Weekly Digital Roundup (10.28.13)
From brand-grams to the new iPad release, last week gave us a peak at the near future in the digital industry. Without further ado, here’s what we found to be the biggest news, so you may comfortably remain snuggled under a rock.
Coming to a Small Screen Near You
Instagram ads are on the horizon, and we just got a glimpse of what they’ll look like in the flesh. The ads will be distinguished with a “Sponsored” icon, with users having the ability to hide them and give feedback. Instagram says that only a handful of familiar brands will be allowed to advertise on the platform to begin. Keep it artsy and hip, and they'll blend right in!
Linking in with More Devices
Expect to see more mobile users on LinkedIn next year. The professional social network predicts that more than half its traffic will come from mobile devices, so they’ll be upping their on-the-go offerings. The revamped mobile app will also include new integration with Apple’s mobile email. Studies show that members who use LinkedIn via mobile are more than twice as active than members who only visit via desktop. No surprise there!
Twitter Takes the Teen Retail Throne
Trying to sell to teens? Head on over to Twitter, where they’re apparently most likely to purchase. A new study shows that when it comes to social shopping, 26% of teens take to Twitter. Facebook and Instagram take 2nd place with 23% of teens shopping on their platforms. Check out the full report for the deets.
From a Can to Your Closet
Snag yourself some new threads designed by Coca-Cola, who has partnered with designer Dr. Romanelli, aka DRx, to create a new line of vintage-inspired clothing. Coke has developed a large social media campaign to announce the release of its clothing line called “Coca-Cola by DRx,” including Twitter ads with the hashtag #CokeByDRx. The 1960s-inspired clothing line will debut in select stores in New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, and more.
iPad Pettiness
With the buzz of Apple’s new iPad Air, its competitors aimed to “brand-jack” the company’s launch by purchasing Promoted Tweets targeting iPad-related keywords. Microsoft, Samsung, and LG all tried out this tactic in an effort to shift the online conversations to their own products. Sneaky, sneaky foxes.
An Exemplary Social Staff
GM takes to social media to ameliorate customer complaints, with a full-time staff of 18 employees monitoring daily online conversations about GM brands. They’re tasked to respond in real time to customer problems and to extinguish what could potentially turn into PR wildfires. "Everybody knows it's a whole lot easier to keep a customer that you have than to get a new one," says GM’s social media customer relations chief, Melody Blumenschein. Now there’s a brand doin’ it right.
Have a witchy week, Hallowieners!
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