Jamie Golunski recently attended Social Media Week, a week-long conference held across a range of cities over five continents. The week’s lectures and events looked at topics ranging from wearable technology to youth digital engagement – all with one theme in common: how social media and technology are impacting communication.
Here are Jamie’s top 10 insights from SMW 2014:
1. Content is NOT king, context is
Only 3.6% of tweets mention a brand. If you’re only searching for your brand or your competitor, you’re missing out on most of the conversation.
2. Look at the bigger picture
Consumer insights and bulls-eye consumer targeting are more important than ever.
3. Digital is a rapidly growing industry
745,000 more workers are required in the digital industry by 2015, whilst there are currently 4,700 unfulfilled jobs in Tech City.
4. Take advantage of Instagram
35% of users check the network more than once a day.
5. Online is defining offline
Mr. Porter is using Instagram to merchandise their brand, whilst Topshop change their window displays based on online engagement and sales.
6. Make digital your first point of call
It is becoming increasingly difficult to become disconnected, with an estimated 100% mobile penetration by 2020.
7. Traditional media isn’t the be all and end all
50% of purchase decision is driven by word of mouth (McKinsey and Company). Word of mouth marketing drives 16 times more engagement than paid marketing (SocialChorus).
8. Try to include physical aspects to your campaign
Consumers love having something to hold, it brings the campaign to life (an example of this is #RainbowLaces)
9. Don’t always splash the cash
You don’t need a huge amount of money to make an impact: LEGO ran their successful Life of George campaign from a budget of just $100.
10. Measure more
Only 1/3 marketers are using social monitoring tools, yet users of these tools have up to 2x better results than non-users.
