Day: November 19, 2024

I’m all too familiar with that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach when you have to hit send on a resignation letter to your manager.

(I’ve written four over the course of my career.)

I always try to tell myself that millions quit their jobs every month. But as a people-pleaser, I can never seem to shake the nervous energy.

Since it’s very rarely an easy conversation to have, I like to make sure my resignation letter is direct but respectful. Appreciative but intentional. Cordial but professional. You get it.

Here’s how you can write a good resignation letter that turns an awkward goodbye into a chance for a long-term professional connection. Or at the very least, a chance to secure a few references for the future.

Table of Contents

• What is a resignation letter?
• How to Write a Professional Resignation Letter
• Resignation Letter Format
• What do I include in a professional resignation letter?
• What Not to Include in a Resignation Letter
• Free Professional Resignation Letter Templates
• Resignation Letter Examples and Samples

What is a resignation letter?

A resignation letter is a formal document that lets your employer know that you are resigning from (or leaving) your position.

It’s the official announcement of your departure from the company with details about your last day and your transition plan.

David Rubie-Todd, co-founder & marketing head at Sticker It notes, “I'd say that the resignation letter should not be an explanation of why you are leaving. It is a notice that you are — nothing more and nothing less.”

I couldn’t agree more. It’s your official statement that you will no longer be performing your duties and will be moving on from the company. We’ll get into what you should and should not include a little later.

There’s only been one instance where I’ve handed in a physical resignation letter to my manager, but it can be submitted either by email or print.

I typically submit my resignation letter during the conversation where I’m giving my two weeks' notice or immediately after.

The way I see it, your resignation letter should effectively convey two things: your gratitude for the opportunity and your professionalism.

I like to start the resignation process with a face-to-face conversation with my manager. That way, I can keep the actual letter brief and only focus on the relevant details — like the date of my last day and my exit plan.

There are other touchpoints, like the final 1:1s with your manager or your exit interview with HR, where you can discuss your departure (and the reasons for it) in more detail.

Should you use AI to write a resignation letter?

As a writer, I use AI for very specific purposes — like summarizing information or outlining ideas for inspiration. That said, I believe it’s best to use AI tools like ChatGPT to help you format or finalize your resignation letter.

Here’s an example where I asked ChatGPT to write a simple resignation letter for me.

Granted, I didn’t provide any background details about my role or experience with the company, but this is a pretty good structure to help me get started:

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you of my decision to resign from my position as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Day, typically two weeks from today’s date].

I have appreciated the opportunities and experiences I’ve had during my time at [Company Name], and I want to thank you and the team for the support and guidance you provided me.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my remaining time here and will do my best to complete any outstanding tasks or projects.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Another one of my favorite ways to use AI is to polish my writing, and HubSpot's AI paragraph rewriter is so great for this.

You can use it to experiment with different tones and strike the right balance. This is especially handy if you’re leaving a job with a bad taste in your mouth — been there.

Here’s an example:

Original language: I guess I learned a few things from this job, but I need to move on from this toxic environment as soon as possible.

Updated with AI paragraph rewriter: While I’ve gained some valuable insights during my time here, it’s essential for my well-being and professional growth to move on at this time.

Try HubSpot’s AI paragraph rewriter for free.

You can also use it to refresh language from a previous resignation letter or rework an output from ChatGPT to fit your current situation.

Either way, resignation letters are pretty straightforward, so I say use AI to help speed up the writing process.

OK, now let’s talk about the ideal resignation letter format.

Resignation Letter Format

I pulled one of my old resignation letters from the archive, so I’ll use this to talk about format.

(Removed all the juicy details, sry.)

January 20, 2022

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I’m writing to notify you that I’ll be leaving my role as [My Position] at [Company Name]. My last day will be February 9, 2022.

I want to thank [Company Name] for all of the support and guidance I received during my time here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who are truly passionate about giving underrepresented communities the resources they need to lead healthier lives. The Healthcare Team here is, without a doubt, one of a kind.

During the next couple of weeks, I’ll work closely with you to make this transition as smooth as possible, and I’ll reach out to [Colleague Name] to notify [Client Name] of my departure.

Wishing the team continued success, and I look forward to staying in touch.

All the best,

Alana Chinn

alana@email.com

LinkedIn

The format of a resignation letter should be detailed but brief. Inform your manager of your decision, but keep it professional.

I’ll break it down further in the next section for easy reference.

Writing a professional resignation letter starts with understanding each of its components. We’ll use mine as an example.

1. Date and Greeting

This part is straightforward. List the date you’re submitting your resignation letter so HR has a formal filing date. Then, greet your manager with a simple salutation.

Here’s what I did:

January 20, 2022

Dear [Manager’s Name],

2. Statement of Resignation and End Date

The fact that you’re leaving your role at the company is why you’re writing the letter in the first place, so I like to lead with that. State the position you’re resigning from and the date of your last day.

That, folks, is your statement of resignation.

Pro tip: I wouldn’t feel the need to gush here. In fact, I’d avoid openings like this:

“I'm so sorry, but I'm resigning from the role of [Your Position] in two weeks, although it's been a true pleasure working with you all. I know this is the worst, but I promise, I wouldn't if I didn't have to.”

Here’s what I did:

I’m writing to notify you that I’ll be leaving my role as [My Position] at [Company Name]. My last day will be February 9, 2022.

3. Expression of Gratitude

For the body of my resignation letter, I usually include two short paragraphs. The first expresses my gratitude for the opportunity.

Take a moment to reflect on your time at the company. Thank them for the valuable training, the supportive team environment, or even just the work experience.

If you have negative reasons for leaving, try to be as specific and genuine as possible. I'm sure you can find at least one good thing about the job … right?

Here’s what I did:

I want to thank [Company Name] for all of the support and guidance I received during my time here. It has been a pleasure working alongside people who are truly passionate about giving underrepresented communities the resources they need to lead healthier lives. The Healthcare Team here is, without a doubt, one of a kind.

4. Transition Details

Onto the second body paragraph: the one that briefly talks about my transition plan. Here, I note how I’ll help tie up any loose ends and make the transition as seamless as possible.

Pro tip: I recommend creating a separate transition plan that outlines your projects and tasks with full details on how you’ll hand over your responsibilities.

No need to include that in your resignation letter.

Here’s what I did:

During the next couple of weeks, I’ll work closely with you to make this transition as smooth as possible, and I’ll reach out to [Colleague Name] to notify [Client Name] of my departure.

5. Closing Paragraph and Contact Information

To wrap things up, I usually include a closing paragraph with well wishes and an opening to stay in touch. I’ll add a link to my LinkedIn profile (if we’re not already connected) and my personal email address.

You can add your phone number too, if you feel moved to do so.

Here’s what I did:

Wishing the team continued success, and I look forward to staying in touch.

All the best,

Alana Chinn

alana@email.com

LinkedIn

1. Future Career Moves

While you can mention where you're going next, I don’t recommend telling your employer about your new position at length. Keep things professional and focus on setting your existing team up for success before your departure.

2. Distasteful Language

While you may feel the urge to criticize your former job, the resignation letter isn't the time to air out the dirty laundry.

Trust me, you never know when you might cross paths with your old colleagues in the future — especially if you’re staying in the same industry.

George Cotter, SEO consultant at Tall Marketing says, “If you are leaving because of a conflict or something overtly negative, remember, you‘re resigning — it says all they need to know. You don’t need to tell them again.”

You’re on your way out anyway. Let that speak for itself.

3. Emotional Attachments

It’s not uncommon to form connections with your teammates. I’ve been known to have a work bestie or two. However, save the emotional sentiments for face-to-face conversations.

Your resignation letter is a professional document, so I say stick to the formalities.

4. Criticism of Coworkers

Similar to distasteful language, your resignation letter doesn't need to include negative comments about your colleagues or managers at the company. The letter is meant to conclude your tenure — stay focused.

5. Anger or Bitterness

The reality is you may be leaving a job with some resentment. I know I have.

But expressing anger or bitterness on your way out is not the way to go.

Daniel Cook, HR/marketing executive at Mullen and Mullen says, “I like to avoid negativity, as this is not the place to air grievances or provide criticism about the company or co-workers.

Even if I am leaving because of negative experiences, a resignation letter should be focused on moving forward — not on past complaints.”

Try to reflect on positive moments and how you gained useful knowledge about the industry rather than airing out the dirty laundry.

For more tips, watch what HubSpotter Jamal Meneide has to say on the topic of resignation letters:

Free Professional Resignation Letter Templates

Let’s face it: We have just about everything at HubSpot, including free resignation letter templates (hooray, we all say in unison). These templates are versatile and super easy to customize based on your role.

Download the Templates for Free

I pulled out a few of my favorite one-size-fits-all options from the pack.

General Resignation Letter Template

Download this Template

[Header]

[Date]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I’m writing first and foremost to thank you for my experiences at [Company Name] for the last [Time Spent Working at Company]. During this time, I’ve [Outline Positive Experiences/Learnings/Relationships During Your Tenure].

