Tag: digital advertising

  • IAB Tech Lab launches programmatic CTV genre guidance for public review

    IAB Tech Lab launches programmatic CTV genre guidance for public review

    MUMBAI: After a quiet pause since its 2020 retirement, the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) Tech Lab is back with a roar, reimagining the digital advertising playbook.

    Known for its pivotal role in shaping online advertising standards, the global body has unveiled an ambitious update to its programmatic connected TV (CTV) guidance, powered by the advanced frameworks of Content Taxonomy 2.0 and 3.1.

    Like a phoenix rising, these updates signal a bold comeback, aiming to eliminate inefficiencies, unify the industry, and set a new benchmark for digital advertising clarity.

    Open for public review until 31 January 2025, the move invites the advertising ecosystem to shape the future of programmatic innovation together.

    The updates, developed by the Taxonomy & Mapping Working Group and Programmatic Supply Chain Working Group, introduce key features:

    . New OpenRTB attributes: genres and gtax

    .  Updated genres list in Content Taxonomy 3.1

    . Specific implementation guidance for CTV genres

    .  Bi-directional mapping between Content Taxonomy 1.0 and Ad Product Taxonomy 2.0

    These enhancements address inefficiencies caused by free-text genre descriptions, which complicate bidstream data interpretation for DSPs. By adopting standardised genres and the gtax framework, the industry can achieve better contextual targeting and more tailored campaigns.

    Content Taxonomy 1.0, deprecated in 2020, still poses challenges for companies relying on older systems, leading to inefficiencies and risks like content misclassification. The new mapping guidance bridges the gap, allowing compatibility between older and newer systems. This ensures DSPs using older taxonomies can effectively read and interpret labels from SSPs leveraging Content Taxonomy 2.0.

    IAB Tech Lab CEO, Anthony Katsur emphasised the significance of these updates, “We’re tackling the complexity head-on. This work is about simplifying the way the industry connects and operates, so businesses can spend less time dealing with friction and more time creating value. It’s a step toward making programmatic advertising smarter, faster, and more reliable for everyone.”

    The updated taxonomies empower publishers and advertisers to categorise content more precisely, enabling curated inventory and privacy-respecting advertising experiences. Features like genres and gtax provide actionable data, making contextual buying strategies more effective.

    Taxonomy & Mapping Working Group associate product manager & co-lead, Katie Shell highlighted the benefits, “This update builds on the foundation of our existing taxonomies, addressing opportunities to enhance efficiency and streamline processes. By introducing these new resources, we’re equipping the industry to work more efficiently and build toward the next generation of taxonomies.”

    IAB Tech Lab invites industry stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the guidance during the public comment period, which closes on 31 January 2025. The input will help refine these tools to align with evolving industry needs.

    “This initiative solves a fundamental challenge for our industry—ensuring that taxonomies integrate effortlessly across platforms,” said Subtextive CEO & principal, Temese Szalai. “By offering these mappings and implementation guidance, we’re addressing inefficiencies and creating real, measurable impact for publishers, advertisers, and platforms alike.”

    For further details and participation in the public comment process, visit IAB Tech Lab’s official page.

  • Cylndr India delivers  CGI TVC  for Boroplus Soft launch

    Cylndr India delivers CGI TVC for Boroplus Soft launch

    MUMBAI: Winters are synonymous with cozy sweaters, warm beverages, and, yes, dry skin woes.

    But this year, Boroplus is ditching the mundane for the magical.

    The iconic winter trusted skincare brand has teamed up with Cylndr India—an advertising and digital storytelling production studio run by CEO Umesh Bopche  — to unveil its Boroplus Soft moisturising cream in a way never seen before. With a stunning CGI-driven campaign, the duo has transformed a winter essential into a vibrant visual masterpiece, proving that skincare can be as fun as it is functional.

    Who knew moisturising could steal the spotlight this season?

    Using advanced CGI techniques, the video brings the product and its natural ingredients to life, creating a vibrant and seamless visual story. The film highlights the cream’s transformative moisturising properties while showcasing Cylndr’s technical precision and creative prowess.

