Data provider companies have now become substantial parts of market research teams, they are the ones who cover all the needs for fresh and insightful data. Let’s take a closer look at company data providers, how to find your ideal provider and ways that their data can change your marker research.

Who are company data providers?

Using data in market research sounds all great until the drawback of data collection arises. In fact, in research conducted by Gartner, poor data quality is the primary reason for 40% of all business initiatives failing to achieve their targeted benefits. As a result, new players entered the market to assist companies with data collection for their research.

Company data providers are an organization that supplies fresh, insightful, and constructed data for use of consumption by third parties. A data provider is responsible for collecting the freshest data, storing it, constantly updating it, and ensuring that it is accurate.

By using company data provider services, market research teams will save a lot of their time, which they can use to construct new marketing strategies. In the long run, they will be saving money, since their time will be worth more than paying for company data provider insights.

According to a recent study by Statista, the global market research industry is expected to reach $90 billion by 2025. This once again confirms the need to work with a company data provider, who has all the tools and knowledge to revise data quickly and provide it for your market research and strategy construction.

The main benefits of working with a company data provider

Aside from dealing with the marketing aspect of a company, many of these marketing managers are forced to spend most of their time searching for valuable data. In the meanwhile, the companies that work with data providers experience many benefits from ready-to-go datasets. Here is more information on the benefits of working with a company data provider:

Data availability

The first and foremost advantage of hiring a company data provider is definitely how easy you will be able to access data whenever you need it. Company employees won’t have to work overtime to explore and sort data for their market research, instead, they can access a centralized system where all data is sorted and updated.

Hiring additional employees to work with data collection isn’t a rational decision either, since the costs will equal the same as hiring a data provider. What’s more, is that company data providers have all the correct tools and licenses to collect data which is just another point to their system.

Data accuracy

When it comes to data nowadays, there is a ton of it, so much that you can simply get lost and go off track. In a market research business, there is no room for similar mistakes or inaccurate data points.

That’s why by choosing a reliable data provider who is certified at handling large batches of data, companies can be sure that they are using only accurate data and receiving the most insights they can possibly gather about the market.

Data entirety

The data you are using for your market research must be appropriate and contain all the details provided by a customer. The problem of collecting data on your own is that you can often find free datasets with information, but these datasets don’t provide it all, they can blur out phone numbers, addresses, etc.

Unfinished datasets can take a harmful toll on a business, which is why you should choose a company data provider to supply your datasets. They will always make sure all customer details are provided and appropriate.

Data security

Having all employees deal with data collection and putting it all into one database can become a threat to security. Even though data is a strong foundation for further research, it should be handled very fragilely and strictly.

By hiring a company data provider your data will stay secure between you and the provider. You can then further share certain parts of data on command to a limited set of employees and restrict their access whenever needed. Only in this way, you can ensure data security and prevent any data leakage.

How to select a reliable data provider?

Now that you have learned about the benefits of working with a company data provider, let’s take a look at three aspects you should know when choosing a reliable and high-standard data provider:

1. Coverage and freshness. Always justify what data collection aspects your provider will handle and how often they update their datasets. With access to the freshest data in your industry, you will be getting a huge business advantage.
2. Communication. A key moment to analyze when choosing a reliable company data provider is their feedback and overall communication. It’s important that a provider can cater to your needs and understand your requests with a small explanation.
3. Accurate and secure. Now lastly before committing to a company data provider test whether the information they provide meets your business needs. You should also check their license for data collection and security systems.

The key ways data is changing market research

At its core, data can completely change the way you do business and your success results. Even studies have found that 92% of marketing professionals believe that data is essential to their success. An additional 78% of them say that data is driving their investment decisions. Here are a few ways that data contributes to market research and success:

Customer behavior and preferences

Using data market research companies can detect how customers behave with certain products and services, and this way they can highlight many of their preferences. Behavior trends across multiple channels are stored in databases within reach at all times.

Market patterns and trends

Even though having access to the newest data is important, past data can influence your market research. In older data, you can detect certain patterns and trends and use them to predict the future market.

Targeting and personalization

By combining market research with fresh data insights, marketers can create personalized and targeted campaigns for each customer base. This way they are increasing the chances of reaching the correct audience and making a successful sale.

