered with global independent powerhouse Brainlabs, and expanded our capabilities to continue outpacing demands. The best is yet to come!" This year’s Inc. 5000 honorees have demonstrated exceptional growth while navigating economic uncertainty, inflationary pressure, and a fluctuating labor market. Among the top 500 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate reached 1,552 percent, and those companies have collectively added more than 48,678 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.    For the full list, company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, visit: www.inc.com/inc5000 .  “Making the Inc. 5000 is always a remarkable achievement, but earning a spot this year speaks volumes about a company’s tenacity and clarity of vision,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “These businesses have thrived amid rising costs, shifting global dynamics, and constant change. They didn’t just weather the storm—they grew through it, and their stories are a powerful reminder that the entrepreneurial spirit is the engine of the U.S. economy.” Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2025 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala , taking place October 22–24 in Phoenix, and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. magazine. Fast growing agencies today are ones that know how to adapt quickly, deeply understand their audiences and build brand ecosystems. They don’t just follow consumer behavior but rather shape it by embedding themselves into cultural moments, niche communities and creator collaborations. Agencies that cultivate exclusive consumer access and memorable experiences create a meaningful connection with consumers that create lasting impact and brand affinity. Methodology   Companies on the 2025 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2024. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2024. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; the minimum for 2024 is $2 million. As always,  Inc.  reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.  About Exverus Founded in 2014, Exverus by Brainlabs is a Los Angeles media agency elevating growth-stage brands through full-funnel media planning, traditional and programmatic advertising, retail media & e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. Our data-driven media plans combine precise market research with creative ideas to confidently allocate every ad dollar for the maximum return. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth", Exverus by Brainlabs is dedicated to transparency and long-term client trust. About Inc.   Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit  www.inc.com .

Together, we're building the new gold standard for independent media agencies (L to R): Brainlabs CEO Daniel Gilbert, Exverus Executive Director Bill Durrant, Exverus Managing Partner Talia Arnold, Exverus Head of Operations Jack Win JULY 22, 2025 - In a time when the advertising industry is consolidating and digitally transforming, a fresh partnership has emerged to meet the moment. Today, we enthusiastically announce that Brainlabs has acquired Exverus Media , redefining the modern media agency. Under the Brainlabs umbrella, Exverus will be able to expand our work providing full-funnel media planning and buying strategies, now with added technological capabilities and a global team of 1,000+ professionals behind us. Why this acquisition matters for our industry "The future of media isn't about choosing between digital or traditional channels - Real Intelligence is about mastering both to create real results," said Daniel Gilbert, Founder and CEO of Brainlabs. Today's brands need partners who can masterfully orchestrate cohesive campaigns across every screen and surface. The fragmented approach of working with multiple specialists simply doesn't deliver the breakthrough results brands demand. “Exverus has built its reputation on transforming how brands approach media,” said Bill Durrant, Co-founder of Exverus Media. “The real magic happens when you can seamlessly orchestrate across media channels—TV, retail media, programmatic, and social—while measuring impact in real time.  “We chose to join Brainlabs because they’re a like-minded, founder-led, independent agency with a sharp focus on results. Their strong U.S. presence and global capabilities will give our clients access to new products, technology, and scale, while retaining the innovative spirit that drives our approach to cross-channel measurement. This is an exciting moment for our clients, who will continue to work with the same Exverus team, now backed by the scale and expertise of a larger independent agency. I’m looking forward to continuing in my role, alongside the rest of the Exverus team, as part of Brainlabs.” While the big holding companies merge into increasingly opaque, hard-to-steer conglomerates, Exverus by Brainlabs will remain nimble and independent, prioritizing white-glove customer service and transparency above all. Expanding our capabilities and reach Still headquartered in Los Angeles, Exverus will establish a West Coast arm of Brainlabs' U.S. presence to complement the existing East Coast and Midwestern operations. We'll gain access to the global-scale, proprietary Cortex AI platform and additional services to our offerings like creative, SEO, CRO, influencer marketing, and more. Together, we can now serve as a true single agency of record, seamlessly connecting brand strategy to performance across all media platforms. This integrated approach enables us to maximize return on ad spend while reducing the complexity that comes from managing multiple agency relationships. What this means for our clients For our existing clients, this acquisition unlocks new capabilities in traditional media, enhanced creative strategy, and deeper full-funnel expertise. For now, client teams remain structured as-is, and brands will work with the same points of contact for daily operations. "What excites me most about this partnership is how it amplifies everything we've built at Exverus," said Talia Arnold, Managing Director at Exverus Media. "Our clients will continue to work with the same passionate team they know and trust, but now with access to capabilities that will take their media performance to the next level. This partnership represents the evolution of what modern media agencies can achieve when data, technology, and human insight work in perfect harmony." This is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to push the boundaries of what an independent media agency can achieve. Direct all press inquiries to michelle.andrade@exverus.com .

