This week our favorite reads revolve around eye-opening examples of how the deep pockets of national brands like Levi’s and DSW Shoe Warehouse are driving advertising and marketing innovation at social platforms such as LinkedIn and Pinterest. True, small businesses may have to wait patiently for a scalable trickle down effect. However, as social advertising matures, brands will be able to hone in on prospects at the tipping point of a purchase in new and unmatched ways, undoubtedly impacting organic and paid content budgets in the foreseeable future.
Ad Age: Could LinkedIn Be Adland’s Next $1 Billion Player?
LinkedIn is far from its days as the stepchild of social content publishing, especially for the niche and specialized B2B world. Publishers are dishing up about 7,000 posts a day while ad products like Direct Sponsored Content and Trending Content tools are making it easier than ever to connect the dots between what potential targets are reading in order to tailor organic and paid content accordingly.
Forbes: Inside Pinterest: The Coming Ad Colossus That Could Dwarf Twitter And Facebook
An in-depth look at the marketing tipping point Pinterest is at today with regard to discovery, intent to purchase and the ultimate decision to buy. The numerous comparisons to the current state of Pinterest against Google, Facebook and Twitter makes this a must-read.
Industry
Advertising Age: Target Takes Trick-or-Treating to Instagram
We are loving the out-of-the-box creativity behind Target’s interactive Halloween campaign on Instagram. The retailer is publishing various “trick” and “treat” images that users can tag themselves in to open/unlock profiles with photos of recipes, spooky DIY decorations, pet costumes and more.
PRDaily: Will McDonald’s Online Campaign Put Food Rumors To Rest?
McDonald’s is reeling financially from the one-two punch of negative coverage of its food and the brand’s inability to lure millennials through the doors. However, being transparent with consumers on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter on tough topics like “pink slime” does not guarantee smooth sailing for a brand trying to rebuild its reputation.
New Stories on the GFM blog this week:
What’s Really Private On Social Media?
Three Sneaky Reporter Tactics And Tips For How To Respond
Reaching Unplugged Employees
Dangers Of Going ‘Off the Record’ With Reporters