Final thoughts

As we come to an end, we have set straight that data is the sole foundation of modern market research and success. For business convenience, time-saving, and security, they should hire company data providers who will quickly supply all the data needed to conduct market-changing research. Data providers have all the tools and knowledge to provide the best insights in the market.

The post The Role of Company Data Providers in Market Research appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The Importance of Digital Marketing

Before delving into how to choose the right digital marketing agency, let’s first understand why digital marketing is so crucial for businesses today.

1. Wider Reach

Digital marketing allows you to reach a global audience, breaking down geographical barriers. With the internet, your potential customers are not limited to your local area; they can be anywhere in the world. This expanded reach opens up a world of opportunities for growth.

2. Cost-Effective

Compared to traditional marketing channels like print ads or TV commercials, digital marketing is often more cost-effective. You can tailor your campaigns to fit your budget and achieve a higher return on investment (ROI).

3. Targeted Marketing

Digital marketing enables you to target specific demographics, interests, and behaviors. This means you can create personalized marketing campaigns that resonate with your ideal audience, increasing the likelihood of conversion.

4. Measurable Results

One of the significant advantages of digital marketing is the ability to track and measure your results in real-time. You can analyze data, adjust your strategies, and optimize your campaigns for better performance.

5. Adaptability

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and digital marketing allows you to adapt quickly to changes. You can tweak your strategies to stay ahead of the competition and meet the changing needs of your audience.

Given these advantages, it’s clear that digital marketing is a must for businesses looking to thrive in the modern world. However, to make the most of digital marketing, you may need the expertise of a digital marketing agency.

The Role of a Digital Marketing Agency

A digital marketing agency is a specialized firm that offers a range of services to help businesses promote their products or services online. These agencies have the knowledge, tools, and experience to create and execute effective digital marketing strategies. Here are some of the key services provided by digital marketing agencies:

1. Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO is the process of optimizing your website to rank higher in search engine results pages (SERPs). It involves keyword research, on-page optimization, backlink building, and more. A digital marketing agency can improve your website’s visibility and drive organic traffic.

2. Content Marketing: Content is king in the digital world. Agencies can create and distribute high-quality content, such as blog posts, videos, infographics, and more, to engage your audience and establish your authority in your industry.

3. Social Media Marketing: Social media platforms are powerful tools for reaching and engaging with your audience. Agencies can develop social media strategies, create content, and manage your social media profiles to increase brand awareness and engagement.

4. Paid Advertising: Digital marketing agencies can set up and manage paid advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads, Facebook Ads, and Instagram Ads. This can help you reach a wider audience and drive immediate results.

5. Email Marketing: Email is a direct and cost-effective way to communicate with your audience. Agencies can design and execute email marketing campaigns to nurture leads and drive conversions.

6. Analytics and Reporting: Digital marketing agencies use data analytics tools to track the performance of your campaigns. They provide regular reports and insights to help you make data-driven decisions and refine your strategies.

The Benefits of Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency

Now that we understand the role of a digital marketing agency, let’s explore the benefits of outsourcing your digital marketing efforts to a specialized firm:

1. Expertise and Experience: Digital marketing agencies have a team of experts with a deep understanding of the digital landscape. They stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices, ensuring that your campaigns are effective and compliant.

2. Time and Resource Savings: Managing digital marketing in-house can be time-consuming and resource-intensive. By outsourcing to an agency, you free up your team to focus on other core business activities.

3. Access to Advanced Tools: Digital marketing agencies have access to premium tools and software that may be too costly for individual businesses. These tools help in keyword research, competitor analysis, and performance tracking.

4. Scalability: Agencies can scale your marketing efforts up or down based on your business needs. Whether you’re launching a new product or going through a slow season, they can adjust your strategies accordingly.

5. Measurable Results: Agencies provide detailed reports on the performance of your campaigns. You can see exactly where your marketing budget is going and what kind of ROI you’re getting.

Given these advantages, it’s clear that partnering with a digital marketing agency can be a strategic move for your business. However, with so many agencies out there, how do you choose the right one? Let’s explore the steps to find the perfect fit for your business.

Steps to Choosing the Right Digital Marketing Agency

Selecting the right digital marketing agency is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. To ensure you make the best choice, follow these steps:

1. Define Your Goals and Budget

Before you start searching for an agency, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your digital marketing goals and budget. What do you want to achieve through digital marketing? Are you looking to increase website traffic, generate leads, boost sales, or improve brand awareness? Having specific goals will help you choose an agency with expertise in your desired areas.