Inside the paid media strategy behind a tentpole night in sports marketing FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2025 (LOS ANGELES) — Legendary Hall-of-Fame boxer Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao historically emerges from retirement and returns to the Premier Boxing Champions (PBC)  ring Saturday, July 19, 2025 against challenger Mario Barrios, and media agency of record Exverus Media  is behind the promotional campaign.  "We had our work cut out for us on this fight,” says Pinzon. “Pacquiao is such a recognizable name; all we had to do was get the word out of his return, and we knew fans would come running to buy the event.” But the boxing world has changed since Pacquiao’s retirement in 2021 — fans increasingly gather and share their excitement on TikTok and sports podcasts, while TV viewing is more fractured than ever. Exverus and PBC have been working together since early 2024 to bring exciting matches like Tank vs. Martin and Canelo vs. Berlanga to a new generation of fans everywhere they watch.  So, to expand brand awareness for PBC and sell pay-per-views on Prime Video, the Exverus team (led by Media Director Vanessa Pinzon and Senior Planner Anna Acuna ) has been driving a video-first media mix that includes social media, YouTube, Spotify Video ads, and custom partnerships with TMZ  and Overtime . Meanwhile, shoppable CTV ads are running across live sporting events like the MLB and NBA Summer League, while Rich Media branded takeovers provided by Kargo are reaching multicultural audiences on sites like Barstool Sports , Univision, and Telemundo Deportes. As Pacquiao said last month at a media workout in Los Angeles , "This fight is very important to me because it’s history. I believe I’d be the first Hall of Famer to win another world title, and I’d also break my own record as the oldest welterweight world champion.”  The event is available for purchase on Prime Video and fans will have continued access to the telecast through traditional cable and satellite outlets and PPV.com . About Exverus Media  Founded in 2014, Exverus is a Los Angeles media agency elevating growth-stage brands through full-funnel media planning, traditional and programmatic advertising, retail media & e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. Our data-driven media plans combine precise market research with creative ideas to confidently allocate every ad dollar for the maximum return. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth", Exverus is dedicated to transparency and long-term client trust. Learn more at exverus.com .  LinkedIn  | Instagram  | YouTube About Premier Boxing Champions Launched in 2015, Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) is a live boxing television series that features the greatest array of boxing talent in all weight divisions, with fighters representing over 22 countries including the United States and Mexico. From former Olympians to Unified World Champions, the series features consistent quality programming where the best fight the best in thrilling, high-stakes matchups. Dedicated to delivering the highest quality product in the sport, PBC has consistently dominated the Boxing world with championship fights and spectacular events and has established itself as a powerhouse in the world of combat sports. For more details, visit premierboxingchampions.com .  Instagram  | YouTube  | TikTok

Google's Gemini offers virtual try-on for clothes shoppers. The new brand discovery channel Fresh off of another record-setting Amazon Prime Day (or week), new data shows that US consumers are accelerating their use of generative AI chatbots to: research products and seek recommendations compare deals and gift ideas make personalized shopping lists In fact, a study released last month shows that 18% of US consumers trust GenAI's shopping recommendations  more  than social media  or friends and family!    In response, EMARKETER   reports that "platforms are responding by embedding AI into the shopping journey."    For example, OpenAI has added more product recommendations to ChatGPT, and Google's Gemini has a virtual try-on feature for clothes.    How can brands appear in Gen AI product recommendations?    