“Emmy® nominated.”
It’s a phrase that has a nice ring to it, and we’re psyched to say it now applies to Saltwater.

At the risk of seeming self-congratulatory, yes, we were nominated for “Best Commercial” at the 46th Annual Emmy® Awards by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Boston/New England chapter. That commercial was the initial Bank of the Wild TV spot we did for our amazing client, Passumpsic Bank. We can take some credit, sure, but a majority of the credit should go to Passumpsic Bank President & CEO Jim Kisch and his team. Passumpsic Bank is different. They wanted advertising that is different. And they allowed our people to “create different.”

The results have been truly rewarding. Along with the Emmy® Nomination, Bank of the Wild has been honored with a few other awards:

There’s a significant team collaboration that happens behind the scenes at an agency like ours. Media, PPC, Production, Development, SEO, Design, Copy, and of course, Motion & Sound, all played integral roles in the success of this commercial and accompanying campaign. It’s a win for us all, as well as for Passumpsic Bank.

For us, more than anything, Bank of the Wild is a continuation of some innovative brand work that started five years ago, and the beginning of what is sure to be a long, strange trip through the wild. And we’re just getting started. Note we mentioned this was the “initial” Bank of the Wild commercial. We’ll be on set shooting the next chapter in the coming days. Can’t wait to share.

Check out our Emmy nominated Bank of the Wild commercial below.

As we get closer to July and the sun starts to make our souls smile, summer concerts are kicking into high gear. There’s nothing better than the combination of live music, community, and – at a lot of area venues – the great outdoors. If you find yourself in New Hampshire’s scenic Seacoast region and you want to make a musical memory, it’s a hotbed of concert experiences regardless of your taste in tunes. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips and tricks for summer concerts in the Seacoast.

Research and Plan Ahead:
To make the most of your summer concert experience, it’s crucial to research the concert venues, dates, and performers well in advance. The Seacoast area of New Hampshire offers a variety of venues ranging from intimate clubs to sprawling outdoor amphitheaters. Some popular concert destinations include the Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, Prescott Park Arts Festival, and the Music Hall. Check their websites or social media platforms for concert schedules, ticket availability, and any COVID-19 safety protocols you need to be aware of.

Secure Your Tickets:
Once you’ve identified the concerts you want to attend, it’s time to secure your tickets. Popular shows often sell out quickly, so it’s advisable to purchase your tickets as soon as they become available. Keep an eye out for pre-sale opportunities or early bird discounts that can save you some money. Many concert venues offer online ticketing options, making it convenient to reserve your spot from the comfort of your own home.

Plan Your Outfit:
Dressing appropriately for a concert is an art form in itself. Since you’ll be enjoying the concerts in the Seacoast area, where the ocean breeze can be a delightful companion, it’s essential to dress comfortably while embracing a touch of summer style. Opt for light, breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, paired with comfortable footwear for those long hours of dancing. Don’t forget to pack a light jacket or sweater for the cool evening air that may roll in from the water.

Pack the Essentials:
Attending an outdoor concert means being prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Be sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays, a hat to shield your face, and sunglasses to keep your eyes cool and comfortable. A reusable water bottle will help you stay hydrated throughout the day, and a small backpack or tote bag can hold all your essentials like snacks, a blanket or towel to sit on, and a camera to capture precious moments. Tip: Whether outdoors or indoors, always check a venue’s bag policy online before walking to the show!

Explore the Seacoast Area:
The Seacoast area of New Hampshire offers a treasure trove of scenic beauty and exciting attractions beyond the concert venues. Make the most of your visit by exploring the charming coastal towns, taking leisurely walks along the beach, or indulging in local culinary delights. Discover hidden gems such as the historic Strawbery Banke Museum in Portsmouth or the picturesque Rye Harbor State Park. Immerse yourself in the region’s rich history and enjoy the vibrant coastal atmosphere.

Embrace the Concert Experience:
Once you arrive at the concert venue, soak in the electrifying atmosphere and let the music take hold. Whether you’re witnessing a legendary artist, a rising star, or a local favorite, be fully present in the moment. Chat with fellow concertgoers, dance like nobody’s watching, and let the memories happen! Remember to be respectful of those around you, follow any venue rules, and have a blast listening to live music in the beautiful Seacoast area.

Here are some of the shows I am attending this summer in the Seacoast and a few that are just a drive away:

June 28: Steve Miller Band & Dave Mason, MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Aug. 11: Lionel Richie & Earth, Wind & Fire, TD Garden
Aug. 24: Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Gillette Stadium
Sept. 3: Zac Brown Band, Bank of NH Pavilion
Sept. 7: George Thorogood & The Destroyers, Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Sept. 15: A.J. Croce, Tupelo Music Hall
Sept. 24: Oteil Burbridge & Friends, The Music Hall, Portsmouth

MASTER YOUR CRAFT

Web content marketing has been the rock star of the greater marketing universe (it’s a real place!) for a few years now, and it’s popularity is showing no signs of slowing down. Of course, said “popularity” is based on need, which is great news for content writers. Earning your wages as a word pro isn’t as easy as it might seem, though.

With such a high demand for production, there’s a danger that the work itself can suffer. Plus, competing with the gaziillions of content pieces already in cyberspace is no small task. With all this knowledge setting the stage, here are some content writing tips to help you better hone your craft.

1. BRING A STRONG DELIVERY

Headlines are the hook, so you have to make them sharp. In a world where writers are shouting (with words) to be read, your headline needs to scream “read me, I’m interesting!” A boring headline is like an undercooked pizza; someone is going to take a bite or two and then stop eating. Headlines should be clear and concise, but never dry. Draw your readers in and keep them engaged.

2. GET TO THE POINT

Don’t waste your reader’s time with long, unorganized, sentences created for your own edification, and don’t wait until the end of a piece to make your point. People are interested in reading content for one reason: to learn something. They don’t want to jump through hoops to do it. In this fast-paced world, people want everything delivered quickly and efficiently.

3. QUALITY BEATS QUANTITY

Heavy output isn’t a bad thing if the material is compelling, but don’t overdo it. It’s great to produce a lot of work, but it’s better to write a reasonable amount of high quality pieces than a slew of mediocre ones. Don’t let the demand for web content stress you out or hyper-extend those writing muscles. Focus on always producing your best work so when you do publish, readers will be hooked.

4. YOU HAVE A VOICE, SO WRITE WITH IT

Don’t be afraid to add some spunk to your writing for content marketing! Readers respond well to humor and wit because it’s entertaining. Inc Magazine encourages writers to “inject” their own unique personalities into their content. Stale, boring web content is a buzzkill for people craving a good read.

Adding life to your writing will keep readers entertained, interested, and wanting more. Transform your passions, hobbies or areas of expertise into analogies and stories to be worked into your content. Don’t get overly personal, but give enough to allow the reader to feel like they can connect with you.

5. KNOW YOUR SEO

SEO content writing can be tricky. Readers will know from a mile away if you’re keyword stuffing to tap into extreme search engine optimization (Google will spot it, too). A lot of web content writers produce an article with their mind focused on getting in as many keywords as possible, but again, go with quality first. Good writing beats excessive keyword writing every time.

When it comes to content marketing, try this simple approach: Write the article first, focusing on what you want to say, and how you want to say it. When you’re done, go back and find places to subtly work in keywords without overdoing it. Your readers will appreciate it, and so will Google.