Some 49% of early engagement with prospects is via email, according to Demand Gen Report research, and Sendinblue's Steffen Schebesta advises marketers to use intent data to personalize messaging and send emails at the right time. Schebesta's other tips for more effective email marketing include A/B testing, conversational language and interactive elements like GIFs.

The American Advertising Federation has joined other ad groups to protest a California ballot initiative aimed at expanding the California Consumer Privacy Act. "The initiative would not only fail to provide meaningful new protections for Californians but would also impose considerable new costs on a business community that is still working to implement the California Consumer Privacy Act ... as well as weather substantial economic hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic," the groups jointly stated.

Patrick Gentempo explains the difference between brand purity and brand confusion, using Apple as an example of the former to which marketers should aspire. "You have brand purity when it's clear what your business stands for, when the values are clear, when the purpose is clear and everything about the visual brand, marketing copy, customer service and every aspect of your business reflects the core values and statement of purpose," he writes.

Email marketers can boost click-thru rates by embedding videos in messaging and should include the recipient's name and the word "video" in the subject line, writes Sean Gordon. Use strong copy to introduce the video's subject matter and length, and include a call to action relevant to its content, he advises.

Stick to the plans you make with your colleagues, and find time to interact with the new person in the office, writes entrepreneur Michael Volkmann. Show appreciation to co-workers who help you with a project by offering to help them with a task or treat them to a coffee.