Latest news with #digitalmarketing
Daily Mail
10 hours ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE A fatal mistake that led to bloody murder of a young mother: How wannabe influencer tracked down his wife who was in hiding... before slaughtering her in the street
A wannabe influencer who callously murdered his wife as she pushed their baby in his pram abused his social media knowhow to exploit a fatal error after she fled his violent, controlling behaviour. Tech-savvy Habibur Masum appeared to be embracing life in Britain after moving from Bangladesh to study for a masters in digital marketing in 2022. But behind closed doors he was an aggressive bully who had already confessed to a doctor that he felt like killing Kulsuma Akter. He subjected her to a campaign of abuse, banning her from wearing make-up or even drinking tea. In November 2023 the obsessive former marketing student flew into a rage over an innocuous text message the 27-year-old had received from a bakery colleague asking if she was working. Chillingly he warned her: 'I am going to murder you, and the police will be taking me' Consumed by unfounded jealousy, Masum held a knife to her throat as she clutched their newborn child in a desperate act of self-preservation. After a worried relative called police, he was arrested and charged with assault and making threats to kill. But despite a Crown Prosecution Service lawyer urging magistrates to lock him up on remand, he was granted bail on condition he stayed away from Ms Akter and their Oldham home. Fearing for her life, Ms Akter and the couple's baby son were given sanctuary at a refuge in a secret location. A furious Masum vowed to track her down, taking sinister advantage of his digital skills to stalk and then fatally dupe her online. First he took advantage of her failure to switch off the location on her Snapchat account to establish she was living in Bradford. Ms Akter reported the new death threats to police, and arrangements were put in place to rehouse her. Meanwhile after taunting her that he had found the refuge, Masum laid a false trail to trick her into believing he was on holiday in Spain. Believing it was safe to take their son out amongst the Saturday afternoon shoppers on April 6 last year, to her horror Ms Akter - who was due to be rehomed for her own safety two days later - was instead confronted by Masum. In a brazen daylight attack of barbaric ferocity which shocked the nation he repeatedly plunged the blade into his screaming partner, stabbing her more than 25 times before slitting her throat. The killer was filmed dancing at an event in a TikTok video shared last year After the 'cold-blooded' killing, callous Masum was captured on CCTV grinning as he boarded a bus to make his escape, having left his wife for dead and abandoning their baby in the street. Police launched a manhunt and Masum - who had shaved off his beard - was traced two days later after seeking treatment for 'lockjaw' 170 miles away at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Buckinghamshire. Masum, 26, pleaded guilty to his wife's manslaughter and possession of a bladed article earlier this month but denied murder on the grounds he had lost control. But yesterday a jury at Bradford Crown Court unanimously convicted him of murder after deliberating for less than six hours. Masum - who was also found guilty of stalking, assault and threats to kill - wiped away tears in the dock before being remanded back into custody ahead of his sentencing. Despite two police forces being made aware of the threats Ms Akter had been receiving, a probe by the Independent Office for Police Conduct found there had been no breach of professional standards. But campaigners said her brutal killing could have been prevented, saying the latest example of a woman murdered by her abusive partner once again underlined the need for change. 'Her death was preventable, and the loss of Kulsuma is a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of honour-based abuse and coercive control,' a spokeswoman for charity Karma Nirvana said. A mugshot issued by West Yorkshire Police as they launched a manhunt for Masum following Ms Akter's brutal murder in April 2024 - while on the run he shaved off his beard in a vain bid to avoid capture 'We must do more to protect women like her.' The organisation - which helps victims of honour-based violence - said her tragic killing was a 'stark reminder' of the need to give greater protection to those fleeing abuse. Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah said violence against women was 'a cancer that needs eradicating'. 'Kulsuma came to Bradford trying to find safety and her attacker found her,' she told the BBC. 'To keep women safe we need to change the culture of misogyny and domestic violence.' With his slick social media skills and confident persona, Masum had appeared to be embracing life in Britain. Growing up in the city of Sylhet, Masum is understood to have studied English literature in Bangladesh, working for a wedding planning firm and as a content writer for a digital marketing agency. In 2022 the self-styled 'adventure lover' began studying for a masters in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire, sharing vlogs about life in the UK. One shows him admiring the wide range of Bangladesh-made clothes in Primark before trying on a range of winter jumpers. In another, Masum is seen filming himself as snow falls, warning his paltry 14 YouTube subscribers not too 'stay out in the cold too long' as they could get chest problems. Masum studied for a masters in digital marketing at the University of Bedfordshire before working for a creative marketing agency In further clips he looks every inch the proud dad, including