Los Angeles Social Media Agency Wins Tourism & Travel Award, Proving The Power of Multicultural Marketing

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LONG BEACH, CA – May 2025 — Keen Social, an LGBTQ+ and minority-owned multicultural digital marketing agency based in Long Beach, has earned a Bronze Telly Award in the Social Video – Series: Travel & Tourism category for its creative campaign reviving the legendary Queen Mary ship.

This recognition places Keen Social alongside global content leaders like MTV, NASA, and ESPN, affirming the agency’s growing influence in tourism, entertainment, and culturally resonant storytelling.

Read the original article here: Golden State Review – Keen Social Wins Telly Award

A Multicultural Marketing Win for a Long Beach Icon

Keen Social’s award-winning campaign, “Keen Social Relaunches Sinking Queen Mary, Improves Brand Perceptions & Drives Profits After Years in Financial Turmoil”, blended heritage with modern content strategy. As one of Long Beach’s most recognizable historic landmarks, the Queen Mary had fallen into financial hardship. The City of Long Beach needed a bold, fresh campaign to breathe life into the ship—and Keen delivered.

Campaign Highlights:

  • 🎥 High-Impact Social Video: Immersive storytelling captured the ship’s grandeur with cinematic precision.

  • 🤝 Influencer Marketing: Collaborations with creators like @RicardoHurtado and @SpookieFoodie attracted younger, diverse audiences.

  • 📊 Data-Driven Strategy: Real-time analytics and social listening refined messaging and drove engagement.

  • 📣 Integrated PR & Social: Media outreach fused with visually engaging digital content.

  • 🌆 Community-Centered: Partnerships with local businesses and community voices grounded the campaign in Long Beach pride.

A Local Agency with a Global Vision

Led by Esteven Gamez, a Tejano, and Texas A&M alum, Keen Social has always been about more than marketing. It’s about representation, equity, and impact. Gamez’s journey—from a kid in South Texas who never saw anyone like him in advertising to the founder of an award-winning agency—is embedded in every campaign Keen Social creates.

“Being a Hispanic kid from Texas, the idea of building a creative agency felt like a distant dream. But thanks to my parents—my dad’s discipline and my mom’s entrepreneurial spirit—I learned how to work hard and create something that could inspire others to dream bigger,” says Gamez.

Why This Matters for the Tourism Industry

In 2025, video-first tourism strategies are no longer optional—they’re essential. Keen Social’s Queen Mary campaign proves that:

  • Authentic, multicultural storytelling drives perception shifts and revitalizes heritage brands.

  • Video and influencer content convert views into tourism dollars.

  • Community-first marketing builds lasting trust and relevance.

This campaign didn’t just improve brand sentiment for the Queen Mary—it helped drive real revenue and restored civic pride in a beloved landmark.

More Than Just a Telly Award

Keen Social’s work also earned a Davey Award for the same campaign, reinforcing the agency’s leadership in blending strategy, creativity, and cultural intelligence.

As the agency expands its influence in tourism, hospitality, government, and nonprofit sectors, Keen continues delivering campaigns that don’t just “go viral”—they make a difference.

About Keen Social

Keen Social is a Long Beach-based multicultural, LGBTQ+, and minority-owned digital marketing agency specializing in:

  • Social media management & paid strategy

  • Influencer partnerships

  • Video content production

  • PR & community outreach

  • Data-driven storytelling

From local businesses to global brands, Keen helps organizations connect with diverse audiences authentically and effectively.

Ready to Tell Your Story?

If you’re a tourism brand, government agency, or entertainment company looking to drive real impact with your marketing, Keen Social is ready to help.

📍 Based in Long Beach. Rooted in culture. Powered by results.

👉 Contact Us to create your next award-winning campaign.

Top Influencer Marketing Services for Long Beach Brands

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If you’re a business in Long Beach looking to elevate your brand’s visibility, drive real engagement, and convert awareness into sales—influencer marketing might be your most powerful tool.

And guess what? You don’t need to look beyond your own city.

At Keen Social, we specialize in influencer marketing campaigns tailored for Long Beach brands, combining multicultural insights, local connections, and measurable strategies that drive ROI.

🌟 Why Influencer Marketing Works (Especially in Long Beach)

Long Beach is a city rich with culture, community, and creators. Whether you’re in hospitality, tourism, retail, or food & beverage, your audience is online—and they’re paying attention to who they trust.

