Elvis was The King of Fan Engagement ??

*This version of my newsletter has been adapted for LinkedIn. For the best experience, SUBSCRIBE! ?? P.S. Forbes named it one of their top marketing newsletters!

Before DMs, emails, or the comment section, there was fan mail. And no one received more than Elvis Presley...

In the 1950s, Elvis was so adored that the U.S. Postal Service had to create a special section in Memphis just to handle his fan mail.

Thousands of letters poured in weekly — love notes, heartfelt stories, and even marriage proposals.

Elvis’ manager, Colonel Tom Parker, understood the value of engaging with fans and responding to them.

Even through snail mail, Elvis was accessible. He showed his fans that their support did not go unnoticed.

Today, the tools have changed, but the principle remains the same: engagement isn’t just a task — it’s how lasting connections are made.

In fact, Elvis still receives fan mail at Graceland to this day, much of which is preserved on his website under 'Love Letters to Elvis.'

Take a look at this sweet, fan-made Valentine!

No matter the medium — whether it's pen and paper or DMs and emails — taking the time to connect and make your audience feel heard is timeless wisdom ??

headline of the week ??        

It’s been a wild week for brands — the Duolingo owl "died," soda brands are feuding, and now Taco Bell is helping people tie the knot in the cheesiest way possible.

The brand launched $777 Vegas weddings, complete with an Elvis impersonator officiating.

I thought this was a joke, but TacoBellWedding.com has testimonials from real couples. Brides even get a custom sauce packet bouquet!

I didn't have this on my Bingo card, but Taco Bell just turned weddings into an extension of their brand, proving there’s no limit to creativity in marketing.

READ: Taco Bell Wedding Packages ??

throwback thursday ?        

In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, GeoCities was the heart of fan culture, where the internet’s earliest superfans built shrines to their favorite celebrities.

Here's an unapologetic Y2K fan page for Justin Timberlake:

Thankfully, there's more nostalgia where this came from. The website, Cameron's World, is a time capsule of the days of DIY websites, glittering GIFs, and questionable fonts.

“In an age where we interact primarily with branded and marketed web content, Cameron’s World is a tribute to the lost days of unrefined self-expression on the Internet. This project recalls the visual aesthetics from an era when it was expected that personal spaces would always be under construction.”

Check it out for a serotonin boost!

BROWSE: What the Internet Looked Like ??

faves & finds ??        

If you're anything like me, you've had "Pink Pony Club" by Chappel Roan on repeat since the Grammys.

Did you know this year's Best New Artist was discovered on YouTube? Before Pink Pony Club became a hit, Chappell was uploading cover songs.

Take a trip down the rabbit hole with me and check out her 2020 cover of "Yesterday" by The Beatles.

WATCH: Chappel Roan's Cover ??

laugh out loud ??        

brand boost ??        

Your personal brand becomes authentic when you stop being everything for everyone and start being you for yourself ??

If you're ready to make a name for yourself online, check out my course, Build Your Own Brand! ??

LEARN: Build Your Own Brand

#PopChat news ??        

This week's trending topics are still unfolding, but we're back for the #PopChat livestream Friday at 1pm ET!

#PopChat is where marketers, creators, and pop culture fans come together to talk about trending topics and their connection to marketing!

Whether you're a CMO or an intern, all are welcome ??

RSVP: #PopChat Live

Today happens to be National Internet Friends Day! I'm so grateful to have you here thanks to the power of the internet.

If you haven't yet, reply and say hello! Or tell me your latest pop culture obsession. I'd love to get to know you!

See you next time ??

~Brianne

*This version of my newsletter has been adapted for LinkedIn. For the best experience, subscribe below!

SUBSCRIBE ?? P.S. Forbes named it one of their top marketing newsletters!

let's work together ??        

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?? Consulting – Whether you need help with brand development, content strategy, or a simple audit of your online presence, I'm your girl!

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I'm just a DM away! Or you can email me at [email protected]