Social marketing sees rapid rise

Premium ads on Facebook including suggested and promoted posts, along with sponsored stories have gained popularity among Hong Kong marketers.An admanGo report shows of a total 2,154 brands have set up local fan pages on Facebook with a further 34% having advertised on the social media platform.Last month spending on suggested posts and promoted posts took up 29% and 21% of spending on social media.Among all industries, Cosmetic and Skincare was the most active in using these premium Facebook ads, followed by fashion, accessories & eyewear with 10% market share and beauty, slimming and fitness.In traditional media, TVC spending was worth more than HK$1 billion for the month of May, followed by print at HK$642 million, a 2% drip compared to May 2012.Spending on free newspapers hit HK$535 million, a 26% increase.Mobile continued to surge by seven times year-on-year amounting to HK$43 million.Despite surging numbers, outdoor media's yearly increase dropped from 25% to 10% compared to the month before, which according to the report, was mainly to the Entertainment industry reducing their adspend with a YOY drop.