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You heard it here first. Whether it’s the latest social media trend or headline-grabbing industry data, we’re all about sharing the knowledge.

First things first – one lump or two? However you like your news, we’ll deliver it to you in a digestible format. Keep your eye on our expert speakers at industry events, or flick through our blog for useful hints and tips.

And don’t forget, we always like to explore new topics – so if you’re looking for inspiration and insights, get in touch.

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social media

Newsletter

Rick's Rambles

Social media must become a force for good

In 2019 the world has ample problems. From impending climate doom to the rich-poor divide, over-population to war, it ain’t looking good. But don’t ask Mark Zuckerberg for help, or any other social media mastermind for that matter. Facebook’s trust issues largely result from a profit rather than people-first attitude plucked straight from the new … Continued
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Netflix marketing

Marketing

Newsletter

Netflix marketing: 6 examples of on-demand genius

The much-hyped release of Stranger Things 3 is just one week away. Unsurprisingly, brands have been jumping on the bandwagon for well over a month already, securing precious earned media by piggybacking on the cult series from Netflix, marketing champion of the streaming world. 
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Retail

Newsletter

Technology

Retail of the future: Will VR replace the high street by 2050?

Retail. It’s the life-blood of the UK economy, employing 1-in-10 people and accounting for £358billion of annual sales. But where is it heading? 
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marketing

Marketing

Newsletter

Marketing takeaways from Cannes Lions 2019

Last week the great, good, best and better of the creative industries descended on the South of France for the world’s premiere festival of creativity. From marketing to advertising to social, a wealth of innovative work was on display vying for success in the most competitive edition in the annual event’s history. 
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Newsletter

Our News

June 2019 in the Smoking Gun study

A mid-sized town’s worth of people are heading to a field in England this week— specifically Somerset— but it has been a full month of festivals and celebrations for PR, marketing and creative industries.
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Marketing On Instagram

Instagram

Marketing on Instagram? Here's the most popular post

A few weeks back we published a social media update on the most effective formats for Facebook video. Well, we’re back in the land of networks and statuses, this time looking at marketing on Instagram  and what content proves most popular.
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B2B Content Strategy Planning

Content marketing

Content marketing experts would recommend these top tools

With multiple awards for client social output, our in-house blog and newsletter, the Smoking Gun team is full of content marketing experts. As such let’s talk content marketing, and what you need to improve your own efforts.
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marketing agencies

Advertising

Marketing agencies must adapt to gender rules for ads

Last Friday saw new rules come into effect across the UK aimed at ending ‘harmful’ gender stereotypes in advertising. But will advertising and marketing agencies be able to adapt?
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Power Up The North

PR to the people: We back the Power Up North campaign

Regionalism is an insidious force, no matter which side of whatever border you live. Nevertheless, Smoking Gun’s home turf and nearby counties have long suffered at the hands of Westminster’s ignorance. Now a new cross-media campaign, Power Up The North, is looking to right decades of wrong.
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Facebook

Social media for brands: Vertical video dominates Facebook

If you missed our recent guide on the Stories video format, aimed at improving how people use social media for brands, then it’s a good idea to catch up. According to new stats and facts, this type of content is becoming the dominant force in the market.
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social media cheat sheet

Social Media

Social media cheat sheet

A quick, up-to-date social media cheat sheet for optimising images and videos to post on your social media channels. In a world where digital is ever changing its algorithms, preferred content formats and organic reach limits, standing out in newsfeed has never been so important. These are our recommended dimensions only and are up-to-date as … Continued
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Newsletter

Our News

May 2019 at Smoking Gun HQ

This month is best-known for incessant Bank Holidays— no less than three four day weeks. Nevertheless, with a presence at international industry summits, a wealth of award wins and a fantastic new client, there’s been no time for lie-ins.
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PR measurement

Newsletter

Rick's Rambles

PR measurement is great, but look past the numbers

This month Smoking Gun has plenty to celebrate— as our latest roundup of in-house news goes to show. Over in Prague, our team was invited to attend the AMEC Awards, celebrating the best in analytical comms. We won. Twice. Back in Manchester, the Prolific North Awards also honoured us with a new trophy. We’re immensely proud … Continued
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    Our Awards

    Why stop at global stardom and incredible sales? When our clients work with us, they get the silverware to boot. We’re not into tooting our own horns, but the awards we’ve won with our clients are too good to miss…