    For this project, the concept note came directly from Emami, and Cylndr’s  in-house team of over 50 skilled CGI and VFX artists delivered an immersive and interactive experience aligned with the brand’s vision.

    Harbouring a robust portfolio, Cylndr India has produced content for leading brands like Samsung, Nippo Batteries, Rollick Ice Creams, Evocus, Linc Pen, and Luminous Solar.  It integrates  the latest animation tools and artificial intelligence into its  production process.

    The Boroplus Soft project represents Cylndr’s commitment to impactful storytelling and cutting-edge visuals. 

    Watch the CGI film here: Cylndr India 

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    A post shared by CYLNDR (@cylndr.india)

     

  • India’s sports industry races ahead with digital-first advertising focus

    India’s sports industry races ahead with digital-first advertising focus

    MUMBAI: Sports isn’t just a pastime anymore – it’s a roaring phenomenon that fuels India’s collective heartbeat, more electrifying than a stadium under floodlights during a last-ball thriller. From the thunderous cheers of cricket fans to the passionate chants of football aficionados, the adrenaline rush sports delivers has become the ultimate high – stronger, they say, than the purest Colombian cut.

    And why not?

    The glitzy ads, the digital frenzy, and the unstoppable growth of India’s sports industry have turned it into a $52 billion juggernaut, overtaking several traditional sectors like telecom. Now, poised to shatter records with a jaw-dropping trajectory to $130 billion, according to the Deloitte-Google report, sports in India isn’t just entertainment; it’s an economic revolution with a pace that could leave even the fastest sprinters in awe. With a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14 per cent, the sector is rapidly outpacing established industries, including automotive and tourism, and redefining its role in the Indian economy.

    This remarkable growth reflects India’s rising stature in global sports, bolstered by robust government initiatives such as the ministry of youth Affairs & sports’ (MYAS) record 2024 budget allocation. Programs like Khelo India and Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) are driving systemic changes, ensuring long-term development of sports infrastructure and talent in the country.

    The report underscores the paradigm shift in advertising, with brands prioritising digital platforms over traditional TV broadcasting. Over the past two years, digital sports advertising surged by 63 per cent, while TV sports advertising declined by 10 per cent. Platforms like JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar are now rivaling linear broadcasting, capitalising on subscription-based revenue models.

    An overwhelming 90 per cent of Indian sports fans engage digitally, with cricket-related videos amassing 50 billion views on YouTube in one year alone. Personalised ad campaigns, such as Mondelez’s AI-powered cricket ads, showcased the immense potential of targeting sports enthusiasts digitally, delivering 92,000 creative variations and doubling ad recall.

    Sponsorship deals in India’s sports sector are expanding at thrice the pace of global benchmarks. Franchise fees grew by 60 per cent in 2023, and campaigns integrated with live sports events, like Swiggy’s IPL drive, saw active user engagement spike by 59 per cent.

    The shift to regional strategies has been pivotal, with 77 per cent of fans preferring sports commentary and content in local languages. Regionalised advertising has tapped into previously untapped rural and semi-urban markets, further solidifying sports’ mass appeal.

    For the first time in Indian sports broadcasting history, the valuation of digital media rights for IPL 2022 equaled that of TV rights. This milestone reflects the industry’s digital-first pivot, as brands and advertisers increasingly gravitate toward the flexibility and reach of OTT platforms.

    As the industry continues to expand, the report highlights that India’s sports sector contributes approximately one per cent to the national GDP, on par with major sporting nations. With significant headroom for growth and increasing digital penetration, India is poised to emerge as a global sports powerhouse.

  • TAM AdEx: Auto sector advertising sees shift in H1 2024 across media platforms

    TAM AdEx: Auto sector advertising sees shift in H1 2024 across media platforms

    Mumbai: According to the latest TAM AdEx half-yearly report for January to June 2024, advertising trends in the Auto sector show a marked shift in media preferences. While TV ad volumes for the Auto industry saw a decline of 14 per cent compared to the same period in 2023, the digital space grew significantly, with a 55 per cent rise in ad impressions. Print media also saw a resurgence, with ad space growing by 25 per cent, demonstrating a renewed interest in this traditional medium.