Today, I’m sharing the news of my difficult decision to resign from my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name]. My last day will be [Last Working Date].

The decision to move on was not easy, but I believe it the best thing for me at this time. I have been afforded the opportunity to [Describe New Role/Opportunity], which will allow me to [Explain Benefits of Transition].

I look forward to making the next [Length of Time Until Departure] as positive and productive as possible. I want to leave this team in the best shape for the organization and my replacement, and will be happy to work in whatever capacity is needed until my last day. Please let me know what I can do to help during this transitional period.

Once again, please accept my sincerest thanks for everything these past [Time Spent Working at Company]. I wish nothing but success for this company and team in the future and hope to stay connected. You may reach out to me at any time at [Email or Phone Number].

Sincerely, 

[Your Name]

What I like: This resignation letter template is a good one because it provides space for you to thank your manager, outline positive experiences from your time at the company, share your last day, and talk about why you decided to leave.

New Opportunity Resignation Letter Template

Download this Template

[Header]

[Date]

Dear [Manager's Name],

Please accept this message as my letter of resignation from my role as [Your Position] at [Company Name], effective [Last Working Date].

After this time, I will be [Describe New Opportunity].

During this time of transition, I will aim to be as supportive as possible to this team. Specifically, I plan to [Outline Steps You’ll Take to Ensure a Smooth Transition]. If I am needed in any other capacity before my departure, please let me know and I will be glad to assist however I can.

While I will be moving on, I know I will look back on my time at [Company Name] with fondness and gratitude. Specifically, [Positive Memory or Contribution #1] and  [Positive Memory or Contribution #2] will always be moments for which I will always be appreciative.

Thank you for your support and understanding during this time. I look forward to ensuring a successful transition for my team and my replacement.

All the Best,

[Your Name] 

What I like: If you're interested in sharing details about the next steps in your career, this is a great template to use. It also gives you the opportunity to reflect on your experience and accomplishments at the company with gratitude.

Reason for Leaving Resignation Letter Template

Download this Template

[Header]

[Date]

Dear [Manager's Name],

I would like to formally notify you of my decision to part ways with [Company Name], effective [Last Working Date].

The reason for my resignation is [Reason(s) for Resignation]. While I would have liked to continue working for [Company Name], I have decided the best option for me was to move on, because [Reason(s) for Departure].

I understand that my departure may cause some disruption, and so I’d like to be as helpful as possible before I go. Please do not hesitate to let me know how I can assist in an effective transition.

Thank you for this experience. I wish this company and everyone who works here all the best.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

What I like: This resignation letter template gives you the space to explain your reason for departure, should you choose to do so. However, it‘s still a simple and concise way to let your current company know you’re planning to move on.

Job Resignation Letter Templates

While HubSpot's templates are great for all-purpose use, I recognize that certain positions — like healthcare and C-suite roles — merit a more specific letter of resignation when you leave.

I've included a few templates for some of these more dynamic roles below.

1. Contractor Resignation Letter Template

As a contractor, you may need to adjust the focus of your resignation letter to address your final assignments, unfinished tasks, and how you’ll accept your final payment.

Use this template:

Image Source

[Header]

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I regret to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as the [Department] Freelancer as my contract with [Company Name] expires on April 20, 2022.

I have enjoyed my time here, and I have learned and grown a great deal. I am happy to have been a part of the company, and I would like to thank you for the opportunities I have had.

I am saddened to be moving on from the company, but I am going to be taking on new challenges with [New Company Name]. I hope my experience here has helped the company with its projects, and I am happy to have been a part of the team.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I will be available to help you with any final projects.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

2. Executive Resignation Letter Template

A quick email or two-paragraph notice to your superior might not suffice as an official resignation if you're in an executive- or senior-level leadership role.

Because these roles are harder to fill, you might play a more significant role in the transition period.

Use this template:

[Date]

Dear [Leadership Entity],

Please let this letter serve as my resignation as [Your Position] at [Company] effective [Last Working Date].

I will cherish the friends I have made and hold onto the many accomplishments that are part of my history with [Company Name]. As we part ways, I’m proud we were able to [List of Major Accomplishments].

I am confident that the board will be able to find an excellent replacement for [Your Position] and continue the company’s well-deserved success.

For all future communications, you can reach me by phone at [Phone Number] or by email at [Email Address].

I wish you and the company the best in the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

3. Teacher Resignation Letter Template

As a teacher, you may want to hold space to discuss your experience working with students and how you will help your temporary or full-time replacement with the transition.

Use this template:

Image Source

[Date]

Dear [Leadership Entity],

Please accept this letter as my formal resignation from my position as [Your Position] at [School Name]. To ensure ample time for a smooth transition, my last day of employment will be [Last Working Day].

My experience as an educator has been insightful, challenging, and fulfilling, and working with the [School Name] students has brought me great joy. Thank you for the opportunity to invest in the lives of children through learning and play. I am grateful to have been part of this team and will carry the many lessons I learned with me into my future endeavors.

Because the continued success and care of the students are of the utmost importance to me, I am dedicated to doing whatever I can to make the transition as seamless as possible. I am happy to train my replacement on our current curriculum and [List of Responsibilities].

I wish all the best for the [School Name] students, teachers, and administration. Thank you again for your support and leadership during my time here.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

4. Nurse Resignation Letter Template

As a nurse, it's important to give adequate notice of your departure to ensure there are no healthcare disruptions for your patients.

You can use your resignation letter to thank your employer for the experience and offer training support for your successor.

Use this template:

Image Source

[Date]

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I am writing to inform you of my resignation as [Your Position] at [Facility Name], effective two weeks from today. My last day of work will be [Last Working Day].

Working at [Facility Name] has been a rewarding experience. I have enjoyed my time with you and learned a great deal about working successfully with a team.

It was an honor to work with such dedicated staff who are committed to making [Facility Name] a place to receive compassionate care. I thank you for the training and the opportunity to grow with you in my career. I wish all the residents and staff good luck in the future.

If you feel it would be helpful, I would be happy to assist with the hiring and training of my successor over the next two weeks.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. My email address is [Email Address], and my cell phone number is [Phone Number].

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Resignation Letter Examples

Now that you have a few templates under your belt, I’m going to share some hypothetical (!) examples of resignation letters from my current position as Marketing Blog editor at HubSpot.

That way, you can see some of the blanks filled in with real information.

Short Resignation Letter Examples

Short resignation letters are great for situations where:

• You need to leave a job abruptly for personal (or professional) reasons.
• You don’t want to overshare details about your departure or next steps.
• You’re unhappy with your experience and want to remain professional.
• You haven’t been with the company for very long.

Here are two short resignation letter examples using my role as an inspo:

Example 1:

November 15, 2024

Dear Meg,

I’m writing to inform you that I will be resigning from my position as Marketing Blog Editor at HubSpot on November 30, 2024.

I appreciate the opportunity to grow as a content strategist during my time here. I am committed to working with you and the rest of the Blog team to facilitate a smooth transition before my departure.

Thanks again for the opportunity to be a part of such a fantastic team and HubSpot’s impactful work.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Example 2:

November 15, 2024

Dear Meg,

I’m writing to notify you that I’ll be leaving my role as Marketing Blog Editor at HubSpot. My last day will be November 30, 2024.

I want to thank you, the Blog team, and HubSpot for all of the support and guidance I received during my time here. My goal is to make this transition as smooth as possible over the next couple of weeks.

Wishing the team continued success, and many more well-timed GIFs.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Long Resignation Letter Example

Longer resignation letters work well if:

• You’re leaving on a positive note and want to emphasize that.
• You’ve been with the company for a while and have built close relationships.
• You want to leave things open to work together again in the future.

Here’s an example (again, using my role as an inspo):

November 15, 2024

Dear Meg,

I am writing to formally announce my resignation from my position as Marketing Blog Editor at HubSpot, effective November 30, 2024. This decision has been made after careful consideration and reflection of my professional goals.

I want to express my gratitude to you and the entire Blog team for your support and camaraderie during my time here. Thanks to HubSpot, I’ve had opportunities for growth and learning as a content strategist that I will be able to take with me.

I am committed to ensuring a smooth transition during my last two weeks with the company. I’m willing to assist with the handover of my responsibilities and support any training for the acting editor.

Thank you again for the opportunity to be a part of the HubSpot Blog team. I wish you all nothing but continued success in the future, and I look forward to keeping in touch.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Professional Resignation Letter Samples

Haven’t had enough yet?

I’m a firm believer that you can never have too many examples. So, here are some more resignation letter samples for even more scenarios.

1. Gracious Resignation Letter Sample

For times when you can honestly say you loved your job:

[Date]

Dear Manager,

I would like to inform you that I am resigning from my position as Data Analyst for Company A, effective November 30, 2024.

I appreciate the opportunities for professional development that you have provided me over the past four years. I have enjoyed my tenure at Company A, and feel grateful to have started my career alongside such a dedicated team.

I have accepted a teaching position in Virginia. While my experience at Company A was rewarding, I'm excited to pursue my passion for teaching.

If I can be of any help during this transition, please let me know. I am willing to help out with freelance work until you find a replacement.

