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

UK first country where digital media makes up half of ad spend

This year, the UK will become the first country in the world where 50% of all advertising expenditure goes on digital media, according to new research.

Top salaries in digital: PPC marketers earn the most

Pay-per-click is one of the key skills that needs to be mastered by those wanting to excel in the digital sector, according to new research.

One in five apps ‘get forgotten’

Speed and simplicity top reasons for using apps, but one in five are installed and forgotten, according to new UK research.

Top 50 online retailers in the UK: Travel companies Ryanair and Expedia take off

Travel companies saw a rise in popularity online during February 2015, while clothing retailers fared less well, according to new research looking into the top 50 online retailers in the UK.

Most retailers admit online customer service better than in-store

Over two-thirds of retailers believe their customers receive the best service online (either website, mobile or app) compared to 25% of retailers believing the best customer service comes from in-store, according to new research.
• More than 57% of retailers think that one of the biggest things consumers want to see when shopping online is the same quality of experience, yet more than 76% admit that today the experience isn’t consistent at all
• Over two-thirds of retailers believe their customers receive the best service online (either website, mobile or app) compared to 25% of retailers believing the best customer service comes from in-store
• Globally nearly 70% of consumers surveyed have bought from retailers located in other countries, offering UK retailers the opportunity to benefit from cross border commerce as the popularity of British brands abroad rises

Online review habits: Weekday purchases get better feedback

Online reviews are becoming ever more important for brand reputation- but what are the trends behind this growing practice? Online ratings and reviews experts Reevoo highlights the most popular times for customers to leave reviews, how this impacts on the negativity or positivity of the review and the types of products most likely to be reviewed.

Brits’ worst email and text blunders revealed

Blundering Brits are leaving family, friends and workmates raging or red-faced – with their email and text gaffes, with almost 70% saying they regularly send messages to the wrong person, according to new research.

CASE STUDIES

Top April fools pranks: Google goes backwards, Hailo piggybacks and driverless driving tests

April Fools Day has become big business for brands as they scramble to get their pranks noticed on social media and news outlets (getting some free publicity in the process). We’ve rounded-up some of the best spoofs to hit the web this year- including Google going backwards, Hailo piggybacks and driverless pizza delivery.

Peacock’s Plume or Hockey Puck? Paint brand creates colours for men

Tutti Frutti, Cuddles, Peacock’s Plume, Pansy Violet. These are not paint chip names men will be thrilled about. On the other hand, Beer, Bacon, Dry Wall and Hockey Puck will likely get a mighty two thumbs up and an eager, “When can we get started?” In the interests of helping women get the colour they want with a name men will agree with, CIL Paints’ created a Facebook app and media campaign, ‘Paint Chip Names For Men.’

Facebook case study: Smart car lets fans tag their own adventure

Would you face the aliens or enter the wormhole? smart USA’s ‘Tag Your Own Adventure’—a new spin on the classic ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ format—was a smart and original Facebook storytelling experiment letting fans’ tags decide the destiny of a smart car hero.

Smart: Tag your own Adventure from Shotopop on Vimeo.