Ready to delve into the latest news from the marketing sphere? Grab a brew, and let’s uncover the latest digital trends, social news and groundbreaking tech discoveries together… 

Google to introduce generative AI

Bing-powered ChatGPT has made a huge impact since it launched, hitting headlines throughout the world and raising debate about the future of AI and its impact on future generations. 

Whilst academics, scientists, journalists and politicians delve into the pros and cons of this technology, there’s one company that is ploughing ahead with its attempts to revolutionise the future of online shopping and supercharge the power of search… Google. 

Sure, we’ve all felt like our smart devices have been listening in and targeting us with specific ads. But Google’s generative AI is focused on enhancing the e-commerce experience like never before – curating feeds and ads that are more intelligently aligned to the individual consumer and evolving with their specific needs. 

The Google Shopping Graph is pretty impressive, already boasting a 35 billion product list (and counting), making it super easy to hone in on very specific shopping criteria and boasts powerful shopping features that make it easier for buyers to shop the entire look, whether that’s fashion, homes and interior or beauty. 

The Search Generative Experience (SGE) is coming soon, inviting users to join a waitlist and provide feedback. Google knows search is its bread and butter, so they’re now exploring AI-powered e-commerce, focusing on a curated shopping feed as a way to stand out.

Expect ads with a “Sponsored” label and a thoughtful approach. So prepare for more AI-powered search excitement at Google’s Marketing Live event on May 23!

Brands have $673bn on social media ads in the last five years!

In the past five years alone, brands worldwide have shelled out an astonishing $673 billion on social media ads. And that number keeps on rising! 

Since the pandemic, companies had to pivot marketing activity and media spend to ensure they remained relevant and maintained revenue streams. So they turned to social media.

As a result, companies found they were maximising brand reach, recall and consumer referrals because of these powerhouse platforms, with 75% of Gen-Z and nearly half of Millennials being swayed by these ads.

So let’s break it down further. Annual spending on social media ads has nearly tripled since 2018, reaching $180.9 billion in 2021. Projections estimate ad spending to exceed $207 billion this year alone, with mobile dominating this category, accounting for over 80% of total ad spending!

According to MarketingTech, Meta holds a massive 55% of the market share, and is the undisputed king of the social media ad landscape. The number of people using social media platforms is set to hit almost 4.9 billion this year. With Meta’s user base reaching 2.72 billion. 

Content boosting, targeted ad campaigns and influencer marketing are vital to the marketing mix and when we consider how people are consuming content right now, it makes savvy business sense to make sure you’re targeting your customers where they’re hanging out… online. 

69% of marketers increase marketing spend, despite challenging economy…

Bynder’s State of Content report reveals that despite the economic climate, 69% of global marketing teams are increasing or maintaining their investment in content creation, management, and distribution. 

Marketers are streamlining their tech stacks, with 83% focusing on consolidation. Speed is also a top priority, with 98% of those surveyed aiming to get their product to market faster.

As a result, DAM-powered digital ecosystems are on the rise as they help designers and developers safeguard and manage client assets, with 85% of marketers planning to invest. 

Repurposing content is a great cost-saving strategy for 84% of marketers, while 54% aim to improve localisation and personalisation efforts when targeting consumers in the development process. (Statistics via MarketingTech)

So whilst organic engagement and direct traffic are important, it’s vital that businesses see the significance of creating content their audiences want to see and amplifying it to ensure it hits the right people. You don’t always have to have the biggest budget, but we would certainly recommend investing in your channels to connect more frequently with your key audiences. 

Just 4% of ads contain sustainability messaging!

We know that consumers are becoming increasingly aware and concerned about their shopping habits and the impact their purchases have on the planet. 

But are we shouting about our green credentials as much as we should? CreativeX, a creative data platform, recently released some interesting insights on sustainability messaging in advertising, and it looks like there’s a long way for businesses to go when it comes to reassuring customers.

