It’s hard to believe we’re already well into the fourth quarter of 2022, and with that, the planning season for 2023 has begun. When preparing your annual marketing plans, you should always include a mix of the tried-and-true marketing tactics (for our brands that includes things like search marketing and direct mail marketing) as well as a space to test new tactics. But sometimes that feels easier said than done. If you find yourself stuck with the same old ideas for your 2023 marketing plans, here are a few places to look for inspiration.

Without question, Hand & Stone has rapidly established itself as one of the leading massage and facial service brands in the world. With over 500 locations across North America, the brand’s growth represented incredible success, but with aggressive expansion plans came a need for a strong digital marketing strategy. We asked Eric Haberacker, Social Media Director of Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa, to hear firsthand about the strategies the brand used as they scaled.

Don’t let summer’s trade show slow down lull you into losing touch with what lies ahead…and just how important it is to make the most of your trade show presence. In fact, now is the time to be getting into tip top shape so you can go the distance and cross the finish line, proudly looking back at your trade show performance.

In September of 2004, two neighbors and friends, Leslie Barron and Amy Reed, left their corporate jobs to pursue a career involving their love and passion for animals. The business eventually evolved into what Woofie’s is today: the first and only all-encompassing pet services franchise brand that includes pet sitting, dog walking and mobile pet grooming.

ALLIES has a mission to "advance diversity and inclusion" within the brand. In addition, they are peers who hope to learn alongside each other and develop acceptance of everyone's differences, ideas, and beliefs. In 2021, Homewatch CareGivers added a Diversity Discount of $5,000 for minorities and women that own 51% of the business or more, which led to an increase in the diversity of candidates to own a franchise.

Last week, I had the opportunity to go to Atlanta with a few of my colleagues and attend the very first Franchise Customer Experience Conference hosted by IFA and Franchise Update Media. The event brought together marketing, technology and operations professionals from a wide array of brands. Although there were many, I went ahead and listed a few top takeaways from the event below.