Newsroom | MarketersMEDIA Newswire

April 18, 2026

Digital.Marketing Releases New Report on the Convergence of Digital Commerce and Digital Marketing

Digital.Marketing today announced the release of its latest industry report, Digital Commerce and Digital Marketing , offering a detailed look at how modern marketing strategies are reshaping the way businesses drive revenue in an increasingly digital-first economy. As digital commerce continues its rapid expansion across websites, mobile platforms, social channels, and emerging AI-driven interfaces, the report argues that marketing is no longer a supporting function—it is the primary engine behind demand generation, conversion, and customer retention. “Digital commerce is no longer just about having an online store—it’s about building a scalable demand engine,” said Timothy Carter, Chief Revenue Officer of Digital.Marketing. “The companies that win are those that integrate SEO, paid media, and content into a unified revenue strategy.” Digital Commerce Has Expanded Beyond Traditional Ecommerce The report emphasizes that digital commerce has evolved well beyond simple online transactions. Today’s commerce environment includes a complex ecosystem of touchpoints—from search engines and social media to email marketing and AI-assisted discovery platforms. Consumers no longer follow a linear path to purchase. Instead, they engage with brands across multiple channels, often conducting extensive research before making a decision. This shift has fundamentally changed how businesses must approach both marketing and sales. Digital.Marketing’s analysis highlights that modern commerce is now experience-driven, requiring businesses to deliver consistent messaging, fast user experiences, and personalized interactions at every stage of the buyer journey. Marketing Is Now the Core Infrastructure of Commerce A central theme of the report is that digital marketing has become the operational backbone of digital commerce. Rather than sitting at the top of the funnel, marketing now spans the entire revenue lifecycle—from initial awareness to post-purchase retention. “We’re seeing a fundamental shift where marketing is no longer a support function—it’s the infrastructure behind modern commerce,” said Samuel Edwards, Chief Marketing Officer of Digital.Marketing. “Brands that fail to align marketing with the buying journey will struggle to compete.” The report breaks down how different marketing channels contribute to commerce outcomes: Search engine optimization (SEO) captures high-intent demand Paid media accelerates customer acquisition Content marketing builds authority and trust Email and retargeting maximize customer lifetime value Together, these channels form a unified system that drives predictable revenue growth when executed effectively. The Buyer Journey Has Become Non-Linear and Data-Driven One of the most significant findings in the report is the increasing complexity of the modern buyer journey. Consumers now interact with brands across multiple devices and platforms, often revisiting a product or service several times before converting. This shift requires businesses to adopt a more integrated and data-driven approach to marketing. Fragmented strategies—where SEO, paid media, and content operate in silos—are no longer effective. Instead, Digital.Marketing recommends a unified framework that aligns messaging, targeting, and performance measurement across all channels. This approach enables businesses to better understand attribution, optimize conversion rates, and reduce customer acquisition costs. Key Trends Shaping Digital Commerce and Marketing The report identifies several major trends driving the convergence of digital commerce and marketing: AI-driven personalization is enabling more tailored user experiences at scale First-party data strategies are becoming critical as privacy regulations evolve Content-led discovery is expanding beyond traditional search into AI-driven platforms Social commerce continues to blur the line between content and transactions Conversion rate optimization (CRO) is emerging as a core competency for growth These trends underscore the need for businesses to continuously adapt their marketing strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment. Implications for Businesses According to Digital.Marketing, companies that succeed in this new landscape will be those that treat marketing as a revenue-generating system rather than a cost center. This includes: Integrating marketing and sales functions Investing in owned channels such as SEO and email Leveraging data to improve targeting and personalization Continuously optimizing for conversion and customer retention Failure to adapt, the report warns, can lead to rising acquisition costs, declining visibility, and lost market share. Why This Matters Now The release of this report comes at a time when businesses are facing increasing pressure from rising competition, higher customer acquisition costs, and rapid technological disruption driven by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to reshape how consumers discover and evaluate products, companies must rethink how they approach visibility, engagement, and conversion. Digital.Marketing’s report positions this moment as a critical inflection point—one where businesses must evolve their marketing strategies or risk falling behind. About Digital.Marketing Digital.Marketing is a performance-driven digital marketing agency specializing in SEO (via SEO.co ), paid media, content marketing, and AI-powered growth strategies. The company partners with enterprise and growth-stage organizations to build scalable marketing systems that drive measurable revenue outcomes.

April 18, 2026

Business

Zeagoo’s Spring/Summer New Arrivals Featured in FOX29 Special Report - Curating an Effortlessly Elegant Wardrobe for Mature Women

