A little about Razorfish
Razorfish is one of the largest interactive marketing companies in the world. With a demonstrated commitment to innovation, Razorfish counsels its clients on how to leverage digital channels such as the Web, mobile devices, in-store technologies, and other emerging media to engage people, build brand loyalty and provide excellent customer service. Razorfish has offices in markets across the US, and in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, and the UK. Clients include Carnival Cruise Lines, MillerCoors, Levi Strauss & Co., McDonald’s, and Starwood Hotels.
With Marin, I can ins tantly get a 360-degree view of how our search marketing program is working for our clients at a variety of levels. The filter functionality allows for me to quickly sift through an account to understand performance across client KPI’s across hundreds of thousands of keywords and seamlessly generate critical reports with the click of a button, and measure ROI to the keyword level on any account at any time.
Razorfish wanted to centralize paid search management across their client base
Razorfish operates an extensive search marketing department, delivering full-service SEM and SEO services to large brand-name clients. The search marketing team of 100+ experts is spread out across the U.S. and manages hundreds of accounts for over 50 large brands, including J. Crew, Shutterfly, Starwood, Weight Watchers, Disney and CapitalOne..
With search marketing being such a crucial – and fast-growing – part of Razorfish’s business, the company wanted to standardize paid-search management onto one, robust application, enabling the agency’s paid search experts to drive more efficiency and higher ROI out of the paid search channel for their clients. The paid search management application had to be easy to use, scalable, and seamlessly integrate with Razorfish’s existing analytics and campaign management platforms, allowing teams to quickly port existing search management accounts and third-party data onto the platform for minimal client disruption.
Years prior to selecting a new search management application, Razorfish managed their accounts using a first-generation application that required significant manual campaign management. This process was time-consuming and cumbersome. Simple ad-hoc client requests for reporting often required a specialist to spend hours pulling and manually analyzing data. Razorfish needed a next-generation application that could efficiently handle the paid search programs of their diverse clientele; automate reporting for analysis and trend spotting; and provide sophisticated geo-targeting features for large accounts, as well as easy-to-use optimization and creative testing features for smaller accounts.
With Marin, Sitewire reduced time to deploy while maintaining URLS (and quality score history)
Razorfish undertook a comprehensive review of all paid search management applications on the market and chose Marin Software for its ability to accurately measure and improve paid search ROI, quickly onboard new clients, and streamline the process of bid and campaign optimization. Razorfish account managers and account executives use Marin Software on a daily basis to manage all aspects of their clients’ paid search programs – from bid management and reporting, to campaign analysis and optimization – while managers such as the Director of Search Marketing use Marin’s dashboard to get a high-level view of program performance. Marin’s ability to create reports in minutes was a real plus for Razorfish, as any time saved from doing manual reporting could be reinvested into improving client support, integration, and strategic planning.
- Dimension reporting – Allows Razorfish search teams to roll-up search performance data using custom hierarchies for information such as brand, category, promotion, and campaign across all publishers.
- Automated reporting – Scheduled delivery of tailored reports saves the search team hours of work each day. From high-level, weekly reports for the client to more detailed daily reporting for internal management, Razorfish’s search marketing teams now spend minutes on setting up a recurring report rather than hours of time stitching together data in Excel worksheets.
- Keyword expansion and creative testing – Integrated keyword research and testing tools enable teams to quickly scale campaigns and increase conversion rates.
- Flexible and rapid implementation – Marin’s ability to integrate with existing tracking tools and onboard clients quickly allows Razorfish to implement new business, faster.
Razorfish has been working with Marin Software since early 2008 to help manage its search programs globally across all of its offices.
Great improvement for Razorfish using Marin
By integrating the data from all publishers in one place, Marin enables Symantec to quickly analyze and optimize revenue performance on a daily basis, identify the outliers and trends, and apply this information to inform strategy. Despite the complexity of multiple publishers, multiple conversion types and campaigns that span not only search but display and retargeting, Marin’s automated bidding capability enables Symantec to key on revenue maximization—the one financial metric that means the most to their business—and provided a 67% increase in their return on ad spend (ROAS).
