Archive for the ‘Social Marketing’ Category

Social media marketing alters the ad landscape with a focus on sustainability – Campaign Middle East

In the ever-evolving landscape of advertising, the digital era has ushered in a paradigm shift, turning social media platforms into a powerhouse for marketers.

The year 2024 promises to be a pivotal point in the evolution of social media marketing, presenting both challenges and opportunities for brands committed to a sustainable future.

The staggering statistics paint a vivid picture of the dominance of social media in our lives. With over 4.7 billion active social media users globally, surpassing 50 per cent of the worlds population.

Meanwhile, the amount of time people spend on social media has jumped 38 per cent in the past decade, which all point to a message that people are increasingly dependent on social media. Therefore, by leveraging the key trends shaping the digital landscape, businesses can not only build brand loyalty but also contribute to a greener, more equitable world.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic novelty; its reshaping marketing in real time. From crafting personalised content to analysing customer data, AI tools offer invaluable insights for targeted campaigns.

2024 calls for a shift in perspective, we must view AI as a powerful collaborator. Human ingenuity remains irreplaceable in crafting the soul of a brand, the emotional resonance that connects with audiences. The true magic lies in seamlessly blending the efficiency of AI with the empathy and intuition of human connection.

Data is no longer just numbers; its a powerful narrative tool. In 2024, expect to see a rise in data-driven storytelling, where brands weave compelling narratives based on their environmental and social impact.

Showcase the real-world outcomes of your sustainability efforts, not just the goals. Use data visualisation, interactive infographics, and even augmented reality to create immersive by humanising data, brands can inspire action and drive genuine engagement.

Transparency and authenticity reign supreme. Consumers are increasingly sceptical of greenwashing tactics. In 2024, transparency and authenticity will be the cornerstones of successful sustainable marketing. Be open about your challenges and setbacks alongside your successes.

Share your sustainability journey, showcasing how youre constantly learning and improving. Partner with credible environmental organisations and influencers who align with your values. Authenticity builds trust, fostering long-term relationships with customers who connect with your genuine commitment to sustainability.

The power of community cannot be underestimated. In 2024, social media will become a platform for co-creation, where brands engage audiences in shaping their sustainability initiatives to host interactive campaigns, online forums, and workshops where customers can provide feedback and ideas. By empowering communities, brands can foster a sense of ownership and collective impact, driving social change beyond their own walls.

Other than grasping the social media trend, unsurprisingly, this seismic shift has left an indelible mark on the advertising industry, turning social media into the most crucial channel. So lets also delve into the key ways in which social media has become the linchpin of survival in the advertising game.

One of the most profound changes brought about by social media is the ability to deliver highly targeted branding and performance advertisements. Platforms leverage user data, including personal information and interests, to meticulously direct ads to potential customers.

Social media has not only altered the way users consume information but also their attitudes towards advertising. Unlike the traditional ad formats that often made people feel intrusive, social media advertising is more welcomed by users. In the realm of sustainability, this welcoming environment becomes an opportunity to foster positive attitudes towards eco-friendly products and practices.

Beyond targeting and changing attitudes, social media has opened up new chances of marketing opportunities for advertisers with a commitment to sustainability. The numerous user data on these platforms allows for in-depth analysis, offering valuable insights into user needs and preferences. This data-driven approach serves as a compass for advertisers, guiding product and service development with unparalleled precision.

Social media marketing has irrevocably altered the advertising landscape with a particular focus on sustainability. As David Ogilvys words echo through the corridors of time, the essence remains advertising is about information, and in this digital age, social media is the key to disseminating that information effectively.

As the social media juggernaut continues to evolve, advertisers with a sustainability mindset must navigate its waters adeptly, leveraging the power of precision, engagement, and opportunity to steer the industry towards a more environmentally friendly and sustainable future.

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Social media marketing alters the ad landscape with a focus on sustainability - Campaign Middle East

Social Media Marketing In the Digital Age – MarTech Outlook

AI-driven market algorithms on social media now consider demographic profiles and user interests, reshaping marketing trends. Marketers can target specific locations, genders, and interests through ads like Instagram and Facebook

Fremont, CA: Technology has revolutionized business, making it more efficient and challenging. Social media has become a dominant force in marketing, requiring careful planning and leveraging technology as a force multiplier. It allows brands to engage with consumers, understand preferences, and develop effective strategies.

