No longer can companies debut a widget and wait for the kudos to come. Today, brands must market - and target -- their apps to see success

Social networks are playing an increasingly important role in driving the popularity of television shows and should be factored into the weekly TV rankings, a new report by Networked Insights concludes.

Consumers are increasingly interested in information about organic and all-natural foods - and marketers are responding with education-oriented campaigns.

Business optimization software provider Omniture has acquired Mercado's site search and merchandising business for $6.5 million and the assumption of certain liabilities. The deal will enable Orem, UT-based Omniture to expand its site search and merchandizing solutions, especially in the retail space.

Looking to bridge the gap between e-mail and social networking campaigns, Atlanta-based Silverpop has developed a new technology that allows recipients to post offers, promotion and other content embedded in e-mails to their Facebook, MySpace or other social network pages.

Although still in its infancy, machin­ima — animated films created by using a number of different game or virtual world engines — is rapidly emerging as a surpris­ingly effective new tool for marketers.

Passionate players mean a responsive audience for video game marketers - but a competitive market means it's tough for campaigns to stand out.

Top brands address challenges of expanding social media programs internationally.

A taste for food-related coverage has helped this magazine sector hold steady.

Many brands are looking to leverage the passion and enthusiasm that consum­ers — especially males age 18-34 — have for video games, with campaigns both in and around game play.