Thank you again for the opportunity to work at Company A. I wish you all the best and look forward to staying in touch. You can email me at alana@email.com.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

2. Immediate Resignation Letter Sample

For times when you have to leave your job sooner than anticipated:

[Date]

Dear Manager,

I regret to inform you that I'm resigning from my position as the Data Analyst at Company A, effective immediately.

While my contract requires me to work until December 31, 2024, I would be grateful if I could cease working immediately. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this sudden news may cause.

Thank you for the fantastic opportunities you've offered me to grow professionally and personally.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to make the transition smoother.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

3. Retirement Resignation Letter Sample

For the time when you’re officially, really, and truly off the clock:

[Date]

Dear Manager,

After much consideration, I have decided to retire from Company A on December 31, 2024.

I have enjoyed working here over the past 10 years, and I am proud of everything our team has accomplished. Though I am sad that this chapter of my life is closing, I am looking forward to traveling and spending more time with my family.

As we prepare for my departure, I am happy to assist with hiring my replacement and anything else that will help make this a smooth transition.

Thank you for all the opportunities and support you have offered me over the years. I wish you all the best.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

4. Extended Notice Resignation Letter Sample

For times when you’re able to provide ample time for transition:

[Date]

Dear Manager,

Please accept this letter as notice of my intent to resign from my position as Data Analyst at Company A at the end of this quarter. My last day will be December 31, 2024.

While it is tough to leave this incredible team, I will be moving on to pursue an MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Iowa. It's always been my dream to write books and I believe that this is the best path for me to achieve that.

Thank you for all the support and guidance you have given me over the last five years. I am deeply grateful for all of the opportunities I have had here.

Since my last day is six weeks from now, I will work toward completing my current projects, along with training and handing off my high-level tasks to other members of the team. Please let me know if there's anything I can do that may help ease this transition.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

5. Personal Reasons Resignation Letter Sample

For times when life throws you a curveball:

[Date]

Dear Manager,

I regret to inform you of my resignation from Company A. Due to personal reasons, I am no longer able to fulfill my duties as Data Analyst. My last day of employment will be November 30, 2024.

It has been wonderful working with you and the team for the past three years. I truly appreciate the opportunities I have been given to develop my skills and grow within my role.

Over the next two weeks, I will work to complete my remaining assignments and hand off my ongoing projects to other team members. I am also happy to assist with anything else you may need during this transition.

Thank you for your guidance and understanding. I will look back on my time here at Company A fondly, and I wish you all the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Alana Chinn

Ready, Set, Resign

“Remember, your resignation letter is part of your professional brand, says Harmanjit Singh, founder & CEO of Website Design Brampton. “It's like your digital footprint — it lasts longer than you might think.”

My final advice? Don’t let one bad experience keep you from building your professional bridges and keeping your network intact as you start your next adventure.

Best of luck with your graceful goodbye!

Editor's note: This post was originally published in October 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

As I sit down to write this article, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible changes sweeping through our industry. For the first time in my career, I feel like we’re no longer limited by our technology but by our imagination. Well, almost. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the web design landscape in ways we could only dream of a few years ago, and I’m excited to share with you how it’s supercharging our productivity across various aspects of our work.

AI Is A Partner, Not A Competitor

Now, before we dive in, let me assure you: AI isn’t here to replace us. At least, not for a while yet. There are still crucial areas where human expertise reigns supreme. AI struggles with strategic planning that considers the nuances of human behavior and market trends. It can’t match our emotional intelligence when navigating client relationships and team dynamics. And when it comes to creative thinking that pushes boundaries and creates truly innovative solutions, we humans still have the upper hand.

But here’s the exciting part: AI is becoming an invaluable tool that’s supercharging our productivity. Think of it as having a highly capable intern at your disposal. As the Nielsen Norman Group aptly put it in their article “AI as an Intern,” we need to approach AI tools with the right mindset. Double-check their work, use them for initial drafts rather than final products, and provide specific instructions and relevant context.

The key to harnessing AI’s power lies in working with it collaboratively.

Don’t expect perfect results on the first try. Instead, engage in a back-and-forth conversation, refining the AI output through iteration. This process of continuous improvement is where AI truly shines, dramatically speeding up our workflow.

Let’s explore how AI is reshaping different areas of our industry, looking at some of the many tools available to us.

AI In Design: Unleashing Creativity And Efficiency

In the realm of design, AI is proving to be a game-changer. It’s particularly adept at:

• Collaborating on layout;
• Generating the perfect image;
• Refining and adapting existing imagery.

Take AI in Figma, for instance. It’s become my go-to for generating dummy content and tidying up my layers. The time saved on these mundane tasks allows me to focus more on the creative aspects of design.

Generative imagery tools like Krea, which uses Flux, have revolutionized how we source visuals. Gone are the days of endlessly scrolling through stock libraries. Now, we can describe exactly what we need, and AI will create it for us. This level of customization and specificity is a game changer for creating unique, on-brand visuals.

Relume is another tool I’ve found incredibly useful. It’s great for a collaborative back-and-forth over designs or for quickly putting together designs for smaller sites. The ability to iterate rapidly with AI assistance has significantly sped up my design process.

And let’s not forget about Adobe. Their upcoming tools, such as lighting matching for composite images, are set to take our design capabilities to new heights. If you want to see more of what’s on the horizon, I highly recommend checking out the latest Adobe Max presentations.

AI In Coding: Boosting Developer Productivity

The impact of AI on coding is nothing short of revolutionary. According to a McKinsey study, developers using AI tools performed coding tasks like code generation, refactoring, and documentation 20%-50% faster on average compared to those not using AI tools. That’s a significant productivity boost!

AI is helping developers in several key areas:

• Coding faster;
• Debugging more efficiently;
• Automatically generating code comments;
• Writing basic code.

To put this into perspective, AI now writes 25% of the code at Google. That’s a staggering figure from one of the world’s leading tech companies.

Tools like Cursor AI and GitHub Copilot are at the forefront of this revolution, offering features such as:

• AI pair programming with predictive code edits;
• Natural language code editing;
• Chat interfaces for asking questions and getting help.

I’ve personally been amazed by what ChatGPT 01-Preview can do. I’ve used it to build simple WordPress plugins in minutes, tasks that would have taken me significantly longer in the past.

AI In UX: Enhancing User Research And Analysis

In the field of User Experience (UX), AI is opening up new possibilities for research and analysis. It’s allowing us to:

• Conduct user research at scale;
• Analyze open-ended qualitative feedback;
• Query analytic data using natural language;
• Predict user behavior.

I’ve found ChatGPT to be an invaluable tool for data analysis, particularly when it comes to making sense of analytics and survey responses. It can quickly identify patterns and insights that might take us hours to uncover manually.

Tools like Strella are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in user research. AI can now perform user interviews at scale, allowing us to gather insights from a much larger pool of users than ever before.

Attention Insight is another fascinating tool. It uses AI to predict where people will look on a page, providing valuable data for optimizing layouts and user interfaces.

Microsoft Clarity has also upped its game, allowing us to ask questions about our analytic insights, heatmaps, and session recordings. This natural language interface makes it easier than ever to extract meaningful insights from our data.

AI In Copywriting: Elevating Content Quality And Efficiency

When it comes to copywriting, AI is proving to be a powerful ally. It’s helping us:

• Transform poor-quality stakeholder content into web-optimized copy;
• Brainstorm value propositions and create high-converting copy;
• Craft compelling business cases and strategy documentation;
• Write standard operating procedures.

Notion AI has become one of my go-to tools for content creation. It combines the best of ChatGPT and Claude, allowing it to draw upon a wide range of provided source material to write detailed documentation, articles, and reports.

ChatGPT has been a game-changer for improving the quality of website copy. It can take user questions and bullet-point answers from subject specialists and transform them into web-optimized content. I’ve found it particularly useful for defining value propositions and writing high-converting copy.

For refining existing content, the Hemingway Editor is invaluable. It can take the existing copy and make it clearer, more concise, and easier to scan — essential qualities for effective web content.

AI In Administration: Streamlining Mundane Tasks

AI isn’t just transforming the technical aspects of our work; it’s also making a significant impact on those mundane administrative tasks that often eat up our time. By leveraging AI, we can streamline various aspects of our daily workflow, allowing us to focus more on high-value activities.

Here are some ways AI is helping us tackle administrative tasks more efficiently:

• Getting our thoughts down faster;
• Writing better emails;
• Summarizing long emails or Slack threads;
• Speeding up research;
• Backing up arguments with relevant data.

Let me share some personal experiences with AI tools that have transformed my administrative workflow:

I’ve dramatically increased my writing speed using Flow. This tool has taken me from typing at 49 words per minute to dictating at over 95 words per minute. Not only does it allow me to dictate, but it also tidies up my words to ensure they read well and are grammatically correct.

For email writing, I’ve found Fixkey to be invaluable. It helps me rewrite or reformat copy quickly. I’ve even set up a prompt that tones down my emails when I’m feeling particularly irritable, ensuring they sound reasonable and professional.