    Key highlights from the report:

    1.Two-wheelers dominated TV ad volumes, capturing a 39 per cent share in H1 2024, surpassing the Cars category, which held a 37 per cent share.

    2.Print advertising saw a notable 25 per cent increase in ad space, with Honda Shine 100 leading as the top brand, accounting for seven per cent of the ad space.

    3.On radio, the Auto sector’s ad volumes grew by 14 per cent over the previous year, with Cars contributing to 72 per cent of ad volumes. Maruti Suzuki India maintained its top spot with an 18 per cent share.

    4.The digital medium witnessed the most substantial growth, with a 55 per cent increase in ad impressions. Maruti Suzuki India led digital advertising, holding a 26 per cent share, followed by Hyundai Motor India at 14 per cent.

    Top performing brands and categories:

    Honda Shine 100, Maruti Suzuki Brezza and Nissan Magnite were among the leading brands across various platforms.

    The cars category dominated both Radio and Digital platforms, contributing to over 45 per cent of total ad volumes.

    Sales promotions constituted 54 per cent of ad space in print, with discount promotions being the most preferred method.

    Regional trends and insights:

    The north zone led print advertising, contributing 32 per cent of the total ad space, with Delhi and Mumbai as the top cities.

    For Radio, Gujarat emerged as the leading state, capturing 17 per cent of ad volumes.

    Hindi publications dominated print ads, accounting for 41 per cent of ad space, indicating a strong regional focus.

    The Auto sector’s shift towards digital platforms highlights an evolving advertising landscape, where brands are increasingly investing in online engagement. The significant growth in digital impressions suggests a strategic pivot to reach tech-savvy consumers, especially in the Cars and Two-Wheelers segments.

    The rise in print advertising also suggests that despite the digital boom, traditional media holds substantial value, particularly for localized and regional advertising. With news channels leading TV ad volumes and programmatic buying dominating digital transactions, advertisers are leveraging diverse media strategies to maximize reach and engagement.

  • AI, automation & beyond: Navigating digital advertising’s new frontier

    AI, automation & beyond: Navigating digital advertising’s new frontier

    Minor changes in the quickly changing advertising scene of today are as significant and upending as those resulting from automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Digital advertising has been transformed by these technologies, which have opened up new creative possibilities, efficiency levels, and precision levels. But as we enter this ‘new frontier,’ it’s critical to look beyond the technical aspects of automation and artificial intelligence and comprehend their wider effects on consumer trust, brand authenticity, and the strategic human touch that cannot be replaced. Here, I want to discuss the many opportunities and difficulties that modern advertisements face.

    AI-powered customisation versus real connection

    The irony of AI-driven personalisation is that, although technology enables brands to customise experiences like never before, there is a chance that the real human connection that serves as the foundation for customer trust may be lost. Ads are now targeted not just by demographics but also by micro-segments, behavioral data, and even real-time mood analysis thanks to AI’s ability to evaluate enormous data sets. As the chief revenue officer, however, I see an increasing need to strike a balance between this effective targeting and a genuine voice. Customers are astute; they prefer to feel understood by firms rather than taken advantage of. Instead of treating insights as a script, brands should think about how automation might help with authentic storytelling.

    Automation’s contribution to innovation beyond efficiency

    Automation is frequently boiled down to an efficiency tool that eliminates manual labor, saves money, and saves time. The true potential, however, is in how automation allows innovative and smart brains to push the envelope. Automating tedious processes frees up time for invention, testing out novel ideas, and trying out forms that weren’t previously practical. For example, advertisers may now run innumerable ad versions using dynamic creative optimisation (DCO), which reacts in real time to audience preferences. Beyond efficiency, this flexibility allows for genuine creativity in messaging, audience interaction, and campaign improvement.

