Digital Marketing
Analysis finds social media used by less than 4% of people, while mobile phone connections are equivalent to less than 60% of Malawians.
AGENCY BUSINESS
SA-based digital marketing agency opens an office in Amsterdam
By our News Team | 2023
Dutch city is an increasingly influential hotbed of industry creativity and Flume sees it as the next step in the local agency’s growth.
Flume, a South African-based full-service digital marketing agency, has announced that it has expanded into the European market and opened its doors in Amsterdam.
The agency, which has offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town, has additionally appointed Janique Smeets to lead the agency as Account Director in Europe.
Photo by Jack Winbow from Pexels
Jacques Du Bruyn, Managing Director at Flume, says the move into the Netherlands will contribute toward fast-tracking the agency’s growth in the region.
“Amsterdam is home to some of the world’s best agencies and is also one of the fastest-growing agency hubs in the world, so it makes sense for us to set up shop in the city,” he explains.
“The beauty of digital marketing is that the tools and platforms don’t change based on where you’re sitting in the world.”
He adds: “Our local team in Amsterdam will have the regional knowledge and understanding, and that paired with our technical expertise, we believe, will achieve great results.”
Solid experience within the European market
When appointing the right candidate to lead the agency’s Amsterdam operation, Du Bruyn says Smeets came highly recommended through his network and has solid experience and expertise, particularly within Europe. In addition, Smeets aligns to Flume’s ethics and values as an agency.
Smeets started out in fashion design before studying Cultural Heritage, with a specialisation in marketing and entrepreneurship. Her most recent qualification is an Executive MBA at the Rotterdam Business School. She has extensive experience working within an agency context and has been responsible for growing a client base in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg.
“I really enjoy building something from the ground up, and to work together with a team that is very excited about the opportunity as well, is something I am most looking forward to,” says Smeets.
European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam are increasingly seen as global advertising hubs, growing in influence over traditional centres such as London.
“Amsterdam’s cultural diversity attracts creative talent from around the world, making it a hotbed for innovation in advertising, design, media [and] technology. Brands like Heineken, Nike and Playstation all thrive on the city’s vibrant mix of cultures and disciplines, which have made advertising and design one of its most important export products,” noted ADCN, the Dutch association for creativity in advertising and design.
E-commerce
E-commerce giant is yet another tech company that is finding the market increasingly tough. It has already cut 18,000 jobs.
Customer Data
Survey finds 60% of marketing leaders believe collecting customer data while balancing privacy and customer value is now more challenging.
Social Media Consulting
Charge as if you’re employing a small team. It’s not deception, it’s the money you will use to start hiring and scaling the business.
Consumer Health
It is not sufficient for consumers to want to decrease sugar intake. Brands should offer appealing products that help reduce consumption.
Marketing Strategy
Absa Kenya CMO says the fundamentals of marketing remain unchanged, but the practical implementation of strategy is evolving.
INFLUENCERS
Some influencers, themselves sufferers of an ailment, give well-intentioned advice. Others are paid to do so. The consequences are concerning.
AMC News
High-level Chartered Marketer (Africa) programme equips marketers to operate successfully in the continent’s complex and diverse markets.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Socially conscious companies walk a fine line. Excessive emphasis on perception management becomes ‘greenwashing’. Too little is ‘greenhushing’.
Industry Awards
Uganda Marketers Society and Uganda Advertising Association are to be joint custodians of the 2023 Silverback Awards.
Email Marketing
Analysis of more than 10-billion bulk emails sent over three years finds a ‘landscape fundamentally reshaped’ by events.