Social Media and Use of Technology

Social media technologies have significantly impacted marketing and communication channels, utilizing messaging apps, groupware, video conferencing, interactive boards, and online chats. Here are a few ways in which technology is changing social media marketing

Communication

Cell phones are increasingly used for social media, providing information, entertainment, and shopping. They have shifted from traditional communication methods to social media messaging, which is used for friends, and family, business communication, and marketing products. Smartphones can also enable group chatting, text messaging, video or audio creation, and high-quality pictures and advertisements.

CRM System

A CRM is a powerful marketing tool that streamlines interactions across social media channels, automates marketing, assists in sales, and offers technical support. Its primary function is identifying, measuring, and monitoring performance across multiple channels, providing valuable metrics for successful campaigns and customer data.

Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing is a crucial strategy for brand promotion and building on social media, utilizing well-known personalities with a solid following for product marketing. Social media technologies offer advanced communication methods, and technology's influence on social media plays a vital role in content promotion. Influencer marketing is slowly dominating the ad world.

Artificial Intelligence

AI-driven market algorithms on social media now consider demographic profiles and user interests, reshaping marketing trends. Marketers can target specific locations, genders, and interests through ads like Instagram and Facebook. AI can analyze profiles, create patterns, and retarget users based on leads, resulting in more targeted and effective advertising.

IT Sector

Social media has significantly impacted sectors, particularly IT, by structuring the IT system around user-favored content. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter can suppress or promote ads based on their schedule, leading to accusations of bias and specific agendas. Even in marketing, specific ads have a significant share.

Security and Privacy

Social media marketing trends are evolving to meet market demands and cater to diverse groups. They focus on brand awareness and customer loyalty through content creation. The main focus is on creating technology that encourages content sharing.

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Social Media Marketing In the Digital Age - MarTech Outlook

Valentine’s Day takes over in SG: Brands share their unique love stories on social – Marketing Interactive

Tis the season of love, and the marketing industry is flexing its love muscles hard.

Brands from various industries shared the love through unique online campaigns and advertisements by jumping onto the bandwagon of Valentine's Day related content.From the creative use of puns to adorable video advertisements, many brands have captivated their respective audiences by advertising their own ways of sharing the love.

This year, MARKETING-INTERACTIVEhas identified and interesting mix of both heartwarming and adorable examples of these campaigns that tapped on Valentine's Day, and we have compiled a list of brands that shared the love through their online advertisements. Don't Miss:Fun facts ahead of Valentine's Day: What's going on with APAC daters?

1. Changi Airport Group (CAG)

Being a popular spot for photoshoots, Changi Airport Group tapped onto Valentine's Day by showcasing some examples of a travel themed pre-wedding photoshoot. By doing so, they were able to provide a call-to-action by getting their viewers to check out why Changi Airport and Jewel mean something special to hearts of the featured couple.

2. Singapore Police Force (SPF)

Being recognized for their efforts in keeping Singapore safe, Singapore Police Force was also one to jump onto the Valentine's Day trend by featuring two police officers who were not only partners of crimefighting, but also partners in life.

3. Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM)

Known best for advocating for kindness in Singapore as well as their adorable mascot Singa, SKM featured a carousel of unique wordplay of uniquely Singaporean lingo and pick-up lines together with Singa. By doing so, viewers were able to share and send such content to their loved ones on Valentine's Day to show their appreciation for them through social media!

4. Our Singapore Army

In light of Valentine's Day, Our Singapore Army featured a nicely done Instagram reel featuring their very own soldiers documenting a love letter through videos and dedicating it to their very first 'wife', referring to Singapore herself.

5. Singapore Airlines

Best known for its world-class airline, Singapore Airlines dropped a Valentine's Day themed Instagram reel featuring places they fell in love with, with and ending that wishes viewers for love to find them wherever they are.

6. Kinokuniya Singapore

This Valentine's Day, Kinokuniya Singapore featured a set of romantic books featuring wholesome love stories in an Instagram reel. From this reel, viewers were able to get inspiration on books to read this Valentine's season, which could appeal to both singles and couples alike.

7. National Environment Agency (NEA)

Featuring ways to showcase appreciation for our loved ones, NEApublished an illustrated comic strip in the format of a carousel post to share ways to celebrate Valentine's Day with our friends and family while promoting the idea of sharing our favourite hawker delights with our loved ones.

8. Grab SG

As an innovative way to promote their Dine-in services, Grab Singapore published an Instagram reel featuring Singapore athlete Loh Kean Yew. The reel advertises GrabFood Dine-in as a way to make Valentine's Day plans with our loved ones.

