Benefits of Content Marketing

Social Media Trends & News: October 2023

Social media is a constantly changing landscape, with platforms continually seeking ways to keep their users engaged through exciting new features and updates. Lucky for you, we’re here to keep you in the loop! We’ve got the latest scoop on all the hottest social media news, from Instagram’s interesting new tests to TikTok’s venture into the real world, and even LinkedIn’s major milestones. Get ready for an informative and exciting roundup of the latest developments in social media! Let’s jump right in.

Instagram: A Playground for New Features

Instagram, owned by Meta, is on a roll with a series of new features that are bound to change the way we interact on the platform. The test phase has seen the introduction of several exciting options:

Nearby Stories Feed: Instagram is experimenting with a Nearby Stories feed, designed to connect users with local businesses and brands based on their geographical location. This opens up new possibilities for local promotion.
Meta Verified-only Feed: Although currently in a limited test phase for select users, this feature is expected to be more widely accessible in the coming months. It will allow Meta-verified accounts to interact in a dedicated feed, potentially enhancing the experience for users and creators.
Polls in In-feed Posts and Reels: Instagram is bringing a new level of interactivity to your posts by letting you add polls directly within in-feed posts and reels, making engagement even more dynamic.
Cut-and-Paste Stickers: This exciting addition lets you create stickers from objects within your images using a photo-cutout process. It’s a bit like Apple’s feature, offering users a creative and fun way to enhance their content.

Despite its popularity, Instagram is currently facing a stormy period. The platform has come under intense scrutiny as 41 states and DC have filed lawsuits against Meta, the parent company of Instagram. These legal actions claim that Instagram has deliberately incorporated features that are detrimental to teenagers and young users. Disturbingly, internal research conducted in March 2020 unveiled the harmful impact of Instagram on the mental well-being and body image of adolescent girls. These allegations are reminiscent of the tobacco industry’s notorious history of prioritizing profits over acknowledging the documented harm caused by their products. Instagram’s carefully curated portrayal of seemingly perfect lives and manipulated images is undeniably contributing to these negative effects.

Threads: Expanding Horizons

Threads, another platform under the Meta umbrella, is testing new features and seeing impressive growth. Here’s what’s in store:

‘For You on Threads’ Feature: Threads is taking a page out of Instagram’s book by introducing a ‘For You on Threads’ feature, similar to Instagram’s ‘For You’ feed. This is set to enhance user engagement and content discovery on the platform.
Polls and GIFs: Threads users can now add polls and GIFs to their posts, making interactions more lively and fun.

In addition to these updates, Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta is exploring transformative AI initiatives that could potentially change the game for social media influencers. These include AI-driven chatbots and the Meta AI assistant, aiming to boost user engagement and monetization. Zuckerberg believes that generative AI technology will redefine content creation, ushering in a new era of personalized and engaging experiences for users, as well as revolutionizing advertising.

TikTok: Breaking Boundaries

TikTok, the viral short-video platform, is not one to stay still either. In October 2023, they are testing a few interesting features:

15-Minute Video Uploads: TikTok is experimenting with allowing users to upload longer videos, giving creators more room to express themselves.
Out of Phone: TikTok has unveiled “Out of Phone,” a solution that extends TikTok content into the real world. Partners and brands can now showcase TikTok content on billboards, kiosks, cinemas, and various other public spaces. This new venture provides an exciting opportunity for brands to engage with diverse audiences beyond the confines of the digital realm.

Additionally, TikTok is eyeing a “Twitter Killer,” similar to Meta’s Threads. The platform now allows users to post text updates of up to 1,000 characters, which can be enhanced with sound and location tags. This move aims to expand the range of content on TikTok and encourage more engagement with text-based posts.

Adding to the excitement, TikTok is set to dazzle Arizona on December 10th with an electrifying live music event, featuring chart-topping sensations like Cardi B, Niall Horan, Anitta, and Charlie Puth. This remarkable showcase solidifies TikTok’s unrivaled status as a true trendsetter in the world of music.

Linkedin: Hitting Milestones

LinkedIn has achieved a significant milestone by reaching nearly 1 billion users. However, this accomplishment comes with a caveat, as the platform has also announced layoffs of almost 700 employees. This move highlights LinkedIn’s quest for strategic optimization and cost-efficiency.