They sifted through 2.5 million ads across 9 markets, with a whopping $2.8 billion in ad spend from January 2020 to March 2023. And guess what? Only 4% of ads had sustainability messaging. Sectors like retail and consumer healthcare barely made the effort, clocking in at a measly 1%.

The budget allocated for these ads amounted to just 8% of total spend – talk about a drop in the ocean! But wait, there’s more. In 2023, sustainability messages took a nosedive as marketing priorities shifted. We’re talking a whopping 47% drop (Statistics via MarketingTech)!

Whilst we would never encourage greenwashing, it is important for businesses to understand what sustainability means and how important it is to their customers to find the most impactful way to connect with them on matters close to their hearts. 

To learn more about how businesses integrate sustainability messages, head over to our EQ News section of the blog, where we talk about one of our client’s ESG journeys and what that means.

Get emotional… 

We’re all about positive vibes, so when something good happens, we want to shout about it. 

Here’s what’s got us feeling a little emosh this week… 

Tech Returners goes live!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of one of our latest projects, a brand-new website designed and developed for Tech Returners! 

For those unfamiliar with Tech Returners, it’s an incredible initiative that supports individuals who have taken a career break from the technology industry and are looking to re-enter the workforce. The process of designing and developing the site involved several vital stages. 

First, we conducted thorough research to understand the unique needs and aspirations of TR. We then crafted a user-friendly interface, incorporating intuitive navigation and visually appealing design elements. Our talented developers worked diligently to ensure seamless functionality and responsiveness across all devices. The site features comprehensive resources, including training programmes, mentoring opportunities, and job placement assistance, all tailored to empower returners in their journey back to the tech industry.

Collaborating with the TR team has been an absolute pleasure. Their passion for supporting returners and fostering diversity in tech is truly inspiring. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their mission by delivering a website that effectively communicates their vision and engages their target audience. We’re excited to witness this website’s positive impact in empowering individuals to reignite their tech careers.

Visit the new Tech Returners website at https://www.techreturners.com/ and discover their incredible resources and opportunities!

My Simple Life app!

ThinkEQ is thrilled to share a recent achievement with one of our clients Sigma, in our collaboration on My Simple Life and My Simple Life London apps. We’re delighted to announce the launch of our latest creation. The new health and wellbeing section of the My Simple Life app will enhance the user experience.

Our client expressed the need for a comprehensive platform where users could seamlessly explore an array of health-related articles, videos, and resources. Armed with this vision, our talented team set out to devise a way of turning this idea into a reality.

After meticulous planning and development, we crafted an innovative and user-friendly system. Navigating through the health and wellbeing section has been made simple, providing users with effortless access to valuable information and insights.

We’re proud as we deliver this remarkable feature to My Simple Life’s dedicated user base. Witnessing the positive impact it will have on their wellness journeys fills us with immense satisfaction. We wish users well as they embark on a path to improved health and wellbeing!

A.D.’s ESG journey

In the realm of merchandising, A.D. stands out as a forward-thinking, self-conscious company. Their ESG journey is remarkable, with a dedicated focus on becoming carbon net neutral. They have made significant strides in reducing their carbon footprint, improving working standards for their team and building supply-chain partnerships with those who share their vision for sustainability.

A.D. has adopted sustainable practices across their operations, implementing energy-efficient technologies and eco-friendly packaging solutions. But their commitment doesn’t end there. They are fully committed to product traceability, product life cycles, reducing energy and even water in production.

As their marketing agency, we’re proud to work with a company that embodies both innovation and sustainability. A.D.’s journey towards combating climate action is a testament to their genuine values and the belief that responsibility doesn’t mean sacrificing creativity.

They inspire us all here at ThinkEQ to make a tangible difference. Their story reminds us that with determination, passion, and a pinch of quirkiness, any company can create a greener, brighter future.

Here’s to A.D., the epitome of sustainability, style, and audacity. Keep being awesome because the world needs more companies like you!