News and Analysis
Guideline Unveils Customizable AI Dashboards, Elevating Advertising Data Analysis
Guideline has introduced a major enhancement to its AI-driven analytics platform, unveiling Customizable AI Agent Dashboards that convert conversational insights into structured, persistent workspaces. The launch marks a meaningful evolution in AI-powered media analytics, enabling teams to move from natural-language queries to continuous analysis supported by Guideline’s more than $170 billion in verified annual ad-investment […]
Cadent Buys VuePlanner, Expands Total Video Capabilities Across YouTube and CTV
Cadent, the predictive advertising platform known for its leadership in cross-screen advertising, announced a significant expansion today with the acquisition of VuePlanner, a company recognized for innovation in YouTube advertising, campaign optimization, and independent measurement. The acquisition strengthens Cadent’s positioning as a converged media platform capable of delivering a single, unified workflow for advertisers across […]
Adform Integrates with Spotify Ad Exchange to Advance Programmatic Audio Buying
As digital audio spending accelerates toward a projected $43 billion global market in 2024, Adform and Spotify are expanding their partnership to bring agencies and brand marketers new levels of efficiency, transparency, and omnichannel precision. The companies announced that Adform is now directly integrated into the Spotify Ad Exchange, giving buyers streamlined access to Spotify’s […]
Commentary
Streets Ahead: Google Business Profile Reverifications and Meta Chatbots
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discuss the issues regarding Google reverifications and explores Meta’s roll out of AI Chatbot features. Google Business Profile Reverifications The News In early March, the SEO community noticed a significant increase in locations requiring reverification on Google Business Profile, prompting many to temporarily halt updates. Last week, Google […]
The Rise of AI Ad Buying Agents: A Marketer’s Perspective
AI-driven ad buying is not new. From Google Ads’ “set-it-and-forget-it” approach to Meta’s dynamic audience targeting, the goal has always been to automate away the tedium of bidding and targeting. But with the more recent advancements in generative AI and deep learning, the promise is morphing into something more expansive: real-time, hyper-personalized ads that match […]
Streets Ahead: Instagram AI-Powered Search, TikTok Creator Search Insights
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi covers Instagram’s new AI-driven search feature and TikTok Creator Search Insights Instagram’s AI-Powered Search The News Instagram is testing an AI-powered search feature within the comments section, according to AdWeek. This new tool automatically generates AI-driven search summaries, offering users relevant context as they engage with posts. 🔹 […]
Latest Posts
A Street Fight Trend-Spotter Walked Into a Bar ….
Well, not exactly. We attended the Bar & Restaurant Expo in Las Vegas to check out trends and products for the MULO (multi-location) bar and restaurant ecosystem. The trends we spotted include: Although liquor is still popular, mocktails are having a moment. Studies indicate that Americans are choosing moderation in their drinking habits and non-alcoholic […]
Crossing the Border With Sushi and More
Edo is a 45-year-old brand that began in Calgary, crossed the Canadian border to Arizona this month, and has bold expansion plans for the U.S. About a million Canadians visit Arizona annually and contribute about $800 million to its economy, so choosing the hot state for its first U.S. location makes business sense. Among some […]
Franchise Growth in 2025: 5 Insights That Could Define Your Future
Franchise businesses represent the backbone of many local economies, contributing not only to the convenience and options we enjoy but also to significant employment growth across the country. In an economy shaped by rapid technological change, evolving consumer behavior, and rising operational costs, franchises are facing both tremendous opportunity and unprecedented complexity. At Cinch, our […]
Karla Jo Helms Preps MULO Brands for the Impact of Tariffs
Karla Jo Helms runs an agency — JOTO PR Disruptors — that describes itself as “the anti-PR agency.” What does that actually mean? They focus on facts and pragmatic guidance rather than just media hype. To that end, Helms advises brands that may be wondering how to best prepare for U.S. trade tariffs. What should […]
Uniting Marketing and Tech Teams to Unlock AI Success
The majority of marketing and tech teams have historically been siloed within organizations, with each focusing on their own goals and paths for execution. Now, as the adoption of AI to enhance customer experiences and drive greater results takes off, that separation is no longer sustainable. In fact, according to McKinsey, nearly 65% of marketers […]
Streets Ahead: Meta Heading to Court and Instagram Reposts
In this week’s Streets Ahead update, SOCi discuss Meta Heading to Court and Instagram Reposts. Meta Heads to Court as FTC Pushes Breakup of Instagram and WhatsApp The News Meta is back in court this week as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advances its long-running case to force the company to divest Instagram and WhatsApp. The […]
C-Store – Stop…Charge…Drink…Earn…Repeat
What’s new at the C-store (convenience store)? The lowly truck stop is now tech-powered, innovative, and a model for other MULO (multi-location) brands to learn from. Among the seven big trends we’ll see along the road at at the corner store in the months ahead are: EV chargers. Forecasters believe these necessary roadside amenities will […]
420 Goes Digital With the Help of Vistar Media
The cannabis industry is unique in that it was one of the first major sectors to benefit from technology from its inception. A highly-regulated space, marketing cannabis (like the financial, liquor, and pharmaceutical industries) is filled with regulations. That’s where digital media comes into play, keeping major cannabis brands from “going up in smoke.” April 20th […]
Check Out What’s New at the Grocery Store
Walk into any MULO (multi-location) grocery store today, and you’ll likely find far more than what you might have experienced 20 years ago. In fact, the most popular grocery store in the U.S. today is not even an actual grocery store. According to this recent study, 7-Eleven ranks highest, which is proof positive of the […]
BILI Social Partners with NHLAA
Social-media and commerce company BecauseILoveIt.com (BILI Social), has entered an exclusive three-year partnership with the NHL Alumni Association (NHLAA). The goal is to help brands tap into the communities of former professional athletes through revenue-sharing opportunities. Players can promote products through social media and earn commissions through BILI Social. Adrian Capobianco, Co-Founder and CEO of […]
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