Pinterest: Empowering Creators

Pinterest is going above and beyond to empower content creators on its platform. Introducing the Creators platform, a valuable resource dedicated to educating creators on how to maximize their pins and monetize their presence. This platform offers comprehensive guides on optimizing pin utilization, gaining exposure on Pinterest’s editorial surfaces, and aligning with the latest platform-promoted trends.

But that’s not all! Pinterest has also launched education walk-throughs, providing creators with specific tips for success within the app. This initiative is just one piece of Pinterest’s larger puzzle, as they strive to empower content creators. It perfectly complements their Creator Fund and other programs designed to provide unwavering support to these talented individuals.

In October 2023, social media buzzed with exciting updates and innovations across various platforms, from Instagram’s feature-rich developments to Threads’ expansion, TikTok’s unique ventures, LinkedIn’s significant milestones, and Pinterest’s support for creators. Staying informed about these trends is essential to keep your social media strategies cutting-edge and effective in engaging your audience.

To remain at the forefront of these dynamic changes and receive valuable insights, consider subscribing to Ultraviolet Agency’s monthly newsletter. Our expert tips and analysis will help you navigate the ever-evolving social media landscape, ensuring that your strategies remain ahead of the curve. Embrace these opportunities and developments across the social media landscape, and stay at the forefront of this ever-evolving digital realm!

Exploring the Latest Interior Trends and Must-See Highlights at High Point Market This Fall

Hey design enthusiasts! As 2024 approaches, there’s a buzz around fresh interior design trends. And guess where you can catch all the excitement firsthand? High Point Market, October 14-18, 2023.

It’s the go-to event for unveiling up-and-coming interior styles, trends, and products; a space where the newest, most exciting home furnishing concepts come to life, setting the tone for the year ahead. If you’re passionate about home décor and design, this is where you’ll want to be to welcome 2024 in style.

Here’s a look at 3 of the events and ideas we’re most excited about checking out:

1. Keeping It Green: The Power of Sustainable Design

Let’s get real for a moment. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword that’s been doing the rounds; it’s the need of the hour. Everywhere you look, there’s a growing concern about our planet. The collective conscience is ringing alarm bells, making it clear that our lifestyles, our choices, and our designs play a pivotal role in shaping the world’s future.

Lucy Interior Design Canada photo — A biophilic and sustainable cabin on the shores of Lake Huron uses an abundance of wood, natural stone, earthenware and plants to connect the home to nature. Organic materials include Douglas Fir and Basalt stone in natural finishes. Sustainable, eco-friendly furnishings are used throughout. Local craftsmen, artisans and carpenters were employed and native materials were used to support the community. Design: Lucy Interiors. Photographer: Spacecrafting.

Enter the hero of our story: good design. But wait, what do we even mean by “good design”? Is it something that just looks visually appealing? Maybe something a client nods in approval at? Or perhaps, a design that triggers the exact reaction we desire? Sure, all of these play a role.

Now most importantly, good design transcends business objectives. It’s simply… good for the soul and the world.

Now, if you’re curious about diving deeper into the world of sustainable design, the session on Mon., Oct 16 at 2 p.m., located at The Point at High Point Market, titled “BTS for a Sustainable Future: Insights from the Designers and Manufacturers Leading the Way” is a must-attend. With a powerhouse lineup of industry leaders, including designer Lucy Penfield of Lucy Interiors, Sustainable Furnishings Council Executive Director Scarlette Tapp, UNIFI®, the Makers of REPREVE®, SVP of Sustainability Technology & Innovation Meredith Boyd, and Polycor Director of Environment & Sustainability Ralph Morgan, this discussion promises to illuminate the nuances of sustainable design practices.

Another don’t miss sustainability event is the CEU opportunity “Closing The Design Loop with Natural Stone Surfaces,” presented by Polycor.

Georgia Marble fireplace from Polycor — “True luxury and sustainability comes from merging the client’s way of living with this sense of mindfulness and design.” said Tommy Zung.. Photo features Zung Studio project featuring Polycor book matched *Georgia Marble™ – Pearl Grey* *honed finish on the show-stopping fireplace complete with an* *Alberene Soapstone™* *hearth.*

More on this panel and all the happenings at The Point here.