First, ensure your site is searchable by each major GenAI tool For example, ChatGPT uses a web crawler called OAI-SearchBot to find, access, and surface information in ChatGPT search. For your site to be discoverable in ChatGPT, make sure you aren't blocking OAI-SearchBot. You may need to update your robots.txt file, to ensure OAI-SearchBot has access. For Anthropic's Claude, log into your claude.ai account. Access your profile settings. Look for the Web Search feature and toggle it on if it's currently disabled. Other GenAI tools like Perplexity and Google's Gemini may have their own processes for ensuring searchability. Become a trusted source of information Build your brand authority as a reputable source that AI chatbots will want to reference. This cannot be done by simply buying placements in AI answers. It has to be earned through positive publicity, good reviews/referrals, and producing informative content . More on how to do that below:   Feed your products directly to the bots ChatGPT launched brand plugins back in 2023 so the bot could relay accurate, up-to-date brand information directly to searchers asking questions. Now, you can provide product feeds directly to ChatGPT to potentially show up as a recommendation. OpenAI's submission periods open and close, so sign up here to be notified of the next opening. Develop your own AI shopping assistant   Many big retailers like Sephora, Target, and Walmart are building their own bots to answer consumers' questions, recommend personalized products, and ensure a smooth purchase journey.  To build your own, you can choose between an off-the-shelf AI solution or a custom AI solution. RST Software has the full scoop on the pros and cons of each type and how to go about them.   Conversational copy When deciding which products to recommend, GenAI tools scan the structured metadata of product pages (product description, price, etc.) and third-party reviews for its summaries. This means your copy needs to be thorough, informative, and highlight key features that searchers might be looking for (budget-friendly, limited time only, sustainable, etc.) As website content becomes more Q&A-style and less keyword-based, so should your product copy and media messaging. Anticipate likely questions and answer them naturally to get recognized by AI platforms. "Visual search is growing, especially among younger users, so don't neglect your image SEO. Keep your product photos fresh and appealing, with thoroughly descriptive image descriptions, captions, and alt text. These steps will help users discover your brand content." - Michael Robbins, Exverus Associate Director of Paid Search Early ad opportunities In late 2024, Perplexity.ai began experimenting with advertisements -- not directly in their editorial recommendations, but as sponsored follow-up questions or paid media along the side of an answer. Since then, brands like Whole Foods, Indeed, and TurboTax have begun running paid media campaigns on Perplexity on a CPM model with minimum spend requirements. Performance remains to be seen, but these early tests are exciting! Brands must effectively reach online shoppers via GenAI answers or get left in the zero-click desert.    Need help?   The retail media & e-commerce  media buying experts at Exverus know how to keep brands top-of-mind and added to baskets everywhere.  This piece originally appeared in our weekly Paid Media Insights newsletter. For more tips, research, and analysis; subscribe for free here .

Search engines are now mid-funnel channels. Learn how consumers really discover brands in 2025 to reach new consumers. Need efficiency in your paid media plan? Save money on lower-funnel media spend by building awareness and demand for your brand among new consumers before they search. What is discovery-driven demand? Consumers, especially of Gen Z, are increasingly discovering brands without actively seeking them in a process that WARC  calls discovery-driven demand. The consumer journey  isn't a straight line anymore—it's a multidimensional, curiosity-driven web shaped by discovery-first platforms. We've found that establishing brand recognition earlier in the journey dramatically reduces the premium you'll pay for bottom-funnel conversions. This upstream approach doesn't just build awareness—it creates efficiency across your entire media investment. Is social media a search engine now? December 2024 data from ForbesAdvisor shows that social media is rapidly overtaking traditional search engines like Google and Bing as the first choice for product and trend discovery among Gen Z and Millennials. Interestingly, only 64% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials use search engines for brand discovery, a significant decline compared to 94% of Baby Boomers. Instead, popular social platforms are becoming primary search tools, with 46% of Gen Z and 35% of millennials preferring them over traditional search engines. A whopping 44% of Gen Z discover new brands on social media daily! Why the shift? Trust and community. Social networks like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok have given voice to influencers and creators who have credibility with younger generations, which traditional marketing efforts lack. Ads are nice, but it's amazing to have a creator who fits the demographics of your target buyer and talks about your product.   