DCH Blog

Brands today need to deviate from the conventional Social Media marketing path if they want to keep the consumers interested. Article by our Planning Director, Nicholas Gill, in Technology Digital.

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Change is the only constant factor in life and in the world of Technology; the businesses which realize this sooner, can only gain from it. Article by Planning Director, Nicholas Gill, in Technology Digital.

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I’m seeing a lot of boring and bland “engagement” from brands in social media. There’s far too much of “it’s Halloween, have a treat tonight with ” or “it’s the weekend, celebrate the end of another shit week with ” or “ so why not celebrate/make the most of/not worry about it* with ”as if our life revolves around . It doesn’t. It’s lazy and boring especially if it’s a stock “filler” in your social content plan.

The analogy of walks into a pub, shouts and walks out again without bothering to “engage” with your response holds firm. I don’t want a conversation with you about the weather – I can see what it’s like outside my window – unless you give me a reason to take advantage of it; e.g. give me a £1 off your tasty, winter beverage this cold day and then I may be interested. Otherwise, it’s just noise. Which is what social media was never meant to be.

It’s what Billy Connolly would call the attack of the beige. Be colourful. Be creative. Be interesting.

And I know this isn’t real (or is it?) but it’s colourful. Despite the product being beige.

[*delete as appropriate]

Orignally posted on Nicholas Gill's blog.

A fascinating article on privacy, advertising and the use of your data on social networks and the new alternatives such as Diaspora and Unthink to the accepted norm. Where Hugh once said if you talked to people the way advertising does, they'd punch you in the face. He was talking about traditional ATL advertising and the shouty nature of the traditional 30' spot. This quote from the article suggests that advertising in social media could possibly be worse; rather than just blurting at you in ad breaks, it snoops on you and brazenly flashes this in your face. Good food for thought to start your day with.

Imagine you're eating out with your lady or a loved one; the restaurant is completely free from 12pm until 2pm. Free. Trouble is, your entire conversation is being recorded and watched closely. Every time you both mention something that suggests an interest in a product or purchase or place - an ad rep/TV/radio ad/leaflet appears in front of you and pitches away. Mention you're interested in a mini break; cue the man from the travel agency peddling his wares. Your meal is free though, don't forget. You can always ignore the ad man. How many of us would appreciate that constant eavesdropping? Few. Remarkable then that the digital world doesn't quite suffer the same reaction. It all feels so remote and far way.

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Originally published on Nicholas Gill's blog.

Good chart providing examples and inspiration of how innovative companies are combining what is becoming the holy trinity of socal, local and mobile. Originally from here.