What is content marketing & why should you care

[Jessica Davis] Everyone is talking about content marketing these days - but what exactly is it and why should you care? Content marketing is a marketing activity that focuses on creating and distributing engaging, relevant, and valuable content to acquire and retain customers, and to build a stronger brand. It is the art of attracting customers to your products without an obvious sales pitch. 15 Jan 2013 07:28

[2013 trends] Social media marketing and the youth

[Bradley Maseko] The following is a breakdown of social media marketing trends for 2013.This year I take a look at both external (the youth market) and internal (business marketing efforts) trends that I predict will play a crucial role in further cementing the role of social media marketing in the overall marketing strategies for most brands and businesses seeking to effectively engage the youth market through social media platforms. 15 Jan 2013 01:02

A six-year-old debate: Internet versus non-Internet marketing

[Allison Ross] It's been six years since I started my business with a bee in my bonnet and brazenly expressed my views on Bizcommunity. I found nothing more annoying than web designers and Internet marketers telling SMME owners they MUST have websites, search engine optimisation and social media profiles in order to succeed. 14 Jan 2013 16:39

[2013 trends] Who said magazines are dead?

[Sue Disler] What an interesting dilemma it was for me moving into publishing almost three years ago. The glossy was HERO and digital was a very, very bad word indeed. But I was excited that, for first time, I could really get to grips with CONTENT. In advertising that's the missing, quintessential link. In order to understand where I am headed here, let me contextualise my thinking by way of illustrating a historical, time-stamped journey of sorts. 14 Jan 2013 14:44

[2013 trends] Time of choices, decisions for strategic marketing management

[Darren Woolley] Last year was certainly an economic roller-coaster ride. In 2013, marketers will need to look through the uncertainty and make some longer-term plans, as well as choices and decisions, on how they will steer their brands forward. So here are some of the decisions and choices to be made in 2013, in no particular order... 14 Jan 2013 14:14

Why you should get proactive about privacy protection

[Steve Ferguson] The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), due to become law early this year, introduces legal protection in SA for the first time against the serious risks and harm arising from the unauthorised collection and abuse of personal information. 14 Jan 2013 07:29

Mega shifts in global advertising, branding skills

[Naseem Javed] The world is passing through the eye of the needle and an all out digital transition is responsible for ushering us into a new era where new age media will demand new skills. So what will it take to prepare for such mega branding movements and what are the key facts? A new boom awaits... 14 Jan 2013 06:51

The conflict of being an entrepreneur in South Africa

[Allison Ross] My son recently acquired his driver's license after numerous lessons, countless hours of supervised practice and one mildly traumatic failed attempt. Although costly and stressful for both son and parents, we're now relatively confident in his ability to be let loose on the road. 12 Jan 2013 13:26

Volcano

Volcano Advertising scoops Silver at the 2012 Midas Awards

[Issued by Volcano] Touted as the only international competition recognising excellence in financial advertising and marketing, the Midas Awards 2012 featured a strong contingent of local winners, with Jo'burg-based Volcano Advertising joining the accolades for their TVC entitled 'Protection' for client Mutual and Federal. 11 Jan 2013 12:44

The Media magazine kicks off Jan with a bang

The Media magazine kicks off its January 2013 offering with a hard-hitting investigative slant into black market magazine trading which has led to arrests. Contributors include Raymond Louw, Jacques du Preez, Paula Slier, Harry Herber, Okyerebea Ampofo-Anti and Howard Thomas. 11 Jan 2013 09:58

Ad Talent

Ad Talent Salary Survey 2013

[Issued by Ad Talent] The Ad Talent Salary Survey 2013 was compiled using figures of actual placements made by Ad Talent, as well as salary information obtained from all candidates interviewed by Ad Talent's consultants from January 2012 to December 2012. 10 Jan 2013 08:35

Eight ways to rejuvenate your 2013 in PR

[Janine Lloyd] 2012 has come and gone as quickly as the New Year has begun. Now it's time to rejuvenate your agency and public relations campaigns with new thinking, re-invention and innovation. Reflecting on 2012 there are many case studies and examples of great PR campaigns, but there are also many mistakes which took place, particularly in the social media space. 10 Jan 2013 07:28

Incorrect media planning is costly

[Tinyiko Maswanganye] Successful advertising depends on several aspects. Among them are appealing creative concepts, proper execution, and delivery. If one part of the chain is broken, the advertising will lose the effectiveness and the money is wasted. The point I want to emphasise is the delivery of the message. This part is called media planning and buying. 9 Jan 2013 10:57

New PRISM Awards categories generate strong interest

The seven Awards Categories introduced into last year's PRISM Awards are attracting growing interest from entrants. With a record number of entries expected for the 2013 PRISM Awards and the entry deadline of 25 January looming, organisers are being inundated with queries. 9 Jan 2013 10:15