Fresh thinking. Useful how-tos. Zero fluff.
Insights, ideas and practical tips from the team on the right side of change. Written to help you move faster, think sharper and make better calls. No generic marketing waffle.
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GEOWhat is generative engine optimization (GEO), and how do you win at it?
Search is changing fast. Here's what generative engine optimization (GEO) is, why SEO is the foundation it's built on, and how to get your brand cited by ChatGPT, Claude and Google's AI Overviews.
· 11 min read -
Industry NewsSky's buying ITV. Here's what it means for finance and insurance brands in a PPC world.
Sky has agreed to buy ITV's Media & Entertainment business. For finance and insurance marketers, addressable TV is quietly turning into something that looks a lot like PPC. Here's our take, while it's still warm.
· 5 min read -
Industry NewsOutcome Marketing: Why Performance and Brand Only Work Together
Marketing has been carved into silos. Performance over here, brand over there, activation somewhere down the hall, often split by department across PPC, SEO and CRO. The result is that nobody is looking at the whole picture any more. At 21 Degrees we built a different approach, and we call it outcom
· 14 min read -
Working with an AgencyBacking Your Beef: Why Constant Discounting Is Eroding Brand Equity
If your product solves a real problem, why do you need constant discounts to get people to buy it?
· 6 min read -
Paid MediaMaximise Your ROI on TikTok Shop With Affiliates
If you sell products online and you're not on TikTok Shop yet, you're already behind. That's not a scare tactic. That's just where the money is going.
· 6 min read -
Working with an AgencyThe Monthly Report Meeting Your Agency Hopes You Skip
Pretty graphs. A confident voice. Numbers that all seem to be going up and to the right. Forty minutes later you've nodded along, said "great stuff" twice, and you're not entirely sure what's changed in your account this month. We've all been on calls like that.
· 3 min read -
SEOSEO vs GEO vs AEO vs AIO: what businesses need to know about search
SEO has always had its share of acronyms, and lately, there are more than ever. If you’ve seen discussions about SEO, GEO, AEO, and AIO, it might seem like SEO has fundamentally changed.
· 6 min read -
AIClaude Cowork: The Ultimate Guide for Marketers
The definitive UK resource for marketing professionals who want to stop reading about AI and start using it.
· 21 min read -
Industry NewsWhy Marketing Should Be Treated Like an Investment Portfolio
For marketing managers in financial services, the language of portfolio management, risk allocation and long-term return isn't abstract. It's how your business thinks.
· 6 min read -
Industry NewsMarketing is not meant to be logical
In today’s blog I want to talk about logic.
· 4 min read -
AIIs PR Having Its Comeback Thanks to Generative AI?
I'll never forget the sinking feeling in that boardroom.
· 10 min read -
Industry NewsWhy Your Digital Marketing Agency's Account Manager Is Your Secret Weapon
Starting a new digital marketing partnership is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. New clients often arrive with high hopes, tight timelines, and sometimes, previous bad experiences. That's exactly where a great account manager earns their place.
· 3 min read -
Industry NewsWhat Valentine’s Day spending says about how we show love in the UK (and how brands should respond)
Valentine’s Day used to be simple: flowers, a card, dinner out, maybe something sparkly if you were brave (or guilty). But in the UK right now, how we communicate love through spending is evolving, because the economy is evolving, digital behaviour is evolving, and frankly… expectations are evolving
· 5 min read -
AIAI Marketing for UK Businesses That Actually Works
I've spent the past year testing AI marketing tools with UK clients. Some worked brilliantly. Others were absolute rubbish.
· 12 min read -
Industry NewsWhy Your Unique Journey Is Your Strongest Asset: A Personal Take on Performance Marketing
Last week I stood in front of 30 something marketers at The Marketing Meetup Sheffield and shared something I've been thinking about a lot lately: the most valuable marketing skills don't always come from marketing jobs.
· 5 min read -
AIStop Blaming AI for Your Boring LinkedIn Posts
LinkedIn is drowning in what people are calling "AI slop".
· 6 min read -
AIChatGPT Is Getting Ads. Here's How They Could Avoid Destroying Everyone's Trust
OpenAI announced they're bringing ads to ChatGPT. Cue the collective groan.
· 7 min read -
AIChatGPT Ads Will Rewrite PPC Rules We Thought Were Sacred
When your biggest competitor is Google—a platform built entirely on advertising revenue—and Meta's spent years perfecting AI algorithms for ad targeting, OpenAI was never going to leave that money on the table. Especially not when they lost $5 billion in 2024 on just $3.7 billion in revenue.
