Top Marketing Insights from Marketing Kingdom Malta 4: Game-Changing Strategies from Industry Leaders

October 26, 2024

by Kosta Petrov, Managing Director at P World

Marketing Kingdom Malta 2024, held on October 25th, brought together top minds in marketing for a day filled with powerful insights and fresh perspectives. This year’s lineup of speakers included Hugo Faustino (former Nike campaign manager), Stephanie Hulbert-Thomas (Gang Gang Ltd), Charles Kerr (YouTube), Iris Au (former FIFA brand head), Vérane Pède (Shopify), Amrita Lal (LinkedIn), and Kremena Yordanova (Former Reebok e-commerce lead). Each speaker shared unique strategies and stories that are reshaping how we think about marketing in the digital age. Whether your focus is AI-driven personalization, short-form video, brand building, or e-commerce, this event offered invaluable takeaways for marketers at every level.

Let’s dive into the key sessions and highlights from this unforgettable day.

AI Revolution: Transforming the Marketing Landscape with Hugo Faustino

Right out of the gate, we dived into the world of artificial intelligence and how it’s changing the marketing landscape. Former Nike digital campaigns manager Hugo Faustino unpacked the essentials of AI, showing us how it’s shifting from “nice-to-have” to “must-have” for personalized experiences and predictive insights.

If you’re a marketer, here’s what you need to know:

  • Personalization is King: AI’s real-time data lets you meet customers where they are with tailored recommendations.
  • Predictive Magic: AI can help you forecast trends, making your campaigns more effective.
  • Efficiency Boost: Embrace AI tools to save time, automate repetitive tasks, and scale up without burning out.

AI isn’t just hype; it’s changing the way we connect with audiences, streamline operations, and set brands up for long-term success.

Mastering Short-Form Magic: TikTok & Reels with Stephanie Hulbert-Thomas

If you’re not already on TikTok or Instagram Reels, Stephanie Hulbert-Thomas from Gang Gang Ltd has one word for you: Why? Stephanie’s session was a goldmine of tips for mastering the short-form video game. From quick cuts to capturing attention, she broke down the secret sauce for making videos that pop on Gen Z’s favorite platforms.

Takeaways:

  • Keep it Real: TikTok and Reels are all about authenticity. Skip the polish, show the personality!
  • Trendy Wins: Jump on challenges and trends, but make it your own.
  • Grab Attention Fast: You have seconds—make them count with a strong hook and visual storytelling.

TikTok and Reels aren’t just fun—they’re powerful tools for building brand love and loyalty if you play your cards right.

Embracing Video in Modern Marketing with Charles Kerr

YouTube’s Charles Kerr hit the stage next with some eye-opening insights on video’s role in modern marketing. He’s convinced (and convincing!) that video is the most effective way to grab attention and drive engagement. Whether it’s long-form on YouTube or short-form on Shorts, it’s all about meeting your audience with the right message in the right format.

Highlights:

  • Think Format: From VODs to Shorts, there’s a video format for every message and audience. Use them all!
  • Engage Fandoms: Your audience is more than viewers—they’re fans. Feed that love with fan-inspired content.
  • Experiment, Experiment, Experiment: Video isn’t one-size-fits-all. Test different styles, see what resonates, and scale what works.

If you’re not using video yet, Kerr’s session was a wake-up call. Start now, because video isn’t going anywhere.

Finding Your Place: Brand Positioning with Iris Au

How do you make your brand stand out in a saturated market? Iris Au, former Head of Brand Marketing at FIFA, shared her strategy for finding your brand’s unique place. It’s about positioning, knowing what you stand for, and communicating it clearly to your audience.

Here’s how to nail your brand positioning:

  • Define Your Core: Know who you are and why you matter. Clear purpose and values build trust.
  • Competitor Check: Analyze competitors to find gaps in the market.
  • Emotional Connection: Audiences are loyal to brands they resonate with—make sure your message hits home.

Iris reminded us that it’s not just about being different; it’s about being memorable.

Unlocking Success: Influencer Collaboration with Vérane Pède

Vérane Pède from Shopify took us behind the scenes of influencer marketing done right. Gone are the days of influencers as mere brand ambassadors; they’re now creators, entrepreneurs, and powerhouses of brand loyalty. Shopify’s approach? Help influencers build their own brands.

Key Tips:

  • Treat Influencers as Partners: Help them grow, support their vision, and watch your brand benefit too.
  • Choose Wisely: Collaborate with influencers who already align with your brand’s mission and values.
  • Think Long-Term: Forget one-off posts; invest in partnerships that evolve over time.

It’s about building authentic relationships where both the brand and influencer thrive.

Unlocking Your Personal Brand with Amrita Lal

Amrita Lal from LinkedIn brought a fresh perspective on personal branding, focusing on how every employee can become a brand ambassador. Personal branding isn’t just for influencers; it’s for anyone looking to make an impact professionally.

Personal Branding Musts:

  • Be You: Authenticity is key. Showcase your strengths and values.
  • LinkedIn Mastery: Optimize your profile as a “digital business card.”
  • Thought Leadership: Share insights, engage in conversations, and position yourself as an expert in your field.

Amrita’s advice? Don’t wait—start crafting your personal brand and become the thought leader your industry needs.

Beyond Transactions: Transforming E-commerce with Kremena Yordanova

Kremena Yordanova’s session, “Beyond Transactions,” was an inspiring look at how e-commerce can build communities, not just sales. Her keynote was a reminder that customers are looking for connection, purpose, and authenticity—not just products.

E-commerce Essentials:

  • Build Community: Use your platform to create a space where customers feel they belong.
  • Innovation Is Key: Keep up with tech to meet evolving customer expectations.
  • Transparency Matters: Brands that build trust through transparency foster long-term loyalty.

Kremena’s message was clear: today’s e-commerce isn’t about transactions; it’s about relationships that last.

Marketing Kingdom Malta 2024 was a day packed with insights and inspiration. From leveraging AI and video to building authentic personal and brand connections, the speakers demonstrated that successful marketing is about understanding and embracing the fast-changing landscape. As each session revealed, staying ahead means staying real, relevant, and ready to innovate.

Ready to take these insights into your own marketing strategy? Remember, the world of marketing isn’t waiting—now is the time to adapt, engage, and grow.