Dealing with long email threads or Slack conversations can be time-consuming. That’s where Spark comes in handy. It summarizes lengthy threads, saving me valuable time. Interestingly, this feature is now built into iOS for all notifications, making it even more accessible.

When it comes to research, Google Notebook LLM has been a game-changer. I can feed it large amounts of data on a subject and quickly extract valuable insights. This tool has significantly sped up my research process.

Lastly, if I need to back up an argument with a statistic or quote, Perplexity has become my go-to resource. It quickly finds relevant sources I can quote, adding credibility to my work without the need for extensive manual searches.

Conclusion: Embracing AI For A More Productive Future

As I wrap up this article, I realize I’ve only scratched the surface of what AI can do for our industry. The real challenge isn’t in the technology itself but in breaking out of our established routines and taking the time to experiment with what’s possible.

I believe we need to cultivate a new habit: pausing before each new task to consider how AI could help us approach it differently. The winners in this new reality will be those who can best integrate this technology into their workflow.

AI isn’t replacing us — it’s empowering us to work smarter and more efficiently. By embracing these tools and learning to collaborate effectively with AI, we can focus more on the aspects of our work that truly require human creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change, don’t worry. We’re all learning and adapting together. Remember, the goal isn’t to become an AI expert overnight but to gradually incorporate these tools into your work in ways that make sense for you and your projects.

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Do you subscribe to Piccalilli? You should. If you’re reading that name for the first time, that would be none other than Andy Bell running the ship and he’s reimagined the site from the ground-up after coming out of hibernation this year. You’re likely familiar with Andy’s great writing here on CSS-Tricks.

Andy is more than a great writer — he’s a teacher, too. And you’ll see that in spades next week when his brand-new course Complete CSS is released one week from today on November 26.

As someone who also runs a front-end course, I can tell you it takes a non-trivial amount of time and effort to put something like Complete CSS together. I’ve been able to sneak peek at the course and like love how it’s made for many CSS-Tricks readers — you know CSS and use it regularly but need to ratchet it up from good to great. If my course is for those just getting into CSS, Andy will graduate you from hobbyist to practitioner in Complete CSS. It’s the perfect next step for narrowing the ever-growing learning gaps in this industry.

Early bird price is £189 (~$240) which is a steep cut from the full £249 (~$325) price tag.

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Complete CSS Course originally published on CSS-Tricks, which is part of the DigitalOcean family. You should get the newsletter.

With over 500 hours of video content being uploaded every minute, it’s now tougher than ever to build a successful channel on YouTube. Creating quality content is not enough, you also need to market your videos effectively to get more views.

Using high-quality video thumbnails is one of the best ways you can use to attract attention to your videos. Think of it like fancy packaging for your video content.

The thumbnail cover you use for your YouTube video is the first thing users see when browsing videos on YouTube or searching on Google. By using creative and descriptive thumbnail covers, you’ll have a higher chance of getting more clicks and views for your channel.

Big brand channels on YouTube have their own dedicated designers creating unique thumbnail covers for each video. But, you don’t have to spend any money on designers when you have YouTube thumbnail templates.

In this collection, we’re bringing you some of the best custom YouTube thumbnail templates you can use to create attractive thumbnail covers for all kinds of videos. Have a look.

Gaming YouTube Thumbnail Templates

This is a collection of trendy YouTube thumbnails for gamers and streamers, featuring a set of five expertly designed, fully customizable PSD files. Each template is designed for 1280 x 720 px resolution and 72 DPI, showcasing vibrant colors, dynamic layouts, and striking fonts to make your content shine on YouTube.

Gaming Video YouTube Thumbnails

Another creative YouTube thumbnail pack featuring a set of editable thumbnail templates ideal for gaming YouTube channels. They’re designed with striking typography, dynamic compositions, and vibrant colors that will make your content pop.

Live Stream YouTube Thumbnail Templates

An impressive pack of four customizable gaming YouTube thumbnails guaranteed to elevate your YouTube channel. Armed with high-quality PSD files, these customizable thumbnails are not only visually stunning but very user-friendly, ready to swap out images, alter text, and modify colors swiftly.

Business Tips YouTube Thumbnails

This is a set of sleek and professional YouTube thumbnails created for business-centric YouTube videos. The designs are modern and elegant, with fully editable and well-organized layers. These templates can easily be personalized across platforms such as Figma, Sketch, and Photoshop.

Podcast YouTube Thumbnail Templates

A collection of YouTube thumbnails for enhancing your online podcast videos. They are easy to personalize with adjustable texts, content, objects, and color schemes. The package includes four distinct designs, created in Photoshop, in a convenient 1280 x 720 px, 72 DPI resolution landscape format.

Fitness Gym YouTube Thumbnail Templates

These YouTube thumbnails are specifically tailored for fitness-oriented videos. The design utilizes striking visuals and bold elements that embody the vibrancy of a high-intensity workout. It features editable text, customizable vector shapes, easy-image-editing smart objects, and a layout of 1280 x 720.

90s Music YouTube Thumbnail Template

This is a set of YouTube thumbnail templates offering customizable designs for music-related videos. Crafted with a 90’s aesthetic, this template is ideal for vlogging, live streaming, music, night parties, or anything else music-related. With well-organized layers, the design and color of these fully editable banners can be personalized to fit your needs. It includes 4 different thumbnail designs.

Creator Podcast YouTube Thumbnails Template

Elevate your content with this colorful YouTube thumbnail template kit, ideal for users wanting attractive, distinctive thumbnails. With four unique designs, this template kit offers a colorful retro style that is fully customizable. Regardless of your editing experience, these templates help to create thumbnails that truly stand out, enticing viewers to engage with your content.

Beauty Fashion YouTube Thumbnails Template

An excellent YouTube thumbnail template pack for content creators looking to improve their videos’ aesthetics. The product comes with four customizable designs, allowing you to craft attention-grabbing thumbnails to make your videos stand out. Even if you’re new to content creation or a seasoned professional, this thumbnail template set is a boon for boosting clicks and views.

Modern Business Finance YouTube Thumbnail

This is an appealing and professional YouTube thumbnail template pack that is most suitable for business and finance videos. This package includes six easily editable designs in a standard 1920×1080 size, perfect for catching viewers’ attention. Well-organized layers and the use of free font add to its usability.

Daily Vlog YouTube Thumbnail Template

This YouTube thumbnail template collection comes with six unique designs, giving your forthcoming trending video a professional and creative look. This template, perfect for travel, health, and wellness YouTube creators, has a standard 1920×1080 size and is well-layered for easy editing in Photoshop or Adobe Illustrator.

Gaming Channel YouTube Thumbnail Templates

This is a collection of YouTube thumbnail templates for gaming content creators, vloggers, and influencers, designed to boost views and engagement. Featuring an elegant and modern design, these templates are ready for immediate use on YouTube, with organized, high-resolution, fully-layered files that allow for easy customization of text and colors.

Football YouTube Thumbnail Template

A versatile YouTube thumbnail template pack for any sports-related YouTube content. Ideal for live streaming, vlogs, and football videos, this customizable template includes four well-structured PSD layers. The design is professional and clean, allowing users to easily alter colors, text, and design as needed.

Fashion YouTube Thumbnail Templates

A fantastic collection of creative YouTube thumbnail templates for making attractive thumbnails for your content. It’s perfect for various categories like live streaming, fashion, lifestyle vlogs, and more. With a clean, professional design and fully editable features, it’s effortless to tailor the template according to your needs.

Gaming YouTube Thumbnails Pack

Kick your gaming platform up a notch with this set of YouTube thumbnail templates. This pack includes 3 PSD files, tailored to a 1280×720 pixel specification – perfect for enhancing your video visibility. These are ideal for compilation videos and gameplay videos too.

Makeup & Beauty YouTube Thumbnail Kit

Ready-to-use, high-resolution thumbnail templates for makeup and beauty channels. It showcases a sophisticated design that can help your YouTube channel stand out and grow. The kit includes multiple layered files for Adobe Photoshop, Adobe XD, Sketch, and Figma, with editable texts and colors.

YouTube Thumbnail Template for Business Videos

If you have a business marketing channel on YouTube, this template can come in very handy. The pack comprises a stylish, yet professional thumbnail, and end screen, both fully layered, well-organized, available in high-resolution and provides easy customization.

Holographic YouTube Thumbnails

Here we have a bundle of 6 YouTube thumbnails with striking 3D typography. It’s a great product for YouTubers, or video bloggers looking for a cool design for their channel. The thumbnails are very easy to tweak using the smart object replacement feature.

YouTube Thumbnail Template for Gaming Videos

If you have a YouTube channel covering gaming-related content, this set of thumbnail templates will help you design covers for your videos that attract more views. It includes 4 different designs that you can edit with Photoshop.

Gym Fitness YouTube Thumbnail Templates

The thumbnail templates in this pack are designed with gym and fitness YouTubers in mind. It includes 4 styles of thumbnail layouts you can use to create covers for tips videos, fitness training classes, and more.