In today’s fast-paced world, mature women need more than just clothing - they need a way to express themselves while balancing elegance and comfort. Founded in 2013, Zeagoo has always stood by its core philosophy: Be Different, Be You, encouraging women to embrace their unique charm and have the courage to be themselves. With a focus on elegance and comfort, the brand creates spring/summer collections that are both textured and serene, tailored specifically for mature women. Whether for commuting, vacation, or daily leisure, Zeagoo strives to be a reliable choice in every woman’s wardrobe - offering appropriateness, ease, and style. Key Spring/Summer Products: A New Paradigm of Elegant Dressing for Mature Women This season, Zeagoo’s hero pieces - the tank top and skirt collection - are crafted from carefully selected fabrics and thoughtful cuts that fully address older women’s needs for both wearability and fashion. The tank tops use skin-friendly, breathable, high-quality materials with a sharp yet non-restrictive fit, suitable for wearing alone or layering. The skirts feature high-waisted, A-line, and below-the-knee lengths that flatter the figure while allowing freedom of movement. The overall design is simple and elegant, with subtle details such as distinctive necklines, soft colors, and natural draping that preserve the brand’s signature encouragement of "personal expression." Whether for daily commutes, casual get-togethers, or spring/summer outings, this combination helps women effortlessly project confidence and poise. Authoritative Media Recognition: Featured in FOX29 Philadelphia’s Shopping Segment In a recent Amazon Prime Spring Sale special aired by FOX29 Philadelphia, Zeagoo’s tank top and skirt were highlighted as high-value, quality pieces. During the segment, the host humorously mimicked the pronunciation of Zeagoo, making the audience smile and adding a touch of approachability to the brand. After the show aired, many viewers took to social media to express how they were inspired by the look, praising it as "appropriate yet not rigid - exactly the spring/summer basic I’ve been looking for." Program replay link: FOX29 Shopping Segment Clip Direct product links: Zeagoo Tank Top (Elegant Commuter Sleeveless Style) Zeagoo Skirt (Black Midi Length for Summer) Customer Praise: Pieces That Truly Understand Mature Women’s Needs Since the segment aired and the spring sale went live, Zeagoo has received abundant positive feedback from mature female shoppers. Customer J. Thompson shared: "Bought two - great fit, good length, soft fabric, bright colors, and excellent value for money." Another user said: "I used to be afraid to wear tank tops, but Zeagoo’s fits so well - it covers the parts of my arms I’m most conscious about. Paired with the skirt, I look and feel taller and more confident." These testimonials confirm the deep connection Zeagoo has with mature female consumers - they are not chasing trends blindly, but rather seeking taste in comfort and personality in simplicity. Limited-Time Offer: Unlock Your Spring/Summer Style Experience To thank customers for their support, Zeagoo is launching a limited-time spring/summer promotion: Buy 1 item - Get 30% OFF Buy 2 items - Get the 3rd item FREE (equivalent to 50% OFF) Embrace Be Different, Be You - Step Into Spring/Summer with Confidence Zeagoo has always believed that every woman’s charm is unique, and age is merely a footnote in her story. The brand will continue to accompany mature women in their daily lives with high-quality fabrics, considerate cuts, and timeless designs - helping them be elegant and effortlessly themselves. Zeagoo’s spring/summer tank tops and skirts are now available during Amazon Prime’s spring promotion. Visit the brand’s page to explore more styling possibilities. Follow Zeagoo’s official channels for future new arrivals and exclusive offers. For more spring wardrobe inspiration, visit Zeagoo.com and its Amazon store to discover the item made just for you.

April 17, 2026

Automotive

SERES’ Clifford Kang on AI-Driven Smart Mobility at the 2026 World Internet Conference Asia-Pacific Summit

Clifford Kang, Vice President of SERES Group attended the 2026 World Internet Conference (WIC) Asia-Pacific Summit in Hong Kong from 13 to 14 April, where he shared the company’s latest perspectives on how artificial intelligence is redefining intelligent electric mobility and automotive industry, and driving a broader transformation of the daily life. The summit, hosted by the World Internet Conference and organised by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, brought together global industry leaders to explore developments in digital and intelligent transformation. Against this backdrop, Kang noted that artificial intelligence is accelerating a fundamental shift across industries, with mobility among the most significantly transformed sectors. AI is moving from merely functional to truly frictionless, becoming deeply embedded in every part of our lives and emerging as an inclusive force that enhances mobility, living and consumption experiences. As this transformation accelerates, SERES continues to embed intelligence across its full value chain, from product development to manufacturing and user services, using continuous innovation to enhance user experience and strengthen its long-term competitiveness as a technology-driven new energy vehicle company. A key milestone of SERES came in 2021, when SERES entered a cross-industry partnership with Huawei to launch the AITO brand, its premium new energy vehicle brand. At the time, the industry was facing a clear disconnect, where intelligent cars were not luxurious, while luxury cars were not intelligent. In response, AITO introduced the brand philosophy of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”, positioning intelligence as the foundation of its premium mobility experience. The brand name itself, derived from “adding intelligence to auto”, reflects this core DNA. Today, that strategy has translated into scale and adoption. AITO has built a user base of more than 880,000 active users of its smart driving assistance system, with total journeys surpassing 6.6 billion kilometres. Clifford Kang further emphasised that a great product alone is not enough, and that company need to focus on the entire lifecycle user experience. Guided by this principle, SERES has extended intelligent technologies at scale across both manufacturing and customer service to improve every touchpoint. In manufacturing, the SERES Super Factory, operates with more than 5,000 robots, enabling 100% automation of critical processes. AI vision inspection technology ensures strict quality control of key components, ensuring high quality standards across production. On the customer service end, SERES has built a 24/7 cloud-based safety service system powered by AI and big data, enabling a shift from reactive support to intelligent predictive service. In 2025 alone, the system delivered approximately 250,000 proactive alerts to customers. One notable example came in July last year, when AITO M9 completed the industry’s first satellite-enabled rescue operation in a remote region of China, highlighting both the practical value and human warmth of intelligent connected technologies in real-world scenarios. Looking ahead, Clifford Kang stated that new energy vehicles are evolving into the mobile intelligent space, requiring further robust investment in research and development. In 2025 alone, SERES invested RMB 12.5 billion in R&D, representing a 77% year-on-year increase. This investment has enabled the company to develop a suite of core technologies, including the SERES MF Platform, Super Range Extender and Intelligent Safety systems. These innovations are continuously applied across SERES’ products to enhance performance and deliver better mobility experiences for users. “Bringing eruptive technology from the laboratory to the road requires more than one company's efforts”, Kang said. “Open collaboration is the most efficient path forward. SERES has always embraced openness and partnership. We want to work with industry partners around the world to advance the mobility sector together. Let’s build up the future where technology has the vision to lead, the precision to excel, and the warmth to care.” About Seres Group Seres Group is one of China’s leading luxury new energy vehicle companies. Its premium brand AITO has surpassed one million cumulative users. In 2025 AITO became the best-selling Chinese luxury car brand in the domestic market. With strong capabilities in areas such as intelligent driving, SERES is bringing its vision of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury” to global markets and delivering a smarter mobility experience to more users around the world.