Influencers drive:

  • 🚀 Brand awareness through authentic local content

  • 💬 Conversations that feel real (not ads)

  • 🛒 Direct traffic to your offers, products, or events

🤝 Our Long Beach Influencer Strategy

We’ve built a community-first influencer network with creators that represent your audience—diverse, local, and engaged. Whether you’re launching a new product or promoting an event, we handle everything:

✅ Influencer Sourcing & Vetting
✅ Campaign Strategy & Creative Direction
✅ Contracting, Compliance & Briefing
✅ Content Scheduling & UGC Usage
✅ Real-Time Analytics & Performance Reporting

🎯 Who We Help

We’ve helped Long Beach businesses and regional campaigns in:

  • Tourism & Hospitality

  • Nonprofits & Community Orgs

  • Retail & E-Commerce

  • Event Promotions

  • Restaurants & Local Spots

Whether it’s a launch, a rebrand, or a one-off activation, we’ve got you.

🧩 Why Keen Social?

We’re not a generic agency doing copy-paste work. We’re a Long Beach-based, minority-owned, and LGBTQ+ certified agency that understands how to tell stories that cut through the noise—because we live in the community we’re marketing to.

Our campaigns aren’t just about likes—they’re about loyalty and long-term value.

✅ Ready to Get Started?

Let’s build something that feels local but hits big.
Let’s activate your brand where it matters—in the community.

👉 Schedule a Free Local Strategy Session

Would you like a matching landing page with a short inquiry form and embedded Calendly link? I can help you write that too.

How Orange County Startups Can Win with Influencer Marketing in 2025

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Orange County’s vibrant startup scene is thriving, with new tech, wellness, fashion, and food ventures emerging. In this competitive landscape, influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for startups to build brand awareness, foster trust, and drive sales. Understanding how to engage with influencers effectively is crucial for startup success as the creator economy expands.Business Insider+5Influencer Hero+5HypeAuditor.com+5

1. Embrace Nano and Micro-Influencers for Authentic Engagement

Gone are the days when only celebrities could sway consumer behavior. In 2025, nano (1,000–10,000 followers) and micro-influencers (10,000–100,000 followers) are proving to be more effective for startups seeking authentic connections with niche audiences. These influencers often boast higher engagement rates and more loyal followings, making them ideal partners for startups aiming to build trust and community.Typeform+1Skyline Studio+1The Times

Stat: A HubSpot survey found that 50% of marketers saw the most success with micro-influencers, especially those with between 10k and 100k followers. Typeform

Action Tip: Identify local influencers whose values align with your brand. Engage with their content and explore collaboration opportunities that feel genuine and mutually beneficial.

2. Leverage AI Tools for Efficient Campaign Management

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing influencer marketing by streamlining the process of finding and collaborating with the right influencers. Platforms like TikTok’s Symphony Suite offer tools to generate ad scripts, translate videos, and even create AI-generated avatars, enhancing creative capabilities. These tools can help startups maximize their marketing efforts with limited resources.Business Insider

Insight: TikTok’s “What’s Next” report for 2025 highlights the extensive use of AI as a creative tool, encouraging brands to embrace AI for a competitive edge. Business Insider

Action Tip: Incorporate AI-powered platforms to identify suitable influencers and manage campaigns efficiently, allowing your startup to focus on growth and innovation.

3. Focus on Hyper-Personalized Content

Today’s consumers expect personalized experiences. Influencers who tailor content to specific audience segments can significantly enhance a startup’s marketing effectiveness. By collaborating with influencers who understand and resonate with your target demographic, startups can deliver personal and relevant messages.The Times+4Sortlist+4True North Social+4

Trend: Hyper-personalization remains top of mind, with marketers leveraging AI and customer data to create tailored experiences. Typeform

Action Tip: Work with influencers to develop content that speaks directly to your audience’s interests and needs, fostering deeper connections and driving engagement.

4. Utilize Local Influencer Marketing Agencies

Navigating the influencer landscape can be challenging for startups. Partnering with local influencer marketing agencies in Orange County can provide valuable insights and connections. Agencies like Bastion Agency and Idea Hall specialize in identifying influencers and crafting campaigns that resonate with local audiences.The Manifest

Resource: The Manifest lists top influencer marketing agencies in Orange County, offering services tailored to startups’ unique needs. The Manifest

Action Tip: Collaborate with local agencies to leverage their expertise and networks and ensure your influencer marketing campaigns are strategic and effective.

5. Measure Success with Clear Metrics

To ensure the effectiveness of influencer marketing campaigns, startups must establish clear goals and track relevant metrics. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and return on investment (ROI) provide insights into campaign performance and areas for improvement.

Action Tip: Set specific, measurable objectives for each campaign and use analytics tools to monitor progress, allowing for data-driven decision-making and optimization.