Travelista – Travel Vlog YouTube Thumbnail Templates

This is a must-have set of YouTube thumbnail templates for travel vloggers. There are 3 colorful and creative thumbnail designs in this pack for crafting amazing covers for your videos. The templates come in both PSD and AI file formats.

Tech Video YouTube Thumbnail Templates

Tech YouTubers and bloggers will find the templates in this bundle most useful. It includes 4 different layout designs that are perfect for making covers for your tech tutorials, guides, news videos, and much more.

Free Business Video YouTube Thumbnail Template

This is a free YouTube thumbnail template you can use to create a high-quality cover for business and professional videos. It’s especially suitable for channels for brands and agencies.

Fashion Vlog YouTube Thumbnail Template

The YouTube thumbnails in this bundle are designed specifically for fashion and beauty vloggers. It includes 4 stylish designs to make attractive cover designs for your trendy videos. The templates are fully customizable.

Kids Play – YouTube Thumbnails for Kids Channels

If you have a YouTube channel covering kid-friendly videos, this set of thumbnail templates will come in handy. The pack includes 4 creative thumbnail templates that will make your videos appear more colorful in the user feeds.

Room Tour YouTube Thumbnail Template

If you really want your YouTube channel’s thumbnail to stand out against the crowd, this beautifully crafted, and well-organized template is just what you need. Customize this template to your heart’s content, and watch your channel grow in a short span of time.

Free Music Festival YouTube Thumbnail Template

If you wish to run a live stream of a music festival or concert on your YouTube channel, this futuristic-looking, vaporwave-inspired thumbnail template deserves your undivided attention. The template is fully customizable and available for free.

Digital Marketing YouTube Thumbnail Templates

Whether you’re a business promoting services or an agency covering marketing trends, this set of templates will help make your videos look more professional on YouTube. It includes 10 different thumbnail templates in PSD, AI, and EPS file formats.

Fitness & Workout YouTube Thumbnail Templates

You can use the templates in this pack to create simple and clean thumbnails for your fitness-related videos. There are 4 different design layouts in the pack. You can edit them with Photoshop to change colors and edit text.

Free YouTube Thumbnail Template for Bloggers

Another free YouTube thumbnail template featuring a simple and effective design. This template is most suitable for bloggers for making covers for their tips and tricks videos.

YouTube Thumbnail Templates for Lifestyle Videos

Lifestyle videos need clean and minimal thumbnail covers that describes what the video is all about. This bundle of YouTube thumbnail templates has designs that are perfect for any type of lifestyle video. It includes 6 thumbnail templates for travel videos, reaction videos, daily routine videos, and more.

Free Recipe YouTube Thumbnail Template

Do you have a cooking channel on Youtube? This free thumbnail template can be of great use. It features a colorful, and modern design guaranteed to draw your audience’s attention at a glance. It’s an excellent template that you should definitely give a shot to.

Self-Help Blogger YouTube Thumbnail Templates

Whether you’re making an unboxing video or teaching self-help tips, this set of YouTube thumbnail templates will surely be useful to you. It includes multiple thumbnail cover designs featuring modern layouts with beautiful colors and shapes. They are perfect for all kinds of channels from solopreneurs to big brands.

YouTube Thumbnail Templates for Tutorial Videos

Tutorial videos are a big niche on YouTube. In fact, you’ll find thousands of videos on the same topic when searching for tutorial videos. With the help of these thumbnail templates, you’ll have a better chance of ranking higher on YouTube and getting more views. They are professionally designed for various types of tips, guides, and tutorial video content.

Fashion Vlogger YouTube Thumbnail Templates

Fashion and beauty vloggers will find this collection of YouTube thumbnail templates quite useful as it includes several high-quality designs that are ideal for various types of videos. The templates are available in easily editable PSD files with organized layers.

Food Recipe YouTube Thumbnail Template

If you have a YouTube channel for food or drink recipes, this multipurpose YouTube thumbnail template will help you design more attractive thumbnail covers for your videos. It’s fully customizable so you can change its images, colors, and text to your preference. The thumbnail also comes in 720p to 8K resolution PSD files.

Free Gaming YouTube Thumbnail Template

This is a set of free YouTube thumbnail templates specially crafted for gaming content creators. It includes multiple video game-themed thumbnail templates featuring popular multiplayer games such as PUBG, Overwatch, and more.

Free YouTube Thumbnail Templates for Gamers

Another free bundle of YouTube thumbnail covers. This pack also includes 2 thumbnail templates for gaming videos as well as 2 templates for other types of content. The templates are easily editable and come in a high-resolution PSD file.

Travel Vlogger YouTube Thumbnail Templates

One of the best thumbnail templates in this collection is for travel videos. The bundle is worth downloading just for that template. However, there are many other thumbnail designs in this pack you can use to create covers for different types of YouTube videos. All of the templates are available in Full HD resolution and comes in editable PSD files.

Creative YouTube Thumbnail Templates

This is a collection of multipurpose YouTube thumbnail templates that includes 6 beautiful designs for crafting all kinds of video thumbnail covers. The templates feature colorful and creative designs that are most suitable for design, fashion, and even tutorial videos.

YouTube Thumbnail Templates for Business Videos

You can use the thumbnail templates in this bundle to create professional thumbnail designs for your business and brand videos. It includes 6 professionally crafted thumbnails that are perfect for podcasts, business trends, customer success stories, and much more.

Yoga & Health YouTube Thumbnail Templates

Want to create an effective thumbnail cover for a photography video? Or make an attractive thumbnail for a morning routine fitness video? Then grab this YouTube thumbnail templates pack. It includes several stylish thumbnail designs you can use with various types of videos.

Outdoor Adventure YouTube Thumbnail Cover

This creative YouTube thumbnail template is ideal for creating covers for outdoor, travel, and adventure videos. It’s especially useful for making thumbnail covers for event and conference videos as well as live streams. The template comes in 4 resolutions and in an editable PSD file.

Free YouTube Thumbnail for Sports Videos

This free thumbnail template is perfect for making a cover for a simple sports training or fitness video. It comes in EPS file format, which allows you to even edit and customize the tiny shapes in the template. You’ll need Adobe Illustrator or a vector editor to edit this template.

Free YouTube Thumbnail for Music Videos

This creative and colorful thumbnail design is ideal for making a cover for a music mix video or a soundtrack video. The template is free to download and it comes in an easily editable EPS file. Don’t forget to attribute the author when using this free template.

Retro Youtube Thumbnail Cover Templates

If you’re looking for a YouTube thumbnail cover template with a retro old-school design, this bundle will come in handy. It features 6 different templates with classic designs with subtle colors. The templates are easily customizable and you can change the colors and fonts to your preference.

Stylish YouTube Thumbnail Templates

The beautifully stylish thumbnail templates in this pack are simply perfect for all kinds of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle videos. It includes 6 templates with fully customizable PSD files. They are available in Full HD resolution and with free Google Fonts.

Cake & Bake YouTube Thumbnail Template

This YouTube thumbnail template is most suitable for creating covers for videos related to cake, cupcakes, and sweets. It will especially look great on baking recipe videos. And it will surely attract the attention of anyone who loves sweets and treats.

Fitness YouTube Thumbnail Template

If you’re creating fitness videos to promote your gym on YouTube, this thumbnail template will be quite useful to you. It comes with a simple design that helps you include more information in the thumbnail to promote your videos and the business. It comes in multiple resolutions as well.

7 Gym & Fitness YouTube Thumbnail Templates

A bundle of more creative YouTube thumbnail templates for gym and fitness videos. This collection includes 7 different thumbnail designs in editable PSD files. They feature different styles of layouts to help get more views to your videos. All the text, shapes, and colors in the templates are editable as well.

5 Travel & Vacation YouTube Thumbnail Templates

You’ll never run out of stylish thumbnail designs for your travel and tour videos when you have this bundle of YouTube thumbnail templates at your side. It includes 5 different styles of thumbnail designs that are perfect for your outdoor and travel vlogs.

Free YouTube Thumbnail for Gaming Videos

Grab this free YouTube thumbnail template to create a cover for your gaming videos. This template is ideal for making game review videos as well as podcast videos. The template is free to use with attribution. You can edit it using Adobe Illustrator.

Free Food Recipe YouTube Thumbnail Cover

This free YouTube thumbnail template comes with a simple and clean design. It’s perfect for making covers for food recipe videos as well as food review videos. The template comes in EPS file format and with fully editable components. Make sure to attribute its author when using the free template.

5 YouTube Thumbnail Tips for Generating More Clicks

The main goal behind using a YouTube thumbnail template is to drive more clicks and views to your videos. These tips will help you achieve that goal.

Create a Consistent Look

Branding is an important part of creating a successful YouTube channel. If you look at any popular YouTube channel, you’ll see how they have a consistent look across its profile, including the channel cover and thumbnails.

The easiest way to create a consistent look in your YouTube videos is to use a thumbnail template. Use the same template across all your videos. This will make your videos stand out in search results and make your brand instantly recognizable.

Use Big Bold Titles

If all YouTube thumbnails have one thing in common that’s the giant title. Every thumbnail now uses big bold titles that grab attention. These big titles help the audience easily understand what the video is about and get them to click on the link.

