[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

BBA 7 brings double housemates

[Gregory Gondwe: @Kalipochi] Multichoice Malawi announced on 24 January 2012 that the Big Brother Africa housemates of Season 7, will go in the house in pairs, where they will choose whether to pair with spouses, friends or family. 25 Jan 2012 13:24

[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

Uganda's wildlife set for the screen

[Walter Wafula] Uganda Wild At Heart , a television show which comes to screens in February 2011, is set to promote tourism and wildlife conservation in Uganda. 18 Jan 2012 13:32

CBeebies brings children's tales to the small screen

CBeebies fans from around the world will be treated to classic children's stories in a series of short films commissioned for the preschool network. BBC Worldwide has concluded deals with publishers Barefoot Books and Ladybird Books which will see eight tales read by the CBeebies presenters in Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America and Poland. 11 Jan 2012 11:10

[2012 trends] Social media marketing and the youth

[Bradley Maseko] The following is a breakdown of 12 social media marketing trends for 2012 with regards to how businesses will target the youth market. The emphasis for businesses/brands in 2012 will be to avoid becoming subject to the "Social Media Burnout Effect". 10 Jan 2012 14:23

News censorship never ends well for governments, says CNN exec

[Herman Manson: @marklives] Tony Maddox, the executive vice president and MD of CNN International, is responsible for CNN's international news and information portfolio. On a visit to South Africa in December 2011, Maddox shared with Bizcommunity.com his views on social media and 'citizen reporting,' the recently signed 'secrecy bill' and CNN's editorial operations in Africa. [video] 9 Jan 2012 11:15

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

Nando's ad standing down from TV

Nando's South Africa, in a statement issued on Thursday, 1 December 2011, has said that it will no longer air its ad "Last Dictator Standing" as part of its festive season campaign on television: "We feel strongly that this is the prudent step to take in a volatile climate and believe that no TV commercial is worth risking the safety of Nando's staff and customers." 1 Dec 2011 14:32

Four ways to use specificity in your communication

[Tiffany Markman] My grandmother was a remarkable woman. Outspoken. Opinionated. She had a tracksuit. (And she wasn't a tracksuit person. She was a dress-with-matching-belt person. She wore anoraks. And sensible shoes.) The tracksuit was blue. But every time you suggested that she wear her blue tracksuit, she'd snap, "It's not blue. It's turquoise, dammit!" She was right. Here are four quick and easy ways to write and speak specifically... 25 Nov 2011 12:49

Anti-poverty campaign launches short film

Anti-poverty campaign group ONE, last week launched a short film titled 'The Untold Story: Hope in Ethiopia' about the food crisis in the Horn of Africa as part of its Hungry No More campaign. The film, a result of the collaboration with African production company A24 Media, focuses on the untold story of the food crisis that is gripping the region. 7 Nov 2011 09:49

Managing promotional resources: are TV broadcasters getting it right?

[Issa Sikiti da Silva: @sikitimedia] TV broadcasters need to apply the basic tools when managing their promotional resources if they are truly committed to achieving desired results. Objectives, strategy and tactics would have to be carefully designed to achieve specific goals. This emerged late last week at PromaxBDA Africa 2011. 1 Nov 2011 12:07

Kenya: Bank sponsors business reality show

[Carole Kimutai: @CaroleKimutai] CfC Stanbic Bank will sponsor a television reality show, CfC Stanbic Bank Magnate, which seeks to find and nurture Kenya's future entrepreneurs. The business reality show, which started yesterday, Thursday 27th October 2011, will air on national television broadcaster Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) and Kiss TV. 27 Oct 2011 16:56