Following is a guest post from our friends over at Long & Short of It, masters of ideation, customer insights and market research. They like to say they “dig and find lots of data and then turn it into actionable insights.” Following is their guest post.
We’re not talking about what someone may say that sets you off
Instead, we’re referring to the trigger that sparks an impulse to potentially make a purchase. Interestingly, both concepts are somewhat connected. In psychology, a trigger is an external event or circumstance that elicits a reaction. It can stem from a sight, sound, smell, texture, or even being in a specific location.
These triggers often play a significant role in our decision-making process as consumers. For marketers, understanding them is crucial to crafting effective strategies that align with customer journeys.
Think about this: You don’t wake up one day and randomly decide to purchase a new car. Something sets that process in motion. Was it the funny noise your current car started making? Did your neighbor’s shiny new vehicle catch your eye? Or was it the irresistible “new car smell” you experienced in a rental? Triggers like these often serve as the initial spark that propels us toward action.
But Wait! Wasn’t it Because of My Awesome Advertising?
While advertising plays a role in this process, it’s rarely the sole reason for a purchase. Instead, advertisements often act as amplifiers, gently nudging individuals along their journey. They might inspire you just enough to click a link, visit a store, or start researching options. However, the true trigger typically lies deeper, intertwined with psychological and emotional factors. Therefore, understanding the triggers can serve as a solid strategic path or input to creating your advertising plans.
The Psychology of Triggers
The reason for this is because triggers tap into core human behaviors and emotions, creating connections that drive action. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that the scent of fresh-baked cookies in a store increased impulse purchases by creating an emotional association with comfort and home. Something Disney learned a long time ago as they pumped out the smell of fresh baked cookies near their bakery shop on Main Street.
Other times, the underlying psychological component that combines with a trigger to cause action is how some marketers tap into our fears and desires. It could be our desires to be more beautiful, wealthier, healthier, or simply having some FOMO (fear of missing out), which is why at times it feels irresistible to pass up that limited-time offer or access to exclusive products.
Take a Holistic Approach
When delving into the customer journey, it’s just as important to learn what someone is thinking and doing as well as feeling when they think about what triggered the need for a product or service. This holistic view enables brands to more clearly follow that journey into what people eventually do to make a purchase, whether it’s researching online, speaking to friends, or go window shopping. Try it on yourself! Think back to a recent purchase. What was your trigger? And what were you thinking, doing, and feeling when it compelled you to take that next step towards the purchase
From Trigger to Action
Once you’ve identified your customer’s triggers, the next steps are:
Map the Customer Journey: Understand where and how triggers emerge within the broader context of the customer’s decision-making process.
Leverage Emotional Insights: Use storytelling and messaging that aligns with the emotions tied to your customer’s triggers. For instance, if safety is a concern, emphasize features that promote security and peace of mind.
Design Engaging Touchpoints: Create sensory and interactive experiences that reinforce the trigger. If a scent triggers nostalgia, incorporate it into your physical or digital spaces.
By understanding the interplay between external triggers and internal motivators, you can create marketing strategies that not only reach your customers but also resonate deeply with them. In doing so, you are on your path to position your brand as a solution that meets their needs in both practical and emotional ways.
In a recent article from Forbes, Influencer marketing is a booming industry worth $24 billion, and despite challenges, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. A recent report found that 40% of marketers are dedicating a significant portion of their budgets to influencer campaigns. As we progress through 2025, several trends are shaping the future of this marketing strategy:
Creators as Advisors & Consultants: Influencers are increasingly becoming integral to brands’ strategies, influencing product development and trend forecasting, not just content creation.
LinkedIn’s B2C Potential: While traditionally a B2B platform, LinkedIn is emerging as a powerful channel for B2C brands, with creators leveraging it for deeper engagement with a professional audience.
Long-Term Partnerships: Brands are shifting towards long-term collaborations with creators, viewing them as strategic partners for growth, beyond one-off promotions.
User & Employee-Generated Content: With influencer fees rising, more brands are turning to cost-effective, authentic content created by users and employees to build trust with consumers.
In-Person Events: Experiential marketing is making a strong comeback, with influencers playing key roles in promoting and co-hosting live events.
For trades and industries like ours, these trends present valuable opportunities. Influencers are not just promoting products but are becoming key figures in shaping industry trends and engaging communities. By tapping into long-term partnerships, diversifying content strategies and even involving influencers in live, hands-on experiences, companies can enhance their brand visibility. This approach can help foster deeper connections with both professionals and consumers in the industry.
Matt Sonnhalter breaks down his top five takeaways from World of Concrete 2025! From cutting-edge innovations to emerging industry trends, Matt shares key insights from the show in the video below.
It’s crucial to establish an online brand identity to stand out. A strong brand identity not only helps you attract and keep customers but also differentiates you from competitors. Here’s how to build a compelling and cohesive brand identity.
Define Your Core Values
Before you start, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your brand’s core values. Ask yourself:
What is the purpose of your brand?
What values drive your business?
How do you want to impact your audience?
Defining these elements will serve as the foundation for all your branding efforts. Ensure that your online presence reflects these values consistently.
