Here are the top digital marketing data and case studies that caught our eye.

Do brands need to sell direct to consumers? 89% of shoppers visit brand websites

Nearly 9 in 10 online shoppers (89%) visit customers visit brands’ websites during the purchase journey, with brands potentially missing out by not providing a direct purchase option, according to new research.

Twitter and TV: New metrics prove social buzz can boost viewing figures

Capturing the social TV audience: Tips for brands (infographic)

A massive 84% of U.S. smartphone and tablet owners today watch television with a second screen in hand, fostering a surge of real-time social media conversation between friends, fans and talent as programs unfold- but how can brands tap into this huge lucrative audience? New research from Nielsen looks at some key trends.

CASE STUDIES

FMCG case study: How a cheese spread became part of a school curriculum

Back in 2012, Bel Group’s popular cheese spread Picon wanted to revamp its brand promise of ‘spreading happiness’ across Lebanon. This case study looks at how the FMCG brand’s civic activism programme became part of the country’s school curriculum via some smart digital marketing.

Case study: Smart Balance seasonal e-cards get 112% boost in traffic

In the space of four years, Smart Balance managed to grow its US market share by 14%, giving power brands such as Flora, Country Crock and I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter! something to worry about. This case study looks at how the health food brand made smart use of digital platforms, culminating in this years’ s Valentine’s e-cards promotion that boosted subscriptions 14% in the process.

Milkmen go mobile: DairyCrest debuts mobile optimised site

milk&more, a Dairy Crest group company focused on free doorstep delivery is improving the traditional daily milk and grocery delivery by developing a mobile optimised site.Customers were able to use their smartphones to set up and manage the delivery of their daily essentials.