one to his 4,300 Facebook followers on how to prepare a hospital bag for 'your newborn baby'. Yet behind the carefully crafted image, Masum was a violent and possessive bully who controlled and terrorised Ms Akter, who had followed him from Bangladesh and spoke little English. More than a year before murdering her, Masum had told a doctor he 'felt like he would kill her'. He stopped her from wearing make-up and would check her phone to see who she had been talking to, relatives said. Ms Akter had to ask permission from her husband before going out and even stopped her drinking tea, because he didn't like the drink. During one argument he divorced her under Islamic law by 'saying it out loud three times', but later said she was confused and he had only said it twice, his trial heard. In July 2023 - shortly before their son was born - she went to stay with her brother because of Masum's controlling behaviour, leading him to threaten to harm himself with a knife. She later returned to the flat, with Masum posting photographs of himself cradling their newborn son. But things 'got worse after the baby was born', her sister-in-law Minara Begum said. It culminated in the jealous rage which would see Masum charged with making threats to kill. Turning his tech knowhow to the most sinister use imaginable, Masum established where she had sought sanctuary via the location on her Snapchat account. On April 2 she showed her social worker a Snapchat message he had sent showing an image of the refuge. With it he had written: 'If I had any wish to kill you, I could have from the first day. 'You do not know what you have lost but one day you will understand. 'Nobody will love you like I do.' Then just over a week before the murder he had shared a video on his YouTube channel, vlogging his trip from Manchester to Barcelona. In reality the clip was part of a sinister scheme to trick Ms Akter into believing he was out of the country and that she would be safe to carry on with daily life. Her killing has left her grieving family back in Bangladesh 'completely devastated' and struggling to comprehend how she had been taken from them in such brutal fashion halfway around the world. Her cousin, Aftab Miah, told the Daily Mail that Ms Akter – the youngest of five siblings – was 'a lovely girl and had a great personality'. 'She was always smiling and liked to make people laugh.' Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson of West Yorkshire Police said: 'Kulsuma suffered a brutal attack in broad daylight whilst her baby son was in his pram. 'Masum carried out the murder then calmly walked away as if nothing had happened.' IOPC director Emily Barry said: 'This was a harrowing case which caused widespread understandable concern. 'It was appropriate we carried out a thorough investigation into the relevant contact between police and Ms Akter.'
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How You Can Own Your Audience— Future Growth Is Media Led
For today's businesses, a major shift is underway in how to gain and keep customers. For both startups and growing companies, social media has moved beyond being a 'nice to have' tool for visibility to a 'must have' to grow and prosper. It's now a strategic asset, critical to differentiation, customer connection, and long-term resilience. The companies that win in the next decade will be the ones that build and own their own social media distribution. This is not 'maybe' – this is 'definitely.' Popular creator Chris Duncan with some of his viral TikToks The successful people on social media, who used to be known as 'influencers", are now called 'creators'. They use every type of social media – YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, podcasts – and increasingly are going into mainstream media such as music and TV, using these platforms, plus Facebook, Messenger, Twitter, X, Pinterest, and WhatsApp. Most of these platforms have more than one billion active monthly users. Social Media Moving From A Side Hustle To A Serious Business A recent article about Forbes' top social media creators states that this year, the 50 top creators earned $853 million. It was likely taken from traditional media, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV. The increase in spending on social media is up 18.5% in a year, and is continuing to grow, as the creators are changing 'the way people consume entertainment and engage with brands.' Increasingly, these creators, who used to do social media as a side hustle, are now making incredible inroads into other areas. Chris Duncan, cofounder of Creator Camp A great example of how creators are starting to take over traditional businesses is Chris Duncan. A creator on TikTok, whose posts often got millions of hits, he raised funds to help other creators by producing their films. He cofounded Creator Camp, a film studio built for the internet era. They are creating a new pipeline for stories to go from the bedrooms of creators and online storytellers to the big screen. Successful Companies Won't Just Have The Best Products — They'll Have the Best Stories In addition to creators starting their own businesses, traditional startups have also become much more focused on media and the distribution around their company. Increasingly, they recognize that it's not just about creating a great product or brand. It's also about being able to tell a compelling story about that product or brand. It's more than visibility and frequency. Companies that succeed today are those that build audiences, not just products. This means that many companies will have to put as much importance on media velocity as on product velocity. This shift has powerful implications. This is what companies are doing-- or should be doing --to