Nov
23
2020
23
2020
The Importance of Marketing
It is often said that marketing is one of the most important functions a business can engage in. But why? It might seem more logicalContinue...
Nov
19
2020
19
2020
RELAUNCHING A LEGACY: How MACLYN managed the Richards-Wilcox Triple Threat
The brand you build to represent your company should be the same as the brand you put on the product itself. It embodies everything youContinue...
Nov
16
2020
16
2020
Influencer Marketing: What is it and why is it important?
When you hear the term “influencer marketing,” you probably think of a Kardashian. Which Kardashian is up to you – it doesn’t really matter, andContinue...
Nov
12
2020
12
2020
The Nonprofit’s Survival Guide to 2020-2021
Much has been said about the economic devastation of the pandemic: the jobs lost, the businesses closed, the industries overturned. Less attention has been givenContinue...
Oct
23
2020
23
2020
Key benefits of social media marketing
Everyone is on social media these days, right? Even our grandparents are active on Facebook and discovering YouTube videos. Pretty much every demographic has aContinue...
Oct
16
2020
16
2020
What is digital marketing?
In the era of remote work, social distancing and the “new normal,” everything is digital. From conferences to school to happy hours, we can doContinue...
Oct
13
2020
13
2020
First Impressions: Some Advice for Launching Your Brand
Everyone knows that first impressions matter. When you meet someone for the first time, the impression that you make stays with them long after theContinue...
Oct
5
2020
5
2020
The Art of Branding: Crafting a Visual Identity
At its simplest, a Brand can be broken out into 2 sections, Core Messaging and Visual Identity. Neither is more important than the other, butContinue...
Oct
2
2020
2
2020
What Does a Marketing Agency Do?
The word marketing is tossed around so often. There's so much thought leadership and meanings out there, so we like to cut straight to theContinue...
Sep
25
2020
25
2020
What is a Design Agency?
As an omni-service marketing agency, we get it. We are also a design agency. We get that question a lot: what is a design agency?Continue...
Sep
2
2020
2
2020
What is Content Marketing? How To Create Brand Value
In 2020, to win sales you first have to win souls: and content marketing is how you reach hearts and minds. And value is theContinue...
Aug
24
2020
24
2020
What Is Marketing Strategy? Finding Your Ideal Advisor
When you walk through the doors of an agency, they should have an answer to "What is marketing strategy?" There are companies that try toContinue...
Aug
6
2020
6
2020
Herding Virtual Cats: Best Practices for Hosting Your Virtual Event
Many of us had our first taste of hosting a virtual event this spring, when the world shut down and we attempted to bring ourContinue...
Aug
4
2020
4
2020
What To Look For When Hiring A Marketing Agency
Ah, the hunt for a marketing agency. It’s like dating. You swipe right on a lot of profiles. You chat, you go out, only toContinue...
Jul
29
2020
29
2020
Key Differences Between A Marketing and Advertising Agency
You might’ve heard, but the world’s a little crazy now. Everyone is redefining themselves. You should ask yourself who you are every day. To reaffirmContinue...
Jul
20
2020
20
2020
The Benefits of Marketing Analytics
As an agency, we are constantly looking at data – our own data, our clients’ data, industry data and so on. In order for ourContinue...
Jun
29
2020
29
2020
5 Tips to Consider When Communicating with Clients
There’s no B2B or B2C – there is only person to person. Every business relationship is just that: a relationship. Client communication is an integralContinue...
May
29
2020
29
2020
E-commerce for Small Biz
As a marketing agency, we’re seeing today’s shoppers go digital like never before. Now, businesses of all sizes – including small shops that have traditionallyContinue...
May
19
2020
19
2020
It’s Time to Outsource Your Marketing
In this post, we’re spotlighting Outsourced Marketing by MACLYN, a new service that’s perfect for small businesses and larger organizations navigating the new normal.Continue...
May
14
2020
14
2020
How Public Relations Plays a Role in Everyday Life
Often, public relations feels like this nebulous concept that brands have difficulty pinpointing. What is it? How can I measure its value? Why should IContinue...
Apr
15
2020
15
2020
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Abbey Bobzin
Special effects makeup and PR aren’t all that different. They’re about transformation. About telling the right story in the right light. About making people believe.Continue...
