5 stories from 2015 that captured marketing's attention

From social media companies making a splash to major marketing technology, here's a recap of some of the biggest stories from 2015.

By David Kirkpatrick • Jan. 5, 2016

10 digital marketing trends to watch in 2016 and beyond

This year is all about consumer-focused marketing in a digital-first world. Here are the top 10 digital marketing trends to keep an eye on as we kick off the new year.

By Natalia Angulo • Jan. 4, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Influencer Marketing

Amid a surge in confidence and new platform approaches, brands continue to turn to influencers for fresh content that can reach online consumers.

By Marketing Dive staff

Twitter is testing curated headlines – how the move will impact marketing strategies

Twitter may be heading toward an algorithm-driven model that would have an effect on organic reach of marketing tweets.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 23, 2015

Mercedes-Benz is using direct messaging for a 'secret Santa' campaign

Given the emphasis on personalization and authenticity in marketing direct messaging might be an underutilized channel.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 22, 2015

16 insiders weigh in on digital marketing in 2016

From social media to personalization and augmented reality, these trends will shake the ad industry in the new year.

By Natalia Angulo • Dec. 22, 2015

Hearst and Reelio team up to create social media influencer networks

In an effort to corral social media influencers attractive to its advertisers, Hearst Corp. joined forces with video ad tech firm Reelio to create influencer networks.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 22, 2015

Smartphone penetration hits 80%: Nielsen

Meanwhile, apps by Facebook, Google and Apple round out the top ten most popular apps in the U.S., according to Nielsen.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 22, 2015

MailChimp's Serial podcast sponsorship is paying off

The Serial podcast is back, and MailChimp’s popular #MailKimp sponsorship spot is as well.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 21, 2015

3 social media marketing wins from 2015 – and what marketers can learn from them

During the past year, marketers saw a handful of campaigns go awry, but also gained ground on social advertising with effective branding and engagement initiatives.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 21, 2015

4 cringe-worthy marketing debacles from 2015

Not every marketing effort can be a success, that’s why there’s testing and optimization programs.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 18, 2015

The Washington Post is actively refreshing its ad products

The Washington Post’s latest ad product, PostPulse, incorporates a brand’s media with a carousel that recommends Post content making the advertiser the reader’s "recommendation engine."

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 17, 2015

Star Wars mentions dominated Twitter pre-release

Brands that partnered with the new Star Wars movie benefitted from the film’s Twitter conversation dominance leading up to its release.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 17, 2015

PayPal joins the Super Bowl party with 45-second spot

PayPal’s first-ever Super Bowl ad will run during the first quarter and will introduce its "global vision for the future of money."

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 16, 2015

GE leverages Instagram for interactive #DigitalSnowGlobe campaign

The industrial technology conglomerate has made a strong social push this year, including the launch of #DroneWeek on Periscope.

By Natalia Angulo • Dec. 15, 2015

SocialRank's new social media tool helps ID audience segments

Market Intel, the new social media tool from SocialRank, was created along with Publicis Groupe agency MRY.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 15, 2015

How Trump's presidential bid could hurt the 'Trump' brand

As an increasingly polarizing presidential candidate, Donald Trump might be hurting his brand and business interests.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 14, 2015

Facebook is starting to pitch marketers on the idea of VR campaigns

Facebook has already promoted 360 video as a form of virtual reality lite, and is now demonstrating how full-on VR via Oculus Rift could be used in marketing.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 11, 2015

Twitter is testing Promoted Tweets to non-logged in users

By testing Promoted Tweets to people who aren’t logged-in, Twitter is finding a way to make money off users who aren’t even registered for the social platform.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 11, 2015

Instagram's Marquee ads produce big lift for Michael Kors

Advertising recall jumped more than 20% in four countries on the ads. 

By Ian P. Murphy • Dec. 10, 2015

Gerber goes social to promote WiFi-enabled baby formula machine

Gerber’s year-long digital campaign for its latest high-tech baby formula machine will include Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, BabyCenter, Amazon and mom blogs.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 10, 2015

Sponsored social was one of 2015's most effective ad strategies

Research from IZEA and Halverson Group found people were seeing around three sponsored social posts per day in 2015.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 9, 2015

Pinterest scoops up The Hunt, Pext to lift its ads and commerce

Pinterest is banking on its newly-acquired team members from The Hunt and Pext to help bolster organic and promoted searches.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 9, 2015

Marketers ignore Vine as new social video formats pop up

Twitter’s six-second video format Vine has been supplanted by brands like Facebook, Snapchat and YouTube that have been offering new video options.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 8, 2015

The problem with luxury brands' Instagram strategies: paid ads

Lamborghini has found a home on Instagram. But now that Instagram has opened up advertising to all brands, the super-luxury automaker fears the noise could drown it out.

By Natalia Angulo • Dec. 7, 2015

4 strategies marketers should keep top of mind going into 2016

From the value of email to the influence of social media and mobile advertising, the year ahead stacks up to be a customer-centric space for digital marketers.

By David Kirkpatrick • Dec. 7, 2015