9. BreadTalk Singapore

BreadTalk Singapore tapped onto one of their baked products, the Floss Bun to create content related to Valentine's Day. Their creative description of the Floss Bun encourages their audiences to share the love with one another, just as they would a Floss Bun.

10. IKEA Singapore

As Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year are just days apart, IKEA jumped at the opportunity to advertise home products like duvet covers and pillowcases in light of both Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year. This ad also served as a cheeky way to encourage Singaporeans to 'welcome a little dragon' into their homes.

Join us this coming 24 - 25 April for #Content360, a two-day extravaganza centered around four core thematic pillars: Explore with AI; Insight-powered strategies; Content as an experience; and Embrace the future. Immerse yourself in learning to curate content with creativity, critical thinking, and confidence with us at Content360!

Related articles: Love is in the air: Speak the language of love loud and clear with CMHKs Valentines Day campaignPM Lee urges babymaking, IKEA cheekily complies in Vday ad Bumble gets users to manifest love this CNY and Valentine's Day with Lo Hei spin

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Valentine's Day takes over in SG: Brands share their unique love stories on social - Marketing Interactive

13 Social Media Experts Offer Their Predictions For 2024 – Search Engine Journal

Social media has seen interesting changes recently.

The dramatic changes at Twitter now rebranded as X saw many SEO professionals looking for new social media platforms to maintain their community connections.

We saw the rise of BlueSky, Mastodon, and Threads,and renewed interest in LinkedIn and Reddit as marketing channels for brands.

As big shifts happen in SEO and search following the introduction of generative AI, this could be a time when social media evolves.

As marketers experiment with AI, its going to be important to understand how to leverage these tools whilst maintaining authenticity and trust.

With exciting times to come this year during this evolution of online marketing, there is much anticipation for how this will impact social media.

The overriding sentiments in the industry appear to be building relationships and meaningful connections alongside leveraging AI tools for better analytics and understanding how to create a social media strategy with impact.

We reached out to a variety of social media experts and thought leaders to get their input on what might happen in the coming year, and to ask where social media marketers should focus in 2024.

If you havent shifted your social strategy lately, youre doing it wrong. For most of us, its not a traffic accelerator; its a relationship builder.

Walk with me back to the dawn of social Then, we were using it to amass massive audiences quickly and easily, then using it to boost traffic or conversions (however we defined conversion).

Those days are over. Done. Cooked. Toast.

Instead, in 2024, its all about recognizing that social medias superpower is its ability to help us build more sustainable relationships more slowly.

Social in 2024 and beyond requires a shift in strategy. But also (importantly) an evolution of your mindset.

One core area Id encourage social media marketers to focus their attention on in 2024 is to supplement their regular demand generation activities with an executive thought leadership social strategy.

As a result of the continuing economic worries, businesses increasingly cut budgets throughout 2023.

According to Edelmans research, 44% of decision-makersalso claim they will be less receptive to sales calls or marketing outreach, making it harder for businesses to attract new clients.

Marketers have realized, often the hard way, that nurture- and bottom-funnel campaigns alone arent sufficient. After all, its increasingly futile to promote, say, a free demo when people might not have the budget to buy what youre demo-ing.

How, then, to stand out? Thats where thought leadership comes in.

Thought leadership campaigns (both paid and organic) help increase market consideration and build trust with prospects to support demand generation efforts that drive ROI and can attract talent.

According to the Edelman study, More than half of decision-makers say that during an economic downturn, its essential that non-critical suppliers produce high-quality thought leadership if they want to earn business.

Five top tips:

Social media is a data-rich environment. This is a huge advantage for marketers who analyze this data and then iterate their social strategies which is more fun than ever if you use AI.

So, in the new year, smart social media marketers will focus on getting data out of social media and getting it into an AI-friendly structure.

Give ChatGPT nicely organized CSV files, and it will give you charts that may cause you to immediately rethink what you post.

Heres a chart that AI made for me based on one year of top posts on LinkedIn, categorized manually before uploading. Interesting, right? 2024 will be a fun year for AI-powered social media marketing data analysis.

The entire worlds social media has converged on short-form video. If you still havent mastered the art of producing content in short-form videos, its hard to see how youll be successful in social media in 2024!

Firstly, embracing emerging platforms and technologies is crucial. While its important to maintain a strong presence on established platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, keeping an eye on rising stars in the social media world can offer fresh opportunities.

For instance, platforms that leverage augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are becoming increasingly popular, providing new, immersive ways to engage audiences.