    Transparency and ethics: AI’s hidden aspect

    Ethics is an important but frequently disregarded aspect of AI and automation in advertising, especially when it comes to data protection, transparency, and equity. It is our duty to make sure AI algorithms that determine which advertisements are shown don’t perpetuate prejudice or lead to unintentional exclusion. We must promote openness as stewards of a brand’s message, explaining to audiences how data is used and pledging to follow policies that protect their online privacy. Customers are becoming more conscious of their data rights, and businesses that can openly communicate the ways in which automation is used will gain a sustained competitive edge in terms of customer loyalty and brand trust.

    How to draw the line between automation and the human aspect

    Workflows can be made more efficient by automation, but not every part of digital advertising should be automated. Machines cannot replace the human empathy and insight needed to craft a message, especially during the strategic formulation stage of a campaign. Automation should complement, not replace, the human aspect in execution. In order to empower human teams to make better decisions, the emphasis should be on integrating tools that give them greater insights. Instead than replacing human creativity, consider automation as enhancing it.

    AI’s place in future-proofing techniques

    Future success depends on your ability to adjust to the rapid changes in digital advertising. Brands can remain ahead of the curve by using AI’s predictive skills to foresee shifts in consumer behavior before they happen. For instance, AI may assist in predicting future trends by evaluating past campaign data, enabling firms to make proactive strategy adjustments. Advertisers that can anticipate and adjust to changes in consumer demand will always be relevant, while those who only use historical data run the risk of lagging behind. This agility will define competitive advantage in the future.

    Creating cross-functional, agile teams with an AI mentality

    Companies need teams who can think across silos and work with a digital-first, AI-savvy mindset if they want to fully utilise AI. This is more than just employing machine learning or data science experts. Marketers who comprehend the potential and constraints of data, creatives who can generate ideas in dynamic, data-driven settings, and strategists who know when to rely on the machine and when to consult a human viewpoint are all necessary for the successful integration of AI and automation in advertising. Agile, cross-functional teams that view AI as a cooperative tool rather than a single, all-encompassing force are essential.

    The importance of continuous learning in the AI-driven landscape

    This digital frontier requires continuous upskilling and adaptability. Technologies in AI and automation evolve, and companies must nurture a culture of learning to stay relevant. As AI begins to shape our approaches to both media planning and creative ideation, the question shifts from how we use AI to how well we use it. Training in understanding data insights, interpreting AI-driven analytics, and maintaining ethical practices will become essential skills for teams navigating this space. For leaders, investing in this education will prove invaluable for staying competitive.

    Unquestionably, automation and artificial intelligence are revolutionising digital advertising. However, as leaders in this field, we need to carefully guide this change. We should make use of these technologies to create trustworthy, nimble, and morally sound brands. The goal of our work is always to interact with people in a meaningful and responsible way, even though this new advertising frontier is full of opportunities.

    The article has been authored by AdCounty Media co-founder and chief revenue officer Delphin Varghese.

  • TAM AdEx: Service sector leads digital ad impressions in Jan-Jun’24

    TAM AdEx: Service sector leads digital ad impressions in Jan-Jun’24

    Mumbai: According to the latest TAM AdEx India report for the period Jan-Jun’24, digital ad impressions witnessed a significant eight per cent rise compared to the same period in 2022. The growth was fueled by increased advertising activity across various sectors, with the services sector leading the charge, contributing 51 per cent of the total ad impressions.

    Ecom-Other Services took the top spot among categories, claiming seven per cent of total impressions during the period. Notably, programmatic advertising emerged as the dominant transaction method, accounting for a whopping 88 per cent share of total impressions.

    Facebook led the list of web publishers with 34 per cent of the ad impressions, while YouTube dominated the app category with 38 per cent. Display ads ruled digital advertising, representing 78 per cent of total ad impressions in the first half of 2024.

    Among advertisers, Grammarly Inc topped the exclusive advertisers’ list on digital platforms, while brands like Amazon Online India and Hindustan Unilever were common across both TV and digital mediums. New entrants to the top categories included cellular phones, smart phones, and the auto sector, which saw a 47 per cent rise in impressions.