Make sure that you also use big bold titles in your YouTube thumbnails. And, more importantly, create good contrast between the background and the text.

Pick the Right Font

When talking about the title design of YouTube thumbnails, we can’t ignore the importance of using a great font.

Use a premium font, if you can, for your YouTube thumbnail text. There are YouTube fonts you can find with various designs. Use the right font that fits your channel content and brand.

Use Fewer Images

The thumbnail of a YouTube video is all about summarizing the contents of the video. And you need to do it while using a very few elements to avoid clutter and distraction.

As a rule, avoid using too many images in your thumbnail. Use just one close-up image or a cropped-out portrait if possible. Usually, images with faces that show various reactions tend to get the most clicks. This is why you see a lot of YouTube thumbnails with mouths wide open, among many other funny reactions.

Arouse Curiosity

Plan your YouTube thumbnail design in a way that arouses the user’s curiosity. You need to get them intrigued and excited to click the link and watch your video.

In addition to refining the design, colors, and layout of your thumbnail, you should also experiment with different copy for the titles to find what works best for your channel.

I was in high school when I uploaded my first Instagram post, and now that I'm almost 30, I can say for sure I've changed a lot since then.

The same can be said for the social media platform, and those changes have led to a few pros and cons of Instagram marketing.

With Instagram being around for so long, you may wonder if the platform is still relevant in marketing or if the pros of Instagram marketing still outweigh the cons.

Fortunately, I asked an expert for her thoughts, and I consulted the findings of our most recent Instagram Marketing report. 

Here's what I've discovered:

• Is Instagram marketing still effective in 2024?
• 4 Pros of Instagram Marketing
• 4 Cons of Instagram Marketing
• Why Instagram Can Be Challenging for Brands

Is Instagram Marketing still effective in 2024?

In our 2024 Instagram Marketing Report, 88% of responding marketers say Instagram marketing has been effective for their company this year.

Furthermore, 71% of marketers who sell products directly within the app say its social shopping features yield high ROI. 

With those numbers in mind, I'd say Instagram marketing is still valuable and effective in 2024. Samantha Meller, head of social media at HubSpot's The Hustle, agrees—but with a condition.

"Without a doubt, I'd say pretty much every brand should be on Instagram," she says. "That said, the traditional playbook of Instagram has gone out the window."

Meller says marketers must be nimble and adaptable to succeed on the platform.

"You can't just rest on your laurels of what's worked in the past," she says. "You must always continue to innovate and have that ear-to-the-ground mindset about what's happening right now that you can relate to your business."

Moreover, think about how your content can provide value to their audience.

For example, one of my favorite Instagram accounts is Fenty Beauty. The makeup brand doesn't just post gorgeous images of its products; it also uses Reels and Stories to show its audience how to use the products for timely looks.

Its latest video features a tutorial by beauty influencer Alegria Jimenez, showing viewers how to create a holiday look.

Image Source

While Instagram certainly has its value in marketing, it's not without its challenges. I asked Meller about the pros and cons she's experienced in Instagram Marketing. Here's what she told me:

4 Pros of Instagram Marketing 

1. Instagram is great for brand awareness.

Like 40% of marketers in our Instagram Marketing Report, The Hustle's top goal on Instagram is to raise brand awareness.

"It's a way for us to connect with our audience and to reach potentially new audience members who would ideally turn into customers at HubSpot," she explains. "It's a way for us to showcase all the different content we're doing across The Hustle brand, such as videos, podcasts, long-form editorial stories, our newsletter, etc."

Meller notes that Instagram followers are more valuable than on other platforms because they are more invested in the account and its content. They're also likely to continuously see your content.

"When you follow someone on Instagram, it's a lot more of a commitment than following someone on TikTok," she says. "If you're following someone on Instagram, it's because you want their content to appear in your feed. But, if you follow someone on TikTok, you still might not see their content for months."

2. Instagram helps marketers determine what their audience is into.

"Instagram is valuable in finding out what type of content our audience is into, what kind of stories they want to hear about, and what they don't want to hear about," Meller explains.

"I'm a big believer that knowing what your audience doesn't want can be even more helpful or valuable than knowing what they do want."

Meller says The Hustle uses these insights to enrich its content, including podcasts, newsletters, and more, both on and off the platform.

3. Instagram makes engaging with audiences a breeze.

54% of marketers say their goal in 2024 is to increase engagement on Instagram, and Meller says engagement is one of the platform's perks.

"We've made many changes to our Instagram and social media strategy in the last few months, and we've seen some really exciting metrics come out of our new strategy," she shares.

"We're getting a big increase in impressions and engagement, which means our audience is responding to our content a lot more than they had been in the past."

Interacting with your audience is the most popular and fruitful strategy for engagement. You can do this by replying to comments and sharing images and videos of your followers using your products.

4. Instagram can put your content in front of new audiences.

This pro didn't come from Meller. Instead, it is my own observation as both a creator and an Instagram user. Instagram has implemented new features and algorithms that help push your content to new audiences. 

For example, collaborative posts allow for the same content to appear on two different accounts. Let's say I'm a smaller business that managed to have a well-known creator showcase my product in their Instagram content.

Said creator can post the content in collaboration with my account and their followers will see both my account and the product, granting my brand more exposure. 

Instagram is also experimenting with showing recommended accounts on users feeds. 

4 Cons of Instagram Marketing

1. Instagram's algorithm is volatile.

If there is one thing my creator friends and I complain about about Instagram, it is its constantly changing algorithm. Meller relates.

"Instagram's algorithm is always doing something new. Just when you think something's working, it changes, and something isn't working," she says. "You could have one week or month where your content is really hot, and then the next month, you're thinking, 'What's going on? Did people forget about us?'"

2. Instagram constantly introduces new features.

New features aren't always bad, but they can be overwhelming for marketers if new rollouts are constant and if these features are pivotal in getting your content seen.

"A lot of social managers joke that every time Adam Mosseri posts a video, there's panic," Meller laughs, "because we're thinking, 'Now what? What feature are they going to introduce that the algorithm is going to favor, that we all have to bend over backward to cater to so our content continues to be seen?'"

3. Budgeting for influencer marketing can be a challenge.

Again, this isn't from Meller, but based on my own observations.

For many marketers, influencer marketing seems out of reach — after all, don't you have to spend big bucks to partner with mega influencers? Fortunately, there are ways to incorporate influencer marketing into your budget, even if you're a small or upcoming business. 

While it seems like a best practice to partner with influencers with many followers, HubSpot’s Instagram Engagement Report says your efforts are more worthwhile if you partner with influencers who may have fewer followers but a more engaged community (known as micro influencers).

Micro-influencers provide smaller, highly engaged audiences without the hefty price tag of a mainstream celebrity, making this type of marketing more accessible to various brands.

With 86% of marketers saying influencer marketing was effective for their company, I still say it's worth a try. 

4. There are tons of competition on and off the platform.

"There's a lot of competition with not only other brands or content on the platform but also Instagram itself is competing with other apps, such as TikTok," Meller explains. "All the apps are vying for your attention, so the more other platforms grow in popularity, the fewer people are going on Instagram."

Why Instagram Can Be Challenging for Brands

To summarize, Instagram is challenging for many brands because of its unpredictable algorithm, fierce competition, and constant rollout of new features that must be prioritized.

But, Meller says marketers shouldn't let these factors intimidate them. Instead, they should roll up their sleeves and start researching. 

"I've been doing what I've been doing for the better part of a decade now," she says, "and there's a bunch of resources, newsletters, and people that I follow in the social media space to make sure I have a pulse on everything." 

Here are some sources Meller's recommends:

• Meller says Rachel Karton's "Link in Bio" is a "magnificent resource for social media managers. "
• "ICYMI" by Lia Haberman is a weekly newsletter about different changes going on in the social media landscape.
• The internet!

"For better or for worse, I am just so chronically online. I'm ways consuming content, reading, watching, and listening," Meller says. "I like being in the know. That's what makes a good social media manager. You really do have to live and breathe being online, online culture, and knowing what people are talking about." 

Final Thoughts

Instagram constantly evolves, but it remains an excellent platform for businesses trying to increase brand awareness and audience engagement. That said, it's not without its challenges, such as an ever-changing algorithm.

However, the above resources and tips can help you navigate the platform and build a valuable Instagram marketing strategy. 

Few things bring me joy like diving into a Wikipedia rabbit hole for a few hours. I relish the chance to research topics and ideas and discover the unexpected ways they connect.

And while I may relax that way in my personal life, I also use those skills in business, where I conduct B2B market research to build marketing strategies and plans.

Understanding businesses as buyers is its own kind of rabbit hole. They can be complex entities, with dozens or hundreds of employees and leaders, each possessing unique needs and desires.

It’s a lot to unpack — but, to thrive in the modern marketplace, knowing your buyer is the foundation.

Let’s chat about how you can learn about B2B buyers and how market research can equip you and your team for success.