Influencer marketing offers Orange County startups a dynamic avenue to connect with audiences, build brand credibility, and drive growth. By embracing authentic partnerships, leveraging technology, and focusing on personalized content, startups can confidently navigate the evolving digital landscape.

Ready to elevate your startup’s marketing strategy? Keen Social specializes in crafting tailored influencer marketing campaigns that resonate with your target audience. Contact us today to learn how we can help your startup thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Why Long Beach Tourism Brands Need Video-First Strategies

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In a city as visually dynamic and culturally rich as Long Beach, standing out in the tourism space means more than just showing up—it means showing off. And in 2025, the best way to do that is through video-first content strategies.

Whether you’re promoting waterfront dining, the Queen Mary, or the vibrancy of Belmont Shore, video isn’t just a trend—it’s the expectation.

1. Video Is the #1 Format Tourists Engage With

From YouTube to Instagram Reels and TikTok, short-form and cinematic content drives the highest engagement. Travelers want to see experiences before they book them. For Long Beach tourism brands, video provides an immersive look into your offerings—be it a sunset gondola ride or a buzzing street fair.

📊 Stat: Travel-related videos on YouTube see over 1 billion views per month globally.

Pro tip: Showcase drone footage, behind-the-scenes tours, and day-in-the-life local stories to inspire bookings and clicks.

2. Google Prioritizes Video in Search Results

Incorporating video into your content marketing gives your brand a powerful SEO edge. Google now prioritizes pages with video, especially if it’s hosted on YouTube or embedded natively.

Long Beach-specific searches like:

  • “Best weekend getaways near LA”

  • “Things to do in Long Beach”

  • “Waterfront hotels with views”

are more likely to surface video-first websites and social channels.

3. Gen Z and Millennials Travel With TikTok, Not Travel Guides

Younger audiences no longer start with Google—they start with TikTok and Instagram. These platforms are discovery engines, and if you’re not there with scroll-stopping video, you’re invisible to the next wave of travelers.

🔍 “TikTok made me book it” is the new “I read it in Lonely Planet.”

Tip for tourism brands: Focus on storytelling, local creators, and authentic moments that capture Long Beach’s unique vibe.

4. Video Boosts Bookings, Not Just Engagement

A compelling video strategy doesn’t just generate likes—it converts. Visitors are far more likely to book a tour, hotel, or event if they’ve experienced it virtually first. That means higher ROI for your ad dollars and organic reach.

Types of videos that drive conversions:

  • 15-second teaser trailers

  • Hotel room walk-throughs

  • Itinerary-style influencer content

  • “Top 5 things to do” countdowns

5. Long Beach Deserves More Than Stock Photos

From the murals of Retro Row to the waves of Alamitos Beach, Long Beach has a story to tell—and stock imagery won’t cut it. You need real video, made by people who know the city.

That’s where Keen Social comes in.

Why Work With Keen Social?

We’re a Long Beach-based agency that understands this city and what makes it shine. With award-winning video producers, multicultural strategy expertise, and a deep love for SoCal’s coast, we help tourism brands capture attention—and keep it.

🎥 From reels to full-scale brand films, we tailor video content to attract modern travelers and drive bookings.

Ready to Elevate Your Tourism Marketing?

Let Keen Social turn your brand into a destination.
Contact us today to start building your video-first strategy for 2025.

Top 5 Social Media Trends LA Brands Should Watch in 2025

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Los Angeles has long been a trendsetter in culture, entertainment, and innovation. As we navigate through 2025, it’s crucial for LA-based brands to stay ahead in the ever-evolving social media landscape. Here are five key trends shaping social media this year and how your brand can leverage them to stay competitive.

1. Social Media as the New Search Engine

Consumers are increasingly turning to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for product discovery and recommendations, often before consulting traditional search engines. In fact, 84% of marketers agree that consumers will search for brands on social media this year .HubSpot Offers

Actionable Tip: Optimize your social media profiles with relevant keywords, hashtags, and engaging content to enhance discoverability. Ensure that your brand’s information is easily accessible and up-to-date across all platforms.

2. Generative AI Enhancing Content Creation

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing content creation by enabling brands to produce personalized and engaging content at scale. From generating captions to creating visuals, AI tools are becoming indispensable in crafting compelling social media narratives .Hootsuite+1Hootsuite+1

Actionable Tip: Integrate AI-powered tools into your content strategy to streamline creation processes and maintain a consistent posting schedule. Experiment with AI-generated content to see what resonates best with your audience.

3. Short-Form Video Dominance

Short-form videos continue to captivate audiences, with platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts leading the charge. These bite-sized videos are not only engaging but also effective in driving purchasing decisions, with 57% of Gen Z and 73% of all consumers using short videos for product research .Lifewire

Actionable Tip: Incorporate short-form videos into your marketing strategy to showcase products, share behind-the-scenes content, or highlight customer testimonials. Keep videos concise, authentic, and tailored to your target audience.

