Hochviral

How people access and consume information online continues to evolve. To achieve your communication goals, simple static websites will probably no longer suffice. People online cross multiple channels and companies must do the same; but in a conservative and highly regulated industry, before a multi-channel campaign, courage is required. more

antwerpes has established its own lab specialising in social media. In addition to its ongoing projects, the lab concentrates on exploring new approaches with customers and field testing them. Entirely in tune with the agency’s philosophy, no limits should be set on innovation and creativity: patient networks, messaging services, live video and even dating apps are considered to identify new possibilities of approaching healthcare topics. more

At least half of the top 50 pharmaceutical companies are now actively engaged with social media, and many are seeing the benefit of being involved across multiple social media channels. While uncertainties around regulatory issues are still a factor for many companies, it feels in recent years that there has been a growing acceptance that pharmaceutical companies do have a positive role to play in the social media conversation. more

The launch of the Apple Watch in April 2015 was met by much fanfare and initially fêted by Apple fans. The Watch was developed to be well-suited for the healthcare sector, with built-in sensors that measure the heart rate, walking and running. Nearly a year later, and with the launch of Apple Watch 2 potentially on the radar for some time during 2016, many are questioning if the Apple Watch is little more than an expensive toy. Although Apple is cagey about sales figures, analysts suggest it is not living up to expectations. The monitor is relatively small, its interaction with apps is limited and it appears more a fashion accessory than a watch. However, that is not to say it does not have great potential – we think it does, particularly in healthcare. more

BASQ – the basket with IQ – made it to Shortlist of the Internet of Things Awards 2015. It is a location based indoor service invented by antwerpes. The portable shopping basket, equipped with a vibrating alert in its carry handle, is simple and practical at the same time guiding the customer to the right product. more

Bloggers are a key part of “new journalism”, driven by the rise of social media. They offer a highly credible source for people with similar interests. Indeed the high degree of trust they build among readers, the scope for rapid word-of-mouth content sharing, and their subsequent ability to influence purchase decisions, makes them an important audience for companies. But blogger relations are delicate. Different rules apply to bloggers compared with ‘traditional’ media audiences, and if bloggers are handled in the wrong way, it can misfire spectacularly. So what are the key things we should be aware of? more

Referral marketing – the method of promoting a service or product via trustworthy recommendations / word-of-mouth – has become an essential element of marketing campaigns across nearly all sectors. But does it have any relevance in the more restrictive world of healthcare? more