stay on top: Own Your Audience To Stand Out In A Crowded Market Today's market is saturated with tools, platforms, and products that often look and function similarly. Whether you're building AI software, running a local coffee shop, or launching a consumer goods brand, the big question is: Why should anyone choose you? If there are so many different startups doing the same thing, what is the best way to differentiate and get users to use your specific product? One of the best ways is posting things online, because if you bring people into your mission, and into your journey, they're much more inclined to want to use your product or service over someone else's. One of the most effective answers is storytelling. When you share your company's journey, bring your audience into your mission, and create authentic content, you give people a reason to care. One example is a restaurant in Australia that became wildly successful, not just for their food, but for the stories they tell. Each week they highlight real customers on social media – some of the most popular have been couples on first dates--and other behind-the-scenes moments. Because it's very authentic content, a real story around two actual customers, it has made the restaurant hugely popular. That human connection drives loyalty and local traffic in ways no traditional advertising campaign ever could have. Learning what makes sense for your specific brand or business and consistently putting out content around that is a major differentiator between companies that have momentum, and companies that don't. Companies need to create momentum through consistently telling their story online -- and telling it authentically. They need to tell a story around their brand and to build community. Own The Distribution Of course you could hire an outside creator to help get your message out. But it's even better if you own the distribution. There are many advantages to companies that bring someone in house to help build their audience. They are less reliant on external marketing, so they don't have as large a marketing budget. But there's something even more important than getting rid of massive ad budgets or agency retainers. If you can do everything internally, you will have direct access to your customers. By hiring someone to own content and storytelling—whether it's a full-time creator, a content strategist, or a social-first marketer—you develop your own distribution channel. This becomes a long-term asset: a way to communicate directly with your audience, to test new ideas, and to build loyalty. Creator Camp Summit, Switzerland 2024 StartUps That Build Audiences Will Win A social media presence provides a direct, real-time feedback loop. You can see instantly what content resonates, what messaging works, and what features your users care about. This kind of immediate insight can dramatically shorten the distance between product development and customer need. As you get direct access to your customers, you're getting feedback much more quickly. You will know in real time if your product is aligned with their wants and needs. When you need to pivot, because a product isn't working, or the market shifts, you're not starting from zero. You've built an audience that believes in you, not just your product. That kind of community travels with you. It's an insurance policy against failure and a springboard for reinvention. And once you have developed a community that believes in you, if your product isn't working and you need to develop a completely different product, you can more easily pivot, because you will still have a loyal fan base. Therefore, it will be much better in the long run for companies to have this capability in house. And this will be even more important over the next 10 years for companies that want to thrive in this new environment. What Kind Of Talent Should You Hire? Since bringing this capability in-house is key, who should companies hire and how should they find them? Generally, you don't want someone who is just starting out, without real experience, who hasn't proven they can grow an audience. But they don't need to have millions of followers. Instead, look for middle-tier creators—those with 50,000 to 150,000 followers. These creators have demonstrated they can grow an audience and understand how various platforms work, but their income may be inconsistent and they may be looking for more stable, long-term roles. They're often in a perfect position to join a company, grow alongside it, and bring their storytelling skills to your brand. If you want a more affordable hire, and don't mind having it be a bit more of a gamble, there can also be value in hiring someone who hasn't grown their own audience but is deeply strategic and obsessed with social media. On occasion, companies have hired early-career creators or strategists without huge followings who have crushed it -- it's just riskier. Austin, TX, Camp Film Festival 2025 Where To Find These People Online, there are vibrant communities, or collectives, of creators. While they don't offer headhunting services, you can find potential talent by going on their Instagram or social pages to see what creators they are collaborating with. Start your search in spaces like: You Must Get The Essential Social Media Your Company Needs Social media is no longer optional for companies—it's critical. The ability to communicate authentically, build an audience, and control your own distribution is one of the strongest competitive advantages a company can have. Postponing it is not a wise financial decision. Build it now, and it will pay off for years to come.
Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
Will Luxury Travel Be Affected By The Current Economic Climate?