4. Community-Led Growth and Authentic Engagement

Building genuine communities around your brand fosters loyalty and trust. In 2025, consumers are seeking authentic connections with brands that align with their values and interests .HubSpot Offers

Actionable Tip: Engage with your audience through interactive content, respond to comments, and create spaces for user-generated content. Consider hosting live sessions or Q&A segments to foster real-time interactions.

5. Cultural Fluency and Inclusive Marketing

Understanding and reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of Los Angeles is essential. Brands that demonstrate cultural fluency and inclusivity resonate more deeply with their audiences .Sprout Social

Actionable Tip: Develop campaigns that celebrate the diverse communities within LA. Collaborate with local influencers and creators who authentically represent various cultural narratives.

Staying abreast of these trends is vital for LA brands aiming to thrive in the dynamic social media environment of 2025. By embracing these strategies, your brand can foster deeper connections with audiences and drive meaningful engagement.

Need assistance in navigating these trends? At Keen Social, we’re dedicated to helping brands like yours craft impactful social media strategies. Contact us today to elevate your social media presence.

The Best Mobile Apps To Create Social Media Videos For Your Small Business

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Creating high-quality video content is crucial for small businesses looking to engage with their audience and enhance their marketing efforts. Several mobile apps can help you produce professional-looking videos without requiring extensive technical skills. Here are some of the best mobile apps for producing your own video content:

1. Adobe Premiere Rush

Features:

  • Multitrack timeline for complex editing.
  • Professional templates to get started quickly.
  • Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop functionality.
  • Built-in camera functionality for capturing high-quality video.
  • Cross-device sync with Adobe Creative Cloud, allowing you to start a project on your phone and finish it on your desktop.

Pros:

  • Powerful editing features.
  • Integrated with other Adobe products.
  • Suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Cons:

  • Requires a subscription for full features.

2. iMovie (iOS)

Features:

  • Simple drag-and-drop interface.
  • Pre-made themes and templates for quick edits.
  • Built-in music, sound effects, and voiceover recording.
  • High-quality video filters and transitions.

Pros:

  • Very user-friendly.
  • Free for iOS users.
  • Good integration with other Apple products.

Cons:

  • Limited to iOS devices.
  • Less advanced features compared to professional tools.

3. InShot

Features:

  • Video and photo editing capabilities.
  • Easy-to-use interface with simple tools for trimming, cutting, splitting, and merging videos.
  • Wide range of filters, effects, and transitions.
  • Music, voiceovers, and text overlays.

Pros:

  • Intuitive and user-friendly.
  • Suitable for quick edits.
  • Affordable pricing options.

Cons:

  • Limited advanced editing features.
  • Watermark on free version videos.

4. KineMaster

Features:

  • Multilayer video editing with support for video, images, text, and effects.
  • Advanced editing tools such as chroma key and blending modes.
  • Audio editing features including voiceovers and sound effects.
  • High-quality export options up to 4K.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive set of features.
  • User-friendly interface.
  • Suitable for both simple and complex editing tasks.

Cons:

  • Watermark on free version videos.
  • Some features require a subscription.

5. LumaFusion (iOS)

Features:

  • Professional-grade editing tools.
  • Multitrack timeline with up to 6 video/audio tracks.
  • Support for various formats and resolutions.
  • Advanced color correction and audio mixing.

Pros:

  • Powerful and feature-rich.
  • Suitable for professional-quality videos.
  • No subscription required, just a one-time purchase.

Cons:

  • Limited to iOS devices.
  • Steeper learning curve for beginners.

6. FilmoraGo

Features:

  • Easy-to-use timeline and interface.
  • Wide range of themes, transitions, and effects.
  • Built-in music library with the ability to add custom tracks.
  • Text and title overlays.

Pros:

  • Free with optional in-app purchases.
  • User-friendly for beginners.
  • Good balance of features and ease of use.

Cons:

  • Watermark on free version videos.
  • Some advanced features require payment.

7. Quik by GoPro

Features:

  • Automated video creation with smart editing.
  • Syncs footage to music for dynamic results.
  • Customizable templates.
  • Easy sharing options for social media.

Pros:

  • Extremely user-friendly.
  • Great for quick edits and social media content.
  • Free to use.

Cons:

  • Limited manual editing capabilities.
  • Geared towards action footage from GoPro cameras.