Mar
24
2020
24
2020
Co-working Through COVID-19: How to Make It Work
Here’s some fun and hopeful tips and tricks the #EnemyOfAverage has found helpful the past week. For though we’re apart, we still work right alongsideContinue...
Mar
17
2020
17
2020
In the Wake of a Crisis, We’re Getting Creative
As a marketing agency, we’ve always used our talent and resources to promote the people and things we believe in. That isn’t changing. However, nowContinue...
Mar
10
2020
10
2020
Marketing Across the Generations
Generational cohorts provide a way to understand how different experiences interact with the lifecycle and aging process to shape people’s views of the world. Continue...
Feb
24
2020
24
2020
Social Media Video Trends
Content. Trends. Brand. Engagement. These are not just words that we hear every day in the agency. These are the goals that guide our strategyContinue...
Dec
5
2019
5
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Sashwatha Sridhar
There’s been much written about Sashwatha Sridhar: Her advertising professor said of her: “Some people write like sandpaper. Some like frosting. Some like air. SashContinue...
Nov
27
2019
27
2019
Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Stephanie Snyder
Steph began developing her passion for photography when she was just 10. That’s when someone handed her a plastic Walgreens camera. “It was very, veryContinue...
Nov
13
2019
13
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Amanda Regan
Amanda went to college to be a teacher, but she soon found her passion for communication could change the world in other ways. For her,Continue...
Oct
28
2019
28
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Carly Slomski
Carly is a cool case study in contradictions. “I’m just a loving caring emo kid. I’m an aggressive hippy. I’m an assertive sweetheart. I’m aContinue...
Aug
21
2019
21
2019
Now Hiring: Junior Art Director
We don’t want just an Art Director. We want someone who shakes the Hand of Adam with the machine, while pulling stardust from the sky.Continue...
Aug
19
2019
19
2019
Now Hiring: Strategist + Account Executive in Des Moines
MACLYN Des Moines is looking for a hybrid: someone with the perfect blend of strategic and relationship management skills. As an Account Executive + Strategist,Continue...
Aug
16
2019
16
2019
Now Hiring: Copywriters
MACLYN doesn’t just want copywriters. We want someone who reads Whitman during their lunch break, then references him in a billboard. Someone who asks forContinue...
Aug
16
2019
16
2019
Now Hiring: 5 of Des Moines’ Best Brains
MACLYN is now building a squad of smart, cool people to grow our Des Moines portfolio and go where no agency has gone before. WeContinue...
Jul
15
2019
15
2019
Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Danielle Ethier
After graduating from Michigan State University, Danielle hopped a 747 to pursue a career in big agencies and big brands, an adventure that took herContinue...
Jul
8
2019
8
2019
Now Hiring: Copywriter
MACLYN doesn’t want a copywriter. We want someone who reads Whitman during their lunch break, then references him in a billboard. Someone who asks forContinue...
Jun
26
2019
26
2019
Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Jose Torres
Jose is a visual storyteller who captures moments colored with meaning and style: a proposal on a city street, a tropical island wedding, a cherryContinue...
Jun
14
2019
14
2019
Now Hiring: Naperville-based Account Executive - Media Relations
We are hiring an Account Executive with mad media relations skills to work with one of our flagship clients. As an Account Executive at ourContinue...
Jun
11
2019
11
2019
Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Kira Ryan
Kira is a Game of Thrones fanatic that was fairly disappointed with the finale. Ok she hated it. She is also self-described “dog mom” ofContinue...
May
17
2019
17
2019
Meet MACLYN’s ludicrously talented new hires
MACLYN just added a trio of badasses to our account and creative teams: an Account Director, a Jr. Strategic Planner, and a Content Creator. Here’sContinue...
Apr
24
2019
24
2019
Summer Copywriter Internship: Naperville
The What Is This? A high-stakes Copywriting Internship that immerses one spry young writer in the real world of creative advertising, complete with Peggy Olsons,Continue...
Apr
24
2019
24
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Naomi Frantz
Our Design Intern, Naomi, is a Creative Liger Meet Naomi. She’s a student, a barista, a painter, a vegan, an artist, and a Design InternContinue...
Apr
23
2019
23
2019
Now Hiring: Naperville-Based Account Executive
We are hiring an Account Executive to attract and retain clients in the Chicagoland area and beyond. As an Account Executive at our Naperville HQ,Continue...
