As a boutique marketing studio, Datalily (formerly CXD Studio) wanted to make a splash with a new brand launch. Their goal? To connect with smart marketing leaders at top B2B SaaS tech companies and build meaningful relationships.
Rather than sticking to conventional campaigns, they leaned into community as a strategy, focusing on in-person engagement and connection.
The centerpiece of their strategy was Margs & Marketing, a happy hour and brand launch held during the week of HubSpot’s INBOUND conference in Boston.
In a world dominated by digital interactions, this in-person event offered a refreshing change — but as a small team of five core members, Datalily knew they had to work smart to pull off the event.
Here’s how they maximized their impact with limited resources:
1. Strategic Timing.
By hosting the event during INBOUND, they captured an audience already in town, making it easier to draw attendees and align with the energy of the larger conference.
2. Focused Investments.
Rather than running a digital ad campaign, they allocated their $10,000 budget to the event itself and reusable brand assets.
3. Meaningful Outreach.
They avoided the spray-and-pray approach, instead opting for personal invitations and targeted messaging through LinkedIn, email, and Instagram.
The results? Over $100,000 in influenced revenue — including 90 registrants and 40 attendees.
For small teams looking to make a big impact, the message is clear: Invest in your community, find ways to create memorable moments, and trust that the personal connections you build will drive lasting success.
Takeaways:
- Piggyback on conferences and gatherings where your audience is already present.
- Invite early, invite wide.
- Follow up with attendees and no-shows through social posts, emails, or virtual meetings to maintain momentum.
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