5 things about marketing! #111
// Compelling stories // Simplifying the Complexity of Marketing
Ello'
First off! THANK YOU! I must say I was overwhelmed by the reads and responses to my previous newsletter. The opening rate was actually 1.7x higher than my average, which is already above average for my category - so I am very happy and grateful for your engagement and willingness to be part of my tribe and receive these newsletters from me
Now - the ones of you that clicked and responded to my survey (thank you) was asked the following;
Would you like to get access to a free pilot course on creating a marketing strategy for 2020?
And this was given a 100% Yes response from you guys (maybe not a surprise, as it is free, but it made me happy regardless)
So that is what I have been working on the past few weeks, and which I am finalizing now. So stay tuned for some more information when it is launched and hopefully you’ll enjoy it.
In other news: I have been doing some photoshoots in the past weeks as well, which will come up on my Instagram any day now – it has nothing to do with marketing - but it is my hobby and side-hustle, so if you’d like you can always check it out.
HOW ARE YOU? Hit that reply button and say hi. I'm all ears.
While you do that, I'll crack on with THE THINGS!
Love it or hate it, the banner ad turns 25 today
Today marks the 25th birthday of the banner ad; a quarter century since AT&T, MCI, Volvo, Club Med, 1-800-Collect and others placed the first-ever ad buy with the online publication HotWired. I'll leave it to you as to whether you want to raise a glass or break a bottle over someone's head.
Why is this important?
I do find it fascinating that banner-ads are still a thing and that it gives results. I don't know about you, but I don't think I have clicked on a banner for the past 5-6 years, kinda like my linear TV viewing days that have been dead for just as long (or even longer). What are your thoughts? Include your 5 cents in your reply to me if you feel like it.
Read the full article here
Train Your Brain to Remember Anything You Learn With This Simple, 20-Minute Habit
With just 20 minutes' work you'll retain almost all of what you learned.
This is possible through the practice of what's called spaced intervals, where you revisit and reprocess the same material, but in a very specific pattern. Doing so means it takes you less and less time to retrieve the information from your long-term memory when you need it. Here's where the 20-minutes and very specific spaced intervals come in.
Why is this important?
I remember back when I was an active attendee or host of conferences, I was struggling to retain all the information given from the speakers on stage. And admittedly 1-2 months later, I had a hard time remembering who was on stage, because it was always something new and updated to consume. But this method seems like the way to go, especially if you find that piece of content that is truly remarkable.
Read the full article here
According to a new report, Facebook usage has dropped a stunning 26% since 2017
According to research gathered by Active Inc., we have been spending significantly less time on Facebook over the last two years. The study gathered that Americans typically spent approximately 14 hours a month in 2017. However, in 2019 the average usage was 9 hours per month, falling 26%. The survey also revealed that social media users in the U.S. currently belong to approximately 5.8 different social media networks, predicting that the number will go up to over 10 in the next 4 years. Data has revealed that younger users—between the ages of 12-34— are gravitating toward other social media sites such as TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook-owned Instagram. (Source: Fast Company)
Why is this important?
Facebook is still the big force to be reckoned with and is still an important platform for small businesses and entrepreneurs alike. However it is also a trend that can not be ignored, so perhaps it is time to look a bit closer to other platforms like Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat, twich and Youtube for more engagement, reach and conversion for your brand?
Apple Pay overtakes Starbucks as the top mobile payment app.
With 30.3 million users this past year, Apple Pay has pulled ahead of Starbucks as the most popular mobile payment app, as revealed by recent data from eMarketer. The reason for the growth is believed to be due to more point-of-sales terminals starting to accept NFC-based payment apps. According to the data, 39.4% of proximity mobile payment users will be Starbucks users, while Apple will have 47.3%. Google Pay and Samsung Pay are also benefitting from the upgrade to point-of-sale terminals. (Source: ZDNet)
Why is this important?
It’s been slow, but it’s definitely happening: more and more people are paying with their phones. It took some time for people to adopt and for the technology – particularly point of sale technology. With online e-commerce platforms integrating apple pay, it builds credibility and makes it part of everyday shopping, so when you visit a store you tend to expect it to be there as well. It's time to make sure your POS is updated with the latest tech and providers.
Personal Branding Trends That Should Be on Your Radar in 2020.
Every entrepreneur knows that personal branding is a necessity, but many fail to do it right. Personal branding is now your résumé. It's how you define yourself if you're looking to build a reputation as an expert, get a side gig or even find a new job. It's what you leverage if you're looking to start something on your own, whether it's a social media following or a career as a speaker. (Source: Inc)
Why is this important?
Now more than ever it is important to focus on your USPs - your skillset and what you represent. It's not only about your CV anymore. Now it is about the content you share and the thought leadership you show and give to your network.