Mar
29
2019
29
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Nick Imerman
Eight Things You Should Know About Our New Jr. Art Director, Nick Imerman #1. He has a healthy obsession with weight-lifting. He asked thatContinue...
Mar
26
2019
26
2019
Under the Influence: The Power of Social Media Mavens
In the modern age of advertising, it’s not enough to talk AT people. You have to talk WITH them. After years of bombardment and asContinue...
Mar
4
2019
4
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Season Travelbee
In addition to having the most funkadelic name in the world (we think she’s a secret agent), Season draws her inspiration from the most eclectic places –Continue...
Feb
22
2019
22
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Brian Sauer
MACLYN’s Creative Director is a pop-culture fanatic, a G.I. Joe junkie, an award-winning creative, and a recognizable, mustachioed face around Des Moines. As Creative Director,Continue...
Feb
12
2019
12
2019
Meet MACLYN's Finest: J.R. Kinney
Everyone knows J.R. What do you mean, you don’t know J.R.!? Omg. You’re walking around, doing your thing, and you don’t know J.R.? Ugh. Alright.Continue...
Jan
30
2019
30
2019
We Just Opened a New Des Moines Office, and It Has Pancakes
MACLYN has opened a new location at the heart of the funkiest city in the Midwest. It’s a sweet new place for us to continue servingContinue...
Jan
30
2019
30
2019
MACLYN Opens New Des Moines Location, Acquires Agency
MACLYN is thrilled to announce we have acquired Saturday MFG as we open a new Des Moines location.Continue...
Jan
29
2019
29
2019
Des Moines-Based Saturday MFG. Acquired by MACLYN Group
Award-Winning Chicagoland Creative Agency to Solidify Presence in IowaContinue...
Jan
18
2019
18
2019
The Agency/Technology Arms Race, Explained
Branding agencies & technology firms are battling for your soul. It’s kind of intense.Continue...
Dec
21
2018
21
2018
Now Hiring: Des Moines-Based Account Executive
We are hiring an Account Executive to attract and retain clients in the greater Des Moines metro and beyond. As the lead Account Executive atContinue...
Dec
14
2018
14
2018
SIPPING IS BELIEVING: The Story of Dunkin’ Espresso
When our client Dunkin’ needed to get the word out about their new line of hand-crafted Espresso beverages, we brewed up an unbelievable blend ofContinue...
Jul
25
2018
25
2018
Now Hiring: Social Media Content Creator
MACLYN needs a social juggernaut. Someone who can speak exclusively in Emoji. Someone who can slide effortlessly into my DM. Someone who lies awake atContinue...
May
25
2018
25
2018
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF THE MACLYN-VERSE
We’re pleased to report that both interns have survived 10 days (possibly 11, or even 12, depending on when you read this) of MACLYN’s Not-Your-AverageContinue...
Apr
30
2018
30
2018
Your Company is a Rocket and Your Brand is High-Octane Fuel
The Real-Deal, No-BS Bottom Line of Your Company’s “Big Idea” – and how it’s going to take you to the moon & beyond. Let’s getContinue...
Mar
2
2018
2
2018
Flying the Flag: The Crucial Component of Company Culture
When you’re building a brand, you’re building a belief system. And it becomes your company culture.Continue...
Feb
21
2018
21
2018
Not-Your-Average-Intern Bootcamp
Attennnnnnnnntion! Padawans, Apprentices, Young Grasshoppers: Enlist in MACLYN’s Not-Your-Average-Intern Bootcamp, and you’ll train, create and transform alongside bona fide badasses of the advertising world.Continue...
Feb
20
2018
20
2018
Winning the War: The Importance of the Advertising Long Game
At MACLYN, we believe advertising is not about the product: it’s about the consumer’s relationship with the brand. About what it allows them to do.Continue...
Feb
14
2018
14
2018
From MACLYN, With Love: An Open Letter to Our Clients.
*Turns on the Barry White.* Hey, there… Client. It’s MACLYN, your partner (in advertising).Continue...
Feb
8
2018
8
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 6: Brandguard
After launching the IMRIS brand, we grow it, guard it, and keep it at the forefront of the industry. Launching the brand was just theContinue...
