Latest news with #digitalMarketing
Reuters
15 hours ago
- Business
- Reuters
WPP Media cuts 2025 global advertising revenue growth forecast to 6% on trade concerns
June 9 (Reuters) - Global advertising revenue is expected to grow 6% this year, WPP Media said on Monday, lowering its earlier target of 7.7% due to uncertainty over U.S. trade policies. Advertisers are appearing to delay making new commitments to their marketing plans because of the shifting policies, according to a report by the media investment arm of ad group WPP (WPP.L), opens new tab. Digital ad spending by companies is a major driver of revenue for Alphabet-owned (GOOGL.O), opens new tab search giant Google and social media firms such as Meta Platforms (META.O), opens new tab, Pinterest (PINS.N), opens new tab, Reddit (RDDT.N), opens new tab and Snap (SNAP.N), opens new tab. Economic uncertainty is accelerating the adoption of AI tools in ad production and targeting, the WPP Media report said. Meta aims to allow brands to fully create and target ads with its AI tools by the end of 2026, the Wall Street Journal reported last week. Research firm Emarketer recently said companies that rely on traditional keyword-based search ads could lose revenue due to the growing popularity of AI-driven search ads. WPP Media now expects global ad revenue to reach $1.08 trillion in 2025, with 6.1% growth projected for 2026. Digital advertising is expected to account for 73.2% of the global revenue this year. In 2025, user-generated content will account for a greater share of ad revenue than professionally produced content, the report said. It forecast print advertising revenue will fall 3.1% to $45.5 billion this year, while search revenue is expected to grow 7.3%. WPP Media said brands are expected to prioritize flexible ad contracts, shift budgets toward media placements that reach consumers directly and focus on secure data strategies amid economic uncertainty. The U.S. remains the largest ad market and is expected to grow 5.6% to $404.7 billion, followed by China and the UK, according to the report.
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Jason Hunter Design Takes the Stress Out of Website Maintenance for Atlanta Businesses
Running a business in Atlanta's fast-paced market is no small feat. You're juggling clients, managing operations, and chasing growth, all while trying to keep your online presence sharp and effective. Your website is your digital storefront, but keeping it running smoothly—secure, fast, and up-to-date—can feel like a full-time job in itself. That's where Website maintenance Atlanta comes in, and partnering with a professional agency like Jason Hunter Design is the smartest move you can make. By handing over the reins of your website's upkeep to their expert team, you can focus on what you do best—growing your business—while they ensure your online presence is a powerhouse. Let's dive into why Jason Hunter Design is the ideal partner for Website maintenance Atlanta and how their comprehensive approach delivers peace of mind and tangible results. The Hidden Challenges of Website Maintenance Think of your website as a high-performance car: it looks sleek and runs great when it's new, but without regular tune-ups, it's bound to sputter. Website maintenance involves a slew of tasks—updating software, securing against hackers, fixing broken links, and ensuring the site loads faster than your morning coffee order. For the average business owner, these tasks are time-consuming and steeped in technical jargon like 'WordPress core updates' (the main software running your site) or 'SSL certificates' (a security feature that keeps your site safe). Neglecting them can lead to slow load times, security breaches, or even a site that vanishes from Google's radar, costing you customers. Trying to handle this yourself or relying on an overworked IT person can pull you away from your core business priorities. That's where Jason Hunter Design steps in, offering a full-service solution that takes the burden off your shoulders. Here's why partnering with them for Website maintenance Atlanta is a game-changer. The Advantages of Partnering with Jason Hunter Design 1. Comprehensive Maintenance That Covers All Bases When you partner with Jason Hunter Design for Website maintenance Atlanta, you're not just getting someone to 'check the oil.' Their Website Care Plans are like a full-service mechanic shop for your site, handling everything from daily updates to WordPress core, themes, and plugins (those add-ons that make your site do cool things like display forms or galleries) to daily backups that protect your data if something goes wrong. They even tackle ADA compliance, ensuring your site is accessible to users with disabilities—a legal must-have that avoids costly lawsuits. One client praised their 'award-winning' service, noting how their site stayed 'functional and engaging' thanks to these proactive measures. With Jason Hunter Design, every detail is covered, so you don't have to sweat the small stuff. 2. Security That Keeps Hackers at Bay Cybersecurity is no joke—hackers are like digital burglars, and a poorly maintained website is an open door. Jason Hunter Design locks that door tight with robust security measures. Their Website Care Plans include constant monitoring for threats, immediate fixes for plugin issues (those pesky add-ons can sometimes break), and restoration services if a hack occurs (within limits for user errors). They also provide SSL certificates through their Google Cloud Platform hosting, which encrypts data to keep your customers' information safe. Going it alone or with an inexperienced provider risks downtime or data breaches, which can erode customer trust. With Jason Hunter Design, your site is fortified, letting you focus on your business without worrying about digital disasters. 