Why is Unilever having second thoughts about advertising on Facebook?

Unilever’s chief marketing officer, Keith Weed, has said that the company might stop advertising on Facebook and other online platforms. This announcement goes against the trend in advertisement spend, as more and more companies are looking at online platforms as a cost-effective way of communicating with their customers. Online social networks (OSNs) – like Facebook … Continue reading Why is Unilever having second thoughts about advertising on Facebook?

Three essential podcasts for marketers in a hurry (and really busy marketing students)

I am a big fan of podcasts. They are a great way of learning about a broad range of topics or, conversely, of staying informed about a particular topic. And they are perfect for those of us who want to learn more, but feel that they are already spending too much time in front of … Continue reading Three essential podcasts for marketers in a hurry (and really busy marketing students)

When the firm’s customer is the public’s enemy

Sometimes, good customers do bad things. I mean, they do things that are good for the business, but which may have negative consequences for the wider public. In those cases, the government may intervene and demand that the firm acts in a way that meet the government’s goals (regarding the public good) but which runs contrary … Continue reading When the firm’s customer is the public’s enemy

This blog is 8

Last Saturday (6th January), marked the 8th anniversary of this blog. When I mentioned this to the teen (a keen blogger, too), she asked how my first and my latest blog post compared. Interesting question, teen. Here is what I found. My first post was about the role of the audience in shaping the message. … Continue reading This blog is 8

Level vs source of customer (dis)satisfaction

We sometimes think of customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction as two sides of the same coin. If a certain feature is present – say, courteous service – customers leave satisfied; if that same feature is absent, customers leave dissatisfied. So, to have happy customers, all we need to do is keep improving on that feature. … Continue reading Level vs source of customer (dis)satisfaction

Resource on the sociology of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision making

In my process of learning about artificial intelligence, and reflecting on its implications for society (and marketing, as part of it), I came across the work of Zeynep Tufekci. She works on the sociology of technology, for instance the social consequences of algorithmic manipulation, or how people in power use artificial intelligence to manipulate us: … Continue reading Resource on the sociology of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision making

Talk by UK Country Manager for Amazon, Doug Gurr

Amazon is much maligned for the effect it has on small retailers (not just bookstores), how it treats its warehouse workers, tax avoidance and other controversies. But one thing is true: it has amazing customer service. I have been on the receiving end of great customer service from Amazon on numerous occasions and, again, this … Continue reading Talk by UK Country Manager for Amazon, Doug Gurr

Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Marketing

The talented Daniela Castillo and I are organising a workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Marketing. Our aim is to bring together 12 participants for in-depth discussions about: Developments in Artificial Intelligence What this means for marketing – e.g., in terms of customer behaviour, marketing strategy, and even the role of marketing and marketers Methodological issues … Continue reading Workshop on Artificial Intelligence in Marketing

Their social lives are not better than yours

Christmas can be a very difficult time of the year for many. For instance, there are the memories of loved ones lost, there are financial pressures, and there are the physical and emotional labour of family get-togethers. Plus, everywhere we turn – in the movies, magazines, stores, the street and, of course, social media - … Continue reading Their social lives are not better than yours

November 2017 round-up

Jeez, the days and weeks seem to roll into each other, faster and faster, as we approach the end of the year! They say that time flies when you are having fun, and I sure had some fun this month. We had some friends around for Bonfire Night. Then, I went to London with … Continue reading November 2017 round-up