One month in, how's the 2011 digital strategy shaping up?

Content strategies for consumer and B2B brands should be giving even more consideration to video this year. Audiences are climbing in most countries and engagement remains deep - more below .

Social media is almost certainly already in your plan, and now there are even more reasons for using Facebook, Twitter and Orkut. But check your Facebook, website and Twitter strategies are not doubling up. For three years we've been urging brands to unify messages into a single content calendar that feeds all marketing channels, but most are still paying their agencies twice.

Enjoy the research and news round-up, and update your story choices by clicking the topics you like, here: www.DigitalStrategyConsulting.com/updatemydetails.


Best from all @ Digital


Danny Meadows-Klue
Chief Executive
Digital Training Academy
Digital Strategy Consulting

Martha Lane Fox tests £100 recycled PCs scheme to get Brits online
Martha Lane Fox, founder of Lastminute and the Government's 'digital champion' has announced a scheme for making recycled computers available to the public for less than £100. Lane Fox said the E-cycle scheme will provide PCs with flat screen monitors for as little as £98 through UK online centres, and could provide a significant element to the Race Online 2012 campaign to get more disadvantaged people online. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Piracy websites 'attract 53 billion visits a year'
A sampling of only 22 brands revealed that websites offering pirated digital content and counterfeit goods generate more than 53 billion visits per year, according to a new study. The research, conducted by the brand protection company, sheds light on the scale and complexity of online piracy and counterfeiting problem. Keep reading...
13/01/2011

Top 10 online video sites (viewing figures) - US
Google sites, driven primarily by video viewing at YouTube.com, ranked as the top online video property in Oct 2010, (sites ranked by millions of unique video viewers).

Top 10 online video sites (viewer engagement)- US
Google sites, driven primarily by video viewing at Youtube.com, ranked as the top online video content property for viewer engagement in Oct 2010, followed by Hulu (sites ranked by minutes per viewer).

Video engagement in Spain and Latin America
Viewers in Spain displayed the strongest video engagement, averaging 17 hours per viewer during the month of October. Countries ranked by hours of video watched per viewer.

Video audience in Spain and Latin America
Approximately 85% of home and work Internet users viewed online video during the month of October. Countries ranked by total unique users.

Facebook traffic: Over half social media visits in UK
Top 10 social media sites ranked by market share of UK internet visits, (Sept 2010).

Facebook turns 'likes' into ads with 'Sponsored Stories'
Facebook has introduced a new advertising program called Sponsored Stories, which turns user's actions on the social network, such as 'likes' and 'check-ins' into ads. Designed to build brand buzz, the ads draw on Facebook's "like" and "check-in" features, which site members can use to comment on restaurants, sites, events, products and other items they interact with throughout their day. Keep reading...
27/01/2011

Facebook to launch own-brand mobile with HTC - report
Mobile phone maker HTC is set to unveil two new Facebook-branded handsets as part of a deal with the social networking site next month, according to a news report. City AM reports that the tie-up will be announced at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month. Keep reading...
27/01/2011

Twitter's ad revenue 'may triple to $150m this year'
Twitter's ad revenue is likely to triple to $150 million this year as more companies use it to spread marketing messages, according to a new report. Twitter introduced its advertising program in April last year, and currently generates an estimated $50m per year in ad sales, according to the report from Internet research firm Emarketer. Keep reading...
25/01/2011

Facebook shelves phone and address data sharing plan after privacy outcry
Facebook has put its plans to share users' mobile and home address data with developers on 'temporary hold', after a privacy outcry. The social media giant revealed its plans over the weekend, which would mean that users on third-party applications, such as Farmville and Mafia Wars, will see a pop-up window asking for access to "contact information" including address and mobile phone number. However, critics have pointed out that such a system would be ripe for exploitation from rogue app developers. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Privacy outcry as Facebook gives developers mobile and home address details of users
Facebook is facing further controversy after allowing application developers to access users' home addresses and mobile phone numbers as a matter of course. The move, announced by the social network over the weekend, led online security experts to warn Facebook's half a billion users to remove phone numbers and addresses from the network. Keep reading...
18/01/2011