· 6 min read -
Web DevelopmentWhat I learned from Vibe Coding My Own Website in 2026
I run a digital agency. I know what good websites cost. I know the process.
· 9 min read -
AIGoogle Doesn't Own Search Anymore
I used to flip through the Argos catalogue as a kid, circling toys I wanted in thick marker.
· 6 min read -
AIOur Inaugural AI Event Packed Out Horizon Leeds – And We're Just Getting Started
I'll be honest – when we started planning our first-ever AI for Business Growth event, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Would people actually show up? Would they get value from it? Would anyone still be awake by 9pm?
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AIWhy Our Leeds AI Event Matters
Leeds has no shortage of AI events right now.
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AIAI Made Copy Easier So Why Does It Matter More
I saw AI SEO influencers claiming you could create 10,000 pages a day for your website.
· 5 min read -
AIHas AI SEO Changed the Search Landscape?
SEO has always been about answering questions.
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AISmart AI Guardrails for SEO Teams: Speed Without Risk
When clients buy SEO, they're buying time. Not results alone. Our time and expertise.
· 4 min read -
AIWhy AI Search Rewards Old School SEO
Organic search clicks dropped by 54 percent when AI Overviews started appearing at the top of Google results.
· 4 min read -
SEOKeyword Cannibalisation: Understanding It and Fixing It
Some people may think that putting all the keywords on all of the pages might be a good idea. But that is not so. When more than one page is relevant for a keyword, these pages start competing with each other, leading to what’s referred to as keyword cannibalisation.
· 7 min read -
Paid MediaPPC Trends to look out for in 2025
PPC changes fast. There are always new technologies, ad types and platforms to test. Sometimes, we can spend so much time looking down at the work in front of us, that we can’t see what’s coming up. To help, we’ve put together 5 PPC trends and changes that our experts think we’ll see in 2025.
· 5 min read -
SEOSEO Trends for 2025: What We Can Expect
With the huge progress in AI, how can SEO adapt to these changes and will SEO even continue to exist in 2025.
· 6 min read -
Life at 21DMeet Aliko: 21 Degrees’ Newest Account Manager
We’re thrilled to introduce Aliko, the newest addition to the 21 Degrees team! Joining as an account manager, Aliko brings enthusiasm, a drive for growth, and a fresh perspective to our dynamic group. Let’s get to know him a bit better through his own words and insights.
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Industry NewsNo Tricks, Just Treats: Decoding 2024's Marketing Magic
The world of marketing evolves every day and 2024 has been a year full of particular innovation and creativity. While there have been countless campaigns vying for our attention, some collaborations have truly stood out. Here are 3 of the most engaging trends that have captured the imagination of co
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Industry NewsGoogle's Got a Problem: A Cheeky Look at the Potential Breakup
Imagine a world without Google. If you work in paid ads, that sounds like a nightmare, right? Well, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) seems to think it's a good idea. They're accusing Google of being a digital bully, abusing its power in online search and advertising. If they win, Google could be b
· 1 min read -
Life at 21DTwo Years of PPC Magic: Happy Anniversary James!
Last year, we had the pleasure of interviewing James to commemorate his first anniversary with us. If you missed that, we encourage you to check it out here. This year, we're excited to sit down with him again to reflect on the past 12 months and see how much has changed since our last conversation.
· 5 min read -
SEOWhat are SEO tools?
SEO tools are like the Swiss Army knives of the trade—indispensable for anyone looking to improve their website's visibility and performance. But what exactly are SEO tools, and why are they so important? Let’s dive into the essential SEO tools, their uses, and why they’re crucial for running effect
· 5 min read -
SEOWhat are the best SEO practices?
Staying updated with SEO best practices is essential for maintaining and improving your website’s search engine rankings. By focussing on user experience, creating high-quality content, optimising for E-A-T, and implementing the latest techniques, you can ensure your site remains competitive in the ever-changing world of SEO. At 21 Degrees Digital, we stay on top of the latest trends and best practices to help our clients succeed.
· 7 min read -
SEOWhat are SEO strategies?
SEO strategies are essential for improving your website’s visibility, driving traffic, and ultimately achieving your business goals. By implementing a combination of on-page and off-page strategies, you can build a strong online presence and stay ahead of the competition. At 21 Degrees Digital, we specialise in creating customised SEO strategies that deliver real results.