Conclusion

The best app for producing video content for your small business depends on your specific needs and skill level. If you are looking for professional-grade features and are willing to invest, Adobe Premiere Rush and LumaFusion are excellent choices. For those on a budget or just starting out, iMovie, InShot, and KineMaster offer a great balance of functionality and ease of use. Each of these apps can help you create engaging and high-quality video content to effectively promote your small business.

The Importance of Video Marketing and Content Creation for Small Businesses

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The Importance of Video Marketing and Content Creation for Small Businesses

In the digital age, video marketing and content creation have become essential tools for small businesses aiming to stand out in a crowded marketplace. With the rapid growth of online platforms and changing consumer behaviors, leveraging video content can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility, engagement, and conversion rates. Here’s why video marketing and content creation are crucial for small businesses.

Enhancing Brand Visibility

  1. Increased Online Presence: Video content is highly favored by search engines like Google. By incorporating videos into your website and social media channels, you can improve your search engine rankings, making it easier for potential customers to find your business.
  2. Social Media Reach: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok prioritize video content, often giving it more visibility than static images or text posts. This increased reach helps in attracting a broader audience and increasing brand awareness.

Engaging Your Audience

  1. Higher Engagement Rates: Videos are more engaging than other types of content. They capture attention quickly and can convey information more effectively. Audiences are more likely to watch, like, comment, and share videos, fostering greater interaction and engagement.
  2. Emotional Connection: Videos can create a stronger emotional connection with your audience. Through storytelling, music, and visuals, you can evoke emotions that resonate with viewers, making your brand more relatable and memorable.

Building Trust and Credibility

  1. Showcasing Expertise: Creating informative and educational videos allows you to showcase your expertise and knowledge in your industry. This helps build trust with your audience, positioning your business as a credible and reliable source of information.
  2. Customer Testimonials: Featuring customer testimonials in your videos can provide social proof of your products or services’ quality. Real customer stories and experiences can significantly influence potential buyers’ decisions.

Driving Conversions and Sales

  1. Explainer Videos: Product demonstrations, how-to guides, and explainer videos can help potential customers understand your offerings better. This clarity can lead to increased confidence in purchasing decisions, driving higher conversion rates.
  2. Call to Action (CTA): Videos provide a compelling way to incorporate CTAs. Whether it’s directing viewers to visit your website, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, an engaging video can effectively guide customers through the sales funnel.

Cost-Effective Marketing

  1. High ROI: Video marketing can yield a high return on investment (ROI). With the widespread availability of affordable video production tools and platforms, even small businesses with limited budgets can create high-quality videos that drive significant results.
  2. Longevity of Content: Videos have a longer shelf life compared to other forms of content. A well-produced video can continue to attract views and engagement long after it’s been published, providing ongoing value for your marketing efforts.

Adapting to Consumer Behavior

  1. Mobile Consumption: With the increasing use of smartphones, more consumers are watching videos on their mobile devices. Videos are easily consumable on the go, making them an ideal format to reach busy, mobile-first audiences.
  2. Preference for Visual Content: Modern consumers prefer visual content over text. By integrating videos into your marketing strategy, you can meet your audience’s preferences and enhance their overall experience with your brand.

Creating a Competitive Advantage

  1. Standing Out: In a crowded marketplace, videos can help your business stand out. Creative and unique video content can differentiate your brand from competitors, capturing the attention of potential customers.
  2. Personalized Marketing: Videos allow for personalized marketing experiences. By tailoring video content to specific audience segments, you can create more relevant and targeted messages that resonate with different customer groups.

Steps to Get Started with Video Marketing

  1. Define Your Goals: Identify what you want to achieve with your video marketing efforts. Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, driving sales, or engaging your audience, clear goals will guide your strategy.
  2. Know Your Audience: Understand your target audience’s preferences, interests, and behaviors. Create content that addresses their needs and provides value.
  3. Plan Your Content: Develop a content plan that outlines the types of videos you’ll create, the topics you’ll cover, and the platforms you’ll use to distribute your videos.
  4. Invest in Quality Production: While you don’t need a big budget, investing in good-quality production equipment and software can significantly enhance the professionalism of your videos.
  5. Promote Your Videos: Share your videos across your website, social media channels, email newsletters, and other marketing platforms to maximize their reach.
  6. Analyze and Optimize: Use analytics tools to track the performance of your videos. Monitor metrics like views, engagement, and conversions to understand what works and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Video marketing and content creation are indispensable for small businesses aiming to grow and succeed in today’s digital landscape. By enhancing brand visibility, engaging your audience, building trust, driving conversions, and offering a cost-effective marketing solution, videos can significantly impact your business’s success. Embracing video marketing now can give your small business a competitive edge and pave the way for long-term growth and customer loyalty.

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