Over 50s 'adopting mobile social media faster than youngsters'
Almost 400,000 British adults aged over 50 are using social networking sites from their mobiles, and are three times more likely to access social media sites than younger adults, according to new research. The study from Kantar Media's TGI MobiLens survey reveals that the over 50s market has risen in size by 52% since last year and is set to continue to grow rapidly in the coming months and years. Keep reading...
17/01/2011

Social media users 'are more demanding'
Consumers have much higher expectations of social media customer services compared to more traditional channels, according to new research. The study, from Lightspeed Research and the IAB revealed that a quarter of people who complain about brands through Twitter or Facebook expect a response within the hour, and around 6% within 10 minutes. Keep reading...
13/01/2011

Mobile
www.DigitalTrainingAcademy.com/mobilemarketing

Top smartphone platforms: US
Apple and Google smartphone platforms are increasing thier market share at the expense of RIM, Microsoft and Palm.

Smartphone vs feature phone- global youth market
Italy leads in smartphone penetration with 47% of young people aged 15-24 owning a smartphone, compared to 31% of adults over 25.

Smartphone users: Global youth market by gender
All countries tend to skew male in smartphone adoption with the exception of the US, where 55% of smartphone users age 15-24 are female. India has the most severe gender imbalance for smartphone use among subscribers 15-24 (80% male).

Top 30 mobile devices (US)
Smartphones show an increasing presence in the US mobile device market, occupying 7 of the top spots (Oct 2010).

iPhones to replace credit cards? Apple could let users pay with handsets
The next versions of Apple's iPhone and iPad could include technology let customers pay for physical goods using their handheld devices, rather than via bank cards or cash, according to reports. Richard Doherty, director of consulting firm Envisioneering Group, said the services are based on "Near-Field Communication," a technology that can beam and receive information at a distance of up to 4 inches. Keep reading...
27/01/2011

Orange takes on YouTube? Telco buys 49% stake in Dailymotion
French telecommunications provider Orange is in talks with video hosting site Dailymotion to buy a 49% interest for EU58.8m (£50.8m). The deal, which is expected to close within a few months, also gives Orange the option of buying the remaining stake in 2013. Keep reading...
26/01/2011

Heathrow express launches first iPhone train ticket
The first iPhone app enabling people to receive train tickets directly to their iPhone has launched in the UK. Heathrow Express has launched an app to allow passengers to purchase tickets and receive a barcode on their phone - saving time queuing up to collect paper tickets at the station. Keep reading...
21/01/2011

China's state broadcaster CCTV signs up for mobile marketing
The Mobile Division of Chinese Central Television has announced it is 'open for business' for brands wishing to advertise on its mobile WAP portal and iPhone and Android apps. The move has been set up in partnership with CCTV's mobile advertising partner 3rd Space. Keep reading...
18/01/2011

Brands 'failing to measure impact of cross-channel marketing campaigns'
Brand marketers are not integrating online and offline campaigns effectively, and don't have the tools to measure the impact of cross-channel campaigns. This is the finding of Forrester Consulting in a study commissioned by Efficient Frontier, a leading global online performance marketing company. The study, designed to examine the challenges marketers face in managing cross channel campaigns, and integrating search and display advertising campaigns. Keep reading...
20/01/2011

ASA campaign highlights new website remit
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of its broadened remit. From March 1st 2011, the regulator will become responsible for monitoring website-based marketing, in addition to the existing offline channels it already covers. Its cross-media campaign highlights how marketing communications on companies' own websites and in other third party space under their control, such as Facebook and Twitter, will be included under the ASA's remit. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Ecommerce
www.DigitalStrategyConsulting.com/intelligence

How social media drives traffic to online retailers: UK
Top online retail categories receiving traffic from social media sites (Sept, 2010).

