by Fronetics | Nov 29, 2017 | Blog, Content Marketing, Current Events, Marketing, Social Media
Also in social media news November 2017: Snapchat opens conversation tracking “Snap Pixels,” Facebook links Messenger to your News Feed Ads, and Instagram Stories hits 300 million daily active users.
The holidays have everyone thinking about shopping and meal planning, but social media is staying focused on expanding and improving. There’s been a big push by the most popular sites to introduce users to new content. And businesses are seeing increased options for getting in front of potential customers.
Here’s your social media news for November 2017.
Facebook Rolls Out Its Self-Discovery “Explore Feed”
Facebook has officially rolled out its new Explore Feed, which will help users discover more content across the social media network. Explore will recommend content that it thinks you might find interesting, including posts, articles, photos and videos from users and Pages that you don’t currently follow.
“We’ve heard from people that they want an easy way to explore relevant content from Pages they haven’t connected with yet,” says Facebook in a statement on their website. Businesses should be optimistic about the potential for users interested in content like theirs to find their pages through the new Explore Feed.
On mobile, the Explore Feed is accessible via the “More” menu in the bottom navigation section, while it’s housed along the left sidebar within the “Explore” section on desktop.
Instagram Stories Expands to Your Camera Roll
Instagram Stories now allows users to upload any photos and videos from their cameras. In the past, Instagram limited Stories to photos and videos taken in real time to give viewers “glimpses” into a user’s day. The social media network felt this update offers more flexibility and creative choices to its users.
Twitter Launches Self-Serve Advertising
Twitter has officially rolled out its self-serve advertising subscription to the public. Twitter’s Promote Mode will automatically amplify a business’s tweets to reach the best audience and grow followers. Promote Mode was designed with the goal of letting small businesses and personal brands more easily run ad campaigns on Twitter’s platform by automating them, for the price of $99 per month.
Facebook Messenger Makes Sponsored Messages Available to Businesses
Facebook announced that in the next few months advertisers will be able to send promotions to customers who have previously communicated with the brand directly through Messenger. “When it comes to communicating with a brand, 54.4% of U.S. social media users said they preferred messaging channels, including Messenger, over email, phone and online chat,” writes Facebook on its website. Facebook’s goal is to create a more personalized experience for customers by having promotions come through Messenger, instead of on a generic post.
Facebook Rolls Out News Feed Ads that Link to Messenger
With Facebook’s new messaging platform, businesses and developers can take the customer experience to a new level by creating news feed ads that directly open to Messenger conversations. According to Facebook, this new ad format “combines the powerful audience targeting and selection capabilities of ads on News Feed” with “the identity and canonical nature of Messenger conversations” and is available to all Facebook advertisers.
Instagram Stories and WhatsApp Status Hit 300 Million Daily Active Users
Up over 50 million daily active users since June, Facebook reports that Instagram Stories and WhatsApp Status have reached 300 million daily active users. These numbers are almost double SnapChat’s daily active users, once again showing the increasing popularity of Facebook and its counterparts.
Facebook Rolls Out Facebook Polls with Photos
Always wanted to know what people think about your brand and your competitors? Now creating polls to get the answers is easier than ever. Facebook officially launched Facebook Polls with the option to add pictures or GIFs. Businesses will be able to track polls about their products or services, as well as the feedback. “Facebook Polls will provide an easy way to spur conversation, gather opinions or organize plans.”
SnapChat Opens Conversation Tracking “Snap Pixel” to Marketers
SnapChat recently introduced Snap Pixel, a conversation tracking tool that allows brands to measure the effectiveness of video snap ads on their site traffic. Marketing Land reports that the new Snap Pixel will soon be available to all advertisers as a measurement tool and for retargeting purposes by the end of the year.
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by Fronetics | Nov 27, 2017 | Blog, Current Events, Marketing
It’s time for retailers to cut their dependence on holiday season shopping, and take advantage of opportunities to generate demand over a more sustained period of time.
When was the last time you stood in a pre-dawn line at a Black Friday doorbuster sale? If it was within the past years, you’re actually part of a dwindling minority of shoppers. Increasingly, customers are in shopping mode all the time, and deals that are restricted to a limited timeframe or buying mode are only a source of frustration.
In a recent Harvard Business Review article, brand-building expert Denise Lee Yohn makes the argument that retailers are over-dependent on the holiday shopping season, as the retail landscape has shifted seismically in the past decade. “It no longer makes sense to rely on disproportionate revenue from the holiday season to make up for the softness in sales during the rest of the year,” she argues.