Additionally, establish a realistic budget for your digital marketing efforts. While digital marketing can be cost-effective, it’s crucial to allocate sufficient resources to achieve your goals effectively. Your budget will also play a significant role in narrowing down your options when selecting an agency.

2. Research Potential Agencies

Once you have your goals and budget in mind, begin your search for potential digital marketing agencies. You can start by:

• Asking for recommendations from peers and business associates.
• Conducting online searches for agencies in your industry or location.
• Checking industry-specific directories and review websites.
• Attending industry events and conferences where agencies may be present.

Create a list of agencies that seem promising based on your initial research.

3. Evaluate Their Services and Expertise

Review the services offered by each agency on your list. Ensure that they provide the specific services you need to meet your digital marketing goals. Look for evidence of their expertise in those areas, such as case studies, client testimonials, or certifications from platforms like Google or HubSpot.

It’s important to choose an agency that specializes in the areas that align with your objectives. For example, if your primary goal is to improve your website’s search engine ranking, prioritize agencies with a strong SEO track record.

4. Examine Their Portfolio

An agency’s portfolio can provide valuable insights into their past work and capabilities. Request to see examples of their previous campaigns and projects, especially those related to your industry. Pay attention to the quality of their work, creativity, and the results they achieved for their clients.

A reputable agency should be transparent about their portfolio and eager to showcase their successes. If an agency hesitates to share their past work, consider it a red flag.

5. Ask About Their Process

Understanding an agency’s workflow and process is crucial in determining if they are a good fit for your business. Inquire about how they approach digital marketing campaigns, from strategy development to execution and monitoring. A well-defined process ensures that your marketing efforts are organized and consistent.

Ask questions about their communication practices. How often will they provide updates on campaign performance? What metrics do they track, and how do they use data to optimize campaigns? Clear communication is essential for a successful agency-client relationship.

6. Check Their Reputation and References

A reputable agency should have a positive reputation within the industry and among their clients. Look for online reviews and testimonials from their previous clients to gauge their credibility and reliability. Additionally, ask the agency for references or contact information for current or former clients you can speak to directly.

When speaking to references, ask about their overall experience with the agency, the results achieved, and any challenges they encountered. This firsthand feedback can provide valuable insights into what it’s like to work with the agency.

7. Discuss Pricing and Contracts

Transparent pricing and contract terms are essential when choosing a digital marketing agency. Request detailed pricing information that outlines the costs associated with their services, including any additional fees or expenses. Ensure that the pricing aligns with your budget and expectations.

Review the agency’s contract carefully, paying attention to the contract duration, termination clauses, and any commitments or guarantees. Be cautious of agencies that require long-term contracts with no room for flexibility.

8. Assess Cultural Fit

The cultural fit between your business and the digital marketing agency is often overlooked but crucial for a successful partnership. Consider the agency’s values, work culture, and communication style. A compatible culture can lead to better collaboration and a smoother working relationship.

During your discussions with the agency, assess how well they understand your business and industry. Are they genuinely interested in your goals and invested in your success? Trust your instincts when evaluating the agency’s cultural fit.

9. Request a Proposal

Once you’ve narrowed down your options and had initial discussions with agencies, request a detailed proposal from each finalist. The proposal should outline their recommended strategies, deliverables, timelines, and pricing specific to your business.

Carefully review each proposal to ensure it aligns with your goals and expectations. Compare the proposals side by side, considering factors like strategy, expertise, and cost-effectiveness.

10. Conduct a Final Interview

Before making your decision, schedule a final interview or meeting with the agency’s team members who will be directly involved in your campaign. This is an opportunity to ask any remaining questions, clarify expectations, and ensure that you feel comfortable working with them.

During the interview, assess their communication skills, professionalism, and enthusiasm for your project. Open and honest communication is crucial for a successful agency-client partnership.

11. Make Your Decision

After completing all the steps above, it’s time to make an informed decision and choose the digital marketing agency that best aligns with your business goals, budget, and cultural fit. Remember that the agency you select will play a significant role in shaping your digital marketing success, so take your time to evaluate all the factors.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive business landscape, digital marketing is not just an option; it’s a necessity for growth and success. Choosing the right digital marketing agency can be a game-changer for your business, as it provides expertise, resources, and strategies to navigate the complex digital world effectively.

