Social Media Marketing

The Next Phase of Social Media Advertising
July 21, 2015 at 2:18 pm

Six hundred billion dollars. That’s what advertisers are set to spend worldwide in 2015. Social media powerhouses Facebook and Twitter have rolled out new ways to target consumers through advertisements. But is the return on investment there for the companies that are fronting the bill? According to Gallup, 62 percent of consumers say that social…

5 Strategies to Improve Social Media ROI
July 16, 2015 at 3:59 pm

Engaging with fans on social media offers plenty of opportunities for retailers to increase brand visibility and boost sales. But are retailers really using social networks to their full potential? In a recent case study, social data intelligence provider Talkwalker examined the social media activities of select fashion brands and retailers to see which are…

Facebook Takes Big Step Forward On Commerce, Builds Shops Into Pages
July 16, 2015 at 2:37 pm

Facebook wants to be more than a place to socialize, share, and discover content. It wants you to shop inside it as well. The company is building out shops within Facebook Pages, essentially mini e-commerce sites that give businesses a chance to set up second homes within its walls. The shops are still in the…

5 Steps to a Successful Sampling Campaign
July 15, 2015 at 3:48 pm

Traditional sampling strategy has always prioritized quantity over quality. With this approach, marketers are left questioning if the end result will justify the cost of giving free product away. Despite popular belief, it's through targeted sampling strategies that brands can experience the best results. When executed correctly, sampling is extremely effective and has the ability…

3 Reasons for Creating ‘Unboxing-Worthy’ Packaging
July 10, 2015 at 2:23 pm

Most consumers expect to receive e-commerce orders in a traditional brown box. However, this doesn’t mean that companies, especially emerging brands looking to grow, should skimp on packaging. Brands that go above and beyond will be remembered. Creating a memorable experience is one of the best things an emerging brand can do, and using the…

Don't Buy Into 'Buy Buttons' Just Yet
July 8, 2015 at 3:01 pm

The hottest topic in e-commerce these days seems to be “buy buttons.” The energy though appears premature. Pinterest announced its buyable pins with a press conference and sentimental Hallmark-like videos, though the buyable pins are actually hard to find. Facebook, the king of all social networks, announced a buy button more than a year ago,…

RadioShack Proclaims it's Back
July 1, 2015 at 2:10 pm

RadioShack is still kicking — and it wants everyone to know it. The electronics chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February and has since entered into a partnership with Sprint on more than 1,400 co-branded stores. Even as details of the brand's future are being hashed out, RadioShack has launched a marketing campaign…

A Snapshot of Fashion Trends Through Social Media Analytics
June 26, 2015 at 3:54 pm

This spring, Target made the strategic decision to integrate clothing designer Lilly Pulitzer into its array of product offerings. Within half an hour, the preppy, chic floral prints were completely sold out — signifying both success and opportunity. Before its collaboration with Lily Pulitzer, it can be assumed that Target researched its audience, understanding that…

How Instagram is Killing Gap's Business
June 23, 2015 at 2:07 pm

Once-iconic American retailer Gap is in trouble. The brand was once so cool that Sharon Stone wore one of its turtlenecks to the Oscars. Today, the company is closing a quarter of its stores amid declining sales. Sales at the brand that once dominated mall retail have declined for 13 straight months, according to Hiroko…

J.Crew Fires VP After Social Media Backlash
June 22, 2015 at 2:30 pm

After widespread backlash for posting pictures of his partying after massive layoffs at J.Crew's corporate headquarters, the clothier's vice president of men's merchandising has been fired, a source with information on the situation told CNBC. Alejandro Rhett came under fire after posting photos to Instagram that seemingly made light of the 175 J.Crew firings that…