That's why partnerships, influencer marketing, and user-generated content are vital to today's campaigns. Micro and macro communities have been built around these individuals, creating a sense of authenticity and connection  that search engines (and brands) simply can't compete with alone. How else can brands create demand in 2025? Here are a few ideas for reaching new consumers everywhere they’re open to inspiration:  1. Optimize for social-search  and retail-search Apply SEO principles to: Instagram , where captions perform better than hashtags to meet searchers in discovery mode TikTok , which is ripe for expanding reach and influencing viewers, particularly on its For You page and in search results Retail media networks , which can pair shopper data with sponsored recommendations more precisely than ever Exverus’ paid search expert Michael Robbins advises, “Find the long-tail search terms that resonate with your consumers best, and aim to own those key terms. Be specific; don’t take your hands off the wheel, going broad-match or letting the ‘algorithm’ do the work.” CASE STUDY: For Dymatize protein powders, we chose to highlight the brand’s unique flavor offerings (like Fruity Pebbles!) in the creative assets for social and retail media, and in turn, we saw searches for those same flavors spike significantly. Influencer and UGC social content effectively drove Dymatize branded searches 2. Invest in (and repurpose) visually engaging content. TikTok videos, Pinterest  boards, and Social Reach activations pique curiosity and engagement. Pinterest is especially well-suited for reaching people not looking for a particular product but open to inspiration.  And don't just tout a product, build a community. Research suggests that as many as 60% of millennial purchases are driven by FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out. Build the perception that owning a particular product means belonging to a larger community, and young adult customers will loyally align themselves with your brand.   3. Create new paths to purchase. Our award-winning Premier Protein & Dymatize campaign for October 2023 Prime Day did just that. On TikTok  and Instagram, we served up the kind of influencer content our target enjoys to create awareness; nurtured consideration and urgency with TikTok’s interactive features; and attached shoppable links from the social videos directly to the Amazon product pages with excellent deals to follow through with purchase. Learn more below: Start the conversation. To be recommended by AI-driven search , focus less on website click-through and more on product feeds that answer searchers’ natural questions. Engage meaningfully in conversations on Reddit , which trains AI models, as well. Get OOH and IRL. High-impact, out-of-home (OOH) media activations are excellent awareness-builders that drive branded searches.  John Hoover, SVP at NPRP Media , has the proof: “OOH media drives 7x more social engagement and search than any other format. An impressive 48% of people exposed to OOH featuring a celebrity or influencer visit the product or brand’s website afterward.” Case Study: When MasterClass sought Exverus’ help announcing the new talent on their platform (Gordon Ramsay, Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton, etc.) we partnered with NPRP Media to implement a can’t-miss blend of large-format and digital OOH, paired with social retargeting, in multiple target demo areas. As a result, we saw a 667% boost in MasterClass searches, 47% lift in positive brand sentiment, and a 25% lift in aided brand awareness. The campaign won two Adweek Media Plan of the Year awards! Digital OOH media activations for MasterClass significantly raised branded searches Businesses that rely on traditional search traffic are being left in the dust by generative AI tools and shifting consumer behavior.  To thrive in 2025, don’t wait to be searched for—strategically position your brand where discovery happens organically, creating demand before consumers even know what they're looking for. Ready to rethink your discovery strategy? Let's discuss .  This piece originally appeared in our weekly Paid Media Insights newsletter. For more tips, research, and analysis; subscribe for free here .