By following the steps outlined in this guide—defining your goals, researching potential agencies, evaluating their services and expertise, examining their portfolio, checking their reputation and references, discussing pricing and contracts, assessing cultural fit, requesting a proposal, conducting a final interview, and making an informed decision—you can select an agency that meets your specific needs and helps your business thrive in the digital age.

Remember that the right digital marketing agency should be a true partner in your business’s journey, working collaboratively to achieve your goals and driving measurable results. With the right agency by your side, you can harness the power of digital marketing to reach new heights and stay ahead of the competition.

The post Choosing the Right Digital Marketing Agency: A Guide for Businesses appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

Embracing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

One of the most significant trends shaping the future of digital marketing is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. AI and ML have the potential to revolutionize how agencies approach marketing strategies, analytics, and customer interactions.

AI-driven algorithms can analyze vast amounts of data in real-time, helping agencies make data-driven decisions, optimize ad campaigns, and personalize content for target audiences. Machine learning algorithms can also identify patterns and trends that humans might overlook, enhancing the effectiveness of marketing strategies.

Chatbots and virtual assistants powered by AI are becoming increasingly popular in providing real-time customer support and assistance. These technologies can handle routine queries, freeing up human resources for more complex tasks and improving the overall customer experience.

Digital marketing agencies that embrace AI and ML are poised to gain a competitive edge in delivering more efficient, data-driven, and personalized marketing solutions.

Enhanced Data Privacy and Compliance

In the wake of data breaches and growing concerns about privacy, the future of digital marketing will undoubtedly involve a greater focus on data protection and compliance. The implementation of stricter regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), has forced agencies to reassess their data collection and usage practices.

Agencies are adapting by being more transparent about data collection and providing clear opt-in/opt-out options for users. They are also investing in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard customer data from breaches and cyberattacks.

Furthermore, agencies are staying up-to-date with evolving privacy regulations to ensure that their marketing practices comply with the law. Failure to do so can result in hefty fines and damage to a brand’s reputation.

In the future, agencies that prioritize data privacy and compliance will earn the trust of consumers and maintain a competitive advantage.

Content Continues to Reign

Content marketing remains at the core of digital marketing strategies, and its importance is only set to grow in the future. However, the way agencies approach content creation and distribution is evolving.

Video content, in particular, is gaining prominence. With the rise of platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, short-form video content is becoming increasingly popular. Agencies are adapting by creating engaging and concise video content to capture the attention of their target audience.

Live streaming is another trend that agencies are embracing. Live video allows for real-time interaction with the audience, fostering a sense of authenticity and engagement. Agencies are using live streams for product launches, Q&A sessions, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into their operations.

In addition to traditional written content, agencies are also exploring interactive content formats such as quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics. These formats provide users with a more engaging and immersive experience, increasing the chances of content being shared and going viral.

The key to successful content marketing in the future lies in understanding the preferences of the target audience and delivering content in formats they find most appealing.

Voice Search and Conversational Marketing

The rise of voice-activated devices like Amazon Echo and Google Home has ushered in a new era of search and marketing. Voice search is changing the way consumers interact with digital devices and search engines, and agencies are adapting to this shift.

Optimizing content for voice search requires a different approach than traditional SEO. Agencies are now focusing on creating content that answers natural language queries and adopting conversational marketing strategies. This involves using chatbots, voice assistants, and messaging apps to engage with customers in real-time conversations.

Conversational marketing enables agencies to provide personalized recommendations and support, leading to higher conversion rates and customer satisfaction. As voice search continues to gain popularity, agencies that master conversational marketing will have a competitive advantage.

The Power of Influencer Marketing

Influencer marketing has been a successful strategy for many brands in recent years, and it’s expected to remain a significant part of digital marketing in the future. Agencies are adapting by refining their influencer selection process and developing long-term partnerships with influencers who align with their brand values.

Micro and nano influencers, with smaller but highly engaged followings, are gaining prominence. These influencers often have more authentic connections with their audiences, making them valuable assets for agencies seeking to reach niche markets.

In addition to traditional social media influencers, agencies are also exploring opportunities in the gaming and esports industry, where influencers have large and dedicated fan bases.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

The adoption of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies is set to transform the digital marketing landscape. Agencies are beginning to explore how these immersive technologies can be leveraged to create unique and engaging brand experiences.

