Google Search remains, even more than Facebook, a constant in our digital lives. Aside from ramping up security and adding functionality for things like flight bookings, in 2016 Google Search made no bones about the fact that it was evolving for mobile. And woe betide anyone who stubbornly clings to the desktop. Count down Google […]
Year in Review: Google Search 2016 Read More »
As we're about to wrap up for 2016, we'd like to take the opportunity to thank all our readers and clients for their time and support over the past year. The last twelve months have been busy here at SMK Central Command. We've launched a bunch of new course topics including Snapchat, Messenger, Social Analytics,
Happy Holidays from SMK Read More »
Once again, Christmas is rapidly approaching. As you consider how best to stuff your turkey, you might also turn your mind to sending some cheer to your customers and contacts, wishing them seasonal felicitations and all that. Do you need express consent? Privacy and spam laws often give business owners pause for thought when sending
Christmas – legal approval Read More »
Instagram had a steady-as-she goes sort of year. We saw stable growth, but no huge changes or updates. Adopting a "if-it-ain't-broke" approach, Instagram's biggest news was probably the controversy over its new logo. Love it or loathe it, the rebranding didn't affect Instagram's army of users. Easy does it Instagram passed a milestone in 2016,
Year in Review: Instagram 2016 Read More »
Without a doubt, 2016 was the year of Snapchat. Moving from millennial plaything to serious platform, Snapchat's successful features often "inspired" similar offerings from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. But can Snapchat translate all that traction into cold hard cash? Oh Snap Snapchat's audience isn't the biggest, but they're very attractive to marketers. With a "modest"
Year in Review: Snapchat 2016 Read More »
Would you set a fox to guard the henhouse? If you’ve been using Facebook and solely relying on their data to optimise, then this is what you’ve actually allowed. Facebook came under fire yet with their recent admission that they have again been overstating their metrics – the second admission in as many
Keeping the Ad Platforms Honest Read More »
Most platforms experience the natural highs and lows, and ebbs and flows, of doing business over a typical year. Plainly, Facebook is no ordinary platform. Whether it was revenue, user growth or engagement, Facebook racked up wins virtually across the board. The fake news scandal was a rare blip on the otherwise sunny Facebook horizon.
Year in Review: Facebook 2016 Read More »
Of all the major platforms, 2016 has been the hardest on Twitter. User growth remained stagnant, trolls and abuse increased, while the share price dropped. So what does 2017 hold for Twitter? New features fall flat First of all, you can't accuse Twitter of sitting idly by while Rome burned. The platform brought back Jack
Year in Review: Twitter 2016 Read More »
Resources can pose a significant challenge to any online promotion. For community organisations and not-for-profits, it can be a primary challenge. Resourcing can be more than mere finance. Successful campaigns also require a wealth of time and expertise. This case study looks at how some local artists made the most of a (very) limited
Art and Online on a Shoestring: A Case Study Read More »
Traditionally the sensible social network, LinkedIn has a surprisingly animated year. After being snapped up by Microsoft, LinkedIn responded by releasing a cavalcade of updates aimed at boosting engagement and luring advertisers. Early signs looks like its working. Will 2017 be the year LinkedIn finally starts getting engagement traction? On the job Back in June.
Year in Review: LinkedIn 2016 Read More »