Performance Marketing Isn’t Sexy, But It’s Pretty Smart

I was lucky enough to be invited to contribute a chapter to The Book Every Marker Should Most Definitely Read, alongside a group of people I regard as friends, colleagues and mentors. They had all sorts of amazing things to say about strategy, creativity, messaging, personalisation and the way the evolving digital world is changing the way marketing works, all the time.

3 strategies to maximise your Return On Ad Spend this retail season

Daniel Levy, Co-Founder of ad and data-tech platform Flow, believes the answer to staying competitive lies in first-party data. By harnessing the power of data already at their fingertips, local retailers can target customers more precisely and get the most out of their marketing budget. Levy, alongside experts like Woolworths’ Zack Nossel, reveals how brands can use data-driven insights to create hyper-targeted offers and boost sales in the weeks ahead.

Embracing the entrepreneurial mindset: Lessons from the trenches

South Africa has seen a surge in entrepreneurial ambition, with more than half of the country’s youth showing interest in starting their own businesses despite the challenges in accessing funding and resources. Daniel Levy, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Flow, understands these hurdles first-hand.
In his latest piece, “Embracing the Entrepreneurial Mindset: Lessons from the Trenches,” he shares five lessons from his journey as an entrepreneur, offering insights on how to cultivate the mindset needed to navigate unpredictable markets and build lasting success.

From vision to reality: How Absa CIB’s new TVC champions human centred relationships

In the fast-evolving landscape of financial services, distinguishing oneself requires more than just competitive solutions and services. To achieve success, it requires a deep understanding of your clients’ needs, an empathetic approach, and a commitment to their success. This approach underscores Absa Corporate and Investment Banking’s (CIB) latest campaign, which showcases not only that “Your story matters” but that Absa CIB is truly “Invested in your story.”

Hey Google! 5 Strategies to Future-Proof your Online Content for Voice Search

As the digital landscape evolves, voice search is becoming a vital part of online behaviour. Jacqueline van Rooijen, Business Growth Consultant and Director at Ycagel, emphasises that with the widespread use of smart speakers and virtual assistants, optimising content for voice search is now a necessity. Voice search is growing rapidly, with significant adoption in both the United States and South Africa. Understanding how voice search works, particularly its reliance on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and the conversational nature of queries, is essential for effective SEO. Key strategies for optimising voice search include focusing on conversational keywords, creating FAQ pages, leveraging local SEO, structuring content for featured snippets, improving page load speed, and using structured data. Embracing these strategies will allow businesses to stay competitive and enhance user experiences in the evolving digital landscape.

Beyond metrics: Trust is crucial to brand building

Vanity metrics aside, trust plays a vital role in the longevity of global brands; with key players such as Google, Coca-Cola, and Apple – which are known for their iconic logos and substantial market shares – focused heavily on continuously building consumer trust. Ivie Media’s partnership with Tractor Outdoor and Lula highlights this approach, providing SMEs with opportunities to boost their visibility and achieve long-term growth. Amid economic challenges, marketing leaders must balance short-term performance with long-term brand building to secure sustainable success.