AR allows consumers to interact with products in a virtual environment. For example, furniture retailers can use AR to enable customers to visualize how a piece of furniture would look in their home before making a purchase. Agencies are also using AR for location-based marketing, providing users with real-time information about nearby stores and promotions.

VR, on the other hand, offers entirely immersive experiences. Brands can create virtual showrooms, product demos, or even virtual events that allow consumers to engage with their products and services in a virtual space. Agencies that harness the power of AR and VR can differentiate themselves by delivering memorable and interactive brand experiences.

Agile Marketing and Data-Driven Decision-Making

The pace of change in the digital marketing landscape necessitates a more agile approach. Agile marketing involves adapting strategies and tactics quickly based on real-time data and market feedback. Agencies are adopting agile methodologies to respond rapidly to shifting consumer behaviors and emerging trends.

Data-driven decision-making is at the core of agile marketing. Agencies are investing in advanced analytics tools and dashboards that provide real-time insights into campaign performance. This allows them to make informed decisions and optimize marketing efforts on the fly.

Agile marketing also involves cross-functional teams that collaborate closely, enabling faster execution of campaigns and the ability to pivot when necessary. Agencies that embrace agility and data-driven decision-making will be better equipped to thrive in the rapidly changing digital marketing landscape.

Social Commerce

Social media platforms have evolved from mere marketing channels to full-fledged e-commerce platforms. Agencies are adapting by integrating social commerce strategies into their digital marketing efforts.

Platforms like Instagram and Facebook now offer features that allow users to shop directly from posts and stories. Agencies are leveraging these features to create seamless shopping experiences for consumers, reducing friction in the path to purchase.

In addition to traditional e-commerce, agencies are also exploring social commerce in the form of livestream shopping, where influencers and brands showcase products in real-time, allowing viewers to make purchases instantly.

The future of digital marketing will see social commerce playing an increasingly significant role, blurring the lines between social media and online shopping.

Personalization and Customer Experience

Personalization is no longer a nice-to-have but a necessity in digital marketing. Consumers expect tailored experiences, and agencies are adapting by harnessing data to create highly personalized marketing campaigns.

Email marketing, for example, is becoming more personalized with dynamic content that adapts to the recipient’s behavior and preferences. Website personalization, driven by AI algorithms, ensures that users see content and product recommendations that are relevant to them.

Chatbots and AI-powered customer service tools are also contributing to a more personalized customer experience. These technologies can provide instant responses to customer queries and offer personalized recommendations based on past interactions.

Agencies that excel in personalization and customer experience will build stronger relationships with customers, leading to increased loyalty and higher customer lifetime value.

Sustainability and Ethical Marketing

As consumers become more environmentally and socially conscious, agencies are adapting by incorporating sustainability and ethical marketing into their strategies. Brands that align themselves with values such as sustainability, diversity, and social responsibility are resonating with consumers.

Agencies are helping brands communicate their commitment to these values through marketing campaigns and transparent business practices. Sustainability initiatives, such as reducing carbon footprints and using eco-friendly packaging, are being highlighted in marketing materials.

Ethical marketing also involves taking a stand on social issues and supporting causes that align with the brand’s values. Agencies that champion sustainability and ethical marketing will not only attract conscious consumers but also contribute to positive social and environmental change.

Conclusion

The future of digital marketing promises exciting opportunities and challenges for agencies. To thrive in this dynamic landscape, agencies must adapt to emerging technologies, changing consumer behavior, and evolving regulations. Embracing artificial intelligence, enhancing data privacy, creating engaging content, and harnessing the power of influencers are just some of the strategies agencies are using to stay ahead.

Moreover, voice search, augmented reality, and social commerce are reshaping how agencies approach digital marketing. Agile marketing, personalization, and a commitment to sustainability and ethical marketing will also play vital roles in agencies’ success.

In this rapidly evolving field, agencies that remain flexible, data-driven, and customer-centric will not only survive but thrive in the future of digital marketing. The ability to innovate, experiment, and adapt to new trends will be the hallmark of successful digital marketing agencies in the years to come.

The post The Future of Digital Marketing: How Agencies Are Adapting appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

It’s a pretty impressive list, and one worth sharing for the inspiration of others striving to join these elite ranks in 2016.

