What a year 2019 has been for the marketing industry! We’ve seen omnichannel marketing strategies trending, artificial intelligence on the scene more than ever before and chatbots popping up just about everywhere.

So, are you ready to check out the best marketing content that 2019 has to offer? Look no further! media update’s Aisling McCarthy takes you through the five best marketing stories of the year.

1. Understanding the POPI Act: 10 FAQs answered

The POPI Act was enacted in 2013, but has yet to be put into practice in South Africa. Its impending implementation has sent many business owners and marketers into a frenzy to ensure that their practices do not contradict the Act.

To make sure you are 100% ready for the implementation, media update answers some of the most frequently asked questions about the Act.

You’ll find answers to questions like:
  • Who will the POPI Act affect?
  • Why should I comply?
  • Is POPI the same thing as the GDPR?
  • Do marketers need to get permission to contact consumers already on their direct mailing lists?
The Act will introduce certain conditions that will establish the minimum requirements that businesses must comply with when processing personal information.

2. Five trends shaping influencer marketing in 2019

Influencer marketing was undoubtedly one of the hottest trends to develop in 2019. It involves a partnership between a brand and a social media user with a large following. The brand leverages the influencer's audience to make sales, and the influencer receives free or discounted products from the brand, or they can be paid directly by the brand.

Since influencer marketing played such a big role in the marketing industry in 2019, here are some of the trends we saw throughout the year:
  • Instagram is king
  • Influencer marketing should complement your strategy
  • Nano-influencers are vital
  • Say ‘hello’ to long-term relationships
  • Reaching beyond reach
If you employ an influencer and can’t understand why your brand message isn’t getting across, it is because you need to share that message across multiple channels.

3. The South African freelancer conundrum: How much should I charge?

Congratulations — you’re a freelancer! Master of your own fate and the CEO of your own, personal enterprise …

So once you’ve actually found someone willing to pay you for your work, the real question is: How much do I charge for my work?

Luckily, the South African Freelancers’ Association has put out a report that offers the recommended rates for South African freelancers.

media update’s article covers the rates for:
  • Writing and content development
  • Advertising
  • Public relations and communications
  • Online content
  • Social media
  • Editing
We aim to not only raise the standard of freelancing in the media and communications industry but raise the level of pay for all.

4. Five reasons why print should be part of your marketing strategy

Print is often overlooked by marketers as being obsolete and stuck in the past. But, print is actually a huge asset to marketers and should still be incorporated into their strategies.

There are so many ways in which print can aid marketers and advertisers with their campaigns.

Here are five reasons why you should be using print in your marketing strategy:
  • Print offers unbeatable ROI
  • Integration
  • Trust
  • Targeting
  • Measurement
As customers have been increasing suspicious of media and marketing messages, especially those online, over the past decade. It is time for marketers to find a more trustworthy alternative, like print. 

5. Infographic: Five ways digital marketing has changed the ad industry 

It’s no secret that digital technology is changing everyday life – from the way we communicate to the way understand our news – and even order our food. But one question that should be on the lips of all marketers is: How have these advances transformed the advertising industry?

media update covers five ways that digital advertising has shaken up the advertising industry in a nifty infographic. 

Here’s how:
  • Communication is now instantaneous
  • There is plenty of consumer data available
  • Emphasis has been placed on brands’ transparency
  • Brands are using micro-influencers more and more
  • Brands are constantly having to catch up
Digital marketing, unlike traditional advertising methods, uses social media and the Internet to allow brands to converse directly with thousands of potential consumers.

What other content made an impression on you in 2019? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Want to stay up to date with the latest news? Subscribe to our newsletter.

Now that we know the best of what 2019 had to offer, why not take a sneak peek into what 2020 has in store. Check out these Five marketing trends for 2020.
*Image courtesy of Vecteezy