April 17, 2026

Allianz Malaysia continues to champion grassroots badminton with AJBC 2026

Organised by Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), the AJBC has grown to become a highly- anticipated grassroots badminton tournament, fostering the development of future badminton champions. “We are committed to supporting the dreams of young athletes and contributing to the growth of badminton in Malaysia. The AJBC is more than just a tournament; it is a stepping stone for young players to achieve their aspirations and reach new heights in the sport,” said Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang. A highlight of the AJBC in 2025 was the selection of 10 players from the Qualifying Rounds to participate in the prestigious Talent Identification Programme organised by Akademi Badminton Malaysia (ABM), under the purview of the Badminton Association of Malaysia. This programme serves as a gateway for players to potentially enter ABM as well as gain access to other opportunities to advance their badminton careers. Over 3,000 players took part in the AJBC last year, showcasing the depth of talent and passion for the sport among Malaysian youth. The championship is expected to attract a similar level of enthusiasm in 2026, with 10 Qualifying Rounds set to take place nationwide. This year, on top of the cash prizes, 12 winners will also be chosen to participate in an exclusive international training camp, where they will have the opportunity to train with world-class coaches and experience a competitive global environment. The aim of the AJBC is to provide a platform for young badminton talents to pursue their passion, develop their skills and gain exposure to competitive play. By investing in grassroots development, Allianz Malaysia hopes to inspire the next generation of badminton champions and contribute to Malaysia’s legacy in the sport. The first Qualifying Round will take place in Ipoh, Perak from 24 to 26 April 2026, with further rounds to follow in various locations across the country including Putrajaya, Johor, Terengganu, Pahang, Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka, Kedah and Penang. The AJBC Grand Finals, featuring U-13 and U-15 finalists from all the Qualifying Rounds, will be held in Kuala Lumpur from 2 to 7 December 2026. Each round will see 24 players qualifying for the finals. The U-11 players will not advance to the Grand Finals. Like previous years, players participating in the AJBC Qualifying Rounds do not have to pay any entrance fees. The top three winners of the Qualifying Rounds for all age categories will take home RM500, RM300 and RM150 (singles) and RM600, RM400 and RM200 (doubles). Players finishing in the top three at the Grand Finals will pocket RM1,000, RM600 and RM300 (singles) and RM1,200, RM800 and RM400 (doubles). And as mentioned, 12 winners will also have the chance to join an exclusive international training camp. The AJBC is supported by the Sports, Co-curricular and Arts Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia and the Badminton Association of Malaysia. Registration for Qualifying Round 1 in Ipoh opens on 6 April 2026. For more information and for those who are keen to participate in the AJBC, please visit allianz.com.my/ajbc . Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang with the winners of AJBC 2025 during the Grand Finals last year The Allianz Junior Badminton Championship (AJBC) is gearing up for its fifth edition in 2026

April 17, 2026

Automotive

Brand New Proposition to Shine at Beijing Auto Show 2026: CHERY Renews Globally with Family at Core

As demand for global family mobility continues to rise, comfort, safety and technology have become core pursuits. Rooted in user needs, CHERY has built a new value system with “family” at its heart and is poised for a comprehensive global brand renewal.CHERY’s all-new brand philosophy will be grandly unveiled at Beijing Auto Show & CHERY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT in April 2026, ushering in a new era of family mobility with users worldwide. All-New Philosophy Coming Soon: Centered on the Core Value of Family Mobility At this year’s Beijing Auto Show, CHERY will officially launch its all-new global brand philosophy, fully reshaping brand value and market positioning around the user. It will establish a full-dimensional value support system covering safety, space and intelligence tailored to family travel, providing a one-stop complete mobility solution for global families. This brand renewal marks a critical upgrade for CHERY from product output to value output, signifying its evolution from a car manufacturer to a creator of family mobility value.As a world-renowned industry event, Beijing Auto Show 2026 will serve as the launchpad for CHERY’s global renewal. Its new philosophy, flagship products and global strategic layout will attract strong attention from the international market. 2026 CHERY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT Beyond Philosophy: Integrating Global Layout and User Experience Guided by the new brand philosophy, CHERY will deeply integrate brand value with global strategy, core technologies, product matrix and user ecosystem to form a unified development system.The brand will continue to focus on family users, upgrading three core experiences: comfortable space, safety protection and intelligent interaction, while constantly refining products and services. Meanwhile, CHERY adheres to openness and win-win cooperation, building a mobility ecosystem with global dealers and partners, enriching its vehicle lineup and iterating strategic goals.To meet diverse scenarios for families of all ages, CHERY will keep polishing product details and strengthening reliable quality, striving to be a trusted global mobility partner for users worldwide. Rooted in the needs of family users, CHERY integrates warmth and protection into every journey with its new value philosophy and global layout.Moving forward, CHERY will continue to deepen the core value of family mobility and upgrade products and technologies.As Beijing Auto Show 2026 & CHERY International Business Summit approaches, we sincerely invite global media and users to witness the moment and embrace a new future of family mobility together with CHERY.