According to a statement provided to MMW, the agency’s 2015 roll call of success includes:

• Media Agency of the Year – Cristal Festival
• Media Network of the Year – Campaign Asia Pacific
• China, India, South Asia, Rest of South Asia, South East Asia, Indonesia & Singapore Media Agency of the Year – Campaign Asia Pacific
• Global, APAC and EMEA Mobile Agency of the Year – MMA SMARTIES
• UK, China, India and Indonesia Mobile Agency of the Year – MMA SMARTIES
• Media Lions Grand Prix [Y&R Team Red Istanbul] – Cannes Festival of Creativity
• Gold and Silver Media Lions – Cannes Festival of Creativity [Nike & Dove]
• 2 x Global EFFIE Winners [Jaguar & Nike]
• Agency Network of the Year – Festival of Media MENA
• Agency Network of the Year – Cristal MENA
• Agency of the Year – EMVIES (India)
• Agency of the Year – MADDIES (India)
• Agency of the Year – Big Bang Awards (India)
• Digital Agency of the Year – Afaqs Digital Awards (India)
• 2 x AdWeek Media Plan of the Year (US)
• Social Agency of the Year – Mediapost (US)
• Agency of the Year – Felis Awards (Turkey)
• Grand Prix – Media Federation Australia Awards

“We work in agencies because we want to create new things for our clients, it’s great that in 2015 our clients and the industry recognized our work with one of the best years in our history,” says Nick Emery, Global CEO at Mindshare.

The post Mindshare Wraps Up 2015 on Top Across All Major Awards appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The company has just announced that its comprehensive data and business intelligence is now available through Microsoft Power BI (a cloud-based business analytics service that provides a single view of the most critical business data).

“The vast amount of meaningful data that spans the customer lifecycle is essential to the success of retailers and QSRs,” said Scott Bradley, CEO of VMob. “Yet, understanding precisely how to use that data to increase sales requires advanced technical capability that previously took significant time and resources. The VMob content pack on Power BI fills this requirement via an easy to use solution. Marketers can create customized dashboards to understand what’s working, when and why, and advance the in-store customer experience to grow their business.”

Microsoft Corporate Vice President James Phillips, who heads the company’s new business applications, platform and intelligence team, added in a provided statement: “One of our pioneering partners in the practical application of marketing insights and analytics, VMob demonstrated McDonald’s success with Power BI at our annual Worldwide Partner Conference this year.”

The post VMob Touts Big News for its Personalized Mobile Marketing Analytics appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The result? Rocket Fuel is now bringing geo-targeted advertising to real-time emergency communications.

Specifically, Rocket Fuel will provide a new outlet for targeted AMBER Alerts.

Distributed by law enforcement and redistributed to a network of partners by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), AMBER Alerts display geographically targeted information about child abductions to the public through practically every communications channel available.

Robert Hoever, Director of Special Projects for the Missing Children Division of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, says, “When a child is abducted, fast action can be critical to a safe recovery. Rocket Fuel’s partnership with FIA will help to quickly reach the right people at the right time and place with information about an abduction, helping communities work together to rescue children and save lives.”

The post Ad Tech Titan Tackles The Critical Cause of Child Safety appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

“A stellar showcase of marketer, media, technology and agency excellence from around the world” was presented at this year’s Gala at the Highline Stages in New York City.

According to the MMA, the winners of the Smarties represent those who are blazing new trails, exhibiting bravery and innovation across the sizzling and competitive mobile marketing ecosystem.

This year’s most prestigious “Best in Show” was awarded to Hindustan Unilever and PHD for their “Kan Khajura Tesan” campaign in Bihar, India.

This campaign leveraged the uniqueness of mobile by creating a new media channel to reach a rural population of 137 million who suffer from daily power cuts, but where 86 percent of the population owns a mobile phone. By delivering “free, on-demand and always-on” entertainment, Unilever was able to build a new loyal consumer base for a number of products to what has been an unreachable audience.

The Industry Awards were also handed to an impressive group of companies including:

• Marketer to Watch: Ford Motor Company
• Media Company of the Year: Facebook
• Agency of the Year: Razorfish

You can check out all the winning campaigns and trends from those campaigns in a report published by the MMA immediately following this year’s awards presentation. To download the report, click here.

The post MMA Touts Winners of 2014 Global Smarties appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

The research, initiated by the Mobile Marketing Association in collaboration with several partners, included brands such as AT&T, Coca-Cola, and more.