Table of Contents

• What is B2B market research?
• How To Do B2B Market Research
• B2B Market Research vs. B2C Market Research
• Benefits of B2B Market Research
• B2B Market Research Methods
• Conducting My Own B2B Market Research

Market research uncovers important information like:

• How companies view their industry and the marketplace for your products.
• What company leaders need and want from a particular vendor.
• Where they are in the buying cycle and what it’ll take to move them along.

B2B market research requires both quantitative (hard, numerical) and qualitative (softer, subjective) data. The end goal is to prepare your company to best position your offerings with your target business market.

We’ll get to specific methods of conducting B2B market research later. But items like surveys, competitive analyses, and customer interviews will provide the data you need to make the best decisions.

B2B Market Research vs. B2C Market Research

If B2B market research is how you understand companies as consumers, then B2C market research is how to discover the same details from consumers themselves.

What makes them different, and when should you use each?

Buying Complexity

Both the target audience and product marketplace are more complex in B2B buying scenarios.

With B2C buying, you’re selling directly to one consumer. They — or perhaps along with a spouse, partner, or other family member or friend — are the ultimate decision maker.

For instance, if you’re buying a new car, you may include your spouse or partner in viewing and test driving vehicles. But the car dealership is selling to you, the ultimate buyer. The product or service is therefore straightforward: Here’s the car with certain features and the price.

B2B buying gets complex quickly. Usually, B2B products are more complicated.

They require multiple stakeholders to get invested in the process, and they reach across several departments. Consider integrating a new CRM across an enterprise.

That change will affect a lot of employees.

As such, B2B buying happens as a committee effort. The average B2B buying committee has around 11 people, according to Gartner. B2B sellers need to “multi-thread” their deals by working alongside all these interested parties to close the deal.

Decision Making

The differing levels of complexity affect how buying decisions are made.

B2C transactions typically happen quicker. Now, buying a car is usually a multi-week affair. Instead, let’s consider your last trip to the grocery store.

How long did you spend deciding to buy, let’s say, a box of Hamburger Helper? If you’re like the average consumer, that’d be 13 seconds.

These decisions also tend to be more impulsive or emotionally driven. You’re hungry (bonus tip: never shop hungry). And Hamburger Helper sounds delicious. So, you transact and buy a box for dinner.

B2B transactions involve more people and deeper research and consideration. Ergo, they take longer. The typical B2B cycle can run from a few weeks to 3-9 months, depending on what you’re buying. Personally, I’ve seen these decisions take years to fully flesh out.

Because you’re in it for the long haul, B2B buying also relies more on relationships and trust. Buying dinner from the grocery store doesn’t require a nurture cycle. But if I’m trusting a vendor with my enterprise’s new CRM (and potentially hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars), I need to believe they’re the best fit.

Emotions can play a role — you want to like who you’re buying from. But these are often more rational buying decisions, focused on business needs, ROI, and value propositions.

Preferred Research Methods

Perhaps one of the most important differences between B2B and B2C market research is how you acquire data for decision-making. While both types use quantitative and qualitative data, they use that information differently.

For instance, B2C market research is typically more quantitative-driven.

Researchers use consumer surveys and polls to gather information. They want to capture a diverse consumer base, so the number of participants is high.

B2C researchers seek “statistical significance,” which means they received enough responses from consumers to apply their findings across the broader consumer base. The number to reach significance should be about 10% of your target population. For most research, that falls between 100-1,000 respondents.

Conversely, B2B researchers probably dream of convincing 1,000 businesses to respond. Business markets are usually more niche, meaning they have fewer potential respondents for surveys. Plus, business buyers often hold information closer to their chests; they don’t want proprietary data to leak.

B2B market research is therefore more qualitative-driven. Researchers use more in-depth surveys, prospect interviews, and focus groups to gather intelligence.

They’ll target questions to get to the real meat of the matter. What are the deepest pain points? And what do leaders need and want to solve it?

You’ll also see researchers place greater weight on responses based on a respondent’s influence over a final decision. The CEO’s answers will mean more than the Marketing Manager’s.

If you’re struggling to get high-quality information from your B2B sources, hear what B2B International has to say.

And, if you’re craving more about the B2B/B2C split and how B2B buyers view the market, see our latest data-packed research report on B2B buyers.

Benefits of B2B Market Research

Conducting market research should deliver a lot of benefits. But which ones can help companies the most right now?

To answer this, I talked with Theresa Goodwin. She’s the CEO of Boldthink, a brand consultancy. Goodwin shared several benefits recent clients have received from B2B market research.

1. Expanded Market Reach and Growth

Regular research helps your company grow: professional services marketing firm Hinge found companies that conduct B2B market research at least quarterly grow up to 70% faster and are almost 50% more profitable than firms that don’t.

You can also reach new markets or expand into current ones with good research.

One of Goodwin’s clients wanted research into their employer brand and how to use it to attract more clients and employees. Through primary and secondary research, Goodwin’s company helped the business redevelop their employer brand, gaining market share within talent pools.

2. More Effective Outreach

Market research also helps you talk to the right companies and people for growing your business.

For instance, Goodwin’s client saw a surge in applications from qualified talent who aligned with the company’s values.

“By connecting with the right talent, they didn’t just hire more people, they hired people who wanted to stick around,” she said.

3. Increased Brand Engagement

Across digital and physical channels, Goodwin’s client saw more people interact with their brand. What’s more, employees began advocating for the brand. They actively shared their brand experiences — further attracting like-minded talent.

4. Streamlined Operations

It’s easy to overlook internal benefits. But, the process of understanding buyers and the market can help standardize operational needs.

“The new materials we developed made things like RFPs and proposals more efficient for their internal team,” Goodwin shared. The client could do more thanks to a clear understanding of their business and positioning.

B2B Market Research Methods

A good B2B market research report will use primary and secondary sources and quantitative and qualitative data to develop insights. How do you get that information? I’ll cover some of the most common research methods below.

1. Surveys

A B2B survey should gather crucial information on your potential buyers like:

• Company profile.
• Needs and challenges.
• Product or service use.
• Decision-making process.
• Details and perceptions on the industry.

B2B surveys don’t need the same level of statistical significance that B2C surveys require. But, you do need enough business leaders to respond.

You can expect a response rate for a B2B survey between 10-30%. Make sure you reach out to a lengthy list of potential respondents to gather sufficient data.

2. Interviews

Use customer interviews to collect highly detailed qualitative information. You can handle this process within focus groups or individual interviews.

You can get a lot of great info from interviews, but you don’t have as much control over the process. Customers can go off on tangents or wander into unexpected territory. Goodwin says that can be a good thing.

“Embrace the messiness of the process,” she said.

“Not every conversation will go as planned, and sometimes unexpected insights will pop up that challenge your assumptions. Be ready to pivot and adjust your approach as you go. Flexibility is key and sometimes the best insights come from the conversations you didn’t anticipate.”

3. Competitor Analyses

Know where your company sits in relation to your competitors. Price, product features, and customer support are all differentiators your buyers will care about.

Also evaluate more qualitative elements like competitors’ marketing portfolios and value propositions to get a better sense of who they are and what makes you unique.

Pro tip: Generative AI can help collect and crunch competitor data to produce a solid competitive analysis. Tools like ChatGPT can parse through publicly available documentation and uncover new insights into competitors.

4. Digital Marketing Analysis

Review publicly available information online about your industry, competitors, and potential buyers. Everybody is posting something, so look into some of the most common places:

• Social media like Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.
• Websites hosted by competitors and buyers.
• Aggregate sites like G2 that provide public data on products and services.

Pay close attention to engagement on social media (i.e., How many likes did your competitor’s latest posts generate?). Also, if you have access to SEO research tools, dig into keyword use. Google Trends offers a fine top-level place to begin.

5. Pilot Programs

If you’re launching or revamping a product or service, offer pilots to current or potential customers. You can gather significant amounts of data — especially qualitative data and valuable testimonials.

Don’t forget to interview program participants after their pilot ends.

Pro tip: If you’re ready to get going with any of these research methods, or want to dig deeper into market research how-tos, our market research guide can help.

When you’re ready to start B2B market research, follow these steps to prepare you and your organization for success.

Step 1: Define research objectives.

If you want solid insights at the end, lay a good foundation at the beginning, and clearly define what you’re seeking to accomplish with your B2B market research.

Think of objectives like:

• Understanding market size.
• Identifying customer needs.
• Analyzing competitors’ strategies.

You won’t know what the result will look like yet, but establish objectives to begin.

Step 2: Set target audience.

Build the boundaries for who you want to respond to your research outreach.

Filters could include:

• Geographic location.
• Industry type, including niche options.
• Company size and makeup.
• Leadership level for ideal respondents (e.g., VP of Marketing or CMO).

A target audience with these types of boundaries will help you capture an accurate slice of your larger market.

Step 3: Conduct primary and secondary research.

Depending on your objectives and target audience, start digging into available data. Secondary research like industry publications, public data sets, and reports from government agencies and market research firms offer ample information.

If you want to get specific, however, include primary research, too. Surveys and interviews can provide a qualitative boost to your research.