· 7 min read -
SEOWhat are SEO keywords?
SEO keywords are the foundation of any successful SEO strategy. By understanding what they are, how to research them, and how to choose the right ones, you can significantly improve your website’s visibility and attract more targeted traffic. At 21 Degrees Digital, we specialise in helping businesses identify and optimise for the best keywords to drive growth and success.
· 5 min read -
SEOAre SEO Services Worth It?
When considering whether SEO services are worth the investment, the answer isn't always straightforward. It ultimately depends on where you are in your business journey and what your immediate needs are. Let’s dive into why the answer might be “no” for some businesses and a resounding “yes” for othe
· 3 min read -
NewsWant £90,000 worth of views online? Get a billboard.
Recently our sales director Zac, made a bit of splash. Highly competitive, big into football and keen to take on any challenge, he enrolled in his yearly fantasy football league. His team’s name “Shock He’s Top FC”, tells you all you need to know about Zac’s self-belief. Unfortunately for him, “Shoc
· 3 min read -
News21 Degrees Take Home ANOTHER BizX Win
We won the BizX BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN AWARD for THE SECOND YEAR RUNNING! 🏆😜
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Life at 21DMy University Placement at 21 Degrees - Fraser Whur
21 Degrees Digital is as much a place of work, as it is a place to feel part of a team. For a University module, I did 5 weeks of placement as a Junior Videographer starting in April. Not to big them up too much, but I can genuinely say that I felt so welcome and included from the first day I arrive
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SEOUnderstanding On Page SEO - How Google Reads Your Web Copy
“it’s complicated”
· 11 min read -
Paid Media3 Advanced Tools to Help Improve Your Paid Advertising & PPC
So you’ve obviously read our blog on which beginner tools can help you improve your PPC campaigns (if not, you can find it here ), but at 21 Degrees, we like to take it up a notch further. Here are three advanced PPC tools that can help you do just that. Don’t forget, if at any point these advanced
· 4 min read -
Life at 21DMy Time at 21 Degrees Digital
In April, I started a week's work experience at 21 Degrees Digital. My name is James, a student in Leeds who wanted to get a better understanding of what it’s like working in the industry and learn from industry professionals. I was nervous coming into my first day, as one often can be with these ki
· 2 min read -
Web DevelopmentThe world of web design is changing: 2024 Predictions
Yeh, it really is.
· 5 min read -
Paid MediaPut Your Money Where the Clicks Are. How to Measure Your PPC Campaign's ROI
How do you know if your marketing campaign has done well? What values should you measure your success against? ROI, or Return on Investment, is a crucial metric for determining the success of marketing campaigns, and we’re going to delve into the essential aspects of measuring this within paid adver
· 5 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Rory!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our Manag
· 2 min read -
Web Development7 Website Errors That Make Your Users Want to Scream: A Marketer's Guide to a Better User Experience
In the fast-paced digital landscape, your website serves as a gateway for potential customers and represents your brand. However, common website errors can hinder user experience and lead to frustration. This guide outlines seven critical errors that can make users want to leave your site and provid
· 3 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Josh!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with one of ou
· 2 min read -
Paid MediaA 2024 Guide To Meta Ads
Almost four billion. That’s the number of active users across Meta’s family of apps (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger and more). If you’re not using Meta ads to promote your business, you are missing out, BIG TIME.
· 7 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Dec!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our PPC A
· 2 min read -
Life at 21DHappy 2 year Workiversary to Dec!
Work anniversaries are milestones worth celebrating, marking another year of dedication, growth, and contributions to our team! It's a time to reflect on achievements, honour hard work, and acknowledge the invaluable presence of our colleagues. Here's to recognising the commitment and passion that o
· 2 min read -
Industry NewsOur Favourite Marketing Efforts of 2024 so Far
2024 is well underway, and as ever, the wonderful world of marketing has already given us some excellent examples of creativity and out-of-the-box thinking.
· 3 min read -
DesignUnblocking Creativity: Strategies to Prevent Burnout and Boost Inspiration
While every job has its stresses, creatives are especially prone to burnout at work. Whether you're an artist, writer, designer, or work in any other creative field, you will have experienced creative burnout, the feeling of being unmotivated, tired, stressed and lethargic.
· 4 min read -
SEOEEAT and What It Means for Your Website’s Content
SEO has changed.