Feb
8
2018
8
2018
Now Hiring: Strategic Planner
We’re looking for the Sun Tzu of strategic planners. You are a more-polite Genghis Khan. An Alexander the Great (without all the blood-lust). A post-rehabContinue...
Feb
7
2018
7
2018
THE VALUE OF BRAND
What’s in a name? Only the key to victory. Because if sales is a war, then brand is the way to win it.Continue...
Feb
5
2018
5
2018
Sorry, Nick Foles. Storytelling was 2018'S Real MVP.
For those of us in the advertising game, last night’s spat between the Eagles and Those Other Guys was a good chance to restock onContinue...
Feb
1
2018
1
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 5: Launch
We assembled a ragtag team of talent: a pro chalk artist, a theatre troupe and a pair of musicians. Together, we put on an IMRIS-branded,Continue...
Jan
26
2018
26
2018
NOW HIRING: Dunkin' Donuts Brand Ambassador
MACLYN seeks energetic, responsible individuals to join our Dunkin’ Donuts Sampling Van Crew for part-time employment. The Dunkin’ Donuts Sampling Van travels throughout the ChicagolandContinue...
Jan
25
2018
25
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 4: Creation
A ballerina, a creative director and a camera crew walk into an operating theatre… Now that we have IMRIS’ Core Creative Idea, it’s time toContinue...
Jan
18
2018
18
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 3: Ideation
MACLYN’s creative team gathers in the “War Room” for an early Ideation session, a no-holds-barred brainstorm – where ideas fly, inspiration strikes and a conceptContinue...
Jan
11
2018
11
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part 2: Search & Discovery
“Discovery” is an immersive research process. Before creating a brand, we explore the landscape, interviewing key industry players, scouting-out the competition and searching everywhere forContinue...
Jan
9
2018
9
2018
"Cinematic Advertising" is Reshaping the Consumer Battleground.
Nexus Studios brings a concept to glorious, animated life in “The Story of an Idea.” This year’s ADDY Awards more closely resemble the Cannes FilmContinue...
Jan
4
2018
4
2018
Making the IMRIS Brand, Part I: Humanity Returns to Healthcare
“For the Human Experience” doesn’t look or sound like other brands in the medical technology industry.Continue...
Nov
9
2017
9
2017
Annual Chili Battle-Bowl: Pregame Analysis
Hold onto your spoons. Here comes MACLYN’s Annual Chili Battle-Bowl. That’s right; hordes of the agency’s harshest food-critics and most esteemed culinarians are about toContinue...
Nov
8
2017
8
2017
PROMOTING THE CAUSE
In this noble war against Average, heroes make themselves known. For their years of valor and service, for their recent months of distinguished bravery andContinue...
Nov
1
2017
1
2017
The Legend Marches On
MACLYN veteran Mike Naples will conquer a new role as Associate Creative Director.Continue...
Oct
25
2017
25
2017
For Valor. For Victory. For MACLYN.
Trumpets sound and troops roar as MACLYN Creative Director Jay Paonessa assumes the mantle of Vice President.Continue...
Oct
16
2017
16
2017
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Erin
Average, beware: Erin Byrne is an artistic badass. “I just feel compelled to create things - I always thought I'd be in the creative world.”Continue...
Oct
5
2017
5
2017
Meet MACLYN’s Finest: Rebecca
Black: sophisticated. Yellow: happy. Orange: energetic. Green: prosperous. And red… well… …red means war.Continue...
Sep
22
2017
22
2017
Musings from the Minds of MACLYN: Rigg Reflects
All my life, I’ve been a sworn Enemy of Average. The foul beast Banality and its minions marched through my village and razed it toContinue...
Jun
13
2017
13
2017
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Sam Brahler
Back in World War II, “Rosie the Riveter” was a symbol of strength, feminism and we-can-do-itness. She was also famous. But was she ever... Instafamous?Continue...
May
24
2017
24
2017
Cop On A Rooftop 2017: A Roundup of Stories From Around Chicagoland
MACLYN is proud to be a part of Dunkin' Donuts 15th annual Cop on a Rooftop. We are thrilled to support such an incredible cause.Continue...
May
18
2017
18
2017
NOW HIRING: Art Director
If you struggle against the “good enough,” if you reject the easy and the obvious to seek out the truly original, let’s create together.Continue...
May
12
2017
12
2017
Postcards From The Front: D.C. gets E.P.I.C.
