JournalNotes from the studio
Thinking on brand, content and growth from the people who ship it. Read what we've learned running campaigns across India, the UAE, the UK, the US, Australia and Japan.
No. 171
Digital Marketing for Jaipur Brands Going National
Building a successful brand in a single city is incredibly difficult. You have to master local distribution, understand the specific tastes of your community, and build a reputation from scratch. Yet, many founders find that scaling that exact same playbook to the rest of the country is even harder. What works in a single market
No. 170
How to Choose a Digital Marketing Agency in India
Most business owners have a drawer full of past marketing proposals that all look exactly the same. They feature the same charts going up and to the right, the same generic promises of growth, and the same buzzwords. Yet, months later, the results rarely match the initial excitement. You might notice a sharp drop in
No. 169
Social Media Trends for Dubai Businesses in 2026
The Evolving Digital Space in the UAE The social media environment in Dubai moves rapidly, driven by a highly connected population and excellent digital infrastructure. As we move through 2026, user behaviours are shifting, and platforms are updating their algorithms to prioritise new types of content. For businesses operating in the UAE, relying on outdated
No. 168
Understanding the Hidden Costs of Commercial Photography Shoots
Shoot budgets can quickly spiral out of control if you are not careful. Learn what goes into pricing a high-quality commercial campaign shoot.
No. 167
Building Trust with Dubai Audiences Through Marketing
The Challenge of Consumer Trust in a Transient Market Dubai is characterised by its fast-paced growth and highly transient population. With a constant influx of new residents and businesses, consumers are naturally cautious. They frequently encounter new brands, service providers, and retail concepts. In this environment, establishing trust is the primary hurdle for any marketing
No. 166
The Art of Directing: How to Get Authentic Poses from Models on Set
Stiff, awkward photos can kill a lifestyle brand’s vibe. Learn how top art directors and photographers guide models to produce dynamic, authentic poses.
No. 165
5 Disastrous Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next Campaign Shoot
On-set mistakes can waste time and ruin your creative vision. Learn how to avoid the most common pitfalls during commercial photography and video shoots.
No. 164
Why Visitors Land on Your Website and Immediately Leave (Bounce Rate and UI/UX Basics)
You spend good money on ads. People click the link. They wait two seconds, see your homepage, and hit the back button. That click still cost you money. You paid for their attention. Your website threw it away. This is what a high bounce rate looks like. Visitors land on your site and leave without
No. 163
A Marketing Guide for Indian Brands Expanding to Dubai
The Bridge Between India and the UAE The commercial ties between India and the United Arab Emirates are deep and historic. For many successful Indian brands, expanding into Dubai represents a logical next step for international growth. The city offers a massive diaspora population, strong trade agreements, and a strategic location. However, simply duplicating a
No. 162
Content Strategy for Luxury Retail Brands in the UAE Market
The Retail Environment in the United Arab Emirates The United Arab Emirates represents one of the most concentrated luxury retail markets globally. Malls in Dubai and Abu Dhabi house flagship stores for nearly every major high-end brand. However, the strategies that work for everyday consumer goods fail when applied to luxury items. Mass-market brands focus
No. 161
Studio vs. On-Location Shoots: Where Should You Film Your Interviews?
The location of your shoot sets the tone for the entire video. We compare the pros and cons of filming in a dedicated studio versus on-location.
No. 160
E-commerce Product Photoshoot Pricing: What to Expect in 2026
Budgeting for a product shoot involves understanding per-image rates, day rates, and styling fees. We break down the costs of professional e-commerce photography.
No. 159
Five Signs It’s Time to Rebrand (And Two Signs It’s Not)
You know something is wrong when you hesitate to hand over your business card. You sit in a meeting with a great prospect. The conversation flows well. Then they ask for your website or your card. You hand it over, but you feel the need to apologise. You say something like, “We are updating our
No. 158
Why Hiring a Professional Social Media Management Agency Is Crucial for Growth in 2026
Why partnering with a professional social media management agency is the growth catalyst DIY posting and software tools can’t replace.
No. 157
The All-in-One Approach: Syncing Your Website and Social Media Management
Why treating your website and social media as one unified system – not two separate jobs – is what actually converts followers into customers.