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Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet James!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our Senio
· 4 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Kyle!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our brill
· 3 min read -
Paid MediaHow Much do Google Ads Really Cost in 2024?
If you’re in a rush, we have a very simple answer for this. Last year, the ad accounts we managed totalled over half a million clicks. That’s a good ol’ sample size to get a reliable estimate of cost. So, based on this, the average Google Search Ad costs (drum roll please) £0.41 per click. But as I’
· 9 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Colette!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our Junio
· 2 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Rachel!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our ‘Team Spotlight Series’. Today, we get up close and personal with our Head
· 2 min read -
Life at 21DTeam Spotlight Series: Meet Zac!
At 21 Degrees Digital, our team comprises a dynamic blend of creative talents and marketing enthusiasts, deeply devoted to the world of digital marketing. Allow us to introduce you to our exceptional team members through our 'Team Spotlight Series'. Today, we get up close and personal with our Co-Fo
· 2 min read -
Paid Media3 Beginner Tools to Help Improve Your Paid Advertising & PPC
We know, we get it. Paid advertising can be hard.
· 4 min read -
Paid MediaIs your phone listening or are you just predictable AF?
Have you ever scrolled through your phone and found the perfect advert for something you’ve been thinking about buying and it follows you from site to site? Sometimes, it can feel like someone’s not only been listening to your conversations but has taken up residency in your mind. Luckily for you th
· 5 min read -
Paid Media2024 PPC Predictions
As Google announced in their search keynote this year, they are going to continue to increase focus on AI. Whilst we’ve grown familiar with Performance Max choosing our placements and AI-generated headlines being suggested, the next stage will be image editing, video creation and more.
· 3 min read -
Working with an AgencyWhy Choose a Marketing Agency Over In-house
So you’ve decided to up your marketing game and take your business to the next level. Fantastic. What next? Chances are you might be considering hiring a marketing professional to work for you, either full-time or part-time, or you may also be considering hiring a top-tier marketing agency such as 2
· 5 min read -
Life at 21DWhat Black History Month Means To Me - Kyle Findley
This Black History Month we sat down with 2 of our Directors; Zac Evans and Kyle Findley to discuss what black history month means to them and their journey as young, black entrepreneurs. Kyle is a black business owner originally from Peterborough but now based in Leeds. Born to Black British paren
· 4 min read -
Life at 21DWhat Black History Month Means To Me - Zac Evans
This Black History Month we sat down with two of our Directors; Zac Evans and Kyle Findley to discuss what black history month means to them and their journey as young, black entrepreneurs.
· 6 min read -
Working with an AgencyStop SEO Agency Rip-Offs: 7 SEO Actions to Take Before Hiring an Agency
SEO agencies are getting away with blue murder. With most agencies working on a billable hours model it’s in your best interest to make sure every minute of those hours is going into quality work and not basic stuff anyone could do. Read on for 7 things you can do to make sure the expert you hire is
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Life at 21DHappy 1 year work anniversary Dom!
We're celebrating the 1 year anniversary of our SEO specialist and Account Manager Dominic Ellis! Since joining us a year ago Dom's SEO skills have flourished and he has become an integral part of the team. We asked Dom a few questions about his first year, here's what he had to say...
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Industry NewsTips & Tricks for Optimising Digital Workflow
How great does it feel when you’re in the zone and on a roll? Nothing slows you down, you power through your tasks with ease and efficiency, and by the end of the day, you’re wondering why you’re not in charge of all the things. Much better than constantly running into barriers, technology not worki
· 4 min read -
DesignWhen do you know if a Re-brand is the right thing to do?
The recent example of Elon Musk rebranding 'Twitter' to 'X' has sparked discussions about when a re-brand is the right thing to do. Re-branding becomes crucial when changes occur within your business, meaning your offerings no longer align with your current brand identity. Let's delve deeper into th
· 3 min read -
Life at 21DHappy 1 year work anniversary James!
Today is a day for celebration for the 21 Degrees team as we mark 1 year with James Bancroft, our incredible PPC Account Manager! Since James joined us a year ago we have achieved great growth and had a great time making James part of our 21D family.