Pro tip: Explore HubSpot’s list of market research tools to help you gather data and analyze for insights.

Step 4: Assess success metrics and insights.

See how the information you gathered fits into your objectives. Did you capture the right kinds of data? How did it match up to your goals? What did it all reveal?

Qualitative data can offer a big boon to your business. Goodwin and her team share this fact with clients.

“I measure the success of a B2B market research project by the insights it brings to the table,” Goodwin said.

“Success isn’t just about confirming what we already know — it’s about uncovering something new. Did we have that ‘aha’ moment? Did we find the answers to our core questions that validate or challenge our assumptions? If the research leads to actionable insights that inform strategy or drive decisions, then it’s been successful.”

Conducting My Own B2B Market Research

When I’m building B2B market research plans, I lean on a few tips to remember during the process. I also asked Goodwin for some of her feedback on running these programs.

Foster comfortable, engaging interview environments.

In the past, I did a lot of thought leadership development, which included acting as a journalist. I’d interview subject matter experts and transform their ideas into actionable insights. You want that kind of journalistic flair when you run research interviews.

Goodwin elaborates on this point: “Asking people for specifics encourages them to go beyond surface-level responses and makes the conversation more personal and relevant to them,” she said.

“This allows you to dive deeper and get insights you may not have otherwise gotten from just asking one question. Plus, it helps them feel more comfortable knowing there isn’t a right or wrong answer because it’s all about their unique perspective.”

Pro tip: Goodwin also cites “Buyer Personas” by Adele Revella as a fantastic guide for preparing and running top-notch buyer interviews. “It taught me how to structure my conversations, dig deeper, and make interviews feel more natural rather than scripted,” she said.

Proactively handle organizational impatience.

Doing great research takes time. There’s lots of ground to cover when planning objectives, conducting research, and compiling results.

During this process, people can get antsy. Leaders may expect results sooner than you’re ready (or able) to share. Everyone wants juicy insights, but you have to earn them.

Goodwin sometimes sees this impatience with her clients and has developed her own approach to that conversation.

“My favorite saying is, ‘We have to slow down to speed up,’ and I use it every time I explain my market research process. Rushing through research can lead to costly do-overs later, so investing time upfront saves resources in the long run,” she said.

“When clients understand this, they see the value in letting the process unfold. If a client insists on moving quickly, I set clear expectations and explain that insights will be limited and could impact the strategy’s effectiveness. That way, they understand what they’re sacrificing for speed.”

Develop Your B2B Market Research Acumen Today

B2B market research requires diligence, patience, an eye for detail, and a keen interest in understanding data and relationships. When leadership wants answers yesterday, all of this can feel overwhelming.

But, conducting market research can be an enlightening experience. You hear directly from customers and prospects. And you can lead fascinating conversations that take unexpected but interesting turns.

All in all, B2B market research can be fun.

With the many tools and techniques available online, you can start conducting deep research into your target market, audience, and potential business customers.

Set two or three targeted research objectives and start seeking the unexpected today.

There’s a close connection between the traffic lights and the “sale” signs you see in stores and online. Can you guess what it is?

From the early days of our childhood, we are taught to stop at traffic lights when they turn Red and to always pay close attention to them. When we grow up, we unknowingly follow the same rule whenever we see a sign or an ad using that same color.

Have you noticed how every “sale” sign is designed using a Red background? Because it instantly commands attention!

There’s a psychology behind the colors we see in the designs around us. Designers and marketers have been using this concept to create more impactful branding designs and advertising campaigns for decades.

But is color psychology a real thing? How does it work? Can you use it in your own design projects? Let’s find out.

Color Psychology in Action

(Credit: TheLogoCompany)

Isn’t it strange how the biggest brands in the same industry share similar colors in their branding designs?

Some of the most influential tech companies such as Facebook, IBM, Intel, Salesforce, Samsung, and Dropbox all share the color Blue in their brand identity design as it’s associated with trust, reliability, and security.

It’s the same reason why many luxury brands, like GUCCI, Prada, CHANEL, and Louis Vuitton, use the black color in their designs as it’s the color of minimalism, elegance, and sophistication.

Each and every one of these colors has the power to connect with humans on a personal level and evoke different emotions. That’s what color psychology is all about. And it’s not just a concept either, there’s actual science behind it.

Science Behind Color Psychology

Color psychology spans many different areas, subjects, and industries ranging from genders to cultures, lifestyles, professions, and much more. And there have been many studies proving the impact of color psychology in each of these areas.

When it comes to color psychology in branding and user experience design (UXD), there are a few specific studies that show interesting findings.

One research published in the International Journal of Management and Human Science has found that people often make the decision to buy a product within 90 seconds and about 62 to 90% of that product assessment is done based on the colors alone.

A great example of this is the Coca-Cola product design. Whenever you see a soft drink can with a white logo on a red background, you immediately assume it’s Coca-Cola and grab it off the shelves without a second thought. Also, note that this is the same color combination used in those “sale” and “discount” signs in supermarkets.

Another research from the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science has solidified the importance of color usage in branding design and how strong of an impact it has in forming consumer brand perceptions. Proven again by another study from the University of Loyola, which found that “color increases brand recognition by up to 80 percent.”

(50,000-year-old cave paintings, Serra da Capivara National Park, Brazil / Source: Wikimedia)

All these research and studies are examples of how our human brain processes colors and how they evoke different feelings and emotions. It’s nothing new really, color psychology has been around since the birth of civilization, proven by even the findings of the earliest cave paintings using colors such as red, yellow, and gray colors depicting scenes of hunting, clashing, and sexual activity.

How Colors Affect User Behavior

Whenever someone appears to be feeling sad, we often ask “Feeling blue?”. Or when someone’s angry, we say “his face was red”. There’s a reason why we associate these emotions with specific colors.

(Credit: Wordstream)

All these colors have associations with our emotions. However, the same colors can also evoke different emotions based on the situation as well.

For example, companies like Facebook and PayPal use the color blue to evoke a sense of socialness, trust, and loyalty. While that same color is used by law enforcement agencies to convey security and dependability.

Another example is the color red. When we see this color on a stop sign, we immediately feel a sense of alertness and attention. But brands also use this same color to evoke feelings of excitement, passion, and sometimes power.

For a much more detailed understanding of color psychology, we encourage you to explore the ColorPsychology.org website. It includes more in-depth explanations about each color and how they affect emotions.

Myths and Misconceptions

Color psychology is not a magic formula and it certainly doesn’t work the same way for everyone. As we mentioned before, the effects of color depend on the context and situation. And it’s also important to remember that people from various parts of the world and different cultures have unique associations with colors.

The colors you use to evoke a sense of excitement could translate into a completely opposite reaction from people from a different part of the world.

(Strawberry Coca-Cola in Japan / Source: Stars and Stripes)

For example, in Western culture, the color black is associated with luxury and elegance while the same color represents death and mourning in Eastern cultures. When creating designs that target international audiences, understanding the symbolism of color is crucial to creating universal designs.

5 Tips for Choosing Effective Colors

Color psychology is not just about evoking emotions and persuasion. You can use it in user experience design to create color schemes that improve user engagement and retention as well.

These tips will help you choose a more harmonious color palette for your designs while also making your designs more effective and accessible.

1. Design with Accessibility in Mind

Accessibility is one of the most important aspects to keep in mind when creating a color scheme for a design. Making your designs accessible to all, including people with disabilities like color blindness, is not only required by the law but it’s also part of making more inclusive designs.

When it comes to choosing colors, always remember to pick color tones and shades that meet accessibility standards.

2. Pick the Right Shades and Contrast

The shades and the contrasting of the colors you use will also have different psychological effects on people. A good example is the new trend of pastel and soft colors, which aims to create more soothing and calming vibes through designs. However, a small adjustment to color contrast will make a different outcome in such a design project.

3. Guide Users Toward Action

Colors can also be used to guide users and persuade them to take action. For example, the colors used in Call to Action (CTA) buttons on websites are designed with this goal in mind. These CTAs often feature brighter accent colors like red or green to grab attention and also to create a sense of urgency, which persuades users to click the “buy” button much faster.

4. Understand the Target Audience

Understanding the culture, ethnicities, and beliefs of your target audience is also crucial to creating a more appropriate color palette that’s also effective. When creating color schemes that target a wide range of audiences, it’s always best to go with tested and proven colors used by the more successful brands.

5. Test the Color Palettes

It’s always wise to test your color schemes and designs before going public. If you can’t afford a focus group, you can use various other means to test your designs. Even using platforms like Reddit and Facebook groups would suffice. Or you can use affordable user testing platforms such as UserTesting to get that job done.

Conclusion

Whether you’re designing a brand identity, crafting an app interface, or even a social media campaign, having an understanding of color psychology is vital to delivering more effective and successful results.

Having even a basic understanding of color psychology is enough to make a big difference in your design outcomes. However, you should follow a proper course from a reputable institution to get all the accurate knowledge about this subject.

You can also explore our gallery to see how different kinds of designs use color psychology with their respective color palettes included. And read up on the latest color trends here.

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