3. Performance Optimization for Speed and SEO A slow website is a customer repellent—studies show that 53% of users abandon a site if it takes more than three seconds to load. Jason Hunter Design ensures your site is lightning-fast by optimizing images, cleaning up code, and leveraging Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) through their hosting services. They also tie maintenance to SEO (Search Engine Optimization, or making your site rank higher on Google) by fixing issues like broken links or browser incompatibilities that can tank your rankings. Their monthly performance reports give you clear insights into how your site's doing, so you're never in the dark. One client noted a 'significant increase in conversion rate' after their site was optimized, meaning more visitors turned into customers. By keeping your site fast and search-friendly, Jason Hunter Design drives traffic and sales while you focus on running your business. 4. A Partner Who Handles the Entire Digital Ecosystem Unlike a solo freelancer who might only tweak one part of your site, Jason Hunter Design takes a holistic approach, managing every aspect of your online presence. Beyond maintenance, they offer web design, SEO, branding, social media management, and content creation. This means your website doesn't just stay functional—it evolves with your business. Need a new landing page for a product launch? They'll design it. Want to rank higher for 'Atlanta plumber'? Their SEO audits and keyword strategies have you covered. Their branding services ensure your site's look matches your business's vibe, while their social media management drives traffic from platforms like LinkedIn. This all-in-one approach saves you from juggling multiple vendors, letting you concentrate on your core operations. 5. Time Savings That Free You Up As a business owner, your time is gold. Digging into technical tasks like updating plugins or troubleshooting errors can eat up hours you'd rather spend closing deals or serving customers. Jason Hunter Design takes those tasks off your plate, acting as your dedicated website manager. Their team handles everything from routine updates to emergency fixes, so you don't have to learn terms like 'database optimization' or spend nights Googling 'why is my website down?' Clients describe their service as 'extremely nice and helpful,' making the process seamless. With Website maintenance Atlanta in their hands, you're free to focus on what drives your business forward—whether that's launching a new product or charming your next big client. 6. Proven Expertise with a Track Record of Success Since 2001, Jason Hunter Design has been a trusted name in Atlanta's digital landscape, earning the 2022 Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. Their global team of developers, marketers, and creatives brings big-agency expertise with a small-business focus, delivering results that boost profitability and productivity. Clients rave about their ability to transform websites into 'pure magic' for customers, with one noting their work 'set the foundation for our success.' This proven track record means you're not gambling on an untested provider—you're partnering with a team that consistently delivers. 7. Cost-Effective Solutions That Protect Your Bottom Line You might think handling maintenance yourself saves money, but one security breach or downtime incident can cost thousands in lost sales or repairs. Jason Hunter Design's Website Care Plans are a cost-effective investment, bundling updates, security, and performance optimization into one package. Their transparent pricing means no surprise fees, and their proactive approach prevents costly issues before they start. Compared to hiring an in-house IT person or dealing with emergency fixes, partnering with Jason Hunter Design is like buying insurance for your website—affordable protection that pays off big time. Why Jason Hunter Design is the Partner You Need For Website maintenance Atlanta, Jason Hunter Design stands out as the premier choice. Based in Peachtree City, they combine local accessibility with global expertise, offering tailored solutions for Atlanta businesses. Their Website Care Plans are comprehensive, covering daily updates, backups, security, and ADA compliance, while their broader services—custom web design, SEO, branding, and social media—ensure your entire online presence is cohesive and effective. Their data-driven approach, using tools like Google Analytics and SEMrush, delivers measurable results, from faster load times to higher search rankings. What sets them apart is their commitment to small businesses. They understand your challenges—tight budgets, big ambitions—and craft solutions that align with your goals. Clients praise their 'remarkable understanding of small business needs,' especially for startups, and their personalized service feels like a partnership, not a transaction. Whether you're a retailer in Midtown or a contractor in Buckhead, they'll keep your website running like a well-oiled machine, so you can focus on what matters most. Don't Let Your Website Hold You Back—Act Now Your website should be a growth engine, not a headache. Partnering