Papa Johns

Building Profitable Transactions

Restaurant Marketing

We need an agency that can deliver smart, efficient solutions on a daily basis. Brandience never disappoints.

Mike H., Co-Op President

Papa Johns

Sometimes I think our agency knows us better than we know ourselves. They continue to challenge us with a fresh perspective that keeps our marketing efforts sharp. We need an agency that can deliver smart, efficient solutions on a daily basis. Brandience never disappoints.

Mike H., Co-Op President

Papa Johns

Papa John's franchisees had built much of their business through heavy discounting primarily through sports sponsorships. While the sports audience remained very important to the brand, the brand needed to build more profitable transactions.

Shift from discounting to value

Brandience developed local market messaging that helped shift the consumer mindset from discounting to quality ingredients and value to better align with the national Papa John's focus.

Brandience tapped into our experience as a digital marketing agency for restaurants, focusing on media channels that continue to reach the sports audience. Social media continues to be a valuable channel. We needed to maintain the high level of engagement the brand received from past sports activations, as well as the bottom of the funnel sales opportunities social media provided for online pizza sales.

Sports influencers beat sports activations

Brandience identified and onboarded sports influencers to expand our reach and tout the new product messaging (not discounts). We paired that with a strong paid social media layer. These highly focused initiatives replaced discount activations and proved to be a winning formula.

98% return on ad spend

Local market campaign results saw a 244% increase in online purchase conversion value along with a 98% increase in Return On Ad Spend (ROAS).

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Capabilities

Advertising

Brand Strategy

Creative

Data Analytics

Digital

Media

Social Media

Common Questions

What makes employee-generated content (EGC) so effective?

EGC builds trust and authenticity by showcasing real people behind the brand. Day-in-the-life videos, behind-the-scenes moments, and personal stories create a human connection that polished brand content alone cannot achieve, making EGC a powerful engagement tool.

How can brands optimize social content for SEO and GEO?

Brands should use clear, natural language in captions, incorporate relevant keywords, and align visuals with text. Spoken phrases in videos matter too, as AI-powered search indexes audio. This approach ensures content is discoverable across social platforms and AI-driven engines.

Why is video still important for social media in 2026?

Video remains the leading format because it captures attention quickly and delivers value fast. Short-form videos and micro clips are especially effective, as they align with user behavior and platform algorithms that prioritize snackable, engaging content.

What are the top social media trends for 2026?

The biggest trends shaping social media in 2026 include micro video clips, community-driven engagement, SEO and GEO optimization for social search, series-based content, and employee-generated content (EGC). AI also plays a major role as both a creative and strategic tool.

What’s the best media mix for brands?

A balanced funnel approach: traditional for awareness, digital for conversion. Start broad, then retarget with precision.

How can I measure the impact of my traditional ads?

Use hybrid tactics: QR codes, unique URLs, promo codes, and cross-market testing. Combine these with digital analytics to attribute traffic and conversions accurately.

Is traditional media still effective in 2025?

Yes. According to Nielsen and PewResearch.org, TV and radio remain top channels for brand trust and mass reach, especially when integrated with digital media for measurable ROI.

What’s a common mistake brands make when it comes to brand creative?

Ignoring context; using the same creative across every channel instead of optimizing for audience attention and dwell time.

How does Brandience adapt design across platforms?

Through objective and tactical alignment upfront. Then, we tailor visuals, copy, and pacing for each medium’s audience.

Why is creative consistency important?

Consistency strengthens recognition and trust. Repetition of core brand elements helps audiences connect emotionally and cognitively faster.

What does “designing with context” mean?

It means creating marketing assets intentionally for their environment like digital, print, outdoor, or in-store so they resonate in the exact moment and mindset of the audience.

How does my retail brand stand out in a crowded market during the holidays?

To stand out to consumers during the holiday season, focus on relevance, value, and seamless experiences. Use AI and personalization to reengage shoppers who showed intent but didn’t convert.

Is mobile really that important?

Absolutely. According to EMARKETER, mobile now drives over 50% (56.5%) of ecommerce sales and influences in-store decisions.

How will inflation affect holiday shopping in 2025?

NRF projects inflation (PCE) will hover around 2.5% this year. While that, along with tariffs, is weighing on consumer sentiment, household finances remain stable. Retailers should expect cautious but steady spending with stronger growth in ecommerce than brick-and-mortar.

Should I still invest in Black Friday?

Yes, but don’t rely on it. Spread promotions throughout October and November to catch early shoppers.