Features & insight
Features and insight
Expert analysis, reporting and long reads on the platforms, people and strategies shaping social media.
The Best Social Media Marketing Resources: The Best Tools and Platforms for Social Media Marketers
We've pulled together social media marketing resources that are actually useful when you already know the basics. It focuses on blogs, content and platforms that publish insight, analysis and thinking grounded in real social media roles, not recycled tips or platform fluff.
Social Media Manager 2016 vs 2026: How the Role Changed and Why It's Now an Industry
Social media managers in 2016 focused on publishing, scheduling and basic engagement across a small number of platforms, while in 2026 the role involves cultural judgement, risk management, platform expertise and public reputation handling, reflecting how social media has become embedded in business operations rather than treated as a marketing add on.
Selling ideas has become part of the job, whether social media marketers like it or not
This piece explores how social media roles have evolved into commercial ones, why buy-in is now a core skill, and how the ability to sell ideas internally has become directly linked to career progression, influence and pay.
Emily in Paris vs reality: What the show gets wrong about being a social media professional
Shows like Emily in Paris shape how people think work should feel. They influence expectations of what certain roles look like, how easy they appear, how fun they are assumed to be and how much value they are believed to create. Social media marketing has probably been one of the most misunderstood roles because of this, because what is shown on screen is the outcome, not the responsibility that sits behind it.
Burnout in Social Media Jobs: Why It's Rising and What Actually Helps
Social media burnout isn't a personal weakness, it's a predictable outcome of always-on work, public pressure and role overload. Here's what the research says, and what helps in real life.
The Convergence of Social Media Marketing and the Creator Economy and What It Means for Brands and Marketers in 2026
Social media marketing and the creator economy are now structurally linked, shaped by the same platforms, audiences and algorithms. For brands and marketers, this means moving beyond campaign-led thinking to long-term creator partnerships, more human brand content and measuring influence, not just reach. For creators, it requires professionalisation and marketing literacy. In tighter UK and US markets, mastering this intersection is essential for growth in 2026.
Social Media Moved Into the P&L. The Pay Never Did.
Social roles now cover strategy, production, paid media, CRM, and governance, yet are still priced like channel management. This is what happens when social becomes commercial infrastructure and compensation stays behind.
The Social Media Career Ladder (2026): Roles, Progression and What Comes Next
Social Media Career Ladder Definition (2026) The Social Media Career Ladder in 2026 describes the typical progression of roles for social media professionals, from entry-level execution roles through to senior leadership and specialist positions. It reflects how responsibility, decision-making and influence increase at each stage, rather than focusing only on job titles. This framework is based on real industry practice across the UK and US social media markets.
What Does a Social Media Manager Actually Do in 2026?
A Social Media Manager in 2026 is a strategic professional responsible for planning, executing and optimising a brand's presence on social platforms, combining content direction, community insight, performance analysis and cross-team influence to drive brand and business outcomes.
SocialDay Launches the Social Media Marketing Awards USA
SocialDay has officially launched the Social Media Marketing Awards USA, a new awards programme recognising excellence in social media marketing across agencies, in-house teams, brands and individuals. The awards are free to enter, globally open, and focused on one thing only: recognising work that delivers real business impact through social media.
The 5 Biggest Algorithm Shifts and What Social Media Pros Need to Do Now (UK & Global)
Social media platforms rarely announce changes in one clear place. Features roll out quietly, tests appear without warning, and behaviour often shifts before anyone officially explains why. This update summarises the most significant algorithm and behaviour changes across social media right now and explains what they mean in practice for social media professionals.
The 11 Most Underrated Features In Social Platforms Right Now
Most social teams use only a small part of what the platforms can actually do. New features appear all the time but the ones that make the biggest difference are usually the quiet ones. These underrated social platform features can help you grow faster with less effort and they are simple to master.
Social Media Industry Resources (UK & Global)
If you work in social media, staying up to date is part of the job. Platforms change weekly, sometimes daily. Features roll out quietly, algorithms shift without warning, and trends move faster than any one person can track alone.
2026 influencer marketing trends
As we head into 2026, influencer marketing is evolving beyond visibility. Audiences are more selective, platforms are blending content and commerce, and influence is being redefined around trust, relevance and long term relationships.
the key to success in influencer marketing is BORING 🥱
it's rinsing and repeating, doubling down, milking it dry I pulled 80 videos from HelloFresh - a mix of IG and TikTok influencer ads - and ran them through Aggero to see not just what works, but, more importantly, what doesn't.
10 most common paid social mistakes holding brands back
Brands keep tripping over the same paid-social pitfalls - from unclear objectives to weak tracking and rushed optimisation. These ten fixable mistakes drain performance, but turning them around unlocks smarter strategy, better creative, and sustainable growth.
10 myths about being a thought leader
Thought leadership isn't about being a know-it-all or chasing viral fame. It's about sharing your ideas, asking intentional questions, and keeping it real. Post with value, show your human side, and remember, progress > perfection every time!
Personal Branding in Tech: Why Visibility Matters More Than Ever
Many brilliant tech professionals stay invisible because they hesitate to share their work. Personal branding isn't self-promotion, it's clarity, confidence and career growth. Here's how technical teams can build visibility that feels authentic and sustainable.
The Rise of Regional Influencers: Why Local Voices Matter in Global Marketing
When we talk about influencer marketing, it's easy to picture the BIG names. Those with millions of followers, perfectly curated feeds and the power to boost your sales with a single post. And, while that's very nice (and unreachable for marketers with small budgets), there's a reality we don't talk about: in many regions, local influencers have more sway than global celebrities.
The Top Social Media Campaigns of 2025
2025 was the year social campaigns went cinematic. Brands didn't just post - they told stories, built anticipation, and created worlds people actually wanted to step into. Here are seven campaigns that we think nailed it - and what we can take away from each.
Finalist for Social Media Campaign Excellence: Harrows 9 Dart Challenge
The Harrows 9 Dart Challenge - Alchemy Sports Media (part of Alchemy Creations) - was a finalist in the Social Media Campaign Excellence award category at the Social Media Marketing Awards 2025.