    With over 98,600 exclusive digital advertisers and 1,850 common advertisers between TV and digital, the first half of 2024 shows the growing prominence of digital platforms in India’s advertising landscape.

  • VDO.AI and Taneira by TATA launch successful OLV summer campaign

    VDO.AI and Taneira by TATA launch successful OLV summer campaign

    Mumbai: VDO.AI, an advertising technology platform, partnered with Taneira, the ethnic wear brand from TATA, to launch a summer campaign focused on comfort, style, and Indian craftsmanship. The campaign targeted women aged 25 to 55 in tier 1 and tier 2 cities using VDO.AI’s Online Video (OLV) ads and exclusive premium publisher network.

    The campaign delivered over 3.3 million impressions, achieved a 74.57 per cent video completion rate (VCR), and recorded a click-through rate (CTR) 4x higher than the industry average.

    VDO.AI’s CEO, Amitt Sharma commented, “Our partnership with Taneira allowed us to demonstrate how AI and data-driven strategies can significantly enhance audience engagement and drive higher conversion rates. With the dual CTA strategy and granular targeting, we ensured Taneira’s message resonated with the right audience, delivering exceptional results that highlight the power of our technology.”

    The campaign’s dual Call-to-Action (CTA) strategy offered both “Shop Now” and “Store Locator” options, guiding viewers to either explore Taneira’s collection online or find a nearby store through VDO.AI’s technology.

    Taneira’s representative, Pranjal Agarwal added, “Partnering with VDO.AI has been a fantastic move for us. Their AI-driven online video ads delivered impressive results, achieving a high ROI. The dual CTA strategy and contextual ad placements on premium publisher websites enabled our ads to effectively reach our target audience, resulting in a 4X increase in CTR compared to the industry average. We are impressed by both the performance and the team at VDO.AI and look forward to future collaborations.”

    This partnership set a new standard for digital advertising in the clothing sector, demonstrating how technology can enhance brand storytelling and create impactful consumer experiences.

  • Minikin DGWorks’ redBus campaign wins best campaign at IAA India 2024

    Minikin DGWorks’ redBus campaign wins best campaign at IAA India 2024

    Mumbai: Minikin DGWorks won the “Best Campaign Award” in the Travel, Tourism, and Hospitality category at the IndIAA Awards 2024 for their redBus India “Yeh Time Pass Skip Karo” campaign, in collaboration with Leo Burnett India. The IndIAA Awards, hosted by the International Advertising Association’s India Chapter on August 22, 2024, brought together talent in advertising, recognizing the year’s standout campaigns across 19 categories.

    Directed by Mithun R Shaw and produced by Ashish Gole under Minikin DGWorks, the redBus campaign featured six “slice of life” films. They captured the everyday hassles of old-school bus ticketing—long lines, poor seat choices, and uncertainty about seat availability. Both the jingle and the visuals were memorable.

    On winning the IndIAA Awards, Director Mithun R Shaw said, “It was a proud moment for me and the team to get our work recognized on a prestigious stage. Special thanks to the creative team at Leo Burnett for trusting us with the scripts. The award validated the passion and dedication we put into these films. As we moved ahead, we looked forward to more such projects and contributing to the digital ad space.”

    Minikin DGWorks worked with names like Google, Pepsi, Uber, MakeMyTrip, MTR, Ikea, and Bajaj, showcasing their digital expertise. Their innovative approach suited the digital age, whether on social media or OTT.

  • The evolution of AI-powered advertising: From targeting to personalisation

    The evolution of AI-powered advertising: From targeting to personalisation

    Mumbai: Artificial intelligence is one of the transforming phenomena from a trend in modern times when it comes to digital advertising. As Gandharv Sachdeva, an experienced digital expert and India country head of Hybrid, stated, “AI has transformed digital advertising”. He explains how the developments in AI have significantly influenced digital advertising and points out that the biggest impact has been felt in the field of segmentation and personalisation.