Accommodate the way people shop today
So what does this mean for marketers? Yohn suggests that it’s time for brands to rethink how they promote themselves during the holidays and beyond, with marketing dollars better spent accommodating the ways people shop now.
“Customers don’t want retailers to dictate their shopping schedule,” says Yohn. Shoppers at every price point are becoming more accustomed to buying whenever the interest strikes them. They often shop from their mobile devices or in the stores during post-season sales, rather than at times traditionally associated with peak retail activity.
In their book Absolute Value, Itamar Simonsen and Emanuel Rosen posit the idea that people are now engaging in what they call “couch tracking,” or “keeping track of what they learn about products from reviews, friends, and news items on an ongoing basis.” This means that customers are likely to have well-formed preferences long before they have a specific plan to purchase. “Therefore,” concludes Yohn, “it doesn’t make sense for retailers to try to influence product or brand decisions only during discrete windows of time.”
In case you need further convincing, Yohn also points out that a disproportionate emphasis on the holiday season isn’t to a retailer’s best advantage even from a logistic perspective. “The large fluctuations in demand wreak havoc on supply chain, labor management, and accounting.”
It’s time for retailers to cut their dependence on holiday season shopping, and take advantage of opportunities to generate demand over a more sustained period of time. Millennials and other shoppers are increasingly choosing to spend discretionary dollars on experiences like recreation, travel, and eating out, rather than on products like clothing and shoes. To keep pace, Yohn suggests that “a year-round approach would likely help retailers compete with restaurants and other experiences which people seek out throughout the year.”
How to better distribute your marketing dollars
Here are three key takeaways for retailers looking to put marketing dollars to better use:
1) Encourage year-round “self-gifting”
Millennials are nearly as likely to buy something for themselves as someone else during the holiday season. Encouraging this tendency year-round could lead to more consistent purchasing rather than waiting for a holiday occasion.
2) Delay holiday-specific messaging
This one may seem counter-intuitive, but not having a holiday-specific message during fall months will actually help you capture wider demand. You also buck the trend of creating deal-fatigue, as shoppers quickly get weary of holiday promotions that start in October.
3) Make technology your friend
Says Yohn, “The technology and analytics now exist for retailers to better predict what people want and when they want it, so they should use these capabilities to move away from the traditional seasonal approach.”
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by Fronetics | Nov 21, 2017 | Blog, Current Events, Marketing
These 10 podcasts for marketers discuss the latest news and trends in the marketing world relevant to the supply chain and logistics industries.
Podcasts have surged in popularity over the past few years. At least 112 million Americans have listened to podcasts, a figure up 11% from last year, with 67 million listening at least monthly. So why are they so popular?
Podcasts are a series of digital audio files that listeners can subscribe to. With the flexibility to listen at their convenience, followers are drawn to the ease and mobility of podcasts. And the available topics are endless.
For supply chain and logistics marketers, podcasts provide the latest digital marketing news, as well as innovative trends that are new to your industry. Here are 10 podcasts that deliver the most up-to-date news in marketing for supply chain and logistics companies.
10 supply chain and logistics marketing podcasts
Millions of dollars are being left on the table right now by supply chain companies because of poor marketing! Supply Chain Gold delivers actionable marketing strategies and information to logistics and 3PL companies, distribution centers, and fulfillment centers to help bring in more sales and increase profit margins. The Supply Chain Gold podcast warehouses internet marketing secrets that your company can leverage to lower customer acquisition costs, grow revenue, increase net profits, drive brand recognition, and dominate your industry.
- #AskGaryVee
Gary Vaynerchuk — author, speaker, and owner of multi-million dollar marketing company VaynerMedia — uses his podcast to answer questions about marketing, social media, and general entrepreneurial topics that his followers ask on social media. If you’re looking for a high-intensity host whose responses are no-fluff, honest, and a tad explicit from time to time, Gary might be just the straight-talking expert you need.
The Marketing Book podcast helps business owners and marketers keep up with the smartest thinking in the quickly changing field of modern marketing. Each episode interviews authors and marketers to give you actionable marketing insights, tips, tactics and resources to help grow your business.
Social Media Examiner’s weekly podcast is hosted by Michael Stelzner and other members of SME’s team. Each podcast focuses on new social media features and strategies, providing listeners with actionable tips they can use to improve their social media results.
Copyblogger FM is a weekly, short-form broadcast hosted by Sonia Simone. Each week she and a team of rotating experts discuss the week’s news and updates in the field of content marketing, email marketing, copywriting, conversion optimization, and more.