with Jason Hunter Design for Website maintenance Atlanta means you're investing in a reliable, high-performing online presence that drives customers to your door. Their expertise, comprehensive services, and client-first approach make them the ideal partner to free you from technical worries and let you focus on building your business. Don't wait for a website crash or a Google ranking drop to take action. Visit Jason Hunter Design today to request a free consultation, explore their portfolio, or dive into their blog for expert insights on website maintenance and digital success. With their proven track record and dedication to your growth, they'll ensure your website is a powerhouse, letting you shine in Atlanta's competitive market. Click now and take the first step toward a worry-free online presence! Media Contact Company Name: Jason Hunter Design Contact Person: Jason Hunter Email: Send Email Phone: (404) 474-0478 Address:461 SANDY CREEK RD., SUITE 4109 City: FAYETTEVILLE State: GEORGIA 30214 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Jason Hunter Design Takes the Stress Out of Website Maintenance for Atlanta Businesses
Reuters
6 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
AI-driven search ad spending set to surge to $26 billion by 2029, data shows
June 4 (Reuters) - Spending on AI-powered search advertising is poised to surge to nearly $26 billion by 2029 from just over $1 billion this year in the U.S., driven by rapid adoption of the technology and more sophisticated user targeting, data from Emarketer showed on Wednesday. Companies that rely on traditional keyword-based search ads could experience revenue declines due to the growing popularity of AI search ads, which offer greater convenience and engagement for users, according to the research firm. Search giants such as Alphabet-owned (GOOGL.O), opens new tab Google and Microsoft's (MSFT.O), opens new tab Bing have added AI capabilities to better compete with chatbots such as OpenAI's ChatGPT and Perplexity AI, which provide users with direct information without requiring to click through multiple results. Apple (AAPL.O), opens new tab is exploring the integration of AI-driven search capabilities into its Safari browser, potentially moving away from its longstanding partnership with Google. The report has come as concerns grew about users increasingly turning to the chatbots for conversational search and AI-powered search results could upend business models of some companies. Online education firm Chegg (CHGG.N), opens new tab said in May that it would lay off about 248 employees as it looks to cut costs and streamline operations because students are using AI-powered tools including ChatGPT over traditional edtech platforms. "Publishers and other sites are feeling the pain from AI search. As they lose out on traffic, we're seeing publishers lean into subscriptions and paid AI licensing deals to bolster revenue," Emarketer analyst Minda Smiley said. GRAPHIC AI search ad spending is expected to constitute nearly 1% of total search ad spending this year and 13.6% by 2029 in the U.S., according to Emarketer. Sectors such as financial services, technology, telecom, and healthcare are embracing AI as they are seeing clear advantages in using the technology to enhance their ad strategies, while the retail industry's adoption is slow, the report said. Google recently announced the expansion of its AI-powered search capabilities into the consumer packaged goods sector through enhancements in Google Shopping.
Khaleej Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
UAE gets first homegrown ad exchange platform to combat advertising fraud
In a landmark move for the region's digital advertising landscape, VeraViews has announced the official launch of the UAE's first home-grown Ad Exchange and Supply-Side Platform (SSP), established to set a new gold standard for fraud-free programmatic advertising. Developed under the Ministry of Economy's NextGenFDI initiative, the platform connects advertisers directly with verified local publishers and ensures that campaigns are delivered to real people on verified platforms. It also aims to significantly reduce ad fraud and boost the UAE's profile with regards to anti-money laundering and digital crime prevention by cutting out intermediaries and minimising invalid traffic (IVT). The UAE government has applauded the initiative as a key step toward realising the goals of the Digital Economy Strategy 2031. 'By launching the UAE's first home-grown, fraud-proof Ad Exchange, (the firm) speaks to our mandate for trust, transparency, and advanced data governance," said Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade. KT as first official publisher Khaleej Times has been confirmed as the first official publisher partner on VeraViews, making it the first media outlet in the country to offer 100 per cent verified, fraud-free ad inventory through a locally built, fully transparent programmatic platform. The minister added, "Khaleej Times' early adoption signals that our media sector is ready to set global benchmarks, while ensuring every advertising dirham amplifies real engagement and safeguards our reputation as a premier, tech-led business hub.' Charles Yardley, CEO of Khaleej Times, welcomed the partnership saying: 'Khaleej Times is proud to light the way for the UAE's next-gen digital economy. Onboarding to the VeraViews Ad Exchange means our inventory is not just premium — it will be 100 per certified and fraud-free with a significant