Real-time marketing is based on the principles of speed, relevance and engagement. Unusual, personalised and creative advertising campaigns are often in response to unexpected news or events. Real-time marketing uses data and analytics to track customer behaviour and market trends. Fast and furious!
Social media and instant messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger and WeChat have fuelled this trend. Online marketing is also easier to measure because the response can be instantaneous.
Real-time marketing means live broadcasts, social media posts, email newsletters, personalised content created based on user behaviour. Analytics tools provide real-time data on audience behaviour and identify current trends.
Google Analytics is a detailed website statistics service that helps track traffic and user behaviour. Google Analytics collects data that can be used to make real-time marketing decisions.
Hootsuite. This is a social media management platform that allows you to manage multiple social media accounts simultaneously and track user reactions and brand mentions in real time.
BuzzSumo. A tool for analysing and finding the most popular content in a particular industry or topic. The service provides data on who is linking to your content and where it is being shared.
Mentions. A tool for monitoring mentions of a specific brand online. Mention tracks notifications in real time, allowing you to respond quickly to customer comments and feedback.
Analytics and life
How does it happen?
The Ice Bucket Challenge of 2014 was one of the most striking examples of real-time marketing. A bunch of people poured a bucket of ice on themselves, filmed the whole thing and posted their videos online. The phenomenon spread around the world and most brands and celebrities got involved.
Pepsi created a 'Pepsi Sound Off' chat room and online users were able to vote for the songs they wanted to hear at the concerts. Pepsi used real-time data to determine the most popular songs and create a unique playlist for each concert.
NASA made a splash during the Oscars with a single tweet. When the sci-fi thriller Gravity won several awards, the agency showed the real-life toy Gravity applauding the win from space.