We joined forces with a delegation of community & business leaders from the greater Des Moines region — nearly 200-strong. Together, we met with Congressional members, attended workshops and made an impression on key policymakers.Continue...
May
11
2017
11
2017
Postcards From The Front: IACP, Changing the Conversation
The intrepid minds of MACLYN took their badass blend of fire and fortitude to the Iowa Association of Community Providers at their annual conference, held at Iowa State University. It was a thrilling thought leadership barrage the likes of which had never before been witnessed. Continue...
Feb
23
2017
23
2017
Through the Looking Glass: How Augmented Reality is Changing the Game, and the World as We See it
MACLYN is perpetually in search of new tactics to turn the tide of our war with Average. Average has many allies. One of them isContinue...
Feb
7
2017
7
2017
Don't Stop Believing: At Super Bowl LI, Advertising Takes a Stand
“The will to succeed is always welcome here.” As a migrant mother and daughter walked through a doorway built through a border wall, 84 LumberContinue...
Jan
19
2017
19
2017
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Ian Rigg
When he’s not seeking harmony in the universe through words, Ian Rigg is creating it onstage.Continue...
Oct
19
2016
19
2016
EPRD to have a major rebranding
Article by: Jonathan Krueger, The Des Moines Register Following the lead of AltoonaNow, the East Polk Regional Development, Inc. has teamed up with MACLYN to help rebrandContinue...
Oct
18
2016
18
2016
MACLYN is Looking for a Kickass Social Media Marketing Intern
Do new social media tools get your brain going? Do your friends know you as a social media innovator? Are you constantly looking for newContinue...
Jun
30
2016
30
2016
MACLYN Announces the Opening of a Des Moines Office
Effective July 1, creative advertising agency, MACLYN, will be opening a Des Moines satellite office.Continue...
Jun
20
2016
20
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Tiki | Guru
Inspired by gurus of every universe—especially those of a galaxy far, far away—Tiki is an office mascot with the soul of a sage and theContinue...
Jun
14
2016
14
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Johnny Tijerina
So, will it be the hipster cat? Or do you prefer the beanie-wearing octopus? A brand story-teller who considers “alright” a slap to the face,Continue...
Jun
7
2016
7
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: David Mendoza
“When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”Continue...
Jun
7
2016
7
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Ray Kinney
His voice is heard across the office. His influence is seen around the County. But it’s his desire to improve the lives around him thatContinue...
May
25
2016
25
2016
Cop on a Rooftop 2016: A Roundup of Stories from Around Chicagoland
MACLYN is proud to partner with our client, Dunkin' Donuts, on the 14th Annual Cop on Rooftop fundraiser. This year, 234 participating Dunkin' Donuts locations raisedContinue...
May
24
2016
24
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Marc Hausmann
It was the shot heard ‘round the world.Continue...
May
2
2016
2
2016
Eastern Polk County, Iowa Joins the Fight
Creative advertising agency, MACLYN, has been hired by the Eastern Polk Regional Development (EPRD) to create a brand campaign and website for the economic developmentContinue...
May
2
2016
2
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Courtney Healy
Cabernet or pinot noir—a red pairs best with a novel in hand.Continue...
May
2
2016
2
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Troy Kelleher
There is exactly one right word.Continue...
Apr
29
2016
29
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Brent Seehafer
195-205. That’s about perfect. Continue...
Apr
21
2016
21
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Jay Paonessa
Jay is equal-parts creative and curator.Continue...
Apr
21
2016
21
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Kevin McMaster
One to greet the martini, one to maintain and one to say goodbye.Continue...
Apr
19
2016
19
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Mike Naples
There’s beauty in an orange.Continue...
Apr
15
2016
15
2016
Meet MACLYN's Finest: Bill Murphy
“When I’m not working, I’m with them.”Continue...
Feb
12
2016
12
2016
Reaching a Younger Audience Through Snapchat
Since it’s launch in 2011, Snapchat has quickly grown into one of the most popular social media applications in the world with 200 million users.Continue...
Jan
15
2016
15
2016
Native Ads Will Dominate Mobile in 2016
In a recent blog discussing 2016 advertising trends, we mentioned the importance of native advertising in order to keep up with digital and mobile trends.Continue...
Jan
4
2016
4
2016