- Reduced time spent on daily bidding, reporting, and campaign management by up to 50%
- Reduced time spent on-boarding new clients by two-thirds
- Re-investment of team resources to better serve clients and optimize campaigns for higher performance and ROI
- More accurate budget forecasting based on clients’ specific conversion and ROI goals
- More accurate daily, weekly, and monthly reporting – at the keyword, ad group, campaign, and trend (seasonal, promotional, etc.) level
- Improved overall campaign performance and boosted ROI on accounts
- Dashboard view of key performance indicators allows teams to make quick decisions to increase or decrease bids and budgets, set new ROI goals, or change keyword makeup
In 2024, marketing wasn’t just about selling - it was about creating experiences that left audiences saying, "Did they just read my mind?" This year’s trends screamed, “Level up!” AI handled the heavy lifting, social platforms redefined connection (goodbye old Twitter, hello Threads), and authenticity remained essential. Brands that thrived rode these trends to build deeper, more genuine connections.
Every great navigator knows the best maps are drawn from experience - so let’s dive into 2024’s top digital marketing trends!
1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Integration
AI became central to marketing, enhancing personalization and efficiency. Generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and DALL-E drove content creation for everything from product descriptions to ad creatives. Tools like Meta’s Advantage+, Google’s Performance Max, and TikTok’s Symphony automated ad creation based on user behavior. According to Deloitte’s 2024 State of Generative AI report, 34% of organizations identified productivity gains as the most important benefit, and 67% increased their AI investments.
Predictive analytics also took off, with AI tools like Salesforce Einstein and Adobe Sensei providing insights into audience behavior. Brands using Marin’s dynamic budget allocation saw at least a 10% increase in ROI when AI managed their budgets. Conversational AI tools like OpenAI’s ChatGPT API and Drift enabled real-time customer service, with 82% of consumers preferring chatbots over waiting for human representatives.
AI-powered Martech platforms like HubSpot’s Operations Hub streamlined workflows by automating tasks like lead scoring and email scheduling. 62% of marketing activities are now performed using Martech tools, and spending is expected to grow to 30.9% of marketing budgets within five years.
However, AI also raised concerns. The World Economic Forum reported that 23% of jobs will change by 2027 due to AI. Ethical concerns around data privacy and algorithmic fairness prompted companies like IBM and Microsoft to adopt AI ethics guidelines. AI’s future isn’t about replacing creativity - it’s about amplifying it with the right tools.
To Do: Integrate AI-powered tools for content creation, predictive analytics, and automation to boost efficiency and deliver personalized customer experiences.
2. Evolution of Social Media and Community-Focused Platforms
Social media saw major shifts in 2024, with Threads and BlueSky emerging as alternatives to X (formerly Twitter). Platforms like Discord and Reddit solidified their roles as hubs for engaged, topic-specific communities. Brands that successfully tapped into these spaces fostered deeper loyalty and more authentic interactions.
Short-form video content ruled, with 54% of marketers using TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts - the highest adoption among content formats. 83% of marketers found short-form videos the most effective, prompting 42% of non-users to plan adoption within the year.
Authenticity took precedence, with 68% of consumers favoring relatable content over polished productions. Nano and micro-influencers thrived, achieving higher engagement rates by fostering genuine connections. The rise of social commerce turned platforms into shopping hubs, with features like Instagram Shopping and TikTok’s in-app purchasing simplifying the path from discovery to purchase.
To Do: Prioritize short-form video and community engagement on platforms like Discord, Reddit, and Threads to build loyalty and boost authenticity.
3. Continued Rise of Retail Media Networks
Retail media networks (RMNs) have emerged as a pivotal force in digital advertising, with projections indicating that U.S. omnichannel retail media ad spend will reach $54.85 billion in 2024, marking a 26% year-over-year growth. This surge is driven by retail giants like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Kroger, which have expanded their ad networks to offer brands valuable first-party data for highly targeted campaigns.
