All Posts by Justin Rankin
The Future of Marketing & Sales: Verification and Validation or Bust!
Alright, marketing and sales world, it’s time we have the talk. We’ve been throwing around fancy acronyms like ROAS, CTR, and CPL as if they mean something beyond inflating budgets. But here’s the raw truth—these metrics alone aren’t enough. The future of marketing and sales boils down to two things: Verification and Validation. If your […]
A Man’s Journey Through a Women’s Wellness Retreat
When my friend Ariella Brown invited me to document a women’s wellness retreat, I felt confident in my role behind the camera. I imagined myself a quiet observer, there to capture a beautiful setting and thoughtful moments. But nothing could have prepared me for the journey I was about to take—the raw, transformative experience that […]
Your Brand Isn’t Boring—You’re Just Marketing It Wrong: Lessons from Political Media Blitzes
Let’s be real for a second. Your brand might be amazing, but if no one knows about it, does it even exist? That’s where we come in. Recently, The Wall Street Journal dropped an article about how Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are both on full-blown media blitzes. And guess what? They’re not doing the […]
Why Every Company Needs a Third-Party Marketing Audit
You know that feeling when you’re confidently strutting through your marketing plan, convinced you’re crushing it, only to find out your engagement rates are flatter than a pancake under a steamroller? Yeah, that’s when you need a third-party marketing audit. And not just any audit—a brutally honest one that doesn’t care about sparing your feelings. […]
Why Cookie-Cutter Marketing Is Clown Business
Have you ever walked into a marketing agency and had them tell you what you absolutely need before you even sat down? “Oh, you need our deluxe SEO package and some PPC ads—because that’s what everyone else is doing.” It’s like they’ve barely heard your business goals before shoving their pre-packaged solutions in your face. […]
Ideas are Cheap
Everyone Has Marketing Ideas (And Ideas Are Cheap) Every business owner thinks they’re a marketing genius. You’ve got ideas—big, bold, brilliant ideas—ready to shake up the world. And we love that energy, really. But here’s the thing: ideas are cheap. Seriously, everyone has ideas. Your neighbor, your cousin, that guy who cuts your hair—heck, even […]
Why BNI and Local Networking Still Work (No, This Isn’t a Paid Partnership)
Alright, let’s get one thing straight from the jump: this isn’t a paid ad for BNI, and they’re not sliding me a crisp hundred-dollar bill under the table. Nope, this is just some real talk about why local sales networking—yes, including those early-morning, coffee-fueled BNI meetings—are still a big deal in 2024. In a world […]
Connected TV Ads: The Smartest Marketing Move You’re Not Making Yet.
Picture this: Your potential customers are snuggled up on the couch, remote in one hand, a bowl of popcorn in the other, and they’re ready to dive deep into their favorite show. The lights are dimmed, the atmosphere is perfect, and guess what? You’ve got their undivided attention. Now imagine if, instead of the usual […]
Digital Marketing for Government and Defense: Easier Than Hiding UFOs (And Way More Effective
Hey, government agencies, social advocacy campaigns, and defense contractors—let’s get real for a second. If your digital strategy is still stuck in 2010, you’re about a decade behind. The internet isn’t just a place for cat videos and dance challenges; it’s where people live, learn, and make decisions. And if you want to be heard, […]
ROAS Unleashed: Boost Your Return on Ad Spend Like a Pro
Let’s cut to the chase. ROAS (that’s Return on Ad Spend for those playing catch-up) is either your best friend or your worst enemy. It’s that brutally honest friend who tells you when you’re about to make a colossal mistake—like blowing your budget on ads that bring in less ROI than a lemonade stand in […]
Why Cheap Marketing Can Cost You More Than You Think
I get it. You’ve got a budget tighter than your favorite jeans after the holidays, and along comes a provider offering you a deal that’s too good to be true. And guess what? It probably is. According to some fancy Deloitte report (yes, I did my homework), 70% of businesses are suckered in by the […]
The Burnout of Plug-and-Play Marketing Solutions: Why Quick Fixes Don’t Cut It
When it comes to digital marketing, too many businesses get suckered by plug-and-play solutions. These quick-fix tools—like pre-packaged email campaigns, automated social media tools, and templated content strategies—promise easy wins and cost savings. But here’s the truth: they often crash and burn, leaving you with disappointing results and wasted money. Let’s break down why these […]
Discover the Art of Reinvention: Inspired by David Bowie
At Lion + Panda Agency, we understand the transformative power of reinvention. Just as David Bowie captivated the world with his ever-evolving personas, we help brands navigate the digital landscape. Let’s explore how the art of reinvention can elevate your brand, inspired by Bowie’s legendary career. The Ziggy Stardust Transformation David Bowie’s Persona: In 1972, […]
Full-Service Digital Marketing vs. Specialized Services: Why It’s Not an Apples-to-Apples Comparison
If you’re reading this, you’re likely at a crossroads, trying to decide between going all-in with a full-service digital marketing agency or opting for a specialized service like SEO. We get it – this decision isn’t easy, and many of you might have been burned by agencies before. That’s why we’re here to help you […]
The New Era of Professional Authenticity
LinkedIn is evolving. What was once a straightforward platform for professional networking and career progression is now a dynamic space where the lines between professional achievements and personal experiences are increasingly blurred. This shift is driven by a surge of user-generated content (UGC), challenging our traditional notions of what LinkedIn should be. The platform is […]