The bottom line? Moving to mobile makes sense.

Briggs presentation argued that most marketers consider mobile “a second screen” or a “hybrid of local and digital” — but he says these views are wrong.

Mobile, Briggs argued, is a catalyst for:

1. A new relationship with customers
2. Hyper-local, context aware marketing
3. Big Data powered, one-to-one marketing
4. Real-Time, agile marketing

“Briggs showed the meaning behind the buzzwords by demonstrating the ROI Brain software,” according to a statement from Marketing Evolution. “Marketing Evolution’s ROI Brain is a cloud computer algorithm that analyzes billions of data points from consumer confidence trends, gas prices, weather, housing starts, Twitter, Facebook, Google search trends and more.”

In addition, Marketing Evolution incorporates a proprietary methodology of surveys to tens of thousands of consumers, who give double opt-in permission for all their sales, media patterns, ad exposures, social media likes, demographics, and other profile data to be recorded along with their brand perceptions and purchase intentions.

Briggs illustrated for conference attendees how they can upgrade all of their marketing initiatives — both online and offline. Using case studies, he showed how any major marketer can feed its marketing budget into the software to predict how much their sales, profit, and ROI would increase by changing media mix and approach to a more real-time and hyper-local approach to consumers.

To view a four minute video summary of Briggs’ presentation, click here.

The post Marketing Evolution: Avoiding ROI that's DOA Means Moving to Mobile appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

Yes, yes, and yes again. So says Taylor Hatch, a content writer for Utah’s leading digital marketing firm Fusion360.

“It isn’t just about ads in the newspaper or a giant billboard near the side of I-15,” Hatch writes. “The market has grown and information is available digitally with just the click of a button. The digital word of social networks has created an amazing marketing tool for Utah businesses. Now you can create a small ad, or post a link, or answer customers’ questions over social networks in just a matter of seconds.”

Of course, what Hatch asserts about businesses in Utah applies to businesses everywhere.

“Businesses use digital marketing to help their companies grow and get their names out there,” Hatch says. “One thing .. businesses might forget is that they have employees who have their own personal accounts.”

Hatch mentions that most forward-looking companies have entered the world of digital marketing. They have Facebook pages, Twitter profiles, a Pinterest presence, and accounts on LinkedIn and Instagram.

But so do the company’s employees — and they, according to the writer — might just be the most believable spokespeople in the marketing matrix.

Hatch quotes a Business News Daily story that asserts that “If your staff isn’t using their profiles – particularly LinkedIn and Twitter – as branding tools for your company, you may be missing out on a big marketing opportunity. Your business needs to have a face, and people trust faces they know — more often your employees than your logo.”

Three keys to social media standing from Business News Daily are also included in Hatch’s essay:

1. Create high quality profiles. High quality profiles present the business in the most favorable light, show consistency in intent and language, and make good use of photos and graphics.
2. Build a relevant network. Relevance matters more than network size. Employees should be encouraged to connect with customers, partners, and prospects they really know.
3. Engage connections with valuable content. Share interesting and timely news stories, blog posts, videos, journal reports, white papers, and other items of interest to customers and prospective customers.

To read the essay in its entirety, click here.

The post Fusion 360: Employees Integral to Social Media Marketing Mix appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.

On Thursday, Airpush announced what some are calling a major initiative to help eliminate malware distribution.

The announcement came at the SF AppShow where Airpush confirmed its partnership with Appthority, a leading and highly respected expert force in mobile app security.

“Mobile malware has been a thorn in the side of the thriving app ecosystem,” said Kevin Watkins, CTO and co-founder of Appthority. “We are proud to assist Airpush with the technology that improves the state of security across the app world. Airpush is being proactive by attacking the malware problem at its source distribution and that demonstrates their commitment to protecting their customers.”

Airpush says the partnership will integrate Appthority’s mobile security technology directly into the Airpush platform. The result will be a comprehensive scanning of all advertiser app promotions and URLs. This naturally serves as a nice supplementary level of security in Airpush’s manual approval process.

By integrating Appthority’s technology directly into its platform, Airpush has “virtually eliminated the threat of mobile malware distribution via its network of over 50,000 applications.”

To learn more about Airpush, click here.

The post Airpush Teams with Mobile App Security Specialists at Appthority appeared first on Mobile Marketing Watch.