Cyber Sunday: Top Xmas shopping websites in the UK
Top shopping and classified websites on Sunday 5th December 2010.

TradeDoubler debuts first 'affiliate app community' with Tesco
Performance marketing company TradeDoubler has launched its Affiliate Revenue Share Community (ARC), with Tesco the first firm to sign up to the scheme. The new scheme will provide Tesco affiliates with a suite of engaging and interactive tools and widgets with which to drive incremental sales. Keep reading...
26/01/2011

Cold weather helps UK online retail sales beat expectations
Shoppers in the UK spent a total of £6.8 billion online during December, equivalent to £111 per person, with sales up by 7% on November and by 25% on December 2009, marking a record high, according to new research. Keep reading...
24/01/2011

US online retail sales up 35% in 2010
A growing number of US shoppers are voting with their keyboards. The latest insider figures show that more people than ever are realizing the benefits of the 'consumer click', with online buying in the US up 35% last year compared to 2009. Retail Decisions (ReD), a world leader in card fraud prevention, has revealed that an estimated $210 billion was spent over the last year - beating all previous records for online spending. ReD's figures, which are based on real-time sales from leading retailers in the US, show that the total number of transactions made online in 2010 is estimated to have reached a remarkable 1.3 billion - compared with 1 billion transactions last year. Keep reading...
14/01/2011

Online shopping growth to slow next Christmas - forecast
Christmas 2011 is set to be a more frugal affair than last year for many online shoppers, according to the latest Logan Tod & Co.'s Annual Online Shopping Index. The study, from the online performance consultancy, warns of predicted growth of 12% to 17% during Christmas 2011, compared to 15 to 20% last Christmas. Keep reading...
13/01/2011

Broadcasting
www.DigitalStrategyConsulting.com/intelligence

Shazam and Syfy make 'Being Human' first Taggable TV series
Shazam has partnered with Syfy to launch the first, series-long 'TV Tagging' initiative with the cable channel's new, original scripted series, Being Human. Keep reading...
24/01/2011

Yahoo to make further job cuts
Yahoo has issued a weaker-than-expected first-quarter sales forecast, as the online media giant announced its second round of layoffs in six weeks, of about 1 percent of its global workforce. Yahoo Inc warned that revenue will again slide this quarter as it bleeds traffic to Google and Facebook and as a much-touted search partnership with Microsoft Corp fails to deliver quick results. Yahoo reported its third consecutive quarter of declining page views on its websites. Keep reading...
27/01/2011

Proxama buys Hypertag to boost Bluetooth and Wi-Fi marketing
Proxama, a developer of mobile payments and near field communications (NFC) technology, has acquired proximity marketing firm Hypertag for an undisclosed sum. Proxama will retain the Hypertag brand in the deal as well as incorporating members of the Hypertag senior management team and key staff into the new set-up. Keep reading...
26/01/2011

Google takes on Groupon with 'Offers' voucher scheme
Google is testing an online voucher scheme called that would give users discounts for limited time deals, in a move that would place it in direct competition with Groupon, the firm it tried to buy late last year. Like Groupon, 'Google Offers' will sell time-limited deals from local vendors, such as restaurants. Ten dollars, for example, might buy $20 worth of food at a local cafe. Keep reading...
24/01/2011

Amazon buys LoveFilm 'for £200m'
Amazon has bought Lovefilm, in a deal that reportedly values the UK-based DVD rental and online video company at £200m. The move is largely seen as a defensive ploy on Amazon's part against a planned international expansion by US video-streaming giant Netflix. Keep reading...
21/01/2011

Kelkoo unveils luxury shopping site 'Select'
Kelkoo Select, the new luxury shopping website from Kelkoo, has launched a service in London offering its members access to handpicked daily offers for events and experiences in the capital. The website provides consumers with tailored offers to suit their lifestyle such as exclusive fashion deals by leading designers, premium tickets to West End premières. Keep reading...
20/01/2011