increase in demand. Advertisers gain instant, accountable access to loyal Gulf audiences, while we advance the nation's drive for transparent, tech-led media.' Olena Buyan, chief product officer at VeraViews, highlighted the strategic impact of the media organisation's involvement: 'Khaleej Times onboarding as the first premium publisher partner signals — both to the market and to Centennial 2071 ambitions — that the UAE intends to lead, not follow, in creating a trust-first advertising ecosystem.' Turning point for advertisers The launch is being hailed as a turning point for UAE advertisers and publishers who have long been dependent on international ad platforms — systems often criticised for lack of transparency, high fraud rates, and limited control. With VeraViews, brands can directly connect with verified local publishers, targeting 100 per cent real audiences based in the country. The platform's technology stack, including AdTrace and Proof of Traffic (PoT), uses AI to detect fraud and incorporates strict Know Your Business (KYB) onboarding. This ensures that every ad impression is legitimate, every transaction is fully traceable, and every participant is verified. At its core, an Ad Exchange is a real-time digital marketplace that connects advertisers with available ad space across websites and mobile apps. The accompanying Supply-Side Platform (SSP) allows publishers such as local news sites, video platforms, and mobile apps to manage and sell that ad space automatically, giving them full control over monetisation while protecting their brand integrity. 'The launch of the VeraViews Ad Exchange and SSP marks a pivotal moment for the region's digital advertising ecosystem," said Jean Laurent Vilon, managing director of global media agency Mazarine. "It not only elevates transparency and accountability in digital media but also unlocks measurable value for the premium brands we represent. 'We're proud to support this next-generation solution, which aligns perfectly with our commitment to innovation, performance, and integrity in brand storytelling," Vilon added.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Cannes Lions 2025: The Business Of Influence Takes The Stage
Travis Kelce, NFL Superstar and Cultural Icon featured at Stagwell's Sport Beach at 2024 Cannes ... More Lions Festival of Creativity Cannes Lions will have more creators than ever, a clear signal that the C-suite is finally buying into creator marketing as a serious growth strategy. What's accelerating the change? Consumer behavior. As digital spaces get more crowded and less trustworthy, it's harder for brands to reach people effectively. Creator partnerships are the exception. They continue to deliver results, earning a permanent place in the core marketing mix. Cannes Lions is a chance for marketers to learn directly from the creators, agencies, and platforms shaping what's next. And the best way to understand what's working is to see creators in action across the festival. YES THEORY: Ammar Kandil, Thomas Bragg, Business Partner, Zack Honarvar, Moderator Jamie Gutfreund Now in its second year, the Official Creators Rooftop at the Palais has become the place where marketers and creators meet and collaborate. This year's rooftop sponsors include LTK, Meta, Dove, YouTube, Ogilvy, Microsoft, DNY, Billion Dollar Boy, and Adobe. The rooftop will also feature speakers from Rare Beauty, Mattel, Heineken, Sephora, Unilever, Benefits Cosmetics, and Duolingo. The creators rooftop was built for business. It's where brands and creators connect with intent through curated introductions, strategy sessions, and working roundtables that open the door to commercial opportunities. 'We're deepening our matchmaking efforts with curated networking formats to foster meaningful collaboration between creators, brands, and agencies,' said Ed Davidson, Chief Growth Officer, Cannes Lions. The official Creator Rooftop at the Palais from the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity 2024 'You'll find creators everywhere, Davidson added. 'It's not just about visibility; it's about giving creators real access to the conversations shaping the industry's future.' Confirmed creators include Amelia Dimoldenberg, Camila Coutinho, Colin & Samir, Grace Beverley, Haifa Beseisso, Ifeyinwa Mogekwu, Jake Shane, Kai Cenat, Robyn DelMonte, Coco Mocoe and Keith Lee. NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 16: Amelia Dimoldenberg attends SNL50: The Anniversary Special on ... More February 16, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by) A highlight of the week: Wednesday night's Social & Creator Lions awards ceremony, the festival's top honor for creator work. The expanded awards now reflect what sets creator marketing apart from traditional advertising, with new categories like Community Building, Cross-Platform Storytelling, and Excellence in Craft. Three years ago, Stagwell recognized a simple truth: athletes gain their influence through consistent high-performance and leadership. Their brand of influence is unique, forged through competition, and strengthened by community support. But most marketers still saw them as talent, not business partners. Stagwell's Sport Beach 2024 featured all-star speakers including Draymond Green, Golden State ... More Warriors, Conal Byrne, IHeart and journalist Taylor Rooks. 'The fundamental idea of Sport Beach is that we take athletes seriously as business people and marketers as serious partners to those athletes,' said Beth Sidhu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer at Stagwell. 