Study finds negativity prevalent for brands on Facebook

Consumers may still be flocking to social media in droves, but for businesses the social space can be a tough place to navigate. Especially in light of new data out this week from Information Systems Research; their new data indicates that negative brand posts are outweighing positive for branded Facebook pages. For every positive post on branded pages, the data indicates there are two negative posts; negative posts are also getting more comments than positive posts. Just what is driving the negativity on the social network? We asked a digital expert to weigh in. >>

Advertising

Global OOH spending sees strongest growth in a decade

More ad dollars are going to out-of-home spending. That's the word from PQ Media's latest Global Out-of-Home Media Forecast 2019. According to their data 2018 say an increase in spending of just over 7%; the strongest growth the sector has seen since 2007. In 2018, the OOH spend reached $56 billion. >>

Email Marketing

Study finds only ¼ of offer emails opened

Email continues to be a strong player for many brands, but new Adobe data indicates businesses could be doing better. That's because only about one-quarter of emails with offers and promotions are opened. Why the low open rate? Nearly half of consumers (43%) say they're emailed too often, meaning that many brand should take a look at how often they're emailing and how they are communicating their email strategy with list members. >>

Advertising

Expert: How brands can embrace emojis for engagement

There are movies about them, kids text primarily in them, and new studies have shown that emojis can even be good for business. The key, of course, is knowing when - and how - to use emojis effectively with a base of shoppers. We asked a digital expert for his advice. >>

Ecommerce

Studies: Savings, payment options key for online shoppers

It is no secret that online shoppers are quite savvy at saving money or that they want a seamless checkout experience. Two new report, however, underline just how much the right deals and offers, as well as the right payment options, can impact e-tailers upcoming holiday season. >>

Social Marketing

Top 3 tips to improve branded Instagram strategy

Facebook may still be the biggest, but Instagram is quickly becoming a favorite for consumers to find new products. And they aren't looking for highly curated campaign images. Instead, they're looking to influencers to find the best new products. Here are four tips to help brands find the right influencers their their products. >>

Ecommerce

Top tips to help retailers make the most of returns

Consumers want more from their return interactions than a new product or a refund on their money. That is a key takeaway from Narvar's State of Online Returns. Their new report finds that, while consumers want the returns process to be simplified, they're also looking for a better overall experience. And, while many retailers have upped the experience factor for buying products or services, many haven't taken a hard look at what the experience is like for those returning items. >>

Social Marketing

How brands can improve their social status

Social is becoming more important to merchants and brands by the day, but many brands are still unsure how to best use social or how to develop a social strategy that represents their brand well. We spoke with a social marketing expert about how brands can improve their use of social to improve the consumer connection. >>

Advertising

Brands find success with direct mail but aren't utilizing

Direct mail may deserve another look from retailers and brands. That, according to new data out from PFL. Their 2019 Multichannel Marketing Research Report: Direct Mail in the Digital Age found that while about 80% of marketers say they find good ROI from direct mail only about half (56%) are using it regularly. >>

Internet Marketing 101

How to stay motivated when starting your own business

Starting a business can be a bit of a daunting process. Suddenly, you are responsible for the success of a company, employees, and a brand. While creating your own business is a difficult task, it is also incredibly rewarding. The journey will teach you a great deal and make you a better business person. With a lot of dedication, planning, and some luck, you will end up with a successful business. Here are a few helpful tips to make sure the new-business-blues don't hit you so that you can keep positive when things get stressful. >>