Can Facebook ever make (real) money?

[Thomas Oosthuizen] Growth is hardly the challenge Facebook faces. The challenge for the monetarisation of Facebook is not how many people it reaches - it is a huge medium by any standards - but how it extracts revenue from its core business: connecting people in an objective, friendly, social, non-threatening and non-commercial environment. 7 Feb 2012 10:40

Why social media should matter to the mobile marketer

[Staff Reporter] Social media adores mobile marketing. There is almost a 99% chance that the same users who browse your mobile site, have a social media account. With social networking, you can gain an immense audience from a very small audience (if you play your cards right). Follow these steps to begin to benefit from the wonders of combining social media with mobile marketing. 1 Feb 2012 15:33

AFCON 2012: Samsung launch interactive, online events

Samsung Electronics, the long-time supporter of African football, is rallying fans across the continent to show their passion for the game by launching a series of interactive live and online events for fans to gather and share the excitement of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2012, taking place in Gabon-Equatorial Guinea. 31 Jan 2012 14:25

[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

Six ways to boost your career in 2012

[Donna Rachelson] Instead of trying to keep vague work-related New Year's resolutions ("I'm going to improve my career skills; find a better work/life balance or make more of an impact in my team"), focus on specific areas where you can implement sustainable changes in your work life in 2012. 26 Jan 2012 12:45

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] Brand purpose to take lead in brand strategy

[Travis Spence] A critical juncture in brand marketing has arrived. It is led by the internet and the technology changes this brings, along with consumers - who, as we all know, have changed forever. The brand now needs not only to represent its product but the people behind the product and why they do what they do for that product's success. 24 Jan 2012 12:26

PUMA.com launches football content programme

PUMA.com recently launched an African football content programme ahead of the Orange African Cup of Nations tournament that kicks off over the weekend in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The programme will give a cultural insight into the world of African football through the eyes of high profile PUMA partnered players. 23 Jan 2012 10:31

[2012 trends] Whoosh! The year in which nothing happens

[Walter Pike] In 2012, things will stay the same. Everyone still believes that marketing has not changed and that social is a channel. Yes they are starting to understand how important channel is but they have not and will not grasp just how much. 20 Jan 2012 14:18

Sign Africa Expo to visit Nelspruit

Sign Africa Expo will be visiting Nelspruit in the Mpumalanga province, South Africa, for the second time, as one of their road show destinations for 2012. The expo will take place on the 15 February at Emnotweni Arena. 17 Jan 2012 11:34

[2012 trends] Been there, done that, now let's get really smart!

[Karen Ashwin] Thanks to our preference for face-to-face interpersonal communications, meetings, events and marketing activations enjoy pride of place as fabulous marketing tools. However, we also know that great events cost. The heat is on to ensure that events deliver serious marketing and financial results - and that clients are assured of their incomparable experiential value, especially when paired with the latest trends and technology! 12 Jan 2012 12:24

Wunderman/Y&R launches young marketers school

The Dubai International Advertising Festival, the awards for creative excellence in advertising and communications in the Middle East and North Africa, has announced the launch of the Wunderman/Y&R Young Marketers School at Lynx, a learning programme targeted at marketers and brand managers working within a client organisation. 12 Jan 2012 12:03

Chillibush Communications, Phoenix Group launch Chillibush Africa

Through-the-line communications agency Chillibush Communications has partnered with The Phoenix Group to create Chillibush Africa. The new company will build on the existing experience and expertise of the agencies to offer strategic, media and creative and PR services throughout Africa. 11 Jan 2012 13:38