SocialMinds - A Social Media Marketing Podcast

The metaverse is an inevitability. But that doesn't mean brands should rush to jump on the hype without stopping to understand it. In this special episode of Social Minds, recorded LIVE, a select group of our top experts talk all things NFTs, Web3 and blockchain technology, and answer real questions from real brands. Expect to learn the difference between genius branded NFTs and gimmicks, the implications of crypto for sustainable brands, and what digital marketing will look like in a decentralised landscape. Got a question or a suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected].

This week on Social in Six, we discuss Instagram's new longer Stories update, Twitter's Live Shopping feature, and TikTok's new in-built video tagging option. We also go over WhatsApp's possible Instagram Reels integration, Facebook's new Creator Studio analytics tools, and TikTok expanding creator access to new monetisation features including Tips and video gifts for regular videos. Got a question or a suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected].

No brand is a stranger to verbal abuse on social media, but few know how deep the problem is rooted in human behaviour and which platform features exacerbate certain elements of those actions. Our guest this week is Claire Hardaker, forensic and corpus linguist and senior lecturer in linguistics and english language at Lancaster University. In this episode, she explains the psychological factors that drive verbal abuse, how to tell trolling apart from genuine criticism, and where big tech's response is satisfactory, or not. Plus we discuss our best possible solutions for dealing with it - and, spoiler alert, it isn't providing government I.D. Got a question or suggestion for Social Minds? Get in touch at [email protected]

ROI is most likely your main campaign metric, but ROI goes down the more you grow. That's why you have to consider smarter ways to measure your performance and learn how to avoid relying on ROI, which we answer in this episode. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

This week on Social in Six, we're talking about Facebook Groups' new commerce features, YouTube's plans for shoppable live streams, and Workplace's integration with Microsoft Teams. We also cover two new features from Snapchat, Layers in Snap Map and a new food scanner, as well as Instagram's change to Carousel posts. Finally we reveal the ad targeting groups now banned by Facebook and Instagram. Got a question or a suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected].

Marketers like to lean on industry jargon, but this only complicates the message for your audience and your team. For TikTok, eradicating jargon around the office is just one way improving internal comms has bolstered its external content. In this episode, we're joined by TikTok's global head of social media marketing, Daniel Bulteel, previously of Adidas and WPP. We discuss how TikTok's marketing team has to be the best on the platform, how to trade traditional objectives for a principle-based output, and the danger of creating a strategic playbook. Got a question or suggestion for Social Minds? Get in touch at [email protected]

Everyone's heard the phrase 'a Starbucks on every corner'. But what does that kind of exposure look like in the digital landscape? In this episode, find out how to leverage multiple channels to stay top-of-mind. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

This week on Social in Six, we cover the rollout of both Twitter Spaces and Twitter Super Follows, as well as TikTok's take on Twitter's Tip Jar that rolls out soon. We're also talking all things Instagram, as the platform launches two new stickers and several new effects for Reels. Finally we explain the new additions to LinkedIn Company Pages. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

TikTok's advertising model has evolved enormously over the last year alone. No longer just a place to kickstart a dance challenge, TikTok Ads offer brands an affordable way to reach millions - and the app has an important role to play in the absence of third-party cookies. In this episode, Social Chain's media planning director Roxanne Parker reveals the key to creating a smart paid strategy on TikTok. We cover the benefits over using TikTok over other platforms, comparing its campaign manager, what a paid TikTok campaign is likely to cost you, and where creators come into play. Got a question or a suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

Since Apple's iOS 14.5 update, 96% of US users have opted out of ad tracking - and we can assume the trend is similar in the UK. In this episode, find out what data your brand is losing and how to build your strategy back better. Have a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

In this week's Social in Six, we're discussing Instagram's LIVE Practice Mode and scheduling, desktop posting as well as customisable link stickers. We'll be covering Pinterest's new redesign and all the new features that come with it, and we'll go over the placement Twitter is currently eyeing up for ads. Finally we talk about WhatsApp's new shopping feature Collections, and the rollout of Twitter Spaces. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected]

