Bontle Sibanda, senior account executive at Tribeca Public Relations, says that as PR professionals, we are creative by nature. This means we should not apply a one-size-fits-all approach to our strategies or campaign ideas. We should constantly challenge ourselves to come up with unique and tailored approaches that reflect the individuality of each client and their audiences. As Richard Branson wisely [...]
Decades ago, when marketing first emerged as a coined phenomenon and went on to become a major profession, the aim of the discipline was to understand consumers deeply, and use this understanding to apply effective principles and practices to create compelling messages. The model was straightforward: marketers give, consumers take. However, this simplicity couldn’t – and didn’t – endure forever. Today, [...]
Adelaide Tshabalala, Lead Strategist at Nerdware, discusses overcoming digital strategy barriers with unconventional wisdom. After 14 years in the digital trenches, I’ve seen it all. From the early days of SEO hacks and MySpace profiles to the rise of AI-driven marketing and TikTok trends, one thing remains constant: clients face barriers that can make digital strategy feel like climbing Everest in [...]
Willem Steenkamp, senior writer and editor at Flow Communications, says over the past year or so, since AI really made itself felt, the team have hashed and rehashed so many questions, especially around content generation, such as: can we use AI to produce copy for our clients? Should we? If so, how should we? What should we tell them about using [...]
The ways in which adtech and marketing organisations leverage data and technology is about to fundamentally change. Adtech organisations sit at the very edge of innovation and the evolution of marketing. Artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, the rise of data alongside the demise of the third-party cookie, have reimagined contextual messaging, creativity, and campaigns at scale. Over the past year, the [...]
Low-tech and data-free, radio has managed to firmly hold its ground, while the rest of its traditional media siblings have slipped into the digital abyss. Free and far-reaching, democratic and community-building, informative, entertaining and companionable, radio is just about the only legacy medium still thriving in South Africa. The country’s radio landscape is abundant with over 320 public, commercial and community [...]
The enduring appeal and impactful nature of meticulously branded uniforms or corporate gifts play a significant role in forging connections with customers, enhancing recall and familiarity, fostering loyalty, and ultimately shaping purchasing behaviour. Barron shares some insights on some of the key trends in the branded merchandise and apparel market, and the important considerations to look at. Casual and comfortable styles: [...]
Janet Berger, lead strategist at Flow Communications, says everyone who works in communications will attest to the fact that this is a landscape that is fast-changing and often difficult to keep up with. Last year I was confronted with the reality of just how much it has changed. My generation of South African moms had Marina Petropulos’ Baby and Child Care [...]
In the mix of marketing strategies vying for a slice of your revised budget, influencer marketing stands tall. It’s not just a matter of following trends; it’s about leaning into a measurable, data-driven approach that stands up to scrutiny just as firmly as any ‘hard’ marketing tactic. Gone are the days when influencer marketing was a gamble – today, it’s a [...]
Joe Hamman, Director Novus Group, says that with the rise of AI-generated content, reputation management matters now more than ever. At a time when AI-generated content is blurring the lines between what is real and what is fabricated with the capabilities to generate content at scale and influence public opinion, brand reputation management has become more important than ever. While media [...]