· 2 min read -
Industry NewsThe Basics of Digital PR
Digital PR, short for Digital Public Relations, is an online promotional strategy used by marketing professionals and businesses. It constitutes a measurable and concrete strategy aimed at bolstering brand awareness, website traffic, and organic rankings through valuable backlinks, sales, social med
· 7 min read -
Paid MediaWhat PPC metrics actually mean
Did you know that on the NASA website, you can find tens upon tens of equations all relating to science of how to launch, fly and pilot a rocket ship. That’s right, a rocket ship. Like, in space.
· 5 min read -
NewsBizX Awards Winner - Best Marketing Campaign 2023!
We are thrilled to announce that 21 Degrees Digital was awarded ‘Best Marketing Campaign’ at the BizX Forum and Awards 2023 last Thursday! Our Directors, Rory Mason, Kyle Findley and zac evans were able to attend the awards and pick up the award on behalf of the team (even if they nearly forgot to
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Life at 21D12 tips to Survive the Yorkshire 3 Peaks
“If you find yourself in a storm and see lightning, maybe don’t stand on the top of the highest peak for miles.” - James Bancroft
· 3 min read -
Web DevelopmentOur 2023 Predictions for Web Development
As we step foot into the New Year our entire team has been discussing the top trends of 2022 and what we expect to see more of in 2023. Our Head of Web Development Richard Makin has broken down his top predictions for web development in 2023.
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SEO5 Things SEO Professionals Should Prepare for in 2023
It’s that time of year again, where SEO departments across the globe come together to speculate, estimate, and hypothesise (yes, more then they normally do) on what the next 12 months will bring to the industry. Because SEO is known for its predictability, I thought I would dust of the festive cryst
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Paid MediaOur PPC Predictions for 2023
Our PPC Account Manager, James Bancroft has pulled together his predictions for the world of PPC in the year 2023.
· 3 min read -
Paid MediaInfluencer Marketing: The Best and Worst of it
Over the years influencer marketing has become a prominent marketing strategy used by a variety of brands, but what is it and is it effective? Influencer marketing is a hybrid of old and new marketing tools. It takes the idea of celebrity endorsement and places it into a modern-day, content-driven m
· 4 min read -
Industry NewsSome Of Our Favourite Innovative Marketing Campaigns
What comes to mind someone mentions the term ‘marketing’? Some people may think of mindlessly analysing statistics in a stuffy office. Others might think of a boardroom of high-powered individuals in suits, meticulously devising new ways to trick consumers into making them more money.
· 3 min read -
Web DevelopmentWhat is your website actually doing for your business?
A lot of businesses that we come across do not know what impact their website is having on their business and just see it as a tick box exercise.
· 3 min read -
Working with an AgencyHow to tell if your agency is plain $#*!
There is nothing I like more than signing a client who has had a terrible experience with their previous agency.
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Industry News5 Tips to Make you a Better Copywriter
How to Make your Copy Convert!
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Working with an AgencyUnderstanding how we create a digital strategy for our clients
The purpose of creating a great digital strategy is simple - to improve business performance. This can be in many forms such as increased brand awareness or attracting more leads to your business, in the most cost-effective way.
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Paid MediaThe Pros and Cons of Advertising on Facebook
Facebook – we’ve all had an account at one point, whether it is still your most used social media page is another story. Facebook is one of the earliest social media platforms and is used today by billions. Created in 2004, the social media and networking site can be accessed from practically every
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Life at 21DOur Ultimate Office Playlist
It is scientifically proven that listening to music can improve your mood, productivity, and focus, so we take the role of designed DJ for the day very seriously! The ambience of the office each day can rely on the music that we listen to but pleasing everyone can sometimes be difficult considering
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DesignDelivery Service Hermes transforms brand to ‘EVRI, the new Hermes’…how do we feel about this?
What was the once known, and not so loved, delivery carrier Hermes, now greets people’s front doors, back porches and mailboxes as EVRI, the new Hermes (from 18th March 2022). Usually, a re-brand from a delivery service would have gone under the radar, however this one has managed to provoke designe
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Paid MediaPros and Cons of Advertising on LinkedIn
LinkedIn (Est 2003) provides an online space for professional networking and career development. The site houses over 740 million members, many of whom are job seekers uploading their CV or recruiters searching for potential employees through job advertisements. The site can also be used to make con
· 3 min read -
Paid MediaThe Pros and Cons of Advertising on TikTok
TikTok (est 2016) gained rapid popularity during the pandemic when younger audiences flocked to the app looking to express themselves. The FYP (For You Page) on TikTok tailors the content for the individual user based on their previous interactions with content on the app.
· 3 min read
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