Alex Merutka’s Post

Q1 2024 marked a milestone for mobile gaming, with consumer spend surpassing $20 billion for the first time since Q1 2022. At the same time, global downloads declined 6.8% to 12.8 billion, the lowest Q1 total since 2020. This divergence highlights a crucial shift: while spending is up, new player acquisition is down. The key? Retention. We must focus on re-engaging existing players through enhanced user experiences, high-quality creatives, and gamification in both advertising and gameplay. To my mobile gaming friends and colleagues, I want to know: has your team tried gamification to boost retention? What re-engagement tactics have worked for your game? Share them below! https://hubs.li/Q02G5v5n0

As Wimbledon kicks off this week, it's not just the tennis that's capturing attention. The tournament's out-of-home (OOH) and digital out-of-home (DOOH) campaigns are set to make an even bigger impact than last year, with 92% of ad inventory already sold, a 7% YoY increase according to ESPN. JCDecaux, a major OOH media owner, holds inventory near railway stations close to the venue and on roadside billboards, including digital screens with programmatic capabilities. This will allow brands to create timely, context-aware campaigns that resonate with tennis fans. Major sporting events like Wimbledon and the upcoming Summer Olympics should remind us of the unique advantages of being able to blend physical spaces and real-world interactions with digital innovation. I’m excited to see how brands leverage these opportunities to create immersive experiences that purely digital campaigns can’t match. But we should keep in mind that winning hearts and minds in advertising isn't just about being everywhere - it's about being memorable where it matters most. #Wimbledon2024 #DOOH #CreativeAdvertising https://hubs.li/Q02FnFy50

I recently had the opportunity to share my thoughts on embracing fear as a catalyst for success in an article for Grit Daily. Here are a few key takeaways: 💼 Fear is a natural part of entrepreneurship and innovation. 🚀 Embracing fear can lead to personal growth and business breakthroughs. ⚡ Developing strategies that turn fear into action can be a motivating force of business growth and innovation. If you're looking for ways to harness fear and drive success in your own ventures, I invite you to check out the full article! I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments. https://hubs.li/Q02DL1Qd0

Screens are becoming ubiquitous in our daily lives, from the back of rideshares to airplane seats and food-ordering kiosks. The recent launch of United Airlines' ad network and Uber's partnership with T-Mobile Advertising Solutions underscore this trend. United plans to give brands access to its fleet of 100,000 seatback screens, mobile app, website and airport displays to deliver ads. Meanwhile, Uber and T-Mobile's partnership will bring content to approximately 50,000 tablets in Uber vehicles across major U.S. cities. At CRAFTSMAN+, we believe gamification is key to leveraging these screen opportunities effectively. Playable ads not only capture attention but also create memorable, interactive experiences for users. As we continue to innovate in this space, we're excited to help brands make the most of this evolving digital landscape. What's your take on the rise of screens in everyday life? How do you see advertising adapting to these new platforms?

I’m grateful to be attending the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity this year, which has truly evolved from an ad awards showcase to a global meeting of the top minds in marketing, technology, and creative thinking. This year, we’ve seen the launch of groundbreaking new collaborations, like Instacart’s partnership with Google to offer shoppable ads on YouTube for brands like Clorox and Publicis. Also innovative initiatives by top brands like Unilever, which was named 2024 Creative Marketer of the Year for creative marketing campaigns like Dove’s #TurnYourBack campaign and Hellman’s 'Make Taste, Not Waste' platform highlighting food waste reduction. My biggest takeaway so far is that Cannes is a melting pot of ideas. Already, I've met leaders and creative innovators, brainstormed, and felt my own inspiration about what's possible in our industry to expand through technology and creative thinking. If you’re at Cannes and want to meet up, send me a DM! #CannesLions2024 #CreativeExcellence #Innovation Dheeraj Matta

At CRAFTSMAN+, we're privileged to partner with some of the world's most innovative and successful companies. Brands like Amazon, Walmart, HP, and Dell trust us to manage, optimize, and scale their multi-channel creative campaigns, leveraging our cutting-edge creative services and software. Why do these Fortune 500 companies choose us? They recognize the value of partners who are committed to scaling the creative ad design process without sacrificing quality. Our work with these leaders is a testament to CRAFTSMAN+'s solutions in driving significant business outcomes. These collaborations are not just about delivering high-quality creatives; they're about pushing the boundaries of what's possible in digital advertising. By working closely with these industry giants, we’ve gained a deeper understanding of advertisers’ needs to refine our offerings and ensure our clients are always ahead of the curve. For any marketer looking to elevate their advertising strategies, CRAFTSMAN+ is ready to bring the same level of dedication and innovation to your campaigns. #Leadership #Innovation #CreativeExcellence #CraftsmanPlus