Holiday Planning Starts Now

From The Insiders: Are You Betting On The Right Platform This Coming Holiday Season?

As we gear up for the holiday season at Acceler8 Labs, we're seeing seismic shifts in the social media landscape that could make or break a lot of brand’s Q4 strategy.

With time ticking, we wanted to share our view on what's really happening:

The old guard is shaking. Facebook and X's recent moves to penalize organic link posts sent shockwaves through the industry, forcing a mass exodus of publishers and brands to greener pastures, taking attention with them. This disruption is creating unexpected opportunities for those willing to adapt quickly.

We're witnessing a renaissance of "underdog" platforms. Reddit's traffic has skyrocketed for reviews and community, LinkedIn newsletters are buzzing for B2B, and Snapchat? It's not just for teens anymore. With 11 million paid subscribers and a stronghold on millennial women, it's become a dark horse worth betting on.

But let's not forget the attention titans. TikTok and YouTube are still the undisputed champions of video watching eyeballs, and they're getting smarter about converting that attention into sales all the way down the funnel. We're helping clients craft strategies that leverage these platforms not just for awareness, but to drive real consideration and conversions.

Speaking of conversions, keep your eye on Pinterest and Instacart. These visual-first, intent-driven platforms are emerging as conversion powerhouses, especially for DTC brands. We're seeing impressive ROI for clients who are leveraging these channels effectively and using them to introduce bundles and bump up AOV.

This is leaving brands in a state of crisis: do we stay the course on what’s always worked, or do we risk being left behind?

Our bold prediction: the brands that will win big this holiday season are those willing to break away from the "Instagram or bust" mentality. For some brands it's time to spread your bets, experiment with new channels, and meet your audience where they're most receptive.

The catch? It's not about being everywhere. It's about being smart, agile, and data-driven in your approach to every step of the customer journey. As your audience moves between platforms to watch, shop and chat, so should you.

We're helping our clients navigate this new landscape, turning these platform shifts into profitable opportunities by matching the right message, at the right time, on the right platform instead of fighting for the same eyeballs.

As we head into the crucial Q4 period, ask yourself: Is your social strategy diversified enough to weather these changes? Are you tapping into the full potential of these emerging platforms?

If you're feeling overwhelmed by all this change, you're not alone. But remember, with disruption comes opportunity. Let's talk about how we can help you turn these social media shifts into your competitive advantage this holiday season.

The game is changing. Are you ready to play?

Weekly Roundup: Major News in Digital Advertising and E-Commerce

Here are the key stories you need to know from this week’s digital marketing news:

📦 Navigating Amazon's Inventory Maze: As the holidays approach, Amazon sellers grapple with unpredictable inventory rules. The platform's opaque policies complicate their ability to stock up for the busiest shopping season, making planning a high-stakes guessing game.

Dive deeper into their challenges.

🏢 The Politics of Brand Safety: Recent lawsuits against the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) spotlight the complex intersection of brand safety and political agendas in advertising. These cases question the balance between brand protection and freedom of expression.

Explore the controversy.

🥤 Coke Meets Oreo in a Flavour Swap: Get ready for the most bizarre team up yet as Coca-Cola and Oreo team up to launch Coke-flavored Oreos and Oreo-flavored Coke this September. Is this the curveball brand collab we didn’t know we needed or will this end up flat on arrival?

Check out the details.

🎯 Meta's Ad Targeting Shift: Meta announces the removal of detailed targeting exclusions from ad campaigns, streamlining options for advertisers. This change aims to simplify the ad setup process while ensuring campaigns reach a broader audience.

Learn more about the implications.