Marzipan

Category: Digital Content Creation

  • How to protect your data privacy online and on social

    As the revelations continue to surface around Cambridge Analytica and their ability to harvest and then manipulate data from over 50million Facebook users, you might be wondering how to protect your data online. There are a few things to be aware of if you want to restrict who has access to your personal data.

    Mobile apps and third party accessories via Facebook can blow you and your friends data wide open. Be sure to pay attention to the T&C’s especially those which require you to log in using your Facebook account – they often have a very wide range of permissions and many are specifically designed to pick up your data

    ■  When browsing the web use an ad blocker to limit advertising. Most browsers have plug ins that can work easily in the background while your surf the web.

    ■   Now is a great time to check your Facebook security settings. Take note as to what is enabled and how far your data can spread. This isn’t limited to Facebook itself be sure check the individual app settings to see how much permission you’ve given them to view your friends’ data as well as your own.

    ■   It’s possible to download a copy of the data Facebook & Google both hold on you, although it is not comprehensive. For Facebook, there is a download button at the bottom of the General Account Settings tab. Similarly for Google they will have a log of every search and location in real life and on the web of places you’ve visited. All of this info is by law available for download but keep in mind your data may be less secure saved on your laptop than it is on their host servers, especially if your device or wifi is hacked.

    You can of course, simply leave social media for good. Facebook and Instagram are especially easy to delete, but the campaign group Privacy International warns that privacy concerns extend beyond the social networks. “The current focus is on protecting your data being exploited by third parties, but your data is being exploited all the time,” a spokeswoman recently told the BBC. “Many apps on your phone will have permission to access location data, your entire phone book and so on. It is just the tip of the iceberg.”


    For some of us understanding that our data is available is an inevitable part of live in the 21st century. It’s only when groups like Cambridge Analytica get involved that the dangers become clear. Their ability to harvest this info and turn it against people to promote such dire events as Brexit and Trump should be a wake up call to many. While the heat remains squarely on the source of such data and not the groups that profit from this it will be interesting to see how the social media landscape will change in it’s aftermath.

  • Authenticity in the age of social

    Global Web Index have released another insightful social media report for 2018 and it’s jam packed with useful information for digital marketers.

    Social provides the most important insights on the world of social media, from the very latest figures for social media engagement to the key trends within the social space and a comprehensive view of which social platforms are most popular. In particular the report focuses in on the power of recommendations which got us thinking… How can a brand stay authentic with it’s social messaging?

    Brand discovery is where peer-to-peer recommendations on social media have the most impact – as much as 27% of Millennials cite this as a way of discovering new brands. Younger audiences tend to fall back on the #authenticity of content created by their peers with similar interests in their decision-making process.

    Elsewhere, a fifth of internet users say that lots of “likes” or good comments on social media would increase their likelihood of purchasing a product, climbing to almost a quarter of Millennials and Gen Zers

    Without a doubt, this provides great direction to brands which can tap into such content when building their ongoing marketing and content strategies.

    We’ve previously talked about the need for digital marketers to consider influencer marketing for their campaigns. Every brand should by now know the concept of influencer marketing, but many don’t know why it’s so important. The figures above help provide data to back up the case.

    The extent to which younger age groups value their peers’ opinion is shown in the GWI report: 4 in 10 Millennials and Gen Zers say they are easily swayed by other people’s opinion, but this figure drops sharply among Gen X and Baby Boomers.

    Having an authentic voice will provide trust, underline your authority in a market and build stronger pathways to purchase with your customers. An authentic brand voice, that stays true to it’s potential and doesn’t react to a situation will provide your brand or start up the foundation it needs to grow and sustain a valuable social media community.

    You can read the GWI report in full here.

  • Prequalified for NSW State Government Advertising and Digital Communications Services – SCM2701

    We’re excited to announce Marzipan Media have been successful for all nominated categories and are now a prequalified service provider for NSW Government on the Advertising and Digital Communications Services Scheme – SCM2701.
    This allows us to provide the NSW Government with our expertise and experience of digital content creation, creative advertising and digital communications services.  

    The Scheme is managed and overseen by Strategic Communications and Events, providing NSW Government agencies access to a wide range of creative advertising and digital communications skills and expertise such as ourselves.
    We’re excited about the opportunities that may flow on from the exciting work we’ve already achieved for some amazing agencies within the NSW Government sector. 

    When Sweet Addiction launched in the brand new exhibition space within the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney it was our video that helped set the scene, and introduced The Calyx.

    Video Produced By Marzipan Media for Royal Botanic Garden Sydney

    Our Digital Marketing Strategy for Sydney Living Museums helped secure a sell out campaign for Sydney Open in 2016 and again in 2017. Utilising paid social media, combined with Search and retargeting ads to reach their target audiences and ensure a strong conversion to sales. 

    We’ve also provided social media training, support for Google Adwords, and email marketing campaigns for organisation that cares for and supports twelve significant historic homes, and museums within New South Wales.  

    Centennial Park is one of the most vibrant and diverse public green spaces in Australia, but it is also one of the busiest. Marzipan Media created a series of videos and other digital content for use in social to help amplify key messaging about sharing the park. One of our favourites is below.

    We look forward to providing many NSW Government agencies with video, digital marketing and social media support in the future.