Design a Visual Identity
Visual elements are integral to your brand identity. This includes:
Logo: Your logo should be unique, memorable and reflective of your brand’s personality.
Color palette: Choose colors that align with your brand values.
Typography: Select fonts that enhance readability and fit your brand’s tone.
Consistency in visual design across your website, social media and other online platforms is essential for brand recognition.
Create a Cohesive Online Presence
Your website and social media profiles are often the first place for potential customers. Ensure that your brand identity is consistent across all these platforms. This includes:
Website design: Your website should be visually aligned with your brand and offer a user-friendly experience.
Social media: Profile images, cover photos and posts should all reflect your brand’s visual identity and voice.
Maintaining consistency helps in reinforcing your brand identity and making a strong impression.
Leverage Content Marketing
Content marketing is important for establishing your brand’s expertise. Create relevant content that aligns with your brand’s messaging and addresses your audience’s needs. This could include:
Blog posts: Share insights, tips and updates related to your industry.
Videos: Use videos to showcase your products, services or behind-the-scenes content.
High-quality content not only drives traffic but also helps in building credibility and brand recognition.
Monitor and Adapt
Building a strong online brand identity is an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your online presence and gather feedback from your audience. Use analytics tools to track performance and identify areas for improvement. Be ready to adapt your strategies based on changing trends and audience preferences.
Encourage User-Generated Content
User-generated content (UGC) can be a powerful way to build brand credibility and engage with your audience. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with your brand on social media or through reviews. Highlighting UGC on your platforms not only boosts engagement but also provides testimonials to your brand.
By leveraging these strategies and continuously adapting to your audience’s needs, you can establish an online presence that resonates with your target market. Start implementing these to build a brand identity that stands out.
Eco-friendly practices are driving transformative changes in the manufacturing industry. Businesses are reducing waste, adopting renewable energy, and using sustainable materials to meet rising environmental standards. The construction, industrial, and manufacturing sectors are experiencing a shift as customers demand sustainable products. These practices provide a competitive edge, long-term cost savings, and improved brand reputation. The transition to green manufacturing is essential for companies looking to remain relevant and thrive in modern markets, transforming the manufacturing industry.
Sustainable Materials: The Foundation of Green Manufacturing
The adoption of sustainable materials forms the core of eco-friendly manufacturing. Manufacturers are replacing traditional materials with renewable, biodegradable, and recycled resources. These include bamboo, reclaimed wood, recycled steel, and sustainable concrete. Bamboo, for instance, grows rapidly, making it a renewable choice. In contrast, traditional timber depletes forests and takes decades to regenerate. Recycled steel reduces the need for mining, conserving natural resources, and cutting energy use by 60%. Similarly, sustainable concrete incorporates industrial byproducts like fly ash, which would otherwise go to waste.
These materials are better for the environment and enhance durability and performance. Many construction and industrial firms are now specifying eco-friendly materials in their projects. Manufacturers offering such materials stand out in competitive markets. By embracing sustainable options, they appeal to a growing customer base prioritizing green solutions.
Green Branding: Differentiating Manufacturers in Competitive Markets
Eco-friendly practices enhance brand value, setting manufacturers apart from competitors. Customers increasingly prefer businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Green branding communicates this commitment through certifications, eco-labels, and transparent reporting. Certifications like LEED or ISO 14001 build trust and signal adherence to environmental standards.
Alt: A man welding
Capt: Eco-friendly practices are significantly transforming the manufacturing industry
Case studies highlight the benefits of green branding. For instance, a construction materials company that switched to eco-friendly practices gained new contracts from sustainability-focused clients. In short, green branding attracts environmentally conscious customers and strengthens loyalty among existing ones. Manufacturers emphasizing their sustainability efforts can command premium pricing while improving market share.
Energy Efficiency: Revolutionizing Operations for a Greener Future
Energy efficiency is an important factor in transforming the manufacturing industry. Factories are adopting high-efficiency machinery, upgrading to LED lighting, and integrating smart energy sensors. These upgrades reduce energy consumption while cutting operational costs. For example, smart energy systems monitor equipment usage and shut down idle machinery to save power. Factories using these systems have reported energy savings of 30% or more.
Government incentives encourage the adoption of energy-efficient practices. Tax credits and grants for renewable energy systems make the transition financially viable. Solar panels, for instance, power operations while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Another key point is the increasing use of cogeneration systems, which produce heat and electricity simultaneously, maximizing energy efficiency. These strategies help manufacturers reduce their carbon footprints while improving their bottom lines.
Circular Economy Models: Extending Product Life Cycles Leads to Transforming the Manufacturing Industry
The circular economy offers an alternative to the traditional “make, use, dispose” model. In this approach, manufacturers design products for reuse, repair, and recycling. That reduces waste and minimizes the need for new raw materials. For example, companies refurbish old industrial equipment, giving it a second life instead of discarding it. As an illustration, some firms reclaim scrap materials from demolished buildings to produce new construction components.
