🌸 As we start the newsletter this week, we honor all the moms out there—biological, adoptive, foster, chosen, or those navigating loss. Mother’s Day celebrates all of them. So, if you’re a mom, we appreciate you.
Much like the role of a mother, marketing today demands adaptability, intuition, and resilience. It’s about anticipating needs, managing chaos with grace, and staying calm when the landscape shifts—sometimes overnight.
Mothers and marketers alike are masters of reinvention. So whether you’re leading a campaign or a family (or both), know that navigating constant change with purpose is the most powerful strategy of all.
And it might be a clichĂ©, but as my mother used to say “You earn everything you get in this life, nothing is given to you.” Let’s dive in.
🏀 Nothing but net: A’ja Wilson and Nike score big with sneaker launch
Three-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson’s signature Nike A’One sneaker sold out in under five minutes—and marketers should take note. The debut of the hot pink “Pink A’ura” colorway wasn’t just a retail win, it was a masterclass in cultural storytelling, limited-drop strategy, and authentic representation.
Key Takeaways for Marketers:
- Build a narrative, not just a product: The campaign—directed by Malia Obama—centered on Wilson’s roots and resonated deeply.
- Scarcity still sells: Limited supply fueled demand and social buzz.
- Representation wins hearts: Wilson joins a small but powerful group of WNBA players with signature shoes, reflecting growing demand for women’s sports.
- Cultural authenticity = brand relevance: The story felt real, personal, and inspiring—exactly what modern consumers want.
đź“° Why “Made in USA” is having a moment on Amazon
Someone cue Bruce Springsteen. More shoppers now want their products to be made in America. With recent tariff hikes on many imports, searches for “made in USA” items on Amazon are on the rise, and savvy sellers are tuning into the trend. From patriotic packaging to “America-first” messaging, marketers are leaning into the red, white, and buy.
But here’s the twist: while interest is high, actual sales haven’t fully caught up yet. So before you bet the whole budget on flags and freedom, make sure your messaging resonates and converts. A few things to consider if you’re trying to join the trend:
- Optimize listings with “Made in USA” keywords
- Use patriotic visuals to catch the algorithm’s eye
- Stay transparent—false claims could backfire
- Track performance closely—interest doesn’t always equal purchase
đź”— Read more here.
🤖 AI Updates: From automation to strategic advantage
Google launches AI Max for search campaigns: Google has introduced AI Max, an enhancement to its search campaigns that leverages artificial intelligence to expand keyword matching and generate adaptive creatives, as well as provide improved control features including geo-targeting at the ad group level.
AI’s role in media planning highlighted at NewFronts 2025: At the 2025 NewFronts, AI’s impact on media planning and buying was a focal point. Google demonstrated how its AI can swiftly generate media plans in Display and Video 360, streamlining the process of identifying optimal ad placements including live sports and upfront deals.
Marketers can now use AI to automate mundane tasks, putting more focus on strategy. AI isn’t here to replace marketers—it’s here to supercharge them. Use it to scale smarter, faster, and more creatively.
That’s Cool!
Coca-Cola just gave its classic “Hilltop” ad a 2025 remix—in American Sign Language. Partnering with Gallaudet University, Coke’s latest spot features deaf performers signing the iconic “I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke” tune. It’s a bold and beautiful nod to inclusivity, proving that timeless messages are even stronger when everyone’s invited to share them.
