AN Ad/PR major finds her niche

Written by junior Kaitlyn Grothues

I had no clue what I wanted to major in as a freshman at ACU. I had no direction whatsoever and didn’t know what I was good at, so I spent a year taking basic university-required classes rather than learning about what I would be doing for the rest of my life. Eventually, I took Media Issues, which was the first of many classes I would end up taking in the Journalism and Mass Communication department at ACU. This class led me to fall in love with the world of advertising and public relations. I realized that there was so much I could do with Ad/PR and I loved every direction I could go with this major. I didn’t know that I could make a career out of things I already love, such as social media and event planning. Now, rather than feeling lost regarding what I want to do in the future, I have too many ideas, which is a great problem to have. That’s what I really love about Ad/PR; I’m learning about many different aspects of mass communication that will allow me to go in whichever direction I please. The things we do and learn in this major are beneficial in so many different areas of the real world. Additionally, the experience of working for a real Ad/PR agency like Morris+Mitchell really gave me a glimpse into what a potential career in the industry would be like. I can’t wait to see what my future in Ad/PR holds.

Don't Sit Out

Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has been steadily growing over the past six years. Recent data shows the social media juggernaut has now recruited more than 400 million users, including 30 percent of all internet users. Instagram’s large follower base means brands, companies and organizations alike need to be active and engaging on Instagram.

With so many organizations vying for attention on Instagram, a lot of pressure has been created for brands to be “the best.” Any update or change to Instagram has to be seen as an opportunity–even if the update isn’t always popular among users.

Instagram’s newest update gives users the ability to zoom in on their friends’ posts, similar to the zoom feature in the iPhone camera and photos apps. Brands are already utilizing the new feature as a way to engage with current followers while gaining new ones, ultimately leading to a larger consumer base and greater brand recognition. Utilizing the ability to zoom empowers brands with yet another social media tactic to engage their followers.

Primark, a European-based company known for its discount clothing, is one example of a brand quickly jumping on board with the new zoom feature. For example, the post below highlights 25 of the company’s products. Allowing followers to zoom in on photos, Primark can showcase more than two dozen products in the same image, knowing followers can zoom in on any particular item.

The increased growth and accessibility of Instagram means brands need to stay active and consistent to get ahead. Instagram is a great way to promote ads while building name recognition at a reasonably low cost.

One of the challenges of advertising is the need to constantly stay current and consider what social media features are evolving. Sitting out = missing out, so get in the game.

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/these-11-brands-are-already-using-instagram-s-new-zoom-feature-173253

celebrating client uniqueness

Here at Morris+Mitchell, creative thinking and dreaming are big keys. We celebrate being unique and recognize that in order to best represent our services and satisfy our clients, we must identify and amplify the characteristics that define each company or brand that we work with. With this in mind, we look forward to getting to know our clients on a deeper, more human level.

"The work of an advertising agency is warmly and immediately human. It deals with human needs, wants, dreams and hopes. Its 'product' cannot be turned out on an assembly line.”
 -Leo Burnett American Advertising Executive Founder of Leo Burnett Company, Inc.