1. Twitter says it has fixed a security vulnerability that allowed threat actors to compile information of 5.4 million Twitter accounts, which were listed for sale on a known cybercrime forum. The data includes user names, email addresses, and phone numbers. While the full extent of the damage is not yet known, it's possible that the leak could
be used to expose the identities of pseudonymous Twitter users or even to target high-profile users with spear phishing attacks. This is a serious security breach, and Twitter is currently working to contain the damage. In the meantime, users should be extra vigilant about any suspicious emails or text messages they may receive.
2. With LinkedIn recently announcing that the creation of live events has increased 150% year-over-year, now
might be the time to consider using the platform as a supplementary channel for promoting and even hosting your events. LinkedIn’s live events option has gained significant traction during the pandemic, with virtual meet-ups of this type now being a more viable, accessible option for many people. There may be additional avenues to explore in terms of how you can use LinkedIn to reach your target audience and promote your events. For example, you could use LinkedIn’s ‘Sponsored Content’
feature to boost awareness of your event, or even create a dedicated landing page on your company’s website. With so many possibilities now available, it’s worth considering how LinkedIn could play a role in your event marketing strategy.
3. Arlo was an independent entity and its first order of business was to pour money into performance marketing to drum up sales. This is what it did for nearly three years; however, there was a
problem. A lot of people still don’t know what Arlo is. In early August, Arlo launched its first-ever brand campaign, “Protect Your Everything,” spanning both national TV and streaming, with digital and social also in rotation. The goal of the campaign is to increase brand awareness and educate consumers on the benefits of owning an Arlo security camera. Only time will tell if this strategy is successful, but it is a step in the right direction for a company that has struggled to gain name
recognition.
4. As the cannabis industry matures, brands are increasingly adopting a CPG approach to advertising and marketing. One such brand is Curaleaf, which operates in a number of US states. Curaleaf plans out monthly budgets for each state based on the revenue derived from that state. These budgets are not set in stone – if Curaleaf needs to move budget to different locations based on new initiatives, the company will do
so. This flexible approach allows Curaleaf to quickly adapt its ad spending strategy to the ever-changing landscape of the cannabis industry. So far, this strategy appears to be working well for the company – Curaleaf is one of the leading brands in the US cannabis market.
5. Facebook's WhatsApp Business messaging app is being expanded with new features aimed at helping small businesses stay in touch with their customers. The
app, which was launched in 2018, will soon offer a premium service with additional features, such as the ability to send messages to up to 20,000 people at once. Whatsapp is also doubling down on a newer advertising format called "click-to-message," which allows businesses to place ads that customers can click on to send a message directly to the business. The app has been a hit with small businesses, and the new features are likely to make it even more popular. With Whatsapp Business, small
businesses now have a powerful tool for staying in touch with their customers and growing their business.
6. At first glance, it may seem like Roku is simply trying to make a quick buck by charging streaming services for the privilege of being featured on its remote controls. However, there's actually a lot more to it than that. For one thing, Roku's prominence as a major player in the streaming market means that having your
button on its remote can be a valuable marketing opportunity. In addition, given the fact that Roku's interface is already fairly cluttered, featuring too many buttons would only serve to make it more confusing and difficult to use. As such, Roku's decision to limit the number of featured buttons makes perfect sense from both a business and design perspective.
7. This August and September, travel retailer FS Group is launching its biggest
beauty campaign yet. Titled "Open Up Your Horizons," the campaign invites customers to explore the world of beauty through a new virtual universe called DFS World. The campaign will feature a range of premium beauty products, including skincare, fragrances, cosmetics, and more. With so many options available, customers are sure to find something to suit their individual needs and taste. In addition, the campaign will offer exclusive discounts and offers, making it the perfect time to
stock up on all your favorite beauty products. So whether you're looking for a new signature scent or want to try out the latest skincare trends, be sure to check out FS Group's "Open Up Your Horizons" campaign this August and September.
8. Raj Gokal, co-founder of Solana, recently spoke to TechCrunch about the potential for NFTs. According to Gokal, NFTs have a range of potential applications, from gaming to music. He expects
that many startups will begin to explore these possibilities in the near future. Already, there is a great deal of activity in this area, with new projects springing up all the time. It seems likely that NFTs will soon become an integral part of the crypto world.
9. As the popularity of short-form video content continues to grow, more and more brands are looking for ways to get involved. One of the latest is Sweetarts, which is owned
by Ferrero. The brand is hosting a branded film festival on TikTok, encouraging young filmmakers to submit their creations. The festival is being promoted with the help of actress and TikTok creator Xóchitl Gómez, who is known for her roles in “The Baby Sitters Club” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” This is a great opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to get their work seen by a wider audience, and it’s also a clever marketing move by Sweetarts. By aligning itself with
up-and-coming talent, the brand is sure to stay top of mind with its target audience.
10. This year, Instagram will remain the top platform for influencer marketing, despite increased competition from TikTok. Marketers in the United States are expected to spend $2.23 billion on influencer marketing on Instagram in 2020, compared to $948 million on Google's YouTube and $774.8 million on TikTok. However, TikTok is a relative newcomer to
the influencer marketing scene, and it still has a long way to go to catch up to Instagram. For one thing, TikTok is focused primarily on short-form video content, while Instagram offers a wider range of content types, including photos, Stories, and long-form videos. In addition, Instagram has a much larger user base than TikTok: as of January 2020, Instagram had 1 billion monthly active users, while TikTok had 500 million MAUs. Finally, Instagram is owned by Facebook, which gives it a major
advantage in terms of resources and reach. For all these reasons, it's clear that Instagram will continue to dominate the influencer marketing landscape in 2020.