Our Blog

🚀 Milestone Moment: $80M in Revenue Delivered 🚀

We’re excited to share that Connections has officially driven over $80 million in revenue for our retail partners.

This isn’t just media—it’s monetization that works. Through our premium package insert program, we help retailers turn their shipments into powerful revenue channels, while enabling brands to connect with high-intent shoppers right at home, in the moments that matter most.

At Connections, we’re proud to be the bridge between performance and brand-building—offline and online. And we’re just getting started.

To our retail and brand partners: thank you for trusting us to help power your growth.

Let’s keep making media that performs.

Why Connections’ Package Inserts Are Unaffected by the July USPS Rate Increases

With the USPS set to increase postage rates in July, many brands are bracing for higher costs in direct mail campaigns. But here’s the good news—Connections’ Package Inserts remain immune to these hikes.

Unlike traditional direct mail, which is directly impacted by rising postal rates, Package Inserts ride along inside e-commerce shipments, bypassing postal fees entirely. This means:

No Added Postage Costs – Your brand message reaches homes without incurring rising USPS expenses.
Guaranteed In-Home Delivery – Inserts are placed directly in e-commerce packages, ensuring 100% arrival.
High-Intent Engagement – Consumers actively unbox purchases, making them more receptive to offers and samples.

While rising postal rates make direct mail more expensive and less efficient, Package Inserts continue to deliver high-impact, cost-effective engagement at scale.

Ready to reach customers in-home—without breaking your budget? Let’s talk strategy.

Connections in the Big Apple!

In early March, our team at Connections took on New York City—diving into exciting meetings, new partnerships, and a whole lot of inspiration. We had the pleasure of catching up with some of our favorite partners to discuss new opportunities and strengthen our collaborations.

Beyond business, the energy of the city reminded us of the power of face-to-face interactions.

Huge thanks to everyone who welcomed us—we’re leaving with fresh ideas and stronger partnerships. Until next time, NYC!

 

 

Women Drive 85% of Purchases—Reach Them Where It Matters Most

Women influence 85% of all purchasing decisions, from household essentials to big-ticket items. And where do most of those decisions happen? At home.

Connections’ Package Inserts put your brand directly in the hands of decision-makers—inside e-commerce deliveries, where distractions are low, and consideration is high.

Guaranteed Visibility – No scrolling, no ad blockers—just your brand in their hands.
In-Home Influence – Engage women where purchase decisions are made.
Proven Impact – 92% of online shoppers welcome offers and samples.

Make every delivery a direct connection to your best customer. Let’s talk strategy!

Inside Carter’s Distribution Center

Connections had the opportunity to visit with the Carter’s Distribution Center. We looked at their advanced machinery, well-orchestrated assembly line, and how our advertiser’s package inserts go from the distribution center to your doorstep. ensure seamless operations.

From the moment product enter the facility to when they are packaged and shipped, every step is carefully designed to maximize speed and accuracy. The assembly line is in a synchronized flow and automated systems handle sorting and distribution. And while the machinery is important, it’s the skilled workers that oversee quality control.

The DC was full of fun energy. From golf cart and bikes to help get around this largest facility to robotic arms to assist in packing and organizing the shipments- it was a unique and interesting sight to see. We loved getting to explore the full process again with our partner, Carter’s.

Getting to see the whole distribution process from receiving inserts to seeing them go into each box was a great experience. The process is seamlessly incorporated into the assembly line, ensuring that every package is complete before it leaves the facility. This attention to detail highlights Carter’s commitment to providing a top-tier customer experience from DC to doorstep.

Connections’ Take: The Power of In-Home Influence in Purchase Decisions

A recent study reaffirms what we at Connections have known for a long time—the home is the ultimate decision-making hub. Nearly 90% of purchase decisions are made or discussed at home, cutting across retail, automotive, and financial sectors. Even more compelling? 89% of key purchases are pre-planned and discussed with others before the final decision is made.

In-home media is one of the most valuable touchpoints for brands. It’s not about chasing screen-based impressions—it’s about owning the moment where decisions happen. Connections Package Inserts deliver brand messaging directly into the home, free from distractions, and placed in the hands of decision-makers—the ultimate environment for influencing purchase intent.  

Key Facts That Support Connections’ Marketing Strategy:    

In-home is where decisions happen: Consumers engage in product research, compare options, and consult with family members before making big purchases.

Distraction-free environment: Unlike digital ads competing for attention, package inserts create an uninterrupted brand experience—a physical touchpoint with staying power. 

Retailer-backed trust: Inserts inside ecommerce packages come from a trusted source—the retailer they just purchased from—building credibility and increasing engagement.

