by Mimi Nicklin (@MimiNicklin) If I were going to write my three top ‘trends’, it would be, however, in favour of avoiding the ‘T’ word altogether. I shall instead pick out three provocative suggestions for retail that are worthy of thought in 2014.
Author archives: Simone Puterman
Ad of the Week: Give those ad makers a Bell’s!
by Oresti Patricios (@orestaki) Yes, the Bell’s Whisky TVC “The Reader” is a sentimental advert, but it is so astutely crafted by King James and Greg Gray of Velocity Films that it comes across as completely authentic and heart-warming. And, considering the problem of adult illiteracy in the country, the Bell’s commercial proffers an inspiring message.
The Word: Urban selfies turn customers into evangelists
by Mongezi Mtati (@Mongezi) Customer stories, as told by customers themselves, are the most powerful way to generate buzz. Let’s take a look at campaigns by Urban Degree and Samsung.
Analysis: Moneyweb vs Fin24 — and how it could upend our media
by Roger Hislop (@d0dja) In a legal clash that shows all the signs of setting the tone — and the legal precedent — for our entire industry for decades to come, why is everyone sitting back and leaving it up to corporate lawyers and high court judges to define what is, and isn’t, allowed to be done in the name of profitable publishing, and what is, or isn’t, in the interests of journalism, publishing, South African readers and civil society?
The Ad Contrarian: Return on ignorance
by Bob Hoffman (@adcontrarian) Let’s pretend for a minute that we can measure ROI for advertising.
Pinterest: Maison&Objet Paris Jan 2014 — Green & purple
by Simone Puterman (@SimoneAtLarge) PARIS, FRANCE: While wandering the halls of Maison&Objet Paris during January 2014, I was struck by the juxtaposition of green and purple, especially in the Cook+Design hall where it was most definitely a trend.
Shelf Life: Lay’s serves up a deli variant
Louise Marsland (@Louise_Marsland)’s pick of new product, packaging and design launches this week: Lay’s serves up a deli variant; a brand refresh for Quirk’s magical Red & Yellow school; Virgin sexes it up in the malls; and, not to get too technical, but Pyrotec’s access to new pack printing technology means it can expand its African footprint.
YouTube Views: Increasing the shareability of your YouTube videos
by Jerome Mouton The best and most simple way to get YouTube viewers engaged in your content is by showing them something that causes them to experience strong emotions. When your content truly has an impact upon viewers, it has shareability.
Africa Style: Going beyond the Big Idea… to just play
by Masingita Mazibuko. In the marketing world, we often talk about the ‘Big Idea’. This is a term that I believe is possibly misleading, and perhaps results in us considering things which have the potential to create real changes as inane and dumped.
Ad of the Week: Bewitching MWEB radio ad brews up trouble
by Oresti Patricios (@orestaki) Everything your average person knows about witches (or warlocks) comes from plays such as Macbeth, or from fables and stereotypes that are perpetuated by society. Which is why it was fun to stumble across the new MWEB radio ad by M&C Saatchi Abel, in which traditional Xhosa occultists are the protagonists of the commercial.