Every brand understands the importance of storytelling, and of presenting a clear message and narrative. But the majority of brands believe that copywriters exist only to add or edit the words, which is a task many attempt to do without the aid of a professional. In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Boulton, copywriter, senior lecturer at the University of Lincoln, and author of Copywriting Is and Adele Writes An Ad. We discuss why misunderstanding or underrating copywriting is equal to torpedoing your own content, what the ideal stage is to bring a copywriter onto a project, and exactly what a talented writer can do for your brand's success if utilised correctly. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected].

On social, views are counted by the number of people who have watched the first three seconds of your ad - not the full thing. In this episode, Pollyanna reveals how to increase ad recall from your paid social by carefully selecting what to show in that window. Have a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

This week on Social in Six, we discuss the end of IGTV as we know it, the features available with Twitter's new Professional Profiles for businesses, and what the launch of Facebook Reels in the US means. We also cover LinkedIn's test of paid, ticketed Events - and the monetisation it brings for creators - as well as Facebook's Content Distribution Guidelines that inform Pages why their reach is being throttled. Finally we reveal what Twitter Spaces' new recording option means for repurposing your audio content. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Have you ever known your brand or client should be on a new channel or trying out a new feature, but their caution is hurting their performance? In this episode, Pollyanna explains exactly how you can absolve them of fear and meet your goals by going for a walk, a jog, and a sprint. Have a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

Every major social platform has been improving their creator offering over the last 12 months. The difference now is that creators know their worth, have agency over which brands they choose to work with, and are an asset no brand or platform can afford to lose. In this episode we're joined by Meridith Rojas, the global head of entertainment and creator marketing at Logitech. We discuss why brands should invest in and develop talent, when to collaborate before a star's rise to fame, and how to vet talent for your campaigns. We also cover the factors driving the creator boom and the expectations on brands now creators are the ones calling the shots. Have a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Get in touch at [email protected]

We're back with a new look, some new voices and a brand new segment. But we're still the no-BS podcast you know and love, joined by global guests from the very best of marketing and here to translate social updates for the layman. Here's what you can expect from this season...

​​This week on Social in Six, we reveal what LinkedIn's latest acquisition promises to do for your video content on LinkedIn, why Instagram is testing a way to recommend Reels on the main Facebook app, and all the details on Twitter's Shop Module pilot which will let users shop products from brands in the app. We also discuss TikTok's experiment to include ephemeral Stories in its offering, the death of Twitter Fleets, Instagram's vertical feed for Explore, and Pinterest's two new features: product tagging and paid partnerships. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected]

How do you define culture in 2021? It's a question many brands ask and one which fashion brands always seems to have the answer to. One such brand is Zalando, and this week we're joined by its global head of social media, PR and influencers, Natalie Wills. She reveals how Zalando spots cultural trends, how to best leverage cultural partnerships and the ever-evolving role that influencers play in staying relevant on social. We also discuss how brands can navigate cultural movements like sustainability, body positivity and representation. Plus we dig into the effect social has had on brands' cultural relevance.

This week on Social in Six, we're going over lots of updates from Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Clubhouse, and Instagram. These include a potentially upcoming edit button on Twitter, Instagram collaborative posts and Reels, and YouTube's LIVE shopping test. Plus we talk about Twitter's latest plans for subscriptions, including adding a new and improved version of TweetDeck. We also discuss Clubhouse's wide launch, rebrand, and new messaging feature, and the latest from Instagram including auto captions in feed posts and a Reshare sticker to replace the current share to Stories function. Finally, we go over TikTok's latest additions to LIVE, plus all the potential of its new Spark Ads format. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Deliveroo isn't limited by age demographic, so how does its social team create content and campaigns that appeal to everyone, from a mother of three to a student? In this episode, we're joined by Sophie Headlam, the global head of brand marketing at Deliveroo. In this, she reveals how to reach mass audiences at a local level, which platforms and features are best used for location-based marketing, and how to craft messaging that alienates no one. Plus we discuss the role of influencer marketing in convenience and how selling food has evolved over the last few years.

