Author Archives: Maggs

New Saatchi Boss Plans to Build on a Creative Heritage

Masego Motsogi. Picture: Supplied M&C Saatchi Group South Africa has announced the appointment of industry veteran Masego Motsogi as MD of its Joburg division. In an industry continually dealing with gender disparity, she says it’s the last thing she wants to talk about but recognises she must. She tells the FM the aim of the […]

Why FNB Is South Africa’s Most Valuable Brand

In the annual brand value parade, businesses are having to grapple with the nuances of creating a lasting impression, furiously driving sales and standing out from the competition. For South African brands, the tough journey towards improved pricing power, an embrace of collaborative ecosystems and a consistent commitment to sustainability have played a significant role […]

How AI Can Help PR

Public relations across Africa is evolving at a rapid pace, buoyed by the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI), which is being harnessed to offer more efficient and effective solutions in media monitoring, analysis and reporting, and real-time online conversation tracking. This is one key finding in the first Africa PR & Communications Report, which […]

Measuring Brings Clarity in Uncertain Times

A new debate has been ignited over the value of brand measurement strategies to navigate uncertain economic times and maintain a competitive edge. As companies grapple with this uncertainty, consumer behaviour shifts and growing market pressures, accurately gauging brand performance is emerging as a vital tool for survival and success. Brand measurement provides businesses with […]

Ad Group Nahana Achieves Independence

Thabang Skwambane. Picture: Supplied In a restructuring move other internationally affiliated advertising agency groups in South Africa will watch closely, the Nahana Communications Group, 39% owned by US-based Interpublic Group (IPG), has executed what it calls a deconsolidation deal. Locally the Nahana stable includes FCB Africa, McCann Joburg and The MediaShop. IPG consists of five […]

The Indifferent Consumer: Expectations Are Falling

An air of resignation and lowered expectation hangs over South Africa’s customer service industry, according to the fifth annual edition of the South African Customer Experience Report, out this week. The study, produced by digital agency Rogerwilco, market research company Ovatoyou and Julia Ahlfeldt CX Consulting in partnership, is based on insights from 2,000 South […]

After Cannes, a Cold Wind Is Blowing

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity brings together professionals working in the creative space. Picture: GETTY IMAGES/FRANCOIS G DURAND   The world’s marketing and advertising industry makes a European midsummer pilgrimage to the south of France every year to be awarded, to network and to look at trends shaping the sector for the next […]

How Empathy Can Boost a Brand

Advertising campaigns that make a clear, unambiguous promise to the customer and understand the human side of behaviour are more likely to drive brand health, market share, and long-term sales, says a new study from The B2B Institute, LinkedIn’s marketing think-tank, in partnership with the World Advertising Research Council. And that sentiment is finding increasing […]

Small Agencies Offer Big Benefits

A new generation of independent, locally owned communication agencies is rapidly rewriting the rules of the game as brands increasingly look for more personal attention, quicker work turnaround times and added value that goes beyond rigid time sheets. Retroviral, which counts among its clients the feminine hygiene brand Lil-Lets, Blue Ribbon bread and Ryobi power […]