Sports podcasts are quickly becoming key players on the field, drawing in avid sports fans from across generations and providing a fertile ground for ad buying. Whether it's Super Bowl season, World Cup, March Madness, or the Olympics; there's always a buzz around sports with dedicated viewers and loyal supporters. But beyond just watching and chatting about last night's game around the water cooler (virtual or IRL), sports fans are interacting with their favorite teams and athletes in a whole new way - through podcasts.   Sports podcasts are quickly becoming key players on the field, drawing in avid sports fans from across generations and providing a fertile ground for ad buying. A recent study by SiriusXM Media , GroupM, and Edison Research revealed that an impressive 64% of self-identified sports fans regularly tune in to sports audio content! And, sports podcasts are the leading audio format among Gen Z fans, presenting an exciting opportunity to reach this demographic. Why advertise on sports podcasts? Built-in consumer trust According to the aforementioned study, the majority of sports fans (67%) trust the products and services used by their favorite athletes , and a similar proportion (64%) extend this trust to products and services endorsed by sports announcers or commentators. This level of confidence can significantly impact brand perception and loyalty . Programmatic audio ad buying Many sports podcasts can be bought programmatically, or through automated bidding platforms. Programmatic audio offers advertisers the same broad reach, precise audience data, contextual targeting, and valuable campaign measurements as CTV or streaming radio. Sonic branding opportunities Audio ads generally provide brands with outstanding opportunities to convey their tone, message, values, and brand identity to listeners already in a receptive mindset. Strategically placed jingles or voiceovers by trusted influencers can evoke a deeper emotional resonance in a listener and ensure higher brand recall than a static visual ad. Photo by KoolShooters What are the top sports podcasts? The appeal of sports podcasts extends beyond the four major men's leagues. Women's sports are finally getting the attention and investment they've long deserved, with the WNBA breaking viewership records , and podcasts are playing a crucial role in bridging the gap for fans. Shows like The Re-Cap Show by soccer stars Christen Press and Tobin Heath are capturing the attention of a growing audience, especially among younger demographics. According to Feedspot , the most influential US sports podcasts in 2024 are: 1. Pardon My Take by Barstool Sports 2. The Bill Simmons Podcast by The Ringer 3. The Ryen Russillo Podcast by The Ringer 4. Cover 3 College Football by CBS 5. Crime in Sports by Wondery, and 6. (of course) ESPN Daily! The data is clear: sports podcasts are not just a passing trend; they are a powerful tool for reaching and engaging target audiences. However, simply buying ad space is not enough. Brands need to leverage these platforms creatively to connect with listeners and maximize their return on investment (ROI). How best to advertise on sports podcasts Branded content One effective strategy is to create custom content that aligns with a brand's values and messaging. This could involve producing original podcasts, sponsoring specific segments, or collaborating with athletes or commentators . By providing valuable and entertaining content, brands can build a loyal following and generate positive brand awareness. Athlete endorsements Partnering with athletes idolized by a brand's target audience can enhance credibility and drive engagement . Athletes' influence can be particularly powerful in reaching younger demographics and niche markets. Multi-channel messaging Brands can leverage the power of social media to expand their sports podcast initiatives. By sharing clips, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with fans on platforms like Twitter and Instagram, brands can extend their reach and foster a sense of community. In conclusion, sports podcasts offer a unique opportunity for brands to connect with a passionate and engaged audience. By understanding the preferences of sports fans, leveraging athlete endorsements, and creating valuable content, brands can effectively utilize these platforms to achieve their marketing goals. As the popularity of sports podcasts continues to grow, it is essential for brands to stay ahead of the curve and capitalize on this exciting new medium.   For more media buying news and tips, subscribe to our weekly Paid Media Insights  newsletter.