This week on Social in Six, we're talking about TikTok's rollout of three-minute videos, WhatsApp's new additions to voice memos, and Instagram's recent test that will let all users add links to their Stories - regardless of follower count. Plus we discuss Snapchat's new ad tools which let users opt-out of specific topics or targeting settings, Pinterest's TAG Brand Safety certification and all of its new rules against weight loss ads. Finally, we cover TikTok Resumes - the platform's new LinkedIn-esque tool to help brands find top creative talent. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

The most common argument against branded podcasts is difficulty measuring ROI and their impact on sales. Why, then, did BMW decide to create a branded podcast that was entirely fictional, never mentioning their products or services once? And how did that transpire into an Adweek award for the best branded podcast of 2020? In this episode, we're joined by BMW's digital audio and voice strategy expert, Cora Güntert and creative director Benjamin Bruno. We discuss the making of BMW's fictional podcast, HYPNOPOLIS, as well as the brand's second, more traditional podcast, Changing Lanes. We find out the value that BMW gains from audio, the future of sound-based storytelling, and why audio is so popular among modern audiences.

In this week's episode of Social in Six, we talk about Instagram's latest tests - which include an emphasis on suggested posts, Fan Club Stories, and NFT-style collectables. Plus we discuss the arrival of Instagram desktop posting. We also cover TikTok's new brand uplift ad polls along with its new Jumps feature, Twitter's new sharing options, the application process for Super Follows and Ticketed Spaces, and Facebook's launch of Live Audio Rooms and podcasts. Finally, we're going over the new ecommerce additions to Facebook's family of apps, including WhatsApp Shops. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

The general perception of the Army is that being a government organisation, it's traditional. That's why this conversation with the British Army was so surprising and so valuable. In this episode, we're chatting to Alex Schillemore, the British Army's head of digital and content. We're also joined by Sarah Hiorns, the social media content manager for Capita, which handles recruitment for the British Army. In this, we discuss the crucial role that social plays for the Army, the Navy and the RAF, how the Army uses live streams to attract new recruits, and why even members of the Foreign Office benefit from building a personal brand on Twitter. Plus we discuss the many ways social is helping the Army to change perceptions and how Alex and Sarah have been able to turn a centuries-old organisation onto the power of new digital media.

This week on Social in Six, we discuss the new details uncovered about Twitter's Super Follows and the addition of newsletter sign up buttons in creator's profiles. We reveal the latest efforts from Instagram to keep creators onside, like new content approval processes and the ability to tag two brands in one ad. Plus we explain why Facebook will keep creator products free until 2023. Finally we discuss YouTube Shorts' UK launch and the new Pinterest feature that will help shoppers on the platform. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected]

Even the world's most powerful brand finds value in social. For LEGO, it means appealing to all ages through innovative content and pulling off UGC on an epic scale. In this episode, we're joined by the LEGO Group's digital creative director for the Americas, James Gregson. He talks to us all about creativity, adapting to constant change, and always staying true to your brand. In this, find out why testing and learning is crucial when you're a globally recognised brand, how to decide which trends are worth your time, and how not to get swept up in platform fads. This episode is a crash course in creating inclusive content that never fails to resonate with people from all walks of life.