Adam Deflorian is the CEO of AZDS Interactive Group, a leading full-service digital agency for the luxury hospitality industry. It's no secret that the market is, at present, on the volatile side. With the announcement of tariffs, followed by the stop-and-go 'will they, won't they' aftermath, many industries are taking stock and wondering how to proceed. For the travel and hospitality industry, many are wondering what summer 2025 will look like. Don't be a Chicken Little. The sky isn't falling just because things are uncertain. Historically, the travel industry tends to rebound quickly, and while there may be modest year-over-year declines in the short term, recovery is typically swift. Hospitality is a long-cycle industry, and often any setbacks are offset by a rapid boost. Based on steady booking rates across my agency's client portfolios, high-income households continue to prioritize travel and experiences, indicating to us that they still view them as valuable expenditures. What may change is the type of travel they intend to participate in. Anticipated spending on trips and experiences is up from 2024; however, many Americans are reversing course on international travel. My agency's clients, comprising ultra-luxury hotel and resort properties, continue to show healthy booking data and revenue growth. So, how can hoteliers optimize their digital marketing efforts to target travelers? Advice For U.S. Properties Americans are embracing the art of the road trip, with more opting to drive rather than fly. Time and time again, our clients express the increasing appeal of experience-focused travel, and an adventure on the open road begins that type of getaway from the jump. With many travelers signaling enthusiasm in exploring their own backyard, my recommendation is for hoteliers to target locally and domestically. This trend matches our clients' data showing shorter booking windows. A recent report from Bank of America also shows that more than 70% of Americans are planning to travel this summer, and of them, most will stay within the country. Consider homing in on messaging to entice potential guests at a state level, and including campaign variety that appeals to neighboring regions. Ramp up unique offerings available to guests that show off the authentic appeal of the area. Collaborate with local experts to individualize events. Lean into what makes your property extraordinary. While potential tariffs may increase the cost of goods like linens and cleaning supplies, which may ultimately affect operating costs, experience-focused travel is a fantastic way to entice guests to stay longer and increase their spend while on property. Advice For International Properties The top percentage of households continues to travel, regardless of the economic climate. Based on our large booking data, we're seeing Europe, specifically Italy, the United Kingdom and France, remain as top destinations, with Southeast Asian countries rising in popularity. Digital marketing efforts should continue to target international travelers, along with high-earning American households. Similarly to domestic travel marketing strategies, an emphasis on experience-driven travel will align with what's appealing to guests. Culturally immersive travel options are especially resonating. Campaigns tailored to specific nearby regions, perhaps promoting localized series like 'Friends of the Chef' food and beverage events, can boost engagement and bookings overall. The bottom line is that most people will prioritize travel, no matter what is going on in the world. The desire for human connection is a constant and something that hoteliers can tap into to attract guests, both domestically and internationally. Forbes Agency Council is an invitation-only community for executives in successful public relations, media strategy, creative and advertising agencies. Do I qualify?
Globe and Mail
a day ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
24Social Expands Southeast Asia Reach with Over 8 Years of Proven Social Media Expertise
High-Quality, Cost-Effective Digital Solutions Now Targeting Growth in Thailand and Laos Bangkok, Thailand--(Newsfile Corp. - June 26, 2025) - 24Social, a veteran in the digital marketing landscape with more than 8 years of experience, is strategically expanding its social media service offerings across Southeast Asia. With a strong focus on Thailand and Laos, the company aims to support businesses through affordable, data-driven, and results-oriented solutions. 24Social Expands Southeast Asia Reach with Over 8 Years of Proven Social Media Expertise To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: As the demand for social media marketing continues to rise in emerging digital economies, 24Social stands out with its ability to deliver high-quality services tailored to local market dynamics. The company's comprehensive portfolio includes social media engagement campaigns, paid advertising management, content strategy, analytics, and consulting—designed to drive meaningful growth for businesses of all sizes. "Our team combines deep local insight with technical know-how to help businesses scale their online presence effectively," said Mr. Tanawu Lomrotjanagoon, Founder & CEO of 24Social. "We believe in making premium digital marketing both accessible and sustainable for brands, especially in markets like Thailand and Laos, where digital acceleration is rapid and full of opportunity." With hundreds of success stories and a growing presence in the fast-developing economies of Southeast Asia, 24Social is positioning itself as a go-to partner for digital success. By focusing on measurable outcomes, transparent pricing, and consistent client support, the company has helped numerous brands "pump like" real engagement—boosting visibility, reach, and performance in a crowded digital space. The company is also investing in emerging tools, regional talent, and strategic collaborations to expand its service capabilities. With over 8 years of proven results and a strong foundation in Southeast Asia, 24Social continues to lead the charge in next-generation social media marketing. For more information, visit:
Skift
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Skift
Inspirato to Merge With Buyerlink in $326 Million Deal for a New Platform
Combining Buyerlink's with luxury hospitality company Inspirato doesn't seem like a deal that will bring great value to Inspirato customers. Inspirato, the embattled luxury travel subscription company, said Thursday it is merging with online marketplace company Buyerlink in a reverse merger valuing Buyerlink at $326 million. Private equity firm One Planet Group fully owns Buyerlink and is the largest shareholder of Inspirato. Inspirato is a public company and Buyerlink is privately held. The move would create a newly branded public company called One Planet Platforms with a new stock symbol. The idea behind the combination is to use Buyerlink's digital marketing and marketplaces to spur Inspirato's growth, and to expand One Planet Platforms