William Hill debuts Android app
Bookmaker William Hill has launched a brand new Android app for its mobile customers. The new application, which contains new features and enhanced graphics, will allow Android users to access over 40,000 pre match, in-play and speciality markets from William Hill Online on a daily basis. Keep reading...
20/01/2011

I can haz $30m? Lolcats blog network gets funding boost
The Cheezburger Network, owner of popular blogs such as ICanHasCheezburger, FAILBlog and PunditKitchen, has raised $30 million in venture capital. The network, responsible for many of the internet's most widely circulated memes, was formed in 2007 by Beh Huh, and has grown to cover 50 user-generated blogs. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Groupon CEO sorry for Japan's new year meal blunder
The CEO of group-buying discount site Groupon has apologised to Japanese customers Monday for a New Year's deal gone wrong. The blunder involved a deal for delivery of 'osechi'; a traditional New Year's meal, which includes a variety of Japanese dishes painstakingly prepared and beautifully presented. Unfortunately, some customers who paid 10,500 yen ($127) for this particular bargain were left feeling like they had been duped. Many of the 500 osechi sets sold arrived late, while others' meals were in "terrible condition," Mason said. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Zoopla debuts augmented reality property app for Android
Propery site Zoopla has launched an augmented reality app for users of Android powered smartphones, letting users search for property listings on the move. The Zoopla Android app, much like its iPhone counterpart, features hundreds of thousands of property listings, over 16 million sold prices dating back to 1995 and free instant value estimates for every UK home. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Apple CEO Steve Jobs confirms medical leave
Apple CEO and co-founder Steve Jobs is going on a medical leave, the company has announced. "At my request, the board of directors has granted me a medical leave of absence so I can focus on my health," Jobs said in an email to Apple employees. "I will continue as CEO and be involved in major strategic decisions for the company." Apple COO Tim Cook will lead the company's day-to-day operations, as he did when Jobs took a medical leave two years ago. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

Google bounces back in China's search market
Google gained ground in the Chinese search advertising revenue at the end of 2010, after a long decline in its share, according to a Beijing-based market research firm. The search engine giant's share of Chinese search advertising revenue rose to 23.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, a 1.5 percentage-point increase from the third quarter, Analysys International said Tuesday. At the end of 2009, though, Google had a 35.6 percent share. Keep reading...
19/01/2011

we7 takes ad-funded music site to Ireland
Music streaming service we7 has launched in Ireland this week, marking the first move out of the UK for the company since it was established with former Genesis front-man, Peter Gabriel in 2008. As well as being able to create personal radio stations and request songs for free from we7's 6.5 million track music catalogue, Irish listeners will also be able to sign up to we7's monthly Premium and Premium Plus packages. Keep reading...
18/01/2011

Crème Egg campaign invites nation to play 'game of dare' online
Cadbury's has launched a new campaign for its Creme Egg brand, that challenges consumers to take part in 'a massive game of dare' online. Goo Dares Wins, a multi-million integrated marketing campaign will see Creme Egg becoming the first Cadbury brand to link into the Spots v Stripes initiative that aims to get the entire nation playing games. Keep reading...
18/01/2011

Shazam and Spotify announce partnership
Music recognition service Shazam is to integrate Spotify across the full range of Shazam's free and premium Apps for iPhone, iPod touch and Android. Shazam users will now be able to access Spotify directly through a new 'Play in Spotify' feature, which will take them directly to Spotify where they can immediately begin listening to the full track that they either tagged or discovered within Shazam from recommendations or the Shazam charts. Keep reading...
14/01/2011

LivingSocial buys Letsbonus, expands to 25 new countries
Social commerce sites LivingSocial has acquired a majority stake in LetsBonus, one of the original European social shopping sites. The partnership bolsters LivingSocial's rapid international expansion, making it now live in ten countries with the addition of LetsBonus' Spain, Italy, Portugal, Argentina and Mexico presences. LivingSocial now has more than 16 million subscribers, is live in more than 170 markets, and is projected to book in excess of $500 million in revenue in 2011. Keep reading...
14/01/2011