April 17, 2026

Marketing

Baden Bower Releases 2026 Report Showing Earned Media Outperforms Paid Advertising By 4.7 Times

Baden Bower, a guaranteed PR placement agency, today released The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media: 2026 Annual Industry Report ,, a head-to-head comparison of paid advertising and earned editorial placements based on a survey of 512 verified business owners across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The study was fielded between March 4 and 21, 2026, with a margin of error of ±4.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All respondents had personally authorized marketing spend on at least two channels in the prior 24 months, and 73 percent had authorized spend on three or more. The headline finding is definitive. Business owners reported 4.7 times higher ROI from earned editorial placements compared to paid advertising across all eight industries surveyed. The gap widened significantly in trust-dependent sectors, reaching 11.4 times in immigration services, 10.2 times in legal services, and 9.1 times in financial services. "Business owners do not need to be told that paid ads are getting more expensive," said AJ Ignacio, CEO of Baden Bower. " What they have not had until now is a dataset showing precisely how much better the alternative performs. This is not a marginal improvement. It is a fundamentally different return profile." Key Findings Lead Quality and Conversion Rates Earned editorial placements produced a 31 percent lead-to-close rate, compared to 12 percent for paid advertising and 8 percent for wire distribution. The leads generated by editorial coverage converted at nearly three times the rate of paid advertising leads. Seventy-four percent of respondents reported higher customer lifetime value from earned media leads. Seventy-one percent rated referral traffic quality from earned media as high, compared to 45 percent for paid ads and 18 percent for wire distribution. Cost Efficiency The reported cost per impression for earned editorial was $0.21, compared to $1.84 for paid digital advertising. Earned editorial also drove a 68 percent brand search lift among respondents, compared to 34 percent for paid advertising and 11 percent for wire distribution. The Compounding Curve Paid advertising follows a familiar pattern. A campaign launches, conversions spike, and when the budget stops, the results stop with it. Earned media follows the opposite trajectory. In month one, earned editorial produced an 8 percent conversion rate, trailing Google Ads at 24 percent and social ads at 18 percent. By month six, earned editorial reached 41 percent, overtaking Google Ads at 22 percent and social ads at 14 percent. By month 12, earned editorial stood at 58 percent versus 16 percent for Google Ads and 8 percent for social. By month 24, earned editorial reached 63 percent while Google Ads had declined to 8 percent and social ads to 3 percent. The crossover point is month five. By month 24, earned media generates eight times as many cumulative conversions as paid channels. Trust Across Stakeholder Groups Earned editorial dominated every stakeholder category tested. Customer trust stood at 87 percent for earned editorial, compared to 31 percent for paid ads and 22 percent for wire distribution. Investor confidence stood at 82 percent, versus 28 percent and 19 percent. Partner credibility stood at 84 percent versus 24 percent and 16 percent. Employee pride stood at 79 percent versus 35 percent and 27 percent. Talent attraction stood at 76 percent versus 32 percent and 21 percent. AI Search Engine Citations Forty-four percent of earned editorial placements were cited in Google AI Overviews. Thirty-eight percent were mentioned by ChatGPT. Forty-one percent were cited by Perplexity. Wire-distributed press releases were cited between 1 and 2 percent of the time across all three platforms. Paid advertising was cited between 2 and 4 percent. Earned editorial placements are approximately 20 times more likely to appear in AI-generated answers than wire distribution. The Wire Distribution Reality Check Only 3 percent of wire-distributed press releases resulted in journalist pickup, compared to 100 percent for guaranteed editorial placements. Only 8 percent generated inbound leads. Only 2 percent helped close a deal. Satisfaction with wire distribution was the lowest among all channels tested, with 47 percent of respondents reporting dissatisfaction, compared to a 74 percent satisfaction rate for earned editorial placements. Channel Satisfaction Earned editorial placements led with 74 percent satisfaction and 12 percent dissatisfaction. Google Ads: 47 percent satisfied and 29 percent dissatisfied. Social media ads: 41 percent satisfied and 33 percent dissatisfied. Wire distribution trailed at 25 percent satisfied and 47 percent dissatisfied. The Biggest Marketing Regret When asked their single biggest marketing regret over the past three years, 68 percent of respondents said they wished they had started investing in earned media sooner. Nineteen percent said they were satisfied with their current mix. Only 8 percent wished they had spent more on paid ads, and only 5 percent wished they had invested more in wire distribution. "Every editorial placement is now two assets in one," Ignacio said. "It reaches human readers on the day it publishes, and it enters the training data that AI systems draw on indefinitely. A paid ad does neither. A press release does the first for a day and the second almost never." Methodology The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media 2026 was commissioned by Baden Bower and conducted via an online survey of 512 verified business owners across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia between March 4 and 21, 2026. All respondents were screened to confirm they had personally authorized marketing spend on at least two channels in the prior 24 months. ROI figures are self-reported perceptions, not audited financial data. Industry breakdown: Professional Services (18%), SaaS/Technology (16%), E-commerce (14%), Financial Services (13%), Healthcare (12%), Real Estate (11%), Legal (9%), Immigration Services (7%). The margin of error is ±4.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The full survey instrument and raw data tables are available on request at reports@badenbower.com. Suggested citation: Baden Bower. (2026). State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media: Annual Industry Report. https://www.badenbower.com/research/earned-vs-paid-media-2026/ About Baden Bower Baden Bower is a guaranteed PR placement agency founded in 2018 that secures editorial features for clients in Forbes, Bloomberg, Vogue, Business Insider, and 700+ publications worldwide. The agency has published over 25,000 news features for more than 3,548 clients across 37 countries and offers a money-back guarantee on all placements. Baden Bower has posted 685% year-over-year revenue growth and a 264% surge in net profit. The firm maintains a 93 percent client retention rate and operates with a team of over 250 across offices in New York, London, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and the British Virgin Islands. Media Contact Baden Bower Press Office reports@badenbower.com +1 (646) 971-4960 The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media 2026 is an annual report commissioned by Baden Bower. Full methodology and data tables available on request. Copyright 2026 Baden Bower (Review Rumble Ltd). All rights reserved.