New Creative Format Engages Audiences Across PubMatic’s Premium Supply Imagine you’re perusing various websites on your phone. Instead of the usual square, static or video ads around the content, you see vertical video ads like on TikTok or Reels. SeenThis today announced a partnership with Exverus to power their Social Reach product with its streaming vertical video technology. Premier Protein is the first client to run this new product. SeenThis’ new ad format brings the engagement of social ads to the open web, delivering with lightning fast speed using adaptive streaming technology. With SeenThis, Exverus combines the creativity and mobile-first design of social media ad formats with the power of targeted advertising at scale on premium content environments for their clients. SeenThis and Exverus are partnered with PubMatic to deliver Social Reach across their premium supply. "This year, we’re doubling down on sweetening the journey. New flavors, new products and new creative, all speaking to our strategic positioning,” said Kristin Rasmussen, Associate Director, Integrated Marketing, Premier Protein. “With the help of SeenThis and PubMatic, we’re able to spread the joy and encourage even more protein-users to join the party with amplified distribution of social content via high-performing video experiences.” “Social Reach powered by SeenThis streaming vertical video gives us access to new environments to deliver social creative to audiences beyond the social walled-gardens. This represents the next generation of much needed social extension. SeenThis’ adaptive streaming technology takes existing social assets and delivers them more efficiently than standard social formats via targeted inventory from PubMatic across the open web,” said Hillary Kupferberg, VP Performance Marketing at Exverus. The groundbreaking campaign brings the first to market vertical video ad format to the open web and improves upon it with high-quality streaming delivery and premium placements in brand-safe environments. Social Reach powered by SeenThis vertical video ads can deliver in standard display ad slots, giving brands the ability to scale their campaigns across more of the open web and reach their audiences in new ways. “SeenThis gives advertisers the opportunity to reinvent their approach to display advertising, delivering high quality vertical social video in standard IAB ad slots. With lightning-fast load times and creative formats that fit the vertical experience of a smartphone, we are unlocking new levels of performance for advertisers,” said Susan Kravitz, Head of Commercial Partnerships at SeenThis. About SeenThis Since 2017, SeenThis has been evolving screen experiences for everyone, everywhere. With its groundbreaking adaptive streaming technology, SeenThis is transforming the distribution and climate impact of digital content compared to traditional technology. With billions of streams served for 5000+ brands in 50+ countries, the company is on a journey to reshape the internet – for good. Working across seven offices globally, SeenThis employees are obsessed with creating a truly high-speed and energy-efficient Internet. For more information, visit seenthis.co. About Exverus Media Founded in 2014, Exverus is a Los Angeles-headquartered media agency elevating growth-stage brands through full-funnel media planning, traditional and programmatic advertising, retail media & e-commerce, paid search, paid social, and analytics. Our data-driven media plans combine precise market research with creative ideas to confidently allocate every ad dollar for the maximum return. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth", Exverus is dedicated to transparency and long-term client trust. Learn more at exverus.com. For press queries, contact Michelle Andrade michelle.andrade@exverus.com

5 ways the top brands stay evergreen and top-of-mind What is seasonal variation? Advantages and disadvantages of seasonal patterns 5 ways to overcome seasonality in marketing Expand product offerings Market repositioning Subscription models Live experiences Plan ahead What is seasonal variation? Flowers for Mother's Day, new cars for Christmas, costumes for Halloween -- some products really sprout with their season, right? Seasonality is an important consideration for marketers in terms of predicting demand, planning sales, and measuring campaigns. But major fluctuations in cash flow can make it difficult to plan and sustain the business’s finances throughout the year. And consumers can easily forget about your brand during off-seasons, undoing all the hard work you’ve put into building your brand equity already! So some brands are working to make their product sales less seasonal and more evergreen to keep the growth steady all year long. This is called a seasonality strategy . Source: FasterCapital Advantages and disadvantages of seasonal patterns Advantages Built-in consumer demand Plenty of time to plan a campaign Excellent customer acquisition opportunities Disadvantages Instability of cash flow More competition = higher overhead Risk of too much leftover product Whether you want to smooth out the fluctuations in your sales throughout the year or just weather the ups and downs more efficiently, a few similar guidelines can help.  Deep market research into your target audience segmented by location, demographics, and media consumption habits  is crucial to understanding your consumers’ needs and meeting them without wasting ad spend.  Here are a few ideas from top brands you could employ to mitigate the impact of seasonal cycles on your business! 5 ways to overcome seasonality in marketing Expand product offerings UGG ,   known for its wintery fur boots, has launched a new line of sandals and Mary Janes for spring with a global ad campaign called   Big Spring Energy , featuring popular musicians enjoying fun in the sun.  Canada Goose  clothing (another winter staple) is adding T-shirts, rain boots, and polos to its repertoire of heavy parkas to catch outdoor adventurers all year long.  