Through a Marketing Lens — by Katie Windfeldt

Throughout my time in marketing and business strategy classes, we have consistently turned to the Trader Joe’s case study when discussing successful business models. It’s funny because while nearly every blog I’ve written has touched on keeping an eye out for marketing tactics, brands like Trader Joe’s have built success…

I recently came across the new maternity commercial from FIGS, released alongside their maternity collection drop on April 14, 2026, and it immediately stood out to me. At first glance, it might seem like just another product launch, but it felt like so much more than that. FIGS is already…

Companies aren’t just marketing themselves to consumers anymore, they also market themselves to future employees too. This shift, often called recruitment marketing or employee branding, highlights how competitive and transparent the job market has become and how businesses position themselves throughout the hiring process. Just like products or services have…

With Coachella 2026 Weekend 1 just wrapping up, it’s clear the festival has evolved far beyond just a music event and has turned into one of the most powerful marketing strategies in the world. As the largest festival in the U.S., it draws massive crowds, global attention, and more importantly,…

Everyone always says something is “on brand,” but what does that actually mean? From a marketing lens, being on brand is when every part of a campaign aligns with a brand’s identity, from its tone, visuals, personality, and audience experiences. Specifically, Harvard Business School defines brand identity as the expression…

March Madness just wrapped up with Michigan and UCLA taking home the men’s and women’s national championships, and while most people focus on the games themselves, I can’t help but notice the marketing behind it all. Sports marketing might be one of the highest forms of marketing consumers see today.…

I have always had an eye for interior design, so blending that passion with my marketing lens made it impossible not to notice the impeccable essence of the Fontainebleau hotel in Las Vegas. Walking through the space this past weekend, it was clear that every detail was intentional and deeply…