April 17, 2026

Marketing

Baden Bower Releases 2026 Report Showing Earned Media Outperforms Paid Advertising By 4.7 Times

Baden Bower, a guaranteed PR placement agency, today released The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media: 2026 Annual Industry Report ,, a head-to-head comparison of paid advertising and earned editorial placements based on a survey of 512 verified business owners across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. The study was fielded between March 4 and 21, 2026, with a margin of error of ±4.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All respondents had personally authorized marketing spend on at least two channels in the prior 24 months, and 73 percent had authorized spend on three or more. The headline finding is definitive. Business owners reported 4.7 times higher ROI from earned editorial placements compared to paid advertising across all eight industries surveyed. The gap widened significantly in trust-dependent sectors, reaching 11.4 times in immigration services, 10.2 times in legal services, and 9.1 times in financial services. "Business owners do not need to be told that paid ads are getting more expensive," said AJ Ignacio, CEO of Baden Bower. " What they have not had until now is a dataset showing precisely how much better the alternative performs. This is not a marginal improvement. It is a fundamentally different return profile." Key Findings Lead Quality and Conversion Rates Earned editorial placements produced a 31 percent lead-to-close rate, compared to 12 percent for paid advertising and 8 percent for wire distribution. The leads generated by editorial coverage converted at nearly three times the rate of paid advertising leads. Seventy-four percent of respondents reported higher customer lifetime value from earned media leads. Seventy-one percent rated referral traffic quality from earned media as high, compared to 45 percent for paid ads and 18 percent for wire distribution. Cost Efficiency The reported cost per impression for earned editorial was $0.21, compared to $1.84 for paid digital advertising. Earned editorial also drove a 68 percent brand search lift among respondents, compared to 34 percent for paid advertising and 11 percent for wire distribution. The Compounding Curve Paid advertising follows a familiar pattern. A campaign launches, conversions spike, and when the budget stops, the results stop with it. Earned media follows the opposite trajectory. In month one, earned editorial produced an 8 percent conversion rate, trailing Google Ads at 24 percent and social ads at 18 percent. By month six, earned editorial reached 41 percent, overtaking Google Ads at 22 percent and social ads at 14 percent. By month 12, earned editorial stood at 58 percent versus 16 percent for Google Ads and 8 percent for social. By month 24, earned editorial reached 63 percent while Google Ads had declined to 8 percent and social ads to 3 percent. The crossover point is month five. By month 24, earned media generates eight times as many cumulative conversions as paid channels. Trust Across Stakeholder Groups Earned editorial dominated every stakeholder category tested. Customer trust stood at 87 percent for earned editorial, compared to 31 percent for paid ads and 22 percent for wire distribution. Investor confidence stood at 82 percent, versus 28 percent and 19 percent. Partner credibility stood at 84 percent versus 24 percent and 16 percent. Employee pride stood at 79 percent versus 35 percent and 27 percent. Talent attraction stood at 76 percent versus 32 percent and 21 percent. AI Search Engine Citations Forty-four percent of earned editorial placements were cited in Google AI Overviews. Thirty-eight percent were mentioned by ChatGPT. Forty-one percent were cited by Perplexity. Wire-distributed press releases were cited between 1 and 2 percent of the time across all three platforms. Paid advertising was cited between 2 and 4 percent. Earned editorial placements are approximately 20 times more likely to appear in AI-generated answers than wire distribution. The Wire Distribution Reality Check Only 3 percent of wire-distributed press releases resulted in journalist pickup, compared to 100 percent for guaranteed editorial placements. Only 8 percent generated inbound leads. Only 2 percent helped close a deal. Satisfaction with wire distribution was the lowest among all channels tested, with 47 percent of respondents reporting dissatisfaction, compared to a 74 percent satisfaction rate for earned editorial placements. Channel Satisfaction Earned editorial placements led with 74 percent satisfaction and 12 percent dissatisfaction. Google Ads: 47 percent satisfied and 29 percent dissatisfied. Social media ads: 41 percent satisfied and 33 percent dissatisfied. Wire distribution trailed at 25 percent satisfied and 47 percent dissatisfied. The Biggest Marketing Regret When asked their single biggest marketing regret over the past three years, 68 percent of respondents said they wished they had started investing in earned media sooner. Nineteen percent said they were satisfied with their current mix. Only 8 percent wished they had spent more on paid ads, and only 5 percent wished they had invested more in wire distribution. "Every editorial placement is now two assets in one," Ignacio said. "It reaches human readers on the day it publishes, and it enters the training data that AI systems draw on indefinitely. A paid ad does neither. A press release does the first for a day and the second almost never." Methodology The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media 2026 was commissioned by Baden Bower and conducted via an online survey of 512 verified business owners across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia between March 4 and 21, 2026. All respondents were screened to confirm they had personally authorized marketing spend on at least two channels in the prior 24 months. ROI figures are self-reported perceptions, not audited financial data. Industry breakdown: Professional Services (18%), SaaS/Technology (16%), E-commerce (14%), Financial Services (13%), Healthcare (12%), Real Estate (11%), Legal (9%), Immigration Services (7%). The margin of error is ±4.3 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. The full survey instrument and raw data tables are available on request at reports@badenbower.com. Suggested citation: Baden Bower. (2026). State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media: Annual Industry Report. https://www.badenbower.com/research/earned-vs-paid-media-2026/ About Baden Bower Baden Bower is a guaranteed PR placement agency founded in 2018 that secures editorial features for clients in Forbes, Bloomberg, Vogue, Business Insider, and 700+ publications worldwide. The agency has published over 25,000 news features for more than 3,548 clients across 37 countries and offers a money-back guarantee on all placements. Baden Bower has posted 685% year-over-year revenue growth and a 264% surge in net profit. The firm maintains a 93 percent client retention rate and operates with a team of over 250 across offices in New York, London, Sydney, Abu Dhabi, and the British Virgin Islands. Media Contact Baden Bower Press Office reports@badenbower.com +1 (646) 971-4960 The State of Earned Media vs. Paid Media 2026 is an annual report commissioned by Baden Bower. Full methodology and data tables available on request. Copyright 2026 Baden Bower (Review Rumble Ltd). All rights reserved.

