It’s no surprise in this hectic, fast paced life that we live for the weekends. In fact, sometimes it seems like that is all we do. It’s the only way we get to experience down time from our jobs and the stress of a busy family life. It’s important to find time to connect with […]
Basil Puglisi's Brand Blog #AIassisted
Transparency Takes the Spotlight: Influencer Marketing Faces FTC Scrutiny
This month marks a critical turning point for influencer marketing as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) takes a clear stance on transparency in brand partnerships. With social media influencing purchase behavior at unprecedented rates, the FTC’s letters to over 90 Instagram influencers and brands are a loud signal: proper disclosure isn’t optional—it’s a legal obligation. […]
The Rise of Live Streaming: How Real-Time Video Is Redefining Engagement
So far this year showcases a clear shift in how audiences interact with digital content: live streaming is no longer an experimental feature—it’s a cornerstone of social engagement. From Facebook Live to Instagram Live and even Twitch outside the gaming world, real-time video is offering brands and creators a powerful way to drive immediacy, authenticity, […]
SxSW 2013, @BasilPuglisi debut as BOD Social Media Club International
SXSW 2013 is an expansive, vibrant festival and conference taking place in Austin, Texas, from March 8 to 17. It is an overwhelming yet exhilarating event where thousands of artists, filmmakers, tech innovators, and industry professionals converge. With about 2,500 bands performing on over 100 stages across the city, the music offerings alone range broadly—from […]
Speed and Relevance: The AMP and Personalization Push in Digital Strategy
This year continues to highlight the shift in digital marketing toward smarter, faster, and more personalized experiences. Two important developments are shaping this momentum: the growing use of Google’s AMP for Ads and the rise of content personalization tools. Both technologies reflect a commitment to reducing friction in digital engagement—whether by loading faster or speaking […]
Understanding China’s Social Media Ecosystem – Why It Matters for U.S. Business Strategy
For marketers and businesses aiming to grow globally, understanding China’s digital ecosystem is no longer optional—it’s essential. With over a billion internet users, China’s internet landscape is dominated not by Facebook or Twitter, but by powerful homegrown platforms that blend commerce, content, and conversation in unique ways. These platforms are not only redefining social interaction […]
Messaging as a Marketing Channel: How WeChat, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram Shape Strategy
While Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram continue to dominate headlines, it’s the private messaging platforms that are quietly reshaping user behavior. In January 2017, apps like WeChat, WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Telegram aren’t just personal communication tools—they’re full-scale ecosystems for brand interaction, customer service, and community building. Smart marketers are recognizing that the future of connection is […]
Beating the Winter Blues: 5 Indoor Fitness Activities Your Family will Love
During those freezing cold winter months when you aren’t able to get outside and it’s hard to muster up the motivation to get out and hit the gym, it can seem nearly impossible to get any exercise in. Activity levels fall to one step above couch potato and we often wonder where the excess weight […]
Pin It to Win It: How Pinterest Powers Holiday Marketing
As the holidays approach, shoppers aren’t just browsing—they’re planning, saving, and pinning. Pinterest, once seen primarily as a mood board platform, is now one of the most influential tools in holiday marketing strategy. Its visual discovery engine empowers users to organize gift ideas, recipes, and decor, creating a seasonal ecosystem of intent. For marketers, this […]
Influencer Impact: Why Trust Is Now the Currency of Digital Marketing
As digital ads become easier to ignore and banner blindness spreads, trust becomes the real currency of attention. Influencer marketing isn’t just experimental—it’s strategic. Brands now align with influencers not for exposure alone, but because creators carry the credibility that drives action. Authenticity is winning over algorithms. Trust Over Reach Whether it’s a lifestyle blogger […]