    Times, when there were no ads with explicit, consistent, and well-targeted messages, are long gone. AI has given rise to digital advertising, which is now data-driven and the application of algorithms has made it possible to run hyper-targeted ads. Apart from enabling a more efficient budget allocation, the user experience has also improved as the right message is shown to the right individuals at the right time.

    Predictive analytics is another advancement of AI that is worth mentioning. Predictive analytics allows marketers to optimize their ads to make them more personalised and adapt to consumers’ actions based on historical data and machine learning algorithms. For example, the company selling outdoor equipment can use this technology to suggest products based on what its chosen customers have already bought in its store or what such clients have looked for in specific months of the year. However, such a benefits approach is not only beneficial for achieving marketing goals, but it also helps build a stronger relationship with customers by making communications more relevant and timely.

    Moreover, artificial intelligence has been a great tool for the personalization of ads by providing unique and personalised experiences at scale. Now, marketers can apply dynamic content and also adaptive suggestion engines that can be customized to each viewer. A streaming service / OTT platform might integrate AI to show relevant ads based on the content that is being consumed by the users such as sports, travel, adventure, etc. thus increasing user engagement and satisfaction.

    In addition to the above, advertising associated with AI also diversifies attention to targeting, personalisation, and achieving maximum optimization. AI algorithms provide a means of identifying the successes and failures of a campaign in real time and can always assist advertisers in making immediate decisions. Brands can then respond quickly to changes in the market because they can always get the best from their budget. For instance, a clothing brand can use AI to target the top five fashion styles while focusing on consumer response rates to get the best out of its budget achievable.

    In a nutshell, artificial intelligence in advertising has brought about a paradigm shift in the way brands interact with their audiences. AI can now be used by marketers to reach their target customers with the use of customized ads, personalisation, and optimisation in real time. The advancement of technology creates new ways and opportunities for the ad industry with AI being one of them, which will push the change and establish new marketing standards. Nevertheless, the rise of AI in digital advertising is just as important as ensuring that advertisements follow all ethical standards and practices. Marketers must balance individualisation and privacy, in which the consumers’ data are used proportionately and transparently.

  • “The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us”: Mukesh Vij

    “The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us”: Mukesh Vij

    Mumbai: In the fast-paced world of digital advertising, where innovation is the currency of success, one agency shines brightly as a beacon of creativity and forward-thinking strategies. Hashtag Orange, the powerhouse reshaping industry norms and leading the charge into new territories. Since its inception, Hashtag Orange has fearlessly challenged the status quo, establishing itself as a trailblazer in the world of digital marketing.

    Indiantelevision caught up with Hashtag Orange founder Mukesh Vij a trailblazer in the dynamic realm of advertising and digital marketing. With over 18 years of industry experience and a passion for technology. Vij has led Hashtag Orange to redefine brand promotion and online engagement. His people-first approach and commitment to delivering holistic digital marketing solutions underscore Hashtag Orange’s success in empowering clients to achieve their goals.

    In this Conversation, we delved deeper into what makes Hashtag Orange stand out, redefining engagement in digital advertising through its unique strategies and dynamic fusion of expertise.

    Edited Excerpt

    On  Hashtag Orange redefining engagement in digital advertising, and specific strategies or approaches setting it apart from traditional methods

    At Hashtag Orange, we are a collective of enthusiastic creators making it India’s leading new-age digital marketing agency. We are proactive rather than reactive with the perseverance that only the best strategies are implemented for our digital partners. Some of the strategies devised at Hashtag Orange are:

    ●   Cultivation of pro-digital mindset: The first step to thriving in a world where digital natives are taking over the markets slowly is to be open to all things digital. The realm of creativity is expanding constantly and the only way to exist is to keep up with it.

    ●   Targeting usage of the latest available technology: When working towards achieving the vision for our clients/partners, we incorporate the latest trends and technology to ensure we maximise our reach.