April 17, 2026

Apps & Software

TryStyle Finally Launches AI Visual Try-On Platform Redefining Fit and Apparel Confidence

A Shift Toward Confidence-Driven Commerce TryStyle is a free-to-use consumer platform available through both a mobile app and a white-label widget that can be seamlessly embedded into retailer websites, enabling brands to integrate visual try-on directly into their existing ecommerce experience without disrupting the customer journey. The platform is designed to remove uncertainty from online apparel shopping by allowing users to upload a personal photo once and use it across all participating retailers, creating a consistent and connected try-on experience wherever they shop. It also extends into physical retail discovery through a point-and-click function that allows shoppers to visualize how items on the rack would look on their own body before making a purchase. Beyond Sizing: Delivering True Visual Confidence Unlike traditional fit tools that focus only on sizing recommendations, TryStyle is not a simple fit widget. Instead, it combines fit confidence with visual confidence, allowing shoppers to see not just whether an item fits, but how it actually looks on their body. The platform provides a full visual experience that includes front, side, and back views along with a 360-degree rotation, helping users understand garment shape, drape, and proportion in a way that closely mirrors an in-store fitting room experience. This multi-angle visualization is designed to reduce uncertainty and bring a more realistic sense of how clothing will appear in real life. Seamless Integration for Retailers, Frictionless Access for Consumers For retailers, TryStyle is built as a flexible white-label solution that integrates directly into existing ecommerce platforms, making it easy to adopt without requiring changes to core systems. For consumers, the experience remains completely free and simple, beginning with a single photo setup that unlocks try-on capabilities across multiple retailers and products. This dual approach allows TryStyle to deliver value on both sides of the marketplace by improving engagement, increasing purchase confidence, and supporting better conversion outcomes while maintaining a seamless shopping experience. Bridging the Gap Between Measurement and Appearance Traditional ecommerce systems have long focused on sizing charts and numerical fit recommendations, often overlooking how garments actually appear on different body types in real-world contexts. Elements such as silhouette, drape, and proportion play a critical role in purchase decisions, yet are rarely visualized in a meaningful way online. TryStyle addresses this gap by transforming product data into realistic visual representations, helping shoppers better understand how clothing aligns with their expectations, personal style, and body shape. Extending Value Beyond the Consumer Experience While TryStyle is designed to enhance the shopper experience, it also delivers value to brands, designers, and product teams by generating insights that can inform decisions across the entire product lifecycle, from initial design to merchandising and retail strategy. The apparel industry has traditionally relied on standardized grading systems that often fail to reflect the diversity of real-world body types, but TryStyle introduces a feedback loop based on actual user interaction, allowing brands to refine fit accuracy, improve sizing consistency, and make more informed decisions about garment construction and development. Industry Context and Evolving Perspectives on Fit The launch of TryStyle comes at a time when the fashion industry is increasingly focused on body inclusivity and improving fit accuracy, with designers and industry leaders emphasizing the importance of creating clothing that reflects real people and real experiences. Public figures such as Zendaya, stylist Law Roach, Emma Grede, and Ashley Graham have all contributed to broader conversations about fit, comfort, and body diversity, reinforcing the need for more accurate and representative approaches to fashion design. TryStyle aligns with this shift by prioritizing how clothing actually appears and performs on individuals rather than relying solely on abstract sizing standards. A Platform Built on Trust and Precision At its core, TryStyle is built around trust, trust that garments will meet expectations, trust that sizing guidance reflects real outcomes, and trust that brands are designing with accurate and meaningful data. “Fashion should never force people to imagine themselves into confidence,” said Rich Blecher, founder of TryStyle. “It should help them see it. We built TryStyle because too many shoppers are still left guessing, and too many brands are still designing around outdated assumptions. When you can connect visual try-on, better fit understanding, and better product insight, you do more than improve a sale, you create a more human fashion experience.” This philosophy reflects the company’s broader vision of intelligent ecommerce that blends emotional assurance with technical precision to create a more transparent and reliable shopping journey. Looking Ahead to Intelligent Ecommerce TryStyle represents a shift toward intelligent ecommerce systems that learn from user behavior and continuously adapt to evolving consumer expectations. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape both retail and fashion design, TryStyle positions itself as a bridge between consumer experience and product intelligence, helping shoppers gain greater clarity while enabling brands to design with more accuracy and intent. Through its dual focus on consumer confidence and retailer intelligence, the company aims to redefine online fashion as a more visual, personalized, and emotionally aligned experience. About TryStyle TryStyle is an AI-powered fashion technology company focused on transforming online apparel shopping and modernizing fit intelligence through a combination of visual try-on technology and data-driven insights. The platform is delivered through both a mobile app and a white-label widget that integrates directly into retailer websites, helping consumers make more confident purchasing decisions while enabling brands to improve product development, sizing accuracy, and overall customer experience. Media Contact Contact Name: Rich Blecher Founder, Try Style LLC Email: Info@trystyle.fashion Website LinkedIn Instagram