John J. Wall and Christopher S. Penn host a 20-minute, weekly show recorded in a local coffee shop. The podcast is designed to be casual and conversational. They share tips on social marketing, SEO, search marketing, copywriting, affiliate marketing, and more. They also take listener questions.
Industry experts Eric Siu and Neil Patel offer users unconventional marketing wisdom that will make you want to kick some of your traditional strategies to the curb. Their goal is to bring valuable, actionable marketing tips in just 10 minutes.
Buffer’s blog is highly successful, so no wonder its podcast is equally informative. The content will appeal to anyone who practices social media marketing, whether you’re brand new to marketing or you’re a social media practitioner. They regularly have industry leaders on the show, including Mari Smith and Neil Patel.
Know Your Audience is a weekly podcast that interviews journalists, bloggers, data scientists, and analytics/audience development professionals. The goal is to start a meaningful conversation about what it takes to create engaging content and learn from the people who are shaping the future of media.
Listen and learn from interviews with social business leaders representing top brands and agencies. Host Bernie Borges leads an educational format as guests share their experiences and insights on social business topics including marketing, selling, customer service, employee advocacy, recruiting and commerce to fuel your social business journey.
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by Fronetics | Nov 16, 2017 | Blog, Current Events, Supply Chain
With the 2017 holidays right around the corner, consumers are digging into their pockets and getting ready to increase sales, especially online.
The National Retail Federation is estimating that holiday sales will be up 3.6-4% from last year, totaling $678.5 billion in holiday spending. What’s more, consumers will be hitting the malls earlier than ever. More and more retailors are forgoing the traditional Thanksgiving dinner to open their stores during the holiday. Major retailers, including Target, Kohls, and Toys “R” Us, will open their doors at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
“[Thanksgiving] was a strong weekend for retailers, but an even better weekend for consumers, who took advantage of some really incredible deals. In fact, over one third of shoppers said 100% of their purchases were on sale,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in 2016.
The NRF is estimating that the average consumer will spend $967.13 during the holiday season, almost $300 of which will be spent during Thanksgiving weekend.
Holiday spending can be broken up into three major categories:
- Gifts
- Items such as food, decorations, flowers and greeting cards
- Other non-gift items consumers buy for themselves and their families
For the first time in NRF’s survey history, online shopping has become the most popular shopping destination. In fact, 59% of consumers will head to their computers for holiday spending, where most will benefit from free shipping (94%).
“While many consumers are holding off until November or later to start their holiday shopping, retailers should be prepared for high traffic online and in stores come Thanksgiving weekend,” Prosper Insights Principal Analyst Pam Goodfellow says. “Although sales will remain an important factor for most consumers, many will lean on convenient locations and easy-to-use websites or mobile apps along with free shipping to complete their purchases.”
2017 holidays supply chain infographic
(Made with Canva)
From all of us at Fronetics, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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by Jennifer Hart Yim | Nov 14, 2017 | Blog, Current Events, Manufacturing & Distribution, Strategy, Supply Chain
No doubt 3D technology has transformed the world of business. There are numerous inspiring ways by which 3D technology has to reshape the future.
This post comes to us from Adam Robinson of Cerasis, a top freight logistics company and truckload freight broker.
If you are also instructed to learn about the impact of this revolutionary technology then you are at the right spot. Here are seven ways in which this new 3D trend will shape the future of manufacturing sector:
1. Boost Local Production
According to a recent survey based report it is come to know that 3D technology will allow the manufacturer to double the mass production level. It will enable the producers to reach their targets without increasing each unit production cost.
It will also reduce the shipment costs as a local manufacturer will no need to bring material from other countries. Instead, they could easily install 3D manufacturing plant in their own factory to cut the extra cost.
This way local business will easily boost their production process as well as reduce the cost of manufacturing.
2. More Customized Products
When you will engage 3D technology in the manufacturing process, you will get a chance to produce customized goods. It means that you could build everything from clothes to cars in a unique way.
According to a report, it is revealed that in coming years mobile users will get the opportunity to use 3D printing app.
In additional professional designers with also use 3D printing techniques to enter into the new age of industrial design. So, if you want to develop customized products to drive more revenue then you should use 3D printing method.
3. Best For Creativity
It is true to say that 3D technology is the best tool for creative lovers. This is because it enables manufacturer to open up new possibilities to grab the attention of more customers,
Many experts have predicted that the introduction of 3D technology will enable the creativity lovers to fulfill their every desire in an innovative manner.
Whether you want to design a phone or furniture mode, 3D technology will soon make it possible for you to accomplish your goals perfectly.
