The Newsstand - March 2019

Facebook to Integrate Back Ends of Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp

Last month, Mark Zuckerberg revealed that Facebook is working on plans to stitch together the back ends of its three social platforms: Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp.

Back in 2012, when Instagram became a part of the Facebook family, Mark Zuckerberg said that he was “committed to building and growing Instagram independently.” Fast forward two years later when Zuckerberg bought WhatsApp for $19 billion, the co-founder was still intent on letting each platform have its own, individual identity.

Multiple reports are now suggesting that although they would continue to work as standalone applications, the company is coming up with a way to integrate user information gathered across the three platforms.

So, if you are looking at Printed T-shirts on your Facebook account, chances are you’ll soon start seeing similar ads on your Messenger! However, Zuckerberg also mentioned that any plans to integrate the three platforms will not see the light of day before 2020.

What does this mean for marketers?

Most users across the three platforms are having doubts about the security of their data in the near future. On the other hand, brands and marketers are more excited than ever about the impact that this merger will have on their digital marketing campaigns.

If Facebook puts this into action, businesses are expected to gain more power as they’ll be able to access more data, reach out to users more effectively across multiple platforms, improve ad targeting, and save money in the process.

Amazon Now Sends Out Free Samples to Shoppers Based on Their Buying History 

In an attempt to improve its overall advertising strategy, Amazon is now delivering FREE samples of established and upcoming brands to its customers. Not only will it motivate more companies to get on board with Amazon, but this move will potentially keep customers attached to Amazon. Because, let’s face it, who doesn’t like free stuff?

The strategy works similarly to product recommendations. Their algorithm makes use of customer purchase history and buying behavior to identify items that could be sent to them. The only difference is that shipping these products to customers’ homes lets them touch, taste, smell, and experience them in person.

As of now, the free sample list only includes products that customers tend to purchase frequently such as pet food, coffee, makeup, and toiletries. Could this end up becoming something that handmade sellers can participate in? I guess we’ll have to wait and see! 

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