Interactive buttons or calls-to-action (CTAs) are the most effective interactive elements to use in emails according to 35% of marketing professionals worldwide, per January 2025 data from Litmus.
Though TikTok Shop faces the dual challenges of economic instability and a tenuous presence on US app stores, marketers are still taking advantage of its positioning as both a social platform and ecommerce engine.
T-Mobile has announced a full rollback of its DEI programs as it seeks regulatory approval for two major deals, citing alignment with FCC expectations. The move eliminates all DEI language and infrastructure, signaling a dramatic reversal of the brand’s equity commitments. FCC Chair Brendan Carr applauded the shift, while critics warned of reputational risks—particularly with Gen Z and DEI-conscious consumers. As major brands reassess social strategies amid regulatory and political scrutiny, T-Mobile’s move may gain short-term approval but risks long-term brand damage. Marketers face a tough balancing act between political pragmatism and authentic social commitments.
The news: Influencer marketing is leading the way in attention metrics, with viewers in India spending 2.2 times longer viewing ads with influencers before skipping, per Kantar research. The average skip time for traditional branded content is 7.9 seconds—but for ads with influencer content, that number jumps to 17.8 seconds. Our take: While a necessary part of the media mix, traditional ads are not enough to drive consistent growth—and partnering with reliable influencers will prove valuable as social media represents a critical path to purchase. Influencer voices are able to cut through the noise of social media.
The news: T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service, which launches July 23, will be accessible to customers of competing networks, unlocking carrier-agnostic reach in areas previously off the grid, per CNET. Because the service supports Verizon and AT&T users via eSIM and compatible devices, T-Mobile’s advertisers gain access to millions of new users—without being locked into one carrier’s ecosystem. Our take: As services like T-Satellite make it possible to connect with customers anywhere—marketers who adapt early will shape the next frontier of mobile engagement. They can expand geofenced campaigns to include off-grid locations and explore partnerships around safety, navigation, and outdoor experiences.
The news: The stability of bank deposits (i.e., how likely they are to stay put) significantly changes over time, based largely on interest rates. Our take: This will force banks to adopt a more dynamic and strategic approach to marketing. It shifts deposit acquisition and retention from a passive activity to an energetic, competitive arena where compelling rates are a primary attraction, and trust, service, and holistic value are essential reinforcements. Banks should aggressively market competitive rates on high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs. This is about clearly communicating the tangible benefit to the customer (e.g., "Earn more on your savings," "Watch your money grow faster").
The news: A study commissioned by UK Bank TSB found that 55% of people who acted on financial advice found on social media lost money. This highlights the substantial risk associated with such advice and a real opportunity for banks to build brand trust online. Our take: Financial institutions (FIs) have a role to play in dispelling financial misinformation on social media. In addition, they have a chance to build trust with young social media users, especially when responding to viral trends with facts and informing consumers whether they should take the steps recommended in viral videos. Responding to viral trends in a meaningful way can boost brand awareness and cause social media users to turn to an FI first, before their favorite influencers.
The initiative: Urban Outfitters is teaming with HGTV to launch the “Dream Dorm Makeover Contest,” which invites students to create a Pinterest board that captures their vision for a dorm that reflects their personal style, supports their daily routines, and feels like home. Our take: The campaign is designed to help Urban Outfitters connect with Gen Z students and their parents, as well as millennials seeking creative ways to revamp small spaces.
The news: The trade war between the US and the rest of the world is heating up again, thanks to President Donald Trump’s latest threats to boost universal tariffs and impose stiffer duties on Canada and Brazil. Our take: The newly announced duties—should they come to pass—will push the US into the heavy tariff scenario outlined in our tariff report. Based on our forecast, that would mean a 1% decline in retail sales this year, the first contraction since 2009, as rising prices force consumers to prioritize essentials.
The news: Bilt will launch the Bilt Card 2.0 in partnership with fintech Cardless in February 2026, per a press release, after Wells Fargo ended its deeply unprofitable co-brand partnership early. Our take: Bilt Card 2.0 appears to close some of the gaps that made its partnership with Wells Fargo so rocky. With yearly fees and new deals with major US landlords, Bilt is positioning itself to make the Bilt card more successful—and more profitable.