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#MarketingTitbits – Favourite TV Ads, Flash Ads, Visual Evolution

tvads-google-social media1. #60YearsTVAds: vote for your favourite TV ad of all time
The 60th anniversary of the first TV ad shown in the UK is approaching us, and over the past few weeks Marketing Magazine has asked for nominations for the best TV ads of all time. Their social media followers have been suggesting a long list of their favourite ads for weeks, and now it’s been whittled down to just 25.

Iconic adverts from Cadburys, John Lewis and Compare the Market have all been nominated by the public, but what are your thoughts?

To vote for your favourite TV ad of all time, click here.

2. Brands ‘caught by surprise’ as Google turns off Flash ads

Google surprised many brands last week as they decided to turn off Flash ads. This change means interactive digital ads that use Adobe’s Flash technology will no longer play automatically. Google’s alternative to this now features an empty grey box with a “play” button that has to be clicked for the advert to start.

It’s believed that this decision had been made to help speed up web browsing and save battery life. But could the move be linked to security problems? It’s well known that hackers have previously used Flash to create malicious ads to steal data and harm devices, and also follows on from Firefox’s decision to block Flash earlier in the year.

Click here for more information.

3. How the visual evolution of social media has affected brands

With images and videos being posted more and more on social media, brands are trying to find ways to keep up with their visual media. Social media involves a lot of time and money, but with visual content on the rise, brands simply can’t stand out without being creative.

The visual nature of social media has affected brands in many ways. Econsultancy has put together 5 ways brands can improve their awareness through photography, digital technology and creativity, but will this stay the same for the new generation of social media savvy youth?

Click here to see how social media has affected brands.

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#MarketingTitbits – digital qualifications, vloggers, Macmillian’s award

digital-oreovloggers-macmillan-smaller1. Government launches qualifications to meet UK digital marketing needs
The UK Government has now acknowledged the need for digital marketing qualifications in order to fill the growing hole covering a range of jobs such as app developing, multimedia programming and web developing.

In the BIS Small Business Survey from 2012, it was found that only 61% of SMEs had a website, while over half were selling their goods online. It’s predicted that if the remaining businesses had an online presence, annual turnover could reach £18.8 billion per year.

What do you think of this new push to go digital?

To read more, click here.

2. Oreo raises questions on the relationship between brands and vloggers after ASA announcement

Recently, the popularity of vloggers and the benefits they can bring brands has surged, with more and more leaving celebrity endorsement campaigns behind, in favour of vloggers. Vloggers have a special relationship with their sometimes millions of viewers or subscribers, and therefore they make great candidates to promote a product or brand.

But now the ASA are coming forward after Oreo’s ‘lick race’ promotion breached the code, suggesting that it has now become unclear what videos are editorial content and what are advertising communications. A ruling has now stated that advertising must be ‘obviously identifiable’. Will this discourage the relationship between vloggers and brands? Only time will tell.

To see more about the new rules, click here.

3. Macmillan Cancer Support scoops Brand of the Year Award

One of the UK’s most admired cancer charities has picked up the Brand of the Year award at the Marketing Societies annual dinner, fighting off competition from the likes of Baileys, O2 and easyJet.

Macmillian Cancer Support has seen a surge in awareness over the last few years with campaigns like the ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’, which helped revenue jump to £20 million, up from £15 million the previous year. They have now joined the list of Brands of the Year, which contains the likes of Sainsbury’s and Procter and Gamble.

Find out more about Macmillian’s award, by clicking here.

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TLC Business Hampshire Business Awards

TLC Business’ 5 top Hampshire businesses to watch out for
The team here at TLC Business has selected 5 Hampshire-based companies that we believe deserve recognition for the way they have gone about their marketing to build successful and growing businesses.

It was a difficult process settling on just 5 companies because Hampshire contains many fantastic businesses, however, after much deliberation the team came up with these five businesses. Let us know if you agree with our choices.

Our First award goes to….
 
1. Plum Baby – All Round Performer

Plum Baby is passionate about two things in life – children and good food.

They follow their ‘Plum way’ to deliver organic food that is not only tasty for growing tots but contains no additives or unnecessary fillers. They deliver ‘real food for parents that want the best for their little ones.’

The company was launched in 2006 by Susie Willis, a former chef and mother of three.  Having been bought out by Darwin Private Equity early this year, Susie Willis will stay on board as Creative Director to ensure that the ‘Plum Way’ is followed in the future.

Plum Baby is now on track to achieve a retail turnover of £15m in 2010. Even IKEA have selected Plum as their recommended baby food partner.

Plum Baby


2. The Hambledon – Excellent Press Coverage

 The Hambledon has been described as a hub of pure chic and we here at TLC Business agree.  Set up ten years ago, the Hambledon is an independent boutique nestled in the heart of Winchester.

The Hambledon has gone on to feature within Vogues ‘Britain’s Best Boutiques 2010’, as well as Drapers, The Telegraph, Red and The Times.

 “The Hambledon in Winchester. It’s great to see a shop like this outside London. The owner has an excellent eye and buys toys, furniture, clothes, and kitchen stuff that you don’t see anywhere else” Telegraph Magazine

Over the years The Hambledon has grown to be a popular shopping haunt and I’m sure 2011 will bring further success.

The Hambledon

3. Caracoli – Experience in Service

Caracoli has to be one of TLC Business’ favourite places to eat within Hampshire.

Caracoli describe themselves as a high-quality coffee house with a passion for great food and drink. The General Manager of Caracoli has extensive experience in the hospitality trade, having been General Manager of Hotel du Vin both in Winchester and Henley-on Thames. Not only do you get great food in a great atmosphere but you also receive brilliant service.

Caracoli is making a name for itself in 2010 having received two gold awards this year in the Great Taste Awards, accredited by the Guild of Fine Food.

Caracoli is not only a one to watch but also a one to try….yummy.

Caracoli

4. Wickham Vineyards – Top Quality Produce

Wickham Vineyards has placed itself firmly on the wine making map, by producing some of the best wines in the country. Founded in 1984, Wickham has gone on to scoop major awards across the world of wine in 2010.  From the United Kingdom Vineyards Association to the International Wine Challenge, Wickham is making a real impact not just in the UK but increasingly, within the international wine market.

The well established Hampshire vineyard grows a variety of different vines which include Pinot Noir, Rondo, Triomphe and Dornfelder for the reds and Bacchus, Reichensteiner, Faber Schoenburger Seyval Blanc for the whites.

Wickham definitely deserves an award for its top quality produce.

Wickham Vineyards

5. Charters Estate agent – Excelling the Competition

Our final award, for one of our Top 5 Hampshire companies to watch out for is…

Charters estate agents in Winchester.

Having just celebrated their first birthday, Charters has been ranked among the top 5 estate agents in Hampshire.

Charters were awarded third place in the regional round of the renowned Estate Agent and Letting Agent Awards 2010. The award is based on what consumers really think and it looks like Charters know their client base very well.

Top three in 2010, maybe 2011 will bring first place? Let’s wait and see.

Charters

We think you’ll agree that all our choices are inspirational businesses and highlight the high quality organisations that exist within the county.

Let us know your thoughts and any businesses you think deserve to be in our top Hampshire Businesses list.

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