Hoffmann Murtaugh brings you the media download on the global shifts impacting our lives.
  Volume 8 Issue 11
March 17, 2023
Coors Light Launches Beer-Flavored Popsicle To ‘Stay Cool' During March Madness Heat
March is here, and with it comes the new Coors Light “Coors-icles,” non-alcoholic beer-flavored popsicles just in time for the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament.


The DL: Coors launching a beer-flavored popsicle as a special promotion for this year’s NCAA March Madness tournament is among the recent trends of brands releasing surprising new takes on their products. Earlier this week, Hidden Valley unveiled a line of ice creams based on their dressing flavors including their flagship product The Original Ranch.

This trend has a long history in advertising and has become even more prevalent in recent years with the rise of organic video content. Brands can leverage these small-batch item products to shock consumers. This shock typically results in countless articles, reviews, and organic content for social users looking for their own viral moment.

Is anyone rushing to shelves to pick up a 6-pack of Coors Ice Pops? We’ll see how the first two days of the tournament shake out.
More Social Media Discussion Is Moving To Messaging, Which is Important For Marketers to Note
Messaging is the new social feed, with more and more users opting to share updates via more intimate circles within DMs, as opposed to posting to their main, public stream.


The DL: Direct Messaging is becoming the preferred way for many users to share updates, with more intimate circles opting to use DMs rather than posting to their main social media pages. The shift towards messaging is causing a significant change in focus for major social apps and their advertisements. This may impact the way people interact across Facebook and Instagram ads, with brands having to consider how they can incorporate DMs and provide more ways for customers to message them directly. Shifting towards messaging could also skew metrics, with click-throughs and page visits becoming more critical indicators. Adversities may want to stay away from Engagement KPIs and focus on more Traffic KPIs. New opportunities may arise for direct messaging discussions to help strengthen user and advertiser engagement methods.
TikTok Adds Science-Based STEM Feed To Promote Educational Content
TikTok’s looking to enhance the educational value of the platform, with the addition of a new STEM feed, a new topic stream in the app that will focus on content related to science, technology, engineering, and math.


The DL: Although TikTok began as a fun place to post dance and prank videos, it has evolved over the years to be a platform that almost everyone should be on, from small businesses to influencers and even educators and STEM professionals. In fact, STEM-related hashtags have received over 110 billion views to date. This has inspired TikTok to partner with Common Sense Networks and Poynter to create a dedicated STEM feed to be the main destination for people looking to learn more about these topics and ensure the content is accurate, informative, and helpful. US users can expect to see this feed to start being rolled out to them later this month. 
ESPN, Pizza Hut Engage Second Screens In A Play For Younger Audiences During March Madness
With the NCAA Women’s and Men’s March Madness tournaments currently underway — until March 26 — brands are looking to engage with college basketball fans through social media and connected TV.

 
The DL: During March Madness, brands are using social media and streaming platforms to reach college basketball fans. They are creating interactive experiences like bracket challenges and watch parties that will better the viewing experience. Through influencer and user-generated content, brands are able to connect with their target audiences and generate buzz about their products. For example, Pizza Hut is bringing back their mini playable basketball that was popularized in the 90s to grab the attention of Gen Z. Let's see what other brands take advantage of social media and join the March Madness fun.
Around The Town...
Top O' The Mornin' To Ya & Happy St. Patrick's Day 🍀 May your troubles be less, and your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door!

Pictured - Our Senior Communications & Content Manager, Jess Mannering enjoying the views at the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland this past summer.
We are always up for a chat on our favorite topic: media! So, if you would like to brainstorm on how to navigate the ever-changing media landscape, we'd be happy to connect.
Hoffmann Murtaugh
 Pittsburgh, PA 15212 (412) 741-8618
Hoffmann Murtaugh is an integrated media planning and buying agency. Our approach combines media strategy and intelligence with formidable negotiations to deliver smart, efficient, and customized media solutions to our clients.