Omnichannel impact: Print media doesn’t just work alone—it enhances digital and retail engagement, reinforcing brand recall when customers browse online or shop in-store.

In a world where attention is fragmented, owning the in-home moment is more critical than ever. Connections delivers exactly that—ensuring brands are seen, remembered, and acted upon when it matters most.   Want to turn purchase discussions into conversions? Let’s make the Connection.   

Learn more about the study here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20190220005163/en/Nearly-90-of-Purchase-Decisions-and-Discussions-are-Made-at-Home-According-to-New-PebblePost-Consumer-Study

🚀 Connections is Heading to NYC! 🚀

The Connections team is headed to the city to meet with some of our incredible retailers, potential clients, and partners!

We look forward to these trips for many reasons, but here are a few of our favorites:

• We get excited to hear from retailer partners what they do with the incremental dollars made from their insert programs.

• Meeting with new potential clients about their offline marketing strategies and how we can work together

• Matching a brand with their dream retailer that has a perfect audience match.

• Seeing our colleagues face to face!

Want to grab a coffee and talk shop? Let’s connect. We will be in NYC March 4th and 5th. Reach out to set up a meeting.

Optimizing Your Advertising Budget in 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

In an increasingly competitive business environment, effectively managing your advertising budget is essential for success. This comprehensive guide is designed for marketers, business owners, and anyone responsible for advertising spend. You'll learn actionable strategies to optimize your budget, from setting clear objectives and understanding your target audience to selecting the most effective channels for your goals. We'll also delve into advanced techniques like A/B testing, seasonal adjustments, and ROI tracking. By the end of this guide, you'll have the tools and knowledge to make informed decisions that maximize your advertising ROI, ensuring you get the most value for every dollar spent. 
 
Set Clear Objectives  

Why it's important: Before allocating any funds, it's essential to have clear objectives. 

How to implement: Are you looking to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or perhaps improve customer retention? Your goals will dictate how you should distribute your budget. 

In the realm of advertising, setting clear objectives is not just beneficial—it's essential. Operating without well-defined goals is akin to sailing without a compass; you might move, but not necessarily in the direction you intend. Whether your aim is to bolster brand awareness, escalate sales, or enhance customer retention, establishing clear objectives provides a roadmap for your advertising budget. These objectives act as benchmarks, enabling you to measure success through key performance indicators (KPIs) that align with your goals. This focused approach ensures that every dollar you allocate is strategically invested, making your advertising campaigns not just operational, but optimally effective. 
 

Know Your Audience   

Why it's important: Understanding your target audience is key to optimizing your advertising budget. 

How to implement: Use analytics tools to gather data on customer demographics, behavior, and preferences. This information will help you tailor your campaigns and choose the platforms that offer the highest ROI. 
 
Knowing your audience is the cornerstone of any successful advertising campaign. In a digital age awash with data, there's no excuse for not understanding who your customers are, what they want, and how they behave online. Utilizing analytics tools can offer invaluable insights into customer demographics, online behavior, and even purchasing preferences. This data not only informs your campaign strategies but also helps you select the platforms that will give you the highest return on investment. By tailoring your message to resonate with your target audience, you're not just casting a wide net and hoping for the best; you're aiming a well-calibrated arrow at a clearly defined target, ensuring that your advertising budget is spent effectively. 

Prioritize High-Performing Channels  

Why it's important: Not all advertising channels are created equal. 

How to implement: Analyze the performance metrics of each channel you're considering and prioritize those that align with your objectives. 
 
Prioritizing high-performing channels is a strategic move that can significantly impact the effectiveness of your advertising budget. It's crucial to identify which channels align best with your business objectives. Whether it's social media, search engines, or industry-specific websites, you'll want to invest more in platforms that have proven to deliver strong engagement or conversion rates. Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value can guide you in making data-driven decisions. By focusing your budget on channels that have historically performed well, you optimize the chances of your campaign's success. 

A/B Testing  

Why it's important: A/B testing is a powerful tool for optimizing your advertising budget. 

How to implement: By running two slightly different versions of an ad, you can compare their performance and determine which elements are most effective. This allows you to fine-tune your campaigns and allocate more budget to high-performing ads. 
 
A/B testing is an invaluable method for optimizing your advertising budget, allowing you to make data-driven decisions that enhance campaign effectiveness. This approach involves running two slightly different versions of an ad simultaneously to see which performs better in terms of key metrics like click-through rates, conversions, or engagement. The insights gained from A/B testing go beyond surface-level metrics; they can reveal consumer preferences and behaviors that are not immediately obvious. For instance, you might discover that a different call-to-action phrase or image significantly boosts engagement. By continually testing and refining your ads, you can allocate more of your budget to the elements that deliver the best results, thereby maximizing ROI. 