2. The Evolution of Design Marketing: A 2024 Perspective

Navigating the ever-changing waters of marketing, especially in the realm of design, requires more than just a keen sense of style; it demands a solid foundation in messaging, diverse channel engagement, and a robust PR strategy. With 2024 almost upon us, these foundational principles are more relevant than ever, and the “Future of Marketing for Designers: Tips and Advice from the Home Industry’s Top Agencies” is set to be an enlightening discussion on just this.

At its core, creating a brand that resonates isn’t just about aesthetics or buzzwords. It’s about crafting a message that resonates, understanding where and how to invest in marketing efforts for optimal reach and resonance, and setting into motion a PR plan that elevates the brand’s visibility and connection with its audience.

Here’s the whos-who:

Ericka Saurit with her seasoned marketing insights,
Franziska Neuman bringing a fresh perspective on brand-building,
Our own Jennifer Smiga highlighting the power of narrative,
Molly Schoneveld discussing the nuances of PR,
Michelle Peranteau sharing her foresight on emerging trends, and
Tori Sikkema focusing on tailored marketing strategies for the design sphere.

This session is on Mon., Oct 16 at 2 p.m., hosted by Universal Furniture International, Inc. (heads up for those making the journey – they’re at Shuttle Stop: 15 on the Red Line), and promises to be an in-depth exploration of the pivotal marketing trends that are shaping the industry.

And a gentle reminder: an RSVP is required for this session. It’s an opportunity to arm oneself with knowledge and insights, directly from the best in the industry. Don’t miss out!

3. Unveiling the Trends: 2024’s Home Design Forecast

If you’re the kind to be first in line to know about the latest in the home decor world, then High Point Market is where you should be. With a whole array of fresh off the drawing board designs, here’s a first glimpse of what Fall Market has prepped for its audience:

S/23’s Trend – “Symbiotic”: A celebration of nature and its myriad inspirations. With the increasing emphasis on sustainability, the trend is all about organically inspired designs, drawing heavily from earthy elements and centered practices. It’s nature but make it chic.

2024’s Trend – “Divine”: As the world shifts into its new phase, there’s a rising trend that echoes this transformation. Our homes are not just living spaces; they’re sanctuaries, places where the soul finds peace, rejuvenates, and embarks on a journey of self-discovery. It’s the age of self-care, and our homes are mirroring that sentiment.

The Continuing Trend – “Dopamine”: A splash of color, a dash of nostalgia, and a whole lot of vibrancy – that’s Dopamine Decor for you. Think of it as a throwback to your teenage years, with your room plastered with posters and quirky artifacts, but with a sophisticated twist. It’s eclectic, it’s fun, and most importantly, it brings joy. It’s about going all out yet ensuring it all melds into a harmonious aesthetic.

And don’t miss other inspiring programs:

Style Spotters Alumni All-Stars: Dive into the High Point Market with the unique Style Spotters Program. Here, design gurus navigate 11.5M square feet of showroom space to highlight the latest in home furnishings trends. A VIP experience unlike any other!

Design Influencers Tour: Join ten design influencers for a two-day exploration at High Point Market. Delve deep into brand stories, discover innovative products, and afterwards, get inspired as designers share their top picks and memories online. Stay connected with #designinfluencerstour.

Diversity Advocacy Alliance (DAA): Championing diversity, the Diversity Advocacy Alliance, in collaboration with the High Point Market Authority, works diligently to uplift BIPOC voices. Their mission? Ensure fairness, inclusivity, and genuine representation in the home furnishings sector.

From nature-inspired themes to introspective designs to the lively and vibrant, the future of interior design is diverse, inclusive, and oh-so-exciting. So, gear up and let these trends inspire, challenge, and redefine your design perspectives.

Make your plans to visit today!

From Creation to Conversion: Content Marketing & Multi-Touch Attribution

In the digital landscape, where strategies reign supreme, two powerhouse concepts have emerged as titans of the marketing arena: Content Marketing and Multi-Touch Attribution (MTA). Marrying MTA with Content Marketing can be like pairing a master detective with a gifted storyteller. Let’s decode the differences between these two strategies, explore their benefits, and shed light on how they can harmoniously work together to supercharge your marketing efforts.

Content Marketing: Perks of Being a Storyteller

Picture yourself around a campfire, captivated by an enthralling story. Now, imagine that story is about a brand or product, and instead of a campfire, you’re scrolling through your phone or reading a blog post. That’s the magic of content marketing at its core: storytelling that engages and educates, not just advertises.