Alt: A man in a factory
Capt: The circular economy offers an alternative to the traditional “make, use, dispose” model
Manufacturers adopting circular economy principles benefit from reduced material costs and improved resource efficiency. These models align with customer demands for products that minimize environmental harm. With this in mind, extending product life cycles is sustainable and economically advantageous. Companies incorporating circular practices position themselves as leaders in green manufacturing.
Digital Transformation and Eco-Friendly Manufacturing
Technology plays a critical role in achieving eco-friendly manufacturing goals. Digital tools like IoT sensors, AI, and blockchain streamline resource use and minimize waste. IoT sensors monitor production lines in real time, identifying inefficiencies and enabling immediate corrections. AI-driven systems analyze energy consumption patterns, suggesting optimal usage strategies.
In contrast to manual tracking, blockchain ensures transparency in supply chains. It verifies the sourcing of sustainable materials and monitors compliance with environmental regulations. Smart factories leverage these technologies to achieve zero-waste production goals. Manufacturers improve operational efficiency and environmental performance by integrating technology with sustainability efforts.
Overcoming Challenges in Adopting Eco-Friendly Practices
Transitioning to eco-friendly manufacturing has its challenges. Common barriers include high upfront costs, resistance to change, and knowledge gaps. Nevertheless, companies can overcome these obstacles through strategic planning and external support. Government grants and subsidies help offset initial investment costs, and partnerships with sustainability consultants provide the expertise needed for a smooth transition.
Training programs educate employees about the benefits of eco-friendly practices, fostering a sustainable culture. Manufacturers can also pilot green initiatives on a small scale before scaling them up. These steps ensure a manageable and effective transition to sustainable operations. Another key point is clear communication with stakeholders, ensuring alignment on green goals.
Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
Collaboration is essential to transforming the manufacturing industry. Manufacturers are increasingly partnering with suppliers, customers, and competitors to drive sustainability initiatives. These collaborations allow for shared resources, knowledge, and innovations that accelerate the adoption of eco-friendly practices. For instance, companies can collaborate to develop new sustainable materials or improve energy efficiency across the supply chain.
Industry associations and governmental organizations offer platforms for companies to share best practices and access funding. These collective efforts create a more significant impact, helping to scale green initiatives faster and ensuring that sustainability becomes a core aspect of the entire industry. With this in mind, collaboration is helping to transform the manufacturing industry, driving it toward a more sustainable and efficient future.
Alt: A man with dirty gloves
Capt: Manufacturers are increasingly partnering with suppliers, customers, and even competitors to drive sustainability initiatives
The Future of Manufacturing is Green
Eco-friendly practices are transforming the manufacturing industry. Sustainable materials, energy efficiency, circular economy models, and green branding marketing reshape manufacturers’ operations. Technology enhances these efforts, making green practices more accessible and impactful. While challenges exist, they outweigh the long-term benefits of reduced costs, enhanced brand value, and environmental responsibility.
Manufacturers who embrace eco-friendly practices meet customer expectations and secure a sustainable future. These practices contribute to a healthier planet while gaining a competitive edge. The future of manufacturing is green, and companies must act now to lead the way.
Author Bio: Charlie Woods is a content specialist at Movers Development, a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping moving companies grow through innovative SEO strategies, web development, and online branding. Focusing on industry trends and sustainability, Charlie provides insights to help businesses adapt to evolving market demands. He combines marketing expertise with a passion for eco-friendly practices, supporting companies in achieving long-term growth and environmental responsibility.
Meta: Learn all about how eco-friendly practices are transforming the manufacturing industry and promoting sustainable products.
As we enter 2025, we’re reflecting on the incredible milestones that made 2024 unforgettable. From industry recognition to tradeshows, here’s a look back at Sonnhalter’s 2024—by the numbers.
1. PRSA Rock Awards Silver Award
We ended 2024 proudly taking home a Silver Award in “Trade Media Relations” at the PRSA Rock Awards! This recognition celebrated our outstanding media relations work with NIBCO shows how a well-executed media relations strategy and how our collaboration with NIBCO is driving industry awareness and engagement.
2. PR Intern
This summer, we had the pleasure of working with one amazing intern. Their contributions and fresh perspective made this year’s internship program a success.
3. 14 Trade Shows and Counting
Sonnhalter attended 14 trade shows across the country! These events provided valuable opportunities to connect, network and stay up to date with the latest trends in the industry.
4. 48th Anniversary Celebration
We proudly celebrated Sonnhalter’s 48th anniversary in 2024! Since our founding, we’ve been transforming the B2T marketing landscape, and we’re excited to continue making an impact for years to come.
5. Sonnhalter Eclipse Glasses
In 2024, we gave out 2,000 Sonnhalter-branded eclipse glasses, ensuring no one missed the breathtaking celestial event. Our team was thrilled to be part of this spectacular moment with our clients and partners.
6. Tool Drive Success: Nearly $50,000 Raised
Sonnhalter’s Annual Tool Drive was a huge success, raising nearly $50,000 for local charities. Since its inception in 2010, we’ve collected over $567,000—more than half a million in donations! We’re proud to support our communities and can’t wait to see what 2025 brings.
As we look back at these incredible accomplishments, we’re energized for the future. Here’s to even more success and milestones in 2025!