This week on Social in Six, we're covering several new updates from Twitter and Instagram, a few from LinkedIn and plenty from Snapchat. We discuss Twitter's upcoming subscription model, Twitter Blue, and everything we know about it so far, plus the relaunch of verification and several new features the platform has added to its audio feature Spaces. Over at Instagram we discuss the platform's new shopping tab for exclusive product launches, the ability to post on desktop and a new feature to monetise Reels. Finally we reveal the new features that LinkedIn has added for events and livestreams, and all the new features announced at Snap's annual partner summit. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

There's a lot of conflicting advice about business as usual content, or real-time marketing. Its value is widely questioned but many brands find a need for it nevertheless. In this episode, we're joined by Twitch's director of social media (EMEA) to discuss the merits of being always-on. Whether it's scheduling content in advance or reacting to current trends, Twitch has crafted a strategy that works, which Monica shares with us in this discussion. In this, we talk about how to stay inspired, where to allocate your resource for best results, and how to use what you already have. Plus we find out more about Twitch streams and the platform's creator community for brands.

This week on Social in Six, Theo and Eve explain Twitter's newly-launched Tip Jar feature, Snapchat's new Creator Marketplace and Instagram's decision to include pronouns in profiles. Plus we discuss TikTok's new native shopping tab, which is being tested among a small group of accounts, and Pinterest's first foray into live streaming with its virtual event taking place the end of this month. Finally we discuss YouTube's $100M Shorts fund for creators and how this compares to similar features on Snapchat and TikTok. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Online communities are more prevalent today than ever before - and that has only accelerated since the pandemic. Few companies are better placed to speak on this shift than Reddit, which joins us for a second time in this episode. This time, we're speaking to Jack Koch, who is Reddit's global head of marketing sciences. Throughout this conversation, Jack reveals their learnings from Reddit's partnership with GlobalWebIndex to explore community-first social media, why today's consumers are more interested in we-centric messaging than me-centric messaging, and the tangible factors brands can use to predict what their target audience will look for next. Plus we hear about Reddit's plans for growth in 2021 after the platform reached the highest peak of traffic in its history this February.

This week on Social in Six, we discuss several new features being tested, including Twitter's in-profile tip jar and its Business profile types. Plus we talk about TikTok's new Lead Generation ads and give you the latest on Pinterest's Shopify integration. Finally we reveal two big changes for Instagram: a suite of monetisation features for creators and the changes to Instagram LIVE that are set to take on Clubhouse. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Social and digital word of mouth has changed the way entertainment brands approach show promotion. One brand you can't ignore in this space is Netflix, whose documentaries and original shows take on a life of their own online - just look at what happened with Tiger King. In this episode, we're joined by the global creative marketing manager at Netflix, Alexa Diaz. We discuss her approach to huge talent-driven campaigns, the merit of underrated platforms like Tumblr, and how to manage viral conversation about one of your features. Plus Alexa reveals the process behind promoting a major Netflix documentary event like Taylor Swift's Miss Americana or Ariana Grande's Excuse Me, I Love You, and highlights the sheer power of fandom culture on social.

This week on Social in Six, we discuss several new features being tested, including Facebook's upvote and downvote test for Groups and the latest from Instagram's experiment to hide public like counts. Plus we talk about the newly launched Clubhouse Payments feature, as well as the new audio product that Reddit is rumoured to be working on. Finally we reveal two updates to social commerce: TikToks brand new ad formats and product display options and Snap's acquisition of Screenshop. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Esports has erupted into the mainstream as a central form of entertainment in recent years. The role of social media channels has helped to push it from a subset of sports culture to an industry in its own right - expected to generate $1194.8 million in 2021. So how can brands capitalise on the rise of esports to reach a new audience? In this episode, we're joined by Luke Donovan-King, director of digital marketing and product at Guild Esports. We discuss the characteristics and behaviour of esports fans that make them such desirable consumers, the opportunities that streamers present for a new wave of influencer marketing, and what brands can learn from Guild Esports' unprecedented approach to creator collaborations.

