Author: Susie Culhane

Google’s shift in focus

For the past few years, Google has been updating its search algorithm and introducing new products in support of its aim to provide relevant, quality, ‘rich’[1] content in search results. We have seen the buy-out of YouTube; the launch of its own social network Google +; the growth of its Knowledge Graph[2] database, along with numerous algorithm updates.  These factors, amongst others, are evidence of Google’s shift in focus away from keywords, towards a deeper understanding of search intent and the context in which those searches are made.  This understanding is gained in part from Google’s knowledge of a user’s personal search history and preferences, click behaviour, social connections, content shared, and so on.  The latest update, Hummingbird, is Google’s attempt to educate the search algorithm so that the same typed search query and mobile voice activated search (the latter often location specific and in question form in contrast to a typed phrase) both receive the same relevant search results.  The proliferation of secure search[3] and subsequent disappearance of natural search keyword data in analytics, and the emphasis on content sharing in Google Plus are also evidence that Google is turning its back on keywords, and focusing on the importance of fresh content.

Author: Alexa Mills

It’s that time of year again when the big retailers introduce their Christmas TV ads and we begin to hear the soundtracks seep through the airwaves – ones that we will, no doubt, forever associate with the ad.

Author: Kerry Rice

Whether you love them or hate them, despite speculation about (and desire for) their demise, according to research by comScore, the number of European smartphone users who scanned QR codes using their devices grew by 96 per cent in the year to July 2012. Granted, that it is still only 14.1 per cent of the total smartphone audience across France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK, but it is nonetheless an impressive growth rate.

Author: AD Communications

Online communities have been attracting a lot of publicity lately, with teenage favourite Ask.fm taking a particular bashing from the media following some high profile incidents and alleged bullying culture.

Author: Joanna Muggeridge

Have you thought about implementing Google + into your marketing and social media activity? If you haven’t, then you really should. Google + is more than just a social platform, it’s an online identification system, and being owned by Google it naturally has some ‘Klout’ when it comes to helping your visibility on that search engine behemoth. In fact, one of the key reasons for a B2B brand to be present is just that – by linking posts with trusted Authors or ‘spokespeople’ then your – and their – search visibility automatically goes up. Yes, this might sound like blackmail, to get you to join the Google + ranks, but it does have its advantages:

Author: Michael Grass

I’ve always been a book aficionado ever since my mum tucked me in bed one night and started reading The Tiger Who Came to Tea to put me to sleep (it was roughly two years ago). I’m one of those people who gets high off the smell of new print, loves the sound of pages flicking and on occasion has judged a hardback by its front cover because the artwork looked so alluring. I have a shelf in my living room that is strategically placed in a way that guests cannot ignore the titles on display and on weekends you’ll find me at my local Waterstone’s, slouched on a beanbag, an open graphic novel in my hands, a pile of fictions and biographies in my lap.

Author: Shireen Shurmer

“If AD Communications were an animal, which one would it be?” It’s a classic interview poser, but I admit to being slightly thrown when asked this question in a meeting with a prospective client.

Author: Alexa Mills

Feeling like a kid again when walking around Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, you think ‘it couldn’t get any better’. Then you discover that the Disney ‘imagineers’ have dreamed up yet another idea to add to the magic of Fantasyland.

Author: AD Communications

Living far away from my family home – 6,003 miles to be exact – has meant that my parents sometimes take advantage of other world travellers visiting the UK to bring me a small, beautifully wrapped gift. You see, for my mother, the wrapping is as important as the gift. Over the years, this sentiment has rubbed off on me too.

Author: Harry Somekh

Such is the extent of its advantages over conventional manufacturing processes, it’s not surprising that many have predicted that 3D printing will instigate a third industrial revolution.

We’ve all grown up with the idea that gaining experience would help our CV and develop our personality. Experience can always be a bonus. It’s no surprise then that so-called “experiential marketing” is gaining popularity.

Author: Patrick Anderson

Last month I attended a festival in Croatia on the beautiful island of Pag, a remote dot of land within the northern Adriatic Sea. Swapping wrist watches for wristbands, my friends and I headed to Hideout Festival for week-long jaunt on a beach to enjoy a medley of our favourite DJs and artists.