April 17, 2026

Automotive

Set to Unveil | Freelander Outlines Global Market Strategy

Following its impressive global debut on March 31, the Freelander—an iconic representative of British premium engineering heritage—has quickly emerged as a key focal point in the international automotive discourse. Built on the technological strength of Chery and the distinctive British design DNA inherited from Jaguar Land Rover, Freelander is poised to officially reveal its comprehensive global go-to-market strategy. Taking place on April 25 as a highlight segment of the Chery International Business Summit, the exclusive Freelander Night in Wuhu will serve as a grand stage to welcome global partners. During the event, the brand will formally announce two core strategic pillars: 1. A Global Strategic Rollout Framework: Outlining a clear roadmap for international expansion, defining the brand’s pan-global presence with precise direction. 2. A Diversified Cooperation Mechanism: Establishing a standardized yet adaptable partnership ecosystem tailored to different regional markets, ensuring a win-win situation for all stakeholders. Currently, industry speculation about Freelander's global deployment runs deep. The question on everyone's mind remains: Where will Freelander’s first global launch market be? The answer is imminent—but the wait is almost over. The brand’s comprehensive global market deployment and its debut launch market will be exclusively unveiled at Freelander Night in Wuhu on April 25, a core event within the Chery International Business Summit. Legend Reborn, Global Journey Begins. Stay tuned for the grand reveal on April 25.

April 17, 2026

Automotive

Official Recognition! iCAUR V23 Tops the 2026 J.D. Power NEV-APEAL Rankings

Market feedback is always the clearest measure of a product’s strength. On March 26, the global consumer insights and market research firm J.D. Power released the 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (NEV-APEAL) Study. iCAUR V23 topped the mid-size pure electric SUV segment. This result highlights the model’s outstanding appeal and user experience, and reinforces iCAUR’s continued progress in the new energy sector. Authoritative rankings matter because they reflect real user experiences. J.D. Power’s NEV-APEAL study assesses real ownership experiences 2 to 6 months after purchase. It examines 11 dimensions, including exterior design, ride comfort, infotainment, driving feel, safety, and charging, across 45 indicators. The survey spans 81 major cities across China, collecting feedback from tens of thousands of real EV owners. It is highly objective and widely recognized. This ranking reflects iCAUR V23’s pure electric SUV experience. It precisely addresses user needs. Since its launch, this pure electric off-road SUV has gained wide attention for its unique character. The classic boxy shape blends rugged retro style with modern design, making it highly recognizable. The four-wheel layout, 4,220mm length, and 2,735mm wheelbase provide a roomy interior. Style and practicality come together perfectly. As a pure electric boxy SUV, the V23 dual-motor version delivers a combined output of 155kW and a peak torque of 292 N·m. Equipped with i-AWD (intelligent All-Wheel Drive) system, a 43° approach angle, a 41° departure angle, and 210mm ground clearance, it handles city roads smoothly and off-road terrain confidently. The smart cockpit, powered by a high-performance chip, is fast and easy to use. The reinforced cage body and full safety system keep every journey safe. User recognition in a single market often reflects a product’s global competitiveness. iCAUR V23 has earned wide praise in China and has also launched in Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia and Thailand, leading the electric boxy SUV segment. It previously received a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, the first for a pure electric boxy SUV. The EV market in China is one of the most competitive in the world, with most global brands and models present. That the V23 ranks first in such a market shows its strong overall capability. iCAUR V23 also offers a highly flexible customization ecosystem. It has dozens of standard expansion ports and hundreds of upgrade parts to suit different travel needs. At the upcoming 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and iCAUR International Business Summit, iCAUR will showcase various customized V23 models, highlighting their modification potential and versatility. AIMOGA Robots and Robotic Dogs will also be present.. Stay tuned!

