Hello and welcome to February: In Review

January | 2017 Highlights | November

The end of another month has arrived, which can only mean one thing - it’s time to recap on the top news stories, articles, videos and educational content to hit the web in February. From finding out how carousel ads in Instagram stories have changed, to learning to combat Facebook’s recent algorithm updates, choosing the right Warehouse Management System for retail and more, this overview blog details what you might have missed this month...

1. News: New Carousel Ads for Instagram Stories Testing Begins

CPC Strategy reports testing for new carousel ads in Instagram stories has begun for a select number of advertisers.

According to this announcement, “the new feature will allow advertisers to have up to three pieces of media per Stories ad, before it was just one.”

In their blog, CPC Strategy advise on how Instagram stories work, how these new carousel ads will change things up and they’ve even provided a cheat sheet on what formatting, sizing and timing works best for your IG stories.

2. Article: Why retailers are struggling to bridge the omnichannel gap

In an article for top retail magazine, Retail Sector, our CEO, Derek O’Carroll, wrote about the omnichannel gap many retailers are facing in 2018.

From discussing upfront technology costs, to the fact that some retailers don’t fully understand the true value of business management technology, Derek offers his expert insights into the top five reasons why the omnichannel gap is still so large and what this means for retailers across the globe.

Take a look and let us know what you think in the comments below...

3. Video: Choosing the Right Warehouse Management System for Retail

When it comes to Warehouse Management Systems, there are a number of ways you can assess them, such as:

• Do you need a standard one or one built for your industry?
• Should you opt for an on-premise or cloud-based solution?
• How will it integrate with the rest of your business?

In this latest Retail 90 video, the team discuss the steps involved with finding the right WMS for retail businesses and what you should look out for:

4. Guide: A Retailer's Guide to Social Media Marketing

In light of recent social media changes and algorithm updates, it seems that our latest guide, A Retailer’s Guide to Social Media Marketing, couldn’t be more perfectly timed.

We delve into everything you need to give you a 101 class in social media marketing, including:

• The importance of social media marketing
• Choosing the right channels
• Building a social following
• Finding the right timing and frequency
• Social media as a customer service tool
• Measuring performance
• Top tips for social success

Download the guide for free now and ensure you’re not left behind in the social media stratosphere!

5. Partner Spotlight: The New Facebook Algorithm: How Will It Affect My Brand?

In last month’s ‘in review’ blog, we reported that Facebook had changed its algorithm in support of improving the user experience and bringing friends and family closer together.

But sadly, this can be to the detriment of businesses and the brand awareness they’ve worked so hard to secure via the popular social media platform - unless managed correctly.

In a recent blog post, our partners at Americaneagle.com have offered a succinct overview of the algorithm changes, alongside some expert tips on how you can best strategize to keep your Facebook posts performing.

Have you already started changing your use of Facebook for your business? If so, we’d love to hear what’s worked for you so feel free to jot a few notes down in the comments below…

6. Bonus News: Brightpearl Shortlisted for National Technology Awards 2018 for Retailing Technology of the Year

February brought some excellent news to all of us here at Brightpearl HQ in the form of this year's National Technology Awards.

We’ve been shortlisted for the award of Retailing Technology of the Year, thanks to our workflow automation tool, with the results to be announced on May 17, 2018.

These awards are said to celebrate the pioneers of technology and encourage excellence, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on how we do against fierce competition.

It looks like that’s another month over with! Keep an eye on your emails and come back next month to find out how March compares.