[2012 trends] Influencers take to the web and run the streets

[Mongezi Mtati] 2011 saw the rise of more social media influencers and thought leaders; more conversations influenced how brands are perceived; and the fad of a Facebook page became more questioned than ever before. Or did that apply only in conferences and meetings I went to? Here are my predictions for 2012. 26 Jan 2012 11:38

7Dffrnt Knds of Smke

Five steps to achieving viral reach on mobile - Step number three: Don't play it safe

[Ryan Gandalf van Jaarsveld] When we receive a brief and the client wants to achieve viral reach we know that the one sure way to tell if we are doing our job is if the client has that look in their eyes that says they're scared. It's rare for the client to move ahead regardless. To put themselves aside and realise they aren't necessarily their target market. As they say - no guts, no glory! 26 Jan 2012 11:14

Avon, Jay Jays launch advertising campaigns

Avon, the direct seller of beauty related products, recently launched an advertising campaign to illustrate its self-employed earnings opportunity featuring a South African rags-to-riches example, while Jay Jays, the fashion retail chain, has launched its interactive virtual First Kiss campaign ahead of Valentine's Day. [video] 26 Jan 2012 10:36

[2012 trends] Convergence, content key themes for media, advertising

[Tanya Schreuder & Richard Procter] Consumers hold the upper hand in how we advertise: they are the ones who are more empowered, are demanding more and are less loyal. The challenge is to get to know your consumer! 2012 will see various trends being built upon where there is a convergence of media platforms, a need to share information in real time and a demand for cross-platform content and messaging that can simultaneously reach numerous audiences. 25 Jan 2012 14:48

[2012 trends] An amateur audience

[Stacey Rumble] In the last few years we've seen an increase in online consumer conversation as more and more South Africans gain access to the Internet, mostly via mobile. While this increase has been on the cards for some time, this year we're seeing proof of a much larger local online community. 2012 will be the year that industries better grasp how to reach us all. 25 Jan 2012 13:48

Commission to tackle international roaming fees

National Consumer Commissioner Mamodupi Mohlala yesterday revealed that the commission has set its sights on tackling the high cost of international roaming for cellphone users. Briefing the National Assembly's Trade and Industry Portfolio Committee, Mohlala said the commission would seek the advice of experts around international roaming fees. 25 Jan 2012 07:50

[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

Cross-border telephone remittances increase in Africa

[Anna McGovern] More people in Africa's poorest countries have mobile phones than have bank accounts. That reality is spurring mobile service companies to explore how they can capture a share of the potential banking market by enabling migrants from these countries to transfer funds back home to their families. 24 Jan 2012 11:28

[2012 trends] The year of short-term commitments

[Agnes Barnard] As the world gets hotter and we become more connected, and brand interaction is now a conversation and no longer a monologue, the trend we are seeing coming through loud and clear are those of "short-term" commitments. 23 Jan 2012 15:17

[2012 trends] The way to customers' hearts is through their phones

[Vanessa Clark] Never before have people had such a love affair with a communications medium as they have with their mobile phones. Now, marketers aren't communicating with consumers via an impersonal one-way device; rather, they are communicating with them through a device people happily carry around 24/7. Here are my top 12 trends for the mobile world in 2012. 23 Jan 2012 14:53

[2012 trends] Generation Y Not

[Jason Levin & Jessica Oosthuizen] South Africa's young consumers are more savvy and demanding than ever before. Not surprisingly, marketers have to work harder and smarter to make their brands compelling to kids, teens and young adults. 2012 stands for pace, progress, challenge and increased 'prosumer' power. Here are 10 whats and hows, ending with some of the hottest youth brands to look out for this year. 23 Jan 2012 13:32

[2012 trends] Email marketing trends shaping the year ahead

[Warren Moss] Despite what the doomsday predictions say, email will not become irrelevant due to the rise of social media. As one of the most cost-effective and efficient eMarketing service offerings, email marketing is expected to continue to be a crucial part of the digital marketing mix in 2012. 20 Jan 2012 13:52

[2012 trends] Occupy 2012

[Charl Thom] The past year will go down in history as a time of unexpected political regime change, social unrest and civil protest, from the bloody end to Muammar Gaddafi's 41-year rule in Libya to the Occupy Wall Street movement in New York that spread very quickly around the world. Such conditions make for interesting and exciting times, because they bring change. Lots of change. 19 Jan 2012 15:44

[2012 trends] Is life the new start-up?

[Gisele Wertheim Aymes] Our fast-changing and über-connected world impacts the way in which we work and live and, to stomach the harsh realities of life in 2012, we will all need to learn how to live! 19 Jan 2012 13:55