April 17, 2026

Automotive

Official Recognition! iCAUR V23 Tops the 2026 J.D. Power NEV-APEAL Rankings

Market feedback is always the clearest measure of a product’s strength. On March 26, the global consumer insights and market research firm J.D. Power released the 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (NEV-APEAL) Study. iCAUR V23 topped the mid-size pure electric SUV segment. This result highlights the model’s outstanding appeal and user experience, and reinforces iCAUR’s continued progress in the new energy sector. Authoritative rankings matter because they reflect real user experiences. J.D. Power’s NEV-APEAL study assesses real ownership experiences 2 to 6 months after purchase. It examines 11 dimensions, including exterior design, ride comfort, infotainment, driving feel, safety, and charging, across 45 indicators. The survey spans 81 major cities across China, collecting feedback from tens of thousands of real EV owners. It is highly objective and widely recognized. This ranking reflects iCAUR V23’s pure electric SUV experience. It precisely addresses user needs. Since its launch, this pure electric off-road SUV has gained wide attention for its unique character. The classic boxy shape blends rugged retro style with modern design, making it highly recognizable. The four-wheel layout, 4,220mm length, and 2,735mm wheelbase provide a roomy interior. Style and practicality come together perfectly. As a pure electric boxy SUV, the V23 dual-motor version delivers a combined output of 155kW and a peak torque of 292 N·m. Equipped with i-AWD (intelligent All-Wheel Drive) system, a 43° approach angle, a 41° departure angle, and 210mm ground clearance, it handles city roads smoothly and off-road terrain confidently. The smart cockpit, powered by a high-performance chip, is fast and easy to use. The reinforced cage body and full safety system keep every journey safe. User recognition in a single market often reflects a product’s global competitiveness. iCAUR V23 has earned wide praise in China and has also launched in Southeast Asian markets like Malaysia and Thailand, leading the electric boxy SUV segment. It previously received a five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, the first for a pure electric boxy SUV. The EV market in China is one of the most competitive in the world, with most global brands and models present. That the V23 ranks first in such a market shows its strong overall capability. iCAUR V23 also offers a highly flexible customization ecosystem. It has dozens of standard expansion ports and hundreds of upgrade parts to suit different travel needs. At the upcoming 2026 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition and iCAUR International Business Summit, iCAUR will showcase various customized V23 models, highlighting their modification potential and versatility. AIMOGA Robots and Robotic Dogs will also be present.. Stay tuned!

April 17, 2026

Automotive

Brand New Proposition to Shine at Beijing Auto Show 2026: CHERY Renews Globally with Family at Core

As demand for global family mobility continues to rise, comfort, safety and technology have become core pursuits. Rooted in user needs, CHERY has built a new value system with “family” at its heart and is poised for a comprehensive global brand renewal.CHERY’s all-new brand philosophy will be grandly unveiled at Beijing Auto Show & CHERY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT in April 2026, ushering in a new era of family mobility with users worldwide. All-New Philosophy Coming Soon: Centered on the Core Value of Family Mobility At this year’s Beijing Auto Show, CHERY will officially launch its all-new global brand philosophy, fully reshaping brand value and market positioning around the user. It will establish a full-dimensional value support system covering safety, space and intelligence tailored to family travel, providing a one-stop complete mobility solution for global families. This brand renewal marks a critical upgrade for CHERY from product output to value output, signifying its evolution from a car manufacturer to a creator of family mobility value.As a world-renowned industry event, Beijing Auto Show 2026 will serve as the launchpad for CHERY’s global renewal. Its new philosophy, flagship products and global strategic layout will attract strong attention from the international market. 2026 CHERY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SUMMIT Beyond Philosophy: Integrating Global Layout and User Experience Guided by the new brand philosophy, CHERY will deeply integrate brand value with global strategy, core technologies, product matrix and user ecosystem to form a unified development system.The brand will continue to focus on family users, upgrading three core experiences: comfortable space, safety protection and intelligent interaction, while constantly refining products and services. Meanwhile, CHERY adheres to openness and win-win cooperation, building a mobility ecosystem with global dealers and partners, enriching its vehicle lineup and iterating strategic goals.To meet diverse scenarios for families of all ages, CHERY will keep polishing product details and strengthening reliable quality, striving to be a trusted global mobility partner for users worldwide. Rooted in the needs of family users, CHERY integrates warmth and protection into every journey with its new value philosophy and global layout.Moving forward, CHERY will continue to deepen the core value of family mobility and upgrade products and technologies.As Beijing Auto Show 2026 & CHERY International Business Summit approaches, we sincerely invite global media and users to witness the moment and embrace a new future of family mobility together with CHERY.

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Brand New Proposition to Shine at Beijing Auto Show 2026: CHERY Renews Globally with Family at Core

Brand New Proposition to Shine at Beijing Auto Show 2026: CHERY Renews Globally with Family at Core

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