'We treat brands and athletes as equals and create spaces for them to do business.' And it's working. Dozens of deals have started at Sport Beach, from equity-backed ventures to creative roles with long-term commercial value. 'Some athletes secure commercial deals, some are forming new brand partnerships, some are creating foundations,' said Sidhu. 'People have closed significant business deals at Sport Beach.' Beth Sidhu, Stagwell's Chief Brand and Communications Officer (left), and Regan Considine, ... More Stagwell's VP, Brand (right). The global calendar adds urgency. 'Between now and 2028, the U.S. will host the World Cup and the Olympics,' Sidhu said. 'We're not going to get this kind of attention on sport again in a generation. We believe that intense focus on sports will drive a wave of marketing investment.' This year's all-star lineup includes Candace Parker, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Chiles, Carmelo Anthony, Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe, Tara and Hunter Woodhall, Alex Johnson, and Ilona Maher. The business success stories are evident in the week's progamming. In a live taping of the Prof G Pod, NYU Professor Scott Galloway sits down with Candace Parker, WNBA Legend and President of Adidas Women's Basketball, and Alex Rodriguez, Chairman and CEO of A-Rod Corp, on their journey from athlete to investor. Both have translated on-field excellence into boardroom success, leveraging their networks, strategic insight, and personal brands to build diverse investment portfolios beyond traditional endorsements. Carmelo Anthony, an NBA All-Star entrepreneur and philanthropist, knows life on the move: 41 road games, 30 cities, four games a week. He joins Anthony Capuano, President and CEO of Marriott International, and Dan Gardner, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Code and Theory, for a conversation on building a brand that travels, whether you're launching a startup or leading a global company. McLaren Racing takes the stage with CEO Zak Brown, CMO Lou McEwen, and Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri to share how the team's performance mindset—built on precision, adaptability, and resilience shapes business decisions and drives innovation across the brand. Influential put creators front and center at Cannes. In 2023, they moved first, betting that creators would define the future of marketing, and Cannes was the place to prove it. Their early investment, when few others were paying attention, successfully established a creator presence at the center of the industry's most influential global gathering. Now, in its first year as part of Publicis Groupe, Influential, widely recognized as the largest global creator marketing agency, is expanding its Cannes Lions presence. Sponsored by PayPal, their Cannes 2025 activation includes strategic content, executive programming, and the Forbes Top Creators celebration, which has moved from its traditional fall timing to Cannes in recognition of the growing importance of creators on the global stage. The event will spotlight the 50 most influential and entrepreneurial digital creators. Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity launched a dedicated Creator Pass in 2024 Programming includes a fireside chat with Eva Longoria and L'Oréal CMO Han Wen (in partnership with iHeartMedia), a new partnership announcement with YouTube featuring Global Director Celia Salsi and creator Adam W, and a spotlight on athlete-led innovation with Russell Westbrook and Deandre Jordan. Brand-led panels will feature Sephora, Ulta Beauty, LEGO, Heineken, Lyft, DoorDash, Salesforce, and Hilton. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 18: Alix Earle poses for a photo prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Las ... More Vegas at Las Vegas Strip Circuit on November 18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Denise Truscello - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images) This year's creator presence is broader than ever, with standout sessions highlighting the intersection of creativity, technology, and commerce. At the Microsoft Beach House, superstar creator Alix Earle will headline a special evening session with Yusuf Mehdi, Microsoft EVP and Consumer CMO. Earle will discuss navigating the creator economy and leveraging new AI tools like Copilot to enhance her content and connection with fans. On the LIONS Creators program, the 'Voices of Africa: A Creator Conversation' panel will feature a group of rising talent and cultural leaders from across the continent. Organized by Adetutu Laditan, Founder and Creative Director of Woof Studios and a 2024 Social & Influencer Lions juror. Meanwhile, Epidemic Sound, a leading music tech platform for creators, will host 'Creating Without Permission in the World's Hardest-to-Reach Places,' featuring YouTubers Yes Theory and Drew Binsky. The panel will explore how they capture powerful, often unfiltered stories in some of the world's most remote or restricted regions. Creators will be everywhere at Cannes Lions. But access alone isn't the advantage. What you do with the opportunity is what matters. Use the time to go straight to the source, ask real questions, challenge your assumptions, and pay attention to how the best are building. The most innovative brands aren't just hiring creators. They're learning from them and building strategies that only work because creators are at the center.
