You may have heard through the grapevine that Instagram recently started testing what the platform would be like if you were to hide likes on posts so that only the creator could see how many 'likes' they received, but none of their followers. Naturally, you can only imagine how this would affect influencers, content creators and brands that have for a long time viewed such likes as an indication of success and popularity. How else can you know, right?

We are often asked what is most important on social – getting ‘reach’ or generating engagement? Let’s explore this a little further to understand the importance of each.

Every year, Easter marks the moment when marketers put their heads together to create the most creative and engaging campaigns based around the chocolate-driven holiday.

From innovative uses of augmented reality apps to brand partnerships infused with national identity, New Zealand businesses have delivered year after year with stunning social campaigns.

In the midst of 2019's chocolate rush, we've taken the time to dig through the Easter content rolled out in 2018, and select the best of the best. Social media marketers - take note.

As we near the end of the summer months, it’s a fantastic time to look back at some of New Zealand's best social marketing campaigns this quarter. Here, we delve into some of the best social marketing campaigns we’ve seen and taken a few notes on what worked well.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a key part of today’s corporate world, where businesses are encouraged to be aware of, and responsible for, the impact that they have on the wider community.

Here at Zavy, we know that engagement drives return. In our ROI study we found that over three quarters of revenue uplift is driven by shares and positive comments, with shares specifically having the highest correlation to ROI. Finding the perfect marketing campaign that marries these two, often opposing, ideas can seem like an insurmountable challenge. However, with a brilliant idea and a well-executed strategy, it can be achieved.

Getting your business’ brand to reach the heights of social media success, push the boundaries of digital marketing and expand its reach and engagement throughout your target audience can seem like an insurmountable task at the best of times.

“I’m never buying Gillette again.' How reminiscent of the backlash Nike received towards their Colin Kaepernick campaign 6 months ago.

Brands capitalising on social movements isn't a new thing; it's not enough these days for companies to stand idly by on the sidelines. Increasingly we are witnessing big brands align themselves with political causes. Nike is the perfect example of this through their powerfully driven Nike Dream Crazy ad with Colin Kaepernick, a former Football Quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers. While closer to home, we see ripples of this with New World and Countdown initiating the ban of plastic bags in their supermarkets nationwide. They usually have one thing in common, however - controversy.

Welcome to 2019! The year of social trends has officially begun, and who would have guessed that a stock image of an egg would have knocked Kylie Jenner's Instagram crown clean off? But on the other hand, from a year that has already seen the bombardment of Bird Box related memes, we can't really be too surprised.

2018 social trends can offer us insights into what works well and what doesn't. The new year is for new campaigns and trends, so what better way to look forward than to start by looking back at 2018 in review? Let's dive right on in.

A seismic shift in behaviour from social media

The proliferation and growth of social media has been phenomenal and has created a seismic shift in how people communicate and act. In New Zealand, Facebook alone has achieved 80% market penetration of individuals.

We now spend more time on social media than we do watching TV. We use it not only to stay in touch with people, but as a means of information, entertainment and, perhaps most importantly to business, as a way to find out about and research products to buy[1].