Aliya Zaidi

I work in the Research team for Econsultancy. We publish reports covering best practice, user experience benchmarking, market data, supplier selection, template files, trends and innovation aimed at internet professionals who want practical advice on all aspects of e-business.

I manage Econsultancy's Innovation Report, which features short case studies on innovative marketing tactics in the digital world. If you are interested in submitting examples of work for this report, please email me at: aliya.zaidi@econsultancy.com

Econsultancy's social networks:
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Hard graft is needed to make social media pay

Many companies are enthusiastic about social media but are struggling to get real value, according to Econsultancy research published this week.

The good news for companies is that investment in time and resources can pay dividends ... provided that the strategies and tactics employed are closely aligned with business objectives.

by Aliya Zaidi 27 November 2009 13:29pm 7 comments

Q&A: Sienne Veit on Marks & Spencer's social media strategy

Marks & Spencer's online strategy has gone through a variety of changes in recent months. As well as revamping their main website, the British retail giant has embraced social media by incorporating ratings and reviews into their website, and using Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation and better engage with customers.

It is encouraging to see a major brand like M&S experimenting with new online channels. By incorporating social media into their strategy, Marks & Spencer has enhanced its ability to respond to customers. Additionally, the brand is better placed to manage their online reputation more effectively.

At a recent iCrossing social media briefing, I asked Business Development Manager, Sienne Veit about the changes that Marks & Spencer has implemented and the impact of social media on the brand.

by Aliya Zaidi 09 November 2009 10:18am 5 comments

Econsultancy Movember: Raising mo money for men's health

Team Econsultancy are taking part in this year's Movember, an international campaign that challenges participants to change the face of men's health.

Throughout November, the male members of our team (or our "Mo Bros) will be sporting their best 'tache to raise money for charity. Mo Bros are required to be clean-shaven on the 1st of November and then have the rest of the month to grow and groom their moustaches.

In effect, the Econsultancy team will become a walking billboard for men's health.

by Aliya Zaidi 03 November 2009 13:17pm 1 comment

Social media: the best and worst of 2009

Social media growth continued to accelerate this year, with more brands integrating social channels into their marketing campaigns. There are some amazing examples of truly innovative, forward-thinking brands that have effectively used social media to connect with their customers, build engagement and create buzz.

However, with just as many companies jumping on the proverbial bandwagon (in an arguably over-hyped space), it’s clear that some brands still “just do not get it".

Here we look back at some of the best (and worst) examples of social media in 2009.

by Aliya Zaidi 23 October 2009 11:45am 20 comments

The year of mobile: fact or fiction?

Will 2010 be the year of mobile? It's the perennial question and it's certainly getting closer. Improving handset technology and increased demand for the mobile internet are propelling the industry forward. Econsultancy's new Mobile Marketing Buyer's Guide explores the various developments that are removing the barriers to growth.

by Aliya Zaidi 30 July 2009 15:31pm 7 comments

Companies focus on CMS implementation - new report

Econsultancy's CMS Survey Report (just published in association with Squiz) highlights that firms are typically focusing their budgets on implementing CMS rather than licensing, with 45% of organisations planning to spend more on CMS implementation over the next year compared to 26% who will spend more on licences.

by Aliya Zaidi 01 June 2009 16:15pm 4 comments

Five simple tips for building, managing and monetising online communities

It's no surprise that social media sites continue to thrive. However, as Andrew Seel explained at Econsultancy's breakfast briefing this week, successfully building an online community entails more than just having a presence on such sites. Rather, it's about encouraging active engagement and collaboration with the brand to provide mutual value for the company and the customer alike.

Here, we explore some of the key points from Andrew's presentation ...

by Aliya Zaidi 09 April 2009 10:30am 2 comments

Metrics and measurement crucial for Online PR in 2009

Measuring success from social media activity will continue to be a thorny issue for digital marketers in 2009, according to Econsultancy's recently published Online PR Trends Briefing.

by Aliya Zaidi 12 January 2009 12:00pm 2 comments

Ten tips for Twitter

In the last twelve months, Econsultancy has started to get more involved in the social media space, with a presence now on several social networking sites, including Slideshare, Twitter, and YouTube. Here, we share learnings and best practices from twelve months of tweeting.

by Aliya Zaidi 24 December 2008 10:24am 2 comments

Consumer trends to watch during the recession

The seriousness of the economic downturn is now an undeniable reality, with the optimistic prediction that digital would be unaffected exposed as a false hope. With Britain facing the 'worst recession in living memory,' this will inevitably impact on consumer trends and behaviour.

As economic woes worsen, understanding how this affects customers becomes even more critical. Businesses that have a deeper understanding of the relationship between the economy and emerging patterns of consumer behaviour are far more likely to emerge from the crisis unscathed.

by Aliya Zaidi 18 December 2008 10:00am 0 comments