For decades, market researchers administered surveys over the phone, or in person with a paper and pencil. About 15 years ago, survey-taking started moving online, revolutionizing market research. Today, online platforms dominate as a means of collecting data. However, much of the research being done online hasn't evolved over the last 15 years.

Video game company EA recently experienced just how strong the dark side of a PR crisis could be, during the launch of its new Star Wars title.

Holiday sales this year are expected to increase up to 4% over 2016, according to Insider Radio, with the potential to reach $682 billion. Advertisers looking to get a piece of this massive pie have the calendar working in their favor with 32 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas and an extra shopping weekend because Christmas Day falls on a Monday this year.

As we put another year of conducting research with sports enthusiasts in the rear-view mirror, there's opportunity to reflect on what we've collectively learned. I've often used this space to admonish those who eschew an appreciation and understanding of fan motivations for a greater focus on marketing's shiny new toys.

Everyone in marketing is talking about System 1, and with good reason. Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman’s concept divides human decision-making into two distinct categories. "System 1" is where instantaneous decisions, driven by instinct and often subconscious memories, are made. "System 2" is where logic-based decisions are made, with far more conscious thought and at a much slower pace than choices originating in System 1.  What does this have to do with advertising and CPG brands? Everything. Consumers don’t spend much time thinking about CPG brand choices. Mostly, the shopper breezes through the store thinking about her kids, …

Information never sleeps in a 24-hour media cycle. Consumers rely on digital sources for news, entertainment, education, and more, making online interactions with media companies part of daily life. But competition is fierce and audiences have increasingly high expectations. In an industry that operates at break-neck speed, it takes more than great content to grab and keep their attention.

Entering the U.S. Hispanic market for the first time can be an intimidating endeavor. Particularly for brands that are pioneers in their category (e.g. pharma, investment services, etc.). In addition to being intimidating, it has historically been an expensive endeavor, focused on TV or radio advertising in Spanish, requiring significant investments for both creative and media purchases. However, complexity and significant costs are no longer a requirement for entering this market. With its growth, the expansion of digital opportunities, and more sophisticated and cost-efficient research choices, brands have many more encouraging options for entering the Hispanic market. In 2017, there …

For several years, we have seen a rapid movement from a traditional pay-per-product business model to a subscription-based one. Examples of subscription economy businesses permeate many industries-from entertainment (Netflix, Spotify) and fashion (Stitch Fix, Rent the Runway) to healthy living (Headspace) to dating (eHarmony) and meal delivery (Blue Apron, Home Chef).

As the conversation about Gen Z - aged 20 and younger - grows, it is clear that while in some ways they deepen Millennial trends, in others they are quite different. This is particularly the case with the guys who have completely turned what we thought we knew about young men on its head.

What the two sites have in common is their willingness to offer an online place of comfort and information to people suffering from serious conditions. The emphasis is placed on the human aspects of illness.