Also, considering the growing interest in decentralized platforms and blockchain technology, exploring these areas could position brands at the forefront of digital innovation.

Secondly, video content continues to dominate across social media channels, and this trend is likely to persist and evolve.

Short-form video content, popularized by platforms like TikTok, has shown significant engagement rates and offers a creative way to showcase products, share stories, and connect with younger audiences.

Additionally, live streaming is gaining traction, offering real-time engagement and fostering a sense of community among viewers. Investing in quality video production and exploring diverse content formats can greatly enhance a brands online presence.

Lastly, personalization and user-generated content (UGC) are becoming increasingly important. Social media users are looking for authentic, relatable content that resonates with their individual experiences and interests.

Encouraging UGC not only fosters a sense of community but also provides marketers with valuable, authentic content that can enhance brand credibility.

Pairing this with data-driven personalization strategies ensures that content reaches the right audience at the right time, increasing engagement and conversion rates.

If social media marketers havent already created an exit plan for X, formerly Twitter, then they need to prepare their bug-out bags now.

Where should they go? According to SEJs list of The Top 10 Social Media Sites & Platforms, social media marketers should focus their attention on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Pinterest, Reddit, and LinkedIn.

And marketers shouldnt forget that blogs were one of the original social media platforms. So, if you still have a small team tweeting, then its time to get them some upskilling and reskilling ASAP.

In addition, social media marketers should focus more attention on creating videos worth watching and content worth sharing.

Why? According to the Content Marketing Institutes latest research, 67% of marketers say video has become more important to their business over the last year. Why? Videos ability to tell stories and resonate emotionally with audiences makes it an ideal format for making human connections.

Finally, run, dont walk, to learn which AI tools including AI image generators and AI video generators will help them in 2024 and beyond.

As Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang told 10,000 graduates during a commencement address back in May, While some worry that AI may take their jobs, someone whos expert with AI will.

In 2024, as in previous years and likely in years to come, I believe social media marketers should focus their attention on two primary areas: audience building and analytics.

Far too many who look to leverage social media to build their brand spend an inordinate time trying to create and distribute killer content but forget or simply fail to ensure there is a receptive audience waiting, or even available, to consume it.

More time should be spent socializing and community building in the channels your desired audience favors. Build your following by following and sharing content from like-minded brands and influencers in the hopes they will reciprocate and/or their audience will take notice.

And this is where analytics comes in. Social marketers should be leveraging native social media analytics or web analytics to effectively understand what is working or not working and where.

We all know social media is not just about likes and shares, but actual clicks and conversions, so every effort should be made to use branded and/or tracked URLs to see if and where real engagement is happening.

In social media marketing, along with digital marketing in general, there are so many things that can be done, so its critically important to use analytics to determine the things that should be done.

In 2024, social media marketing will be all about meaningful connections and responsible branding. Heres how to make the most of it:

Influencer Collaborations

Tap into the power of micro-influencers. These are individuals with smaller but highly engaged followings. Brands can collaborate with them for more authentic and targeted outreach.

Start by identifying influencers whose followers align with your target demographic. Then, craft campaigns that resonate with their audiences interests, ensuring a more personalized and impactful connection.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Embrace and communicate your brands commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Consumers increasingly value brands that are environmentally conscious and ethically sound.

To do this, integrate sustainable practices into your business model and share these stories on social media and share them often. Use your platforms to educate and engage with your audience on these issues, especially the issues that matter most to your demographic.

This creates a brand image thats not only about products but also about positive impact on issues that matter most to their customers.

Community Building

Focus on creating and nurturing online communities around your brand. This involves more than just selling products; its about fostering a space for shared interests and discussions and can look like Facebook groups, Slack channels, email lists, and more.

Engage with your audience through regular, meaningful interactions in these unique groups. Host Q&A sessions, create discussion forums, and encourage user-generated content to build a community that feels valued and connected to your brand.

By concentrating on these three strategies, brands can create a more impactful and resonant presence on social media in 2024.

In 2024, social media marketers should focus on several key areas to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Firstly, they should prioritize video content, as it continues to dominate user engagement on platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube.

Additionally, marketers should pay attention to emerging platforms and trends, adapting their strategies accordingly. Building authentic and meaningful connections with their audience through personalized and interactive content will also be crucial.

Lastly, understanding and leveraging data analytics and AI tools to optimize campaigns and track ROI will remain essential for successful social media marketing in 2024.

As we head into 2024, we have to really look at how privacy changes by Google and Apple are impacting our social media remarketing campaigns.

