BONUS: Three More Branding Lessons from Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift just gave us a masterclass in brand voice. Read our full blog post about her announcement. 1. Transparency and Vulnerability Build Loyalty — Not Weakness Taylor has never shied away from showing the personal side of her story. From heartbreak ballads to public statements about betrayal, she invites her audience into the real […]
What Taylor Swift Just Taught Us About Brand Voice — And Why It Matters More Than Ever

Taylor Swift didn’t just reclaim her music this week — she reclaimed her voice. The announcement that she now officially owns her master recordings — not just the “Taylor’s Version” re-recordings, but the full early catalog that launched her career — is being celebrated as a massive business win. But it’s more than a business […]
Handle with Care: What Retailers Need to Know About Mother’s Day Messaging

Mother’s Day is one of those holidays that brings up all kinds of feelings. For some, it’s joyful and celebratory. For others, it’s complicated or even painful. If you’re a retailer, chances are you’re planning some kind of Mother’s Day campaign—maybe reminding customers that you have great gift ideas or offering a little promo to […]
From Gimmick to Game-Changer: Why Real Leaders Are Reimagining AI for Human-Centered Business

In a world captivated by the dazzle of emerging technology, artificial intelligence (AI) often gets mistaken for a novelty act—a flashy tool to impress, not a foundational shift in how we do business. But at Synaptic, we see things differently. AI is not a party trick. It’s a seismic transformation that requires a fundamental change […]
What a Year in Podcasting Taught Us About Storytelling, Brand Trust & Credibility

We’ve been members of the Podcast Professionals Association for a year (which we highly recommend!). If there’s one thing that the insight we’ve gained has made clear, it’s this: podcasting isn’t just a content trend—it’s a powerful tool in your brand’s storytelling portfolio. As someone who has spent years helping brands build credibility and weather […]
8 Ways to Track Trends on Social Media

Click here to read the original article via business.com. Because trending topics change rapidly, keeping track of what’s hot on each social media platform can be challenging. However, catching a trend at the right time can offer a significant boost to your social media marketing. Business.com spoke with digital and social media marketing experts to uncover […]
Marketing in 2025: Why Promotion Alone Isn’t Enough

For years, marketing has centered around one idea: Promote. Promote. Promote. Buy the course. Hire the expert. Run the ad. Get more visibility. Drive more traffic. Grow faster. And sure, that playbook has fueled a lot of growth for a lot of businesses. It’s also created a lot of noise—and a lot of pressure. But […]
More Than Networking: How Chambers Can Become a Lifeline for Local Businesses

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, small to mid-sized businesses face unprecedented challenges in managing their reputations. A single negative incident can escalate quickly, leading to significant financial and reputational damage. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, (Synaptic is a long-time member) 94% of consumers say a negative online reputation can make them avoid […]
Speaking Through Spending: Aligning Your Purchases with Your Values

If you’ve ever watched an episode of Shark Tank, you’ve probably noticed that the Sharks tend to invest in businesses whose products or services align with their own interests, values, or expertise. They’re not just looking at profits—they’re backing ideas they believe in. This same principle applies to everyday consumers. Just like investors, we have […]
The Power of Balance: Balanced Tactics for Future-Proof Results

When the world shifts, does your marketing strategy stand strong? By balancing traditional tactics like direct mail and referrals with digital tools like email and social media, your business can weather uncertainty and thrive. The best strategies don’t just connect—they empower your business to promote and protect its reputation, adapt to change, and build lasting […]