In this week's episode of Social in Six, find out which feature Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok now all share, what LinkedIn's latest test tells us about the future of social-first audio, and what YouTube's new product detection tool means for brands and creators. Plus we discuss the possibility of Twitter adding emoji reactions and downvotes to tweets, the benefits of Instagram adding drafts to Stories, and the arrival of IGTV ads in the UK and Australia. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected]

BrewDog is known for its outrageous stunts and reactivity. But where most brands would respond to a social or cultural trend with a quip on Twitter, BrewDog lets it inspire new products, which then fuels PR, sales and more online conversation. In this episode of Social Minds, we're joined by BrewDog's head of social media Josh Benge, previously of KFC UK&IRE, to discuss the merits of the brewery's unique approach to product and social. We also talk about when stunts go wrong and how to deal with backlash, how to talk about brand purpose without appearing self-congratulatory, and what BrewDog is doing to forward climate change activism.

On this week's episode of Social in Six, Theo and Eve discuss the upcoming launch of Twitter Spaces and all the new features available, TikTok's new ads library and the introduction of personalised ads to the For You Page, and Instagram's idea to launch a kids version of its app dedicated to under 13s. We also reveal the details behind Snap Inc's acquisition of Fit Analytics and what it means for AR commerce, Facebook's plans for in-stream ads in short-form videos and Clubhouse's new Creator First program. Got a question or suggestion for the Social Minds podcast? Contact us at [email protected].

Often the most engaging social-first experiences are those that feel exclusive to the audience. But when you're a global brand with millions of fans around the world, how do you balance that exclusivity with mass appeal? In this episode, we're joined by Kyle Elliot, senior global social media manager at Adidas. Having worked behind-the-scenes on global campaigns and activations like Tango Squad FC and Adidas's Rent-A-Pred hotline, Kyle analyses the importance of exclusivity for global brands on social and why major sports brands can't always conform to consumer expectations. In a nod to the next wave of audio platforms, we also touch on how platform disrupters like Clubhouse and Discord are changing the game.

This week on Social in Six, we reveal Twitter's plans to introduce native commerce features including shopping Cards, Pinterest's investment in video, AR and a new creator programme, and the update to LinkedIn Company Pages that SMMs have been waiting for. Plus we talk about Facebook's expansions of Shops to the UK and Canada, the tips that TikTok has for brands on its platform and Twitter's latest feature announcements, Super Follows and Communities. Click this link to watch Theo and Eve webinar on podcasting for the Marketing Meetup on March 9: http://sochn.co/3v7TLhw Want to be on Social Minds? Every other Monday we're answering your questions about the social landscape. Send in your voice recordings to [email protected].

People are primed to purchase on Pinterest. 98% of Pinners report trying new things they find on the platform. So why aren't more brands taking it seriously? In this episode, we're joined by Yulia Aleksandrova, global social media manager at MADE.com and Jackie Klimes, retail partnerships manager at Pinterest - previously of LinkedIn. Pinterest is an instrumental element of MADE.com's marketing and their activity is the perfect case study of how powerful Pinterest can be, both organically and for paid campaigns. In this episode, we find out the differences in visual search versus social media strategies, how Pinterest caters for both long-consideration and impulse buys, and the content types that provide brands with the highest ROI on the platform.

On this week's instalment of Social in Six, Theo and Eve discuss the possibility of paying for some Twitter features, Instagram's plans to launch collaborative LIVEs with up to four people, and the job advertisement spotted on LinkedIn that suggests a focus on creator partnerships. Plus we talk about Twitter's ongoing foray into audio with the addition of voice-based DMs, YouTube Shorts' latest usage stats following plans to launch it in the US this March, and the new education initiative from TikTok: Seller University - which is dedicated to educating brands and creators on how best to collaborate on ecommerce-driven campaigns. Want to be on Social Minds? Every other Monday we're answering your questions about the social landscape. Send in your voice recordings to [email protected].

It's no secret that regulated industries and major companies take longer to adopt new tech. But how can social work within the walls of regulation and still do its job? In this episode, we're joined by Ben Lancaster-Nogueira, managing consultant at Deloitte Digital. Ben advises brands in the banking industry and so is no stranger to opening minds to social. In this episode, we discuss the possibilities available to risk-averse companies with ample red tape to navigate, the repercussions of slow adaptation, and why challenger brands in the same sectors can often move faster. Plus we talk about the best social channels for regulated industries, how to manage risk and crises, and how social commerce is shaking up the industry.