    ●   Ensuring digital savviness: As they say, “charity begins at home”; we believe disruption begins at our desk. With the group of digital-savvy creators at Hashtag Orange, we’re always ready for a new trend, a new tool, and a new challenge.

    ●   Syncing brand advocacy and business goals: The code one needs to crack in the digital world is to know that one must promote the brand’s ethos with a strategic

    We actively work towards the inclusion of such strategies to keep consumers engaged and satisfied. This also helps us be an enthusiastic partner for our clients on their digital journey. Success is subjective and dependent on the industry, target audience, and the goal of every campaign.

    At Hashtag Orange, what sets us apart is our effort to combine traditional and digital strategies effectively, leveraging their pros and eliminating their cons. Digital marketing offers global reach and detailed data, but traditional advertising can still reach specific language audiences well. The team at Hashtag Orange is using digital marketing wisely, while also learning from traditional marketing ideologies.

    On Hashtag Orange’s diverse expertise contributing to driving innovation in integrated agencies, and examples of successful collaborations or projects that showcase this dynamic fusion

    In today’s day and age, innovation is key to survival. The leadership that guides Hashtag Orange brings a diversified profile and experience from different industries to the table. Our experts encourage creative problem-solving and teamwork from traditional and new-age digital perspectives. By embracing their unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, we’ve been able to tap into a wealth of ideas and unleash our full potential. The team at Hashtag Orange has been fortunate to be associated with clients with whom we could change the business landscape.  We emphasise the need for cross-functional collaboration and explain to clients the benefits of diversification. We’ve been quite fortunate to be working with brands that trust our vision in fulfilling their goals. This mantra has helped us to continue experimenting and innovating as we cater to a diverse set of brands from various sectors.

    On the common mistakes companies make in social media marketing, and Hashtag Orange addressing or avoiding these pitfalls in their campaigns

    We believe that everybody has their own learning curve. We’ve observed that sometimes agencies may fail to recognise the needs of their clients. That’s why we approach things differently, at Hashtag Orange. Every time we partner with a new brand, we step into their shoes and walk around in it to fully grasp their challenges and requirements. The one-size-fits-all approach is too old school for us. We believe in tailoring solutions to fulfil the needs of each brand specifically. We strongly believe scratching the surface won’t cut it so we dig deep into our clients’ businesses, using digital platforms, and deliver results.

    To share an instance, when we see potential in organic marketing, we’ll recommend it overpaid promotions. The goal is to prioritise our clients’ success over immediate profits. This approach is key to our success, ensuring our clients are well-guided and happy.

    On key challenges  that Hashtag Orange has faced in the journey and overcoming or adapting to them

    No story worth telling goes by without a conflict. That point of conflict in Hashtag Orange’s journey came with the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, our primary clients dealt with retail business. We genuinely believe that our employees are our greatest strength, as they have always been. Our mutual belief in each other assured us that explore digital platforms. We extended the same assurance to our clients, building confidence that their brands are managed by a team with long-term strategies in mind. And we can say that it has turned out well!

    On Hashtag Orange measuring the success of its digital advertising campaigns, and key performance indicators (KPIs) that you prioritise to gauge effectiveness

    At Hashtag Orange, we set KPIs as part of the marketing strategy, which purely depends on the client’s goals. With the market dynamics evolving every day, having a clear focus on Key Performance Indicators is fundamental. These help us understand a snapshot of current performance and also guide the client for future strategies and decision-making processes. Our strategies yield the desired outcomes and provide a measurable return on investment. That’s why we have different KPIs for different brands, according to their business goals.

    On the Hashtag Orange USP playing a role in building and maintaining its reputation for excellence and innovation

    Integrated solutions, our unique selling proposition, have always been our core strength. It has enabled us to provide 360-degree solutions to our clients constantly. We believe in diving deep into data analytics. It helps us understand trends and patterns. But we also believe in having direct conversations with the consumers. That’s where our creative solutions come from. The solution could be an Influencer campaign or a community creation, a substance idea, or a digital campaign. In fact, we could even combine it with a mainline idea and technological integration.