May Right Now Report
The Right Now Report gives you the high-level updates you need without the unnecessary clutter. This month, we’re looking at the projected dip in media usage for 2025, how to communicate price increases due to tariffs and what businesses need to know about complying with the FTC’s new rule on fees.
Media Usage Expected to Dip in 2025
For the first time since 2009, global media consumption is expected to decline. PQ Media forecasts a modest 0.3% drop in 2025, following an average of 57.2 hours of weekly media use per person in 2024 across leading global markets. This includes both digital platforms like social media and streaming services and traditional media platforms, such as television, radio and print publications. While the projected decrease is slight, it might be an early signal of a potential shift in how people engage with content across all media channels. The true extent of this shift will become clearer in the coming years.
People are likely to become more selective about where and how they engage. It’s an important reminder that audience preferences are always evolving. With that in mind, it’s a great time to rethink your approach to connecting with your audience and explore fresh strategies to stand out.
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A few ideas to consider:
- Leverage your owned channels like your email list and website. These are places where you control the connection and don’t have to rely on algorithms to reach your audience.
- People’s time is limited, so make your messages count. When creating content, aim to lead with something useful like a timely reminder, special offer, practical tip or relevant update that helps them stay informed or make a decision.
- As digital fatigue sets in, you can get creative with physical touchpoints. Tactile experiences like mailers, unique packaging or handwritten notes can help you stand out.
Take a step back and assess how and where you’re engaging with your audience. Are your efforts connecting, or are they getting lost in the noise?
Need help determining the right places to show up? Reach out to us to discuss the right strategy for your business.
How to Navigate Price Increases Due to Tariffs
With new tariffs on goods from China and other regions, many U.S. businesses, especially those in retail, home goods and manufacturing, are facing higher costs. If you find yourself needing to raise prices, transparency and thoughtfulness in your approach are key to maintaining customer trust.
Here are some steps to think through:
Start by being upfront about the reason for the increase. Customers appreciate knowing exactly why prices are changing, especially if it’s due to something like tariffs or shifts in the supply chain. A short, clear message can go a long way in keeping your relationship with them intact.
It’s also important to remind your customers of the value you offer. Whether it’s the quality of your product or the positive impact your business has on the community, make sure they understand why your product is worth the price.
If you can, give your customers a heads-up before the price increase takes effect. Offering them time to plan or purchase at the current rate shows that you respect their budget and are thinking about their needs.
Consider offering perks to make the pricing transition easier. Discounts on bulk purchases, free shipping offers, early access to deals or even a future credit toward their next purchase can soften the blow and make customers feel like they’re getting something extra in return.
Being honest and transparent with your customers, especially when external factors like tariffs are out of your control, will help keep their trust and earn their loyalty.
What You Need to Know About the FTC’s New Rule on Hidden Fees
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new rule banning “junk fees”—undisclosed mandatory charges added late in the purchasing process—takes effect on May 12, 2025. Businesses in in certain industries must now clearly display the total price upfront, including all mandatory fees. This rule primarily targets live events and short-term lodging, industries known for tacking on surprise service and convenience fees at checkout.
“People deserve to know up-front what they’re being asked to pay — without worrying that they’ll later be saddled with mysterious fees that they haven’t budgeted for and can’t avoid,” said Lina Khan, who served as FTC Chair when the rule was announced in December 2024. “The FTC’s rule will put an end to junk fees around live event tickets, hotels, and vacation rentals, saving Americans billions of dollars and millions of hours in wasted time.”
This rule directly affects industry giants like Ticketmaster and Airbnb, but small and mid-sized businesses need to comply as well. Whether you’re a venue or performance organization, rental host or offer online bookings, it’s time to take a closer look at your pricing structure.
What to do now:
- Include all unavoidable fees in your advertised prices.
- Update your pricing pages, checkout process, ads and invoices to clearly list the total cost, including any fees.
- Clearly label optional add-ons, such as upgrades, delivery or gratuities.
- Audit your full customer checkout experience (from browsing to checkout) for transparency and compliance.
Taking action now will help you stay compliant while building trust with your customers with clear, upfront pricing.
If you have any questions about these topics or would like support in implementing these trends in your own marketing strategy, we’re here to help. We’re committed to helping you navigate the ever-changing landscape of marketing with ease.
We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to us today to explore how working with Right Relations can help you stay ahead of the curve and bring joy back to your marketing efforts.