Market repositioning Expanding product offerings isn't the only way to reduce seasonal patterns. Le Creuset promotes their high-end Dutch ovens for summer barbecues as well as winter stews, expanding the perceived utility of their existing product line. This approach offers several advantages over product diversification: Lower investment costs (no new product development required) Maintains brand focus and identity Leverages existing manufacturing capabilities Builds additional value into products customers already recognize Strengthens the core brand proposition of versatility and quality Subscription models Setting up steady revenue streams, as FabFitFun and Dollar Shave Club have masterfully demonstrated with their monthly delivery boxes, saves money and automates loyalty. These brands didn't just create subscription boxes; they fundamentally changed the way consumers interact with their categories, delivering some serious benefits to their business goals, like: Predictable cash flow. By generating consistent revenue, companies can forecast with confidence, managing inventory and staffing needs with surgical precision throughout the year. Frictionless ordering. Subscription club members don’t have to decide or remember to re-order products each month – products simply arrive on schedule, creating an “always-on” relationship that transcends the calendar.  Lower acquisition costs. Rather than repeatedly spending to attract customers during peak seasons, subscription-based companies invest in retention strategies that maintain value year-round—a much more efficient approach to sustainable growth. 4. Live experiences  Build immersive,   experiential activations  that let customers (current and future) see, touch, and feel the brand in a memorable way. These tentpole events help you  set the pace of growth, not the weather.  “Pre-market testing can help brands fine-tune in-store activations to make a real impact. By testing designs, messaging, and displays in advance, brands can be sure they’re creating experiences that genuinely engage and resonate with consumers beyond the usual seasonal rush.” - EMARKETER 5. Use consumer behavioral data to plan ahead While some fluctuation of sales throughout the year is inevitable, your business isn't beholden to them. Gather historical data and analyze search keyword trends to anticipate highs and lows well in advance, so your audience already has you in mind (and not your competitor!) when the rush comes. Conduct competitive analyses , too, so you know which media channels your competitors are running on, and find the untapped whitespace.  For example, when media planning for Amazon Prime Day or Prime Big Deals Day, our Premier Protein team knows the category giants will load up on Amazon Ads. So, instead of wasting ad dollars trying to compete, they start elsewhere for brand discovery (like clickable social ads or Reddit threads) and build a clear path to the Amazon product pages. It really works! Exverus is now offering more predictive keyword insights through our proprietary tools. Reach out to us if you'd like to conduct these analyses for assessing opportunities and outsmarting your competition, no matter the season. Plan ahead with   long-term media strategies  in mind so your brand can thrive, rain or shine.

As the agency celebrates a decade in business, we look back at how the industry's changed. Get out the cake and candles because, in January 2024, Exverus Media celebrates 10 years in business! 🥳 William Durrant, Talia Arnold, and Jack Win founded Exverus in 2014 with a shared vision for the type of agency they wanted to work for. Fed up and burnt out from a decade each of grinding for ad agencies that put profit before people, the founding Exverians built a new kind of agency: one in which people could have families without hindering their careers, sleep 8 hours a night and take real breaks, see women and people of color in leadership positions, feel good about the deals they’re signing with clients. Named for the Latin phrase "from the truth", Exverus dedicates itself to transparency and long-term client trust. Our omnichannel media plans combine market research data with creative ideas to confidently allocate every ad dollar for the maximum return. Over the last decade, Exverus has served Fortune 500 companies like CLIF bar, Coca-Cola, Post, and MasterClass. Our specialty is sustainable, wellness brands like Premier Protein, Stella & Chewy's , New Belgium & Bell's Brewery. We’ve taken the Clean Creatives Pledge to never work with fossil fuel companies, and we’re proud of what we put into the world. In that time, we've won numerous industry awards, including: 2x Ad Age Small Agency of the Year: Media 2x Ad Age Media Planner of the Year 6x Adweek Media Plan of the Year 3x CANNES Lions Shortlist LA Times' Best Workplaces in SoCal 2023 But the advertising industry has changed dramatically from 2014 to 2024. Here are just a few of the ways things have changed, according to our executives: “While it's true that the more things change the more they stay the same, remote work has been an important change that's opened us up to new talent across the country.”  - Bill Durrant , President & Founder “We've only begun to scratch the surface of what AI  can do, but it's already made such a huge impact on every aspect of our work. It has revolutionized traditional processes and shifted our approach to all facets of problem-solving, strategy, and even operational efficiency.”  - Jack Win, Head of Operations & Cofounder “The evolution of consumer privacy : this has included the introduction of new regulations such as GDPR, the growing global regulatory landscape, and the need for brands and companies to take a proactive stance on privacy all due to the rapid growth of social media, digital transactions, and digital marketing in the last several years.”  - Melissa Andraos , SVP of Media Strategy “Targeting consumers based on programmatic audience data  vs placing ads in context: there used to be way more emphasis on making a creative connection between ads and the environment across TV, print, and site direct partnerships. Now, more ads are placed in feed vs in context.”  Tasha Day , VP of Media Strategy At Exverus Media, we pride ourselves on spearheading industry changes and technological evolutions to provide our clients with the most up-to-date best practices. Congratulations to all of our employees on ten years, and big thanks to everyone who has supported us along the way. Here's to ten more! 🥂

Digital streaming may dominate music and podcasts, but AM/FM radio is still king for news and sports. Learn how to build it into a high-performing, full-funnel media plan. AM/FM Radio: We're all ears When we talk about audio advertising , we usually mean music and podcasts. Those two are mostly streamed digitally  these days. But for news and sports, it's...still the radio? Yes, believe it or not, recent Edison Research  shows that just under 70% of all daily time spent listening to news is happening on AM/FM Radio, with sports close behind at 61%. And Radio makes up 67% of all daily time spent with ad-supported audio in the US! Source: Nielsen Meanwhile, Nielsen  projects AM/FM Radio overtaking linear TV in ratings among ages 18-49 by a margin of 47% in 2025. Finally, iHeartMedia reports that the #1 use of Amazon’s Alexa smart speaker is AM/FM Radio, with iHeart-owned stations being the most popular in the US! Are radio ads still effective? These audiences are worth investing ad dollars in -- if you want thoughtful, engaged consumers in your target group! In December 2024, Digiday relayed data from Lumen Research showing: "News consumers are 2.5 times more likely to pay attention to ads when consuming trusted news content than ads displayed across social media platforms. This heightened attention is directly linked to better recall and action." Placing your brand in the context of a journalistic outlet listeners trust to provide accurate, high-quality information creates a positive brand perception that lasts. Source: Westwood One Local radio advertising vs. Digital radio campaigns Local radio advertising appears on radio stations within a specific geographic area to reach geo-targeted audiences. Benefits include: Efficiency: Reach large audiences while avoiding waste. Trust and brand safety: Radio stations adhere to strict FCC content guidelines. Versatility: Audio spots communicate a variety of messages like sales, events, & brand storytelling Loyalty: Local stations often have loyal listeners who tune in regularly and engage. Read Here How to advertise on the radio Of course, audio is just one piece of your advertising strategy. Here are a few best practices for integrating Local Radio advertising into a full-funnel media plan:   1. Clear, consistent creative Radio spots are excellent sonic branding  opportunities, but they're short. Focus on one simple, memorable message with a clear call-to-action (CTA).   2. The Multiplier Medium Radio gets its nickname by converting existing demand (increasing purchase consideration by 18% ) while creating future demand (increasing awareness by 50% and lifting sentiment 32%). Mix radio with sales-driving channels like search or retail, and watch the magic of the multiplier effect.   3. Get local & personalize Conduct deep market research to understand the differences in media consumption habits and lifestyles for audience segments in different parts of the country. Then, create tailored campaigns for each of your designated market areas (AI can help!) to resonate with listeners efficiently and influentially. Local stations can also lend a grassroots approach to your media plan, offering added value in terms of local event sponsorships, ticket giveaways, onsite remote activations with local talent and more.   4. Tie radio performance to multiple business KPIs Reach is good, but website traffic is a much stronger metric (a vanity URL can more directly attribute radio ads to web traffic). Brand lift or awareness studies measure radio's impact on audience perceptions. And quarterly or yearly brand revenue growth can be attributed to radio by offering radio-specific promo codes or URLs. Read here   How much do local radio ads cost? The pros at Ad Results Media report that, in 2025, a 60-second spot is sold by the cost per 1,000 impressions (CPM) or cost per rating point (CPP), averaging between $5 and $750. The final cost depends upon several factors, including: size of the target audience listener demographics time of day it runs ad length and more. A good media planning team will help you decide how much of your total advertising budget you should devote to radio for the highest possible return on investment (ROI). Read Here If you've been underinvesting in radio, don't worry: Your competitors probably are, too! Tell your brand's story across the airwaves, and reach millions of receptive listeners in enjoyable environments. For more advertising news and tips, join our free, weekly Paid Media Insights  newsletter.