blog
Here you will find the genius, insightful, sometimes random musings of the Cerebra crew. Everyone who works here blogs so the topics are often varied but they’re always worth reading. We also take requests so send in your topics or share your thoughts in the comments.
Client Custodians | Know Thy Client
Submitted by Sara Lopes Moutinho on Thu, 2012-11-08 11:41
Being a proactive and innovative contributor to any client service team requires that you familiarise yourself with digital marketing basics and developments and of course your client, but that goes without saying.
A reactive approach in managing a client’s account is certainly not the most beneficial way of going about things. Long-term futility aside, how much will you ever learn about, teach and progress your client?
Cerebra stands out at Bookmarks 2012
Submitted by Craig Rodney on Fri, 2012-11-02 10:11
You know they say it’s an honour just to have been nominated? It really is, but wow, it feels so much better to win as well!
There are many rewards for hard work, and while successful campaigns and client love are enough, it’s always great to be recognised by your peers at an event like the 2012 Bookmarks awards.
The Bookmarks are to digital people what the Oscars are to actors which is why it was incredibly exciting for Cerebra to have featured so positively this year. We picked up 7 nominations from which we were awarded:
- Best Social Media Marketer – John Beale
- Bronze in the category: Craft Awards – Editorial – G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi
- Bronze in the category: Core Awards – Social, Community and PR – Social Media Properties - Toyota
Client Custodians | Understanding ORM
Submitted by Sara Lopes Moutinho on Thu, 2012-11-01 10:46
Earlier in the year, we introduced you to the concept of Online Reputation Management [ORM], what it’s not and how we do it here at Cerebra. You also learnt that leading ORM tools now incorporate crowdsourcing in their study of brand sentiment; generating results far more relevant and accurate than the industry’s standard. ORM is certainly an ever-evolving concept and tool.
The power of Social Sharing
Submitted by Kate Kearney on Tue, 2012-10-30 12:14
If you have ever cyber-stalked a stranger’s wedding photos, screen-grabbed a hairstyle of someone you have never met or posted a gym workout to Facebook just to prove you went – then this post is for you.
Hello. My name is Kate, and I am a social stalker.
The Internet loves us for this exact reason – everything we do online is a form of stalking: from re-pinning, re-posting and re-tweeting. I can honestly say I have learned more skills by browsing content online than I did during my twelve years of school. I know the best Facebook pages to go to for fitness advice, the best Twitter handles to follow for fashion and beauty advice and the best boards to follow on Pinterest for décor and gardening tips.
Should old school researchers be using new school techniques?
Submitted by Gwen Shipalana on Mon, 2012-10-29 10:42
When I mention the word ‘research’ you would be forgiven for yawning, as yes, traditional research with qualitative and quantitative methods can be laborious and overly time consuming. While I am not trying to dispute the amazing insight and results that can be yielded through investing resources into research, I do wonder if traditional researches are capatilising on modern online research tools.
These new school techniques and methods that I am taking about refer to that of Online Reputation Management, or ORM as it is commonly known. ORM tools afford the user the ability to track online mentions of just about anything, including their brand, competitors, people and events.
Cerebra’s top tips to an engaging Twitter bio
Submitted by Cerebra on Tue, 2012-10-23 12:01
Irrespective of whether the Twitter profile you run is personal, or that of a brand, there are several key elements to an appealing bio that could mean the difference between a new follower or a passer by.
Here are a few suggestions that the Cerebra team has put together:
• Use your real name. This will add credibility to your account.
• Clearly indicate what the community will get in return for following you. Provide some insight into what your interests are and what you do for a living. This will give potential followers an understanding of the various content themes you may be covering.
Cerebra Bookmarks nominations
Submitted by Cerebra on Wed, 2012-10-17 17:03
After months of hard work, sweat and tears, Cerebra is ecstatic to announce that we have been nominated for 7 Bookmark Awards. WOOT!
The Bookmarks is South Africa's annual award for excellence in online publishing and digital marketing. In 2011, Cerebra took home two silver awards from four nominations, and we are hoping for an even bigger success this year.
Cerebra has been nominated in the following categories:
- Core Awards - Social, Community and PR - Social Media Properties Shortlist: Vodacom South Africa
- Core Awards - Social, Community and PR - Social Media Properties Shortlist: Toyota South Africa
- Craft Awards - Editorial Shortlist: Cerebra - G-Connect In-Flight Wi-Fi Editorial
How to use Social Media for your event
Submitted by IanRodney on Tue, 2012-10-16 10:39
It’s no surprise that your event attendees are using social media for everything from complaining about the coffee, to sharing sound bites from their favourite speakers and everything in-between. So why aren’t you?
The conversation is happening so why not participate, engage, develop relationships, build communities and not only facilitate, but drive the discussion?
Traditional PR: Mature kid on the block
Submitted by Brittany Preece on Thu, 2012-10-11 15:06
I recently had the pleasure of meeting blogger and entrepreneur Andy Hadfield at September's 27 Dinner and although we spoke quite briefly, what he said when I told him I work predominantly in traditional media communication got me thinking. His words were something along the lines of "That's cool, PR is really making a comeback."
Those that work at their digital agency's 'PR table' will be surprised to hear this response from a blogger or journalist, as opposed to the spin doctor death stare you usually get. But Andy is correct, traditional PR is making a comeback – good PR that is.
Would the real online influencer please stand up
Submitted by Kate Kearney on Tue, 2012-10-09 11:34
Here’s an idea: “take this product and send this to some online influencers and get them to tweet about it.” Yes, that is a common brief to an agency, and no, you should not simply go ahead and get that done. Unless you’re the Reserve Bank and your product is money, simply sending stuff to an influencer is unlikely to achieve the campaign success you had hoped for.