The appeal of RMNs lies in their ability to merge contextual targeting with purchase data, enhancing ad relevance and directly linking them to sales outcomes. Industries such as consumer packaged goods (CPG), beauty, and electronics have increasingly leveraged these networks, with 32% of marketers planning to boost their RMN investments in 2025.
The retail media landscape has further diversified with platforms like Instacart Ads and Uber’s Journey Ads, enabling brands to engage consumers at critical decision-making moments. Notably, Kroger's retail media network, Kroger Precision Marketing, is forecasted to grow by 20% in 2024, underscoring the sector's robust expansion. Overall, the retail media market is expected to reach $82 billion in spending by 2027, reflecting its significant and sustained growth trajectory.
To Do: Review retail media networks for ad placement opportunities to leverage first-party data and reach your consumers at critical buying moments.
4. Emphasis on Personalized Marketing
In 2024, personalized marketing proved essential for customer engagement. 80% of consumers were more likely to purchase from brands offering tailored experiences, underscoring the need for relevance in marketing strategies. Companies that implemented advanced personalization reported a $20 return for every $1 spent, demonstrating the substantial ROI personalization delivers.
However, challenges remained. 40% of B2B companies cited personalization hurdles due to budget constraints and data management complexities. Despite these obstacles, the benefits continued to drive innovation, with brands leveraging AI and data analytics to enhance customer experiences and stay competitive. Personalized marketing wasn’t just a trend - it became a core driver of business success.
To Do: Implement AI-driven personalization strategies and messaging to enhance your customer engagement and maximize ROI. When in doubt - test, test, test!
5. Focus on Data Privacy and Compliance
Google’s reversal on phasing out third-party cookies in Chrome marked a major development in 2024. 70% of senior marketers welcomed the decision, while 38% of UK consumers planned to opt out of third-party cookies. Brands pivoted to first-party data strategies and AI-driven analytics to personalize experiences responsibly.
Regulatory changes added pressure. In the U.S., the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) proposed rules to regulate data brokers and protect consumer data. In the EU, the Artificial Intelligence Act introduced strict guidelines for AI transparency and ethical data use. These changes highlighted the need for marketers to balance innovation with compliance and trust.
To Do: Strengthen your first-party data strategy and ensure compliance with evolving privacy regulations to maintain trust and personalization capabilities.
6. Adoption of Immersive Technologies
Immersive tech continued to evolve in 2024. Versace used AR filters and gaming platforms for product launches, and Valentino Beauty introduced smart mirrors for virtual try-ons. Disney integrated AR and VR into theme parks, offering interactive rides and AR scavenger hunts.
Yet, mass adoption lagged. Apple’s Vision Pro headset struggled, selling just 370,000 units in its first three quarters, leading to scaled-back production. High costs and limited content kept consumers hesitant. Still, the global AR/VR market is projected to grow from $62.76 billion in 2023 to $299.24 billion by 2030. Brands that embrace these tools now will be ready for a future where digital experiences feel more real than ever.
To Do: Where appropriate, evaluate potential AR and VR partnerships to create interactive brand experiences and stay ahead of the immersive tech curve.
So, what does all of this mean for you as a digital marketer entering 2025? The biggest lesson from 2024 was that yesterday’s strategies won’t carry you into tomorrow. Gen Z and Millennials demanded purpose-driven, tech-savvy marketing that didn’t just make promises but delivered on them. Immersive tech, influencer partnerships, and ethically sound data practices set the stage for what’s next. As digital marketing continues its rapid evolution, one thing is clear: brands that prioritize trust, innovation, and personalization will lead the charge.
If 2024 was the year of adaptation, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of acceleration. Stay tuned for our follow-up piece, “Performance Marketing Trends for 2025,” where we’ll unpack the opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the year ahead.