When it comes to social, organic reach has already become minimal, and with iOS 14 and now iOS 17, we are seeing our paid audiences shrink as well. Businesses need to focus on capturing first-party data.

Whether its on-site methods like promotions, pop-ups, or visitor identification tools, without this first-party data, the social reach will be limited, and remarketing campaigns will continue to underperform.

Meta will roll out significant AI-powered updates throughout 2024. Along with more refined use of its AI-powered discovery engine to recommend content, especially reels and ads, Meta will unveil impressive developments with generative AI to rival ChatGPT and DALLE, among other platforms.

As Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, stated in February 2023, the company has a turbocharged focus on generative AI, in particular. We saw the launch of simple AI-generated stickers in Instagram and Facebook Stories.

But much more impressive, with real utility, will be when the company bakes generative AI into Meta Business Suite. This will offer businesses the ability to create unique text, image, and video content and then schedule, publish, and track performance, all without having to use any other third-party AI app or tool.

Meta will also integrate more AI-powered tools inside Messenger, Instagram Direct, and WhatsApp, including new custom AI personas. Possibly into Threads as well.

These are conversational chatbot assistants. This will allow businesses to create custom avatars and build their own effective use cases such as FAQs, customer service, a unique knowledgebase of their own, and likely much more.

As AI transforms social media in 2024, approach its integration with caution, especially regarding branding and upcoming regulations.

Authenticity becomes crucial as AI content proliferates, so its essential to use AI as a supportive tool, not a substitute.

While short-form video storytelling remains a key to success on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, platforms like BlueSky and Threads are gaining traction for their content updates, reminiscent of Twitters style.

Remember, in 2024, a blend of authentic messaging and engaging short videos will be the cornerstone of successful social media marketing.

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Featured Image: Dilok Klaisataporn/Shutterstock

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13 Social Media Experts Offer Their Predictions For 2024 - Search Engine Journal

Social T Marketing & PR Expands Team with 2 New Hires – The Valley Ledger

Featured image: (left to right) Cecelia Heberling and Amiee Goldy

The Lehigh Valley-based boutique marketing firm bolsters its team to strengthen client services, account support and public relations capabilities.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (December 13, 2023) Social T Marketing & PR, a Lehigh Valley-based boutique marketing firm, announced today the addition of Amiee Goldy and Cecelia Heberling to serve as public relations and communications specialist and social media account manager, respectively.

We are thrilled to welcome Cecelia and Amiee to our agency, recognizing that an exceptional team is our greatest asset and the foundation of our success, said Social T Owner & President Tina Hasselbush. Their expertise and passion align with our commitment to delivering superior client results. With their addition, we look forward to reaching new heights as we continue to build a strong, dedicated staff that elevates brands and meets our clients goals.

As a public relations and communications specialist, Goldy supports clients public relations, media and promotional needs by creating personalized strategies that build and promote each brands reputation to elevate public awareness. Before joining Social T, Goldy led and supported successful public relations campaigns in the economic development, nonprofit and commercial real estate industries. She previously worked as an account executive at Violet PR and an associate account executive at Antenna Group. Outside of work, Goldy is a board member for DAWN Center for Independent Living, a nonprofit that works with people with all disabilities to advance their independence and assists with the organizations public relations and media strategy. She graduated from the University of Scranton in 2018, earning her bachelors degree in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology.

In her role, Heberling creates strategies tailored to reach target audiences, enhance brand awareness and drive online growth for clients. She previously held internships at PLS Logistic Services, Sparq Designs and Social T, where she gained experience building email marketing strategies, writing social media content and scheduling content across multiple clients social media platforms. Also, she has obtained HubSpot certifications in Email Marketing, Inbound Marketing and Social Media and a Digital Marketing Certification from Semrush Academy.

Heberling graduated from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing and Analytics and a double minor in Information Systems and Technology.

To learn more about the Social T team, visit http://www.socialtmarketing.com/meet-the-team.

Social T Marketing & PR is a boutique marketing firm serving clients in the Lehigh Valley region and beyond. Our diverse, professional team brings a proven track record, skilled content managers, digital experts, PR specialists, accomplished writers, and Google professionals.

Social T will support your marketing and branding strategies through thoughtful positioning, public relations, social media, and corporate messaging. Follow Social T on Linkedin, Facebook and Instagram. For more information, visit http://www.socialtmarketing.com.

Information provided to TVL by: http://www.socialTmarketing.com/

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Social T Marketing & PR Expands Team with 2 New Hires - The Valley Ledger