According to one source, 211 million pieces of content are generated online every minute in 2015. It’s clearly more difficult than ever for brands and marketers to break through the clutter. Our reads this week showcase how some brands are utilizing newer video platforms to stand out, and highlight a couple of just-released features (and one in beta form) that look to make our jobs as social media marketers a little easier.
Streaming Video
Venture Beat: Brands Embrace Periscope to Cut Through $60B Worth of Web Advertising Noise
As brands try to find new and interesting ways to reach their audiences, all while competing against the $60 billion that is spent on Internet advertising annually, a few (including General Electric, Wendy’s and Blumhouse Films) have been finding success through Periscope and live video/events.
Vine
The New York Times: On Screens and in Windows, Lowe’s Gives (and Gives, and Gives) How-To Help
The effectiveness of, and interest in, video by marketers has been well documented, but the question remains: How can you break through the video clutter AND do so without breaking the bank? This article highlights a case study for Lowe’s use of Vine, some cost savings that come with it, and its effectiveness in reaching the millennial audience.
Ad Week: Facebook Debuts Local Awareness Ads
The great part about working paid Facebook campaigns into your marketing communications strategy is the various ways you are able to target extremely specific audiences. With the rollout of “Local Awareness Ads,” Facebook has taken another step forward by allowing marketers to target only those people close to your retail location, and on their mobile devices.
Mobile
The Next Web: Pinterest Lets You Search Images for Stuff You Can’t Describe in Words
Have you ever seen an image of an article of clothing, or even an end table, and wanted to search for similar products but don’t know how to properly describe what you’re looking for? This new Pinterest feature has you covered.
The Verge: Instagram reportedly testing interactive iPhone ads that use 3D Touch and Apple Pay
If you have the new iPhone 6S you have probably read about (or even tried out) its most touted feature: 3D Touch. Pressing your new iPhone screen harder allows for different functionality within the operating system. Instagram is testing its first foray into this feature by allowing users to press images in advertisements and be taken directly to a “buy now” purchase screen – incorporating Apple Pay within the same feature. Very soon consumers will be able to scroll through their Instagram feed and purchase a product with a (little heavier) touch of their finger.
On the GFM Blog this week:
Media Tours: 4 Questions to Ask Before Heading Out
Public Relations: The More Things Change, the More They Remain the Same
Best Denver Restaurants: A Love Story