It's the first Social in Six of 2021 and already there's a lot to talk about. This week we cover two telling tests from Instagram: removing the ability to share feed posts to Stories and the possibility of a vertical video feed for Stories. We discuss Twitter's acquisition of newsletter service Revue and the platform's plans to integrate it into its own upcoming newsletter feature. We also explain the new ASA guidelines that penalise using beauty filters in advertising. And finally we reveal the user uptake in Snapchat Spotlight - the platform's answer to TikTok. Want to be on Social Minds? Every other Monday we're answering your questions about the social landscape. Send in your voice recordings to [email protected].

Talent or training? Specialised or broad skills? Experience or attitude? Your social team are the front line of your brand. Knowing which roles to fill, what culture to employ and how to lead by example are therefore crucial to any modern brand's success. In this episode, we're joined by Amazon Prime Video's head of social media and editorial content, Carlo Karim Frem, to find out how Amazon Prime Video's leading social team was created. In this, we reveal why company values aren't just words on a wall, the red (and green) flags to look out for when interviewing talent and what skills you need to nurture to build the dream social team from scratch.

And just like that, Social Minds has wrapped for 2020. But before we part, we wanted to look back on our highlights from what has been a year of incredible guests and insightful conversations. In this episode, Theo and Eve share their favourite moments from the podcast this year, sharing times when our guests took us by surprise and taught us all something new and the trends that have stood out the most in hindsight. Catch up on moments you might have missed, relive your favourite episodes and listen out for our top tips for 2021. Thank you all for your continued support of the show and we'll see you in the new year.

It's our last Social in Six of 2020 and this week, Theo and Eve talk about the onset and impact of three-minute long videos on TikTok, Facebook's plans to add shopping carts to WhatsApp and its acquisition of the CRM tool Kustomer - including what this means for retailers using WhatsApp and social commerce. Plus we discuss the findings of Reddit's first-ever UK year in review, how new GDPR rules will impact businesses that use Facebook Messenger's API and, of course, Instagram's launch of shopping within Reels. Want to be on Social Minds? Every other Monday we're answering your questions about the social landscape. Send in your voice recordings to [email protected].

Social-first creative and online experiences make sense for consumer-facing brands, where product complexity and purchase consideration are generally low. Can the same be said for business customers? In this episode, we spoke to Jason Maldonado, director of social media at Survey Monkey, and previously the head of social media marketing at MailChimp. We discuss why B2B brands should compare themselves to aspirational B2C brands, how to balance strategic-led thinking with the speed of social, and how marketers can use deep data and insights to tell stories, both during the pitching process and in the end campaign.

It's been a busy fortnight packed with updates to every social platform. This week on Social in Six, Theo and Eve are discussing the global rollout of Instagram Guides and the opportunities for brands, Twitter's plan to bring back verification in 2021 and the details of Snapchat Spotlight - its answer to TikTok which is promising a share of $1M dollars to the creators of its most viral videos. Plus we reveal how your brand can use Pinterest's new online events feature, where ByteDance's TikTok battle with Trump is up to, and why YouTube's changes to monetisation have proven so controversial. Want to be on Social Minds? Every other Monday we're answering your questions about the social landscape. Send in your voice recordings to [email protected].

Ask anyone in the industry which brands do humour on social well and chances are KFC will be mentioned; the brand has gained notoriety for its witty jokes and quick comebacks on Twitter. Its recent Rate My Plate Twitter activation even made it to the big screen through an acclaimed TV spot which saw social inspire OOH - something most brands wouldn't even consider. In this episode, KFC UK & Ireland's social media executive reveals the secret spices, sadly not in the chicken, but of the brand's social strategy. We talked about the changes they've had to make post-pandemic, the merits of leading with your social media manager's personality and what brands miss out on when they consider themselves to be above cracking the odd joke.