[2012 trends] Getting found in 2012

[Lana Hindmarch] In 2012, businesses will take a more aggressive approach to transforming their marketing efforts and reducing their cost per lead, by focusing more on permission-based, inbound marketing programmes that allow customers to find them. 27 Jan 2012 13:01

2012 Tabbie Awards open for nominations

CLEVELAND, US: The 2012 Tabbies call for entries is now available at the TABPI website, allowing all B2B magazine editors, publishers and art directors the opportunity to have their best work judged by their peers. Tabbies' partners include South Africa's SAFREA, and MPASA. [video] 26 Jan 2012 11:40

[2012 trends] Setting the scene for search-based marketing

[Peter Stewart] Search-based marketing may be broken down into conversion, search engine optimisation (SEO), paid search and performance email information. In setting the scene for the rest of 2012, here are various trends per category. 24 Jan 2012 14:37

[2012 trends] Apocalypse now!

[Matt Rose] 2012 is the year of the apocalypse (thanks, Mayans). But if you think about it, in a way they are right. Every year it ceases to be the end of the world as we know it. The world is in a constant state of revolution and innovation. 17 Jan 2012 15:05

[2012 trends] With apologies to Cindy Lauper: boys and girls just wanna have fun

[Mike Abel] It's been a trying time aboard the good ship GFC (Global Financial Crisis). But like all sailors on the sea of life, if rough becomes the new normal, the seasickness begins to ebb and we can start moving away from being "bent-double" over the side of the boat and assume steadier footing through these turbulent waters. 10 Jan 2012 13:27

Building YOUR brand

[Jade Delphine Otten] Isn't it exciting to find a product or service that you have no doubt would become the next 'Chuck Norris' in the business arena? But isn't it also daunting to sit in front of your inbox three weeks later, sifting through nothing but junk and spam e-mails? The excitement seems to rub off so much quicker, doesn't it? 29 Dec 2011 07:19

The past, present and future of advertising agencies in SA

[Warren Lodge] Advertising is not a new concept all at. Political campaign displays have been found in the ruins of Pompeii and ancient Arabia. Advertising as we know it is generally agreed to have begun with newspapers in the seventeenth century. Simple descriptions along with prices of products then served their purpose until the late nineteenth century. 21 Dec 2011 10:32

Bare naked brand names

[Naseem Javed] Last century business names were colourfully dressed with uniquely stylized lettering, colourful logos, slogans and contextual support. This century, such 'stylized dependency' has been pushed over the cliff by neo-socio-mobile-media-lingo. They're stripped and typed in black and white text as soundbite-sized 'bare naked words', blending into chat lines alongside abbreviations and numbing-mumbo-jumbo. 14 Dec 2011 11:16

South Africa's YoungGuns excel

NEW YORK, US: The organisers say that 2011 was YoungGuns biggest year since the event started out recognising young talent in 2000, and once again, in an international competition against the world's best, South Africa showed it has what it takes to compete successfully. 13 Dec 2011 13:54

PocketMedia produces new Maputo City Guide

PocketMedia Solutions, having already produced four runs of the eight-panel Z-Card, Maputo City Guide, has rolled out another pocket-sized guide ahead of the festive season, to ensure that tourists can find their way around the city with ease 13 Dec 2011 12:22

Deck the halls with vinyl reindeer

[Paul Williams] It's silly season once again and I suddenly realised that there are few, if any, Christmas carols which those in the advertising and marketing industries can relate to. So, to all of you involved in this stressful yet wonderful industry and truly wanting to celebrate the joy of Christmas, I present an agency Christmas carol. 12 Dec 2011 09:49

Scrutinize campaign wins AfriComNet Award

Scrutinize, an innovative campaign that got young people to "scrutinize" their behaviours and take action to reduce their risk of HIV infection, has won the 5th Annual AfriComNet Award in the Best Multichannel category. 9 Dec 2011 11:24

Mother City retains Loeries, Creative Week to expand

In a four-way pitch against Ballito in KwaZulu-Natal, Johannesburg and Sun City, Cape Town has emerged triumphant to retain The Loerie Awards in the Mother City. The Loeries Judging Week and Seminars will also move from Johannesburg to Cape Town, so that judging will take place during Creative Week in the days leading up to the awards ceremonies. 8 Dec 2011 11:24

Tablets leaking ad dollars to mobile from 'Net - BuzzCity CEO

[Herman Manson: @marklives] BuzzCity is a global mobile advertising network focused on emerging markets. In Africa this Singapore-based company, in which media giant Naspers owns a stake, does substantial business in South Africa (where it also has a sales office), Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana. It also sees significant growth in mobile traffic in African markets north of the Sahara. 7 Dec 2011 12:38