4. Avoid Copyright Issues
We all know the importance of copyrights to safeguard ones intellectual property. This is why businessmen hire lawyers to overcome a number of legal disputes that are rising due to copyright.
It is anticipated that 3D printing will secure the creativity of artists as everyone will hold ownership of their 3D design.
In case, you are also concerned because of the copyright issue then this technology will help you to overcome legal issues quickly.
5. A New Tool For Large-Scale Producers
Suffice to say that 3D technology is best tool for countries which are totally dependent on manufacturing industry. For instance, as China heavily depends on the manufacturing industry, 3D printing will enable China to target a huge domestic market.
In addition, it will also assist countries that are rapidly moving toward manufacturing sector. It gives them the great benefit to switch their operations to mass-manufacturing level all over the world. This strategy will benefit every growing economy to step in the next level in the coming future.
6. Build New Horizons For Every Industry
The 3D technology will revolutionize production process of every industry including the healthcare sector, education sector as well as food industry. The reason behind this is that scientists are working on 3D models that will facilitate every industry so that more people will take benefit from it.
From research, it is come to know that a popular hospital has printed a jawbone by 3D printer. If you also engage in health sectors then you will also find yourself building human body parts in a 3D manner. Many experts have also researched that 3D tools will also help to assemble chemical compounds and printing drugs.
7. Reduce Crime
It is predicted that new 3D technology will reduce the crime level. This is because people can keep guns that are made on 3D printers to secure themselves from criminals.
In addition, people can create CCTV camera and other 3D technology to catch the criminal in an easy manner. Moreover, it will also help in the production process of military equipment and chemical weapons.
Wrap-Up…
Therefore, it could be said now that 3D printing will offer uncountable benefits to small scales as well as the large-scale manufacturing industry to drive more revenue. If you also belong to the manufacturing industry then you should also tap into the potential of this superb technology.
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by Elizabeth Hines | Nov 13, 2017 | Blog, Consumer Electronics, Current Events, Manufacturing & Distribution, Strategy, Supply Chain
As sales and consumer desire continue to increase for drones and home assistants, the second-life market has a huge opportunity for growth.
Consumers are becoming ever-more enamored with their gadgets and toys. Drones and home assistants are becoming more ubiquitous in our homes (and flying around our skies). However, when these machines run their course — either because they break, or a newer model comes out — is there still use for them?
The market for gadgets
The marketplace for drones is an ever-growing one. Last year drone sales increased by an astounding 60%, and revenue grew to $4.5 billion. The drone market can be segmented into two categories — personal and commercial. Personal drones, which many consumers use for photography, is predicted to grow 40% this year, while commercial drones, which can be used for survey maps and delivery services, are expected to grow 60%.
While personal-use drones dominate unit sales, commercial-drone sales — which make up only about 6% of the market — are projected to represent 60% of the market’s revenue. This is due to the high cost of commercial drones, some with costs that exceed $100,000.
Home assistants are another intriguing category on the rise. These products are intended to control various devices in your home, such as thermostats, lighting, and security. These products also allow an individual to shop online using voice commands.
The frontrunner for this market has been Amazon’s Echo devices. As the primary nature of Amazon’s business is e-retail, the Echo device plays perfectly into this. By making it simple and easy to make Amazon purchases through voice command, these devices have great potential to bolster Amazon’s bottom line.
While this market is still in its early stages, Gartner Research expects tremendous growth, projecting $2.1 billion in consumer spending on personal home assistants by the year 2020.
The second-life market
So what becomes of these products as we replace them with newer models? Smart phones offer a sensible comparison when looking at the second-life market for these products. In 2016, consumers sold or traded in used cell phone devices for an average of $140 per device, generating a total of $17 billion worldwide. This selling and trading doesn’t just end after one transaction. It is predicted that at least 10% of premium ($500 and up) smartphones will have at least three users before they are retired.
We can draw a parallel about second-life potential between drones/home assistants and cell phones. Advances in technology render previous models obsolete or, at best, out of date. Consumers who can afford them will gravitate toward newer products. As with cell phones, they will generally look to recoup some of the cost for the newer product by selling or trading in the old one. These can then be sold to consumers looking for less expensive, older models. Even in the case of drones that crash, parts can be salvaged and sold to individuals that are looking to build their own drones.
The markets for these products are all still in early stages, so second-life markets are still in growth stages as well. As sales and consumer desire continue to increase for drones and home assistants, their life cycle will go on long after the first owners have moved on to newer models.
This post originally appeared on EBN Online.
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