Content Marketing is like being a storyteller for your brand, weaving narratives that captivate, inform, and inspire. Instead of shouting “Buy this!” from the rooftops, you’re sitting down with your audience, saying, “Let me share something you might find interesting.” It’s a shift from selling to meaningful engagement, turning brands into trusted publishers and products into compelling tales.

Why Content Marketing Is a Game-Changer

Building Trust:

Quality content can establish your brand as an industry expert. If readers consistently find value in your content, they’ll come to trust your brand and its message. Through insightful blog posts, e-books, infographics, and videos, Interior designers seeking inspiration and building product brands looking for innovation will be drawn to your expertise.

Drive Organic Traffic:

Content that incorporates relevant keywords helps your website rank higher on search engines. This means that when someone searches for “innovative building materials” or “timeless interior design,” your content appears. With search engines prioritizing high-quality, relevant content, a strong content marketing strategy can boost your SEO, making it easier for customers to find you.

Nurture Relationships:

Content Marketing isn’t a one-off interaction. It’s a story, a conversation. By narrating success stories, sharing design trends, or offering tips, you capture your audience’s imagination and keep them returning for more. And by continuously providing value, you can cultivate long-term relationships with your audience, turning casual visitors into loyal customers.

So, How’s it Different from Multi-Touch Attribution?

Content Marketing is about planting and nurturing ideas and relationships, Multi-Touch Attribution’s got its magnifying glass out, tracking every step taken along the way by your audience.

Multi-Touch Attribution: Perks of Going Detective Mode

Multi-touch attribution is the process of determining which marketing touch points a consumer encounters and assigning a value to each of them – from social media to email campaigns to website visits. MTA is like having a map of your customer’s journey, allowing you to see every pit stop, detour, and final dash they made before reaching the treasure of conversion. This approach helps marketers understand which touch points (or combinations thereof) are most effective and how they influence the decision to convert.

With that map in hand, marketers can make informed decisions, optimize their strategies, and ultimately discover even more treasure in the vast digital landscape.

Why MTA is a Big Deal

Get The Complete Picture:

Instead of giving all the credit to the last touchpoint (like the final ad a user clicked on before buying), MTA looks at the entire journey. So, if a user saw a Facebook ad, read an email newsletter, and then clicked on a Google ad before purchasing, MTA helps you know and value each of those interactions.

Optimizing Spend:

By knowing which touchpoints are most effective, marketers can allocate their budget more efficiently. Why spend heaps on a flashy billboard if your data suggests online video ads drive more conversions?

Personalization:

If you see a pattern – say, customers who engage with a specific type of content are more likely to convert – you can tailor future campaigns to capitalize on this insight.

So, How’s it Different from Content Marketing?

Multi-Touch Attribution is like a detective’s toolkit, where you analyze clues to deduce patterns. Content Marketing crafts the clues themselves, creating engaging narratives that resonate with your audience’s aspirations.

Better Together: Content Marketing and Multi-Touch Attribution

Pairing Multi-Touch Attribution with Content Marketing can be like putting a master detective to work with a gifted storyteller, where insights meet engagement. Let’s break down how these two can harmoniously work together to supercharge a marketing strategy.

Informing Content Strategy: MTA provides a deep dive into which touchpoints your audience interacts with most before converting. And by understanding which touchpoints are influential, marketers can discover what topics or content types resonate most.
Content Placement & Distribution: MTA can highlight which channels are most effective for content distribution. And by analyzing when consumers engage with content during their journey, marketers can optimize when to release new content or when to repost/resurface older, evergreen content.
Personalized Content: Using insights from MTA, marketers can customize content for specific audiences. If a segment of interior designers frequently interacts with video content before a purchase, crafting more videos tailored to that demographic would be the smart decision.
Budget Allocation: By understanding which content pieces and channels contribute most to conversions, marketers can make informed decisions about where to allocate resources, ensuring the most bang for their buck.
Continuous Feedback: MTA provides feedback on content performance. If a new content format or topic isn’t contributing to the conversion path, marketers can quickly pivot and refine messaging and presentation based on what leads to actual conversions.

While Content Marketing tells the brand story, MTA tracks how this story is consumed, where it resonates, and where it falls flat. By combining the narrative power of Content Marketing with the analytical prowess of MTA, marketers can craft stories that not only captivate but also effectively drive conversions.

Learn how ultraviolet can help take your marketing strategy to the next level. Contact us today.