Seasonal Adjustments  

Why it's important: Certain times of the year may require a different advertising approach. 

How to implement: Be prepared to adjust your budget to capitalize on these opportunities, such as holidays or peak shopping seasons. 

Seasonal adjustments are crucial for optimizing your advertising budget. Different times of the year, like holidays or peak shopping seasons, demand a tailored approach. Being prepared to reallocate your budget during these periods can significantly boost ROI. This strategy aligns your advertising efforts with consumer behavior, ensuring you reach your target audience when they're most receptive. It's not just about increasing spend, but making smarter, data-driven decisions based on seasonal trends. 
 
 
Monitor and Adjust  

Why it's important: Optimizing your advertising budget is an ongoing process. 

How to implement: Regularly monitor the performance of your campaigns and be prepared to make adjustments. If a particular channel is not delivering the expected results, consider reallocating those funds to a more effective platform. 

Leverage Organic Reach  

Why it's important: Don't underestimate the power of organic reach. 

How to implement: Invest time and effort into building a strong organic presence on social media platforms, blogs, and even through customer reviews. 
 

Cost-Effective Platforms  

Why it's important: High-profile platforms aren't always the best option. 

How to implement: Consider lesser-known or niche platforms that offer more cost-effective solutions and lower competition. 

ROI Tracking  

Why it's important: Always track the ROI of your advertising campaigns. 

How to implement: Use analytics tools to measure key performance indicators like click-through rates, conversion rates, and customer acquisition costs. This data will not only help you optimize your current budget but also provide valuable insights for future campaigns. 

Conclusion  

Optimizing your advertising budget is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Implementing these strategies will set you on the path to maximizing your advertising ROI in 2024. 

Mixing Flavors: How to Align Your Brand with a Partner in Co-Branded Emails

Co-branding in emails is like crafting a culinary masterpiece. It's about mixing flavors, finding the right balance, and creating something that tantalizes the taste buds. But instead of spices and sauces, we're blending brands. The challenge? Ensuring that both brands' values, audiences, and goals align perfectly. Let's dive into this delicious endeavor.

Identifying Your Brand's Flavor

Just as every dish has its unique flavor, your brand has its core values, target audience, and unique selling points. To identify your brand's "flavor," consider these questions:

• What are your brand's core values?
• Who is your target audience?
• What makes your brand stand out?

Understanding your brand's essence is the first step towards finding the perfect partner to blend with.

Finding the Right Partner

Finding the right partner for co-branding is like pairing wine with cheese. It requires research, evaluation, and a keen sense of taste. Here's what to look for in a partner:

• Shared Values: Do their values align with yours?
• Complementary Audiences: Will your audiences appreciate each other?
• Mutual Benefits: What can both brands gain from this collaboration?

Take your time to explore, evaluate, and ensure that the partnership feels just right.

Creating a Recipe for Success

Now that you've found the perfect partner, it's time to create a co-branded email campaign that reflects both brands. Here's your recipe for success:

• Design Considerations: Blend visuals that represent both brands harmoniously.
• Messaging Alignment: Craft copy that speaks to both audiences without losing your unique voice.
• Collaboration Strategies: Work closely with your partner to ensure a seamless experience.

Think of it as creating a new dish that combines the best of both worlds.

Tasting and Adjusting

Before serving your co-branded email to the masses, test it with a small audience segment. Gather feedback, taste the results, and make necessary adjustments. It's all about finding the perfect balance that pleases the palate.

Conclusion

Aligning your brand with a partner in co-branded emails is a creative and strategic process. It's about understanding your brand's flavor, finding the right partner, crafting a recipe for success, and making adjustments until it's just right.

Co-branding is more than a marketing tactic; it's an art form. Approach it with curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to experiment. After all, the best dishes often come from unexpected combinations.

Ready to Mix Flavors?

If you're ready to explore the world of co-branded emails or need personalized assistance, we at Connections are here to help. Share your co-branding success stories or reach out to us for guidance. Together, we'll create something deliciously successful.

Connections is excited to introduce CJ Pony Parts to the Connections Marketplace!

CJ Pony Parts has been in business for over 35 years, providing parts and accessories for classic Mustangs, Broncos, Jeeps, Chevys and other vehicles. With the widest online selection of aftermarket parts, CJ Pony Parts is all about the love of the automotive restoration and performance hobby.

If you’re looking for that rare male audience, CJ Pony Parts is a perfect fit, with over 80% male audience. 25-54 age range and high HHI of $100k+, this is a fresh, new program ready to perform for your brand.

With a package insert program that is delivered monthly to 40,000+ US customers and growing, this opportunity is one that is primed to help you convert new male customers.

All campaigns and creative are subject to client approval.